bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The sense of smell in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shoenfeld Netta , Agmon‐Levin Nancy , Flitman‐Katzevman Iveta , Paran Daphna , Katz Bat‐Sheva Porat , Kivity Shaye , Langevitz Pnina , Zandman‐Goddard Gisele , Shoenfeld Yehuda 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the olfactory functions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients compared with age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls, and to examine the association between the sense of smell and disease activity and central nervous system (CNS) involvement.MethodsOlfactory functions in 50 SLE patients and 50 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were evaluated using the Sniffin' Sticks test, the 3 stages of which are threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) of different odors. TDI scores were analyzed according to SLE disease activity and CNS involvement.ResultsIn both the SLE and control groups, smell deficit correlated with male sex and older age. A decrease in the sense of smell was observed in SLE patients (46%) and controls (25%) (P ≤ 0.02), while loss of smell (anosmia) was documented only in SLE patients (10%). Total TDI scores and individual stages of smell correlated with SLE Disease Activity Index (P < 0.001) and CNS manifestations (P < 0.03).ConclusionOur findings suggest that there is a decrease in the sense of smell in SLE patients compared with healthy subjects and that the decrease in the sense of smell among SLE patients correlates with disease activity and CNS involvement.
Improvement of lipid profile is accompanied by atheroprotective alterations in high‐density lipoprotein composition upon tumor necrosis factor blockade: A prospective cohort study in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: van Eijk I. C. , de Vries M. K. , Levels J. H. M. , Peters M. J. L. , Huizer E. E. , Dijkmans B. A. C. , van der Horst‐Bruinsma I. E. , Hazenberg B. P. C. , van de Stadt R. J. , Wolbink G. J. , Nurmohamed M. T. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveCardiovascular mortality is increased in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and inflammation plays an important role. Inflammation deteriorates the lipid profile and alters high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) composition, reflected by increased concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA) within the particle. Anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) treatment may improve these parameters. We therefore undertook the present study to investigate the effects of etanercept on lipid profile and HDL composition in AS.MethodsIn 92 AS patients, lipid levels and their association with the inflammation markers C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and SAA were evaluated serially during 3 months of etanercept treatment. HDL composition and its relationship to inflammation markers was determined in a subgroup of patients, using surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight analysis.ResultsWith anti‐TNF treatment, levels of all parameters of inflammation decreased significantly, whereas total cholesterol, HDL‐c, and apolipoprotein A‐I (Apo A‐I) levels increased significantly. This resulted in a better total cholesterol:HDL‐c ratio (from 3.9 to 3.7) (although the difference was not statistically significant), and an improved Apo B:Apo A‐I ratio, which decreased by 7.5% over time (P = 0.008). In general, increases in levels of all lipid parameters were associated with reductions in inflammatory activity. In addition, SAA was present at high levels within HDL particles from AS patients with increased CRP levels and disappeared during treatment, in parallel with declining plasma levels of SAA.ConclusionOur results show for the first time that during anti‐TNF therapy for AS, along with favorable changes in the lipid profile, HDL composition is actually altered whereby SAA disappears from the HDL particle, increasing its atheroprotective ability. These findings demonstrate the importance of understanding the role of functional characteristics of HDL‐c in cardiovascular diseases related to chronic inflammatory conditions.
