bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Science and policy in substance abuse
Authors: Arndt Stephan 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy (SATPP) is an open access, peer-reviewed international journal of original research and scholarship that focuses on policy issues in the treatment and prevention of substance use disorders. Separate and often disparate public systems deal with substance use problems as well as provide treatment and prevention. This journal will provide an environment for the exchange of ideas, new research, consensus papers, and critical reviews that bridge fields that share a common goal of reducing the problems caused by drugs and alcohol. The agenda is simple; a new forum for integrating thoughts, issues, and developments.
Cannabis, motivation, and life satisfaction in an internet sample
Authors: Barnwell Sara Smucker , Earleywine Mitch , Wilcox Rand 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Although little evidence supports cannabis-induced amotivational syndrome, sources continue to assert that the drug saps motivation [1], which may guide current prohibitions. Few studies report low motivation in chronic users; another reveals that they have higher subjective wellbeing. To assess differences in motivation and subjective wellbeing, we used a large sample (N = 487) and strict definitions of cannabis use (7 days/week) and abstinence (never). Standard statistical techniques showed no differences. Robust statistical methods controlling for heteroscedasticity, non-normality and extreme values found no differences in motivation but a small difference in subjective wellbeing. Medical users of cannabis reporting health problems tended to account for a significant portion of subjective wellbeing differences, suggesting that illness decreased wellbeing. All p-values were above p = .05. Thus, daily use of cannabis does not impair motivation. Its impact on subjective wellbeing is small and may actually reflect lower wellbeing due to medical symptoms rather than actual consumption of the plant.
First-dose analgesic effect of the cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective inhibitor lumiracoxib in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison with celecoxib [NCT00267215]
Authors: Wittenberg Ralf H , Schell Ernest , Krehan Gerhard , Maeumbaed Roland , Runge Hans , Schlüter Peter , Fashola Taiwo OA , Thurston Helen J , Burger Klaus J , Trechsel Ulrich 
Published: January 2006

AbstractCyclo-oxygenase-2 selective inhibitors are frequently used to manage osteoarthritis. We compared the analgesic efficacy of the novel cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective inhibitor lumiracoxib (Prexige®) versus placebo and celecoxib in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This seven day, double-blind, placebo and active comparator controlled, parallel group study included 364 patients aged ≥50 years with moderate-to-severe symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Patients received lumiracoxib 400 mg/day (four times the recommended chronic dose in osteoarthritis; n = 144), placebo (n = 75), or celecoxib 200 mg twice daily (n = 145). The primary variable was actual pain intensity difference (100 mm visual–analogue scale) between baseline and the mean of three hour and five hour assessments after the first dose. Actual pain intensity difference, average and worst pain, pain relief and functional status (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC™]) were measured over seven days. Patients also completed a global evaluation of treatment effect at study end or premature discontinuation. For the primary variable, the superiority of lumiracoxib versus placebo, the noninferiority of lumiracoxib versus celecoxib, and the superiority of lumiracoxib versus celecoxib were assessed by closed test procedure adjusting for multiplicity, thereby maintaining the overall 5% significance level. In addition, celecoxib was assessed versus placebo in a predefined exploratory manner to assess trial sensitivity. Lumiracoxib provided better analgesia than placebo 3–5 hours after the first dose (P = 0.004) through to study end. The estimated difference between lumiracoxib and celecoxib 3–5 hours after the first dose was not significant (P = 0.185). Celecoxib was not significantly different from placebo in this analysis (P = 0.069). At study end 13.9% of lumiracoxib-treated patients reported complete pain relief versus 5.5% and 5.3% of celecoxib and placebo recipients, respectively. WOMAC™ total and subscales improved for both active treatments versus placebo except for difficulty in performing daily activities, for which celecoxib just failed to achieve significance (P = 0.056). In the patient's global evaluation of treatment effect, 58.1% of patients receiving lumiracoxib rated treatment as 'excellent' or 'good', versus 48.6% of celecoxib and 25.3% of placebo patients. Lumiracoxib was well tolerated. The overall incidence of adverse events was similar across treatment groups.
Switching TNF antagonists in patients with chronic arthritis: an observational study of 488 patients over a four-year period
Authors: Gomez-Reino Juan J , Carmona Loreto ,   the BIOBADASER Group
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe objective of this work is to analyze the survival of infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab in patients who have switched among tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists for the treatment of chronic arthritis. BIOBADASER is a national registry of patients with different forms of chronic arthritis who are treated with biologics. Using this registry, we have analyzed patient switching of TNF antagonists. The cumulative discontinuation rate was calculated using the actuarial method. The log-rank test was used to compare survival curves, and Cox regression models were used to assess independent factors associated with discontinuing medication. Between February 2000 and September 2004, 4,706 patients were registered in BIOBADASER, of whom 68% had rheumatoid arthritis, 11% ankylosing spondylitis, 10% psoriatic arthritis, and 11% other forms of chronic arthritis. One- and two-year drug survival rates of the TNF antagonist were 0.83 and 0.75, respectively. There were 488 patients treated with more than one TNF antagonist. In this situation, survival of the second TNF antagonist decreased to 0.68 and 0.60 at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Survival was better in patients replacing the first TNF antagonist because of adverse events (hazard ratio (HR) for discontinuation 0.55 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.34–0.84)), and worse in patients older than 60 years (HR 1.10 (95% CI 0.97–2.49)) or who were treated with infliximab (HR 3.22 (95% CI 2.13–4.87)). In summary, in patients who require continuous therapy and have failed to respond to a TNF antagonist, replacement with a different TNF antagonist may be of use under certain situations. This issue will deserve continuous reassessment with the arrival of new medications.
Identification of blood biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis by transcript profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the rat collagen-induced arthritis model
Authors: Shou Jianyong , Bull Christopher M , Li Li , Qian Hui-Rong , Wei Tao , Luo Shuang , Perkins Douglas , Solenberg Patricia J , Tan Seng-Lai , Chen Xin-Yi Cynthia , Roehm Neal W , Wolos Jeffrey A , Onyia Jude E 
Published: January 2006

