bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor promoter polymorphisms and the clinical expression of scleroderma
Authors: Wu Sou‐Pan , Leng Lin , Feng Zeny , Liu Nianjun , Zhao Hongyu , McDonald Courtney , Lee Annette , Arnett Frank C. , Gregersen Peter K. , Mayes Maureen D. , Bucala Richard 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the potential association between functional polymorphisms in the gene for the innate mediator, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and the clinical expression of systemic sclerosis (SSc).MethodsGenomic DNA samples and clinical data were collected from the Scleroderma Family Registry and DNA Repository at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. A total of 740 subjects were studied; 203 of them had diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), 283 had limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc), and the remaining 254 healthy subjects served as controls. Association analyses were performed on the whole data set and on patient and sex subsets. Significant relationships were determined between clinical variables and MIF polymorphisms for each disease subtype in the studied groups.ResultsThe frequency of the −173*C MIF allele, which was previously reported to be associated with high production of MIF, was lower in the lcSSc group (12.6%) than in the dcSSc (19.2%) or control (18.5%) groups (P = 0.010 and P = 0.011, respectively). Haplotype analysis for 2 closely linked polymorphisms in the MIF promoter showed that in white subjects with lcSSc or dcSSc, the lcSSc population had a significantly lower representation of the high‐expression MIF haplotype defined by −173*C and −794 with 7 CATT repeats (C7) (P = 0.015, odds ratio 1.94 [95% confidence interval 1.14–3.32]). Fibroblasts encoding the C7 MIF haplotype were observed to produce more MIF upon in vitro stimulation than those with a non‐C7 haplotype.ConclusionFunctional promoter polymorphisms in the MIF gene affect the clinical presentation of SSc. The proinflammatory haplotype defined by C7 is underrepresented in patients with lcSSc.
Long‐term outcome and prognostic factors in enthesitis‐related arthritis: A case–control study
Authors: Flatø Berit , Hoffmann‐Vold Anna‐Maria , Reiff Andreas , Førre ØYstein , Lien Gunnhild , Vinje Odd 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes in patients with enthesitis‐related arthritis (ERA) with those in patients with other subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and healthy controls, and to determine genetic markers, patient characteristics, and early disease variables that predict the development of remission, sacroiliitis, and physical limitations in ERA.MethodsFifty‐five children with ERA who were first admitted to Rikshospitalet Medical Center between 1980 and 1985 were studied. Patients with oligoarthritis or polyarthritis who were admitted during the same period (n = 55) and individuals from a national population registry (n = 55) were matched for sex and age and used as controls. Health status was assessed after a median of 15.3 years of disease (range 11.7–21.9 years) and, in some patients, was reassessed after a median of 23.0 years (range 19.7–29.4 years) of disease, by use of the 36‐item Short Form health survey and the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at the 15‐year followup visit. Variables relating to the onset of disease were retrospectively obtained by chart review. HLA alleles were determined by genotyping and serologic testing.ResultsPatients with ERA had lower levels of physical functioning, poorer physical health, and more bodily pain compared with patients with oligoarthritis or polyarthritis (after a median of 15.3 and a median of 23.0 years) and normal controls (after a median of 15.3 years). Among patients with ERA, remission occurred in 44%, sacroiliitis was observed in 35%, and reduced spinal flexion was observed in 75%. Predictors of failure to attain disease remission included the following: ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in a first‐degree relative, the presence of HLA–DRB1*08, and ankle arthritis within the first 6 months. HLA–DPB1*02 was a protective factor, whereas a persistently elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and hip arthritis within the first 6 months were risk factors for sacroiliitis. Female sex, a family history of AS, and high numbers of affected joints within the first 6 months predicted poor physical health status after 23 years. Male sex was associated with reduced anterior flexion of the spine.ConclusionIn this study, patients with ERA had poorer physical outcomes compared with patients with oligoarticular or polyarticular JIA and controls from the general population. A family history of related diseases, sex, the presence of HLA–DRB1*08, the absence of HLA–DPB1*02, a persistently elevated ESR, early hip or ankle arthritis, and high numbers of affected joints were predictors of an unfavorable outcome.
