bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple attenuation in complex geology with a pattern-based approach
Authors: Guitton Antoine
Published: July 2005

Primaries (signal) and multiples (noise) often exhibit different kinematics and amplitudes (i.e., patterns) in time and space. Multidimensional prediction-error filters (PEFs) approximate these patterns to separate noise and signal in a least-squares sense. These filters are time-space variant to handle the nonstationarity of multioffset seismic data. PEFs for the primaries and multiples are estimated from pattern models. In an ideal case where accurate pattern models of both noise and signal exist, the pattern-based method recovers the primaries while preserving their amplitudes. In the more general case, the pattern model of the multiples is obtained by using the data as prediction operators. The pattern model of the primaries is obtained by convolving the noise PEFs with the input data. In this situation, 3D PEFs are preferred to separate (in prestack data) the multiples properly and to preserve the primaries. Comparisons of the proposed method with adaptive subtraction with an [Formula: see text] norm demonstrate that for a given multiple model, the pattern-based approach generally attenuates the multiples and recovers the primaries better. In addition, tests on a 2D line from the Gulf of Mexico demonstrate that the proposed technique copes fairly well with modeling inadequacies present in the multiple prediction.
Distal cT2N0 Rectal Cancer: Is There an Alternative to Abdominoperineal Resection?
Authors: Rengan Ramesh , Paty Philip , Wong W. Douglas , Guillem Jose , Weiser Martin , Temple Larissa , Saltz Leonard , Minsky Bruce D.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Patients with cT2N0 distal rectal cancer do not require adjuvant therapy. However, when a patient refuses an abdominoperineal resection (APR), is there an alternative? The purpose of this trial is to determine whether preoperative external-beam radiation therapy can increase the rate of sphincter preservation for patients with distal cT2N0 adenocarcinoma of the rectum.

Patients and Methods

Between April 1988 and October 2003, 27 patients with distal rectal adenocarcinoma staged T2 by clinical and/or endorectal ultrasound who were judged by the operating surgeon to require an APR were treated with preoperative pelvic radiation alone (50.4 Gy). Surgery was performed 4 to 7 weeks later. If pathologic positive pelvic nodes were identified, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was recommended. The median follow-up was 55 months (range, 9 to 140 months).

Results

The pathologic complete response rate was 15% and 78% of patients underwent a sphincter-sparing procedure. The crude incidence of local failure for patients undergoing a sphincter sparing procedure was 10% and the 5-year actuarial incidence was 13%. The actuarial 5-year survival for patients undergoing sphincter preservation was as follows: disease-free, 77%; colostomy-free, 100%; and overall, 85%. Using the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center sphincter function score, 54% of those undergoing a sphincter-sparing procedure had good/excellent bowel function at 12 to 24 months after surgery, and 77% had good/excellent function at 24 to 36 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that for patients with cT2N0 distal rectal cancer who require an APR, preoperative pelvic radiation improves sphincter preservation without an apparent compromise in local control or survival.
DrosophilaGrainyhead specifies late programmes of neural proliferation by regulating the mitotic activity and Hox-dependent apoptosis of neuroblasts
Authors: Cenci Caterina , Gould Alex P.
Published: July 2005

The Drosophila central nervous system is generated by stem-cell-like progenitors called neuroblasts. Early in development,neuroblasts switch through a temporal series of transcription factors modulating neuronal fate according to the time of birth. At later stages, it is known that neuroblasts switch on expression of Grainyhead (Grh) and maintain it through many subsequent divisions. We report that the function of this conserved transcription factor is to specify the regionalised patterns of neurogenesis that are characteristic of postembryonic stages. In the thorax,Grh prolongs neural proliferation by maintaining a mitotically active neuroblast. In the abdomen, Grh terminates neural proliferation by regulating the competence of neuroblasts to undergo apoptosis in response to Abdominal-A expression. This study shows how a factor specific to late-stage neural progenitors can regulate the time at which neural proliferation stops, and identifies mechanisms linking it to the Hox axial patterning system.
Phase-Modulation Fluorometer Using a Dynode-Voltage Burst-Modulated Photomultiplier Tube
Authors: Iwata Tetsuo , Araki Tsutomu
Published: July 2005

We propose a new scheme for a phase-modulation fluorometer (PMF) in which a photomultiplier tube (PMT) is used as a photo-detector whose gain is modulated sinusoidally with a burst signal of period T and duty ratio 0.5. The carrier wave of the burst modulation signal is synchronized with an incident fluorescence signal. In order to modulate the gain of the PMT, one of the dynodes in the PMT was deeply biased and the burst signal was superimposed. Because the fluorescence signal is converted to a direct current (dc) signal by the PMT internal modulation, we can make the value of the load resistance of the PMT relatively large under the condition τ ≤ T/2, where τ is a time constant of a low-pass filter attached to the output of the PMT. The proposed scheme brings about advantages in sensitivity and noise immunity in detecting weak fluorescence in comparison with those of the conventional PMF. The combined technique of the burst modulation of the gain of the PMT and the alternating current (ac) signal detection alleviates the influence of the background light.
Microfluidic Tool Box as Technology Platform for Hand-Held Diagnostics
Authors: Pugia Michael J , Blankenstein Gert , Peters Ralf-Peter , Profitt James A , Kadel Klaus , Willms Thomas , Sommer Ronald , Kuo Hai Hang , Schulman Lloyd S
Published: July 2005

Background: Use of microfluidics in point-of-care testing (POCT) will require on-board fluidics, self-contained reagents, and multistep reactions, all at a low cost. Disposable microchips were studied as a potential POCT platform.

