bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time to Consultation and Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drug Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis — Northern Alberta Perspective
Authors: NANJI JALAL A. , CHOI MAY , FERRARI ROBERT , LYDDELL CHRISTOPHER , RUSSELL ANTHONY S. 
Published: February 2012

Objective.To determine the timeliness of consultation and initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) referred to rheumatologists.Methods.The first part of the study was a review of the charts of 151 patients with RA followed by 3 rheumatologists. The outcome measure was the interval between symptom onset and consultation with a rheumatologist. The second part of the study involved a chart review of 4 family physician practices in a small urban center in order to determine the accuracy of diagnostic coding (International Classification of Diseases; ICD-9) of RA, as well as the proportion of patients with RA seen by a rheumatologist. Finally, a survey was sent to primary care physicians at a group of walk-in clinics to determine what percentage of their patients with RA were referred to a rheumatologist and, concerning referral patterns, how likely it is they would refer a confirmed or suspected RA patient to a rheumatologist.Results.Patients with RA referred to rheumatologists in this sample were seen by a rheumatologist at a mean of 9.8 months (median 5 mo, range 0–129 mo) after symptom onset, and mean 1.2 months (median 4.0 mo, range 0–8 mo) after being referred by their primary care physician. All referred patients with confirmed RA were started on DMARD within 1 week of initial consultation. Primary care physicians would refer suspected RA patients 99.5% of the time (median 100, range 90–100%), and 87.6% (median 90, range 50–100%) of patients with confirmed RA would have seen a rheumatologist at least once. A chart review showed that, in a select group of family physicians, 70.9% (22/31) of patients coded as RA per the ICD-9 did indeed have RA and all had seen a rheumatologist for their condition.Conclusion.In Northern Alberta, patients with RA are seen and started on DMARD therapy in a timely fashion. Most of the delay is at the primary care level, suggesting a need for improved education of patients and primary care physicians rather than a formal triage system.
Relationship Between Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Gene Polymorphism and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus/Lupus Nephritis: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis
Authors: ZHOU TIAN-BIAO , LIU YUN-GUANG , LIN NA , QIN YUAN-HAN , HUANG KEN , SHAO MING-BIN , PENG DAN-DAN 
Published: February 2012

Objective.Results from studies of the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/lupus nephritis (LN) are controversial. We performed this metaanalysis to evaluate the relationship between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SLE/LN and to explore whether theACED allele or DD genotype could become a predictive marker for risk of SLE/LN.Methods.Association studies were identified from the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) as of May 1, 2011, and eligible investigations were synthesized using a metaanalysis method. Results were expressed with OR for dichotomous data, and 95% CI were calculated.Results.Sixteen investigations were identified for the analysis of association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SLE, consisting of 1959 patients with SLE and 2078 controls. In the overall populations, there was a marked association between D allele or DD genotype and SLE susceptibility (D: OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04–1.58, p = 0.02; DD: OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.17–2.19, p = 0.003), and DD homozygous was associated with LN risk (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.26–6.11, p = 0.01). In the subgroup analysis, DD genotype associated with SLE risk was observed in Asians; no other association was found in Asians, whites, Africans, and Brazilians.Conclusion.D allele and DD homozygous are significant genetic molecular markers to predict SLE susceptibility, and DD genotype is a valuable marker to predict the LN risk. More investigations are required to clarify the association of the D allele or DD homozygous with SLE/LN susceptibility.
Assessing the Performance of the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score at Diagnosis for Children with Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Vasculitis in A Registry for Childhood Vasculitis (ARChiVe)
Authors: MORISHITA KIMBERLY , LI SUZANNE C. , MUSCAL EYAL , SPALDING STEVEN , GUZMAN JAIME , URIBE AMERICA , ABRAMSON LESLIE , BASZIS KEVIN , BENSELER SUSANNE , BOWYER SUZANNE , CAMPILLO SARAH , CHIRA PETER , HERSH AIMEE O. , HIGGINS GLORIA , EBERHARD ANNE , EDE KALEO , IMUNDO LISA , JUNG LAWRENCE , KIM SUSAN , KINGSBURY DANIEL J. , KLEIN-GITELMAN MARISA , LAWSON ERICA F. , LOVELL DANIEL J. , MASON THOMAS , McCURDY DEBORAH , NANDA KABITA , NASSI LORIEN , O’NEIL KATHLEEN M. , RABINOVICH EGLA , RAMSEY SUZANNE E. , REIFF ANDREAS , ROSENKRANZ MARGALIT , SCHIKLER KENNETH , STEVENS ANNE , WAHEZI DAWN , CABRAL DAVID A. 
