bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amino‐terminal fragment of the prohormone brain‐type natriuretic peptide in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Solus Joseph , Chung Cecilia P. , Oeser Annette , Avalos Ingrid , Gebretsadik Tebeb , Shintani Ayumi , Raggi Paolo , Sokka Tuulikki , Pincus Theodore , Stein C. Michael 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveIncreased concentrations of N‐terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) are associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but little is known about their relationship to chronic inflammation. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have chronic inflammation, increased arterial stiffness, and accelerated coronary atherosclerosis. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that NT‐proBNP concentrations are elevated in patients with RA and are associated with coronary artery calcification and markers of inflammation.MethodsIn 159 patients with RA (90 with early RA and 69 with longstanding RA) without heart failure and 88 control subjects, serum concentrations of NT‐proBNP, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were measured and coronary calcification was assessed. Associations between NT‐proBNP levels and the other parameters were investigated.ResultsNT‐proBNP concentrations were elevated in patients with longstanding RA (median 142.8 pg/ml [interquartile range 54.8–270.5]) and those with early RA (median 58.1 pg/ml [interquartile range 19.4–157.6]) compared with controls (18.1 [3.2–46.0]) (P < 0.001). In patients with RA, NT‐proBNP concentrations were associated with age (ρ = 0.35, P < 0.001), levels of IL‐6 (ρ = 0.33, P < 0.001), TNFα (ρ = 0.23, P = 0.003), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) (ρ = 0.21, P = 0.01), coronary calcium score (ρ = 0.30, P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (ρ = 0.30, P < 0.001), and disease activity (ρ = 0.29, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, race, and sex, the associations between NT‐proBNP concentrations and disease activity, TNFα, IL‐6, and CRP remained significant, but those with systolic blood pressure and coronary calcium score were attenuated.ConclusionNT‐proBNP concentrations are increased in patients with RA without clinical heart failure and may indicate subclinical cardiovascular disease and a chronic inflammatory state.
Predictors of treatment resistance and relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated small‐vessel vasculitis: Comparison of two independent cohorts
Authors: Pagnoux Christian , Hogan Susan L. , Chin Hyunsook , Jennette J. Charles , Falk Ronald J. , Guillevin Loïc , Nachman Patrick H. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectivePredictors of treatment resistance and relapse have been identified in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis in the Glomerular Disease Collaborative Network (GDCN) in the southeastern US. This study was undertaken to evaluate the applicability of those predictors in an independent cohort followed up by the French Vasculitis Study Group.MethodsPredictors of treatment resistance were evaluated using logistic regression models and reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Predictors of relapse were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models and reported as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs. Models were controlled for age, sex, race, baseline serum creatinine level, and cyclophosphamide therapy.ResultsThe French cohort (n = 434) and the GDCN cohort (n = 350) had similar median followup periods (44 months versus 45 months) and initial percentages of patients taking cyclophosphamide (82% versus 78%). The French cohort included more patients with proteinase 3 (PR3) ANCA (58% versus 40%), lung involvement (58% versus 49%), and upper respiratory tract involvement (62% versus 31%). Of the predictors of treatment resistance in the GDCN cohort (female sex, African American race, presence of myeloperoxidase ANCA, elevated creatinine level, and age), only age predicted treatment resistance in the French cohort (OR 1.32 per 10 years [95% CI 1.05–1.66]). Predictors of relapse in the GDCN cohort were PR3 ANCA (HR 1.77 [95% CI 1.11–2.82]), lung involvement (HR 1.68 [95% CI 1.10–2.57), and upper respiratory tract involvement (HR 1.58 [95% CI 1.00–2.48]), while predictors in the French cohort were PR3 ANCA (HR 1.66 [95% CI 1.15–2.39]) and lung involvement (HR 1.56 [95% CI 1.11–2.20]), but not upper respiratory tract involvement (HR 0.96 [95% CI 0.67–1.38]).ConclusionOur findings indicate that older age is a predictor of treatment resistance, and that PR3 ANCA and lung involvement are predictors of relapse in both cohorts. Discrepancies in predictors of treatment tract resistance may reflect differences in access to care, and differences in predictors of relapse may reflect variations in disease expression.
