bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibodies to IgG4 Hinge Can Be Found in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients During All Stages of Disease and May Exacerbate Chronic Antibody‐Mediated Inflammation
Authors: van de Stadt Lotte A. , de Vrieze Henk , Derksen Ninotska I. L. , Brouwer Mieke , Wouters Diana , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan , Wolbink Gertjan , Rispens Theo 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveIn rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autoantibodies such as anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) develop in response to neoepitopes that are formed under conditions of chronic inflammation. These autoantibodies may subsequently be fragmented by inflammation‐associated proteases, leading to the formation of F(ab′)2 fragments. The hinge of F(ab′)2 fragments can serve as a neoepitope, and so‐called antihinge antibodies (AHAs) can be found in RA patients, which might modulate the function of (fragmented) autoantibodies. We undertook this study to investigate the presence and specificities of AHAs in different stages of RA and to study their function.MethodsThe presence of AHAs was assessed by radioimmunoassay in healthy controls, blood donors who later developed RA, patients with arthralgia, patients with early RA, and patients with established RA. Specificity of the AHAs was analyzed with inhibition assays, and complement‐activating ability was studied with a C4b deposition assay.ResultsAntibodies to IgG1 hinge, IgG2 hinge, and IgG4 hinge were detected in patients with established RA, with anti–IgG4 hinge antibodies being most specific (appearing in 1% of healthy controls, 3.8% of blood donors who later developed RA, 13% of arthralgia patients, 19% of early RA patients, and 16% of established RA patients). Anti–IgG4 hinge antibodies were subclass specific and were able to restore C4b deposition by IgG4 F(ab′)2 fragments. In patients with arthralgia and patients with early RA, anti–IgG4 hinge antibodies were associated with rheumatoid factors and ACPAs.ConclusionAnti–IgG4 hinge antibodies are present in RA patients and have low sensitivity but high specificity for RA. Since a significant proportion of ACPAs can be of the IgG4 subclass, the formation of anti–IgG4 hinge antibodies may represent one mechanism of ACPA‐mediated inflammation.
The Role of Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling in Fibroblast‐like Synoviocytes From Patients With Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Dysregulation of Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling, Including Overexpression of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4, May Lead to a Chondrocyte Phenotype and May Contribute to Bony Hypertrophy
Authors: Brescia AnneMarie C. , Simonds Megan M. , McCahan Suzanne M. , Fawcett Paul T. , Rose Carlos D. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThis study was designed to investigate the pathogenic contributions of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) by identifying pathways with dysregulated gene expression in FLS from patients with oligoarticular JIA.MethodsFLS were derived from synovial fluid obtained by arthrocentesis from patients with JIA undergoing intraarticular steroid injections and from orthopedic control patients. Gene expression profiles of the JIA and control FLS were obtained using the Affymetrix platform, with application of Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis software to define gene sets in dysregulated pathways and networks of potential pathologic relevance in this disease. Biologically relevant differentially expressed genes were confirmed by RNA and protein analysis.ResultsExploration of global gene expression profiles of the JIA FLS revealed important dysregulated pathways, including the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling, as well as endochondral bone formation, cartilage formation, and β‐catenin networks. Importantly, bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP‐4) was significantly overexpressed in the JIA FLS. FLS from patients with oligoarticular JIA exhibit a chondrocyte phenotype, as evidenced by expression of type II collagen and aggrecan.ConclusionDysregulation of the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of oligoarticular JIA were revealed through gene expression profiling. JIA FLS displayed dysregulated TGFβ signaling and exhibited a hypertrophic chondrocyte phenotype. These characteristics, along with contributions from the β‐catenin network may have implications for endochondral bone formation and local growth disturbances in oligoarticular JIA. Overexpression of BMP‐4 in FLS from patients with oligoarticular JIA in particular may play an important role in disease pathogenesis, with a direct effect on functional outcome and with implications for future treatment.