Myofibroblasts and hyalinized collagen as markers of skin disease in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Kissin Eugene Y. , Merkel Peter A. , Lafyatis Robert 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between the degree of dermal fibrosis and myofibroblast infiltration using clinical assessments of skin thickness and hardness in systemic sclerosis (SSc).MethodsEleven patients with diffuse SSc and 10 healthy controls were evaluated using the modified Rodnan skin thickness score and durometry (hardness measurement). Biopsy samples were obtained from the dorsal mid‐forearm in all subjects at the baseline visit and again 6–12 months later in patients with SSc. Five of the patients with SSc received treatment with cyclophosphamide (CYC) in the interval between skin biopsies. Biopsy sections were assessed for myofibroblast and hyalinized collagen content by 2 blinded observers.ResultsMyofibroblast and hyalinized collagen scores each correlated with the forearm skin score (r = 0.83, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.78, P < 0.0001, respectively) and with the forearm durometry score (r = 0.72, P < 0.0004 and r = 0.69, P < 0.0008, respectively). The change in the dermal hyalinized collagen score correlated with the change in the forearm durometry score (r = 0.74, P < 0.0213). The myofibroblast score decreased in all 5 patients who received CYC and increased in those receiving non‐CYC treatments (P < 0.01 for the difference).ConclusionMyofibroblasts play an important role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, and our data imply that quantification of myofibroblasts and hyalinized collagen in skin may be a useful outcome measure in clinical studies of SSc.
Effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis in an observational cohort study: Comparison of patients according to their eligibility for major randomized clinical trials
Authors: Zink Angela , Strangfeld Anja , Schneider Matthias , Herzer Peter , Hierse Franka , Stoyanova‐Scholz Maria , Wassenberg Siegfried , Kapelle Andreas , Listing Joachim 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveRandomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluate the efficacy of treatments in selected groups of patients defined by strict inclusion criteria. The value of these trials in predicting therapeutic effectiveness in “real world” patients is limited. This observational cohort study was designed to complement the knowledge obtained in RCTs by evaluating the effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to their eligibility for the major trials.MethodsUsing the data from the German biologics register Rheumatoid Arthritis Observation of Biologic Therapy (RABBIT [in German]), we investigated how many of the RA patients who were treated with a TNF inhibitor (infliximab, etanercept, or adalimumab) would have been eligible for the major clinical trials that led to approval of the drugs. In addition, therapeutic effectiveness was compared in the eligible and ineligible patients using the American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) and 50% (ACR50) improvement response criteria.ResultsOnly 21–33% of the patients in the RABBIT register would have been eligible for the major trials. In these patients, the ACR20 and ACR50 improvement responses, indicating therapeutic effectiveness, were comparable with the response rates in the published trials. ACR response rates were lower in those patients considered ineligible for the trials; however, absolute improvement was similar to that in eligible patients. Ineligible patients had lower baseline disease activity, more comorbidity, and lower functional status.ConclusionRCT cohorts reflect only a minor proportion of the patients treated with biologic agents in routine care. In the clinic setting, the indications for treatment with biologic agents are not identical to the inclusion criteria for trials. Despite the smaller relative improvement achieved in these patients with longstanding, severe RA who would not fulfill the inclusion criteria of a major trial, the majority of such patients would nevertheless benefit from biologic therapy.
