bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 and Proinflammatory Cytokines by the Major Surface Proteins of
Treponema maltophilum
and
Treponema lecithinolyticum
, the Phylogenetic Group IV Oral Spirochetes Associated with Periodontitis and Endodontic Infections
Authors: Lee Sung-Hoon , Kim Kack-Kyun , Choi Bong-Kyu
Published: December 2004

Treponema maltophilum
and
Treponema lecithinolyticum
belong to the group IV oral spirochetes and are associated with endodontic infections, as well as periodontitis. Recently, the genes encoding the major surface proteins (Msps) of these bacteria (MspA and MspTL, respectively) were cloned and sequenced. The amino acid sequences of these proteins showed significant similarity. In this study we analyzed the functional role of these homologous proteins in human monocytic THP-1 cells and primary cultured periodontal ligament (PDL) cells using recombinant proteins. The complete genes encoding MspA and MspTL without the signal sequence were cloned into
Escherichia coli
by using the expression vector pQE-30. Fusion proteins tagged with N-terminal hexahistidine (recombinant MspA [rMspA] and rMspTL) were obtained, and any possible contamination of the recombinant proteins with
E. coli
endotoxin was removed by using polymyxin B-agarose. Flow cytometry showed that rMspA and rMspTL upregulated the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in both THP-1 and PDL cells. Expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8, was also induced significantly in both cell types by the Msps, as determined by reverse transcription-PCR and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas IL-1β synthesis could be detected only in the THP-1 cells. The upregulation of ICAM-1, IL-6, and IL-8 was completely inhibited by pretreating the cells with an NF-κB activation inhibitor,
l
-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone. This suggests involvement of NF-κB activation. The increased ICAM-1 and IL-8 expression in the THP-1 cells obtained with rMsps was not inhibited in the presence of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), a natural inhibitor of IL-1. Our results show that the Msps of the group IV oral spirochetes may play an important role in amplifying the local immune response by continuous inflammatory cell recruitment and retention at an infection site by stimulation of expression of ICAM-1 and proinflammatory cytokines.
Pasteurella multocidaToxin Activates Human Monocyte-Derived and Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells In Vitro but Suppresses Antibody Production In Vivo
Authors: Bagley Kenneth C. , Abdelwahab Sayed F. , Tuskan Robert G. , Lewis George K.
Published: December 2004

Pasteurella multocidatoxin (PMT) is a potent mitogen for fibroblasts and osteoblastic cells. PMT activates phospholipase C-β through Gqα, and the activation of this pathway is responsible for its mitogenic activity. Here, we investigated the effects of PMT on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC) in vitro and show a novel activity for PMT. In this regard, PMT activates MDDC to mature in a dose-dependent manner through the activation of phospholipase C and subsequent mobilization of calcium. This activation was accompanied by enhanced stimulation of naïve alloreactive T cells and dominant inhibition of interleukin-12 production in the presence of saturating concentrations of lipopolysaccharide. Surprisingly, although PMT mimics the activating effects of cholera toxin on human MDDC and mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, we found that PMT is not a mucosal adjuvant and that it suppresses the adjuvant effects of cholera toxin in mice. Together, these results indicate discordant effects for PMT in vitro compared to those in vivo.
Effect of Inactivation of
degS
on
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Rowley Gary , Stevenson Andrew , Kormanec Jan , Roberts Mark
Published: December 2004

The alternative sigma factor (RpoE σ
E
) enables
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium to adapt to stressful conditions, such as oxidative stress, nutrient deprivation, and growth in mammalian tissues. Infection of mice by
Salmonella
serovar Typhimurium also requires σ
E
. In
Escherichia coli
, activation of the σ
E
pathway is dependent on proteolysis of the anti-sigma factor RseA and is initiated by DegS. DegS is also important in order for
E. coli
to cause extraintestinal infection in mice. We constructed a
degS
mutant of the serovar Typhimurium strain SL1344 and compared its behavior in vitro and in vivo with those of its wild-type (WT) parent and an isogenic
rpoE
mutant. Unlike
E. coli degS
strains, the
Salmonella
serovar Typhimurium
degS
strain grew as well as the WT strain at 42°C. The
degS
mutant survived very poorly in murine macrophages in vitro and was highly attenuated compared with the WT strain for both the oral and parenteral routes of infection in mice. However, the
degS
mutant was not as attenuated as the serovar Typhimurium
rpoE
mutant: 100- to 1,000-fold more
degS
bacteria than
rpoE
bacteria were present in the livers and spleens of mice 24 h after intraperitoneal challenge. In most assays, the
rpoE
mutant was more severely affected than the
degS
mutant and a σ
E
-dependent reporter gene was more active in the
degS
mutant than the
rpoE
strain. These findings indicate that
degS
is important for activation of the σ
E
pathway in serovar Typhimurium but that alternative pathways for σ
E
activation probably exist.
Comparative Analysis of the Roles of HtrA-Like Surface Proteases in Two Virulent
Staphylococcus aureus
Strains
Authors: Rigoulay Candice , Entenza José M. , Halpern David , Widmer Eleonora , Moreillon Philippe , Poquet Isabelle , Gruss Alexandra
Published: December 2004

