bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Notified cases of occupational asthma in Norway: Exposure and consequences for health and income
Authors: Leira Håkon Lasse , Bratt Unni , Slåstad Siri 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackgroundEstimates of occupational asthma (OA) may vary between countries and within countries. An overview of cases of occupational asthma in Norway has not been presented previously. Norwegian physicians are obliged to report occupational diseases to the Labor Inspection Authority. The registry of these notifications was used to study the cases of OA.MethodsData were collected from the notifications for respiratory disease for the period 1995–1999. A postal questionnaire inquiring into work, respiratory symptoms, smoking, and socioeconomic consequences of the disease was sent to 1,239 workers with a physician's diagnosis of obstructive respiratory disease.ResultsThe response rate to the questionnaire was 81% (1,000 workers of whom 723 had OA). On an average, 223 annual cases of OA were reported in the study period (1995–1999). The highest incidence of notifications was found in the primary aluminum industry and in bakers, car painters, and welders. At the time of notification, more than half of the workers had left their original jobs. At the time of this study 2–6 years later, approximately the same proportion of workers had experienced a reduction in income and had received financial compensation; 60–78% were still on antiasthmatic medication.DiscussionThe notification of OA by Norwegian physicians may underestimate the true incidence considerably. A majority of the notified cases seemed to become chronic despite medical treatment.ConclusionsMore emphasis should be put on early recognition of OA and on the reduction or cessation of exposure after the diagnosis of OA. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Managing invasive carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) for habitat enhancement at Botany Wetlands, Australia
Authors: Pinto L. , Chandrasena N. , Pera J. , Hawkins P. , Eccles D. , Sim R. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
In Australia, the carp Cyprinus carpio L. is regarded as a threat to the native fish and the aquatic environment. In recent years, Botany Wetlands, a significant coastal wetland in the Sydney region, has been invaded by the undesirable cyprinids, carp and goldfish (Carrasius auratus L.).
In 1996 a cyprinid removal programme commenced at Botany Wetlands with the objective of managing the invasive species, increasing fish diversity, reducing cyanobacterial blooms and hence enhancing the aquatic habitat. Using electrofishing and gill netting, 4073 carp and 261 goldfish, amounting to 10 117 kg of cyprinid biomass were removed between 1996 and 2004. The captured carp ranged from 60 to 835 mm. Males matured before females. Carp between 350 and 680 mm in length grew at the rate of 1.66±0.38 g day−1.
The success of the programme was monitored by assessing four indicators related to carp populations and two related to habitat. The former included the pattern of length–frequency distribution, mean weight per size class, condition factor (CF) and the catch per unit effort (CPUE), and the latter the Secchi disc transparency and cyanobacterial counts. After 8 yr of removal, the plots of carp length–frequency distribution flattened, CF decreased from 2.86 to 1.82 and CPUE decreased from 97 kg day−1 to 50 kg day−1. A 10‐fold decrease occurred in cyanobacterial counts and the Secchi disc transparency increased by 20%. More than 20 000 fingerlings of native Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata (S.) have been introduced to the wetlands, increasing the potential for juvenile carp predation and biodiversity.
Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DHRAM: a method for classifying river flow regime alterations for the EC Water Framework Directive
Authors: Black A.R. , Rowan J.S. , Duck R.W. , Bragg O.M. , Clelland B.E. 
Published: September 2005

Abstract
A method has been developed for assessing the degree of human alteration of river flow regimes relative to near‐natural or reference conditions.
The Dundee Hydrological Regime Alteration Method (DHRAM) utilizes the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration approach of the US Nature Conservancy to classify the risk of damage to in‐stream ecology using a five‐class scheme compatible with the requirements of the EC Water Framework Directive.
Separate methods have been developed for rivers and lakes, though only the former are considered in this paper.
DHRAM uses daily mean flow time‐series data, representing un‐impacted and impacted situations for the site of interest, in relation to any type of anthropogenic hydrological impact such as impoundments, abstractions or flow augmentation.
