bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Study of New and Prevalent Use of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose
Authors: Karter Andrew J. , Parker Melissa M. , Moffet Howard H. , Spence Michele M. , Chan James , Ettner Susan L. , Selby Joe V. 
Published: July 2006

OBJECTIVE—We sought to assess longitudinal association between self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and glycemic control in diabetic patients from an integrated health plan (Kaiser Permanente Northern California).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Longitudinal analyses of glycemic control among 1) 16,091 patients initiating SMBG (new-user cohort) and 2) 15,347 ongoing users of SMBG (prevalent-user cohort). SMBG frequency was based on pharmacy use (number of blood glucose test strips dispensed), and glycemic control was based on HbA1c (A1C). In the new-user cohort, ANCOVA models (pre- and posttest design) were used to assess the effect of initiating SMBG. In the prevalent-user cohort, repeated-measure, mixed-effects models with random-intercept and time-dependent covariates were used to assess changes in SMBG and A1C. All models were stratified by therapy (no medications, oral agents only, or insulin) and adjusted for baseline A1C, sociodemographics, insulin injection frequency, comorbidity index, medication adherence, smoking status, health care use, and provider specialty.
RESULTS—Greater SMBG practice frequency among new users was associated with a graded decrease in A1C (relative to nonusers) regardless of diabetes therapy (P &lt; 0.0001). Changes in SMBG frequency among prevalent users were associated with an inverse graded change in A1C only among pharmacologically treated patients (P &lt; 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS—These observational findings are consistent with short-term benefits of initiating SMBG practice for all patients but continuing benefits only for pharmacologically treated patients. Differences in effectiveness between new versus prevalent users of SMBG have implications for guideline development and interpretation of observational outcomes data.
The atypical pattern of cell death in B16F10 melanoma cells treated with TNP-470
Authors: Okrój Marcin , Stawikowska Dorota , Słomińska Ewa , Myśliwski Andrzej , Bigda Jacek 
Published: July 2006

AbstractTNP-470 is an acknowledged anti-angiogenic factor, and was studied clinically as an anti-cancer drug. We previously reported on an additional property of this molecule: the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species in B16F10 melanoma cells. We showed that a massive generation of ROS occurred in the first few hours after treatment with TNP-470 and that this event was critical to subsequent cell death. In this study, we analyzed the process of cell death and noticed an atypical pattern of death markers. Some of these, such as DNA fragmentation or condensation of chromatin, were characteristic for programmed cell death, while others (the lack of phosphatidylserine flip-flop but permeability to propidium iodide, the maintenance of adhesion to the substratum, no change in mitochondrial transmembrane potential, no effect of the panspecific caspase inhibitor) rather suggested a necrotic outcome. We concluded that TNP-470 induced at least some pathways of programmed cell death. However, increasing damage to critical cell functions appears to cause a rapid switch into the necrotic mode. Our data is similar to that in other reports describing the action of ROS-generating agents. We hypothesize that this rapid programmed cell death/necrosis switch is a common scenario following free radical stress.
