bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of raloxifene as a potent inhibitor of experimental postmenopausal polyarthritis and osteoporosis
Authors: Jochems Caroline , Islander Ulrika , Kallkopf Anna , Lagerquist Marie , Ohlsson Claes , Carlsten Hans 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveIn postmenopausal rheumatoid arthritis (RA), both estrogen deficiency and the inflammatory disease contribute to the development of generalized osteoporosis. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estradiol preserves bone mineral density (BMD) and ameliorates arthritis, but long‐term therapy is no longer an option due to significant side effects. We therefore used a mouse model of human RA to test the hypothesis that a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), the raloxifene analog LY117018, could be beneficial in the treatment of both arthritis and osteoporosis.MethodsFemale DBA/1 mice were ovariectomized and arthritis was induced with collagen immunization. Mice received an injection of raloxifene, estradiol, or vehicle control, administered prophylactically or therapeutically, and thereafter the clinical arthritis score was evaluated continuously. At termination, BMD was analyzed with peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Paws were collected for histology, and sera were analyzed for cytokines and markers of bone and cartilage turnover. Levels of cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) were investigated with real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsTreatment with raloxifene dramatically decreased the frequency and severity of arthritis. Effective preservation of bone and cartilage was seen in raloxifene‐exposed mice, as demonstrated by increased BMD and decreased serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in the raloxifene‐treated mice compared with controls. Decreased levels of mRNA for both tumor necrosis factor α and RANKL in spleen cells from raloxifene‐treated arthritic mice indicated an immunosuppressive action of this SERM.ConclusionIn a well‐established model of postmenopausal RA, the raloxifene analog LY117018 potently inhibits the progression of arthritis and the associated development of osteoporosis, both in a prophylactic and in a therapeutic regimen. Since long‐term HRT has been associated with significant side effects, raloxifene may be a useful adjuvant treatment for postmenopausal RA.
BAFF synthesis by rheumatoid synoviocytes is positively controlled by α5β1 integrin stimulation and is negatively regulated by tumor necrosis factor α and toll‐like receptor ligands
Authors: Alsaleh Ghada , Messer Laurent , Semaan Noha , Boulanger Nathalie , Gottenberg Jacques‐Eric , Sibilia Jean , Wachsmann Dominique 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveIt was recently demonstrated that synoviocytes (FLS) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients express BAFF transcripts that are up‐regulated by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interferon‐γ (IFNγ). Thus, BAFF increases in RA target cells might be related to activation of the receptors of innate immunity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ligands of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR‐2), TLR‐4, TLR‐9, and α5β1 integrin are able to induce BAFF synthesis by RA FLS.MethodsQuantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analyses and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were performed to evaluate BAFF messenger RNA induction and BAFF release from FLS after stimulation by ligands for TLR‐2, TLR‐4, TLR‐9, α5β1 integrin (bacterial lipopeptide [BLP] palmitoyl‐3‐cysteine‐serine‐lysine‐4, lipopolysaccharide [LPS], CpG, and protein I/II, respectively), TNFα, and IFNγ.ResultsIn contrast to IFNγ, neither TNFα, LPS, BLP, nor CpG induced the de novo synthesis and release of BAFF by FLS. Priming of cells with IFNγ did not have a synergistic effect on BAFF synthesis by FLS stimulated with bacterial products known as pathogen‐associated molecular patterns. Moreover, we found that IFNγ‐induced BAFF synthesis is inhibited by simultaneous stimulation with either TLR ligands or TNFα. We also showed that interplay between TLRs, TNF receptors, and IFNγ signaling induces the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS‐1) and SOCS‐3 and reduces IFNγ‐dependent STAT‐1 phosphorylation, which might explain this inhibition. In contrast, we demonstrated that stimulation of α5β1 integrin can induce BAFF synthesis and release per se and that stimulation of this pathway has no inhibitory effect on IFNγ‐induced BAFF synthesis.ConclusionOur findings indicate that BAFF secretion by resident cells in target organs of autoimmunity is tightly regulated by innate immunity, with positive and negative controls, depending on the receptors and the pathways triggered.
