bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and outcome of southern Chinese males with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mok C C , Lau C S , Chan T M , Wong R WS 
Published: November 2003

The aims were to study the gender differences in clinical manifestations, disease course and organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Clinical manifestations, autoantibody profile, relapses and damage scores were obtained from 51 Chinese males with SLE and compared with 201 consecutive female SLE controls. Fifty-one males were identified among 630 SLE patients who attended our clinics, giving a male prevalence of 8% and a female to male ratio of 11.4–1. Both the male SLE patients and the female controls had similar age and SLEDAI score at disease onset. Male SLE patients had less alopecia ( P = 0.03), Raynaud's phenomenon ( P = 0.01) and anti-Ro ( P = 0.049) during the course of the disease but none of the differences were statistically significant after correction for multiple observations. The prevalence of major organ involvement in either sex was not different. Both groups of patients had a comparable mean duration of follow-up (104 vs 102 months, P = 0.87). Males had a significantly lower rate of relapses (total No. of flares/patient-year: 0.23 in men vs 0.33 in women, P = 0.04), but the frequency of severe flares (No. of severe flares/patient/year in men 0.08 vs 0.12 in women, P = 0.16) was not significantly different from the females. Male patients with positive anti-Ro had significantly less overall flares than their female counterparts who were anti-Ro positive (0.16 vs 0.34, P = 0.006). However, the use of immunosuppressive agents for disease control in patients of both sexes was similar. 22 (43%) of the males and 78 (39%) of the females had organ damage. A higher percentage of male patients had impairment of renal function ( P = 0.006) but the proportion of patients who required dialysis was not different (4% in men vs 2% in females, P = 0.92). There was also a trend of more cardiovascular damage in the males but the difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.09). The mean SLICC/ACR scores were not significantly higher in the males than the females (0.71 vs 0.60, P ‘ 0.47). Males tend to differ from females in clinical manifestations, immunological profile and disease course in SLE. However, there was no gender difference in the involvement of major organs/systems. Males had less overall disease flares than the females but the rate of severe flares was not significantly lower. For patients who were anti-Ro positive, males had significantly less total number of flares/patient-year than their female counterparts. More renal impairment and cardiovascular damage was present in our male lupus patients but the overall damage scores were not significantly higher.
Responsiveness of peripheral blood B cells to recombinant CD40 ligand in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Harigai M , Hara M , Fukasawa C , Nakazawa S , Kawaguchi Y , Kamatani N , Kashiwazaki S 
Published: November 2003

Objective: To investigate the immunopathological significance of CD40=CD40 ligand system for B cell hyperactivation in SLE patients, the expression and the function of CD40 on B cells were compared with those of normal controls. Methods: Expression of CD40 was evaluated by flow cytometry. DNA synthesis of B cells were measured by 3H–TdR incorporation. Antibody production was assessed by ELISA. Results: There was no significant difference between SLE and normal controls in CD40 expression on peripheral blood B cells. Recombinant CD40 ligand-leucine zipper fusion protein (CD40L-LZ) 3significantly enhanced 3H ÿ TdR incorporation by both SLE and normal B cells–P < 0:01ƒ. H ÿ TdR incorporation of SLE B cells without stimuli (P < 0:001) and with CD40L-LZ stimulation (p < 0:05) were significantly lower in SLE patients compared with normal controls. Active SLE B cells spontaneously produced significantly larger amounts of total IgG than normal B cells (P < 0:05). CD40L-LZ significantly increased the production of total IgG by SLE B cells (P < 0:05), but not by normal B cells. Active SLE B cells spontaneously produced IgG anti-dsDNA and IgG anti-ssDNA antibodies. CD40L-LZ significantly increased the production of these autoantibodies by SLE B cells (P < 0:05). B cells from normal controls do not produce these autoantibodies spontaneously nor in response to CD40L-LZ. Conclusion: These findings indicate that signalling via CD40 plays an important role in B cell proliferation and autoantibody production in human SLE.
The BH1 idiotype defines a population of anticardiolipin antibodies closely associated with the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Mason A N , Harmer I J , Mageed R A , Mackworth-Young C G 
Published: November 2003