The HtrA surface protease is involved in the virulence of many pathogens, mainly by its role in stress resistance and bacterial survival.
Staphylococcus aureus
encodes two putative HtrA-like proteases, referred to as HtrA
1
and HtrA
2
. To investigate the roles of HtrA proteins in
S. aureus
, we constructed
htrA
1
,
htrA
2
, and
htrA
1
htrA
2
insertion mutants in two genetically different virulent strains, RN6390 and COL. In the RN6390 context,
htrA
1
inactivation resulted in sensitivity to puromycin-induced stress. The RN6390
htrA
1
htrA
2
mutant was affected in the expression of several secreted virulence factors comprising the
agr
regulon. This observation was correlated with the disappearance of the
agr
RNA III transcript in the RN6390
htrA
1
htrA
2
mutant. The virulence of this mutant was diminished in a rat model of endocarditis. In the COL context, both HtrA
1
and HtrA
2
were essential for thermal stress survival. However, only HtrA
1
had a slight effect on exoprotein expression. The
htrA
mutations did not diminish the virulence of the COL strain in the rat model of endocarditis. Our results indicate that HtrA proteins have different roles in
S. aureus
according to the strain, probably depending on specific differences in the regulation of virulence factor and stress protein expression. We propose that HtrA
1
and HtrA
2
contribute to pathogenicity by controlling the production of certain extracellular factors that are crucial for bacterial dissemination, as revealed in the RN6390 background. We speculate that HtrA proteins act in the
agr
-dependent regulation pathway by assuring folding and/or maturation of some surface components of the
agr
system.
Opsonic Requirements for Dendritic Cell-Mediated Responses toCryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Kelly Ryan M. , Chen Jianmin , Yauch Lauren E. , Levitz Stuart M.
Published: December 2004

The encapsulated pathogenic yeastCryptococcus neoformansis poorly recognized by phagocytic cells in the absence of opsonins. Macrophages will bind and internalize complement- or antibody-opsonizedC. neoformans; however, less is known about the role of opsonins in dendritic cell (DC)-mediated recognition of the organism. Thus, we studied the opsonic requirements for binding toC. neoformansby cultured human monocyte-derived and murine bone marrow-derived DCs and whether binding leads to antifungal activity and cytokine release. Binding of unopsonizedC. neoformansto human and murine DCs was negligible. Opsonization with pooled human serum (PHS) increased binding, while heat treatment of PHS virtually abolished this binding, thus suggesting a role for heat-labile complement components. PHS plus a monoclonal anticapsular antibody, 3C2, had an additive effect on binding for most cryptococcal strains. Human and murine DCs exhibited pronounced anticryptococcal activity in the presence of the antibody at early (2-h) and late (24-h) time points; however, PHS opsonization did not supplement this anticryptococcal activity. Antifungal activity againstC. neoformansopsonized in PHS and/or antibody was partially reduced in the presence of inhibitors of the respiratory burst response. Human, but not murine, DCs released modest amounts of tumor necrosis factor alpha when stimulated withC. neoformansopsonized in PHS and/or antibody. However, opsonizedC. neoformansfailed to stimulate detectable release of interleukin 10 (IL-10) or IL-12p70 from either DC population. Thus, human and murine DCs show maximal binding to and antifungal activity againstC. neoformansvia a process highly dependent on opsonization.
Detection of Gliotoxin in Experimental and Human Aspergillosis
Authors: Lewis Russell E. , Wiederhold Nathan P. , Chi Jingduan , Han Xiang Y. , Komanduri Krishna V. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Prince Randall A.
Published: December 2004

Gliotoxin was measured in the lungs (mean, 3,976 ± 1,662 ng/g of tissue) and sera (mean, 36.5 ± 30.28 ng/ml) of mice with experimentally induced invasive aspergillosis (IA), and levels decreased with antifungal therapy. Gliotoxin could also be detected in the sera of cancer patients with documented (proven or probable) IA.
Babesia divergensandPlasmodium falciparumUse Common Receptors, Glycophorins A and B, To Invade the Human Red Blood Cell
Authors: Lobo Cheryl-Ann
Published: December 2004

Babesiosis has long been recognized as an economically important disease of cattle, but only in the last 30 years hasBabesiabeen recognized as an important pathogen in humans. Invasion of erythrocytes is an integral part of theBabesialife cycle. However, very little information is available on the molecules involved in this process, in contrast to another hemoparasite,Plasmodium falciparum. Using invasion assays into normal red blood cells (RBCs), enzyme-treated cells, and clinically mutant cells, we showed thatBabesia divergensuses neuraminidase- and trypsin-sensitive receptors to enter the RBCs, of which glycophorins A and B are the prominent ones. These results could have broad implications relating to evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of host cell entry in these related Apicomplexan parasites and pave the way toward a detailed molecular analysis of erythrocyte invasion inB. divergens.
Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 1 Regulates Resistance to Infection
Authors: Lee Marie Mei , Yoon Bong-June , Osiewicz Keith , Preston Michael , Bundy Brian , van Heeckeren Anna M. , Werb Zena , Soloway Paul D.
Published: December 2004

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1)-deficient mice are resistant to
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
corneal infections. Corneas healed completely in TIMP-1-deficient mice, and infections were cleared faster in TIMP-1-deficient mice than in wild-type littermates. Genetic suppression studies using matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-deficient mice showed that MMP-9, MMP-3, and MMP-7 but not MMP-2 or MMP-12 are needed for resistance. Increased resistance was also seen during pulmonary infections. These results identify a novel pathway regulating infection resistance.
Injuries in martial arts: a comparison of five styles
Authors: Zetaruk M N , Violán M A , Zurakowski D , Micheli L J
Published: December 2004

Objective:To compare five martial arts with respect to injury outcomes.

Methods:A one year retrospective cohort was studied using an injury survey. Data on 263 martial arts participants (Shotokan karate, n  =  114; aikido, n  =  47; tae kwon do, n  =  49; kung fu, n  =  39; tai chi, n  =  14) were analysed. Predictor variables included age, sex, training frequency (⩽3 h/weekv>3 h/week), experience (<3 yearsv⩾3 years), and martial art style. Outcome measures were injuries requiring time off from training, major injuries (⩾7 days off), multiple injuries (⩾3), body region, and type of injury. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI). Fisher’s exact test was used for comparisons between styles, with a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.

Results:The rate of injuries, expressed as percentage of participants sustaining an injury that required time off training a year, varied according to style: 59% tae kwon do, 51% aikido, 38% kung fu, 30% karate, and 14% tai chi. There was a threefold increased risk of injury and multiple injury in tae kwon do than karate (p<0.001). Subjects ⩾18 years of age were at greater risk of injury than younger ones (p<0.05; OR 3.95; CI 1.48 to 9.52). Martial artists with at least three years experience were twice as likely to sustain injury than less experienced students (p<0.005; OR 2.46; CI 1.51 to 4.02). Training >3 h/week was also a significant predictor of injury (p<0.05; OR 1.85; CI 1.13 to 3.05). Compared with karate, the risks of head/neck injury, upper extremity injury, and soft tissue injury were all higher in aikido (p<0.005), and the risks of head/neck, groin, and upper and lower extremity injuries were higher in tae kwon do (p<0.001). No sex differences were found for any of the outcomes studied.

