bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SNAP‐23 and VAMP‐3 contribute to the release of IL‐6 and TNFα from a human synovial sarcoma cell line
Authors: Boddul Sanjay V. , Meng Jianghui , Dolly James Oliver , Wang Jiafu 
Published: November 2013

Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes are important mediators of inflammatory joint damage in arthritis through the release of cytokines, but it is unknown whether their exocytosis from these particular cells is SNARE‐dependent. Here, the complement of soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) in human synovial sarcoma cells (SW982) was examined with respect to the secretion of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), before and after knockdown of a synaptosome‐associated protein of molecular mass 23 kDa (SNAP‐23) or the vesicle‐associated membrane protein 3 (VAMP‐3). Wild‐type SW982 cells expressed SNAP‐23, VAMP‐3, syntaxin isoforms 2–4 and synaptic vesicle protein 2C (SV2C). These cells showed Ca2+‐dependent secretion of IL‐6 and TNFα when stimulated by interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) or in combination with K+ depolarization. Specific knockdown of SNAP‐23 or VAMP‐3 decreased the exocytosis of IL‐6 and TNFα; the reduced expression of SNAP‐23 caused accumulation of SV2 in the peri‐nuclear area. A monoclonal antibody specific for VAMP‐3 precipitated SNAP‐23 and syntaxin‐2 (and syntaxin‐3 to a lesser extent). The formation of SDS‐resistant complexes by SNAP‐23 and VAMP‐3 was reduced upon knockdown of SNAP‐23. Although the syntaxin isoforms 2, 3 and 4 are expressed in SW982 cells, knockdown of each did not affect the release of cytokines. Collectively, these results show that SNAP‐23 and VAMP‐3 participate in IL‐1β‐induced Ca2+‐dependent release of IL‐6 and TNFα from SW982 cells.Structured digital abstract

VAMP-3 physically interacts with syntaxin&#x00A0;2 and SNAP-23 by anti-bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
State‐of‐the‐art review on extended stress intensity factor concepts
Authors: Radaj D. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTThe stress intensity factor concept for describing the stress field at pointed crack or slit tips is well known from fracture mechanics. It has been substantially extended since Williams' basic contribution (1952) on stress fields at angular corners. One extension refers to pointed V‐notches with stress intensities depending on the notch opening angle. The loading‐mode‐related simple notch stress intensity factors K1, K2 and K3 are introduced. Another extension refers to rounded notches with crack shape or V‐notch shape in two variants: parabolic, elliptic or hyperbolic notches (‘blunt notches’) on the one hand and root hole notches (‘keyholes’ when considering crack shapes) on the other hand. Here, the loading‐mode‐related generalised notch stress intensity factors K1ρ, K2ρ and K3ρ are defined. The concepts of elastic stress intensity factor, notch stress intensity factor and generalised notch stress intensity factor are extended into the range of elastic–plastic (work‐hardening) or perfectly plastic notch tip or notch root behaviour. Here, the plastic notch stress intensity factors K1p, K2p and K3p are of relevance. The elastic notch stress intensity factors are used to describe the fatigue strength of fillet‐welded attachment joints. The fracture toughness of brittle materials may also be evaluated on this basis. The plastic notch stress intensity factors characterise the stress and strain field at pointed V‐notch tips. A new version of the Neuber rule accounting for the influence of the notch opening angle is presented.