Significant expression of a Chinese scorpion peptide, BmK1, in Escherichia coli through promoter engineering and gene dosage strategy
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Xiong Zhiqiang , Yang Yingying , Zhao Na , Wang Yong 
Published: December 2013

AbstractHeterologous expression is an efficient alternative to conventional extraction to produce a specific Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) peptide. In this work, BmK1 was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli after genetic codon optimization, but BmK1 content was <6% of total cellular protein. To improve BmK1 expression, a trc promoter library with a wide relative strength was constructed, and three promoters, PpJF136 (0.55), PpJF325 (1.29), and PpJF288 (2.31), were selected to control BmK1 expression. A higher BmK1 expression (>13.9% of total protein) was obtained using a stronger promoter, PpJF325. Furthermore, a maximum BmK1 content (>21.7% of total protein) was obtained by combining promoter PpJF325 and three copies of the BmK1 gene. The yield of the purified BmK1 achieved 196.74 mg L−1 in E. coli BL21(DE3) pJF431, which was improved 2.09‐fold compared with the control. This was the highest reported production of scorpion peptides in E. coli.
Peculiarities of metabolism of anthracene and pyrene by laccase‐producing fungus Pycnoporus sanguineusH1
Authors: Li Xuanzhen , Wang Yan , Wu Shijin , Qiu Lequan , Gu Li , Li Jingjing , Zhang Bao , Zhong Weihong 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe metabolic peculiarities of anthracene and pyrene by Pycnoporus sanguineus H1 were investigated. The fungus H1 could grow on potato dextrose agar plates with anthracene and anthraquinone as carbon sources. In liquid medium, the strain degraded 8.5% of anthracene as the sole carbon source, with no ligninolytic enzymes detected, indicating that intracellular catabolic enzymes might be responsible for the initial oxidation of anthracene. When bran was added to the medium, the degradation rate of anthracene and pyrene increased to 71.3% and 30.2%, respectively, and the laccase activities increased to a maximal value of 501.2 and 587.6 U/L, respectively. By gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, anthraquinone was detected as the unique intermediate product of anthracene oxidation, with a yield molar ratio of 0.3. In vitro experiments showed that the extracellular culture fluid containing laccase transformed anthracene to anthraquinone with a yield molar ratio of 1.0, which was less than that of the in vivo experiment, indicating that anthraquinone could be further metabolized by the strain. Pyrene could not be oxidized by culture fluid. These results showed that both extracellular laccase and intracellular catabolic enzymes might play an important role in the initial oxidation of anthracene, whereas pyrene could be only oxidized by intracellular catabolic enzymes through cometabolism.
In vitro differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into mesangial cells when co‐cultured with injured mesangial cells
Authors: Wong Chee‐Yin , Tan Eng‐Lai , Cheong Soon‐Keng 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMesangial cells are one of the three major cell types of the kidney glomerulus that provide physical support for the glomerular capillary lumen of the kidney. Loss of mesangial cells due to pathologic conditions, such as glomerulonephritis and diabetic nephropathy, can impair renal function. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are attractive candidates for kidney repair therapy since they can enhance recovery and protect against kidney failure. MSC can differentiate into mesangial cells in vivo. We have investigated the ability of MSC to differentiate into mesangial cells in vitro; they were co‐cultured with oxidant‐injured mesangial cells before being analysed by flow cytometry and for contractility. MSC co‐cultured with injured mesangial cells had a mesangial cell‐like morphology and contracted in response to angiotensin II. They expressed CD54− CD62E+ in direct contrast to the CD54+ CD62E− of pure MSC. In conclusion, MSC can differentiate into mesangial cells in vitro when co‐cultured with injured mesangial cells.