Conclusions:There is a higher rate of injury in tae kwon do than Shotokan karate. Different martial arts have significantly different types and distribution of injuries. Martial arts appear to be safe for young athletes, particularly those at beginner or intermediate levels.
Harlequin syndrome in two athletes
Authors: Fallon K E , May J J
Published: December 2004

Two cases are reported of harlequin syndrome, a disorder of the sympathetic nervous system in which sweating and flushing of the skin in response to exercise is diminished. This condition is most likely to be first noticed in sporting situations.
Rhabdomyolysis in 119 students after repetitive exercise
Authors: Lin A C-M , Lin C-M , Wang T-L , Leu J-G
Published: December 2004

Exercise induced rhabdomyolysis is well known, but has rarely been reported in high school students. This is the report of 119 cases in high school students who exercised vigorously (120 push ups in five minutes) in cold weather. Most of them developed muscle pain and dark urine within two to four days of the exercise.
A NOTE ON DUALITY, FROBENIUS ALGEBRAS AND TQFTS
Authors: IONESCU LUCIAN M.
Published: December 2004

Topological quantum field theories (TQFTs) represent the structure present in cobordism categories. As an example, we review the correspondence between Frobenius algebras and (1+1)TQFTs. It is a corollary of the self-duality of the cobordism category, which is a rigid monoidal category generated by a Frobenius object (the circle).

A self-dual definition of a Frobenius object without the use of a prefered dual is considered.

The issue of duality as part of the definition of a TQFT is addressed. Note that duality is preserved by monoidal functors.

Hermitian structures are modeled as a conjugation compatible with duality. It is the structure cobordism categories posses. A definition of generalized cobordism categories is proposed.
Rational toral ranks in certain algebras
Authors: Kotani Yasusuke , Yamaguchi Toshihiro
Published: December 2004

We calculate the rational toral ranks of two spaces
whose cohomologies are isomorphic and note that rational toral
rank is a rational homotopy invariant but not a cohomology invariant.
The second‐order Klein‐Gordon field equation
Authors: Gomes D. , De Oliveira E. Capelas
Published: December 2004

We introduce and discuss the generalized Klein‐Gordon second‐order
partial differential equation in the Robertson‐Walker space‐time,
using the Casimir second‐order invariant operator written in
hyperspherical coordinates. The de Sitter and anti‐de Sitter
space‐times are recovered by means of a convenient choice of the
parameter associated to the space‐time curvature. As an
application, we discuss a few properties of the solutions. We also
discuss the case where we have positive frequency exponentials and
the creation and annihilation operators of particles with known
quantum numbers. Finally, we recover the Minkowskian case, that
is, the case of null curvature.
How do search engines respond to some non-English queries?
Authors: Bar-Ilan Judit , Gutman Tatyana
Published: December 2004

In this article, we explored the capabilities of search engines for non-English languages. As a test case, we considered four languages: Russian, French, Hungarian and Hebrew. For each of these languages we tested three general search engines: Alta Vista, FAST and Google and some local search engines. Our results indicate that in the examined cases the general search engines ignore the special characteristics of non-English languages, and sometimes they do not even handle diacritics well. These findings are rather disturbing, since for example Google is very popular in non-English speaking countries as well, and users are either not aware of what they miss when using search tools that do not take into account the structure and the special characteristics of the specific language or have no alternatives but to use these search engines.
Is citation normalization realistic?
Authors: Kostoff Ronald N. , Martinez Wendy L.
Published: December 2004

One method for assessing quality of research outputs across different technical disciplines is comparing citations received by the research output documents. However, crossdiscipline citation comparison studies require discipline normalization, in order to eliminate discipline differences in cultural citation practices and discipline differences in the number of active researchers available to cite. The ‘definition’ of, and number of documents used to represent, a discipline become critical. This study attempted to determine whether the citation characteristics (average, median) of a discipline’s domain stabilized as the domain’s size was decreased. A sample of papers (classified as research articles only, not review articles, by the Institute for Scientific Information) published in the journal Oncogene in 1999 was clustered hierarchically, and the citation averages and medians were computed for each cluster at different cluster hierarchical levels. The citation characteristics became increasingly stratified as the clusters were reduced in size, raising serious questions about the credibility of a selected denominator for normalization studies. An interesting side result occurred when all the retrieved articles were sorted by number of citations. Thirteen of the fifty most highly cited research articles had 100 or more references, whereas zero of the fifty least cited research articles had 100 or more references.
Single-authored publications in the sciences at Israeli universities
Authors: Farber Miriam
Published: December 2004

This Brief Communication examines the extent of publications written by a single author in different disciplines in Israeli universities. In the natural sciences the share of single-authored articles in the total amount of publications varies slightly between the different fields of science. A significant difference was found while comparing natural sciences as a whole with mathematics and a major one when compared with the social sciences and humanities. The conclusion is that the more theoretical is the research and the greater the share of the initial idea in the finished article, the higher the probability that a single person will publish it.
Constructing Authority Alternatives on the Periphery: Vignettes from Colombia
Authors: Mason Ann C.
Published: December 2004

Current processes of globalization are transforming the world’s social and political geography by facilitating new socio-spatial configurations that are discontinuous with state territories and incompatible with the notion of exclusive authority. This article examines the emergence of alternative sociopolitical relationships in Colombia as a result of global changes, and considers how this development has affected the more elusive aspects of statehood, such as authority and legitimacy. While alternative orders can undermine what are often already precarious structures of domestic governance and authority, as the Colombian experience attests, new spheres of authority may in fact enhance state performance and legitimacy.
Making a Living, Earning a Living: Work and Employment in Southern Africa
Authors: Webster Edward
Published: December 2004

