bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bronchoalveolar lavage cellular profiles in patients with systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease are not predictive of disease progression
Authors: Goh Nicole S. L. , Veeraraghavan Srihari , Desai Sujal R. , Cramer Derek , Hansell David M. , Denton Christopher P. , Black Carol M. , du Bois Roland M. , Wells Athol U. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the prognostic value of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cellular profiles in patients with systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD).MethodsBAL cellularity was examined in relation to mortality (n = 141), serial pulmonary function findings (n = 134), and “progression‐free survival” (n = 134), by proportional hazards analysis. Baseline severity was quantified according to the extent of disease on high‐resolution computed tomography, the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, and the presence or absence of pulmonary hypertension. Mortality was subclassified into overall mortality (during 10 years of followup), early mortality (occurring within 2 years of presentation), and late mortality (occurring 2–10 years after presentation).ResultsOverall mortality was associated with neutrophilia on BAL (hazard ratio 2.23 [95% confidence interval 1.20–4.14], P = 0.01), but this effect was lost when disease severity was taken into account. Early mortality was associated with neutrophilia on BAL (hazard ratio 8.40 [95% confidence interval 1.91–36.95], P = 0.005), independent of disease severity. Late mortality was not associated with neutrophilia on BAL. The presence of neutrophilia on BAL was not associated with time to decline in pulmonary function or progression‐free survival. Neither eosinophilia nor lymphocytosis on BAL was associated with mortality, rapidity of functional deterioration, or progression‐free survival. These findings were unaltered when treatment status was taken into account.ConclusionBAL findings provide only limited prognostic information in SSc‐ILD. Neutrophilia on BAL is linked to early mortality, but BAL findings are not linked to long‐term survival or the rapidity of progression of lung disease. The usefulness of BAL to define alveolitis in SSc is questionable.
Impairment of endothelial cell differentiation from bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells: New insight into the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Cipriani P. , Guiducci S. , Miniati I. , Cinelli M. , Urbani S. , Marrelli A. , Dolo V. , Pavan A. , Saccardi R. , Tyndall A. , Giacomelli R. , Matucci Cerinic M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disorder characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Despite marked tissue hypoxia, there is no evidence of compensatory angiogenesis. The ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to differentiate into endothelial cells was recently demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine whether impaired differentiation of MSCs into endothelial cells in SSc might contribute to disease pathogenesis by decreasing endothelial repair.MethodsMSCs obtained from 7 SSc patients and 15 healthy controls were characterized. The number of colony‐forming unit–fibroblastoid colonies was determined. After culture in endothelial‐specific medium, the endothelial‐like MSC (EL‐MSC) phenotype was assessed according to the surface expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs). Senescence, chemoinvasion, and capillary morphogenesis studies were also performed.ResultsMSCs from SSc patients displayed the same phenotype and clonogenic activity as those from controls. In SSc MSCs, a decreased percentage of VEGFR‐2+, CXCR4+, VEGFR‐2+/CXCR4+ cells and early senescence was detected. After culturing, SSc EL‐MSCs showed increased expression of VEGFR‐1, VEGFR‐2, and CXCR4, did not express CD31 or annexin V, and showed significantly decreased migration after specific stimuli. Moreover, the addition of VEGF and stromal cell–derived factor 1 to cultured SSc EL‐MSCs increased their angiogenic potential less than that in controls.ConclusionOur data strongly suggest that endothelial repair may be affected in SSc. The possibility that endothelial progenitor cells could be used to increase vessel growth in chronic ischemic tissues may open up new avenues in the treatment of vascular damage caused by SSc.
