bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The incidence of gastrointestinal perforations among rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Xie Fenglong , Chen Lang , Spettell Claire , McMahan Raechele M. , Fernandes Joaquim , Delzell Elizabeth 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjectiveGastrointestinal (GI) perforation has emerged as a novel safety concern in relation to medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to characterize the incidence and risk factors for GI perforation in RA patients.MethodsUsing administrative databases of a large US health plan, we identified RA patients treated with biologic agents, methotrexate (MTX), oral glucocorticoids, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additional risk factors we evaluated included diverticulitis. Hospitalization with GI perforation was identified using a validated algorithm. Incidence rates and risk factors were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsAmong 40,841 RA patients, 37 hospitalizations with GI perforation were identified. The rate of GI perforation among patients currently being treated with biologic agents who were also receiving oral glucocorticoids was higher (1.12 per 1,000 person‐years [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.50–2.49]) than for patients being treated with biologic agents who were not also receiving glucocorticoids (0.47 per 1,000 person‐years [95% CI 0.22–0.98]) or for patients being treated with MTX who were also receiving glucocorticoids (0.87 per 1,000 person‐years [95% CI 0.36–2.10]). Neither biologic agents nor MTX was significantly associated with GI perforation, in contrast to current treatment with glucocorticoids and NSAIDs together (hazard ratio 4.7 [95% CI 1.9–12.0]) or glucocorticoids alone (hazard ratio 2.8 [95% CI 1.3–6.1]). Diverticulitis also was a strong risk factor (hazard ratio 9.1 [95% CI 3.1–26.4]). Seventy percent of patients with GI perforation received glucocorticoids, had antecedent diverticulitis, or both.ConclusionGI perforation is an uncommon but serious adverse event among RA patients. Because a majority of patients with GI perforation were being treated with glucocorticoids or had previously experienced diverticulitis, these individuals should be considered at higher risk.
Therapeutic potential of anti–interleukin‐17A aptamer: Suppression of interleukin‐17A signaling and attenuation of autoimmunity in two mouse models
Authors: Ishiguro Akira , Akiyama Taishin , Adachi Hironori , Inoue Jun‐Ichiro , Nakamura Yoshikazu 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) is produced primarily by the CD4+ T cell subset called Th17 cells, which is involved in host defense, inflammation, and autoimmune disorders. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of a high‐affinity RNA molecule, called an aptamer, against human IL‐17A on IL‐17A–induced signal transduction in vitro and its anti‐autoimmune efficacy in vivo in 2 mouse models of inflammation.MethodsBy screening a large library of nuclease‐resistant RNA oligonucleotides, we selected an RNA aptamer, Apt21‐2, that binds human and mouse IL‐17 and blocks the interaction between IL‐17A and its receptor. The inhibition of IL‐17A–mediated phosphorylation and marker protein production was analyzed in human and mouse cells. Mice with glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase (GPI)–induced rheumatoid arthritis and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)–induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis were used to assess efficacy.ResultsApt21‐2 prevented efficient phosphorylation of the IL‐17A signaling factors IκB and JNK and inhibited the production of IL‐6 in human and mouse cells. A PEGylated form of Apt21‐2 (PEG21‐2idT) exhibited a 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) in the range of 1–2 nM and 70–80 nM in human and mouse cells, respectively. When administered immediately after immunization with GPI or MOG, PEG21‐2idT inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner the development of arthritic or neurologic symptoms. Significantly, PEG21‐2idT slowed the progression of arthritis when administered after the onset of GPI‐induced arthritis.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the chemically processed anti–IL‐17A aptamer PEG21‐2idT inhibits the actions of IL‐17A as well as the development of autoimmunity in 2 mouse models of inflammation. These results offer for the first time an aptamer‐based therapeutic approach to the treatment of Th17 cell–mediated autoimmune disorders.