Comparison of the antioxidant capacity of lipid‐soluble compounds in selected cold‐pressed oils using photochemiluminescence assay (PCL) and DPPH method
Authors: Sielicka Maria , Małecka Maria , Purłan Małgorzata 
Published: December 2013

The paper describes the use of photochemiluminescence assay (PCL) and DPPH method for the measurement of lipid‐soluble antioxidants capacity (ACL) of six commercially available cold‐pressed, non‐refined flaxseed, walnut, rapeseed, pumpkin seed, evening primrose and black cumin oils. The cold‐pressed plant oils are rich in various valuable bioactive compounds, e.g., tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, sterols, phospholipids and may reveal the antioxidant properties. The photochemiluminescence analysis (PCL) and free radical scavenging activity toward DPPH. were fully applicable for the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of lipophilic fraction of samples and the outcomes correlated (r = 0.91). The highest ACL exhibited black cumin oil in case of both methods.Practical applications: Photochemiluminescence analysis and radical scavenging activity toward DPPH. were fully applicable for the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of lipophilic fraction of oil samples. However, providing a simple and reliable analytical method to detect the antioxidant capacities at very low concentrations of antioxidants in the sample is of major interest. Photochemiluminescence analysis shows many advantages over the other methodologies as it is fully automatic, sensitive, quick and does not require any time‐consuming or complicated sample preparation steps that is needed in case of, e.g., DPPH method.
Deposition flux of aerosol particles and 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the North China Plain
Authors: Wang Xilong , Liu Shuzhen , Zhao Jingyu , Zuo Qian , Liu Wenxin , Li Bengang , Tao Shu 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

The present study examined deposition fluxes of aerosol particles and 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with the particles in the North China Plain. The annual mean deposition fluxes of aerosol particles and 15 PAHs were 0.69 ± 0.46 g/(m2 × d) and 8.5 ± 6.2 μg/(m2 × d), respectively. Phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[k]fluoranthene were the dominant PAHs bound to deposited aerosol particles throughout the year. The total concentration of 15 PAHs in the deposited aerosol particles was the highest in winter but lowest in spring. The highest PAH concentration in the deposited aerosol particles in winter was because the heating processes highly increased the concentration in atmospheric aerosol particles. Low temperature and weak sunshine in winter reduced the degradation rate of deposited aerosol particle-bound PAHs, especially for those with low molecular weight. The lowest PAH concentration in deposited aerosol particles in spring resulted from the frequently occurring dust storms, which diluted PAH concentrations. The mean deposition flux of PAHs with aerosol particles in winter (16 μg/[m2 × d]) reached 3 times to 5 times that in other seasons (3.5–5.0 μg/[m2 × d]). The spatial variation of the deposition flux of PAHs with high molecular weight (e.g., benzo[a]pyrene) was consistent with their concentrations in the atmospheric aerosol particles, whereas such a phenomenon was not observed for those with low molecular weight (e.g., phenanthrene) because of their distinct hydrophobicity, Henry's law constant, and the spatially heterogeneous meteorological conditions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:753–760. © 2013 SETAC
Competition matters: Species interactions prolong the long-term effects of pulsed toxicant stress on populations
Authors: Kattwinkel Mira , Liess Matthias 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Recent empirical studies have revealed the importance of species competition for the effects of toxicants on populations. In the present study, the authors applied a generic individual-based simulation model of 2 competing species to analyze the consequences of interspecific competition for population dynamics under pulsed contamination. The results indicated that competition that causes a density-dependent decrease in reproduction can substantially prolong the long-term effects of the toxicant. In the example investigated, population recovery time increased from approximately 1 generation time without competition to more than 3 generation times under competition. In particular, species with low reproductive capacity exhibited a strongly prolonged recovery time when interspecific competition was included in the model. The authors conclude that toxicant concentrations derived from risk assessments for pesticides that do not consider competition might be under-protective for populations in real-world systems. The consideration of competition is especially relevant for species with low reproductive capacities to enable a realistic estimation of recovery pace. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1458–1465. © 2013 SETAC
