bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cumulative inflammatory burden is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness in patients with psoriatic arthritis: a prospective study
Authors: Shen Jiayun , Shang Qing , Li Edmund K , Leung Ying-Ying , Kun Emily W , Kwok Lai-Wa , Li Martin , Li Tena K , Zhu Tracy Y , Yu Cheuk-Man , Tam Lai-Shan 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to examine whether the cumulative inflammatory burden is associated with an increase in arterial stiffness in a prospective cohort of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients.

Methods
In total, 72 PsA patients were followed for a median of 6.5 years. Cumulative inflammatory burden was represented by the cumulative averages of repeated measures of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ca-ESR) and C-reactive protein (ca-CRP). Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured at the last visit. We also included 47 healthy controls for PWV assessment.

Results
PWV was significantly higher in PsA patients compared with healthy controls after adjustment for age, gender and body weight (1466 ± 29 cm/s versus 1323 ± 38 cm/s, P = 0.008). PsA patients were divided into two groups based on whether their PWV value is ≥1450 cm/s (High PWV group, N = 38) or <1450 cm/s (Low PWV group, N = 34). The High PWV group had a significantly higher ca-ESR (29 (19 to 44) versus 18 (10 to 32) mm/1st hour, P = 0.005) and ca-CRP (0.7 (0.3 to 1.4) versus 0.4 (0.2 to 0.7) mg/dl, P = 0.029). Using regression analysis, high ca-ESR (defined as ≥75th percentile: 37 mm/1st hour) was associated with a higher likelihood of being in the High PWV group (odds ratio (OR): 9.455 (1.939 to 46.093), P = 0.005, adjusted for baseline clinical and cardiovascular risk factors; and 9.111 (1.875 to 44.275), P = 0.006, adjusted for last visit parameters).

Conclusions
Cumulative inflammatory burden, as reflected by ca-ESR, was associated with increased arterial stiffness in PsA patients even after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, emphasizing the important role of chronic inflammation in accelerating the development of cardiovascular risks in PsA patients.
Head-to-head comparison of the safety of tocilizumab and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA) in clinical practice: results from the registry of Japanese RA patients on biologics for long-term safety (REAL) registry
Authors: Sakai Ryoko , Cho Soo-Kyung , Nanki Toshihiro , Watanabe Kaori , Yamazaki Hayato , Tanaka Michi , Koike Ryuji , Tanaka Yoshiya , Saito Kazuyoshi , Hirata Shintaro , Amano Koichi , Nagasawa Hayato , Sumida Takayuki , Hayashi Taichi , Sugihara Takahiko , Dobashi Hiroaki , Yasuda Shinsuke , Sawada Tetsuji , Ezawa Kazuhiko , Ueda Atsuhisa , Fujii Takao , Migita Kiyoshi , Miyasaka Nobuyuki , Harigai Masayoshi ,   for the REAL Study Group
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
The objective of this study was to directly compare the safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) and TNF inhibitors (TNFIs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in clinical practice.

Methods
This prospective cohort study included RA patients starting TCZ [TCZ group, n = 302, 224.68 patient-years (PY)] or TNFIs [TNFI group, n = 304, 231.01 PY] from 2008 to 2011 in the registry of Japanese RA patients on biologics for long-term safety registry. We assessed types and incidence rates (IRs) of serious adverse events (SAEs) and serious infections (SIs) during the first year of treatment. Risks of the biologics for SAEs or SIs were calculated using the Cox regression hazard analysis.

Results
Patients in the TCZ group had longer disease duration (P <0.001), higher disease activity (P = 0.019) and more frequently used concomitant corticosteroids (P <0.001) than those in the TNFI group. The crude IR (/100 PY) of SIs [TCZ 10.68 vs. TNFI 3.03; IR ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]), 3.53 (1.52 to 8.18)], but not SAEs [21.36 vs. 14.72; 1.45 (0.94 to 2.25)], was significantly higher in the TCZ group compared with the TNFI group. However, after adjusting for covariates using the Cox regression hazard analysis, treatment with TCZ was not associated with higher risk for SAEs [hazard ratio (HR) 1.28, 95% CI 0.75 to 2.19] or SIs (HR 2.23, 95% CI 0.93 to 5.37).

