bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical decompression versus local steroid injection in carpal tunnel syndrome: A one‐year, prospective, randomized, open, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ly‐Pen Domingo , Andréu José‐Luis , de Blas Gema , Sánchez‐Olaso Alberto , Millán Isabel 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveOptimal treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has not been established. This study compared the effects of local steroid injection versus surgical decompression in new‐onset CTS of at least 3 months' duration.MethodsIn a 1‐year, prospective, randomized, open, controlled clinical trial, we studied the effects of surgical decompression versus local steroid injection in 163 wrists with a clinical and neurophysiologic diagnosis of CTS. Clinical assessments were done at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. The primary end point was the percentage of wrists that reached a ≥20% improvement in the visual analog scale score for nocturnal paresthesias at 3 months of followup. Statistical analysis was done by Student's t‐test for continuous variables and by chi‐square test for categorical variables. Analyses were performed on an intent‐to‐treat basis. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsBoth treatment groups had comparable severity of CTS at baseline. Eighty wrists were randomly assigned to the surgery group and 83 wrists to the local steroid injection group. In the intent‐to‐treat analysis, at 3 months of followup, 94.0% of the wrists in the steroid injection group versus 75.0% in the surgery group reached a 20% response for nocturnal paresthesias (P = 0.001). At 6 and 12 months, the percentages of responders were 85.5% versus 76.3% (P = 0.163) and 69.9% versus 75.0% (P = 0.488), for local steroid injection and surgical decompression, respectively.ConclusionOver the short term, local steroid injection is better than surgical decompression for the symptomatic relief of CTS. At 1 year, local steroid injection is as effective as surgical decompression for the symptomatic relief of CTS.
CXCL13 neutralization reduces the severity of collagen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Zheng Biao , Ozen Zeynep , Zhang Xuejun , De Silva Swanthri , Marinova Ekaterina , Guo Linjie , Wansley Daniel , Huston David P. , West Michael R. , Han Shuhua 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of CXCL13 in the development and pathogenesis of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA), and to determine the mechanisms involved in the modulation of arthritogenic response by CXCL13 neutralization.MethodsMice were immunized with type II collagen (CII) and treated with anti‐CXCL13 or control antibodies during boosting. Mice were monitored for the development and severity of arthritis. The effects of CXCL13 neutralization on immune response to CII were evaluated by cytokine production by CII‐specific T cells and CII‐specific antibody production. Follicular response in the spleen and in synovial tissue was determined by in situ immunohistology.ResultsMice receiving neutralizing antibodies to CXCL13 developed significantly less severe arthritis compared with mice injected with phosphate buffered saline or control antibodies. Follicular response both in the spleen and in synovial tissue was inhibited by anti‐CXCL13 treatment. Injection with anti‐CXCL13 antibodies did not significantly affect antigen‐specific recall lymphocyte proliferation or type 1 cytokine production in vitro. Antibody response specific to CII was not inhibited by anti‐CXCL13 treatment. However, anti‐CXCL13 treatment induced significantly higher levels of interleukin‐10 production after in vitro CII stimulation.ConclusionNeutralization of CXCL13 inhibits the development of CIA and reduces follicular response in both lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. These findings may have important implications regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of autoimmune arthritis.
