bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interferon-γ Contributes to HLA-B27-associated Unfolded Protein Response in Spondyloarthropathies
Authors: FENG YUAN , DING JIN , FAN CHUN MEI , ZHU PING 
Published: January 2012

Objective.HLA-B27 positivity strongly influences the susceptibility to and phenotype of spondyloarthropathies (SpA). This study was designed to screen factors that activate the promoter of HLA-B27 in U937 cells, and to assess whether these promoter-activating factors induce the unfolded protein response (UPR) in HLA-B27-expressing cells.Methods.Cytometric Bead Array, flow cytometry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression of cytokines and UPR-associated proteins in peripheral blood and synovial fluid of patients with SpA. The HLA-B27 promotor transfectant was incubated separately with cytokines and Toll-like receptor ligands. After interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulation, expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and XBP-1 were tested in HLA-B27-expressing U937 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). (Clinical trial registration no. ChiCTR-OCC-11001565)Results.Expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and XBP-1 in monocytes/macrophages of SpA peripheral blood and synovial fluid were higher than those in healthy controls and patients with osteoarthritis (OA) (p < 0.05). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IFN-α, IFN-ß, and IFN-γ were found to have activated the HLA-B27 promoter in the U937 cell line (p < 0.05). Following stimulation with IFN-γ, the expressions of GRP78, CHOP and XBP-1 in HLA-B27-transfected U937 cells and PBMC of HLA-B27-positive AS patients were more intense than those in A2-U937 cells, HLA-B27-negative AS patients, or healthy controls (p < 0.05).Conclusion.Expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and XBP-1 were higher in monocytes/macrophages of patients with SpA than those in both OA patients and healthy controls, suggesting that UPR may participate in the pathogenesis of SpA. TNF-α and IFN-α, IFN-ß, and IFN-γ significantly activated HLA-B27 promoter in the U937 cell line, and IFN-γ, the strongest activating factor, may induce the UPR in HLA-B27-expressing cells.
Serum Levels of Galectin-3: Possible Association with Fibrosis, Aberrant Angiogenesis, and Immune Activation in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: TANIGUCHI TAKASHI , ASANO YOSHIHIDE , AKAMATA KANAME , NODA SHINJI , MASUI YURI , YAMADA DAISUKE , TAKAHASHI TAKEHIRO , ICHIMURA YOHEI , TOYAMA TETSUO , TAMAKI ZENSHIRO , TADA YAYOI , SUGAYA MAKOTO , KADONO TAKAFUMI , SATO SHINICHI 
Published: January 2012

Objective.Galectin-3 is a multifunctional protein implicated in a variety of biological processes including fibrosis, angiogenesis, and immune activation, all of which are associated with the development of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated the clinical significance of serum galectin-3 levels in SSc.Methods.Serum galectin-3 levels were determined by a specific ELISA in 58 patients with SSc and 19 healthy controls.Results.Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly lower in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) than in controls (3.29 ± 3.27 ng/ml vs 4.91 ± 2.67 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.05), while being comparable between limited cutaneous SSc (3.70 ± 2.39 ng/ml) and healthy controls. In dcSSc, serum galectin-3 levels significantly correlated with total skin score (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly decreased in early dcSSc (disease duration < 1 year; 1.64 ± 1.74 ng/ml; p < 0.05), but not in mid-stage dcSSc (1 to 6 years; 3.22 ± 3.16 ng/ml) or late-stage dcSSc (> 6 years; 4.86 ± 4.10 ng/ml), compared with controls. Serum galectin-3 levels were higher in SSc patients with both digital ulcers (DU) and elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) than in those without each symptom (DU: 5.44 ± 3.74 ng/ml vs 2.99 ± 2.36 ng/ml, p < 0.05; elevated RVSP: 4.44 ± 3.14 ng/ml vs 2.82 ± 2.64 ng/ml, p < 0.05).Conclusion.Galectin-3 may be related to the developmental process of skin sclerosis in dcSSc and of DU and pulmonary vascular involvements in total SSc.
Warfarin in Systemic Sclerosis-associated and Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. A Bayesian Approach to Evaluating Treatment for Uncommon Disease
Authors: JOHNSON SINDHU R. , GRANTON JOHN T. , TOMLINSON GEORGE A. , GROSBEIN HADDAS A. , LE THAOLAN , LEE PETER , SEARY M. ELIZABETH , HAWKER GILLIAN A. , FELDMAN BRIAN M. 
Published: January 2012

