bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraarticular glucocorticoid treatment reduces inflammation in synovial cell infiltrations more efficiently than in synovial blood vessels
Authors: Klint Erik af , Grundtman Cecilia , Engström Marianne , Catrina Anca Irinel , Makrygiannakis Dimitrios , Klareskog Lars , Andersson Ulf , Ulfgren Ann‐Kristin 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether intraarticular (IA) glucocorticoid (GC) therapy diminishes synovial cell infiltration, vascularity, expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and adhesion molecule levels in patients with chronic arthritides.MethodsThirty‐one patients with chronic arthritides received a single IA injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide to treat active large‐joint inflammation. Synovial biopsy specimens were obtained with arthroscopic guidance before and 9–15 days after injection. The presence of T lymphocytes, macrophages, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the pan‐endothelial marker CD31, and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), IL‐1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB‐1) was studied by immunohistochemistry and real‐time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction.ResultsIA GC treatment resulted in good clinical response in 29 of 31 joints. After therapeutic intervention, the number of synovial T lymphocytes declined, whereas the number of macrophages remained unchanged. Overall synovial protein expression of TNF, IL‐1β, extranuclear HMGB‐1, VEGF, and ICAM‐1 was reduced at followup tissue sampling, while no significant effects were observed regarding vascularity. In contrast, expression of IL‐1α, VEGF, and cytoplasmic HMGB‐1 protein in vascular endothelial cells was not affected. GC therapy down‐regulated levels of messenger RNA encoding IL‐1α and IL‐1β, but not TNF or HMGB‐1.ConclusionSynovial cell infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine expression were affected in a multifaceted manner by IA GC treatment. Marked reduction of synovial T lymphocytes, TNF, IL‐1β, extranuclear HMGB‐1, ICAM‐1, and VEGF occurred in association with beneficial clinical effects. Unexpectedly, macrophage infiltration and proinflammatory endothelial cytokine expression remained unchanged. These findings may reflect mechanisms controlling the transiency of clinical improvement frequently observed after IA GC injection.
Expression and occupancy of BAFF‐R on B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Carter Robert H. , Zhao Hong , Liu Ximeng , Pelletier Marc , Chatham Winn , Kimberly Robert , Zhou Tong 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether receptors for B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) are altered on B cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsTotal available receptors for BLyS were measured by analysis of binding of recombinant soluble BLyS to peripheral blood B cells in 36 SLE patients, 29 healthy controls, and 10 disease controls. Antibodies to the receptors BAFF‐R, BCMA, and TACI were used to define expression of the individual BLyS receptors on subsets of B cells in blood, spleen, and tonsils. Two different antibodies to BAFF‐R, which were differentially sensitive to BAFF‐R occupancy, were used to compare BAFF‐R on B cells in an additional 20 healthy subjects and 25 SLE patients. Assays of B cell survival after stimulation in vitro were used to determine the sensitivity of B cells to exogenous BLyS.ResultsTotal available receptors for BLyS were decreased in patients with SLE, independent of changes of subsets in the blood in these patients. The decrease correlated with changes in disease activity. Although total surface BAFF‐R was not significantly different between healthy controls and SLE patients, BAFF‐R was occupied in SLE patients. B cells from these patients were less responsive to exogenous BLyS.ConclusionBAFF‐R is consistently occupied on blood B cells in SLE. Occupancy of BAFF‐R on blood B cells is likely to contribute to disease mechanisms in SLE and could serve as a biomarker of disease activity. Targeting BLyS as a therapeutic strategy will require overcoming the persistent binding of BLyS to BAFF‐R.
