bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluid flow in shear zones: insights from the geometry and evolution of ore bodies at Renco gold mine, Zimbabwe
Authors: BLENKINSOP T. G. , KADZVITI S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe geometry of mineral deposits can give insights into fluid flow in shear zones. Lode gold ore bodies at Renco Mine, in the Limpopo Belt, Zimbabwe, occur as siliceous breccias and mylonites within amphibolite facies shear zones that dip either gently or steeply. The two sets of ore bodies formed synchronously from hydrothermal fluids. The ore bodies are oblate, but have well‐defined long axes. Larger ore bodies are more oblate. High‐grade gold ore shoots have long axes that plunge down dip; this direction is perpendicular to the long axes of the low‐grade ore bodies. The centres of the high‐grade ore bodies align within the low‐grade ore bodies along strike in both gently and steeply dipping groups. The range of sizes and shapes of the ore bodies are interpreted as a growth sequence. Geometrical models are proposed for the gently and steeply dipping ore bodies, in which individual ore bodies grow with long axes plunging down dip, and merge to form larger, more oblate ore bodies. The models show that when three or more ore bodies coalesce, the long axis of the merged ore body is perpendicular to the component ore bodies, and that ore bodies in the deposit may have a range of shapes due to both growth of individual ore bodies, and their coalescence. The long axes of the high‐grade ore bodies are parallel to the shear directions of both the gently and steeply dipping dip slip shear zones, which were the directions of greatest permeability and fluid flow. The larger, lower grade bodies, which may have formed by coalescence, are elongate perpendicular to these directions.
Infliximab (Remicade®): from bench to clinical practice. A paradigm shift in rheumatology practice
Authors: HSIA Elizabeth C. , RULEY Kristin M. , RAHMAN Mahboob U. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractInfliximab (Remicade®) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds tumour necrosis factor–alpha (TNF‐α) and inhibits its biologic activity. Infliximab has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of a variety of immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease (CD), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), ulcerative colitis (UC), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This is a brief review of the development of infliximab primarily in RA and CD; the pathogenesis of RA and CD as applicable to TNF‐α activity; conventional therapies available for RA and CD; early clinical trials and those leading to approval for RA, CD and other indications; coadministration with methotrexate (MTX), and the safety of infliximab as a therapeutic agent for IMIDs.
Effectiveness of a modified dosing regimen with a lower maintenance dose of infliximab in the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and spondyloarthropathy
Authors: CHAN K. Y. , LEE K. L. , HSU E. , MA K. Y. , LEE K. W. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective:  Anti‐tumour necrosis factor therapy offers hope to patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and spondyloarthropathy (SpA) refractory to conventional disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However, it is expensive with the standard recommended dosing (5 mg/kg) every 6–8 weeks. We assess the effectiveness of treating AS and SpA with a modified lower maintenance dosing regimen of infliximab.Methods:  An open‐labelled, prospective trial with subjects recruited from a local tertiary hospital. Patients either fulfilled the modified New York criteria for classification of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group (ESSG) classification criteria for SpA with active disease. After induction with infliximab at 5 mg/kg at week 0 and 2 (induction period), patients were given 3 mg/kg at week 6 and then 8‐weekly (maintenance period) to 22 weeks. The patients were assessed with a standard protocol to 30 weeks. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, c‐reactive protein, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score, VAS global health score (GH), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) were recorded. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Assessment (ASAS) 20, ASAS 40 and ASAS 5/6 were determined at the end of the study.Results:  Eighteen Chinese patients were recruited (16 AS, 2 SpA; M : F 8 : 10), with the mean age of 38.2 years and mean disease duration of 8 years. Nine patients had extra‐articular manifestations (9 uveitis, 1 aortic valve insufficiency, 1 colitis). Thirteen of these were on concurrent DMARDs. When comparing baseline with 6, 14, 22 or 30 weeks, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, c‐reactive protein, VAS pain, VAS GH, BASDAI and BASFI all achieved a statistical significant reduction. Half of the patients (9/18) achieved ASAS20 and ASAS40, whereas 61.1% (11/18) achieved ASAS5/6 at the end of the study. Partial remission was achieved in 22.2% (4/18) of subjects studied. Improvement in VAS pain score, VAS GH and BASFI after the induction period was sustained during the maintenance period.Conclusion:  The modified dosing regimen with a lower maintenance dosage of infliximab was feasible and effective in the treatment of spondyloarthropathy. This would allow more patients to access and afford the therapy. A larger cohort with longer follow‐up would be useful to assess structural changes as well as confirmation of our current findings.