This article examines the changing nature of work and employment in Southern Africa in the wake of liberalization, drawing on six case studies across the manufacturing, retail, and self-employed sectors. Liberalization has intensified competition, leading to the evolution of three different “worlds of work” in which some workers benefit from global integration, some survive in employment, but under worse conditions, and others are retrenched and forced to “make a living” in informal and unpaid work. This has created a “crisis of representation” in which traditional organizational forms, such as trade unions, fail to provide a voice for the “new poor,” necessitating the creation of new coalitions to respond to liberalization.
Fragile Democracy and Schizophrenic Liberalism: Exit, Voice, and Loyalty in the Andes
Authors: Sanín Francisco Gutiérrez
Published: December 2004

In the 1980s, the Andean region appeared to be implementing the recipe for success: market reforms plus democratic opening. However, the dream unraveled. This article describes the malaise regarding democracy that has enveloped the region and connects it with neoliberal adjustments. On the one hand, it claims that the expectation that economic and political liberalism buttress each other naturally is wrong. On the other, it shows that there is no direct relation between democratic vulnerability and neoliberalism. Instead, the global forces behind neoliberal programs simultaneously block exit from democracy and the possibility of articulating voice within it – which explains the proliferation of “semi-democratic” forces and forms of governance.
The Gift of Law
Authors: Isin Engin F. , Lefebvre Alexandre
Published: December 2004

Modern social and political thought has approached the questions of politics, law, and citizenship from the vantage point of a fundamental divide between the occidental and oriental, or archaic and modern, institutions. This article creates a concept, the gift of law, by staging two gift-giving practices as two historical moments: Greek euergetism and Ottoman waqf. While it is indebted to Mauss, our articulation of the gift of law also owes to the critical interventions of Jacques Derrida and Pierre Bourdieu, who emphasized non-voluntaristic and non-calculative aspects of the gift. We argue that both euergetism and the waqf enabled and substantiated legal subjectivities that allocated rights and obligations. Those gift-giving practices establish relationships between various groups and legal authorities that were crucial in the formation of cities as spaces of government, for both citizens and non-citizens alike. With the concept ‘gift of law’, categories ‘oriental’ and ‘occidental’ become problematic.
A specific α5β1-integrin conformation promotes directional integrin translocation and fibronectin matrix formation
Authors: Clark Katherine , Pankov Roumen , Travis Mark A. , Askari Janet A. , Mould A. Paul , Craig Susan E. , Newham Peter , Yamada Kenneth M. , Humphries Martin J.
Published: December 2004

Integrin adhesion receptors are structurally dynamic proteins that adopt a number of functionally relevant conformations. We have produced a conformation-dependent anti-α5 monoclonal antibody (SNAKA51) that converts α5β1 integrin into a ligand-competent form and promotes fibronectin binding. In adherent fibroblasts, SNAKA51 preferentially bound to integrins in fibrillar adhesions. Clustering of integrins expressing this activation epitope induced directional translocation of α5β1, mimicking fibrillar adhesion formation. Priming of α5β1 integrin by SNAKA51 increased the accumulation of detergent-resistant fibronectin in the extracellular matrix, thus identifying an integrin conformation that promotes matrix assembly. The SNAKA51 epitope was mapped to the calf-1/calf-2 domains. We propose that the action of the antibody causes the legs of the integrin to change conformation and thereby primes the integrin to bind ligand. These findings identify SNAKA51 as the first anti-integrin antibody to selectively recognize a subset of adhesion contacts, and they identify an integrin conformation associated with integrin translocation and fibronectin matrix formation.
Oszillierende chemische Reaktionen und nichtlineare Dynamik
Authors: Field Richard J. , Schneider Friedmann W.
Published: December 2004

Die Forschung auf dem Gebiet oszillierender chemischer Reaktionen hat in den vergangenen fünfzehn Jahren dramatisch zugenommen. Der Grund für diese Aktivitäten ist das spezifische Interesse an der Chemie (Verhalten und Mechanismus) oszillierender chemischer Reaktionen sowie an der Verknüpfung von diesen Oszillatoren mit den Eigenschaften nichtlinearer Differentialgleichungen und der Theorie von Prozessen fern vom chemischen Gleichgewicht, wie sie z.B. zum Verständnis lebender Systeme – u.a. charakterisiert durch Selbstorganisation, Musterbildung, Wachstum – entscheidend sind. Die Belousov‐Zhabotinskii‐Reaktion diente bei diesen Untersuchungen als experimentelles Modellsystem. Darüber hinaus ist es heute jedoch möglich, chemische Oszillatoren im Durchflußrührreaktor auf Grund der Beziehung zwischen Bistabilität und Oszillationen systematisch zu entwerfen.
Polyurethane – nach 50 Jahren immer noch jung
Authors: Dieterich Dieter
Published: December 2004

Polyurethane, die wohl vielseitigste Klasse von Hochpolymeren, sind aus der Technik und auch aus unserem Alltag nicht mehr wegzudenken. Vor über 50 Jahren erfunden, ist der Gipfel ihrer Entwicklung noch nicht in Sicht.
Landforms, sediments, soil development, and prehistoric site settings on the Madaba‐Dhiban Plateau, Jordan
Authors: Cordova Carlos E. , Foley Chris , Nowell April , Bisson Michael
Published: December 2004

