bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of and annual ambulatory health care visits for pediatric arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions in the United States in 2001–2004
Authors: Sacks Jeffrey J. , Helmick Charles G. , Luo Yao‐hua , Ilowite Norman T. , Bowyer Suzanne 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of and the annual number of ambulatory health care visits for pediatric arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions.MethodsWe used physician office visit, outpatient department visit, and emergency department visit data from the 2001–2004 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and 2001–2004 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to estimate annual visits for the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes thought to represent significant pediatric arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions (SPARC). We converted visit estimates into prevalence estimates using data on the number of prior annual visits per patient. Synthetic estimates for states were produced using national rates.ResultsThe average annualized estimate of the number of children with SPARC was 294,000 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 188,000–400,000). The annualized number of ambulatory health care visits for SPARC was 827,000 (95% CI 609,000–1,044,000).ConclusionPediatric arthritis estimates have varied widely because it is an umbrella term for which there are many definitions and because it is a relatively uncommon condition from a population surveillance perspective. Our estimates suggest that arthritis‐related health care visits impose a substantial burden on the pediatric health care system. One advantage of this surveillance paradigm is that it has established a starting point for tracking the national prevalence of arthritis and rheumatologic conditions in children on an ongoing basis using existing infrastructure rather than expensive new surveys. This surveillance system will help us monitor and predict the health care needs of patients with these conditions.
Increased apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes and its association with interleukin‐18 in patients with active untreated adult‐onset Still's disease
Authors: Chen Der‐Yuan , Hsieh Tsu‐Yi , Hsieh Chia‐Wei , Lin Fang‐Ju , Lan Joung‐Liang 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine spontaneous and activation‐induced apoptosis of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from patients with active untreated adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD) and to examine the role of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) involved in the apoptosis related to this disease.MethodsThe percentages of spontaneous and IL‐18–stimulated apoptotic lymphocytes in peripheral blood of 20 patients with active untreated AOSD, 20 with active untreated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 20 healthy controls were determined using annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. Serum IL‐18 levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The transcripts of caspase 3 gene and apoptosis‐regulating genes, including Fas, FasL, Bcl‐2, and p53 in IL‐18–treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 8 AOSD patients, 4 SLE patients, and 4 healthy controls, were examined by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsSignificantly higher percentages of spontaneous and IL‐18–stimulated apoptotic PBLs were found in patients with active untreated AOSD and those with active untreated SLE than in healthy controls. The percentages of spontaneous and IL‐18–stimulated apoptotic lymphocytes correlated positively with clinical activity scores and serum IL‐18 levels for AOSD patients and SLE patients. The percentages of spontaneous and activation‐induced apoptotic PBLs significantly declined, paralleling clinical remission and the decrease in serum IL‐18 levels after effective therapy in AOSD patients. Up‐regulation of FasL and p53 transcripts was demonstrated in IL‐18–treated PBMCs from AOSD patients and SLE patients in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionThe increased apoptosis of PBLs from AOSD patients may be associated with the effect of IL‐18 through up‐regulation of FasL and p53 transcripts.
Internal construct validity of the Oxford Knee Scale: Evidence from Rasch measurement
Authors: Conaghan Philip G. , Emerton Mark , Tennant Alan 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveSymptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) is present in 1 in 8 patients age >60 years and is associated with significant activity limitation. Several tools have been devised to assess knee problems. The goal of this study was to evaluate the Oxford Knee Scale (OKS) against strict modern psychometric standards through application of the Rasch measurement model.MethodsA total of 224 OKS assessments were included from patients with a clinical diagnosis of knee OA. Data from the OKS were fitted to the Rasch measurement model. We examined the validity of the item scoring functions, the presence of item bias or differential item functioning, the fit of data to model expectations, and whether or not the item set formed a unidimensional scale, thus giving a valid summed score.ResultsThe mean age of the 224 patients was 61 years (range 26–90) and 61.5% were women. After rescoring some items, the scale showed good fit to the Rasch model, with a chi‐square interaction statistic of 42.663 (36 df, P = 0.206). Overall targeting of the scale (to the patients) was good, with high reliability.ConclusionData from the OKS were consistent with the expectations of the unrestricted (partial credit) derivation of the Rasch model. The targeting of the instrument shows good coverage of thresholds across the whole construct and has good reliability (internal consistency) with a high patient separation. Consequently, this scale can be used in confidence with the knowledge that it is a unidimensional scale largely free of bias.