Experience with anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α therapy in India
Authors: KUMAR Ashok 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAims:  To review the Indian experience with anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α therapy.Methods:  ‘PubMed’ and ‘IndMED’ were searched for Indian studies on anti‐TNF‐α therapy. Data were compiled and analysed.Results:  Data on infliximab from 176 patients from five different series were collated. One hundred and forty‐seven had ankylosing spondylitis (AS), nine had polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 12 had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), six had undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy, one had inflammatory bowel disease‐related spondyloarthritis and one had psoriatic arthritis. Thus, 155/176. (88%) had spondyloarthropathy (SpA). No screening for latent tuberculosis was done in any of the studies. One series comprising 108 cases of AS, used 3 mg/kg infliximab infusions (instead of 5 mg/kg) at 8‐weekly intervals with omission of the 2‐week and 6‐week doses. All others with SpA (n = 47) followed the standard protocol: 171/176 patients had a significant improvement. Reactivation tuberculosis developed in 5/47 (10.6%) SpA patients treated with standard doses of infliximab. This amounted to 56 times increased risk compared to baseline (0.187%). None of the 129 patients treated with 3 mg/kg infusions of infliximab developed reactivation tuberculosis (AS −108, RA −12, JIA −9). The lone study on etanercept showed good efficacy in 40 patients with RA. However, seven serious adverse events occurred.Conclusions:  Infliximab showed expected efficacy in SpA, RA and JIA. Reactivation tuberculosis developed in 10.6% of the SpA group treated with standard regimen. Patients treated with lower doses of infliximab which included a large subgroup of SpA patients and those with RA or JIA did not develop tuberculosis.
Clinical experience with infliximab among Filipino patients with rheumatic diseases
Authors: NAVARRA Sandra V. , RASO Anne‐Annette , LICHAUCO Juan Javier , TAN Perry P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim:  To describe the clinical experience with infliximab among Filipino patients with rheumatic diseases, specifically disease indications, dose regimens, clinical response, and adverse events.Methods:  We reviewed the data on Filipino patients who were given infliximab by rheumatologists for a rheumatic disease indication. The case report form included demographic profile, underlying rheumatic disease, comorbidities, concurrent medications, dose and frequency of infliximab, physicians’ assessment of clinical response, and adverse events. The frequency of doses, intervals between doses, and discontinuation status were recorded.Results:  Included were 64 patients (35 females), with a mean age of 44 years. Most (41%) had rheumatoid arthritis, followed by psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis (31.2%) and ankylosing spondylitis (17.2%). Average disease duration from diagnosis to initiation of infliximab therapy was 7.6 years ± 6.7 SD. Among 35 patients, the interval between maintenance infusions ranged from 6 to 13.6 weeks, with a mean of 8.27 weeks. Clinical response was good to excellent in more than 80% of patients. Discontinuation rate was 10.9% and 28.1% at 3 and 12 months, respectively. Infusion‐related adverse events were mild and transient, and 14 (21.8%) cases of infection resolved with appropriate therapy. Infliximab was temporarily withheld in five (7.8%) patients with active tuberculosis.Summary:  These findings substantiate the superior clinical efficacy of infliximab and manageable adverse events among Filipinos with rheumatic diseases. It also demonstrates dose regimens in clinical practice in a third world setting with limited resources.