Erk is involved in the differentiation induced by diallyl disulfide in the human gastric cancer cell line MGC803
Authors: Ling Hui , Zhang Liang-Yun , Su Qi , Song Ying , Luo Zhao-Yang , Zhou Xiu , Zeng Xi , He Jie , Tan Hui , Yuan Jing-Ping 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDiallyl disulfide (DADS) is a major constituent of garlic. Previously, we found that DADS both inhibited proliferation in human gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and induced G2/M arrest. In this study, we investigated whether this differentiation effect was induced by DADS in human gastric cancer MGC803 cells, and whether it was related to an alteration in ERK activity. The results showed that the growth of MGC803 cells was inhibited by DADS. Cells treated with DADS displayed a lower nucleocytoplasmic ratio and tended to form gland and intercellular conjunction structures. The ConA-mediated cell agglutination ratio and cells’ ALP specific activity decreased. In MGC803 cells, dye transfer was limited to a few cells neighbouring the dye-injected cell and to a depth of 1–2 layers beneath the scrape site. However, after treatment with DADS, the LY (Lucifer Yellow) was transferred to several cells immediately neighbouring the microinjected cell and to a depth of 2–4 cell layers from the scrape site. This indicated that DADS induced differentiation in MGC803 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that although DADS did not influence the quantity of ERK1/2 protein expressed, it did decrease its phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner, compared with the controls. At 30 mg·L−1, DADS inhibited the activation of ERK1/2 in 15–30 min. These results suggested that the DADS-induced differentiation of MGC803 cells involved an alteration of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Cover Picture: Fabrication of Stable Low‐Density Silica Aerogels Containing Luminescent ZnS Capped CdSe Quantum Dots (Adv. Mater. 15/2006)
Authors: Sorensen L. , Strouse G. F. , Stiegman A. E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractLuminescent CdSe quantum dots 2.5 and 6.0 nm in diameter can be incorporated into low‐density silica aerogel matrices. In work reported by Stiegmann and co‐workers on p. 1965, aerogels are formed from the supercritical CO2 extraction of an alcogel containing quantum dots surface passivated with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The resulting aerogels, shown on the cover, are low scattering and display intense, stable luminescence.
Mixing of components in two‐component aggregation
Authors: Matsoukas Themis , Lee Kangtaek , Kim Taehoon 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe problem of binary component aggregation with kernels that are independent of composition is considered. The bivariate distribution as the product of two distributions is studied, one that refers to the size of the aggregates, and one that describes the distribution of the component of interest (solute), and obtain the governing equations for all three. The distribution of solute within aggregates of size v has a steady‐state solution, that is independent of the size distribution: it is a Gaussian function whose mean and variance are both proportional to the aggregate size v. To quantify the degree of blending, the sum‐square X2, of the deviation of the amount solute from its mean, is studied. Two cases are identified for which X2 is constant during aggregation: (a) “partially mixed” seeds regardless of kernel; and (b) sum‐type kernels regardless of seed distribution. Simulations confirm the results for these two cases, and further indicate that in the general case, X2 is nearly constant. The degree of mixing is determined solely by the initial distribution of components, but does not depend on the kernel. Optimum initial conditions that minimize the time required to reach a desired level of homogeneity between components are identified. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Accelerated evolution of Protocadherin11X/Y: A candidate gene‐pair for cerebral asymmetry and language
Authors: Williams Nic A. , Close James P. , Giouzeli Maria , Crow Timothy J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIt has been argued that cerebral asymmetry (the “torque”) is the characteristic that defines the human brain and that morphological findings in psychosis are consistent with a deviation in this sex‐dependent dimension of brain growth. Evidence from sex chromosome aneuploidies and an association within families between sex and handedness is consistent with the presence of a determinant of cerebral asymmetry (a possible correlate of language) on the X and the Y chromosomes. During hominid evolution a 3.5 Mb translocation occurred from the ancestral X chromosome to the Y chromosome, resulting in duplication of the Protocadherin11X gene, such that it is represented on the X and Y chromosomes in man, whereas there is a single X‐linked gene in other mammals. We re‐date the duplicative translocation to 6 million years ago, that is, close to the chimpanzee–hominid bifurcation. Sequence comparisons with the chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, and orangutan indicate that in contrast to earlier purifying selection there has been accelerated change in the Protocadherin11X ectodomain as well as the Protocadherin11Y sequence in the hominid lineage since the duplication. The evolutionary sequence of events together with the prior case for an X‐Y homologous gene suggests that this gene‐pair is a candidate for the evolution of hominid‐specific characteristics including the sexual dimorphism of cerebral asymmetry, a putative correlate of language. