bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A por ellos!: racism and anti-racism in Spanish football
Authors: Spaaij Ramn , Vias Carles
Published: November 2007

Racism at Spanish football grounds is commonly perceived to be confined to the racist or neo-fascist predispositions of the archetypal skinhead hooligan. This narrow view of racism thwarts contemporary anti-racism initiatives since it conceals other, less visible forms of racialized
expressions in football. The current official and public concern over racist behaviour in Spanish football provides opportunities for promoting anti-racism in football, but only if the serious limitations of the prevailing identification of racists with ultras are acknowledged. Paradoxically,
many of the ultra groups popularly stigmatized as racist thugs are, in fact, a driving force behind the anti-racism projects and campaigns currently being implemented.
Getting to know Ramn Serrano Suer: reality and invention, 193742
Authors: Thoms Joan Mara
Published: November 2007

Ramn Serrano Suer, General Franco's brother-in-law, was also his political adviser and second-in-command of the Francoist regime during the Civil War and the first half of the Second World War. Serrano's influence was crucial because he devised not only the political form that the Francoist
regime took the fascistized State but also the political orientations implemented between 1937 and 1942. After building up the new single party, the Falange Espaola Tradicionalista y de las JONS, Serrano rose to become its maximum representative before Franco, which made him unpopular with
the Army, the monarchy and other sectors of the regime, eventually forcing his removal from office. The article compares Serrano Suer's own written version of his political career with the results of the most recent historical research, concluding that the books written by, and on, Serrano
Suer offer an substantially inaccurate version of the state of affairs.
Feminine Irony and the Art of Linguistic Cooperation in Anne Askew's Sixteenth-Century Examinacyons
Authors: Graban Tarez Samra
Published: November 2007

Abstract This essay examines linguistic and contextual features to understand Anne Askew's ironic performances, her positioning in rhetorical history, and her texts' persuasive power. While Askew's tactical irony has been studied as silence, resistance, and protest, this essay shows that she uses irony to undermine the communicative event and to initiate discourse without committing to cooperative communication for all audiences involved. I argue that Askew's performances are best accounted for as relevant-inappropriateness, and that a close examination of embedded features in her discourse helps us view Early Modern women's performances as inventive and productive rather than patriarchal or anti-patriarchal.
Comparison of Methods Used to Age Spring–Summer Chinook Salmon in Idaho: Validation and Simulated Effects on Estimated Age Composition
Authors: Copeland Timothy , Hyatt Matthew W. , Johnson June
Published: November 2007

Validation of aging methods with known-age individuals is rarely done with wild fish. We used samples collected from carcasses of adult Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha that were tagged as juveniles to (1) compare accuracy and precision of ocean ages determined from scales and fin rays and (2) simulate the effects of aging errors on run reconstruction (assignment to migratory cohort) under two age composition scenarios. Scale age had an overall accuracy of 81.8% and was biased high (χ2 = 8.67; P = 0.014). Fin ray age had an overall accuracy of 98.6% and was unbiased (χ2 = 2.00; P = 0.34). Precision of fin ray readings was higher than that of scale readings (coefficient of variation = 2.1% versus 7.8%, respectively). Accuracy of fin ray ages was greater than that of scale ages (Z = 2.198; P = 0.03). For two age composition scenarios, age classification errors were greatest when using scales and least when using fin rays. Aging errors inflated the size of weak cohorts in simulated run reconstructions. We showed how this can cause large errors in estimates of smolt-to-adult return rate when run strength and age composition vary among years. The amount of error associated with scale aging then becomes problematic for tracking the status of both threatened and healthy salmon stocks. Data based on fin ray readings provided the most accurate, unbiased estimates of age structure. Correction for methodological bias is important if age data are to be used in rigorous analyses.
Impacts of Marker Class Bias Relative to Locus‐Specific Variability on Population Inferences in Chinook Salmon: A Comparison of Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Short Tandem Repeats and Allozymes
Authors: Smith Christian T. , Antonovich Anton , Templin William D. , Elfstrom Carita M. , Narum Shawn R. , Seeb Lisa W.
Published: November 2007

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) exhibit several attributes that make them appealing as a class of genetic markers for applications in ecology and evolution. Two commonly cited limitations of SNPs in this capacity are that ascertainment bias and natural selection may shape allele frequencies of these markers, thus biasing estimates of population structure. The impacts of ascertainment bias and selection on estimates of population parameters have been demonstrated in a few model species, but their impacts relative to locus‐specific variability and other potential complications on structure inferences in wild populations are unclear. We examined 22 allozymes, 9 short tandem repeats (STRs), and 41 SNPs in approximately 1,300 Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha representing 16 collections. We used plots of the genetic differentiation index FST versus heterozygosity and sequence criteria to identify SNPs that might be under natural selection. We then calculated several measures of population structure based on the three marker sets and a subset of the SNPs from which loci identified as likely targets of natural selection had been removed. Correlation of genetic distances between collections was stronger between allozymes and SNPs than between either of these markers and STRs, suggesting that the influences of marker class bias (e.g., selection and ascertainment bias) were smaller than impacts of locus‐specific effects. Divergence estimates between SNP ascertainment populations were not significantly higher when based on SNPs than when based on other markers. Overall divergence (FST) was higher for SNPs than for allozymes; however, the choice of FST estimator influenced the relative values for STRs and SNPs. Estimates of within‐population diversity based on allozymes and STRs correlated better with each other than with estimates based on SNPs; such estimates based on SNPs were relatively low for collections from populations outside the geographic coverage of the SNP ascertainment sample.
Expansion of a Northern Snakehead Population in the Potomac River System
Authors: Odenkirk John , Owens Steve
Published: November 2007

