bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stem cell therapy in a caprine model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Murphy J. Mary , Fink David J. , Hunziker Ernst B. , Barry Frank P. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the role that implanted mesenchymal stem cells may play in tissue repair or regeneration of the injured joint, by delivery of an autologous preparation of stem cells to caprine knee joints following induction of osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsAdult stem cells were isolated from caprine bone marrow, expanded in culture, and transduced to express green fluorescent protein. OA was induced unilaterally in the knee joint of donor animals by complete excision of the medial meniscus and resection of the anterior cruciate ligament. After 6 weeks, a single dose of 10 million autologous cells suspended in a dilute solution of sodium hyaluronan was delivered to the injured knee by direct intraarticular injection. Control animals received sodium hyaluronan alone.ResultsIn cell‐treated joints, there was evidence of marked regeneration of the medial meniscus, and implanted cells were detected in the newly formed tissue. Degeneration of the articular cartilage, osteophytic remodeling, and subchondral sclerosis were reduced in cell‐treated joints compared with joints treated with vehicle alone without cells. There was no evidence of repair of the ligament in any of the joints.ConclusionLocal delivery of adult mesenchymal stem cells to injured joints stimulates regeneration of meniscal tissue and retards the progressive destruction normally seen in this model of OA.
Longitudinal analysis of cartilage atrophy in the knees of patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Vanwanseele B. , Eckstein F. , Knecht H. , Spaepen A. , Stüssi E. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveA previous cross‐sectional study indicated that the morphology of patellar and tibial cartilage is subject to change after spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of this study was to perform a longitudinal analysis of cartilage atrophy in all knee compartments, including the femoral condyles, in SCI patients over 12 months.MethodsThe right knees of 9 patients with complete, traumatic SCI were examined shortly after the injury (mean ± SD 9 ± 4 weeks) and at 6 and 12 months postinjury. Three‐dimensional morphology of the patellar, tibial, and femoral cartilage (mean and maximum thickness, volume, and surface area) was determined from coronal and transversal magnetic resonance images (fat‐suppressed gradient‐echo sequences) using validated postprocessing techniques.ResultsThe mean thickness of knee joint cartilage decreased significantly during the first 6 months after injury (range 5–7%; P < 0.05). The mean change at 12 months was 9% in the patella, 11% in the medial tibia, 11% in the medial femoral condyle, 13% in the lateral tibia, and 10% in the lateral femoral condyle (P < 0.05 for all compartments).ConclusionThis is the first report of a longitudinal analysis of cartilage atrophy in patients with SCI. These data show that human cartilage atrophies in the absence of normal joint loading and movement after SCI, with a rate of change that is higher than that observed in osteoarthritis (OA). A potential clinical implication is that cartilage thinning after SCI may affect the stress distribution in the joint and render it vulnerable to OA. Future studies should focus on whether specific exercise protocols and rehabilitation programs can prevent cartilage thinning.
Fatigue fractures suggesting clinical monarthritis
Authors: Garcia‐Porrua Carlos , Armesto Victor , Mañana Paula , Gonzalez‐Gay Miguel A. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo examine etiologic factors, clinical features, and outcome in a series of consecutive patients with fatigue fractures diagnosed at a rheumatology division for a defined population over a 14‐month period.MethodsA prospective study of the patients diagnosed with fatigue fracture at the rheumatology division of the Hospital Xeral‐Calde (Lugo, Spain) between July 2000 and August 2001 was conducted. Hormonal status, body mass index, lifestyle, job, underlying diseases, and drug intake, which might be attributable risk factors for the stress fracture, were assessed. In all the patients a followup of at least 6 months was required.ResultsSix consecutive patients (4 women) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All of them were younger than 65 years (median 45 years; range 36–64 years) and had a body mass index lower than 25. In this series no distinctive occupation was found. The delay to diagnosis since the onset of symptoms ranged from 0.5 to 6 months (median 1.5). All patients but 1 were sent to the rheumatology division because of a clinical diagnosis of monarthritis. Pain and swelling were the presenting symptoms. Conventional radiographs were normal and fine needle aspiration of the joints yielded negative results for microcrystals and organisms. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed the presence and site of fracture in all the cases. Sequelae of mechanical pain and subsequent osteoarthritis were observed in the 3 cases with longer delay to diagnosis.ConclusionFatigue fractures are not exceptional in unselected adults. Rheumatologists should consider this diagnosis in patients presenting with monarthritis. Physician awareness is required to prevent the development of sequelae.