The use of anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α therapies for rheumatoid arthritis in Singapore
Authors: THONG B. Y. H. , VASOO S. , KOH E. T. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAnti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α (anti‐TNF‐α) agents are biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used in the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We describe the demographic and therapeutic profiles of 22 patients who received anti‐TNF‐α therapy for RA in two hospitals in Singapore. The majority of patients were female, middle‐aged, full‐time working adults with limitation in their social or vocational activities. The mean RA disease duration was 101.4 ± 101.6 months (3.4–401.3). All received conventional DMARDs for a mean of almost 7 years before starting anti‐TNF‐α, with the majority having failed two or more DMARDs. The most commonly used anti‐TNF‐α therapies were infliximab (90.9%), etanercept (18.2%) and adalimumab (4.5%). Only one patient developed a major infection, while three developed minor infections requiring temporary cessation of anti‐TNF‐α therapy. There were no cases of malignancy, drug‐induced lupus, demyelinating disease or congestive heart failure during an average of 36.9 ± 21.9 months (3.9–63.0) from initiation of therapy.
Adverse effects of tumour necrosis factor‐α blocking agents
Authors: PARK Kyung‐Su , PARK Sung‐Hwan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractTumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) blocking agents have been proved to be very effective in the treatment of various inflammatory rheumatic diseases which are refractory to conventional disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs. However, anti‐TNF‐α therapy may have adverse effects on host defence against infectious agents in which TNF‐α plays a pivotal role. In addition, there are reports about neurologic, autoimmune, cardiac, and malignant diseases associated with TNF‐α blocking agents. This article summarizes the adverse effects and safety of these agents.
Extended indications for anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α therapy
Authors: YOON Chong‐Hyeon , KIM Ho‐Youn 
Published: July 2006

AbstractTumour necrosis factor‐α is a pleiotropic cytokine which has a broad range of actions in inflammation, infection and immunity. TNF‐α is supposed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. TNF‐α blocking agents have been demonstrated to be highly effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. TNF‐α inhibitors also have been tried with other rheumatic diseases and have emerged as promising treatments. We here review the current evidences of effectiveness of the anti‐TNF‐α therapy in various autoimmune diseases.
Anti‐tumor necrosis factor therapy: the Australian experience
Authors: NASH Peter 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAnti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy for the management of rheumatic diseases has been reimbursed in Australia progressively per agent and disease indication since 2003. Initial projections of uptake were grossly overestimated. In this article the anti‐TNF experience in Australia is reviewed, including results of an eligibility study, Australian Rheumatology Association guidelines, anti‐TNF registry, and a report of adverse effects. These observations may assist APLAR countries currently coming to terms with anti‐TNF drug registration and funding.
Implications of Clinical Subtypes of Migraine With Aura
Authors: Eriksen Malene Kirchmann , Thomsen Lise Lykke , Olesen Jes 
Published: July 2006

Objective.—To compare the clinical characteristics of familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), sporadic hemiplegic migraine (SHM), and nonhemiplegic migraine with aura (NHMA) and further, to compare subtypes of NHMA.Background.—To discover distinct underlying genetic and pathophysiological mechanisms it is crucial to drive clinical subdivision of migraine with aura as far as possible. The documentation of subtypes of migraine with aura depends on the clinical characteristics as the genetic mechanisms are unknown except for the dominantly inherited FHM.Methods.—Patients with FHM, SHM, or familial NHMA were recruited from specialist practice and diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) in a validated interview by a physician. Patients with hemiplegic migraine had a physical and neurological examination. Patients with population‐based NHMA from a previous Danish study were used for comparison.Results.—We recruited 147 patients with FHM, 105 with SHM, and 362 with familial NHMA. FHM and SHM had similar aura and headache characteristics. Patients with FHM and SHM were more likely to experience two or more aura symptoms (100% vs. 31%, P < .0001), they more often had prolonged aura symptoms, they almost always had a headache associated with the aura (93% vs. 58%, P < .0001), and they more frequently had basilar‐type symptoms (69% vs. 10%, P < .0001) than patients with population‐based NHMA. Patients with familial NHMA were more likely to experience two or more aura symptoms than patients with population‐based NHMA (61% vs. 32%, P < .0001). Within the subtypes of NHMA, patients with typical aura with migraine headache had an earlier age at onset (20 ± 10 vs. 23 ± 13 years, P= .044) and a higher co‐occurrence of migraine without aura (43% vs. 22%, P= .002) than patients with typical aura with nonmigraine headache.Conclusions.—The present study proves that distinct subtypes of migraine with aura exist. It further underlines the phenotypic differences between the different subtypes of migraine with aura which likely are caused by different etiological mechanisms. In future studies FHM, SHM, and NHMA therefore should be analyzed as separate entities and patients with NHMA may be stratified by ICHD‐2 subtype of NHMA.
