Work disability remains a major problem in rheumatoid arthritis in the 2000s: data from 32 countries in the QUEST-RA Study

Introduction: Work disability is a major consequence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), associated not only with traditional disease activity variables, but also more significantly with demographic, functional, occupational, and societal variables. Recent reports suggest that the use of biologic agents offers potential for reduced work disability rates, but the conclusions are based on surrogate disease activity measures derived from studies primarily from Western countries. Methods: The Quantitative Standard Monitoring of Patients with RA (QUEST-RA) multinational database of 8,039 patients in 86 sites in 32 countries, 16 with high gross domestic product (GDP) (>24K US dollars (USD) per capita) and 16 low-GDP countries (<11K USD), was analyzed for work and disability status at onset and over the course of RA and clinical status of patients who continued working or had stopped working in high-GDP versus low-GDP countries according to all RA Core Data Set measures. Associations of work disability status with RA Core Data Set variables and indices were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Results: At the time of first symptoms, 86% of men (range 57%-100% among countries) and 64% (19%-87%) of women <65 years were working. More than one third (37%) of these patients reported subsequent work disability because of RA. Among 1,756 patients whose symptoms had begun during the 2000s, the probabilities of continuing to work were 80% (95% confidence interval (CI) 78%-82%) at 2 years and 68% (95% CI 65%-71%) at 5 years, with similar patterns in high-GDP and low-GDP countries. Patients who continued working versus stopped working had significantly better clinical status for all clinical status measures and patient self-report scores, with similar patterns in high-GDP and low-GDP countries. However, patients who had stopped working in high-GDP countries had better clinical status than patients who continued working in low-GDP countries. The most significant identifier of work disability in all subgroups was Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) functional disability score. Conclusions: Work disability rates remain high among people with RA during this millennium. In low-GDP countries, people remain working with high levels of disability and disease activity. Cultural and economic differences between societies affect work disability as an outcome measure for RA.

Videodensitometric analysis of advanced carotid plaque: correlation with MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP) promote derangement of the extracellular matrix, which is ultimately reflected in plaque images seen on ultrasound. Videodensitometry can identify structural disturbances in plaques. Objectives: To establish the correlations between values determined using videodensitometry in B-mode ultrasound images of advanced carotid plaques and the total expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in these removed plaques. Methods: Thirty patients underwent ultrasonic tissue characterization of carotid plaques before surgery, using mean gray level (MGL), energy, entropy and homogeneity. Each patient was assigned preoperatively to one of 2 groups: group I, symptomatic patients (n = 16; 12 males; mean age 66.7 +/- 6.8 years), and group II, asymptomatic patients (n = 14; 8 males; mean age 67.6 +/- 6.81 years). Tissue specimens were analyzed for MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression. Nine carotid arteries were used as normal tissue controls. Results: MMP-9 expression levels were elevated in group II and in normal tissues compared to group I (p < 0.001). TIMP-1 levels were higher in group II than in group I, and significantly higher in normal tissues than in group I (p = 0.039). The MGL was higher in group II compared to group I (p = 0.038). Energy had greater values in group II compared to group I (p = 0.02). There were no differences between patient groups in homogeneity and entropy. Energy positively correlated with MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression (p = 0.012 and p = 0.031 respectively). Homogeneity positively correlated with MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression (p = 0.034 and p = 0.047 respectively). There were no correlations between protein expression and MGL or entropy. Conclusions: Videodensitometric computer analysis of ultrasound scanning images can be used to identify stable carotid plaques, which have higher total expression levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 than unstable plaques.

Differential expression of HIF-1 alpha in CD44(+)CD24(-/) (low) breast ductal carcinomas

