bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different response to rituximab in tumor necrosis factor blocker–naive patients with active ankylosing spondylitis and in patients in whom tumor necrosis factor blockers have failed: A twenty‐four–week clinical trial
Authors: Song I.‐H. , Heldmann F. , Rudwaleit M. , Listing J. , Appel H. , Braun J. , Sieper J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectiveHistologic studies have shown B cell clusters in the subchondral bone marrow of the spine of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). An immunotherapy targeting B cells in AS is therefore of interest. We undertook this study to examine the efficacy and safety of rituximab in patients with AS refractory to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in whom previous treatment with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) blockers either had not been tried or had failed.MethodsIn this phase II clinical trial, 1,000 mg rituximab was administered intravenously at baseline and at week 2 in 20 patients with active AS. Ten of these patients had never received TNF blockers, and treatment with TNF blockers had failed in the other 10 patients. The primary end point was a 20% improvement in disease activity at week 24 according to the criteria of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (an ASAS20 response).ResultsSeventy‐five percent of the patients were male, 90% were HLA–B27 positive, their mean age was 39.7 years, and their mean disease duration was 16.8 years. Patients had active disease, defined as a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) score ≥4. While there was no clear response at week 24 in the group in whom TNF blockers had failed (30% had achieved an ASAS20 response, 10% had achieved an ASAS40 response, none had achieved partial remission according to the ASAS criteria, and none had achieved 50% improvement on the BASDAI [a BASDAI50 response] beyond an expected placebo response), we observed a good improvement in the TNF blocker–naive group at week 24 (50% had achieved an ASAS20 response, 40% had achieved an ASAS40 response, 30% had achieved partial remission according to the ASAS criteria, and 50% had achieved a BASDAI50 response).ConclusionAlthough rituximab does not seem to be effective in patients with AS that does not respond to TNF blockers, it had significant efficacy in TNF blocker–naive patients. Therefore, further controlled trials with B cell–directed therapies should be performed in TNF blocker–naive AS patients in the future.
Targeted tumor necrosis factor receptor I preligand assembly domain improves skin lesions in MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Deng Guo‐Min , Liu Lena , Tsokos George C. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectiveSkin disease is the second most common manifestation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) preligand assembly domain (PLAD) has been found to block the effect of TNFα, and TNFRI PLAD (p60 PLAD) inhibits inflammatory arthritis. This study was undertaken to investigate whether TNFR PLAD limits inflammatory skin injury in a mouse model of SLE.MethodsFemale MRL/lpr mice received p60 PLAD (100 μg/mouse intraperitoneally), p80 PLAD (100 μg/mouse intraperitoneally), or phosphate buffered saline (100 μl/mouse intraperitoneally) 3 times a week for 26 weeks, starting at age 6 weeks.ResultsImmunohistochemistry studies demonstrated that TNFRI but not TNFRII was dominantly expressed in skin lesions in MRL/lpr mice. We found that TNFRI PLAD (p60 PLAD) but not TNFRII PLAD (p80 PLAD) protein significantly inhibited skin injury in the MRL/lpr mouse model of lupus. NF‐κB, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in skin lesions were significantly inhibited by p60 PLAD. Lupus serum–induced monocyte differentiation into dendritic cells was reduced by p60 PLAD, but p60 PLAD did not reduce IgG deposition in the skin or improve the progression of kidney damage in MRL/lpr mice.ConclusionOur results indicate that TNFRI is involved in the expression of skin injury in MRL/lpr mice with lupus and that p60 PLAD or similar biologics may be of clinical value if applied locally.