Published: February 2012

Objective.There are no validated tools for measuring disease activity in pediatric vasculitis. The Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) is a valid disease activity tool in adult vasculitis. Version 3 (BVAS v.3) correlates well with physician’s global assessment (PGA), treatment decision, and C-reactive protein in adults. The utility of BVAS v.3 in pediatric vasculitis is not known. We assessed the association of BVAS v.3 scores with PGA, treatment decision, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at diagnosis in pediatric antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV).Methods.Children with AAV diagnosed between 2004 and 2010 at all ARChiVe centers were eligible. BVAS v.3 scores were calculated with a standardized online tool (www.vasculitis.org). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rs) was used to test the strength of association between BVAS v.3 and PGA, treatment decision, and ESR.Results.A total of 152 patients were included. The physician diagnosis of these patients was predominantly granulomatosis with polyangiitis (n = 99). The median BVAS v.3 score was 18.0 (range 0–40). The BVAS v.3 correlations were rs = 0.379 (95% CI 0.233 to 0.509) with PGA, rs = 0.521 (95% CI 0.393 to 0.629) with treatment decision, and rs = 0.403 (95% CI 0.253 to 0.533) with ESR.Conclusion.Applied to children with AAV, BVAS v.3 had a weak correlation with PGA and moderate correlation with both ESR and treatment decision. Prospective evaluation of BVAS v.3 and/or pediatric-specific modifications to BVAS v.3 may be required before it can be formalized as a disease activity assessment tool in pediatric AAV.
Performance of the Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Society Classification for Axial and Peripheral Spondyloarthritis in an Established Clinical Cohort: Comparison with Criteria Sets of Amor and the European Spondylarthropathy Study Group
Authors: CHEUNG PETER P. , PATERNOTTE SIMON , BURKI VINCENT , DURNEZ ANNE , ELHAI MURIEL , FABREGUET ISABELLE , KOUMAKIS EUGENIE , MEYER MAGALI , PAYET JUDITH , ROURE FANNY , DOUGADOS MAXIME , GOSSEC LAURE 
Published: February 2012

Objective.To evaluate the performance of the Assessment in Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria (axial or peripheral) against the Amor and European Spondylarthropathy Study Group criteria in established spondyloarthritis (SpA).Methods.Rheumatologist-diagnosed patients with SpA were retrospectively classified according to the different criteria sets. Clinical characteristics of patients fulfilling all 3 criteria were compared with those who did not, by nonparametric statistics.Results.ASAS classified 90% of the 231 patients, with 169 (73%) fulfilling all 3 criteria sets. Multivariate analysis showed the 62 patients not fulfilling all criteria sets were older at symptom onset (p < 0.001) and less likely to have inflammatory back pain (p < 0.001), peripheral arthritis (p < 0.001), or elevated C-reactive protein levels (p = 0.034).Conclusion.ASAS criteria can be used in established disease.
Changes of serum VEGF concentration after intravitreal injection of Avastin in treatment of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Davidović Sofija P. , Nikolić Stanislava V. , Ćurić Nikola J. , Latinović Slobodanka L.J. , Drašković Dragan O. , Čabarkapa Velibor S. , Stošić Zoran Z. 
Published: February 2012

Purpose Avastin (bevacizumab) intravitreal injections are widely used for treatment of diabetic retinopathy. The aim of our study was to analyze effect of 1.25 mg of intravitreal Avastin on serum concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diabetic patients. Methods Participants were 10 diabetic patients on insulin therapy, without any other eye or systemic disease, and no kidney disfunction. Both eyes of diabetic patients were injected simultaneously with 1.25 mg of intravitreal Avastin, as a first step in treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with clinically significant macular edema (4 patients), and of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (6 patients). Fluorescein angiography was performed prior to and laser therapy followed 1 month after Avastin treatment. VEGF concentration in patients serum was measured by ELISA technique: on the day of the Avastin administration, and 1, 7, and 28 days after intravitreal injection. Results In all analyzed participants, 24 hours after Avastin treatment, serum levels of VEGF were lower then basal (preinjection value). Maximal reduction of serum VEGF was noted on the 7th postoperative day. Twenty-eight days after, VEGF level in serum was raised, without completely reaching basal preoperative concentrations in most patients. Conclusions Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs have an effect on decreasing systemic VEGF values. Rhythm of changes in serum VEGF concentrations and lowest detected concentration on the seventh postinjection day are according to pharmacokinetics of Avastin in serum and vitreous, reported by similar studies. The small number of patients involved in this pilot study implicates the need for further studies.
