bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CREMα suppresses spleen tyrosine kinase expression in normal but not systemic lupus erythematosus T cells
Authors: Ghosh Debjani , Kis‐Toth Katalin , Juang Yuang‐Taung , Tsokos George C. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveT cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) display increased amounts of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), which is involved in the aberrant CD3/T cell receptor–mediated signaling process, and increased amounts of CREMα, which suppresses the production of interleukin‐2. Syk expression can be suppressed by CREMα. This study was undertaken to investigate why CREMα fails to suppress Syk expression in SLE T cells.MethodsCREMα was overexpressed in healthy T cells by transfection with CREMα expression vector, and Syk expression and phosphorylation were measured. A newly identified cAMP response element (CRE) site on theSYKpromoter was characterized by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The CREMα‐mediated repression of Syk expression was further evaluated by analyzingSYKpromoter activity. T cells from SLE patients and healthy individuals were subjected to ChIP to evaluate CREMα binding and histone H3 acetylation.ResultsIncreased CREMα levels suppressed Syk expression by direct binding to a CRE site of theSYKpromoter in T cells from healthy individuals but failed to do so in T cells from SLE patients. The failure of CREMα to suppress Syk expression in SLE T cells was due to weaker binding to the CRE site of theSYKpromoter compared to healthy T cells because the promoter site is hypoacetylated in SLE T cells and therefore of limited access to transcription factors.ConclusionOur findings indicate that epigenetic alteration of theSYKpromoter in SLE T cells results in the inability of the transcriptional repressor CREMα to bind and suppress the expression of Syk, resulting in aberrant T cell signaling.
The autoantigen DNA topoisomerase I interacts with chemokine receptor 7 and exerts cytokine‐like effects on dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Arcand Julie , Robitaille Geneviève , Koenig Martial , Senécal Jean‐Luc , Raymond Yves 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies have demonstrated that, once released into the extracellular environment, the systemic sclerosis (SSc)–associated autoantigen DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) binds specifically to the surface of fibroblasts via an unknown receptor. We extended these results by identifying topo I–mediated cellular effects and characterizing the specific target of topo I on fibroblast surfaces.MethodsPurified topo I was used to investigate intracellular signaling pathway activation and tested for cell migration. To demonstrate the expression of specific chemokine receptors on fibroblasts, we performed immunoblotting and flow cytometry. To evaluate the direct interaction between chemokine receptor and topo I, a protein–protein based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used. Finally, topo I coupled to the fluorochrome phycoerythrin (PE) was used to investigate competition of topo I specific binding on fibroblast surfaces with chemokine ligand.ResultsTopo I stimulated the phosphorylation of phospholipase Cγ1, c‐Raf, ERK‐1/2, and p38 MAPK, intracellular signaling pathways that stimulated fibroblast migration via a Gαi protein–coupled receptor. CCR7 was found to interact directly with topo I. Furthermore, its ligand, CCL21, competed in vitro for this interaction and in vivo with the binding of PE‐coupled topo I to fibroblast surfaces.ConclusionThese new roles of topo I in fibroblast physiology and the identification of its target on the cell surface demonstrate that topo I is a bifunctional autoantigen and open up new perspectives of study in the field of SSc‐associated anti–topo I autoantibodies.
