bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age dependency of cartilage magnetic resonance imaging T2 relaxation times in asymptomatic women
Authors: Mosher Timothy J. , Liu Yi , Yang Qing X. , Yao Jing , Smith Ryan , Dardzinski Bernard J. , Smith Michael B. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectiveBecause the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) transverse relaxation time (T2) of cartilage is sensitive to organization of collagen fibers in the cartilage, it may be a noninvasive image marker for senescent changes in cartilage collagen and early cartilage degeneration. The purpose of this study was to determine age‐dependent differences in cartilage T2 values in healthy asymptomatic women.MethodsQuantitative T2 maps of patellar cartilage from 30 asymptomatic women ages 22–86 years were obtained using a 3.0T MRI scanner. The study population was stratified by age into 4 cohorts: 18–30, 31–45, 46–65, and 66–86 years. Spatial differences in cartilage T2 were determined as a function of normalized distance from bone. Older groups were compared with the 18–30‐year‐old group to determine the effects of age on cartilage T2 values. Regions were considered statistically significantly different if the mean T2 values between groups differed at P < 0.05.ResultsMean cartilage T2 profiles were nearly identical for the 2 youngest cohorts. Compared with the 18–30‐year‐old group, T2 values were statistically significantly longer in the superficial 40% of cartilage in the 46–65‐year‐old group and over the entire cartilage thickness in the 66–86‐year‐old group.ConclusionThe location of T2 elevations in women over the age of 45 years is consistent with the theory that senescent changes of cartilage collagen begin near the articular surface and progress to the deeper cartilage with advancing age.
Diagnostic classification of spondylarthropathy and rheumatoid arthritis by synovial histopathology: A prospective study in 154 consecutive patients
Authors: Baeten Dominique , Kruithof Elli , De Rycke Leen , Vandooren Bernard , Wyns Bart , Boullart Luc , Hoffman Ilse E. A. , Boots Annemieke M. , Veys Eric M. , De Keyser Filip 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo explore prospectively the value of synovial histopathology in comparison with the value of classic parameters for diagnostic classification of spondylarthropathy (SpA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients with an atypical disease presentation.MethodsSynovial biopsy samples were obtained from 154 consecutive patients presenting for diagnostic evaluation; 67 patients fulfilled the classification criteria for RA, SpA, or other well‐defined disease at the time of arthroscopy (cohort 1), and an additional 53 patients were classified after a full diagnostic reevaluation at 6 months (cohort 2). Synovial parameters with diagnostic value were identified in cohort 1 and were compared prospectively with classic diagnostic parameters in cohort 2.ResultsStaining with anticitrulline, staining with monoclonal antibody 12A (recognizing HLA–DR shared epitope–human cartilage glycoprotein 39263–275 complexes), and crystal deposition had positive predictive values (PPVs) for diagnosis of >90% in patients with an atypical disease presentation (cohort 2). Using these 3 parameters, a diagnosis was predicted by synovial histopathology in 39.6% of cohort 2 patients and turned out to be correct in 90.5% of these patients at 6 months of followup. Using a multiparameter model rather than single histopathologic parameters, even better results were obtained, with a diagnostic prediction in 79.2% of samples and a PPV of 81.0%. In comparison, a similar multiparameter model using classic diagnostic criteria rather than synovial histopathology performed poorly in cohort 2; the sensitivity was 56.6% and the PPV was 73.3%, with an inferior capacity to predict SpA. Especially for the presence of crystals and anticitrulline staining, the analysis of synovial tissue had a clear added value to the analysis of synovial fluid or serum in patients with an atypical presentation.ConclusionThis proof‐of‐concept study indicates that synovial histopathology can contribute to the multiparametric diagnostic classification of inflammatory arthritis in patients with an atypical presentation.
