bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incremental Costs in Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Mounié Michael , Costa Nadège , Sailler Laurent , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Bourrel Robert , Savy Nicolas , Molinier Laurent , Pugnet Grégory 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveTo assess and compare direct costs between giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients and matched controls and to identify incremental cost drivers.MethodsWe carried out a population‐based, retrospective cohort study using the French National Health Insurance System database. Cost analysis was performed from the French health insurance perspective and took into account direct medical and nonmedical costs (2014, €). Costs were evaluated according to different cost components and divided into periods of 6 months for the accurate assessment of care consumption. Longitudinal multivariate regression analyses using generalized estimating equations were used to adjust the effect of GCA on the mean cost over time.ResultsAnalyses were performed on 96 incident GCA patients and 563 matched controls. The cumulative incremental cost due to GCA was €6,406 and €7,236 for 3 and 5 years, respectively. Total incremental costs were significant for the first 18 months, amounting to €1,342 for the first 6 months, €1,498 between 6 and 12 months, and €1,165 between 12 and 18 months (P = 0.012, P = 0.065, and P = 0.029, respectively). The most important cost drivers were paramedical procedures, inpatient stays, medication, and medical procedures. Multivariate analysis shows the significant effect of GCA on mean cost during the first 3 years of followup (relative risk [RR] 1.72 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.31–2.27], P < 0.001) with significant cost reductions (RR 0.70 [95% CI 0.49–0.99], P = 0.05) at the end of followup.ConclusionThis study provides an accurate assessment of GCA costs during a 5‐year period and gives useful information for future cost‐effectiveness studies based on new expensive biotherapies.
Patterns of Biologics Utilization and Discontinuation Before and During Pregnancy in Women With Autoimmune Diseases: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Tsao Nicole W. , Lynd Larry D. , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Hanley Gillian , De Vera Mary A. 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveTo characterize patterns of biologics use and discontinuation before and during pregnancy in women with autoimmune diseases in British Columbia, Canada.MethodsWomen with ≥1 autoimmune diseases, as identified by International Classification of Diseases Ninth/Tenth Revision codes, who had pregnancies ending in deliveries between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2012, and had ≥1 prescription for a biologic drug 1 year before pregnancy or during pregnancy, were included. Secular trends, patterns of biologics use, and risk of biologics discontinuation before and during pregnancy were examined. Associations between drug discontinuations and various factors were investigated using multilevel logistic regression models, fitted with binomial generalized estimating equations.ResultsOf 6,218 women (8,431 pregnancies) with autoimmune diseases, 131 women (144 pregnancies) were exposed to a biologic before or during pregnancy. The use of biologics in this cohort increased from 0% in 2002 to 5.7% by 2012 (P < 0.001). Within the first trimester of pregnancy, 31% of women (34/110) discontinued their biologic treatment, and 38% (30/79) discontinued use in the second trimester, while 98% of those receiving treatment in the second trimester (50/51) continued treatment in the third trimester. Women with rheumatoid arthritis had three times higher odds (odds ratio 3.40 [95% confidence interval 1.33–8.71]) of discontinuing biologics during pregnancy, compared to those with inflammatory bowel disease.ConclusionGiven the increased use of biologics and high odds of discontinuation during pregnancy in certain populations, more research is needed to improve our understanding of the risks and benefits of biologics for fetal and maternal health.