Supramolecular Synthons in Designing Low Molecular Mass Gelling Agents: L‐Amino Acid Methyl Ester Cinnamate Salts and their Anti‐Solvent‐Induced Instant Gelation
Authors: Sahoo Pathik , Kumar D. Krishna , Raghavan Srinivasa R. , Dastidar Parthasarathi 
Published: October 2010

AbstractEasy access to a class of chiral gelators has been achieved by exploiting primary ammonium monocarboxylate (PAM), a supramolecular synthon. A combinatorial library comprising of 16 salts, derived from 5 l‐amino acid methyl esters and 4 cinnamic acid derivatives, has been prepared and scanned for gelation. Remarkably, 14 out of 16 salts prepared (87.5 % of the salts) show moderate to good gelation abilities with various solvents, including commercial fuels, such as petrol. Anti‐solvent induced instant gelation at room temperature has been achieved in all the gelator salts, indicating that the gelation process is indeed an aborted crystallization phenomenon. Rheology, optical and scanning electron microscopy, small angle neutron scattering, and X‐ray powder diffraction have been used to characterize the gels. A structure‐property correlation has been attempted, based on these data, in addition to the single‐crystal structures of 5 gelator salts. Analysis of the FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy data reveals that some of these salts can be used as supramolecular containers for the slow release of certain pest sex pheromones. The present study clearly demonstrates the merit of crystal engineering and the supramolecular synthon approach in designing new materials with multiple properties.
The polypeptide tunnel exit of the mitochondrial ribosome is tailored to meet the specific requirements of the organelle
Authors: Gruschke Steffi , Ott Martin 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe ribosomal polypeptide tunnel exit is the site where a variety of factors interact with newly synthesized proteins to guide them through the early steps of their biogenesis. In mitochondrial ribosomes, this site has been considerably modified in the course of evolution. In contrast to all other translation systems, mitochondrial ribosomes are responsible for the synthesis of only a few hydrophobic membrane proteins that are essential subunits of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Membrane insertion of these proteins occurs co‐translationally and is connected to a sophisticated assembly process that not only includes the assembly of the different subunits but also the acquisition of redox co‐factors. Here, we describe how mitochondrial translation is organized in the context of respiratory chain assembly and speculate how alteration of the ribosomal tunnel exit might allow the establishment of a subset of specialized ribosomes that individually organize the early steps in the biogenesis of distinct mitochondrially‐encoded proteins.
Pathogenesis of CADASIL
Authors: Joutel Anne 
Published: October 2010

AbstractSmall vessel diseases (SVDs) of the brain are the leading cause of vascular cognitive impairment and a major contributor to stroke in the human adult, however, their pathogenesis is poorly understood. Dominant mutations in NOTCH3 cause CADASIL, one of the most prevalent inherited cerebral SVDs. The disease gene encodes a transmembrane receptor primarily expressed in smooth muscle cells of small arteries and pericytes of brain capillaries. Pathogenic mutations alter the number of cysteine residues in the extracellular domain of NOTCH3, leading to its abnormal accumulation in the vessels of patients. Mice lacking NOTCH3 have revealed a critical role for NOTCH3 in the elaboration of small arteries. Despite being incomplete disease models, transgenic mice expressing CADASIL‐associated NOTCH3 mutations, have provided important insights into specific aspects of CADASIL pathogenesis, including the functional significance of disease‐linked mutations and the earliest pathological events that initiate brain lesions. In this paper, I provide a critical overview of these studies. Moreover, I discuss future directions and further work that needs to be done.