Spirituality, well‐being, and quality of life in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bartlett Susan J. , Piedmont Ralph , Bilderback Andrew , Matsumoto Alan K. , Bathon Joan M. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate spirituality, well‐being, and quality of life (QOL) among people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsQuestionnaires assessing positive and negative affect, depression, QOL and spirituality were completed. Disease activity was assessed by rheumatologic examination.ResultsWomen (n = 62) had a mean (± SD) age of 53.0 (± 13.0) years with 12 (± 13) swollen and tender joints (STJ). Men (n = 15) were 61.9 (± 13.0) years with 7 (± 11) STJ. Disease activity was associated (P< 0.05) positively with depression (r = 0.23), pain (r = 0.26), poorer self‐ratings of health (r = 0.29) and physical role limitations (r = 0.26). Spirituality was associated directly with positive affect (r = 0.26) and higher health perceptions (r = 0.29). In multiple regression, spirituality was an independent predictor of happiness and positive health perceptions, even after controlling disease activity and physical functioning, for age and mood.ConclusionSpirituality may facilitate emotional adjustment and resilience in people with RA by experiencing more positive feelings and attending to positive elements of their lives.
Management of depression in rheumatoid arthritis: A combined pharmacologic and cognitive‐behavioral approach
Authors: Parker Jerry C. , Smarr Karen L. , Slaughter James R. , Johnston Sandra K. , Priesmeyer Marydeth L. , Hanson Kathleen Donovan , Johnson Gail E. , Hewett James E. , Hewett John E. , Irvin William S. , Komatireddy Geetha R. , Walker Sara E. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of cognitive‐behavioral and pharmacologic treatment of depression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsSubjects (n = 54) with confirmed diagnoses of both major depression and RA were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 1) cognitive‐behavioral/pharmacologic group (CB‐PHARM), 2) attention‐control/pharmacologic group, or 3) pharmacologic control group. Measures of depression, psychosocial status, health status, pain, and disease activity were collected at baseline, posttreatment (10 weeks), 6‐month followup, and 15‐month followup. Data were analyzed to compare the treatment effectiveness of the groups; data also were aggregated to examine the effects of antidepressive medication over time. Lastly, a no‐treatment control group was defined from a cohort of persons who declined participation.ResultsBaseline comparisons on demographic and dependent measures revealed a need to assess covariates on age and education; baseline scores on dependent measures also were entered as covariates. Analyses of covariance revealed no statistically significant group differences at postintervention, 6‐month followup, or 15‐month followup, except higher state and trait anxiety scores for the CB‐PHARM group at the 15‐month followup. In the longitudinal analyses of the effects of antidepressive medication, significant improvement in psychological status and health status were found at posttreatment, 6‐month followup, and 15‐month followup, but no significant improvements were shown for pain or disease activity. In addition, the comparison of the aggregated pharmacologic group with a no‐treatment group revealed a statistically significant benefit for the 3 groups that received the antidepressive medication.ConclusionIn persons with RA, cognitive‐behavioral approaches to the management of depression were not found to be additive to antidepressant medication alone, but antidepressant intervention was superior to no treatment.
Thyroid dysfunction in primary Sjögren's syndrome: A long‐term followup study
Authors: d'Arbonneau Frédérique , Ansart Séverine , Berre Rozenn Le , Dueymes Maryvonne , Youinou Pierre , Pennec Yvon‐Louis 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and related autoantibodies in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), and to determine whether these abnormalities develop over time.MethodspSS patients (n = 137) and controls (n = 120) were investigated for thyroid dysfunction and for the presence of anti–thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti‐TPO) and antithyroglobulin antibody (ATG). Followup time for patients was 1–16 years, and 72 of the 120 controls were reevaluated 3 years after initial evaluation.ResultsThyroid disease was more frequent in the pSS patients than in the controls (30% versus 4%; P < 10‐4), as were anti‐TPO and ATG (11% versus 3%; P < 0.02, and 3% versus 1%, not significant). Ten of 107 euthyroid pSS patients dropped out of the study, and thyroid dysfunction became apparent at followup in 12 of the remaining 97. Most of the patients with thyroid‐related autoantibodies at entry developed autoimmune thyroid disease thereafter.ConclusionThyroid dysfunction is frequent in pSS patients, and those prone to develop thyroid disorders are identified by thyroid‐related autoantibodies, or by rheumatoid factor and anti‐Ro/SSA activity.