The distinct role of the Runx proteins in chondrocyte differentiation and intervertebral disc degeneration: Findings in murine models and in human disease
Authors: Sato Shingo , Kimura Ayako , Ozdemir Jerfi , Asou Yoshinori , Miyazaki Makiko , Jinno Tetsuya , Ae Keisuke , Liu Xiuyun , Osaki Mitsuhiko , Takeuchi Yasuhiro , Fukumoto Seiji , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Haro Hirotaka , Shinomiya Ken‐Ichi , Karsenty Gerard , Takeda Shu 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveRunx2 is a transcription factor that regulates chondrocyte differentiation. This study was undertaken to address the role of the different Runx proteins (Runx1, Runx2, or Runx3) in chondrocyte differentiation using chondrocyte‐specific Runx–transgenic mice, and to study the importance of the QA domain of Runx2, which is involved in its transcriptional activation.MethodsRunx expression was analyzed in the mouse embryo by in situ hybridization. Overexpression of Runx1, Runx2 (lacking the QA domain [ΔQA]), or Runx3 was induced in chondrocytes in vivo, to produce α(1)II‐Runx1, α(1)II‐Runx2ΔQA, and α(1)II‐Runx3 mice, respectively, for histologic and molecular analyses. Runx expression was also examined in an experimental mouse model of mechanical stress–induced intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and in human patients with IVD degeneration.ResultsRunx1 expression was transiently observed in condensations of mesenchymal cells, whereas Runx2 and Runx3 were robustly expressed in prehypertrophic chondrocytes. Similar to α(1)II‐Runx2 mice, α(1)II‐Runx2ΔQA and α(1)II‐Runx3 mice developed ectopic mineralization of cartilage, but this was less severe in the α(1)II‐Runx2ΔQA mice. In contrast, α(1)II‐Runx1 mice displayed no signs of ectopic mineralization. Surprisingly, α(1)II‐Runx1 and α(1)II‐Runx2 mice developed scoliosis due to IVD degeneration, characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix and ectopic chondrocyte hypertrophy. During mouse embryogenesis, Runx2, but not Runx1 or Runx3, was expressed in the IVDs. Moreover, both in the mouse model of IVD degeneration and in human patients with IVD degeneration, there was significant up‐regulation of Runx2 expression.ConclusionEach Runx protein has a distinct, yet overlapping, role during chondrocyte differentiation. Runx2 contributes to the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration.
The risk of myocardial infarction and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic myocardial infarction predictors in rheumatoid arthritis: A cohort and nested case–control analysis
Authors: Wolfe Frederick , Michaud Kaleb 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with that in patients with noninflammatory rheumatic disorders and to determine risk factors for MI in RA, the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and corticosteroid use, and the relationship between RA treatment and MI.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study of MI in 17,738 patients with RA and 3,001 patients with noninflammatory rheumatic disorders who were assessed at 6‐month intervals between 1999 and July 2006. We evaluated treatment effect in a nested case–control study of RA participants who were matched by age, sex, study duration, and date of study entry.ResultsThe covariate‐adjusted risk of first MI in RA versus that in noninflammatory rheumatic disorders was 1.9 (95% confidence interval 1.2–2.9) (P = 0.005). In RA, MI was predicted by age, sex, education level, hypertension, smoking, exercise, prior MI, diabetes, a comorbidity index, use of low‐dose aspirin and antilipemic agents, RA severity and treatment variables, and corticosteroid use. Except for obesity, predictors were of equal strength in RA and noninflammatory rheumatic disorders. The increased risk for MI in RA compared with that in noninflammatory rheumatic disorders lessened when corticosteroid users were excluded. Use of corticosteroids was associated with future development of diabetes and hypertension.ConclusionMI in RA is associated with demographic and cardiovascular risk factors and corticosteroid use. Study data support the hypothesis that RA activity causes MI and that corticosteroids are primarily a marker of RA activity. However, corticosteroids increase the risk of diabetes and hypertension and contribute to the overall risk of MI.
