bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Notch Transmembrane Receptors
Authors: Gazave Eve , Renard Emmanuelle 
Published: November 2010

AbstractNotchis the transmembrane receptor of a juxtacrine signalling pathway (Notch pathway) crucial for cell programming during animal development. The activeNotchpathway is an innovation of the metazoan lineage: several major components of this molecular network are absent from other eukaryotes. The transmembrane multidomain proteinNotchemerged through the assembly of both ancient and recent domains: some were probably already present in LUCA (Last Universal Common Ancestor) whereas others appeared during animal evolution. Data from a choanoflagellate genome suggest that the domain shuffling events which gave rise to the typical domain composition ofNotchprobably occurred before the emergence of animals. More genomic and functional experiments are needed to fully understand the evolution of theNotchreceptor and the interactions with its ligands.Key Concepts:Multicellularity emerged independently several times during Life History.Intercellular communication mechanisms can be performed either through direct cytoplasmic exchanges or through interactions involving membrane components.Juxtacrine signalling requires physical contact between the two cells involved.About 20 signalling pathways are involved in cell signalling in the metazoan (animal) lineage; among them, 7 are known to play major roles during animal development.EGF repeats are known to be commonly used domains for protein–protein interactions in Eukaryota.ANK repeats are one of the most common protein–protein interaction motifs in living beings.The domain shuffling mechanism is important in genome evolution.Gene duplication events represent a powerful tool for molecular and functional innovations.Notch is the receptor of a juxtacrine signalling pathway crucial for cell programming during animal development.
Evolution of Visual Performance‐associated Genes inDrosophila
Authors: Friedrich Markus 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe leading model of insect vision, the fruitflyDrosophila melanogaster, is a representative of the higher Diptera (Brachycera), which excel by swift flight abilities, one of the fastest photoresponse mechanisms known and a unique form of neural superposition optics. Recent gene‐specific as well as comparative genomic investigations have begun to yield first insights into the genetic origins ofDrosophilavisual organisation and performance. These studies suggest discrete stages in the molecular evolution ofDrosophilavision culminating in changes that enhanced the speed and versatility of diurnal vision specifically during the early evolution of the higher Diptera. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that gene duplication played an unusually important role during this final stage ofDrosophilavision evolution. Select gene‐specific studies, however, also uncovered specificcis‐regulatory and coding region changes that were of key importance in the evolution theDrosophilaphototransduction and retinal organisation.Key Concepts:The shared deployment of the phototransduction protein machinery in the photoreceptors of highly diversified visual organs inDrosophila(the larval eyes, ocelli and the adult compound eye) may impose adaptive constraints.In contrast to the detailed mechanistic understanding of irradiance and color vision inDrosophila, the ecological role and significance of these sophisticated visual capacities is still little known inDrosophilaand the related Diptera.The complex retinal organisation ofDrosophilais representative of all members of the species‐rich higher Diptera suggesting strong functional or developmental constraints.Phylogenetic evidence indicates a correlation of significant structural and molecular changes in the visual system ofDrosophilaand the higher Diptera the cause of which requires further comporative research.Gene duplication played a critical role in the early visual evolution of the higher Diptera.The evolution of theDrosophilavisual system is a paradigm example of the combined effects ofcis‐regulatory and coding sequence evolution.Select mechanisms of theDrosophilaphotoresponse are likely to differ in insect species outside the higher Diptera complicating functional gene orthology inferrences and warranting further research in other models of insect vision.
The Chemistry ofNO‐ andHNO‐Producing Diazeniumdiolates
Authors: S. Evans Anthony , P. Toscano John 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAlthough most diazeniumdiolates (R‐N(O)=NO−Na+) are stable as solid salts, current interest in their chemistry stems from their ability to produce nitric oxide (NO), nitroxyl (HNO), and/or a mixture of NO and HNO upon decomposition in aqueous solution. Following a discussion concerning the synthesis of diazeniumdiolates, this chapter focuses on how the substituent (R) and experimental conditions influence decomposition chemistry and NO/HNO production. Representative applications of NO‐ and HNO‐producing diazeniumdiolates are also provided.