Low number of regulatory T cells in skin lesions of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Franz B. , Fritzsching B. , Riehl A. , Oberle N. , Klemke C.‐D. , Sykora J. , Quick S. , Stumpf C. , Hartmann M. , Enk A. , Ruzicka T. , Krammer P. H. , Suri‐Payer E. , Kuhn A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo define the phenotype and function of CD4+,CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized primarily by inflammatory skin lesions.MethodsThe number of Treg in skin specimens obtained from patients with various subtypes of CLE was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis, using anti‐Foxp3 and anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, characterization of peripheral blood CD4+,CD25+ Treg from normal healthy donors and patients with CLE was carried out by flow cytometry, analyzing the expression of Foxp3 and Treg subpopulations. We also purified CD4+,CD25high Treg obtained from patients with CLE and tested the sensitivity of these cells to CD95L‐mediated apoptosis.ResultsQuantitative analysis of CD4+ T cells in skin lesions from patients with CLE revealed that the number was similar to that in lesions from patients with other chronic inflammatory diseases, but the number of Foxp3+ Treg in CLE was significantly reduced. There was no correlation between disease subtype and the frequency of Foxp3+ Treg in the skin of patients with CLE. In peripheral blood, no significant differences were observed in the number and phenotype of CD4+,CD25+ Treg or in the sensitivity to apoptosis of CD4+,CD25high Treg derived from patients with CLE and those derived from normal healthy donors.ConclusionThese data suggest that an organ‐specific abnormality of Treg in the skin underscores the importance of analyzing Treg in the affected tissue. Such a local process might give insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of CLE and differs from a global peripheral dysfunction as reported for patients with a systemic manifestation of the disease.
Epidemiology of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in a multiethnic cohort: Ethnicity as a risk factor
Authors: Saurenmann R. K. , Rose J. B. , Tyrrell P. , Feldman B. M. , Laxer R. M. , Schneider R. , Silverman E. D. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo study the influence of ethnicity on the risk of developing juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in a multiethnic community of patients with unrestricted access to health care.MethodsA questionnaire on ethnicity was distributed to all patients with JIA being followed up at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Of 1,082 patients, 859 (79.4%) responded to the questionnaire. To calculate the relative risk (RR) of developing JIA in this study cohort, the results were compared with data from the age‐matched general population of the Toronto metropolitan area (TMA) as provided in the 2001 census from Statistics Canada.ResultsEuropean descent was reported by 69.7% of the patients with JIA compared with a frequency of 54.7% in the TMA general population, whereas a statistically significantly lower than expected percentage of the patients with JIA reported having black, Asian, or Indian subcontinent origin. Children of European origin had a higher RR for developing any of the JIA subtypes except polyarticular rheumatoid factor (RF)–positive JIA, and were particularly more likely to develop the extended oligoarticular and psoriatic subtypes. A higher frequency of enthesitis‐related JIA was observed among patients of Asian origin, while those of black origin or native North American origin were more likely to develop polyarticular RF‐positive JIA.ConclusionIn this multiethnic cohort, European descent was associated with a significantly increased risk of developing JIA, and the distribution of JIA subtypes differed significantly across ethnic groups.
Coffee consumption and risk of incident gout in men: A prospective study
Authors: Choi Hyon K. , Willett Walter , Curhan Gary 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectiveCoffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and may affect the risk of gout via various mechanisms. We prospectively evaluated the relationship between coffee intake and the risk of incident gout in a large cohort of men.MethodsOver a 12‐year period, we studied 45,869 men with no history of gout at baseline. Intake of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, tea, and total caffeine was assessed every 4 years through validated questionnaires. We used a supplementary questionnaire to ascertain whether participants met the American College of Rheumatology survey criteria for gout.ResultsWe documented 757 confirmed incident cases of gout. Increasing coffee intake was inversely associated with the risk of gout. The multivariate relative risks (RRs) for incident gout according to coffee consumption categories (0, <1, 1–3, 4–5, and ≥6 cups per day) were 1.00, 0.97, 0.92, 0.60 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.41–0.87), and 0.41 (95% CI 0.19–0.88), respectively (P for trend = 0.009). For decaffeinated coffee, the multivariate RRs according to consumption categories (0, <1, 1–3, and ≥4 cups per day) were 1.00, 0.83, 0.67 (95% CI 0.54–0.82), and 0.73 (95% CI 0.46–1.17), respectively (P for trend = 0.002). Total caffeine from all sources and tea intake were not associated with the risk of gout.ConclusionThese prospective data suggest that long‐term coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of incident gout.