Involvement of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in peripheral synovitis and down‐regulation by tumor necrosis factor α blockade in spondylarthropathy
Authors: Vandooren Bernard , Kruithof Elli , Yu David T. Y. , Rihl Markus , Gu Jieruo , De Rycke Leen , Van Den Bosch Filip , Veys Eric M. , De Keyser Filip , Baeten Dominique 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in spondylarthropathy (SpA) synovitis.MethodsPaired samples of synovial biopsy tissue as well as serum and synovial fluid (SF) from 41 patients with SpA and 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and serum samples from 20 healthy controls were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the presence of MMPs 1, 2, 3, and 9 and TIMPs 1 and 2. In addition, sera from 16 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and peripheral synovitis and 17 patients with AS and exclusively axial involvement were analyzed. An additional cohort of SpA patients was analyzed at baseline and after 12 weeks of infliximab treatment.ResultsStaining for MMPs and TIMPs showed a cellular and interstitial pattern in the synovial lining and sublining layers that was similar between the RA and SpA patients. Involvement of MMPs and TIMPs in SpA synovitis was suggested by the correlation with cellular infiltration, vascularization, and cartilage degradation. Higher serum levels of MMPs 3 and 9 were revealed in SpA and RA patients as compared with healthy controls. Production of MMP‐3, but not MMP‐9, in the serum reflected the presence of peripheral synovitis, as indicated by 1) the correlation between serum levels, SF levels (which were 1,000‐fold higher than the serum levels), and synovial expression of MMP‐3, 2) the increased levels of MMP‐3 in AS patients with peripheral disease and not exclusively axial involvement, and 3) the correlation of serum and SF MMP‐3 with parameters of synovial, but not systemic, inflammation. The modulation of the MMP/TIMP system by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) blockade was confirmed by the down‐regulation of all MMPs and TIMPs in the synovium and a pronounced and rapid decrease of serum MMP‐3.ConclusionMMPs and TIMPs are highly expressed in SpA synovitis and mirror both the inflammatory and tissue‐remodeling aspects of the local disease process. Serum MMP‐3, originating from the inflamed joint, represents a valuable biomarker for peripheral synovitis. Modulation of the MMP/TIMP system by infliximab could contribute to the antiinflammatory and tissue‐remodeling effects of TNFα blockade in SpA.
Synthesis of proteoglycan 4 by chondrocyte subpopulations in cartilage explants, monolayer cultures, and resurfaced cartilage cultures
Authors: Schmidt Tannin A. , Schumacher Barbara L. , Klein Travis J. , Voegtline Michael S. , Sah Robert L. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify the levels of proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) expression by subpopulations of chondrocytes from superficial, middle, and deep layers of normal bovine calf cartilage in various culture systems.MethodsBovine calf articular cartilage discs or isolated cells were used in 1 of 3 systems of chondrocyte culture: explant, monolayer, or transplant, for 1–9 days. PRG4 expression was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay of spent medium and localized by immunohistochemistry at the articular surface and within chondrocytes in explants and cultured cells.ResultsSuperficial chondrocytes secreted much more PRG4 than did middle and deep chondrocytes in all cultures. The pattern of PRG4 secretion into superficial culture medium varied with the duration of culture, decreasing with time in explant culture (from ∼25 μg/cm2/day on days 0–1 to ∼3 μg/cm2/day on days 5–9), while increasing in monolayer culture (from ∼1 pg/cell/day on days 0–1 to ∼7 pg/cell/day on days 7–9) and tending to increase in transplant culture (reaching ∼2 μg/cm2/day by days 7–9). In all of the culture systems, inclusion of ascorbic acid stimulated PRG4 secretion, and the source of PRG4 was immunolocalized to superficial cells.ConclusionThe results described here indicate that the phenotype of PRG4 secretion by chondrocytes in culture is generally maintained, in that PRG4 is expressed to a much greater degree by chondrocytes from the superficial zone than by those from the middle and deep zones. The marked up‐regulation of PRG4 synthesis by ascorbic acid may have implications for cartilage homeostasis and prevention of osteoarthritic disease. Transplanting specialized cells that secrete PRG4 to a surface may impart functional lubrication and be generally applicable to many tissues in the body.