Reliability and sensitivity to change of the OMERACT rheumatoid arthritis magnetic resonance imaging score in a multireader, longitudinal setting
Authors: Haavardsholm Espen A. , Østergaard Mikkel , Ejbjerg Bo J. , Kvan Nils P. , Uhlig Till A. , Lilleås Finn G. , Kvien Tore K. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the intra‐ and interreader reliability and the sensitivity to change of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (RAMRIS) system on digital images of the wrist joints of patients with early or established rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsTen sets of baseline and 1‐year followup MR images of the wrists of patients with progressive changes on conventional hand radiographs were scored independently by 4 readers on 2 consecutive days, preceded by reader training and calibration. The MR images were acquired and scored according to the recommendations from the OMERACT MRI group. The intra‐ and interreader agreement (evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs]) and the sensitivity to change (evaluated by the smallest detectable difference [SDD]) were determined for scores of synovitis, erosion, and bone marrow edema status and for change scores.ResultsIntrareader ICCs were generally very high, both for status scores (median baseline and followup 0.89 and 0.90 for synovitis, 0.91 and 0.90 for erosion, and 0.90 and 0.98 for edema) and for change scores (median 0.80 for synovitis, 0.96 for erosion, and 0.97 for edema). The SDDs were generally low, suggesting a high potential to detect changes. Interreader single‐measure ICCs were high for status scores (mean baseline and followup 0.69 and 0.78 for synovitis, 0.83 and 0.73 for erosion, and 0.79 and 0.95 for edema) and for change scores (mean 0.74 for synovitis, 0.67 for erosion, and 0.95 for edema). The average‐measure ICCs were ≥0.94 for all components of both the status scores and change scores.ConclusionThe RAMRIS showed very good intrareader reliability, good interreader reliability, and a high level of sensitivity to change. The results suggest that the RAMRIS may be a suitable system for use in monitoring joint inflammation and destruction in RA.
Digital x‐ray radiogrammetry combined with semiautomated analysis of joint space widths as a new diagnostic approach in rheumatoid arthritis: A cross‐sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Böttcher J. , Pfeil A. , Rosholm A. , Petrovitch A. , Seidl B. E. , Malich A. , Schäfer M. L. , Kramer A. , Mentzel H. J. , Lehmann G. , Hein G. , Kaiser W. A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate digital x‐ray radiogrammetry (DXR) and the Radiogrammetry Kit program as new diagnostic tools for quantifying disease‐related periarticular osteoporosis and for measuring joint space narrowing according to the severity and duration of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsUsing DXR, we performed computerized calculations of bone mineral density (BMD) and the metacarpal index (MCI) in 258 patients with active RA. Using the Radiogrammetry Kit program, we also performed semiautomated measurements of joint space width (JSW) at the second through the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints in these patients.ResultsAll correlations between the different parameters of both techniques (BMD and the MCI as measured by DXR and MCP JSW as measured by the Radiogrammetry Kit) were significant (0.36 ≤ R ≤ 0.63; P < 0.01). As expected, a significant negative association was shown between the different MCP JSW results and the results of all scoring methods (−0.67 ≤ R ≤ −0.29). The BMD and the MCI measured by DXR both decreased significantly between Steinbrocker stage I and stage IV (by 32.7% and 36.6%, respectively; both P < 0.01). Reductions in the overall (mean) MCP JSW varied from 35.3% (Larsen score) to 52.9% (Steinbrocker stage). Over a period of 6 years, we observed relative decreases in BMD and the MCI as measured by DXR (32.1% and 33.3%, respectively), as well as in the overall (mean) MCP JSW (23.5%), and these were pronounced in early RA (duration <1 year). In addition, excellent reproducibility of DXR and Radiogrammetry Kit parameters was verified (coefficients of variation <1%).ConclusionDXR with the integrated Radiogrammetry Kit program could be a promising, widely available diagnostic tool for supplementing the different RA scoring methods with quantitative data, thus allowing an earlier and improved diagnosis of RA and more precision in determining disease progression.