Selective functional inhibition of JAK‐3 is sufficient for efficacy in collagen‐induced arthritis in mice
Authors: Lin Tsung H. , Hegen Martin , Quadros Elizabeth , Nickerson‐Nutter Cheryl L. , Appell Kenneth C. , Cole Andrew G. , Shao Yuefei , Tam Steve , Ohlmeyer Michael , Wang Bojing , Goodwin Debra G. , Kimble Earl F. , Quintero Jorge , Gao Min , Symanowicz Peter , Wrocklage Christopher , Lussier Jennifer , Schelling Scott H. , Hewet Amha G. , Xuan Dejun , Krykbaev Rustem , Togias Jenny , Xu Xin , Harrison Richard , Mansour Tarek , Collins Mary , Clark James D. , Webb Maria L. , Seidl Katherine J. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectiveAll γ‐chain cytokines signal through JAK‐3 and JAK‐1 acting in tandem. We undertook this study to determine whether the JAK‐3 selective inhibitor WYE‐151650 would be sufficient to disrupt cytokine signaling and to ameliorate autoimmune disease pathology without inhibiting other pathways mediated by JAK‐1, JAK‐2, and Tyk‐2.MethodsJAK‐3 kinase selective compounds were characterized by kinase assay and JAK‐3–dependent (interleukin‐2 [IL‐2]) and –independent (IL‐6, granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor [GM‐CSF]) cell‐based assays measuring proliferation or STAT phosphorylation. In vivo, off‐target signaling was measured by IL‐22– and erythropoietin (EPO)–mediated models, while on‐target signaling was measured by IL‐2–mediated signaling. Efficacy of JAK‐3 inhibitors was determined using delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) and collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) models in mice.ResultsIn vitro, WYE‐151650 potently suppressed IL‐2–induced STAT‐5 phosphorylation and cell proliferation, while exhibiting 10–29‐fold less activity against JAK‐3–independent IL‐6– or GM‐CSF–induced STAT phosphorylation. Ex vivo, WYE‐151650 suppressed IL‐2–induced STAT phosphorylation, but not IL‐6–induced STAT phosphorylation, as measured in whole blood. In vivo, WYE‐151650 inhibited JAK‐3–mediated IL‐2–induced interferon‐γ production and decreased the natural killer cell population in mice, while not affecting IL‐22–induced serum amyloid A production or EPO‐induced reticulocytosis. WYE‐151650 was efficacious in mouse DTH and CIA models.ConclusionIn vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays demonstrate that WYE‐151650 is efficacious in mouse CIA despite JAK‐3 selectivity. These data question the need to broadly inhibit JAK‐1–, JAK‐2–, or Tyk‐2–dependent cytokine pathways for efficacy.
Microwave‐Hydrothermal Preparation and Visible‐Light Photoactivity of Plasmonic Photocatalyst Ag‐TiO2 Nanocomposite Hollow Spheres
Authors: Xiang Quanjun , Yu Jiaguo , Cheng Bei , Ong H. C. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractVisible‐light‐driven plasmonic photocatalyst Ag‐TiO2 nanocomposite hollow spheres are prepared by a template‐free chemically‐induced self‐transformation strategy under microwave‐hydrothermal conditions, followed by a photochemical reduction process under xenon lamp irradiation. The prepared samples are characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV/Vis and Raman spectroscopy. Production of ⋅OH radicals on the surface of visible‐light illuminated TiO2 was detected by using a photoluminescence method with terephthalic acid as the probe molecule. The photocatalytic activity of as‐prepared samples was evaluated by photocatalytic decolorization of Rhodamine B (RhB) aqueous solution at ambient temperature under visible‐light irradiation. The results show that the surface plasmon absorption band of the silver nanoparticles supported on the TiO2 hollow spheres was red shifted, and a strong surface enhanced Raman scattering effect for the Ag‐TiO2 nanocomposite sample was observed. The prepared nanocomposite hollow spheres exhibits a highly visible‐light photocatalytic activity for photocatalytic degradation of RhB in water, and their photocatalytic activity is higher than that of pure TiO2 and commercial Degussa P25 (P25) powders. Especially, the as‐prepared Ag‐TiO2 nanocomposite hollow spheres at the nominal atomic ratio of silver to titanium (R) of 2 showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which exceeds that of P25 by a factor of more than 2.
Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Cycloadditions for the Synthesis of Eight‐Membered Carbocycles
Authors: Yu Zhi‐Xiang , Wang Yi , Wang Yuanyuan 
Published: April 2010

AbstractEight‐membered carbocycles are found in a wide variety of natural products that exhibit a broad range of biological and medicinal activities (cf. the most potent anticancer drug, taxol). However, the synthesis of eight‐membered carbocycles is quite challenging as traditional approaches are met with entropic and enthalpic penalties in the ring‐forming transition states. These negative effects can be totally or partially avoided with the implementation of transition‐metal‐catalyzed/mediated cycloadditions. In this Focus Review, examples of elegant and efficient metal‐catalyzed and some metal‐mediated cycloadditions (including Ni‐ catalyzed [4+4] and Rh‐catalyzed [4+2+2] and [5+2+1] reactions) are presented to illustrate this. Application of these cycloaddition reactions in total synthesis is also presented to show the significance of these reactions in addressing challenges in natural product synthesis.
Quadruplexes of human telomere DNA analogs designed to contain G:A:G:A, G:G:A:A, and A:A:A:A tetrads
Authors: Sagi Janos , Renčiuk Daniel , Tomaško Martin , Vorlíčková Michaela 
Published: April 2010

AbstractReplacement of two to four guanines by adenines in the human telomere DNA repeat dG3(TTAG3)3 did not hinder the formation of quadruplexes if the substitutions took place in the terminal tetrad bridged by the diagonal loop of the intramolecular antiparallel three‐tetrad scaffold, as proved by CD and PAGE in both Na+ and K+ solutions. Thermodynamic data showed that, in Na+ solution, the dG3(TTAG3)3 quadruplex was destabilized, the least by the two G:A:G:A tetrads, the most by the G:G:A:A tetrad in which the adenosines replaced syn‐guanosines. In physiological K+ solution, the highest destabilization was caused by the 4A tetrad. In K+, only the unmodified dG3(TTAG3)3 quadruplex rearranged into a K+‐dependent quadruplex form, none of the multiple adenine‐modified structures did so. This may imply biological consequences for nonrepaired A‐for‐G mutations. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 880–886, 2010.
Stressful life events and suicidal behaviour in countries with different development levels: Nicaragua, El Salvador, Chile and Spain
Authors: Vázquez José Juan , Panadero Sonia , Rincón Paulina Paz 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis paper presents a study conducted on 709 Latin American undergraduates from four countries with different development levels (Nicaragua, El Salvador, Chile and Spain). The intention of this paper is to value the differences in the number and characteristics of stressful life events (SLE) suffered by the participants. Another purpose is to confirm the relation between SLE and suicidal conduct in Spanish cultural contexts, through the study of a multicultural sample of Spanish‐speaking university students, and finally, to isolate the SLE that allow predicting a later suicidal conduct to a greatest extent. The information was collected by means of a self‐applied questionnaire. The results indicate a greater presence of SLE among those who live in countries with lower development levels and among those who have attempted committing suicide. It is observed that the fact of having suffered certain SLE—physical or sexual mistreatment, excessive alcohol or drug consumption and having left home during childhood or adolescence—aid in the prediction of later suicidal conducts in the studied samples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Domestic violence and mental health in a Dutch community sample: The adverse role of loneliness
Authors: Kunst Maarten , Bogaerts Stefan , Winkel Frans Willem 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe present study explored whether the adverse mental health consequences of domestic violence victimization vary by type of loneliness (i.e., emotional and social loneliness). Participants were drawn from the Dutch city of Rotterdam (N = 7072). Domestic violence victimization, emotional loneliness and social loneliness were associated with self‐reported mental health. In addition, interaction effects were observed between domestic violence victimization and each type of loneliness. Implications for policy practice as well as strengths and limitations of the study were discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Unusual Thioesterase Promotes Isochromanone Ring Formation in Ajudazol Biosynthesis
Authors: Buntin Kathrin , Weissman Kira J. , Müller Rolf 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe ajudazols are antifungal secondary metabolites produced by a hybrid polyketide synthase (PKS)‐nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) multienzyme “assembly line” in the myxobacterium Chondromyces crocatus Cm c5. The most striking structural feature of these compounds is an isochromanone ring system; such an aromatic moiety is only known from two other complex polyketides, the electron transport inhibitor stigmatellin and the polyether lasalocid. The cyclization and aromatization reactions in the stigmatellin pathway are presumed to be catalyzed by a cyclase domain located at the end of the PKS, while the origin of the lasalocid benzenoid ring remains obscure. Notably, the ajudazol biosynthetic machinery does not incorporate a terminal cyclase, but instead a variant thioesterase (TE) domain. Here we present detailed phylogenetic and sequence analysis, coupled with experiments both in vitro and in vivo, that suggest that this TE promotes formation of the isochromanone ring, a novel reaction for this type of domain. As the ajudazol TE has homologues in several other secondary‐metabolite pathways, these results are likely to be generalizable.