This paper examines recurrent spatial patterns of prehistoric sites in relation to landforms, alluvial fills, and soil development in the uplands and valleys of the Madaba and Dhiban Plateaus of Jordan. Mousterian lithics (Middle Paleolithic) are largely found on high strath terraces plateaus, where they are associated with red Mediterranean soils. In valleys, Upper Paleolithic sites are often associated with reworked loess deposits of the Dalala allostratigraphic unit. Epipaleolithic occupations are found stratified in deposits of the Thamad Terrace, and Pre‐Pottery Neolithic and Pottery Neolithic occupations are associated with colluvium mantling the Thamad Terrace. The Tur al‐Abyad Terrace and the Iskanderite alluvial inset are the remnants of middle Holocene floodplains, which were attractive areas for Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age settlements. Sometime around 4000 B.C., stream incision and further lateral erosion destroyed these floodplains. These historic terraces are underlain by alluvial deposits ranging in age from Roman to Early Islamic periods. The sequence of allostratigraphic units, paleosols, and terraces are the basis for reconstructing phases of fluvial aggradation and stream incision during the past 20,000 years. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of steatosis on progression of fibrosis in patients with mild hepatitis C
Authors: Fartoux Laetitia , Chazouillères Olivier , Wendum Dominique , Poupon Raoul , Serfaty Lawrence
Published: December 2004

In patients with mild hepatitis C, the usefulness of antiviral therapy is subject of debate, as a low risk for progression of fibrosis is assumed. Several studies have shown that steatosis is a strong and independent predictor of the severity as well as the progression of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C. Therefore, this study assessed the impact of steatosis on the progression of fibrosis between paired liver biopsies in untreated patients with mild hepatitis on index biopsy. One hundred thirty-five untreated patients (mean age, 38 years; M/F sex ratio, 1.43) with one known risk factor of infection (68 transfusions, 67 injecting drug use) had 2 liver biopsies after a median interval of 61 months (18-158). All had METAVIR score of A1F1 or lower at first liver biopsy. Unequivocal progression of fibrosis was considered if patients had a fibrosis score of 3 or 4 at the second liver biopsy. The probability of progression of fibrosis was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. During follow-up, progression of fibrosis occurred in 21 patients (16%) after a median delay of 65 months. Cumulative probabilities of the progression of fibrosis at 4 and 6 years were 5.2% and 19.8%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, steatosis was the only independent factor predictive of progression of fibrosis (RR, 4.8; CI, 1.3-18.3). Probability of progression of fibrosis was significantly related to the percentage of hepatocytes with steatosis.
In conclusion,

steatosis is a major determinant of the progression of fibrosis in mild hepatitis C, regardless of the genotype. Our results argue for antiviral treatment in the subgroup of patients with mild hepatitis and steatosis. (Hepatology 2005;41:82–87.)
Treatment challenges and investigational opportunities in autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Czaja Albert J. , Bianchi Francesco B. , Carpenter Herschel A. , Krawitt Edward L. , Lohse Ansgar W. , Manns Michael P. , McFarlane Ian G. , Mieli-Vergani Giorgina , Toda Gotaro , Vergani Diego , Vierling John , Zeniya Mikio
Published: December 2004

New drugs and advances in molecular biology afford opportunities to upgrade the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. The aims of this study were to define treatment problems, identify possible solutions, and stimulate investigations to improve patient care. A clinical subcommittee of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group reviewed current management difficulties and proposed corrective actions. The assessment of new front-line and salvage therapies for adults and children were given top priority. Cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil were endorsed as drugs worthy of rigorous study in severe disease, and budesonide was endorsed for study as front-line therapy in mild disease. Diagnostic criteria and treatment regimens for children required codification, and pharmacokinetic studies were encouraged to develop optimal dosing schedules based on therapeutic ranges. Collaborative efforts were proposed to help understand racial, geographical, and genetic factors affecting outcome and to establish definitions and therapies for variant syndromes and graft dysfunction after transplantation. The development of experimental animal models was deemed essential for the study of site-specific molecular interventions, and gene therapy was endorsed as a means of bolstering reparative processes.
In conclusion,

evolving pharmacological and technical advances promise to improve the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis, and investigations of these advances are timely, feasible, and necessary. (Hepatology 2005;41:207–215.)
Über Umlagerungen einiger arylierter oder alkylierter Thiocarbamidsäure‐O‐ester
Authors: Bettschart A. , Bistrzycki A.
Published: December 2004

I. Durch Addition von Benzhydrolnatrium an Senföle lassen sich N‐Aryl‐ oder N‐Alkyl‐O‐benzhydryl‐thiocarbamate von der allgemeinen Formel R · NH · CS · 0 · CH(C6H5)2, (R = Phenyl, oder p‐Tolyl, oder Allyl) darstellen.
Höhere Terpenverbindungen X. Isomerie‐erscheinungen bei den Fichtenharzsäuren der Abietinsäuregruppe
Authors: Ruzicka L. , Schinz H.
Published: December 2004

Es liessen sich alle bisher untersuchten Fichtenharzsäuren (mit Ausnahme der Dextro‐pimarsäure) durch Isomerisierung mittels Säuren oder höherer Temperatur in Vertreter der Abietinsäuregruppe überführen, für die das Retenskelett und hauptsächlich die Krystallform charakteristisch ist. Soweit genauere Untersuchungen reichen, besteht die Abietinsäuregruppe aus zweifach ungesättigten tricyclischen Verbindungen.
Über die thermische Zersetzung unsymmetrischer Diacyl‐Peroxyde
Authors: Fichter Fr. , Erlenmeyer Hans
Published: December 2004

(a) Acetyl‐benzoyl‐peroxyd liefert bei thermischer Zersetzung in der Gasphase, ohne Lösungsmittel, Toluol, und durch weitere Veränderung des letzteren bei der, hohen Temperatur, Äthan, Diphenyl und Benzol.
Über das Verhalten von schwerlöslichen Metalloxyden in den Lösungen ihrer Salze. Zur Kenntnis der Magnesiumoxyd‐Zemente II
Authors: Feitknecht W.
Published: December 2004

1. Das Verhalten der beim Mischen von Magnesiumoxyd und Magnesiumchloridlösung entstehenden festen Massen wurde untersucht.
Komplexone VII. Titration von Metallen mit Nitrilotriessigsäure H3X. Endpunktsindikation durch pH‐Effekte
Authors: Schwarzenbach G. , Biedermann W.
Published: December 2004

