bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of malignancy in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Rohekar Sherry , Tom Brian D. M. , Hassa Agnes , Schentag Cathy T. , Farewell Vernon T. , Gladman Dafna D. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and types of malignancy in a large cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and to compare this rate with that in the general population.MethodsA cohort analysis of patients who were followed up prospectively from 1978 to 2004 at the University of Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic was performed. Patients were followed up at 6–12‐month intervals according to a standard protocol, which included recording of malignancy, and tracked on a computer database. The cohort was linked with a provincial database to find malignancies that may have been missed by the protocol or developed after patients were lost to followup. Data were presented and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Cox regression model with robust estimate of variance. Rates of first malignancy in the cohort were compared with rates in the population to derive standardized incidence ratios (SIRs).ResultsOf the 665 patients included, 68 (10.2%) developed a malignancy at an average age of 62.4 years. The most frequently seen malignancies were breast (20.6%), lung (13.2%), and prostate (8.8%) cancer. The SIR for all cancers was 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.77–1.24). Overall cancer type–specific SIRs were 0.69 (95% CI 0.26–1.83) for hematologic and 0.88 (95% CI 0.46–1.69) for lung cancer. In females, the SIR for breast cancer was 1.55 (95% CI 0.92–2.62), and in males, the SIR for prostate cancer was 0.65 (95% CI 0.29–1.44).ConclusionOverall, 10.2% of patients in the Toronto PsA cohort developed cancer. The most frequent cancers were breast, lung, and prostate cancer. The incidence of malignancy in the large PsA cohort did not differ from that in the general population.
Differential requirements for IKKα and IKKβ in the differentiation of primary human osteoarthritic chondrocytes
Authors: Olivotto Eleonora , Borzi Rosa Maria , Vitellozzi Roberta , Pagani Stefania , Facchini Annalisa , Battistelli Michela , Penzo Marianna , Li Xiang , Flamigni Flavio , Li Jun , Falcieri Elisabetta , Facchini Andrea , Marcu Kenneth B. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveOsteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes behave in an intrinsically deregulated manner, characterized by chronic loss of healthy cartilage and inappropriate differentiation to a hypertrophic‐like state. IKKα and IKKβ are essential kinases that activate NF‐κB transcription factors, which in turn regulate cell differentiation and inflammation. This study was undertaken to investigate the differential roles of each IKK in chondrocyte differentiation and hypertrophy.MethodsExpression of IKKα or IKKβ was ablated in primary human chondrocytes by retro‐transduction of specific short‐hairpin RNAs. Micromass cultures designed to reproduce chondrogenesis with progression to the terminal hypertrophic stage were established, and anabolism and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) were investigated in the micromasses using biochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural techniques. Cellular parameters of hypertrophy (i.e., proliferation, viability, and size) were also analyzed.ResultsThe processes of ECM remodeling and mineralization, both characteristic of terminally differentiated hypertrophic cells, were defective following the loss of IKKα or IKKβ. Silencing of IKKβ markedly enhanced accumulation of glycosaminoglycan in conjunction with increased SOX9 expression. Ablation of IKKα dramatically enhanced type II collagen deposition independent of SOX9 protein levels but in association with suppressed levels of runt‐related transcription factor 2. Moreover, IKKα‐deficient cells retained the phenotype of cells in a pre–hypertrophic‐like state, as evidenced by the smaller size and faster proliferation of these cells prior to micromass seeding, along with the enhanced viability of their differentiated micromasses.ConclusionIKKα and IKKβ exert differential roles in ECM remodeling and endochondral ossification, which are events characteristic of hypertrophic chondrocytes and also complicating factors often found in OA. Because the effects of IKKα were more profound and pleotrophic in nature, our observations suggest that exacerbated IKKα activity may be responsible, at least in part, for the characteristic abnormal phenotypes of OA chondrocytes.
Validation of the systemic lupus erythematosus activity questionnaire in a large observational cohort
Authors: Yazdany Jinoos , Yelin Edward H. , Panopalis Pantelis , Trupin Laura , Julian Laura , Katz Patricia P. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ) in a large observational cohort of persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsWe evaluated the reliability of the SLAQ using Cronbach's alpha and principal factor analysis and ascertained construct validity by studying the association of the SLAQ with other clinically relevant, validated patient assessments of health. We estimated responsiveness by calculating standardized response means and analyzing the association of changes in SLAQ scores with changes in other patient assessments of health.ResultsThe SLAQ had excellent reliability, as reflected by Cronbach's alpha (0.87) and principal factor analysis (one factor accounted for 92% of the variance). SLAQ scores were strongly correlated with other health indices, including the Short Form 12 Physical Component Summary and the Short Form 36 Physical Functioning subscale. Scores were significantly higher for respondents reporting a flare, more disease activity, hospitalization in the last year, concurrent use of immunosuppressive medication, and work disability. The SLAQ demonstrated a small to moderate degree of responsiveness; standardized response means were 0.66 and −0.37 for those reporting clinical worsening and improvement, respectively. Across a range of other patient assessments of disease status, the SLAQ had a response in the direction predicted by these other measures.ConclusionThe SLAQ demonstrates adequate reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness in our large, community‐based cohort and appears to represent a promising tool for studies of SLE outside the clinical setting.