A population of northern snakeheads Channa argus was documented in the Potomac River system in 2004. The expansion of this population was monitored from 2004 to 2006. Boat electrofishing mean catch per unit effort increased significantly each year from 0.2 fish/h in 2004 to 6.1 fish/h in 2006 (analysis of variance [ANOVA]: P = 0.01). Reported angler catches (N = 24) during 2006 equaled the combined total of the two previous years. Mean total length (TL) and weight (W) in 2006 were 475 mm (SD = 146) and 1,381 g (SD = 1,009), respectively, and maximum size increased each year. The weight‐length relationship for all years combined was logeW = −5.21 + 3.07·logeTL (r2 = 0.996, n = 348). Natural reproduction was confirmed by the location of a nest, and eight year‐classes were estimated based on otolith interpretations. Total annual mortality was estimated to be 38%. Trends in female gonadosomatic index and otolith daily ring counts of age‐0 fish suggested protracted or repeat spawning from May to September. Females were fecund, carrying an average of 40,786 eggs. Collection patterns suggested that this population of northern snakeheads originated from Dogue Creek. Seventeen food items, including 15 fish species, were identified from stomach contents. The banded killifish Fundulus diaphanus was the dominant food item. Bluegills Lepomis macrochirus, pumpkinseeds L. gibbosus, and white perch Morone americana were also commonly consumed. Although population size increased, known range did not appear to increase or increased at a slower rate. Increases in angler catch during 2006 at the northern and southern termini of the existing distribution suggest that northern snakehead range expansion is imminent.
Synonym Success—Thanks to the Thesaurus
Authors: Mountain Lee
Published: November 2007

After a class of ninth graders discovered the helpfulness of the thesaurus in such synonym activities as Synonym Tic‐Tac‐Toe and Cross‐Synonym Puzzles, they started using the thesaurus to locate “the exactly right word” while drafting compositions. They also enriched their oral vocabularies during these activities by discussing synonyms from the thesaurus and using them in context. Synonym wordplay turned the thesaurus into a popular and effective reference book for vocabulary development.
Current Events as Empowering Literacy: For English and Social Studies Teachers
Authors: Pescatore Christine
Published: November 2007

In the current climate of high‐stakes tests and teacher accountability, how do teachers avoid teaching to the test? With respect to high school social studies and English teachers, the answer lies with critically analyzing items in current events. By carefully reading news stories, students can determine an author's bias through his or her use of the techniques of point of view and tone. A determination of missing points of view leads students to research other aspects of the story and to consider the reliability of their sources. The use of this genre, in conjunction with critical thinking strategies, provides the students not only with the skills necessary for effective document and literary analysis, but also with an awareness of the dynamics and complexity involved in the political, social, and economic layers of society. This is an empowering literacy that can lead to student activism and responsible citizenship.
Making Instructional Decisions Based on Data: What, How, and Why
Authors: Mokhtari Kouider , Rosemary Catherine A. , Edwards Patricia A.
Published: November 2007

A carefully coordinated literacy assessment and instruction framework implemented school‐wide can support school teams in making sense of various types of data for instructional planning. Instruction that is data based and goal driven sets the stage for continuous reading and writing improvement.
Making Data‐Driven Decisions: Silent Reading
Authors: Trudel Heidi
Published: November 2007

Due in part to conflicting opinions and research results, the practice of sustained silent reading (SSR) in schools has been questioned. After a frustrating experience with SSR, the author of this article began a data‐driven decision‐making process to gain new insights on how to structure silent reading in a classroom, including a comparison between SSR and independent reading (IR). The students involved were 16 third and fourth graders enrolled in a small private school in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

To make an informed decision regarding the structure of silent reading in the classroom, the author collected evidence from teacher–student discussions, a reading attitude inventory, reading response documents, and teacher observations during both SSR and IR. Careful attention was paid to the students' attitudes and reading behaviors. In comparing their reading attitudes during the two silent reading structures, the author found conflicting results. However, students engaged in active reading behaviors more frequently during IR than they did during SSR.
Five Ways to Prepare for Standardized Tests Without Sacrificing Best Practice
Authors: Hollingworth Liz
Published: November 2007

