bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspirin‐Triggered Lipoxin Prevents Antiphospholipid Antibody Effects on Human Trophoblast Migration and Endothelial Cell Interactions
Authors: Alvarez Angela M. , Mulla Melissa J. , Chamley Lawrence W. , Cadavid Angela P. , Abrahams Vikki M. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveAntiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) interfere with several physiologic functions of human trophoblasts, including reducing their ability to migrate, decreasing their production of angiogenic factors, and inducing an inflammatory response. This may provide the underlying mechanism by which aPL responses lead to recurrent pregnancy loss or preeclampsia in women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Although treatment with heparin may reduce the rate of recurrent pregnancy loss, the risk of preeclampsia remains high. Therefore, alternative treatments are needed for the management of pregnant patients with APS. Since aspirin‐triggered lipoxins (ATLs) have immune and angiogenic modulatory properties, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of the ATL 15‐epi‐lipoxin A4 on the function of aPL‐altered human trophoblasts in the first trimester of pregnancy.MethodsA first‐trimester human trophoblast cell line (HTR8) was treated with mouse anti‐human β2‐glycoprotein I monoclonal antibodies (aPL) in the presence or absence of the ATL 15‐epi‐lipoxin A4. Trophoblast migration and interactions with endometrial endothelial cells were measured using Transwell and coculture assays. Trophoblast secretion of cytokines and angiogenic factors was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsTreatment of HTR8 cells with ATL reversed the aPL‐induced decrease in trophoblast migration, an effect that appeared to be regulated through restoration of interleukin‐6 production. Using a model of spiral artery transformation, aPL and sera from APS patients with pregnancy morbidity disrupted trophoblast–endothelial cell interactions, and treatment with ATL restored the stability of the cocultures. In contrast, ATL treatment did not resolve the proinflammatory and antiangiogenic responses of trophoblasts induced by aPL.ConclusionThese findings indicate that ATLs may have some benefits in terms of preventing the effects of aPL on trophoblast function, which raises the possibility of the use of ATLs as an adjuvant therapy in women with aPL.
Power and Color Doppler Ultrasound Settings for Inflammatory Flow: Impact on Scoring of Disease Activity in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Torp‐Pedersen Søren , Christensen Robin , Szkudlarek Marcin , Ellegaard Karen , D'Agostino Maria Antonietta , Iagnocco Annamaria , Naredo Esperanza , Balint Peter , Wakefield Richard J. , Torp‐Pedersen Arendse , Terslev Lene 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTo determine how settings for power and color Doppler ultrasound sensitivity vary on different high‐ and intermediate‐range ultrasound machines and to evaluate the impact of these changes on Doppler scoring of inflamed joints.MethodsSix different types of ultrasound machines were used. On each machine, the factory setting for superficial musculoskeletal scanning was used unchanged for both color and power Doppler modalities. The settings were then adjusted for increased Doppler sensitivity, and these settings were designated study settings. Eleven patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with wrist involvement were scanned on the 6 machines, each with 4 settings, generating 264 Doppler images for scoring and color quantification. Doppler sensitivity was measured with a quantitative assessment of Doppler activity: color fraction. Higher color fraction indicated higher sensitivity.ResultsPower Doppler was more sensitive on half of the machines, whereas color Doppler was more sensitive on the other half, using both factory settings and study settings. There was an average increase in Doppler sensitivity, despite modality, of 78% when study settings were applied. Over the 6 machines, 2 Doppler modalities, and 2 settings, the grades for each of 7 of the patients varied between 0 and 3, while the grades for each of the other 4 patients varied between 0 and 2.ConclusionThe effect of using different machines, Doppler modalities, and settings has a considerable influence on the quantification of inflammation by ultrasound in RA patients, and this must be taken into account in multicenter studies.