A high‐resolution approach to estimating ecosystem respiration at continental scales using operational satellite data
Authors: Jägermeyr Jonas , Gerten Dieter , Lucht Wolfgang , Hostert Patrick , Migliavacca Mirco , Nemani Ramakrishna 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA better understanding of the local variability in land‐atmosphere carbon fluxes is crucial to improving the accuracy of global carbon budgets. Operational satellite data backed by ground measurements at Fluxnet sites proved valuable in monitoring local variability of gross primary production at highly resolved spatio‐temporal resolutions. Yet, we lack similar operational estimates of ecosystem respiration (Re) to calculate net carbon fluxes. If successful, carbon fluxes from such a remote sensing approach would form an independent and sought after measure to complement widely used dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs).Here, we establish an operational semi‐empirical Re model, based only on data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) with a resolution of 1 km and 8 days. Fluxnet measurements between 2000 and 2009 from 100 sites across North America and Europe are used for parameterization and validation.Our analysis shows that Re is closely tied to temperature and plant productivity. By separating temporal and intersite variation, we find that MODIS land surface temperature (LST) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) are sufficient to explain observed Re across most major biomes with a negligible bias [R² = 0.62, RMSE = 1.32 (g C m−2 d−1), MBE = 0.05 (g C m−2 d−1)].A comparison of such satellite‐derived Re with those simulated by the DGVM LPJmL reveals similar spatial patterns. However, LPJmL shows higher temperature sensitivities and consistently simulates higher Re values, in high‐latitude and subtropical regions. These differences remain difficult to explain and they are likely associated either with LPJmL parameterization or with systematic errors in the Fluxnet sampling technique. While uncertainties remain with Re estimates, the model formulated in this study provides an operational, cross‐validated and unbiased approach to scale Fluxnet Re to the continental scale and advances knowledge of spatio‐temporal Re variability.
Outcome measures monitoring physical function in children with haemophilia: a systematic review
Authors: Stephensen D. , Drechsler W. I. , Scott O. M. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryOur objective was to provide a synthesis of measurement properties for performance‐based outcome measures used to evaluate physical function in children with haemophilia. A systematic review of articles published in English using Medline, PEDro, Cinahl and The Cochrane Library electronic databases was conducted. Studies were included if a performance‐based method, clinical evaluation or measurement tool was used to record an aspect of physical function in patients with haemophilia aged ≤ 18 years. Recording of self‐perceived or patient‐reported physical performance, abstracts, unpublished reports, case series reports and studies where the outcome measure was not documented or cross‐referenced was excluded. Description of outcome measures, patient characteristics, measurement properties for construct validity, internal consistency, repeatability, responsiveness and feasibility was extracted. Data synthesis of 41 studies evaluating 14 measures is reported. None of the outcome measures demonstrated the requirements for all the measurement properties. Data on validity and test–retest repeatability were most lacking together with studies of sufficient size. Measurement of walking and muscle strength demonstrated good repeatability and discriminative properties; however, correlation with other measures of musculoskeletal impairment requires investigation. The Haemophilia Joint Health Score demonstrated acceptable construct validity, internal consistency and repeatability, but the ability to discriminate changes in physical function is still to be determined. Rigorous evaluation of the measurement properties of performance‐based outcome measures used to monitor physical function of children with haemophilia in larger collaborative studies is required.
Agonistic anti‐human Fas monoclonal antibody induces fibroblast‐like synoviocyte apoptosis in haemophilic arthropathy: potential therapeutic implications
Authors: Romano E. , Manetti M. , Peruzzi F. , Melchiorre D. , Milia A. F. , Bellando‐Randone S. , Nishioka K. , Innocenti M. , Carulli C. , Linari S. , Morfini M. , Ibba‐Manneschi L. , Matucci‐Cerinic M. , Guiducci S. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryHaemophilic arthropathy (HA) is characterized by chronic proliferative synovitis leading to cartilage destruction and shares some pathological features with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Apoptosis has been implicated in RA pathogenesis, and an agonistic anti‐Fas monoclonal antibody (mAb) was found to induce RA fibroblast‐like synoviocyte (FLS) apoptosis and suppress synovial hyperplasia in animal models of RA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anti‐Fas mAb on HA‐FLS. FLS were isolated from knee synovial biopsies from six HA patients, six RA patients and six healthy subjects. The expression of Fas in synovial biopsies was investigated by immunohistochemistry. FLS were stimulated with anti‐Fas mAb at different concentrations, alone or in combination with tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Fas expression in FLS was assessed by Western blot. Cell viability was studied with the WST‐1 assay. Active caspase‐3 levels were measured using ELISA and Western blot. A strong Fas‐immunoreactivity was observed in different cells of HA synovium, including FLS, inflammatory cells and endothelial cells. Fas antigen was constitutively overexpressed in cultured HA‐FLS. Anti‐Fas mAb had a significant cytotoxicity on HA‐FLS in a dose‐dependent manner, either alone or in combination with TNF‐α and bFGF. These cytotoxic effects were due to the ability of anti‐Fas to induce HA‐FLS apoptosis, as shown by the increased active caspase‐3 levels. Anti‐Fas mAb exhibited a more pronounced pro‐apoptotic effect on HA‐FLS than RA‐FLS. Fas antigen is highly expressed on HA‐FLS and its stimulation by anti‐Fas mAb may be an effective strategy to induce HA‐FLS apoptosis.