The Treatment of Early-Stage Germ Cell Tumors of the Testis (GCTT)
Authors: Salvioni Roberto , Nicolai Nicola , Necchi Andrea , Torelli Tullio , Piva Luigi , Stagni Silvia , Catanzaro Mario Achille , Biasoni Davide , Milani Angelo , Colecchia Maurizio , Spreafico Carlo , Morosi Carlo , Marchianò Alfonso , Crippa Flavio 
Published: February 2012

The treatment of tumors of the testis represents an ideal model of care for cancer. Many different, intersecting strategies are available for managing germ-cell cancers, particularly in the early-stage disease. Which is ‘right’ remains a matter of debate, and requires balancing efficacy against late effects, bearing in mind the complexity of treatment strategies and the available expertise. The cornerstone of this model of success is linked to the quality and appropriateness of care. The current therapeutic strategy is very complex (Fig. 1). High-tech surgery, medical oncology and radiotherapy are involved at various levels of diagnostic techniques of the latest generation. The choice of therapy, alone or integrated, is often influenced by prognostic factors. In this article we will examine the important points and sometimes the subject of controversy in both diagnosis and treatment of these early-stage tumors (Clinical Stage I: disease confined to the testis; Clinical Stage IIA: retroperitoneal lymph nodes <2 cm).
Effects of infertility, pregnancy loss, and patient concerns on family size of women with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Clowse Megan E. B. , Chakravarty Eliza , Costenbader Karen H. , Chambers Christina , Michaud Kaleb 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectiveWomen with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have fewer children on average than other women. We sought to determine the roles of infertility, pregnancy loss, and personal choice on family size in women with these diseases.MethodsA reproductive history questionnaire was completed by women with RA and SLE participating in a longitudinal observational study. Within each disease cohort, participants were divided into 3 groups: those interested in having children at symptom onset who had either fewer children than planned (group A) or the same number as planned (group B), and those no longer interested in having children at diagnosis (group C).ResultsOf the 578 RA and 114 SLE women surveyed, >60% were in group C. Of those interested in having children, 55% with RA and 64% with SLE had fewer children than originally planned. Among women with RA, group A had 1 less pregnancy, 1 less live birth, and an infertility rate 1.5 times higher than group B; the miscarriage rate was similar in both groups. Compared to SLE group B, SLE group A had a similar number of pregnancies, but a 3‐fold higher rate of miscarriage and 1 less live birth. Concerns about child health and personal welfare were associated with a lower pregnancy rate.ConclusionIn this population, more than one‐half of young women with RA or SLE had fewer biologic children than desired. While patient choice plays a role, infertility in RA patients and miscarriage in SLE patients are also important.
Exciton‐Charge Annihilation in Organic Semiconductor Films
Authors: Hodgkiss Justin M. , Albert‐Seifried Sebastian , Rao Akshay , Barker Alex J. , Campbell Andrew R. , Marsh R. Alex , Friend Richard H. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTime‐resolved optical spectroscopy is used to investigate exciton‐charge annihilation reactions in blended films of organic semiconductors. In donor–acceptor blends where charges are photogenerated via excitons, pulsed optical excitation can deliver a sufficient density of temporally overlapping excitons and charges for them to interact. Transient absorption spectroscopy measurements demonstrate clear signatures of exciton‐charge annihilation reactions at excitation densities of ≈1018 cm−3. The strength of exciton‐charge annihilation is consistent with a resonant energy transfer mechanism between fluorescent excitons and resonantly absorbing charges, which is shown to generally be strong in organic semiconductors. The extent of exciton‐charge annihilation is very sensitive not only to fluence but also to blend morphology, becoming notably strong in donor–acceptor blends with nanomorphologies optimized for photovoltaic operation. The results highlight both the value of transient optical spectroscopy to interrogate exciton‐charge annihilation reactions and the need to recognize and account for annihilation reactions in other transient optical investigations of organic semiconductors.
