bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of a variant in the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 2 gene (CHRM2) with nicotine addiction
Authors: Mobascher A. , Rujescu D. , Mittelstraß K. , Giegling I. , Lamina C. , Nitz B. , Brenner H. , Fehr C. , Breitling L.P. , Gallinat J. , Rothenbacher D. , Raum E. , Müller H. , Ruppert A. , Hartmann A.M. , Möller H.J. , Gal A. , Gieger Ch. , Wichmann H.E. , Illig T. , Dahmen N. , Winterer G. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractGenetic factors contribute to the overall risk of developing nicotine addiction, which is the major cause of preventable deaths in western countries. However, knowledge regarding specific polymorphisms influencing smoking phenotypes remains scarce. In the present study we provide evidence that a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5′ untranslated region of CHRM2, the gene coding for the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 2 is associated with nicotine addiction. CHRM2 was defined as a candidate gene for nicotine addiction based on previous evidence that linked variations in CHRM2 to alcohol and drug dependence. A total of more than 5,500 subjects representative of the German population were genotyped and assessed regarding their smoking habits. The impact of three SNPs in CHRM2 on smoking behavior/nicotine addiction was investigated using logistic regression models or a quasi‐Poisson regression model, respectively. We found the T allele of SNP rs324650 to be associated with an increased risk of smoking/nicotine dependence according to three different models, the recessive models of regular or heavy smokers vs. never‐smokers (odds ratio 1.17 in both analyses) and according to the Fagerström index of nicotine addiction. In the analysis stratified by gender this association was only found in females. Our data provide further evidence that variations in CHRM2 may be associated with the genetic risk of addiction in general or with certain personality traits that predispose to the development of addiction. Alternatively, variations in CHRM2 could modulate presynaptic auto‐regulation in cholinergic systems and may thereby affect an individual's response to nicotine more specifically. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In situ ESR study of gold supported on NaY zeolite
Authors: Qu Z. , Roduner E. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractElectron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy was used to study the anchoring of a Au complex and gold nanoparticles in NaY type zeolites. The complex of Au(II) with two nitrogen atoms of two ethylenediamine ligands [giso = 2.053, A (Au) = 16.4 G, A (N) = 15.0 G.] in the supercage of the zeolite and conduction electron spin resonance (CESR) of gold particles with 1.56‐nm diameter (g = 2.064) were observed. Their formation and stability were related with the gold concentration and the pre‐treatment conditions. The small gold particles stabilized in the supercage of zeolite were formed in the samples with low gold concentration after oxygen pre‐treatment. The confinement in the zeolite pores obviously prevents the Au(II) complex bound to two nitrogen ligands from undergoing disproportionation. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of metagenomic DNA extraction from activated sludge samples
Authors: Qu Yuan‐Yuan , Zhang Qiang , Wei Li , Ma Fang , Zhou Ji‐Ti , Pi Wen‐Qing , Gou Min 
Published: July 2009

AbstractMetagenomic DNA extraction is essential for metagenomic technology. Therefore, optimization of a conventional total DNA extraction from activated sludge was investigated in detail in this study. Throughout two distinct orthogonal experiments, it was shown that the highest yield for metagenomic DNA could be obtained using TENP buffer, lysozyme of 1 mg ml−1 (1 h), protease K (200 µg ml−1), SDS (1%, 1 h). Furthermore, the quality of the differentially extracted DNA was subsequently assessed by the molecular fingerprint technology, such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA). The results indicated that the microbial diversity was dramatically different by different combined methods, and the DNA template quality for RISA was much better than that for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐DGGE. This study provides detail process for metagenomic DNA extraction of activated sludge, and it would be useful for metagenomic DNA extraction of other environment samples. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ES Cell Extract‐Induced Expression of Pluripotent Factors in Somatic Cells
Authors: Xu Yan‐Ning , Guan Na , Wang Zhen‐Dong , Shan Zhi‐Yan , Shen Jing‐Ling , Zhang Qing‐Hua , Jin Lian‐Hong , Lei Lei 
Published: July 2009

