bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of interleukin‐7 as a candidate disease mediator in spondylarthritis
Authors: Rihl Markus , Kellner Herbert , Kellner Wolfgang , Barthel Christian , Yu David T. Y. , Tak Paul P. , Zeidler Henning , Baeten Dominique 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveUnderstanding of the molecular pathophysiology of spondylarthritis (SpA) remains largely elusive. This is related both to the complexity of the disease (axial versus peripheral disease, inflammation versus tissue remodeling) and to the difficulty in obtaining samples from primary disease sites. This study was undertaken to explore a gene expression approach for identifying novel candidate mediators of SpA.MethodsSacroiliac joint fluid aspirates from 3 SpA patients with active sacroiliitis were studied by microarray analysis. The expression of selected candidate molecules in peripheral synovitis was confirmed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsMicroarray analysis identified 4 sacroiliitis gene clusters, containing a total of 47 messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts. Two clusters contained genes expressed in all sacroiliitis samples, corresponding to both known and unsuspected candidate mediators of SpA pathology. These included proinflammatory molecules as well as molecules involved in tissue remodeling, such as transforming growth factor β2. Of the novel candidate genes selected for confirmation, interleukin‐7 (IL‐7) mRNA expression was higher in SpA peripheral synovial fluid and synovial tissue samples than in osteoarthritis samples, and similar to expression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) samples. At the protein level, synovial fluid IL‐7 levels were even higher in SpA than in RA, despite lower levels of tumor necrosis factor α and IL‐1β.ConclusionIn the present study, both known and unsuspected candidate mediators of SpA pathogenesis were identified, including IL‐7. The specific overexpression of IL‐7 at sites of peripheral synovitis in SpA suggests that further functional investigations of the role of this cytokine in SpA pathogenesis are warranted.
Severity of baseline magnetic resonance imaging–evident sacroiliitis and HLA–B27 status in early inflammatory back pain predict radiographically evident ankylosing spondylitis at eight years
Authors: Bennett A. N. , McGonagle D. , O'Connor P. , Hensor E. M. A. , Sivera F. , Coates L. C. , Emery P. , Marzo‐Ortega H. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used to detect sacroiliitis earlier. This study was undertaken to investigate what proportion of patients with MRI‐evident sacroiliitis develop ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the long term and whether there are predictors of outcome.MethodsConsecutive undiagnosed patients with early inflammatory back pain (IBP) (of <2 years' duration) were assessed clinically and radiologically. Baseline imaging assessments included fat‐suppressed MRI sequences of the sacroiliac joints and lumbar spine that were scored for active bone marrow edema representative of acute inflammation, and anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis and lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine, which were scored using the Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score. Patients were reassessed clinically and radiographically after 8 years. The primary outcome was the modified New York criteria for AS at followup.ResultsFifty patients were assessed at the beginning of the study, and 40 patients were followed up after a mean of 7.7 years. Of these 40 patients, 58% were HLA–B27 positive, and 98% met the European Spondylarthropathy Study Group criteria. At baseline, 33 (83%) of the 40 patients followed up had MRI‐evident sacroiliitis, and 6 (12%) had unequivocal AS according to the modified New York criteria. At followup, despite significant improvements in clinical outcomes, 13 of 39 patients (33.3%) had AS according to the modified New York criteria. The combination of severe sacroiliitis seen on MRI with HLA–B27 positivity was an excellent predictor of future AS (likelihood ratio [LR] 8.0, specificity 92%), while mild or no sacroiliitis, regardless of HLA–B27 status, was a predictor of not having AS (LR 0.4, specificity 38%).ConclusionOur findings indicate that in patients with early IBP, a combination of severe sacroiliitis and HLA–B27 positivity has a high specificity for development of AS, compared with mild or no sacroiliitis, regardless of HLA–B27 status, which confers a low likelihood of developing AS. This has implications for the diagnosis of “early” AS and possibly for selection of more aggressive therapies.