Comparison of Vancouver and International League of Associations for rheumatology classification criteria for juvenile psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Toll Matthew L. S , Lio Peter , Sundel Robert P. , Nigrovic Peter A. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria constitute the current international diagnostic standard for juvenile psoriatic arthritis (PsA), replacing the less‐restrictive Vancouver criteria. The impact of this change on the population diagnosed with juvenile PsA is unknown.MethodsWe reviewed the records of patients seen in a pediatric rheumatology clinic with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes for psoriasis, PsA, or spondylarthritis. Characteristics of children who met the Vancouver and ILAR criteria were compared.ResultsOf 139 children meeting the Vancouver criteria for juvenile PsA, ILAR criteria excluded 80 (58%). Grounds for exclusion were insufficiently definitive rash (44%), a competing diagnosis of enthesitis‐related arthritis (23%), family history of psoriasis limited to second‐degree relatives (16%), fulfillment of criteria for >1 subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) (5%), and HLA–B27 in a male with arthritis onset after age 6 (2%). Remaining patients were not homogeneous but could be divided into younger and older subpopulations differing in clinical features as described previously among patients identified under the Vancouver standard. Of excluded patients, 76% were reclassified as having other forms of JIA yet were phenotypically comparable with those retained.ConclusionDespite apparently modest changes from previous criteria, ILAR definitions strikingly restrict the diagnosis of PsA in childhood. Similarity between excluded and included patients suggests that these restrictions may not reflect substantive clinical differences. To the extent that excluded patients become reclassified within JIA, current criteria risk compromising other ILAR categories while reducing the number of patients available for the study of juvenile PsA.
The provisional Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation/American College of Rheumatology/european League Against Rheumatism Disease activity core set for the evaluation of response to therapy in juvenile dermatomyositis: A prospective validation study
Authors: Ruperto Nicolino , Ravelli Angelo , Pistorio Angela , Ferriani Virginia , Calvo Immaculada , Ganser Gerd , Brunner Jurgen , Dannecker Guenther , Silva Clovis Arthur , Stanevicha Valda , Cate Rebecca Ten , van Suijlekom‐Smit Lisette W. A. , Voygioyka OLGA , Fischbach Michel , Foeldvari Ivan , Hilario Odete , Modesto Consuelo , Saurenmann Rotraud K. , Sauvain Marie‐Josephe , Scheibel Iloite , Sommelet Danièle , Tambic‐Bukovac Lana , Barcellona Roberto , Brik Riva , Ehl Stephan , Jovanovic Mirjana , Rovensky Jozef , Bagnasco Francesca , Lovell Daniel J. , Martini Alberto 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo validate a core set of outcome measures for the evaluation of response to treatment in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM).MethodsIn 2001, a preliminary consensus‐derived core set for evaluating response to therapy in juvenile DM was established. In the present study, the core set was validated through an evidence‐based, large‐scale data collection that led to the enrollment of 294 patients from 36 countries. Consecutive patients with active disease were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. The validation procedures included assessment of feasibility, responsiveness, discriminant and construct ability, concordance in the evaluation of response to therapy between physicians and parents, redundancy, internal consistency, and ability to predict a therapeutic response.ResultsThe following clinical measures were found to be feasible, and to have good construct validity, discriminative ability, and internal consistency; furthermore, they were not redundant, proved responsive to clinically important changes in disease activity, and were associated strongly with treatment outcome and thus were included in the final core set: 1) physician's global assessment of disease activity, 2) muscle strength, 3) global disease activity measure, 4) parent's global assessment of patient's well‐being, 5) functional ability, and 6) health‐related quality of life.ConclusionThe members of the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation, with the endorsement of the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism, propose a core set of criteria for the evaluation of response to therapy that is scientifically and clinically relevant and statistically validated. The core set will help standardize the conduct and reporting of clinical trials and assist practitioners in deciding whether a child with juvenile DM has responded adequately to therapy.
Direct Asymmetric α‐Amination of Cyclic Ketones Catalyzed by Siloxyproline
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Aratake Seiji , Imai Yoshinaga , Hibino Kazuhiro , Chen Qi‐Yin , Yamaguchi Junichiro , Uchimaru Tadafumi 
Published: December 2007