Hydroxamic Acids: Biological Properties and Potential Uses as Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Mai Antonello 
Published: November 2010

AbstractHydroxamic acids take their biological properties from the ability to chelate metal ions which are important for a variety of biological processes, as well as for the catalytic activity of a number of metalloenzymes. In particular, the preference for chelation of iron and zinc ions by hydroxamates led to derivatives endowed with high potential as therapeutic agents. As iron chelators, most hydroxamates and retro‐hydroxamates (zileuton, atreleuton) are potent 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitors, useful for treatment of inflammatory diseases, asthma, and cancer, others (deferoxamine) can be used for the molecular control of iron homeostasis during transfusional iron overload, and for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia. Metal ion complexation by hydroxamates furnished also highly active antibacterial agents, through inhibition of two metal‐containing enzymes (peptide deformylase with iron, and UDP‐3‐O‐(R‐3‐hydroxymyristoyl)‐N‐acetylglucosamine deacetylase (LpxC) with zinc) crucial for bacterial growth and viability. The ability of hydroxamates to efficiently complex zinc ion makes them useful compounds for inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and related enzymes (see for example prinomastat) responsible for cancer and arthritis diseases, and histone deacetylases (HDACs), a family of enzymes involved in gene silencing and loss of tumor suppressor functions (see for example vorinostat and romidepsin, recently approved by FDA for the treatment of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma).
Preparation and Reactivity of Organomanganese Compounds
Authors: Cahiez Gérard , Gager Olivier 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

This chapter deals with the preparation of organomanganese reagents from organolithium or organomagnesium compounds (transmetallation) as well as from organic halides and manganese metal (oxidative addition). The influence of various parameters on the stability of organomanganese reagents is then discussed (nature of the reagent RMnX, R
2
Mn, R
3
MnLI or R
3
MnMgX; effect of ligands and solvents…). The second part of the chapter is devoted to the reactivity of these reagents and to their uses in organic synthesis. They are especially interesting for their chemoselectivity, as illustracted by the addition to aldehydes and ketones, the preparation of ketones by acylation or the copper‐catalyzed conjugate addition to enones, enals and enoates. Organomanganese reagents can also be used to perform various iron, palladium or nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions. Manganese salts are efficient catalyst to achieve various homo‐ and heterocoupling reactions using Grignard reagents. They are also used to catalyze the addition of Grignard reagents to acetylenes, 1,3‐dienes and allenes. Finally, various radical cyclization reactions promoted by organomanganates are presented.
Hydroxychloroquine use associated with improvement in lipid profiles in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Morris Stephanie J. , Wasko Mary Chester M. , Antohe Jana L. , Sartorius Jennifer A. , Kirchner H. Lester , Dancea Sorina , Bili Androniki 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectiveCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Disease‐modifying therapies that improve risk factors for CVD, such as dyslipidemia, are desired. This study used an electronic health record to determine if hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use was associated with an improvement in lipid levels in an inception RA cohort.MethodsAll adult individuals with the initial diagnosis of RA between January 1, 2001, and March 31, 2008, were identified (n = 1,539). Only patients with at least one lipid level post–RA diagnosis were included (n = 706). Information on demographics, medical history, body mass index (BMI), laboratory measures, and medications were collected at office visits. Potential risk and protective factors for dyslipidemia were controlled for in linear mixed‐effects regression models for low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL/HDL, and total cholesterol/HDL.ResultsPatients were 69% women and 98% white, with a median age of 65 years and a median BMI of 29.8 kg/m2. In the adjusted regression models, HCQ use was associated with the following average differences in lipids: LDL decrease of 7.55 mg/dl (P < 0.001), HDL increase of 1.02 mg/dl (P = 0.20), total cholesterol decrease of 7.70 mg/dl (P = 0.002), triglycerides decrease of 10.91 mg/dl (P = 0.06), LDL/HDL decrease of 0.136 (P = 0.008), and total cholesterol/HDL decrease of 0.191 (P = 0.006), which were stable over time.ConclusionUse of HCQ in this RA cohort was independently associated with a significant decrease in LDL, total cholesterol, LDL/HDL, and total cholesterol/HDL. Considering these results, its safety profile, and low cost, HCQ remains a valuable initial or adjunct therapy in this patient population at high risk for CVD.
