bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Activity and Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents of Hieracium pilosella L. Extracts
Authors: Stanojević Ljiljana , Stanković Mihajlo , Nikolić Vesna , Nikolić Ljubiša , Ristić Dušica , Čanadanovic-Brunet Jasna , Tumbas Vesna
Published: July 2009

The antioxidant activity ofwater, ethanol and methanol Hieracium pilosella L.extracts is reported. The antioxidative activity was tested by spectrophotometrically measuring their ability to scavenge a stable DPPH· free radical and a reactive hydroxyl radical trapped by DMPO during the Fenton reaction, using the ESR spectroscopy. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were evaluated according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure, and a colorimetric method, respectively. A HPLC method was used for identification of some phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, apigenin-7-O-glucoside and umbelliferone). The antioxidant activity of the investigated extracts slightly differs depending on the solvent used. The concentration of 0.30 mg/mL of water, ethanol and methanol extract is less effective in scavenging hydroxyl radicals (56.35, 58.73 and 54.35%, respectively) in comparison with the DPPH· radical scavenging activity (around 95% for all extracts). The high contents of total phenolic compounds (239.59–244.16 mg GAE/g of dry extract) and total flavonoids (79.13–82.18 mg RE/g of dry extract) indicated that these compounds contribute to the antioxidative activity.
Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Relation to Growth and Disease Activity
Authors: BJØRNHART BIRGITTE , JUUL ANDERS , NIELSEN SUSAN , ZAK MAREK , SVENNINGSEN PERNILLE , MÜLLER KLAUS
Published: July 2009

Objective.

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) has been identified as a prognostic marker of progressive joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. In this population based study we evaluated associations between plasma concentrations of COMP, disease activity, and growth velocity in patients with recent-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). COMP levels in JIA and healthy children were compared with those in healthy adults. Plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1), which has been associated with COMP expression and growth velocity, were studied in parallel.

Methods.

87 patients with JIA entered the study, including oligoarticular JIA (n = 34), enthesitis-related arthritis (n = 8), polyarticular rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive JIA (n = 2), polyarticular RF-negative JIA (n = 27), systemic JIA (n = 6), and undifferentiated JIA (n = 10). Plasma levels of COMP were measured by ELISA and IGF-1 by a radioimmunoassay.

Results.

Significantly higher COMP levels [mean 18.9 U/l (95% CI 17.3–20.5)] were found in healthy children compared with healthy adults [mean 10.7 U/l (95% CI 9.4–12.1)] (p < 0.0001). COMP levels in the JIA patients [mean 13.5 U/l (95% CI 12.4–14.7)] were significantly reduced compared to healthy children (p < 0.0001), and correlated negatively with C-reactive protein (CRP; r = −0.29, p = 0.01) and thrombocyte count (r = −0.28, p = 0.02). COMP levels in the JIA patients correlated positively with growth velocity (cm/yr) (r = 0.38, p = 0.0003) and growth velocity (SDS) (r = 0.29, p = 0.007).

Conclusion.

We found reduced COMP levels in children with JIA compared with healthy children. COMP levels in JIA correlated negatively with inflammatory activity as evaluated by CRP and the thrombocyte counts, and were associated with reduced growth rate.
The Association with the −159C/T Polymorphism in the Promoter Region of the CD14 Gene and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: ZENG HUA SONG , CHEN XIANG YUAN , LUO XIAO PING
Published: July 2009

Objective.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is generally considered to be caused by interaction of genetic and environmental factors. We investigated the association of a C-to-T transition in the promoter region of the CD14 gene on chromosome 5q31.1 and JIA in a Chinese Han population.

Methods.

One hundred sixty-three children with JIA and 281 healthy children (age- and sex-matched to JIA group) were studied. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used for analysis of the genotypes. (Trial registration number ChiCTR-CCC-00000312.)

Results.

CD14 promoter-159 genotype frequencies of CC, CT, and TT were 11.48%, 49.18%, and 39.34%, respectively, in the systemic onset JIA group; 21.62%, 43.24%, and 35.14%, in the polyarticular JIA group; 16.67%, 50%, and 33.33%, in the oligoarticular JIA group; 6.9%, 75.86%, and 17.24%, in the group with other types of JIA; and 37.01%, 46.98%, and 16.01%, in the control group. Genotype frequency and allele frequency distribution were in accord with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There were statistically significant differences in frequencies of genotype and allele in CD14 C-159T polymorphism between JIA group and control group (genotype: chi-squared = 33.168, p < 0.05, CT vs CC, OR 2.946, 95% CI 1.739–4.990; TT vs CC, OR 5.426, 95% CI 2.977–9.891. Allele: chi-squared = 33.168, p < 0.05, T vs C, OR 2.251, 95% CI 1.704–2.973). The T allele frequencies of boys and girls were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.001 of both).

Conclusion.

CD14 gene promoter C-159T polymorphism is significantly correlated with JIA in the Chinese Han population. The T allele of the C-159T polymorphism of CD14 gene may be a genetic risk factor for JIA.
The Prevalence of Nephrolithiasis in Patients with Primary Gout: A Cross-sectional Study Using Helical Computed Tomography
Authors: SHIMIZU TORU , HORI HIROSHI
Published: July 2009

Objective.