Abstracttrans‐tert‐Butyldimethylsiloxy‐L‐proline displays greater catalytic activity and affords higher enantioselectivity than the parent proline in the α‐amination reaction of carbonyl compounds with azodicarboxylate. A quantum mechanical calculation reveals the structure of the transition state. In the presence of a catalytic amount of siloxyproline and water (3–9 equiv), α‐amino carbonyl derivatives, which are important synthetic intermediates, are obtained in good yield and with excellent enantioselectivity.
In vitro effect of pulsed 900 MHz GSM radiation on mitochondrial membrane potential and motility of human spermatozoa
Authors: Falzone Nadia , Huyser Carin , Fourie Francois , Toivo Tim , Leszczynski Dariusz , Franken Daniel 
Published: December 2007

AbstractEjaculated, density purified, human spermatozoa were exposed to pulsed 900 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation at two specific absorption rate levels (SAR 2.0 and 5.7 W/kg) and compared with controls over time. Change in sperm mitochondrial membrane potential was analysed using flow cytometry. Sperm motility was determined by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA). There was no effect of pulsed 900 MHz GSM radiation on mitochondrial membrane potential. This was also the case for all kinematic parameters assessed at a SAR of 2.0 W/kg. However, over time, the two kinematic parameters straight line velocity (VSL) and beat‐cross frequency (BCF) were significantly impaired (P < 0.05) after the exposure at SAR 5.7 W/kg and no exposure by time interaction was present. This result should not be ascribed to thermal effects, due to the cooling methods employed in the RF chamber and temperature control within the incubator. Bioelectromagnetics 29:268–276, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulsed electric field reduces the permeability of potato cell wall
Authors: Galindo Federico Gómez , Vernier P. Thomas , Dejmek Petr , Vicente António , Gundersen Martin A. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe effect of the application of pulsed electric fields to potato tissue on the diffusion of the fluorescent dye FM1‐43 through the cell wall was studied. Potato tissue was subjected to field strengths ranging from 30 to 500 V/cm, with one 1 ms rectangular pulse, before application of FM1‐43 and microscopic examination. Our results show a slower diffusion of FM1‐43 in the electropulsed tissue when compared with that in the non‐pulsed tissue, suggesting that the electric field decreased the cell wall permeability. This is a fast response that is already detected within 30 s after the delivery of the electric field. This response was mimicked by exogenous H2O2 and blocked by sodium azide, an inhibitor of the production of H2O2 by peroxidases. Bioelectromagnetics 29:296–301, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Demonstrating safety through in-hospital mortality analysis following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in England
Authors: Holt P J E , Poloniecki J D , Loftus I M , Thompson M M 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
The aims were to assess the evidence that individual hospitals had mortality rates in excess of the national average after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and to develop an effective method for monitoring mortality using local data.

