bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contesting the Paradigms of De-Stalinization: Readers' Responses toOne Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich
Authors: Dobson Miriam
Published: February 2007

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's novella One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich was published in the literary journal Novyi mir in November 1962 and provoked excited debate across the Soviet press in subsequent months. In this article, Miriam Dobson uses unpublished letters to the editor to examine readers' responses to this work of literature and as a means to explore attitudes towards the process of de-Stalinization more broadly. While many historians have tended to see the Nikita Khrushchev period as a battleground between liberals and conservatives, these letters suggest a rather more complex dialogue over the legacies of Stalinism. They show that even those readers who embraced the de-Stalinizing rhetoric of the Twenty-Second Party Congress found Solzhenitsyn's text highly disturbing. Distressed by the appearance of camp slang and "vulgar" language within a literary work, readers took the opportunity to express their concerns over the large numbers of criminals released from the gulag, rising crime levels, and the perceived threat they presented to "respectable" Soviet culture.
A Tale of Two Leaders: German Methodists and the Nazi State
Authors: Blaich Roland
Published: February 2007

Nazi foreign policy was hampered from the start by a hostile foreign press that carried alarming reports, not only of atrocities and persecution of the political opposition and of Jews, but also of a persecution of Christians in Germany. Protestant Christians abroad were increasingly outraged by the so-called “German Christians” who, with the support of the government, gained control of the administration of the Evangelical state churches and set about to fashion a centralized Nazi church based on principles of race, blood, and soil. The militant attack by “German Christians” on Christian, as opposed to Germanic, traditions and values led to the birth of a Confessing Church, whose leaders fought to remain true to the Gospel, often at the risk of imprisonment. Such persecution resulted in calls from abroad for boycott and intervention, particularly in Britain and the United States, and threatened to complicate foreign relations for the Nazi regime at a time when Hitler was still highly vulnerable. In order to win the support of the German people and to consolidate the Nazi grip on German society, Hitler needed accomplishments in foreign policy and solutions to the German economic crisis. Both were possible only with the indulgence of foreign powers.
Totalitarianism: German Military Chaplains in World War II and the Dilemmas of Legitimacy
Authors: Bergen Doris L.
Published: February 2007

In his memoir, German chaplain Hans Leonhard describes a visit to a military hospital during World War II. Leonhard entered a ward full of men with sexually transmitted diseases. “So you're a pastor?” one patient jeered. “We don't need one of them. You just want to tell us those stories about cattle breeders and pimps.” The phrasecame from the Nazi ideologue Alfred Rosenberg. In The Myth of the Twentieth Century, he dubbed the Old Testament a collection of “stories of pimps and cattle traders.” Members of the pro-Nazi “German Christian” movement popularized Rosenberg's phrase in church circles. Leonhard, accustomed to hostile reactions, answered the taunt with a challenge: “Tell me just one such story,” he said to the man. “If you can tell me even one, I'll leave the room immediately and never bother you again.” All the patients looked at their comrade. “I can't think of any right now,” he finally said. The others laughed, but he did not give up. “You probably want to tell us something about praying,” he accused Leonhard. “Well, a real man doesn” The chaplain countered with another question: “Were you at the front?” he wanted to know. There was a pause before the man muttered, “We from the reserves have done our duty, too.” According to Leonhard, that admission ended the exchange. The chaplain sat down with the rest of the men and talked about the Old Testament and about prayer.
Totalitarianism: Last Years of a Resister in the Diocese of Berlin: Bernhard Lichtenberg's Conflict with Karl Adam and his Fateful Imprisonment
Authors: Spicer Kevin
Published: February 2007

Among the priests of the diocese of Berlin who lived and served as parish ministers during the Third Reich, one individual stands out for his courage and willingness to risk his life and speak the Christian truth in a world often devoid of any gospel values. Monsignor Bernhard Lichtenberg (1875–1943) surpassed the other clergy of his diocese in his conscious efforts to challenge the perverse policies of the state in a consistent, profound manner. To defend the faith against encroachment by the state, Lichtenberg not only exhibitedResistenzby creating defensive barriers through his own ministry, but also publicly protested, in a rigorous manner, state actions that he deemed immoral and contradictory to Catholic values.
Totalitarianism: Propaganda, Perseverance, and Protest: Strategies for Clerical Survival Amid the German Church Struggle
Authors: Jantzen Kyle
Published: February 2007