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic debilitating autoimmune disease that results in joint destruction and subsequent loss of function. To better understand its pathogenesis and to facilitate the search for novel RA therapeutics, we profiled the rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) to discover and characterize blood biomarkers for RA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were purified using a Ficoll gradient at various time points after type II collagen immunization for RNA preparation. Total RNA was processed for a microarray analysis using Affymetrix GeneChip technology. Statistical comparison analyses identified differentially expressed genes that distinguished CIA from control rats. Clustering analyses indicated that gene expression patterns correlated with laboratory indices of disease progression. A set of 28 probe sets showed significant differences in expression between blood from arthritic rats and that from controls at the earliest time after induction, and the difference persisted for the entire time course. Gene Ontology comparison of the present study with previous published murine microarray studies showed conserved Biological Processes during disease induction between the local joint and PBMC responses. Genes known to be involved in autoimmune response and arthritis, such as those encoding Galectin-3, Versican, and Socs3, were identified and validated by quantitative TaqMan RT-PCR analysis using independent blood samples. Finally, immunoblot analysis confirmed that Galectin-3 was secreted over time in plasma as well as in supernatant of cultured tissue synoviocytes of the arthritic rats, which is consistent with disease progression. Our data indicate that gene expression in PBMCs from the CIA model can be utilized to identify candidate blood biomarkers for RA.
No evidence for an association between the -871 T/C promoter polymorphism in the B-cell-activating factor gene and primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Sellam Jérémie , Ittah Marc , Lavie Frédéric , Proust Alexis , Zouali Habib , Sordet Christelle , Sibilia Jean , Kimberly Robert P , Mariette Xavier , Miceli-Richard Corinne 
Published: January 2006