Methods: Micron-sized structures and capillaries were embedded in disposable plastics with mechanisms for fluidic control, metering, specimen application, separation, and mixing of nanoliter to microliter volumes. Designs allowed dry reagents to be on separate substrates and liquid reagents to be added. Control of surface energy to ±5 dyne/cm2 and mechanical tolerances to ≤1 μm were used to control flow propulsion into adsorptive, chromatographic, and capillary zones. Fluidic mechanisms were combined into working examples for urinalysis, blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c testing using indicators (substances that react with analyte, such as dyes, enzyme substrates, and diazonium salts), catalytic reactions, and antibodies as recognition components. Optical signal generation characterized fluid flow and allowed detection.

Results: We produced chips that included capillary geometries from 10 to 200 μm with geometries for stopping and starting the flow of blood, urine, or buffer; vented chambers for metering and splitting 100 nL to 30 μL; specimen inlets for bubble-free specimen entry and containment; capillary manifolds for mixing; microstructure interfaces for homogeneous transfer into separation membranes; miniaturized containers for liquid storage and release; and moisture vapor barrier seals for easy use. Serum was separated from whole blood in <10 s. Miniaturization benefits were obtained at 10–200 μm.

Conclusion: Disposable microchip technology is compatible with conventional dry-reagent technology and allows a highly compact system for complex assay sequences with minimum manual manipulations and simple operation.
Plasmonic Technology: Novel Approach to Ultrasensitive Immunoassays
Authors: Lakowicz Joseph R , Malicka Joanna , Matveeva Evgenia , Gryczynski Ignacy , Gryczynski Zygmunt
Published: July 2005

At the Center for Fluorescence Spectroscopy, we have taken advantage of the favorable properties of surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) to improve fluorescence-based immunoassays. SPCE occurs when excited fluorophores near conducting metallic structures efficiently couple to surface plasmons. These surface plasmons, appearing as free electron oscillations in the metallic layer, produce electromagnetic radiation that preserves the spectral properties of fluorophores but is highly polarized and directional. SPCE immunoassays provide several advantages over other fluorescence-based methods. This review explains new approaches to fluorescence immunoassays, including our own use of SPCE for simultaneous detection of more than one fluorescent marker and performance of immunoassays in the presence of an optically dense medium, such as whole blood.
Experimental study and modelling of heat evolution of blended cements
Authors: Paine K. A. , Zheng L. , Dhir R. K.
Published: July 2005

The advisability of controlling the temperature rise and fall in concrete at early age is well recognised, and the choice of an appropriate, low-heat cement with suitable heat of hydration characteristics can assist in this control. This is particularly pertinent with respect to water-retaining and massive concrete structures where the need to prevent early-age thermal cracking is paramount. Portland cement/ground granulated blast furnace slag (PC/ggbs) or PC/fly ash cements are often used in these structures due to their low heat hydration properties. This paper presents the results of isothermal conduction calorimetry tests carried out on PC/ggbs and PC/fly ash cements and describes a model that uses these results to simulate the heat evolution processes in hydration concrete sections at early ages. The tests covered a range up to 90% ggbs and up to 65% fly ash content by mass of cement, at temperatures from 5° to 60°C. For PC/ggbs cements, the total heat of hydration can be considered as a composition of three components, that is heats from an initial Portland cement reaction, a latent ggbs hydraulic reaction and co-reactivity effects of PC and ggbs; whereas for PC/fly ash cements, the initial PC reaction dominated with a small co-reactivity effect.
Randomized trial of cyclophosphamide versus methotrexate for induction of remission in early systemic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis
Authors: De Groot Kirsten , Rasmussen Niels , Bacon Paul A. , Tervaert Jan Willem Cohen , Feighery Conleth , Gregorini Gina , Gross Wolfgang L. , Luqmani Raashid , Jayne David R. W.
Published: July 2005

Objective

Standard therapy for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated systemic vasculitis (AASV) with cyclophosphamide (CYC) and prednisolone is limited by toxicity. This unblinded, prospective, randomized, controlled trial was undertaken to determine whether methotrexate (MTX) could replace CYC in the early treatment of AASV.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed AASV, with serum creatinine levels <150 μmoles/liter, and without critical organ manifestations of disease were randomized to receive either standard oral CYC, 2 mg/kg/day or oral MTX, 20–25 mg/week; both groups received the same prednisolone regimen. All drug treatments were gradually tapered and withdrawn by 12 months. Followup continued to 18 months. The primary end point was the remission rate at 6 months (noninferiority testing).

Results

One hundred patients were recruited from 26 European centers; 51 patients were randomized to the MTX group and 49 to the CYC group. At 6 months, the remission rate in patients treated with MTX (89.8%) was not inferior to that in patients treated with CYC (93.5%) (P = 0.041). In the MTX group, remission was delayed among patients with more extensive disease (P = 0.04) or pulmonary involvement (P = 0.03). Relapse rates at 18 months were 69.5% in the MTX group and 46.5% in the CYC group; the median time from remission to relapse was 13 months and 15 months, respectively (P = 0.023, log rank test). Two patients from each group died. Adverse events (mean 0.87 episodes/patient) included leukopenia, which was less frequent in the MTX versus the CYC group (P = 0.012), and liver dysfunction, which was more frequent in the MTX group (P = 0.036).