Objective.Warfarin is recommended in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SSc-PAH) and idiopathic PAH (IPAH) to improve survival. There is no evidence to support this in SSc-PAH and the evidence in IPAH is conflicting. We evaluated the ability of warfarin to improve survival using 2 large SSc-PAH and IPAH cohorts.Methods.The effect of warfarin on all-cause mortality was evaluated. Bayesian propensity scores (PS) were used to adjust for baseline differences between patients exposed and not exposed to warfarin, and to assemble a matched cohort. Bayesian Cox proportional hazards models were constructed using informative priors based on international PAH expert elicitation.Results.Review of 1138 charts identified 275 patients with SSc-PAH (n = 78; 28% treated with warfarin) and 155 patients with IPAH (n = 91; 59% treated with warfarin). Baseline differences in PAH severity and medications were resolved using PS matching. In the matched cohort of 98 patients with SSc-PAH (49 treated with warfarin), the posterior median hazard ratio (HR) was 1.06 [95% credible interval (CrI) 0.70, 1.63]. In the matched cohort of 66 patients with IPAH (33 treated with warfarin), the posterior median HR was 1.07 (95% CrI 0.57, 1.98). The probability that warfarin improves median survival by 6 months or more is 23.5% in SSc-PAH and 27.7% in IPAH. Conversely, there is a > 70% probability that warfarin provides no significant benefit or is harmful.Conclusion.There is a low probability that warfarin improves survival in SSc-PAH and IPAH. Given the availability of other PAH therapies with demonstrable benefits, there is little reason to use warfarin to improve survival for these patients.
Assessment of Preclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: HAMDI WAFA , CHELLI BOUAZIZ MOUNA , ZOUCH IMEN , GHANNOUCHI MOHAMED MEHDI , HAOUEL MANEL , LADEB MOHAMED FETHI , KCHIR MOHAMED MONTACER 
Published: January 2012

Objective.Epidemiological studies recently confirmed the increased risk of vascular morbidity and mortality during ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Increase of intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery is a useful and noninvasive marker of preclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to compare IMT in patients with AS with matched controls and to determine risk factors of atherosclerosis related to AS.Methods.We performed a prospective study of 60 consecutive patients meeting modified New York criteria for AS, compared to 60 controls matched for age and sex. Disease-specific measures were determined. Measurement of IMT was performed by the same radiologist using the same machine and probe in right and left common carotid arteries, and the average of the 2 measurements was considered.Results.In total 48 male and 12 female patients were recruited, and 60 corresponding controls; mean age was 36 ± 11 years. We found significantly increased IMT in the AS group (0.51 ± 0.12 mm) compared with controls (0.39 ± 0.09 mm; p = 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, increased IMT was still present (p = 0.003). Age at onset of AS (p = 0.001), Bath AS Disease Activity Index (p = 0.002), AS Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; p = 0.047), ASDAS C-reactive protein (CRP; p = 0.012), Bath AS Functional Index (p = 0.008), global spine visual analog scale for pain (p = 0.000), Schober index (p = 0.039), Bath AS Metrology Index (p = 0.028), modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (p = 0.035), and high ESR (p = 0.001) and CRP (p = 0.000) were correlated with high IMT in patients with AS. Otherwise, status of arthritis (p = 0.442), enthesitis (p = 0.482), and HLA-B27 (p = 0.528) seemed to have no effect on IMT.Conclusion.AS is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis independent of traditional risk factors. Disease activity, functional and mobility limitations, structural damage, and inflammation are the most incriminated risk factors.
Optimization of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Systemic Sclerosis — A Single-center Longterm Experience in 26 Patients with Severe Organ Manifestations
Authors: HENES JOERG C. , SCHMALZING MARC , VOGEL WICHARD , RIEMEKASTEN GABRIELA , FEND FALKO , KANZ LOTHAR , KOETTER INA 
Published: January 2012

