bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oligomeric Aβ in Alzheimer's Disease: Relationship to Plaque and Tangle Pathology, APOE Genotype and Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Van Helmond Zoë , Miners James S. , Kehoe Patrick G. , Love Seth 
Published: July 2009

AbstractDespite accumulating evidence of a central role for oligomeric amyloid β (Aβ) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), there is scant information on the relationship between the levels and distribution of oligomeric Aβ and those of other neurodegenerative abnormalities in AD. In the present study, we have found oligomeric Aβ to be associated with both diffuse and neuritic plaques (mostly co‐localized with Aβ1–42) and with cerebrovascular deposits of Aβ in paraffin sections of formalin‐fixed human brain tissue. The amount of oligomeric Aβ that was labeled in the sections correlated with total Aβ plaque load, but not phospho‐tau load, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) severity or APOE genotype. Although soluble, oligomeric and insoluble Aβ levels were all significantly increased in AD brain homogenates, case‐to‐case variation and overlap between AD and controls were considerable. Over the age‐range studied (43–98 years), the levels of soluble Aβ, oligomeric Aβ42, oligomeric Aβ40 and insoluble Aβ did not vary significantly with age. Oligomeric Aβ1–42 and insoluble Aβ levels were significantly higher in women. Overall, the level of insoluble Aβ, but neither oligomeric nor soluble Aβ, was associated with Braak stage, CAA severity and APOEε4 frequency, raising questions as to the role of soluble and oligomeric Aβ in the progression of AD.
Cerebral Microinfarcts Associated with Severe Cerebral β‐Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Soontornniyomkij Virawudh , Lynch Matthew D. , Mermash Sherin , Pomakian Justine , Badkoobehi Haleh , Clare Ryan , Vinters Harry V. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractCerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is common in elderly individuals, especially those affected with Alzheimer's disease. Eighteen brains with severe SCAA (SCAA) were compared with 21 brains with mild CAA (MCAA) to investigate whether the presence of SCAA in the brains of demented patients was associated with a higher burden of old microinfarcts than those with MCAA. Immunohistochemistry for CD68 was employed to highlight old microinfarcts in tissue blocks from various brain regions. Old microinfarcts, manually counted by light microscopy, were present in 14 of 18 SCAA brains and in 7 of 21 MCAA brains (P = 0.01, two‐tailed Fisher's exact test). The average number of old microinfarcts across geographic regions in each brain ranged from 0 to 1.95 (mean rank 24.94, sum of ranks 449) in the SCAA group, and from 0 to 0.35 (mean rank 15.76, sum of ranks 331) in the MCAA group (P = 0.008, two‐tailed Mann–Whitney U‐test). Frequent old microinfarcts in demented individuals with severe CAA may contribute a vascular component to the cognitive impairment in these patients.
A case of isolation by distance and short‐term temporal stability of population structure in brown trout (Salmo trutta) within the River Dart, southwest England
Authors: Griffiths Andrew M. , Koizumi Itsuro , Bright Dylan , Stevens Jamie R. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSalmonid fishes exhibit high levels of population differentiation. In particular, the brown trout (Salmo truttaL.) demonstrates complex within river drainage genetic structure. Increasingly, these patterns can be related to the underlying evolutionary models, of which three scenarios (member‐vagrant hypothesis, metapopulation model and panmixia) facilitate testable predictions for investigations into population structure. We analysed 1225 trout collected from the River Dart, a 75 km long river located in southwest England. Specimens were collected from 22 sample sites across three consecutive summers (2001–2003) and genetic variation was examined at nine microsatellite loci. A hierarchical analysis of molecular variance revealed that negligible genetic variation was attributed among temporal samples. The highest levels of differentiation occurred among samples isolated above barriers to fish movement, and once these samples were removed, a significant effect of isolation‐by‐distance was observed. These results suggest that, at least in the short‐term, ecological events are more important in shaping the population structure of Dart trout than stochastic extinction events, and certainly do not contradict the expectations of a member‐vagrant hypothesis. Furthermore, individual‐level spatial autocorrelation analyses support previous recommendations for the preservation of a number of spawning sites spaced throughout the tributary system to conserve the high levels of genetic variation identified in salmonid species.