Genome‐scale modeling and in silico analysis of ethanologenic bacteria Zymomonas mobilis
Authors: Widiastuti Hanifah , Kim Jae Young , Selvarasu Suresh , Karimi Iftekhar A. , Kim Hyungtae , Seo Jeong‐Sun , Lee Dong‐Yup 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBioethanol has been recognized as a potential alternative energy source. Among various ethanol‐producing microbes, Zymomonas mobilis has acquired special attention due to its higher ethanol yield and tolerance. However, cellular metabolism in Z. mobilis remains unclear, hindering its practical application for bioethanol production. To elucidate such physiological characteristics, we reconstructed and validated a genome‐scale metabolic network (iZM363) of Z. mobilis ATCC31821 (ZM4) based on its annotated genome and biochemical information. The phenotypic behaviors and metabolic states predicted by our genome‐scale model were highly consistent with the experimental observations of Z. mobilis ZM4 strain growing on glucose as well as NMR‐measured intracellular fluxes of an engineered strain utilizing glucose, fructose, and xylose. Subsequent comparative analysis with Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as gene essentiality and flux coupling analyses have also confirmed the functional role of pdc and adh genes in the ethanologenic activity of Z. mobilis, thus leading to better understanding of this natural ethanol producer. In future, the current model could be employed to identify potential cell engineering targets, thereby enhancing the productivity of ethanol in Z. mobilis. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:655–665. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generation of stable, high‐producing cho cell lines by lentiviral vector‐mediated gene transfer in serum‐free suspension culture
Authors: Oberbek Agata , Matasci Mattia , Hacker David L. , Wurm Florian M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractLentivirus‐derived vectors (LVs) were studied for the generation of stable recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines. Stable pools and clones expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) were selected via fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS). For comparison, cell pools and cell lines were also generated by transfection, using the LV transfer plasmid alone. The level and stability of eGFP expression was greater in LV‐transduced cell lines and pools than in those established by transfection. CHO cells were also infected at two different multiplicities of infection with an LV co‐expressing eGFP and a tumor necrosis factor receptor:Fc fusion protein (TNFR:Fc). At 2‐day post‐infection, clonal cell lines with high eGFP‐specific fluorescence were recovered by FACS. These clones co‐expressed TNFR:Fc with yields of 50–250 mg/L in 4‐day cultures. The recovered cell lines maintained stable expression over 3 months in serum‐free suspension culture without selection. In conclusion, LV‐mediated gene transfer provided an efficient alternative to plasmid transfection for the generation of stable and high‐producing recombinant cell lines. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:600–610. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An active intracellular device to prevent lethal disease outcomes in virus‐infected bacterial cells
Authors: Bagh Sangram , Mandal Mahuya , Ang Jordan , McMillen David R. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractSynthetic biology includes an effort to logically control cellular behavior. One long‐term goal is to implement medical interventions inside living cells, creating intracellular “disease fighters”; one may imagine a system that detects viral infection and responds to halt the spread of the virus. Here, we explore a system designed to display some of the qualitative features that such disease prevention systems should have, while not claiming that the system itself has any medical application. An intracellular disease prevention mechanism should: lie dormant in the absence of the disease state; detect the onset of a lethal disease pathway; respond to halt or mitigate the disease's effects; and be subject to external deactivation when required. We have created a device that displays these properties, in the highly simplified case of a bacterial viral disease. Our system detects the onset of the lytic phase of bacteriophage lambda in Escherichia coli, responds by preventing this lethal pathway from being followed, and is deactivated by a temperature shift. We have formulated a mathematical model of the engineered system, using parameters obtained from the literature and by local experimental measurement, and shown that the model captures the essential experimental behavior of the system in most parameter regimes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:645–654. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new bioproduction route for a novel antimicrobial peptide