To investigate the prevalence of nephrolithiasis in gouty patients by computed tomography (CT) imaging and to compare it with the “prevalence” of urolithiasis calculated from histories of urinary tract calculus.

Methods.

The kidneys of 383 male patients with primary gout were examined using an unenhanced 2-row helical CT detector, imaging at 2 mm collimation and a helical pitch of 3. The urolithiasis history of the 383 patients was investigated by inquiry. Patients’ ages, body mass index, and laboratory data from a 1-hour clearance test were determined.

Results.

CT scans confirmed nephrolithiasis in 103 (26.9%, 95% confidence interval 22.5%–31.6%) of the 383 gouty patients, and history of urinary calculus was positive in 65 (17.0%, 95% confidence interval 13.4%–21.1%) of the 383. However, 64 (62%) of the 103 stone-formers identified by CT had no history of urolithiasis. There was a significant difference between the ages of the 103 stone-formers identified by CT and the 65 stone-formers identified from the history.

Conclusion.

The prevalence of nephrolithiasis obtained using CT was 26.9% in the 383 patients with primary gout. Our results imply that we cannot determine an accurate prevalence of urolithiasis from a patient’s history. Most of the “prevalence” reported in the past may not correspond to a statistically justifiable one, but instead to the “cumulative incidence” during the contraction period of gout. Thus, the prevalence of nephrolithiasis confirmed by a cross-sectional method and the “prevalence” of urolithiasis calculated from patients’ calculus histories should be clearly distinguished.
Increased Spontaneous But Decreased Mitogen-stimulated Expression and Excretion of Interleukin 18 by Mononuclear Cells in Patients with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: LEE HUI-TING , CHEN WEI-SHENG , SUN KUANG-HUI , CHOU CHUNG-TEI , TSAI CHANG-YOUH
Published: July 2009

Objective.

To measure serum concentration and analyze the expression of interleukin 18 (IL-18) mRNA in mononuclear cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

IL-18 concentrations in sera and culture supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy controls and patients with active SLE were measured by ELISA. PBMC and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) purified from patients with active SLE were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Expression of IL-18 mRNA in cells was analyzed by RT-PCR.

Results.

Serum IL-18 levels were significantly higher in SLE patients than in controls, and correlated with disease activity in SLE patients (r2= 0.602). Two patients receiving intravenous methylprednisolone therapy (1.0 g/day for 3 days) showed profound decreases in serum IL-18 levels after therapy. The quiescent PBMC from SLE patients (30/30) expressed IL-18 transcript more frequently than control PBMC (20/30). PBMC from SLE patients produced more IL-18 than control PBMC after 72 hours of incubation, by RT-PCR. PHA and PWM inhibited the production of IL-18 in PBMC from both SLE patients and controls. Inhibition by PWM was more pronounced than that by PHA, especially in SLE-PBMC. Control and SLE-PMN with or without LPS stimulation produced negligible IL-18.

Conclusion.

IL-18 is involved in the autoimmune derangement of leukocyte function in patients with active SLE.
African Americans and Whites Are Equally Appropriate to be Considered for Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: ANG DENNIS C. , TAHIR NIGHAT , HANIF HUFZA , TONG YAN , IBRAHIM SAID A.
Published: July 2009

Objective.

Ethnic disparities in the use of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) may be attributed to differences in the clinical appropriateness to undergo TJA. We sought to determine if racial differences in clinical appropriateness for surgery existed among a sample of primary care clinic patients with moderately to severely symptomatic knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods.

We used the cross-sectional data of 684 patients who are potential candidates for TJA. Using a validated TJA appropriateness algorithm, an appropriateness factor was derived using the following variables: age (50–70 or > 70 yrs), Charlson comorbidity (≤ 1 or > 1), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) pain and physical function, and adequacy of previous medical management. We used logistic regression to estimate the association of race with the dichotomous outcome of clinical appropriateness for TJA consideration.

Results.

Sample consisted of 425 (62%) whites and 260 (38%) African Americans; 532 (78%) had knee OA and 153 (22%) had hip OA. The mean age was 64 ± 9 years and the mean body mass index was 33.6 ± 8 kg/m2. The mean overall WOMAC score was 56 ± 14 (range 30–96), suggesting moderately severe OA. There were no significant racial group differences (p = 0.3) in the proportions of those deemed clinically appropriate for TJA. After controlling for potential confounders, race was not a predictor of clinical appropriateness for TJA (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval 0.8–1.8, p = 0.3).

Conclusion.

African Americans and whites were equally appropriate to be considered for TJA.
Improvement of Severe Systemic Sclerosis-associated Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia Following Immunosuppressive Treatment with Intravenous Cyclophosphamide
Authors: SCHULZ STEFFAN W. , O’BRIEN MARIE , MAQSOOD MUHAMMAD , SANDORFI NORA , GALDO FRANCESCO DEL , JIMENEZ SERGIO A.
Published: July 2009

Objective.

We describe 3 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) with severe, transfusion-dependent gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) refractory to laser ablation who showed remarkable clinical and endoscopic improvement following intravenous (IV) pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment.

Methods.

Review of clinical records and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy images from 3 patients with SSc and severe GAVE before and after treatment with IV pulse CYC.

Results.