Laser Doppler flowmetry for assessing localized scleroderma in children
Authors: Weibel Lisa , Howell Kevin J. , Visentin Maria Teresa , Rudiger Alain , Denton Christopher P. , Zulian Francesco , Woo Patricia , Harper John I. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveAssessment of disease activity is a major challenge in the management of children with localized scleroderma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in comparison with infrared thermography in the detection of scleroderma disease activity.MethodsIn 41 children with localized scleroderma, 111 lesions were assessed on 2 separate occasions, by clinical examination, LDF, and thermography. Measurements from contralateral areas of unaffected skin served as intrapatient controls, and differences in blood flow and temperature were calculated between the corresponding sites. The sensitivity and specificity to detect clinically active lesions were compared between LDF and thermography.ResultsSeventy‐five active lesions (34%) and 147 inactive lesions (66%) were identified clinically. The median relative increase in blood flow measured by LDF was +89% (range −69% to +449%) for clinically active lesions and +11% (range −46% to +302%) for clinically inactive lesions (P < 0.001). Thermography showed a median difference in temperature of +0.5°C (range −0.1°C to +4.1°C) and +0.3°C (range −1.9°C to +2.7°C) for clinically active lesions and clinically inactive lesions, respectively (P = 0.024). Using a cutoff level of 39% to indicate increase in blood flow, a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 77% to detect clinically active lesions were observed; for thermography, no useful cutoff level was identified. The correlation between differences in blood flow and differences in temperature was small, but significant (r2 = 0.120, P < 0.001).ConclusionLDF is a helpful, noninvasive diagnostic technique that can be used to discriminate disease activity in children with localized scleroderma, and is more accurate than thermography for this purpose.
Blocking of experimental arthritis by cleavage of IgG antibodies in vivo
Authors: Nandakumar Kutty Selva , Johansson Björn P. , Björck Lars , Holmdahl Rikard 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether IgG‐degrading enzyme of Streptococcus pyogenes (IdeS), a bacterial cysteine endopeptidase that cleaves human IgG in the hinge region, can be used for blocking the development of arthritis.MethodsRecombinant IdeS was purified and tested for specificity against mouse IgG. IdeS was injected intravenously into mice with collagen antibody–induced arthritis (CAIA), collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA), or relapsing CIA, and its effects on arthritis development and severity were assessed.ResultsIdeS efficiently cleaved mouse IgG2a/c and IgG3 in vitro. Even at low dosage (10 μg), IdeS specifically cleaved IgG2a in vivo without any apparent side effects. IdeS treatment efficiently blocked CAIA induced by IgG2a antibodies. No effect was observed when arthritis was induced with IgG2b anti–type II collagen antibodies; since IdeS does not cleave IgG2b, this indicated that IgG cleavage was the mechanism of action. IdeS treatment reduced the severity of arthritis if administered within 24 hours after the onset of clinical arthritis, but did not block ongoing severe arthritis. IdeS treatment also significantly prevented an antibody‐induced relapse in mice that had chronic arthritis, and delayed the onset and reduced the severity of arthritis in classic CIA.ConclusionIdeS has therapeutic potential in IgG antibody–mediated autoimmune arthritis, representing a new and unique means of blocking pathogenic antibodies.
Development of a preliminary scleroderma gastrointestinal tract 1.0 quality of life instrument
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Hays Ron D. , Park Grace S. , Braun‐Moscovici Yolanda , Mayes Maureen D. , McNearney Terry A. , Hsu Vivien , Clements Philip J. , Furst Daniel E. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveGastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement occurs in ∼90% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and has a major impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). We developed an HRQOL instrument for persons with SSc.MethodsThe Scleroderma Gastrointestinal Tract 1.0 (SSC‐GIT 1.0) survey was developed after an extensive literature search, solicitation and consideration of experts' opinions, and 2 focus groups of 16 subjects with SSc and GIT involvement. A 75‐item, self‐reported measure assessing bowel involvement, emotional well‐being, and social functioning was administered to subjects with SSc and GIT involvement. Also, subjects completed the Short Form 36 and rated the severity of their GIT symptoms (very mild to very severe), and items were transformed linearly to a scale with a possible range of 0 (worse health) to 100 (better health). Evaluation of psychometric properties included internal consistency reliability, test–retest reliability (1.3‐week median time interval), multitrait scaling analysis, and exploratory factor analysis.ResultsStudy participants (n = 88) were primarily female (95.5%), white (79.3%), and had a mean age of 52.4 years. Self‐rated severity of GIT involvement ranged from very mild or mild (36.0%) to moderate (44.0%) to severe or very severe (20.0%). Of 75 items, 23 had low item‐total correlations (≤0.39) and were excluded, leaving a 52‐item instrument. Analyses supported 6 multi‐item HRQOL scales: reflux/indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, pain, emotional well‐being, and social functioning. Test–retest reliability estimates ranged 0.69–0.90 and Cronbach's alpha ranged 0.69–0.93. Participants who rated their GIT disease as mild had the highest scores (better health) on all 6 scales; participants who rated their GIT as severe had the lowest scores (poor health).ConclusionThe results support the reliability and validity of the SSC‐GIT 1.0 as a measure of SSc GIT involvement. Further research is needed to examine the ability to detect change over time and define minimally important differences.