Physical activity levels in patients with early knee osteoarthritis measured by accelerometry
Authors: Farr Joshua N. , Going Scott B. , Lohman Timothy G. , Rankin Lucinda , Kasle Shelley , Cornett Michelle , Cussler Ellen 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectivePhysical activity (PA) is recommended for osteoarthritis (OA) management to reduce pain and improve function. The purpose of this study was to objectively assess the level and pattern of PA in male and female knee OA patients to determine adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American College of Sports Medicine and Exercise and Physical Activity Conference recommendations for PA.MethodsEarly OA patients (n = 255, 76% women, mean ± SD age 54.6 ± 7.1 years, mean ± SD body mass index 27.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2) with Kellgren/Lawrence‐defined grade II (no higher) radiographic OA in at least 1 knee wore an accelerometer for 6–7 contiguous days. Light (LPA), moderate (MPA), and vigorous (VPA) PA intensities were defined as accelerometer recordings of 100–2,224, 2,225–5,950, and >5,950 counts per minute, respectively.ResultsPatients wore accelerometers for a mean ± SD of 6.8 ± 0.3 days and 13.8 ± 2.2 hours/day, and spent much more time (P < 0.001) in MPA (23.6 ± 17.2 minutes/day) than VPA (0.95 ± 3.5 minutes/day). Men spent significantly (P < 0.05) more time in all PA intensities than women. Only 30% of patients achieved recommended PA levels. The proportion of men (47%) achieving the recommendation was significantly (P = 0.04) higher than women (24%).ConclusionKnee OA patients accumulate little VPA and most (70%) do not achieve recommended levels for MPA or greater. New strategies to increase levels of PA in this population are needed.
Acupuncture for pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Chenchen , de Pablo Paola , Chen Xiaoyan , Schmid Christopher , McAlindon Timothy 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of acupuncture on pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsWe performed a comprehensive search of 12 western and Chinese databases and reference lists through March 2008. We included randomized controlled trials with pain as an end point, measured by tender joint count (TJC) or a pain scale. We also reviewed the effect of acupuncture on morning stiffness, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) level. Study quality was assessed by Jadad score. Differences between treatment groups were pooled as mean or median change (P value).ResultsEight studies met eligibility criteria with a total of 536 subjects. There were 4 placebo‐controlled trials and 4 active‐controlled trials. Average study duration was 11 weeks. Mean ± SD acupuncture points and sessions were 11 ± 8 and 42 ± 62, respectively. Average duration of needle insertion was 24 minutes. Six studies reported a decrease in pain for acupuncture versus controls; the mean or median changes of acupuncture‐decreased TJC pain ranged from 1.5 to 6.5. In addition, 4 studies reported a significant reduction in morning stiffness (mean change −29 minutes), but the difference was nonsignificant versus controls. With regard to inflammatory markers, 5 studies observed a reduction in ESR (mean change −3.9 mm/hour) and 3 observed a CRP level reduction (mean change −2.9 mg/dl); only 1 study showed a significant difference for both ESR and CRP.ConclusionDespite some favorable results in active‐controlled trials, conflicting evidence exists in placebo‐controlled trials concerning the efficacy of acupuncture for RA. Rigorous and well‐controlled randomized trials are warranted.
A systematic review of instruments measuring foot function, foot pain, and foot‐related disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: van der Leeden Marike , Steultjens Martijn P. M. , Terwee Caroline B. , Rosenbaum Dieter , Turner Debbie , Woodburn Jim , Dekker Joost 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo compose an inventory of instruments that have been described to measure foot function (i.e., pressure and/or gait parameters), foot pain, and foot‐related disability in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to investigate the clinimetric quality of these measures.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Medline, CINAHL, EMBase, and Sportdiscus. Standardized criteria, extended with levels of evidence, were applied to assess the quality of the clinimetric studies and the properties (i.e., reliability, validity, and responsiveness) of the described instruments.ResultsA variety of measurement instruments were identified. Only 16 instruments have been studied for their measurement properties in RA patients: 7 for assessing foot function, 3 for measuring foot‐related disability, and 6 for measuring both foot pain and foot‐related disability. Thirteen instruments were rated for reliability, of which 10 were rated positively on different levels of evidence. No positive rating for absolute measurement error was applicable for any of the tests. Internal consistency was reported for 7 instruments; 3 assigned a positive rating. For 2 instruments, Rasch analysis was used to assess the methodologic quality. A positive rating was reported for goodness‐of‐fit only, not for item calibration. Seven instruments were rated for construct validity, and 3 assigned a positive rating. Only 2 instruments were rated positively for responsiveness.ConclusionThis review offers a basis for choosing the most appropriate instruments for measuring foot function, foot pain, and foot‐related disability in RA patients, both for clinical practice and for research. Further research on the quality of these measures is urgently needed.