What can teachers do in their classrooms to help students prepare for a high‐stakes, standardized, multiple‐choice reading test without sacrificing what they know to be best practice? Decreasing class sizes or other solutions that require substantial changes in school finance are not usually realistic options. This article outlines five suggestions for practicing teachers to improve the reading test scores of their students without making drastic changes to how they already teach.
Beginning Reading Instruction in Urban Schools: The Curriculum Gap Ensures a Continuing Achievement Gap
Authors: Teale William H. , Paciga Kathleen A. , Hoffman Jessica L.
Published: November 2007

Addressing beginning reading instruction in urban schools, this article proposes that a curriculum gap exists in many K–3 classrooms that operate under the guidelines of the No Child Left Behind Act and Reading First. The authors make a case for the inclusion of systematic and sustained instruction in comprehension, content knowledge, and writing in the early grades as well as attention to the Reading First emphases on phonological awareness, decoding, word recognition, and reading fluency.
Is Being Wild About Harry Enough? Encouraging Independent Reading at Home
Authors: Padak Nancy , Rasinski Timothy
Published: November 2007

The authors address the “whys” and “hows” of encouraging independent reading at home. Practical tips that teachers can give to parents are provided.
Reporting to the Police by Hispanic Victims of Violence
Authors: Rennison Callie Marie
Published: November 2007

Though reporting violence to the police has been extensively investigated, the nature of Hispanic reporting of victimization has not. This is surprising because Hispanics are the fastest growing and largest ethnic group in the United States. Using over a decade of data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, this article investigates Hispanic reporting of victimization relative to non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks, American Indians, and Asians. Findings show that Hispanics are significantly less likely to report the most serious of violence compared to non-Hispanic Whites, but are more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to report simple assaults. Few reporting differences between Hispanics and other victim groups were observed. In addition, analyses indicate a positive relationship between educational attainment and reporting by Hispanics—a predictor not shared by any other group.
Women’s Experiences of Male-Perpetrated Sexual Assault by Sexual Orientation
Authors: Long Susan M. , Ullman Sarah E. , Long LaDonna M. , Mason Gillian E. , Starzynski Laura L.
Published: November 2007

This study examined differences in male-perpetrated adult sexual assault experiences among women of various sexual orientations using a large urban convenience sample ( N = 1,022). Results showed many similarities in disclosure to others, perceived helpfulness, and attributions of blame, but there were also differences by sexual orientation. Heterosexual women were more likely to experience completed sexual assault than lesbian or bisexual women. Lesbians were more likely to be assaulted by relatives than bisexual or heterosexual women. Finally, bisexual women disclosed the assault to the greatest number of formal support sources, were most likely to tell a romantic partner about the assault, received the fewest positive social reactions overall, and had higher posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology.
Energy and momentum flux in a high-numerical-aperture beam using the extended Nijboer-Zernike diffraction formalism
Authors: Braat Joseph J. M. , van Haver Sven , Janssen Augustus J. E. M. , Dirksen Peter
Published: November 2007

We describe the energy and momentum flux in the case of an aberrated optical imaging system with a high numerical aperture (NA). The approach is based on the extended Nijboer-Zernike diffraction theory, that, in its high-NA version, yields an accurate analytic representation of the electromagnetic field vectors in the focal region of imaging systems that suffer from aberrations and/or transmission defects[1]. In an earlier publication, we have derived the electromagnetic energy density from the field vectors. In this paper, we expand our analysis to the energy flow (Poynting vector) and to the quantities related to the linear and angular momentum of the radiation. Several examples of the energy and momentum flow are presented. In particular, we show how the linear and angular momentum distribution in the focal region depend on the initial polarisation state and on the parameters describing the wavefront shape of the converging beam. For the angular momentum flow, we show how the separation between spin and orbital momentum is modified when going from the paraxial case to a high-NA focused beam.
Product Registration and Regulatory Change
Authors: Royal Patricia D.
Published: November 2007

The enactment of the FDA Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) into law by the FDA has led to major changes throughout industrial toxicology programs. One major addition to toxicology studies, as specified in the GLPs, includes the requirement of a quality assurance (QA) program. Initially, the role of QA was that of monitor or auditor. This role has expanded in a practical sense, however, to include a working knowledge of regulatory affairs and principles of toxicology. Since 1978, new GLPs and test standards have been issued by several countries, including the United States. The requirements and guidelines set forth by various countries, while similar in content, are different in their specific details. The development of comprehensive, scientifically sound protocols to meet these new requirements necessitates a continual assessment of the regulations in effect in the countries where registration is sought. Thus, the role of QA has expanded to include the assessment of guidelines and protocols to assure that toxicology studies conducted to support registration are in compliance with these guidelines.
Speaking clearly for the hearing impaired: Intelligibility differences between clear and less clear speakers
Authors: Howell Peter , Bonnett Celia
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTS

The clarity of the speech of 12 speakers was assessed by intelligibility tests with hearing impaired subjects and from self‐ratings about the speaker's ability to communicate with such listeners. The results of these tests correlate positively Self‐ratings account for approximately 60% of the variance. Thus self‐ratings can be used as a convenient practical way of establishing an individual speaker's clarity.