Conclusion

MTX can replace CYC for initial treatment of early AASV. The MTX regimen used in the present study was less effective for induction of remission in patients with extensive disease and pulmonary involvement and was associated with more relapses than the CYC regimen after termination of treatment. The high relapse rates in both treatment arms support the practice of continuation of immunosuppressive treatment beyond 12 months.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, in patients with fibromyalgia receiving concomitant medications
Authors: Holman Andrew J. , Myers Robin R.
Published: July 2005

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of pramipexole, a dopamine 3 receptor agonist, in patients with fibromyalgia.

Methods

In this 14‐week, single‐center, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, escalating‐dose trial, 60 patients with fibromyalgia were randomized 2:1 (pramipexole:placebo) to receive 4.5 mg of pramipexole or placebo orally every evening. The primary outcome was improvement in the pain score (10‐cm visual analog scale [VAS]) at 14 weeks. Secondary outcome measures were the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ), the pain improvement scale, the tender point score, the 17‐question Hamilton Depression Inventory (HAM‐d), and the Beck Anxiety Index (BAI). Patients with comorbidities and disability were not excluded. Stable dosages of concomitant medications, including analgesics, were allowed.

Results

Compared with the placebo group, patients receiving pramipexole experienced gradual and more significant improvement in measures of pain, fatigue, function, and global status. At 14 weeks, the VAS pain score decreased 36% in the pramipexole arm and 9% in the placebo arm (treatment difference –1.77 cm). Forty‐two percent of patients receiving pramipexole and 14% of those receiving placebo achieved ≥50% decrease in pain. Secondary outcomes favoring pramipexole over placebo included the total FIQ score (treatment difference –9.57) and the percentages of improvement in function (22% versus 0%), fatigue (29% versus 7%), and global (38% versus 3%) scores on the MDHAQ. Compared with baseline, some outcomes showed a better trend for pramipexole treatment than for placebo, but failed to reach statistical significance, including improvement in the tender point score (51% versus 36%) and decreases in the MDHAQ psychiatric score (37% versus 28%), the BAI score (39% versus 27%), and the HAM‐d score (29% versus 9%). No end points showed a better trend for the placebo arm. The most common adverse events associated with pramipexole were transient anxiety and weight loss. No patient withdrew from the study because of inefficacy or an adverse event related to pramipexole.

Conclusion

In a subset of patients with fibromyalgia, ∼50% of whom required narcotic analgesia and/or were disabled, treatment with pramipexole improved scores on assessments of pain, fatigue, function, and global status, and was safe and well‐tolerated.
An evaluation of the decision tree format of the American College of Rheumatology 1987 classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis: Performance over five years in a primary care–based prospective study
Authors: Lunt Mark , Symmons Deborah P. M. , Silman Alan J.
Published: July 2005

Objective

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1987 criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be applied in 2 formats, a standard “x/y” list and a decision tree. This study evaluated the performance of the decision tree compared with the list approach in the ascertainment of RA in subjects with new‐onset inflammatory polyarthritis (IP) over the first 5 years of observation. Moreover, the use of clinical surrogates to substitute for missing rheumatoid factor (RF) and radiologic erosion data was assessed for validity and for its influence on the resulting RA prevalence estimates.

Methods

In this population‐based prospective study, 848 subjects with new‐onset IP were interviewed and examined at baseline, with followup at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years. RF and erosion status were determined at prespecified time points. The list criteria were applied cumulatively, while the decision tree was applied cross‐sectionally using either data surrogates or the actual reported data. RA prevalence in the 848 subjects and agreement in classification between the 2 methods was assessed at each time point. The influence of using clinical surrogates on RA prevalence estimates at 5 years and the agreement between surrogate and real results were also analyzed.

Results

At baseline, RA prevalence was higher using the decision tree compared with the list approach (63% versus 47%; P = 0.0001); by 5 years of followup, RA estimates were approximately equal (69% versus 72%) and agreement between the approaches was good (κ = 0.67). The use of surrogates had little influence on RA prevalence at 5 years, although substitution of metacarpophalangeal joint swelling for erosion produced a higher RA prevalence estimate (78% versus 70%). Although there was only weak agreement between surrogate and real data, the use of the surrogate data provided good to very good agreement between the approaches in categorizing subjects as RA positive (κ = 0.61–0.72).

Conclusion

Over 5 years, the 2 formats of the ACR criteria for RA performed similarly, with no important differences between them. The use of surrogates for missing radiologic and serologic data did not have any major influence on disease classification. Although the RA criteria were not originally derived from subjects with early disease in a population setting, this study shows that the use of the decision tree approach with the option of substituting clinical surrogates for missing laboratory data is an appropriate alternative to the conventional list approach.
Baseline levels of c‐reactive protein and prediction of death from cardiovascular disease in patients with inflammatory polyarthritis : A ten‐year followup study of a primary care–based inception cohort
Authors: Goodson Nicola J. , Symmons Deborah P. M. , Scott David G. I. , Bunn Diane , Lunt Mark , Silman Alan J.
Published: July 2005

Objective

To test the hypothesis that the C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentration at baseline is an independent predictor of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in newly diagnosed patients with inflammatory polyarthritis (IP).

Methods

Patients with IP (n = 506) who were recruited from the Norfolk Arthritis Register between 1990 and 1992 were followed up to the end of 2001, and complete data on mortality were obtained. At baseline, subjects underwent a structured interview and joint examination and completed a Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Blood was obtained and analyzed for rheumatoid factor (RF) and CRP concentration. Cox regression was used to calculate hazards ratios (HRs) for risk of death from CVD.

