bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term impact of early treatment on radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Finckh Axel , Liang Matthew H. , van Herckenrode Carmen Mugica , de Pablo Paola 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectiveAlthough early initiation of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is effective in controlling short‐term joint damage in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the long‐term benefit in disease progression is still controversial. We examined the long‐term benefit of early DMARD initiation on radiographic progression in early RA.MethodsWe identified published and unpublished clinical trials and observational studies from 1966 to September 2004 examining the association between delay to treatment initiation and progressive radiographic joint damage. We included studies of persons with RA disease duration <2 years and DMARD therapy of similar efficacy during followup. The differences in annual rates of radiographic progression between early and delayed therapy were pooled as standardized mean differences (SMDs).ResultsA total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled estimate of effects from these studies demonstrated a significant reduction of radiographic progression in patients treated early (−0.19 SMD, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.34, −0.04), which corresponded to a −33% reduction (95% CI −50, −16) in long‐term progression rates compared with patients treated later. Patients with more aggressive disease seemed to benefit most from early DMARD initiation (P = 0.04).ConclusionThese results support the existence of a critical period to initiate antirheumatic therapy, a therapeutic window of opportunity early in the course of RA associated with sustained benefit in radiographic progression for up to 5 years. Prompt initiation of antirheumatic therapy in persons with RA may alter the long‐term course of the disease.
Association of antinucleosome antibodies with disease flare in serologically active clinically quiescent patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ng K. P. , Manson J. J. , Rahman A. , Isenberg D. A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the prevalence of serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ) patients in a cohort of 290 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated if the presence of anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) or antinucleosome (anti‐NCS) antibodies during the SACQ period was associated with future flares.MethodsSACQ patients defined as clinically inactive for 6 months (global British Isles Lupus Activity Group index [BILAG] scores <6) and serologically active (anti‐dsDNA antibodies >50 units/ml on at least 2 occasions by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) were identified. Patient sera collected during the defined SACQ period were also tested for anti‐NCS antibodies (ELISA). We retrospectively reviewed patient clinical details and episodes of flare using the BILAG activity index.ResultsTwenty‐seven (9%) patients were SACQ. Seventeen (81%) patients experienced a flare (total of 91 flares, up to 12 flares per person) in the next 5 years. Median duration to first flare was 15 months (range 2–46). Time to first flare after SACQ period was significantly correlated with the presence of anti‐NCS (P = 0.0012), high anti‐NCS antibody titers (P = 0.0006), and anti‐dsDNA titers 5 times above the normal limit (P = 0.02). Patients with higher absolute anti‐NCS antibody titers showed a significant correlation with the number of flares (r = 0.57, P = 0.007).ConclusionA minority of patients with SLE are SACQ. The majority of these patients experience a flare in the next 5 years and close followup is recommended. Anti‐NCS antibodies may be a better predictor than anti‐dsDNA antibodies for future flares.
Antiphospholipid syndrome and recurrent thrombosis in children
Authors: Berkun Y. , Padeh S. , Barash J. , Uziel Y. , Harel L. , Mukamel M. , Revel‐Vilk S. , Kenet G. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectiveFew studies have addressed antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) among children. Our aims were to analyze the clinical and laboratory manifestations in a pediatric APS cohort and to assess the influence of inherited thrombophilia factors on the outcome of children with APS.MethodsThis was a multicenter study of children with APS who had no previous systemic autoimmune disease. We retrospectively reviewed their clinical and laboratory data, including hereditary thrombophilic deficits and outcomes.ResultsThe cohort comprised 28 patients (17 females, mean ± SD age at onset 10.6 ± 6.1 years). The most common initial manifestations of APS were venous thrombosis, stroke, and thrombocytopenia. Lupus anticoagulant was detected in 96% of those tested. After a mean ± SD followup of 5.7 ± 4.8 years, 16 children (57.1%) had central nervous system disease, 9 exhibited hematologic involvement, and 5 (all females) had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). None had renal, heart, or new skin disease. Seven of 24 patients exhibiting vascular thrombotic events had recurrences. Infants with perinatal stroke had monophasic disease, and other manifestations of APS did not develop later. Hereditary thrombophilia was more common in children who experienced a single episode of APS (8 [53.3%] of 15 patients) than in those who experienced recurrences (2 [28.6%] of 7 patients). However, only 2 patients in the latter group (28.6%) received anticoagulants after the first manifestation, compared with 12 (70.6%) of the 17 patients without recurrences.ConclusionAPS in children has unique features. SLE may develop in a significant percentage of girls presenting with APS. Hereditary thrombophilia did not predict recurrent thrombosis, whereas the preventive impact of anticoagulant treatment following the first thrombotic event was noteworthy.