La clarité d'élocution de 12 locuteurs a été évaluée au moyen de tests d'intelligibilité auprès de sujets malentedants, et au moyen d'auto‐évaluations de la capacité des locuteurs à communiquer avec ce genre d'auditeurs. L'on observe une corrélation positive entre les résultats de ces tests. Les autoévaluations rendent compte d'environ 60% de la variance. Il en résulte que les auto‐évaluations peuvent s'utiliser comme un moyen pratique et convenable d'établir la clarité de locuteur.

Die Klarheit des Sprechens wurde bel 12 Sprechern aufgrund von Verstàndlichkeittests mit Hörbe‐hinderten und durch Selbsteinschätzen der Fähigkeit der Sprecher, mit solchen Hörern zu kommunizieren, ermittelt. Die Ergebnisse dieser Tests korrelieren positiv miteinander. Die Selbsteinschätzung erklärt ca. 60% der Varianz und dient deshalb als nützliche und praktische Méthode, die Klarheit eines Sprechers zu ermitteln.
The development of the ‘Cantonese Receptive Vocabulary Test’ for children aged 2–6 in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Pamela S. P. , Lee Kathy Y. S. , Lee Loretta W. T.
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTS

The study aims to develop a Cantonese receptive vocabulary test to assess 2–6‐year‐old children in Hong Kong. The test consists of 100 test items. Each target item is accompanied by a phonological distractor, a semantic distractor and an unrelated distractor. A sample of 609 normal children from four Maternal and Child Health Centres and nine kindergartens was selected. The results show that there is a significant effect of age on the correct score. ANOVA was performed to look at the age effect on each distractor individually. It was found that the scores of the three distractors decrease in their own patterns as age increases. With strong content validity, strong construct validity and high correlation coefficients in the split‐half reliability, this test could be used as a reliable measurement for the Cantonese‐speaking population in Hong Kong.

Cette étude a pour but de mettre au point un test de compréhension lexicale pour le cantonais afin d'évaluer des enfants de deux à six ans de Hong‐Kong. Ce test consiste en 100 rubriques. Chaque rubrique cible est accompagnée de trois éléments de brouilleage: un phonologique, un sémantique et un totalement différent. L'on a sélectionné un échantillonnage de 609 enfants normaux de 4 centres d'école maternelle et de pédiatrie (Maternal and Child Health Centres) et de 9 jardins d'enfants. Les résultats montrent que l'ǎge a un effet significatif sur le niveau mesuré obtenu de réponses correctes. L'on s'est servi d'une analyse de variation pour examiner l'effet de l'ǎge sur chaque élément de brouillage pris individuellement. L'on a trouvé que l'effet des trois types de brouillage diminue pour chaque type à mesure que l'ǎge croǐt. Grǎce à ses validités considérables de contenu et de concept de base et ses hauts coefficients de corrélation de fidélité pair‐impair, ce test pourrait se révéler un instrument fiable pour la population de langue cantonaise de Hong‐Kong.

Diese Studie hat die Entwicklung eines kantonesischen Vokabel‐Verständnistests zur Einstufung von zwei‐ bis sechsjährigen Kindern in Hong‐Kong zum Gegenstand. Der Test enthält 100 Testwörter. Jedes Zielwort hat einen phonologischen Distraktor, einen semantischen Distraktor und einen dritten Distraktor ohne Beziehung zum Testwort. Eine Stichprobe von 609 normalen Kindern wurde aus 4 Mutter‐Kind Gesundheitszentren sowie aus 9 Kindergarten genommen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen signifikaten Einfluß des Kinderalters aufdie Testleistung. Eine Varianzanalyse wurde durchgefuhrt, um den Alterseinfluß bei jedem Distraktor individuell zu ermitteln. Mit zunehmendem Kindesalter nimmt der Einfluß der drei Distraktoren nach eigenem Muster ab. Die starken Inhalt‐ und Konstruktvalidität und die hohen Korrelationskoeffizienten beirn Reliabilitätstest mit geteilter Stichprobe lassen diesen Test ab zuverlässiges Maß für die kantoneseschsprechende Bevölkerung Hong Kongs erscheinen.
Keine Grosssägewerke in der Schweiz? Eine industrieökonomische Auslegeordnung | No large sawmills in Switzerland? An industrial economics perspective
Authors: Saurer Markus
Published: November 2007

In the growing global lumber market, Switzerland is not competitive. Forest properties, forest enterprises and sawmills are split into small units and do not take advantage of economies of scale and scope. One should search for the reasons of this inefficiency with modern industrial economics. Appendages of industrial economical analyses are described for large sawmills. They support the hypothesis that structural problems are mainly caused through regulations that are designed incorrectly. This hypothesis should thoroughly be tested before forest policy measures are decided. It is assumed that the Swiss forest industry may be supported with deregulations rather than with further regulations.
Grosssägewerke in einer regionalen Wirtschaft | Large sawmills within a regional economy
Authors: Buser Benjamin
Published: November 2007

