bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased conditioned immobility and weight loss in rats following mechanical impacts to the skull that do not produce loss of consciousness
Authors: Lado Wudu , Persinger Michael 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Rats either received a single vertical impact (15 km/h) of mechanical energy to their right dorsal skulls over the parietal region or served as handled controls. About 50% of the rats appeared normal after the impact. Thirty days later there were conspicuous areas containing neurons with shrunken and darkly stained somas within the cortices beneath the impact site and within the amygdala and entorhinal cortices. These neurons, occupying an average total area that ranged from 0.50 mm2 to 5 mm2, were evident even in rats that showed no stunning following the impact. These neurons were not seen in control rats. Subsequent decreases in body weight for rats that received the impact (even with no obvious stunning) were attenuated by oral access to 10% glucose but not by treatment with acetaminophen or ketamine. The rats that sustained the impact also displayed increased immobility within settings with which an aversive stimulus had been associated. Post-impact injection with ketamine did not normalize this behaviour. These results show that quantitative changes in some neuronal soma remain weeks after a single impact of mechanical energy that is not associated with immediate changes in behaviour. Concomitant with these neuronal alterations was increased emotional responsiveness to contexts associated with a single aversive episode and transient decreases in body weights.
Novel post-translational modifications of Smad2 identified by mass spectrometry
Authors: Bhaskaran Nimesh , Iwahana Hiroyuki , Bergquist Jonas , Hellman Ulf , Souchelnytskyi Serhiy 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Smad2 is a crucial component of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling, and is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, death and differentiation. Phosphorylation, ubiquitylation and acetylation of Smad2 have been found to regulate its activity. We used mass spectrometry to search for novel post-translational modifications (PTMs) of Smad2. Peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) indicated that Smad2 can be acetylated, methylated, citrullinated, phosphorylated and palmitoylated. Sequencing of selected peptides validated methylation at Gly122 and hydroxylation at Trp18 of Smad2. We also observed a novel, so far unidentified modification at Tyr128 and Tyr151. Our observations open for further exploration of biological importance of the detected PTMs.
Fabrication and Size‐Selective Bioseparation of Magnetic Silica Nanospheres with Highly Ordered Periodic Mesostructure
Authors: Zhang Lei , Qiao Shizhang , Jin Yonggang , Yang Huagui , Budihartono Sandy , Stahr Frances , Yan Zifeng , Wang Xiaolin , Hao Zhengping , Lu Gao Qing 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we report a novel synthesis and selective bioseparation of the composite of Fe3O4 magnetic nanocrystals and highly ordered MCM‐41 type periodic mesoporous silica nanospheres. Monodisperse superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanocrystals were synthesized by thermal decomposition of iron stearate in diol in an autoclave at low temperature. The synthesized nanocrystals were encapsulated in mesoporous silica nanospheres through the packing and self‐assembly of composite nanocrystal–surfactant micelles and surfactant/silica complex. Different from previous studies, the produced magnetic silica nanospheres (MSNs) possess not only uniform nanosize (90 ∼ 140 nm) but also a highly ordered mesostructure. More importantly, the pore size and the saturation magnetization values can be controlled by using different alkyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactants and changing the amount of Fe3O4 magnetic nanocrystals encapsulated, respectively. Binary adsorption and desorption of proteins cytochrome c (cyt c) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) demonstrate that MSNs are an effective and highly selective adsorbent for proteins with different molecular sizes. Small particle size, high surface area, narrow pore size distribution, and straight pores of MSNs are responsible for the high selective adsorption capacity and fast adsorption rates. High magnetization values and superparamagnetic property of MSNs provide a convenient means to remove nanoparticles from solution and make the re‐dispersion in solution quick following the withdrawal of an external magnetic field.
Liquid Manipulation Lithography to Fabricate a Multifunctional Microarray of Organosilanes on an Oxide Surface under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Shirahata Naoto , Nakanishi Jun , Echikawa Yoshitaka , Hozumi Atsushi , Masuda Yoshitake , Ito Shigeru , Sakka Yoshio 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA novel method to produce a multifunctional microarray in which different types of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) are positioned on predefined surface sites on an oxide‐covered silicon substrate is described. To achieve this, a liquid‐transportation system called “liquid manipulation lithography” (LML) is developed. This system allows the delivery of different varieties of molecular inks, trialkoxysilanes, onto each predefined surface position of the given substrate even under ambient conditions. Under optimum conditions, the transferred trialkoxysilane inks first form one‐molecule‐thick microstructures at each surface position through the hydrolysis of the reactive silanes with surface water adsorbed on the substrate, followed by a condensation reaction. Three types of trialkoxysilanes with long alkyl‐chains, specifically triethoxysilylundecanal (TESUD), N‐(6‐aminohexyl)‐3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AHAPS), and octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTS), are used as model molecular inks due to their high‐end group‐functionalities in biological and electronic applications. The precise positioning of the ink with sub‐micrometer edge resolution is performed by carefully controlling a femtoliter‐scale liquid‐injection micromanipulator under a microscope. To ensure that the prepared SAM microarray is available for parallel analysis of biomolecular interactions, the area‐selective immobilization of a protein molecule is explored. Successful observation of the area‐selective biomolecular attachment confirmed a high industrial potential for the method as a lithography‐free process for the miniaturization of a multifunctional SAM array on an oxide substrate.