Substitution of specialized rheumatology nurses for rheumatologists in the diagnostic process of fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kroese M. E. A. L. , Schulpen G. J. C. , Bessems M. C. M. , Severens J. L. , Nijhuis F. J. , Geusens P. P. , Landewé R. B. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the substitution of specialized rheumatology nurses for rheumatologists in diagnosing fibromyalgia (FM).MethodsReferred patients with FM symptoms (n = 193) were randomized to a study group diagnosed by a specialized rheumatology nurse (SRN group, n = 97) or to a control group diagnosed by a rheumatologist (RMT group, n = 96). SRN patients were seen within 3 weeks by a nurse who took structured history and initiated routine laboratory tests. During a 5‐minute supervision session, the rheumatologist was informed by the nurse about medical history, performed a brief physical examination, and confirmed or rejected the nurse's diagnosis. RMT patients were seen by a rheumatologist after a regular waiting period of 3 months. Outcome measures were initial agreement between the nurse and rheumatologist in the SRN group, final diagnosis after 12–24 months of followup, patient satisfaction, and diagnostic costs.ResultsThe mean waiting time after randomization was 2.8 and 12.1 weeks in the SRN and RMT groups, respectively. Eight RMT patients cancelled their appointments because of the waiting time. Excellent agreement (κ = 0.91) between rheumatologists and nurses was found. After 12–24 months of followup, none of the initial diagnoses were recalled in either group. SRN patients were significantly more satisfied than RMT patients. Mean diagnostic costs were lower in the SRN group (€219) than in the RMT group (€281) (95% uncertainty interval €−103, €−20).ConclusionSubstituting specialized nurses for rheumatologists in the diagnostic process of FM is a trustworthy and successful approach that saves waiting time, provides greater patient satisfaction, and is cost‐effective.
Clinical course and prognosis of hand and wrist problems in primary care
Authors: Spies‐Dorgelo Marinda N. , van der Windt Daniëlle A. W. M. , Prins A. Pieter A. , Dziedzic Krysia S. , van der Horst Henriëtte E. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the course of a new episode of hand and wrist problems in general practice and to identify predictors that are associated with poor outcome at short‐term and long‐term followup.MethodsPatients consulting their general practitioner with hand or wrist problems (no prior consultation in the preceding 3 months) were sent a questionnaire at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months of followup. Potential predictors included sociodemographic variables, characteristics of the symptoms, physical activity, and psychosocial factors. General practitioners recorded information on symptoms, signs, and medical diagnosis. The main outcome measure was insufficient improvement of symptoms using the Symptom Severity Scale at short‐term (3 months) and long‐term (12 months) followup.ResultsTwenty‐three percent of patients reported complete recovery after 3 months, increasing to 42% at 1 year after first presentation. Higher probability of poor outcome at 3 months was associated with being female, low pain intensity at baseline, and lower personal control at baseline; at 12 months it was associated with older age, being female, reporting symptoms for >3 months at baseline, low scores on the coping strategy “reducing demands,” and a higher score on somatization. Discriminative ability of the models was moderate, with areas under the curve after bootstrapping of 0.60 and 0.69 at 3 and 12 months, respectively.ConclusionMore than half of all patients reported residual symptoms at 1 year. Although poor outcome was difficult to predict, age, sex, duration of symptoms, and psychosocial factors were associated with poor outcome of hand and wrist problems.
Besonderheiten bei der Beurteilung des Ankündigungsverhaltens von Spannbetonbrü
Authors: Albertin‐Hummel Ursula , Brandt Bernd 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBezüglich eines Versagens sind ältere Brücken häufig den Bauwerken ohne Vorankündigung nach dem Riss‐vor‐Bruch‐Kriterium zuzuordnen. Die betreffenden Brücken bergen ein Versagensrisiko, das bei Brücken mit spannungsrisskorrosionsempfindlichem Spannstahl besonders groß ist.Ergänzend zu den Besonderheiten bei der Beurteilung des Ankündigungsverhaltens von Spannbetonbrücken nach dem Riss‐vor‐Bruch‐Kriterium Teil I (Temperatur, Schnittgrößenumlagerung) werden weitere Untersuchungen zur Beurteilung des Restrisikos für den Bauherrn durchgeführt: Überlegungen hinsichtlich der Spanngliedanzahl und ‐größe sowie der möglichen Verkehrslastanteile dienen einer Bewertung der Gefährdung der einzelnen Brückenbauwerke. Anhand der verschiedenen Beurteilungskriterien werden Vorschläge zur weiteren Vorgehensweise bei gefährdeten Brücken gegeben. Hinweise für Bauwerksprüfungen gemäß DIN 1076 zum Erkennen von Rissen und Schäden aufgrund eines Versagens infolge Spannungsrisskorrosion werden vorgestellt.