Evaluation of the diagnostic utility of spinal magnetic resonance imaging in axial spondylarthritis
Authors: Bennett A. N. , Rehman A. , Hensor E. M. A. , Marzo‐Ortega H. , Emery P. , McGonagle D. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used for the diagnosis of axial spondylarthritis (SpA), but it is unknown whether characteristic lesions are actually specific for SpA. This study was undertaken to compare MRI patterns of disease in active SpA, degenerative arthritis (DA), and malignancy.MethodsFat‐suppressed MRI of the axial skeleton was performed on 174 patients with back pain and 11 control subjects. Lesions detected by MRI, including Romanus lesions (RLs) and end‐plate, diffuse vertebral body, posterior element, and spinous process bone marrow edema (BME) lesions, were scored in a blinded manner. An imaging diagnosis was given based on MRI findings alone, and this was compared with the gold‐standard treating physician's diagnosis.ResultsThe physician diagnosis was SpA in 64 subjects, DA in 45 subjects, malignancy in 45 subjects, other diagnoses in 20 subjects, and normal in 11 subjects. There was 72% agreement between the imaging diagnosis and physician diagnosis. End‐plate edema, degenerative discs, and RLs were frequently observed in patients with any of the 3 major diagnoses. Single RLs were of low diagnostic utility for SpA, but ≥3 RLs (likelihood ratio [LR] 12.4) and severe RLs (LR infinite) in younger subjects were highly diagnostic of SpA. Posterior element BME lesions of mild or moderate grade were also highly diagnostic of SpA (LR 14.5). The most common diagnostic confusion was between SpA and DA, since both had RLs present and the presence/absence of degenerative discs did not change the diagnostic assessment.ConclusionThis study confirms the high diagnostic utility of MRI in axial SpA, with severe or multiple RLs evident on MRI being characteristic in younger patients and mild/moderate posterior element lesions being specific for SpA. However, MRI lesions previously considered to be characteristic of SpA could also be found frequently in patients with DA and patients with malignancy, and therefore such lesions should be interpreted with caution, particularly in older patients.
Confirmation of STAT4, IL2/IL21, and CTLA4 polymorphisms in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Daha Nina A. , Kurreeman Fina A. S. , Marques Rute B. , Stoeken‐Rijsbergen Gerrie , Verduijn Willem , Huizinga Tom W. J. , Toes René E. M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveRecent advances have led to novel identification of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, 5 loci (HLA, PTPN22, TRAF1/C5, TNFAIP3, and STAT4) have been consistently reported, whereas others have been observed less systematically. The aim of the present study was to independently replicate 3 recently described RA susceptibility loci, STAT4, IL2/IL21, and CTLA4, in a large Dutch case–control cohort, and to perform a meta‐analysis of all published studies to date and investigate the relevance of the findings in clinically well‐defined subgroups of RA patients with or without autoantibodies.MethodsThe STAT4, IL2/IL21, and CTLA4 gene polymorphisms (rs7574865, rs6822844, and rs3087243, respectively) were genotyped in 877 RA patients and 866 healthy individuals. A meta‐analysis of all published studies of disease association with these polymorphisms was performed using the Mantel‐Haenszel fixed‐effects method.ResultsAn association of STAT4, IL2/IL21, and CTLA4 with RA was detected in Dutch patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.19 [P = 0.031], OR 0.84 [P = 0.051], and OR 0.87 [P = 0.041], respectively). Results from the meta‐analysis confirmed an association of all 3 polymorphisms with RA in Caucasians (OR 1.24 [P = 1.66 × 10−11], OR 0.78 [P = 5.6 × 10−5], and OR 0.91 [P = 1.8 × 10−3], respectively). The meta‐analysis also revealed that STAT4 predisposed to disease development equally in patients with autoantibodies and those without autoantibodies, and that CTLA4 enhanced the development of anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)–positive RA as compared with ACPA‐negative RA.ConclusionOur results replicate and firmly establish the association of STAT4 and CTLA4 with RA and provide highly suggestive evidence for IL2/IL21 loci as a risk factor for RA. Given the strong statistical power of our meta‐analysis to confirm a true‐positive association, these findings provide considerable support for the involvement of CTLA4 in distinct subsets of RA patients.