Procedures for coping with different levels of data availability are outlined, utilizing the Micro Low Flows computer package to generate synthetic series of daily mean flows, supplemented by flow alteration data as appropriate.
The utility of DHRAM is demonstrated through a pair of Scottish case studies illustrating its ability in classifying regime alteration and supporting mapping, which will be of value to river basin managers.
Finally, present and future issues relating to the calibration of DHRAM scores to levels of ecological damage are discussed.
Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution of caspase‐14 in epidermis and hair follicles is evolutionarily conserved among mammals
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo , Tschachler Erwin , Eckhart Leopold 
Published: September 2005

AbstractCaspase‐14, a member of the caspase family of cysteine proteases, is almost exclusively expressed in the epidermis. Studies on human and mouse cells and tissues have implicated caspase‐14 in terminal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and in the formation of the stratum corneum. Here we investigated evolutionary aspects of the role of caspase‐14 by analyzing its distribution in the epidermis and hair follicles of representative species of placental mammals, marsupials, and monotremes. Immunocytochemical staining showed that caspase‐14 is consistently expressed in the granular and corneous layer of the epidermis of all mammalian species investigated. Ultrastructural analysis using gold‐labeled anticaspase‐14 antibodies revealed that caspase‐14 is associated preferentially with keratin bundles and amorphous material of keratohyalin granules, but is also present in nuclei of transitional cells of the granular layer and in corneocytes. In hair follicles, caspase‐14 was diffusely present in cornifying cells of the outer root sheath, in the companion layer, and, most abundantly, in the inner root sheath of all mammalian species here analyzed. In Henle and Huxley layers of the inner root sheath, labeling was seen in nuclei and, more diffusely, among trichohyalin granules of cornifying cells. In summary, the tissue expression pattern and the intracellular localization of caspase‐14 are highly conserved among diverse mammalian species, suggesting that this enzyme is involved in a molecular process that appeared early in the evolution of mammalian skin. The association of caspase‐14 with keratohyalin and trichohyalin granules may indicate a specific role of caspase‐14 in the maturation of these keratinocyte‐specific structures. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different levels of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase isoform modulate the rate of osteoclastic differentiation of TIB‐71 and CRL‐2278 RAW 264.7 murine cell clones
Authors: Nicolin Vanessa , Ponti Cristina , Narducci Paola , Grill Vittorio , Bortul Roberta , Zweyer Marina , Vaccarezza Mauro , Zauli Giorgio 
Published: September 2005

AbstractIt has been clearly established that osteoclasts, which play a crucial role in bone resorption, differentiate from hematopoietic cells belonging to the monocyte/macrophage lineage in the presence of macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL). We have here investigated the M‐CSF‐ and RANKL‐induced osteoclastic differentiation of two distinct clones of the murine monocytic/macrophagic RAW 264.7 cell line, known as TIB‐71 and CRL‐2278, the latter cell clone being defective for the expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase isoform in response to interferon‐γ or lipopolysaccharide. CRL‐2278 cells demonstrated a more rapid osteoclastic differentiation than TIB‐71 cells, as documented by morphology, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase positivity, and bone resorption activity. The enhanced osteoclastic differentiation of CRL‐2278 was accompanied by a higher rate of cells in the S/G2‐M phases of cell cycle as compared to TIB‐71. The analysis of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms clearly demonstrated that only neuronal NOS was detectable at high levels in CRL‐2278 but not in TIB cells under all tested conditions. Moreover, the broad inhibitor of NOS activity L‐NAME significantly inhibited osteoclastic differentiation of CRL‐2278 cells. Altogether, these results demonstrate that a basal constitutive neuronal NOS activity positively affects the RANKL/M‐CSF‐related osteoclastic differentiation. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angioarchitecture of the rabbit extrahepatic bile ducts and gallbladder