Authors: Tay Derrick Kok Sing , Rajagopalan Gobinath , Li Xiang , Chen Yu , Lua Linda H.L. , Leong Susanna Su Jan 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBeta defensins are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with a broad spectrum antimicrobial behavior against pathogens while having minimal tendency to incur pathogen resistance. Human β‐defensin 28 (hBD28) is a strongly cationic AMP and hence hypothesized to be highly effective in permeabilizing negatively‐charged pathogen membranes. However, the scarcity of hBD28 in vivo has impeded detailed structure and antimicrobial studies of hBD28. Chemical synthesis of hBD28 rendered extremely poor yields due to inefficient cysteine oxidation. In this study, a rapid and scalable production route to produce bioactive hBD28 in Escherichia coli (E. coli) is reported. The design of a dual fusion tag expression construct was pivotal in enhancing soluble expression and easing purification of hBD28. The final hBD28 (purity >95%) displayed significant antimicrobial activity against E. coli K12 and showed dose‐dependent killing kinetics. Circular dichroism spectroscopy confirmed the presence of both β‐sheet and α‐helix conformations in the secondary structure of hBD28. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:572–581. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Continuous supercritical emulsions extraction: A new technology for biopolymer microparticles production
Authors: Porta G. Della , Falco N. , Reverchon E. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractSupercritical emulsion extraction (SEE) was recently proposed for the production of biopolymer microparticles starting from oil‐in‐water emulsions. This technology can improve the product quality because of the fast and selective extraction of the dispersed oily phase by using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2). However, until now, SEE was proposed in batch configuration, sharing with the traditional processes an intrinsically discontinuous operation and problems of batches reproducibility and process yield. In this study, by using a countercurrent packed column, the SEE process was proposed in a continuous operating mode (SEE‐CM) for the production of poly‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) microparticles. The new process design takes advantage of the large contact area between the SC‐CO2 and emulsion allowing the production of PLGA microparticles with controlled and narrow size distributions in only few minutes. SEE‐CM operating parameters such as pressure, temperature, and flow rate ratios were analyzed and the process efficiency in terms of recovered material and its size distribution compared with SEE (batch mode operation) and conventional evaporation technology. PLGA microparticles showed a mean particle size between 1–3 µm (depending on the droplet sizes) with a SD that was always smaller than that associated with particles produced by discontinuous processes. Single and double emulsions were successfully treated and the microparticles physico‐chemical properties showed no morphological and structural differences between the SEE‐CM‐produced microparticles and the ones obtained by conventional evaporation technology. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:676–686. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Economic comparison of multiple techniques for recovering leaf protein in biomass processing
Authors: Bals Bryan , Dale Bruce E. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractLeaf protein concentrates (LPC) can be used as a valuable co‐product to cellulosic biofuel production and can also mitigate the food versus fuel controversy. Two major approaches have been considered for LPC production: a well‐characterized mechanical pressing method and a less studied method involving aqueous extraction with recovery using ultrafiltration. Experimental results with switchgrass extracts show low protein recovery after filtration, particularly if protein is recovered after cellulose hydrolysis. Economic modeling suggests that aqueous extraction costs less than mechanical pressing, but due to lower protein yields and lower quality, overall profit is higher for mechanical pressing versus aqueous extraction ($26/Mg feedstock vs. $14/Mg). If modest improvements can be made in extraction yields, filtration recovery, and protein quality, then the profitability of the aqueous extraction approach can be increased to $37/Mg feedstock. This study suggests that aqueous extraction is a viable alternative for LPC co‐production in a biorefinery if key improvements can be made in the process. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:530–537. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcome of laparoscopic duodenal switch for morbid obesity
Authors: Magee C J , Barry J , Brocklehurst J , Javed S , Macadam R , Kerrigan D D 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic duodenal switch (LDS) as a treatment option in a selected group of patients with morbid obesity.

Methods
This retrospective analysis of a prospective database assessed the frequency of all complications and alterations in weight, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidity and quality of life.

Results
One hundred and twenty-one patients underwent LDS between April 2003 and March 2009. Median preoperative weight was 160 kg and median BMI 55 kg/m2. All procedures were performed laparoscopically. The in-hospital mortality rate was zero. No ileoduodenal anastomotic stenosis was encountered. There were four clinical leaks (3·3 per cent) managed by laparoscopic drainage and placement of a feeding jejunostomy. Median percentage excess weight loss was 75 per cent at 12 months and 90 per cent at 24 months. Thirty-six of 40 diabetic patients had complete resolution of diabetes within 1 year. There were significant improvements in other obesity-related co-morbidity. Only a few patients developed postoperative protein deficiency, and fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies were easily managed with oral supplementation.

Conclusion
The LDS procedure is a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity and its associated co-morbidity in selected patients.