Hip flexion range of motion and physical function in hip osteoarthritis: Mediating effects of hip extensor strength and pain
Authors: Pua Yong‐Hao , Wrigley Tim V. , Cowan Sallie M. , Bennell Kim L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveHip flexion range of motion (ROM), hip extensor strength (torque production), and hip pain are important correlates of physical function in individuals with hip osteoarthritis (OA). However, the relationships among these variables remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine whether hip extensor strength and hip pain mediate the association between hip flexion ROM and physical function.MethodsParticipants were 100 adults (mean age 62 years) with radiographically confirmed hip OA. Passive hip flexion ROM was measured using a digital inclinometer, and isometric hip extensor strength was measured using a force transducer. Self‐report measures of physical function and pain were assessed by the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire, and physical performance was assessed by the gait speed, step test, and stair climb test.ResultsMultiple mediation analyses, adjusted for demographic and anthropometric measures, revealed that the association between hip flexion ROM and SF‐36 physical function scores was fully mediated by SF‐36 bodily pain scores and hip extensor strength. Hip extensor strength mediated the hip flexion effects on gait speed and step test performance, while the SF‐36 bodily pain scores mediated the hip flexion stair performance association.ConclusionIn individuals with symptomatic hip OA, hip pain and hip extensor strength mediated the influence of hip flexion ROM on physical function. These results suggest that interventions to improve the range of hip motion may be clinically indicated.
Patient‐reported outcomes following biologic therapy in a sample of adults with rheumatoid arthritis recruited from community‐based rheumatologists
Authors: Katz Patricia , Yelin Edward , Patel Vaishali , Huang Xing‐Yue , Chiou Chiun‐Fang 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo examine self‐reported symptoms and functioning in a community‐based sample of persons with rheumatoid arthritis who did and did not initiate treatment with biologic agents.MethodsData were from annual telephone interviews (1998–2003) with an observational cohort identified through community rheumatologists. Self‐reported function and symptoms of subjects who initiated biologic therapy (etanercept or infliximab) and reported consistent use at 2 annual interviews (continuous use; n = 64) were compared at 1 year prior to initiation of therapy (baseline), and years 1 and 2 of therapy to those with no biologic therapy (n = 183) and those who initiated biologic therapy but discontinued use (n = 42).ResultsAt baseline, subjects taking biologic agents reported significantly worse function and symptoms on all measures except fatigue and pain severity. After 2 years, significant differences in the Health Assessment Questionnaire scores remained, but there were no other significant differences between the nonuser group and the continuous use group. The discontinued use group exhibited significantly greater pain severity and more painful joints than nonusers. Improvements in the number of painful (33.4% versus 16.2%; P = 0.004), and swollen (38.4% versus 18.7%; P = 0.003) joints, and morning stiffness (27.3% versus 10.4%; P = 0.001) were more frequent in the continuous use group than in the nonuser group.ConclusionResults suggest that biologic treatment was initiated based on severe disease. Over ∼17 months of treatment, differences in some but not all symptoms between the continuous use group and the nonuser group narrowed to statistical nonsignificance.
Some new results involving general standby systems
Authors: Li Xiaohu , Zhang Zhengcheng , Wu Yudan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis article presents a stochastic comparison on the total lifetime of the general standby system and a discussion of the optimal allocation of a general standby component in a series system with two independent components. Several examples are also presented to justify the main results, which provide nice generalizations of some existing conclusions in the literature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximum likelihood estimators of clock offset and skew under exponential delays
Authors: Li Jun , Jeske Daniel R. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAccurate clock synchronization is essential for many data network applications. Various algorithms for synchronizing clocks rely on estimators of the offset and skew parameters that describe the relation between times measured by two different clocks. Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of these parameters has previously been considered under the assumption of exponentially distributed network delays with known means. We derive the MLEs under the more common case of exponentially distributed network delays with unknown means and compare their mean‐squared error properties to a recently proposed alternative estimator. We investigate the robustness of the derived MLE to the assumption of non‐exponential network delays, and demonstrate the effectiveness of a bootstrap bias‐correction technique. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure to inhomogeneous static magnetic field ceases mechanical allodynia in neuropathic pain in mice