AbstractPolyclonal B cell activation might be related to pathogenic over-expression of B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and other autoimmune diseases. We therefore investigated whether BAFF over-expression in pSS could be a primary, genetically determined event that leads to the disease. The complete BAFF gene was sequenced in Caucasian pSS patients and control individuals. The only single nucleotide polymorphism frequently observed, namely -871 T/C in the promoter region, was then genotyped in 162 French patients with pSS and 90 French control individuals. No significant differences in allele (T allele frequency: 49.7% in patients with pSS versus 50% in controls; P = 0.94) and genotype frequencies of BAFF polymorphism were detected between pSS patients and control individuals. BAFF gene polymorphism was not associated with a specific pattern of antibody secretion either. T allele carriers had significantly increased BAFF protein serum levels (mean values of 8.6 and 5.7 ng/ml in patients with TT and TC genotypes, respectively, versus 3.3 ng/ml in patients with CC genotype; P = 0.01), although no correlation was observed between BAFF polymorphism and mRNA level. In conclusion, BAFF gene polymorphism is neither involved in genetic predisposition to pSS nor associated with a specific pattern of antibody production.
The induction of CCN2 by TGFβ1 involves Ets-1
Authors: Van Beek Jonathan P , Kennedy Laura , Rockel Jason S , Bernier Suzanne M , Leask Andrew 
Published: January 2006

AbstractCCN2 is encoded by an immediate-early gene induced in mesenchymal cells during the formation of blood vessels, bone and connective tissue. It plays key roles in cell adhesion and migration, as well as matrix remodeling. CCN2 is overexpressed in fibrosis, arthritis and cancer; thus, an understanding of how to control CCN2 expression is likely to have importance in developing therapies to combat these pathologies. Previously, we found that the promoter sequence GAGGAATG is important for Ccn2 gene regulation in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. In this report, we show that this sequence mediates activation of the CCN2 promoter by the ETS family of transcription factors. Endogenous Ets-1 binds this element of the CCN2 promoter, and dominant negative Ets-1 and specific Ets-1 small interfering RNA block induction of CCN2 expression by TGFβ. In the absence of added TGFβ1, Ets-1, but not the related fli-1, synergizes with Smad 3 to activate the CCN2 promoter. Whereas the ability of transfected Ets-1 to activate the CCN2 promoter is dependent on protein kinase C (PKC), Ets-1 in the presence of co-transfected Smad3 does not require PKC, suggesting that the presence of Smad3 bypasses the requirement of Ets-1 for PKC to activate target promoter activity. Our results are consistent with the notion that Smad3 and Ets-1 cooperate in the induction of the CCN2 promoter by TGFβ1. Antagonizing Ets-1 might be of benefit in attenuating CCN2 expression in fibrosis, arthritis and cancer, and may be useful in modulating the outcome of these disorders.
CD95-induced osteoarthritic chondrocyte apoptosis and necrosis: dependency on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
Authors: Wei Lei , Sun Xiao-juan , Wang Zhengke , Chen Qian 
Published: January 2006

AbstractOne of the hallmarks of osteoarthritic cartilage is the loss of chondrocyte cellularity due to cell death. However, considerable controversy has recently arisen surrounding the extent of apoptotic cell death involved in development of osteoarthritis (OA). To shed light on this issue, we characterized cell death in primary OA chondrocytes mediated by the CD95 (Fas) pathway. Treatment of chondrocytes with anti-CD95 not only increased the rate of cell death but also increased the production of CD95 ligand by chondrocytes. This reveals a novel autocrine regulatory loop whereby activated chondrocytes may amplify CD95 signals by inducing synthesis of CD95 ligand. Multiple morphologic detection analyses indicated that apoptosis accounted for only a portion of chondrocyte death, whereas the other chondrocytes died by necrosis. Both chondrocyte apoptosis and necrosis depended on the activity of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) within chondrocytes. Treatment of chondrocytes with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 abolished anti-CD95 induced cell death by inhibiting the activities of activating transcription factor-2 and caspase-3. In addition, inhibition of p38 MAPK activity in chondrocytes stimulated chondrocyte proliferation, as indicated by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) index. Thus, p38 MAPK is a potential therapeutic target, inhibition of which may maintain the cellularity of articular chondrocytes by inhibiting cell death and its amplification signal and by increasing cell proliferation.
Inhaled beta-2 agonist salbutamol and acute lung injury: an association with improvement in acute lung injury
Authors: Manocha Sanjay , Gordon Anthony C , Salehifar Ebrahim , Groshaus Horacio , Walley Keith R , Russell James A 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Introduction
β2 agonists have several properties that could be beneficial in acute lung injury (ALI). We therefore chose to study the effect of inhaled β2 agonist use (salbutamol) on duration and severity of ALI.