Results

The median followup was 10.1 years (interquartile range 9.3–10.8). There were 104 deaths, 40 of which were the result of CVD. Elevated CRP levels (≥5 mg/liter) predicted death from CVD in univariate analyses: HR 3.9 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.2–13.4) for men, and HR 4.22 (95% CI 1.4–12.6) for women. After adjusting for age and sex, the CVD mortality association was strongest in the subgroup of patients who were RF positive at baseline (adjusted HR 7.4 [95% CI 1.7–32.2]). Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated CRP levels remained a significant independent predictor of death from CVD, even after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, HAQ score, RF positivity, and swollen joint counts (HR 3.3 [95% CI 1.4–7.6]).

Conclusion

The CRP concentration at baseline is an important predictor of subsequent death from CVD in patients with new‐onset IP and is independent of other indicators of disease severity. This supports the theory that CRP may play a direct role in the pathogenesis of CVD.
Is periodontal disease mediated by salivary baff in sjögren's syndrome?
Authors: Pers Jacques‐Olivier , d'Arbonneau Frédérique , Devauchelle‐Pensec Valérie , Saraux Alain , Pennec Yvon‐Louis , Youinou Pierre
Published: July 2005

Objective

To correlate the periodontal status of 15 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) with their salivary levels of BAFF.

Methods

The periodontal status of 15 patients who fulfilled the criteria for primary SS was compared with that of 15 controls with xerostomia who did not fulfill the criteria for primary SS but had similar symptoms of dry mouth. The level of BAFF was measured in paired samples of saliva and serum using in‐house enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Periodontitis was assessed by the plaque index, the modified gingival index, the papillary bleeding index, and the periodontal pocket depth.

Results

Notwithstanding the better oral hygiene practices of the patients with primary SS compared with those of the xerostomia controls and the subsequent reduction of their plaque index scores, complications of periodontitis, such as bleeding, gingival hypertrophy, and periodontal pockets, were not improved. This failure to ameliorate the complications of periodontitis in patients with primary SS was associated with high levels of BAFF in their saliva compared with the levels in xerostomia controls (7.4 ± 2.1 versus 1.0 ± 0.4 ng/ml [P < 0.002]). The levels of BAFF in saliva did not correlate with the levels in sera but did correlate with the periodontal pocket depth (P < 0.002).

Conclusion

These findings are similar to the bone resorption observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They suggest that the known effect of B cells in periodontitis would be partly mediated by salivary BAFF in patients with primary SS.
Endogenous interleukin‐6, but not tumor necrosis factor α, contributes to the development of toll‐like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88–mediated acute arthritis in mice
Authors: Kyo Fumiyasu , Futani Hiroyuki , Matsui Kiyoshi , Terada Makoto , Adachi Keishi , Nagata Kumiko , Sano Hajime , Tateishi Hiroomi , Tsutsui Hiroko , Nakanishi Kenji
Published: July 2005

Objective

To generate a mouse model of reactive arthritis (ReA), an aseptic synovitis that develops in joints distant from the primary bacterial infection site, to examine roles for Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) that recognize bacterial components involved in the development of this arthritis, and to identify the cytokine(s) relevant to this arthritis.

Methods

Mice were treated with cell wall extract from Escherichia coli (ECW) gram‐negative bacterium by injection into the footpads. Seven days later, the mice were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR‐4 ligand, which was injected into the knee joint cavity. To investigate the cytokine(s) involved in this arthritis, mice deficient in various arthritogenic cytokines, such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐12, IL‐18, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), were sequentially treated with ECW and LPS.

Results

ECW‐primed mice manifested acute severe arthritis after intraarticular challenge with ECW or LPS, while unprimed mice exhibited modest changes after these challenges. Mutant mice lacking functional TLR‐4 or myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), an adaptor molecule of TLR‐4 signaling, were resistant to this arthritis. Although both TNFα and IL‐6 were equally expressed in the joint after LPS challenge, Il6−/− mice, but not Tnf−/− mice, were resistant to ECW/LPS‐induced arthritis.

Conclusion

Our present results clearly indicate the importance of priming with ECW and the requirement of TLR‐4/MyD88–mediated IL‐6, but not TNFα, for the development of ECW/LPS‐induced arthritis. LPS‐induced IL‐6, in the absence of TNFα, mediates LPS‐induced arthritis. These results suggest that IL‐6 is a rational target for therapeutic regimens for inflammatory arthritis, including ReA and rheumatoid arthritis.
Long‐term followup of health status in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis after high‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Teng Y. K. O. , Verburg R. J. , Sont J. K. , Van Den Hout W. B. , Breedveld F. C. , Van Laar J. M.
Published: July 2005

Objective

High‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a new treatment for patients with severe, refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study was undertaken to assess the health status of patients with severe RA over a long‐term followup period after treatment with HDC + HSCT.

Methods

Health status and utility scores were assessed in 8 patients before and after treatment with HDC + HSCT. Patients were followed up for 5 years posttransplantation. Health status was assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), the RAND‐36 version of the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) health survey, and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS). Utility scores were calculated using the EuroQol (EQ‐5D) questionnaire and the SF‐36–derived utility index (called the SF‐6D), from which quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were derived.

Results

Most measures of health status improved compared with baseline in the first 2 years posttransplantation, notably HAQ and AIMS scores and scores on the functional status, general health, and health change summary scales of the RAND‐36 version of the SF‐36. Utility scores derived from the EQ‐5D questionnaire and the SF‐6D also increased significantly after transplantation. This was reflected in the 0.28 QALYs gained compared with baseline. For a putative 50‐year‐old RA patient with a life expectancy of 20 years, a threshold analysis revealed that HDC + HSCT yielded more QALYs than conventional therapy when treatment‐related mortality (TRM) was <2.8%.