The Protestant historiography of the German Church Struggle has been shaped largely by its attention to two fundamental issues. The first has been the intrachurch struggle dominated by two churchpolitical factions: the Faith Movement of the German Christians and the Confessing Church. German Christians whole-heartedly endorsed the government of Adolf Hitler, campaigned to align the organization, theology, and practice of the twenty-eight German Protestant Land Churches with the racial and authoritarian values of the National Socialist regime and worked to create a centralized Reich church under a powerful Reich bishop. The Confessing Church stood for theological orthodoxy and ecclesiastical independence, rejected the authority of the Land Church governments that had fallen under the control of German Christians, and asserted itself as the uniquely legitimate church government in Germany.
Mechanisms for Fatigue of Micron‐Scale Silicon Structural Films
Authors: Alsem D. H. , Pierron O. N. , Stach E. A. , Muhlstein C. L. , Ritchie R. O.
Published: February 2007

Although bulk silicon is not susceptible to fatigue, micron‐scale silicon is. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this surprising behavior although the issue remains contentious. Here we review published fatigue results for micron‐scale thin silicon films and find that in general they display similar trends, in that lower cyclic stresses result in larger number of cycles to failure in stress‐lifetime data. We further show that one of two classes of mechanisms is invariably proposed to explain the phenomenon. The first class attributes fatigue to a surface effect caused by subcritical (stable) cracking in the silicon‐oxide layer, e.g., reaction‐layer fatigue; the second class proposes that subcritical cracking in the silicon itself is the cause of fatigue in Si films. It is our contention that results to date from single and polycrystalline silicon fatigue studies provide no convincing experimental evidence to support subcritical cracking in the silicon. Conversely, the reaction‐layer mechanism is consistent with existing experimental results, and moreover provides a rational explanation for the marked difference between the fatigue behavior of bulk and micron‐scale silicon.
A genome‐wide scan for modifier loci in schizophrenia
Authors: Fanous Ayman H. , Neale Michael C. , Webb B. Todd , Straub Richard E. , Amdur Richard L. , O'Neill F. Anthony , Walsh Dermot , Riley Brien P. , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study was to detect genetic loci that influence clinical features of, but not necessarily susceptibility to, psychotic illness. In the Irish Study of High‐Density Schizophrenia Families (n = 270 families, n = 1,408 individuals), subjects with non‐affective psychosis were rated using the Operational Criteria Checklist for Psychotic Illness. Factor analysis identified hallucinations, delusions, and negative, manic, and depressive symptom factors. We performed autosomal genome‐wide multipoint non‐parametric quantitative trait locus linkage analysis, in affected individuals only, using these five factors, as well as age at onset, and course of illness. Determination of empirical significance and correction for multiple testing was implemented using 200 simulated genome scans. We also tested for pleiotropic loci by examining the sums of −log10's of the empiricalPvalues of multiple traits in selected regions. LODs of 2.42 and 2.35 were obtained near D9S934 (9q33.1) and D14S587 (14q24.2), respectively, for course of illness, and of 2.26 between D6S1040‐D6S2420 (6q23.1‐25.1) and age at onset. No other regions met criteria for suggestive linkage to any one trait. No loci were significant after correction for multiple testing. On 6q, however, the joint linkage of age of onset, course, delusions, and depressive symptoms resulted in a genome‐wideP = 0.06. We conclude that genes located near 9q33.1 and 14q24.2 may modify the clinical course and severity of schizophrenia. A gene in 6q may affect several clinical features of illness. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antiprogesterone therapy uncouples axonal loss from demyelination in a transgenic rat model of CMT1A neuropathy
Authors: Meyer zu Horste Gerd , Prukop Thomas , Liebetanz David , Mobius Wiebke , Nave Klaus‐Armin , Sereda Michael W.
Published: February 2007

Objective

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited neuropathy, and a duplication of the Pmp22 gene causes the most frequent subform CMT1A. Using a transgenic rat model of CMT1A, we tested the hypothesis that long‐term treatment with anti‐progesterone (Onapristone) reduces Pmp22 overexpression and improves CMT disease phenotype of older animals, thereby extending a previous proof‐of‐concept observation in a more clinically relevant setting.

Methods

We applied placebo‐controlled progesterone‐antagonist therapy to CMT rats for 5 months and performed grip‐strength analysis to assess the motor phenotype. Quantitative Pmp22 RT‐PCR and complete histological analysis of peripheral nerves and skin biopsies were performed.

Results

Anti‐progesterone therapy significantly increased muscle strength and muscle mass of CMT rats and reduced the performance difference to wildtype rats by about 50%. Physical improvements can be explained by the prevention of axon loss. Surprisingly, the effects of anti‐progesterone were not reflected by improved myelin sheath thickness. Electrophysiology confirmed unaltered NCV, but less reduced CMAP recordings in the treatment group. Moreover, the reduction of Pmp22 mRNA, as quantified in cutaneous nerves, correlated with the clinical phenotype at later stages.