Flares After Withdrawal of Biologic Therapies in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Clinical and Laboratory Correlates of Remission Duration
Authors: Simonini Gabriele , Ferrara Giovanna , Pontikaki Irene , Scoccimarro Erika , Giani Teresa , Taddio Andrea , Meroni Pier Luigi , Cimaz Rolando 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the time in remission after discontinuing biologic therapy in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).MethodsWe enrolled 135 patients followed in 3 tertiary‐care centers. The primary outcome was to assess, once remission was achieved, the time in remission up to the first flare after discontinuing treatment. Mann‐Whitney U test, Wilcoxon's signed rank test for paired samples, chi‐square tests, and Fisher's exact test were used to compare data. Pearson's and Spearman's correlation tests were used to determine correlation coefficients for different variables. To identify predictors of outcome, Cox regression model and Kaplan‐Meier curves were constructed, each one at the mean of entered covariates.ResultsThe majority of enrolled patients flared after stopping treatment with biologics (102 of 135, 75.6%) after a median followup time in remission off therapy of 6 months (range 3–109 months). A higher probability of maintaining remission after discontinuing treatment was present in systemic‐onset disease compared to the rest of the JIA patients (Mantel‐Cox χ2 = 8.31, P < 0.004). In analysis limited to children with JIA with polyarticular and oligoarticular disease, patients who received biologics >2 years after achieving remission had a higher probability of maintaining such remission off therapy (mean ± SD 18.64 ± 3.3 months versus 11.51 ± 2.7 months [P < 0.009]; Mantel‐Cox χ2 = 9.06, P < 0.002). No other clinical variable was significantly associated with a long‐lasting remission.ConclusionChildren with oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA who stop treatment before 2 years from remission have a higher chance of relapsing after biologic withdrawal.
Efficient Cobalt‐Catalyzed Methylation of Amines Using Methanol
Authors: Liu Zhenghui , Yang Zhenzhen , Yu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Hongye , Yu Bo , Zhao Yanfei , Liu Zhimin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe methylation of amines using methanol is a promising route to synthesize N‐methylamines, and the development of cheap and efficient catalytic system for this reaction is of great significance. Herein, we reported a cobalt (Co)‐based catalytic system, which was in situ formed from commercially available Co precursor and a tetradentate phosphine ligand P(CH2CH2PPh2)3 combined with K3PO4. This catalystic system was very effective for the selective production of dimethylated products from aliphatic amines and monomethylated ones from aromatic amines. The reaction mechanism was further investigated by control and isotope labelling experiments.magnified image
Iron‐catalyzed C(5)−H Imidation of Azole with N‐Fluorobenzenesulfonimide
Authors: Wang Xiaojiao , Lei Bowen , Ma Lifang , Jiao Huixuan , Xing Wenhua , Chen Jiaming , Li Ziyuan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAn iron(II)‐catalyzed direct imidation of oxazole and thiazole with N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) through C(5)−H bond cleavage is disclosed, providing C5‐imidated azoles in moderate to excellent yields with broad substrate scope. This reaction represents the first iron‐catalyzed C−H imidation of arene where NFSI serves as the imidation reagent, and potentially constitutes an efficient access to C5‐functionalized azole with great medicinal significance.magnified image
Arterial Blood Supply to the Spinal Cord in Animal Models of Spinal Cord Injury. A Review
Authors: Mazensky David , Flesarova Slavka , Sulla Igor 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTAnimal models are used to examine the results of experimental spinal cord injury. Alterations in spinal cord blood supply caused by complex spinal cord injuries contribute significantly to the diversity and severity of the spinal cord damage, particularly ischemic changes. However, the literature has not completely clarified our knowledge of anatomy of the complex three‐dimensional arterial system of the spinal cord in experimental animals, which can impede the translation of experimental results to human clinical applications. As the literary sources dealing with the spinal cord arterial blood supply in experimental animals are limited and scattered, the authors performed a review of the anatomy of the arterial blood supply to the spinal cord in several experimental animals, including pigs, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice and created a coherent format discussing the interspecies differences. This provides researchers with a valuable tool for the selection of the most suitable animal model for their experiments in the study of spinal cord ischemia and provides clinicians with a basis for the appropriate translation of research work to their clinical applications. Anat Rec, 300:2091–2106, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EZH2 Modulates the DNA Methylome and Controls T Cell Adhesion Through Junctional Adhesion Molecule A in Lupus Patients