Application of explicit process of care measurement to rheumatoid arthritis: Moving from evidence to practice
Authors: Kahn K. L. , Maclean C. H. , Liu H. , Rubenstein L. Z. , Wong A. L. , Harker J. O. , Chen W. P. , Fitzpatrick D. M. , Bulpitt K. J. , Traina S. B. , Mittman B. S. , Hahn B. H. , Paulus H. E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo construct quality measures with measurement validity and meaning for clinicians.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of rates of change in disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and/or systemic corticosteroid drug or dose for 568 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) across 6,159 clinical encounters within 12 months to examine how changes in clinical specifications change adherence.ResultsRates of DMARD change were sensitive to specifications regarding the intensity of disease activity (severe or moderate), duration of specified disease activity, and length of the observation period. Over 12 months, the proportions of 377 patients with severe disease activity observed for 1‐month, 2‐month, and 3‐month time blocks who had a change in DMARD drug or dose were 36%, 57%, and 74%, respectively. Over 12 months, a change in DMARD drug or dose was observed for 44%, 50%, and 68% of 377 patients with severe disease within 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, respectively, of the patient meeting criteria for severe disease activity. A change in DMARD drug or dose was observed for 21%, 23%, and 34% of 149 patients with moderate disease activity within 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively, of the patient meeting criteria for moderate disease activity.ConclusionRates of pharmacologic interventions for patients with moderate and severe RA disease activity vary substantially by intensity and duration of disease activity and by duration of period for observing change. Lack of precision in explicit process criteria could substantially mislead comparisons of quality of care across comparison groups.
Stability of choices in a risky decision‐making task: a 3‐year longitudinal study with children and adults
Authors: Levin Irwin P. , Hart Stephanie S. , Weller Joshua A. , Harshman Lyndsay A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn a 3‐year follow‐up to Levin and Hart's (2003) study, we observed the same children, now 9–11 years old, and their parents in the same risky decision‐making task. At the aggregate level the same pattern of means was observed across time periods. At the individual level the key variables were significantly correlated across time periods for both children and adults. Taken together with the results from the original study and earlier studies, these results solidify the following conclusions: children utilize both probability and outcome information in risky decision‐making; the tendency to make more risky choices to avoid a loss than to achieve a gain of equal magnitude, which is a major tenet of the leading theories of risky decision‐making, occurs for children as well as adults; children make more risky choices than adults; temperamental predictors of risky choice are valid for children as well as for adults. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel use of the Amplatzer® septal occluder device in the percutaneous closure of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms: A case series
Authors: Kanani Ronak S. , Neilan Tomas G. , Palacios Igor F. , Garasic Joseph M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta are a potentially fatal condition that usually necessitates definitive surgical management. In this series of three cases, we describe the novel use of the Amplatzer® septal occluder device in percutaneously managing this problem. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two‐year clinical outcome after coronary stenting of small vessels using 2.25‐mm sirolimus‐ and paclitaxel‐eluting stents: Insight into the RESEARCH and T‐SEARCH registries