Neuronally released sympathetic neurotransmitters stimulate splenic interferon‐γ secretion from T cells in early type II collagen–induced arthritis
Authors: Straub Rainer H. , Rauch Luise , Fassold Alexander , Lowin Torsten , Pongratz Georg 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe sympathetic nervous system confers a proinflammatory effect during the early phase of type II collagen–induced arthritis (CIA). These effects might be mediated by up‐regulation of cytokines such as interferon‐γ (IFNγ) or chemokines such as CXCL1 (cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant, or KC). This study aimed to identify the role of sympathetic neurotransmitters in splenic secretion of IFNγ and KC shortly after the onset of CIA.MethodsAt different time points during CIA, we determined the density of sympathetic nerve fibers in the spleens of mice. Spleens were removed when the mouse joints were assessed an arthritis score of 3 (at approximately day 32). Spleen slices (0.35 mm thick) were transferred to superfusion microchambers to allow observation of the effects of physiologically released sympathetic neurotransmitters on secretion of IFNγ and KC.ResultsCompared with control mice, mice with CIA demonstrated a decrease in sympathetic nerve fiber density in the spleens, which reached a minimum density shortly after the start of symptomatic arthritis (day 32). T cell depletion markedly reduced splenic secretion of IFNγ and KC. Electrical‐field stimulation of the spleen slices reduced the secretion of IFNγ, which was attenuated by an α1‐adrenergic antagonist. In addition, splenic IFNγ secretion was stimulated by norepinephrine, via β‐adrenergic receptors, and adenosine, via A1 adenosine receptors. Similarly, splenic KC secretion was stimulated by norepinephrine, via β‐adrenergic receptors.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate a reduction of sympathetic nerve fibers in the spleens of arthritic animals. Nevertheless, sympathetic nerves help to increase secretion of IFNγ and KC, which, at the early stages shortly after the onset of CIA, can contribute to the proinflammatory effect of the sympathetic nervous system.
Cognitive and neurologic status in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without major neuropsychiatric syndromes
Authors: Kozora Elizabeth , Arciniegas David B. , Filley Christopher M. , West Sterling G. , Brown Mark , Miller David , Grimm Alex , Devore Maria D. , Wingrove Christy , Zhang Lening 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo examine neuropsychological and neurologic functioning in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without histories of overt neuropsychiatric disorders (non‐NPSLE patients).MethodsSixty‐seven non‐NPSLE patients and 29 healthy controls were administered a standardized neurologic examination and measures of cognition, depression, and self‐reported cognitive functioning.ResultsNon‐NPSLE patients scored lower than controls on the total score of the neurologic examination (P < 0.0001). Item analysis indicated that the physician's description of mentation and mood was the only item that differed significantly between patients with SLE and controls (P = 0.004). Compared with controls, non‐NPSLE patients had significantly higher rates of impairment on logical reasoning (P = 0.012) and verbal memory (P = 0.03), and trends toward greater impairment on visual attention (P = 0.06) and working memory (P = 0.098). There were no significant differences between non‐NPSLE patients and controls on a cognitive impairment index (CII): 20.9% of non‐NPSLE patients and 13.8% of controls were impaired. Patients with SLE scored higher on depressive symptoms (P < 0.0001) and perceived cognitive difficulties (P = 0.001) compared with controls.ConclusionThe utility of a standardized neurologic examination in SLE for excluding overt neurologic dysfunction and assuring a non‐NPSLE group selection was demonstrated. In contrast to our earlier study, we did not find differences between non‐NPSLE patients and controls on the CII. Slightly lower CII scores in non‐NPSLE patients and higher CII scores in controls may have reduced cognitive differences between these groups. Non‐NPSLE patients demonstrate specific decline in the areas of attention, memory, and reasoning; continued studies of associated brain regions are warranted.