Methods
Hospital Episode Statistics identified patients undergoing elective infrarenal AAA repair. A technique was developed that compared individual hospital mortality rates with the mortality rate in the remainder of England. The strength of evidence that the death rate was less than elsewhere, and less than twice elsewhere, was quantified using a test of statistical significance. A moving average chart technique was devised using local data for mortality monitoring and comparison to the national average.

Results
For 30 hospitals, the mortality rate was significantly greater than elsewhere, and in three hospitals it was demonstrably greater than twice that in the remainder of England. The moving average chart appeared to provide a useful technique for local mortality monitoring.

Conclusion
Different mortality rates exist for AAA repair within England. Mortality can be monitored locally and compared with the national average.
Mode of splenectomy and immunogenicity of meningococcal vaccination in patients with hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: Stoehr G A , Luecken J , Zielen S , Eber S W , Borrow R , Rose M A 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
Splenectomy predisposes patients to invasive disease from pneumococci, meningococci, and Haemophilus influenzae; immunization is mandatory. However, data on the impact of the splenectomy on vaccine immunogenicity are scarce.

Methods
A total of 41 children with hereditary spherocytosis (aged 5·8–14·4 years) had complete (16) or near-total (25) splenectomy. All received one dose of monovalent meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MCV-C) and, 2 months later, a tetravalent meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPV-ACWY). Serum bactericidal activity and antibodies against serogroups A and C were determined before and after they received MCV-C, and 4 weeks after they received MPV-ACWY.

Results
Before vaccination, only four of the 16 children who had a complete splenectomy were protected against serogroup A, compared with 15 of the 25 who had near-total splenectomy (P &lt; 0·050), with the latter responding to immunization with significantly higher serogroup A serum bactericidal activity: geometric mean (95 per cent confidence interval) 1625.5 (49.9 to 3201.1) versus 980.6 (2.00 to 6204.1) (P &lt; 0·050). All patients achieved putative protective serum bactericidal activity titres (at least 8) against serogroup C.

Conclusion
Near-total splenectomy provides a favourable immunological basis for natural and vaccine-induced protection against meningococcal serogroup A and C infections. Sequential meningococcal vaccination is immunogenic in patients splenectomized for hereditary spherocytosis.
Validation of an Inguinal Pain Questionnaire for assessment of chronic pain after groin hernia repair
Authors: Fränneby U , Gunnarsson U , Andersson M , Heuman R , Nordin P , Nyrén O , Sandblom G 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
Long-term pain is an important outcome after inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of a specific Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ).

Methods
The study recruited patients aged between 15 and 85 years who had undergone primary inguinal or femoral hernia repair. To test the validity of the questionnaire, 100 patients received the IPQ and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) 1 and 4 weeks after surgery (group 1). To test reliability and internal consistency, 100 patients received the IPQ on two occasions 1 month apart, 3 years after surgery (group 2). Non-surgery-related pain was analysed in group 3 (2853 patients).

Results
A significant decrease in IPQ-rated pain intensity was observed in the first 4 weeks after surgery (P &lt; 0·001). Significant correlations with corresponding BPI pain intensity items corroborated the criterion validity (P &lt; 0·050). Logical incoherence did not exceed 5·5 per cent for any item. Values for κ in the test–retest in group 2 were higher than 0·5 for all but three items. Cronbach's α was 0·83 for questions on pain intensity and 0·74 for interference with daily activities.