AbstractReprogramming of somatic cells was induced by ES cell‐free extract. The system relied on the transient uptake of regulatory components from a nuclear and cytoplasmic extract derived from ES cells by the nucleus of a reversibly permeabilized NIH3T3 cell. NIH3T3 cells were permeabilized by streptolysin O (SLO). Reprogramming cell‐free extracts were prepared by repeatedly freezing and thawing ES cells in liquid nitrogen. After incubation in the extract for 1 hr, permeabilized NIH3T3 cells were resealed by CaCl2 and continually cultured for weeks to assess expression of ES cell specific markers. As we observed using FACS and fluorescence microscope, the optimal SLO concentration for permeabilizing NIH3T3 cells was 25 U. After 2 weeks of culture, the treated NIH3T3 cells began to express Nanog, c‐Myc, Klf4, and 6 weeks later Oct4 was detectable. However, Sox2 was detected only after 8 weeks of culture. Differentiated somatic cells could be reprogrammed in ES extract in vitro, which provides a new approach to decreasing differentiation levels in somatic cells without disturbing the DNA sequences. Anat Rec, 292:1229–1234, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spouse depression and disease course among persons with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lam Mark , Lehman Allen J. , Puterman Eli , DeLongis Anita 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the role of spouse mood in the disability and disease course of persons with rheumatoid arthritis (PWRA).MethodsA total of 133 married PWRA completed questionnaires, including the Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, assessing PWRA arthritis disease activity and disability, respectively, at 2 time points 1 year apart. In addition, both PWRA and their spouses completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, a standardized community measure of depression at both time points.ResultsMultiple regression analysis revealed spouse depressive symptoms at initial assessment to be predictive of followup PWRA disability and disease activity, even after controlling for initial levels of PWRA depression, disability, disease activity, age, number of years married, education, disease duration, and employment. Specifically, higher levels of spouse depression predicted worse disease course over a 1‐year period for PWRA, as indicated by higher reports of subsequent PWRA disability and disease activity.ConclusionOur findings highlight the key role played by the spouse in PWRA disease course, and point to the importance of including the spouse in clinical interventions. Implications for theory, research, and treatment are discussed with a focus on examining pathways through which spouse depressive symptoms may affect PWRA disease course and disability.
Total knee replacement and health‐related quality of life: Factors influencing long‐term outcomes
Authors: Núñez Montserrat , Lozano Luis , Núñez Esther , Segur Josep M. , Sastre Sergi , Maculé Francisco , Ortega Raquel , Suso Santiago 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with osteoarthritis undergoing total knee replacement (TKR); identify the influence of sociodemographic, clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative variables on HRQOL; and determine patient perceptions at 7 years.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study with 7 years of followup. HRQOL measures (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] and Short Form 36 [SF‐36]); sociodemographic, clinical, intraoperative, inpatient, and postoperative data; patient perceptions of TKR outcomes; and physical activity at 7 years were determined. Associations were analyzed using linear regression models.ResultsOf 146 eligible patients, 112 (86 women, mean age 67.3 years) completed followup data. There were significant differences between pre‐ and postoperative WOMAC pain, stiffness, and function scores (P < 0.001). Variables retained in each of the models explained 14–32% (adjusted R2) of variability of the WOMAC dimensions. Obesity and postdischarge complications were associated with worse scores in all WOMAC dimensions (P < 0.05). Eighty‐six percent of patients were satisfied with TKR, 80% would undergo the operation again, and 56% did regular physical activity and had better WOMAC scores (P < 0.05, except for stiffness [not significant]). Mean ± SD SF‐36 scores for men and women at 7 years were 55.1 ± 27.1 and 39.5 ± 22.9 for physical function, 71.2 ± 36.5 and 51.5 ± 42.7 for physical role, 66.2 ± 26 and 55.6 ± 28.9 for bodily pain, and 60.7 ± 17.1 and 50.7 ± 21.2 for general health, respectively.ConclusionWOMAC dimension scores, especially pain, significantly improved at 7 years and were negatively influenced by obesity and postdischarge complications. HRQOL measures may help identify an increased risk of negative outcomes after TKR.