Metabolic effects of high‐dose prednisolone treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis: Balance between diabetogenic effects and inflammation reduction
Authors: den Uyl Debby , van Raalte Daniel H. , Nurmohamed Michael T. , Lems Willem F. , Bijlsma Johannes W. J. , Hoes Jos N. , Dijkmans Ben A. C. , Diamant Michaela 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the dose‐related effects of glucocorticoid treatment on glucose tolerance, beta cell function, and insulin sensitivity in patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA randomized, controlled, single‐blind trial was conducted in 41 patients with early active RA. At the beginning of the trial patients had not been treated for their RA, and were randomized to begin treatment with prednisolone at 60 mg/day or 30 mg/day. Before and at the end of 1 week of treatment, a frequently sampled oral glucose tolerance test was performed. The glucose area under the curve (AUCG) was calculated. In addition, beta cell function and insulin sensitivity parameters were computed.ResultsPatients (mean ± SD age 55.5 ± 14.8 years and 54.2 ± 12.6 years in the prednisone 60 mg/day and prednisone 30 mg/day groups, respectively; body mass index 24.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2 and 25.4 ± 4.2 kg/m2, respectively) had active disease at baseline (mean ± SD Disease Activity Score in 44 joints 4.1 ± 0.7 and 4.0 ± 0.8, respectively; median C‐reactive protein [CRP] level 14 mg/liter [interquartile range 6–34] and 19 mg/liter [interquartile range 3–39], respectively). In addition, 56% of the patients had impaired glucose tolerance at baseline, and 7% were found to have previously unrecognized type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Associations of the AUCG with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (β = 2.430 [95% confidence interval 0.179–4.681], P = 0.04) and with CRP level (β = 2.358 [95% confidence interval 0.210–4.506], P = 0.03) were demonstrated. Treatment with prednisolone at both dosages reduced CRP levels significantly. The incidence of type 2 DM increased to 24% (P < 0.001) (evenly distributed across the groups). The mean AUCG did not change in either treatment arm. Beta cell function improved during prednisone treatment at 60 mg/day (P = 0.02) and at 30 mg/day (P = 0.04). Disease duration was associated with changes in the AUCG (β = 3.626 [95% confidence interval 1.077–6.174], P = 0.007) and with deterioration of the glucose state (odds ratio 1.068 [95% confidence interval 1.017–1.122], P = 0.009).ConclusionIn this study, short‐term treatment with prednisolone 60 mg or 30 mg per day improved disease activity without deterioration of glucose tolerance in patients with active RA. However, due to individual differences, monitoring is recommended.
Usefulness of anti‐p155 autoantibody for diagnosing cancer‐associated dermatomyositis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Trallero‐Araguás Ernesto , Rodrigo‐Pendás Jose Ángel , Selva‐O'Callaghan Albert , Martínez‐Gómez Xavier , Bosch Xavier , Labrador‐Horrillo Moisés , Grau‐Junyent Josep Maria , Vilardell‐Tarrés Miquel 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveAnti‐p155 autoantibody, which was recently described in adult patients with dermatomyositis (DM), seems to be associated with cancer in this population. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to ascertain the accuracy of anti‐p155 testing for the diagnosis of cancer‐associated myositis.MethodsWe searched relevant databases, with no restrictions on study design or language, for original studies that included adult patients with probable/definite DM or amyopathic DM who were evaluated for neoplasm and anti‐p155 status. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated using a bivariate model. We computed the diagnostic odds ratio (OR), likelihood ratios (LRs) for positive and negative test results, positive and negative predictive values, and the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. Statistical heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistic, and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were computed for the parameters studied.ResultsSix studies including a total of 312 adult patients with DM were selected. The pooled sensitivity of anti‐p155 for diagnosing cancer‐associated DM was 78% (95% CI 45–94%), and specificity was 89% (95% CI 82–93%). The diagnostic OR was 27.26 (95% CI 6.59–112.82), and LRs for positive and negative test results were 6.79 (95% CI 4.11–11.23) and 0.25 (95% CI 0.08–0.76), respectively. Heterogeneity was substantial except with regard to the LR for a positive test result. The area under the SROC curve was 0.91 (95% CI 0.88–0.93). Taking the pooled prevalence of 17% as pretest probability, anti‐p155 had a positive predictive value of 58% and a negative predictive value of 95%.ConclusionOur findings indicate that anti‐p155 autoantibody determination is useful for diagnosing cancer‐associated myositis and guiding disease management.
Presenting numerical values within sentences and text tables
Authors: Kozak Marcin , Hartley James 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA text table is a simple table, with no or minimal chartlike elements, that is incorporated directly within a sentence. It can be very efficient in conveying quantitative (and sometimes qualitative) information that can be difficult to read within one or two sentences, but which is too simple to present within a regular table. Although this format has been used in the scientific literature, and indeed recommended in some sources, its effectiveness has not been studied in formal surveys. This article presents the results of one such survey in which three examples were considered. Scientists representing mathematics, statistics, and similar disciplines and scientists representing biology, agriculture, and similar disciplines were asked to participate in the survey; 189 representing the former and 201 representing the latter agreed. The results clearly showed for both groups, when the data presented were suitable for such a layout, that the text tables were much preferred to the original sentences. The main conclusion from this work, therefore, is that scientific authors should use text tables whenever appropriate.