Authors: Tsou Pei‐Suen , Coit Patrick , Kilian Nathan C. , Sawalha Amr H. 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveEZH2 is an epigenetic regulator that mediates H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and modulates DNA methylation. The aim of this study was to characterize the role of EZH2 in CD4+ T cells in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.MethodsEZH2 expression levels were determined in CD4+ T cells isolated from lupus patients and healthy controls. The epigenetic effects of EZH2 overexpression in CD4+ T cells were evaluated using a genome‐wide DNA methylation approach. Gene expression profiles and microRNAs (miRNAs) were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while protein expression was examined by Western blotting. A cell adhesion assay was used to assess adhesion of CD4+ T cells to human microvascular endothelial cells.ResultsEZH2 and H3K27me3 levels were increased in CD4+ T cells from lupus patients compared to healthy controls. T cell production of EZH2 was down‐regulated in the presence of miR‐26a and miR‐101, and levels of both miRNAs were reduced in lupus CD4+ T cells. Overexpression of EZH2 induced in CD4+ T cells resulted in significant DNA methylation changes. Genes involved in leukocyte adhesion and migration, including F11R (which encodes junctional adhesion molecule A [JAM‐A]), became hypomethylated in CD4+ T cells when EZH2 was overexpressed. Overexpression of EZH2 resulted in increases in JAM‐A expression and CD4+ T cell adhesion. Preincubation of EZH2‐transfected CD4+ T cells with neutralizing antibodies against JAM‐A significantly blunted cell adhesion. Similarly, CD4+ T cells from lupus patients overexpressed JAM‐A and adhered significantly more to endothelial cells than T cells from healthy controls. Blocking JAM‐A or EZH2 significantly reduced the capacity of lupus CD4+ T cells to adhere to endothelial cells.ConclusionThe results of this study identify a novel role of EZH2 in T cell adhesion mediated by epigenetic remodeling and up‐regulation of JAM‐A. Blockade of EZH2 or JAM‐A might have therapeutic potential by acting to reduce T cell adhesion, migration, and extravasation in patients with lupus.
An Atomically Precise Alkynyl‐Protected PtAg42 Superatom Nanocluster and Its Structural Implications
Authors: Shen Hui , Mizuta Tsutomu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe synthesis and structure determination of an alkynyl‐protected Pt‐doped Ag superatom nanocluster, [PtAg42(C≡CC6H4CH3)28](SbF6)6 (1), are reported. The metallic core of this cluster can be viewed as a concentric three‐shell Russian doll comprising Pt@Ag12@Ag30, in which the missing icosidodecahedral Ag30 shell and a new structural unit, M43, have been observed. On the surface of 1, 28 alkynyl groups and 4 SbF6− anions were found co‐protecting it. The protective role of SbF6− in nanoclusters is unprecedented. Moreover, of the 28 alkynyl ligands, 12 are connected not only with the outermost Ag30 shell, but also the inner Ag12 shell through the twelve pentagonal faces of the outermost icosidodecahedral Ag30 shell. Overall, by determining the crystal structure of 1, we discovered the missing icosidodecahedral Ag30 shell and the protective effect of SbF6− anions and demonstrated a novel M43 structural unit and the unique penetrability of pentagonal faces.
Molybdenum Disulfide–Alumina/Nickel‐Foam Catalyst with Enhanced Heat Transfer for Syngas Sulfur‐Resistant Methanation
Authors: Lu Zhenpu , Zhang Hegui , Tang Siyang , Liu Changjun , Yue Hairong , Liang Bin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSulfur‐resistant CO methanation by using MoS2‐based catalysts possesses potential to produce synthetic natural gas from the direct use of un‐desulfurized syngas with a low H2/CO ratio in industry. However, hotspots raised in the high exothermic reaction lead to catalyst deactivation and an uncontrollable reactor temperature, both of which hinder industrial applications. A metal‐structured MoS2‐Al2O3/Ni‐foam catalyst with stable MoS2 active species and high heat‐transfer efficiency was synthesized to resist deactivation and to remove the heat of the reaction through a hydrothermal synthesis process. This catalyst exhibited superior activity and stability in the sulfur‐resistant methanation of syngas and has potential applications in highly exothermic and endothermic reactions.
(Anilino)anthraquinone Nickel‐Catalyzed Random Copolymerization of Norbornene and Ethylene
Authors: Cheng Hailong , Cai Zhengguo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNickel complexes bearing an (anilino)anthraquinone ligand with different electron‐donating substituents were synthesized and shown to have unique properties for the random copolymerization of norbornene with ethylene. The nickel catalysts exhibited high activity (380–750 kg mol−1 h−1) and thermal stability in the production of cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs). The norbornene content of the obtained COCs could be controlled over a wide range (63.7–92.2 mol %) by changing the comonomer concentration in the feed. The glass transition temperature value increased linearly from 182 to 322 °C as a function of the norbornene content regardless of the nickel complex used.