Objective.Autologous stem cell transplantation (aSCT) for systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been shown to be effective in recent reports. This aggressive approach and the disease itself are associated with a high mortality. We report our experiences in 26 consecutive patients.Methods.Between 1997 and 2009, 26 patients were scheduled for aSCT. Our standard transplant regimen consists of cyclophosphamide (CYC) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) for mobilization and CYC plus antithymocyte globulin for conditioning before the retransfusion of CD34 selected stem cells. The major outcome variable was the response to treatment [reduction of modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) by 25%] at Month 6. Secondary endpoints were the transplant-related mortality and the progression-free survival.Results.Significant skin and lung function improvement of the mRSS was achieved in 78.3% of patients at Month 6. The overall response rate was 91%, as some patients improved even after Month 6. Three patients died between mobilization and conditioning treatment, 2 due to severe disease progression and 1 whose death was considered treatment-related (i.e., GCSF or CYC toxicity). Depending on definitions, transplant-related mortality was 4% and treatment-related mortality 11%. Seven patients experienced a relapse during the 4.4 years of followup. The progression-free survival was 74%. Four patients died during followup and the most frequent causes of death were pulmonary and cardiac complications of SSc.Conclusion.aSCT led to significant improvement in most patients with SSc. The procedure requires further optimization; hence we are modifying our screening and treatment strategy. To minimize infectious complications, CYC for mobilization and GCSF were reduced. We intensified our screening for cardiac involvement and modified our conditioning regimen in case of cardiac involvement.
Prevalence of Monoclonal Gammopathy Among Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: EDER LIHI , THAVANESWARAN ARANE , PEREIRA DANIEL , SUSSMAN GORDON , GLADMAN DAFNA D. 
Published: January 2012

Objective.The occurrence of monoclonal gammopathy is common in chronic inflammatory disorders such as chronic infections and autoimmune disorders. There is limited information about the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). We investigated the prevalence, type, and associated features of monoclonal gammopathy in patients with PsA.Methods.We performed a cross-sectional analysis of patients followed from 2008 to 2011 at the University of Toronto PsA clinic. The presence of monoclonal gammopathy was defined as the occurrence of a discrete band in the gammaglobulin region on at least 2 separate serum protein electrophoresis tests performed 6 months apart. Comparisons between patients with and those without monoclonal gammopathy were performed using t tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables.Results.Of the 361 patients with PsA, 35 (9.7%) had evidence of monoclonal gammopathy in at least 2 separate blood tests. Seven (24%) of the 29 patients who were tested for Bence Jones protein were found to be positive. One patient was diagnosed as having multiple myeloma. Patients with monoclonal gammopathy were older (p = 0.001), had a longer duration of psoriasis (p = 0.02) and PsA (p = 0.006), were less likely to use disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (p = 0.05), and had higher sedimentation rate (p = 0.01) and lower hemoglobin levels (p = 0.02). Patients with monoclonal gammopathy also trended toward having more active disease, with a higher active joint count (p = 0.07).Conclusion.Monoclonal gammopathy occurs in patients with PsA more commonly than in the general population. Its prevalence is associated with measures of disease activity and duration.
Incidences biographiques du militantisme en Mai 68
Authors: Pagis Julie 
Published: January 2012

À partir d’une enquête menée auprès de cent-soixante-dix familles dans lesquelles l’un des parents – au moins – a participé aux événements de mai-juin 68, cet article pose la question des incidences biographiques du militantisme en Mai 68. Les travaux sur la formation de générations politiques attribuent aux événements fondateurs une dynamique de déstabilisation (Mannheim). Mais à quel point les différents participants aux événements de mai-juin 68 ont-ils été déstabilisés, et comment rendre compte de l’infléchissement éventuel de leurs trajectoires ? Dans un va-et-vient entre effort d’objectivation (par l’analyse statistique de questionnaires) et effort de compréhension (par le recours aux récits de vie), cet article tente de dresser un espace social des incidences politiques et professionnelles du militantisme en Mai 68. Les résultats obtenus permettent de montrer que les formes de déstabilisation engendrées par le militantisme en Mai 68 sont socialement et politiquement situées, et de déconstruire ainsi la catégorie de « génération de 68 ».
Tonography assessment using quantitative and qualitative analysis of the aqueous humor outflow mechanism
Authors: Kozobolis Vassilios P. , Paschalis Eleftherios I. , Labiris Georgios , Foudoulakis Nikitas C. , Konstantinidis Aristeidis , Koukoula Stavrenia C. 
Published: January 2012