1. Es werden zwei Methoden zur Titration von: Al, Ca, C, d, Ce, Co, Cu, Fe(II), Hg(II), La, Mn, Mg, Ni, Pb und Zn angegeben, welche mit einer Genauigkeit von mindestens 1 % arbeiten und auch für recht verdünnte Lösungen anwendbar sind. Arbeitsvorschriften siehe S. 334 und 338.
Über die Anhydride der Benzil‐o‐carbonsäure und der o‐Benzoylbenzoesäure
Authors: Schmid H. , Hochweber M. , Halband̊ H. V.
Published: December 2004

Von der Benzil‐o‐carbonsäure haben wir die gemischten n‐ und ψ‐Anhydride mit Essigsäurc hergestellt und ihre U.V.‐ Spektren aufgenommen. Beide Anhydride erleiden beim Erhitzen auf 200‐220° keine Veränderung.
Strychnos‐Alkaloide. 7. Mitteilung. Über die Oxydation von Strychnin mit Kaliumpermanganat in schwach saurer Lösung
Authors: Prelog V. , Kathriner A.
Published: December 2004

Durch Oxydation von Strychnin mit Kaliumpermanganat in schwach saurer wässeriger Lösung wurde ein bisher unbekanntes Oxydationsprodukt C21H22O4N2 erhalten. Aus dem chemischen Ver halten konnte für das letztere die Konstitution eines 8‐Oxy‐15oxo‐8,15‐dihydro‐strychnins (IIIa) abgeleitet werden.
Über Inhaltsstoffe des Rettichs I. Über Sulforaphen, ein Senföl aus Rettichsamen (Raphanus sativus L. var. alba)
Authors: Schmid H. , Karrer P.
Published: December 2004

Aus Rettichsamen (Raphanus sativus var. alba L.) wurde eine schwefelhaltige Verbindung, das Sulforaphen, gewonnen, das in den Samen als Glucosid vorkommt. Sulforaphen ist ein eine Sulfoxydgruppe enthaltenes Senföl der Konstitution

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Diese Formel wird durch Abbaureaktionen bewiesen. Die optische Aktivität der Verbindung beruht auf der Asymmetrie der Sulfoxydgruppe.
Zur Kenntnis der 1,2‐Epoxyde und verwandter Verbindungen
Authors: Karrer P. , Rodmann E.
Published: December 2004

Durch Oxydation von 2,3‐Dioxy‐2,3‐dihydro‐β‐jonon mit Bleitetracetat wurde das 6‐Dimethyl‐undecen‐(8)‐trion‐(2,7,10) dargestellt.
Zur Kenntnis der Triterpene. 129. Mitteilung. Über die Lage der Hydroxylgruppe im Taraxasterol
Authors: Lardelli G. , Krüsi Hs. K. , Jeger O. , Ruzicka L.
Published: December 2004

Durch Überführung des Hetero‐betulins in Taraxastanol wurde die Lage der Hydroxylgruppe im Taraxastanol bestimmt.
Konduktometrische Mikrobestimmung von Kohlenstoff, insbesondere zur Ermittlung seines Gehaltes in Aluminium
Authors: Bolliger H. R. , Treadwell W. D.
Published: December 2004

Es werden Versuche über die Bestimmung des Carbid‐ und des Gesamtkohlenstoffes in Aluminium beschrieben, die auf einer Verbrennung im zirkulierenden Sauerstoff beruhen. Das gebildete Kohlendioxyd wird nach Absorption in Natronlauge konduktometrisch mit einer Genauigkeit von ± 0,5 γ C bestimmt.
Über Carbonsäuren des Thiazols
Authors: Erlenmeyer H. , Junod J. , Guex W. , Erne M.
Published: December 2004

Es wird über die Synthesen und die Eigenschaften der Thiazol‐2,4‐dicarbonsäure und der Thiazoltricarbonsäure berichtet. Weiterhin wird die Darstellung der 4‐Methylthiazol‐2‐essigsäure aus dem Thioamid des Malonsäureäthylesters und die Darstellung der Thiazol‐4‐essigsäure‐5‐carbonsäure beschrieben.
Sur quelques dérivés de l'oxindole et de l'isatine. III. Les acides isatine‐carboxyliques‐5 et ‐6
Authors: Giovannini Edgardo , Portmann Plato
Published: December 2004

Description d'une synthèse sûre de la carboxy‐6‐isatine à partir du carboxy‐6‐oxindole, réalisée soit en passant par l'oxime, selon la méthode de Baeyer, soit par oxydation directe au moyen de bioxyde de sélénium.
Sur les enzymes amylolytiques V. Comparaison de l'action enzymatique d'α‐amylases de diverses provenances
Authors: Bernfeld P. , Fuld Maria
Published: December 2004

L'augmentation du pouvoir réducteur et le chsngement de la coloration à l'iode, lors de l'action d'α‐amylases de provenance différente sur l'amidon soluble, ont été mesurés et exprimés quantitativement. Le rapport de ces deux valeurs, e'est‐à‐dire le quotient: pouvoir saccharogène/pouvoir dextrinogène, est le méme pour les α‐amylases cristallisées de pancréas de pore, de pancréas humain, de salive humaine, de Bacillus subtilis et pour l'α‐amylase de malt purifiée.
Über Steroide und Sexualhormone. 156. Mitteilung. Über die reduktive Aufspaltung von Steroid‐epoxyden mit Lithiumaluminiumhydrid, I. Synthese von 3β,5‐Dioxy‐koprostan
Authors: Plattner Pl. A. , Heusser H. , Kulkarni A. B.
Published: December 2004

Lithiumaluminiumhydrid eignet sich gut zur reduktiven Aufspaltung bestimmter Steroid‐epoxyde. In den untersuchten Fällen verlief die Hydrierung sterisch einheitlich und eröffnete damit erstmals einen präparativ günstigen Weg zur Bereitung von Derivaten des 5‐Oxy‐koprostans.
Eine einfache enzymatische Methode zur Herstellung von D‐ und L‐Tryptophan
Authors: Brenner M. , Sailer E. , Kocher V.
Published: December 2004

