bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioprospecção de isolados de Bacillus promotores de crescimento de milho cultivado em solo autoclavado e natural
Authors: Araujo Fabio Fernando de , Guerreiro Renato Tadeu
Published: September 2010

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, selecionar isolados bacterianos do gênero Bacillus em amostras de solo da região oeste paulista e avaliar o efeito de sua inoculação em milho cultivado em duas condições de solo (natural e autoclavado). Trinta e oito isolados bacterianos, caracterizados como Bacillus sp. foram avaliados previamente quanto ao antagonismo a fungos fitopatogênicos e produção de hormônio vegetal (auxinas) em laboratório. Foram selecionados 14 isolados para inoculação de milho cultivado em vasos, em casa de vegetação durante 50 dias. As avaliações efetuadas durante a condução do experimento foram: altura de plantas; número de folhas desdobradas e biomassa seca produzida aos 50 dias após a semeadura. O cultivo do milho em solo autoclavado proporcionou maior número de folhas desdobradas e produção de biomassa na planta. Os isolados bacterianos BRG-2, CAS-2, NGR-1, PNP-2, PRP-2 e TAC-2, destacaram-se como promotores de crescimento do milho, avaliado pela produção de biomassa pela planta aos 50 dias de idade. Dos oito antagonistas avaliados apenas quatro foram promotores de crescimento do milho. A maior produção de AIA não foi uma característica principal dos melhores isolados bacterianos que promoveram o crescimento do milho.
Avaliação retrospectiva por meio do questionário SF-36 de pacientes submetidos à estabilização dinâmica pedicular para o tratamento de doenças degenerativas lombares
Authors: Rodrigues Leonardo Fonseca , Voloch Paula , Gurgel Sérgio , Cavallari Flavio
Published: September 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: a estabilização dinâmica pedicular tem sido utilizada desde os anos 1990 para o tratamento da doença lombar degenerativa como uma alternativa aos métodos de fusão. Devido às suas características de não-fusão, estes implantes tendem a reduzir a carga nos discos intervertebrais adjacentes e na coluna posterior, com o objetivo de não prejudicar a biomecânica da coluna, diminuindo assim a chance de degeneração do disco adjacente. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi avaliar, por meio do questionário SF-36, os resultados dos pacientes que se submeteram à estabilização dinâmica pedicular para o tratamento da patologia degenerativa lombar. MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 31 pacientes que se submeteram à estabilização dinâmica pedicular, de abril de 2004 a junho de 2008, por meio do questionário de qualidade de vida SF-36. RESULTADOS: o SF-36 mostrou um índice de melhora na qualidade de vida desses pacientes durante o período de acompanhamento, variando de 33,15% no pré-operatório, para 75,99% no pós-operatório, correspondente a uma diferença de 129% no resultado final, que é significativo estatisticamente de acordo com o teste t de student (p<0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: os pacientes submetidos à estabilização pedicular dinâmica em nossa série mostraram uma melhoria na qualidade de vida, comparando-se os questionários SF-36 pré e pós-operatório em 29,5 meses de acompanhamento.
Estudo biomecânico comparativo da resistência à força de compressão entre os parafusos pediculares monoaxiais com travamento interno único e parafusos pediculares monoaxiais com travamento duplo interno e externo
Authors: França Luiz Cláudio de Moura , Oliveira Mauricio Pagy de Calais , Rugani Marcelo , Pedrosa Luiz Olimpio Garcia , Macedo Rodrigo D'Alessandro , Fontes Bruno , Duarte Marcelo Gonçalves Pereira , Duarte Rafael Gonçalves
Published: September 2010

OBJETIVO: comparar a rigidez de um sistema de instrumentação da coluna vertebral composto por parafusos pediculares fixos com duplo bloqueio (interno e externo) com um sistema composto por parafusos pediculares fixos com bloqueio interno único, submetidos a forças de compressão. MÉTODOS: o modelo experimental utilizado nesses testes para avaliação dos sistemas de fixação foi elaborado de acordo com as normas descritas pela American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) no ensaio F1717-04. Foram montados dois grupos, sendo o Grupo 1 composto pelos ensaios com parafusos fixos com sistema de duplo bloqueio e o Grupo 2, com parafusos fixos com bloqueio interno único. Foram utilizados três conjuntos de hastes e parafusos para cada grupo. Cada conjunto foi submetido a um teste biomecânico. Os componentes metálicos utilizados foram todos produzidos pela mesma empresa, apresentando mesma origem em relação à matéria-prima. Os modelos experimentais foram submetidos a testes mecânicos na máquina universal de ensaios EMIC, modelo EMIC DL 10000. RESULTADOS: os resultados obtidos no ensaio de compressão nas amostras do Grupo 1 apresentaram uma carga máxima média de 2104,15 N e uma carga de escoamento média de 1882,55 N. Os resultados obtidos no ensaio de compressão nas amostras do Grupo 2 apresentaram uma carga máxima média de 1420,5 N e uma carga de escoamento média de 1314,37 N. CONCLUSÃO: o sistema de parafusos fixos com duplo bloqueio (Grupo 1) apresentou maior resistência a forças de compressão quando comparado ao sistema de parafusos com travamento interno isolado.
A população indígena da cidade de Belém, Pará: alguns modos de sociabilidade
Authors: Ponte Laura Arlene Saré Ximenes
Published: September 2010

