bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Clinical Response and Radiographic Progression in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Methotrexate Monotherapy
Authors: DROUIN JULIE , HARAOUI BOULOS 
Published: May 2010

Objective.To determine through a systematic literature search the predictors of clinical response and radiographic progression in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy.Methods.A systematic literature search using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, in May 2008, and review of abstracts of the annual congresses of the American College of Rheumatology (2006–2007) and the European League Against Rheumatism (2002–2007) was performed, as part of a national initiative to develop guidelines for the use of MTX in RA.Results.Nine studies fulfilled the criteria set for this literature search. Male sex, low disease activity measured by composite scores (DAS or SDAI), and nonutilization of prior DMARD were predictive of good clinical response to MTX. Patients with early RA who are rheumatoid factor-positive and smokers tend to have lower response. However, this last association has not been found for patients with established disease. High disease activity before introduction of MTX monotherapy and higher activity during followup at 3 months is a predictor of more severe radiographic progression.Conclusion.Among factors found to be predictive of clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with RA treated with MTX, no factor was found to have a high predictive value. Variability in efficacy measures and statistical tests made it difficult to compare results. Followup of disease activity after 3 to 6 months of treatment seems to be a better and more useful predictor than baseline patient characteristics.
Clinical Significance of Serum Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Angiopoietin-1, and Angiopoietin-2 in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: KUROSAKA DAITARO , HIRAI KENICHIRO , NISHIOKA MAKIKO , MIYAMOTO YUKIO , YOSHIDA KEN , NODA KENTARO , UKICHI TARO , YANAGIMACHI MAIMI , FURUYA KAZUHIRO , TAKAHASHI EIGO , KINGETSU ISAMU , FUKUDA KUNIHIKO , YAMADA AKIO 
Published: May 2010

Objective.To evaluate the clinical significance of serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.The subjects were 70 patients with RA. Serum VEGF, Ang-1, and Ang-2 levels were determined by ELISA. As indices of disease activity, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-3 were examined, and the 28-joint count Disease Activity Score (DAS28)-CRP was calculated. Power Doppler ultrasonography was performed in the bilateral wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees and ankles. The synovial blood flow signals were scored using a 3-grade scale (0–2), and the total of the scores in the 10 joints was regarded as the total signal score (TSS).Results.Serum VEGF level showed significant correlations with serum CRP and MMP-3 levels, DAS28-CRP, and TSS. Serum Ang-1 level showed significant correlations with serum MMP-3 level and DAS28-CRP. Serum Ang-2 level showed significant correlations with serum CRP level and TSS.Conclusion.The serum VEGF level is important as an index of the activity of RA based on angiogenesis and a prognostic factor regarding joint destruction. Serum Ang-1 level may be useful as an index of sustained arthritis based on the maintenance of newly formed vessels. Serum Ang-2 level may reflect a state of marked angiogenesis.
Systematic Monitoring of Disease Activity Using an Outcome Measure Improves Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: KATCHAMART WANRUCHADA , BOMBARDIER CLAIRE 
Published: May 2010