Cardiomyopathy in Murine Models of Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Venalis Paulius , Kumánovics Gábor , Schulze‐Koops Hendrik , Distler Alfiya , Dees Clara , Zerr Pawel , Palumbo‐Zerr Katrin , Czirják László , Mackevic Zygmunt , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Distler Oliver , Schett Georg , Distler Jörg H. W. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveCardiomyopathy has emerged as a leading cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, the pathogenesis of SSc‐related cardiomyopathy is poorly understood, and new therapies as well as platforms for testing are needed. The aim of this study was to characterize the histopathologic features of cardiomyopathy in patients with SSc and in common mouse models of SSc.MethodsThe histopathologic features of myocardial tissue specimens obtained at autopsy from 5 subjects with SSc and 5 control subjects matched for sex, age, and cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated and compared with those of myocardial tissue specimens obtained from 3 common mouse models of SSc with systemic manifestations: Fra‐2–transgenic mice, mice with sclerodermatous chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), and TSK‐1 mice.ResultsMyocardial tissue from autopsy subjects with SSc and no clinically manifest cardiac involvement showed endothelial cell apoptosis with reduced capillary density, perivascular inflammation, myofibroblast differentiation, and accumulation of collagen. Only selected features of SSc‐related cardiomyopathy were observed in the mice with chronic GVHD and TSK‐1 mice. However, the myocardial tissue of Fra‐2–transgenic mice mimicked all features of SSc‐related cardiomyopathy and also demonstrated comparable vascular, inflammatory, and fibrotic manifestations. Of note, the expression of Fra‐2 was also increased in the myocardium of autopsy subjects with SSc.ConclusionWe demonstrate that all typical manifestations of SSc‐related cardiomyopathy are mimicked in Fra‐2–transgenic mice. Moreover, overexpression of Fra‐2 in the myocardium of autopsy subjects with SSc may suggest similar underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Thus, Fra‐2–transgenic mice might be a suitable preclinical model with which to study the mechanisms of and therapeutic approaches to myocardial involvement in SSc.
Fluorescence techniques used to measure interactions between hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and epidermal growth factor receptors
Authors: Kathawala Mustafa H. , Khoo Stella P. K. , Sudhaharan Thankiah , Zhao Xinxin , Say Chye Loo Joachim , Ahmed Sohail , Woei Ng Kee 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe potential applications of nanomaterials in therapeutics are immense and to fully explore this potential, it is important to understand the interaction of nanoparticles with cellular components. To examine the interaction between nanoparticles and cell membrane receptors, this report describes the use of advanced fluorescence techniques to measure interactions between hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), as a model system. FITC‐labelled HA nanoparticles and monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP)‐conjugated EGFRs expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO‐K1) were generated and their interaction measured using acceptor photobleaching‐fluorescence resonance energy transfer (AP‐FRET) and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy‐fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FLIM‐FRET). Results confirmed that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles not only interacted with EGFR but also attenuated downstream EGFR signalling, possibly by hindering normal dimerization of EGFR. Furthermore, the extent of signal attenuation suggested correlation with specific surface area of the nanoparticles, whereby greater specific surface area resulted in greater downstream signal attenuation. This novel demonstration establishes fluorescence techniques as a viable method to study nanoparticle interactions with proteins such as cell surface receptors. The approach described herein can be extended to study interactions between any fluorescently labelled nanoparticle‐biomolecule pair.
Xylan degradation improved by a combination of monolithic columns bearing immobilized recombinant β‐xylosidase from Aspergillus awamori X‐100 and Grindamyl H121 β‐xylanase
Authors: Volokitina Maria V. , Bobrov Kirill S. , Piens Kathleen , Eneyskaya Elena V. , Tennikova Tatiana B. , Vlakh Evgenia G. , Kulminskaya Anna A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSynergistic action of exo‐ and endohydrolazes is preferred for effective destruction of biopolymers. The main purpose of the present work was to develop an efficient tool for degradation of xylan. Macroporous lab‐made monolithic columns and commercial CIM‐Epoxy disk were used to immobilize the recombinant β‐xylosidase from Aspergillus awamori and Grindamyl β‐xylanase. The efficiency of xylan degradation using the low‐loaded β‐xylosidase column appeared to be four times higher than for the in‐solution process and about six times higher than for the high‐loaded bioreactor. Disk bioreactor with the Grindamil β‐xylanase operated in a recirculation mode has shown noticeable advantages over the column design. Additionally, a system comprised of two immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) was tested to accelerate the biopolymer hydrolysis, yielding total xylan conversion into xylose within 20 min. Fast online monitoring HPLC procedure was developed where an analytical DEAE CIM disk was added to the two‐enzyme system in a conjoint mode. A loss of activity of immobilized enzymes did not exceed 7% after 5 months of the bioreactor usage. We can therefore conclude that the bioreactors developed exhibit high efficiency and remarkable long‐term stability.