Use of accommodations for valued life activities: Prevalence and effects on disability scores
Authors: Katz Patricia P. , Morris Anne 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of using 4 specific behavioral accommodations (assistive devices, personal assistance, limits on the amount or kind of activities, and taking more time to perform activities) in the performance of valued life activities (VLAs), and to examine the impact of accounting for these accommodations on VLA disability scores.MethodsData were from a panel study of 467 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) interviewed annually by telephone. VLA disability was assessed using a 29‐item scale, rating difficulty performing each activity and asking whether the 4 types of accommodations were used. An unadjusted difficulty score based solely on difficulty ratings was calculated, as well as 3 adjusted scores accounting for use of assistance or devices, use of assistance, devices, or limitations in activities, and use of all 4 accommodations.ResultsAccommodations were widely used by individuals with RA to perform daily activities. Limits and more time were used for more activities than assistance and devices. Adjustment for accommodations produced substantial increases in disability scores (e.g., the mean total VLA difficulty score increased by 84% after adjustment for all 4 accommodations).ConclusionThe accommodations included on the Health Assessment Questionnaire, the most commonly used measure of functioning for RA, include only assistive devices and personal assistance, which were not the accommodations most frequently used in our sample. If assessments are intended to estimate total disease burden, they should include use of a broader range of accommodations to develop a more complete picture of how daily function is affected.
Early aggressive care and delayed recovery from whiplash: Isolated finding or reproducible result?
Authors: Côté Pierre , Hogg‐Johnson Sheilah , Cassidy J. David , Carroll Linda , Frank John W. , Bombardier Claire 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo test the reproducibility of the finding that early intensive care for whiplash injuries is associated with delayed recovery.MethodsWe analyzed data from a cohort study of 1,693 Saskatchewan adults who sustained whiplash injuries between July 1, 1994 and December 31, 1994. We investigated 8 initial patterns of care that integrated type of provider (general practitioners, chiropractors, and specialists) and number of visits (low versus high utilization). Cox models were used to estimate the association between patterns of care and time to recovery while controlling for injury severity and other confounders.ResultsPatients in the low‐utilization general practitioner group and those in the general medical group had the fastest recovery even after controlling for important prognostic factors. Compared with the low‐utilization general practitioner group, the 1‐year rate of recovery in the high‐utilization chiropractic group was 25% slower (adjusted hazard rate ratio [HRR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.54–1.04), in the low‐utilization general practitioner plus chiropractic group the rate was 26% slower (HRR 0.74, 95% CI 0.60–0.93), and in the high‐utilization general practitioner plus chiropractic combined group the rate was 36% slower (HRR 0.64, 95% CI 0.50–0.83).ConclusionThe observation that intensive health care utilization early after a whiplash injury is associated with slower recovery was reproduced in an independent cohort of patients. The results add to the body of evidence suggesting that early aggressive treatment of whiplash injuries does not promote faster recovery. In particular, the combination of chiropractic and general practitioner care significantly reduces the rate of recovery.