Abnormal bone geometry at the metacarpal bone shaft of rheumatoid arthritis patients with maintained muscle–bone relationship
Authors: Eser Prisca , Aeberli Daniel , Widmer Jolanda , Möller Burkhard , Villiger Peter M. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectiveMetacarpal juxtaarticular bone is altered in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, a detailed analysis of disease‐related geometric adaptations of the metacarpal shaft is missing. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of RA disease, forearm muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA), age, and sex on bone geometry at the metacarpal shaft.MethodsIn 64 RA patients and 128 control subjects, geometric properties of the third metacarpal bone midshaft and forearm muscle CSA were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Linear models were performed for cortical CSA, total bone CSA, polar stress‐strain index (SSI; a surrogate for a bone's resistance to bending and torsion), cortical thickness, and the metacarpal index (MI; cortical CSA/total CSA), with the explanatory variables muscle CSA, age, RA status, and sex.ResultsForearm muscle CSA was associated with cortical and total metacarpal CSA and polar SSI. RA group status was associated with all bone parameters except cortical CSA. There was a significant interaction between RA status and age, indicating that the RA group had a greater age‐related decrease in cortical CSA, cortical thickness, and the MI.ConclusionBone geometry of the metacarpal shaft is altered in RA patients compared to healthy controls. Whereas bone mass of the metacarpal shaft is adapted to forearm muscle mass, cortical thickness and the MI are reduced, but outer bone shaft circumference and the polar SSI increased in RA patients. These adaptations correspond to an enhanced aging pattern in RA patients.
Comparative study of the detection of joint injury in early‐stage rheumatoid arthritis by magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist and finger joints and physical examination
Authors: Tamai Mami , Kawakami Atsushi , Iwamoto Naoki , Kawashiri Shin‐Ya , Fujikawa Keita , Aramaki Toshiyuki , Kita Junko , Okada Akitomo , Koga Tomohiro , Arima Kazuhiko , Kamachi Makoto , Yamasaki Satoshi , Nakamura Hideki , Ida Hiroaki , Origuchi Tomoki , Takao Shoichiro , Aoyagi Kiyoshi , Uetani Masataka , Eguchi Katsumi 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo verify whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–proven joint injury is sensitive as compared with joint injury determined by physical examination.MethodsMRI of the wrist and finger joints of both hands was examined in 51 early‐stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by both plain and gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid–enhanced MRI. Synovitis, bone edema, and bone erosion (the latter two included as bone lesions at the wrist joints); metacarpophalangeal joints; and proximal interphalangeal joints were considered as MRI‐proven joint injury. Japan College of Rheumatology–certified rheumatologists had given a physical examination just before the MRI study. The presence of tender and/or swollen joints in the same fields as MRI was considered as joint injury on physical examination. The association of MRI‐proven joint injury with physical examination–proven joint injury was examined.ResultsA total of 1,110 sites were available to be examined. MRI‐proven joint injury was found in 521 sites, whereas the other 589 sites were normal. Physical examination–proven joint injury was found in 305 sites, which was significantly low as compared with MRI‐proven joint injury (P = 1.1 × 10−12 versus MRI). Joint injury on physical examination was not found in 81.5% of the sites where MRI findings were normal. Furthermore, an association of the severity of MRI‐proven joint injury with that of joint injury on physical examination was clearly demonstrated (P = 1.6 × 10−15, rs = 0.469).ConclusionOur present data suggest that MRI is not only sensitive but accurately reflects the joint injury in patients with early‐stage RA.