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Abnormalities of cholesterol metabolism in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Tierney Elaine , Bukelis Irena , Thompson Richard E. , Ahmed Khalid , Aneja Alka , Kratz Lisa , Kelley Richard I. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAlthough Smith‐Lemli‐Opitz Syndrome (SLOS), a genetic condition of impaired cholesterol biosynthesis, is associated with autism [Tierney et al., 2001; Am J Med Genet 98:191‐200.], the incidence of SLOS and other sterol disorders among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is unknown. This study investigated (1) the incidence of biochemically diagnosed SLOS in blood samples from a cohort of subjects with ASD from families in which more than one individual had ASD and (2) the type and incidence of other sterol disorders in the same group. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, cholesterol, and its precursor sterols were quantified in 100 samples from subjects with ASD obtained from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) specimen repository. Although no sample had sterol levels consistent with SLOS, 19 samples had total cholesterol levels lower than 100 mg/dl, which is below the 5th centile for children over age 2 years. These findings suggest that, in addition to SLOS, there may be other disorders of sterol metabolism or homeostasis associated with ASD. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Knee pain, knee osteoarthritis, and the risk of fracture
Authors: Arden Nigel K. , Crozier Sarah , Smith Helen , Anderson Frazer , Edwards Christopher , Raphael Helen , Cooper Cyrus 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectivePatients with osteoarthritis (OA) have increased bone mineral density; however, the association between knee OA and fracture is controversial. Few data exist on the association between knee pain and fracture. We examined the association of knee OA and knee pain with fracture and falls in elderly men and women.MethodsThe study group comprised 6,641 men and women ages ≥75 years who participated in a 3‐year randomized controlled trial of intramuscular vitamin D therapy. Patients completed a questionnaire about knee pain and OA. Fracture and fall data were collected prospectively every 6 months.ResultsKnee pain prevalence and a clinician diagnosis of knee OA were 35.2% and 6.8%, respectively. A total of 436 incident nonvertebral fractures were reported, and 3,992 patients sustained a fall. Prevalent knee pain was associated with an increased risk of falls (hazard ratio [HR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.17–1.36) and hip fracture (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.18–3.37). Increasing severity of knee pain was associated with a greater risk of falls and hip fracture. Clinician diagnosis of knee OA was associated with an increased risk of nonvertebral fractures (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.09–2.36). The increased risk of fracture was not substantially reduced by adjusting for falls, but was attenuated by adjustment for the use of walking aids.ConclusionPatients with a clinical diagnosis of knee OA and with knee pain have an increased risk of nonvertebral and hip fracture. This is not explained by the increased risk of falls, but is more likely to be due to the severity of falls sustained. Knee pain and OA should be regarded as independent risk factors for fracture.
Antirheumatic drug use and the risk of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Suissa Samy , Bernatsky Sasha , Hudson Marie 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) associated with the use of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and other medications commonly used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsWe conducted a nested case‐control analysis within a cohort of subjects with RA, observed between 1999 and 2003, identified from the PharMetrics claims database. For each first AMI hospitalization identified during followup, 10 controls matched on sex, age, and time of study entry were randomly selected from the cohort. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the rate ratio (RR) of AMI associated with the current use of anti‐RA therapy, as measured from dispensed prescriptions, after adjustment for AMI risk factors.ResultsThe cohort included 107,908 subjects (average age 54 years at cohort entry). During followup, 558 AMI cases occurred (3.4 per 1,000 per year). AMI rate was significantly decreased with the current use of any DMARD (adjusted RR 0.80, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.65–0.98). This effect was consistent across all DMARDs, including methotrexate (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.60–1.08), leflunomide (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12–0.65), and other traditional DMARDs (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.46–0.97), but not biologic agents (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.92–1.83). AMI rate increased with the use of glucocorticoids (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02–1.72) but not with nonselective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.81–1.36) or cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) inhibitors (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.87–1.43).ConclusionDMARD use is associated with a reduction in AMI risk in patients with RA. No risk increase was found with the COX‐2 inhibitors in this population.