Assessment of American College of Rheumatology quality criteria for rheumatoid arthritis in a pre–quality criteria patient cohort
Authors: Kahn K. L. , MacLean C. H. , Wong A. L. , Rubenstein L. Z. , Liu H. , Fitzpatrick D. M. , Harker J. O. , Chen W. P. , Traina S. B. , Mittman B. S. , Hahn B. H. , Paulus H. E. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) starter set of quality measures for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in an actual patient cohort that preceded publication of the quality measures.MethodsWe retrospectively applied the 2006 ACR quality criteria to a prospectively studied cohort of 568 patients with RA treated by 1,932 unique physicians including 255 different rheumatologists between the years 1999 and 2003. Data on performance were obtained from self‐report surveys and medical record review within 12 months.ResultsAt least 1 joint examination was performed in 98% of patients. Patient and physician global assessments were reported for 79% and 74% of patients, respectively. A total of 85% of patients received disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). DMARD adjustments were made for 50% of patients in whom increasing disease activity was noted at least once and for 64% of patients in whom increasing disease activity was noted during 2 (of 4) 3‐month periods within the year. Compared with self‐report surveys, medical records substantially underreported performance on quality measures.ConclusionThe ACR‐endorsed quality measures for RA can be assessed using available data sources. When both self‐report and medical record data are used, adherence rates, designed to serve as minimum standards of care, were moderate or high for most measures. Prior to using indicators to compare quality across groups, specific strategies for operationalizing measures and for using accurate data sources to assess adherence to the measures should be defined.
Long‐term treatment with methotrexate or tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors does not increase epstein‐barr virus load in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Balandraud Nathalie , Guis Sandrine , Baptiste Meynard Jean , Auger Isabelle , Roudier Jean , Roudier Chantal 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectiveWe previously demonstrated that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a 10‐fold systemic Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) overload, very similar to that observed in healthy organ transplant recipients. Our objective was to monitor EBV load over time in patients with RA receiving methotrexate, infliximab, or etanercept to detect possible immunosuppression‐associated EBV dysregulation, as described in posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease.MethodsThe EBV load in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 19 patients receiving methotrexate, 68 patients receiving infliximab, and 48 patients receiving etanercept was monitored for durations ranging from 6 months to 5 years using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay previously developed for that purpose. The effect of treatment duration on EBV load and the link between the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints and EBV load were analyzed by generalized estimating equations.ResultsMethotrexate tended to decrease EBV load over time, but this did not reach significance. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors did not significantly modify EBV load over time. Finally, high disease activity was significantly associated with high EBV load.ConclusionLong‐term usage of methotrexate or TNFα inhibitors in patients with RA does not significantly influence EBV load in PBMCs.
Alcohol‐Vapor Inclusion in Single‐Crystal Adsorbents [MII2(bza)4(pyz)]n (M=Rh, Cu): Structural Study and Application to Separation Membranes
Authors: Takamizawa Satoshi , Kachi‐Terajima Chihiro , Kohbara Masa‐aki , Akatsuka Takamasa , Jin Tetsuro 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe vapor absorbency of the series of alcohols methanol, ethanol, 1‐propanol, 1‐butanol, and 1‐pentanol was characterized on the single‐crystal adsorbents [MII2(bza)4(pyz)]n (bza=benzoate, pyz=pyrazine, M=Rh (1), Cu (2)). The crystal structures of all the alcohol inclusions were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography at 90 K. The crystal‐phase transition induced by guest adsorption occurred in the inclusion crystals except for 1‐propanol. A hydrogen‐bonded dimer of adsorbed alcohol was found in the methanol‐ and ethanol‐inclusion crystals, which is similar to a previous observation in 2⋅2EtOH (S. Takamizawa, T. Saito, T. Akatsuka, E. Nakata, Inorg. Chem. 2005, 44, 1421–1424). In contrast, an isolated monomer was present in the channel for 1‐propanol, 1‐butanol, and 1‐pentanol inclusions. All adsorbed alcohols were stabilized by hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic interactions between host and guest. From the combined results of microscopic determination (crystal structure) and macroscopic observation (gas‐adsorption property), the observed transition induced by gas adsorption is explained by stepwise inclusion into the individual cavities, which is called the “step‐loading effect.” Alcohol/water separation was attempted by a pervaporation technique with microcrystals of 2 dispersed in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) membrane. In the alcohol/water separation, the membrane showed effective separation ability and gave separation factors (alcohol/water) of 5.6 and 4.7 for methanol and ethanol at room temperature, respectively.