Objective.To systematically review the literature on the value of outcome measures to monitor treatment response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.Canadian rheumatologists participating in the International 3e (evidence expertise exchange) Initiative formulated the question “Which parameters should be recommended for use in the management of RA patients to assess a clinically meaningful response in clinical practice?”. Searches in 3 electronic databases, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, yielded no relevant study addressing this question. Experts in the field proposed to extrapolate evidence from 3 randomized controlled trials of systematic monitoring or tight control strategy in the management of RA.Results.Three studies were included in this review. The TICORA study showed that intensive management using systematic monitoring with the Disease Activity Score (DAS) aiming at least low disease activity, monthly followup, and more aggressive disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment improves outcomes with higher remission rates (65% vs 16%; p < 0.0001). Fransen,et aldemonstrated that targeted therapy aimed at low disease activity (DAS28 < 3.2) led to more changes in DMARD treatment, resulting in a larger number of patients with low disease activity (31% vs 16%; p = 0.028). The CAMERA study showed that systematic monitoring using the objective computer decision program evaluation and monthly followup yielded a greater remission rate (50% vs 37%; p = 0.0001).Conclusion.Systematic monitoring of disease activity, aiming for at least low disease activity, and frequent followup improves outcome in RA.
Uncoupling of Collagen II Metabolism in Newly Diagnosed, Untreated Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Linked to Inflammation and Antibodies Against Cyclic Citrullinated Peptides
Authors: CHRISTENSEN ANNE FRIESGAARD , HØRSLEV-PETERSEN KIM , CHRISTGAU STEPHAN , LINDEGAARD HANNE MERETE , LOTTENBURGER TINE , JUNKER KIRSTEN , HETLAND MERETE LUND , STENGAARD-PEDERSEN KRISTIAN , JACOBSEN SØREN , ELLINGSEN TORKELL , ANDERSEN LIS SMEDEGAARD , HANSEN IB , SKJØDT HENRIK , PEDERSEN JENS KRISTIAN , LAURIDSEN ULRIK BIRK , SVENDSEN ANDERS JØRGEN , TARP ULRIK , PØDENPHANT JAN , HEEGAARD NIELS H.H. , VESTERGAARD AAGE , JURIK ANNE GRETHE , ØSTERGAARD MIKKEL , JUNKER PETER 
Published: May 2010

Objective.To investigate the relationship between markers of collagen II synthesis and degradation with disease activity measures, autoantibodies, and radiographic outcomes in a 4-year protocol on patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are naïve to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.Methods.One hundred sixty patients with newly diagnosed, untreated RA entered the Cyclosporine, Methotrexate, Steroid in RA (CIMESTRA) trial. Disease activity and radiograph status were measured at baseline and 4 years. The N-terminal propeptide of collagen IIA (PIIANP) and the cross-linked C-telopeptide of collagen II (CTX-II) were quantified at baseline by ELISA. PIIANP was also assayed at 2 and 4 years. Anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) was recorded at baseline. An uncoupling index for cartilage collagen metabolism was calculated from PIIANP and CTX-II measurements.Results.PIIANP was low at diagnosis and 4 years on (p < 0.001), irrespective of treatment and disease activity. PIIANP was lowest in anti-CCP positive patients (p = 0.006), and there was a negative correlation between PIIANP and anti-CCP titers (ρ = −0.25, p 0.002). CTX-II was increased (p < 0.001) and correlated positively with disease activity and radiographic progression, but not with anti-CCP (p = 0.93). The uncoupling index was not superior to CTX-II in predicting radiographic changes.Conclusion.These results suggest that cartilage collagen formation and degradation are unbalanced when RA is diagnosed. The different associations of collagen II anabolism (PIIANP) and collagen II degradation (CTX-II) with anti-CCP, synovitis, and radiographic progression indicate that at this early stage of RA, cartilage collagen degradation is mainly driven by synovitis, while anti-CCP antibodies may interfere with cartilage regeneration by inhibiting collagen IIA formation. Trial registration j.nr NCT00209859.
Androgens and Integrins in Salivary Glands in Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: POROLA PAULIINA , LAINE MIKAEL , VIRTANEN ISMO , PÖLLÄNEN RAIMO , PRZYBYLA BEATA D. , KONTTINEN YRJÖ T. 
Published: May 2010

Objective.Laminin α1-chain normally induces intercalated duct progenitors to differentiate to acinar cells through integrin (INT) α1ß1 and α2ß1 receptors. Maintenance of acinar cells is impaired in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), which is also characterized by low levels of serum and salivary androgens. We hypothesized that androgens normally support salivary gland remodeling by upregulating either laminin α1 chain or its cellular α1 or α2 INT subunit-containing receptors.Methods.Intercalated duct and acinar human salivary gland (HSG) cells and labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsies from healthy controls and patients with SS were cultured without or with sex steroids. Laminin α1 chain and INT α1 and α2 subunits were studied using quantitative reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction and INT α1 and α2 subunits using immunofluorescence staining.Results.INT α1-subunit and α2-subunit messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were increased in intercalated duct and acinar cells by DHEA and testosterone. In contrast, laminin α1-chain mRNA levels were not affected. The upregulating effect of DHEA on INT subunits was also seen at the protein level. DHEA also increased mRNA levels of both INT subunits in healthy but not SS LSG.Conclusion.Androgens increased INT α1 and α2 subunits in tubuloepithelial cells and in healthy LSG, but in SS salivary glands this androgen regulation was defective, which is likely to contribute to defective outside-in signaling, acinar atrophy, and ductal cell hyperplasia.
Golimumab for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: SINGH JASVINDER A. , NOORBALOOCHI SHAHRZAD , SINGH GURKIRPAL 
Published: May 2010