An ask‐the‐expert service on a rheumatology web site: Who were the users and what did they look for?
Authors: Richter Jutta G. , Becker Arnd , Schalis Hendrik , Koch Tobias , Willers Reinhart , Specker Christof , Monser Robert , Schneider Matthias 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the inquiries sent to an online ask‐the‐rheumatologist service in order to identify the users' needs and requirements.MethodsThe official web site of the German Competence Network Rheumatology (www.rheumanet.org) provided expert information for patients, relatives, and physicians. We analyzed the content of 1,133 inquiries posted over 5 years and the experts' answers were blinded for analyses.ResultsPatients (60.0%), relatives (24.3%), and physicians (15.7%) addressed the experts. Inquiries were predominantly sent by women (62.2%). Distinct rheumatic diseases were mentioned in 40.5% of the inquiries, and 16.3% reported musculoskeletal symptoms without a definite diagnosis. The number of questions ranged from 1–7 per inquiry (mean ± SD 1.58 ± 0.9). Of the inquiries, 33.2% contained personal histories, 24.9% searched for a rheumatologist nearby, and 11.6% asked for a “second opinion.” The questions covered a wide range of interests, including medication (30.8%), diagnosis‐related issues (15.7%), laboratory tests (6.9%), (treatment) guidelines (6.2%), sexual and reproductive health issues (4.1%), and clinical trials (3.4%). In more than 50% of the inquiries, the information requested from the experts was already at least partly published on the web site. The experts' answers covered the users' questions completely in 91.8%, partly in 6.1%, and not at all in 2.1%.ConclusionA standardized medical web site providing tailored and trustworthy information for all user groups gains from an ask‐the‐expert service. Only such an interactive online application is able to satisfy users' actual demands: searching for specific individualized information on the internet. Therefore, an ask‐the‐expert service contributes to optimized patient care.
Incidence of arthritis in a prospective cohort of psoriasis patients
Authors: Eder Lihi , Chandran Vinod , Shen Hua , Cook Richard J. , Shanmugarajah Sutha , Rosen Cheryl F. , Gladman Dafna D. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectiveEpidemiologic studies about the incidence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are limited to a few population‐based studies. There are limited data regarding the incidence of PsA in patients with psoriasis. We aimed to determine the incidence of PsA among a prospective cohort of psoriasis patients.MethodsThe setting is a prospective longitudinal cohort study of psoriasis patients without arthritis. The patients are assessed annually by a rheumatologist in order to detect the onset of arthritis. We summarize the results of 4 years of followup and report the cumulative incidence of PsA from the time of entry to the study that was estimated using an event per person‐years analysis and a nonparametric analysis.ResultsThree hundred thirteen psoriasis patients that had at least 1 year of followup were included in the analysis. The annual incidence rate was found to be 1.87 (95% confidence interval 0.71–3.03) PsA cases per 100 psoriasis patients.ConclusionThe incidence rate of PsA in patients with psoriasis may be higher than previously reported, particularly among patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Contraceptive counseling and use among women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A gap in health care quality?