Authors: Jackowiak Hanna , Lametschwandtner Alois 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe angioarchitecture of extrahepatic bile ducts and gallbladder of the miniature rabbit was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts. Light microscopy of Masson‐stained, paraffin‐embedded transverse tissue sections served to attribute cast vascular structures to defined layers of bile ducts and gallbladder. In all segments of the bile tract, a mucosal and a subserosal vascular network was found. In glandular segments, the mucosal network was composed of a meshwork of subepithelial and circumglandular capillaries, which serve the mucosal functions. Differences in the angioarchitectonic patterns existed only in the subserosal networks as hepatic ducts own one supplying arteriole only, while the common bile duct owns a well‐defined rete arteriosum subserosum. A well‐developed dense subserosus venous plexus was present throughout the bile tract. Vascular patterns of the gallbladder body resembled those of the bile duct, whereby the dense subserous venous plexus was located close to the mucosal capillary network. The subserosal network in the neck of the gallbladder resembled that of the cystic duct. Spatial changes of the mucosal vascular network during volume changes of the gallbladder were documented. Measurements from tissue sections revealed bile tract diameters of 220–400 μm (extrahepatic ducts), 500–650 μm (cystic duct), and 4–6 mm (common bile duct). Data gained from high‐powered SEM micrographs of vascular corrosion casts revealed vessel diameters of 200 μm (cystic artery), 90–110 μm (cystic vein), 30–40 μm (feeding arterioles), and 25–110 μm (subserosal venules). Crypt diameters in the filled gallbladder were 300–1,500 μm; those in the contracted organ were 100–600 μm. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Total Synthesis and Further Scrutiny of the in vitro Antifungal Activity of 6‐Nonadecynoic Acid
Authors: Carballeira Néstor M. , Sanabria David , Parang Keykavous 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe antifungal, naturally occurring acetylenic fatty acid 6‐nonadecynoic acid was synthesized in three steps (18 % overall yield), for the first time starting with commercially available 1‐tetradecyne. The synthesis developed herein will facilitate the further study of the antifungal properties of this naturally occurring acetylenic fatty acid. The 6‐nonadecynoic acid exhibited the best antifungal activity (< 4.3 μM) against Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 66031 in Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB) media. In our hands, it was not active against Candida albicans ATCC 14053 and Candida albicans ATCC 60193.
Incidence and risk factors of thromboembolism in systemic lupus erythematosus: A comparison of three ethnic groups
Authors: Mok Chi Chiu , Tang Sandy Shuk Kuen , To Chi Hung , Petri Michelle 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the incidence and risk factors for thromboembolic events in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients of different ethnic backgrounds.MethodsSLE patients who were newly diagnosed or were referred within 6 months of diagnosis between 1996 and 2002 were prospectively followed up for the occurrence of thromboembolic events. Cumulative hazard and risk factors for thromboembolism were evaluated and compared among patients of different ethnic origins.ResultsWe studied 625 patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE (89% women): 258 Chinese, 140 African Americans, and 227 Caucasians. The mean ± SD age at SLE diagnosis was 35.7 ± 14 years. After a followup of 3,094 patient‐years, 48 arterial events and 40 venous events occurred in 83 patients. The overall incidence of arterial and venous thromboembolism was 16/1,000 patient‐years and 13/1,000 patient‐years, respectively. The cumulative hazard of arterial events at 60 months after the diagnosis of SLE was 8.5%, 8.1%, and 5.1% for the Chinese, African Americans, and Caucasians, respectively. The corresponding cumulative risk of venous events was 3.7%, 6.6%, and 10.3%, respectively (P = 0.008 for Chinese versus Caucasians, by log rank test). Smoking, obesity, antiphospholipid antibodies, and use of antimalarial agents and exogenous estrogens were less frequent in the Chinese patients. In Cox regression models, low levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, Chinese ethnicity, oral ulcers, and serositis predicted arterial events, whereas male sex, low levels of HDL cholesterol, antiphospholipid antibodies, non‐Chinese ethnicity, obesity, renal disease, and hemolytic anemia predicted venous events.ConclusionThere are ethnic differences in the incidence of arterial and venous thromboembolism in patients with SLE that cannot be fully explained by the clinical factors studied. Further evaluation of other genetic and immunologic factors is warranted.
