bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of adherence to treatment on short‐term outcomes in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Feldman Debbie Ehrmann , De Civita Mirella , Dobkin Patricia L. , Malleson Peter N. , Meshefedjian Garbis , Duffy Ciarán M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the impact of adherence to treatment (medication and prescribed exercise) on outcomes in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).MethodsIn this longitudinal study, we studied parents of patients with JIA at the Montreal Children's Hospital and British Columbia Children's Hospital in Vancouver. Adherence was evaluated on a visual analog scale in the Parent Adherence Report Questionnaire. Outcomes of interest were active joint count, pain, child functional score on the Child Health Assessment Questionnaire, quality of life score on the Juvenile Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire, and parental global impression of overall well‐being. The association between adherence to treatment and subsequent outcomes was evaluated using generalized estimating equations and logistic regression.ResultsMean age and disease duration of our sample of 175 children were 10.2 and 4.1 years, respectively. Moderate adherence to medication was associated with lower active joint count (odds ratio [OR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.22–0.99). Moderate adherence to exercise was associated with better functional score (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03–0.54), and lower pain during the last week (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.04–0.50). Both high and moderate adherence to exercise were associated with parental perception of global improvement.ConclusionImproved outcomes in patients who adhered to treatment underscores the need for clinicians to address adherence issues with their patients. Sustaining adherence, particularly to the more time‐consuming treatment of exercise, is a challenge.
Using the Short Form 6D, as an overall measure of health, to predict damage accrual and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: XLVII, results from a multiethnic US cohort
Authors: Fernández Mónica , Alarcón Graciela S. , MCgwin Gerald , Sanchez Martha L. , Apte Mandar , Vilá Luis M. , Reveille John D. ,   LUMINA STUDY GROUP
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if overall health status as assessed by the Short Form 6D (SF‐6D) index, a preference‐based generic measure of health, is associated with the occurrence of damage accrual and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsWe studied SLE patients (American College of Rheumatology criteria) from the LUpus in MInorities, NAture versus nurture cohort (LUMINA), a longitudinal multiethnic cohort. The contribution of the SF‐6D as assessed at enrollment to damage accrual at the last visit and mortality was examined. All variables previously shown to be determinants of damage accrual and mortality and corroborated by univariable analyses were adjusted for in multivariable models (Poisson and Cox proportional hazards regressions, respectively). Damage accrual and mortality were the dependent variables. Similar analyses were performed examining the associations of the Short Form 36 summary measures (physical component summary [PCS], mental component summary [MCS]) with these outcomes.ResultsIn 552 patients, the SF‐6D was negatively associated with damage accrual and mortality in the univariable analyses; the association with damage was confirmed in the multivariable analyses (χ2 = 9.020, P = 0.002) but the association with mortality was not confirmed (hazard ratio 0.495, 95% confidence interval 0.041–6.038). When the PCS and MCS were evaluated, the PCS, but not the MCS, was found to be associated with damage but not with mortality.ConclusionThe SF‐6D (and the PCS) as measured early in the disease course were found to independently predict damage accrual at the last visit, but not mortality. Although the SF‐6D was originally conceived as a utility measure, it may be used to accurately assess overall health status in patients with SLE.
Antioxidants and other novel cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis in a large population sample
Authors: De Pablo Paola , Dietrich Thomas , Karlson Elizabeth W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo compare antioxidants and other novel and traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in participants with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non‐RA controls in a large population sample.MethodsThe Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES‐III) was a cross‐sectional population survey in which subjects ages ≥60 underwent a musculoskeletal examination. RA subjects were defined as those who met ≥3 of 6 available 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Non‐RA subjects were defined as those who met no ACR criteria. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses of the association between RA and each novel and traditional CVD risk factor in RA versus non‐RA subjects.ResultsThe sample included 5,302 subjects ages ≥60, with 131 (2.5%) RA and 4,444 (84%) non‐RA participants. A total of 727 subjects were excluded. Plasma levels of antioxidants α‐carotene, β‐cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene were significantly lower in RA subjects compared with non‐RA subjects in multivariate analysis adjusting for potential confounders. Compared with non‐RA participants, RA subjects were more likely to have increased C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels in multivariate analysis adjusting for potential confounders. RA and non‐RA participants had similar prevalence of traditional CVD risk factors and previous CVD.ConclusionIn this large population study, RA subjects had similar prevalence of previous CVD and traditional CVD risk factors as controls. Among novel CVD risk factors, plasma carotenoid levels were significantly lower and CRP level was significantly higher in RA compared with non‐RA subjects after adjustment for potential confounders. Further research should evaluate whether these differences account for the observed increased incidence of CVD in individuals with RA.
Applications of isothermal titration calorimetry in RNA biochemistry and biophysics
Authors: Feig Andrew L. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIsothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) has been applied to the study of proteins for many years. Its use in the biophysical analysis of RNAs has lagged significantly behind its use in protein biochemistry, however, in part because of the relatively large samples required. As the instrumentation has become more sensitive, the ability to obtain high quality data on RNA folding and RNA ligand interactions has improved dramatically. This review provides an overview of the ITC experiment and describes recent work on RNA systems that have taken advantage of its versatility for the study of small molecule binding, protein binding, and the analysis of RNA folding. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 87: 293–301, 2007.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Viren als Werkzeuge der Gentherapie. Wie aus einem Retrovirus ein Gentransfer‐Vektor entsteht
Authors: Thiel Gerald , Rössler Oliver 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDie somatische Gentherapie basiert auf dem Konzept, monogenetische Erbkrankheiten ursächlich und nicht symptomatisch zu behandeln. Dazu ist ein Transfer genetischen Materials erforderlich, das den genetischen Defekt beheben könnte. In den vergangenen Jahren sind Methoden entwickelt worden, um rekombinante Lentiviren aus dem humanen Immunodefizienzvirus zu erzeugen, weil diese Viren gleichermaßen teilungsfähige und postmitotische Zellen erfolgreich infizieren können. Dieser Artikel beschreibt den Lebenszyklus der Retroviren und erläutert die Methoden zur Erzeugung von rekombinanten Retro‐ und Lentiviren. An Beispielen wird aufgezeigt, wie rekombinante Retroviren in der Gentherapie einsetzt werden und welche Probleme derzeit in diesem Gebiet vorhanden sind.
Nachtflugspezialisten haben auch tagsüber den Durchblick
Authors: Müller Brigitte , Peichl Leo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn der Netzhaut der meisten Säugetiere gibt es zwei Typen von Lichtsinneszellen: die Zapfen für das Tageslicht‐ und Farbensehen sowie die empfindlicheren Stäbchen für das Nachtsehen. Bisher nahm man an, dass die nachtaktiven Fledermäuse jedoch nur Stäbchen besitzen. Aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse belegen nun, dass die Netzhaut der ebenfalls nachtaktiven Flughunde, die nahe Verwandte der Fledermäuse sind, auch Zapfen enthält. Flughunde sind also auch für ein Sehen bei Tageslicht ausgestattet. Dies hilft ihnen bei der frühzeitigen Erkennung von Raubvögeln und bei sozialen Interaktionen in der Kolonie.
Philippinen: Meeressäuger schützen und beobachten
Authors: Diaz Gloria C. , Kronberg Inge 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSie atmen mit Lungen, haben eine Körpertemperatur von 37° C, gebären lebende Jungen und säugen sie mit Milch – damit sind Wal, Delfin und Dugong uns Menschen näher, als ihr Äußeres vermuten lässt. Obwohl sie als Meerjungfrauen und Sirenen die Phantasie der Seefahrer beflügelten, hat es Generationen gedauert, bevor sie unsere Sympathie und Fürsorge ernteten. Noch immer werden sie gejagt, versehentlich getötet oder ihr Lebensraum wird zerstört. Ein Schutz der Meeressäuger lässt sich nicht allein per Gesetz realisieren, sondern ist von der Zusammenarbeit mit Küstenbewohnern und Fischern abhängig. Das zeigt beispielhaft der integrierte Küstenschutz auf den Philippinen.
Functional results of intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer
Authors: Yamada K , Ogata S , Saiki Y , Fukunaga M , Tsuji Y , Takano M 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Intersphincteric resection (ISR) is the ultimate sphincter-preserving operation for very low rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to assess defaecatory function after ISR in relation to the degree of resection of the internal anal sphincter.