Dental health and disease in patients with haemophilia – a case‐control study
Authors: Zaliuniene R. , Aleksejuniene J. , Peciuliene V. , Brukiene V. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryManagement of patients with hereditary bleeding disorders in dentistry causes considerable problems. This study examined different aspects of dental health or disease of Lithuanian children and adults with haemophilia and compared them with the general population. Two study groups of cases and controls were formed. Cases were recruited through census sampling and controls were randomly chosen from the general population matched for gender, age and place of residence. Dental health of permanent and deciduous dentitions was assessed by one examiner employing the WHO Criteria for Oral Health Surveys. The following aspects of dental health/disease were considered: overall caries experience, treatment experience, unmet dental treatment needs and the presence of functional dentition. Data were collected from 76 patients with haemophilia among which 27 were children and 49 were adults and a control group of 76 subjects comprising 30 children and 46 adults. Children with haemophilia had a significantly lower overall caries experience and less unmet dental treatment needs in deciduous teeth as compared to healthy children. In permanent dentitions, overall caries experience, unmet dental treatment needs or treatment experience did not differ between cases and controls either in older children or adult cohorts. There were no differences between the study groups regarding the functional dentition‐related indices. Healthier deciduous teeth were observed in children with haemophilia than in children without haemophilia, but other dental health or disease‐related outcomes did not differ between cases and controls.
International trends in health science librarianship Part 8: the UK and the Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland
Authors: Latimer Karen , Lawton Aoife 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis is the 8th in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship with a focus on the UK and Ireland in the first decade of the 21st century. The invited authors are from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Future issues will track trends from Scotland and Wales.JM
What makes a good title?
Authors: Grant Maria J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe chances are the first thing you when you set out to write an article is the title. But what factors transform a mediocre title into a good title? Firstly, it should be both informative and specific, using words or phrases likely to be used when searching for information, for example ‘nurse education’ rather than simply ‘nurse’. Secondly, it should be concise yet convey the main ideas clearly; articles with short titles reporting study findings have been found to attract higher numbers of viewing and citations. Thirdly, provide details of the study design to assist the reader in making an informed choice about the type of project your article is reporting. In taking these small steps when developing your title, your title can present a more concise, retrievable and clear articulation of your article.
Linkage to care following community‐based mobile HIV testing compared with clinic‐based testing in Umlazi Township, Durban, South Africa
Authors: Bassett IV , Regan S , Luthuli P , Mbonambi H , Bearnot B , Pendleton A , Robine M , Mukuvisi D , Thulare H , Walensky RP , Freedberg KA , Losina E , Mhlongo B 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess HIV prevalence, disease stage and linkage to HIV care following diagnosis at a mobile HIV testing unit, compared with results for clinic‐based testing, in a Durban township.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study. We enrolled adults presenting for HIV testing at a community‐based mobile testing unit (mobile testers) and at an HIV clinic (clinic testers) serving the same area. Testers diagnosed with HIV infection, regardless of testing site, were offered immediate CD4 testing and instructed to retrieve results at the clinic. We assessed rates of linkage to care, defined as CD4 result retrieval within 90 days of HIV diagnosis and/or completion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) literacy training, for mobile vs. clinic testers.ResultsFrom July to November 2011, 6957 subjects were HIV tested (4703 mobile and 2254 clinic); 55% were female. Mobile testers had a lower HIV prevalence than clinic testers (10% vs. 36%, respectively), were younger (median 23 vs. 27 years, respectively) and were more likely to live >5 km or >30 min from the clinic (64% vs. 40%, respectively; all P < 0.001). Mobile testers were less likely to undergo CD4 testing (33% vs. 83%, respectively) but more likely to have higher CD4 counts [median (interquartile range) 416 (287–587) cells/μL vs. 285 (136–482) cells/μL, respectively] than clinic testers (both P < 0.001). Of those who tested HIV positive, 10% of mobile testers linked to care, vs. 72% of clinic testers (P < 0.001).ConclusionsMobile HIV testing reaches people who are younger, who are more geographically remote, and who have earlier disease compared with clinic‐based testing. Fewer mobile testers underwent CD4 testing and linked to HIV care. Enhancing linkage efforts may improve the impact of mobile testing for those with early HIV disease.