A systematic review of secondary thromboprophylaxis in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Ruiz‐Irastorza Guillermo , Hunt Beverley J. , Khamashta Munther A. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety data of different therapeutic approaches in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and thrombosis.MethodsThe Medline database and references from selected reports and review articles were used. Randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and subgroup analysis (n > 15) that focused on the secondary thromboprophylaxis in patients with aPL were selected.ResultsSixteen studies were selected. Patients with venous events and a single test for aPL showed a low recurrence rate while receiving oral anticoagulation at a target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.0–3.0. Patients with stroke and a single positive aPL test had no increased risk compared with those without aPL. Recurrence rates in patients with definite antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and previous venous thromboembolism were lower than in patients with arterial and/or recurrent events, both with and without therapy. Only 3.8% of recurrent events occurred at an actual INR >3.0. Mortality due to recurrent thrombosis was higher than mortality due to bleeding (18 patients versus 1 patient reported).ConclusionFor patients with definite APS, we recommend prolonged warfarin therapy at a target INR of 2.0–3.0 in APS patients with first venous events and >3.0 for those with recurrent and/or arterial events. For patients with venous thromboembolism or stroke and a single positive aPL test, we recommend further testing to determine if they have a persisting antibody. If they do not, the same therapy as for the general population should be used (warfarin at a target INR of 2.0–3.0 and low‐dose aspirin, respectively).
Longitudinal assessment of synovial, lymph node, and bone volumes in inflammatory arthritis in mice by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and microfocal computed tomography
Authors: Proulx Steven T. , Kwok Edmund , You Zhigang , Papuga M. Owen , Beck Christopher A. , Shealy David J. , Ritchlin Christopher T. , Awad Hani A. , Boyce Brendan F. , Xing Lianping , Schwarz Edward M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo develop longitudinal 3‐dimensional (3‐D) measures of outcomes of inflammation and bone erosion in murine arthritis using contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE‐MRI) and in vivo microfocal computed tomography (micro‐CT) and, in a pilot study, to determine the value of entry criteria based on age versus synovial volume in therapeutic intervention studies.MethodsCE‐MRI and in vivo micro‐CT were performed on tumor necrosis factor–transgenic (TNF‐Tg) mice and their wild‐type littermates to quantify the synovial and popliteal lymph node volumes and the patella and talus bone volumes, respectively, which were validated histologically. These longitudinal outcome measures were used to assess the natural history of erosive inflammatory arthritis. We also performed anti‐TNF versus placebo efficacy studies in TNF‐Tg mice in which treatment was initiated according to either age (4–5 months) or synovial volume (3 mm3 as detected by CE‐MRI). Linear regression was performed to analyze the correlation between synovitis and focal erosion.ResultsCE‐MRI demonstrated the highly variable nature of TNF‐induced joint inflammation. Initiation of treatment by synovial volume produced significantly larger treatment effects on the synovial volume (P = 0.04) and the lymph node volume (P < 0.01) than did initiation by age. By correlating the MRI and micro‐CT data, we were able to demonstrate a significant relationship between changes in synovial and patellar volumes (R2 = 0.75, P < 0.01).ConclusionIn vivo CE‐MRI and micro‐CT 3‐D outcome measures are powerful tools that accurately demonstrate the progression of erosive inflammatory arthritis in mice. These methods can be used to identify mice with arthritis of similar severity before intervention studies are initiated, thus minimizing heterogeneity in outcome studies of chronic arthritis seen between genetically identical littermates.
Can biochemical markers serve as surrogates for imaging in knee osteoarthritis?
Authors: Davis C. R. , Karl J. , Granell R. , Kirwan J. R. , Fasham J. , Johansen J. , Garnero P. , Sharif M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveOsteoarthritis (OA) is a complex heterogeneous joint disease affecting more than 35 million people worldwide. The current gold standard diagnostic investigation is the plain radiograph, which lacks sensitivity. Biochemical markers have the potential to act as adjunct markers for imaging in the assessment of knee OA. We undertook this study to determine the association between individual biochemical markers and radiographic features, and to establish whether the association is strengthened when selected biochemical markers are combined into a single factor (a theoretical marker).MethodsTwenty serum and urinary biochemical markers were analyzed in 119 patients with predominantly tibiofemoral knee OA. Pearson's correlation was performed, and corresponding coefficients of determination (R2) were calculated to determine the association between biochemical markers and a range of imaging features from radiographs and dual x‐ray absorptiometry of the knee. Biochemical markers demonstrating a significant association (P < 0.05) with a specific imaging feature were combined by principal components analysis (PCA). Pearson's correlation was repeated to establish whether the combined panel