Conclusions
The adjusted risks for SAEs and SIs were not significantly different between TCZ and TNFIs, indicating an influence of clinical characteristics of the patients on the safety profile of the biologics in clinical practice.
CD4 T-cell transcriptome analysis reveals aberrant regulation of STAT3 and Wnt signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis: evidence from a case–control study
Authors: Ye Hua , Zhang Jing , Wang Jun , Gao Yanyan , Du Yan , Li Chun , Deng Minghua , Guo Jianping , Li Zhanguo 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease in which T cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis. Knowledge in terms of the CD4 T-cell transcriptome in RA is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the whole-genome transcription profile of CD4 T cells in RA by comparing patients with RA to healthy controls.

Methods
Peripheral blood CD4 T cells were isolated from 53 RA patients with active disease and 45 healthy individuals; 13 cases and 10 controls were enrolled in microarray analysis. The remaining 40 cases and 35 controls were recruited as an independent cohort for the validation study. Bioinformatics was performed on Gene Ontology (GO), gene-gene interaction networks, and pathway analysis. The gene modules, by combining the results from GO, gene networks, and pathway analysis, were selected for further validation.

Results
The CD4 T cells showed 1,496 differentially expressed (DE) genes in RA patients relative to healthy individuals. GO analysis revealed that the DE genes were enriched in immune response, T-cell response, apoptosis process, and Wnt receptor signaling. Pathway analysis also identified that ‘Wnt signaling pathway’ was differentially regulated between two groups (P = 2.78 × 10−10). By gene-gene network analysis, we found that the DE genes were enriched in T-cell receptor (TCR), JAK-STAT signaling, and Wnt signaling pathway. By gene module analysis, we found that a number of DE genes overlapped in the three different analyses. In total, 23 genes were selected for further validation, and nine genes were confirmed. Of these, four genes (SOCS3, CBL, IFNAR1, and PIK3CA) were involved in STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) signaling, and three genes (CBL, KLF9, and CSNK2A1) were involved in the Wnt signaling pathway. Additionally, several zinc finger transcription factors (ZEB1, ZNF292, and ZNF644) were confirmed.

Conclusions
We report here the first case–control study of the CD4 T-cell transcriptome profile in RA. Our data provide evidence that CD4 T cells from patients with RA have abnormal functional networks in STAT3 signaling and Wnt signaling. Our results also suggest that the aberrant expression of several zinc finger transcription factors (ZEB1, ZNF292, and ZNF644) may be potential pathogenic factors for RA.
Intracellular free radical production by peripheral blood T lymphocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis: role of NADPH oxidase and ERK1/2
Authors: Amico Donatella , Spadoni Tatiana , Rovinelli Marina , Serafini Marta , D’Amico Giovanna , Campelli Nadia , Svegliati Baroni Silvia , Gabrielli Armando 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Abnormal oxidative stress has been described in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and previous works from our laboratory demonstrated an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by SSc fibroblasts and monocytes. This study investigated the ability of SSc T lymphocytes to produce ROS, the molecular pathway involved, and the biological effects of ROS on SSc phenotype.

Methods
Peripheral blood T lymphocytes were isolated from serum of healthy controls or SSc patients by negative selection with magnetic beads and activated either with PMA or with magnetic beads coated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies. Intracellular ROS generation was measured using a DCFH-DA assay in a plate reader fluorimeter or by FACS analysis. CD69 expression and cytokine production were analyzed by FACS analysis. Protein expression was studied using immunoblotting techniques and mRNA levels were quantified by real-time PCR. Cell proliferation was carried out using a BrdU incorporation assay.

Results
Peripheral blood T lymphocytes from SSc patients showed an increased ROS production compared to T cells from healthy subjects. Since NADPH oxidase complex is involved in oxidative stress in SSc and we found high levels of gp91phox in SSc T cells, SSc T cells were incubated with chemical inhibititors or specific siRNAs against gp91phox. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase partially reverted CD69 activation and proliferation rate increase, and significantly influenced cytokine production and ERK1/2 activation.