Domains of health‐related quality of life important to patients with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Hellmann David B. , Uhlfelder Misty L. , Stone John H. , Jenckes Mollie W. , Cid Maria C. , Guillevin Loic , Moreland Larry , Dellaripa Paul F. , Hoffman Gary S. , Merkel Peter A. , Spiera Robert , Brown Lin , Hernández‐Rodríguez José , Rubin Haya R. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo determine aspects of quality of life (QOL) important to people with giant cell arteritis (GCA).MethodsWe explored the domains of QOL affected by GCA in audiotaped focus groups. We then created an Importance Rating Questionnaire (IRQ) by constructing questions related to the domains most frequently mentioned. Of 214 GCA patients to whom the IRQ was sent, 145 (68%) responded. We calculated frequencies of responses and then ranked items by the proportion selecting the top category of importance and also according to a mean item rank. We compared the domains of QOL covered by the IRQ with those in the Short Form 12 (SF‐12).ResultsThe highest rated QOL item was “losing sight in both eyes permanently.” Of the top 20 items, 12 were in domains not covered directly by the SF‐12.ConclusionWe have identified aspects of QOL important to GCA patients. Assessment of QOL in GCA should include vision and other domains that are not included in standard QOL questionnaires.
Effects of concurrent strength and endurance training in women with early or longstanding rheumatoid arthritis: Comparison with healthy subjects
Authors: Häkkinen A. , Hannonen P. , Nyman K. , Lyyski T. , HÄkkinen K. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of a 21‐week concurrent strength and endurance training protocol on physical fitness profile in women with early or longstanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with healthy subjects.MethodsTwenty‐three female patients with RA volunteered for the study. Twelve had early RA and eleven had longstanding RA. Twelve healthy women served as controls. Maximal strength of different muscle groups was measured by dynamometers, walking speed with light cells, and vertical squat jump on the force platform to mirror explosive force. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured by gas analyzer. Six training sessions (3 strength training and 3 endurance training) were carried out in a 2‐week period for 21 weeks.ResultsThe training led to large gains in maximal strength both in women with RA and in healthy women (P < 0.043–0.001). The strength gains were accompanied by increases in walking speed (P < 0.034–0.001) and vertical squat jump (P < 0.034–0.001). Significant improvements also occurred in maximal aerobic capacity in all groups (P < 0.023–0.014).ConclusionsBoth early and longstanding RA patients with stable disease can safely improve all characteristics of their physical fitness profile using a progressive concurrent strength and endurance training protocol.
Investigation of quality of life, mood, pain, disability, and disease status in primary systemic vasculitis
Authors: Koutantji Maria , Harrold Emma , Lane Suzanne E. , Pearce Shirley , Watts Richard A. , Scott David G. I. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo assess quality of life (QOL) and psychological adjustment in primary systemic vasculitis (PSV), and to assess their relationship to disease‐related measures.MethodsFifty‐one PSV patients completed questionnaires assessing QOL (Short Form 36 [SF‐36]), disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]), and mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]). Illness‐related measures, disease activity, and permanent damage scores (the Birmingham Vasculitis Damage Index [BVDI] modified, and the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Scale modified) were collected. Aspects of the HAQ's psychometric properties were evaluated.ResultsPSV patients' SF‐36 scores, except for mental health, were significantly lower than the norms, indicating poorer QOL. Using the HADS, 43.2% of patients reported increased anxiety symptoms and 25.5% increased depressive symptoms. Patients with increased pain when compared with those with little or no pain had significantly impaired scores in all SF‐36 subscales, except for mental health; and they scored significantly worse on depression, fatigue, problems with sleep, and symptom severity. Patients with neuropathic symptoms and those taking high levels of steroids had significantly impaired scores on some of the relevant measures. There were no significant correlations between the modified BVDI scores with the SF‐36 subscales or with the other self‐report disease‐related measures. The HAQ showed high internal consistency and high concurrent and discriminant validity.ConclusionMany aspects of QOL are significantly impaired in PSV. Self‐reported pain and disease symptoms, SF‐36 scores, and depression and anxiety levels are significant indicators of the adverse impact of vasculitis on patients' lives that need to be assessed and managed.