of biochemical markers showed a stronger association with imaging than the best single marker.ResultsFourteen biochemical markers showed significant associations with one or more imaging features. By combining specific panels of biochemical markers to form factors, the association of markers with imaging features (R2) increased from 11.9% to 22.7% for the Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) score, from 5.9% to 9.2% for joint space width (JSW), from 6.6% to 10.8% for sclerosis, from 13.5% to 22.6% for osteophytes, and from 12.0% to 14.2% for bone mineral density (BMD). Biochemical markers identifying patients with osteophytes overlapped with those correlated with a high K/L score, while markers of subchondral BMD formed a completely separate group. Biochemical markers of JSW included markers associated with both osteophytes and BMD.ConclusionThe PCA results suggest that biochemical marker combinations may be more sensitive than individual biochemical markers for reflecting structural damage in patients with knee OA. The differences in biochemical marker profiles associated with osteophytes compared with those associated with subchondral BMD raise the possibility that these 2 processes, commonly seen in bone in knee OA, have underlying biologic differences.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging assessment of cognitive function in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus: A pilot study
Authors: DiFrancesco Mark W. , Holland Scott K. , Ris M. Douglas , Adler Caleb M. , Nelson Shannen , DelBello Melissa P. , Altaye Mekibib , Brunner Hermine I. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate changes in brain activation patterns detected by functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI), and the relationship between FMRI activation patterns and results of formal neuropsychological testing, in patients with childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsTen patients with childhood‐onset SLE underwent formal neuropsychological testing and FMRI using 3 paradigms: a continuous performance task (CPT) to evaluate attention, an N‐Back task to assess working memory, and verb generation to evaluate language processing. Composite Z maps were generated to summarize the brain activation patterns for each FMRI paradigm in patients with childhood‐onset SLE and to compare these patterns with those observed in healthy controls. Between‐group comparison Z maps showing differences in activation between childhood‐onset SLE patients and controls were generated, using a significance level of P < 0.05 in a general linear model.ResultsCompared with the control group, the childhood‐onset SLE group showed statistically significant increased activation of brain areas involved in the CPT, N‐Back, and verb generation tasks. In contrast, in the absence of active stimulus, e.g., during times of the paradigm control tasks, childhood‐onset SLE patients consistently undersuppressed activity in the expected brain areas. Activation in selected cortical areas was found to correlate negatively with results of a subset of individual neuropsychological test scores.ConclusionFMRI abnormalities are present in childhood‐onset SLE, manifesting as an imbalance between active and inhibitory responses to an array of stimuli. Differences in brain activation patterns compared with those observed in controls suggest that childhood‐onset SLE may be associated with abnormalities in white matter connectivity resulting in neuronal network dysfunction, rather than injury of specific gray matter areas.
Elevated CD16 expression by monocytes from patients with tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated periodic syndrome
Authors: Todd Ian , Radford Paul M. , Ziegler‐Heitbrock Loems , Ghaemmaghami Amir M. , Powell Richard J. , Tighe Patrick J. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveTumor necrosis factor receptor–associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is an inherited autosomal‐dominant autoinflammatory condition caused by mutations in the ectodomain of the 55‐kd tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily 1A. Proinflammatory blood monocytes with the phenotype CD14+,CD16+,HLA–DR++ are a major source of TNF, and the number of such monocytes is increased during infection and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the expression of circulating CD16+ monocytes is affected in patients with TRAPS.MethodsPeripheral blood obtained from patients with TRAPS and healthy control subjects was stained with monoclonal antibodies to detect CD14++,CD16− monocytes and CD14+,CD16+ monocytes, using flow cytometry. Lipopolysaccharide‐induced TNF production was measured by intracellular cytokine staining. Activation‐induced shedding of CD16 was investigated by treating blood samples with phorbol myristate acetate.ResultsThe level of CD16 expression by CD14+,CD16+ monocytes, but not their absolute number, was significantly elevated in patients with TRAPS, even though the patients were not experiencing clinically overt episodes of autoinflammation at the time of sampling. These findings are similar to those for the C‐reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates in the same patients. The enhanced level of CD16 expression by monocytes from patients with TRAPS was not attributable to a defect in activation‐induced shedding of CD16. The CD14+,CD16+ monocytes were the predominant source of TNF in both patients and healthy control subjects.ConclusionThe level of CD16 expression by monocytes was elevated in patients with TRAPS, as a feature of the underlying constitutive inflammation status.