IV CYC was followed by improvement and stabilization of hemoglobin levels, and marked reduction in blood transfusion requirements and the number and frequency of endoscopic laser treatments.

Conclusion.

IV pulse CYC immunosuppression was followed by remarkable clinical and endoscopic improvement of SSc-associated GAVE.
Increased Prevalence of Antibodies to Thyroid Peroxidase in Dry Eyes and Mouth Syndrome or Sicca Asthenia Polyalgia Syndrome
Authors: MAVRAGANI CLIO P. , SKOPOULI FOTINI N. , MOUTSOPOULOS HARALAMPOS M.
Published: July 2009

Objective.

A subset of patients presenting with sicca features suggestive of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) do not fulfill diagnostic or histopathological criteria. This presentation was previously designated as dry eyes and mouth syndrome (DEMS) or sicca asthenia polyalgia syndrome (SAPS). We sought to define the underlying clinical, laboratory, and histological features of these patients.

Methods.

The study population consisted of 27 consecutive patients with DEMS/SAPS; 54 patients with pSS served as controls. Medical charts were retrospectively evaluated for clinical and serological data and frozen sera were tested for the presence of antibodies against HIV, hepatitis C virus, and thyroid antigens. Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin embedded tissues was also performed.

Results.

Sicca symptoms and nonspecific musculoskeletal pain were the commonest clinical features of patients with DEMS/SAPS; positive titers of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase was the main underlying abnormality found in 16 out of 27 (59.2%) of patients with DEMS/SAPS compared to 11 out of 54 (20.4%) of pSS controls (p = 0.0009). Histological analysis of the minor salivary gland (MSG) biopsies of patients with DEMS/SAPS disclosed a mild inflammatory infiltration of the interstitial tissue with a predominantly perivascular distribution.

Conclusion.

Patients with DEMS/SAPS present with sicca features and nonspecific musculoskeletal complaints, have high prevalence of antithyroid antibodies, and their MSG biopsies demonstrate a mild interstitial lymphocytic infiltration with a predominantly perivascular distribution. In the setting of clinical practice, we propose that in the presence of DEMS/SAPS testing for antithyroid antibody should be performed.
High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Vertebral Fractures in Chinese Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: LI EDMUND K. , TAM LAI SHAN , GRIFFITH JAMES F. , ZHU TRACY Y. , LI TENA K. , LI MARTIN , WONG KONG CHIU , CHAN MICHAEL , LAM CHRISTOPHER W. , CHU FERDINAND S. , WONG KA KIN , LEUNG PING CHUNG , KWOK ANTHONY
Published: July 2009

Objective.

To investigate the prevalence of vertebral fractures and to identify risk factors associated with vertebral fractures in Chinese women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

One hundred fifty-two consecutive patients with SLE were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements of the hip and spine were performed using the same dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Lateral radiographs of the spine (T5–L4) were assessed for vertebral fractures using a method described by Genant. Inflammatory and biochemical markers included C-reactive protein, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, serum ß-CrossLaps assay for C-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen, and osteoprotegerin (OPG).

Results.

Asymptomatic vertebral fractures occurred in 20.4% of patients with SLE. Univariate analyses of variables associated with fractures were older age, higher body mass index (BMI), lower BMD spine, lower BMD hips, higher serum C3 and C4, longer estrogen exposure, higher levels of OPG, and the use of sunscreen. Multivariate analysis showed older age (p = 0.017), higher BMI (p < 0.036), and lower BMD of the spine were significantly associated with vertebral fractures in the thoracic and/or lumbar spine (odds ratio 1.068, 1.166, 0.005; p = 0.018, p = 0.025, p = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion.

Asymptomatic vertebral fractures occur in 20.4% of patients with SLE and 30% of these patients have normal BMD. The current method using DEXA to predict the presence of vertebral fracture has limited value and there is a need for assessment of bone quality. Vertebral morphometry in patients with SLE is recommended and early therapeutic intervention is necessary to prevent vertebral fractures in patients with SLE.
Efficacy of Calcium Carbide and leaves of Croton aromaticus and Averrhoa bilinbi in breaking dormancy of Oioscorea yams
Authors: Ibrahim MNM , Liyanage M de S.
Published: July 2009

The relative efficacy of CaC2 Kappetiya (Croton aromaticus) and bilin (Averrhoa bilinbi) leaves in breaking the dormancy of Dioscorea yams (Dioscorea data L.) was compared in two experiments. CaC2 treatment for 5 hours induced setts of var. Kahata angala to commence sprouting in 16.8 days, while a mixture of Kappetiya and bilin leaves applied for 4 days and only Kappetiya leaves for 5 days induced sprouting in 21.3 and 32.9 days, respectively. Moreover, the number of setts induced to sprout was 56% with all 3 materials when averaged over the 3 types of setts used. But Kapettiya and bilin leaves induced 85% sprouting in head setts as against 76.7% with CaC2. CaC2 on the otherhand induced a larger number of tail setts to sprout. With variety Kiri khondol application of kappetiya and bilin leaves for 3 days and only kappetiya for 5 days induced sprouting in 16.6 and 17.6 days respectively ; and the percentage sprouting was 48.5 and 58.7, respectively. Untreated setts of Kahata angala and Kiri khondol commenced sprouting only after a rest period exceeding 120 days. In both varieties, and in all treatments, head and middle setts sprouted earlier and gave a higher % of sprouting than the tail setts. COCOS, (1984) 2 01-09 doi: 10.4038/cocos.v2i0.809
Some observations on the pre-nursery system for raising coconut seedlings
Authors: Peries RRA
Published: July 2009