Optimal treatment of knee monarthritis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A decision analysis
Authors: Beukelman Timothy , Guevara James P. , Albert Daniel A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the optimal initial treatment strategy for knee monarthritis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) using a decision model and parents' preferences.MethodsWe utilized a decision analysis model with Markov states and a 6‐month multi‐attribute outcome with 7 dimensions pertinent to the treatment decision. The 3 most common treatment strategies for knee monarthritis were compared: nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) only, NSAID trial followed by intraarticular corticosteroid injection (IACI) if arthritis was not resolved after 2 months, and initial IACI. Probability estimates for the efficacy and adverse effects of NSAIDs and IACIs were derived from a systematic review of the literature. Parents' preferences for the 7 dimensions of the multi‐attribute outcome were elicited by a unique hybrid of the time tradeoff and magnitude estimation techniques. These preferences were then combined with the outcomes of the decision analysis to determine an individual's preferred treatment.ResultsThe NSAID trial strategy may avert IACIs in some patients, but at a cost of continued active arthritis. The number of patients that need to be treated with the NSAID trial strategy to avoid a single IACI compared with the initial IACI strategy is 3.8 with an expected additional cost of 6.7 months of active arthritis. Of the 12 parent subjects, 11 (92%) preferred the initial IACI strategy and 1 preferred the NSAID‐only strategy. These preferences were not sensitive to model assumptions or probability estimates.ConclusionInitial IACI appears to be the optimal treatment strategy for knee monarthritis in JIA.
Assessment of reproductive history in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Bernatsky Sasha , Hudson Marie , Pope Janet , Vinet Evelyne , Markland Janet , Robinson David , Jones Niall , Docherty Peter , Abu‐Hakima Maysan , LeClercq Sharon , Dunne James , Smith Douglas , Mathieu Jean‐Pierre , Khalidi Nader , Sutton Evelyn , Baron Murray ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the number of live births in women whose systemic sclerosis (SSc) onset occurred during their reproductive years, and to compare this with general population rates.MethodsWithin the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group cohort, we identified 320 women whose SSc symptoms began prior to age 50 years. We determined the number of children born in the years following first onset of symptoms. We summed the years of followup from the time of first symptoms in subjects up to age 50 years (or oldest age attained, if the subject was age <49 years). We applied age‐specific birth rates for Canadian women to these years of followup in order to determine the expected number of live births for the period. We then calculated the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of observed to expected live births.ResultsIn the 320 women studied, the number of live births over the interval since symptom onset was below the expected number (111 live births observed versus 140 expected; SIR 0.79, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.65–0.95). This finding was more prominent in women with diffuse cutaneous disease versus limited cutaneous disease. The mean and median numbers of live births were similar across SSc subgroups based on organ involvement or cyclophosphamide exposure. In repeat analyses, including the reproductive period before SSc symptom onset, the ratio of observed to expected births was 1.23 (95% CI 1.13–1.33).ConclusionCompared with the general population, fewer live births were noted in women with SSc, but this phenomenon was only apparent in the period after symptom onset.
Quality appraisal of clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements on the use of biologic agents in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review
Authors: Lopez‐Olivo Maria A. , Kallen Michael A. , Ortiz Zulma , Skidmore Becky , Suarez‐Almazor Maria E. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and consensus statements (CS) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) antagonists.MethodsWe searched for CPGs and CS on the use of infliximab, etanercept, and/or adalimumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, published through October 10, 2006. Sources included electronic databases (Medline, EMBase, BIOSIS, etc.), guideline registries, and pertinent Web sites. Review of 4,915 citations revealed 16 CPGs and 20 CS. Two independent reviewers evaluated development methods of selected studies using the 23‐item Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument and compared recommendations between guidelines.ResultsOf the 16 guidelines, only 5 (31%) were based on a systematic review of relevant research evidence. Only 4 (25%) of the guidelines fulfilled ≥60% of the AGREE criteria. AGREE scores were lower for guidelines from rheumatology societies than government agencies when reporting scope and purposes (P= 0.03), stakeholder involvement (P= 0.03), and clarity and presentation (P= 0.01). Guidelines scored higher than CS in most domains. Overall, guideline recommendations were consistent with respect to the use of biologic agents after failure of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, but differed or did not provide specific guidance on tests for screening.ConclusionGuidelines for introducing TNFα antagonists in rheumatoid arthritis often fail to meet expected methodologic criteria and therefore vary significantly in quality and with respect to some recommendations for patient assessment and management.