Conclusion
This study found good validity and reliability for the IPQ, making it a useful instrument for assessing pain following groin hernia repair.
Defined indications for elective cholecystectomy for gallstone disease
Authors: Halldestam I , Kullman E , Borch K 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
This study examined symptomatology and quality of life following elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease with defined indications for surgery.

Methods
In this prospective study of 200 consecutive patients (161 women; median age 46·5 (range 24–79) years), strict indications for elective cholecystectomy were stipulated. Digestive symptoms and quality of life were recorded with a self-administered questionnaire before and at 3 and 12 months after surgery.

Results
Of 149 patients who experienced abdominal pain with typical location before surgery, 136 (91·3 per cent) reported total remission or reduced frequency of that type of pain 12 months later. Of 35 patients who reported atypical or multiple pain location before operation, 27 (77 per cent) experienced reduced frequency or disappearance of that type of pain. Frequency of pain episodes, atypical or multiple pain location, specific food intolerance and frequency of disturbing abdominal gas at baseline correlated positively with the frequency of abdominal pain episodes at 12 months after surgery. There was a tendency towards an inverse relation to age.

Conclusion
The frequency of persistent abdominal pain after elective cholecystectomy was low among patients with typical pain location before surgery. Atypical pain location, and frequent pain episodes before operation significantly reduced the chance of becoming pain-free.
Residual specimen cellularity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Peintinger F , Kuerer H M , McGuire S E , Bassett R , Pusztai L , Symmans W F 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer reduces tumour cellularity, the percentage of the primary tumour area that is composed of invasive tumour cells. Minimal residual tumour cellularity (5 per cent or less of tumour area composed of invasive tumour cells) may be associated with an increased risk of false-negative intraoperative margins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of minimal residual tumour cellularity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and its impact on the frequency of false-negative margins and conversion from breast-conserving surgery to mastectomy.

Methods
The final pathology slides of 510 patients who had surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were reviewed.

Results
Of 396 patients with residual invasive breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 100 specimens (25·3 per cent) had minimal residual cellularity; this was more frequent in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (17·0 versus 5·1 per cent; P &lt; 0·001) or well and moderately differentiated carcinoma (68·0 versus 52·4 per cent; P = 0·007). Among 149 patients who had initial breast-conserving surgery, false-negative intraoperative margin rates were 23 per cent in specimens with minimal and 13·8 per cent in those with higher residual cellularity (P = 0·210). There was no significant difference in the rate of conversion to mastectomy between the groups.

Conclusion
Minimal residual cellularity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy occurred in about 25 per cent of specimens, but did not alter the rate of false-negative intraoperative margins.
Randomized clinical trial of honey-impregnated dressings for venous leg ulcers
Authors: Jull Andrew , Walker N , Parag V , Molan P , Rodgers A 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
The efficacy of honey as a treatment for venous ulcers has not been evaluated, despite widespread interest. This trial aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of honey as a dressing for venous ulcers.

Methods
This community-based open-label randomized trial allocated people with a venous ulcer to calcium alginate dressings impregnated with manuka honey or usual care. All participants received compression bandaging. The primary outcome was the proportion of ulcers healed after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were: time to healing, change in ulcer area, incidence of infection, costs per healed ulcer, adverse events and quality of life. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results
Of 368 participants, 187 were randomized to honey and 181 to usual care. At 12 weeks, 104 ulcers (55·6 per cent) in the honey-treated group and 90 (49·7 per cent) in the usual care group had healed (absolute increase 5·9 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) − 4·3 to 15·7) per cent; P = 0·258). Treatment with honey was probably more expensive and associated with more adverse events (relative risk 1·3 (95 per cent c.i. 1·1 to 1·6); P = 0·013). There were no significant differences between the groups for other outcomes.

Conclusion
Honey-impregnated dressings did not significantly improve venous ulcer healing at 12 weeks compared with usual care. Registration number: ISRCTN 06161544 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).