bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water‐soluble C60 fullerene prevents degeneration of articular cartilage in osteoarthritis via down‐regulation of chondrocyte catabolic activity and inhibition of cartilage degeneration during disease development
Authors: Yudoh Kazuo , Shishido Kiyoshi , Murayama Hideki , Yano Mitsunobu , Matsubayashi Kenji , Takada Hiroya , Nakamura Hiroshi , Masuko Kayo , Kato Tomohiro , Nishioka Kusuki 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveStudies have shown the roles of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and induction of chondrocyte senescence during OA progression. The aim of this study was to examine the potential of a strong free‐radical scavenger, water‐soluble fullerene (C60), as a protective agent against catabolic stress–induced degeneration of articular cartilage in OA, both in vitro and in vivo.MethodsIn the presence or absence of C60 (100 μM), human chondrocytes were incubated with interleukin‐1β (10 ng/ml) or H2O2 (100 μM), and chondrocyte activity was analyzed. An animal model of OA was produced in rabbits by resection of the medial meniscus and medial collateral ligament. Rabbits were divided into 5 subgroups: sham operation or treatment with C60 at 0.1 μM, 1 μM, 10 μM, or 40 μM. The left knee joint was injected intraarticularly with water‐soluble C60 (2 ml), while, as a control, the right knee joint received 50% polyethylene glycol (2 ml), once weekly for 4 weeks or 8 weeks. Knee bone and cartilage tissue were prepared for histologic analysis. In addition, in the OA rabbit model, the effect of C60 (10 μM) on degeneration of articular cartilage was compared with that of sodium hyaluronate (HA) (5 mg/ml).ResultsC60 (100 μM) inhibited the catabolic stress–induced production of matrix‐degrading enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases 1, 3, and 13), down‐regulation of matrix production, and apoptosis and premature senescence in human chondrocytes in vitro. In rabbits with OA, treatment with water‐soluble C60 significantly reduced articular cartilage degeneration, whereas control knee joints showed progression of cartilage degeneration with time. This inhibitory effect was dose dependent, and was superior to that of HA. Combined treatment with C60 and HA yielded a significant reduction in cartilage degeneration compared with either treatment alone.ConclusionThe results indicate that C60 fullerene is a potential therapeutic agent for the protection of articular cartilage against progression of OA.
Do tumor necrosis factor inhibitors cause uveitis? A registry‐based study
Authors: Lim Lyndell L. , Fraunfelder Frederick W. , Rosenbaum James T. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectivePopulation‐based studies of patients with ankylosing spondylitis indicate that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors prevent uveitis. Paradoxically, anecdotal reports implicate etanercept as a cause of uveitis. Therefore, using the information from 2 drug events databases, the purpose of this study was to assess reported cases of uveitis associated with the use of TNF inhibitors.MethodsUveitis cases occurring in the US associated with etanercept, infliximab, or adalimumab therapy that were reported to 2 spontaneous reporting databases prior to January 1, 2006 were reviewed.ResultsOverall, there were 43 cases of uveitis associated with etanercept, 14 associated with infliximab, and 2 associated with adalimumab. After normalizing for the estimated number of patients treated with each medication, etanercept was associated with a greater number of uveitis cases than infliximab (P < 0.001) and adalimumab (P < 0.01), while no such association was found between adalimumab and infliximab (P > 0.5). Using a priori criteria to avoid including patients whose underlying disease was associated with uveitis, 20 cases associated with etanercept, 4 cases associated with infliximab, and 2 cases associated with adalimumab were identified. A repeat analysis again revealed a greater number of uveitis cases associated with etanercept (P < 0.001 versus infliximab).ConclusionEtanercept therapy is associated with a significantly greater number of reported uveitis cases in comparison with infliximab and adalimumab in 2 medication side effect registries. These results are consistent with previous studies and suggest that this relationship is drug specific and not related to TNF inhibitors as a whole. However, our findings do not support the use of infliximab over etanercept; rather, if a patient develops uveitis during etanercept therapy, then a change to infliximab may be warranted.