Conclusion

HDC + HSCT temporarily increased the functionality and health status of patients with severe, refractory RA. With a reported TRM of 1.3%, HDC + HSCT can be considered a realistic treatment option for patients with severe RA.
Increased radiographic damage scores at the onset of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis in older patients are associated with osteoarthritis of the hands, but not with more rapid progression of damage
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Ranganath Veena K. , FitzGerald John , Park Grace S. , Altman Roy D. , Elashoff David , Gold Richard H. , Sharp John T. , Furst Daniel E. , Paulus Harold E.
Published: July 2005

Objective

To investigate the impact of patient age at symptom onset on radiographic joint damage at study entry, and on subsequent progression of damage in a cohort of patients with early seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We studied 186 patients with RA of <15 months' duration. All patients had active disease and had not received disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs. At study entry and during followup, total Sharp scores (TSS), RA‐associated joint space narrowing (RA‐JSN), and erosions were determined on hand and foot radiographs. Baseline radiographs were also scored for osteoarthritis (OA)–related JSN (OA‐JSN) and osteophytes. Older patients (>55 years) and younger patients (≤55 years) were compared by t‐test, Mann‐Whitney U test, chi‐square, or Fisher's exact test. Multiple linear regression models were also constructed.

Results

The older group (n = 74) had a higher baseline total Sharp score (median 6.21) compared with the younger group (n = 112) (median 2.33) (P = 0.0002). This was mainly due to a higher baseline JSN score in the older group (median 3.96 versus 1.08) and not to differences in erosion score (median 0.91 versus 0.70). Disease activity and duration of RA symptoms were similar in the 2 groups, as were progression rates of the TSS, JSN score, and erosion score. At baseline, 26% of patients had osteophytes, with a prevalence of 13% in the younger age group and 50% in the older group. The presence of OA‐JSN was highly correlated with the presence of osteophytes (r = 0.72). Also, increased age and RA‐JSN were associated with increased severity of osteophytes and OA‐JSN at baseline. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that both age and hand osteophytes contributed to the increase in baseline RA‐JSN score and TSS, but not to erosion score.

Conclusion

In a cohort of patients with early RA, an increase in the baseline RA‐JSN score and TSS can be accounted for in part by the presence of hand OA.
Association analysis of the R620W polymorphism of protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPN22 in systemic lupus erythematosus families: Increased t allele frequency in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Wu Hui , Cantor Rita M. , Graham Deborah S. Cunninghame , Lingren Cecilia M. , Farwell Lisa , Jager Philip L. De , Bottini Nunzio , Grossman Jennifer M. , Wallace Daniel J. , Hahn Bevra H. , Julkunen Heikki , Hebert Lee A. , Rovin Brad H. , Birmingham Dan J. , Rioux John D. , Yu C. Yung , Kere Juha , Vyse Timothy J. , Tsao Betty P.
Published: July 2005

Objective

Recent case–control studies show associations of the minor T allele (of the C1858T single‐nucleotide polymorphism corresponding to the R620W amino acid substitution) of PTPN22 with multiple autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We performed family‐based association studies of this polymorphism in 4 independent cohorts containing SLE patients and their parents and/or other family members.

Methods

A total of 2,689 individuals from 902 independent Caucasian families with SLE were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction pyrosequencing (cohorts 1 and 2) and the Sequenom MassArray system (cohorts 3 and 4). The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) and the pedigree disequilibrium test (PDT) were conducted to assess the evidence of association.

Results

The 1858 C > T allele frequencies of the parents showed no deviation from Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium within each cohort. No evidence of preferential transmission of the T allele from heterozygous parents to their affected offspring was observed in each of the 4 cohorts or in the combined sample. Consistent with the TDT result, the PDT analysis revealed no significant association between the T allele and SLE. In 54 of the 661 SLE patients (cohorts 1 and 3) with documented autoimmune thyroid disease, the T allele frequency was higher than in individuals with SLE alone (16.7% versus 8.5%; P = 0.008, odds ratio 2.16 [95% confidence interval 1.25–3.72]).

Conclusion

The R620W polymorphism of the PTPN22 gene is not a major risk allele for SLE susceptibility in our sample of Caucasian individuals from northern America, the UK, or Finland, but it appears to be a risk factor for the concurrent autoimmune diseases of autoimmune thyroid disease and SLE.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for detection of Anti–RNA polymerase III antibody: Analytical accuracy and clinical associations in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Kuwana Masataka , Okano Yutaka , Pandey Janardan P. , Silver Richard M. , Fertig Noreen , Medsger Thomas A.
Published: July 2005

Objective

We have recently developed an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti–RNA polymerase III (anti–RNAP III) antibody, using a recombinant fragment containing the immunodominant epitope as the antigen source. This study was conducted to assess the analytical accuracy and clinical associations of the anti–RNAP III ELISA in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

To evaluate analytical sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA, both immunoprecipitation tests and ELISA were used to detect anti–RNAP III antibody in 534 SSc sera from patients at 3 medical centers. Sera from 522 SSc patients and 516 controls, including patients with other connective tissue diseases and blood bank donors, were also evaluated to assess the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA. Clinical findings in anti–RNAP III antibody–positive SSc patients were compared between patient groups stratified according to anti–RNAP III antibody levels determined by the ELISA.