O artigo analisa a questão relativa à presença de índios na cidade de Belém, estado do Pará, enfocando as razões para os deslocamentos e os modos de sociabilidade criados no espaço citadino, além de buscar compreender a dinâmica organizativa de indígenas frente ao poder público e à sociedade em geral. Apresentam-se dados estatísticos sobre a população indígena que habita na cidade de Belém, bem como os problemas enfrentados por parte desta. Enfatiza-se a construção da identidade indígena no espaço urbano, com o objetivo de questionar se o lugar é determinante para a construção da etnicidade, tendo em vista que as políticas públicas estatais não se estendem para os indígenas citadinos. Com este estudo, chegou-se à conclusão de que ainda há muito a ser feito pelas populações indígenas que moram nos centros urbanos, a começar pelo reconhecimento étnico.
Skimmer Capacity for Viscous Oil
Authors: Moxness Vidar Weidemann , Gåseidnes Knut , Asheim Harald
Published: September 2010

When a skimmer removes oil locally, oil floating further away will flow toward it. The maximum flow rate toward the skimmer defines its natural capacity. Traditional skimmer-capacity modeling considers flow driven by height potential and resisted by inertial forces but neglects viscosity. On the basis of theory and experiments, this paper claims that high oil viscosity may govern the skimmer capacity.

It is shown that viscous resistance relates to a dimensionless quantity called the Goose number, representing the ratio of inertial to viscous forces. At high Goose numbers, viscosity may be neglected. At sufficiently low Goose numbers, viscous resistance dominates. A numerical solution applicable to all Goose numbers has been developed. Analytical formulas for skimmer capacity at high and low Goose numbers are provided.

A scaled laboratory facility was built to investigate the skimming of viscous oil. The measured rates were consistent with the numerical predictions and with the formula for low Goose number. With decreasing viscosity, predictions by the current model converged to traditional formulas that neglect viscosity.

The model quantifies how skimming capacity is affected by size and by properties of the oil spill and skimmer geometry and submergence. This may enable more rational skimmer design and operation, and even optimization.
Use of Exclusion Zones in Mapping and Modeling Fracture Corridors
Authors: Ozkaya Sait I.
Published: September 2010

Fracture corridors are fault-related, subvertical, tabular fracture clusters that traverse the entire reservoir vertically and extend for several tens or hundreds of meters horizontally. Conductive fracture corridors may have significant permeability and may profoundly affect reservoir-flow dynamics. Therefore, it is important to map conductive fracture corridors deterministically for reservoir evaluation and well planning. Deterministic mapping of fracture corridors requires locating fracture corridors and assigning to them length, orientation, fluid conductivity, and connectivity. Estimation of orientation, length, and—especially—connectivity is a major challenge in fracture-corridor mapping.

An exclusion zone is a region that cannot have a conductive fault or fracture corridor passing through. Borehole images, open-hole logs, flow profiles, and lost-circulation data can be used to identify horizontal wells with no fracture-corridor intersection. Well tests, production/injection history, Kh ratio (permeability times thickness) well-test/core ratio, first water arrival, and oil-column-thickness maps can be used to identify vertical “matrix” wells that do not intersect fracture corridors. Adjacent matrix wells may be surrounded by inferred exclusion zones. The confidence level of inferred exclusion zones depends on factors such as interwell distance, matrix permeability, width, orientation, and spacing of fracture corridors. Overlapping of exclusion zones from independent data sources such as well testing and oil-column thickness have higher confidence than non-overlapping zones.

Only borehole images provide orientation and only well tests provide length of fracture corridors. In the absence of well testing and borehole imaging, exclusion zones provide constraints and aid both in locating fracture corridors and assigning them orientation and length. Perhaps the most significant contribution of exclusion zones to fracture-corridor mapping is in identifying interconnected and isolated fracture corridors. An interconnected network of fracture corridors may extend laterally for several kilometers as major fracture permeability pathways, which not only improve pressure support, bottom upsweep of oil, but also cause rapid water breakthrough.
Simulations of Field-Development Planning Help Improve Economics of Heavy-Oil Project
Authors: Teotico Dwight , Schauerte Luke , Griffith James , Schottle Gary , Mehl Ralph
Published: September 2010

When Shell began an ultraheavy-oil development in Alberta, Canada, the field plan was based on manual pad positioning without consideration for surface hazards, trajectory constraints, or injector/producer slot requirements arising from the prefabricated-pad configuration.

Shell teams were challenged to investigate alternative field-development plans to reduce the initial investment. The volume of wells, surface hazards, trajectory constraints, and pad slot configuration requirements for injector/producer ratios made this a formidable task. Shell leveraged the expertise of third-party consultants and powerful software to generate numerous development scenarios, which enabled the Shell staff to focus on the economics of each plan.

An aerial image that delineated surface hazards, an elevation grid, and injector/producer targets were loaded into the 3D subsurface-visualization environment of the software to generate pad-placement simulations, including trajectory designs. The software followed the Shell planning constraints and avoided all surface hazards.