The regional economic development in Switzerland has taken different courses over the past 50 years. Peripheral and well-wooded regions have regressed, while regional disparity has increased. Currently, large sawmills are being intensively discussed as a development potential for such regions. In fact, such facilities release important economic impulses and can induce new economic growth. However, these facilities are not established within the periphery itself, but within centers close to the periphery. Therefore, state support for these establishments should focus on the creation of ideal conditions for the market.
«Make or Buy» im Nadelschnittholzhandel | «Make or Buy» for the trade of coniferous lumber
Authors: Speth Hubert , Merforth Carsten , Raffius Matthias
Published: November 2007

Within this essay the questions of if and how the theoretical considerations of the transaction cost theory for the market of Scandinavian coniferous lumber are also valid for Germany were analyzed. For this, the market is analyzed from the point of view of the different actors (agents and brokers, sales office, importing sawmills). It becomes evident that many problems from the daily working experience can be analyzed with the help of transaction cost theory. In particular, assumptions on human behavior such as «bounded rationality» and «opportunism», which are described by this theory, play an important role in all aspects.
3. Waldökonomisches Seminar: Koreferate | 3rd Seminar on Forest Economics: commentaries
Authors: Madlener Reinhard , Röder Hubert , de Spindler Jürg , Hauser Christoph , Walker David , Hostettler Martin
Published: November 2007

The five commentaries on the presentations held at the 3rd Seminar on Forest Economics (Münchenwiler, September 2006) address the Swiss forest industry from the following points of view: industrial economics, global developments in the sawmill industry, regulatory policies for large and small sawmills, and governance on the Swiss wood market.
Reduced B lymphocyte and immunoglobulin levels after atacicept treatment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Results of a multicenter, phase ib, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐escalating trial
Authors: Dall'Era Maria , Chakravarty Eliza , Wallace Daniel , Genovese Mark , Weisman Michael , Kavanaugh Arthur , Kalunian Kenneth , Dhar Patricia , Vincent Emmanuelle , Pena‐Rossi Claudia , Wofsy David
Published: November 2007

Objective

To assess the safety and tolerability of atacicept in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the biologic effect of atacicept on B lymphocyte and immunoglobulin levels. Atacicept is a TACI‐Ig fusion protein that inhibits B cell stimulation by binding to B lymphocyte stimulator and a proliferation‐inducing ligand.

Methods

This phase Ib, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐escalating trial comprised 6 cohorts of patients treated with atacicept or placebo in a 3:1 ratio of active drug to placebo (n = 8 per group; n = 7 in cohort 5). Cohorts 1–4 received a single subcutaneous dose of placebo or either 0.3 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, or 9 mg/kg of atacicept. Cohorts 5 and 6 received weekly doses of placebo or either 1 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg of atacicept for 4 weeks. Patients were followed up for 6 weeks (cohorts 1–4) or 9 weeks (cohorts 5 and 6). Patients with mild‐to‐moderate SLE were enrolled.

Results

Biologic activity of atacicept was demonstrated by dose‐dependent reductions in immunoglobulin levels and in mature and total B cell numbers. This effect was most pronounced in the repeated‐dose cohorts and was sustained throughout the followup period. There were no changes in the numbers of T cells, natural killer cells, or monocytes. Mild injection‐site reactions occurred more frequently among the atacicept group than the placebo group. There were no differences in the frequency or type of adverse events and no severe or serious adverse events in patients treated with atacicept.

Conclusion

Atacicept administered subcutaneously was well tolerated and demonstrated biologic activity consistent with the proposed mechanism of action.
HO‐1 promoter polymorphism associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rueda Blanca , Oliver Javier , Robledo Gema , López‐Nevot Miguel A. , Balsa Alejandro , Pascual‐Salcedo Dora , González‐Gay Miguel A. , González‐Escribano Maria F. , Martín Javier
Published: November 2007

Objective

To investigate the role of the HO‐1 gene as a novel functional candidate gene for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We performed a case–control study including 736 RA patients and 846 healthy controls of Spanish Caucasian origin. Two putative functional HO‐1 promoter polymorphisms, a (GT)n microsatellite and a −413 A/T single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), were selected as genetic markers and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–based methods. In addition, the intracellular expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) was determined in healthy individuals with different (GT)n genotypes.