Inhibition of the hyaluronan oligosaccharides inflammatory response: reduction of adenosine 2A receptor activation by EPAC and PKA
Authors: Campo Giuseppe M. , Avenoso Angela , D'Ascola Angela , Scuruchi Michele , Nastasi Giancarlo , Calatroni Alberto , Campo Salvatore 
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of exchange proteins directly activated by cyclic adenosine (ADO) monophosphate (EPAC) in 4‐mer hyaluronan (HA) oligosaccharide‐induced inflammatory response in mouse normal synovial fibroblasts (NSF).Treatment of NSF with 4‐mer HA increased Toll‐like receptor‐4, TNF‐alpha and IL‐1beta mRNA expression and of the related proteins, as well as nuclear factor kappaB (NF‐kB) activation. Addition to NSF, previously stimulated with 4‐mer HA oligosaccharides, of ADO significantly reduced NF‐kB activation, TNF‐alpha and IL‐1beta expression. The pre‐treatment of NSF with cyclic ADO monophosphate and/or PKA and/or EPAC‐specific inhibitors significantly inhibited the anti‐inflammatory effect exerted by ADO. In particular, the EPAC inhibitor reduced the ADO effect to a major extent than the PKA inhibitor.These results mean that both PKA and EPAC pathways are involved in ADO‐induced NF‐kB inhibition although EPAC seems to be more involved than PKA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender‐related clinical and echocardiographic outcomes at 30‐day and 12‐month follow up after MitraClip implantation in the GRASP registry
Authors: Attizzani Guilherme F. , Ohno Yohei , Capodanno Davide , Cannata Stefano , Dipasqua Fabio , Immé Sebastiano , Mangiafico Sarah , Barbanti Marco , Ministeri Margherita , Cageggi Anna , Pistritto Anna Maria , Giaquinta Sandra , Farruggio Silvia , Chiarandà Marta , Ronsivalle Giuseppe , Scandura Salvatore , Tamburino Corrado , Capranzano Piera , Grasso Carmelo 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo assess the influence of patients' gender on the outcomes of percutaneous edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair (PMVR) using the MitraClip system.BackgroundAlthough gender‐related differences have been extensively documented in patients who undergo surgery for moderate‐to‐severe (3+) and severe (4+) mitral regurgitation (MR), studies assessing whether these differences exist after PMVR are lacking.MethodsClinical and echocardiographic data through 12‐month follow up from 171 consecutive patients whom underwent MitraClip implantation and were dichotomized by the gender (106 males and 65 females) were obtained. The primary safety endpoint was the incidence of major adverse events at 30 days and the primary efficacy endpoint was freedom from death, surgery for mitral valve dysfunction, or grade ≥ 3+ MR at 12‐month follow up.ResultsThe primary safety endpoint was observed in four males (3.8%) and four females (6.2%) (P = 0.358). Remarkable reduction in MR postprocedure was revealed in both groups, and these results were mostly sustained. Furthermore, left ventricle reverse remodeling and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class improvement were revealed in both groups, but females tended to demonstrate worse results over time (P = 0.083). The primary efficacy endpoint obtained by Kaplan‐Meier estimates was observed in 76.3 and 70.2%, respectively (log rank P = 0.231).ConclusionsMitraClip implantation in patients with 3+ and 4+ MR is safe and efficacious until mid‐term follow up, regardless of patients' gender. Despite improvement in NYHA functional class in both groups, female gender demonstrated a trend toward poorer results. Further validation of our findings is warranted. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of acute elastic recoil between the SAPIEN‐XT and SAPIEN valves in transfemoral–transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Garg Aatish , Parashar Akhil , Agarwal Shikhar , Aksoy Olcay , Hammadah Muhammad , Poddar Kanhaiya Lal , Puri Rishi , Svensson Lars G. , Krishnaswamy Amar , Tuzcu E. Murat , Kapadia Samir R. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe SAPIEN‐XT is a newer generation balloon‐expandable valve created of cobalt chromium frame, as opposed to the stainless steel frame used in the older generation SAPIEN valve. We sought to determine if there was difference in acute recoil between the two valves.MethodsAll patients who underwent transfemoral–transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the SAPIEN‐XT valve at the Cleveland Clinic were included. Recoil was measured using biplane cine‐angiographic image analysis of valve deployment. Acute recoil was defined as [(valve diameter at maximal balloon inflation) − (valve diameter after deflation)]/valve diameter at maximal balloon inflation (reported as percentage). Patients undergoing SAPIEN valve implantation were used as the comparison group.ResultsAmong the 23 mm valves, the mean (standard deviation—SD) acute recoil was 2.77% (1.14) for the SAPIEN valve as compared to 3.75% (1.52) for the SAPIEN XT valve (P = 0.04). Among the 26 mm valves, the mean (SD) acute recoil was 2.85% (1.4) for the SAPIEN valve as compared to 4.32% (1.63) for the SAPIEN XT valve (P = 0.01). Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated significantly greater adjusted recoil in the SAPIEN XT valves as compared to the SAPIEN valves by 1.43% [(95% CI: 0.69–2.17), P < 0.001]. However, the residual peak gradient was less for SAPIEN XT compared to SAPIEN valves [18.86 mm Hg versus 23.53 mm Hg (P = 0.01)]. Additionally, no difference in paravalvular leak was noted between the two valve types (P = 0.78).ConclusionsThe SAPIEN XT valves had significantly greater acute recoil after deployment compared to the SAPIEN valves. Implications of this difference in acute recoil on valve performance need to be investigated in future studies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increasing the Electrolyte Capacity of Alkaline Zn–Air Fuel Cells by Scavenging Zincate with Ca(OH)2
Authors: Zhu Aaron L. , Duch Darek , Roberts Gregory A. , Li Sasha X. X. , Wang Haijiang , Duch Konrad , Bae Eunjoo , Jung Kwang S. , Wilkinson David , Kulinich Sergei A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe use of calcium hydroxide for scavenging zincate species is demonstrated to be a highly effective approach for increasing the electrolyte capacity and improving the performance of the zinc–air fuel cell system. A fundamental approach is established in this study to quantify the formation of calcium zincate as the product of scavenging and the amount of water compensation necessary for optimal performance. The good agreement between predicted and experimental results proves the validity of the proposed theoretical approach. By applying the results of theoretical predictions, both the electrolyte capacity and the cell longevity have been increased by more than 40 %. It is also found that, using Ca(OH)2 to scavenge zincate species in concentrated KOH solutions, affects mostly the removal of zincate, rather than ZnO, from the electrolyte, whereas the presence of excess, free, mobile H2O plays a key role in dissolving ZnO and forming zincate. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that the proposed approach can widely and effectively be applied to all zinc–air cell systems during their discharge cycle.
Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 into Negative Electrode Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ge Jianbang , Hu Liwen , Wang Wei , Jiao Handong , Jiao Shuqiang 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe capture and electrochemical conversion of CO2 in molten LiCl–Li2CO3 salt is proposed. By using an inert platinum anode and a tungsten cathode, the CO32− could be easily converted into carbon and oxygen gas, as well as O2−. The released O2− was responsible for the further capture of CO2. Also, CO2 could be effectively absorbed in such chloride melts with a low content of oxygen ion dissolved. In addition, the produced carbon displayed good performance as a negative electrode material for Li‐ion batteries, suggesting that the process is an environmentally friendly way to convert CO2 into energy‐storage materials.