A pre-nursery system fur raising coconut seedlings was compared with the conventional nursery. The two major refinements introduced in the pre-nursery system are the slicing of seed nuts and transplanting of sprouted seed nuts from pre-nursery beds to nurserv beds, soon after sprouting. The rate of sprouting in the Pre-nursery system was significantly superior. At the end of 20 weeks 76% of the seednuts in the pre-nursery had sprouted as compared to 67% in the conventional nursery. However, the number of plantable seedlings produced was not signififantly different. The cost of production of seedlings in the pre-nursery system was over 50% more than that of the conventional nursery. It appears that slicing the seednut facilitates sprouting but transplanting sprouted seednuts from the pre-nursery caused a setback to the development of the seedlings.   COCOS, (1984) 2 10-17 doi: 10.4038/cocos.v2i0.811
Importance of energy management in desiccated coconut industry
Authors: Fernando WJM , Thangavel T
Published: July 2009

Energy flow rates across commonly used desiccators and associated heat transfer equipment are quantified. It is seen that approximately 726 percent excess heat energy over the actual requirement is presently used for drying in desiccators. Approximately 49 percent of heat energy is exhausted to the atmosphere through the chimney and approximately 23 percent along with the desiccator exhaust gases. Approximately 40 percent of energy could be saved by introducing recirculation techniques of heat recovery. This saving represents about 83.2 million kwh of energy for 1981 alone, which is an equivalent of 4.5 percent of the total electrical energy generated in Sri Lanka in 1981.     COCOS, (1984) 2 18-28 doi: 10.4038/cocos.v2i0.812
Evaluation of the phosphorus status of some coconut growing soils of Sri Lanka
Authors: Loganathan P , Dayaratne PMN , Shanmuganathan RT
Published: July 2009

The phosphorus status of 58 soil samples representing 15 soil series and four soil Orders (Ultisol, Entisol, Alfisol and Oxisol) in the major coconut-growing regions of Sri Lanka was evaluated by determining the available P extracted by the methods of Olsen, Bray and Kurtz No. 1, Bray & Kurtz No. 2 and NH4 OAc (pH 4.81 and the various P forms. Total P in the soils ranged from 37 to 338 mg/kg with organic P and active P constituting only about 20 and 50% of the total P respectively. In general the sandy soils of the Entisols and Oxisols had lower tota| and organic P but higher active and available P than the rest. The relative abundance of the various inorganic P forms was generally in the decreasing order of inactive P. Fe-P, Al-P and Ca-P. Al-P and Ca-P were positively correlated with percentage sand and negatively correlated with percentage silt and percentage clay whereas total P and organic P had the opposite trend. Available P extracted by the four methods was very low in almost all soils except some of the sandy soils (Entisols) which had marginal to moderate P concents. They are positively correlated with Al-P, Ca-P, percentage sand and negatively correlated with percentages of silt, clay and organic carbon. Phosphorus concentrations (0.074-0.116%) In the 14th leaf of coconut at the soil sites were all lower than the critical leaf-P concentration (0.120%). Leaf -P correlations with Bray & Kurtz No. 2-P and NH4 OAc-P were significant (P < 0.05) and with Al-P and Ca-P were close to significant. The study revealed that the coconut-growing soils of Sri Lanka were deficient in total as well as the active and available forms of P except perhaps some of the sandy soils of the Entisol. This was confirmed by coconut leaf P analysis.   COCOS, (1984) 2 29-43 doi: 10.4038/cocos.v2i0.813
Effect of extraction of inflorescence sap and the removal of immature fruit bunches on the production of female flowers in coconut
Authors: Mathes ST
Published: July 2009

Inflorescence sap is extracted from unopened spathes. This sap is commonly referred to as toddy and the process of stimulating the spathe to yield sap is referred to as tapping. Spathes, 6 to 8 weeks after emergence, are selected for tapping. Generally a palm is tapped for a period of 8 to 9 months continuously. All the inflorescences produced during this period are' tapped. It is generally believed that after a spell of tapping, palms show a marked improvement in their nut production. This relationship has not been investigated. Hence this preliminary study was made to quantify the effect of tapping on female flower production. . Bunches of unripe coconuts are often harvested, as the nut water of these tender fruits is consumed as a beverage. Fruits at this stage of development, about 6 to 8 months after pollination, are referred to as Kurumba. The effect of removal immature bunches on the production of female flowers was also studied.   COCOS, (1984) 2 44-47 doi: 10.4038/cocos.v2i0.814
Intracellular Receptor for Human Host Defense Peptide LL-37 in Monocytes
Authors: Mookherjee Neeloffer , Lippert Dustin N. D. , Hamill Pamela , Falsafi Reza , Nijnik Anastasia , Kindrachuk Jason , Pistolic Jelena , Gardy Jennifer , Miri Pegah , Naseer Misbah , Foster Leonard J. , Hancock Robert E. W.
Published: July 2009