Dauerhaftigkeit von Porenbeton bei hoher CO2‐Beaufschlagung
Authors: Schoch Torsten , Straube Berit , Stumm Andreas 
Published: September 2011

AbstractStandardporenbeton der Güte PP2‐0,35 wurde verschiedenen Feuchtebedingungen und einer konstanten CO2‐Atmosphäre von 1 Vol‐% ausgesetzt. Zusätzlich wurden Porenbetonproben mit guter und schlechter Phasenausbildung hergestellt und in das Bewitterungsprogramm integriert. Parallel zu der CO2‐Bewitterung erfolgte eine regengeschützte Freilandlagerung des Standardporenbetons über 3 Jahre. An die verschiedenen Lagerungsbedingungen und ‐zeiten schlossen sich Untersuchungen zur Rohdichte, Druckfestigkeit und zum mineralischen Phasenbestand an. Der 3 Jahre im Freiland gelagerte Porenbeton wurde außerdem bezüglich seiner Wärmeleitfähigkeit geprüft. Prüfrandbedingungen wie Materialfeuchte, Austrocknungsverhalten des Porenbetons während der Bewitterung und Umgebungsfeuchte haben einen großen Einfluss auf die Materialeigenschaften. Die Ergebnisse belegen, dass eine künstliche CO2‐Bewitterung zu anderen Ergebnissen führt als eine natürliche Alterung des Porenbetons. Porenbeton mit gut ausgebildetem Tobermorit erfährt unter natürlichen Klimabedingungen keine Veränderung in Druckfestigkeit und Wärmeleitfähigkeit. Eine negative Eigenschafts‐ entwicklung über die Jahre ist nicht zu erwarten.Durability of autoclaved aerated concrete under high CO2 impact. Ordinary autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) (P2‐0,35) was stored under different humidity conditions and a constant CO2 atmosphere of 1 % by volume. Additionally, AAC samples with a good and poor phase formation were produced and included into the weathering procedure. In addition to the artificial CO2 weathering, ordinary AAC was stored under rain protection outdoor for a period of 3 years. After storing the samples under different conditions and periods, the material was measured for its raw density, compressive strength and mineral phase content. The outdoor stored AAC was tested after 3 years for its thermal conductivity. Boundary conditions such as material moisture and drying behaviour of the AAC as well as ambient moisture, influence the material properties within the weathering procedure. Artificial CO2 weathering leads to other effects than natural weathering. AAC with well crystalline tobermorite does not change its compressive strength or thermal conductivity under natural climate conditions. A negative long‐term development of the material properties can be excluded.
Protecting Against Low‐Probability Disasters: The Role of Worry
Authors: Schade Christian , Kunreuther Howard , Koellinger Philipp 
Published: September 2011

ABTRACTWe carry out a large monetary stakes insurance experiment with very small probabilities of losses and ambiguous as well as exact probabilities. Many individuals do not want to pay anything for insurance whether the probabilities are given exactly or are ambiguous. Many others, however, are willing to pay surprisingly large amounts. With ambiguity, the percentage of those paying nothing is smaller and the willingness to pay (WTP) of the other individuals larger than with exact probabilities. Comparing elasticities with ambiguity, we find that worry is much more important than subjective probability in determining WTP for insurance. Furthermore, when the ambiguous loss probability is increased by a factor of 1000, it has almost no effect on WTP. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐chromosome‐located microRNAs in immunity: Might they explain male/female differences?
Authors: Pinheiro Iris , Dejager Lien , Libert Claude 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we hypothesize that X chromosome‐associated mechanisms, which affect X‐linked genes and are behind the immunological advantage of females, may also affect X‐linked microRNAs. The human X chromosome contains 10% of all microRNAs detected so far in the human genome. Although the role of most of them has not yet been described, several X chromosome‐located microRNAs have important functions in immunity and cancer. We therefore provide a detailed map of all described microRNAs located on human and mouse X chromosomes, and highlight the ones involved in immune functions and oncogenesis. The unique mode of inheritance of the X chromosome is ultimately the cause of the immune disadvantage of males and the enhanced survival of females following immunological challenges. How these aspects influence X‐linked microRNAs will be a challenge for researchers in the coming years, not only from an evolutionary point of view, but also from the perspective of disease etiology.