Conclusions
SSc T lymphocityes are characterized by high levels of ROS, generated by NADPH oxidase via ERK1/2 phosphorylation, that are essential for cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production. These data confirm lymphocytes as key cellular players in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis and suggest a crucial link between ROS and T cell activation.
Characterization of menstrual stem cells: angiogenic effect, migration and hematopoietic stem cell support in comparison with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Alcayaga-Miranda Francisca , Cuenca Jimena , Luz-Crawford Patricia , Aguila-Díaz Carolina , Fernandez Ainoa , Figueroa Fernando E , Khoury Maroun 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Stem cells isolated from menstrual fluid (MenSCs) exhibit mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs)-like properties including multi-lineage differentiation capacity. Besides, menstrual fluid has important advantages over other sources for the isolation of MSCs, including ease of access and repeated sampling in a noninvasive manner. Such attributes allow the rapid culture of MenSCs in numbers that are sufficient for therapeutical doses, at lower cell passages.

Methods
In this study, we advance the characterization of MenSC populations in comparison to bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) with regards to proliferation, lineage differentiation, migration potential, secretion profile and angiogenic properties in vitro and in a matrigel plug assay in mice. We additionally tested their ability to support hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) expansion in vitro.

Results
The phenotypic analysis of MenSCs revealed a profile largely similar to the BM-MSCs with the exception of a higher expression of the adhesion molecule CD49a (alpha1-integrin). Furthermore, the fibroblast colony forming units (CFU-F) from MenSCs yielded a 2 to 4 fold higher frequency of progenitors and their in vitro migration capacity was superior to BM-MSCs. In addition, MenSCs evidenced a superior paracrine response to hypoxic conditions as evidenced by the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor and also improved angiogenic effect of conditioned media on endothelial cells. Furthermore, MenSCs were able to induce angiogenesis in a matrigel plug assay in vivo. Thus, an 8-fold increase in hemoglobin content was observed in implanted plugs containing MenSCs compared to BM-MSCs. Finally, we demonstrated, for the first time, the capacity of MenSCs to support the ex-vivo expansion of HSCs, since higher expansion rates of the CD34 + CD133+ population as well as higher numbers of early progenitor (CFU-GEMM) colonies were observed in comparison to the BM source.

Conclusions
We present evidence showing superiority of MenSCs with respect to several functional aspects, in comparison with BM-MSCs. However, the impact of such properties in their use as adult-derived stem cells for regenerative3 medicine remains to be clarified.
Role of breast cancer inhibitors on diabetes mellitus– an in silico approach
Authors: Rampogu Shailima DV 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer and diabetes mellitus type-2 are two of the major diseases, which cause death to the women worldwide. Around 16% of the breast cancer patients also suffer from diabetes mellitus. It has been noted that the risk of occurrence of the breast cancer is more in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus.MethodsOwing to this, the present article deals with an objective of using the breast cancer inhibitors for the diabetes drug target– 1ADS. Ten breast cancer inhibitors were drawn using Marvin Sketch. The docking was performed using Molegro software (Molegro Virtual Docker, MVD).ResultsThe docking wizard generated 50 poses with the highest Mol Dock score −131.649.ConclusionThis investigation successfully evaluated the effect of breast cancer inhibitors on diabetes mellitus, providing a new dimension in endocrine research.
Effect of cell immobilization and pH on Scheffersomyces stipitis growth and fermentation capacity in rich and inhibitory media
Authors: Portugal-Nunes Diogo , Sànchez i Nogué Violeta , Pereira Susana R , Craveiro Sandra C , Calado António J , Xavier Ana MRB 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background
A wide range of value-added products can potentially be produced by bioprocessing hardwood spent sulfite liquors (HSSLs) that are by-products of pulp and paper industry with a high pentose sugar content. However, besides sugars, HSSLs contain considerable amounts of sulfonated lignin derivatives and acetic acid that inhibit the metabolic activity of most microorganisms. Scheffersomyces stipitis is a yeast with high capacity to ferment the pentose sugar xylose under appropriate microaerophilic conditions but it has limited tolerance to HSSL inhibitors. In the present study, cultivations of suspended and immobilized S. stipitis were compared in terms of growth capacity and by-product formation using rich medium and HSSL to investigate whether the immobilization of cells in calcium alginate beads could be a protection against inhibitors while favoring the presence of microaerophilic conditions.