The human cationic host defense peptide LL-37 has a broad range of immunomodulatory, anti-infective functions. A synthetic innate defense regulator peptide, innate defense regulator 1 (IDR-1), based conceptually on LL-37, was recently shown to selectively modulate innate immunity to protect against a wide range of bacterial infections. Using advanced proteomic techniques, ELISA, and Western blotting procedures, GAPDH was identified as a direct binding partner for LL-37 in monocytes. Enzyme kinetics and mobility shift studies also indicated LL-37 and IDR-1 binding to GAPDH. The functional relevance of GAPDH in peptide-induced responses was demonstrated by using gene silencing of GAPDH with small interfering RNA (siRNA). Previous studies have established that the induction of chemokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 are critical immunomodulatory functions in the anti-infective properties of LL-37 and IDR-1, and these functions are modulated by the MAPK p38 pathway. Consistent with that, this study demonstrated the importance of the GAPDH interactions with these peptides since gene silencing of GAPDH resulted in impaired p38 MAPK signaling, downstream chemokine and cytokine transcriptional responses induced by LL-37 and IDR-1, and LL-37-induced cytokine production. Bioinformatic analysis, using InnateDB, of the major interacting partners of GAPDH indicated the likelihood that this protein can impact on innate immune pathways including p38 MAPK. Thus, this study has demonstrated a novel function for GAPDH as a mononuclear cell receptor for human cathelicidin LL-37 and immunomodulatory IDR-1 and conclusively demonstrated its relevance in the functioning of cationic host defense peptides.
The Magnitude of CD4+ T Cell Recall Responses Is Controlled by the Duration of the Secondary Stimulus
Authors: Ravkov Eugene V. , Williams Matthew A.
Published: July 2009

The parameters controlling the generation of robust CD4+ T cell recall responses remain poorly defined. In this study, we compare recall responses by CD4+ and CD8+ memory T cells following rechallenge. Homologous rechallenge of mice immune to either lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus or Listeria monocytogenes results in robust CD8+ T cell recall responses but poor boosting of CD4+ T cell recall responses in the same host. In contrast, heterologous rechallenge with a pathogen sharing only a CD4+ T cell epitope results in robust boosting of CD4+ T cell recall responses. The disparity in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell recall responses cannot be attributed to competition for growth factors or APCs, as robust CD4+ and CD8+ T cell recall responses can be simultaneously induced following rechallenge with peptide-pulsed dendritic cells. Instead, CD4+ T cell recall responses are dependent on the duration of the secondary challenge. Increasing the rechallenge dose results in more potent boosting of CD4+ T cell recall responses and artificially limiting the duration of secondary infection following heterologous rechallenge adversely impacts the magnitude of CD4+ T cell, but not CD8+ T cell, recall responses. These findings suggest that rapid pathogen clearance by secondary CTL following homologous rechallenge prevents optimal boosting of CD4+ T cell responses and therefore have important practical implications in the design of vaccination and boosting strategies aimed at promoting CD4+ T cell-mediated protection.
Critical Roles of Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein in the Homeostasis and TCR-Mediated Proliferation of Peripheral T Cells
Authors: Wu Peih-Shan , Yang Chia-Yu , Yen Jeffrey Jong-Young , Chou Chiang-Hung , Chen Sung Ho , Wang Chi-Kuang Leo , Lai Yein-Gei , Liao Nan-Shih , Yang-Yen Hsin-Fang
Published: July 2009

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is expressed throughout T cell development and prominently induced following T cell activation. However, its function(s) during these processes is unclear. Here, we demonstrated that conditional deletion of TCTP before the β selection checkpoint resulted into a partial block of thymocyte development at the double-negative (DN) 3 stage. Deletion of TCTP in the double-positive (DP) stage did not cause any significant phenotype in the thymus except a slight increase of mature CD8 single-positive (SP) thymocytes. In contrast to the very modest phenotype observed in the thymus, a significant reduction of mature T cells was observed in the peripheral lymphoid organs of these two conditional null TCTP mutant mice. Detailed analysis revealed that the latter phenotype (peripheral T cell lymphopenia) was largely due to a decreased viability of mature TCTP-deficient (TCTP−/−) T cells. Transgenic expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 rescued the partial block of early thymocyte development, but not peripheral T cell lymphopenia of T-lineage-specific TCTP−/− mice, suggesting that the signaling networks of TCTP in these two processes are not identical. Last, we demonstrated that TCTP−/− T cells manifested a significant defect in T cell Ag receptor (TCR)-mediated cell proliferation. Further analysis revealed that such defect was due to a marked delay in the initial cell-cycle entry of TCTP−/− T cells following TCR stimulation. Together, these results indicate that TCTP plays a very modest role in thymocyte development, but is critical for peripheral T cell maintenance and TCR-mediated cell proliferation.
Telomere Shortening and Oxidative Stress in Aged Macrophages Results in Impaired STAT5a Phosphorylation
Authors: Sebastián Carlos , Herrero Carmen , Serra Maria , Lloberas Jorge , Blasco María A. , Celada Antonio
Published: July 2009