The analyses were conducted for the highest, lowest, and median number of pads. From these three scenarios, a value analysis was plotted. This value analysis enabled the planning team to identify the optimal surface-to-reservoir configuration and to maximize the value of the field by delivering all of the reservoir targets, while minimizing the number of pads needed to drill. The output also yielded field cumulative values, including total and nominal well length, to support future economic analyses.

The analysis determined that 87 pads maximized the value of the field when 42-slot configured pads were considered. Additional studies determined that when 50-slot configured pads were considered, more than 99% of the planned reservoir targets could be drilled from 72 major and four or fewer minor pads. In either case, a significant reduction from the original 98 pads was realized. Through the combined efforts of Shell engineers and third-party consultants, as well as the use of state-of-the-art software, this optimization was completed in only 8 worker-weeks.

This paper describes the software and processes used to reduce Shell's estimated field-development costs and to minimize the environmental effect of the field by reducing the number of pads required.
Is there an increase of postpartum hemorrhage, and is severe hemorrhage associated with more frequent use of obstetric interventions?
Authors: Rossen Janne , Økland Inger , Nilsen Odd Bjarte , Eggebø Torbjørn M.
Published: September 2010

Objective. To analyze changes in postpartum hemorrhage over a 10‐year period from 1998 to 2007, and to explore factors associated with severe hemorrhage. Design. Retrospective cohort study, prospectively collected information. Setting. Stavanger University Hospital, a secondary referral center, Norway. Population. An unselected population of 41,365 women giving birth at the hospital. Methods. We analyzed changes over time in mean postpartum hemorrhage, severe postpartum hemorrhage and associated factors. Estimated blood loss >1,000 ml was defined as severe hemorrhage. Data were collected from the hospital's database. Main outcome measures. Severe postpartum hemorrhage and obstetric interventions. Results. We observed an increase in severe hemorrhage during the study period. After cesarean sections, the risk of severe hemorrhage was twice the risk of severe hemorrhage after vaginal deliveries (5.9%; 95% CI 5.3–6.6 vs. 2.8%; 95% CI 2.6–2.9). The most important factors associated with severe hemorrhage following vaginal deliveries were twin deliveries (OR 6.8), retained placenta (OR 3.9) and inductions of labor (OR 2.2). For cesarean sections, twin deliveries had the strongest association with severe hemorrhage (OR 3.7) followed by general anesthesia (OR 3.0). Obstetric interventions became more frequent; elective cesarean sections increased from 2.4 to 4.9%, acute cesarean sections from 5.5 to 8.9%, operative vaginal deliveries from 9.3 to 12.5%, inductions of labor from 14.3 to 15.8% and augmentations of labor from 5.8 to 29.3%. Conclusions. The incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage increased, and this may be related to more frequent use of obstetric interventions.
The impact of topographically forced stationary waves on local ice-sheet climate
Authors: Liakka Johan , Nilsson Johan
Published: September 2010

A linear two-level atmospheric model is employed to study the influence of ice-sheet topography on atmospheric stationary waves. In particular, the stationary-wave-induced temperature anomaly is considered locally over a single ice-sheet topography, which is computed using the plastic approximation. It is found that stationary waves induce a local cooling which increases linearly with the ice volume for ice sheets of horizontal extents smaller than ∼1400 km. Beyond this horizontal scale, the dependence of stationary-wave-induced cooling on the ice volume becomes gradually weaker. For a certain ice-sheet size, and for small changes of the surface zonal wind, it is further shown that the strength of the local stationary-wave-induced cooling is proportional to the basic state meridional temperature gradient multiplied by the vertical stratification in the atmosphere. These results are of importance for the nature of the feedback between ice sheets and stationary waves, and may also serve as a basis for parameterizing this feedback in ice-sheet model simulations (e.g. through the Pleistocene glacial/interglacial cycles).
Consistent approximations and boundary conditions for ice-sheet dynamics from a principle of least action
Authors: Dukowicz John K. , Price Stephen F. , Lipscomb William H.
Published: September 2010

The formulation of a physical problem in terms of a variational (or action) principle conveys significant advantages for the analytical formulation and numerical solution of that problem. One such problem is ice-sheet dynamics as described by non-Newtonian Stokes flow, for which the variational principle can be interpreted as stating that a measure of heat dissipation, due to internal deformation and boundary friction, plus the rate of loss of total potential energy is minimized under the constraint of incompressible flow. By carrying out low-aspect-ratio approximations to the Stokes flow problem within this variational principle, we obtain approximate dynamical equations and boundary conditions that are internally consistent and preserve the analytical structure of the full Stokes system. This also allows us to define an action principle for the popular first-order or ‘Blatter–Pattyn’ shallow-ice approximation that is distinct from the action principle for the Stokes problem yet preserves its most important properties and elucidates various details about this approximation. Further approximations within this new action functional yield the standard zero-order shallow-ice and shallow-shelf approximations, with their own action principles and boundary conditions. We emphasize the specification of boundary conditions, which are problematic to derive and implement consistently in approximate models but whose formulation is greatly simplified in a variational setting.
Mucormycosis of the Palate
Authors: Thimmarasa VB , Devi P , Mehrotra V , Gupta M
Published: September 2010