Background: Cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis postulates that tumors are maintained by a self-renewing CSC population that is also capable of differentiating into non-self-renewing cell populations that constitute the bulk of tumor. Stem cells renewal and differentiation can be directly influenced by the oxygen levels of determined tissues, probably by the reduction of oxidative DNA damage in hypoxic regions, thus leading to a friendlier microenvironment, regarding to clonal expansion and for resistance to chemotherapeutic regimens. Furthermore, there have been strong data indicating a pivotal role of hypoxic niche in cancer stem cells development. There are evidence that hypoxia could drive the maintenance of CSC, via HIF-1 alpha expression, but it still to be determined whether hypoxia markers are expressed in breast tumors presenting CD44(+)CD24(-/low) immunophenotype. Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of CD44(+)CD24(-/low) expression and its relationship with hypoxia markers and clinical outcome were evaluated in 253 samples of breast ductal carcinomas. Double-immunolabeling was performed using EnVision Doublestain System (Dako, Carpinteria, CA, USA). Slides were then scanned into high-resolution images using Aperio ScanScope XT and then, visualized in the software Image Scope (Aperio, Vista, CA, USA). Results: In univariate analysis, CD44(+)CD24(-/low) expression showed association with death due to breast cancer (p = 0.035). Breast tumors expressing CD44(+)CD24(-/low) immunophenotype showed relationship with HIF-1 alpha (p = 0.039) and negativity for HER-2 (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Considering that there are strong evidences that the fraction of a tumour considered to be cancer stem cells is plastic depending upon microenvironmental signals, our findings provide further evidence that hypoxia might be related to the worse prognosis found in CD44(+)CD24(-/low) positive breast tumors.

Continental passive microwave-based rainfall estimation algorithm: Application to the Amazon Basin

This paper presents a new statistical algorithm to estimate rainfall over the Amazon Basin region using the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI). The algorithm relies on empirical relationships derived for different raining-type systems between coincident measurements of surface rainfall rate and 85-GHz polarization-corrected brightness temperature as observed by the precipitation radar (PR) and TMI on board the TRMM satellite. The scheme includes rain/no-rain area delineation (screening) and system-type classification routines for rain retrieval. The algorithm is validated against independent measurements of the TRMM-PR and S-band dual-polarization Doppler radar (S-Pol) surface rainfall data for two different periods. Moreover, the performance of this rainfall estimation technique is evaluated against well-known methods, namely, the TRMM-2A12 [ the Goddard profiling algorithm (GPROF)], the Goddard scattering algorithm (GSCAT), and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) algorithms. The proposed algorithm shows a normalized bias of approximately 23% for both PR and S-Pol ground truth datasets and a mean error of 0.244 mm h(-1) ( PR) and -0.157 mm h(-1)(S-Pol). For rain volume estimates using PR as reference, a correlation coefficient of 0.939 and a normalized bias of 0.039 were found. With respect to rainfall distributions and rain area comparisons, the results showed that the formulation proposed is efficient and compatible with the physics and dynamics of the observed systems over the area of interest. The performance of the other algorithms showed that GSCAT presented low normalized bias for rain areas and rain volume [0.346 ( PR) and 0.361 (S-Pol)], and GPROF showed rainfall distribution similar to that of the PR and S-Pol but with a bimodal distribution. Last, the five algorithms were evaluated during the TRMM-Large-Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (LBA) 1999 field campaign to verify the precipitation characteristics observed during the easterly and westerly Amazon wind flow regimes. The proposed algorithm presented a cumulative rainfall distribution similar to the observations during the easterly regime, but it underestimated for the westerly period for rainfall rates above 5 mm h(-1). NESDIS(1) overestimated for both wind regimes but presented the best westerly representation. NESDIS(2), GSCAT, and GPROF underestimated in both regimes, but GPROF was closer to the observations during the easterly flow.

First stars XIII. Two extremely metal-poor RR Lyrae stars

Context. The chemical composition of extremely metal-poor stars (EMP stars; [Fe/H] < similar to -3) is a unique tracer of early nucleosynthesis in the Galaxy. As such stars are rare, we wish to find classes of luminous stars which can be studied at high spectral resolution. Aims. We aim to determine the detailed chemical composition of the two EMP stars CS 30317-056 and CS 22881-039, originally thought to be red horizontal-branch (RHB) stars, and compare it to earlier results for EMP stars as well as to nucleosynthesis yields from various supernova (SN) models. In the analysis, we discovered that our targets are in fact the two most metal-poor RR Lyrae stars known. Methods. Our detailed abundance analysis, taking into account the variability of the stars, is based on VLT/UVES spectra (R similar or equal to 43 000) and 1D LTE OSMARCS model atmospheres and synthetic spectra. For comparison with SN models we also estimate NLTE corrections for a number of elements. Results. We derive LTE abundances for the 16 elements O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Ca, Sc, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Sr and Ba, in good agreement with earlier values for EMP dwarf, giant and RHB stars. Li and C are not detected in either star. NLTE abundance corrections are newly calculated for O and Mg and taken from the literature for other elements. The resulting abundance pattern is best matched by model yields for supernova explosions with high energy and/or significant asphericity effects. Conclusions. Our results indicate that, except for Li and C, the surface composition of EMP RR Lyr stars is not significantly affected by mass loss, mixing or diffusion processes; hence, EMP RR Lyr stars should also be useful tracers of the chemical evolution of the early Galactic halo. The observed abundance ratios indicate that these stars were born from an ISM polluted by energetic, massive (25-40 M(circle dot)) and/or aspherical supernovae, but the NLTE corrections for Sc and certain other elements do play a role in the choice of model.