Macrophages are an essential component of both innate and adaptive immunity, and altered function of these cells with aging may play a key role in immunosenescence. To determine the effect of aging on macrophages, we produced bone marrow-derived macrophages in vitro. In these conditions, we analyzed the effect of aging on macrophages without the influence of other cell types that may be affected by aging. We showed that telomeres shorten with age in macrophages leading to a decreased GM-CSF but not M-CSF-dependent proliferation of these cells as a result of decreased phosphorylation of STAT5a. Macrophages from aged mice showed increased susceptibility to oxidants and an accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. In these macrophages STAT5a oxidation was reduced, which led to the decreased phosphorylation observed. Interestingly, the same cellular defects were found in macrophages from telomerase knockout (Terc−/−) mice suggesting that telomere loss is the cause for the enhanced oxidative stress, the reduced Stat5a oxidation and phosphorylation and, ultimately, for the impaired GM-CSF-dependent macrophage proliferation.
Amyloid Beta Annular Protofibrils in Cell Processes and Synapses Accumulate with Aging and Alzheimer-Associated Genetic Modification
Authors: Kokubo Hideko , Kayed Rakez , Glabe Charles G. , Staufenbiel Matthias , Saido Takaomi C. , Iwata Nobuhisa , Yamaguchi Haruyasu
Published: July 2009

Amyloidβ(Aβ) annular protofibrils (APFs) have been described where the structure is related to that ofβbarrel pore-forming bacterial toxins and exhibits cellular toxicity. To investigate the relationship of AβAPFs to disease and their ultrastructural localization in brain tissue, we conducted a pre-embedding immunoelectron microscopic study using anti-annular protofibril antiserum. We examined brain tissues of young- and old-aged amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice (APP23), neprilysin knockout APP23 mice, and nontransgenic littermates.αAPF-immunoreactions tended to be found (1) on plasma membranes and vesicles inside of cell processes, but not on amyloid fibrils, (2) with higher density due to aging, APP transgene, and neprilysin deficiency, and (3) with higher positive rate at synaptic compartments in aged APP23, especially in neprilysin knockout APP23 mice. These findings imply that APFs are distinct from amyloid fibrils, interact with biological membranes, and might be related to synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer model mouse brains.
Mitochondria, Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Mancuso M. , Calsolaro V. , Orsucci D. , Carlesi C. , Choub A. , Piazza S. , Siciliano G.
Published: July 2009

To date, the beta amyloid (Aβ) cascade hypothesis remains the main pathogenetic model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its role in the majority of sporadic AD cases is unclear. The “mitochondrial cascade hypothesis” could explain many of the biochemical, genetic, and pathological features of sporadic AD. Somatic mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) could cause energy failure, increased oxidative stress, and accumulation of Aβ, which in a vicious cycle reinforce the mtDNA damage and the oxidative stress. Despite the evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD, no causative mutations in the mtDNA have been detected so far. Indeed, results of studies on the role of mtDNA haplogroups in AD are controversial. In this review we discuss the role of the mitochondria, and especially of the mtDNA, in the cascade of events leading to neurodegeneration, dementia, and AD.
The Active‐Core/Active‐Shell Approach: A Strategy to Enhance the Upconversion Luminescence in Lanthanide‐Doped Nanoparticles
Authors: Vetrone Fiorenzo , Naccache Rafik , Mahalingam Venkataramanan , Morgan Christopher G. , Capobianco John A.
Published: July 2009

Nanoparticles of NaGdF4 doped with trivalent erbium (Er3+) and ytterbium (Yb3+) are prepared by a modified thermal decomposition synthesis from trifluoroacetate precursors in 1‐octadecene and oleic acid. The nanoparticles emit visible upconverted luminescence on excitation with near‐infrared light. To minimize quenching of this luminescence by surface defects and surface‐associated ligands, the nanoparticles are coated with a shell of NaGdF4. The intensity of the upconversion luminescence is compared for nanoparticles that were coated with an undoped shell (inert shell) and similar particles coated with a Yb3+‐doped shell (active shell). Luminescence is also measured for nanoparticles lacking the shell (core only), and doped with Yb3+ at levels corresponding to the doped and undoped core/shell materials respectively. Upconversion luminescence was more intense for the core/shell materials than for the uncoated nanoparticles, and is greatest for the materials having the “active” doped shell. Increasing the Yb3+ concentration in the “core‐only” nanoparticles decreases the upconversion luminescence intensity. The processes responsible for the upconversion are presented and the potential advantages of “active‐core”/“active‐shell” nanoparticles are discussed.
Conjugated‐Polymer Blends for Optoelectronics
Authors: McNeill Christopher R. , Greenham Neil C.
Published: July 2009

Solution‐processed polymer optoelectronic devices such as light‐emitting diodes and solar cells have many advantages for large‐area manufacture, and show increasing levels of performance. Here, we review recent progress in using blends of two conjugated polymers for optoelectronic devices. The blending of two or more polymers allows tuning of device performance, and for photovoltaics presents an attractive way to combine donor and acceptor materials with a morphology controlled by polymer phase separation. We discuss recent advances in imaging the microstructure of conjugated polymer blends, and we demonstrate how the blend structure leads to performance advantages in both LEDs and photovoltaic devices.
Carbon Tetrabromide/Sodium Triphenylphosphine‐m‐sulfonate (TPPMS) as an Efficient and Easily Recoverable Catalyst for Acetalization and Tetrahydropyranylation Reactions
Authors: Huo Congde , Chan Tak Hang
Published: July 2009