Authors: Antal Miklós , László János 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMagnetic therapy as a self‐care intervention has led to the conduct of numerous human trials and animal experiments. Results concerning the analgesic efficacy of magnetic exposure, however, are inconsistent. By using a magnetic device generating an inhomogeneous static magnetic field (iSMF), here we studied how the whole‐body exposure to iSMF may influence the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of the hind paw in different stages of neuropathic pain evoked by partial ligation of the sciatic nerve in mice. It was found that iSMF exposure did not prevent the decrease of MWT in the first postoperative week. A 2‐week long iSMF treatment that was started just after the nerve ligation elevated MWT values to a modest extent. However, the effectiveness of a daily exposure to iSMF was much more prominent when it was applied between postoperative days 15 and 28. In this case, MWT was already noticeably increased after the first treatment and it practically reached the control values by the end of the 2‐week long exposure period. The results suggest that exposure to iSMF cannot prevent the development of mechanical allodynia, but can inhibit processes that maintain the increased sensitivity to mechanical stimuli in neuropathic pain. Bioelectromagnetics 30:438–445, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ex vivo expansion of adipose tissue‐derived stem cells in spinner flasks
Authors: Zhu Yanxia , Liu Tianqing , Song Kedong , Fan Xiubo , Ma Xuehu , Cui Zhanfeng 
Published: April 2009

AbstractRecent reports indicate that adipose tissue is a novel source of multipotent stem cells that can be used in cell therapy and tissue engineering. However, using the traditional cultivation of adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ADSCs), it is hard to meet the needs of clinical applications. To obtain a large number of ADSCs while retaining their stemness, we seeded ADSCs in collagen/chitosan scaffolds and compared the proliferation of ADSCs in a 3‐D static environment in dishes and a 3‐D dynamic environment in spinner flask. The growth dynamic parameters of ADSCs were examined using a CCK‐8 kit every other day, and the variations of glucose and lactic acid concentrations were analyzed every day. After 14 days, the cells were observed under a scanning electron microscope. The surface markers (CD29, CD34, CD44, CD45, CD73, CD105, CD166 and HLA‐DR), the specific transcription factors (Nanog, Oct‐4, Sox‐2 and Rex‐1) and the multi‐differentiation potential (adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic) were also assayed to identify the stemness of expanded cells. The results showed that the cells in scaffolds in spinner flask could be expanded by more than 26 times, and they presented better morphology and vitality and stronger differentiation ability than the cells cultivated in scaffolds statically. All the cells maintained stem cell characteristics after proliferation. Therefore, spinner flask cultivation is an easy‐to‐use, inexpensive system for expanding ADSCs in 3‐D scaffolds.
Simultaneous determination of five coumarins in Angelicae dahuricae Radix by HPLC/UV and LC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Park Ah Yeon , Park So‐Young , Lee Jaehyun , Jung Mihye , Kim Jinwoong , Kang Sam Sik , Youm Jeong‐Rok , Han Sang Beom 
Published: April 2009

AbstractRapid, simple and reliable HPLC/UV and LC‐ESI‐MS/MS methods for the simultaneous determination of five active coumarins of Angelicae dahuricae Radix, byakangelicol (1), oxypeucedanin (2), imperatorin (3), phellopterin (4) and isoimperatorin (5) were developed and validated. The separation condition for HPLC/UV was optimized using a Develosil RPAQUEOUS C30 column using 70% acetonitrile in water as the mobile phase. This HPLC/UV method was successful for providing the baseline separation of the five coumarins with no interfering peaks detected in the 70% ethanol extract of Angelicae dahuricae Radix. The specific determination of the five coumarins was also accomplished by a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS). Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in the positive mode was used to enhance the selectivity of detection. The LC‐ESI‐MS/MS methods were successfully applied for the determination of the five major coumarins in Angelicae dahuricae Radix. These HPLC/UV and LC‐ESI‐MS/MS methods were validated in terms of recovery, linearity, accuracy and precision (intra‐ and inter‐day validation). Taken together, the shorter analysis time involved makes these HPLC/UV and LC‐ESI‐MS/MS methods valuable for the commercial quality control of Angelicae dahuricae Radix extracts and its pharmaceutical preparations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioanalytical assay validation parameters re‐visited: perspectives on stability studies