The effect of moderate‐dose corticosteroids in preventing severe flares in patients with serologically active, but clinically stable, systemic lupus erythematosus: Findings of a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Tseng Chung‐E , Buyon Jill P. , Kim Mimi , Belmont H. Michael , Mackay Meggan , Diamond Betty , Marder Galina , Rosenthal Pamela , Haines Kathleen , Ilie Virginia , Abramson Steven B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveSerial measurements of anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) and complement are routine in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but their utility as biomarkers in preemptive treatment to prevent flares remains a subject of controversy. We hypothesized that concomitant elevation of anti‐dsDNA and C3a can predict SLE activity in patients with stable or inactive disease and that short‐term treatment with corticosteroids can avert flares.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 154 patients were evaluated monthly for up to 18 months, with measurements of C3a, C3, C4, CH50, and anti‐dsDNA levels. Patients who remained clinically stable but showed serologic evidence of an SLE flare (elevation of both the anti‐dsDNA level by 25% and the C3a level by 50% over the previous 1–2 monthly visits) were randomized to receive either prednisone or placebo therapy at a dosage of 30 mg/day for 2 weeks, 20 mg/day for 1 week, and 10 mg/day for 1 week.ResultsForty‐one patients (21 randomized to prednisone and 20 randomized to placebo) experienced a serologic flare. Analysis of severe flares occurring ≤90 days from randomization revealed that 6 occurred in patients taking placebo and none occurred in patients taking prednisone (P = 0.007). Severe flares resulted in an increase in the prednisone dosage to >40 mg/day and/or the addition of an immunosuppressive agent. Furthermore, improvement in scores on the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, decreased levels of anti‐dsDNA antibodies, and increased levels of C4 occurred 1 month after initiation of prednisone treatment.ConclusionThese preliminary data support our hypothesis that in a subset of clinically stable SLE patients with a combination of elevated C3a and anti‐dsDNA levels, short‐term corticosteroid therapy may avert a severe flare.
HLA polymorphisms in African Americans with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy: Allelic profiles distinguish patients with different clinical phenotypes and myositis autoantibodies
Authors: O'Hanlon Terrance P. , Rider Lisa G. , Mamyrova Gulnara , Targoff Ira N. , Arnett Frank C. , Reveille John D. , Carrington Mary , Gao Xiaojiang , Oddis Chester V. , Morel Penelope A. , Malley James D. , Malley Karen , Shamim Ejaz A. , Chanock Stephen J. , Foster Charles B. , Bunch Thomas , Reed Ann M. , Love Lori A. , Miller Frederick W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate possible associations of HLA polymorphisms with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) in African Americans, and to compare this with HLA associations in European American IIM patients with IIM.MethodsMolecular genetic analyses of HLA–A, B, Cw, DRB1, and DQA1 polymorphisms were performed in a large population of African American patients with IIM (n = 262) in whom the major clinical and autoantibody subgroups were represented. These data were compared with similar information previously obtained from European American patients with IIM (n = 571).ResultsIn contrast to European American patients with IIM, African American patients with IIM, in particular those with polymyositis, had no strong disease associations with HLA alleles of the 8.1 ancestral haplotype; however, African Americans with dermatomyositis or with anti–Jo‐1 autoantibodies shared the risk factor HLA–DRB1*0301 with European Americans. We detected novel HLA risk factors in African American patients with myositis overlap (DRB1*08) and in African American patients producing anti–signal recognition particle (DQA1*0102) and anti–Mi‐2 autoantibodies (DRB1*0302). DRB1*0302 and the European American–, anti–Mi‐2–associated risk factor DRB1*0701 were found to share a 4–amino‐acid sequence motif, which was predicted by comparative homology analyses to have identical 3‐dimensional orientations within the peptide‐binding groove.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that North American IIM patients from different ethnic groups have both shared and distinct immunogenetic susceptibility factors, depending on the clinical phenotype. These findings, obtained from the largest cohort of North American minority patients with IIM studied to date, add additional support to the hypothesis that the myositis syndromes comprise multiple, distinct disease entities, perhaps arising from divergent pathogenic mechanisms and/or different gene–environment interactions.