Methods
Between 2001 and 2003, 35 consecutive patients with low rectal cancer had curative ISR, categorized as total, subtotal or partial resection of the internal anal sphincter. Defaecatory function was assessed in terms of frequency of bowel movements and continence. Sphincter function was evaluated by manometric study and anorectal sensation testing before surgery and 3, 6 and 12 months afterwards.

Results
Defaecatory function was satisfactory after ISR; 34 of 35 patients were grossly continent. The maximum resting anal canal pressure fell after all three procedures. Patients who had total ISR had reduced anal canal sensation at 3 months, but this had improved by 12 months after surgery.

Conclusion
These functional results suggest that ISR should be considered as an alternative to abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer. However, as the outcome for continence is worse after total ISR than subtotal or partial ISR, the indication for total ISR should strictly take into account the preoperative sphincter function.
Characterization of the insulin-like growth factor axis and Wilms' tumour suppressor gene in hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Wong C K M , Lai T , White S , Sheffield E , Wheeler M H , Stewart C E H , Farndon J R 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
Genetic mutations and upregulation of growth factors are implicated in the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Wilms' tumour suppressor gene (WT-1) and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis in hyperparathyroidism.

Methods
The expression of WT-1 and IGF components was examined by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and western immunoblotting in a panel of parathyroid specimens from both primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. A human parathyroid cell culture model was established to examine the parathyroid response to IGF stimulation.

Results
There was a significantly lower level of WT-1 expression in parathyroid tumours than in normal parathyroid glands. Most tumours expressed IGF-I and IGF-II receptors and responded to IGF stimulation. Only IGF-I was present in normal parathyroid glands, whereas IGF-II was expressed exclusively in parathyroid tumours.

Conclusion
Abnormal expression of WT-1 and the IGF axis may play a role in the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism.
Selecting patients with young-onset colorectal cancer for mismatch repair gene analysis
Authors: Walker M , O'Sullivan B , Perakath B , Taniere P , Cruger D , Morton D 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background
Young patients with colorectal cancer are at increased risk of carrying a germline mutation in mismatch repair (MMR) genes. This study investigated the role of clinical criteria and immunohistochemistry for MMR proteins in selecting young patients for mutation testing.

Methods
A cohort of 56 consecutive patients with colorectal cancer aged less than 45 years were stratified into three groups based on clinical criteria: ‘Amsterdam criteria’, ‘high risk’ and ‘young onset only’. Immunohistochemistry for four MMR proteins was carried out and the rate of compliance with clinical guidelines determined.