Mucormycosis is an invasive, potentially lethal fulminant fungal infection that is caused by normallysaprophytic fungus belonging to the class zygomycetes. Mucormycosis is characterized by its unrelentingprogression towards vital organs with marked propensity towards arterial wall by direct extension producingvascular thrombosis leading to ischaemic necrosis. The maxilla rarely undergoes necrosis due to its richvascularity. The case report here was a case of mucormycosis with extensive necrosis of maxilla in a 48 yearold male patient with palatal perforation as the sole presentation of mucormycosis.Key words: Mucormycosis; palatal perforation; fungal infection.DOI: 10.3329/jafmc.v6i1.5989Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh Vol.6(1) 2010 p.29-31
Mount or motte? Recent excavations at Montfode, Ardrossan
Authors: Dingwall Kirsty , Lochrie Julie , Timpany Scott
Published: September 2010

Montfode Mount near Ardrossan is a monument with an ambiguous interpretation which has been subject to much discussion over the years. The site is a low mound at the end of a broad plateau of flat ground on a raised beach terrace. Recent housing development offered another opportunity to examine the monument's ditches and surroundings. The results cast doubt on previous interpretations of the monument as a medieval motte. Several groups of truncated features were identified in the vicinity, with some forming a probable double-ring roundhouse, and all of the dateable features were Bronze Age. Beaker pottery was found in one pit. The plan of the ditches and possible palisades surrounding the mound were more fully revealed. The work disturbed one part of the inner ditch and the dating of material from the primary fill also suggested a prehistoric date. It is concluded that the site bears most resemblance to a defended settlement of the later prehistoric period.
Research in Castration-Resistant Rostate Cancer: What Does the Future Hold?
Authors: Macfarlane R. J. , Chi K. N.
Published: September 2010

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common non-skin cancer diagnosed in North America, and it affects 1 in 6 men. Patients with recurrent or metastatic PCa will inevitably develop castration-resistant disease after an initial period of hormone responsiveness. The standard first-line treatment for men with castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) is docetaxel, but further treatment options are limited. This review summarizes the research being conducted in CRPC, with specific regard to immunotherapy and to novel targeted therapies directed against the androgen axis, vascular endothelial growth factor, chaperone proteins, the phosphoinositide 3 kinase/Akt/phosphatase and tensin homolog/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, and endothelin-1.
Current Management of Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hotte S. J. , Saad F.
Published: September 2010

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in North America. Castrate-resistant PCa presents a spectrum of disease ranging from rising PSA levels in the absence of metastases or symptoms and despite androgen-deprivation therapy, to metastases and significant debilitation from cancer symptoms. Castrate-resistant PCa is usually suspected in patients with new symptoms on androgen deprivation therapy, with a rising PSA, or with new evidence of disease on bone scans or computed tomography scans. Institution of treatment and the choice of systemic or local therapy depend on a number of factors. This review discusses the various currently available treatments for patients with castrate-resistant PCa, from secondary hormonal manipulations to options for post-docetaxel systemic therapy.
Systematic investigations on the reduction of 4-aryl-4-oxoesters to 1-aryl-1,4-butanediols with methanolic sodium borohydride
Authors: Chaudhuri Subrata Kumar , Saha Manabendra , Saha Amit , Bhar Sanjay
Published: September 2010

4-Aryl-4-oxoesters undergo facile reduction of both the keto and the ester groups with methanolic NaBH4 at room temperature to yield the corresponding 1-aryl-1,4-butanediols whereas 4-alkyl-4-oxoesters furnish the corresponding 1,4-butanolides via selective reduction of the keto moiety. Results of a detailed and systematic investigation of the reaction are described.
Power Doppler Ultrasonography Assessment of Entheses in Spondyloarthropathies: Response to Therapy of Entheseal Abnormalities
Authors: NAREDO ESPERANZA , BATLLE-GUALDA ENRIQUE , GARCÍA-VIVAR M. LUZ , GARCÍA-APARICIO ANGEL M. , FERNÁNDEZ-SUEIRO JOSE LUIS , FERNÁNDEZ-PRADA MANUEL , GINER EMILIO , RODRIGUEZ-GOMEZ MANUEL , PINA MARIA FRANCISCA , MEDINA-LUEZAS JULIO A. , TOYOS FRANCISCO JAVIER , CAMPOS CRISTINA , GUTIÉRREZ-POLO RICARDO , FERRER MIGUEL ANGEL , MARTÍNEZ OLGA , DÍAZ-TORNE CESAR , GONZALEZ TERESA , CAMPOS SERAFÍN , QUEIRO RUBÉN , CASTAÑO-SÁNCHEZ MANUEL , AZNAR JUAN JOSÉ , BUSTABAD SAGRARIO , PAEZ-CAMINO MANUEL , TUNEU ROSER , RUIZ TERESA , MATEO LOURDES , PUJOL MANUEL , PONCE ANDRÉS , ROS INMACULADA , GALLEGOS ANGEL , MORENO JUAN , GUMBAU DOMINGO , SIANES MANUELA , POVEDA-ELICES M. JOSE , ROMERO-GÓMEZ MONTSERRAT , RAYA ENRIQUE
Published: September 2010

Objective.