Objective.To perform a Cochrane systematic review of benefit (American College of Rheumatology 50% improvement criteria; ACR50) and safety (adverse events and withdrawals) of golimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), OVID Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Science Citation Index (Web of Science), and Current Controlled Trials databases for randomized or controlled clinical trials of golimumab compared to placebo or disease-modifying antirheumatic drug in adults with RA. Two authors independently selected appropriate studies and abstracted study characteristics and safety and efficacy data and performed risk-of-bias assessment. We calculated mean differences for continuous measures, and relative risks for categorical measures.Results.Four randomized controlled trials with 1231 golimumab-treated and 483 placebo-treated patients were included. Of these, 436 were treated with golimumab at 50 mg every 4 weeks [a dosage approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)]. At an average of 4–6 months, compared to patients treated with placebo and methotrexate (MTX), patients treated with the FDA-approved dosage of golimumab and MTX were 2.6 times more likely to reach ACR50 (p = 0.005, 95% CI 1.3, 4.9; absolute percentage, 38% vs 15%) and 0.5 times as likely to have overall withdrawals (p = 0.005, 95% CI 0.3, 0.8; absolute percentage, 5% vs 10%). Golimumab-treated patients were significantly more likely than those taking placebo to achieve remission (22% vs 4%; p < 0.00001), and to have improvement in functional ability on the Health Assessment questionnaire [0.2 points lower (p < 0.00001, 95% CI 0.25, 0.15); absolute risk difference, −20% (95% CI −25% to −15%); relative percentage difference, −11% (95% CI −14% to −8.3%)]. The studies were too small and short to be powered sufficiently for safety outcomes, but no substantive statistically significant differences were noted between golimumab and placebo regarding adverse events, serious adverse events, infections, serious infections, lung infections, tuberculosis, cancer, withdrawals due to adverse events, and withdrawals due to inefficacy and deaths.Conclusion.At the approved dosage, in patients with active RA taking background MTX, golimumab is significantly more beneficial than placebo. The short-term safety profile is reasonable. Longterm surveillance studies are needed for safety assessment.
Functionalization Strategies for Protease Immobilization on Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Dan , Teoh Wey Yang , Gooding J. Justin , Selomulya Cordelia , Amal Rose 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA comprehensive study on the general functionalization strategies for magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is presented in this work. Using well‐established techniques as well as modified protocols, the wide range of functional moieties grafted on γ‐Fe2O3 (maghemite) nanosurfaces include those of amine, aldehyde, carboxylic, epoxy, mercapto, and maleimide ends. Among the modified protocols are the one‐step water‐catalyzed silanization with mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, resulting in dense distal thiols, and the direct functionalization with a heterogeneous bifunctional linker N‐[p‐maleimidophenyl]isocynanate (PMPI). The former results in a protective Stöber type coating while simultaneously reducing the iron oxide core to magnetite (Fe3O4). The conjugation of trypsin, hereby chosen as model biomolecule, onto the differently functionalized MNPs is further demonstrated and assessed based on its activity, kinetics, and thermo‐/long‐term stability as well as reusability. Besides aqueous stability and ease in recovery by magnetic separation, the immobilized trypsin on MNPs offers superior protease durability and reusability, without compromising the substrate specificity and sequence coverage of free trypsin. The MNP‐based proteases can be used as valuable carriers in proteomics and miniaturized total analysis devices. The applicability of the functional surfaces devised in the current study is also relevant for the conjugation of other biomolecules beyond trypsin.
Positively Charged Iridium(III) Triazole Derivatives as Blue Emitters for Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Mydlak Mathias , Bizzarri Claudia , Hartmann David , Sarfert Wiebke , Schmid Günter , De Cola Luisa 
Published: May 2010

