bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of TLR2 in the inflammatory activation of mouse fibroblasts by human antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Satta Nathalie , Dunoyer-Geindre Sylvie , Reber Guido , Fish Richard J. , Boehlen Francoise , Kruithof Egbert K. O. , de Moerloose Philippe 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAntiphospholipid antibodies (APLAs) promote inflammatory and procoagulant responses in endothelial cells and monocytes. Previous studies have shown that MyD88, TRAF6, and NF-κB mediate cell activation by APLAs. These intermediates are also used by toll-like receptors (TLRs). We investigated the role of TLRs in the cellular response to APLAs. IgGs were isolated from the plasma of 5 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome along with immunopurified anti–β2-glycoprotein 1 IgG from a sixth patient. Control IgG was obtained from a pool of healthy donor plasmas negative for APLAs. Wild-type mouse embryonic fibroblasts (EFs) and EFs deficient in TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, or TLR6 were incubated with APLAs, anti–β2-glycoprotein 1 IgG, or control IgG. On incubation with the patient IgG, but not control IgG, a significant increase in mRNA levels of the inflammatory marker proteins MCP-1, ICAM-1, and IL-6 as well as IL-6 secretion was observed in wild-type EFs, whereas TLR2-deficient EFs did not respond. Responses in TLR1- and TLR6-deficient EFs were decreased and those in TLR4-deficient EFs comparable to those in wild-type EFs. Overexpression of human TLR2 in the TLR2-deficient EFs restituted the response to patient IgG. Our results imply that TLR2 plays a role in mouse fibroblast activation by APLAs.
Active tissue factor pathway inhibitor is expressed on the surface of coated platelets
Authors: Maroney Susan A. , Haberichter Sandra L. , Friese Paul , Collins Maureen L. , Ferrel Josephine P. , Dale George L. , Mast Alan E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe incorporation of blood-borne forms of tissue factor (TF) into a growing blood clot is necessary for normal fibrin generation and stabilization of the blood clot. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is the primary physiologic inhibitor of tissue factor and is present within platelets. Expression of TFPI on the platelet surface may be the optimal location for it to abrogate blood-borne TF activity that incorporates within the blood clot, balancing the need for adequate hemostasis while preventing development of occlusive thrombosis. TFPI is produced by megakaryocytes but is not expressed on the platelet surface. Activation of platelets with thrombin receptor activation peptide does not cause release or surface expression of TFPI, demonstrating that TFPI is not stored within platelet α granules. TFPI is expressed on the platelet surface following dual-agonist activation with convulxin plus thrombin to produce coated platelets. In association with its expression on the surface of coated platelets TFPI is also released in microvesicles or as a soluble protein.
Respiratory tract infections and subsequent risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Landgren Ola , Rapkin Joshua S. , Caporaso Neil E. , Mellemkjaer Lene , Gridley Gloria , Goldin Lynn R. , Engels Eric A. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) might occur following a response to an infectious agent. We conducted a population-based study including 4249 CLL patients diagnosed in Denmark from 1977 to 1997 and 15 690 frequency-matched controls to quantify risk of CLL following various airway infections. Through data linkage we gathered information on hospital inpatient/outpatient discharges that listed infections present at least 1 year prior to CLL. Using logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Personal history of pneumonia was associated with significantly increased CLL risk (OR = 1.4; 1.2-1.8); risk was restricted to 1 to 4.99 years prior to CLL diagnosis (OR = 1.6; 1.2-2.0). Individuals with 3 or more prior pneumonia events had a significant 2.5-fold (1.1-5.6) elevated CLL risk, and risk increased with the number of pneumonia episodes (Ptrend < .001). None of 9 other respiratory-tract infections was significantly associated with CLL risk. Pneumonia might be a potential CLL trigger or it could represent premalignant immune disruption preceding CLL.