PlA1/A2 polymorphism of the platelet glycoprotein receptor IIIA and risk of cranial ischemic complications in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Salvarani Carlo , Casali Bruno , Farnetti Enrico , Pipitone Nicolò , Formisano Debora , Nicoli Davide , Macchioni Pierluigi , Cimino Luca , Bajocchi Gianluigi , Grazia Catanoso Maria , Restuccia Giovanna , Ghinoi Alessandra , Boiardi Luigi 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate potential associations of the PlA1/A2 polymorphism of the platelet glycoprotein IIIa (GPIIIa) gene with susceptibility to, and clinical expression of, giant cell arteritis (GCA).MethodsOne hundred forty patients with biopsy‐proven GCA who were residents of Reggio Emilia, Italy, and 241 population‐based healthy controls from the same geographic area were genotyped for the PlA1/A2 polymorphism of the platelet GPIIIa gene by molecular methods. The patients were divided into subgroups according to the presence or absence of polymyalgia rheumatica and cranial ischemic complications. The distribution of the PlA1/A2 genotype was investigated, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.ResultsThe distribution of the PlA1/A2 genotype differed significantly between GCA patients with and those without visual loss caused by anterior ischemic optic neuritis (P = 0.016, corrected P [Pcorr] = 0.048). The PlA2 allele was found significantly more frequently in GCA patients with anterior ischemic optic neuritis than in those without anterior ischemic optic neuritis (P = 0.023, Pcorr = 0.046, OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.2–4.8]). Homozygosity for the PlA2 allele was significantly more frequent among GCA patients with anterior ischemic optic neuritis than among those without (P = 0.019, Pcorr = 0.038, OR 7.1 [95% CI 1.64–30.6]). Cranial ischemic complications occurred in 8 of 19 patients (42.1%) receiving antiplatelet therapy, compared with 22 of 118 patients (18.6%) not receiving such therapy (P = 0.03, OR 3.2 [95% CI 1.1–8.8]).ConclusionOur findings show that A2/A2 homozygosity is associated with an increased risk of visual loss due to anterior ischemic optic neuritis in GCA patients. Antiplatelet therapy, however, was not effective in reducing the risk of ischemic events in this population of GCA patients.
Presence of CD4+CD8+ double‐positive T cells with very high interleukin‐4 production potential in lesional skin of patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Parel Yann , Aurrand‐Lions Michel , Scheja Agneta , Dayer Jean‐Michel , Roosnek Eddy , Chizzolini Carlo 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveFibrotic skin changes in systemic sclerosis (SSc) are preceded by the appearance of an inflammatory infiltrate rich in T cells. Since no direct comparison with T cells in normal skin has been performed previously, this study was undertaken to functionally characterize T cells in the skin of patients with early active SSc and in normal skin.MethodsWe characterized coreceptor expression, T cell receptor (TCR) usage, cytokine production, and helper and cytolytic activity of T cell lines and clones established from skin biopsy specimens from 6 SSc patients and 4 healthy individuals. Immunofluorescence analysis of skin biopsy and peripheral blood samples was performed to confirm the presence of specific subsets in vivo.ResultsA distinct subset expressing both CD4 and CD8α/β coreceptors at high levels (double‐positive [DP]) was present in T cell lines from SSc and normal skin. DP T cells actively transcribed both accessory molecules, exerted clonally distributed cytolytic and helper activity, and expressed TCR clonotypes distinct from those in CD4+ or CD8+ single‐positive (SP) T cells. In SSc skin, DP T cells produced very high levels of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) compared with CD4+ SP T cells. Furthermore, DP T cells were directly identified in SSc skin, thus providing evidence that they are a distinct subset in vivo.ConclusionThe present findings show that T cells with the unusual CD4+CD8+ DP phenotype are present in the skin. Their very high level of IL‐4 production in early active SSc may contribute to enhanced extracellular matrix deposition by fibroblasts.