Interpretation

Progesterone‐antagonist treatment. Pmp22 overexpression to a degree at which the axonal support function of Schwann cells is better maintained than myelination. This suggests that axonal loss in CMT1A is not caused by demyelination, but rather by a Schwann cell defect that has been partially uncoupled by anti‐progesterone treatment. Pmp22 expression analysis in skin may provide a prognostic marker for disease severity and for monitoring future clinical trials. Ann Neurol 2007;61:61–72
Paraneoplastic anti–N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis associated with ovarian teratoma
Authors: Dalmau Josep , Tüzün Erdem , Wu Hai‐yan , Masjuan Jaime , Rossi Jeffrey E. , Voloschin Alfredo , Baehring Joachim M. , Shimazaki Haruo , Koide Reiji , King Dale , Mason Warren , Sansing Lauren H. , Dichter Marc A. , Rosenfeld Myrna R. , Lynch David R.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To report the autoantigens of a new category of treatment‐responsive paraneoplastic encephalitis.

Methods

Analysis of clinical features, neuropathological findings, tumors, and serum/cerebrospinal fluid antibodies using rat tissue, neuronal cultures, and HEK293 cells expressing subunits of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR).

Results

Twelve women (14–44 years) developed prominent psychiatric symptoms, amnesia, seizures, frequent dyskinesias, autonomic dysfunction, and decreased level of consciousness often requiring ventilatory support. All had serum/cerebrospinal fluid antibodies that predominantly immunolabeled the neuropil of hippocampus/forebrain, in particular the cell surface of hippocampal neurons, and reacted with NR2B (and to a lesser extent NR2A) subunits of the NMDAR. NR2B binds glutamate and forms heteromers (NR1/NR2B or NR1/NR2A/NR2B) that are preferentially expressed in the adult hippocampus/forebrain. Expression of functional heteromers (not single subunits) was required for antibody binding. Eleven patients had teratoma of the ovary (six mature) and one a mature teratoma in the mediastinum; five of five tumors examined contained nervous tissue that strongly expressed NR2 subunits and reacted with patients' antibodies. Tumor resection and immunotherapy resulted in improvement or full recovery of eight of nine patients (paralleled by decreased antibody titers); two of three patients without tumor resection died of neurological deterioration. Autopsies showed extensive microgliosis, rare T‐cell infiltrates, and neuronal degeneration predominantly involving, but not restricted to, the hippocampus.

Interpretation

Antibodies to NR2B‐ and NR2A‐containing heteromers of the NMDAR associate with a severe but treatment‐responsive encephalitis. Our findings provide a diagnostic test and suggest a model of autoimmune NMDAR‐related encephalitis with broad implications for other immune‐mediated disorders of memory, behavior, and cognition. Ann Neurol 2007;61:25–36
Two novel benzenedicarboxylate‐metal complexes: synthesis, crystal structures and fluorescent properties
Authors: Song Yi‐Shan , Yan Bing , Chen Zhen‐Xia
Published: February 2007

Two novel benzenedicarboxylate–metal complexes, [Sm(nphth)(Hnphth)(H2O)3•H2O]2 and [Zn(nphth)(bipy)(H2O) •H2O]2 (2) (H2nphth = 3‐nitrophthalic acid, bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), have been synthesized under hydrothermal condition and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Both complex 1 and 2 exhibit a dimeric structure, and nphth ligand shows different coordination mode in the f‐block and d‐block complexes. The fluorescent properties of two complexes are investigated; the results reveal that the two complexes show different kinds of fluorescence. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longitudinal examination of lipid profiles in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sarkissian Talin , Beyene Joseph , Feldman Brian , McCrindle Brian , Silverman Earl D.
Published: February 2007

Objective

Lipid abnormalities in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are common and are likely to be one of the causes of premature atherosclerosis in these patients. This study was undertaken to serially examine the lipid profile in pediatric patients with SLE to determine the roles of active disease and therapy in altering lipid levels.

Methods

Serial lipid measurements were obtained in an inception cohort of 139 pediatric patients with SLE at the time of treatment with either a constant dose or differing doses of prednisone, and annually. The levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) were correlated with measures of disease activity and prednisone dose.

Results

At the time of SLE diagnosis in this pediatric cohort, the mean values for all lipids were abnormal. With each reduction in prednisone dose, there was a statistically significant decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels (P < 0.001) but not HDL or LDL levels. Nephrotic‐range proteinuria was associated with altered cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels, whereas changes in HDL were more commonly associated with active nephritis. In the absence of nephrotic‐range proteinuria, increases in prednisone dose were associated with increased levels of all lipids, including HDL.