Transcatheter occlusion of an azygous vein aneurysm
Authors: Weber Howard S. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe describe the use of multiple Amplatzer vascular plugs which were intentionally placed so as to isolate a large azygous vein aneurysm with intraluminal thrombosis, which had resulted in a previous pulmonary embolus. This technique avoided the need for an invasive thoracotomy and aneurysm resection or attempting to directly fill the large aneurysm with numerous and various embolization devices. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) in takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Authors: Daniels David V. , Fearon William F. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe report a patient who presents with acute chest pain and positive cardiac enzymes clinically consistent with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Coronary angiography revealed normal epicardial arteries and the left ventriculogram was notable for apical ballooning. This was strongly suggestive of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Pressure wire measurements of Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and IMR demonstrated a normal FFR, but significant microcirculatory dysfunction. This is the first such case that documents this abnormality invasively using the IMR, which unlike CFR is specific for the microcirculation and reproducible through a range of hemodynamic states. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postprocedural management of patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedure with self‐expanding bioprosthesis
Authors: Ussia Gian Paolo , Scarabelli Marilena , Mulè Massimiliano , Barbanti Marco , Cammalleri Valeria , Immè Sebastiano , Aruta Patrizia , Pistritto Anna Maria , Carbonaro Alessandro , Deste Wanda , Sciuto Paolo , Licciardello Giovanni , Calvi Valeria , Tamburino Corrado 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) carries higher risk of post‐procedural adverse events than conventional percutaneous cardiovascular interventions. We report our experience about postoperative management protocol adopted in our Division. Methods: One hundred and ten patients underwent TAVI and 108 were transferred to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) after procedure. During the first 48 hours, vital parameters were monitored continuously. Close attention was given to rhythm and atrio‐ventricular conduction disturbances, systemic blood pressure, fluid balance and vascular accesses. Results: The most common complications were renal impairment (21.3%), femoral artery pseudo‐aneurysms (FAP) (11%), new complete atrioventricular block (20.3 %), cerebral vascular accident (4.5%) and cardiac perforation due to temporary pacemaker lead (1.8%). Ultrasound‐guided compression repair was considered the first line treatment for FAP, but in 6 cases surgical treatment was immediately performed due to the rapid expansion of FAP. Complete atrio‐ventricular block occurred in 22 patients (20.3 %) within the first 24 hours after TAVI and a permanent pacemaker was implanted in 21 patients (19.1%). Acute kidney injury occurred in 18 patients (35%) with pre‐procedural chronic renal failure and in 5 patients (9%) without preoperative renal dysfunction. Conclusions: After TAVI, cardiovascular complications are common and therefore accurate standardized management of patients in CICU during the first 48 hours is mandatory to early detect and manage complications and to decrease the rate of adverse events and the length of in‐hospital stay. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the effects of everolimus‐eluting and paclitaxel‐eluting stents on target lesions with jailed side branches: 2‐year results from the SPIRIT III randomized trial
Authors: Applegate Robert , Hermiller James , Williams Jerome , Gordon Paul , Doostzadeh Julie , Cao Sherry , Su Xiaolu , Sudhir Krishnankutty , Lansky Alexandra , Simonton Charles , Stone Gregg 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjective: To evaluate whether an everolimus‐eluting stent (EES) with thinner stent struts and polymer results in less periprocedural myonecrosis and adverse outcomes. Background: Higher periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) rates have been reported with the TAXUS® EXPRESS2 paclitaxel‐eluting stent (PES) compared to the bare metal EXPRESS2® stent due to more frequent side branch compromise, presumably attributable to the thickness of the stent/polymer on the PES. Methods: In the SPIRIT III trial, we identified 113 