Disease activity early in the course of treatment predicts response to therapy after one year in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Aletaha Daniel , Funovits Julia , Keystone Edward C. , Smolen Josef S. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether disease activity levels at treatment initiation or during the first 3 months of therapy predict disease activity at 1 year after treatment initiation.MethodsPooled patient data from early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical trials (n = 1,342) of methotrexate (MTX), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor monotherapy (adalimumab and etanercept), and the combination of the two (adalimumab or infliximab plus MTX) were used for the primary analyses. Pooled data from clinical trials of MTX and of TNF inhibitor plus MTX in late RA (n = 712) were used for validation of the results. Disease activity was primarily assessed using the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI); in addition, we calculated the Disease Activity Score 28‐joint assessment (DAS28) and the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Associations of disease activity measures at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months with disease activity values or disease activity states at 1 year were performed using Spearman's rank correlation, analysis of variance, and diagnostic testing procedures, including receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, and probit analysis.ResultsCorrelations with SDAI values at end point were significant (P< 0.0001) at baseline, and increased to r = ∼0.6 at 3 months. The area under the ROC curve indicated a high diagnostic test yield with respect to the 1‐year outcome (area under the ROC curve ∼0.8). At all time points, including baseline, the group of patients who achieved remission at 1 year had lower average SDAI values than did those whose disease activity was high at 1 year. The groups achieving low or moderate disease activities at 1 year had SDAI values lying between. Baseline disease activity was less associated with disease activity at the end point for treatment with TNF inhibitor plus MTX, indicating its effectiveness over a broader range of baseline disease activity, but the association with end point disease activity was similar to that in the MTX treatment group at 1 month after treatment initiation. The data were similar when scores on the DAS28 and CDAI were used and were fully validated in the independent cohort of patients with late RA.ConclusionThe level of disease activity at baseline and especially during the first 3 months of treatment is significantly related to the level of disease activity at 1 year. Patients who reach a moderate or low disease activity status after 3–6 months of therapy may require switching to alternative therapies. Our findings indicate that intensive and dynamic treatment strategies that include a closer look at disease activity at 3 months in patients with early and late RA is warranted.
High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein in chronic low back pain with vertebral end‐plate modic signal changes
Authors: Rannou François , Ouanes Walid , Boutron Isabelle , Lovisi Bianca , Fayad Fouad , Macé Yann , Borderie Didier , Guerini Henri , Poiraudeau Serge , Revel Michel 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) level as a measure of low‐grade inflammation in relation to Modic vertebral end‐plate marrow signal change on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with chronic low back pain.MethodsAll patients hospitalized for chronic low back pain in our institution were prospectively enrolled in this pilot study. Serum hsCRP concentration was measured by immunoturbidimetric assay. MR images were evaluated independently by a panel of 2 spine specialists and a radiologist. Recording of clinical parameters, MRI evaluation, and hsCRP level of each patient was blinded.ResultsThree groups of 12 consecutive patients (Modic 0, Modic I, and Modic II signal changes on MRI) were prospectively selected. Serum hsCRP level was significantly different in the 3 groups (P = 0.002) and especially high in the Modic I group (P = 0.002 compared with Modic 0 and II groups): mean ± SD 1.33 ± 0.77 mg/liter in the Modic 0 group, 4.64 ± 3.09 mg/liter in the Modic I group, and 1.75 ± 1.30 mg/liter in the Modic II group. The only difference in clinical parameters among the 3 groups (P = 0.001) was that the worst painful moment during the previous 24 hours occurred during the late night and morning for all Modic I patients (P = 0.001 compared with Modic 0 and P = 0.002 compared with Modic II).ConclusionLow‐grade inflammation indicated by high serum hsCRP level in patients with chronic low back pain could point to Modic I signal changes. This result could help physicians predict the patients with Modic I signals to more precisely prescribe the correct imaging procedure and local antiinflammatory treatment in such patients.