Low predictive accuracy of the Kattan postoperative nomogram for renal cell carcinoma recurrence in a population of French patients
Authors: Hupertan Vincent , Roupret Morgan , Poisson Jean‐Francois , Chretien Yves , Dufour Bertrand , Thiounn Nicolas , Mejean Arnaud 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.The aim of the current study was to establish the predictive accuracy of the Kattan postoperative nomogram for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by comparing predictions with actual disease recurrence in patients who underwent surgery in a single center in France.METHODS.Between 1985 and 2000, 844 patients were treated for RCC. The following data were collated: age, symptoms, histology, tumor size, grade, TNM 1997 stage, recurrence, and progression. For each patient a prognostic score (predicted probability) for recurrence‐free survival (RFS) at 5 years was calculated using the Kattan nomogram. The discriminating ability of the model was assessed by Harrell's concordance index (c‐index). Bootstrapping was used to assess confidence intervals. Furthermore, survival was then estimated by the Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.RESULTS.In all, 565 patients (median age, 62 years) were included. At the time of the last follow‐up, 81 patients had died and 101 had experienced RCC recurrence. The c‐index for RFS (Kattan nomogram) was only 0.607 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.576–0.635). The 5‐year RFS rate and cancer‐specific survival rate were 81.5% and 84.7%, respectively. Of the 4 variables included in the nomogram, only TNM stage was associated with recurrence in a multivariate analysis (Cox analysis) (P = .022).CONCLUSIONS.There was a discrepancy between predicted RFS as estimated by the Kattan nomogram and the likelihood of being recurrence‐free at 5 years according to the Cox analysis in the current population of patients. However, until new dynamic models become available clinicians may still improve their predictive ability by using the current nomogram. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Expression of Hand2 is sufficient for neurogenesis and cell type–specific gene expression in the enteric nervous system
Authors: Hendershot Tyler J. , Liu Hongbin , Sarkar Anjali A. , Giovannucci David R. , Clouthier David E. , Abe Makoto , Howard Marthe J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe basic helix‐loop‐helix DNA binding protein Hand2 is expressed in neural crest–derived precursors of enteric neurons and has been shown to affect both neurogenesis and neurotransmitter specification of noradrenergic sympathetic ganglion neurons. In the current study, our goal was to determine whether Hand2 affects neurogenesis and/or expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and choline acetyltransferase in developing enteric neurons. Gain‐of‐function of Hand2 in HNK‐1+ immmunoselected precursor cells resulted in increased neurogenesis. The number of neurons expressing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide increased in response to Hand2 overexpression although choline acetyltransferase was not affected. Targeted deletion of Hand2 in neural crest cells resulted in loss of all neurons expressing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide along the length of the gastrointestinal tract, patterning defects in the myenteric plexus of the stomach, and altered number and morphology of neurons expressing TH. Our data demonstrate that expression of Hand2 is sufficient and necessary for neurogenesis and expression of a subset of cell type‐specific markers in the developing enteric nervous system. Developmental Dynamics 236:93–105, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combinatorial expression patterns of heparan sulfate sulfotransferases in zebrafish: I. The 3‐O‐sulfotransferase family
Authors: Cadwallader Adam B. , Yost H. Joseph 
Published: October 2006

AbstractHeparan sulfate (HS) is an unbranched chain of repetitive disaccharides, which specifically binds ligands when attached to the cell surface or secreted extracellularly. HS chains contain sulfated domains termed the HS fine structure, which gives HS specific binding affinities for extracellular ligands. HS 3‐O‐sulfotransferases (3‐OST) catalyze the transfer of sulfate groups to the 3‐O position of glucosamine residues of HS, a rare, but essential HS chain modification required for HS fine structure. We report here the first characterization and developmental expression analysis of the 3‐OST gene family in a vertebrate. There are eight 3‐OST genes in zebrafish: seven genes with homology to known 3‐OST genes in mouse and human, as well as a novel, 3‐OST‐7. A phylogenetic comparison of human, mouse, and zebrafish indicates the 3‐OST family can be subdivided into two distinct subgroups. We examined the mRNA expression patterns in several tissues/organs throughout early zebrafish development, including early cleavage stages, somites, brain, internal body organ primordial, and pectoral fin development. The 3‐OST gene family has both specifically expressed and ubiquitously expressed genes, suggesting in vivo functional differences exist between members of this family. Developmental Dynamics 235:3423–3431, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of anti‐Müllerian hormone (amh) and anti‐Müllerian hormone receptor type II (amhrII) in the teleost medaka