Peritoneal carcinomatosis from a small bowel carcinoid tumour
Authors: Gutierrez Gonzalo , Daniels Ian R , Garcia Ana , Ramia Jose M 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Peritoneal carcinomatosis from a gastrointestinal carcinoid tumour is rare and the long-term management and prognosis have not been clearly defined. The natural history is different from gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma, although its capacity to invade regional lymph nodes and generate distal metastasis can make the management more complex. Whilst the development of carcinomatosis is uncommonly reported, it may be higher than expected.

Case presentation
A 63 years-old woman underwent emergency surgery in 1993 for right iliac fossa pain and a mass that was found to be an ileal carcinoid tumour. Over the next ten years, further surgery was required for disseminated disease with peritoneal carcinomatosis and liver metastasis. Systemic chemotherapy had little effect, although Somatostatin was used effectively to relieve symptoms caused by the disseminated disease (flushing and diarrhoea).

Conclusion
Peritoneal carcinomatosis from carcinoid tumours is not well documented in the literature. Aggressive surgery must be performed in order to control the disease since chemotherapy has not been reported to be effective. With repeated surgery long-term survival can be achieved in these patients.
In situ methods to localize transgenes and transcripts in interphase nuclei: a tool for transgenic plant research
Authors: Santos Ana Paula , Wegel Eva , Allen George C , Thompson William F , Stoger Eva , Shaw Peter , Abranches Rita 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Genetic engineering of commercially important crops has become routine in many laboratories. However, the inability to predict where a transgene will integrate and to efficiently select plants with stable levels of transgenic expression remains a limitation of this technology. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a powerful technique that can be used to visualize transgene integration sites and provide a better understanding of transgene behavior. Studies using FISH to characterize transgene integration have focused primarily on metaphase chromosomes, because the number and position of integration sites on the chromosomes are more easily determined at this stage. However gene (and transgene) expression occurs mainly during interphase. In order to accurately predict the activity of a transgene, it is critical to understand its location and dynamics in the three-dimensional interphase nucleus. We and others have developed in situ methods to visualize transgenes (including single copy genes) and their transcripts during interphase from different tissues and plant species. These techniques reduce the time necessary for characterization of transgene integration by eliminating the need for time-consuming segregation analysis, and extend characterization to the interphase nucleus, thus increasing the likelihood of accurate prediction of transgene activity. Furthermore, this approach is useful for studying nuclear organization and the dynamics of genes and chromatin.
Protein oxidation and proteolysis
Authors: Bader Nicolle , Grune Tilman 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
One of the hallmarks of chronic or severe oxidative stress is the accumulation of oxidized proteins, which tend to form high-molecular-weight aggregates. The major proteolytic system responsible for the removal of oxidized cytosolic and nuclear proteins is the proteasome. This complicated proteolytic system contains a core proteasomal form (20S proteasome) and several regulators. All of these components are affected by oxidative stress to various degrees. The ATP-stimulated 26S proteasome is sensitive to oxidative stress, whereas the 20S form seems to be more resistant. The nuclear proteasome selectively degrades oxidatively damaged histones in the nuclei of mammalian cells, where it is activated and regulated by automodified PARP-1 after oxidative challenge. In this brief review we highlight the proteolysis and its regulatory effects during oxidative stress.
Incinerator fly ash provokes alteration of redox equilibrium and liberation of arachidonic acid in vitro
Authors: Fritsch Susanne , Diabaté Silvia , Krug Harald F. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Numerous epidemiological studies have associated exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) with pulmonary and cardiovascular health effects. Macrophages as a part of the primary pulmonary defence system play a crucial role by generating pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of incinerator fly ash (MAF02) as a model of environmental particulate matter on the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their ability to induce oxidative stress in RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, the liberation of arachidonic acid (AA) was observed. The interaction of MAF02 with macrophages caused increased mobilisation of AA, accompanied by enhanced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The MAF02-induced AA liberation was found to depend on an increased intracellular calcium concentration. In addition, MAF02-induced liberation of AA was selectively blocked by an ERK1/2 pathway-specific inhibitor, while inhibition of the p38 MAPK activity had no effect. Fly ash was also observed to induce an increase in cellular glutathione (GSH) content and antioxidative enzyme haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). In correlation, experiments with dichlorofluorescein demonstrated increased formation of ROS upon treatment with fly ash. In summary, incinerator fly ash induces oxidative stress to a certain extent, resulting in the onset of important mechanisms related to inflammation.