Purpose To perform qualitative evaluation of the aqueous humor (AH) outflow mechanism in glaucoma and nonglaucoma patients by means of tonography assessment and mathematical analysis. Methods Sixty-two primary open angle and 58 pseudoexfoliation glaucoma patients were recruited in a non-interventional, observational study between 2004 and 2007. Qualitative and quantitative outflow assessment was acquired by means of a digital tonographer and mathematical analysis. Qualitative results were represented using slope analysis of the change of the AH outflow rate over the tonography study. The results were compared to the control group (CG; n=100) as well as to a pseudoexfoliation group (PEX; n=46). Results Regarding quantitative analysis, glaucoma groups exhibited significantly lower outflow facility compared to nonglaucoma ones (p<0.001). Outflow facility value was significantly correlated to cup to disc ratio (Pearson correlation r=–0.3, p<0.001). Regarding qualitative analysis, the primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) group presented a significant profile variation at the beginning of the tonography, expressed as an increased resistance of the AH outflow. Both glaucoma groups exhibited profile stabilization at the end of the measurement, suggesting that the outflow rate remained constant, while nonglaucoma groups followed a continuous reduction of the AH outflow rate throughout the study. Conclusions The POAG, PXG, PEX, and CG groups demonstrated both qualitative and quantitative tonographic profile differences. The observed differences in the glaucoma groups suggest a distinct pathomechanism between POAG and PXG. It is suggested that POAG patients have a temporary disruption of the AH flow pathway, while PXG patients have a generalized increased flow resistance.
Immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: 2012 update on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment
Authors: Gertz Morie A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractDisease Overview: Immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain amyloidosis is a clonal but nonproliferative plasma cell disorder in which fragments of an Ig light chain are deposited in tissues. The clinical features depend on the organs involved but can include restrictive cardiomyopathy, nephrotic syndrome, hepatic failure, and peripheral/autonomic neuropathy.Diagnosis: Tissue biopsy stained with Congo red demonstrating amyloid deposits with apple‐green birefringence is required for diagnosis. Invasive organ biopsy is not required because amyloid deposits can be found in bone marrow biopsy or subcutaneous fat aspirate in 85% of patients. Prognosis: N‐terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide and serum troponin T values are used to classify patients into three groups of approximately equal size; median survivals are 26.4, 10.5, and 3.5 months, respectively. Therapy: All patients with a visceral amyloid syndrome require therapy to prevent deposition of amyloid in other viscera and to prevent progressive organ failure of involved sites. Stem cell transplant (SCT) is a preferred technique, but only 20% of patients are eligible. Requirements for safe SCT include mild or no cardiac involvement, troponin T value <0.06 ng/mL, age <70 years, <3 organs involved, and serum creatinine value ≤1.7 mg/dL. Nontransplant candidates can be offered melphalan–dexamethasone. Pomalidomide appears to have activity, as do other combinations of chemotherapy with agents such as cyclophosphamide–thalidomide–dexamethasone, bortezomib–dexamethasone, and melphalan–prednisone–lenalidomide. Future Challenges: Late diagnosis remains a major obstacle to initiating effective therapy when organ dysfunction is still recoverable. Recognizing the presenting syndromes is necessary for improvement in survival. Am. J. Hematol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gamma‐induced polymerization and grafting of a novel phosphorous‐, nitrogen‐, and sulfur‐containing monomer on cotton fabric to impart flame retardancy
Authors: Verma Sanjeev K. , Kaur Inderjeet 
Published: January 2012