Discovery of new rheumatoid arthritis biomarkers using the surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry ProteinChip approach
Authors: de Seny Dominique , Fillet Marianne , Meuwis Marie‐Alice , Geurts Pierre , Lutteri Laurence , Ribbens Clio , Bours Vincent , Wehenkel Louis , Piette Jacques , Malaise Michel , Merville Marie‐Paule 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo identify serum protein biomarkers specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF‐MS) technology.MethodsA total of 103 serum samples from patients and healthy controls were analyzed. Thirty‐four of the patients had a diagnosis of RA, based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria. The inflammation control group comprised 20 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), 9 with asthma, and 10 with Crohn's disease. The noninflammation control group comprised 14 patients with knee osteoarthritis and 16 healthy control subjects. Serum protein profiles were obtained by SELDI‐TOF‐MS and compared in order to identify new biomarkers specific for RA. Data were analyzed by a machine learning algorithm called decision tree boosting, according to different preprocessing steps.ResultsThe most discriminative mass/charge (m/z) values serving as potential biomarkers for RA were identified on arrays for both patients with RA versus controls and patients with RA versus patients with PsA. From among several candidates, the following peaks were highlighted: m/z values of 2,924 (RA versus controls on H4 arrays), 10,832 and 11,632 (RA versus controls on CM10 arrays), 4,824 (RA versus PsA on H4 arrays), and 4,666 (RA versus PsA on CM10 arrays). Positive results of proteomic analysis were associated with positive results of the anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide test. Our observations suggested that the 10,832 peak could represent myeloid‐related protein 8.ConclusionSELDI‐TOF‐MS technology allows rapid analysis of many serum samples, and use of decision tree boosting analysis as the main statistical method allowed us to propose a pattern of protein peaks specific for RA.
Population‐based case‐control study of isolated congenital cataract
Authors: Vogt Gábor , Puhó Erzsébet , Czeizel Andrew E. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to detect possible etiological factors in the origin of isolated congenital cataracts.METHODSThe data set of the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980–2002, contains 111 cases of isolated congenital cataract and 111 matched control pairs without the defect, 37,837 population controls without any defects, and 22,744 malformed controls with other nonocular abnormalities. Exposure data and family history are based on prospective medical records, retrospective maternal information, and information obtained by regional nurses during a home visit with nonrespondent mothers.RESULTSA positive family history indicated an autosomal‐dominant origin in 10% of cases. Rubella infections occurred more frequently in case mothers than in control mothers before vaccination against rubella virus was instituted. A higher prevalence of influenza or common cold during pregnancy was found in the case group (55.9%) than in the population control group (18.5%; adjusted odds ratios [ORs], 5.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.0–8.4) or in the malformed control group (21.7%; adjusted OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 3.2–6.9). The prevalence of acute infectious diseases of the respiratory system during pregnancy was also higher in the case group (26.1%) than in the population control group (9.1%; adjusted OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.5–5.8), or the malformed control group (9.3%; adjusted OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.3–5.3). The higher risk for isolated congenital cataract in cases of mothers with influenza or common cold and acute infectious diseases of the respiratory system during pregnancy was not found after administration of antifever therapy.CONCLUSIONSSome isolated congenital cataracts are preventable by rubella vaccination and probably by influenza vaccination in the epidemic period. In addition, our results suggest that using antifever therapy for fever‐related respiratory diseases may restrict the teratogenic risk of hyperthermia. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transforming growth factor‐β3 promotes mesenchymal cell proliferation and angiogenesis mediated by the enhancement of cyclin D1, Flk‐1, and CD31 gene expression during CL/Fr mouse lip fusion