The prostaglandin E2 EP2 receptor accelerates disease progression and inflammation in a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Liang Xibin , Wang Qian , Shi Ju , Lokteva Ludmila , Breyer Richard M. , Montine Thomas J. , Andreasson Katrin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveInflammation has emerged as an important factor in disease progression in human and transgenic models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent studies demonstrate that the prostaglandin E2 EP2 receptor is a major regulator of inflammatory oxidative injury in innate immunity. We tested whether EP2 signaling participated in disease pathogenesis in the G93A superoxide dismutase (SOD) model of familial ALS.MethodsWe examined the phenotype of G93A SOD mice lacking the EP2 receptor and performed immunocytochemistry, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and Western analyses to determine the mechanism of EP2 toxicity in this model.ResultsEP2 receptor is significantly induced in G93A SOD mice in astrocytes and microglia in parallel with increases in expression of proinflammatory enzymes and lipid peroxidation. In human ALS, EP2 receptor immunoreactivity was upregulated in astrocytes in ventral spinal cord. In aging G93A SOD mice, genetic deletion of the prostaglandin E2EP2 receptor improved motor strength and extended survival. Deletion of the EP2 receptor in G93A SOD mice resulted in significant reductions in levels of proinflammatory effectors, including cyclooxygenase‐1, cyclooxygenase‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and components of the NADPH oxidase complex. In alternate models of inflammation, including the lipopolysaccharide model of innate immunity and the APPSwe‐PS1ΔE9 model of amyloidosis, deletion of EP2 also reduced expression of proinflammatory genes.InterpretationThese data suggest that prostaglandin E2 signaling via the EP2 receptor functions in the mutant SOD model and more broadly in inflammatory neurodegeneration to regulate expression of a cassette of proinflammatory genes. Inhibition of EP2 signaling may represent a novel strategy to downregulate the inflammatory response in neurodegenerative disease. Ann Neurol 2008;64:304–314
Marked differences in fine specificity and isotype usage of the anti–citrullinated protein antibody in health and disease
Authors: Ioan‐Facsinay Andreea , Willemze Annemiek , Robinson David B. , Peschken Christine A. , Markland Janet , van der Woude Diane , Elias Brenda , Ménard Henri A. , Newkirk Marianna , Fritzler Marvin J. , Toes René E. M. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , El‐Gabalawy Hani S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveAnti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) display high association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are implicated in its pathogenesis. The presence of ACPAs is known to precede the onset of RA. In order to identify the features that could confer its pathogenicity, we extensively characterized this antibody response in a unique North American native population of patients with RA and their unaffected relatives.MethodsThe levels of IgA, IgM, and IgG ACPAs, as well as IgM and IgA rheumatoid factor (RF), were measured in serum samples obtained from 81 patients with RA and 195 of their unaffected relatives. The isotype distribution, the fine specificity of the ACPA response, and its association with RF were compared in health and disease.ResultsACPA positivity was observed in 19% of the healthy relatives and ∼91% of the patients with RA. ACPA isotype usage was strikingly lower in unaffected relatives than in patients with RA (1–2 versus 5–6 isotypes). Fine specificity studies showed that reactivity to citrullinated fibrinogen and vimentin was present in sera from patients with RA, while it was virtually absent in their unaffected relatives. Finally, the ACPA and RF responses were associated in patients with RA but were discordant in their healthy relatives. Extended analyses revealed that the presence of ACPAs was associated with RA irrespective of RF status, while the association of RF with disease relied on its interaction with ACPAs.ConclusionThe fine specificity and isotype usage of the ACPA response are qualitatively different in health and disease. Epitope spreading and expansion of the isotype repertoire might be necessary for development of RA, and this could be facilitated by the presence of RF antibodies.