Identification of the epidermal growth factor–TM7 receptor EMR2 and its ligand dermatan sulfate in rheumatoid synovial tissue
Authors: Kop Else N. , Kwakkenbos Mark J. , Teske Gwendoline J. D. , Kraan Maarten C. , Smeets Tom J. , Stacey Martin , Lin Hsi‐Hsien , Tak Paul P. , Hamann Jörg 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveEMR2 and CD97 are closely related members of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)–TM7 family of adhesion class 7‐span transmembrane (TM7) receptors. Chondroitin sulfates (CS) have recently been identified as ligands for EMR2 and CD97. CS have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We undertook this study to determine the expression of EMR2 and the distribution of EMR2 and CD97 ligands within RA synovial tissue (ST).MethodsST samples were obtained by arthroscopy from 19 patients with RA, 13 patients with inflammatory osteoarthritis (OA), and 13 patients with reactive arthritis (ReA). Immunohistochemistry was performed with a monoclonal antibody against EMR2, and stained STs were analyzed by digital image analysis. Coexpression of EMR2 with cell lineage– and activation‐specific markers was determined by double immunofluorescence microscopy. To evaluate the expression of EMR2 and CD97 ligands in RA synovium, binding assays were performed using EMR2‐ and CD97‐specific multivalent fluorescent probes.ResultsEMR2 expression in the synovial sublining was found to be significantly higher in RA patients compared with OA and ReA control patients. Most EMR2+ cells were macrophages and dendritic cells expressing costimulatory molecules and tumor necrosis factor α. Dermatan sulfate was shown to be the ligand of the largest isoforms of EMR2 and CD97 in rheumatoid synovium. In addition, the smaller isoforms of CD97, but not those of EMR2, bound CD55 on fibroblast‐like synoviocytes.ConclusionThe EGF‐TM7 receptors EMR2 and CD97 are abundantly expressed on myeloid cells in ST of RA patients where their cognate ligands dermatan sulfate and CD55 are detected. These results suggest that these interactions may facilitate the retention of activated macrophages in the synovium.
Suppressive oligodeoxynucleotides delay the onset of glomerulonephritis and prolong survival in lupus‐prone NZB × NZW mice
Authors: Dong Li , Ito Shuichi , Ishii Ken J. , Klinman Dennis M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveSynthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) expressing TTAGGG motifs suppress the production of proinflammatory cytokines and have been proven effective at blocking the development of certain organ‐specific autoimmune diseases. We undertook this study to determine whether suppressive ODN alter the development of systemic autoimmunity, by evaluating their effect on the progression of lupus‐like disease in NZB × NZW (NZB/NZW) mice.MethodsWe repeatedly treated mice with suppressive ODN before or after the onset of proteinuria. We monitored the effect of treatment on the onset, severity, and immunologic correlates of disease.ResultsTreatment with suppressive ODN significantly prolonged lifespan while delaying the onset and progression of glomerulonephritis in NZB/NZW mice. Clinical improvement was accompanied by a significant reduction in anti–double‐stranded DNA autoantibody production and by significantly reduced secretion of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐12 in vivo.ConclusionSuppressive ODN may be of benefit in the treatment of chronic systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
Efficacy and safety of infliximab in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: Results of a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial (ASSERT)
Authors: van der Heijde Désirée , Dijkmans Ben , Geusens Piet , Sieper Joachim , DeWoody Kimberly , Williamson Paul , Braun Jürgen 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveThe signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) respond inadequately to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs in quite a number of patients. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have demonstrated success in reducing AS disease activity in a limited number of clinical trials. The objective of this multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab in patients with AS.MethodsPatients were randomly assigned to receive infusions of placebo or 5 mg/kg infliximab at weeks 0, 2, 6, 12, and 18. Efficacy was assessed using the ASsessment in Ankylosing Spondylitis (ASAS) International Working Group criteria, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), night pain, patient's global assessment, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), chest expansion, the Mander enthesis index, the total swollen joint index, the C‐reactive protein level, and the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) health survey questionnaire. The primary end point in this study was the proportion of patients with a 20% improvement response according to the ASAS International Working Group criteria (ASAS20 responders) at week 24.ResultsOf the 357 patients screened, 201 were assigned to receive 5 mg/kg infliximab and 78 were assigned to receive placebo. After 24 weeks, 61.2% of patients in the infliximab group were ASAS20 responders compared with 19.2% of patients in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Clinical benefit was observed in patients receiving infliximab as early as week 2 and was maintained over the 24‐week study period. Patients receiving infliximab also showed significant improvements in the BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, chest expansion, and physical component summary score of the SF‐36. Adverse events were reported by 82.2% of patients receiving infliximab and by 72.0% of patients receiving placebo; however, most adverse events in both treatment groups were mild or moderate in severity.ConclusionInfliximab was well tolerated and effective in a large cohort of patients with AS during a 24‐week study period.