Proinflammatory Cytokines, Adhesion Molecules, and Lymphocyte Integrin Expression in the Internal Jugular Blood of Migraine Patients Without Aura Assessed Ictally
Authors: Sarchielli Paola , Alberti Andrea , Baldi Antonio , Coppola Francesca , Rossi Cristiana , Pierguidi Laura , Floridi Alessandro , Calabresi Paolo 
Published: July 2006

Objective.—The aim of the present research was to verify the levels of the soluble adhesion molecules sL‐ and sE‐selectins, intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)‐1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 in serial samples of internal jugular venous blood taken from migraine patients without aura (MWoA) during attacks. The expression of leukocyte function antigen (LFA)‐1 and very late activation antigen (VLA)‐4 was also assessed on lymphocytes obtained from jugular venous blood. Levels of certain proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α[TNF‐α], interleukin‐1β[IL‐1β], IL‐4, and IL‐6) were also determined and correlated with those of adhesion molecules.Patients and Methods.—Seven MWoA patients were admitted in the hospital during attacks and blood samples were taken immediately after catheter insertion, at 1, 2, and 4 hours after attack onset, and within 2 hours after its termination. The levels of adhesion molecules and cytokines were measured with ELISA method. The expression of LFA‐1 and VLA‐4 was assessed by flow cytometry.Results.—A parallel transient increase of sICAM‐1, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 was observed in the first 2 hours after attack onset compared with the time of catheter insertion (P < .0001, <.001, and <.003, respectively). The proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells expressing high levels of LFA‐1 showed instead a progressive down‐regulation with significantly lower percentages at 2 and 4 hours after attack onset (P < .01 and <.022, respectively). No variation in the percentage of VLA‐4 expressing cells was observed at any time of the study.Conclusions.—The transient increase in sICAM‐1 and TNF‐α found in the internal jugular blood of MWoA patients assessed ictally can be induced by sensory neuropeptides released from activated trigeminal endings. The progressive decrease in sICAM‐1 levels during attacks and the down‐regulation of LFA‐1 expression by lymphocytes could antagonize their transvascular migration, supporting the hypothesis of sterile inflammation in the dura mater during migraine attacks.
Sumatriptan Nasal Spray in Adolescent Migraineurs: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Acute Study
Authors: Winner Paul , Rothner A. David , Wooten John D. , Webster Chris , Ames Michael 
Published: July 2006

Objective.—To compare the efficacy and tolerability of sumatriptan nasal spray (NS) (5, 20 mg) versus placebo in the acute treatment of migraine in adolescent subjects.Background.—Currently, no triptan is approved in the United States for the treatment of migraine in adolescent subjects (12 to 17 years). In a previous randomized, placebo‐controlled study of 510 adolescent subjects, sumatriptan NS at 5, 10, and 20 mg doses was well tolerated. However, the primary efficacy analysis for headache relief with 20 mg at 2 hours did not demonstrate statistical significance (P= .059). A second study was initiated to evaluate the efficacy of sumatriptan NS in this population.Methods.—This was a randomized (1:1:1), placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, parallel‐group study. Overall, 738 adolescent subjects (mean age: 14 years) with ≥6‐month history of migraine (with or without aura) self‐treated a single attack of moderate or severe migraine. The primary endpoints were headache relief at 1 hour and sustained relief from 1 to 24 hours. Pain‐free rates, presence/absence of associated symptoms, headache recurrence, and use of rescue medications were also assessed. Tolerability was based on adverse events (AEs) and vital signs.Results.—Sumatriptan NS 20 mg provided greater headache relief than placebo at 30 minutes (42% vs. 33%, respectively; P= .046) and 2 hours (68% vs. 58%; P= .025) postdose, but did not reach statistical significance at 1 hour (61% vs. 52%; P= .087) or for sustained headache relief from 1 to 24 hours (P= .061). Significant differences (P < .05) in favor of sumatriptan NS 20 mg over placebo were observed for several secondary efficacy endpoints including sustained relief from 2 to 24 hours. In general, sumatriptan NS 5 mg percentages were slightly higher than placebo but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Both doses of sumatriptan NS were well tolerated. No AEs were serious or led to study withdrawal. The most common event was taste disturbance (2%, placebo; 19%, sumatriptan NS 5 mg; 25%, sumatriptan NS 20 mg).Conclusions.—This study suggests that sumatriptan may be beneficial to some adolescents and is generally well tolerated in the acute treatment of migraine in this population.