Facile Synthesis of Monodisperse Mesoporous Zirconium Titanium Oxide Microspheres with Varying Compositions and High Surface Areas for Heavy Metal Ion Sequestration
Authors: Chen Dehong , Cao Lu , Hanley Tracey L. , Caruso Rachel A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMonodisperse mesoporous zirconium titanium oxide microspheres with varying compositions (Zr content from 0 to 100%), high surface areas (up to 413 m2/g) and well‐interconnected mesopores are synthesized via a combined sol–gel self‐assembly and solvothermal process. Surface areas, pore diameters, crystallinity and mesostructures of the products are controlled by changing the composition of the microspheres. The resulting mesoporous microspheres are tested as adsorbents to remove Cr (VI) anions from solution and the binary oxides show very high adsorption capacities (>25.40 mg/g, that is 0.49 mmol/g) in contrast to previously reported oxides (4.25 mg/g for TiO2, 4.47 mg/g for α‐Fe2O3, 5.8 mg/g for CeO2). The maximum adsorption capacities of the mesoporous microspheres of varying compositions correlate with the amount of surface hydroxyl groups on the materials. A maximum adsorption capacity of 29.46 mg/g (0.57 mmol/g) is achieved on the microspheres containing 30% Zr due to abundant active hydroxyl groups for heavy metal ion adsorption. Owing to their integrated features (including variable compositions, high specific surface area, tunable pore size and monodisperse grain size) as well as specific acid‐base surface properties, such mesoporous zirconium titanium oxide microspheres are also expected to have potential either as catalysts or catalyst supports for industrial applications.
MHC‐dependent mate choice in humans: Why genomic patterns from the HapMap European American dataset support the hypothesis
Authors: Laurent Romain , Chaix Raphaëlle 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in mate choice in humans is controversial. Nowadays, the availability of genetic variation data at genomic scales allows for a careful assessment of this question. In 2008, Chaix et al. reported evidence for MHC‐dependent mate choice among European American spouses from the HapMap 2 dataset. Recently, Derti et al. suggested that this observation was not robust. Furthermore, when Derti et al. applied similar analyses to the HapMap 3 European American samples, they did not see a significant effect. Although some of the points raised by Derti et al. are relevant, we disagree with the reported absence of evidence for MHC‐dependent mate choice within the HapMap samples. More precisely, we show here that the MHC dissimilarity among HapMap 3 European American spouses is still extreme in comparison to the rest of the genome, even after multiple testing correction. This finding supports the hypothesis of MHC‐dependent mate choice in some human populations.
Development and validation of automated SPE‐HPLC‐MS/MS methods for the quantification of asenapine, a new antipsychotic agent, and its two major metabolites in human urine
Authors: de Boer Theo , Meulman Erik , Meijering Henri , Wieling Jaap , Dogterom Peter , Lass Holger 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTTo support the evaluation of the pharmacokinetic parameters of asenapine (ASE) in urine, we developed and validated online solid‐phase extraction high‐performance liquid chromatography methods with tandem mass spectrometry detection (SPE‐LC‐MS/MS) for the quantification of ASE and two of its major metabolites, N‐desmethylasenapine (DMA) and asenapine‐N+‐glucuronide (ASG). The linearity in human urine was found acceptable for quantification in a concentration range of 0.500–100 ng/mL for ASE and DMA and 10.0–3000 ng/mL for ASG, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethnobotany, Chemistry, and Biological Activities of the Genus Tithonia (Asteraceae)
Authors: Chagas‐Paula Daniela A. , Oliveira Rejane B. , Rocha Bruno A. , Da Costa Fernando B. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe genus Tithonia is an important source of diverse natural products, particularly sesquiterpene lactones, diterpenes, and flavonoids. The collected information in this review attempts to summarize the recent developments in the ethnobotany, biological activities, and secondary metabolite chemistry of this genus. More than 100 structures of natural products from Tithonia are reported in this review. The species that has been most investigated in this genus is T. diversifolia, from which ca. 150 compounds were isolated. Biological studies are described to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, antimalarial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, vasorelaxant, cancer‐chemopreventive, cytotoxic, toxicological, bioinsecticide, and repellent activities. A few of these studies have been carried out with isolated compounds from Tithonia species, but the majority has been conducted with different extracts. The relationship between the biological activity and the toxicity of compounds isolated from the plants of this genus as well as T. diversifolia extracts still remains unclear, and mechanisms of action remain to be determined.