To investigate the response to therapy of entheseal abnormalities assessed with power Doppler (PD) ultrasound (US) in spondyloarthropathies (SpA).

Methods.

A total of 327 patients with active SpA who were starting anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy were prospectively recruited at 35 Spanish centers. A PDUS examination of 14 peripheral entheses was performed by the same investigator in each center at baseline and at 6 months. The following elementary lesions were assessed at each enthesis (presence/absence): morphologic abnormalities (hypoechogenicity and/or thickening), entheseal calcific deposits, cortical abnormalities (bone erosion and/or proliferation), adjacent bursitis and intraenthesis and perienthesis (tendon body and/or bursa) PD signal. Response to therapy of each elementary lesion was assessed by calculating change in the cumulative presence from baseline to 6 months. Intraobserver reliability of PDUS was evaluated by blindly assessing the stored baseline images 3 months after the real-time examination.

Results.

Complete data were obtained on 197 patients who received anti-TNF therapy for 6 months. In 91.4% of the patients there were gray-scale or PD elementary lesions at baseline and at 6 months. Cumulative entheseal morphologic abnormalities, intraenthesis PD, perienthesis PD, and bursitis showed a significant decrease from baseline to 6 months (p < 0.05). There was high intraobserver reliability for all elementary lesions (interclass correlation coefficient > 0.90, p < 0.0005).

Conclusion.

Entheseal morphologic abnormalities, PD signal, and bursitis were US abnormalities that were responsive to anti-TNF therapy in SpA. PDUS can be a reproducible method for multicenter monitoring of therapeutic response in enthesitis of SpA.
Predicting the Longer-term Outcomes of Total Hip Replacement
Authors: GANDHI RAJIV , DHOTAR HERMAN , DAVEY J. RODERICK , MAHOMED NIZAR N.
Published: September 2010

Objective.

The objective of this study was to identify the patient-level predictors (age, sex, body mass index, mental health, and comorbidity) for a sustained functional outcome at a minimum 1 year of followup after total hip replacement (THR).

Methods.

We reviewed data from our registry on 636 consecutive patients from 1998 to 2005. Demographic data and the outcome scores of the Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Medical Outcomes Study Short-form 36 (SF-36) scores were extracted from the database. Longitudinal regression modeling was performed to identify the predictive factors of interest. Fourteen percent of patients were missing outcomes data at 1 year of followup.

Results.

The mean followup in our cohort was 3.3 years (range 1–6 yrs) and there were no revisions for aseptic loosening performed during this time. Mean clinical outcome scores were found to be relatively constant for the 6 years after surgery. Older age, year of followup, and greater comorbidity were identified as negative prognostic factors for a sustained functional outcome following THR (p < 0.05).

Conclusion.

Understanding of longterm surgical outcomes should be appropriately used to set realistic patient expectations of surgery.
Elevated Serum Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase Correlates with Histological Disease Activity and Clinical Improvement After Initiation of Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: DAI LIE , ZHU LANG-JING , ZHENG DONG-HUI , MO YING-QIAN , WEI XIU-NING , SU JIAN-HUA , PESSLER FRANK , ZHANG BAI-YU
Published: September 2010

Objective.

To determine serum glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to test whether they correlate with objective measures of disease activity.

Methods.

Sera from 116 patients with RA, 69 patients with non-RA rheumatic diseases, and 101 healthy controls were analyzed. Levels of soluble serum GPI were measured by ELISA. Histological disease activity was determined with the synovitis score in synovial needle biopsies from 58 of the 116 patients with RA. Thirty-one of the 58 synovium samples were stained for CD68, CD3, CD20, CD38, CD79a, and CD34 by immunohistochemistry. Demographic data were collected, as well as serological and clinical variables that indicate RA disease activity, for Spearman correlation analysis.

Results.

Serum GPI level correlated positively with the synovitis score (r = 0.278, p = 0.034). Significantly higher soluble GPI levels were detected in the RA sera compared with sera from healthy controls and the non-RA disease controls (2.25 ± 2.82 vs 0.03 ± 0.05 and 0.19 ± 0.57 μg/ml, respectively; p < 0.0001). The rate of serum GPI positivity was significantly higher in the RA patients than in the non-RA disease controls (64.7% vs 10.1%; p < 0.0001). Spearman analysis showed no significant correlation between serum GPI level and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints at baseline. After initiation of antirheumatic treatments, GPI levels decreased significantly (2.81 ± 3.12 vs 1.44 ± 2.09 μg/ml; p = 0.016), paralleling improvement of the disease activity indices.

Conclusion.

Elevated serum GPI may be involved in the synovitis of RA and may prove useful as a serum marker for disease activity of RA.
pANCA, ASCA, and OmpC Antibodies in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis without Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: de VRIES MIRJAM , van der HORST-BRUINSMA IRENE , van HOOGSTRATEN INGRID , van BODEGRAVEN ADRIAAN , von BLOMBERG MARY , RATNAWATI HANA , DIJKMANS BEN
Published: September 2010

Objective.