Authors: Muraoka Noriko , Shum Lillian , Fukumoto Satoshi , Nomura Taisei , Ohishi Masamichi , Nonaka Kazuaki 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDCleft lip with or without cleft palate is the most common congenital anomaly in the craniofacial region. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind normal lip fusion can contribute to better intervention and improved functional clinical outcome. Transforming growth factor‐β3 (TGF‐β3) has been implicated in lip morphogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that TGF‐β3 functions during lip fusion through regulation of angiogenesis and mesenchymal cell cycle progression during early developmental stages.METHODSTo test this hypothesis we used the CL/Fraser mouse model, which has a high incidence of cleft lip. Lips isolated from embryonic day (ED) 11.5 mouse embryos were allowed to develop in serum‐free organ cultures in the presence or absence of TGF‐β3. The lips that developed in these cultures fused in 2 days.RESULTSDuring normal development, we detected positive immunoreactions for TGF‐β3 at the site of fusion. We also detected mesenchymal cells that were immunopositive for Flk‐1 and CD31, which are markers for endothelial cell precursors. Exogenous TGF‐β3 accelerated lip fusion in culture. This enhancement was associated with an increase in the number of capillary blood vessels in the lips cultured in the presence of TGF‐β3, in comparison with controls. In tandem, TGF‐β3 increased the level of expression of both Flk‐1 and CD31. Our data suggest that an elevated level of TGF‐β3 may promote angiogenesis in developing lips that is mediated by increased Flk‐1 and CD31 expression. We also detected increased cyclin D1 expression (a marker for cell proliferation) in the presence of TGF‐β3, which suggests that TGF‐β3 promoted cell proliferation.CONCLUSIONSTGF‐β3 promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis in lip mesenchymal tissues. These events led to enhanced lip fusion in the presence of TGF‐β3. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal influenza during pregnancy and risk of congenital abnormalities in offspring
Authors: ács NÁndor , Bánhidy Ferenc , Puhó Erzsébet , Czeizel Andrew E. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe teratogenic effect of influenza viruses is currently being debated, and we examined the large population‐based data set of the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (HCCSCA) to study the possible association between maternal influenza and various congenital abnormalities (CAs).METHODSThe 1980–1996 HCCSCA includes 22,843 newborns or fetuses with CAs, and 38,151 matched controls (newborn infants without any abnormalities).RESULTSIn the case group, 1328 (5.8%) mothers had influenza at some time during their pregnancies compared to 1838 (4.8%) mothers in the control group (adjusted prevalence odds ratios [PORs], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–1.4). In the calculation of the adjusted PORs, the use of antifever drugs and maternal employment status were considered. When cases and their matched controls were compared, there was a higher prevalence of maternal influenza during the second and/or third month of pregnancy for the group of newborns with cleft lip ± palate (adjusted POR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.0–5.3), neural‐tube defects (adjusted POR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1–3.3), and cardiovascular malformations (adjusted POR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3–2.3). However, a direct teratogenic effect from influenza viruses appears to be unlikely, and we suggest that the higher prevalence of the CAs indicated above can be explained mainly by fever, because this risk was reduced by the use of antifever drugs. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation also showed some preventive effect for these CAs.CONCLUSIONSThe indirect teratogenic effect of maternal influenza during pregnancy may be restricted by appropriate medical treatment (e.g., antifever drugs) and periconceptional folic acid supplementation. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing the transglycosylation activity of α‐galactosidase from Bifidobacterium adolescentis DSM 20083 by site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Hinz Sandra W.A. , Doeswijk‐Voragen Chantal H.L. , Schipperus Roelof , van den Broek Lambertus A.M. , Vincken Jean‐Paul , Voragen Alphons G.J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe α‐galactosidase (AGA) from Bifidobacterium adolescentis DSM 20083 has a high transglycosylation activity. The optimal conditions for this activity are pH 8, and 37°C. At high melibiose concentration (600 mM), approximately 64% of the enzyme–substrate encounters resulted in transglycosylation. Examination of the acceptor specificity showed that AGA required a hydroxyl group at C‐6 for transglycosylation. Pentoses, hexuronic acids, deoxyhexoses, and alditols did not serve as acceptor molecules. Disaccharides were found to be good acceptors. A putative 3D‐structure of the catalytic site of AGA was obtained by homology modeling. Based on this structure and amino acid sequence alignments, site‐directed mutagenesis was performed to increase the transglycosylation efficiency of the enzyme, which resulted in four positive mutants. The positive single mutations were combined, resulting in six double mutants. The mutant H497M had an increase in transglycosylation of 16%, whereas most of the single mutations showed an increase of 2%–5% compared to the wild‐type AGA. The double mutants G382C‐Y500L, and H497M‐Y500L had an increase in transglycosylation activity of 10%–16%, compared to the wild‐type enzyme, whereas the increase for the other double mutants was low (4%–7%). The results show that with a single mutation (H497M) the transglycosylation efficiency can be increased from 64% to 75% of all enzyme–substrate encounters. Combining successful single mutants in double mutations did not necessarily result in an extra increase in transglycosylation efficiency. The donor and acceptor specificity did not change in the mutants, whereas the thermostability of the mutants with G382C decreased drastically. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of methanol concentration on secreted protein production in oxygen‐limited cultures of recombinant Pichia pastoris