Effect of fluticasone on markers of inflammation and quality of life in steroid‐naive patients with mild asthma
Authors: Ehrs Per‐Olof , Sundblad Britt‐Marie , Larsson Kjell 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Patients with mild asthma may adapt to symptoms that may be neglected at a medical consultation. Despite active airway inflammation, indicating need for treatment symptoms may be poorly perceived and influence on quality of life. The aim was to find out if markers of asthma activity and quality of life are influenced by inhaled steroids in patients who regard themselves as free of symptoms.Methods:  Seventy steroid‐free patients with mild asthma were treated with inhaled fluticasone (250 µg twice daily) or placebo for 3 months in a randomised, double‐blind, study. Spirometry with reversibility test, exhaled nitric oxide (NO), bronchial responsiveness to methacholine and eucapnic dry air hyperventilation and quality of life [(Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ)] were assessed before and after treatment.Results:  Fluticasone, but not placebo, decreased methacholine responsiveness. Bronchial responsiveness to dry air and exhaled NO levels was significantly lowered by fluticasone compared with placebo. Quality‐of‐life scores were high already before treatment and were not significantly altered by treatment.Conclusion:  Treatment with an inhaled steroid in mild asthmatics altered bronchial responsiveness and exhaled NO levels but did not improve quality of life. In mild asthma, there is thus a space for improvement with regard to inflammatory parameters in patients who have only minor symptoms that are not influenced by treatment. In a long‐term perspective, the indication for treatment of surrogate markers remains, however, unclear.Please cite this paper as: Ehrs P‐O, Sundblad B‐M and Larsson K. Effect of fluticasone on markers of inflammation and quality of life in steroid‐naive patients with mild asthma. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2009; DOI:10.1111/j.1752‐699X.2009.00145.x.
Clinical and high resolution computed tomography characteristics of patients with rheumatoid arthritis lung disease
Authors: MOHD NOOR Nadiah , MOHD SHAHRIR Mohamed Said , SHAHID Mohd Shahdan , ABDUL MANAP Roslina , SHAHIZON AZURA Ahmad Mukari , AZHAR SHAH Shamsul 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease of unknown cause. A variety of pulmonary disorders have been described in association with RA. Among the most common are interstitial lung disease (ILD) and bronchiectasis.Objectives: This study aims to determine the characteristics of RA patients with lung disease in relation to clinical characteristics, pulmonary function test (PFT) and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax.Method: This is a 6‐months cross‐sectional study involving 63 consecutive RA patients in an outpatient rheumatology clinic. Patients had a mean disease duration of 5 years and above. Disease activity and severity was assessed by Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Rheumatoid Arthritis Articular Damage (RAAD) score. Full pulmonary function test (PFT) and HRCT of thorax were performed.Conclusions: The prevalence of RA‐ILD is 44% and 67% of patients are asymptomatic. There was significant higher proportion (68%) in patients of Chinese ethnicity who have ILD. Diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was abnormal in all patients and forced expiratory flow (FEF)25–75% was low in 16%. Restrictive pattern was 66.7% by PFT. The most common HRCT findings were reticulation (46%) followed by ground glass opacities (38.1%) and bronchiectasis (28.6%). There was no association between ILD and male gender, duration of the disease, smoking, rheumatoid factor, extra‐articular manifestations, disease activity or severity.
High incidence of rheumatic fever and Rheumatic heart disease in the republics of Central Asia
Authors: OMURZAKOVA Nazgul A. , YAMANO Yoshihisa , SAATOVA Guli M. , MIRZAKHANOVA Mavliuda I. , SHUKUROVA Surayo M. , KYDYRALIEVA Ryskul B. , JUMAGULOVA Aynagul S. , SEISENBAEV Askar Sh. , NISHIOKA Kusuki , NAKAJIMA Toshihiro 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe epidemiological situation involving rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) not only remains unresolved but is also a cause of serious concern due to the rapid increase in the incidence of RF/RHD in many developing countries. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the republics of Central Asia experienced an economic decline that directly affected the public health sector of this region. This is the main cause of the high prevalence of many infectious diseases in Central Asia, including streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis, which carries the risk of complications such as RF. The difficulty involved in early diagnosis of RF and the development of RHD among children and adolescents causes early mortality and sudden death, leading to economic damage in these countries due to the loss of the young working population. Among all the developing countries, Kyrgyzstan, which is located in the heart of Central Asia, has the highest prevalence of RF/RHD. The increase in the prevalence of RF in Central Asia can be attributed to factors such as the low standard of living and changes in the virulence of streptococci and their sensitivity to antibiotics.