The Drosophila melanogaster Eip74EF‐PA transcription factor directly binds the sciarid BhC4‐1 promoter
Authors: Frank Henrique Oliveira , Sanchez Danilo Garcia , de Freitas Oliveira Lucas , Kobarg Jörg , Monesi Nadia 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe DNA puff BhC4‐1 gene of Bradysia hygida (Diptera, Sciaridae) is amplified and expressed in the salivary glands at the end of the last larval instar. Even though there are no BhC4‐1 orthologs in Drosophila melanogaster, the mechanisms that regulate BhC4‐1 gene expression in B. hygida are for the most part conserved in D. melanogaster. The BhC4‐1 promoter contains a 129bp (‐186/‐58) cis‐regulatory module (CRM) that drives developmentally regulated expression in transgenic salivary glands at the onset of metamorphosis. Both in the sciarid and in transgenic D. melanogaster, BhC4‐1 gene expression is induced by the increase in ecdysone titers that triggers metamorphosis. Genetic interaction experiments revealed that in the absence of the Eip74EF‐PA early gene isoform BhC4‐1‐lacZ levels of expression in the salivary gland are severely reduced. Here we show that the overexpression of the Eip74EF‐PA transcription factor is sufficient to anticipate BhC4‐1‐lacZ expression in transgenic D. melanogaster. Through yeast one‐hybrid assays we confirm that the Eip74EF‐PA transcription factor directly binds to the 129 bp sciarid CRM. Together, these results contribute to the characterization of an insect CRM and indicate that the ecdysone gene regulatory network that promotes metamorphosis is conserved between D. melanogaster and the sciarid B. hygida.
ASC and NLRP3 impair host defense during lethal pneumonia caused by serotype 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae in mice
Authors: van Lieshout Miriam H.P. , de Vos Alex F. , Dessing Mark C. , de Porto Alexander P.N.A. , de Boer Onno J. , de Beer Regina , Terpstra Sanne , Florquin Sandrine , van't Veer Cornelis , van der Poll Tom 
Published: October 2017

AbstractStreptococcus (S.) pneumoniae is the most common cause of community‐acquired pneumonia. The Nod‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, consisting of NLRP3, ASC (the adaptor apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD) and caspase‐1, has been implicated in protective immunity during pneumonia induced by high doses of S. pneumoniae serotype 2. Here we investigated the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the host response during lethal airway infection with a low dose of serotype 3 S. pneumoniae. Mice were euthanized at predefined endpoints for analysis or observed in survival studies. In additional studies, Tlr2−/−/Tlr4−/− mice and Myd88−/− mice incapable of Toll‐like receptor signaling were studied. In stark contrast with existing literature, both Nlrp3−/− and Asc−/− mice showed a strongly improved host defense, as reflected by a markedly reduced mortality rate accompanied by diminished bacterial growth and dissemination. Host defense was unaltered in Tlr2−/−/Tlr4−/− mice and Myd88−/− mice. These results show that the NLRP3 inflammasome impairs host defense during lethal pneumonia caused by serotype 3 S. pneumoniae. Our findings challenge the current paradigm that proximal innate detection systems are indispensable for an adequate host immune response against bacteria.