Authors: Khatri Narendar K. , Hoffmann Frank 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris is a powerful system for production of recombinant proteins, showing high ability to secrete properly folded proteins. A major plus is the strong AOX1 promoter highly induced by methanol. During growth on methanol, however, oxygen readily becomes limiting. In oxygen‐limited cultivations of recombinant Pichia pastoris, the methanol concentration had a strong impact on the production of a single‐chain antibody fragment (scFv). High methanol concentrations were required to compensate the lack of oxygen and fully induce recombinant protein production, at the same time reducing gratuitous biomass formation due to a lower biomass yield. Product concentrations of 60, 150, and 350 mg/L were obtained with methanol concentrations of 0.3, 1, and 3% (v/v). Moreover, accumulation of a putative product fragment that cannot be removed during affinity purification was prevented at high methanol concentrations. Cell vitality after 100 h was maintained above 98% and 96% of the culture with 0.3% and 3% methanol, respectively. In cultivations supplemented with oxygen, in contrast, methanol concentration between 0.3% and 3% did not influence the product yield of 300–400 mg/L. Thus, efficient recombinant protein production under oxygen‐limitation seems to require high methanol concentrations, enabling product concentration as high as otherwise obtained only with expensive supply of pure oxygen. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of thyroxine replacement therapy after total or near-total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease
Authors: Olubowale O , Chadwick D R 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Total or near-total thyroidectomy is increasingly used to treat benign thyroid conditions. Lifelong treatment with thyroxine (T4) is then required, but the optimal dose is difficult to predict. This study investigated factors that might predict the ideal T4 dose, with the aim of reducing delays in achieving normal thyroid function after surgery.

Methods
Data on 98 patients who underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy for benign disease were reviewed retrospectively. Patient and operative variables that might predict time to achieve normal thyroid function and optimal T4 replacement dose were examined. These data were then used to formulate an algorithm for T4 dosage, based on patient weight, that was subsequently applied prospectively to a comparable group of 27 patients.

Results
The median time to achieve normal thyroid function was 14·5 (range 2–120) weeks before introduction of the algorithm, and was greater in patients needing large changes in T4 dose. In multivariate analysis, the best predictors of optimal T4 dose were bodyweight (r = 0·46, P &lt; 0·001) and age (r = −0·32, P = 0·002). Subsequent use of a weight-related algorithm improved time to achieve normal thyroid function.

Conclusion
The T4 replacement dosage after total or near-total thyroidectomy is largely influenced by bodyweight. Use of a weight-related algorithm improves patient care compared with use of standard T4 dose-titration methods.
Video-assisted subtotal or near-total thyroidectomy for Graves' disease
Authors: Maeda S , Uga T , Hayashida N , Ishigaki K , Furui J , Kanematsu T 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Surgery remains the treatment of choice for patients with Graves' disease. The purpose of the present study was to assess the usefulness and efficacy of video-assisted subtotal or near-total thyroidectomy in patients with Graves' disease.

Methods
Between March 2000 and December 2004, 63 patients with Graves' disease underwent video-assisted subtotal, near-total or total thyroidectomy. Fifty-three patients (84 per cent) were considered for surgery after failure of antithyroid drug and radioiodine therapy, whereas the other ten patients were initially selected for surgical treatment based on their own preference. Treatment outcome was evaluated, including surgical complications, thyroid function, quality of life and patient satisfaction with the surgical result.

Results
All patients were operated on using a video-assisted technique, with some modifications depending on time and experience. There were no conversions to open surgery. Three patients (5 per cent) had temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy that recovered spontaneously. Most patients were satisfied with the surgical results, particularly regarding the placement of the surgical scars.

Conclusion
Video-assisted subtotal or near-total thyroidectomy is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of Graves' disease.