Results

In SSc patients, our ELISA showed analytical sensitivity of 91% and analytical specificity of 99% compared with the immunoprecipitation assay (a gold standard for detection of anti–RNAP III antibody). The additional analysis using a large series of SSc and control sera showed that clinical sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA with respect to the diagnosis of SSc were 17% and 98%, respectively. A high level of anti–RNAP III antibody was associated with diffuse cutaneous SSc, higher maximum total skin score, and increased frequency of tendon friction rubs.

Conclusion

The anti–RNAP III ELISA is analytically accurate and clinically specific. With this assay, testing for anti–RNAP III antibody can be made routinely available.
The natural history of anteroposterior laxity and its role in knee osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Dayal Nimesh , Chang Alison , Dunlop Dorothy , Hayes Karen , Chang Rowland , Cahue September , Song Jing , Torres Leah , Sharma Leena
Published: July 2005

Objective

To test the hypotheses that 1) osteoarthritic (OA) knees at more advanced stages have less anteroposterior (AP) laxity compared with OA knees at milder stages, 2) AP laxity decreases over time, and 3) the absence of a decrease in AP laxity is associated with greater progression of medial tibiofemoral OA.

Methods

The study group comprised 230 patients with knee OA (75% women, mean age 64 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 30 kg/m2). At baseline and 18 months, AP laxity was measured (in millimeters of tibial translation, under AP shear loading), and semiflexed AP knee radiographs (with knee position confirmed by fluoroscopy) were obtained. Osteophytes were graded for each compartment, using a scale of 0–4. Disease progression was measured as the amount of medial joint space loss between baseline and followup, using linear regression with generalized estimating equations.

Results

At baseline, measurements of AP laxity were lower in knees with a Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) score of 4 (mean ± SD 5.0 ± 2.1 mm) than in those with a K/L score of 0–1 (mean ± SD 7.1 ± 2.6 mm). There was a weak negative correlation between osteophyte grade and AP laxity. In knees with a K/L score of 0–2, AP laxity was slightly lower at 18 months than at baseline. AP laxity at baseline was not a predictor of progression of OA. Knees without a decrease in AP laxity had a greater loss of medial joint space (0.22 mm greater, after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI) than did knees in which laxity decreased.

Conclusion

AP laxity at baseline is not predictive of progression of OA. Although knees with a K/L score of 4 had less AP laxity than those with a K/L score of 0–1, most of this difference was attributable to the significant difference in AP laxity between knees with a K/L score of 0–1 and knees with a K/L score of 2 (i.e., definite osteophytes). Knees in which AP laxity decreased had less medial joint space loss than did knees without a decrease in AP laxity. The knee joint may successfully compensate for AP laxity; the absence of such compensation may have a deleterious effect.
Single Crystals of NaPrTe2 with LiTiO2‐Type Structure.
Authors: Lissner Falk , Schleid Thomas
Published: July 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of New Alkali Metal Rare‐Earth Tellurides of the Compositions KLnTe2 (Ln: La, Pr, Nd, Gd), RbLnTe2 (Ln: Ce, Nd) and CsLnTe2 (Ln: Nd).
Authors: Stoewe Klaus , Napoli Christian , Appel Stephan
Published: July 2005

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Isolated Pentaiodide Anions in [K(18‐crown‐6)]I5.
Authors: Pantenburg Ingo , Mueller Ingrid
Published: July 2005

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Crystal Structure of the Novel Complex Cobalt Oxide Sr0.7Y0.3CoO2.62.
Authors: Istomin S. Ya. , Grins J. , Svensson G. , Drozhzhin O. A. , Kozhevnikov V. L. , Antipov E. V. , Attfield J. P.
Published: July 2005

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Optimization of Lithium Conductivity in La/Li Titanates.
Authors: Morata‐Orrantia Ainhoa , Garcia‐Martin Susana , Alario‐Franco Miguel A.
Published: July 2005

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LaCl(BO2)2 and Er2Cl2[B2O5]: Two Chloride Oxoborates of Trivalent Lanthanides.
Authors: Nikelski Tanja , Schleid Thomas
Published: July 2005

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(NaLa2)NaPtO6: The First 2H‐Perovskite Related Oxide with a Rare Earth Cation on the A‐Site.
Authors: Davis Matthew J. , Smith Mark D. , zur Loye Hans‐Conrad
Published: July 2005

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Application of High Pressure Induced by Water‐Freezing to the Direct Catalytic Asymmetric Three‐Component List—Barbas—Mannich Reaction.
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Tsuboi Wataru , Shoji Mitsuru , Suzuki Noriyuki
Published: July 2005

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Lewis Acid Catalyzed Benzannulation via Unprecedented [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of o‐Alkynyl(oxo)benzenes and Enynals with Alkynes.
Authors: Asao Naoki , Nogami Tsutomu , Lee Sunyoung , Yamamoto Yoshinori
Published: July 2005

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Michael Reactions of Unsubstituted Aromatic Chiral Imines with Substituted Unsaturated Acid Esters.
Authors: Monnier‐Benoit Nicolas , Jabin Ivan , Selkti Mohamed , Tomas Alain , Revial Gilbert
Published: July 2005

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Thia‐Fries Rearrangement of Aryl Triflinates to Trifluoromethanesulfinylphenols.
Authors: Chen Ximin , Tordeux Marc , Desmurs Jean‐Roger , Wakselman Claude
Published: July 2005