Background: A human IgM monoclonal anticardiolipin antibody–BH1–has previously been described, which has characteristics typical of antiphospholipid antibodies in the serum of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It appears to be idiotypically distinct from other human monoclonal autoantibodies of different or overlapping ligand-binding specificities derived from patients with related conditions. Aim: To determine whether the idiotype of BH1 is expressed on particular populations of antibodies (antiphospholipid and anti-β2-glucoprotein I) in the serum of patients with APS and other conditions. Methods: Sera from patients with APS (9), systemic lupus erythematosus without APS (`uncomplicated SLE'–9), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA–15), and from normal controls (15) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for reactivity with cardiolipin, β2 glycoprotein I (β2 GPI), and a polyclonal anti-idiotype raised against BH1 (RIdBH1). Absorption experiments were subsequently performed on selected sera using micelles of cardiolipin or phosphatidyl choline. Results: Eight out of nine patients with APS were positive for binding to RIdBH1 (IgG and/or IgM), while only one patient with uncomplicated SLE and none of the patients with RA or the healthy controls were positive. Although all of the patients with APS were positive for binding to β2 GPI, there was poor correlation between these results and levels of binding to cardiolipin and RIdBH1. Absorption of sera from patients with APS by cardolipin micelles resulted in a median reduction in IgG anticardiolipin and anti-β2 GPI activity of 81.6% and 6.3% respectively. For those sera positive for IgG reactivity with RIdBH1 the median reduction in this activity was 79.4%. Antibodies eluted from selected micelles showed activity against cardiolipin, β2 GPI and RIdBH1. Three anticardiolipin-positive sera from patients with RA were similarly absorbed; however the eluted antibodies failed to bind to RIdBH1. Absorption of all these sera with phosphatidyl choline resulted in no significant reduction in any of these activities. Conclusions: The BH1 idiotype defines a population of serum antibodies associated with features of APS. The antibody response in this condition, though diverse, may include the expression of a restricted group of variable region genes.
Immunological and clinical differences between juvenile and adult onset of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Carreño L , López-Longo F J , Monteagudo I , Rodríguez-Mahou M , Bascones M , González C M , Saint-Cyr C , Lapointe N 
Published: November 2003

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children usually follows a more severe course than in adults, but sometimes in the previous studies reported there are many confounding factors Objective: To analyse the immunological and clinical characteristics of SLE juvenile onset and SLE adult onset. Methods: We studied 179 patients with SLE, 49 patients were aged 6 – 18 yrs at onset of disease. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected by radioimmunoassay and antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENA): anti-nRNP, anti-Sm, anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies by ELISA, counterimmuno-electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Results: Juvenile-onset SLE shows a higher frequency of cutaneous vasculitis (44.8% vs 27.6%; P < 0.05), seizures (18.3% vs 7.6%; P < 0.05) nephropathy (67.3% vs 48.4%; P < 0.025), and discoid lupus erythematosus (26.5% vs 13.8%; P < 0.05). The incidence of articular manifestations is lower than in adults (85.7% vs 96.1%; P < 0.025). No significant differences were found between the two groups in relation with the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies. Conclusions: Juvenile-onset SLE has more frequent neurological and renal manifestations than adult-onset SLE, but immunological markers are similar in both groups. These features suggest the most severe clinical manifestations in the juvenile-onset SLE group are not related with the presence of studied antibodies by different methods.
Equipping Leviathan: Ordnance Factories of British India, 1859-1913
Authors: Roy Kaushik 
Published: November 2003