Radiographic findings following two years of infliximab therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Heijde Désirée van der , Landewé Robert , Baraliakos Xenofon , Houben Harry , Tubergen Astrid van , Williamson Paul , Xu Weichun , Baker Daniel , Goldstein Neil , Braun Jürgen 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of infliximab on progression of structural damage over 2 years in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsIn the Ankylosing Spondylitis Study for the Evaluation of Recombinant Infliximab Therapy (ASSERT), a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of the efficacy of infliximab compared with placebo, 279 patients with active AS received either placebo through week 24 and then infliximab 5 mg/kg from week 24 through week 96 (n = 78) or infliximab 5 mg/kg from baseline through week 96, administered every 6 weeks after a loading dose (n = 201; these patients were the focus of the radiographic analyses). Radiographic findings in patients from the ASSERT trial were indistinguishable from those in a historical control cohort of patients who had no prior use of anti–tumor necrosis factor agents (from the Outcome in Ankylosing Spondylitis International Study [OASIS] database; n = 192). Radiographic progression of structural damage from baseline to the 2‐year followup was scored using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). All images were scored in one batch.ResultsMedian changes in the mSASSS from baseline to year 2 were 0.0 for both the OASIS and the ASSERT cohorts (P = 0.541). Mean changes in the mSASSS were also similar between the OASIS and ASSERT cohorts (mean ± SD change over 2 years 1.0 ± 3.2 and 0.9 ± 2.6, respectively). In addition, results from sensitivity analyses did not show a statistically significant difference in the mSASSS between the OASIS and ASSERT cohorts.ConclusionAS patients who received infliximab from baseline through week 96 did not show a statistically significant difference in inhibition of structural damage progression at year 2, as assessed using the mSASSS scoring system, when compared with radiographic data from the historical control OASIS cohort. Improvements in clinical outcomes and spinal inflammation have been previously demonstrated with the use of infliximab therapy.
Work and sick leave among patients with early inflammatory joint conditions
Authors: Geuskens Goedele A. , Hazes Johanna M. W. , Barendregt Pieternella J. , Burdorf Alex 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo study the occurrence of sick leave and to identify work characteristics related to sick leave in patients with early inflammatory joint conditions.MethodsPatients with inflammatory joint conditions present for <12 months were included in this cross‐sectional study. Approximately 85% of patients satisfying the criteria participated. Data collection included demographics, clinical characteristics, pain, physical functioning and mental health (Short Form 36), fatigue, and behavioral coping (Coping of Rheumatic Stressors questionnaire). Work characteristics included physical load, psychosocial load, job control, and support at work. Outcome was defined as sick leave for >2 weeks during the past 6 months. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted.ResultsSick leave was reported by 54 (26%) of 210 employed patients, with 75% of the sick leave periods attributed to joint conditions. Of these 210 patients, 23% were classified as having rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 35% as having non‐RA arthritis, and 42% as having inflammatory joint conditions without synovitis. Pain, poor physical functioning, and passive behavioral coping were related to increased sick leave, whereas diagnostic group was not. Low job control, i.e., low control over planning and pacing of activities within the job, was associated with increased sick leave (odds ratio [OR] 2.74), whereas being a supervisor (OR 0.21) and clerical work (OR 0.45) were related to reduced sick leave.ConclusionSubstantial sick leave in the past 6 months was reported by 26% of patients with early inflammatory joint conditions. Pain, functional limitations, and fewer opportunities to determine one's work activities were associated with the occurrence of sick leave.
Subclinical disability in valued life activities among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Katz Patricia , Morris Anne , Yelin Edward 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveSubclinical disability, the need for modifications in task performance or frequency without reported difficulty with the task, has been identified as a stage along the disability continuum. We estimated the prevalence of subclinical disability in valued life activities (VLAs) among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), identified characteristics of individuals with VLA subclinical disability, and estimated the ability of VLA subclinical disability to predict later decrements in functioning.MethodsData were from 3 years of a longitudinal panel study of individuals with RA, for which annual structured telephone interviews are conducted (n = 508 in year 1, n = 442 in year 3). Respondents rated difficulty in VLAs and then reported whether they used any of 4 behavioral modifications (limitations, extra time, help, or equipment) for each. Subclinical disability was defined for each VLA as no reported difficulty with use of any modification. Multiple regression analyses identified predictors of subclinical disability in year 1 and the role of year 1 subclinical disability in development of overt disability between year 1 and year 3.ResultsAlmost three‐quarters of the subjects exhibited subclinical disability in at least 1 VLA in year 1. Duration of RA was consistently associated with subclinical disability. Individuals with subclinical disability at baseline were significantly more likely to experience increases in functional limitations (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.01–1.18) and VLA disability (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06–1.23) over a prospective 2‐year period.ConclusionSubclinical disability may be a valuable marker of individuals in a disability transition phase who are particularly susceptible to intervention that would enable them to maintain functioning.
