bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppressive role of leukocyte cell–derived chemotaxin 2 in mouse anti–type II collagen antibody–induced arthritis
Authors: Okumura Akinori , Saito Takeshi , Otani Isao , Kojima Kazuo , Yamada Yasunori , Ishida‐Okawara Akiko , Nakazato Katsuyoshi , Asano Masahide , Kanayama Kiichi , Iwakura Yoichiro , Suzuki Kazuo , Yamagoe Satoshi 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectiveWe previously reported that the Val58Ile polymorphism of the leukocyte cell–derived chemotaxin 2 gene (LECT2) is associated with the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To define the role of LECT2 in inflammatory arthritides, we investigated the development of collagen antibody–induced arthritis (CAIA) in LECT2‐deficient (LECT2−/−) mice.MethodsCAIA was induced in mice by administering anti–type II collagen antibodies followed by lipopolysaccharide. Daily assessment of hind paw swelling was used to monitor the development of arthritis. The histopathologic features and expression of inflammatory cytokines were also analyzed. We confirmed the role of LECT2 by introducing a LECT2 expression vector into LECT2−/− mice, using a hydrodynamic gene transfer method.ResultsArthritis in LECT2−/− mice was significantly exacerbated compared with that in wild‐type (WT) controls. Histopathologic assessment of the tarsal joints showed that inflammation and erosion of cartilage and bone in LECT2−/− mice were more severe than that in controls. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and certain chemokines were present at significantly higher levels in the arthritic hind paws of LECT2−/− mice. In contrast, the amount of LECT2 in the serum and locally in the hind paws was higher in arthritic WT mice. Finally, hydrodynamic gene transfer experiments revealed that the severity of arthritis was reduced by the systemic expression of exogenous mouse LECT2 protein in LECT2−/− mice.ConclusionThese results strongly suggest that LECT2 directly suppresses the development of CAIA. Manipulation of LECT2 might provide a rationale for novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of inflammatory arthritides such as RA.
Primary central nervous system vasculitis with prominent leptomeningeal enhancement: A subset with a benign outcome
Authors: Salvarani Carlo , Brown Robert D. , Calamia Kenneth T. , Christianson Teresa J. H. , Huston John , Meschia James F. , Giannini Caterina , Miller Dylan V. , Hunder Gene G. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectivePrimary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes among patients with PCNSV who presented with prominent gadolinium meningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsThrough retrospective review using the Mayo Clinic medical records linkage system, we identified 101 consecutive patients with PCNSV based on brain biopsy or conventional angiography (or both) between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 2003. We evaluated data on demographics, clinical findings, laboratory studies, imaging, biopsy of brain or spinal cord (or both), treatment, and neurologic outcome.ResultsMRIs showed prominent leptomeningeal enhancement in 8 of 101 patients with PCNSV. In 6 of those 8, cerebral angiography or magnetic resonance angiography results were normal, but biopsy of the brain or spinal cord showed vasculitis in all 8. Granulomatous vascular inflammation was found in 6 specimens and was associated in 4 cases with vascular deposits of β‐amyloid peptide. All 8 patients had a prompt response to therapy, with resolution of the MRI meningeal enhancement. Although 3 of the 8 patients had relapses during followup, the overall outcome was favorable. Patients with meningeal enhancement, compared with patients without enhancement, more commonly had substantial abnormalities of cerebrospinal fluid (100% versus 58%; P = 0.02) and amyloid angiopathy (50% versus 12%; P = 0.03).ConclusionProminent gadolinium leptomeningeal enhancement on MRI may point to a distinct subtype of PCNSV with small leptomeningeal artery vasculitis and rapid response to therapy.
Secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 3 by expanded articular chondrocytes as a predictor of ectopic cartilage formation capacity in vivo
Authors: Pelttari Karoliina , Lorenz Helga , Boeuf Stephane , Templin Markus F. , Bischel Oliver , Goetzke Katrin , Hsu Hsin‐Yun , Steck Eric , Richter Wiltrud 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectiveMonolayer expansion of human articular chondrocytes (HACs) is known to result in progressive dedifferentiation of the chondrocytes and loss of their stable cartilage formation capacity in vivo. For an optimal outcome of chondrocyte‐based repair strategies, HACs capable of ectopic cartilage formation may be required. This study was undertaken to identify secreted candidate molecules, in supernatants of cultured HACs, that could serve as predictors of the ectopic cartilage formation capacity of cells.MethodsStandardized medium supernatants (n = 5 knee cartilage samples) of freshly isolated HACs (PD0) and of HACs expanded for 2 or 6 population doublings (PD2 and PD6, respectively) were screened by a multiplexed immunoassay for 15 distinct interleukins, 8 matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and 11 miscellaneous soluble factors. Cartilage differentiation markers such as cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and YKL‐40 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. HACs from each culture were subcutaneously transplanted into SCID mice, and the capacity of the chondrocytes to form stable cartilage was examined histologically 4 weeks later.ResultsWhereas freshly isolated (PD0) HACs generated stable ectopic cartilage that was positive for type II collagen, none of the cell transplants at PD6 formed cartilaginous matrix. Loss of the ectopic cartilage formation capacity between PD0 and PD6 correlated with a drop in the secretion of MMP‐3 to <10% of initial levels, whereas changes in the other investigated molecules were not predictive. Chondrocytes with MMP‐3 levels of ≥20% of initial levels synthesized cartilaginous matrix, whereas those with low MMP‐3 levels (<10% of initial levels) at PD2 failed to regenerate ectopic cartilage.ConclusionLoss of the capacity for stable ectopic cartilage formation in the course of HAC dedifferentiation can be predicted by determining the relative levels of MMP‐3, demonstrating that standardized culture supernatants can be used for quality control of chondrocytes dedicated for cell therapeutic approaches.
Quality of life over time in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kuriya Bindee , Gladman Dafna D. , Ibañez Dominque , Urowitz Murray B. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) measured by the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) changes over time and which patient‐ and disease‐related factors influence such change.MethodsSLE patients who had ≥6 SF‐36 evaluations during followup were identified from a database. Outcomes were slopes of scores of the 8 SF‐36 domains as well as the physical and mental component scores. Based on the direction of the slope, patients were designated as unchanged, improved, or worsened. Linear regression models were used to test the contribution of risk factors to slopes. Nonparametric tests were used to evaluate risk factors between patterns of clinical change.ResultsA total of 146 patients had ≥6 SF‐36 evaluations in 1,047 visits over a mean ± SD period of 8.2 ± 1.1 years. During the interval, the majority of patients showed no change in the SF‐36 domains and only a small minority demonstrated improvement. Physical and mental component scores were unchanged in 84.3% and 87.7% of patients whereas 4.1% and 7.5% improved, respectively. According to slopes of the domains and summary scores, only physical functioning demonstrated a significant decrease over time. There were no lupus disease features associated with decline in physical functioning except for the presence of fibromyalgia.ConclusionThe SF‐36 in SLE patients with established disease changed little over an 8‐year period. Changes in the SF‐36 were not affected by disease activity, steroids, or damage accumulation during the interval, but were affected by the presence of fibromyalgia.
Pharmacokinetic study of oral prednisolone compared with intravenous methylprednisolone in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis
Authors: Rouster‐Stevens Kelly A. , Gursahaney Aneel , Ngai Ka‐leung , Daru Jennifer A. , Pachman Lauren M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine areas under the curve (AUCs) of oral prednisolone (OP) and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) and assess the association with nailfold end‐row loops (ERLs). Patients with active disease have fewer ERLs that possibly occur in the gastrointestinal tract, impairing absorption of oral medications.MethodsSix patients with juvenile DM received 50 mg/m2 of OP (day 1) and IVMP (day 2). Blood was drawn at baseline and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 minutes, and hourly (hours 2–8) after each dose. Samples were analyzed by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography for levels of prednisolone and methylprednisolone. AUCs of OP and IVMP were determined by the trapezoid method; pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained using noncompartmental and compartmental analysis. ERLs were determined from freeze‐frame video microscopy and nailfold capillaroscopy.ResultsThere was a trend toward significance in difference in mean AUC of IVMP (116.72 μg × ml/hour) compared with OP (65.16 μg × ml/hour; P = 0.059). Mean peak concentration was higher for IVMP (34.49 μg/ml) than OP (7.08 μg/ml); mean half‐life was shorter for IVMP (1.90 hours) than OP (2.36 hours). There was an inverse association between ΔAUCs (IVMP AUC − OP AUC) and ERLs (R = −0.68, P = 0.044).ConclusionPatients with juvenile DM and ERL loss may have decreased bioavailability of OP compared with IVMP. This can provide the rationale for greater efficacy of IVMP in patients with active vasculopathy of juvenile DM. Further studies investigating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of high‐dose IVMP need to be performed in patients with juvenile DM.