The ordnance establishment of British India was rightly regarded as the fourth arm of defence by the British. Especially after the 1857 mutiny, they understood that fire-power generated by the artillery and advanced small arms actually led to victory against numerically superior ‘rebels’. Instead of depending on imports from Britain, which were not only time-consuming, but costly and also intermittent, the colonial state decided to lay the foundation of an industrial base for manufacturing military stores. This was in anticipation of future military threats. Neverthless, several factors hampered the expansion and modernization of the arms and munitions factories. This article, based on some hitherto unused sources, is the first attempt to chart the evolution of the ordnance factories until the Great War.
A Study of the Ethical Sensitivity of Physicians in Turkey
Authors: Ersoy Nermin , Gündoğmuş Ümit N 
Published: November 2003

In order to prepare bioethics and clinical ethics courses for clinicians in Turkey, we needed to know the attitudes of physicians when placed in ethically difficult care situations. We presented four cases to 207 physicians who are members of the Physicians’ Association in Kocaeli, Turkey. Depending on the decisions they made in each case, we determined whether they were aware of the ethical aspects of the cases and the principles they chose as a basis for their decisions. We aimed to gain information about their ethical tendencies and moral sensitivity. A small number of physicians stated that they would ‘show respect for a patient’s living will’ in the first case, but more stated that they would ‘let the patient refuse the treatment’ in the second. In the third case, where medical confidentiality was the significant ethical issue, most of the physicians said that they would act in order to maintain confidentiality. For the last case, more than half the physicians chose to ‘tell the truth’ to the patient. The paternalism shown in the doctors’ decisions on the first two cases was no longer observed in those made for the last two cases. We concluded that the physicians who participated in our study have low sensitivity to living wills (or advance directives) and patients refusing treatment. However, when issues of medical confidentiality and truth-telling are concerned, they take care to protect the autonomy of the individual and are relatively more aware of the ethical aspects of these cases.
Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia
Authors: Gilbar Peter 
Published: November 2003

Objective. To provide a comprehensive review of the chemotherapy induced dermatological toxi-city, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE), including clinical presentation, drugs implication in causing the reaction, and approaches for management. Data sources. A search of MEDLINE (1966-2002), IDIS (1985- 2002) and CANCERLIT (1993-2002) databases was conducted using the terms (and variations of the terms) palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, hand-foot syndrome, and acral erythema. Bibliographies from selected articles were also reviewed for appropriate references. Data extraction. The retrieved literature was reviewed to include all articles pertaining to the incidence, clinical presentation, mechanism, pathology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of PPE. Data synthesis. PPE is a distinctive, localized cutaneous reaction to certain antineoplastic agents. A number of drugs have been implicated, including most commonly cytarabine, fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and capecitabine. There appears to be an association with administration schedules that lead to elevated peak plasma concentrations, such as in high-dose therapy, or after prolonged periods of constant exposure, as with continuous infusions, regular oral dosing, or liposomal formulations. The extent and severity of the reaction, time of onset, and duration are variable. Symptoms can occur to both hands and feet, and include dysesthesia, paresthesia, erythema, swelling, pain, blistering, ulceration, and desquamination. Cessation of the offending agent appears to be the most important step in the management of PPE. Dose modification may be necessary for subsequent cycles. As the course of PPE is self-limiting, treatment is commonly supportive and based on the type and severity of symptoms encountered. This can include analgesia, emollient or soothing creams, wound care, and cold compresses. Administration of corticosteroids has produced mixed results. Pyridoxine shows promise as both a treatment and preventative strategy, although confirmation in prospective clinical trials is needed. Advice should be provided to patients to ensure prompt recognition of toxicity and plans for prevention and amelioration of symptoms provided.
Gefitinib (ZD1839, Iressa®): a selective epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Shah Sachin R , Walsh Tracey L , Williams Casey B , Soefje Scott A 
Published: November 2003