Strongly Coupled Cyclometalated Ruthenium–Triarylamine Hybrids: Tuning Electrochemical Properties, Intervalence Charge Transfer, and Spin Distribution by Substituent Effects
Authors: Yao Chang‐Jiang , Nie Hai‐Jing , Yang Wen‐Wen , Shao Jiang‐Yang , Yao Jiannian , Zhong Yu‐Wu 
Published: November 2014

AbstractNine cyclometalated ruthenium complexes with a redox‐active diphenylamine unit in the para position to the RuC bond were prepared. MeO, Me, and Cl substituents on the diphenylamine unit and three types of auxiliary ligands—bis(N‐methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine (Mebip), 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (tpy), and trimethyl‐4,4′,4′′‐tricarboxylate‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (Me3tctpy)—were used to vary the electronic properties of these complexes. The derivative with an MeO‐substituted amine unit and Me3tctpy ligand was studied by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. All complexes display two well‐separated redox waves in the potential region of +0.1 to +1.0 V versus Ag/AgCl, and the potential splitting ranges from 360 to 510 mV. Spectroelectrochemical measurements show that these complexes display electrochromism at low potentials and intense near‐infrared (NIR) absorptions. In the one‐electron oxidized form, the complex with the Cl‐substituted amine unit and Mebip ligand shows a moderate ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer at 800 nm. The other eight complexes show asymmetric, narrow, and intense intervalence charge‐transfer transitions in the NIR region, which are independent of the polarity of the solvent. The Mebip‐containing complexes display rhombic or broad isotropic EPR signals, whereas the other seven complexes show relatively narrow isotropic EPR signals. In addition, DFT and time‐dependent DFT studies were performed to gain insights into the spin distributions and NIR absorptions.
Chemically and Biologically Harmless versus Harmful Ferritin/Copper–Metallothionein Couples
Authors: Carmona Fernando , Mendoza Daniela , Kord Scheghajegh , Asperti Michela , Arosio Paolo , Atrian Sílvia , Capdevila Mercè , Dominguez‐Vera Jose M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe simultaneous measurement of the decrease of available FeII ions and the increase of available FeIII ions allowed the analysis of the ferroxidase activity of two distinct apoferritins. Although recombinant human apoferritin (HuFtH) rapidly oxidizes FeII to FeIII, this iron is not properly stored in the ferritin cavity, as otherwise occurs in horse‐spleen H/L‐apoferritin (HsFt; H=heavy subunit, L=light subunit). Iron storage in these apoferritins was also studied in the presence of two copper‐loaded mammalian metallothioneins (MT2 and MT3), a scenario that occurs in different brain‐cell types. For HuFtH, unstored FeIII ions trigger the oxidation of Cu–MT2 with concomitant CuI release. In contrast, there is no reaction with Cu–MT2 in the case of HsFt. Similarly, Cu–MT3 does not react during either HuFtH or HsFt iron reconstitution. Significantly, the combination of ferritin and metallothionein isoforms reported in glia and neuronal cells are precisely those combinations that avoid a harmful release of FeII and CuI ions.
Insights into the Crystallisation Process from Anhydrous, Hydrated and Solvated Crystal Forms of Diatrizoic Acid
Authors: Fucke Katharina , McIntyre Garry J. , Lemée‐Cailleau Marie‐Hélène , Wilkinson Clive , Edwards Alison J. , Howard Judith A. K. , Steed Jonathan W. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractDiatrizoic acid (DTA), a clinically used X‐ray contrast agent, crystallises in two hydrated, three anhydrous and nine solvated solid forms, all of which have been characterised by X‐ray crystallography. Single‐crystal neutron structures of DTA dihydrate and monosodium DTA tetrahydrate have been determined. All of the solid‐state structures have been analysed using partial atomic charges and hardness algorithm (PACHA) calculations. Even though in general all DTA crystal forms reveal similar intermolecular interactions, the overall crystal packing differs considerably from form to form. The water of the dihydrate is encapsulated between a pair of host molecules, which calculations reveal to be an extraordinarily stable motif. DTA presents functionalities that enable hydrogen and halogen bonding, and whilst an extended hydrogen‐bonding network is realised in all crystal forms, halogen bonding is not present in the hydrated crystal forms. This is due to the formation of a hydrogen‐bonding network based on individual enclosed water squares, which is not amenable to the concomitant formation of halogen bonds. The main interaction in the solvates involves the carboxylic acid, which corroborates the hypothesis that this strong interaction is the last one to be broken during the crystal desolvation and nucleation process.