Risk factors for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis fifteen to twenty‐two years after meniscectomy
Authors: Englund M. , Lohmander L. S. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), extent of meniscal resection, cartilage status, and knee load on the development of radiographically evident osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and knee symptoms after meniscal resection.MethodsWe evaluated 317 patients with no cruciate ligament injury (mean ± SD age 54 ± 11 years) who had undergone meniscal resection 15–22 years earlier (followup rate 70%), with radiographic and clinical examination. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score was used to quantify knee‐related symptoms. Sixty‐eight unoperated subjects identified from national population records were included as a reference group.ResultsSymptomatic radiographic OA (corresponding to Kellgren/Lawrence grade ≥2) was present in 83 of 305 operated knees (27%) and 7 of 68 control knees (10%) (relative risk 2.6, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.3–6.1). Patients who had undergone total meniscectomy and subjects with obesity (BMI ≥30) had a greater likelihood of tibiofemoral radiographic OA than those who had undergone partial meniscal resection and those with a BMI <25, respectively. Furthermore, degenerative meniscal tear, intraoperative cartilage changes, and lateral meniscectomy were associated with radiographic OA more frequently than were longitudinal tear, absence of cartilage changes, and medial meniscectomy, respectively. Symptomatic tibiofemoral or patellofemoral radiographic OA was associated with obesity, female sex, and degenerative meniscal tear.ConclusionContributing risk factors for OA development after meniscal resection are similar to risk factors for common knee OA. Systemic factors and local biomechanical factors interact. Obesity, female sex, and preexisting early‐stage OA are features associated with poor self‐reported and radiographic outcome. Partial meniscal resection is associated with less radiographic OA over time than is total meniscectomy.
First report of systemic reactive (AA) amyloidosis in a patient with the hyperimmunoglobulinemia D with periodic fever syndrome
Authors: Obici Laura , Manno Carlo , Muda Andrea Onetti , Picco Paolo , D'Osualdo Andrea , Palladini Giovanni , Avanzini Maria Antonietta , Torres Diletta , Marciano Sabrina , Merlini Giampaolo 
Published: September 2004

AbstractSystemic reactive (AA) amyloidosis, leading to renal failure, is a severe complication of most hereditary periodic fever syndromes. The risk of developing this life‐threatening condition varies widely among these disorders, being higher for patients affected by familial Mediterranean fever and tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated periodic syndrome. In spite of an acute‐phase response during attacks, amyloidosis has never, to date, been described in patients affected with the hyperimmunoglobulinemia D with periodic fever syndrome (HIDS). This is the first report to describe the occurrence of renal AA amyloidosis causing severe nephrotic syndrome in a young Italian man affected with HIDS. The diagnosis of HIDS was established according to clinical, laboratory, and genetic criteria as required by the international Nijmegen HIDS registry. In this patient, 2 mutations in the mevalonate kinase gene were identified, one of which, the leucine‐to‐arginine substitution at codon 265, is novel.
Release of hyaluronan and hyaladherins (aggrecan G1 domain and link proteins) from articular cartilage exposed to ADAMTS‐4 (aggrecanase 1) or ADAMTS‐5 (aggrecanase 2)
Authors: Chockalingam Priya S. , Zeng Weilan , Morris Elisabeth A. , Flannery Carl R. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether aggrecanase (ADAMTS) activities in articular cartilage can directly lead to the release of hyaluronan (HA) and hyaladherins (aggrecan G1 domain and link proteins), as may occur ex vivo during stimulation of cartilage explants with interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) or retinoic acid or in vivo in synovial joints during aging and joint pathology.MethodsBovine articular cartilage discs (live or freeze‐killed) were cultured in the presence of IL‐1 or were incubated in digestion buffer containing recombinant human ADAMTS‐4 (rHuADAMTS‐4; aggrecanase 1) or rHuADAMTS‐5 (aggrecanase 2). Culture media, digestion supernatants, and tissue extracts were assayed for sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) content and analyzed by Western blotting to detect aggrecanase‐generated G1 domain (using neoepitope monoclonal antibody AGG‐C1/anti‐NITEGE373) and link proteins (using monoclonal antibody 8‐A‐4), as well as by quantitative enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays to detect aggrecanase‐generated G1 domain (G1‐NITEGE373) and HA.ResultsIL‐1 treatment of live cartilage explants induced a time‐dependent release of sGAG, aggrecanase‐generated G1 domain (G1‐NITEGE373), and HA into the culture media. Exposure of live or freeze‐killed articular cartilage discs to rHuADAMTS‐4 or rHuADAMTS‐5 resulted in a dose‐ and time‐dependent release of sGAG and hyaluronan from the tissue, accompanied by a concomitant release of functionally intact hyaladherins (aggrecan G1‐NITEGE373 and link proteins).ConclusionCoincident with aggrecanolysis, aggrecanase activities in articular cartilage may actuate the release of HA and associated hyaladherins, thereby further compromising the integrity of the cartilage matrix during degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.
CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in rheumatoid arthritis: Differences in the presence, phenotype, and function between peripheral blood and synovial fluid
Authors: van Amelsfort Jocea M. R. , Jacobs Kim M. G. , Bijlsma Johannes W. J. , Lafeber Floris P. J. G. , Taams Leonie S. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectiveIn mice, CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells play a pivotal role in preventing autoimmunity. Regulatory T cells are also present and functional in healthy humans. We investigated the presence, phenotype, and function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe presence and phenotype of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells were determined by flow cytometry. Anergy and suppressive activity were assessed by culturing CD4+CD25− and CD4+CD25+ T cells with anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibodies and antigen‐presenting cells, followed by proliferation and cytokine detection.ResultsThe percentage of CD4+CD25+ T cells in RA SF was significantly increased compared with that in RA PB, and both of these percentages were higher than that in PB from controls. The cells in RA PB were similar in phenotype and function to CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells from controls. In SF, however, ∼40–50% of CD4+CD25+ T cells expressed an activated phenotype, i.e., CD69+, class II MHC+, OX‐40+, with high levels of CTLA‐4 and glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor. These synovial CD4+CD25+ T cells displayed an increased suppressive capacity compared with blood CD4+CD25+ T cells. However, this enhanced suppressive activity was counterbalanced, because activated responder T cells from SF were less susceptible to CD4+CD25+ T cell–mediated suppression than were responder cells from PB.ConclusionWe demonstrate that CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells are present and functional in patients with RA, with higher numbers of regulatory T cells with increased suppressive activity found in SF compared with PB. These findings suggest a negative feedback system that is active at the site of inflammation. The balance between activated responder and regulatory T cells appears to influence the extent of immunoregulation in RA.
Gußasphalt‐Dichtsysteme in Anlagen zum Lagern, Abfüllen und Umschlagen wassergefährdender Stoffe – Neue allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassungen
Authors: Kluge Ullrich 
Published: September 2004

AbstractAnlagen, Anlagenteile und technische Schutzvorkehrungen für Anlagen zum Umgang mit wassergefährdenden Stoffen müssen Anforderungen aus verschiedenen Rechtsbereichen wie z. B. Wasserrecht, Baurecht, Arbeitsschutzrecht usw. erfüllen. Das Deutsche Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) erteilt allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassungen für Abdichtungsmittel zur Verwendung in Dichtkonstruktionen in Anlagen zum Lagern, Abfüllen und Umschlagen wassergefährdender Stoffe (LAU‐Anlagen). Die Anforderungen an die Materialien und die Prüfverfahren für deren Nachweis sind in den Zulassungsgrundsätzen bzw. Prüfprogrammen des DIBt niedergelegt.Durch das DIBt wurden neue allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassungen für Gußasphalt‐Dichtsysteme in LAU‐Anlagen erteilt.
Entwurfsprobleme bei einem Ventilationsschacht aus Stahlbeton
Authors: Dembiński Mariusz , Krüger Piotr , Łańczak Władysław 
Published: September 2004

AbstractEs werden die Ergebnisse der rechnerischen Analyse der Stahlbetonkonstruktion eines Ventilationsschachts vorgestellt, der mit auf Stahlriegeln einer Lackiererei gestützten Kanälen verbunden ist. Als besondere Lösung wird der Einsatz von vorgespannten, elastisch‐verschiebbaren Auflagern mit Tellerfedern und einem Elastomergleitlager beschrieben. Die nach eigenem Entwurf konzipierten und ausgeführten Stützelemente ermöglichen gleichzeitig sowohl horizontale als auch vertikale Verformungen der Stahlbetonkonstruktion, ohne signifikanten Einfluß auf die Werte der Auflagerreaktionen zu nehmen.