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can suffer concurrently from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD). Serological markers have been described to diagnose IBD. We investigated IBD serological markers in AS patients without IBD and whether these antibodies enable differentiating patients with AS and IBD from those without IBD.

Methods.

Frequencies of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA), antibodies to the cell-wall mannan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA), and antibodies to porin protein C of Escherichia coli (OmpC) were evaluated in 179 patients: 52 with AS, 50 with UC, 51 with CD, and 26 with IBD and AS. Patient groups were matched for age and sex. All AS patients fulfilled the 1984 modified New York criteria. IBD was ascertained by clinical, endoscopic, and microscopic findings.

Results.

In 55% of the AS patients without manifest IBD at least one antibody associated with IBD was observed. pANCA, ASCA (IgA and/or IgG), and OmpC antibodies were found in 21%, 30%, and 19% of the AS patients, respectively. pANCA was more frequently present in AS with concurrent UC than in AS alone (OR 8.2, 95% CI 1.2–55.6), thus being an indicator for UC in AS patients.

Conclusion.

Antibodies associated with IBD are detectable in more than half of AS patients without symptoms or signs of IBD. A relatively recent marker in this setting, OmpC antibodies, does not contribute to the differentiation between AS and type of IBD. Presence of pANCA, however, is significantly increased in AS patients who also have UC, and is an indicator to perform endoscopy. These results corroborate a pathophysiological link between AS and IBD.
Impaired Gastric Emptying in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: HAMMAR OSKAR , OHLSSON BODIL , WOLLMER PER , MANDL THOMAS
Published: September 2010

Objective.

To investigate the prevalence of impaired gastric emptying (IGE) and its relation to autonomic nervous dysfunction (AD), functional bowel syndrome, and inflammatory and serological variables in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS).

Methods.

Twenty-eight patients with pSS according to the American-European Consensus Criteria were included in the study. Gastric emptying was evaluated by the octanoate breath test from which half-time (thalf) and lag-time (tlag) were determined and compared with the results from 50 healthy controls. Autonomic nervous function was evaluated by 5 objective autonomic reflex tests (ART) and by the Autonomic Symptom Profile (ASP) questionnaire evaluating AD symptoms. These results were compared with previously investigated healthy ART controls and population-based ASP controls. Patients were also assessed regarding symptoms of functional bowel syndrome.

Results.

The thalf and the tlag were significantly prolonged in patients compared to controls. Forty-three percent of patients with pSS presented signs of IGE and 29% fulfilled the criteria for gastroparesis. Significant correlations were found between tlag and increased levels of IgG (p = 0.02) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; p = 0.01). In addition, rheumatoid factor (RF) seropositives showed objective signs of IGE to a greater extent than RF seronegatives. No associations between IGE, ART variables, ASP variables, or gastrointestinal symptoms were found.

Conclusion.

IGE was common in pSS. Associations with inflammatory and serological features of pSS could imply immunological mechanisms behind the IGE. Objective signs of IGE were not associated with objective signs or subjective symptoms of AD or functional bowel syndrome.
B Cell Subsets Contribute to Renal Injury and Renal Protection after Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Renner Brandon , Strassheim Derek , Amura Claudia R. , Kulik Liudmila , Ljubanovic Danica , Glogowska Magdalena J. , Takahashi Kazue , Carroll Michael C. , Holers V. Michael , Thurman Joshua M.
Published: September 2010

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) triggers a robust inflammatory response within the kidney. Numerous components of the immune system contribute to the resultant renal injury, including the complement system. We sought to identify whether natural Abs bind to the postischemic kidney and contribute to complement activation after I/R. We depleted peritoneal B cells in mice by hypotonic shock. Depletion of the peritoneal B cells prevented the deposition of IgM within the glomeruli after renal I/R and attenuated renal injury after I/R. We found that glomerular IgM activates the classical pathway of complement, but it does not cause substantial deposition of C3 within the kidney. Furthermore, mice deficient in classical pathway proteins were not protected from injury, indicating that glomerular IgM does not cause injury through activation of the classical pathway. We also subjected mice deficient in all mature B cells (μMT mice) to renal I/R and found that they sustained worse renal injury than wild-type controls. Serum IL-10 levels were lower in the μMT mice. Taken together, these results indicate that natural Ab produced by peritoneal B cells binds within the glomerulus after renal I/R and contributes to functional renal injury. However, nonperitoneal B cells attenuate renal injury after I/R, possibly through the production of IL-10.
Inhibition of Hepatitis C Virus Replication by IFN-Mediated ISGylation of HCV-NS5A
Authors: Kim Min-Jung , Yoo Joo-Yeon
Published: September 2010