Racemischer Tryptophanmethylester wird von Chymotrypsin „asymmetrisch”︁ verseift. Die Reaktion wird unter Verwendung eines technischen Ferment‐Präparates zur präparativen Herstellung von optisch reinem D‐ und L‐Tryptophan benützt.
Preparazione di ulteriori α‐cheto‐γ‐lattoni e scissione termica degli α‐cheto‐γ‐lattoni con sostituenti alchilici in posizione γ
Authors: Schinz H. , Rossi A.
Published: December 2004

A. Durch Kondensation von Na‐oxalessigester mit n‐Butyraldehyd und Önanthaldehyd und nachfolgende Ketonspaltung wurden γ‐n‐Propyl‐ und γ‐n‐Hexyl‐α‐keto‐γ‐lacton hergestellt.
Über die tuberkulostatische Wirkung des 8‐Oxychinolins und des 4‐Oxybenzthiazols
Authors: Binswanger L. A. , Erlenmeyer H. , Sorkin E. , Suter E.
Published: December 2004

Es wird die tuberkulostatische Wirkung des isosteren Verbindungspaares: 8‐Oxychinolin, 4‐Oxybenzthiazol in vitro ermittelt und gefunden, dass die dem Chinolinderivat zukommende Aktivität bei dem Benzthiazolderivat fehlt.
Synthese einiger Pterine
Authors: Steinbuch W.
Published: December 2004

Die Herstellung folgender Pterine wird beschrieben: 2‐Äthyl‐thio‐6‐oxypteridin, 2‐Äthylthio‐6‐oxy‐8,9‐diphenylpteridin, 2‐Äthyl‐thio‐6‐oxy‐8,9‐dimethylpteridin, 2‐Äthylthio‐6‐oxy‐8,9‐phenanthreno‐pteridin, 2‐Äthylthio‐6‐oxy‐8,9‐acenaphtenopteridin, 6‐Amino‐iso‐xanthopterin‐carbonsäure, Desimino‐isoxanthopterincarbonsäure.
Versuche zur Synthese isomerer Methyltocole
Authors: Karrer P. , Dutta P. C.
Published: December 2004

In der vorliegenden Untersuchung werden beschrieben: 2 isomere 2‐Methylmercapto‐hydrochinone, 2 isomere 2‐Methyl‐methylmercapto‐hydrochinone, die zugehörigen isomeren Methyl‐methylmercapto‐p‐benzochinone, Di‐methylmercapto‐toluchinon, Di‐methylmercapto‐toluhydrochinon, 2 Methylmereapto‐methyltoeole sowie 2 aus den letzteren Substanzen durch Entfernung der schwefelhaltigen Reste dargestellte Methyl‐toeole.
Dehydrierungen von β‐ (und α‐)‐jonon mittels Bromsuccinimid
Authors: Karrer P. , Ochsner P.
Published: December 2004

Aus den rohen Bromierungsprodukten, die bei der Einwirkung von Bromsuccinimid auf β‐ Jonon (sowie α‐ Jonon) entstehen, bilden sich unter der Einwirkung von Diäthylanilin in der Hitze zwei Dehydrierungsprodukte, Δ3‐Dehydro‐ionen (IV) und 1‐(2′,3′,6′‐Tri‐methylpheny1)‐butanon‐(3) (VII).
Abbau des Ouabagenins I. Glykoside und Aglykone, 40. Mitteilung
Authors: Meyrat A. , Reichstein T.
Published: December 2004

Ouabagenin lieferte bei der Acetylierung zwei verschiedene Acetate A und B, die sich mit KMnO4 zu zwei verschiedenen Säuren abbauen liessen. Die aus Acetat A erhaltene Säure wurde in den Methylester übergeführt, der bei der Behandlung mit POCI3 ein Gemisch ungesättigter Ester lieferte, aus dem sich nach Hydrierung ein krystallisiertes Acetat C29H42O11 isolieren liess. Die amorphen Mutterlaugen gaben nach Verseifung und Remethylierung zwei krystallisierte Oxyester, denen vermutlich die Formeln C21H34O5 und C21H34O6 zukommen.
Welkstoffe und Antibiotika. 10. Mitteilung. Über die Konstitution von Enniatin A
Authors: Plattner Pl. A. , Nager U.
Published: December 2004

Die Konstitution von Enniatin A (C24H4224O6N2), eines aus Fusarium Stamm ETH 1523 und Stamm ETH 1536 isolierten Antibiotikums, wurde aufgeklärt. Die saure Hydrolyse liefert 2 Mol N‐Methyl‐L‐isoleucin (IV) und 2 Mol D‐α‐Oxy‐isovaleriansäure (III), während bei der elkalischen Hydrolyse das D‐α‐Oxy‐isovaleryl‐N‐methyl‐L‐isoleucin (V) neben dem entsprechenden Lacton, 4‐Methyl‐6‐isopropyl‐3‐see. butyl‐2,5‐dioxo‐morpholin (VI) entsteht. Enniatin A besitzt demnach die Konstitution II einer cyclischen Verbindung mit 12 Ringgliedern und gehört zur gleichen Gruppe neuartiger Stoffe, wie das früher aufgeklärte homologe Enniatin B (I).
Über die Ester und Äther des synthetischen Vitamins A
Authors: Isler O. , Ronco A. , Guex W. , Hindley N. C. , Huber W. , Dialer K. , Kofler M.
Published: December 2004