Stepwise formation of patterned cell co‐cultures in silicone tubing
Authors: Kaji Hirokazu , Sekine Soichiro , Hashimoto Masahiko , Kawashima Takeaki , Nishizawa Matsuhiko 
Published: May 2007

AbstractHere, we describe a method for producing patterned cell adhesion inside silicone tubing. A platinum (Pt) needle microelectrode was inserted through the wall of the tubing and an oxidizing agent electrochemically generated at the inserted electrode. This agent caused local detachment of the anti‐biofouling heparin layer from the inner surface of the tubing. The cell‐adhesive protein fibronectin selectively adsorbed onto the newly exposed surface, making it possible to initiate a localized cell culture. The electrode could be readily set in place without breaking the tubular structure and, importantly, almost no culture solution leaked from the electrode insertion site after the electrode was removed. Ionic adsorption of poly‐L‐lysine at the tubular region retaining a heparin coating was used to switch the heparin surface from cell‐repellent to cell‐adhesive, thereby facilitating the adhesion of a second cell type. The combination of the electrode‐based technique with layer‐by‐layer deposition enabled the formation of patterned co‐cultures within the semi‐closed tubular structure. The utility of this approach was demonstrated by patterning co‐cultures of hepatocytes or endothelial cells with fibroblasts. The controlled co‐cultures inside the elastic tubing should be of value for cell–cell interaction studies following application of chemical or mechanical stimuli and for tissue engineering‐based bioreactors. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;98: 913–919. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long-term outcome of a multicentre randomized clinical trial of stapled haemorrhoidopexy versus Milligan–Morgan haemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Ganio E , Altomare D F , Milito G , Gabrielli F , Canuti S 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Introduction
Stapled haemorrhoidopexy is less painful than Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy, allowing an earlier return to working activities, but its long-term efficacy is not fully established. This study reports the long-term follow-up of a randomized clinical trial comparing the two techniques in 100 patients affected by third- and fourth-degree haemorrhoids.

Methods
All patients were contacted and invited to attend the clinic to assess long-term functional outcome. The degree of continence and satisfaction were assessed by questionnaire. Anal manometry and anoscopy were performed.

Results
Eighty patients were available after a median follow-up of 87 months. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of incontinence, stenosis, pain, bleeding, residual skin tags or recurrent prolapse. A tendency towards a higher recurrence rate was reported in patients with fourth-degree haemorrhoids, irrespective of the technique used. No significant changes in anal manometric values were found after surgery in either group.

Conclusion
Both techniques are effective in the long term.
Trends in stomach and pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality in England and Wales, 1951–2000
Authors: Fitzsimmons D , Osmond C , George S , Johnson C D 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to describe period and cohort effects in incidence and mortality of stomach and pancreatic cancer in England and Wales.

Methods
National figures for mortality (1951–2000) and incidence (1971–2000) were analysed using log-linear Poisson regression models to obtain relative risks (RR) for period (year of incidence or death) and cohort (year of birth).

Results
Stomach cancer shows a pronounced cohort effect in mortality with a decline in RR in men from 2·20 (1876) to 0·47 (1946) and a reduction from 2·79 to 0·41 for women. Mortality to incidence ratios are now less than 0·70. Pancreatic cancer mortality (men) RR rose from 0·91 (1951–1955) to a peak 1·11 (1976–1980) and then declined to 0·90 (1996–2000). Women showed a similar pattern. Cohort RR (men) increased to a peak of 1·14 in 1916 and declined to 1·01 in 1946, and continued to fall; the peak occurred slightly later in women. Mortality to incidence ratios were near 1 in the first 20 years, declining to 0·95 in the last 10 years.

Conclusion
Stomach cancer incidence has fallen continuously from 19th century birth cohorts onwards. Incidence of pancreatic cancer has fallen in successive birth cohorts after 1920; peak period risk was 1976–1990. Age-standardized mortality and case mortality for pancreatic cancer are declining.