Validation of a rheumatoid arthritis health‐related quality of life instrument, the CSHQ‐RA
Authors: Russak S. M. , Sherbourne C. D. , Lubeck D. P. , Paulus H. D. , Chiou C. F. , Sengupta N. , Borenstein J. , Ofman J. , Moadel A. , Weisman M. H. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo test the validity and reliability of a newly developed disease‐specific multidimensional quality of life instrument: the Cedars‐Sinai Health‐Related Quality of Life Instrument (CSHQ‐RA).MethodsA total of 350 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were asked to complete the CSHQ‐RA at 2 time points (4 weeks apart). Patients also completed the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF‐36) and the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) Disability Index (DI) at the second time point. Construct validity was tested, using Pearson's correlations, by comparing subscale scores on the CSHQ‐RA to those obtained from the mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) of the SF‐36. HAQ DI scores were used to assess the discriminant validity of the CSHQ‐RA. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess test–retest reliability.ResultsResponse rates for the first and second survey were 83% (291) and 93% (276), respectively; 84% of respondents were women, and mean age was 57 years. Mean scores ± SDs on instruments were: HAQ 0.73 ± 0.69; MCS 49 ± 12; and PCS 33 ± 11. Pearson's correlations between the CSHQ‐RA subscale scores and the SF‐36 scores ranged from 0.55 to 0.76 (P < 0.001). Analysis of variance indicate that scores on the CSHQ‐RA discriminated between levels of physical disability as measured by the HAQ (P < 0.001). Test–retest reliability was demonstrated in the instrument's subscale scores (ICC 0.70–0.90).ConclusionThese results support the construct validity, discriminant validity, and reliability of the CSHQ‐RA as a measure that captures the impact of RA on patients' health‐related quality of life.
Mortality of large‐artery complication (aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and/or large‐artery stenosis) in patients with giant cell arteritis: A population‐based study over 50 years
Authors: Nuenninghoff Dirk M. , Hunder Gene G. , Christianson Teresa J. H. , McClelland Robyn L. , Matteson Eric L. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the mortality of giant cell arteritis (GCA) with large‐artery complication compared with that of GCA without large‐artery complication.MethodsAn inception cohort of 168 residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, in whom GCA was diagnosed between January 1, 1950, and December 31, 1999, was followed up. Mortality in patients with incident large‐artery complication (aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and large‐artery stenosis) was determined and compared with that in patients in whom large‐artery complication did not develop.ResultsNo difference in survival was observed between the total group of patients with any type of large‐artery complication and patients without large‐artery complication or the general population. However, mortality was markedly increased in the 9 patients in whom thoracic aortic dissection developed (median survival 1.1 years [interquartile range 0.2–7.8 years]) compared with that in all other patients with GCA (P< 0.001). No difference in survival was observed between the group of patients with either aortic aneurysm and/or dissection (thoracic and/or abdominal aorta) and the group with GCA without large‐artery complication. Survival of patients with GCA and large‐artery stenosis was not different from that of patients with GCA without large‐artery complication.ConclusionThoracic aortic dissection in GCA is associated with markedly increased mortality. Overall, mortality in the whole group of patients with GCA with large‐artery complication was similar to that in patients with GCA without large‐artery complication.