Manufacture and characterization of ultra and microfiltration ceramic membranes by isostatic pressing

This paper describes the manufacture of tubular UF and MF porous and supported ceramic membranes to oil/water emulsions demulsification. For such a purpose, a rigorous control was realized over the distribution and size of pores. Suspensions at 30 vol.% of solids (zirconia or alumina powder and sucrose) and 70 vol.% of liquids (isopropyl alcohol and PVB) were prepared in a jar mill varying the milling time of the sucrose particles, according to the pores size expected. The membranes were prepared by isostatic pressing method and structurally characterized by SEM, porosimetry by mercury intrusion and measurements of weight by immersion. The morphological characterization of the membranes identified the formation of porous zirconia and alumina membranes and supported membranes. The results of porosimetry analysis by mercury intrusion presented an average pore size of 1.8 mu m for the microfiltration porous membranes and for the ultrafiltration supported membranes, pores with average size of 0.01-0.03 mu m in the top-layer and 1.8 mu m in the support. By means of the manufacture method applied, it was possible to produce ultra and microfiltration membranes with high potential to be applied to the separation of oil/water emulsions. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

Study of the water retention properties of a tropical soil

Some peculiarities of water retention in a tropical lateritic soil of clayey nature are presented and discussed. The typical soil microstructure is shown through thin-layer plates emphasizing soil microaggregation and pore distribution and their repercussion on the soil-water retention curve and on hysteresis. It is shown that the clayey soil has a behavior that to a large extent resembles sandy soil, which is characterized by the relatively high saturated hydraulic conductivity, low air-entry value, and small suction range at which water drainage takes place. The severe weathering processes that originated this soil have produced an altered soil that seems to be homogeneous in terms of physical indices, hydraulic conductivity, and soil-water retention characteristics, up to 4.5 m in depth.

Impact of transition oxides on growth stresses and texture of alumina scales formed during oxidation of iron aluminides

The internal stresses and crystallographic texture in alpha-Al(2)O(3) scales grown on iron aluminides at 1100 degrees C were determined in situ using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. In the first hour of oxidation, alpha-Al(2)O(3) was formed by direct nucleation and by conversion from transition oxides (either theta-Al(2)O(3) or a mixed Fe-Al oxide). A sharp texture develops connected with the direct nucleation of alpha-Al(2)O(3), in contrast to the weaker texture observed in alpha-Al(2)O(3) originated by previous transformations, which also yielded tensile stresses in early oxidation stages. (C) 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Finite element and dimensional analysis algorithm for the prediction of mechanical properties of bulk materials and thin films

In this work, the applicability of a new algorithm for the estimation of mechanical properties from instrumented indentation data was studied for thin films. The applicability was analyzed with the aid of both three-dimensional finite element simulations and experimental indentation tests. The numerical approach allowed studying the effect of the substrate on the estimation of mechanical properties of the film, which was conducted based on the ratio h(max)/l between maximum indentation depth and film thickness. For the experimental analysis, indentation tests were conducted on AISI H13 tool steel specimens, plasma nitrated and coated with TiN thin films. Results have indicated that, for the conditions analyzed in this work, the elastic deformation of the substrate limited the extraction of mechanical properties of the film/substrate system. This limitation occurred even at low h(max)/l ratios and especially for the estimation of the values of yield strength and strain hardening exponent. At indentation depths lower than 4% of the film thickness, the proposed algorithm estimated the mechanical properties of the film with accuracy. Particularly for hardness, precise values were estimated at h(max)/l lower than 0.1, i.e. 10% of film thickness. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Design constraints for third-order PLL nodes in master-slave clock distribution networks