A screening tool for therapeutic monoclonal antibodies: Identifying the most stable protein and its best formulation based on thioflavin T binding
Authors: Kayser Veysel , Chennamsetty Naresh , Voynov Vladimir , Helk Bernhard , Forrer Kurt , Trout Bernhardt L. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe lack of a fast selection method to identify the most stable protein is one of the major challenges for developing successful therapeutic protein formulations more rapidly. The swift and accurate detection of small amounts of aggregates is another problem since aggregates may trigger an immunological response and the aggregation decreases the biological activity of the antibody. Here we present an alternative method for initial screening of the aggregation propensity of proteins, using monoclonal antibodies (mAb) as an example and thioflavin T (ThT) binding. The major advantage of ThT binding is the short duration of testing compared with size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) measurements that can take 6 months or more even under accelerated conditions. The tendency to aggregate of each therapeutic human mAb probed with the ThT assay, together with SEC, is employed to formulate the ranking of mAb aggregation. ThT binding can determine the propensity of proteins to aggregate in a few days, illustrating that ThT binding would be a valuable screening tool.
Inhibition of escherichia coli and proteus mirabilis adhesion and biofilm formation on medical grade silicone surface
Authors: Wang Rong , Neoh Koon Gee , Shi Zhilong , Kang En‐Tang , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah , Chiong Edmund 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSilicone has been utilized extensively for biomedical devices due to its excellent biocompatibility and biodurability properties. However, its surface is easily colonized by bacteria which will increase the probability of nosocomial infection. In the present work, a hydrophilic antimicrobial carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) layer has been grafted on medical grade silicone surface pre‐treated with polydopamine (PDA). The increase in hydrophilicity was confirmed from contact angle measurement. Bacterial adhesion tests showed that the PDA‐CMCS coating reduced the adhesion of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis by ≥90%. The anti‐adhesion property was preserved even after the aging of the functionalized surfaces for 21 days in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), and also after autoclaving at 121°C for 20 min. Both E. coli and P. mirabilis readily form biofilms on the pristine surface under static and flow conditions but with the PDA‐CMCS layer, biofilm formation is inhibited. The flow experiments indicated that it is more difficult to inhibit biofilm formation by the highly motile P. mirabilis as compared to E. coli. No significant cytotoxicity of the modified substrates was observed with 3T3 fibroblasts. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:336–345. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Viability and membrane potential analysis of Bacillus megaterium cells by impedance flow cytometry
Authors: David F. , Hebeisen M. , Schade G. , Franco‐Lara E. , Di Berardino M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSingle cell analysis is an important tool to gain deeper insights into microbial physiology for the characterization and optimization of bioprocesses. In this study a novel single cell analysis technique was applied for estimating viability and membrane potential (MP) of Bacillus megaterium cells cultured in minimal medium. Its measurement principle is based on the analysis of the electrical cell properties and is called impedance flow cytometry (IFC). Comparatively, state‐of‐the‐art fluorescence‐based flow cytometry (FCM) was used to verify the results obtained by IFC. Viability and MP analyses were performed with cells at different well‐defined growth stages, focusing mainly on exponential and stationary phase cells, as well as on dead cells. This was done by PI and DiOC2(3) staining assays in FCM and by impedance measurements at 0.5 and 10 MHz in IFC. In addition, transition growth stages of long‐term cultures and agar plate colonies were characterized with both methods. FCM and IFC analyses of all experiments gave comparable results, quantitatively and qualitatively, indicating that IFC is an equivalent technique to FCM for the study of physiological cell states of bacteria. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:483–492. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive evolution for fast growth on glucose and the effects on the regulation of glucose transport system in Clostridium tyrobutyricum
Authors: Jiang Ling , Li Shuang , Hu Yi , Xu Qing , Huang He 
Published: September 2011