Switch from actin α1 to α2 expression and upregulation of biomarkers for pressure overload and cardiac hypertrophy in taurine-deficient mouse heart
Authors: Warskulat Ulrich , Andrée Birgit , Lüsebrink Jessica , Köhrer Karl , Häussinger Dieter 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTaurine is the most abundant free amino acid in heart muscle and protects against heart failure. In the present study, the consequences of hereditary taurine deficiency on cardiac gene expression were examined in 2- and 15–16-month-old taurine transporter knockout (taut-/-) mice using a mouse-specific DNA microarray. This oligonucleotide-based microarray contains probes for 251 genes with relevance for heart function. Of these, 163 probes exhibited a reproducible hybridization signal and were analyzed. α-Actin type 1 mRNA levels were 70% lower in the heart of young and oldertaut-/-mice compared to wild-type controls. Interestingly, the hearts oftaut-/-mice showed a switch from α-actin 1 to α-actin 2 expression, as confirmed by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. In addition, mRNA levels of biomarkers for pressure overload and hypertension were upregulated intaut-/-hearts, i.e., atrial natriuretic factor (+848%), brain natriuretic peptide (+90%), cardiac ankyrin repeat protein (+118%), and procollagen 1a1, 1a2 and 3a1 (+40% at least). These results point to a stress situation in the heart oftaut-/-mice under laboratory conditions, and it can be speculated thattaut-/-hearts may be even more susceptible to failure in the wild when under exogenous stress.
Nanoscale Effects on the Ionic Conductivity of Highly Doped Bulk Nanometric Cerium Oxide
Authors: Anselmi‐Tamburini U. , Maglia F. , Chiodelli G. , Tacca A. , Spinolo G. , Riello P. , Bucella S. , Munir Z. A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractNanometric ceria powders doped with 30 mol % samaria are consolidated by a high‐pressure spark plasma sintering (HP‐SPS) method to form > 99 % dense samples with a crystallite size as small as 16.5 nm. A conductivity dependence on grain size was noted: when the grain size was less than 20 nm, only one semicircle in the AC impedance spectra was observed and was attributed to bulk conductivity. In contrast to previous observations on pure ceria, the disappearance of the grain‐boundary blocking effect is not associated with mixed conductivity. With annealing and concomitant grain growth, the samples show the presence of a grain‐boundary effect.
Modifying the Output Characteristics of an Organic Light‐Emitting Device by Refractive‐Index Modulation
Authors: Höfler T. , Weinberger M. , Kern W. , Rentenberger S. , Pogantsch A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn order to modify the output characteristics of organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs), the optical properties of an active layer within the device are patterned without introducing any thickness modulation. For this purpose a new conjugated copolymer, which serves as a hole‐transporting material and at the same time can be index patterned using UV techniques, is synthesized. Poly(VC‐co‐VBT) (VC: N‐vinylcarbazole; VBT: 4‐vinylbenzyl thiocyanate) is prepared by free‐radical copolymerization of VC and VBT. The material contains photoreactive thiocyanate groups that enable altering of the material's refractive index under UV illumination. This copolymer is employed as a patternable hole‐transporting layer in multilayer OLEDs. Refractive‐index gratings in poly(VC‐co‐VBT) are inscribed using a holographic setup based upon a Lloyd mirror configuration. The fourth harmonic of a Nd:YAG (YAG: yttrium aluminum garnet) laser (266 nm) serves as the UV source. In this way 1D photonic structures are integrated in an OLED containing AlQ3 (tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum) as the emitting species. It is assured that only a periodical change of the refractive index (Δn = 0.006 at λ = 540 nm) is generated in the active material but no surface‐relief gratings are generated. The patterned devices show more forward‐directed out‐coupling behavior than unstructured devices (increase in luminosity by a factor of five for a perpendicular viewing direction). This effect is most likely due to Bragg scattering. For these multilayer structures, optimum outcoupling was observed for grating periods Λ ∼ 390 nm.