Clock signal distribution in telecommunication commercial systems usually adopts a master-slave architecture, with a precise time basis generator as a master and phase-locked loops (PLLs) as slaves. In the majority of the networks, second-order PLLs are adopted due to their simplicity and stability. Nevertheless, in some applications better transient responses are necessary and, consequently, greater order PLLs need to be used, in spite of the possibility of bifurcations and chaotic attractors. Here a master-slave network with third-order PLLs is analyzed and conditions for the stability of the synchronous state are derived, providing design constraints for the node parameters, in order to guarantee stability and reachability of the synchronous state for the whole network. Numerical simulations are carried out in order to confirm the analytical results. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Horticultural performance of `Folha Murcha` sweet orange onto twelve rootstocks

Despite its outstanding position, the Brazilian citriculture is established on a very limited pool of varieties that limits its expansion and restricts the fruit availability throughout the year. This situation determines the urgent necessity of developing alternative scion and rootstock cultivars, with good performance under local conditions. `Folha Murcha` sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) is a late-harvest cultivar, suitable both for the juice processing industry and the fresh fruit market, being described as tolerant to citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Schaad et al.), and less affected by citrus variegated chlorosis (Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al.). A study was conducted in Bebedouro, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, to evaluate the horticultural performance of `Folha Murcha` sweet orange budded onto 12 rootstocks: the citrandarin `Changsha` mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) x Poncirus trifoliata `English Small`: the hybrid `Rangpur` lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck) x `Swingle` citrumelo (P. trifoliata (L.) Raf x Citrus paradisi Macfad.); the trifoliates (P. trifoliata (L.) Raf.)`Rubidoux`, `FCAV`, and `Flying Dragon` (P. trifoliata var. monstrosa); the `Sun Chu Sha Kat` mandarin (C. reticulata Blanco); the `Sunki` mandarin (Citrus sunki (Hayata) Hart. ex. Tanaka); the `Rangpur` limes (C. limonia Osbeck) `Cravo Limeira` and `Cravo FCAV`; `Carrizo` citrange (C. sinensis x P. trifoliata), `Swingle` citrumelo (P. trifoliata x C. paradisi), and `Orlando` tangelo (C. paradisi x Citrus tangerina cv. `Dancy`). The experimental grove was planted in 2001, using a 7 m x 4 m spacing, in a randomized block design, with five replications and two plants per plot. No supplementary irrigation was applied. Fruit yield, canopy volume, tree tolerance to drought and to citrus variegated chlorosis, and fruit quality were assessed for each rootstock. Trees grafted onto the `Flying Dragon` trifoliate were smaller in size, but had largest yield efficiency when compared to those grafted onto other rootstocks. Lower alternate bearing index was observed on trees budded onto `Cravo FCAV` `Rangpur` lime. Both `Rangpur` lime rootstocks and the `Sunki` mandarin induced higher tree tolerance to drought. The `Flying Dragon` trifoliate induced better fruit quality and higher tolerance to citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) to `Folha Murcha` trees. A cluster multivariate analysis identified three groups of rootstocks with similar effects on `Folha Murcha` tree performance. Among the 12 evaluated rootstocks, the `Flying Dragon` trifoliate has a unique effect on plant growth, tolerance to drought and CVC, fruit yield and fruit quality of `Folha Murcha` trees, and may be better suited for high-density plantings. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Relating MODIS vegetation index time-series with structure, light absorption and stem production of fast-growing Eucalyptus plantations

By allowing the estimation of forest structural and biophysical characteristics at different temporal and spatial scales, remote sensing may contribute to our understanding and monitoring of planted forests. Here, we studied 9-year time-series of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on a network of 16 stands in fast-growing Eucalyptus plantations in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. We aimed to examine the relationships between NDVI time-series spanning entire rotations and stand structural characteristics (volume, dominant height, mean annual increment) in these simple forest ecosystems. Our second objective was to examine spatial and temporal variations of light use efficiency for wood production, by comparing time-series of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (APAR) with inventory data. Relationships were calibrated between the NDVI and the fractions of intercepted diffuse and direct radiation, using hemispherical photographs taken on the studied stands at two seasons. APAR was calculated from the NDVI time-series using these relationships. Stem volume and dominant height were strongly correlated with summed NDVI values between planting date and inventory date. Stand productivity was correlated with mean NDVI values. APAR during the first 2 years of growth was variable between stands and was well correlated with stem wood production (r(2) = 0.78). In contrast, APAR during the following years was less variable and not significantly correlated with stem biomass increments. Production of wood per unit of absorbed light varied with stand age and with site index. In our study, a better site index was accompanied both by increased APAR during the first 2 years of growth and by higher light use efficiency for stem wood production during the whole rotation. Implications for simple process-based modelling are discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miquel topical formulations using experimental design