Tragverhalten und Bemessung von eingemörtelten Bewehrungsstäben unter zyklischer Beanspruchung im ungerissenen und gerissenen Beton
Authors: Simons Isabelle , Eligehausen Rolf 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIm folgenden Aufsatz werden Ergebnisse der an der Universität Stuttgart durchgeführten experimentellen und numerischen Parameterstudien im ungerissenen und gerissenen Beton mit einbetonierten und eingemörtelten Rippenstäben unter monotoner und zyklischer Beanspruchung dargestellt. Dabei wird das Verbundtragverhalten von eingemörtelten Stäben mit dem von einbetonierten Rippenstäben verglichen. Darauf aufbauend wird ein Zusammenhang zwischen dem Verbundtragverhalten bei monotoner und zyklischer Beanspruchung abgeleitet. Auf Basis der durchgeführten Untersuchungen wird abschließend ein vereinfachtes Bemessungskonzept für Bewehrungsanschlüsse mit eingemörtelten Rippenstäben vorgeschlagen, mit welchem das für Anwendungen im Stahlbetonbau geltende Sicherheitsniveau gewährleistet ist.
Der druckwasserdichte Anschluss an WU‐Bauwerke
Authors: Hohmann Rainer 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDer druckwasserdichte Anschluss eines wasserundurchlässigen Bauwerks aus Beton an ein bestehendes Bauwerk stellt planerisch und ausführungstechnisch eine anspruchsvolle Aufgabe dar. Anschlussfugen finden sich in zahlreichen Bauwerken im Ingenieurbau, im Hoch‐ und Industriebau, im Wasser‐, Tief‐ und Tunnelbau. Lösungen müssen exakt auf die Randbedingungen der Fuge und die spezifischen Gegebenheiten des Objekts abgestimmt werden. Welche Systeme kommen als Abdichtung in Frage? Welche Fehler sollten bei der Planung und Ausführung möglichst vermieden werden? Welche Besonderheiten treten bei der Anschlussfuge zwischen einem Bauwerk mit Hautabdichtung und einem aus wasserundurchlässigem Beton auf? Der Beitrag bietet einen Überblick über die verschiedenen Möglichkeiten Anschlussfugen abzudichten.
Praktische Erfahrung beim Umgang mit der WU‐Richtlinie
Authors: Lingemann Martin 
Published: August 2008

AbstractFür die Herstellung von Weißen Wannen liegt seit vier Jahren die Richtlinie des DAfStb vor. Sie beschreibt die Aufgaben der Planer, Konstrukteure und Ausführenden. Dabei stellen sich in der Praxis viele Probleme heraus, die einer Lösung bedürfen. Aus zahlreichen praktischen Erfahrungen wird deutlich, dass die Einschaltung erfahrener Fachunternehmen hier technische, wirtschaftliche und rechtliche Vorteile bietet.
A substrate‐selective co‐fermentation strategy with Escherichia coli produces lactate by simultaneously consuming xylose and glucose
Authors: Eiteman Mark A. , Lee Sarah A. , Altman Ronni , Altman Elliot 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe describe a new approach for the simultaneous conversion of xylose and glucose sugar mixtures which potentially could be used for lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate. In this study we used this approach to demonstrate the production of lactic acid. This process uses two substrate‐selective strains of Escherichia coli, one which is unable to consume glucose and one which is unable to consume xylose. In addition to knockouts in pflB encoding for pyruvate formate lyase, the xylose‐selective (glucose deficient) strain E. coli ALS1073 has deletions of the glk, ptsG, and manZ genes while the glucose‐selective (xylose deficient) strain E. coli ALS1074 has a xylA deletion. By combining these two strains in a single process the xylose and glucose in a mixed sugar solution are simultaneously converted to lactate. Furthermore, the biomass concentrations of each strain can readily be adjusted in order to optimize the overall product formation. This approach to the utilization of mixed sugars eliminates the problem of diauxic growth, and provides great operational flexibility. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 102: 822–827. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.