Erdwiderstand bei beliebigem Wanddrehpunkt auf Grundlage der Hypoplastizität
Authors: Gutjahr Stephan , Hettler Achim 
Published: September 2004

AbstractNumerische Simulationen mit der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode zeigen, daß sich bei einem beliebigen Wanddrehpunkt, der sich z. B. bei einer bodenmechanischen Einspannung einstellt, völlig andere Bruchmechanismen ergeben als bei klassischen Berechnungsmethoden. Man beobachtet tiefliegendes und hochliegendes Versagen sowie die entsprechenden Zwischenformen. Daraus ergeben sich Konsequenzen für die Mobilisierungskurven und die Erdwiderstandsbeiwerte. Die Berechnungen ergeben wesentlich höhere Erdwiderstände als nach klassischen Methoden.
Recommendations for accelerating global action to prevent folic acid–preventable birth defects and other folate‐deficiency diseases: Meeting of experts on preventing folic acid–preventable neural tube defects
Authors: Oakley Godfrey P. , Bell Karen N. , Weber Mary Beth 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn April of 2003, The Micronutrient Initiative, in collaboration with several other organizations, convened a group of knowledgeable scientists and policy experts to discuss ways to accelerate the global pace at which countries implement effective and sustainable programs to prevent folic acid–preventable birth defects and other folate‐deficiency diseases. Programs implemented to date by fewer than 40 countries have prevented only 10% of the estimated 240,000 annual cases of folic acid–preventable spina bifida and anencephaly.METHODSParticipants in this meeting summarized and presented scientific evidence showing that increased consumption of synthetic folic acid prevents a large proportion of spina bifida and anencephaly cases. They also reviewed related guidance and endorsements issued by national professional societies and advisory bodies as well as policies and programs implemented by some countries that have already demonstrated successful results in terms of reduced rates of neural tube defects and improved folate nutrition.CONCLUSIONSThe group formulated and discussed recommendations and strategies for increasing the pace of neural tube defect prevention globally. The recommendations and strategies are published here. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scientific evidence supporting folic acid fortification of flour in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Oakley Godfrey P. , Weber Mary Beth , Bell Karen N. , Colditz Paul 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDFortification of flour with folic acid is a safe, sustainable, and cost‐effective approach for preventing spina bifida and anencephaly, and it is likely to confer multiple health benefits to the adult population. Scientists and advocates are bringing this intervention to the attention of policymakers in countries around the world, and consequently the demand for sound, science‐backed policy rationale is increasing.METHODSWe recently prepared this scientific review for scientists, physicians, and advocates who were promoting mandatory folic acid fortification of flour in Australia and New Zealand. This short document references the most relevant published scientific data and national and international recommendations from other countries and presents an argument for fortification based on demonstrated need, proven effectiveness, safety, and multiple health benefits.CONCLUSIONSWith some modifications, this document could be utilized in other countries considering fortification of flour or other staple products with folic acid. Other useful tools can be found at The Micronutrient Initiative website at www.micronutrient.org. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Birth defects in Arkansas: Is folic acid fortification making a difference?
Authors: Simmons Caroline J. , Mosley Bridget S. , Fulton‐Bond Cynthia A. , Hobbs Charlotte A. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDSince 1998, fortification of grain products with folic acid has been mandated in the United States, in an effort to reduce the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Published reports have shown a reduction in the prevalence of spina bifida since fortification was mandated, but no published studies have reported a reduction in birth defects, other than NTDs, that are postulated to be associated with folic acid deficiency. This study was performed to determine if fortification has reduced the prevalence of NTDs and other birth defects in Arkansas.METHODSUsing data from the Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System, prevalences were computed for thirteen specific birth defects with prior evidence supporting a protective effect of folic acid or multivitamins. Prevalences were calculated using data for live births to Arkansas residents for 1993–2000. Exposure to folic acid fortification was classified by birth year as “pre‐fortification” (1993–1995), “transition” (1996–1998) or “post‐fortification” (1999–2000). Logistic regression analysis was used to compute crude and adjusted prevalence odds ratios comparing the identified time periods.RESULTSPrevalences decreased between the pre‐ and post‐fortification periods for spina bifida, orofacial clefts, limb reduction defects, omphalocele, and Down syndrome, but only the decrease in spina bifida was statistically significant (prevalence odds ratio 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.37, 0.83).CONCLUSIONIn Arkansas, the prevalence of spina bifida has decreased since folic acid fortification of foods was implemented. Similar studies by other birth defects surveillance systems are needed to confirm a preventive effect of fortification for malformations other than spina bifida. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 70:559–564, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.