Authors: Yazdany Jinoos , Trupin Laura , Kaiser Rachel , Schmajuk Gabriela , Gillis Joann Zell , Chakravarty Eliza , Schwarz Eleanor Bimla 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectiveDisease activity and medication use can complicate pregnancies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We therefore examined contraceptive counseling and use among women in the University of California, San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study.MethodsIn 2008, we queried participants regarding their pregnancy intentions, contraceptive use, and receipt of contraceptive counseling. Premenopausal women age <45 years who were sexually active with men were considered at risk of pregnancy. We compared self‐reported rates of contraceptive counseling and use stratified by treatment with teratogenic medications and by history of thrombosis or antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), using chi‐square tests. We used logistic regression models to examine predictors of contraceptive counseling and use.ResultsAmong 206 women, 86 were at risk for unplanned pregnancy. Most (59%) had not received contraceptive counseling in the last year, 22% reported inconsistent contraceptive use, and 53% depended solely on barrier methods. Intrauterine device contraceptives (IUDs) were used by 13%. Women using potentially teratogenic medications were no more likely to have received contraceptive counseling, to have used contraception consistently, or to have used more effective contraceptives. A history of thrombosis or aPL did not account for low rates of hormonal methods. Four women with a history of thrombosis or aPL were using estrogen‐containing contraceptives.ConclusionMost women at risk for unplanned pregnancy reported no contraceptive counseling in the past year, despite common use of potentially teratogenic medications. Many relied upon contraceptive methods with high failure rates; few used IUDs. Some were inappropriately using estrogen‐containing contraceptives. These findings suggest the need to improve the provision of contraceptive services to women with SLE.
Treatment and nontreatment predictors of health assessment questionnaire disability progression in rheumatoid arthritis: A longitudinal study of 18,485 patients
Authors: Michaud Kaleb , Wallenstein Gene , Wolfe Frederick 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo examine predictors of progression of disability in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index (HAQ), and to determine rates of progression during biologic treatment.MethodsWe followed 18,485 RA patients for up to 11 years (mean 3.7 years) in a longitudinal study of RA outcomes. Patients were characterized as having moderate or severe RA versus less severe RA at study entry. Annualized progression rates were determined in multivariable analyses using generalized estimating equations.ResultsAlthough all of the demographic and severity characteristics were associated with baseline differences in HAQ score, progression was only associated with age, comorbidity, initial severity, and treatment. HAQ score increased fastest in patients ages >65 years (0.031; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.028, 0.034). HAQ progression was independently associated with the presence of baseline cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and the number of comorbid conditions. Annualized progression rates were greater in patients with mild to inactive RA (0.021; 95% CI 0.019, 0.023) than in moderate to severe RA (0.003; 95% CI 0.001, 0.006). The overall progression rate during biologic treatment was 0.008 (95% CI 0.005, 0.011); for patients with moderate to severe RA, the rate was 0.001 (95% CI −0.005, 0.003).ConclusionAge and comorbidity are important predictors of the rate of loss of functional status, and have a stronger effect on HAQ progression than does biologic treatment. There is little difference in progression rates among biologics. Patients with more severe RA progress less than those with less severe RA, a possible function of regression to the mean.
Influence of Bulk and Interface Porosity on the Adhesion of Sintered Ag Films on Barium Titanate Substrates
Authors: Lee Chao‐Yu , Dupeux Michel , Tuan Wei‐Hsing 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMeasurements of the practical adhesion of screen‐printed Ag films on BaTiO3 substrates have been completed, showing that the interfacial crack propagation energy decreases rapidly with increasing silver volume porosity. A geometrical model is proposed to estimate the interface porosity, which is relevant for adhesion concerns, in function of the volume porosity of the sintered silver layer. Experimental results present more consistent tendencies after this transcription.
Fast, Physically‐Based Algorithms for Online Calculations of Texture and Anisotropy during Fabrication of Steel Sheets
Authors: Winning Myrjam , Raabe Dierk 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBecause of the complex microstructures of crystalline materials exposed to commercial manufacturing processes it is up to now not possible to obtain fast and on‐line simulations of crystallographic texture and anisotropy in the course of multiple deformation‐ and heat treatment procedures. In the present paper a hybrid approach for the on‐line texture and anisotropy prediction will be developed for the fabrication of low alloyed ferritic steel sheets during cold rolling and subsequent annealing procedures. Our approach is based on two consecutive models: The first one is an artificial neuronal network (ANN) for the description of the rolling texture evolution. The second one is an analytical, Avrami‐based texture component approach for the recrystallization. First results on low carbon steels will be presented.