Methods
We undertook a retrospective chart review of 86 consecutive mechanically ventilated patients with ALI, who had varying exposure to inhaled salbutamol. The cohort was divided into two groups according to the average daily dose of inhaled salbutamol they received ('high dose' ≥ 2.2 mg/day and 'low dose' <2.2 mg/day). Severity of ALI and non-pulmonary organ dysfunction was compared between the groups by calculating the days alive and free of ALI and other organ dysfunctions.

Results
The high dose and low dose groups received a mean of 3.72 mg and 0.64 mg salbutamol per day, respectively. The high dose salbutamol group had significantly more days alive and free of ALI than the low dose group (12.2 ± 4.4 days versus 7.6 ± 1.9 days, p = 0.02). There were no associations between dose of β agonist and non-pulmonary organ dysfunctions. High dose salbutamol (p = 0.04), APACHE II score (p = 0.02), and cause of ALI (p = 0.02) were independent variables associated with number of days alive and free of ALI in a multivariate linear regression model.

Conclusion
Our retrospective study suggests that salbutamol, an inhaled β2 agonist, is associated with a shorter duration and lower severity of ALI. A dose greater than 2.2 mg/day of inhaled salbutamol could be a minimal effective dose to evaluate in a randomized controlled trial.
Levosimendan may improve survival in patients requiring mechanical assist devices for post-cardiotomy heart failure
Authors: Braun Jan-Peter , Jasulaitis Dominik , Moshirzadeh Maryam , Doepfmer Ulrich R , Kastrup Marc , von Heymann Christian , Dohmen Pascal M , Konertz Wolfgang , Spies Claudia 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Most case series suggest that less than half of the patients receiving a mechanical cardiac assist device as a bridge to recovery due to severe post-cardiotomy heart failure survive to hospital discharge. Levosimendan is the only inotropic substance known to improve medium term survival in patients suffering from severe heart failure.

Methods
This retrospective analysis covers our single centre experience. Between July 2000 and December 2004, 41 consecutive patients were treated for this complication. Of these, 38 patients are included in this retrospective analysis as 3 patients died in the operating room. Levosimendan was added to the treatment protocol for the last nine patients.

Results
Of 29 patients treated without levosimendan, 20 could be weaned off the device, 9 survived to intensive care unit discharge, 7 left hospital alive and 3 survived 180 days. All 9 patients treated with levosimendan could be weaned, 8 were discharged alive from ICU and hospital, and 7 lived 180 days after surgery (p < 0.002 for 180 day survival). Plasma lactate after explantation of the device was significantly lower (p = 0.002), as were epinephrine doses. Time spent on renal replacement therapy was significantly shorter (p = 0.023).

Conclusion
Levosimendan seems to improve medium term survival in patients failing to wean off cardiopulmonary bypass and requiring cardiac assist devices as a bridge to recovery. This retrospective analysis justifies prospective randomised investigations of levosimendan in this group of patients.
Challenging the spliceosome machine
Authors: Weir Michael , Eaton Matthew , Rice Michael 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background

Using cDNA copies of transcripts and corresponding genomic sequences from the Berkeley Drosophila Genome Project, a set of 24,753 donor and acceptor splice sites were computed with a scanning algorithm that tested for single nucleotide insertion, deletion and substitution polymorphisms. Using this dataset, we developed a progressive partitioning approach to examining the effects of challenging the spliceosome system.

Results

Our analysis shows that information content increases near splice sites flanking progressively longer introns and exons, suggesting that longer splice elements require stronger binding of spliceosome components. Information also increases at splice sites near very short introns and exons, suggesting that short splice elements have crowding problems. We observe that the information found at individual splice sites depends upon a balance of splice element lengths in the vicinity, including both flanking and non-adjacent introns and exons.