Authors: Srinivas Nuggehally R. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBioanalytical assay validation for plethora of parameters is considered vital for the reliable and accurate generation of raw analytical data used for pharmacokinetic characterization of analytes. Although the validation parameters have been widely accepted, the intent of this communication is to provide some perspectives on the commonly followed approaches for stability studies (i.e. freeze–thaw and long‐term freezer stability studies). The proposed discussion is intended to stimulate the thinking process to cut down on the extra work and/or maximize the efficiency in the bioanalytical work. Additionally, the availability of new emerging technological know‐hows and latest nuances in the field should provide the necessary impetus to innovate and articulate strategies for smart assay development/validation work for analytes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishment of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for determination of bicyclol in rat single‐pass intestinal perfusion
Authors: Tan Wei , Wang Bao‐Lian , Hu Jin‐Ping , Sheng Li , Li Yan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractA simple, rapid and sensitive method was developed for determination of bicyclol, a new synthetic anti‐hepatitis drug, in rat plasma from the mesenteric vein using a high‐performance liquid chromatography system coupled to a positive ion electrospray–mass spectrometric analysis. Bicyclol and internal standard (biphenyldicarboxylate, DDB) were isolated from plasma by liquid–liquid extraction, then separated on a Zorbax SB‐C18 column (3.5 µm, 2.1 × 100 mm) with mobile phase of methanol–water (60:40, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Detection was performed on a Trap XCT mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source operated in selected ion monitoring mode. Positive ion ESI was used to form sodium adduct molecular ions at m/z 413 for bicyclol and m/z 441 for DDB, respectively. A linear detection response was obtained for bicyclol ranging from 3.3 to 333.3 ng/mL and the lower limit of quantitation was 3.3 ng/mL. The coefficients of variation for intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were 1.1–7.7 and 2.0–6.6%, respectively. The percentage of absolute recovery of bicyclol was 85.3–94.6%. All analytes proved to be stable during all sample storage, preparation and analytic procedures. The method was successfully applied to determine the plasma concentration of bicyclol in mesenteric vein after intestinal perfusion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assay of free captopril in human plasma as monobromobimane derivative, using RPLC/(+)ESI/MS/MS: validation aspects and bioequivalence evaluation
Authors: Medvedovici Andrei , Albu Florin , Sora Iuliana Daniela , Udrescu Stefan , Galaon Toma , David Victor 
Published: April 2009

AbstractA sensitive method for determination of free captopril as monobromobimane derivative in plasma samples is discussed. The internal standard (IS) was 5‐methoxy‐1H‐benzimidazole‐2‐thiol. Derivatization with monobromobimane immediately after blood collection and plasma preparation prevents oxidation of captopril to the corresponding disulfide compound and enhances the ionization yield. Consequently, derivatization enhances sample stability and detection sensitivity. Addition of the internal standard was made immediately after plasma preparation. The internal standard was also derivatized by monobromobimane, as it contains a thiol functional group. Preparation of plasma samples containing captopril and IS derivatives was based upon protein precipitation through addition of acetonitrile, in a volumetric ratio 1:2. The reversed‐phase liquid chromatographic separation was achieved on a rapid resolution cartridge Zorbax SB‐C18, monitored through positive electrospray ionization and tandem MS detection using the multiple‐reaction monitoring mode. Transitions were 408–362 amu for the captopril derivative and 371–260 amu for the internal standard derivative. The kinetics of captopril oxidation to the corresponding disulfide compound in plasma matrix was also studied using the proposed method. A linear log–log calibration was obtained over the concentration interval 2.5–750 ng/mL. A low limit of quantitation in the 2.5 ng/mL range was obtained. The analytical method was fully validated and successfully applied in a three‐way, three‐period, single‐dose (50 mg), block‐randomized bioequivalence study for two pharmaceutical formulations (captopril LPH 25 and 50 mg) against the comparator Capoten 50 mg. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.