AbstractLaboratory adaptive evolution of microorganisms offers the possibility of relating acquired mutations to increased fitness of the organism under the conditions used. By combining a fibrous‐bed bioreactor, we successfully developed a simple and valuable adaptive evolution strategy in repeated‐batch fermentation mode with high initial substrate concentration and evolved Clostridium tyrobutyricum mutant with significantly improved butyric acid volumetric productivity up to 2.25 g/(L h), which is the highest value in batch fermentation reported so far. Further experiments were conducted to pay attention to glucose transport system in consideration of the high glucose consumption rate resulted from evolution. Complete characterization and comparison of the glucose phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)‐dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS) were carried out in the form of toluene‐treated cells and cell‐free extracts derived from both C. tyrobutyricum wide‐type and mutant, while an alternative glucose transport route that requires glucokinase was confirmed by the phenomena of resistance to the glucose analogue 2‐deoxyglucose and ATP‐dependent glucose phosphorylation. Our results suggest that C. tyrobutyricum mutant is defective in PTS activity and compensates for this defect with enhanced glucokinase activity, resulting in the efficient uptake and consumption of glucose during the whole metabolism. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:708–718. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitivity analysis of reaction‐diffusion constraints in muscle energetics
Authors: Dasika S.K. , Kinsey S.T. , Locke B.R. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTheoretical and experimental studies of aerobic metabolism on a wide range of skeletal muscle fibers have shown that while all fibers normally function within the reaction control regime, some fibers operate near the transition region where reaction control switches to diffusion control. Thus, the transition region between reaction and diffusion control may define the limits of muscle function, and analysis of factors that affect this transition is therefore needed. In order to assess the role of all important model parameters, a sensitivity analysis (SA) was performed to define the parameter space where muscle fibers transition from reaction to diffusion control. SA, performed on a previously developed reaction–diffusion model, shows that the maximum rate for the ATPase reaction (Vmax,ATPase), boundary oxygen concentration in the capillary supply (O), the mitochondrial volume fraction (εmito), and the diffusion coefficient of oxygen ($D_{{\rm O}_{{\rm 2}} } $) are the most sensitive parameters affecting this transition to diffusion control. It is demonstrated that fibers are not limited by diffusion for slow reactions (Vmax,ATPase < 25 mM/min), high oxygen supply for the capillaries (O ≥ 35 µM), and large amounts of mitochondria (εmito ≥ 0.1). These conditions are applicable to muscle cells spanning a very broad range of animals. Within the diffusion‐controlled region, the overall metabolic rate and ATP concentrations have much higher sensitivity to the diffusion coefficient of oxygen than to the diffusion coefficients of the other metabolites (ATP, ADP, Pi). Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:559–571. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predicting the survival of experimental ischaemic small bowel using intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence angiography
Authors: Matsui A , Winer J H , Laurence R G , Frangioni J V 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Predicting the long-term viability of ischaemic bowel during surgery is challenging. The aim was to determine whether intraoperative near-infrared angiography (NIR-AG) of ischaemic bowel might provide metrics that were predictive of long-term outcome.

Methods
NIR-AG using indocyanine green was performed on 24 pigs before, and after inducing bowel ischaemia to determine the feasibility of NIR-AG for detecting compromised perfusion. Contrast-to-background ratio (CBR) over time was measured in regions of interest throughout the bowel, and various metrics of the CBR–time curve were developed. Sixty rat small bowels, with or without strangulation, were imaged during surgery and on day 3 after operation. CBR metrics and clinical findings were assessed quantitatively for their ability to predict animal survival, histological grade of ischaemic injury and visible necrosis on day 3.

Results
In ischaemic pig small bowel, various qualitative and quantitative CBR metrics appeared to correlate with bowel injury as a function of distance from normal bowel. In rats, intraoperative clinical assessment showed high specificity but low sensitivity for predicting outcome on day 3 after operation. Qualitative patterns of the CBR–time curve, such as absence of an arterial inflow peak and presence of a NIR filling defect, resulted in better prediction of survival (90 per cent), histological grade (85 per cent) and visible necrosis on day 3 (92 per cent).

Conclusion
Survival of ischaemic bowel was predicted by intraoperative NIR-AG with greater accuracy than clinical evaluation alone.