Conclusion

Active SLE leads to a proatherogenic lipid profile. Levels of cholesterol and LDL were mainly associated with the dose of prednisone, and were abnormal only during very high disease activity. Triglyceride levels were mainly associated with proteinuria, while changes in HDL were associated with active SLE and a high dose of prednisone. Our results suggest that the lipid profile in pediatric SLE is the result of a complex interaction of disease manifestations and the effects of prednisone therapy.
The HLA–DRB1 shared epitope alleles differ in the interaction with smoking and predisposition to antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide
Authors: van der Helm‐van Mil Annette H. M. , Verpoort Kirsten N. , le Cessie Saskia , Huizinga Tom W. J. , de Vries René R. P. , Toes René E. M.
Published: February 2007

Objective

The HLA shared epitope (SE) alleles are primarily a risk factor for the presence of antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP antibodies) rather than for the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The SE alleles interact with the environmental risk factor tobacco exposure (TE) for predisposition to anti‐CCP+ RA. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) whether different SE subtypes contribute differently to the presence of anti‐CCP antibodies, 2) whether different SE subtypes all interact with TE for the development of anti‐CCP antibodies, and 3) the effect of TE in relation to the SE alleles and anti‐CCP antibodies on the risk of progression from undifferentiated arthritis (UA) to RA.

Methods

We assessed the effect of SE subtypes and TE on the presence and level of anti‐CCP antibodies and on the risk of progression from UA to RA in 977 patients with early arthritis who were included in the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic.

Results

The HLA–DRB1*0401, *0404, *0405, or *0408 SE alleles conferred the highest risk of developing anti‐CCP antibodies (odds ratio [OR] 5.0, compared with an OR of 2.0 for the HLA–DRB1*0101 or *0102 SE alleles and an OR of 1.7 for the HLA–DRB1*1001 SE allele). Conversely, the TE–SE allele interaction was the strongest for the HLA–DRB1*0101 or *0102 SE alleles and the HLA–DRB1*1001 SE allele. TE in SE+, anti‐CCP+ patients correlated with higher levels of anti‐CCP antibodies and with progression from UA to RA. In logistic regression analysis, only the presence and level of anti‐CCP antibodies were associated independently with RA development.

Conclusion

The HLA–DRB1 SE subtypes differ in their interaction with smoking and in their predisposition to anti‐CCP antibodies. TE contributes to the development of RA in SE+, anti‐CCP+ patients, which is explained by its effect on the level of anti‐CCP antibodies.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in a multiethnic US cohort: XLIII. The significance of thrombocytopenia as a prognostic factor
Authors: Fernández Mónica , Alarcón Graciela S. , Apte Mandar , Andrade Rosa M. , Vilá Luis M. , Reveille John D.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To examine the clinical correlates of thrombocytopenia and the value of thrombocytopenia as a predictor of disease activity, damage accrual, and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

SLE patients participating in a longitudinal multiethnic cohort were studied. Thrombocytopenia was defined as a platelet count <100,000/mm3 at or before enrollment (baseline). Patients were categorized by the presence and absence of thrombocytopenia. The impact of thrombocytopenia as well as severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50,000/mm3) on disease activity, damage accrual, and mortality was examined by multivariable analyses.

Results

A total of 616 patients were studied; 121 of the patients (20%) had thrombocytopenia, of whom 30 had severe thrombocytopenia. By univariable analyses, those with thrombocytopenia had more pulmonary, neurologic, renal, and hematologic involvement, worse disease activity and damage, and higher mortality rates. By multivariable analyses, thrombocytopenia was associated with higher disease activity over the disease course (P = 0.018), but not with the accrual of damage either at baseline (P = 0.543) or at the last visit (P = 0.086); however, severe thrombocytopenia was associated with damage accrual at the last visit (P = 0.020). When poverty was not included in the models, thrombocytopenia (<100,000/mm3 or <50,000/mm3) was strongly associated with mortality (P < 0.001 for each comparison); however, the level of significance decreased some when poverty was included in the models.

Conclusion

Thrombocytopenia early in the course of SLE is indicative of more severe and active disease. Severe thrombocytopenia is an independent predictor of damage accrual at the last visit. Thrombocytopenia is also an independent predictor of mortality, albeit of a lesser magnitude than that predicted by poverty. Patients with thrombocytopenia need close monitoring for possible undesirable outcomes.
A prediction rule for disease outcome in patients with Recent‐onset undifferentiated arthritis: How to guide individual treatment decisions
Authors: van der Helm‐vanMil Annette H. M. , le Cessie Saskia , van Dongen Henrike , Breedveld Ferdinand C. , Toes René E. M. , Huizinga Tom W. J.
Published: February 2007

Objective

In patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA), methotrexate is effective for inhibiting symptoms, structural damage, and progression to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, 40–50% of patients with UA experience spontaneous remission. Thus, adequate decision‐making regarding treatment of patients with early UA requires identification of those patients in whom RA will develop.