Results
Tumours from 11 patients (20 per cent) had abnormal MMR protein expression, of whom eight were referred for genetic assessment. Of 21 patients (38 per cent) in total referred to the genetics unit, six MMR gene mutations were identified, all associated with abnormal immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion
MMR immunohistochemistry should be considered routine in young-onset colorectal cancer.
Prospective randomized study of the restenotic process in small coronary arteries using a Carbofilm™ coated stent in comparison with plain old balloon angioplasty:
Authors: Braun Peter 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground: The optimal interventional approach to treat lesions in small coronary arteries is still undetermined and controversial. This randomized, multicenter trial was designed to compare the 6‐months restenosis and clinical event rates in two treatment groups: balloon angioplasty as a primary strategy and provisional stenting versus primary implantation of a carbon coated stent (Carbosten™). Results: At 6 months the angiographic restenosis rate was significantly lower for the stented patients (11.6%) as compared to the balloon angioplasty patients (32.2%). However this advantage in restenosis rate did not translate into a clinical benefit in respect to target vessel revascularization rates. Conclusion: This trial demonstrated a remarkably low 6‐months restenosis rate for lesions in small (<2.8 mm) coronary arteries treated with Carbostent™ implantation that is comparable to the rates found after drug eluting stent implantation and was significantly better in comparison to balloon angioplasty alone. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generalized FEAR method to estimate factor effects in two‐level supersaturated designs
Authors: Dejaegher B. , Capron X. , Vander Heyden Y. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTwo‐level supersaturated (SS) designs examine more than NSS − 1 factors in NSS experiments. A proper estimation of the factor effects is not evident due to a confounding of the main effects. In this paper, a generalization of the earlier proposed Fixing Effects and Adding Rows (FEAR) method, to estimate effects from SS designs, is presented. Three data sets, examining SS designs (NSS = 12 or 14), were used to evaluate the FEAR method further. The factor and critical effects estimated from SS designs with the FEAR method are usually similar to those estimated classically from N = 24 or N = 28 screening designs, examining the same factors, when the effect sparsity principle largely is fulfilled, that is very few significant effects occur. It was found that in those cases the FEAR method can correctly indicate the important significant effects. This is not the case anymore when the number of significant effects is too high. However, classically applied methods also fail in these situations. It also was observed that different (NSS experiments, fSS > NSS − 1 factors) SS designs, which have a different confounding pattern, either can result in good or worse effect estimates. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective Inclusion of Electron‐Donating Molecules into Porphyrin Nanochannels Derived from the Self‐Assembly of Saddle‐Distorted, Protonated Porphyrins and Photoinduced Electron Transfer from Guest Molecules to Porphyrin Dications
Authors: Kojima Takahiko , Nakanishi Tatsuaki , Harada Ryosuke , Ohkubo Kei , Yamauchi Seigo , Fukuzumi Shunichi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA doubly protonated hydrochloride salt of a saddle‐distorted dodecaphenylporphyrin (H2DPP), [H4DPPP]Cl2, forms a porphyrin nanochannel (PNC). X‐ray crystallography was used to determine the structure of the molecule, which revealed the inclusion of guest molecules within the PNC. Electron‐donating molecules, such as p‐hydroquinone and p‐xylene, were selectively included within the PNC in sharp contrast to electron acceptors, such as the corresponding quinones, which were not encapsulated. This result indicates that the PNC can recognize the electronic character and steric hindrance of the guest molecules during the course of inclusion. ESR measurements (photoirradiation at λ>340 nm at room temperature) of the PNC that contains p‐hydroquinone, catechol, and tetrafluorohydroquinone guest molecules gave well‐resolved signals, which were assigned to cation radicals formed without deprotonation based on results from computer simulations of the ESR spectra and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The radicals are derived from photoinduced electron transfer from the guest molecules to the singlet state of H4DPP2+. Transient absorption spectroscopy by femtosecond laser flash photolysis allowed us to observe the formation of 1(H4DPP2+)*, which is converted to H4DPP+. by electron transfer from the guest molecules to 1(H4DPP2+)*, followed by fast disproportionation of H4DPP+., and charge recombination to give diamagnetic species and the triplet excited state 3(H4DPP2+)*, respectively.
