bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Activity in Peripheral Blood B Lymphocytes From Patients With Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Corneth Odilia B. J. , Verstappen Gwenny M. P. , Paulissen Sandra M. J. , de Bruijn Marjolein J. W. , Rip Jasper , Lukkes Melanie , van Hamburg Jan Piet , Lubberts Erik , Bootsma Hendrika , Kroese Frans G. M. , Hendriks Rudi W. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveBruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) transmits crucial survival signals from the B cell receptor (BCR) in B cells. Pharmacologic BTK inhibition effectively diminishes disease symptoms in mouse models of autoimmunity; conversely, transgenic BTK overexpression induces systemic autoimmunity in mice. We undertook this study to investigate BTK expression and activity in human B cells in the context of autoimmune disease.MethodsUsing intracellular flow cytometry, we quantified BTK expression and phosphorylation in subsets of peripheral blood B cells from 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 26 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and matched healthy controls.ResultsIn circulating B cells, BTK protein expression levels correlated with BTK phosphorylation. BTK expression was up‐regulated upon BCR stimulation in vitro and was significantly higher in CD27+ memory B cells than in CD27−IgD+ naive B cells. Importantly, BTK protein and phospho‐BTK were significantly increased in B cells from anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)–positive RA patients but not in B cells from ACPA‐negative RA patients. BTK was increased both in naive B cells and in memory B cells and correlated with frequencies of circulating CCR6+ Th17 cells. Likewise, BTK protein was increased in B cells from a major fraction of patients with primary SS and correlated with serum rheumatoid factor levels and parotid gland T cell infiltration. Interestingly, targeting T cell activation in patients with primary SS using the CTLA‐4Ig fusion protein abatacept restored BTK protein expression in B cells to normal levels.ConclusionThese data indicate that autoimmune disease in humans is characterized by enhanced BTK activity, which is linked not only to autoantibody formation but also to T cell activity.
Recurrence after resection with curative intent for distal cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Komaya K , Ebata T , Shirai K , Ohira S , Morofuji N , Akutagawa A , Yamaguchi R , Nagino M , Aoba T , Kaneoka Y , Arai T , Shimizu Y , Fukami Y , Sakamoto E , Miyake H , Takara D , Tojima Y , Kawahara T , Mizuno S , Matsumoto N , Ota S , Takano M , Yamamoto H , Inoue M , Asaba Y , Watanabe T , Hashimoto M , Kawai S , Ikuta K , Matsubara H , Kondo S 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Background
Few studies have been conducted on patterns of recurrence after resection for distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and pattern of recurrence after resection of DCC, and to evaluate prognostic factors for time to recurrence and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Methods
Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with curative intent for DCC between 2001 and 2010 at one of 30 hospitals in Japan were reviewed retrospectively, with special attention to recurrence patterns. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariable analysis.

Results
In the study interval, 389 patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for DCC with R0/M0 status. Recurrence developed in 213 patients (54·8 per cent). The estimated cumulative probability of recurrence was 54·3 per cent at 5 years. An initial locoregional recurrence occurred in 55 patients (14·1 per cent) and initial distant recurrence in 168 (43·2 per cent), most commonly in the liver. Isolated initial locoregional recurrence occurred in 45 patients (11·6 per cent). Independent prognostic factors for time to recurrence and RFS were perineural invasion (P = 0·001 and P = 0·009 respectively), pancreatic invasion (both P &lt; 0·001) and lymph node metastasis (both P &lt; 0·001). RFS worsened as the number of risk factors increased: the 5-year RFS rate was 70·6 per cent for patients without any risk factors, 50·3 per cent for patients with one factor, 31·8 per cent for those with two factors, and 13·4 per cent when three factors were present.

Conclusion
More than half of patients with DCC experienced recurrence after R0 resection, usually within 5 years. Perineural invasion, pancreatic invasion and positive nodal involvement are risk factors for recurrence.