Methods

A prediction rule was developed using data from the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic, an inception cohort of patients with recent‐onset arthritis (n = 1,700). The patients who presented with UA were selected (n = 570), and progression to RA or another diagnosis in this group was monitored for 1 year of followup. The clinical characteristics with independent predictive value for the development of RA were selected using logistic regression analysis. The diagnostic performance of the prediction rule was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC). Cross‐validation controlled for overfitting of the data (internal validation). An independent cohort of patients with UA was used for external validation.

Results

The prediction rule consisted of 9 clinical variables: sex, age, localization of symptoms, morning stiffness, the tender joint count, the swollen joint count, the C‐reactive protein level, rheumatoid factor positivity, and the presence of anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. Each prediction score varied from 0 to 14 and corresponded to the percent chance of RA developing. For several cutoff values, the positive and negative predictive values were determined. The AUC values for the prediction rule, the prediction model after cross‐validation, and the external validation cohort were 0.89, 0.87, and 0.97, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients who present with UA, the risk of developing RA can be predicted, thereby allowing individualized decisions regarding the initiation of treatment with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs in such patients.
Fcγ receptor type IIIA genotype and response to tumor necrosis factor α–blocking agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kastbom Alf , Bratt Johan , Ernestam Sofia , Lampa Jon , Padyukov Leonid , Söderkvist Peter , Skogh Thomas
Published: February 2007

Objective

To determine whether a functional single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the gene encoding Fcγ receptor type IIIA (FcγRIIIA) correlates with the response to treatment with tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The study population comprised 282 Swedish patients with RA in whom the therapeutic efficacy of conventional disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs had been insufficient. Infliximab or etanercept treatment was initiated, and patients were evaluated after 3 months, using the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (ACR20), the ACR50, and the ACR70 or the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria. The chi‐square test was used to compare response rates across FcγRIIIA genotypes.

Results

No differences in genotype distribution were observed among nonresponders compared with ACR20 responders (P = 0.80), ACR50 responders (P = 0.56), or ACR70 responders (P = 0.91). Similar results were observed when analyzing infliximab and etanercept separately or when using the EULAR response criteria.

Conclusion

Unlike the findings of a previous study, the results of the current study suggest that the 158V/F polymorphism of FcγRIIIA is very unlikely to influence the clinical efficacy of infliximab or etanercept in patients with RA.
Amelioration of collagen‐induced arthritis in rats by nanogold
Authors: Tsai Chiau‐Yuang , Shiau Ai‐Li , Chen Shih‐Yao , Chen Yu‐Hung , Cheng Pai‐Chiao , Chang Meng‐Ya , Chen Dong‐Hwang , Chou Chen‐Hsi , Wang Chrong‐Reen , Wu Chao‐Liang
Published: February 2007

Objective

Angiogenesis plays a part in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and nanogold inhibits the activity of an angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We therefore investigated whether intraarticular delivery of nanogold ameliorates collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in rats.

Methods

Binding of 13‐nm nanogold to VEGF in human RA synovial fluid (SF) and its effects on RA SF–induced endothelial cell proliferation and migration were assessed. Nanogold was administered intraarticularly to rats with CIA before the onset of arthritis. Progression of CIA was monitored by measures of clinical, radiologic, and histologic changes. In addition, the microvessel density and extent of infiltrating macrophages as well as levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in the ankle joints were determined.

Results

Nanogold bound to VEGF in RA SF, resulting in inhibition of RA SF–induced endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Significant reductions in ankle circumference, articular index scores, and radiographic scores were observed in the nanogold‐treated rats with CIA compared with their control counterparts. In addition, the histologic score (of synovial hyperplasia, cartilage erosion, and leukocyte infiltration), microvessel density, macrophage infiltration, and levels of TNFα and IL‐1β were also significantly reduced in the ankle joints of nanogold‐treated rats.

Conclusion

Our results are the first to demonstrate that intraarticular administration of nanogold ameliorates the clinical course of CIA in rats. Nanogold exerted antiangiogenic activities and subsequently reduced macrophage infiltration and inflammation, which resulted in attenuation of arthritis. These results demonstrate proof of principle for the use of nanogold as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of RA.
Identification of markers to characterize and sort human articular chondrocytes with enhanced in vitro chondrogenic capacity
Authors: Grogan Shawn Patrick , Barbero Andrea , Diaz‐Romero Jose , Cleton‐Jansen Anne‐Marie , Soeder Stephan , Whiteside Robert , Hogendoorn Pancras C. W. , Farhadi Jian , Aigner Thomas , Martin Ivan , Mainil‐Varlet Pierre
Published: February 2007

Objective

To identify markers associated with the chondrogenic capacity of expanded human articular chondrocytes and to use these markers for sorting of more highly chondrogenic subpopulations.