Objective: To provide a comprehensive review of the clinical pharmacology and toxicology of gefitinib, with particular attention to its use in early clinical trials. Data source: A PubMed search was conducted using the terms ZD1839, gefitinib, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). All data from this search were reviewed and other relevant papers identified. The abstracts from the annual meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology were also reviewed. Data extraction: The aim of the review was to be comprehensive and descriptive. The authors reviewed studies and case reports containing information deemed to be of interest. Conclusions: EGFR is expressed, overex-pressed, or disregulated in a variety of human solid tumors, resulting in an enhancement of tumor growth. Gefitinib is a selective reversible inhibitor of EGFR that has shown activity in several tumor types. As an oral agent, it is extensively metabolized in the liver through the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, particularly the isoenzyme CYP3A4. In the phase II, IDEAL 1 and 2 trials, gefitinib has shown a response rate of 8.8% -18.4% in refractory lung cancer. Clinical trials in various other nonlung cancer patients include studies of gefitinib as a monotherapy or in combination with various chemotherapy, radiation, and/or hormone therapy regimens. Skin and gastrointestinal toxi-cities are the most frequent adverse events of gefitinib. Recently, interstitial pneumonia has emerged as one of the serious adverse effects among gefitinib patients. In summary, the role of gefitinib in combination or as a monotherapy for a variety of cancers is still evolving.
Effect of visual information on step-tracking movements in patients with intention tremor due to multiple sclerosis
Authors: Feys P , Helsen W F , Liu X , Lavrysen A , Loontjens V , Nuttin B , Ketelaer P 
Published: November 2003

The effect of visual information on step-tracking movements was studied in 18 patients with intention tremor due to multiple sclerosis (MS) and 15 healthy controls. Participants performed a slow wrist step-tracking task with stationary targets under five visual feedback conditions. The display of the target and movement cues was selectively withdrawn to examine the effects of visual information on intention tremor and movement accuracy. Results showed that intentio n tremor was most pronounced when visual display of both target and movement cues was available. Withdrawing visual information of the limb movement reduced tremor more than withdrawing the visual display of the target cues. Both the patient and control group was less accurate when the display of limb movement was occluded. Patients, however, were more dependent on visual information of the limb movement for accurate motor performance than healthy controls. When the visual display of the limb movement was partially occluded between or near to the targets, tremor decreased without deterioration of movement accuracy.
Interpolation of nonstationary air pollution processes: a spatial spectral approach
Authors: Fuentes Montserrat 
Published: November 2003

Spatial processes are important models for many environmental problems. Classical geostatistics and Fourier spectral methods are powerful tools for stuyding the spatial structure of stationary processes. However, it is widely recognized that in real applications spatial processes are rarely stationary and isotropic. Consequently, it is important to extend these spectral methods to processes that are nonstationary. In this work, we present some new spectral approaches and tools to estimate the spatial structure of a nonstationary process. More specifically, we propose an approach for the spectral analysis of nonstationary spatial processes that is based on the concept of spatial spectra, i.e., spectral functions that are space-dependent. This notion of spatial spectra generalizes the definition of spectra for stationary processes, and under certain conditions, the spatial spectrum at each Location can be estimated from a single realization of the spatial process. The motivation for this work is the modeling and prediction of ozone concentrations over different geopolitical boundaries for assessment of compliance with ambient air quality standards.
Transport of the Cu(II) Bound with Histidine-Containing Tripeptides to Cysteine. Coordination Mode and Exchangeability of Cu(II) in the Complexes
Authors: Hanaki Akira , Ikota Nobuo , Ueda Jun-ichi , Ozawa Toshihiko , Odani Akira 
Published: November 2003