α,ω‐Dithiol Oligo(phenylene vinylene)s for the Preparation of High‐Quality π‐Conjugated Self‐Assembled Monolayers and Nanoparticle‐ Functionalized Electrodes
Authors: Seferos D. S. , Lai R. Y. , Plaxco K. W. , Bazan G. C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWhile thioacetate‐terminated oligo(phenylene vinylene)s (OPVs) have been synthesized and employed in applications involving the formation of metal–molecule–metal junctions, the synthesis and application of potentially more versatile α,ω‐dithiol OPVs have not previously been described. Here, a thiomethyl‐precursor route to the synthesis of α,ω‐dithiol OPVs is reported and their ability to form well‐ordered self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) without the addition of exogenous deprotection reagents is described. α,ω‐Dithiol OPV monolayers exhibit thicknesses consistent with molecular length and are nearly defect‐free, as assayed by electrochemical measurements. To demonstrate the ease with which SAMs containing these bifunctional OPVs can, in contrast to thioacetate functionalized OPVs, be further functionalized with materials other than gold, we have modified them in a single step with a sub‐monolayer of cadmium selenide nanocrystals (NCs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirm that these NC‐modified films are both smooth and uniform over the largest areas investigated (> 10 μm2) and no evidence of NC aggregation is observed. To evaluate the electrochemical response of these metal–molecule–semiconductor assemblies we have fabricated NC‐modified OPV SAMs with ferrocene‐coated NCs. Variable‐frequency alternating current voltammetry indicates that electron transfer in these assemblies is much more rapid than in analogous structures formed using simple alkane dithiols. It thus appears that α,ω‐dithiol OPVs are well suited for the formation of high‐quality conducting SAMs for the functionalization of gold and other surfaces.
Amphiphilic Poly(p‐phenylene)s for Self‐Organized Porous Blue‐Light‐Emitting Thin Films
Authors: Nurmawati M. H. , Renu R. , Ajikumar P. K. , Sindhu S. , Cheong F. C. , Sow C. H. , Valiyaveettil S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMicro‐ and nanostructuring of conjugated polymers are of critical importance in the fabrication of molecular electronic devices as well as photonic and bandgap materials. The present report delineates the single‐step self‐organization of highly ordered structures of functionalized poly(p‐phenylene)s without the aid of either a controlled environment or expensive fabrication methodologies. Microporous films of these polymers, with a honeycomb pattern, were prepared by direct spreading of the dilute polymer solution on various substrates, such as glass, quartz, silicon wafer, indium tin oxide, gold‐coated mica, and water, under ambient conditions. The polymeric film obtained from C12PPPOH comprises highly periodic, defect‐free structures with blue‐light‐emitting properties. It is expected that such microstructured, conjugated polymeric films will have interesting applications in photonic and optoelectronic devices. The ability of the polymer to template the facile micropatterning of nanomaterials gives rise to hybrid films with very good spatial dispersion of the carbon nanotubes.
Abhängigkeit der Wasserdurchlässigkeit vom Porenvolumen des Bodens
Authors: Rückert Horst 
Published: November 2006

AbstractEs wird die Abhängigkeit des Durchlässigkeitsbeiwertes k von der Porenzahl e behandelt. Bei Darstellung von e und k im doppeltlogarithmischen Maßstab werden Kurven erhalten, im Sonderfall eine Gerade. Dafür sind Gleichungen angegeben.