Illness perceptions in patients with osteoarthritis: Change over time and association with disability
Authors: Bijsterbosch J. , Scharloo M. , Visser A. W. , Watt I. , Meulenbelt I. , Huizinga T. W. J. , Kaptein A. A. , Kloppenburg M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate changes in illness perceptions in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and the association of those changes with disability, and to determine the predictive value of illness perceptions in disability.MethodsIllness perceptions and disability were measured at baseline and after 6 years in 241 patients with OA at multiple sites (mean age 59.0 years, 82.2% women) using the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ‐R) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), respectively. Mean changes for each IPQ‐R dimension were reported and related to progression of disability, defined as the highest quartile of HAQ score change. The predictive value of baseline illness perceptions in disability at 6 years (with high disability defined as the highest quartile of HAQ score) was assessed using logistic regression.ResultsIllness perceptions changed over time, and these changes were related to the progression of disability. Patients with progression of disability had an increase in symptoms attributed to OA, perceived consequences, perceived disease chronicity, negative emotions associated with OA and beliefs about immunity as causal factor, and a decrease in perceived control and understanding of OA compared with patients without progression of disability. Moreover, a higher number of symptoms attributed to OA, less perceived control, and more perceived consequences of OA at baseline were predictive of high disability after 6 years.ConclusionIllness perceptions in patients with OA changed over time, and these changes were related to outcome. Moreover, illness perceptions were predictive of disability. This may imply that interventions aimed at changing illness perceptions can contribute to better functional outcome.
Gamma/delta T cells are the predominant source of interleukin‐17 in affected joints in collagen‐induced arthritis, but not in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ito Yoshinaga , Usui Takashi , Kobayashi Shio , Iguchi‐Hashimoto Mikiko , Ito Hiromu , Yoshitomi Hiroyuki , Nakamura Takashi , Shimizu Masakazu , Kawabata Daisuke , Yukawa Naoichiro , Hashimoto Motomu , Sakaguchi Noriko , Sakaguchi Shimon , Yoshifuji Hajime , Nojima Takaki , Ohmura Koichiro , Fujii Takao , Mimori Tsuneyo 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectiveAlthough interleukin‐17 (IL‐17)–producing γ/δ T cells were reported to play pathogenic roles in collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA), their characteristics remain unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify whether γ/δ T cells or CD4+ T cells are the predominant IL‐17–producing cells, and to determine what stimulates γ/δ T cells to secret IL‐17 in mice with CIA. The involvement of IL‐17–producing γ/δ T cells in SKG mice with autoimmune arthritis and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was also investigated.MethodsIL‐17–producing cells in the affected joints of mice with CIA were counted by intracellular cytokine staining during 6 distinct disease phases, and these cells were stimulated with various combinations of cytokines or specific antigens to determine the signaling requirements. Similar studies were performed using SKG mice with arthritis and patients with RA.ResultsGamma/delta T cells were the predominant population in IL‐17–producing cells in the swollen joints of mice with CIA, and the absolute numbers of these cells increased in parallel with disease activity. IL‐17–producing γ/δ T cells expressed CC chemokine receptor 6, were maintained by IL‐23 but not by type II collagen in vitro, and were induced antigen independently in vivo. Furthermore, IL‐17 production by γ/δ T cells was induced by IL‐1β plus IL‐23 independently of T cell receptor. In contrast to what was observed in mice with CIA, IL‐17–producing γ/δ T cells were nearly absent in the affected joints of SKG mice and patients with RA, and Th1 cells were predominant in the joints of patients with RA.ConclusionGamma/delta T cells were antigen independently stimulated by inflammation at affected joints and produced enhanced amounts of IL‐17 to exacerbate arthritis in mice with CIA but not in SKG mice with arthritis or patients with RA.