Effect of physical activity on articular knee joint structures in community‐based adults
Authors: Racunica Tina L. , Teichtahl Andrew J. , Wang Yuanyuan , Wluka Anita E. , English Dallas R. , Giles Graham G. , O'Sullivan Richard , Cicuttini Flavia M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveIt is unclear whether physical activity that is beneficial for the cardiovascular system is detrimental to knee structures. We examined the association between intensity, frequency, and duration of physical activity and knee structures in a community‐based population.MethodsA total of 297 healthy adults ages 50–79 years with no history of knee injury or disease were recruited from an existing study on healthy aging. Each subject underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure tibial cartilage volume, tibiofemoral cartilage defects, and bone marrow lesions. Physical activity and anthropometric data were obtained via questionnaire during 1990–1994 and 2003–2004.ResultsTibial cartilage volume increased with frequency (P = 0.01) and duration (P = 0.001) of vigorous activity (activity leading to diaphoresis or dyspnea) reported 10 years previously, as well as recent vigorous activity in the 7 days prior to MRI (P = 0.05). Recent weight‐bearing vigorous activity increased with tibial cartilage volume (P = 0.02) and was inversely associated with cartilage defects (P = 0.02). A reduced risk of bone marrow lesions was associated with regular walking (P = 0.04).ConclusionVigorous physical activity appears to have a beneficial effect on knee articular cartilage in healthy, community‐based adults with no history of knee injury or disease. Regular walking reduces the risk of bone marrow lesions in the knee. This study provides further support for a beneficial effect of physical activity for diseases associated with aging and suggests that exercise that is good for the heart is also good for the knees.
Absence of histologic evidence of synovitis in patients with Gulf War veterans' illness with joint pain
Authors: Diaz‐Torne C. , Schumacher H. R. , Yu X. , Gomez‐Vaquero C. , Dai L. , Chen L. X. , Clayburne G. , Einhorn E. , Sachdeva R. M. , Singh J. A. , Pessler F. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveAn unexplained multisymptom illness, Gulf War veterans' illness (GWVI), has been described among allied force veterans of the first Gulf War (1990–1991). It has been proposed that some of its symptoms reflect an immune dysfunction, and rheumatologic symptoms including joint pain and stiffness are reported frequently. However, it is unknown whether synovial inflammation causes the articular symptoms. We examined synovial tissue from individuals with GWVI and joint pain for evidence of inflammation.MethodsWe compared synovial biopsy samples from 6 individuals with GWVI and joint pain with samples from 9 clinically asymptomatic controls (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E] stains only) and biopsy samples or surgically obtained specimens from 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 12 with osteoarthritis (OA). Inflammatory changes were quantified in H&E stained sections with a modified synovitis score by immunostaining for CD3, CD20, CD38, CD68, Ki‐67, and von Willebrand factor, and with a composite inflammation score based on these markers.ResultsNormal histology was seen in the GWVI specimens, except for mild focal lining hyperplasia and rare low‐grade perivascular infiltrates in 1 specimen each. Mean ± SEM synovitis scores were lowest and nearly identical in control (1.38 ± 0.30) and GWVI specimens (1.41 ± 0.29), intermediate in OA specimens (2.64 ± 0.39), and highest in RA specimens (6.0 ± 0.19). Likewise, inflammatory cells, cell division, vascular density, and composite inflammation score were lowest in the GWVI specimens.ConclusionDespite significant joint pain, the GWVI synovia did not differ from normal controls. These results agree with other studies that have failed to document inflammatory or immunologic etiologies in GWVI.
Improving osteoarthritis detection in the community: Pharmacist identification of new, diagnostically confirmed osteoarthritis
Authors: Marra Carlo A. , Cibere Jolanda , Tsuyuki Ross T. , Soon Judith A. , Esdaile John M. , Gastonguay Louise , Oteng Bridgette , Embley Patrick , Colley Lindsey , Enenajor Gilbert , Kok Roelof 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common arthritis and a leading cause of disability. Many persons with knee OA are not diagnosed and not referred for treatment. Therefore, identification of patients with knee pain who have undiagnosed OA needs to be improved. Our objective was to determine if pharmacists, using a simple screening questionnaire, can identify individuals with previously undiagnosed knee OA.MethodsPatients with knee pain and no previous diagnosis of knee OA were recruited by community pharmacists who used a simple questionnaire (<10 minutes to complete) to determine likelihood of knee OA. Patients who were likely to have knee OA were referred for a standardized knee examination and radiograph.ResultsOf the 411 patients screened by pharmacists, 274 were eligible. Of these, 44 declined, 35 were ineligible (18 had a previous OA diagnosis,16 had other inflammatory conditions, and 1 was excluded for other reasons), and 1 died. The remaining 194 were mostly female (62%) with a mean age of 62 years and were mostly white (86%). Body mass index (BMI) was classified as normal (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) in 29%, overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2) in 45%, and obese (>30.0 kg/m2) in 26%. Of those examined, 190 (98%) of 194 met the American College of Rheumatology clinical criteria for knee OA. The radiographic results revealed that most participants likely had mild OA.ConclusionPharmacists administering a simple screening questionnaire can identify >80% of patients with knee pain who have undiagnosed knee OA. Based on radiographs and BMI, much of this OA is early and may be amenable to intervention.