Tetracyclines: what a rheumatologist needs to know?
Authors: ATTAR Suzan M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTetracyclines are broad‐spectrum antibiotics that act at the ribosomal level. They were first introduced in 1948 and were widely prescribed by dermatologists in the early 1950s for treatment of acne. More recently, biologic actions of tetracyclines affecting inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone metabolism have been researched. The therapeutic effects of tetracycline and its analogues in rheumatic diseases have also been investigated. This article will review the rheumatological use of tetracycline and its analogues.
Angiogenic growth factors inhibit chondrocyte ageing in osteoarthritis: potential involvement of catabolic stress‐induced overexpression of caveolin‐1 in cellular ageing
Authors: YUDOH Kazuo , SHI Yeqing , KARASAWA Rie 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjective:  Recently, attention has been attracted by the finding that overexpression of caveolin‐1 induces cellular senescence in age‐related diseases. We aimed to ascertain whether angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) can inhibit interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced senescence in human chondrocytes by downregulation of caveolin‐1.Methods:  We investigated the intracellular signalling pathways involved in chondrocyte ageing. Human chondrocytes were isolated from the articular cartilage of patients undergoing arthroplastic knee surgery in osteoarthritis (OA). Chondrocytes were stimulated with or without IL‐1β (10 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor or hepatocyte growth factor (20 ng/mL). After 72‐h incubation, we observed the expression of caveolin‐1 in human chondrocytes by immunohistochemistry, and analysed the protein levels of caveolin‐1 by Western blot. We examined the time‐course of phosphorylation patterns of mammalian mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) by Western blot, and used several specific protein kinase inhibitors to evaluate the involvement of the intracellular signalling pathways. Also, chondrocyte replicative lifespan was analyzed in the presence or absence of AGFs.Results:  Treatment with AGFs inhibited IL‐1β‐induced overexpression of caveolin‐1 in human OA chondrocytes. Treatment with AGFs all down‐regulated protein levels of IL‐1β‐accelarated expression of caveolin‐1 in chondrocytes. IL‐1β significantly decreased the cellular replicative lifespan in chondrocytes. Treatment with AGFs prevented the IL‐1β‐induced shortening of chondrocyte replicative lifespan. The specific inhibitors for MAPK/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and PI3‐K cancelled the AGF‐induced downregulation of overexpression of caveolin‐1.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that AGFs downregulated IL‐1β‐induced chondrocyte ageing and overexpression of caveolin‐1 in human chondrocytes, which is mediated by kinase cascades involving the p42/44 MAP kinase and PI3‐K/Akt signalling pathways.
Anti‐nucleosome antibodies as a disease activity marker in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: SULEIMAN Suleiman , KAMALIAH Daud , NADEEM Afzal , NAING Nyi Nyi , CHE MARAINA Che Hussin 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim:  To measure the level of anti‐nucleosome antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, to determine the sensitivity and the specificity of these antibodies in the diagnosis of the disease and to evaluate the relationship between the levels of anti‐nucleosome antibodies, anti‐dsDNA (double‐stranded DNA) and SLE disease activity.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted. All patients attended either a medical specialist clinic or were admitted to the medical wards of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia with the diagnosis of SLE (n = 90), other connective tissue diseases (n = 45) or were normal controls (n = 90) within the period from July 2004 until September 2005. They were tested for anti‐nucleosome antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and anti‐DNA antibodies by immunofluorescence. SLE disease activity was evaluated by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score.Results:  Out of 90 SLE patients, anti‐nucleosome antibodies were positive in 47 (52.2%) patients, whereas these antibodies were positive in three (6.7%) patients with other connective tissue diseases. Anti‐dsDNA antibodies were positive in 33 (36.7%) SLE patients, whereas these antibodies were positive in four (8.9%) patients with other connective tissue diseases. Anti‐nucleosome antibodies were positive in 40 (97.6%) patients with active SLE, whereas these antibodies were positive in seven (14.3%) patients with inactive SLE. Anti‐nucleosome antibodies had a stronger correlation than anti‐dsDNA antibodies with SLEDAI score. There was a significant association between anti‐nucleosome antibodies and disease activity.Conclusion:  Anti‐nucleosome antibodies test is highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of SLE, especially when the anti‐dsDNA antibodies are absent. They are additional disease activity markers in the assessment of SLE disease activity.