A solid complex, conveniently prepared from carbon tetrabromide and sodium triphenylphosphine‐m‐sulfonate (TPPMS), can be used as an easily recoverable catalyst for the selective acetalization of aldehydes and tetrahydropyranylation of alcohols. The catalyst can be recovered by simple precipitation with ether and can be reused at least 7 times without loss of catalytic activity.
Kinetic Resolution of P‐Chirogenic Compounds by Palladium‐Catalyzed Alcoholysis of Vinyl Ethers
Authors: Itoh Hisashi , Yamamoto Eiji , Masaoka Shigeyuki , Sakai Ken , Tokunaga Makoto
Published: July 2009

The palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric alcoholysis of vinyl ethers of P‐chirogenic compounds has been achieved. The kinetic resolution of aryl tert‐butyl(2‐vinyloxyaryl)phosphinates was catalyzed by palladium/chiral diamine complexes with high selectivities (krel: 12–196).
Convection, diffusion, and exothermic zero‐order reaction in a porous catalyst slab: Scaling and perturbation analysis
Authors: Lopes João P. , Cardoso Silvana S. S. , Rodrigues Alírio E.
Published: July 2009

The analysis of the interaction between transport phenomena and chemical reaction inside large‐pore catalyst particles needs to include intraparticular convection as an additional mass/heat transfer mechanism. In this work, we describe by a 3D regime diagram the global behavior of a permeable catalyst slab, where an exothermic, zero‐order reaction is occurring. An order of magnitude estimate for the maximum temperature change is obtained by scaling techniques in each regime of operation. Specific operating regimes of fast mass/heat transport, dominant reaction and strong intraparticular convection, are then studied in more detail using perturbation analysis. The results include approximate concentration and temperature profiles, which allow the estimation of both the effectiveness factor and maximum temperature attained inside the catalyst in these regimes. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Principal component analysis for estimating population density from chord‐length density
Authors: Grover Martha A. , Barthe Stephanie C. , Rousseau Ronald W.
Published: July 2009

The relationship between crystal population density and chord‐length density (CLD) is complicated and depends on the size and shape of the crystals. Although estimation of chord‐length density from the population density is relatively straightforward, the inversion of this procedure is problematic because the problem may be ill‐conditioned for nonspherical particles. The focus of this work is on this inversion process. Since the relationship is a function of the crystal geometry, this manuscript considers various nonspherical shapes, including highly challenging needles. We describe an efficient method to estimate the population density from a measured CLD, to analyze the inversion process, and to quantify its limits. Since noise is present in the actual Focused Beam Reflectance Measurements, the case of restoration of the population density from noisy CLDs also is demonstrated. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Radiative heat exchange modeling inside an oven
Authors: Dhall Ashish , Datta Ashim K. , Torrance Kenneth E. , Almeida Marialuci F.
Published: July 2009

The 3D nongray radiative heat exchange in a near‐infrared commercial oven is modeled. The spectrum is divided into into four gray bands to model the narrow wavelength range in which the halogen heat source radiates, the wavelength dependence of the food surface emittance, and the absorption coefficient of the heat source cover glass. The model is used to estimate the heating of a cuboidal food sample for 1 min at different cyclic settings of a halogen radiant heat source. The model predictions agree with the experimental data, and capture the cover‐glass and the food‐surface temperature and heat flux histories very well. The band‐wise distribution of energy absorption by the food reveals the separate contributions from the source and the oven walls. Comparison of the heating rates between the measured non‐gray food‐surface and the different gray food‐surface emittance values establishes the necessity of the nongray treatment. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Preliminary evaluation of the performance of an adsorption‐based hydrogen storage system
Authors: Richard Marc‐André , Cossement Daniel , Chandonia Patrick‐Adam , Chahine Richard , Mori Daigoro , Hirose Katsuhiko
Published: July 2009

Using modeling and thermal simulations, the feasibility of an adsorption‐based hydrogen storage system for vehicles is evaluated. The storage capacity of a 150 L tank filled with a high surface‐area activated carbon is mapped for temperatures from 60 to 298 K and pressures up to 35 MPa. The thermal simulations are verified using experiments. For a storage capacity target of 5 kg, the adsorption‐based storage system will offer a storage advantage over the cryogenic gas storage if the residual mass of hydrogen in the tank is retrieved by heating. For a discharge rate of 1.8 g/s, the required heat is of the order of 500 W. The net energy requirements for the refueling has contributions from compression, precooling and tank cooling and can approach that for liquid hydrogen storage. With a good insulation and a maximum tank pressure of 35 MPa, the dormancy period can be extended to several weeks. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Blast phase of essential thrombocythemia: A single center study
Authors: Passamonti Francesco , Rumi Elisa , Arcaini Luca , Elena Chiara , Castagnola Carlo , Zappasodi Patrizia , Bernasconi Paolo , Pietra Daniela , Pascutto Cristiana , Cazzola Mario , Lazzarino Mario
Published: July 2009