Employment and disability issues in systemic lupus erythematosus: A review
Authors: Scofield Lacie , Reinlib Leslie , Alarcón Graciela S. , Cooper Glinda S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo summarize research pertaining to work disability in lupus patients, discuss challenges patients face applying for federal disability assistance in the US, and make recommendations for clinical and health policy research.MethodsWe searched Medline for articles on work or disability in lupus patients and gathered information from the Social Security Administration and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives.ResultsWe found 12 publications with employment‐related data; 6 included analysis of predictors of work status. The prevalence of inability to work or cessation of work was 15–51% in these studies (3–15 years after diagnosis); 20–32% of patients received disability benefits. Lower education level, higher disease activity, higher disease damage, older age, and higher physical job strain were independent predictors of work disability or work cessation in at least 2 studies. Lupus patients may be less successful than patients with other diseases when applying for federal disability assistance, possibly because medical records may not accurately reflect functional limitations. In addition, symptoms contributing to work disability (e.g., fatigue, pain, neurocognitive dysfunction) may be difficult to assess and quantify.ConclusionWork disability in lupus patients is common. Additional research on risk factors for work disability in lupus patients and on strategies for reducing the impact of these factors on work‐related activities is needed. The development of better measures and rating scales for the symptoms responsible for work disability in lupus patients and studies of factors influencing the success of obtaining federal disability benefits would also be useful.
Strength training for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: A systematic review
Authors: Lange Angela K. , Vanwanseele Benedicte , Fiatarone singh Maria A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of isolated resistance training on arthritis symptoms, physical performance, and psychological function in people with knee osteoarthritis.MethodsA comprehensive systematic database search for randomized controlled trials was performed. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for potential inclusion. Study quality indicators, arthritis symptoms, muscle strength, functional performance, and psychological outcomes were extracted. The relative effect sizes (ES) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsEighteen studies enrolling 2,832 subjects were reviewed; the mean cohort age range was 55–74 years. In general, the quality of the reviewed literature was moderately robust; on average, 8 out of 12 quality criteria were accounted for in the reviewed literature. Self‐reported measures of pain, physical function, and performance, along with muscle strength (mean 17.4%), maximal gait speed and chair stand time, and balance improved significantly following resistance training in 56–100% of studies where they were measured. Limitations included lack of data available for ES calculations and lack of adverse event and compliance reporting, particularly with regard to the actual training intensity versus the prescribed training intensity.ConclusionResistance training improved muscle strength and self‐reported measures of pain and physical function in over 50–75% of this cohort; 50–100% of the studies reported a significant improvement in all but 1 performance‐based physical function measure (walk time). The effects of resistance training on health‐related quality of life and depression are yet to be confirmed. More research needs to be conducted to establish dose‐response relationships and the effect of resistance training on long‐term disability, disease pathology, and progression.
Dilated canine hearts: A specimen for teaching cardiac anatomy
Authors: Cope Lee Anne 
Published: September 2008

AbstractDilated canine hearts were used to teach undergraduate students internal and external cardiac anatomy. The specimens were dilated using hydrostatic pressure and then fixed using 5% formalin. These specimens provided the students with an alternative to prepackaged embalmed hearts and anatomical models for studying the external and internal cardiac anatomy. In addition, the dilated hearts are more similar to the organ they encounter within the thoracic cavity of their dissected animal. This gives the students a better chance of developing a three‐dimensional understanding of the heart. Anat Sci Ed 1:207–211, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.
Author‐choice open‐access publishing in the biological and medical literature: A citation analysis
Authors: Davis Philip M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this article, we analyze the citations to articles published in 11 biological and medical journals from 2003 to 2007 that employ author‐choice open‐access models. Controlling for known explanatory predictors of citations, only 2 of the 11 journals show positive and significant open‐access effects. Analyzing all journals together, we report a small but significant increase in article citations of 17%. In addition, there is strong evidence to suggest that the open‐access advantage is declining by about 7% per year, from 32% in 2004 to 11% in 2007.
Polarimetric imaging of interacting pairs
Authors: Rampazzo R. , Bonoli C. , Giro E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe present optical polarization maps of a sample of four interacting pairs at different phases of encounter, from nearly unperturbed galaxies to on‐going mergers. Only the pair RR 24 shows a linear polarization pattern which extends in both galaxies for several kiloparsecs. The more perturbed member, RR 24b, is linearly polarized up to the level of ≈3%. No polarization is measured in the strongly perturbed late‐type pair members of RR 23 and RR 99. Also, in the central part of the double nuclei shell galaxy ESO 2400100 there is no significant polarization. We use the ionized gas velocity field of RR 24 to interpret its linear polarization structure. In RR 24a the quite regular gas kinematics reflect the unperturbed spirallike polarization structure. In RR 24b a strong velocity gradient in ionized gas could be associated with the polarization structure. We suggest that the large‐scale magnetic field of the RR 24 pair members still plays a role in shaping the polarization pattern. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)