Methods

The chondrogenic capacity of chondrocyte populations derived from different donors (n = 21) or different clonal strains from the same cartilage biopsy specimen (n = 21) was defined based on the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of tissues generated using a pellet culture model. Selected cell populations were analyzed by microarray and flow cytometry. In some experiments, cells were sorted using antibodies against molecules found to be associated with differential chondrogenic capacity and again assessed in pellet cultures.

Results

Significance Analysis of Microarrays indicated that chondrocytes with low chondrogenic capacity expressed higher levels of insulin‐like growth factor 1 and of catabolic genes (e.g., matrix metalloproteinase 2, aggrecanase 2), while chondrocytes with high chondrogenic capacity expressed higher levels of genes involved in cell–cell or cell–matrix interactions (e.g., CD49c, CD49f). Flow cytometry analysis showed that CD44, CD151, and CD49c were expressed at significantly higher levels in chondrocytes with higher chondrogenic capacity. Flow cytometry analysis of clonal chondrocyte strains indicated that CD44 and CD151 could also identify more chondrogenic clones. Chondrocytes sorted for brighter CD49c or CD44 signal expression produced tissues with higher levels of GAG per DNA (up to 1.4‐fold) and type II collagen messenger RNA (up to 3.4‐fold) than did unsorted cells.

Conclusion

We identified markers that allow characterization of the capacity of monolayer‐expanded chondrocytes to form in vitro cartilaginous tissue and enable enrichment for subpopulations with higher chondrogenic capacity. These markers might be used as a means to predict and possibly improve the outcome of cell‐based cartilage repair techniques.
Stimulation of DNA repair and increased light output in response to UV irradiation in Escherichia coli expressing lux genes
Authors: Cutter Kerry L. , Alloush Habib M. , Salisbury Vyv C.
Published: February 2007

It has previously been suggested that the evolutionary drive of bacterial bioluminescence is a mechanism of DNA repair. By assessing the UV sensitivity of Escherichia coli, it is shown that the survival of UV‐irradiated E. coli constitutively expressing luxABCDE in the dark is significantly better than either a strain with no lux gene expression or the same strain expressing only luciferase (luxAB) genes. This shows that UV resistance is dependent on light output, and not merely on luciferase production. Also, bacterial survival was found to be dependent on the conditions following UV irradiation, as bioluminescence‐mediated repair was not as efficient as repair in visible light. Moreover, photon emission revealed a dose‐dependent increase in light output per cell after UV exposure, suggesting that increased lux gene expression correlates with UV‐induced DNA damage. This phenomenon has been previously documented in organisms where the lux genes are under their natural luxR regulation but has not previously been demonstrated under the regulation of a constitutive promoter. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of sex on expansion rate of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Mofidi R , Goldie V J , Kelman J , Dawson A R W , Murie J A , Chalmers R T A
Published: February 2007

Background

The UK Small Aneurysm Trial suggested that female sex is an independent risk factor for rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This study assessed the effect of sex on the growth rate of AAA.

Methods

Between January 1985 and August 2005 all patients who were referred to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with an AAA who were not considered for early aneurysm repair were assessed by serial abdominal ultrasonography. Maximum anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the AAAs were measured.

Results

A total of 1255 patients (824 men and 431 women) were followed up for a median of 30 (range 6–185) months. A median of six examinations (range 2–37) was performed for each patient. Median diameter on initial examination was 41 (range 25–83) mm. Median growth rate overall was 2·79 (range − 4·80–37·02) mm per year. Median growth rate of AAA was significantly greater in women than men (3·67 (range − 1·2–37·02) versus 2·03 (range − 4·80–21·00) mm per year; P < 0·01). Weighted linear regression analysis revealed that large initial anteroposterior AAA diameter and female sex were significant predictors of faster aneurysm growth rate (P < 0·001 and P = 0·006 respectively).

Conclusion

The growth rate of AAA was significantly greater in women than in men. This may have implications for the frequency of follow-up and timing of repair of AAA in women.
Oncological outcome of ultra-low coloanal anastomosis with and without intersphincteric resection for low rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Portier G , Ghouti L , Kirzin S , Guimbaud R , Rives M , Lazorthes F
Published: February 2007

Background

The value of ultra-low coloanal anastomosis (CAA) for rectal cancer is dependent on the oncological and functional results. The aim of this comparative study was to evaluate the long-term oncological outcome of CAA with or without intersphincteric resection (ISR) for low-lying rectal tumours.