AbstractCationic blue‐emitting complexes with (2,4‐difluoro)phenylpyridine and different 1,2,3‐triazole ligands are synthesized with different counterions. The influence of the substituents on the triazole ligand is investigated as well as the influence of the counterions. The substituents do not change the emission energy but, in some cases, slightly modify the excited‐state lifetimes and the emission quantum yields. The excited‐state lifetimes, in apolar solvents, are slightly dependent on the nature of the counterion. A crystal structure of one of the compounds confirms the geometry and symmetry postulated on the basis of the other spectroscopic data. Light‐emitting electrochemical cell devices are prepared and the recorded emission is the bluest with the fastest response time ever reported for iridium complexes.
Characterization of population structure from the mitochondrial DNA vis‐à‐vis language and geography in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Lee Esther J. , Koki George , Merriwether D. Andrew 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSituated along a corridor linking the Asian continent with the outer islands of the Pacific, Papua New Guinea has long played a key role in understanding the initial peopling of Oceania. The vast diversity in languages and unique geographical environments in the region have been central to the debates on human migration and the degree of interaction between the Pleistocene settlers and newer migrants. To better understand the role of Papua New Guinea in shaping the region's prehistory, we sequenced the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region of three populations, a total of 94 individuals, located in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. We analyzed these samples with a large data set of Oceania populations to examine the role of geography and language in shaping population structure within New Guinea and between the region and Island Melanesia. Our results from median‐joining networks, star‐cluster age estimates, and population genetic analyses show that while highland New Guinea populations seem to be the oldest settlers, there has been significant gene flow within New Guinea with little influence from geography or language. The highest genetic division is between Papuan speakers of New Guinea versus East Papuan speakers located outside of mainland New Guinea. Our study supports the weak language barriers to genetic structuring among populations in close contact and highlights the complexity of understanding the genetic histories of Papua New Guinea in association with language and geography. Am J Phys Anthropol 142:613–624, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pectin‐based polymer hydrogel as a carrier for release of agricultural nutrients and removal of heavy metals from wastewater
Authors: Guilherme Marcos R. , Reis Adriano V. , Paulino Alexandre T. , Moia Thais A. , Mattoso Luiz H.C. , Tambourgi Elias B. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA pectin‐based hydrogel was used as a remover of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from water and wastewater and in the release of phosphate, potassium, and urea. The swelling studies in either aqueous or saline solutions were analyzed at different pressures, and the prediction of profile of water and solute transports was further analyzed on basis of transport process by diffusion in swellable polymer networks. The hydrogel composed of 0.10 g mL−1 final polymer concentration showed an excellent absorption capacity for removal of Cu2+ and Pb2+ from the solution: 120 mg Cu2+ and 130 mg Pb2+ per g hydrogel, both at pH 5.5. The hydrogel help to conserve water in a pressure range in which a variety of horticultural plants can absorb it. The release process of urea, phosphate, and potassium from the hydrogels is controlled by non‐Fickian mechanism with a tendency to macromolecular relaxation. This type of hydrogel is an interesting system for applications in which the efficient use of water is required and release of fertilizers for agriculture. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Twitter use by the U.S. Congress
Authors: Golbeck Jennifer , Grimes Justin M. , Rogers Anthony 
Published: May 2010

AbstractTwitter is a microblogging and social networking service with millions of members and growing at a tremendous rate. With the buzz surrounding the service have come claims of its ability to transform the way people interact and share information and calls for public figures to start using the service. In this study, we are interested in the type of content that legislators are posting to the service, particularly by members of the United States Congress. We read and analyzed the content of over 6,000 posts from all members of Congress using the site. Our analysis shows that Congresspeople are primarily using Twitter to disperse information, particularly links to news articles about themselves and to their blog posts, and to report on their daily activities. These tend not to provide new insights into government or the legislative process or to improve transparency; rather, they are vehicles for self‐promotion. However, Twitter is also facilitating direct communication between Congresspeople and citizens, though this is a less popular activity. We report on our findings and analysis and discuss other uses of Twitter for legislators.
Project management educational software (ProMES)
Authors: Gregoriou George , Kirytopoulos Konstantinos , Kiriklidis Christos 
Published: May 2010