Quality of life in systemic sclerosis: Psychometric properties of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II
Authors: Hudson Marie , Steele Russell , Taillefer Suzanne , Baron Murray ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the validity of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS II) in systemic sclerosis (SSc).MethodsPatients enrolled in the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group registry participated in a standardized evaluation and completed the WHODAS II. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing the WHODAS II with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF‐36), construct validity was assessed by examining how it relates to common measures of outcome in SSc, and discriminative validity was assessed by examining how it distinguishes patients with more severe disease from those with less severe disease.ResultsA total of 402 patients with SSc were included (mean ± SD age 55 ± 13 years, 87% women, mean ± SD disease duration 11 ± 9 years). The mean ± SD WHODAS II score was 24.6 ± 17.4, and the greatest impairments were in life activities and mobility. There were moderate to good correlations between the WHODAS II and the SF‐36 Physical Component Summary score (r = −0.44), the SF‐36 Mental Component Summary score (r = −0.41), and measures of function (r = 0.54), depression (r = 0.44), pain (r = 0.40), and fatigue (r = −0.49, P < 0.0001 for all). The WHODAS II was able to consistently distinguish patients with milder disease from those with more severe disease.ConclusionThe WHODAS II had good psychometric properties in patients with SSc and should be considered a valid measure of health‐related quality of life in SSc.
Avoidable hospitalizations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ward Michael M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectiveAvoidable hospitalizations are hospitalizations for indications that could have been prevented by prompt and appropriate outpatient treatment. Avoidable hospitalizations thus serve as an indicator of poor access to, or underutilization of, medical care. This study examined risk factors for avoidable hospitalizations among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsData were obtained on acute‐care hospitalizations in a population‐based sample of 8,670 patients with SLE age ≥18 years hospitalized in New York state in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Hospitalizations were classified as avoidable based on the principal indication for hospitalization. Patient demographic and hospital characteristics were examined as risk factors.ResultsOf 16,751 hospitalizations, 2,123 (12.7%) were for avoidable conditions, most commonly pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and cellulitis. The likelihood of avoidable hospitalizations increased progressively with age, was higher among patients with Medicare than among those with other types of medical insurance, and was higher among those of lower socioeconomic status. Hospitalizations for avoidable conditions were less likely at hospitals that admitted larger numbers of patients with SLE than at hospitals that admitted fewer patients with SLE.ConclusionAvoidable hospitalizations occur more commonly among older and poorer patients, suggesting that these patients have more difficulty accessing care. The lower risk of avoidable hospitalizations at centers that admit large numbers of patients with SLE may be due to patient selection or may represent better outpatient care by physicians at these centers.
Accumulation of coronary artery disease risk factors over three years: Data from an international inception cohort
Authors: Urowitz M. B. , Gladman D. , Ibañez D. , Fortin P. , Sanchez‐Guerrero J. , Bae S. , Clarke A. , Bernatsky S. , Gordon C. , Hanly J. , Wallace D. , Isenberg D. , Ginzler E. , Merrill J. , Alarcón G. S. , Steinsson K. , Petri M. , Dooley M. A. , Bruce I. , Manzi S. , Khamashta M. , Ramsey‐Goldman R. , Zoma A. , Sturfelt G. , Nived O. , Maddison P. , Font J. , van Vollenhoven R. , Aranow C. , Kalunian K. , Stoll T. ,   Systemic lupus international collaborating clinics
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the accumulation of risk factors over 3 years in a multicenter, international inception cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsThe Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics registry for atherosclerosis comprises 27 centers from 11 countries. An inception cohort of 935 patients with SLE was assembled, according to a standardized protocol, from 2000 to 2006 to study risk factors for atherosclerosis. Both classic and other coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors were collected at entry and through 3 years of followup. Therapy was documented over the 3 years. The Framingham 10‐year risk factor profile was calculated for each patient at year 1 and year 3.ResultsA total of 278 patients from the inception cohort were followed for 3 years and constituted the population for this study. At enrollment a substantial number of patients already demonstrated several risk factors for CAD, both classic and other. All risk factors increased from enrollment over the 3 years of followup. Treatment of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia also increased over 3 years, but less so for hypercholesterolemia. The Framingham 10‐year CAD risk profile was higher in men than in women both at entry and at 3 years, and remained unchanged over the 3 years. Corticosteroid use increased only slightly over 3 years, but use of antimalarials and immunosuppressive agents increased to a greater extent.ConclusionPatients with SLE should be monitored for CAD risk factors from the time of diagnosis and appropriate treatment should be instituted early.