Blast phase (BP) may occur as a late event in essential thrombocythemia (ET). This study includes 19patients with post‐ET BP diagnosed and followed in a single institution. At BP, 63% of patients had leukocytosis (white blood cell count >10 × 109/L), 74% had anemia (hemoglobin value <10 g/dL), 74% had thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100 × 109/L), and 84% were over 65 years of age. Cytogenetic analysis was available in 10 patients: six had karyotype aberrations. According to cytogenetic‐based risk stratification of de novo acute leukemia (AL), all patients had an unfavorable profile. JAK2 (V617F) mutational status was evaluated in five patients. In two of them, the JAK2 mutation was undetectable in blast cells (one with JAK2‐positive ET), whereas in three both granulocytes and blast cells displayed the mutation. Treatment of BP was patient‐based according to the performance status and co‐morbidities and consisted of palliation in 14 patients, and of induction of remission in five. Median survival was 2.3 months (range 0.2–22.3), irrespective of the treatment received. In conclusion, this study indicates that AL evolved from ET has unfavorable clinical and biological features. JAK2 (V617F)‐positive ET may evolve in few instances into JAK2‐negative leukemia. The outcome of patients is poor whatever the treatment used. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cost and mortality associated with hospitalizations in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Danese Mark D. , Lindquist Karla , Gleeson Michelle , Deuson Robert , Mikhael Joseph
Published: July 2009

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is associated with low platelet counts and, consequently, a high risk of adverse events leading to hospitalization. However, there are few data on the clinical and economic burden of hospitalizations for ITP. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database of discharges, a stratified 20% sample of all United States (US) community hospitals across all payers, was used to evaluate discharges in ITP patients. We developed nationally representative numbers of discharges in ITP patients from 2003 to 2006 based on diagnosis codes. Using appropriate weights for each NIS discharge, we created national estimates of average cost, length of stay, and in‐hospital mortality for specific groups of ITP‐related hospitalizations. Approximately 129,000 discharges occurred between 2003 and 2006 in ITP patients. The average cost associated with all discharges in 2008 dollars was 16,476, with a 6.4‐day length of stay and in‐hospital mortality of 3.8%. In contrast, the average cost of all hospitalizations in the US population during the same period was 10,039, the average length of stay was 4.8 days, and in‐hospital mortality was 2.5%. Mortality risk was higher for ITP patients than for the standard US population adjusted for age and gender, with a relative mortality ratio of 1.5 (95% CI: 1.4–1.6). On the basis of a nationally representative sample of US discharge records from 2003 to 2006, hospitalization with ITP represents an economically and clinically important event. ITP was associated with higher costs, longer stays, and more in‐hospital deaths on average than all other hospitalized patients combined. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Short‐term and long‐term failure of laparoscopic splenectomy in adult immune thrombocytopenic purpura patients: A systematic review
Authors: Mikhael Joseph , Northridge Kelly , Lindquist Karla , Kessler Craig , Deuson Robert , Danese Mark
Published: July 2009

Splenectomy is a common therapy for adults with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Thisstudy was designed to estimate both the short‐term surgical non‐response rate and the long‐term relapse rate after laparoscopic splenectomy. A systematic review was conducted of articles published between January 1, 1991 and January 1, 2008. Selection criteria included: chronic ITP, study enrollment in 1990 or later, ≥12 months of follow‐up, ≥15 patients with ITP, ≥75% of patients at least 14 years of age, not HIV positive, not undergoing a second splenectomy, and type of performed splenectomy clearly reported. Data were pooled across studies to estimate rates. We identified 170 articles, of which 23 met our inclusion criteria (all observational studies). These studies represent 1,223 laparoscopic splenectomies (71 or 5.6% were converted to open splenectomy during surgery). The pooled short‐term surgical non‐response rate among the 18 studies reporting data was 8.2% (95% CI 5.4–11.0). The pooled long‐term relapse rate across all 23 studies was 43.6 per 1,000 patient years (95% CI 28.2–67.2). This translates to an approximate failure rate of 28% at 5 years for all patients undergoing splenectomy. Studies with shorter durations of follow‐up had significantly higher pooled relapse rates than studies with longer follow‐up (P = 0.04). Laparoscopicsplenectomy is effective for most patients. Splenectomy may have higher initial relapse rates, particularly, in the first 2 years after surgery, and the rate may decline over time. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality of life and use of red cell transfusion in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. A systematic review
Authors: Pinchon Deborah J. , Stanworth Simon J. , Dorée Carolyn , Brunskill Susan , Norfolk Derek R.
Published: July 2009

The main treatment for many patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) remains red cell transfusion to attenuate the symptoms of chronic anemia. Fatigue can reduce a patient's health related quality of life (HRQoL), but there is little understanding of the optimal use of transfusions to improve this. A systematic review was performed to identify and appraise publications reporting the use of HRQoL instruments in patients with MDS. A total of 17 separate studies were identified that used 14 HRQoL instruments, but only one MDS disease specific HRQoL instrument (QOL‐E) was reported. Two well established HRQoL instruments were most often used in MDS research (variants of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ‐C30)). Several common problems were identified in the published literature including a lack of power calculations to detect clinically relevant changes, small sample sizes and significant attrition rates for completion of HRQoL assessments, all of which limit the strength of any conclusions. There is no consensus on the optimal transfusion regimen to improve HRQoL in transfusion‐dependent MDS. Future research into HRQoL within MDS is a pressing requirement. Studies should focus on the domains that are of most clinical importance to the patient as well as traditional quantitative changes of hemoglobin concentration. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.