The relationship of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery to cranial nerves VII–XII
Authors: Saylam C. , Ucerler H. , Orhan M. , Cagli S. , Zileli M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is the largest branch of the vertebral artery. It usually arises at the anterolateral margin of the medulla oblongata close to the lower cranial nerves. The PICA had the most complex relationship to the cranial nerves of any artery and it is frequently exposed in approaches directed to the fourth ventricle. The aim of this article is to describe the anatomical relationship of the PICA to the lower cranial nerves. In this study, 12.5% of PICAs passed between the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, 20% between the vagus and accessory nerves, and 65% through the rootlets of the accessory nerve. The lateral medullary segment of the PICA showed a lateral loop which in 20% specimens pressed against the inferior surfaces of the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves. The lateral medullary segment of the PICA in 20% specimens passed superior to the hypoglossal nerve, in 47.5% through the rootlets of the hypoglossal nerve, and in 30% inferior to the hypoglossal nerve. The findings on the relationship of the PICA to the lower cranial nerves could be helpful in microsurgery of this region. Clin. Anat. 20:886–891, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The superficial ulnar artery: Incidence and calibre in 95 cadaveric specimens
Authors: Dartnell J. , Sekaran P. , Ellis H. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe superficial ulnar artery (SUA) is an anatomical variation of the upper limb vasculature with a prevalence of 0.7–9.4% in the population. The importance of this variant is that it may be cannulated inadvertently by an unsuspecting physician, leading to possible ischemia of the hand. With the growing use of radial forearm flaps, the surgeon needs to be aware of its presence during surgery and be able to adapt the procedure accordingly. The aims of the study focus on the incidence and calibre of the SUA. Ninety‐five cadaveric limbs were dissected and the calibre of the different arteries measured. Four SUAs (4.2%) were found, all in male cadavers. Two of these were from the same cadaver. Measurements of the calibre of the vessels showed that the SUA was smaller than the ulnar artery. Of the limbs dissected, 4.2% had an SUA, which is a similar prevalence to other studies in Western Europe. It is most commonly found in males, unilaterally and in the right upper limb. It is extremely rare to experience consequences from intra‐arterial cannulation and the SUA may have more of a beneficial role in reconstructive fasciocutaneous forearm flaps. Clin. Anat. 20:929–932, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CFD Simulation of Flow Distribution in the Header of Plate‐Fin Heat Exchangers
Authors: Wasewar K. L. , Hargunani S. , Atluri P. , Naveen K. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe flow distribution through a plate‐fin heat exchanger is studied by using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, FLUENT. The flow distribution through any heat exchanger affects its performance. In designing a heat exchanger, it is assumed that the fluid is uniformly distributed through the heat exchanger core. In practice, however, it is impossible to distribute fluid uniformly, because of an improper inlet configuration, imperfect design, and a complex heat transfer process. The CFD simulation of the flow distribution in the header of a conventional plate‐fin heat exchanger is presented. It is found that the flow maldistribution is very serious in the y‐direction of the header. A modified header is proposed and simulated using CFD. The modified header configuration has a more uniform flow distribution than the conventional header configuration. Hence, the efficiency of the modified heat exchanger is seen to be higher than that of the conventional heat exchanger.