Conclusion

These results suggest an interdependence of multiple splicing events along the pre-mRNA, which may have implications for how the macromolecular spliceosome machine processes sets of neighboring splice sites.
Loss of LIN-35, the Caenorhabditis elegansortholog of the tumor suppressor p105Rb, results in enhanced RNA interference
Authors: Lehner Ben , Calixto Andrea , Crombie Catriona , Tischler Julia , Fortunato Angelo , Chalfie Martin , Fraser Andrew G 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background

Genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) screening is a very powerful tool for analyzing gene function in vivo in Caenorhabditis elegans. The effectiveness of RNAi varies from gene to gene, however, and neuronally expressed genes are largely refractive to RNAi in wild-type worms.

Results

We found that C. elegans strains carrying mutations in lin-35, the worm ortholog of the tumor suppressor gene p105Rb, or a subset of the genetically related synMuv B family of chromatin-modifying genes, show increased strength and penetrance for many germline, embryonic, and post-embryonic RNAi phenotypes, including neuronal RNAi phenotypes. Mutations in these same genes also enhance somatic transgene silencing via an RNAi-dependent mechanism. Two genes, mes-4 and zfp-1, are required both for the vulval lineage defects resulting from mutations in synMuv B genes and for RNAi, suggesting a common mechanism for the function of synMuv B genes in vulval development and in regulating RNAi. Enhanced RNAi in the germline of lin-35 worms suggests that misexpression of germline genes in somatic cells cannot alone account for the enhanced RNAi observed in this strain.

Conclusion

A worm strain with a null mutation in lin-35 is more sensitive to RNAi than any other previously described single mutant strain, and so will prove very useful for future genome-wide RNAi screens, particularly for identifying genes with neuronal functions. As lin-35 is the worm ortholog of the mammalian tumor suppressor gene p105Rb, misregulation of RNAi may be important during human oncogenesis.
Solid Synthesis of CsxH3−xPW12O40 Salts and Their Catalytic Activity for the Isomerization of n-Butane
Authors: Zou Yan , Yue Bin , Zhang Bin , He Heyong 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
CsxH3−xPW12O40 salts prepared by a simple solid-synthesis method show good catalytic activity in n-butane isomerization as those analogues prepared by traditional liquid-preparation method.
Development of Ordered Calcium Carbonate Microarrays from Polymorph Specific Planar Films
Authors: Kotachi Akiko , Imai Hiroaki 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Ordered microarrays of rectangular calcite, platy vaterite and spicular aragonite were selectively obtained through overgrowth from planar films prepared with polymeric species. We successfully visualized the polymorphs of the calcium carbonate films using the overgrowth technique.
Two-parameter Analysis of Solvent Effects on Selectivity in Chemical Reactions: Information of Polarity and Activation Volume at the Transition State in Organic and Enzymatic Reactions
Authors: Lin Chunlei , Hiraga Yoshikazu , Ohkata Katsuo 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The solvent effects on stereoselectivity in the Diels–Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene, the [2 + 2]photodimerization of 2-cyclopentenone, and the enzymatic asymmetrization of prochiral 1,3-propanediols were analyzed by two-parameter treatment using both the dielectric constant and the solubility parameter to show a good linear relationship.
Fabrication of Gold Nanosheet and Nanowire by Oxygen Plasma Induced Fusion of Densely Arrayed Nanoparticles
Authors: Onoue Shin-ya , He Junhui , Kunitake Toyoki 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Densely assembled gold nanoparticles were treated by low temperature oxygen plasma to undergo complete fusion due to removal of organic protecting groups. Nanosheet and nanowire of gold with thicknesses of less than 10 nm were formed at room temperature without oxidation. Their sizes reached more than several hundred nanometers, demonstrating the effectiveness of the current method to fabricate nanoscopic architectures of mesoscopic sizes.
Bulk Synthesis of Poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) Long Macromonomer with Narrow Distribution by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and Nucleophilic Substitution
Authors: Yang Wei , Kaneko Tatsuo , Liu Xiao-Ya , Chen Ming-Qing , Akashi Mitsuru 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) macrointermediates (PtBMA-Br) with a bromine atom end group were synthesized in the presence of the single ligand N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in bulk. A macromonomer was successfully prepared by the nucleophilic substitution of the chain end to attain a high efficiency of C=C incorporation (89–92%; 1H NMR). The macromonomer molecular weight was controlled to result in a high molecular weight (11000) with a narrow distribution of 1.20.