AbstractDiethyl (acryloyloxy) ethylthiophosphoramidate (DEAETPN), a novel phosphorus‐, nitrogen‐, and sulfur‐containing monomer, was synthesized in a two‐step reaction. The monomer was polymerized and grafted onto cotton fabric by gamma radiation method. Effect of methyl methacrylate (MMA) on percentage grafting (Pg) of DEAETPN on cotton fabric was studied, and it was found that small amount of MMA increases Pg on cotton fabric. The monomer, polymer, and the grafted cotton fabric were characterized by spectroscopic and thermogravimetric techniques. Flame retardant property of the modified cotton fabric was studied by the Shirley Manual Flammability Tester. The flame retardancy of cotton‐g‐DEAETPN by gamma radiation method and living radical polymerization method was compared. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Clay modification and its effect on the physical properties of silicone rubber/clay composites
Authors: Kim Eung‐Soo , Kim Eun Jeong , Lee Tae Hwa , Yoon Jin‐San 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSodium montmorillonite (MMT) was modified with benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium* chloride (B13) to prepare M‐MMT. Treatment of MMT and M‐MMT with bis(3‐triethoxy silylpropyl) tetra sulfide (TEPTS) introduced tetra sulfide groups (TS) on the surface of the clays and yielded MMT‐TS and M‐MMT‐TS, respectively. A high temperature vulcanization silicone rubber (HTV) was compounded with MMT, MMT‐TS, M‐MMT, and M‐MMT‐TS, and the morphology of the resulting HTV/clay composites was analyzed by using the corresponding TEM images. The degree of swelling of the HTV composites in the toluene solution was measured to gauge their crosslinking density and thus to exclude the possibility that the enhanced mechanical properties came from increase in the crosslinking density. The greatly improved mechanical properties, as a result of the incorporation of the TEPTS‐modified clay into HTV, were attributed to the enhanced interaction owing to the plausible chemical reaction between the TEPTS‐modified clay and the HTV matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Highly refractive and organo‐soluble poly(amide imide)s based on 5,5′‐thiobis(2‐amino‐4‐methyl‐thiazole): Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Shockravi Abbas , Javadi Ali , Kamali Mahmood , Hajavi Saeideh 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA new thioether‐bridged diimide‐diacid (DIDA) monomer was synthesized from the condensation of 5,5′‐thiobis(2‐amino‐4‐methyl‐thiazole) (DA) and trimellitic anhydride at 1 : 2 molar ratio. A series of novel organic‐soluble poly(amide imide)s (PAIs) bearing flexible thioether linkages and heteroaromatic thiazole groups were synthesized from DIDA with various commercially available aromatic diamines (1–5) via a direct polycondensation method with triphenyl phosphite and pyridine. The resulting polymers were obtained in high yields and possessed inherent viscosities in the range of 0.47–0.91 dL g–1. All of the polymers were amorphous in nature, showed good solubility and could be easily dissolved in amide‐type polar aprotic solvents (e.g., N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, and N,N‐dimethylacetamide), and even dissolved in less polar solvents (e.g., pyridine and tetrahydrofuran). They showed excellent thermal stability with glass transition temperatures between 233–269°C and 10% weight loss temperatures in excess of 480°C in nitrogen and 450°C in air atmosphere. The flexible structure endowed the PAI films with good optical transparency. The optical transmittances of the PAI films at 450 nm were higher than 80% for the thickness of approximately 10 μm. Moreover, the thiazole moieties and flexible thioether linkages in the molecular chains of the PAIs provided them with high refractive indices of 1.7329–1.7509 and low birefringences of 0.0065–0.0098. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Influence of the silane grafting of polyethylene on the morphology, barrier, thermal, and rheological properties of high‐density polyethylene/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Sharif‐Pakdaman Ali , Morshedian Jalil , Jahani Yousef 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this work, silane‐grafted high‐density polyethylene was prepared by reactive extrusion. This product and neat high‐density polyethylene were then melt‐compounded with organically modified montmorillonite to form nanocomposites. A series of tests, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, small‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, were done on the specimens to investigate the grafting efficiency and its compatibilizing effect and the microstructure of the samples. In addition, the thermal, rheological, and barrier properties were examined to study of the grafting effects and nanocomposite characteristics. The results indicate that an intercalated structure could be easily obtained in the nanocomposites with a grafted matrix. A significant reduction in the degree of crystallinity and an increased crystallization temperature with grafting and the incorporation of nanoclay were proven by thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry), whereas the melting temperature did not change noticeably. Dynamic rheological testing indicated the disappearance of the Newtonian plateau and solidlike behavior of the nanocomposites based on grafted polyethylene in lower frequencies. Furthermore, the oxygen transfer rate of the samples decreased significantly with the incorporation of nanoclay in the grafted matrix and the moisture crosslinking of the samples. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012