Shear treatment of starter culture medium improves separation behavior of Streptococcus thermophilus cells
Authors: Jaros Doris , Mende Susann , Häffele Florian , Nachtigall Carsten , Nirschl Hermann , Rohm Harald 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA central step in the production of starter cultures is the separation of the cells from the fermentation medium, which is usually achieved by disk centrifuges. In case of microorganisms which produce exopolysaccharides (e.g., various strains of lactic acid bacteria), the properties of the respective exopolysaccharides may interfere with this separation step. By using six strains of Streptococcus thermophilus the hypothesis was tested that a shear treatment of the fermented culture medium improves subsequent cell separation markedly. Depending on the type of exopolysaccharides (freely present in the medium, or as capsules around the cells) an energy input of up to 2.5 kJ/mL generated with an Ultra‐Turrax affected cell chain length of the strains and viscosity of fermentation medium differently. For bacteria producing capsular exopolysaccharides, space‐ and time‐resolved centrifugation experiments revealed an increase of sedimentation velocity after shear treatment. In general, viability of the microorganisms, detected by flow cytometry measurements and fermentation experiments, was not affected by the shearing procedure. The results therefore indicate that strain‐targeted shearing is helpful to improve the separability of cells from the fermented media.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Mechanical Energy Harvesting
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Pal Kaushik 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEnergy is the essential requirement of daily life. Due to the diminution of the energy sources, it is necessary develop devices that can harvest the wasted energy that exists in the ambient environment. To address this, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been developed as an innovative paradigm for energy harvesting. They can harvest the various forms of mechanical energy, including vibrations, walking, ocean waves, human motion, rain drops, flowing water, the motion of an automobile, wind, rotational energy, and mechanical triggering. TENGs can combine the contact electrification and electrostatic induction for energy conversion and operate on four fundamental modes for conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy to power small‐scale electronics including mobile phones and sensors. The electrical outputs obtained from TENGs depend on the friction of materials that are selected from the triboelectric series on the basis of their electronegativity and electropositivity. Here, a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of nanogenerators, various operating modes of TENGs and the design of devices that include them, and the performance improvement of this recently emerged technology is presented.
Experimental study on the thermal performance and heat transfer characteristics of solar parabolic trough collector using Al2O3 nanofluids
Authors: Subramani J. , Nagarajan P.K. , Wongwises Somchai , El‐Agouz S.A. , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar 
Published: October 2017

The present work investigated thermal performance and heat transfer characteristics of a solar parabolic trough collector using Al2O3/DI‐H2O nanofluids. Nanofluids of varying concentrations (0.05% ϕ ≤ 0.5%) with mass flows (0.0083–0.05 kg/s) were considered for turbulent regime (2401 ≤ Re ≤ 7202) analysis. Experiments were carried out as per ASHRAE 93(2010) standards. By thermal performance analysis using Al2O3 nanofluid, it was understood that the collector efficiency improved up to 56% at a maximum volume concentration of ϕ = 0.5% and flow rate of 0.05 kg/s. The heat transfer study comparing Al2O3 nanofluid with pure water showed appreciable reduction in temperature gradient and surface temperature of the absorber. The heat transfer characteristics such as Nusselt number and friction factor relating to Reynolds number fits the experimental and predicted data and found within the limits of ±5.35% and ±9.61% for Nusselt number and friction factor respectively. Moreover, a similar empirical correlation was developed for collector efficiency, which was identified to be within the limit of ±1.02%. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1149–1159, 2018
Idelalisib plus rituximab is effective in systemic AL amyloidosis secondary to chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Visentin Andrea , Briani Chiara , Imbergamo Silvia , Frezzato Federica , Angelini Annalisa , Fedrigo Marny , Cacciavillani Mario , Altinier Sara , Piazza Francesco , Semenzato Gianpietro , Adami Fausto , Trentin Livio 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLight chain amyloidosis is characterized by the progressive deposition of immunoglobulin light chains into the extracellular tissue, leading to organ dysfunction. Usually, it is associated with an underlying clonal plasma cell dyscrasia and rarely with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Herein, we described the first report of a patient with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia harbouring TP53 abnormalities who developed, histologically proven, systemic light chain amyloidosis who was treated with the PI3K inhibitor, idelalisib, and rituximab. Unfortunately, the patient had sudden death during sleep, likely caused by arrhythmia secondary to amyloid cardiomyopathy. Idelalisib was at least effective in reducing secretory free light chain, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia burden, and to improve the survival of patient.
Determinants of long‐ versus short‐term bank credit in EU countries
Authors: Anderson Haelim Park , Ruiz‐Ortega Claudia , Tressel Thierry 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper empirically examines the determinants of credit at different maturities across countries of the European Union during the last decade. We document the lengthening of maturities since the early 2000s and whether these patterns were driven by similar factors in advanced and emerging market economies. Before the 2008 crisis, long‐term credit expanded faster than short‐term credit in most countries of our sample and contracted less than short‐term credit after 2008. We find that foreign liabilities were more important sources of funding in emerging market countries than in advanced economies. In addition, aggregate demand mattered less for credit extension to firms in emerging market countries than in advanced countries.