Abstract
The transport of Cu(II) complexed with histidine-containing tripeptides (Cu(H−iL), L = HisGlyGly (i = 2), GlyHisGly (i = 1), and GlyGlyHis (i = 2)) to cysteine was examined by a stopped-flow spectrophotometric method. The S → Cu(II) charge transfer (LMCT) bands at 335 nm and 390 nm were used as probes for tracing the reaction. Primarily formed was the ternary Cu(H−1L)(Cys−) complex. The rate of the Cu(H−1L)(Cys−) formation depended on the affinity of Cu(II) for the donor atoms at the fourth binding site of Cu(H−2L). Cu(H−1L)(Cys−) subsequently reacted with free Cys− to yield a binary complex, Cu(Cys−)2. The rate of Cu(H−1L)(Cys−) formation was generally faster than that of conversion from Cu(H−1L)(Cys−) to Cu(Cys−)2. An exception was found in the reaction with Cu(H−2GlyGlyHis), where the relation k1+ &lt; k2+ existed. The ternary complex, Cu(H−1HisGlyGly)(Cys−), was too labile to be detect by the conventional stopped-flow methods. Probably, Cu(H−1HisGlyGly)(Cys−) upon forming changed spontaneously to Cu(HisGlyGly)(Cys−), in which the N-terminal His residue coordinated to the Cu(II) via the amino and imidazole nitrogens, and rapidly changed to Cu(Cys−)2.
1,1,‐Dimethylethyl (S)‐ or (R)‐4‐Formyl‐2,2‐Dimethyl‐3‐Oxazolidinecarboxylate: A Useful Serinal Derivative
Authors: Garner Philip , Park Jung Min 
Published: November 2003

Abstract

1,1,‐dimethylethyl (S)‐ or (R)‐4‐formyl‐2,2‐dimethyl‐3‐oxazolidinecarboxylate: A useful serinal derivative

reactant: N‐Boc‐L‐serine

intermediate: N‐Boc‐L‐serine methyl ester

intermediate: 3‐(1,1‐Dimethylethyl) 4‐methyl (S)‐2,2‐dimethyl‐3,4‐oxazolidinedicarboxylate

product: 1,1‐Dimethylethyl (S)‐4‐formyl‐2,2‐dimethyl‐3‐oxazolidinecarboxylate
Novel Substrates for Palladium‐Catalyzed Coupling Reactions of Arenes
Authors: Zapf Alexander 
Published: November 2003

AbstractArenes and heteroarenes are ubiquitous substructures in biologically active agents and new materials. Thus, functionalization (“refinement”) of simple arene precursors is still of major importance for preparative organic chemistry. During the last 20 years, especially transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions of aryl halides and triflates have given arene chemistry new impetus. The first industrial applications were realized a few years ago. Quite recently, carbonic acid derivatives such as anhydrides and esters have added to the scope of substrates for these coupling reactions. Some recent developments in this area are presented in this Minireview.
Automating survey coding by multiclass text categorization techniques
Authors: Giorgetti Daniela , Sebastiani Fabrizio 
Published: November 2003

AbstractSurvey coding is the task of assigning a symbolic code from a predefined set of such codes to the answer given in response to an open‐ended question in a questionnaire (aka survey). This task is usually carried out to group respondents according to a predefined scheme based on their answers. Survey coding has several applications, especially in the social sciences, ranging from the simple classification of respondents to the extraction of statistics on political opinions, health and lifestyle habits, customer satisfaction, brand fidelity, and patient satisfaction. Survey coding is a difficult task, because the code that should be attributed to a respondent based on the answer she has given is a matter of subjective judgment, and thus requires expertise. It is thus unsurprising that this task has traditionally been performed manually, by trained coders. Some attempts have been made at automating this task, most of them based on detecting the similarity between the answer and textual descriptions of the meanings of the candidate codes. We take a radically new stand, and formulate the problem of automated survey coding as a text categorization problem, that is, as the problem of learning, by means of supervised machine learning techniques, a model of the association between answers and codes from a training set of precoded answers, and applying the resulting model to the classification of new answers. In this article we experiment with two different learning techniques: one based on naive Bayesian classification, and the other one based on multiclass support vector machines, and test the resulting framework on a corpus of social surveys. The results we have obtained significantly outperform the results achieved by previous automated survey coding approaches.