The infectious profiles of anti‐tumor necrosis factor agents in a Thai population: a retrospective study a the university‐based hospital
Authors: SUWANNALAI Parawee , AUETHAVEKIAT P. , UDOMSUBPAYAKUL U. , JANVITAYANUJIT S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAims:  Anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α (anti‐TNF) agents represented treatment advances in a number of rheumatologic diseases. However, adverse effects of anti‐TNF agents have been identified through both clinical trials and post‐marketing surveillance, especially an increased risk of serious infections. This study firstly described the infectious profiles of anti‐TNF agents in a Thai population.Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed all infectious incidences from 100 consecutive medical records of patients who were treated with either etanercept or infliximab for any rheumatologic and non‐rheumatologic conditions.Results:  Indications for anti TNF‐α agents were mainly rheumatoid arthritis (46%) and spondyloarthropathy (SpA) (41%). Seventy‐seven patients were treated with etanercept and 23 with infliximab. For those whose initial treatment was etanercept, there were two events of suspected active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and suspected hepatitis‐B virus (HBV) reactivation. Two out of 23 patients (8.7%) who were firstly treated with infliximab had herpes zoster skin infection. Incidence of overall infection before anti‐TNF treatment were significantly higher in patient who started with etanercept (0.065 vs. 0.019 cases per person‐years in etanercept and infliximab respectively, P < 0.0001). Incidence of overall infection post‐anti‐TNF treatment were 0.122 and 0.201 cases per person‐years in patients who started with etanercept and infliximab with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The overall infection rates were significantly increased after infliximab treatment (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:  Even thought there were two new events of TB and HBV reactivation after etanercept treatment, incidence of overall infection seemed to be increased after infliximab treatment. The infectious screening and monitoring with high index of suspicion as well as the pre‐emptive treatment are still important whenever either etanercept or infliximab is started.
Reduced bone density in individuals with severe hemophilia B
Authors: MANSOURITORGHABEH Hassan , REZAIEYAZDI Zahra , SAADATI Nayyereh , SAGHAFI Masoud , MIRFEIZI Zahra , REZAI Javad 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim:  The reduced bone density in individuals with severe hemophilia A (decreased coagulation factor VIII level) and combined factor V and VIII deficiency have been reported. In the current case‐control study we tried to address bone mineral density in individuals with severe hemophilia B (decreased coagulation factor IX).Methods:  In our case‐control study, we recruited bone density and biochemical indexes in 14 individuals with severe hemophilia B and compared obtained results with 14 age‐ and sex‐matched control group results.Results:  Our results showed individuals with severe hemophilia B had reduced bone density in lumbar (–0.34 ± 0.97) and femur (–0.82 ± 1.37) regions, compared to the control group (0.84 ± 0.53 and 1.02 ± 1.04 respectively; P‐value = 0.000 and 0.000).Conclusion:  The foremost complication of coagulation disorders are various types of excessive bleedings. The current study revealed severe hemophiliac B patients are prone to reduced bone density similar to severe hemophiliac A patients.