A simulation study on effects of exposure to a combination of pesticides used in an orchard and tuber crop on the recovery time of a vulnerable aquatic invertebrate
Authors: Focks Andreas , Luttik Robert , Zorn Mathilde , Brock Theo , Roex Erwin , Van der Linden Ton , Brink Paul J. Van den 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess whether population effects and recovery times increase when a population of a vulnerable aquatic invertebrate is exposed to concentrations of 1 or multiple pesticides. The 2 sets of pesticide combinations tested are typical for orchard and tuber crops in The Netherlands. Exposure concentrations were predicted using the FOCUS step 3 modeling framework and the Dutch drainage ditch scenario. Recovery times were assessed using the MASTEP population model. We simulated the population dynamics and pesticide effects in a Monte Carlo style by using median effective concentration values drawn from an arthropod species sensitivity distribution. In the tuber scenario, exposure to λ-cyhalothrin resulted in long-term effects, whereas exposure to the co-occurring compound fluazinam hardly resulted in (additional) effects. In the orchard scenario, 3 pesticides resulted in large effects just after exposure, but pulse exposures to these compounds did not coincide. The probabilities of effects for the single compounds added up for the combination; in contrast, the recovery times were not higher for the combination compared to those associated with exposure to the individual compounds. The conclusion from the present study's simulations is that exposure to the evaluated pesticide packages may lead to increased mortality probabilities and effect sizes of the combination, but does not lead to longer recovery times for populations with synchronized reproduction than when exposed to the individual compounds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1489–1498. © 2013 SETAC
Iodine‐Promoted Synthesis of 1‐Alkyl‐3‐aroylindolizines from N‐(Aroylmethyl)pyridinium Salts and Aliphatic Aldehydes
Authors: Tan Chen , Yan Peiyun , Ye Weijian , Yao Juan , Wu Weiming , Wang Cunde 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTAn effective and practical method has been developed for the diversity‐oriented synthesis of 1‐alkyl‐3‐aroylindolizines via the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of pyridinium ylides and aliphatic aldehydes in the presence of molecular iodine and a catalytic amount of MnO2. The synthesis proceeds by tandem reactions involving [3+2] cycloaddition, dehydration of the cycloadduct, and dehydroaromatization. Molecular iodine served both as a catalyst and a dehydroaromatization reagent in the reaction.
Transtracheal approach to repair of a tracheo‐colonic fistula 44 years after colonic interposition
Authors: Mehra Saral , Scherl Sophie , Lazarus Cathy , Dewey Eliza , Urken Mark L. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundWe present a case report of a trachea‐colonic fistula and demonstrate our unique approach to repair, which was efficient and effective.MethodsThe patient was a 50‐year‐old man who had a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula repair with colonic interposition as a child who now developed a fistula between his colon and trachea.ResultsWe performed a transtracheal approach, with primary closure of redundant colon mucosa as well as direct repair of the trachea. An inferiorly based sternocleidomastoid muscle flap was interposed between these 2 layers to augment the repair. The patient had an uneventful recovery with an effective reconstitution of the alimentary tract and the airway.ConclusionTracheo‐colonic fistula is an extremely rare pathology, and the scarring that develops after a prior esophagectomy makes a traditional lateral approach very difficult. The transtracheal approach is an effective method to obtain needed exposure in order to carry out the repair. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: E117–E120, 2014
Angioembolization of a leaking radial artery pseudoaneurysm in a radial forearm free flap
Authors: Senchenkov Alex 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundA radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is used frequently in oral and pharyngeal reconstruction. Pseudoaneurysms within RFFFs and their management have not been previously reported.Methods and ResultsIn the present case, a patient with chemoradiation failure of the right base of the tongue clear cell carcinoma underwent salvage resection and failed reconstruction with pectoralis major muscle flap. He subsequently underwent RFFF reconstruction with delayed development of a radial artery pseudoaneurysm at the site of a previous arterial line within the RFFF, which was not present perioperatively. A rupture of this pseudoaneurysm manifested with recurrent bleeding. Angiography with embolization successfully arrested the bleeding without compromising the flap.ConclusionRuptured pseudoaneurysm of the radial artery within the RFFF is a rare and life‐threatening complication, which in the posterior oral cavity and pharynx can be effectively managed with angioembolization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: E12‐E14, 2015