Results

The distribution of HO‐1 (GT)n short (S) alleles (≤25 GT repeats) and long (L) alleles (>25 GT repeats) revealed a significant protective effect of S (GT)n alleles (P = 0.019) (odds ratio [OR] 0.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.7–0.9) and the SS (GT)n genotype (P = 0.002) (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9). In contrast, the −413 HO‐1 promoter SNP did not yield any statistically significant deviation between RA patients and controls, considering either allele or genotype frequencies. The haplotype analysis showed a strong protective effect of the S/A haplotype (P = 7 × 10−7, corrected P [Pcorr] = 3 × 10−6) (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.6), whereas the L/A haplotype showed the opposite tendency (P = 0.008, Pcorr = 0.03) (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.4). In addition, we demonstrated that monocytes from individuals carrying the SS (GT)n genotype showed a significantly higher percentage of HO‐1 expression than did cells from LL homozygous individuals (P = 0.0003).

Conclusion

In this study, we identified the HO‐1 (GT)n microsatellite as a new genetic marker involved in RA genetics in our population.
Hyperexpression of cyclooxygenase 2 in the lupus immune system and effect of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor diet therapy in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhang Li , Bertucci Anne M. , Smith Kimberly A. , Xu Luting , Datta Syamal K.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To investigate the role of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) in the functioning of different cell types involved in the lupus autoimmune response, and to examine the therapeutic effect of COX‐2 inhibitors in mice prone to spontaneously develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Lupus‐prone (SWR × NZB)F1 mice were fed with a diet containing different doses of the COX‐2–specific inhibitor celecoxib or the nonspecific inhibitor aspirin, or a combination of both, and the effects of the therapy on autoantibody production, development of lupus nephritis, and mortality were determined. Expression of COX‐2 by different cells of the lupus immune system and the effect of COX‐2 inhibitors on the function of these cells in vitro and in vivo were assessed.

Results

The immune cells of mice with SLE spontaneously hyperexpressed COX‐2, and COX‐2 inhibitors could cause cell apoptosis. Treatment with COX‐2 inhibitors resulted in decreased autoantibody production and inhibition of the T cell response to the major lupus autoantigen, nucleosome, and its presentation by antigen‐presenting cells. Surprisingly, a significant increase in survival occurred only in mice receiving intermittent therapy with the lowest dose of celecoxib (500 parts per million), approximating <100 mg of celecoxib/day in humans. A continuous diet, but not intermittent feeding, with the combination of celecoxib and aspirin delayed development of nephritis temporarily, but failed to prolong survival. Indeed, treatment with aspirin alone increased mortality.

Conclusion

The contributions of the major players in the pathogenic autoimmune response, namely, T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages that are abnormally hyperactive in lupus, depend on the increased expression and activity of COX‐2, similar to inflammatory cells in target organs. Intermittent pulse therapy with low doses of select COX‐2 inhibitors would be of value in the treatment of lupus.
Safety and efficacy of additional courses of rituximab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: An open‐label extension analysis
Authors: Keystone Edward , Fleischmann Roy , Emery Paul , Furst Daniel E. , van Vollenhoven Ronald , Bathon Joan , Dougados Maxime , Baldassare Andrew , Ferraccioli Gianfranco , Chubick Andrew , Udell James , Cravets Matthew W. , Agarwal Sunil , Cooper Simon , Magrini Fabio
Published: November 2007

Objective

To determine the safety and efficacy of additional courses of rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

An open‐label extension analysis of RA patients previously treated with rituximab was conducted. Patients who had participated in any of 3 double‐blind trials were eligible for additional courses (2 infusions of 1,000 mg given 2 weeks apart) if they exhibited a swollen joint count and tender joint count of ≥8 with ≥16 weeks elapsing after the previous course. Safety was assessed in patients receiving all or a portion of a rituximab course. Efficacy was assessed 24 weeks after each course, using the American College of Rheumatology 20% criteria for improvement (ACR20), ACR50, ACR70, European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, the disability index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Short Form 36 scores, stratified according to prior tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor exposure.

Results

A total of 1,039 patients received ≥1 course of rituximab. Of these, 570 received 2 courses, 191 received 3 courses, and 40 received 4 courses, for a total of 1,669 patient‐years. Irrespective of prior TNF inhibitor exposure, ACR20 responses were comparable at week 24 after course 1 and at week 24 after course 2 (65% versus 72%), as were ACR50 and ACR70 responses. EULAR moderate/good responses were also comparable in course 2 relative to course 1 (88% versus 79%), with EULAR remission occurring in a 2‐fold higher proportion of patients after course 2 than after course 1 (13% versus 6%). The most common adverse events, which were mild‐to‐moderate acute infusion‐related events, decreased with each course. The serious infection rate after course 1 (5.1 per 100 patient‐years) remained stable through additional courses. The proportion of patients with circulating IgM and IgG levels below the lower limit of normal (LLN) increased with subsequent courses; however, serious infection rates in these patients (5.6 per 100 patient‐years in patients with low IgM levels and 4.8 per 100 patient‐years in patients with low IgG levels were comparable with those in patients with immunoglobulin levels above the LLN (4.7 per 100 patient‐years). Patients with human antichimeric antibody (9.2%) did not exhibit decreasing efficacy or present additional safety concerns.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that patients treated with repeated courses of rituximab have sustained clinical responses with no new adverse events.
Health‐related quality of life in women with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis: A comparison with rheumatoid arthritis patients, healthy controls, and normative data
Authors: Slatkowsky‐Christensen Barbara , Mowinckel Petter , Loge Jon H. , Kvien Tore K.
Published: November 2007

Objective

Data on the burden of disease and impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in hand osteoarthritis (OA) are limited. The goal of this study was to compare HRQOL in patients with hand OA with HRQOL in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), healthy controls, and normative data from the general population.