Authors: Tanimoto Shuzou , Daemen Joost , Tsuchida Keiichi , García‐García Héctor M. , de Jaegere Peter , van Domburg Ron T. , Serruys Patrick W. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives:To evaluate long‐term outcomes after drug‐eluting stents (DES) implantation in small coronary vessels.Background:Sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) and paclitaxel‐eluting stents (PES) have been reported to improve both the angiographic and clinical outcomes compared with bare metal stents even in ‘real world’ settings. Currently, no data is available on long‐term outcomes after DES implantation in small vessels.Methods:Since April 2002, our institution has implanted DES, either SES or PES, as a default strategy in all patients irrespective of their clinical presentation. Between October 2002 and September 2003, 197 consecutive patients were enrolled: 107 consecutive patients received at least one 2.25‐mm SES (SES group) and 90 consecutive patients received at least one 2.25‐mm PES (PES group).Results:The two cohorts presented with high‐risk characteristics. At 2 years, the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the SES group was significantly lower than that in the PES group (10.3% vs. 23.3%, P = 0.02). There were two subacute angiographic stent thromboses in the PES group and none in the SES group. By multivariate analysis, PES utilization (HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.07–5.26), presentation with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) (HR 3.34, 95% CI 1.44–7.70) and multi‐vessel disease (MVD) (HR 3.91, 95% CI 1.27–12.0) were identified as independent predictors of MACE.Conclusions:In an unselected population treated for small vessel disease, SES were associated with significantly better 2‐year clinical outcomes than PES. The use of PES and the presentation with ACS and MVD were identified as independent predictors of MACE. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis following implantation of drug‐eluting stents for in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Lee Cheol Whan , Park Chang‐Bum , Kim Young‐Hak , Hong Myeong‐Ki , Kim Jae‐Joong , Park Seong‐Wook , Park Seung‐Jung 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives: We investigated the incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis after drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation for in‐stent restenosis (ISR) in routine clinical practice. Background: Although DESs have been increasingly used for treatment of ISR, little is known about the predictors of DES failure. Methods: We determined the incidence of recurrent restenosis and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in 224 consecutive patients with 239 lesions treated with sirolimus‐eluting (n = 217 lesions) or paclitaxel‐eluting (n = 22 lesions) stents for the first episode of ISR. Results: The procedural success rate was 99.2%, and in‐hospital complications did not occur in any patient. Follow‐up angiography at 6 months was obtained in 73.7% of patients. Angiographic re‐restenosis rate was 12.6%, and target lesion revascularization was required in 7.6% of patients. Of the 22 incidents of re‐restenosis, 15 were focal (68.2%), 5 were diffuse (22.7%), and 2 were total (9.1%) restenosis. Univariate analysis showed that lesion length, use of paclitaxel‐eluting stent, and number of stents per lesion were significant predictors of re‐restenosis. In multivariate analysis, however, lesion length and use of paclitaxel‐eluting stent were independent predictors of re‐restenosis. During the follow‐up (mean, 18.3 ± 8.1 months), there were 4 deaths (1 cardiac, 3 noncardiac), but no nonfatal myocardial infarctions (MIs). MACE occurred in 18 patients. The cumulative probability of MACE‐free survival was 92.9 ± 1.8% at 1 year and 90.5 ± 2.4% at 2 years. Conclusions: DESs are highly effective for treatment of ISR, with recurrent restenosis related to lesion length and type of DES. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concurrent implantation of sirolimus‐ and paclitaxel‐eluting stents in the same vessel
Authors: Corbett Simon J. , Cosgrave John , Colombo Antonio 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective: To assess the safety and efficacy of concurrent implantation of sirolimus‐eluting (SES) and paclitaxel‐eluting (PES) stents in the same coronary artery. Background: When it is impossible to deliver multiple drug eluting stents (DES) of the same type, the operator must opt to implant a different DES or a bare metal stent. There are currently no published data evaluating this approach. Methods: We identified all cases in which one or more SES and PES were implanted in either the same lesion or adjacent segments of the same vessel during a single procedure between March 2003 and March 2005. Endpoints analyzed were; in‐hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and follow‐up MACE (including stent thrombosis). Results: We identified 44 patients with 89 lesions. This was a complex cohort of patients with a median of 3.5 stents implanted, 3 lesions and 2 vessels treated and a median stent length implanted of 80.5 mm, while 83% of the lesions were type B2/C. Eight patients had peri‐procedural myocardial infarction. During follow‐up; 1 cardiac death occurred, no patients had a myocardial infarct or stent thrombosis, 11 underwent target lesion and vessel revascularization (25%) and 13 had a major adverse cardiac event (29.5%). Conclusions: In this cohort of patients, the concurrent use of SES and PES in the same vessel was associated with outcomes in keeping with the complexity of disease treated. Our data show that it is not unreasonable to implant different DES in the same vessel, although we would not advocate this as routine practice. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A hybrid alternative for high risk left main disease
Authors: Zimrin David , Reyes Peter A. , Reicher Barry , Poston Robert S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPercutaneous revascularization strategies for bifurcation disease of the left main are complex and carry significant risk. These risks are magnified in the setting of a left main which trifurcates. In a patient with complex ostial disease of two of the three limbs of a left main trifurcation, turned down for conventional bypass surgery, we report on a hybrid approach for complete revascularization, consisting of minimally invasive bypass grafting of the LAD combined with simultaneous drug eluting stent placement. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Superior vena cava thrombectomy with the X‐SIZER® catheter system in a child with Fontan palliation
Authors: Gossett Jeffrey G. , Rocchini Albert P. , Armstrong Aimee K. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA 4‐year‐old female with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Fontan palliation presented with severe neurologic impairment from thrombosis of the superior vena cava (SVC). She underwent successful SVC thrombectomy with the X‐SIZER® Thrombectomy Catheter System, followed by balloon angioplasty. She demonstrated rapid improvement in her neurologic deficits after the procedure. This represents the first published use of the X‐SIZER in a child and its first published use for SVC thrombectomy. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of mitral valve morphology on the long‐term outcome of mitral balloon valvuloplasty
Authors: Fawzy Mohamed Eid , Shoukri Mohamed , Hassan Walid , Nambiar Vijayaraghavan , Stefadouros Miltiadis , Canver, Charles C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground: The effect of mitral valve morphology (MVM) on the long‐term results of mitral balloon valvuloplasty (MBV) is not well established. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of MVM on long‐term outcome of MBV. Methods : Five hundred and eighteen consecutive patients (mean age, 31 ± 11 years) who underwent successful MBV were followed up for 0.5–16.5 (mean, 6 ± 4.5) years. Patients were divided into two groups according to their mitral echo score (MES) before MBV: group A (n = 340; MES ≤ 8) and group B (n = 178; MES > 8). Results: We report the immediate and long‐term clinical and echocardiographic results of the above‐mentioned 518 consecutive patients. The mitral valve area was significantly larger in group A than in group B, both immediately after MBV (2.0 ± 0.3 vs. 1.82 ± 0.3 cm2, respectively; P < 0.0001) and also at the last follow‐up (1.8 ± 0.33 vs. 1.5 ± 0.33 cm2, respectively; P < 0.0001). Restenosis occurred in 38/340 (11%) in group A vs. 73/178 (41%) in group B (P < 0.0001). Actuarial freedom from restenosis at 5, 10, 15 years were 92 ± 2%, 85 ± 3%, 65 ± 6% for group A vs. 72 ± 4%, 44 ± 5%, 9 ± 6% for group B (P < 0.001). Event‐free survival rates at 5, 10, 15 years for group A were 93 ± 1%, 88 ± 2%, 66 ± 6% vs. 82 ± 3%, 59± 6%, 8 ± 7% for group B (P < 0.0001). Stepwise Cox multivariate regression analysis identified MES, preprocedure functional class, and postprocedure mitral valve area ≤ 1.8 cm2, as predictors of restenosis (P < 0.0001, P = 0.014, P = 0.0015, respectively); MES and age as predictors of event‐free survival (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: MBV has excellent long‐term results in patients with favorable MVM. Favourable MVM is a strong predictor of good long‐term outcome. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevention of contrast induced nephropathy: Recommendations for the high risk patient undergoing cardiovascular procedures