Unexpected thrombus migration obstructing the right coronary ostium after thoracic aorta graft replacement
Authors: Shim Jae‐Kwang , Song Young , Lee Taek‐Yeon , Kim Yoon‐Jae , Kwak Young‐Lan 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTUnexpected and reversible causes of ventricular dysfunction requiring a prompt second surgical procedure to restore the cardiac function should always be sought before the initiation of positive inotropic support. We report a case of obstruction of the right coronary ostium by an organized thrombus that had migrated retrogradely from the false lumen of a dissected aortic aneurysm. The resultant ventricular dysfunction hindered separation from cardiopulmonary bypass. Prompt recognition was done by transesophageal echocardiography and a second surgical procedure was immediately performed to remove the thrombus before irreversible ventricular dysfunction occurred. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:318–320, 2014
Celecoxib plus chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: A phase II TCOG study
Authors: Wang Ling‐Wei , Hsiao Chin‐Fu , Chen William Tzu‐Liang , Lee Hao‐Hsien , Lin Tzu‐Chen , Chen Hung‐Chang , Chen Hong‐Hwa , Chien Chun‐Ru , Lin Tze‐Yi , Liu Tsang‐Wu 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundTo report the results of a phase II trial combining celecoxib and preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer.Patients and MethodsPatients with clinical stage II or III rectal cancer were treated with radiotherapy of 44 Gy in 22 fractions. Concurrent chemotherapy consisted of oral tegafur‐uracil and folinate on days 1–30 and 38–65. Celecoxib (400 mg/day) given from days 1 to 65. Surgery was done on day 70. The expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) in tumor tissues was evaluated microscopically as a prognostic factor.ResultsFrom 2008 to 2011, 53 patients completed CRT+ celecoxib therapy and 47 received radical surgery. Grade 3 diarrhea developed in 5 (9%). Grade 4 anemia was seen in 2 (4%). Pathological complete response (pCR) was seen in 6 (13%). T or N downstaging found in 38 (81%). Sphincter preservation was achieved in 77% of low‐positioned tumors. Patients with tumors expressing high‐level COX‐2 after CRT + celecoxib treatment had inferior pelvic control (P = 0.01), disease‐free survival (P = 0.04), and overall survival (P = 0.03) than those with low‐level expression.ConclusionsCelecoxib can be safely combined with preoperative CRT for rectal cancer. More intensified adjuvant therapy may be considered for tumors expressing high‐level COX‐2 after CRT and surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:580–585. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MRI surveillance following treatment of extremity soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Cheney Matthew D. , Giraud Christine , Goldberg Saveli I. , Rosenthal Daniel I. , Hornicek Francis J. , Choy Edwin , Mullen John T. , Chen Yen‐Lin , DeLaney Thomas F. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesLocal recurrence (LR) following limb‐sparing surgery and radiation therapy (RT) for extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is rare. The current study investigates the utility of surveillance nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of asymptomatic LRs.MethodsThe study cohort consisted of 168 adult patients with extremity STS treated with limb‐sparing surgery and RT with curative intent between October 2001 and January 2011. Follow‐up surveillance MRIs and history and physical examinations were performed per the NCCN guidelines with additional MRIs as clinically indicated. The method of LR detection and MRI number and indication were determined.ResultsAfter a median follow‐up of 4.7 years (range: 0.6–10.5) 11 (6.5%; 11/168) patients developed LRs. Five hundred two MRIs were obtained, 429 (85.5%; 429/502) for surveillance and 73 (14.5%; 73/502) as clinically indicated. One hundred fourteen patients underwent ≥1 surveillance MRI. The median surveillance MRI interval was 6.4 months (range 1.4–68.9). Surveillance MRI detected an asymptomatic LR in 1 (0.9%; 1/114) patient with a complex reconstruction.ConclusionsSurveillance MRI infrequently detects asymptomatic LRs following limb‐sparing surgery and RT for extremity STS and should be limited to patients whose primary tumor sites are not easily assessed by history and physical examination. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:593–596. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modal expansion approach for accurately computing resonant modes in a high‐Q optical resonator
Authors: Kang Young Mo , Xue Mingfeng , Arbabi Amir , Jin Jian‐Ming , Goddard Lynford L. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTWe present a method based on the modal expansion approach for computing resonant modes of a high‐Q optical resonator. We reconstruct both the complex eigenfrequencies and the spatial modal profiles by solving an inhomogeneous linear system excited by a current source in the resonator. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:278–284, 2014