Results
Whereas cell immobilization clearly favored the fermentative metabolism in rich medium, pH control was found to play a more important role than cell immobilization on the ethanol production efficiency from bio-detoxified HSSL (bdHSSL), leading to an improvement of 1.3-fold on the maximum ethanol productivity than using suspended cells. When immobilization and pH control were applied simultaneously, the ethanol yield improved by 1.3-fold with unchanged productivity, reaching 0.26 g ethanol.(g glucose + xylose)−1. Analysis of the immobilized beads inside revealed that the cells had grown in the opposite direction of the cortex.

Conclusions
Immobilization and pH control at 5.5, when applied simultaneously, have a positive impact on the fermentative metabolism of S. stipitis, improving the ethanol production efficiency. For the first time light microscopic analysis of the beads suggested that the nutrient and mass transfer limitations played a more important role in the fermentation than a possible protective role against inhibitors.
Pragmatics and Syntax of the Discourse: Designation of the Speech Property and the Manner of Expression in the Contemporary Communication
Authors: Шапошников  , Shaposhnikov Vladimir 
Published: March 2015

Constructive signs that occupy the important state by forming and organizing
of the think, the means of the speech property and subjective manner
of the expression denotation in discourse are considered. The specifics of
their content and constructive components and the role of the discoursemodal
words in the utterance are determined$ their functional-stylistic attitude
in the language system is fixed. The going linguistic changes are
described; becoming obsolete and disappearing of some words, appearing
of the new words and their structural-communicative state, the transformation
of some language units meanings are described.
Developing of Linguosociocultural Competence at Training German Special Lexis on the Subject: «The Solution to Financial Questions in Day-to-day Life While Being in Germany»
Authors: Шмаль  , Shmal Meri , Феклистова  , Feklistova L. 
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the research results of language problems to the point
of financial regulation for the students educated for international programme
in German-speaking countries and the materials schemed out for the practical
using of linguistic means for the solution of these problems in the process
of formation of the foreign communicative competence of the students
studying German as the second foreign language.
Fifty-Year Durability Evaluation of Posts Treated with Industrial Wood Preservatives
Authors: Lebow Stan , Lebow Patricia , Woodward Bessie , Kirker Grant , Arango Rachel 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Long-term durability data are needed to improve service life estimates for treated wood products used as critical structural supports in industrial applications. This article reports the durability of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) posts pressure treated with ammoniacal copper arsenate (ACA), chromated copper arsenate (CCA), creosote, or pentachlorophenol and exposed for 50 years in southern Mississippi. During inspections, posts were subjected to a pass/fail evaluation by applying a load to the top of the post. No failures occurred in any of the 125 posts treated with CCA or in any of the 75 posts treated with pentachlorophenol. Three of 25 ACA-treated posts and 5 of 25 creosote-treated posts failed. Estimated times to 50 percent failure in the ACA- and creosote-treated posts were calculated as 96 and 78 years, respectively. The estimated years to failure for the CCA- and pentachlorophenol-treated posts could not be calculated because of the lack of failures but presumably would be greater than that calculated for the ACA- and creosote-treated posts. The durability of the posts is notable because the exposure site presents a severe biodeterioration hazard. The results of this study indicate that in-service posts, poles, and piles treated to standardized retentions with these industrial preservatives will be highly durable.
Expression of Metabolism-Related Proteins in Lacrimal Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Koo Ja Seung , Yoon Jin Sook 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Objectives:
To investigate the expression and the clinical implications of metabolism-related proteins in lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in comparison with salivary gland ACC.

Methods:
Human tissue samples of lacrimal gland ACC (n = 11) and salivary gland ACC (n = 64) were analyzed. Immunochemistry was used to measure expression of proteins related to glycolysis (glucose transporter 1, hexokinase II, carbonic anhydrase IX, and monocarboxylate transporter 4 [MCT4]), glutaminolysis (glutaminase 1 [GLS1], glutamate dehydrogenase [GDH], and amino acid transporter 2 [ASCT2]), mitochondria (adenosine triphosphate [ATP] synthase, succinate dehydrogenase A [SDHA], and succinate dehydrogenase B), and glycolytic intermediate metabolism (phosphoserine phosphatase [PSPH], serine hydroxymethyl transferase 1 [SHMT1]).