Long‐term open‐label preliminary study of the safety and efficacy of leflunomide in patients with polyarticular‐course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Silverman Earl , Spiegel Lynn , Hawkins David , Petty Ross , Goldsmith Donald , Schanberg Laura , Duffy Ciaran , Howard Paul , Strand Vibeke 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo obtain preliminary data regarding the efficacy and long‐term safety of leflunomide in patients with refractory polyarticular‐course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).MethodsTwenty‐seven patients were entered into the initial 26‐week open‐label study of leflunomide therapy; 17 entered the extension phase (maximum 107 weeks). Mean disease duration at study entry was 7.0 years. All patients had ≥5 joints with active arthritis and had received methotrexate for a mean of 36.0 months. Following a loading dose, patients initially received leflunomide at a dosage of 10 mg/1.73 m2/day, which could be increased to 20 mg/1.73 m2/day (maximum 20 mg/day) beginning at week 8. The primary efficacy outcome was the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Pediatric 30 (Pedi 30) criteria for improvement. Last observation carried forward (LOCF) analysis was used, and all patients were entered into an intent‐to‐treat analysis. Intraarticular corticosteroids (maximum of 2 in the initial 26 weeks) were allowed, but no new disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug or change in nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug was allowed throughout the study.ResultsSeventeen of the 27 patients (63%) completed the initial 26‐week study. Fourteen patients (52%) met the ACR Pedi 30 response criteria at week 26. Seventeen patients entered into the extension phase (13 who met response criteria and 4 who failed to meet response criteria but decided to continue). Nine of the 17 patients (53%) who entered the extension phase either completed all 30 months of study or the study ended prior to the month 30 visit. Five patients withdrew because of failure to maintain efficacy, 2 withdrew their consent, and 1 withdrew because of an adverse event. Using LOCF analysis, 65% of patients met ACR Pedi 30 response criteria at 1 year and 2 years (weeks 50 and 106, respectively) and 53% at the end of the study. Good response rates were also seen using ACR Pedi 50 and ACR Pedi 70 criteria (47% and 24% at week 106, respectively).ConclusionIn this open‐label study of JRA patients who either failed to respond to, or were intolerant of, methotrexate, the majority met the ACR Pedi 30 response criteria at week 26. The response was durable, since 53% of patients who entered into the extension phase (maximum 30 months) responded at the end of this phase. Our findings support the further study of the role of leflunomide in the treatment of polyarticular‐course JRA.
The impact of increased lupus activity on obstetric outcomes
Authors: Clowse Megan E. B. , Magder Laurence S. , Witter Frank , Petri Michelle 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveSystemic lupus erythematosus is associated with multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes. We examined the impact of disease activity on spontaneous abortions, perinatal mortality, preterm delivery, and birth weight.MethodsThe study was designed to assess all pregnancies in a cohort of lupus patients who were observed prospectively from 1987 to 2002. At each visit, the physician's estimate of lupus activity was determined on a visual analog scale (high‐activity lupus defined as a score of ≥2). Disease activity in each trimester was compared. We assessed the impact of high‐activity lupus during pregnancy on gestational age, live birth rate, and small for gestational age babies. Potential confounders, including demographics of the women as well as maternal history of lupus, renal lupus, and antiphosphoplipid antibody syndrome, were analyzed through multivariate analysis.ResultsTwo hundred sixty‐seven pregnancies were observed. Of these, 229 (85.8%) resulted in a live birth. High‐activity lupus occurred in 57 pregnancies (21%). Fewer pregnancies among women with high‐activity lupus ended with live births (77% versus 88% of those with low‐activity lupus; P = 0.063). Full‐term delivery was achieved in 15 pregnancies (26%) among women with high‐activity lupus, compared with 127 pregnancies (61%) achieving full‐term in those with no or mild lupus activity (P < 0.001). High‐activity lupus in the first and second trimesters led to a 3‐fold increase in pregnancy loss (miscarriages and perinatal mortality).ConclusionHigh‐activity lupus during pregnancy leads to increased premature birth and a decrease in live births, with almost one‐quarter of these pregnancies resulting in fetal loss. Pregnancies in lupus patients must be closely watched and treated during all trimesters to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Association of the R92Q TNFRSF1A mutation and extracranial deep vein thrombosis in patients with Behçet's disease