Mapping hand functioning in hand osteoarthritis: Comparing self‐report instruments with a comprehensive hand function test
Authors: Stamm Tanja , Mathis Mona , Aletaha Daniel , Kloppenburg Margreet , Machold Klaus , Smolen Josef 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine which self‐report instruments best explain hand functioning measured by a generic comprehensive hand function test.MethodsSix questionnaires currently used in hand osteoarthritis (OA), namely, the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 Short Form (AIMS2‐SF), the Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN), the Cochin scale, the Functional Index of Hand OA (FIHOA), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and the Score for Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands (SACRAH), were administered once in 100 patients with hand OA together with the Jebsen‐Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). In addition, 3 other hand function tests with short administration time were used: the Moberg Picking‐Up Test (MPUT), the Button Test (BT), and grip strength. The Short Form 36 was used to describe health status. The relationship between the instruments and the JTHFT was determined by correlation analyses.ResultsAIMS2‐SF total scores had the highest raw correlation coefficient to the JTHFT, followed by AIMS2‐SF upper body limitation subscale, SACRAH stiffness subscale, and SACRAH total score. If controlled for age, the HAQ had the highest correlation coefficient. Of the 3 short hand function tests, the MPUT showed the highest raw correlation coefficient to the JTHFT; if controlled for age, the BT had the highest correlation coefficient.ConclusionTo comprehensively assess hand functioning in patients with hand OA, we recommend using both a self‐report instrument used more generally in various arthritides and a self‐report instrument specifically developed for hand OA. If a short test is preferred, we recommend using the MPUT or BT.
Problems faced at work due to inflammatory arthritis: New insights gained from understanding patients' perspective
Authors: Lacaille Diane , White Margaret A. , Backman Catherine L. , Gignac Monique A. M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveA qualitative study was conducted to better understand patients' perspective on their experience at work in relation to their inflammatory arthritis (IA). Objectives were to identify the problems and barriers to employment that persons with IA face at work because of arthritis, understand why these issues are problematic, and identify strategies helpful for maintaining employment.MethodsFive focus groups were conducted with 36 employed adults with IA (75% rheumatoid arthritis) recruited from rheumatology practices and outpatient arthritis treatment programs. Script design used brainstorming techniques to identify problems and helpful strategies, and root cause analysis to capture in‐depth information about underlying causes of problems. Descriptive qualitative analysis of transcripts was performed by 2 researchers independently to identify problems and organize them into topics and broad categories.ResultsProblems clustered around 4 categories: arthritis symptoms, working conditions, interpersonal difficulties at work, and emotional challenges. New insights gained included identifying fatigue as the aspect of IA most limiting employment; challenges posed by invisibility, fluctuation, and unpredictability of arthritis; complexity of interpersonal relationships at work; reluctance to disclose or draw attention to arthritis; numerous barriers to using available supports and requesting job accommodations, including fear of disclosure and concern it could be perceived by coworkers as favoritism; loss of self‐efficacy at work; and many emotional challenges.ConclusionThis research identified new issues that are meaningful to individuals working with arthritis and that deserve greater attention by professionals counseling people on employment, in intervention efforts to help maintain employment, and in arthritis employment studies.