Edge‐hydroxylated Boron Nitride for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane to Propylene
Authors: Shi Lei , Wang Dongqi , Song Wei , Shao Dan , Zhang Wei‐Ping , Lu An‐Hui 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOxidative dehydrogenation of propane to olefins is a promising alternative route to industrialized direct dehydrogenation, but encounters the difficulty in selectivity control for olefins because of the overoxidation reactions that produce a substantial amount of undesired CO2. Here we report edge‐hydroxylated boron nitride, a metal‐free catalyst, that efficiently catalyzed dehydrogenation of propane to propylene with superior selectivity (80.2 %) but with only negligible CO2 formation (0.5 %) at a given propane conversion of 20.6 %. Remarkable stability was evidenced by the operation of a 300 h test with steady conversion and product selectivity. The active BNO. site, generated dynamically through hydrogen abstraction of B−OH groups by molecular oxygen, triggered propane dehydrogenation by selectively breaking the C−H bond but simultaneously shut off the pathway of propylene overoxidation towards CO2.
Rapid and Quantitative Assessment of Redox Conduction Across Electroactive Biofilms by using Double Potential Step Chronoamperometry
Authors: Zhang Xu , Philips Jo , Roume Hugo , Guo Kun , Rabaey Korneel , Prévoteau Antonin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe mechanism of electron transport across electroactive biofilms (EABs) is of high interest and still a matter of debate. Quantitative assessments of their redox conduction take considerable time and require non‐turnover conditions (absence of substrate), which can be detrimental to EABs. Here, we measure the charge‐transport parameters of Geobacter spp. dominated EABs with double potential step chronoamperometry (DPSC) with Cottrell analysis. The DPSC measurement is simpler and much faster than usual techniques and allows the determination of the charge‐transport parameters even under turnover conditions. The electrochemical responses were well‐described by a model of redox conduction driven only by electron diffusion within the EAB. The apparent diffusion coefficient for the electron (Dapp) was measured as approximately 3.2×10−7 cm2 s−1, a value similar to those recorded for pure Geobacter sulfurreducens EABs, or for some redox polymers with comparable redox center concentrations. This method will be valuable for assessing the impact of EAB characteristics and environmental factors on the charge‐transport ability of the biofilm, and for determining the rate‐limiting step(s) for current production.
A 2D Metal Oxide Nanosheet as an Efficient Additive for Improving Na‐Ion Electrode Activity of Graphene‐Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Park Boyeon , Oh Seung Mi , Jin Xiaoyan , Adpakpang Kanyaporn , Lee Nam‐Suk , Hwang Seong‐Ju 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAn efficient way to improve the Na‐ion electrode activity of graphene‐based nanocomposite is developed by employing exfoliated metal oxide nanosheet as an additive. The titanate‐nanosheet‐incorporated Na–SnS2‐reduced graphene oxide (rG‐O) nanocomposites can be synthesized by the electrostatically derived restacking of the colloidal mixture of SnS2, rG‐O, and titanate nanosheets with the Na+ cation. The incorporation of titanate into the Na–SnS2–rG‐O nanocomposites is effective in improving the nanoscale mixing of component nanosheets and the porosity of the composite structure. The resulting nanocomposites deliver superior discharge capacities and rate properties to the titanate‐free nanocomposite. The universal applicability is further confirmed by MoS2–rG‐O nanocomposites upon the addition of titanate. This study highlights that the exfoliated metal oxide nanosheet can be used as an efficient additive for graphene‐based nanocomposites to explore Na‐ion electrode materials.