Perceived technology clusters and ownership of related technologies: The case of consumer electronics
Authors: Van Rijnsoever Frank J. , Castaldi Carolina 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe contribute to the understanding of how technologies may be perceived to be part of technology clusters. The value added of the paper is both at a theoretical and an empirical level. We add to the theoretical understanding of technology clusters by distinguishing between clusters in perceptions and clusters in ownership, and by proposing a mechanism to explain the existence of clusters. Our empirical analysis combines qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate clusters of consumer electronics for a sample of Dutch consumers. We find that perceived clusters in consumer electronics are mostly determined by functional linkages, and that perceived technology clusters are good predictors of ownership clusters, but only for less widely diffused products.
Observational analysis of the wind‐evaporation‐SST feedback over the tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Lin Jia‐Lin , Han Weiqing , Lin Xin 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTheoretical studies suggested that the wind‐evaporation‐sea surface temperature (SST) (WES) feedback plays an important role in maintaining the latitudinal asymmetry of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in the tropical Pacific Ocean. This study examines the geographical distribution of the strength of WES feedback over the tropical Pacific Ocean using multiple long‐term observational datasets. The results show that the WES feedback is very weak over the eastern Pacific warm pool and stratocumulus regions, where the strongest latitudinal asymmetry of the ITCZ exists, suggesting that some other mechanisms are responsible for the asymmetry. To the west of 120W, the WES feedback has larger magnitude but is often statistically insignificant. This is because the effect of the air–sea humidity difference tends to offset the wind effect, which is a factor not considered in the original WES feedback theory. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Randnahe Vierfachbefestigungen unter Querlast
Authors: Unterweger Andreas , Spyridis Panagiotis , Mihala Ronald , Bergmeister Konrad 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAnkergruppen in Beton kommen als Befestigungsmittel häufig am Rand zur Anwendung. Bei der Verbindung der Stahlanker mit der Montageplatte kommt es wegen des Lochspiels zu einer zufälligen Ankerstellung in den Durchgangslöchern der Montageplatte. Dadurch werden bei einer Querbelastung nicht alle Anker gleichzeitig aktiviert, was die Tragfähigkeit der Gruppenbefestigung beeinflusst. Bei randnahen Vierfachbefestigungen unter Querlast ist die für die Bruchlast ungünstigste Ankerstellung dann erreicht, wenn die randnäheren Anker zuerst belastet werden. Ausgehend davon berücksichtigt die derzeitige Bemessung nach ETAG 001 für den Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit (ULS) ausschließlich die randnähere Ankerreihe. Unter anderem wird hier gezeigt, dass Versuche gängiger Geometrien mit ungünstigster Ankerstellung im Vergleich dazu wesentlich höhere Bruchlasten aufweisen.Zu Beginn dieser Arbeit werden randnahe Vierfachversuche ungünstigster Ankerstellung mit der derzeitigen Bemessung verglichen. Anschließend werden Einzelversuche durchgeführt, um mittels elektronischer Speckle‐Interferometrie (ESPI) die Beeinflussung des einzelnen Ankers auf die umgebende Betonoberfläche zu untersuchen. Abschließend zeigen Kraftflussüberlegungen einer finiten Elemente Simulation die Auswirkungen auf den inneren Spannungszustand.