Encapsulation of Small Polar Guests in Molecular Apple Peels
Authors: Garric Joachim , Léger Jean‐Michel , Huc Ivan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThree aromatic oligoamides have been prepared that have alternating 1,6‐diaminopyridine and 1,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid units at the center of the sequence and two 8‐amino‐2‐quinolinecarboxylic acid units at each extremity. The three oligomers differ in the number–‐3, 5, or 7—of pyridine units in the sequence. They were designed to adopt helically folded conformations in solution and in the solid state. The sequence of monomers was chosen so that the diameter of the helix is larger in the center than at each extremity, and hence they resemble helically wrapped apple peels. According to modeling studies, the pyridine units were expected to define a polar hollow within the helix that is large enough to accommodate small polar guests, whereas the quinoline units at each end of the oligomeric sequences were expected to completely cap the hollow and transform the helix cavities into a closed shell that may act as a capsule. Crystallographic studies demonstrate that the oligomers do fold into helices that define a cavity isolated from the surrounding medium in the solid state. Depending on the number of pyridine rings, one or two water molecules are bound within the capsules. The crystal structure of a capsule fragment shows that MeOH can also be hosted by the largest oligomer. Solution NMR studies confirm that binding of water also occurs in solution with the same stoichiometry as observed in the solid state. The capsules have distinct signals depending on whether they are empty, half‐full, or full, and these species are in slow exchange on the NMR timescale at low temperature. Indeed, the binding and release of water molecules requires a significant conformational distortion of the helix that slows down these processes. The addition of small polar molecules such as methanol, hydrazine, hydrogen peroxide, or formic acid to the largest capsule leads to the observation of new sets of NMR signals of the capsules that were assigned to complexes with these guests. However, water appears to be the preferred guest.
Technische Anwendung von Enzymen: Weiße Wäsche und Grüne Chemie
Authors: Osterath Brigitte , Rao Nagaraj , Lütz Stephan , Liese Andreas 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn den Laboren von Mutter Natur sind die effizientesten und spezifischsten Katalysatoren überhaupt entstanden: Enzyme. Die Menschheit benutzt diese Proteine schon seit Jahrtausenden, zum Beispiel für die Käseherstellung. Inzwischen haben Enzyme sich einen riesigen Markt in Industrie und Handwerk erobert und weitere Expansionen sind sicher. Anwendungen reichen von Waschmittel und Textilien über Lebensmittel bis hin zu Tierfutter und Medikamenten. Stone‐washed Jeans, Antibiotika, verbesserte Weinkorken und Eiscreme – all diese Produkte ermöglichen uns ein ziemlich enzymerfülltes Leben!
Die Chemie der schillernden Scheiben: CD, DVD & Co.
Authors: Roth Klaus 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDie Compact Disc (CD) und ihre Abkömmlinge haben in wenigen Jahren die Speicherung von Musik und anderen digitalen Daten revolutioniert. Aus chemischer Sicht sind sie wahre Hightech‐Produkte, angefangen beim Trägermaterial Polycarbonat bis zum kratzfesten Schutzlack. Zweifellos sind heute (noch) die einmal beschreibbaren CD/Rs und DVD/Rs das beliebteste Medium zum Speichern und Verbreiten digitaler Informationen. Sie sind das außergewöhnliche Ergebnis der modernen Farbenchemie. Trotz des bemerkenswerten Fortschritts der optischen Datenspeicherung lehrt uns die Chemie auch, dass nicht jeder alles für immer speichern kann. Verbesserte Nachfolger der CD und DVD schauen bereits um die Ecke, aber wie auch immer das digitale Speichermedium von morgen aussehen wird, eins ist klar: Es wird nicht perfekt sein, es wird nicht ewig halten, aber der Speicherplatz für ein einziges bit wird kleiner und preiswerter werden und jede Menge Chemie wird darin stecken. Da können Sie ganz sicher sein!
Atmosphärenchemie des Saturnmonds Titan
Authors: Groß Michael 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAls die Raumsonden Voyager I und II in den Jahren 1981–82 das Saturnsystem durchquerten, lieferten sie beeindruckende Fotos nicht nur von dem Ringplaneten selbst, sondern auch von seinen zahlreichen Trabanten. Einer der Monde blieb allerdings den scharfen Augen der Sonden verborgen, da er dauerhaft in einen dicken Nebel aus orangefarbenen Chemikalien eingehüllt zu sein schien: Titan.
Die Wassersucher
Authors: Harrer Roswitha 
Published: July 2007

AbstractGibt oder gab es flüssiges Wasser auf dem Mars? Die Geschichte der Erforschung des Mars ist, vor allem in neuerer Zeit, die Geschichte einer Wassersuche. Flüssiges Wasser gilt als Voraussetzung zur Entstehung von Leben. Tatsächlich gibt es bereits eine Fülle von Hinweisen dafür, dass der Mars einst ein feuchter Planet gewesen ist.