Authors: Amoura Zahir , Dodé Catherine , Hue Sophie , Caillat‐Zucman Sophie , Bahram Seiamak , Delpech Marc , Grateau Gilles , Wechsler Bertrand , Piette Jean‐Charles 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveBehçet's disease is a chronic, relapsing, multisystemic inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers and by ocular, articular, vascular, and central nervous system involvement. The tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) pathway is likely involved in the pathophysiology of Behçet's disease. One of the 2 TNFα receptors is TNF receptor superfamily 1A (TNFRSF1A). We searched for R92Q TNFRSF1A mutations in patients with Behçet's disease.MethodsA search for TNFRSF1A mutations was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the TNFRSF1A gene, followed by denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography scanning.ResultsAmong the 74 unrelated European patients with Behçet's disease, 5 (6.8%) carried the R92Q TNFRSF1A mutation. The frequency of the R92Q mutation in patients with Behçet's disease was significantly higher than that in controls (P = 0.006 by Fisher's exact test). Deep vein thrombosis was significantly associated with the R92Q mutation (P = 0.001 [with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons]). Among the 30 patients with thrombosis, 10 had cerebral thrombophlebitis. None of these patients had the R92Q mutation. Among the 20 patients with Behçet's disease who had extracranial deep vein thrombosis, 6 had the R92Q mutation, whereas 14 did not (P < 0.0001)ConclusionThe R92Q mutation in patients with Behçet's disease is associated with an increased risk of extracranial venous thrombosis. This new finding may help in understanding the complex prothrombotic state in patients with Behçet's disease.
Chaos in a quasar model with a disk and a massive nucleus
Authors: Papadopoulos N. J. , Caranicolas N. D. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe present a quasar model with a rotating disk and a massive nucleus. We use this model in order to characterize the motion in the model (regular or chaotic) and to connect the extent of the chaotic regions to the physical parameters of the model. Numerical experiments suggest that, there are connections between the extent of the chaotic areas and the parameters of the system. Furthermore, it is shown that the form of numerically found relationships can be expressed analytically. Comparison to previous work is also made. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A new algorithm for differential photometry: computing anoptimum artificial comparison star
Authors: Broeg Ch. , Fernández M. , Neuhäuser R. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractOur new algorithm for differential photometry solves the problem of identifying proper comparison stars without a prior detailed study of the field of view. The comparison stars' variability is determined in a self‐consistent way, and their weighted average is used as a reference level. The maximum error in differential photometry using objects and reference stars of different spectral types is estimated. The results from these calculations show that the photometric band chosen greatly determines the level of accuracy achieved. Finally, an important application of high‐precision differential photometry are planetary transits. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Weighing the cusp at the Galactic Centre
Authors: Mouawad N. , Eckart A. , Pfalzner S. , Schödel R. , Moultaka J. , Spurzem R. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractAs stars close to the galactic centre have short orbital periods it has been possible to trace large fractions of their orbits in the recent years. Previously the data of the orbit of the star S2 have been fitted with Keplerian orbits corresponding to a massive black hole (MBH) with a mass of MBH = 3–4 × 106M⊙ implying an insignificant cusp mass. However, it has also been shown that the central black hole resides in a ∼1″ diameter stellar cluster of a priori unknown mass. In a spherical potential which is neither Keplerian nor harmonic, orbits will precess resulting in inclined rosetta shaped trajectories on the sky. In this case, the assumption of non‐Keplerian orbits is a more physical approach. It is also the only approach through which cusp mass information can be obtained via stellar dynamics of the cusp members. This paper presents the first exemplary modelling efforts in this direction. Using positional and radial data of star S2, we find that there could exist an unobserved extended mass component of several 105M⊙ forming a so‐called ‘cusp’ centered on the black hole position. Considering only the fraction of the cusp mass M within the apo‐center of the S2 orbit we find as an upper limit that M/(MBH + M) ≤ 0.05. A large extended cusp mass, if present, is unlikely to be composed of sub‐solar mass constituents, but could be explained rather well by a cluster of high M/L stellar remnants, which we find to form a stable configuration. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigations of Stephenson's Hα stars
Authors: Emprechtinger M. , Kimeswenger S. , Kronberger T. , Mair M. , Weratschnig J. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractHitherto unstudied objects from Stephenson's list of Hα emission line objects at high galactic latitude were observed spectroscopically to prove their nature. 9 out of 11 objects show Hα in emission. Spectroscopy combined with photometric information indicates most of them being classical Be stars, while one object is a Post‐AGB star and one a T‐Tauri star. The classification of two objects, which are showing Hα in emission, is unclear. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modellierung und Simulation von Chemiereaktoren – Aspekte einer zeitgemäßen Ingenieurausbildung
Authors: Hagen J. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractDie Durchführung chemischer Prozesse in der Technik unter möglichst optimalen Bedingungen setzt ein Grundverständnis für die Arbeitsweise von Chemiereaktoren voraus. Grundlage der Modellierung von Chemiereaktoren sind die Stoff‐ und Wärmebilanz und die Kinetik der Reaktion. Nur in einfachen Fällen lassen sich analytische Lösungen für Problemstellungen aus der Praxis durch Integration der Differentialgleichungen finden. Das in der Chemieingenieurausbildung eingesetzte Softwarepaket POLYMATH ist sehr anwenderfreundlich und einfach zu erlernen. Es wird u. a. eingesetzt, um gekoppelte Differentialgleichungen simultan zu lösen und Datenanalyse durch Regression durchzuführen. Mit einem einmal aufgestellten Modell lässt sich der Einfluss verschiedener Reaktionsparameter auf den Gesamtprozess leicht nachvollziehbar simulieren.