AbstractProMES (ProMES software is freely provided for academic purposes and can be downloaded from: simor.mech.ntua.gr/Kirytopoulos/promes.asp) fills the gap of educational software in training on basic tools of project management. It offers aid to trainees in project management positions or courses to understand how CPM, PERT, and RACI are used and enhances conditions for the acquisition of the required knowledge based on pedagogical approaches. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 46–59, 2013
Palladium Acetate Catalyzed Oxidative Aromatization of Methylenecyclopropanes
Authors: Jiang Min , Wei Yin , Shi Min 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIsopropenylbiaryl derivatives were produced in moderate to good yields at high temperature from the reaction of methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) 1 in the presence of palladium acetate under ambient atmosphere by tandem intramolecular C–H and C–C bond activation and aromatization through dehydrogenated rearrangement of MCPs 1. A plausible mechanism has been proposed on the basis of deuterium labeling and control experiments.
Linking serial residential burglary: comparing the utility of modus operandi behaviours, geographical proximity, and temporal proximity
Authors: Markson Lucy , Woodhams Jessica , Bond John W. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWhilst case linkage is used with serious forms of serial crime (e.g. rape and murder), the potential exists for it to be used with volume crime. This study replicates and extends previous research on the behavioural linking of burglaries. One hundred and sixty solved residential burglaries were sampled from a British police force. From these, 80 linked crime pairs (committed by the same serial offender) and 80 unlinked crime pairs (committed by two different serial offenders) were created. Following the methodology used by previous researchers, the behavioural similarity, geographical proximity, and temporal proximity of linked crime pairs were compared with those of unlinked crime pairs. Geographical and temporal proximity possessed a high degree of predictive accuracy in distinguishing linked from unlinked pairs as assessed by logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses. Comparatively, other traditional modus operandi behaviours showed less potential for linkage. Whilst personality psychology literature has suggested we might expect to find a relationship between temporal proximity and behavioural consistency, such a relationship was not observed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vertical distribution of soil properties under short‐rotation forestry in Northern Germany
Authors: Kahle Petra , Baum Christel , Boelcke Barbara , Kohl Josefine , Ulrich Roland 
Published: May 2010

AbstractShort‐rotation forestry (SRF) on arable soils has high potentials for biomass production and leads to long‐term no‐tillage management. In the present study, the vertical distributions of soil chemical and microbial properties after 15 y of SRF with willows and poplar (Salix and Populus spp.) in 3‐ and 6‐year rotations on an arable soil were measured and compared to a pertinent tilled arable site. Two transects at different positions in the relief (upper and lower slope; transect 1 and 2) were investigated. Short‐rotation forestry caused significant changes in the vertical distribution of all investigated soil properties (organic and microbial C, total and microbial N, soil enzyme activities), however, the dimension and location (horizons) of significant effects varied. The rotation periods affected the vertical distribution of the soil properties within the SRF significantly. In transect 1, SRF had higher organic‐C concentrations in the subsoil (Bv horizon), whereas in transect 2, the organic‐C concentrations were increased predominantly in the topsoil (Ah horizon). Sufficient plant supply of P and K in combination with decreased concentrations of these elements in the subsoil under SRF pointed to an effective nutrient mobilization and transfer from the deeper soil horizons even in the long term. In transect 1, the microbial‐C concentrations were higher in the B and C horizons and in transect 2 in the A horizons under SRF than under arable use. The activities of β‐glucosidases and acid phosphatases in the soil were predominantly lower under SRF than under arable use in the topsoil and subsoil. We conclude, that long‐term SRF on arable sites can contribute to increased C sequestration and changes in the vertical distribution of soil microbial biomass and soil enzyme activities in the topsoil and also in the subsoil.