patients in the XIENCE V® EES group and 63 patients in the TAXUS EXPRESS2 PES group who met the criteria of having a lesion with a jailed side branch (<2 mm diameter, and <50% stenosis). Two‐year clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results: A periprocedural increase in Creatine Kinase‐MB >1× upper normal level occurred in 9.0% of EES compared to 29.7% of PES patients with jailed side branches, P = 0.01. Through 2 years, major adverse cardiac events (MACE; cardiac death, MI, or target lesion revascularization [TLR]) occurred in 6.8% of EES and 19.0% of PES jailed side branch patients (P = 0.03), with numerically lower rates of MI (2.9% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.07) and TLR (3.9% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.17) in the EES group, with comparable rates of cardiac death (1.9% vs. 1.7%, P = 1.00). Conclusions: In this post‐hoc analysis of the SPIRIT III RCT, patients undergoing stenting of target lesions with jailed side branches with the thin strut and polymer XIENCE V EES compared to the thicker strut TAXUS PES had lower rates of MACE through 2 years due to fewer MIs and TLRs. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Suicide left ventricle following transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Suh William M. , Witzke Christian F. , Palacios Igor F. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn some patients with aortic stenosis, dynamic intraventricular gradients like those seen in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy may develop secondary to left ventricular hypertrophy from chronic pressure overload. With the advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation, many patients with aortic stenosis and advanced age who formerly would be considered “too high risk” for aortic valve replacement are getting treatment for their aortic stenosis. This case highlights the hemodynamic aberrations that can occur with TAVI leading to a cautionary note regarding implementation of this rapidly emerging technique in patients with left ventricles that may be at risk for suicide left ventricle. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of Benzaldehyde‐Functionalized Glycans: A Novel Approach Towards Glyco‐SAMs as a Tool for Surface Plasmon Resonance Studies
Authors: Kopitzki Sebastian , Jensen Knud J. , Thiem Joachim 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn recent years the interest in tools for investigating carbohydrate–protein (CPI) and carbohydrate‐carbohydrate interactions (CCI) has increased significantly. For the investigation of CPI and CCI, several techniques employing different linking methods are available. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging is a most appropriate tool for analyzing the formation of self‐assembled monolayers (SAM) of carbohydrate derivatives, which can mimic the glycocalyx. In contrast to the SPR imaging methods used previously to analyze CPI and CCI, the novel approach reported herein allows a facile and rapid synthesis of linker spacers and carbohydrate derivatives and enhances the binding event by controlling the amount and orientation of ligand. For immobilization on biorepulsive amino‐functionalized SPR chips by reductive amination, diverse aldehyde‐functionalized glycan structures (glucose, galactose, mannose, glucosamine, cellobiose, lactose, and lactosamine) have been synthesized in several facile steps that include olefin metathesis. Effective immobilization and the first binding studies are presented for the lectin concanavalin A.
Analytical Applications of Enzymatic Growth of Quantum Dots
Authors: Saa Laura , Virel Ana , Sanchez‐Lopez Jose , Pavlov Valery 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe have developed an analytical assay to detect the enzymatic activity of acetylcholine esterase and alkaline phosphatase based on the generation of quantum dots by enzymatic products. Acetylcholine esterase converts acetylthiocholine into thiocholine. The latter enhances the rate of decomposition of sodium thiosulfate into H2S, which in the presence of cadmium sulfate yields CdS quantum dots showing a time dependent exponential growth, typical of autocatalytic processes. This assay was also applied to detect acetylcholine esterase inhibitors. Alkaline phosphatase hydrolyzes thiophosphate and yields H2S, which instantly reacts with Cd2+ to give CdS quantum dots. The formation of CdS quantum dots in both reactions was followed by fluorescence spectroscopy and showed dependence on the concentration of enzyme and substrate.