Montageplanung und Herstellung der Seitenfelder der Stonecutters Bridge
Authors: Morgenthal Guido , Sham Robin , Yamane Kaoru 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEine der größten Herausforderungen beim Bau von Stonecutters Bridge war die Herstellung der Beton‐Seitenfelder mit einem geometrisch anspruchsvollen Überbau in Form eines Gitterrosts in 70 m Höhe. Dieser kann sein Eigengewicht nur mit Hilfe der Schrägkabel tragen und wurde daher auf einem Lehrgerüst hergestellt, das bis zum Einbau der Kabel aktiviert bleibt. Eine sorgfältige und auf die Herstellung des Überbaus abgestimmte Planung des Lehrgerüsts war nötig. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt, wie der Bau des Betontragwerks geplant und umgesetzt wurde. Die Modellierung aller wesentlichen Herstellungsschritte für Tragfähigkeitsnachweise sowie zur Kontrolle der Geometrie wird ebenso erläutert wie die Planung der Baubehelfe. Die Bearbeitung erfolgte in hohem Maße interaktiv mit der Baufirma, was zu einer erfolgreichen Umsetzung des Projekts beigetragen hat.
Robust deformation capture from temporal range data for surface rendering
Authors: Castellani Umberto , Gay‐Bellile Vincent , Bartoli Adrien 
Published: October 2008

AbstractImagine an object such as a paper sheet being waved in front of some sensor. Reconstructing the time‐varying 3D shape of the object finds direct applications in computer animation. The goal of this paper is to provide such a deformation capture system for surfaces. It uses temporal range data obtained by sensors such as those based on structured light or stereo. So as to deal with many different kinds of material, we do not make the usual assumption that the object surface has textural information. This rules out those techniques based on detecting and matching keypoints or directly minimizing color discrepancy. The proposed method is based on a planar mesh that is deformed so as to fit each of the range images. We show how to achieve this by minimizing a compound cost function combining several data and regularization terms, needed to make the overall system robust so that it can deal with low quality datasets. Carefully examining the parameter to residual relationship shows that this cost function can be minimized very efficiently by coupling nonlinear least squares methods with sparse matrix operators. Experimental results for challenging datasets coming from different kinds of range sensors are reported. The algorithm is reasonably fast and is shown to be robust to missing and erroneous data points. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen‐Bond Detection, Configuration Assignment and Rotamer Correction of Side‐Chain Amides in Large Proteins by NMR Spectroscopy through Protium/Deuterium Isotope Effects
Authors: Liu Aizhuo , Wang Jifeng , Lu Zhenwei , Yao Lishan , Li Yue , Yan Honggao 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe configuration and hydrogen‐bonding network of side‐chain amides in a 35 kDa protein were determined by measuring differential and trans‐hydrogen‐bond H/D isotope effects by using the isotopomer‐selective (IS)‐TROSY technique, which leads to a reliable recognition and correction of erroneous rotamers that are frequently found in protein structures. First, the differential two‐bond isotope effects on carbonyl 13C′ shifts, which are defined as Δ2Δ13C′(ND)=2Δ13C′(NDE)‐2Δ13C′(NDZ), provide a reliable means for the configuration assignment for side‐chain amides, because environmental effects (hydrogen bonds and charges, etc.) are greatly attenuated over the two bonds that separate the carbon and hydrogen atoms, and the isotope effects fall into a narrow range of positive values. Second and more importantly, the significant variations in the differential one‐bond isotope effects on 15N chemical shifts, which are defined as Δ1Δ15N(D)=1Δ15N(DE)‐1Δ15N(DZ) can be correlated with hydrogen‐bonding interactions, particularly those involving charged acceptors. The differential one‐bond isotope effects are additive, with major contributions from intrinsic differential conjugative interactions between the E and Z configurations, H‐bonding interactions, and charge effects. Furthermore, the pattern of trans‐H‐bond H/D isotope effects can be mapped onto more complicated hydrogen‐bonding networks that involve bifurcated hydrogen‐bonds. Third, the correlations between Δ1Δ15N(D) and hydrogen‐bonding interactions afford an effective means for the correction of erroneous rotamer assignments of side‐chain amides. Rotamer correction by differential isotope effects is not only robust, but also simple and can be applied to large proteins.