ISG15 is a ubiquitin-like molecule whose expression is induced by type I IFN (IFN-α/β) or in response to virus or bacterial infection. ISG15 or conjugation of ISG15 to target proteins was reported to play critical roles in the regulation of antiviral responses. IFN restricts replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, molecular mechanism of IFN-α/β that inhibits HCV replication is not clear yet. In the current study, we demonstrated that replication of HCV was inhibited by overexpression of ISG15 and ISG15-conjugation enzymes in the HCV subgenomic replicon cells. Among various nonstructural proteins of HCV, NS5A was identified as the substrate for ISGylation. Furthermore, protein stability of NS5A was decreased by overexpression of ISG15 or ISG15-conjugating enzymes. The inhibitory effect of ISG15 or ISGylation on NS5A was efficiently blocked by substitution of lysine at 379 residue to arginine within the C-terminal region, suggesting that ISGylation directly controls protein stability of NS5A. Finally, the inhibitory effect of IFN-α/β on HCV replication was further enhanced by ISGylation, suggesting ISG15 as a therapeutic tool for combined therapy with IFN against HCV.
A Notch Ligand, Delta-Like 1 Functions As an Adhesion Molecule for Mast Cells
Authors: Murata Akihiko , Okuyama Kazuki , Sakano Seiji , Kajiki Masahiro , Hirata Tomohisa , Yagita Hideo , Zúñiga-Pflücker Juan Carlos , Miyake Kensuke , Akashi-Takamura Sachiko , Moriwaki Sawako , Niida Shumpei , Yoshino Miya , Hayashi Shin-Ichi
Published: September 2010

Mast cells (MCs) accumulate in chronic inflammatory sites; however, it is not clear which adhesion molecules are involved in this process. Recently, the expression of Notch ligands was reported to be upregulated in inflammatory sites. Although Notch receptors are known as signaling molecules that can activate integrins, their contributions to the adhesion of MCs have not been studied. In this study, we demonstrated that mouse MCs efficiently adhered to stromal cells forced to express a Notch ligand, Delta-like 1 (Dll1). Surprisingly, the adhesion was a consequence of direct cell–cell interaction between MCs and Dll1-expressing stromal cells rather than activation of downstream effectors of Notch receptor(s)-Dll1. The adhesion of MCs to Dll1-expressing stromal cells remained even when the cell metabolism was arrested. The recognition was blocked only by inhibition of Notch receptor(s)–Dll1 interaction by addition of soluble DLL1, or mAbs against Dll1 or Notch2. Taken together, these results indicate that Notch receptor(s) and Dll1 directly promote the adhesion of MCs to stromal cells by acting as adhesion molecules. This appreciation that Notch receptor–ligand interactions have an adhesion function will provide an important clue to molecular basis of accumulation of MCs to inflammatory sites.
Cutting Edge: MHC Class II Expression by Pulmonary Nonhematopoietic Cells Plays a Critical Role in Controlling Local Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Kreisel Daniel , Richardson Steven B. , Li Wenjun , Lin Xue , Kornfeld Christopher G. , Sugimoto Seiichiro , Hsieh Chyi-Song , Gelman Andrew E. , Krupnick Alexander S.
Published: September 2010

The interaction of CD4+ T cells with MHC class II (MHCII)-expressing hematopoietic APCs plays a critical role in both the generation of protective immune responses and maintenance of tolerance in the lung. The functional significance of MHCII expression by nonhematopoietic stromal cells, however, has not been defined in vivo. Using a novel mouse model of orthotopic left lung transplantation, we demonstrate that selective elimination of MHCII expression on nonhematopoietic cells leads to an inflammatory response as a result of reduced peripheral generation of regulatory CD4+ T cells. Absence of MHCII expression on nonhematopoietic cells also inhibits local growth of metastatic pulmonary tumor. These findings indicate that nonhematopoietic cells play a previously unrecognized role in downregulating inflammatory responses in nonlymphoid tissues.
Cutting Edge: Increased IL-17–Secreting T Cells in Children with New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Marwaha Ashish K. , Crome Sarah Q. , Panagiotopoulos Constadina , Berg Kyra B. , Qin Huilian , Ouyang Qin , Xu Lixin , Priatel John J. , Levings Megan K. , Tan Rusung
Published: September 2010

CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells are essential for immune tolerance, and murine studies suggest that their dysfunction can lead to type 1 diabetes (T1D). Human studies assessing regulatory T cell dysfunction in T1D have relied on analysis of FOXP3-expressing cells. Recently, distinct subsets of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells with differing function were identified. Notably, CD45RA−CD25intFOXP3low T cells lack suppressive function and secrete the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17. Therefore, we evaluated whether the relative fractions of CD4+FOXP3+ subsets are altered in new-onset T1D subjects. We report that children with new-onset T1D have an increased proportion of CD45RA−CD25intFOXP3low cells that are not suppressive and secrete significantly more IL-17 than other FOXP3+ subsets. Moreover, these T1D subjects had a higher proportion of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that secrete IL-17. The bias toward IL-17–secreting T cells in T1D suggests a role for this proinflammatory cytokine in the pathogenesis of disease.
Pathological Hallmarks, Clinical Parallels, and Value for Drug Testing in Alzheimer's Disease of the APP[V717I] London Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Tanghe An , Termont Annelies , Merchiers Pascal , Schilling Stephan , Demuth Hans-Ulrich , Scrocchi Louise , Van Leuven Fred , Griffioen Gerard , Van Dooren Tom
Published: September 2010