Pothomorphe umbellata is a native plant widely employed in the Brazilian popular medicine. This plant has been shown to exert a potent antioxidant activity on the skin and to delay the onset and reduce the incidence of UVB-induced skin damage and photoaging. The aim of this work was to optimize the appearance, the centrifuge stability and the permeation of emulsions containing R umbellata (0. 1% 4-nerolidylchatecol). Experimental design was used to study ternary mixtures models with constraints and graphical representation by phase diagrams. The constraints reduce the possible experimental domain, and for this reason, this methodology offers the maximum information while requiring the minimum investment. The results showed that the appearance follows a linear model, and that the aqueous phase was the principal factor affecting the appearance; the centrifuge stability parameter followed a mathernatic quadratic model and the interactions between factors produced the most stable emulsions; skin permeation was improved by the oil phase, following a linear model generated by data analysis. We propose as optimized P. umbellata formulation: 68.4% aqueous phase, 26.6% oil phase and 5.0% of self-emulsifying phase. This formulation displayed an acceptable compromise between factors and responses investigated. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adsorption of Ni(2+), Zn(2+) and Pb(2+) onto dry biomass of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis and Chlorella vulgaris. I. Single metal systems

Adsorption of Ni(2+), Zn(2+) or Pb(2+) by dry biomass of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis and Chlorella vulgaris was studied as a function of contact time and initial metal concentration. The zero point of charge calculated for these biosorbents (pH(zpc) 4.0 and 3.4, respectively) and additional pH tests suggested the use of pH in the range 5.0-5.5 for the experiments. The equilibrium isotherms were evaluated in terms of maximum sorption capacity and sorption affinity. The pseudo first and second order kinetic models were considered to interpret the experimental data, and the latter best described the adsorption system. Both the Freundlich and Langmuir models were shown to well describe the sorption isotherms, thus suggesting an intermediate mono/multilayer sorption mechanism. Compared to A. platensis (q(e) = 0.354, 0.495 and 0.508 mmol g(-1) for Ni(2+), Pb(2)+ and Zn(2+), respectively), C. vulgaris behaved as a better biosorbent because of higher equilibrium sorption capacity (q(e) = 0.499, 0.634 and 0.664 mmol g(-1), respectively). The removal efficiency decreased with increasing metal concentration, pointing out a passive adsorption process involving the active sites on the surface of the biomasses. The FT-IR spectroscopy evidenced that ions removal occurred mainly by interaction between metal and carboxylate groups present on both the cell walls. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ABCB1 and ABCC1 expression in peripheral mononuclear cells is influenced by gene polymorphisms and atorvastatin treatment

This study investigated the effects of atorvastatin on ABCB1 and ABCC1 mRNA expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and their relationship with gene polymorphisms and lowering-cholesterol response. one hundred and thirty-six individuals with hypercholesterolemia were selected and treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/day/4 weeks). Blood samples were collected for serum lipids and apolipoproteins measurements and DNA and RNA extraction. ABCB1 (C3435T and G2677T/A) and ABCC1 (G2012T) gene polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction (PCR)-RFLP and mRNA expression was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by singleplex real-time PCR. ABCB1 polymorphisms were associated with risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) (p < 0.05). After atorvastatin treatment, both ABCB1 and ABCC1 genes showed 50% reduction of the mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Reduction of ABCB1 expression was associated with ABCB1 G2677T/A polymorphism (p = 0.039). Basal ABCB1 mRNA in the lower quartile (<0.024) was associated with lower reduction rate of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (33.4 +/- 12.4%) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) (17.0 +/- 31.3%) when compared with the higher quartile (>0.085: LDL-c = 40.3 +/- 14.3%; apoB = 32.5 +/- 10.7%; p < 0.05). ABCB1 substrates or inhibitors did not affect the baseline expression, while ABCB1 inhibitors reversed the effects of atorvastatin on both ABCB1 and ABCC1 transporters. In conclusion, ABCB1 and ABCC1 mRNA levels in PBMC are modulated by atorvastatin and ABCB1 G2677T/A polymorphism. and ABCB1 baseline expression is related to differences in serum LDL cholesterol and apoB in response to atorvastatin. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.