Long‐Term effectiveness of exercise therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: A systematic review
Authors: Pisters Martijn F. , Veenhof Cindy , van Meeteren Nico L. U. , Ostelo Raymond W. , de Bakker Dinny H. , Schellevis François G. , Dekker Joost 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the long‐term effectiveness (≥6 months after treatment) of exercise therapy on pain, physical function, and patient global assessment of effectiveness in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and/or knee.MethodsWe conducted an extensive literature search in PubMed, EMBase, CINAHL, SciSearch, PEDro, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Both randomized clinical trials and controlled clinical trials on the long‐term effectiveness of exercise therapy were included. The followup assessments were at least 6 months after treatment ended. Methodologic quality was independently assessed by 2 reviewers. Effect estimates were calculated and a best evidence synthesis was performed based on design, methodologic quality, and statistical significance of findings.ResultsFive high‐quality and 6 low‐quality randomized clinical trials were included. Strong evidence was found for no long‐term effectiveness on pain and self‐reported physical function, moderate evidence for long‐term effectiveness on patient global assessment of effectiveness, and conflicting evidence for observed physical function. For exercise programs with additional booster sessions, moderate evidence was found for long‐term effectiveness on pain, self‐reported physical function, and observed physical function.ConclusionThe positive posttreatment effects of exercise therapy on pain and physical function in patients with OA of the hip and/or knee are not sustained in the long term. Long‐term effectiveness was only found for patient global assessment of effectiveness. However, additional booster sessions after the treatment period positively influenced maintenance of beneficial posttreatment effects on pain and physical function in the long term.
Effect of Mindfulness‐Based stress reduction in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Pradhan Elizabeth K. , Baumgarten Mona , Langenberg Patricia , Handwerger Barry , Gilpin Adele Kaplan , Magyari Trish , Hochberg Marc C. , Berman Brian M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effect of a meditation training program, Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), on depressive symptoms, psychological status, and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through a randomized, waitlist‐controlled pilot study.MethodsParticipants were randomized to either an MBSR group, where they attended an 8‐week course and 4‐month maintenance program, or to a waitlist control group, where they attended all assessment visits and received MBSR free of charge after study end. Participants received usual care from their rheumatologists throughout the trial. Self‐report questionnaires were used to evaluate depressive symptoms, psychological distress, well‐being, and mindfulness. Evaluation of RA disease activity (by Disease Activity Score in 28 joints) included examination by a physician masked to treatment status. Adjusted means and mean changes in outcomes were estimated in mixed model repeated measures analyses.ResultsSixty‐three participants were randomized: 31 to MBSR and 32 to control. At 2 months, there were no statistically significant differences between groups in any outcomes. At 6 months, there was significant improvement in psychological distress and well‐being (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively), and marginally significant improvement in depressive symptoms and mindfulness (P = 0.08 and P = 0.09, respectively). There was a 35% reduction in psychological distress among those treated. The intervention had no impact on RA disease activity.ConclusionAn 8‐week MBSR class was not associated with change in depressive symptoms or other outcomes at 2‐month followup. Significant improvements in psychological distress and well‐being were observed following MBSR plus a 4‐month program of continued reinforcement. Mindfulness meditation may complement medical disease management by improving psychological distress and strengthening well‐being in patients with RA.
International consensus on a proposed score system for muscle biopsy evaluation in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis: A tool for potential use in clinical trials
Authors: Wedderburn Lucy R. , Varsani Hemlata , Li Charles K. C. , Newton Katy R. , Amato Anthony A. , Banwell Brenda , Bove Kevin E. , Corse Andrea M. , Emslie‐Smith Alison , Harding Brian , Hoogendijk Jessica , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Marie Suely , Minetti Carlo , Nennesmo Inger , Rushing Elisabeth J. , Sewry Caroline , Charman Susan C. , Pilkington Clarissa A. , Holton Janice L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo devise and test a system with which to evaluate abnormalities on muscle biopsy samples obtained from children diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM).MethodsWe established an International Consensus Group on Juvenile DM Biopsy and carried out 2 phases of consensus process and scoring workshops. Biopsy sections (n = 33) were stained by standard methods. The scoring tool was based on 4 domains of change: inflammatory, vascular, muscle fiber, and connective tissue. Using a Latin square design, biopsy samples were scored by 11 experts for items in each domain, and for a global abnormality measure using a 10‐cm visual analog score (VAS 0–10). The tool's reliability was assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and scorer agreement (α) by determining variation in scorers' ratings.ResultsThere was good agreement in many items of the tool, and several items refined between the meetings improved in reliability and/or agreement. The inflammatory and muscle fiber domains had the highest reliability and agreement. The overall VAS score for abnormality had high agreement and reliability, reaching an ICC of 0.863 at the second consensus meeting.ConclusionWe propose a provisional scoring system to measure abnormalities on muscle biopsy samples obtained from children with juvenile DM. This system needs to be validated, and then could be used in prospective studies to test which features of muscle pathology are prognostic of disease course or outcome. We suggest that the process we used could be a template for developing similar systems in other forms of myositis.