The APP[V717I] London (APP-Ld) mouse model recapitulates important pathological and clinical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is therefore a valuable paradigm for evaluating therapeutic candidates. Historically, both the parenchymal and vascular amyloid deposits, and more recently, truncated and pyroglutamate-modified Abet species, are perceived as important hallmarks of AD-pathology. Late stage symptoms are preceded by robust deficits in orientation and memory that correlate in time with Abeta oligomerization and GSK3-mediated phosphorylation of endogenous murine Tau, all markers that have gained considerable interest during the last decade. Clinical parallels with AD patients and the value of the APP-Ld transgenic mouse model for preclinicalin vivotesting of candidate drugs are discussed.
Generation, Isolation, and Maintenance of Human Mast Cells and Mast Cell Lines Derived from Peripheral Blood or Cord Blood
Authors: Rådinger Madeleine , Jensen Bettina M. , Kuehn Hye Sun , Kirshenbaum Arnold , Gilfillan Alasdair M.
Published: September 2010

Antigen‐mediated mast cell activation is a pivotal step in the initiation of allergic disorders including anaphylaxis and atopy. To date, studies aimed at investigating the mechanisms regulating these responses, and studies designed to identify potential ways to prevent them, have primarily been conducted in rodent mast cells. However, to understand how these responses pertain to human disease, and to investigate and develop novel therapies for the treatment of human mast cell–driven disease, human mast cell models may have greater relevance. Recently, a number of systems have been developed to allow investigators to readily obtain sufficient quantities of human mast cells to conduct these studies. These mast cells release the appropriate suite of inflammatory mediators in response to known mast cell activators including antigen. These systems have also been employed to examine the signaling events regulating these responses. Proof of principle studies has also demonstrated utility of these systems for the identification of potential inhibitors of mast cell activation and growth. In this unit, techniques for the development and culture of human mast cells from their progenitors and the culture of human mast cell lines are described. The relative merits and drawbacks of each model are also described. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 90:7.37.1‐7.37.12. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of resveratrol on endothelial cell function: Molecular mechanisms
Authors: Schmitt Christoph A. , Heiss Elke H. , Dirsch Verena M.
Published: September 2010

The polyphenolic natural product resveratrol (RV), best known for its occurrence in grape skin and red wine, is considered a candidate drug for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This review aims to summarize the molecular effects of RV on endothelial cells, which line the inner walls of blood vessels and play a key role in the development of those diseases. We describe how RV enhances endothelial nitric oxide production, improves endothelial redox balance and inhibits endothelial activation in response to pro‐inflammatory and metabolic insults. Furthermore, we summarize effects of RV on endothelial senescence, apoptosis, endothelin‐1 release, and endothelial progenitor cell function. As many of RV's actions seem to be mediated by SIRT1, different mechanistic possibilities how RV may lead to SIRT1 activation are discussed.
ChemInform Abstract: Endohedral and Exohedral Adsorption in C60: An Analytical Model
Authors: BRETON J. , GONZALEZ‐PLATAS J. , GIRARDET C.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The First Trigonal‐Bipyramidal Cluster with an Interstitial C2 Unit: ( Rb(Pr5(C2))Cl10).
Authors: MEYER G. , UHRLANDT S.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Electroanalytical Study of the Reduction of K2WCl6 in Molten LiCl‐KCl Eutectic.
Authors: SEQUEIRA C. A. C.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Binding of Fullerenes to Cadmium Sulfide and Cadmium Selenide Surfaces, Photoluminescence as a Probe of Strong, Lewis Acidity‐Driven, Surface Adduct Formation.
Authors: ZHANG J. Z. , GESELBRACHT M. J. , ELLIS A. B.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Studies on Crystalline Microporous Vanadium Silicates. Part 4. Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Properties of V‐NCL‐1, a Large‐Pore Molecular Sieve.
Authors: REDDY K. R. , RAMASWAMY A. V. , RATNASAMY P.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Hydro(methano)thermal Synthesis and Characterization of Two Platinum Polysulfides: (Pt4S22)4‐ and (Pt(S4)2)2‐.
Authors: KIM K.‐W. , KANATZIDIS M. G.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Vibrational Spectra of 1,2,3‐Triazine
Authors: FISCHER G. , NWANKWOALA A. U. , OLLIFF M. P. , SCOTT A. P.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Luminescence and Charge Transfer. Part 3. The Use of Chromophores with ICT (Internal Charge Transfer) Excited States in the Construction of Fluorescent PET (Photoinduced Electron Transfer) pH Sensors and Related Absorption pH Sensors with Aminoalkyl Side Chains.
Authors: DE SILVA A. P. , GUNARATNE H. Q. N. , LYNCH P. L. M. , PATTY A. J. , SPENCE G. L.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Vibrational Raman Optical Activity in (R)‐(+)‐3‐Methylcyclohexanone: Experimental and ab initio Theoretical Studies and the Origins of the Unusual Couplets.
Authors: POLAVARAPU P. L. , BLACK T. M. , BARRON L. D. , HECHT L.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Twisted Pentacyclic Diol Derivative.
Authors: LLOYD B. A. , ARIF A. M. , ALLRED E. L. , SHARP T. R.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Structure of 5,5′,6,6′‐Tetraphenyl‐3,3′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazine.
Authors: BREU J. , RANGE K.‐J.
Published: September 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.