Assessment of coxib utilization by rheumatologists for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug gastroprotection prior to the coxib market withdrawals
Authors: Greenberg Jeffrey D. , Bingham Clifton O. , Abramson Steven B. , Reed George , Kishimoto Mitsumasa , Hinkle Kim , Kremer Joel 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo examine cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor (coxib) utilization by rheumatologists for patients receiving nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prior to the coxib market withdrawals.MethodsA prospective study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis enrolled in the Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America registry was performed.ResultsOf 1,833 patients receiving prescription NSAIDs, 1,380 (75.3%) received gastroprotection, defined as either coxib monotherapy and/or gastroprotective agent (GPA) cotherapy, and 1,207 (65.8%) received coxibs. The distribution of gastroprotective strategies included 860 (46.9%) patients who were prescribed coxib monotherapy, 347 (18.9%) prescribed dual coxib plus GPA cotherapy, 173 (9.4%) prescribed a nonselective NSAID (NS‐NSAID) plus GPA cotherapy, and 453 (24.7%) prescribed an NS‐NSAID without GPA cotherapy. For patients with 0, 1, and ≥2 identifiable gastrointestinal (GI) risk factors, coxib prescribing rates as a proportion of NSAID agents were 64.1%, 66.4%, and 68.6%, respectively; among dual aspirin/NSAID users, coxib prescribing rates were 66.2%, 78.3%, and 68.5% of NSAID prescriptions, respectively.ConclusionThe majority of NSAID users were prescribed a gastroprotective strategy, primarily attributable to coxib utilization. Coxib utilization rates were consistently high across all levels of GI risk, including patients without identifiable risk factors. These data indicate that rheumatologists broadly adopted the coxib class of NSAIDs in a nonselective manner with respect to underlying GI risk and concomitant aspirin use. As novel therapeutic classes are introduced, early evaluation of prescribing patterns using arthritis registries can determine the appropriateness of prescribing patterns and may improve patient outcomes.
In vivo and in vitro characterization of skeletal muscle metabolism in patients with statin‐induced adverse effects
Authors: Guis S. , Figarella‐branger D. , Mattei J. P. , Nicoli F. , Le Fur Y. , Kozak‐Ribbens G. , Pellissier J. F. , Cozzone P. J. , Amabile N. , Bendahan D. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectiveStatins (3‐hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitor) are widely used to treat hypercholesterolemia. They are generally well tolerated, but myotoxic effects have been reported and the corresponding mechanisms are still a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to determine whether impairment of calcium homeostasis and/or mitochondrial impairment could account for the adverse effects of statins in skeletal muscle.MethodsEleven patients with increased creatine kinase levels and myalgias after statin treatment were evaluated using in vitro contracture tests (IVCTs), histology, and 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P‐MRS).ResultsIVCT results were abnormal in 7 of the 9 patients, indicating an impaired calcium homeostasis. The 31P‐MRS investigation disclosed no anomaly at rest, and the aerobic function assessed during the postexercise recovery period was normal. On the contrary, the pH recovery kinetics was significantly slowed down as indicated by a reduced proton efflux, which could be ultimately linked to a failure of calcium homeostasis. Overall, our observations indicate a normal mitochondrial function and raise the possibility that statins may unmask a latent pathology involving an impairment of calcium homeostasis such as malignant hyperthermia (MH).ConclusionIn case of susceptibility to MH, statins treatment must be administered with caution, and signs of adverse effects should be checked.