2,5‐Diketopiperazines from the Marine‐Derived Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus YK‐7
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Zhan‐Lin , Bai Jiao , Zhang Li‐Min , Wu Xin , Zhang Lin , Pei Yue‐Hu , Jing Yong‐Kui , Hua Hui‐Ming 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFive new diketopiperazines, prenylcyclotryprostatin B (1), 20‐hydroxycyclotryprostatin B (2), 9‐hydroxyfumitremorgin C (3), 6‐hydroxytryprostatin B (4), and spirogliotoxin (5), were isolated from the marine‐derived fungus Aspergillus fumigatus YK‐7, along with nine known compounds, 6–14. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and their antiproliferative effects on human leukemic monocyte lymphoma U937 and human prostate cancer PC‐3 cell lines were assessed in vitro. Compounds 10, 12, and 13 exhibited significant cell growth‐inhibitory activities against U937 cell line, with the IC50 values of 1.8, 0.2, and 0.5 μM, respectively.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Secondary Metabolite Profiles in Ginkgo biloba Leaves
Authors: Kaur Pushpinder , Chaudhary Abha , Singh Rakesh Deosharan , Gopichand  , Prasad Ramdeen , Singh Bikram 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTerpene trilactones (TTLs) are the main bioactive constituents of Ginkgo biloba used for the preparation of drugs for several ailments. Flavonoid glycosides (FGs) are the significant group of compounds found in Ginkgo leaves used in food and healthcare products. The variation in the content of bioactive constituents, as well as antioxidant activity, with respect to change in altitude and the time of sample collection was investigated. The amount of TTLs varied from 0.218–0.709% w/w, whereas FGs were observed in the range of 0.130–0.209% w/w. Ginkgolides J and A showed significant variation (p≤0.05) with the change in altitude, while other components remained more or less unaffected. The amount of TTLs and FGs were not affected significantly by the time of sample collection. The antioxidant capacity (by using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) of ginkgo extracts was highly dependent on the altitude, and was at maximum in the samples collected from 1000–2000 m, followed by the samples collected from altitudes lower than 1000 m and higher than 2000 m. Thus, Ginkgo harvested from 1000–2000 m of altitudinal range irrespective of the season could provide better nutraceutical formulations, whereas that from below 1000 m may yield a terpene trilactone‐enriched fraction.
Studies on the Secondary Metabolites of a Pseudoalteromonas sp. Isolated from Sediments Collected at the Northeastern Coast of Brazil
Authors: Arthaud Isabelle D. B. , Rodrigues Felipe A. R. , Jimenez Paula C. , Montenegro Raquel C. , Angelim Alysson L. , Maciel Vânia M. M. , Silveira Edilberto R. , Freitas Hozana P. S. , Sousa Thiciana S. , Pessoa Otília D. L. , Lotufo Tito M. C. , Costa‐Lotufo Letícia V. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractContinuing search for anticancer compounds from the marine environment, we have studied microorganisms that inhabit intertidal sediments of the northeastern Brazilian coast. Of the 32 strains isolated, 13 were selected for biological evaluation of their crude extracts. The acetate extract obtained from a Gram‐negative bacterium was strongly active against cancer cell lines with IC50 values that ranged from 0.04 (HL60 leukemia cells) to 0.26 μg/ml (MDA MB‐435 melanoma cells). The bacterium was identified as a Pseudoalteromonas sp. based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A bioassay‐guided fractionation of the active extract led to the isolation of prodigiosin, a well‐known tripyrrole red pigment with immunosuppressive and anticancer activities. Further experiments with ErbB‐2 overexpressing cell lines, including HB4a‐C3.6 (moderate overexpression), HB4a‐C5.2 (high overexpression), and the parental HB4a cell line, were performed. Prodigiosin was moderately active toward HB4a cells with an IC50 of 4.6 μg/ml, while it was 115 and 18 times more active toward HB4a‐C3.6 cells (IC50 of 0.04 μg/ml) and HB4a‐C5.2 (IC50 of 0.26 μg/ml) cells, respectively. These data suggest that, in spite of its previously described apoptosis‐inducing properties, prodigiosin can selectively recognize cells overexpressing ErbB‐2, which could be highly appealing in human breast cancer therapy.