Stable Temperature Dielectrics of (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3‐BasedMLCCs with Non‐Core‐Shell Structure by Novel Sintering Approach
Authors: Wang Shih‐Hao , Lee Wen‐Hsi , Tsai Yin‐Lai , Lee Ying‐Chieh 
Published: November 2013

In this study, the high stability temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) characteristics of (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3‐based multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) were investigated using a novel sintering approach that combines rapid heating and constrained sintering. The novel sintering approach is based on a sandwich structure that the constrained (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3‐basedMLCCs are covered withBaTiO3as a constraining layer on both sides. An in‐plane tensile stress resulting from the mismatch between the constraining layer and the constrained layer during heating can effectively inhibit grain growth of (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3‐basedMLCCs and then modify theTCCcharacteristics of (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3‐basedMLCCs fromY5V(−82%≦△C/C≦ + 22% from −30°C to 85°C) toX5R(−15%≦△C/C≦ + 15% from −55°C to 85°C). The high continuity (>95%) of inner electrode and the fine grain size (0.56 μm) ofBCTZ‐basedMLCCs with a non‐core‐shell structure can be attained by means of the rapid constrained sintering technique. The lifetime of the fine‐grain‐BCTZ‐basedMLCCfired by the novel sintering is superior to that of the coarse‐grain‐BCTZ‐basedMLCCfired by conventional sintering in a highly accelerated life test.
Which cleansing care is better, foot bath or shower? Analysis of 236 limb ulcers
Authors: Sano Hitomi , Ichioka Shigeru 
Published: November 2013

AbstractFoot baths and showering are two widely used methods to cleanse limb ulcers. However, some clinicians warn that foot baths may contribute to the spread of infection at the ulcer site. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the relationship between cleansing methods and the limb prognoses of 236 patients with chronic limb ulcers. These patients were divided into two groups according to the method used to cleanse their ulcers, foot bath and showering. Limb prognosis, including loss of all toes and major amputation, was retrospectively analysed. The rates of loss of all toes and major amputation were 53·0% and 30% in the foot bath group, and 35·3% and 18·4% in the showering group, respectively. The rates of loss of all toes (adjusted odds ratios = 2·07; P = 0·0066; 95% confidence intervals, 1·22–3·50) and major amputation (adjusted odds ratio = 1·90; P = 0·037; 95% confidence intervals, 1·03–3·50) were significantly higher in the foot bath group than those in the showering group. Our results demonstrate that showering is preferable to foot baths for the cleansing of chronic limb ulcers. Clinicians should be cautious that inappropriate cleansing may cause ulcer infections to spread.
Genetic and epitopic analysis of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) autoantibodies: markers of the human thyroid autoimmune response
Authors: MCLACHLAN S M , RAPOPORT B 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYTPO autoantibodies, the hallmark of human autoimmune thyroid disease, are of IgG class and are associated with thyroid destruction and hypothyroidism. Using the immunoglobulin gene combinatorial library approach, a panel of human monoclonal TPO autoantibodies (expressed as Fab) has been generated from thyroid tissue-infiltrating B cells. TPO-specific Fab closely resemble patients' serum autoantibodies in terms of L chain type, IgG subclass, affinities for TPO as well as epitopes recognized by &gt; 80% of TPO autoantibodies in an individual's serum. TPO autoantibody V region genes are not unique; H chain V genes are usually mutated, while L chain V genes are sometimes in germ-line conformation. The autoantibodies recognize an immunodominant region involving conformational, overlapping epitopes in domains A and B. Finally, TPO autoantibody epitopic fingerprints are distinctive for individual sera, are not associated with hypothyroidism, but are conserved over time (indicating a lack of B cell epitope spreading). Evidence for conservation as well as inheritance of the fingerprints in some families, together with VH gene polymorphisms, may provide insight into the genetic basis of human autoimmune thyroid disease. Furthermore, monoclonal human TPO autoantibodies will be invaluable for B cell presentation of TPO to determine the T cell epitopes involved in TPO autoantibody production.