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Environmentally Friendly Catalysis Using Supported Reagents: Catalytic Epoxidation with Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated by Iron(II) Ions Immobilized on γ‐Alumina.
Authors: Monfared Hassan Hosseini , Ghadimi Mitra
Published: July 2005

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Conversion of Alcohols to Bromides Using a Fluorous Phosphine.
Authors: Desmaris Laurence , Percina Nathalie , Cottier Louis , Sinou Denis
Published: July 2005

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Ionic Liquids as Media for Nucleophilic Fluorination.
Authors: Murray Christopher B. , Sandford Graham , Korn Stewart R.
Published: July 2005

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The Dinitration of Dimethylacetanilides.
Authors: Rodriguez Medina Inmaculada C. , Hanson James R.
Published: July 2005

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Sodium Dithionite Initiated Reactions of 1‐Bromo‐1‐chloro‐2,2,2‐trifluoroethane with Enol Ethers of Cyclic Ketones.
Authors: Dmowski Wojciech , Ignatowska Jolanta
Published: July 2005

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Fluorotetraphenylbismuth: A New Reagent for Efficient Regioselective α‐Phenylation of Carbonyl Compounds.
Authors: Ooi Takashi , Goto Ryoji , Maruoka Keiji
Published: July 2005

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Palladium Catalyzed Cross‐Methylation of Bromoheterocycles with Intramolecularly Stabilized Dimethyl Indium Reagents.
Authors: Jaber Nimer , Schumann Herbert , Blum Jochanan
Published: July 2005

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Cs2CO3‐Promoted Coupling Reactions for the Preparation of Skipped Diynes.
Authors: Caruso Tonino , Spinella Aldo
Published: July 2005

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Towards the Synthesis of Azoacetylenes.
Authors: Denonne Frederic , Seiler Paul , Diederich Francois
Published: July 2005

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Reductive Decomplexation of π‐Allyltricarbonyliron Lactone Complexes Using Sodium Naphthalenide as a Route to Stereodefined 1,7‐Diols and 2,3‐Diene‐1,7‐diols.
Authors: Hollowood Christopher J. , Ley Steven V.
Published: July 2005

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The Direct and Enantioselective Organocatalytic α‐Oxidation of Aldehydes.
Authors: Brown Sean P. , Brochu Michael P. , Sinz Christopher J. , MacMillan David W. C.
Published: July 2005

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Synthesis of γ‐Polynitrocarboxylic Acids and Derivatives Thereof.
Authors: Nikolaev B. D. , Tishko I. A. , Ishchenko M. A.
Published: July 2005

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Synthesis, Physicochemical and Pharmacological Properties of N,N′,N′′,N′′′‐Substituted Amides of 1,1,3,3‐Propanetetracarboxylic Acid.
Authors: Bezuglyi P. A. , Georgiyants V. A. , Perekhoda L. A. , Garnaya N. V. , Sych I. A.
Published: July 2005

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A High Yielding One‐Pot, Novel Synthesis of Carbamate Esters from Alcohols Using Mitsunobu′s Reagent.
Authors: Chaturvedi Devdutt , Kumar Atul , Ray S.
Published: July 2005

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Selective and Environmentally Friendly Methodologies Based on the Use of Electrochemistry for Fine Chemical Preparation: An Efficient Synthesis of N,N′‐Disubstituted Ureas.
Authors: Chiarotto Isabella , Feroci Marta
Published: July 2005

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Synthesis and Some Properties of 1,2‐Dinitroguanidine.
Authors: Astrat'yev A. A. , Dashko D. V. , Kuznetsov L. L.
Published: July 2005

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Metal Chelations in Asymmetric Diels—Alder Reaction.
Authors: Chung Kyoo‐Hyun , Chu Chan‐Kook , Chang Min‐Ho
Published: July 2005

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A Convenient One‐Pot Synthesis of Homoallylic Halides and 1,3‐Butadienes.
Authors: Wong Ken‐Tsung , Hung Ying‐Yueh
Published: July 2005

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Carbonyl Allenylations and Propargylations by 3‐Chloro‐1‐propyne or 2‐Propynyl Mesylates with Tin(IV) Chloride and Tetrabutylammonium Iodide.
Authors: Masuyama Yoshiro , Watabe Akiko , Kurusu Yasuhiko
Published: July 2005

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Reaction of Magnesium Alkylidene Carbenoids with Lithium α‐Sulfonyl Carbanions: A Novel Synthesis of Tri‐ and Tetra‐substituted Allenes from 1‐Chlorovinyl p‐Tolyl Sulfoxides and Sulfones.
Authors: Satoh Tsuyoshi , Sakamoto Tatsuya , Watanabe Masanori , Takano Koji
Published: July 2005

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Highly Efficient Synthesis of O‐(2,4‐Dinitrophenyl)hydroxylamine. Application to the Synthesis of Substituted N‐Benzoyliminopyridinium Ylides.
Authors: Legault Claude , Charette Andre B.
Published: July 2005

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The First Allylation of Imines with Allyltrichlorosilanes Using Neutral Coordinate‐Organocatalysts.
Authors: Sugiura Masaharu , Robvieux Fabrice , Kobayashi Shu
Published: July 2005

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Ullmann Diaryl Ether Synthesis in Ionic Liquids.
Authors: Luo Yunting , Wu Jeff Xin , Ren Rex X.
Published: July 2005

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A Convenient and Efficient Palladium‐Catalyzed System for Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Bromides with Active Methylene Compounds.
Authors: Gao Chengwei , Tao Xiaochun , Qian Yanlong , Huang Jiling
Published: July 2005