Sirolimus‐eluting stents and calcified coronary lesions: Clinical outcomes of patients treated with and without rotational atherectomy
Authors: Clavijo Leonardo C. , Steinberg Daniel H. , Torguson Rebecca , Kuchulakanti Pramod K. , Chu William W. , Fournadjiev Jana , Satler Lowell F. , Kent Kenneth M. , Suddath William O. , Waksman Ron , Pichard Augusto D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis study examined the outcomes of patients who underwent sirolimus‐eluting stent (SES) implantation for the treatment of heavily calcified coronary lesions (HCCL) with and without the use of rotational atherectomy (rotablator). We investigated 150 consecutive patients with angiographic evidence of HCCL who underwent SES implantation. Sixty‐nine patients underwent SES implantation without the need of rotablator (SES), and 81 patients required rotational atherectomy to modify the plaque and facilitate the delivery of the stent (SES + rotational atherectomy). Clinical success was equivalent in both groups (>98%) and there were no in‐hospital outcome differences. At 6 months, the target lesion revascularization rate was 4.9% in SES vs. 4.2% in SES + rotational atherectomy groups, respectively (P = NS). Mortality at 6 months was 7.9% in the SES group vs. 6.8% in the SES + rotational atherectomy group (P = NS). SES performs well in patients with complex HCCL, with a relative low event rate. Lesions requiring rotational atherectomy to facilitate dilation and stenting had similar outcomes after SES implantation to those that could be stented without the need for rotablator. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drug‐eluting stents in bifurcation lesions: To stent one branch or both?
Authors: Assali Abid R. , Assa Hana V. , Ben‐Dor Itsik , Teplitsky Igal , Solodky Alejandro , Brosh David , Fuchs Shmuel , Kornowski Ran 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives: The objective of this study was to compare two techniques to treat bifurcation lesions: a single drug‐eluting stent (DES) implanted in the main branch combined with balloon dilatation for the side branch vs. stenting of both branches (double stent). Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention in coronary bifurcation lesions remains challenging. Although DES reduce restenosis in lesions, the double stent procedure has not shown clear advantages over a single stent with balloon dilation. Methods: Fifty‐three symptomatic patients with true bifurcation lesions were treated using either the double stent technique (n = 25) or one stent in the parent vessel plus balloon angioplasty of the side branch (n = 28). Procedural results and major adverse cardiac event rates (MACE: cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization (TVR)) were compared. Results: Angiographic procedural success (residual stenosis <30% in both branches) was 75% in the single stent group and 100% in the double stent group (P = 0.01). All differences were due to residual stenosis of the side branch. Clinical follow‐up (6–18 months) was available for all patients; 90.5% of patients had a coronary angiography or nuclear stress test. Three patients (11%) in the single stent group and two (8%) in the double stent group had ischemia‐driven TVR (P = NS). Asymptomatic angiographic restenosis (>50% diameter stenosis) in the ostium of the side branch was seen in two patients in the double‐stent group. At 6 months, MACE‐free was comparable between groups (89.3% vs. 88%, P = 0.7). Conclusions: When treating bifurcation lesions with sirolimus‐eluting stents, restenosis following a single stent procedure is comparable to stenting both parent and side branch vessels. Thus, stenting the main‐branch lesion, coupled with balloon angioplasty in the side branch, produces a high success rate and good clinical outcomes at 6 months. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The “pull–push” technique to deal with a redundant eustachian valve interfering with placement of a PFO occluder
Authors: Butera Gianfranco , Montinaro Antonio , Carminati Mario 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the role of a new technique to deal with a redundant Eustachian valve (EV) interfering with placement of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder. Background: The EV is a remnant of the embryonic valve of the sinus venosus. In rare occasions, it is large and redundant and it may interfere with catheters and devices used in cardiac catheterization. Methods: We have developed a new technique to control the EV in order to avoid interferences with the device for closure of atrial septal defects and PFO's. This technique is called “pull–push” technique and consists in pulling down on the inferior vena cava the redundant EV by using a 6 Fr pigtail catheter while a second operator pushes the right atrial disc out of the long sheath. Results: Here, we report on two patients with a patent foramen ovale, in whom the EV prevented the right atrial disc of an Amplatzer PFO occluder to be completely flat against the interatrial septum. Finally, we used this technique in one more patient to avoid any interference of a very redundant EV during placement of a Starflex device. Conclusions: In conclusion. the so called “pull–push” technique is an alternative and easy technique to control the EV in order to avoid interferences with the device for closure of atrial septal defects and PFO's © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.