The effects of phosphatidylserine‐dependent antiprothrombin antibody on thrombin generation
Authors: Sakai Yoshie , Atsumi Tatsuya , Ieko Masahiro , Amengual Olga , Furukawa Shin , Furusaki Akira , Bohgaki Miyuki , Kataoka Hiroshi , Horita Tetsuya , Yasuda Shinsuke , Koike Takao 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectiveAntibodies to prothrombin (APTs) and to β2‐glycoprotein I are the major autoantibodies responsible for lupus anticoagulant (LAC) activity. APTs comprise antibodies against prothrombin alone as well as antibodies against phosphatidylserine/prothrombin complex (anti‐PS/PT), the latter being highly associated with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The effect of anti‐PS/PT on thrombin generation has not been elucidated, and the paradoxical effect of LAC (an anticoagulant in vitro, but a procoagulant in vivo) remains an enigma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of anti‐PS/PT on thrombin generation and to examine the LAC paradox.MethodsWe evaluated 36 anti‐PS/PT–positive APS patients and 127 healthy subjects. Markers of in vivo thrombin/fibrin generation, including prothrombin fragment F1+2, thrombin–antithrombin III complex, soluble fibrin monomer, D‐dimer, and fibrin degradation products, were measured. Mouse monoclonal anti‐PS/PT antibody 231D was established, and its effects on in vitro thrombin generation were investigated by chromogenic assay.ResultsSignificantly elevated levels of markers of thrombin/fibrin generation were observed in anti‐PS/PT–positive patients, regardless of the presence or absence of anticardiolipin antibodies, as compared with healthy subjects. In the presence of low concentrations of human activated factor V (FVa), monoclonal antibody 231D increased thrombin generation in a dose‐dependent manner. In contrast, when high concentrations of FVa were added, monoclonal antibody 231D decreased thrombin generation. Under a constant concentration of FVa, a high concentration of human FXa enhanced the effect of 231D.ConclusionThe presence of anti‐PS/PT greatly correlated with increased thrombin generation in APS patients. The in vitro effects of monoclonal antibody 231D on thrombin generation are “biaxial” according to the FVa/FXa balance. These data may serve as a clue to understanding the LAC paradox and the thrombogenic properties of anti‐PS/PT.
Association of a single‐nucleotide polymorphism in CD40 with the rate of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: van der Linden Michael P. M. , Feitsma Anouk L. , le Cessie Saskia , Kern Marlena , Olsson Lina M. , Raychaudhuri Soumya , Begovich Ann B. , Chang Monica , Catanese Joseph J. , Kurreeman Fina A. S. , van Nies Jessica , van der Heijde Désirée M. , Gregersen Peter K. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , Toes René E. M. , van der Helm‐Van Mil Annette H. M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectiveThe severity of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is highly variable from patient to patient and is influenced by genetic factors. Genome‐wide association studies have enormously boosted the field of the genetics of RA susceptibility, but risk loci for RA severity remain poorly defined. A recent meta‐analysis of genome‐wide association studies identified 6 genetic regions for susceptibility to autoantibody‐positive RA: CD40, KIF5A/PIP4K2C, CDK6, CCL21, PRKCQ, and MMEL1/TNFRSF14. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether these newly described genetic regions are associated with the rate of joint destruction.MethodsRA patients enrolled in the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic were studied (n = 563). Yearly radiographs were scored using the Sharp/van der Heijde method (median followup 5 years; maximum followup 9 years). The rate of joint destruction between genotype groups was compared using a linear mixed model, correcting for age, sex, and treatment strategies. A total of 393 anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)–positive RA patients from the North American Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium (NARAC) who had radiographic data available were used for the replication study.ResultsThe TT and CC/CG genotypes of 2 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, rs4810485 (CD40) and rs42041 (CDK6), respectively, were associated with a higher rate of joint destruction in ACPA‐positive RA patients (P = 0.003 and P = 0.012, respectively), with rs4810485 being significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. The association of the CD40 minor allele with the rate of radiographic progression was replicated in the NARAC cohort (P = 0.021).ConclusionA polymorphism in the CD40 locus is associated with the rate of joint destruction in patients with ACPA‐positive RA. Our findings provide one of the first non–HLA‐related genetic severity factors that has been replicated.