Methods

A total of 190 women with hand OA were compared with 194 women with RA and 144 healthy women of the same age. Health status was measured using the Short Form 36 (SF‐36), Short Form 6D (SF‐6D), modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (M‐HAQ), pain and fatigue visual analog scales, and grip strength. Scores were compared by analysis of variance and a multivariate analysis of covariance, adjusting for age, number of comorbidities, and years of education. Gaps between patients and population subjects were assessed by calculating S scores on all dimensions of the SF‐36.

Results

Hand OA and RA patients had worse scores on all assessed dimensions of subjective health compared with healthy controls. RA patients showed poorest general health (SF‐36), poorest physical function (M‐HAQ, SF‐36 physical, grip strength), and highest level of fatigue compared with hand OA patients. Hand OA patients reported poorer mental health. Mean utility scores (SF‐6D) in hand OA and RA were 0.64 and 0.63, respectively, with a mean difference compared with healthy controls of 0.13 in hand OA and 0.14 in RA patients. S scores confirmed a marked disparity between individuals with a rheumatic diagnosis (hand OA, RA) and population subjects.

Conclusion

This study illustrates that patients with hand OA experience a broad impact on HRQOL compared with healthy controls. Fatigue and physical function are worse in RA than hand OA.
Prevalence of and annual ambulatory health care visits for pediatric arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions in the United States in 2001–2004
Authors: Sacks Jeffrey J. , Helmick Charles G. , Luo Yao‐hua , Ilowite Norman T. , Bowyer Suzanne
Published: November 2007

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of and the annual number of ambulatory health care visits for pediatric arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions.

Methods

We used physician office visit, outpatient department visit, and emergency department visit data from the 2001–2004 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and 2001–2004 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to estimate annual visits for the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes thought to represent significant pediatric arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions (SPARC). We converted visit estimates into prevalence estimates using data on the number of prior annual visits per patient. Synthetic estimates for states were produced using national rates.

Results

The average annualized estimate of the number of children with SPARC was 294,000 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 188,000–400,000). The annualized number of ambulatory health care visits for SPARC was 827,000 (95% CI 609,000–1,044,000).

Conclusion

Pediatric arthritis estimates have varied widely because it is an umbrella term for which there are many definitions and because it is a relatively uncommon condition from a population surveillance perspective. Our estimates suggest that arthritis‐related health care visits impose a substantial burden on the pediatric health care system. One advantage of this surveillance paradigm is that it has established a starting point for tracking the national prevalence of arthritis and rheumatologic conditions in children on an ongoing basis using existing infrastructure rather than expensive new surveys. This surveillance system will help us monitor and predict the health care needs of patients with these conditions.
Increased apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes and its association with interleukin‐18 in patients with active untreated adult‐onset Still's disease
Authors: Chen Der‐Yuan , Hsieh Tsu‐Yi , Hsieh Chia‐Wei , Lin Fang‐Ju , Lan Joung‐Liang
Published: November 2007

Objective

To determine spontaneous and activation‐induced apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from patients with active untreated adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD) and to examine the role of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) involved in the apoptosis related to this disease.

Methods

The percentages of spontaneous and IL‐18–stimulated apoptotic lymphocytes in peripheral blood of 20 patients with active untreated AOSD, 20 with active untreated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 20 healthy controls were determined using annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. Serum IL‐18 levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The transcripts of caspase 3 gene and apoptosis‐regulating genes, including Fas, FasL, Bcl‐2, and p53 in IL‐18–treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 8 AOSD patients, 4 SLE patients, and 4 healthy controls, were examined by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Significantly higher percentages of spontaneous and IL‐18–stimulated apoptotic PBLs were found in patients with active untreated AOSD and those with active untreated SLE than in healthy controls. The percentages of spontaneous and IL‐18–stimulated apoptotic lymphocytes correlated positively with clinical activity scores and serum IL‐18 levels for AOSD patients and SLE patients. The percentages of spontaneous and activation‐induced apoptotic PBLs significantly declined, paralleling clinical remission and the decrease in serum IL‐18 levels after effective therapy in AOSD patients. Up‐regulation of FasL and p53 transcripts was demonstrated in IL‐18–treated PBMCs from AOSD patients and SLE patients in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

The increased apoptosis of PBLs from AOSD patients may be associated with the effect of IL‐18 through up‐regulation of FasL and p53 transcripts.
Internal construct validity of the Oxford Knee Scale: Evidence from Rasch measurement
Authors: Conaghan Philip G. , Emerton Mark , Tennant Alan
Published: November 2007

Objective

Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) is present in 1 in 8 patients age >60 years and is associated with significant activity limitation. Several tools have been devised to assess knee problems. The goal of this study was to evaluate the Oxford Knee Scale (OKS) against strict modern psychometric standards through application of the Rasch measurement model.