Knee stabilization in patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Lewek Michael D. , Ramsey Dan K. , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn , Rudolph Katherine S. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveIndividuals with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) experience knee laxity and instability. Strategies aimed at muscle stabilization may influence the long‐term integrity of the joint. This study sought to determine how individuals with medial knee OA respond to a rapid valgus knee movement, to investigate the relationship between muscle‐stabilization strategies and knee instability.MethodsTwenty‐one subjects with medial knee OA and genu varum and 19 control subjects were tested. Subjects stood with the test limb on a movable platform, comprising a plate that translated laterally to rapidly stress the knee's medial periarticular structures and create a potentially destabilizing sensation at the knee joint. Knee motion and muscle responses were recorded. Subjects rated the condition of their knee with a self‐report questionnaire about knee instability during daily activities.ResultsPrior to plate movement, the OA subjects demonstrated more medial muscle co‐contraction than did controls (P= 0.014). Following plate movement, the OA subjects shifted less weight off the test limb (P = 0.013) and had greater medial co‐contraction (P = 0.037). OA subjects without knee instability had higher co‐contraction of the vastus medialis medial hamstrings than did those who reported having instability that affected their daily activities (P = 0.038). More knee stability correlated positively with higher co‐contraction of the vastus medialis medial hamstrings prior to plate movement (r = 0.459, P = 0.042).ConclusionIndividuals with medial knee OA attempt to stabilize the knee with greater co‐contraction of the medial muscle in response to laxity that appears on the medial side of the joint only. This strategy presumably contributes to higher joint compression and could exacerbate joint destruction, and therefore needs to be altered to slow or stop the progression of the OA disease process.
Development of a standardized method of assessment of radiographs and radiographic change in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Introduction of the Dijkstra composite score
Authors: van Rossum Marion A. J. , Boers Maarten , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , van Soesbergen Renée M. , Wieringa Helen , Fiselier Theo J. W. , Franssen Marcel J. A. M. , Cate Rebecca ten , van Suijlekom‐Smit Lisette W. A. , Wulffraat Nico M. , van Luijk Wilma H. J. , Oostveen Johanna C. M. , Kuis Wietse , Dijkmans Ben A. C. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the sensitivity to change of a newly developed radiologic assessment tool, the Dijkstra score, and to develop a numeric composite score and progressor classification scheme to apply in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) trials.MethodsA placebo‐controlled trial of sulfasalazine (SSZ) in patients with oligoarticular‐ and polyarticular‐onset JIA yielded the data for this study. Data were obtained from 418 sets of radiographs of the clinically involved and contralateral joints (at study entry and at 6 months' followup) from 66 JIA patients. The Dijkstra score assesses the presence or absence of swelling, osteopenia, joint space narrowing, growth abnormalities, subchondral bone cysts, erosions, and malalignment. These signs were combined in the Dijkstra composite score, to assess inflammation (DI), growth (DG), and damage (DD). Progression was defined as an increase in either the DG or the DD score. Scores were evaluated among all radiographs, a standard set of films (hand, foot, and knee), and per patient. All scores were used to explore differences between the 2 treatment groups.ResultsOver time, 58% of joints remained normal, 23% remained abnormal but stable, 14% showed an increase in signs, and 5% showed a decrease in signs. Of the 66 JIA patients, 12% had normal radiographic findings throughout followup, 27% showed abnormalities at some sites without change, and 61% showed change in at least 1 site. Changes in the DI, DG, and DD scores varied considerably per type of joint and occurred most frequently in joints of the standard set. DI and DG scores changed most often in the knees, while DD scores changed primarily in the hands and feet. The disease course in 8% of joints was classified as progressive. Films of SSZ‐treated patients, versus the placebo group, showed less deterioration by the DD scores (P = 0.04), and the disease course was more often classified as nonprogressive in the SSZ group (P = 0.037). When progressors were defined as those who had at least one radiograph showing progression, significantly more placebo‐treated patients were considered progressors (P = 0.046).ConclusionIn this trial data set, the Dijkstra composite score and the resulting progressor classification system are comprehensive and feasible tools that are sensitive to change and discriminate between clinical situations. They should now be tested by other investigators and in other data sets.