Development and validation of the Edmonton Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P. , Mallon Cathy , Richardson Rhonda , Conner‐Spady Barbara , JaureguI Edwin , Chung Cecilia , Zappala Lisa , Pile Kevin , Russell Anthony S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectiveAssessment of spinal and hip mobility has been recommended by the Assessments in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Working Group for clinical trials and record keeping, although suggested measures primarily reflect structural damage. Our objective was to validate a simple, 4‐item composite measure of spinal and hip mobility, the Edmonton AS Metrology Index (EDASMI).MethodsWe assessed the EDASMI and the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI) using a total of 263 patients from 3 countries: Canada (n = 205), Australia (n = 29), and Colombia (n = 29). Intra‐ and interobserver reliability were assessed in a subset of 44 patients. Construct validity with respect to disease activity (Bath AS Disease Activity Index [BASDAI]), function (Bath AS Functional Index [BASFI]), and structural damage (modified Stoke AS Spinal Score [mSASSS]) was analyzed using correlation and hierarchical regression. Responsiveness was assessed in a subset of 33 patients who received either anti–tumor necrosis factor α therapy (n = 26) or pamidronate (n = 7) over 24 weeks.ResultsIn contrast to the EDASMI, BASMI scores covered a limited range, with 70% of patients demonstrating a score ≤3 (range 0–10) and 4 of 5 individual measures demonstrating substantial floor effects. Both measures were highly reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.90) and demonstrated similar construct validity (EDASMI correlated with disease duration [0.52], BASDAI [0.24], BASFI [0.61], Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index [0.79], mSASSS [0.75]; P < 0.001 for all). The change in EDASMI score was significant after 24 weeks of therapy (standardized response mean 0.40; P = 0.03), but change in the BASMI was not significant.ConclusionThe EDASMI is a simple, rapid, and reliable tool for the assessment of spinal mobility in AS that is responsive to therapeutic intervention.
Evaluating quality of life in hip and knee replacement: Psychometric properties of the World Health Organization Quality of Life short version instrument
Authors: Ackerman Ilana N. , Graves Stephen E. , Bennell Kim L. , Osborne Richard H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the psychometric properties of the World Health Organization Quality of Life short version instrument (WHOQOL‐BREF), and to determine its responsiveness in assessing early outcome after total hip or knee replacement surgery.MethodsAt baseline (entry to an orthopedic waiting list), 279 participants completed the WHOQOL‐BREF instrument, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Assessment of Quality of Life (AQOL) instrument, Kessler Psychological Distress (K10) scale, and the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ). A total of 74 patients completed reassessments 3 months after surgery.ResultsThe WHOQOL‐BREF demonstrated acceptable internal consistency for all domains (Cronbach's α = 0.76–0.84) and moderate concurrent validity for the physical and psychological domains (r = 0.67 for physical versus AQOL; r = −0.71 for psychological versus K10). Minimal ceiling or floor effects were identified at baseline or 3 months, except for the social relationships domain. The disease‐specific WOMAC subscales were most responsive to change (relative efficiency [RE] 0.66–1.00). Apart from social relationships, all WHOQOL‐BREF scores improved significantly after surgery. The physical domain was more responsive than the AQOL (RE 0.50 versus 0.42) and was similar to the MHAQ (RE 0.55 for MHAQ). The responsiveness of the psychological domain was similar to that of the K10 scale (RE 0.11 versus 0.08).ConclusionThe WHOQOL‐BREF has good psychometric properties for use in persons with severe joint disease, and by providing complementary information, it offers clinicians and researchers an additional tool for comprehensively assessing quality of life in this patient group.
Average Attributable Fractions: A Coherent Theory for Apportioning Excess Risk to Individual Risk Factors and Subpopulations
Authors: Eide Geir Egil , Heuch Ivar 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe attributable fraction in a population and the attributable fraction in exposed are different epidemiologic measures for quantifying the contribution of a risk factor to the risk of disease. While the attributable fraction in a population depends on both the relative risk of disease and the risk of being exposed in the population, the attributable fraction in exposed depends only on the relative risk. Similar relationships apply to the combined attributable fraction in a population and in exposed, respectively, for quantifying the total contribution of a group of risk factors. Eide and Gefeller (1995) showed how the sequential and average attributable fractions could be applied to quantify the contributions of the individual risk factors to a combined attributable fraction in a population. The present paper shows how this methodology can be extended to the combined attributable fraction in exposed. The resulting average attributable fractions in exposed are compared to other proposed methods. The relationship between the average attributable fractions in a population and in exposed is outlined, thus establishing a coherent theory for apportioning attributable fractions in individuals, groups of individuals and populations, to single risk factors or groups of risk factors like modifiable versus nonmodifiable factors. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)