Methods

The study population comprised consecutive patients with low rectal cancer who underwent CAA in a single institution between 1977 and 2004. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not a partial ISR had been performed. Cox multivariate models were used for survival analysis.

Results

Some 278 patients underwent CAA with curative intent; 173 had ISR and 105 had CAA without ISR. Mean follow-up was 66·8 months. The 5-year actuarial rate for local recurrence, regardless of tumour stage, was 10·6 per cent in the ISR group versus 6·7 per cent for CAA alone (P = 0·405), and the 5-year actuarial overall survival rate was 86·1 and 80·0 per cent respectively (P = 0·318). Cox multivariable analysis revealed that resection of the anal canal was not a prognostic factor for local or metastatic recurrence.

Conclusion

Sphincter-preserving surgery appears to be oncologically adequate for very low-lying rectal tumours.
Cover Picture: Solution Structure of Domain 6 from a Self‐Splicing Group II Intron Ribozyme: A Mg2+ Binding Site is Located Close to the Stacked Branch Adenosine (ChemBioChem 3/2007)
Authors: Erat Michèle C. , Zerbe Oliver , Fox Thomas , Sigel Roland K. O.
Published: February 2007

The cover picture shows the NMR solution structure of domain 6 from a group II intron ribozyme derived from the intron ai5γ located in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. As indicated at the top, these large molecular catalytic RNAs cut themselves out of the primary RNA transcript by a two‐step mechanism similar to the spliceosome. The 2′‐OH of a highly conserved adenosine within domain 6 serves as the nucleophile in the first step of splicing. Our solution structure shows for the first time that this branch adenosine resides within the helix, sandwiched between two adjacent GU wobble pairs. These GU pairs thereby form an excellent binding site for a Mg2+ in the major groove. Being an essential cofactor for group II intron catalysis, this novel Mg2+ is in close enough proximity to the catalytic 2′‐OH to exert its influence on catalysis. Further details on the structure and four additional Mg2+ binding sites within domain 6 can be found in the article by R. K. O. Sigel et al. on p. 306 ff.
Randomized controlled trial of topical hemostasis pad use for achieving vascular hemostasis following percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Nguyen Nhan , Hasan Syed , Caufield Lori , Ling Frederick S. , Narins Craig R.
Published: February 2007