Results:
GLS1 and ASCT2 were more highly expressed, and GDH, ATP synthase, and SDHA were expressed to a lesser degree in lacrimal gland ACC than in salivary gland ACC (P &lt; .05). Lacrimal gland ACC showed less of a mitochondrial phenotype than did salivary gland ACC (P = .001). Positivity of MCT4 and PSPH was related to shorter disease-free survival, and SHMT1 was related to shorter overall survival (P &lt; .05).

Conclusions:
Lacrimal gland ACC exhibited higher expression of GLS1 and ASCT2, compared with salivary gland ACC. Overexpression of MCT4, PSPH, and SHMT1 was associated with poorer prognosis.
Beyond Asian? Beyond cinema? Intermediality, the performative and the cosmopolitan in the recent documentary films of Evans Chan
Authors: Ingham Mike 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
In Evans Chan’s latest documentary Datong: the Great Society (2011) on the life of would-be Qing Dynasty reformer Kang Youwei and his daughter Kang Tongbi in China, the United States and in exile in Sweden the device of theatrical performance is foregrounded, as it has often been in other documentary films by Chan. To those less familiar with Chan’s signature style the decision to employ stage actors rather than film actors, and to eschew the typical drama-documentary’s recourse to mimetic pictorial realism can defamiliarize. In this essay it will be argued that the notions of performance and theatricality that permeate much of this auteur director’s work, are congruent with both his film-making aesthetic and his intellectual pre-occupations.
Considerations on automation of coating machines
Authors: Tilsch Markus K. , O’Donnell Michael S. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Most deposition chambers sold into the optical coating market today are outfitted with an automated control system. We surveyed several of the larger equipment providers, and nine of them responded with information about their hardware architecture, data logging, level of automation, error handling, user interface, and interfacing options. In this paper, we present a summary of the results of the survey and describe commonalities and differences together with some considerations of tradeoffs, such as between capability for high customization and simplicity of operation.
Reference ranges of serum bile acids in children and adolescents
Authors: Jahnel Jörg , Zöhrer Evelyn , Scharnagl Hubert , Erwa Wolfgang , Fauler Günter , Stojakovic Tatjana 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBile acids (BA) are found predominantly in bile but also in serum, where they can be used as markers for inborn and acquired hepatobiliary disorders. We measured serum BA levels by mass spectrometry to determine reference ranges for healthy children and adolescents in different age groups.In 194 healthy children and adolescents (0–19 years) concentrations of serum BA and BA composition were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. Individuals were classified by ages into five groups: 0–5 months, 6–24 months, 3–5 years, 6–11 years, and >11 years.The 95% confidence interval of serum total BA values in newborns was 3.85–6.32 μmol/L. In the cohort aged 6–24 months total BA values were significantly higher (6.61–9.43 μmol/L; p<0.001). During growth, values decreased (6–11 years; 3.61–5.41 μmol/L), and after 11 years (3.09–4.12 μmol/L) resembled those in adults (0.28–6.50 μmol/L). With respect to conjugation patterns, in neonates BA were primarily conjugated with taurine; however, after 6 months glycine conjugates clearly predominated.: Our data show that serum BA values vary substantially during the first years of life and that reference ranges for BA are age-dependent. The physiologic mechanisms underlying these variations remain to be determined.
Overview of the roles of Sox2 in stem cell and development
Authors: Feng Ruopeng , Wen Jinhua 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSox2 is well known for its functions in embryonic stem (ES) cell pluripotency, maintenance, and self-renewal, and it is an essential factor in generating inducible pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. It also plays an important role in development and adult tissue homeostasis of different tissues, especially the central nervous system. Increasing evidence has shown that aging is a stemness-related process in which Sox2 is also implicated as a key player, especially in the neural system. These distinct roles that Sox2 plays involve delicate regulatory networks consisting of other master transcription factors, microRNAs and signaling pathways. Additionally, the expression level of Sox2 can also be modulated transcriptionally, translationally or post-translationally. Here we will mainly review the roles of Sox2 in stem cell related development, homeostasis maintenance, aging processes, and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.