Authors: Schweiger Marc J. , Chambers Charles E. , Davidson Charles J. , Zhang Shaoheng , Blankenship James , Bhalla Narinder P. , Block Peter C. , Dervan John P. , Gasperetti Christine , Gerber Lowell , Kleiman Neal S. , Krone Ronald J. , Phillips William J. , Siegel Robert M. , Uretsky Barry F. , Laskey Warren K. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractContrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third leading cause of hospital aquired renal failure and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Chronic kidney disease is the primary predisposing factor for CIN. As estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/1.73 m2 represents significant renal dysfunction and defines patients at high risk. Modifiable risk factors for CIN include hydration status, the type and amount of contrast, use of concomitant nephrotoxic agents and recent contrast administration. The cornerstone of CIN prevention, in both the high and low risk patients, is adequate parenteral volume repletion. In the patient at increased risk for CIN it is often appropriate to withhold potentially nephrotoxic medications, and consider the use of n‐acetylcysteine. In patients at increased risk for CIN the use of low or iso‐osomolar contrast agents should be utilized and strategies employed to minimize contrast volume. In these patients serum creatinine should be obtained forty‐eight hours post procedure and it is often appropriate to continue withholding medications such as metformin or non steroidal anti‐inflammatories until renal function returns to normal. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design of a Practical Fluorescent Probe for Superoxide Based on Protection–Deprotection Chemistry of Fluoresceins with Benzenesulfonyl Protecting Groups
Authors: Maeda Hatsuo , Yamamoto Kayoko , Kohno Iho , Hafsi Leila , Itoh Norio , Nakagawa Shinsaku , Kanagawa Naoko , Suzuki Keiichiro , Uno Tadayuki 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA strategy for designing probes based on protection–deprotection chemistry involving fluoresceins and their benzenesulfonyl (BES) derivatives has led to the development of a much more practical superoxide (O2−.) probe than the previously reported bis(2,4‐dinitro‐BES) tetrafluorofluorescein (6 a). Examination of various BES derivatives, developed from the starting point of the prototype probe 6 a, yielded 4,5‐dimethoxy‐2‐nitro‐BES tetrafluorofluorescein (BESSo; 7 j) as the optimal reagent. A microtiter plate assay with BESSo showed a tenfold improved detection limit for O2−. compared with such an assay based on 6 a. BESSo showed markedly better specificity for O2−. than for GSH or other reactive oxygen species, and this specificity was significantly higher than that of Fe2+ and some reducing enzymes. These features have resulted in the development of an assay based on BESSo that is capable of providing more unambiguous results for O2−. release from neutrophils, with or without stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate, as compared with an assay based on 6 a. Intracellular generation of O2−. in human Jurkat T cells stimulated by butyric acid has been measured by using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy utilizing the acetoxymethyl derivative of BESSo.
Platinum(II) Complexes with π‐Conjugated, Naphthyl‐Substituted, Cyclometalated Ligands (RC^N^N): Structures and Photo‐ and Electroluminescence
Authors: Kui Steven C. F. , Sham Iona H. T. , Cheung Cecil C. C. , Ma Chun‐Wah , Yan Beiping , Zhu Nianyong , Che Chi‐Ming , Fu Wen‐Fu 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe crystal structures and photophysical properties of mononuclear [(RC^N^N)PtX](ClO4)n ((RC^N^N)=3‐(6′‐(2′′‐naphthyl)‐2′‐pyridyl)isoquinolinyl and derivatives; X=Cl, n=0; X=PPh3 or PCy3, n=1), dinuclear [(RC^N^N)2Pt2(μ‐dppm)](ClO4)2 (dppm=bis(diphenyphosphino)methyl) and trinuclear [(RC^N^N)3Pt3(μ‐dpmp)](ClO4)3 (dpmp=bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)phenylphosphine) complexes are presented. The crystal structures show extensive intra‐ and/or intermolecular π⋅⋅⋅π interactions; the two (RC^N^N) planes of [(RC^N^N)2Pt2(μ‐dppm)](ClO4)2 (R=Ph, 3,5‐tBu2Ph or 3,5‐(CF3)2Ph) are in a nearly eclipsed configuration with torsion angles close to 0°. [(RC^N^N)PtCl], [(RC^N^N)2Pt2(μ‐dppm)](ClO4)2, and [(RC^N^N)3Pt3(μ‐dpmp)](ClO4)3 are strongly emissive with quantum yields of up to 0.68 in CH2Cl2 or MeCN solution at room temperature. The [(RC^N^N)PtCl] complexes have a high thermal stability (Td=470–549 °C). High‐performance light‐emitting devices containing [(RC^N^N)PtCl] (R=H or 3,5‐tBu2Ph) as a light‐emitting material have been fabricated; they have a maximum luminance of 63 000 cd m−2 and CIE 1931 coordinates at x=0.36, y=0.54.