Gluteal tendinopathy in refractory greater trochanter pain syndrome: Diagnostic value of two clinical tests
Authors: Lequesne M. , Mathieu P. , Vuillemin‐Bodaghi V. , Bard H. , Djian P. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the value (sensitivity and specificity) of 2 modified physical tests for the diagnosis of gluteal tendinopathy in patients with refractory greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS).MethodsThe 2 tests were prospectively evaluated by a single physician in all consecutive patients with persistent (≥4 months) GTPS and no hip joint arthropathy seen on radiography between 2002 and 2006. The 2 tests evaluated the occurrence of pain similar to spontaneous pain during a single‐leg stance held for 30 seconds and resisted external derotation in a supine position (hip flexed 90°) then prone position (hip extended). A matched control population without hip pain was examined similarly. Tendinitis, tendon tear, and associated bursitis in the target group were documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in transverse, coronal, and sagittal planes, with MRI serving as the gold standard.ResultsSeventeen patients completed the study (mean ± SD age 68.1 ± 10.8 years, mean duration of symptoms 13 months). MRI revealed tendinopathy and/or bursitis of the gluteus medius and/or minimus tendons in all patients, with evidence of tearing in 15. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 97.3%, respectively, for the single‐leg stance test and 88% and 97.3%, respectively, for the resisted external derotation test in the supine position.ConclusionThe 30‐second single‐leg stance and resisted external derotation tests had very good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of tendinous lesion and bursitis in patients with MRI‐documented refractory GTPS.
The Effect of training on biologists acceptance of bioinformatics tools: A field experiment
Authors: Shachak Aviv , Fine Sara 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA recent development in biological research is the emergence of bioinformatics, which employs novel informatics techniques to handle biological data. Although the importance of bioinformatics training is widely recognized, little attention has been paid to its effect on the acceptance of bioinformatics by biologists. In this study, the effect of training on biologists' acceptance of bioinformatics tools was tested using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as a theoretical framework. Ninety individuals participated in a field experiment during seven bioinformatics workshops. Pre‐ and post‐intervention tests were used to measure perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intended use of bioinformatics tools for primer design and microarray analysis—a simple versus a complex tool that is used for a simple and a complex task, respectively. Perceived usefulness and ease of use were both significant predictors of intended use of bioinformatics tools. After hands‐on experience, intention to use both tools decreased. The perceived ease of use of the primer design tool increased but that of the microarray analysis tool decreased. It is suggested that hands‐on training helps researchers to form realistic perceptions of bioinformatics tools, thereby enabling them to make informed decisions about whether and how to use them.
Methodology for the implementation of knowledge management systems
Authors: Chalmeta Ricardo , Grangel Reyes 
Published: January 2008

AbstractManaging knowledge means managing the processes of creation, development, distribution and utilisation of knowledge in order to improve organizational performance and increase competitive capacity. However, serious difficulties arise when attempts are made to implement knowledge management in enterprises. One of the reasons behind this situation is the lack of suitable methodologies for guiding the process of development and implementation of a knowledge management system (KMS), which is a computer system that allows the processes of creating, collecting, organising, accessing and using knowledge to be automated as far as possible. In this article we propose a methodology for directing the process of developing and implementing a knowledge management system in any type of organization. The methodology is organised in phases and outlines the activities to be performed, the techniques and supporting tools to be used, and the expected results for each phase. In addition, we show how the proposed methodology can be applied to the particular case of an enterprise.
Users' personality and perceived ease of use of digital libraries: The case for resistance to change
Authors: Nov Oded , Ye Chen 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe use of digital libraries has seen steady growth in the past two decades. However, as with other new technologies, effective use of digital libraries depends on user acceptance, which in turn is affected by users' perception of the system's ease of use. Since the introduction of new technologies often involves some form of change for users, the recent identification of the resistance to change (RTC) personality trait, and the development of a scale to measure it, provides an opportunity to assess the impact of RTC on new users of a digital library system. Drawing on prior research focused on personal differences and system characteristics as determinants of perceived ease of use, in the present study we explore the relationship between RTC and perceived ease of use of a university digital library. The results of a survey of 170 new users of the library system suggest that RTC is a significant determinant of perceived ease of use, and improves the explanatory power of previous technology‐acceptance models. Implications of the findings are discussed.
From conference to journal publication: How conference papers in software engineering are extended for publication in journals
Authors: Montesi Michela , Owen John Mackenzie 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn software engineering (SE) and in the computing disciplines, papers presented at conferences are considered as formal papers and counted when evaluating research productivity of academic staff. In spite of this, conference papers may still be extended for publication in academic journals. In this research, we have studied the process of extension from conference to journal publication, and tried to explain the different purposes these two forms of publication serve in the field. Twenty‐two editors in chief and associate editors in chief of major publications in SE and related fields were interviewed, and 122 authors of extended versions of conference papers answered a Web questionnaire regarding the extension of their papers. As a result, the process of extending conference papers for journal publication in SE is recorded. In the conclusion, we comment on the following: (a) the role of the conference in the development of the research work; (b) the review process at the conference and at the journal stage; and (c) the different purposes conference and journal publication fulfill in SE.