Einige reine Ester und Äther des Vitamins A wurden nach dem von uns früher beschriebenen Aufbauprinzip dargestellt. Die Schmelzpunkte der synthetischen Krystallisate stimmen mit den bekannten Schmelzpunkten der entsprechenden Vitamin‐A‐Präparate aus Leberölen überein. Die Wirksamkeit der Ester (Standard‐β‐Carotin) berechnet auf 1 g Vitamin‐A‐Alkohol betrug 3,3±0,6 Millionen i. E. Der Methyläther besitzt annähernd die gleiche und der Butyläther deutlich geringere Wirksamkeit. Der Phenyläther vom Smp. 90–91° ist wenig wirksam. Die molare Extinktion bei 325–328 mm̈ aller Präparate betrug ca. 50 000 und die molare Extinktion der Carr‐Price‐Messung gab ebenfalls gleiche Werte. Die molare Exaltation des Systems der konjugierten Doppelbindungen wurde übereinstimmend mit 16,5±0,6 bestimmt. Die Messung der Sauerstoffempfindlichkeit im Warburg‐Apparat zeigt, dass die Ester beständiger sind als der Methyläther und der Vitamin‐A‐Alkohol. Die alkalische Hydrolyse der Ester verläuft erwartungsgemäss als Reaktion 2. Ordnung.
Strychnos‐Alkaloide. II. Mitteilung. Über die Bezeichnungen zwischen Konstitution und Basizität bei Strychnos‐Alkaloiden und ihren Derivaten
Authors: Prelog V. , Häfliger O.
Published: December 2004

Es wurden die Dissoziationskonstanten von Strychnos‐Alkaloiden und einer Reihe ihrer wichtigen Derivate in 80‐proz. Methyl‐cellosolve gemessen und anschliessend die Zusammenhänge zwischen Konstitution und Basizität besprochen.
Über Steroide. 92. Mitteilung. Abbau der Oxy‐bisnor‐cholensäure III. Beitrag zur Asymmetrie am Kohlenstoffatom 20
Authors: Wieland P. , Miescher K.
Published: December 2004

Die beiden bekannten, aus Δ5‐3 β‐Oxy‐bisnor‐cholensäure hergestellten und in 20‐Stellung isomeren Methylketone der Norcholenreihe wurden durch Abbau mit Benzopersäure in die beiden Pregnen‐3 β, 20 α‐ausbeute, ausgehend von der Oxy‐bisnorsäure, betrug 40%.
Zur Oxydation von α‐Diketonen und einigen Derivaten von solchen mit Phtalpersäure
Authors: Karrer P. , Hohl Th.
Published: December 2004

Durch Oxydation von Diacetyl mit Perphtalsäure entsteht Essigsäureanhydrid, aus Dipropionyl Propionsäureanhydrid. Die beiden Verbindungen wurden zum Nachweis in Essig‐ bzw. Propionsäureamid übergeführt.
Über α‐Pyrrolone. 1. Mitteilung. Bildung und Reaktionen der 4‐Carbäthoxy‐2pyrrolone
Authors: Grob C. A. , Ankli P.
Published: December 2004

Während Aminoäthyliden‐bernsteinsäureester (X) bereits durch Erhitzen unter Alkoholabspaltung α‐Pyrrolone (XI) liefern, gehen Aminomethylen‐bernsteinsäureester (XII) erst durch Behandlung mit Natriumalkoholat in die entsprechenden 4‐Carbäthoxy‐2‐pyrrolone (XIII) über. Dieser Unterschied kann durch Hyperkonjugation erklärt werden.
Über α‐Pyrrolone. 2. Mitteilung. Die Acetylierung der 4‐Carbäthoxy‐2‐Pyrrolone
Authors: Grob C. A. , Ankli P.
Published: December 2004

Die Acetylierung der 4‐Carbäthoxy‐2‐Pyrrolone mit Acetanhydrid und Schwefelsäure oder Pyridin führt je nach den Bedingungen zu verschiedenen Mono‐ und/oder Di‐acetylderivaten. Es sind Anzeichen dafür vorhanden, dass in allen Fällen zunächst substituierte 2‐Acetoxy‐pyrrole entstehen. Bei längerer Einwirkungsdauer kann Wanderung der Acetylgruppe in die Stellungen 3 order 5 des Kernes erfolgen, falls diese frei sind. Teilweise gehen die so gebildeten Acetylpyrrolone durch weitere Acetylierung in 2‐Acetoxy‐acetylpyrrole über. Bei den Kernacetylierungen wird auf die Analogie zur Fries'schen Verschiebung aufmerksam gemacht.
Veilchenriechstoffe. 33. Mitteilung. Infrarot‐ und Ramanspektren in der Ironreihe
Authors: Günthard Hs. H. , Ruzicka L.
Published: December 2004

Es wurden nach einer verfeinerten Methodik die Infrarot‐Spektren einer Anzahl von Verbindungen der Iron‐ und Jonon‐Reihe sowie einiger Hilfssubstanzen aufgenommen. Es konnte eindeutig gezeigt werden, dass die Infrarot‐Methodik für Zwecke der Konstitutionsaufklärung der Raman‐Methodik deutlich überlegen ist.
Über die Quellung von vernetzten Pektinstoffen verschiedenen Veresterungsgrades
Authors: Deuel H. , Huber G.
Published: December 2004

Aus formaldehyd‐vernetztem Oxypropylester der Pektinsäure werden durch alkalische Verseifung Natriumsalze verschiedenen Veresterungsgrades gewonnen. Die Quellung dieser Präparate in Wasser nimmt mit steigendem Veresterungsgrad deutlich zu. Diese Erscheinung wird auf eine Streckung der Fadenmolekeln bei Einführung von Estergruppen zurückgeführt.
Neo‐pyrithiamin
Authors: Raffauf R. F.
Published: December 2004

Einige Verbesserungen für die Synthese von Zwischenprodukten zur Herstellung des Neo‐pyrithiamins werden beschrieben.
Purification de l'amylopectine. Recherches sur l'amidon 46
Authors: Meyer Kurt H. , Gibbons G. C.
Published: December 2004

L'amylose qui se trouve dans l'amylopectine brute peut être éliminé quantitativement par adsorption sur de l'acide stéarique solide, ce qui permet d'obtenir de l'amylopectine exempte de traces d'amylose.
Fractionnement de l'amylopectine. Recherches sur l'amidon 47
Authors: Meyer Kurt H. , Gibbons G. C.
Published: December 2004

L'amylopectine d'amidon de pomme de terre a été séparée en différentes fractions par précipitation fractionnée par électrodialyse en présence d'iode. Ces fractions obtenues ne se distinguent pas du point de vue chimique.