Ein optoanalytisches Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Faserverteilung und ‐orientierung in stahlfaserverstärktem UHFB
Authors: Tue Nguyen Viet , Henze Stefan , Küchler Michael , Schenck Gunter , Wille Kay 
Published: September 2007

AbstractUm dem spröden Materialverhalten von ultrahochfestem Beton (UHFB) unter Druckbeanspruchung entgegenzuwirken sowie zur gezielten Verbesserung des Zug‐ bzw. Biegetragverhaltens werden häufig Mikrodrahtfasern eingesetzt. Für den Einsatz von stahlfaserverstärktem UHFB in Konstruktionen ist zur zuverlässigen Ermittlung der Tragfähigkeit sowie aus Gründen der Wirtschaftlichkeit und Nachhaltigkeit die Kenntnis über die Verteilung und Orientierung der Fasern von Bedeutung. Da diese von geometrischen, betontechnologischen und herstellungstechnischen Faktoren beeinflusst werden, ist für jede Bauaufgabe eine gesonderte Betrachtung erforderlich. Am Institut für Massivbau und Baustofftechnologie der Universität Leipzig wurde deshalb ein einfach durchzuführendes Verfahren entwickelt, das insbesondere für die Ermittlung der Faserorientierung und ‐verteilung in stahlfaserverstärktem UHFB geeignet ist.
Zweiaxiale Druckfestigkeit von ultrahochfestem Beton
Authors: Curbach Manfred , Speck Kerstin 
Published: September 2007

AbstractUltrahochleistungsbeton (UHPC) zeichnet sich besonders durch eine hohe Druckfestigkeit von bis zu 250 N/mm2 sowie eine hohe Dichtigkeit und Korrosionsbeständigkeit aus. Diese Eigenschaften gehen mit einer zunehmenden Versprödung einher. Spröde Betone weisen unter mehraxialer Beanspruchung geringere bezogene Festigkeiten auf als relativ duktiler Normalbeton. Der effektive Einsatz von UHPC erfordert die genaue Kenntnis des Tragverhaltens unter mehraxialen Spannungszuständen. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt das Verhalten von UHPC unter zweiaxialer Druckbeanspruchung im Vergleich zu dem von Normalbeton. Es wird gezeigt, dass die in DIN 1045‐1 vorgeschlagenen Rechenansätze für mehraxiale Spannungszustände auf UHPC nicht übertragbar sind. Des Weiteren wird ein Modell vorgestellt, das eine wirklichkeitsnahe Beschreibung des Tragverhaltens von UHPC z. B. in FE‐Modellen ermöglicht.
Nichtlineare Analyse der zeitlichen Antwort von Stahlbeton‐, Spannbeton‐ und Verbundkonstruktionen auf die mechanische Einwirkung und Temperatureinwirkung
Authors: Saje Franc 
Published: September 2007

AbstractDie nichtlineare Analyse der zeitabhängigen Antwort der Stahlbeton‐ und Spannbetonkonstruktionen auf die mechanische Belastung und auf die Einflüsse der Umgebung stellt ein wichtiges Werkzeug für die Lösung und Klärung vieler Probleme der Betonkonstruktionen dar. Mit der nichtlinearen Antwortanalyse von Konstruktionen unter dem Einfluss äußerer Belastung können verschiedene vereinfachte Berechnungsmethoden auf ihre Eignung überprüft werden. Teilweise können damit auch aufwändige Versuche ersetzt werden. Dies bezieht sich in erster Linie auf Versuche zur Bestimmung der Tragfähigkeit sowie auf Versuche zur Bestimmung des Brandverhaltens.