Dehydroascorbate transport in human chondrocytes is regulated by hypoxia and is a physiologically relevant source of ascorbic acid in the joint
Authors: McNulty Amy L. , Stabler Thomas V. , Vail Thomas P. , McDaniel Gary E. , Kraus Virginia B. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the dehydroascorbate (DHA) transport mechanisms in human chondrocytes.MethodsThe transport of L‐14C‐DHA in human chondrocytes was analyzed under various conditions, including the use of RNA interference (RNAi), to determine the role of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT‐1) and GLUT‐3 in L‐14C‐DHA transport and to evaluate the effects of physiologically relevant oxygen tensions on L‐14C‐DHA transport. In order to estimate the contributions of reduced ascorbic acid (AA) and DHA to intracellular ascorbic acid (Asc), the quantities of AA and DHA were measured in synovial fluid samples from osteoarthritis (OA) patients and compared with the reported levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.ResultsDHA transport in human chondrocytes was glucose‐sensitive, temperature‐dependent, cytochalasin B–inhibitable, modestly stereoselective for L‐DHA, and up‐regulated by low oxygen tension. Based on the RNAi results, GLUT‐1 mediated, at least in part, the uptake of DHA, whereas GLUT‐3 had a minimal effect on DHA transport. DHA constituted a mean 8% of the total Asc in the synovial fluid of OA joints, in contrast to 80% of the reported total Asc in RA joints.ConclusionWe provide the first evidence that chondrocytes transport DHA via the GLUTs and that this transport mechanism is modestly selective for L‐DHA. In the setting of up‐regulated DHA transport at low oxygen tensions, DHA would contribute 26% of the total intracellular Asc in OA chondrocytes and 94% of that in RA chondrocytes. These results demonstrate that DHA is a physiologically relevant source of Asc for chondrocytes, particularly in the setting of an inflammatory arthritis, such as RA.
Disruption of the interaction of T cells with antigen‐presenting cells by the active leflunomide metabolite teriflunomide: Involvement of impaired integrin activation and immunologic synapse formation
Authors: Zeyda Maximilian , Poglitsch Marko , Geyeregger René , Smolen Josef S. , Zlabinger Gerhard J. , Hörl Walter H. , Waldhäusl Werner , Stulnig Thomas M. , Säemann Marcus D. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractObjectiveLeflunomide, a potent disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug of the isoxazole class, exhibits antiinflammatory, antiproliferative, and immunosuppressive effects by largely unknown mechanisms, although alterations of pyrimidine synthesis have been proposed. Successful immune responsiveness requires T cell activation by interaction with antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), and integrin activation and formation of an immunologic synapse (IS). In this study, we evaluated the impact of the active leflunomide metabolite teriflunomide on T cell integrin activation, evolution of the IS, and antigen‐specific formation of stable T cell/APC conjugates.MethodsEffects of pharmacologic concentrations of teriflunomide on CD3/CD28‐ and lymphocyte function–associated antigen 1–induced signal transduction and activation of primary human T cells were investigated. Furthermore, T cells were stimulated with superantigen‐ and antigen‐pulsed APCs to study relocalization of molecules to the IS and T cell/APC conjugate formation.ResultsTeriflunomide inhibited T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3–mediated calcium mobilization, but other critical T cell signaling events, including activation of MAPK and NF‐κB, remained unaltered. In contrast, inhibition of TCR/CD3‐triggered β1,2 integrin avidity and integrin‐mediated costimulation (outside‐in signaling) by teriflunomide revealed a striking interference with integrin function that was independent of altered pyrimidine synthesis. Moreover, teriflunomide abolished molecule relocalization to the IS and induction of T cell/APC conjugates.ConclusionThese data show that the active metabolite of leflunomide prevents the interaction of T cells with APCs to form an IS. Since IS formation is crucial for eliciting an immune response, this novel mechanism could underlie the beneficial effects of leflunomide in immune‐mediated disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.