Improvement in hemoglobin levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis treated with infliximab
Authors: Braun Jürgen , van der Heijde Désirée , Doyle Mittie K. , Han Chenglong , Deodhar Atul , Inman Robert , Vlam Kurt de , Burmester Gerd R. , Van den Bosch Filip , Xu Stephen , Visvanathan Sudha , Rahman Mahboob U. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjectiveAnemia is a common complication in patients with inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This post hoc analysis of a large, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial examined the effect of infliximab on hemoglobin levels, physical function, and fatigue in patients with AS.MethodsPatients received infliximab 5 mg/kg (n = 188) or placebo (n = 68) at weeks 0, 2, 6, 12, and 18. Hemoglobin, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, fatigue (visual analog scale [VAS]), physical function (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index [BASFI]), and disease activity were evaluated at baseline and week 24. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level <12 gm/dl for women and <13 gm/dl for men.ResultsAt baseline, 11 placebo group patients (16.2%) and 37 infliximab group patients (19.7%) had anemia. Of these, more infliximab‐treated patients achieved normal hemoglobin levels at week 24 compared with patients receiving placebo (70.3% versus 27.3%; P = 0.0155). Infliximab‐treated patients had significant improvements in mean hemoglobin concentration (0.7 gm/dl versus −0.3 gm/dl), BASFI score (−2.1 versus −0.2), and fatigue VAS score (−2.4 versus −0.4) compared with placebo patients (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analyses showed that improvements in hemoglobin level were significantly and independently associated with improvements in physical function and fatigue. Infliximab‐treated patients with elevated CRP or IL‐6 levels at baseline were more likely than those with low levels to have improvement in hemoglobin levels.ConclusionInfliximab treatment significantly decreased the proportion of AS patients with anemia and improved hemoglobin levels compared with placebo. Improvement in hemoglobin level was independently associated with improvements in physical function and fatigue.
Estimation of intragastric drug solubility in the fed state: comparison of various media with data in aspirates
Authors: Diakidou A. , Vertzoni M. , Dressman J. , Reppas C. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe suitability of various media to forecast the solubility of ketoconazole and dipyridamole in the fed stomach at various periods after meal administration was evaluated. Solubilities were measured with the shake‐flask method in gastric fluids aspirated 30, 60 and 120 min after administration of 500 ml Ensure plus® to healthy fasted adults, in three sets of simulated gastric fluids based on milk, and in simple aqueous buffered media. Simple aqueous buffered media vastly underestimated the intragastric solubility of model compounds in the fed state. When using undigested milk‐based media, the solubilities of model compounds in aspirates were also underestimated by a factor of 2.5–27. Solubility in milk digested with pepsin was useful for estimating the intragastric solubility of ketoconazole (within 20%) but overestimated the intragastric values of dipyridamole by a factor of 2–19. For both drugs, the solubility in milk digested with pepsin and lipase predicted the solubility in aspirates collected 60 min after meal administration, whereas at other times it overestimated the intragastric solubility (by a factor of <5). Both the use of biorelevant media and simulation of intragastric digestion are necessary for the prediction of drug solubility in the fed stomach. Milk digested with pepsin and lipase enabled the estimation of the intragastric solubility of dipyridamole and ketoconazole at 1 h after meal intake. Simulation of vesicle/micellar structures seems to be key for the prediction of intragastric solubility in the fed stomach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.