A vaccine conjugate of ‘ISCAR’ immunocarrier and peptide epitopes of the E7 cervical cancer-associated protein of human papillomavirus type 16 elicits specific Th1- and Th2-type responses in immunized mice in the absence of oil-based adjuvants
Authors: TINDLE R W , CROFT S , HERD K , MALCOLM K , GECZY A F , STEWART T , FERNANDO G J P 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYTraT protein, known as ISCAR (= Immunostimulatory Carrier), is one of a family of integral membrane proteins (Imps) of Escherichia coli representing powerful carrier molecules which when injected into experimental animals generate substantial antibody and T proliferative responses to molecules conjugated to it. We extend these findings to show that ISCAR functions to stimulate Th1- and Th2-type responses, including specific cytotoxic T cells and tumour protection. We report here that by conjugating to ISCAR a 19mer peptide containing linear B epitopes, a T helper (Th) epitope, and a H-2b-restricted T cytotoxic (CTL) epitope of E7 protein of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16), and immunizing C57B1/6 (H-2b) mice, we elicited (i) specific IgG2a and IgG1 antibodies; (ii) IL-2 and IL-4 production by specifically recalled lymph node cells in vitro; (iii) cytotoxic T lymphocytes which specifically killed both E7 peptide-pulsed, and whole E7 gene-transfected tumour target cells; and (iv) in vivo protection against an E7 gene-transfected tumour cell inoculum. These findings have implications for the design of vaccines to stimulate immune responses to endogenously processed target antigens (e.g. tumour-associated antigens) without the unwanted side effects of oil-based adjuvants. In addition they support the case for a E7-targeted therapeutic vaccine for HPV-associated human cervical cancer.
Anti-CD11b/CD18 antibodies reduce inflammation in acute colitis in rats
Authors: PALMEN M J H J , DIJKSTRA C D , VAN DER ENDE M B , PEÑA A S , VAN REES E P 
Published: November 2013

SUMMARYThe influx of monocytes and neutrophils into the inflamed tissue could be an important aspect in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A membrane protein involved in the monocyte/neutrophil adherence to endothelium is CD11b/CD18 or αMβ2 (complement receptor type 3 = CR3). In the present study the role of CD11b/CD18 in experimental IBD was studied by treatment with ED7 and OX42, two MoAbs against CD11b/CD18. Colitis was induced in rats by a single, rectal administration of 30 mg 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in ethanol 30%. Two hours before and 3 days after induction of colitis, the animals were given an i.v. dose of 0·5 mg of either ED7 or OX42 in 1 ml PBS. Controls received PBS or an irrelevant MoAb. Four days after the last treatment with the antibodies, the rats were killed, and macroscopic damage scores of the colon were determined. Macrophages and granulocytes were studied by immunohistochemistry and quantified by Interaktives Bild Analysen System (IBAS), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in colonic tissue was measured. After treatment with ED7 and OX42 the mean damage score of the colon was reduced from 4·2 in IBD animals to 1·0 and 1·3, respectively. Smaller areas of ulcerations and a decrease in the number of ulcerations were observed compared with PBS-treated rats. Furthermore, the amount of infiltrating monocytes and leucocytes in the submucosa was enormously reduced, as well as MPO activity in the colonic tissue. These results show that treatment with MoAbs against CD11b/CD18 reduces clinical signs of experimental IBD in rats by a partial blockade of infiltrating macrophages and granulocytes.