Endothelin is a downstream mediator of profibrotic responses to transforming growth factor β in human lung fibroblasts
Authors: Shi‐wen Xu , Kennedy Laura , Renzoni Elisabetta A. , Bou‐Gharios George , du Bois Roland M. , Black Carol M. , Denton Christopher P. , Abraham David J. , Leask Andrew 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjectiveFibrosis is excessive scarring caused by the accumulation and contraction of extracellular matrix proteins and is a common end pathway in many chronic diseases, including scleroderma (systemic sclerosis [SSc]). Indeed, pulmonary fibrosis is a major cause of death in SSc. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces endothelin 1 (ET‐1) in human lung fibroblasts by a Smad‐independent, JNK‐dependent mechanism. The goal of this study was to assess whether ET‐1 is a downstream mediator of the profibrotic effects of TGFβ in lung fibroblasts.MethodsWe used a specific endothelin receptor antagonist to determine whether ET‐1 is a downstream mediator of TGFβ responses in lung fibroblasts, using microarray technology, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analyses.ResultsThe ability of TGFβ to induce the expression of a cohort of profibrotic genes, including type I collagen, fibronectin, and CCN2, and to contract a collagen gel matrix, depends on ET‐1.ConclusionET‐1 contributes to the ability of TGFβ to promote a profibrotic phenotype in human lung fibroblasts, consistent with the notion that endothelin receptor antagonism may be beneficial in controlling fibrogenic responses in lung fibroblasts.
Ferutinin stability in human plasma and interaction with human serum albumin
Authors: Greige‐Gerges H. , Diab Y. , Farah J. , Magdalou J. , Haddad C. , Ouaini N. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractFerutinin is a potent phytoestrogen extracted from plants of the genus Ferula. The biological activity of this sesquiterpene is associated with the esterification of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid with the daucane alcohol, jaeschkeanadiol. A HPLC method was developed to investigate the stability of ferutinin in acidic and basic solutions (pH 1.5 and 9.0, respectively), in buffer (pH 7.4) as well as in serial dilutions of albumin and in human plasma. The degradation of ferutinin was relatively slow at physiological pH 7.4 compared with low or high pH. Ferutinin was fully stable in human plasma as well as in albumin solution and the stability increased with albumin concentration. The binding of ferutinin to albumin was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. Ferutinin decreased the fluorescence of HSA and that of the only tryptophan residue located in domain IIA. As a result of the interaction between ferutinin and albumin, the binding of bilirubin decreased. The stability of ferutinin in plasma is attributable to ferutinin–albumin binding. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children for sale: Child trafficking in Southeast Asia
Authors: Rafferty Yvonne 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe paper provides an overview of child trafficking in Southeast Asia. It highlights human rights and international laws relevant to this egregious form of child abuse. It describes the experiences of the young victims and the consequences for their physical and emotional well‐being. It reviews the risk factors at the level of the community setting (poverty and economic inequality), the child and his/her family (gender, age, race/ethnicity, family functioning, education) and broader contextual variables at the macro level (gender inequality and discrimination, demand factors). Finally, it presents recommendations for legal and policy initiatives to cease the sale and exploitation of children. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ternary Rare Earth and Actinoid Transition Metal Carbides Viewed as Carbometalates.
Authors: Dashjav Enkhtsetseg , Kreiner Guido , Schnelle Walter , Wagner Frank R. , Kniep Ruediger , Jeitschko Wolfgang 
Published: November 2007

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Pr2Se3—PrSe2 System: Studies of the Phase Relationships and the Modulated Crystal Structure of PrSe1.85.
Authors: Doert Thomas , Graf Christian , Schmidt Peer , Vasilieva Inga G. , Simon Paul , Carrillo‐Cabrera Wilder 
Published: November 2007

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Structural Change of Layered Perovskite La2Ti2O7 at High Pressures.
Authors: Zhang F. X. , Lian J. , Becker U. , Ewing R. C. , Wang L. M. , Hu Jingzhu , Saxena S. K. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Structure and Magnetism of Rare‐Earth‐Substituted Ca3Co2O6.
Authors: Hervoches Charles H. , Fjellvaag Helmer , Kjekshus Arne , Fredenborg Vivian Miksch , Hauback Bjoern C. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Structural Study of VOx Doped Aluminium Fluoride and Aluminium Oxide Catalysts.
Authors: Scheurell Kerstin , Scholz Gudrun , Kemnitz Erhard 
Published: November 2007

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Construction of a Double‐Layered Tetrahedral Network within a Perovskite Host: Two‐Step Route to the Alkali‐Metal‐Halide Layered Perovskite, (LixCl)LaNb2O7.
Authors: Viciu Liliana , Kodenkandath Thomas A. , Wiley John B. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Bi2n+4MonO6(n+1) with n = 3, 4, 5, 6: A New Series of Low‐Temperature Stable Phases in the mBi2O3—MoO3 System (1.0 < m < 1.7): Structural Relationships and Conductor Properties.
Authors: Vila Eladio , Landa‐Canovas Angel R. , Galy Jean , Iglesias Juan E. , Castro Alicia 
Published: November 2007

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
New C2‐Symmetric Diphosphite Ligands Derived from Carbohydrates: Effect of the Remote Stereocenters on Asymmetric Catalysis.
Authors: Axet M. Rosa , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi , Claver Carmen , Castillon Sergio 
Published: November 2007

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.