Uric acid predicts mortality and ischaemic stroke in subjects with diastolic dysfunction: the Tromsø Study 1994–2013
Authors: Norvik Jon V. , Schirmer Henrik , Ytrehus Kirsti , Storhaug Hilde M. , Jenssen Trond G. , Eriksen Bjørn O. , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Løchen Maja‐Lisa , Wilsgaard Tom , Solbu Marit D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimsTo investigate whether serum uric acid predicts adverse outcomes in persons with indices of diastolic dysfunction in a general population.Methods and resultsWe performed a prospective cohort study among 1460 women and 1480 men from 1994 to 2013. Endpoints were all‐cause mortality, incident myocardial infarction, and incident ischaemic stroke. We stratified the analyses by echocardiographic markers of diastolic dysfunction, and uric acid was the independent variable of interest. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated per 59 μmol/L increase in baseline uric acid. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards models showed that uric acid predicted all‐cause mortality in subjects with E/A ratio <0.75 (HR 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.25) or E/A ratio >1.5 (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.09–2.09, P for interaction between E/A ratio category and uric acid = 0.02). Elevated uric acid increased mortality risk in persons with E‐wave deceleration time <140 ms or >220 ms (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.01–2.12 and HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.26, respectively; P for interaction = 0.04). Furthermore, in participants with isovolumetric relaxation time ≤60 ms, mortality risk was higher with increasing uric acid (HR 4.98, 95% CI 2.02–12.26, P for interaction = 0.004). Finally, elevated uric acid predicted ischaemic stroke in subjects with severely enlarged left atria (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.03–2.53, P for interaction = 0.047).ConclusionsIncreased uric acid was associated with higher all‐cause mortality risk in subjects with echocardiographic indices of diastolic dysfunction, and with higher ischaemic stroke risk in persons with severely enlarged left atria.
Improving the Methods for the Economic Evaluation of Medical Devices
Authors: Tarricone Rosanna , Callea Giuditta , Ogorevc Marko , Prevolnik Rupel Valentina 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMedical devices (MDs) have distinctive features, such as incremental innovation, dynamic pricing, the learning curve and organisational impact, that need to be considered when they are evaluated. This paper investigates how MDs have been assessed in practice, in order to identify methodological gaps that need to be addressed to improve the decision‐making process for their adoption.We used the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist supplemented by some additional categories to assess the quality of reporting and consideration of the distinctive features of MDs. Two case studies were considered: transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) representing an emerging technology and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) representing a mature technology. Economic evaluation studies published as journal articles or within Health Technology Assessment reports were identified through a systematic literature review. A total of 19 studies on TAVI and 41 studies on ICDs were analysed. Learning curve was considered in only 16% of studies on TAVI. Incremental innovation was more frequently mentioned in the studies of ICDs, but its impact was considered in only 34% of the cases. Dynamic pricing was the most recognised feature but was empirically tested in less than half of studies of TAVI and only 32% of studies on ICDs. Finally, organisational impact was considered in only one study of ICDs and in almost all studies on TAVI, but none of them estimated its impact.By their very nature, most of the distinctive features of MDs cannot be fully assessed at market entry. However, their potential impact could be modelled, based on the experience with previous MDs, in order to make a preliminary recommendation. Then, well‐designed post‐market studies could help in reducing uncertainties and make policymakers more confident to achieve conclusive recommendations. © 2017 The Authors. Health Economics published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transmembrane Electron and Proton Transfer in Diheme‐Containing Succinate : Quinone Oxidoreductases
Authors: Lancaster C. Roy D. , Betz Yamila M. , Heit Sabine , Lafontaine Michael A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAn intricate case of charge migration in proteins is represented by the diheme‐containing class of succinate:quinone oxidoreductases, where, depending on the species and the direction of the reaction catalyzed in vivo, transmembrane electron transfer is either coupled to transmembrane proton transfer or not. The absence of compensatory transmembrane proton transfer results in an electrogenic overall reaction, as has been demonstrated for diheme‐containing succinate:menaquinone reductases. The presence of such a compensatory transmembrane proton transfer renders the overall reaction electroneutral, as has been shown to be the case for diheme‐containing menaquinol:fumarate reductases (QFR). The availability of high‐resolution X‐ray crystal structures of the diheme‐containing QFR from Wolinella succinogenes has inspired and enabled several theoretical and experimental studies providing proof and further characterization of these electron and proton transfer events.