Authors: Klüver Nils , Pfennig Frank , Pala Irene , Storch Katja , Schlieder Marlen , Froschauer Alexander , Gutzeit Herwig O. , Schartl Manfred 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn mammals, the anti‐Müllerian hormone (Amh) is responsible for the regression of the Müllerian ducts; therefore, Amh is an important factor of male sex differentiation. The amh gene has been cloned in various vertebrates, as well as in several teleost species. To date, all described species show a sexually dimorphic expression of amh during sex differentiation or at least in differentiated juvenile gonads. We have identified the medaka amh ortholog and examined its expression pattern. Medaka amh shows no sexually dimorphic expression pattern. It is expressed in both developing XY male and XX female gonads. In adult testes, amh is expressed in the Sertoli cells and in adult ovaries in granulosa cells surrounding the oocytes, like in mammals. To better understand the function of amh, we cloned the anti‐Müllerian hormone receptor type II (amhrII) ortholog and compared its expression pattern with amh, aromatase (cyp19a1), and scp3. During gonad development, amhrII is coexpressed with medaka amh in somatic cells of the gonads and shows no sexually dimorphic expression. Only the expression level of the Amh type II receptor gene was decreased noticeably in adult female gonads. These results suggest that medaka Amh and AmhrII are involved in gonad formation and maintenance in both sexes. Developmental Dynamics 236:271–281, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Influence of the Conditioning Procedure on Potentiometric Characteristics of Solid Contact Calcium‐Selective Electrodes in Nanomolar Concentration Solutions
Authors: Konopka Anna , Sokalski Tomasz , Lewenstam Andrzej , Maj‐Żurawska Magdalena 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA solid contact calcium‐selective electrode with a poly(pyrrole) intermediate layer doped with the calcium ion‐complexing ligand Tiron was successfully constructed and examined towards the possibility of lowering the detection limit. Two calcium ionophores, ETH 1001 and ETH 129, were compared. A variety of different shapes of potentiometric responses can be obtained in a controlled manner by applying an appropriate conditioning procedure. The lifetime of the investigated electrodes was longer than 1 year. The modified poly(pyrrole) solid contact electrode was compared with the coated wire type. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with laser ablation analysis (LA ICP MS) was used to confirm the transmembrane ion fluxes.
Impact of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on the Electrochemical Responses of a Ferricyanide Probe at Template‐Modified Self‐Assembled Monolayers on Gold Electrodes
Authors: Luo Ning , Hatchett David W. , Rogers Kim R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the electrochemical responses of a ferricyanide probe using gold electrodes coated with template‐containing self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and square‐wave voltammetry. The thiolated compounds that were used to form SAMs included 1‐hexadecanethiol, 11‐mercapto‐undecanoic acid, 11‐mercaptoundecanol, and (3‐mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane (MPTS). When the SAMs were formed from 1‐hexadecanethiol or 11‐mercapto‐undecanoic acid in the absence of pyrene, the SAM‐modified electrodes prohibited access of the ferricyanide probe and no impact of pyrene was observed. SAM‐modified electrodes (all except for MPTS) that were formed in the presence of pyrene then washed free of pyrene showed an increase in accessibility of the probe ferricyanide upon the addition of pyrene to the electrolyte solution. When electrodes were modified with MPTS to form stabilized SAMs in the presence of pyrene, however, a reduced redox current for the ferricyanide probe was observed with increased pyrene or naphthalene in the electrolyte solution. A degree of selectivity was noted in that this current response was not observed for addition of benzo[a]pyrene.