Selbstorganisation von Tensiden: Biomimetische Synthesen von Nanomaterialien
Authors: Rehage Heinz 
Published: February 2005

AbstractTenside sind amphiphile Moleküle, die sich an Grenzflächen anreichern und im Inneren von Lösungen definierte Aggregate (Mizellen) bilden. Im Bereich höherer Konzentrationen dienen die Mizellen wiederum als Bausteine für komplexe, dreidimensionale Strukturen, die isotrope oder anisotrope Eigenschaften besitzen. All diese verschiedenen Phasen bilden sich durch Prozesse der Selbstorganisation; eine fundamentale Eigenschaft, die auch lebende Systeme kennzeichnet. Aufgrund ihrer geringen Größe, der leichten Herstellung und der verschiedenen Gestalt besitzen Tensidfilme und Tensidaggregate interessante Eigenschaften, die zur Herstellung verschiedener Arten von Kristallen und Nanomaterialien gezielt genutzt werden können.
Funktionalisierte Kohlenstoff‐Nanoröhren: Nanozylinder mit hohem Anwendungspotential
Authors: Balasubramanian Kannan , Burghard Marko 
Published: February 2005

AbstractLaborübliche Mengen an Kohlenstoff‐Nanoröhren sind mittlerweile erschwinglich und es stehen effektive Verfahren zu ihrer Reinigung zur Verfügung. Ihr Anwendungsspektrum erfährt durch die zur Verfügung stehenden Methoden zur chemischen Funktionalisierung eine erhebliche Bereicherung. Obwohl sich bereits mehrere Reaktionstypen für den Einsatz in der Nanoröhren‐Forschung etabliert haben, besteht noch erheblicher Klärungsbedarf hinsichtlich des Reaktionsmechanismus und der Struktur der modifizierten Röhren. Von Interesse ist ferner die Frage, inwieweit die chemische Reaktivität von der detaillierten Struktur der Röhren abhängt. Die weitere Entwicklung dieses faszinierenden Gebiets wird u.a. davon abhängen, ob spezifische Synthesemethoden für Nanoröhren mit gewünschter Struktur gefunden werden können.
Nanokomposite: anorganisch + organisch: Homogen und doch so heterogen
Authors: Kickelbick Guido 
Published: February 2005

AbstractDurch die Kombination von anorganischen und organischen Komponenten, wobei mindestens eine der Komponenten Dimensionen in der Nanometer‐Längenskala besitzt, werden anorganisch‐organische Nanokomposite erhalten. In diesem Beitrag werden insbesondere Prinzipien für die Herstellung stabiler und homogener Materialien erläutert. Anhand verschiedener Beispiele, von molekularen Bausteinen über Nanopartikeln bis hin zu schichtartig aufgebauten Mineralien und porösen Strukturen, wird auf die Verbindung der anorganischen Nanobausteine mit organischen Einheiten eingegangen. Die Eigenschaften der entstehenden Materialien sind durch die Kombination verschiedener Bausteine auf der Nanometerskala in einem Material vielfältig einstellbar.