Tests for an Epidemic Change in a Sequence of Exponentially Distributed Random Variables
Authors: Ramanayake Asoka , Gupta Arjun K. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractConsider a sequence of independent exponential random variables that is susceptible to a change in the means. We would like to test whether the means have been subjected to an epidemic change after an unknown point, for an unknown duration in the sequence. The likelihood ratio statistic and a likelihood ratio type statistic are derived. The distribution theories and related properties of the test statistics are discussed. Percentage points and powers of the tests are tabulated for selected values of the parameters. The powers of these two tests are then compared to the two statistics proposed by Aly and Bouzar. The tests are applied to find epidemic changes in the set of Stanford heart transplant data and air traffic arrival data.
Tests for Genetic Differentiation
Authors: Neuhäuser Markus 
Published: December 2003

AbstractWhen testing for genetic differentiation the joint null hypothesis that there is no allele frequency difference at any locus is of interest. Common approaches to test this hypothesis are based on the summation of χ2 statistics over loci and on the Bonferroni correction, respectively. Here, we also consider the Simes adjustment and a recently proposed truncated product method (TPM) to combine P‐values. The summation and the TPM (using a relatively large truncation point) are powerful when there are differences in many or all loci. The Simes adjustment, however, is powerful when there are differences regarding one or a few loci only. As a compromise between the different approaches we introduce a combination between the Simes adjustment and the TPM, i.e. the joint null hypothesis is rejected if at least one of the two methods, Simes and TPM, is significant at the α/2‐level. Simulation results indicate that this combination is a robust procedure with high power over the different types of alternatives.
Novel Synthetic Approach for Optical Resolution of Cryptophanol‐A: A Direct Access to Chiral Cryptophanes and Their Chiroptical Properties
Authors: Brotin Thierry , Barbe Romain , Darzac Magali , Dutasta Jean‐Pierre 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe separation by crystallization of the pair of cryptophane diastereomers 1 a and 1 b, obtained in 1:1 ratio by treating racemic anti cryptophanol‐A (2) with (−)‐camphanic acid chloride, provided a substantial amount of optically pure material (diastereomeric excess>98 %). Subsequent hydrolysis afforded the optically pure cryptophanol‐A enantiomers (+)‐2 and (−)‐2, which were submitted to nucleophilic substitution reactions to provide cryptophane‐A (+)‐3 and cryptophane monoester (−)‐4 in optically pure form. The chiroptical properties of the new cryptophanes 1–4 were investigated by using circular dichroism spectroscopy, and the absolute configuration of the molecules was clearly established. These new cryptophanes represent additional interesting examples for studying the Cotton effect of interacting multichromophoric systems. Moreover, this novel approach presents numerous advantages over the other methods developed so far to obtain optically pure cryptophanes, and compounds (−)‐2, (+)‐2, and (−)‐4 can give access to new enantiopure functionalized cryptophanes with host–guest properties similar to those of cryptophane‐A.
Comparison of Micro‐ and Mesoporous Inorganic Materials in the Uptake and Release of the Drug Model Fluorescein and Its Analogues
Authors: Fisher Karen A. , Huddersman Katherine D. , Taylor M. Joan 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe uptake of the three species of the drug model fluorescein (fluorescein sodium salt (FNa), fluorescein free acid (F), and fluorescein diacetate (FDA)) by zeolite NaX and the mesoporous zeotype MCM‐41 was investigated as well as their release rates into solutions at pH 7 and pH 4.5. UV/Vis analysis was carried out at a wavelength of 490 nm. Uptakes of the sodium salt of 9 % for zeolite X and 14 % for MCM suggest little penetration of the pores. The use of ethanol as the loading solvent for F resulted in little uptake for both zeolitic materials due to the successful competition of the ethanol for binding sites. Use of acetone (weaker proton acceptor) as loading solvent significantly improved the uptake of F to 17 % and 12 % for zeolite X and MCM, respectively, whilst the uptake of FDA in acetone increased still further to 22 % and 17 % for zeolite X and MCM, respectively. Generally there was a large initial release of the fluorescein analogues from the surface of the zeolites with very little further increase over time. The prescence of an esterase enzyme in the release medium of FDA tripled the release from MCM to 15 % but left the release from zeolite X unaffected at 6 %. The results obtained show that uptake of fluorescein and its analogues is dependent on the loading solvent used, the amount released is influenced by not only the solvent but the pH and the presence of enzymes in the release medium.