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Sulfonylimines of Polychloroaldehydes in Reaction with Thioamides.
Authors: Rosentsveig G. N. , Aizina Yu. A. , Rosentsveig I. B. , Levkovskaya G. G. , Sarapulova G. I. , Mirskova A. N. , Drozdova T. I.
Published: July 2005

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An Improved Preparation of 4‐Amino‐3‐mercaptobenzoic Acid.
Authors: Lang Robert C. , Williams Craig M. , Garson Mary J.
Published: July 2005

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Air‐Stable P‐Stereogenic Secondary Phosphine Oxides as Chiral Monodentate Ligands for Asymmetric Catalytic Carbon—Carbon Bond Formation.
Authors: Dai Wei‐Min , Yeung Kelly Ka Yim , Leung Wa Hung , Haynes Richard K.
Published: July 2005

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The Dimerization of 5,6‐Dimethoxy‐indene.
Authors: Fraga Braulio M. , Cabrera Inmaculada
Published: July 2005

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An Easy Synthesis of Thermochromic Ethylenes under Microwave Irradiation.
Authors: Villemin Didier , Hachemi Messaoud , Hammadi Mohamed
Published: July 2005

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Cascade Transformations of (2,2‐Diaryl‐3,3‐dichloroaziridin‐1‐yl)acetates.
Authors: Khlebnikov A. F. , Novikov M. S. , Kusei E. Yu. , Kopf J. , Kostikov R. R.
Published: July 2005

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Smiles Rearrangement for the Synthesis of 5‐Amino‐Substituted [1]Benzothieno[2,3‐b]pyridine.
Authors: Bonini Carlo , Funicello Maria , Scialpi Rosanna , Spagnolo Piero
Published: July 2005

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A Facile Route for the Syntheis of Novel γ‐Lactams.
Authors: Ravi Kumar K. R. , Mallesha H. , Basappa Basappa , Rangappa K. S.
Published: July 2005

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Investigation of the Selective Reduction of Isatin Derivatives. Synthesis of α‐Hydroxyacetophenone Derivatives and Ethyl spiro‐3,3‐(Ethylenedioxy)‐2‐hydroxyindoline Carboxylates.
Authors: Garden Simon J. , Correa Marilza B. , Pinto Angelo C.
Published: July 2005

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Enantioselective Indole Friedel—Crafts Alkylations Catalyzed by Bis(oxazolinyl)pyridine—Scandium(III) Triflate Complexes.
Authors: Evans David A. , Scheidt Karl A. , Fandrick Keith R. , Lam Hon Wai , Wu Jimmy
Published: July 2005

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Copper(I)‐Mediated Intramolecular Cyclization of 2‐(2‐Aminophenylethylnyl)benzoic and [2‐(2‐Aminophenylethynyl)phenyl]acetic Acid Esters: A New Synthetic Step Towards Isoindolo[2,1‐a]indoles and 5H‐Indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolines.
Authors: Reboredo Francisco J. , Treus Monica , Estevez Juan C. , Castedo Luis , Estevez Ramon J.
Published: July 2005

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Efficient Synthesis of 5‐Alkyl Amino and Thioether Substituted Pyrazoles.
Authors: Sakya Subas M. , Rast Bryson
Published: July 2005

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Asymmetric Conjugate Addition Reaction Using Pyrazole Derivatives as a Chiral Catalyst.
Authors: Kashima Choji , Yokoyama Hiroyo , Shibata Saori , Fujisawa Kiyoshi , Nishio Takehiko
Published: July 2005

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Synthesis of New Enantiomerically Pure α,β‐Unsaturated Bicyclic Lactams.
Authors: Agami Claude , Beauseigneur Alice , Comesse Sebastien , Dechoux Luc
Published: July 2005

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Molecular Sieve (MS 4A) Promoted Cyclocondensation of Hindered, Aromatic Nitrile Oxides and Cyclic Diketones under Mild Conditions.
Authors: Matsuura Tomoo , Bode Jeffrey W. , Hachisu Yoshifumi , Suzuki Keisuke
Published: July 2005

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Reaction of Benzohydroximinoyl Chlorides and β‐(Trifluoromethyl)acetylenic Esters: Synthesis of Regioisomeric (Trifluoromethyl)isoxazolecarboxylate Esters and Oxime Addition Products.
Authors: Hamper Bruce C. , Leschinsky Kindrick L.
Published: July 2005

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New, Recoverable and Highly Effective Sulfinyl Chiral Auxiliary.
Authors: Kawecki Robert
Published: July 2005

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Synthesis and Vasodilating Properties of N‐Alkylamide Derivatives of 4‐Amino‐3‐furoxancarboxylic Acid and Related Azo Derivatives.
Authors: Ovchinnikov I. V. , Kulikov A. S. , Makhova N. N. , Tosco P. , Di Stilo A. , Fruttero R. , Gasco A.
Published: July 2005

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Synthesis, X‐Ray Crystal Structure and Biological Properties of Acetylenic Flavone Derivatives.
Authors: Artali Roberto , Barili Pier Luigi , Bombieri Gabriella , Da Re Paolo , Marchini Nicoletta , Meneghetti Fiorella , Valenti Piero
Published: July 2005

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Stereospecific Synthesis of New 2,3,4,5‐Piperidinetetracarboxylic Acids and 2,3,5‐Piperidinetricarboxylic Acids.
Authors: Arakawa Yasushi , Murakami Tomoaki , Ozawa Fumiko , Arakawa Yukimi , Yoshifuji Shigeyuki
Published: July 2005

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