Methods

A total of 224 OKS assessments were included from patients with a clinical diagnosis of knee OA. Data from the OKS were fitted to the Rasch measurement model. We examined the validity of the item scoring functions, the presence of item bias or differential item functioning, the fit of data to model expectations, and whether or not the item set formed a unidimensional scale, thus giving a valid summed score.

Results

The mean age of the 224 patients was 61 years (range 26–90) and 61.5% were women. After rescoring some items, the scale showed good fit to the Rasch model, with a chi‐square interaction statistic of 42.663 (36 df, P = 0.206). Overall targeting of the scale (to the patients) was good, with high reliability.

Conclusion

Data from the OKS were consistent with the expectations of the unrestricted (partial credit) derivation of the Rasch model. The targeting of the instrument shows good coverage of thresholds across the whole construct and has good reliability (internal consistency) with a high patient separation. Consequently, this scale can be used in confidence with the knowledge that it is a unidimensional scale largely free of bias.
A systematic review of secondary thromboprophylaxis in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Ruiz‐Irastorza Guillermo , Hunt Beverley J. , Khamashta Munther A.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To systematically review the efficacy and safety data of different therapeutic approaches in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and thrombosis.

Methods

The Medline database and references from selected reports and review articles were used. Randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and subgroup analysis (n > 15) that focused on the secondary thromboprophylaxis in patients with aPL were selected.

Results

Sixteen studies were selected. Patients with venous events and a single test for aPL showed a low recurrence rate while receiving oral anticoagulation at a target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.0–3.0. Patients with stroke and a single positive aPL test had no increased risk compared with those without aPL. Recurrence rates in patients with definite antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and previous venous thromboembolism were lower than in patients with arterial and/or recurrent events, both with and without therapy. Only 3.8% of recurrent events occurred at an actual INR >3.0. Mortality due to recurrent thrombosis was higher than mortality due to bleeding (18 patients versus 1 patient reported).

Conclusion

For patients with definite APS, we recommend prolonged warfarin therapy at a target INR of 2.0–3.0 in APS patients with first venous events and >3.0 for those with recurrent and/or arterial events. For patients with venous thromboembolism or stroke and a single positive aPL test, we recommend further testing to determine if they have a persisting antibody. If they do not, the same therapy as for the general population should be used (warfarin at a target INR of 2.0–3.0 and low‐dose aspirin, respectively).
Longitudinal assessment of synovial, lymph node, and bone volumes in inflammatory arthritis in mice by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and microfocal computed tomography
Authors: Proulx Steven T. , Kwok Edmund , You Zhigang , Papuga M. Owen , Beck Christopher A. , Shealy David J. , Ritchlin Christopher T. , Awad Hani A. , Boyce Brendan F. , Xing Lianping , Schwarz Edward M.
Published: November 2007

Objective

To develop longitudinal 3‐dimensional (3‐D) measures of outcomes of inflammation and bone erosion in murine arthritis using contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE‐MRI) and in vivo microfocal computed tomography (micro‐CT) and, in a pilot study, to determine the value of entry criteria based on age versus synovial volume in therapeutic intervention studies.

Methods

CE‐MRI and in vivo micro‐CT were performed on tumor necrosis factor–transgenic (TNF‐Tg) mice and their wild‐type littermates to quantify the synovial and popliteal lymph node volumes and the patella and talus bone volumes, respectively, which were validated histologically. These longitudinal outcome measures were used to assess the natural history of erosive inflammatory arthritis. We also performed anti‐TNF versus placebo efficacy studies in TNF‐Tg mice in which treatment was initiated according to either age (4–5 months) or synovial volume (3 mm3 as detected by CE‐MRI). Linear regression was performed to analyze the correlation between synovitis and focal erosion.

Results

CE‐MRI demonstrated the highly variable nature of TNF‐induced joint inflammation. Initiation of treatment by synovial volume produced significantly larger treatment effects on the synovial volume (P = 0.04) and the lymph node volume (P < 0.01) than did initiation by age. By correlating the MRI and micro‐CT data, we were able to demonstrate a significant relationship between changes in synovial and patellar volumes (R2 = 0.75, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

In vivo CE‐MRI and micro‐CT 3‐D outcome measures are powerful tools that accurately demonstrate the progression of erosive inflammatory arthritis in mice. These methods can be used to identify mice with arthritis of similar severity before intervention studies are initiated, thus minimizing heterogeneity in outcome studies of chronic arthritis seen between genetically identical littermates.