Reduced bone density in patients on long‐term warfarin
Authors: REZAIEYAZDI Zahra , FALSOLEIMAN Homa , KHAJEHDALUEE Mohammad , SAGHAFI Masoud , MOKHTARI‐AMIRMAJDI Elham 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim:  Vitamin K is an essential factor for carboxylation of bone matrix protein. Low vitamin K may be associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD). The issue of whether long‐term sodium warfarin therapy as oral anticoagulant that antagonizes vitamin K, results in decreased bone density, is controversial. Our purpose in this study was to assess the effects of warfarin on BMD.Methods:  We performed a case control study survey of bone density in 70 patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease ‘mechanical valve replacement’ on long‐term warfarin compared with 103 randomly selected matched controls.Results:  There was a marked reduction in BMD (g/cm2) and T‐score of lumbar spine between patients and controls (P = 0.048, 0.005). Duration of warfarin use was the only risk factor of significant importance respectively on spinal T‐score (P < 0.03).Conclusions:  Screening of patients on long‐term warfarin for reduced bone density should be considered. We strongly suggest the prophylactic use of calcium–vitamin D supplements for these patients.
Proteus vertebral osteomyelitis
Authors: YONG Tuck Yean , LI Jordan Yuanzhi 
Published: July 2009

Abstract Proteus organisms are rare causes of osteomyelitis. Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by this organism has only been reported in 21 cases over the last 75 years. Although Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of vertebral osteomyelitis, rare causes such as P. mirabilis may need to be considered in the context of recent urinary tract infection or urological surgery. Therefore biopsy should be undertaken to establish the causative organism and determine appropriate antibiotic susceptibility.
An unusual case of knee monoarthritis
Authors: CHOUDHURY Gautam Dhar , PRAKASH Siddharth , MISRA Ramnath , AGARWAL Vikas 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA 61‐year‐old woman, a known case of diabetic nephropathy on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, presented with acute onset severe pain in the right knee, of 7 days duration. She had red hot and tender knee and was unable to bear weight. The lower half of the right thigh was swollen and tender. Right knee synovial fluid revealed 130 cells/µL (all lymphocytes). The fluid was negative for crystals and bacterial cultures. Three week later she returned with worsening of her symptoms despite receiving non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and intra‐articular glucocorticoid. Magnetic resonance imaging of the right thigh showed heterogeneously hyperintense right vastus medialis muscle on T2‐weighted image, suggestive of diabetic muscle infarction. Therapy with analgesics and physiotherapy led to recovery in pain and thigh swelling. Diabetic muscle necrosis is a rare complication of diabetes mellitus and may present with abrupt onset of pain and loss of function of the involved extremity, mimicking septic/reactive arthritis or pyomyositis. A high index of suspicion may avoid delay in diagnosis.
Churg‐Strauss syndrome presenting as acute abdomen: are gastrointestinal manifestations an indicator of poor prognosis?
Authors: SINGH Reetu , SINGH Dushyant , ABDOU Nabih 
Published: July 2009

AbstractChurg Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare syndrome of vasculitis of the small to medium vessels, characterized by a triad of asthma, eosinophilia and atopic sinusitis. Although asthma is the most common manifestation, it is rarely associated with poor prognosis. Severe gastrointestinal tract manifestations are associated with worse outcomes. Patients with CSS at initial presentation, like our patient, may not meet all four American College of Rheumatology criteria to establish a diagnosis; however, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion to recognize the disease early in its course and treat aggressively, thereby decreasing the mortality and morbidity associated with this disease.
A case of nasal‐type NK/T cell lymphoma in a patient with dermatomyositis
Authors: PARK Jeong Ha , KIM Yun Jung , PARK Chan Kum , YOO Dae‐Hyun 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe association of malignancy with dermatomyositis is well known, and the frequency is reported to be up to 30%. However, cutaneous lymphoma associated with dermatomyositis has rarely been reported. We experienced a case of nasal‐type NK/T‐cell lymphoma in a 40‐year‐old woman with a 2‐year history of dermatomyositis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cutaneous involvement of nasal‐type NK/T‐cell lymphoma developing in a dermatomyositis patient. When skin lesions are resistant to aggressive conventional treatment in dermatomyositis patients, we should consider the possibility of malignancy, especially cutaneous lymphoma.