Population‐Based U.S. Study of Severe Headaches in Adults: Psychological Distress and Comorbidities
Authors: Strine Tara W. , Chapman Daniel P. , Balluz Lina S. 
Published: July 2006

Objective.—To examine the associations between severe headaches (SH), psychological distress, and comorbid conditions among U.S. adults.Background.—The lifetime prevalence of headaches is over 90% and headaches, particularly migraines, have been associated with disability, increased healthcare costs, and mood disorders.Methods.—We analyzed data obtained from adults aged 18 years or older (n = 29,828) who participated in the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, an ongoing, computer‐assisted personal interview of a representative sample of the U.S. population.Results.—Approximately 15.1% of adults aged 18 years or older reported SH in the previous 3 months. Those reporting such headaches were significantly more likely, than those who did not, to report insomnia, excessive sleepiness, recurrent pain, and depressive or anxiety symptoms during the preceding 12 months. Approximately 88% of those who reported having had SH within the previous 3 months also indicated that they had at least one comorbid medical condition, relative to 67% of those without SH.Conclusion.—Despite their episodic nature, our results suggest that SH are associated with impairments in both physical and mental health. As the presence of SH may serve as an indicator of significant psychological distress and medical comorbidities, eliciting information about their occurrence during a standard medical examination appears to be warranted.
The Relation of Brain Ouabain‐Like Compounds and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Borsody Mark , Semenov Irene , Carroll Kathleen , Kessler Amy , Dubow Jordan , Olson Edward , Stern Jennifer , Barion Ana , Hammond Chris , Van Stavern Gregory , Raizer Jeffrey , White Rosalyn , Leenen Frans 
Published: July 2006

Objectives.—To determine the relationship between levels of ouabain‐like compounds (OLC) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the occurence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).Background.—OLC are naturally occurring inhibitors of the sodium‐potassium ATPase that are found in the CSF of mammals. Since the production of CSF is dependent upon sodium‐potassium ATPase activity, and since there is evidence that the increased intracranial pressure found in the condition of IIH may be the result of increased CSF production, we hypothesized that the level of endogenous OLC would be reduced in the CSF of patients with IIH.Methods.—CSF samples were obtained from n = 7 patients with IIH and n = 31 patients with neurological disorders other than IIH (“control” patients) who had lumbar puncture as part of their routine evaluation or treatment. The concentration of OLC in the CSF samples was measured using an established ELISA.Results.—Patients with IIH exhibited a concentration of OLC in the CSF of 0.11 ± 0.03 ng/mL. In comparison, the concentration of OLC in CSF samples from non‐IIH control patients was 0.12 ± 0.01 ng/mL. These values were not statistically different when compared with a t‐test (P= 0.31). However, the concentration of OLC did negatively correlate to the opening pressure on lumbar puncture, but only in the IIH group (r=−0.80, P= .03). Furthermore, IIH patients who were newly diagnosed or who were unsuccessfully treated (n = 5 of 7 IIH patients) exhibited OLC concentrations of 0.06 ± 0.1 ng/mL, which is nearly lower than that of the control group (P= .06).Conclusions.—The average concentration of OLC in IIH patients (treated and untreated) is unlikely to be distinguishable from that in non‐IIH control patients with other neurological conditions. However, the concentration of OLC may be inversely related to the intracranial pressure in patients with IIH, and it may prove to be lower in the subgroup of untreated and unsuccessfully treated IIH patients.