The greening dutchman: Philips' process of green flagging to drive sustainable innovations
Authors: Arnold Marlen Gabriele , Hockerts Kai 
Published: October 2010

AbstractSustainability innovation research often focuses on the interrelation and the interaction of influencing factors and actors while neglecting the importance of firm internal initiatives. Based on a longitudinal case study of the Dutch company Royal Philips Electronics, we develop the concept of ‘green flagging’ as a groundbreaking corporate sustainability innovation strategy. This paper describes how Philips uses this approach in its Green Flagship Program (GFP). Philips' GFP is particularly interesting since it sets specific targets across all its business units, thus driving the integration of sustainability innovation into its core business. This study suggests that the impact of sustainability innovations can be improved by focusing on sustainability as an explicit goal as well as processes and projects instead of merely concentrating on content and structure. We discuss the possibilities and limitations of these findings for theory and research on sustainability innovation strategies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Preliminary results on a study to locate the pterygopalatine fossa using mathematical formulae
Authors: Du Plessis M. , Navsa N. , Bosman M.C. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBlocking the contents of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) has been shown to be effective in treating most orofacial pain including that associated with trigeminal neuralgia. However, the technique is not widely used, and we propose it to be due to the vague descriptions of the techniques in the literature. The aim of this study was therefore to achieve an alternative method of locating the PPF. One hundred and sixty skulls from the department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, were used. Distinct landmarks (both anthropometric and clinical) accompanied by existing and new anthropometric measurements were used to define the location of the PPF. Regression analysis was used to measure the reliability of predicting the location of the PPF. From the results, two mathematical formulae were devised (one for each side). These formulae were tested on 47 cadavers by inserting a needle at the calculated points after which the areas where dissected to determine whether or not the needle had entered the PPF. Our results showed an accuracy of 65.2% on the right and 54.4% on the left. In conclusion, improvement in the accuracy of the technique could aid in the management of various pain disorders as well as pain management during surgery. Clin. Anat. 23:931–935, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An anterior fibulocalcaneus muscle: An anomalous muscle discovered in the anterior compartment of the leg
Authors: Lambert H. Wayne , Atsas Stavros 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAnomalous fibulocalcaneus muscles were discovered bilaterally in the anterior compartment of the leg during a routine dissection of a 76‐year‐old Caucasian male in the medical gross anatomy laboratory. These muscles originated from the fibula, anterior crural septum, and the investing fascia of the fibularis tertius, and they passed anterior to the lateral malleolus and inserted on the calcaneus, anterosuperior to the fibular trochlea. To our knowledge, these anterior fibulocalcaneus muscles have not been described previously. Clin. Anat., 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New Developments in Liquid Membrane Permeation with Support Layers
Authors: Fritz M. , Siebenhofer M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIn einer Zeit steigender Rohstoffpreise und Rohstoffverknappung rücken Themen wie das Recycling von Schwermetallen in das Interesse der Öffentlichkeit. Die technologische Entwicklung der Flüssigmembranpermeation mit gestützten Membranen ist eine potenzielle Basis, um ein effizienteres Schwermetallrecycling umzusetzen. Verfahrenstechnische Fortschritte für die industrielle Umsetzung der Flüssigmembranpermeation mit gestützten Membranen werden erläutert.
Eingangsvoraussetzungen von Studienanfängern im Fach Chemie
Authors: Busker Maike , Parchmann Ilka , Wickleder Mathias 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAn vielen Universitäten steht zu Beginn des Chemiestudiums eine Veranstaltung zur Allgemeinen Chemie oder Einführung in die Chemie. Diese wendet sich zum einen an Studienanfänger mit einer sehr unterschiedlichen schulischen Vorbildung im Fach Chemie und zum anderen häufig an Studierende unterschiedlicher Studiengänge. Damit richtet sich diese Veranstaltung zumeist an eine in doppelter Hinsicht heterogene Lerngruppe. Der Beitrag stellt eine empirische Analyse von Studieneingangsvoraussetzungen im Fach Chemie vor, in der das Fachwissen sowie die Interessen von Studienanfängern erhoben wurden, um auf Basis dieser empirischen Untersuchungen ein Übungskonzept zu entwickeln, in dem die heterogenen Lernvoraussetzungen gezielt aufgegriffen werden können.