Objectives: We conducted a randomized trial to determine the efficacy of two topical hemostasis pads in promoting vascular hemostasis following PCI, and to assess the appropriate level of anticoagulation for sheath removal. Background: Pads coated with procoagulant materials are widely marketed and used to augment vascular hemostasis following PCI, yet clinical effectiveness and safety data are lacking. Methods: 184 patients who underwent PCI using the femoral approach were randomized to one of four methods of sheath removal: (1) at ACT < 250 using the Chito‐Seal™ pad; (2) at ACT < 250 using the Clo‐Sur PAD™; (3) at ACT < 250 using manual compression alone; (4) at ACT < 170 using manual compression alone. Results: Time to hemostasis was significantly shorter in the hemostasis pad groups compared to the conventional compression groups (16.2 ± 4.9, 16.0 ± 5.3, 19.3 ± 7.8, and 18.3 ± 5.7 min, respectively, P = 0.027), however overall bed rest times following intervention were not reduced by use of either hemostasis pad. The incidence of major or minor bleeding complications did not differ among groups. Irrespective of hemostasis pad use, removal of sheaths at higher ACT levels allowed shorter time to ambulation following PCI without an increase in bleeding events. Conclusions: The hemostasis pads tested shortened time to hemostasis compared to standard manual compression, although the absolute reduction in time to hemostasis was relatively small and did not translate into a reduction in overall bed rest time. Independent of hemostasis pad use, removal of arterial sheaths at higher than conventional activated clotting times was safe and resulted in significant reductions in time to ambulation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optical Detection of Solid‐State Chiral Structures with Unpolarized Light and in the Absence of External Fields.
Authors: Ananias Duarte , Almeida Paz Filipe A. , Carlos Luis D. , Geraldes Carlos F. G. C. , Rocha Joao
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis and Structural and Magnetic Characterization of Mixed Manganese—Copper n = 1 Ruddlesden—Popper Phases.
Authors: McCabe E. E. , Greaves C.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Novel Alkali Trimolybdates.
Authors: Michailovski Alexej , Patzke Greta R.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Coupling—Isomerization—Claisen Sequences — Mechanistic Dichotomies in Hetero Domino Reactions.
Authors: D'Souza Daniel M. , Rominger Frank , Mueller Thomas J. J.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Tandem Olefin Metathesis—Oxidations.
Authors: Scholte Andrew A. , An Mi Hyun , Snapper Marc L.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reaction of 2‐Vinyloxymethyloxirane and 2‐(2‐Vinyloxyethoxymethyl)oxirane with Hydrazine.
Authors: Kukharev B. F. , Stankevich V. K. , Lobanova N. A. , Klimenko G. R. , Sadykov E. Kh.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Auxiliary‐Controlled Singlet‐Oxygen Ene Reactions of Cyclohexenes.
Authors: Fudickar Werner , Vorndran Katja , Linker Torsten
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Cycloisomerization of 1,6‐Dienes Mediated by Lewis Super Acids Without Additives: Easy Access to Polysubstituted Six‐Membered Carbocycles.
Authors: Grau Fanny , Heumann Andreas , Dunach Elisabet
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Reductive Amination of Aldehydes and Ketones by Catalytic Use of Dibutylchlorotin Hydride Complex.
Authors: Kato Hirofumi , Shibata Ikuya , Yasaka Yuta , Tsunoi Shinji , Yasuda Makoto , Baba Akio
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Biomimetic Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones with Iron Porphyrin Catalysts.
Authors: Enthaler Stephan , Erre Giulia , Tse Man Kin , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reactions of Dry Arenediazonium o‐Benzenedisulfonimides with Triorganoindium Compounds.
Authors: Barbero Margherita , Cadamuro Silvano , Dughera Stefano , Giaveno Cinzia
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Enantioselective Rhodium‐Catalyzed Addition of Arylboronic Acids to Trifluoromethyl Ketones.
Authors: Martina Sebastien L. X. , Jagt Richard B. C. , de Vries Johannes G. , Feringa Ben L. , Minnaard Adriaan J.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Some New Azetidin‐2‐ones as Potential Antimicrobial Agents.
Authors: Halve Anand K. , Dubey Rakesh , Bhadauria Deepti , Bhaskar Bhuwan , Gaour Poonam
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Gold Catalysis: Alkylideneoxazolines and ‐oxazoles from Intramolecular Hydroamination of an Alkyne by a Trichloroacetimidate.
Authors: Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Rudolph Matthias , Schymura Stefan , Visus Jorge , Frey Wolfgang
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of 3,3‐Dialkyl‐6‐phenyl‐imidazo‐pyridinones Designed as Progesterone Receptor Modulator.
Authors: Jiang Weiqin , Fioredeliso James J. , Chen Xin , Sui Zhihua
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Ready Access to 7,8‐Dihydro‐ and 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydro‐1,6‐naphthyridine‐5(6H)‐ones from Simple Pyridine Precursors.
Authors: Showalter H. D. Hollis
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Novel Fluorescent 3‐Aryl‐ and 3‐Methyl‐7‐aryl‐[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines by Suzuki Cross‐Coupling Reactions.
Authors: Abarca Belen , Aucejo Ricardo , Ballesteros Rafael , Blanco Fernando , Garcia‐Espana Enrique
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
One‐Pot Three‐Component Reaction of Isocyanides, Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylates and Phthalhydrazide: Synthesis of Highly Functionalized 1H‐Pyrazolo[1,2‐b]phthalazine‐5,10‐diones (IV).
Authors: Teimouri Mohammad Bagher
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Novel Selective 5‐HT3 Receptor Ligands: Facile Generation Methods for 2‐Amino‐ and 4‐Aminopyrido[4′,3′:4,5]thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidines.
Authors: Ameen Mohamed A.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Complexes of the Group 5 Elements
Authors: Murillo Carlos A.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Structure and O2‐Reactivity of Copper(I) Complexes Supported by Pyridylalkylamine Ligands
Authors: Itoh Shinobu , Tachi Yoshimitsu
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Tetraaryl‐o‐quinodimethanes: Reductive Generation and Severely Distorted Geometry
Authors: Iwashita Shinichi , Suzuki Takanori
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Molecular Printboards: Versatile Platforms for the Creation and Positioning of Supramolecular Assemblies and Materials
Authors: Ludden Manon J. W. , Reinhoudt David N. , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Enediyne Antibiotics and Their Models: New Potential of Acetylene Chemistry
Authors: Maretina I. A. , Trofimov B. A.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Azaindoles as Medicinally Relevant Scaffolds
Authors: Rodriguez Jean , Feraud Michel
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Organometallic Compounds of Rubidium and Cesium
Authors: Streitwieser A. , Xie L.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Potassium‐Sulfur, ‐Selenium, and ‐Tellurium Compounds
Authors: Comasseto J. V. , Cunha R. L. O. R. , Silveira C. C.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Potassium Halides, Potassium Cyanide, and Potassium Carbonate
Authors: Comasseto J. V. , Cunha R. L. O. R. , Silveira C. C.
Published: February 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.