Improving risk assessment of color additives in medical device polymers
Authors: Chandrasekar Vaishnavi , Janes Dustin W. , Forrey Christopher , Saylor David M. , Bajaj Akhil , Duncan Timothy V. , Zheng Jiwen , Riaz Ahmed Kausar B. , Casey Brendan J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMany polymeric medical device materials contain color additives which could lead to adverse health effects. The potential health risk of color additives may be assessed by comparing the amount of color additive released over time to levels deemed to be safe based on available toxicity data. We propose a conservative model for exposure that requires only the diffusion coefficient of the additive in the polymer matrix,
, to be specified. The model is applied here using a model polymer (poly(ether‐block‐amide), PEBAX 2533) and color additive (quinizarin blue) system. Sorption experiments performed in an aqueous dispersion of quinizarin blue (QB) into neat PEBAX yielded a diffusivity
= 4.8 × 10−10 cm2 s−1, and solubility
= 0.32 wt %. On the basis of these measurements, we validated the model by comparing predictions to the leaching profile of QB from a PEBAX matrix into physiologically representative media. Toxicity data are not available to estimate a safe level of exposure to QB, as a result, we used a Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) value for QB of 90 µg/adult/day. Because only 30% of the QB is released in the first day of leaching for our film thickness and calculated
, we demonstrate that a device may contain significantly more color additive than the TTC value without giving rise to a toxicological concern. The findings suggest that an initial screening‐level risk assessment of color additives and other potentially toxic compounds found in device polymers can be improved. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 310–319, 2018.
Human blood‐based anti‐inflammatory solution inhibits osteoarthritis progression in a meniscal‐tear rat study
Authors: King William , Bendele Alison , Marohl Taylor , Woodell‐May Jennifer 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTCurrent osteoarthritis (OA) research searches for treatments that modify the course of disease progression. Autologous Protein Solution (APS) is derived from whole blood and is a unique autologous therapy that contains high concentrations of white blood cells, platelets, and concentrated plasma, providing cytokines that can target the underlying mechanisms of disease progression. The APS Kit is currently under investigation for clinical use in the USA (NCT02262364). The aim of this study was to determine if APS has disease‐modifying properties in the well‐characterized rat meniscal tear‐induced model of OA. Thirty male athymic rats underwent surgery to induce OA by a complete tear of the medial meniscus of the right knee. Seven days later, rats were administered 50 μl intra‐articular (IA) APS from a human donor or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) control. Rats were euthanized 3 weeks following treatment and knee joints were processed for histological analysis. Collagen and cartilage degeneration were decreased by APS treatment, resulting in a significantly improved total joint score in APS‐treated rats compared to those treated with the PBS control. No significant variations in gait analysis, weight gain, osteophyte score, or synovitis score were observed between APS‐ and PBS‐treated animals. There were no adverse effects of APS reported in the study. Treatment with a single IA injection of APS reduced the cartilage degeneration that characterizes the progression of OA. Further studies are necessary to determine if APS can modify OA disease progression in humans. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2260–2268, 2017.
Application and bioactive properties of CaTI, a trypsin inhibitor from Capsicum annuum seeds: membrane permeabilization, oxidative stress and intracellular target in phytopathogenic fungi cells
Authors: Silva Marciele S , Ribeiro Suzanna FF , Taveira Gabriel B , Rodrigues Rosana , Fernandes Katia VS , Carvalho André O , Vasconcelos Ilka Maria , Mello Erica Oliveira , Gomes Valdirene M 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDDuring the last few years, a growing number of antimicrobial peptides have been isolated from plants and particularly from seeds. Recent results from our laboratory have shown the purification of a new trypsin inhibitor, named CaTI, from chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds. This study aims to evaluate the antifungal activity and mechanism of action of CaTI on phytopathogenic fungi and detect the presence of protease inhibitors in other species of this genus.RESULTSOur results show that CaTI can inhibit the growth of the phytopathogenic fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. lindemuthianum. CaTI can also permeabilize the membrane of all tested fungi. When testing the inhibitor on its ability to induce reactive oxygen species, an induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) particularly in Fusarium species was observed. Using CaTI coupled to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), it was possible to determine the presence of the inhibitor inside the hyphae of the Fusarium oxysporum fungus. The search for protease inhibitors in other Capsicum species revealed their presence in all tested species.CONCLUSIONThis paper shows the antifungal activity of protease inhibitors such as CaTI against phytopathogenic fungi. Antimicrobial peptides, among which the trypsin protease inhibitor family stands out, are present in different species of the genus Capsicum and are part of the chemical arsenal that plants use to defend themselves against pathogens. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A mechanistic modelling approach to understand 1‐MCP inhibition of ethylene action and quality changes during ripening of apples
Authors: Gwanpua Sunny George , Verlinden Bert E , Hertog Maarten LATM , Nicolai Bart M , Geeraerd Annemie H 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBACKGROUND1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) inhibits ripening in climacteric fruit by blocking ethylene receptors, preventing ethylene from binding and eliciting its action. The objective of the current study was to use mathematical models to describe 1‐MCP inhibition of apple fruit ripening, and to provide a tool for predicting ethylene production, and two important quality indicators of apple fruit, firmness and background colour.RESULTSA model consisting of coupled differential equations describing 1‐MCP inhibition of apple ripening was developed. Data on ethylene production, expression of ethylene receptors, firmness, and background colour during ripening of untreated and 1‐MCP treated apples were used to calibrate the model. An overall adjusted R2 of 95% was obtained. The impact of time from harvest to treatment, and harvest maturity on 1‐MCP efficacy was modelled. Different hypotheses on the partial response of ‘Jonagold’ apple to 1‐MCP treatment were tested using the model. The model was validated using an independent dataset.CONCLUSIONSLow 1‐MCP blocking efficacy was shown to be the most likely cause of partial response for delayed 1‐MCP treatment, and 1‐MCP treatment of late‐picked apples. Time from harvest to treatment was a more important factor than maturity for 1‐MCP efficacy in ‘Jonagold’ apples. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of Anionic Surfactant and Their Application in Washing of Oil‐Contaminated Soil
Authors: Gracida Jorge , Ortega‐Ortega Josue , Torres B Luis G. , Romero‐Avila Margarita , Abreu Arturo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this study, we report the synthesis of an anionic surfactant 5‐(3,4,5‐tris(hexyloxy)benzyloxy)isophthalic acid disodium salt (AS‐5) and its application to wash off a contaminated soil with total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). The synthesis of the anionic surfactant was achieved in five steps with a 56% overall yield. AS‐5 was characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy while its precursor was characterized by 1H and 13C NMR. Some surfactant properties such as surface tension (ST), critical miceilar concentration (CMC) and E24 test were determined. AS‐5 showed a significant capability to decrease the water surface tension, the minimum value of the surface tension obtained was 25.9 mN/m while the CMC value was 54.6 mg/L (8.87 × 10−3 mM). The capability of AS‐5 to remove TPH from a contaminated soil with concentrations higher than 24 000 mg TPH/kg soil was demonstrated and the percentage removed ranged from 52 to 76% as determined at different concentrations of AS‐5.
Cosmological Inference from Host-Selected Type Ia Supernova Samples
Authors: Uddin Syed A. , Mould Jeremy , Lidman Chris , Ruhlmann-Kleider Vanina , Hardin Delphine 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe compare two Type Ia supernova samples that are drawn from a spectroscopically confirmed Type Ia supernova sample: a host-selected sample in which SNe Ia are restricted to those that have a spectroscopic redshift from the host; and a broader, more traditional sample in which the redshift could come from either the SN or the host. The host-selected sample is representative of SN samples that will use the redshift of the host to infer the SN redshift, long after the SN has faded from view. We find that SNe Ia that are selected on the availability of a redshift from the host differ from SNe Ia that are from the broader sample. The former tend to be redder, have narrower light curves, live in more massive hosts, and tend to be at lower redshifts. We find that constraints on the equation of state of dark energy, w, and the matter density, ΩM, remain consistent between these two types of samples. Our results are important for ongoing and future supernova surveys, which unlike previous supernova surveys, will have limited real-time follow-up to spectroscopically classify the SNe they discover. Most of the redshifts in these surveys will come from the hosts.