bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fractalkine mediates T cell–dependent proliferation of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sawai Hirokazu , Park Yong W. , He Xiaowen , Goronzy Jörg J. , Weyand Cornelia M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveIn rheumatoid arthritis (RA), synovial fibroblasts proliferate excessively, eventually eroding bone and cartilage. The aim of this study was to examine the mechanisms through which CD4 T cells, the dominant lymphocyte population in patients with rheumatoid synovitis, regulate synoviocyte proliferation.MethodsFibroblast‐like synoviocyte (FLS) lines were established from rheumatoid synovium. CD4 T cells from patients with RA and age‐matched control subjects were cultured on FLS monolayers. FLS proliferation was quantified by cytometry, using carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester staining or microscopic enumeration of PKH26‐stained FLS. Surface expression of the fractalkine (FKN) receptor CX3CR1 was monitored by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. The induction of CX3CR1 and its ligand FKN in FLS was quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe proliferation of FLS was significantly increased in the presence of CD4 T cells from patients with RA compared with control T cells. CD4+,CD28– T cells were particularly effective in supporting FLS growth, inducing a 25‐fold expansion compared with a 5‐fold expansion induced by CD4+,CD28+ T cells. The growth‐promoting activity of CD4+,CD28– T cells was mediated through CX3CR1, a chemokine receptor expressed on both T cells and FLS. Anti‐CX3CR1 antibodies inhibited T cell production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and suppressed FLS proliferation. TNFα amplified the expansion of FLS by enhancing their expression of CX3CR1 and FKN.ConclusionFKN–CX3CR1 receptor–ligand interactions regulate FLS growth and FLS‐dependent T cell function. FLS stimulate autocrine growth by releasing FKN and triggering the activity of their own CX3CR1. This growth‐promotion loop is amplified by TNFα produced by CX3CR1‐expressing T cells upon stimulation by FKN‐expressing FLS. These data assign a critical role to FKN and its receptor in fibroblast proliferation and pannus formation in RA.
Biomechanical signals inhibit IKK activity to attenuate NF‐κB transcription activity in inflamed chondrocytes
Authors: Dossumbekova Anar , Anghelina Mirela , Madhavan Shashi , He Lingli , Quan Ning , Knobloch Thomas , Agarwal Sudha 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveWhile the effects of biomechanical signals in the form of joint movement and exercise are known to be beneficial to inflamed joints, limited information is available regarding the intracellular mechanisms of their actions. This study was undertaken to examine the intracellular mechanisms by which biomechanical signals suppress proinflammatory gene induction by the interleukin‐1‐β (IL‐1β)–induced NF‐κB signaling cascade in articular chondrocytes.MethodsPrimary rat articular chondrocytes were exposed to biomechanical signals in the form of cyclic tensile strain, and the effects on the NF‐κB signaling cascade were examined by Western blot analysis, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence.ResultsCyclic tensile strain rapidly inhibited the IL‐1β–induced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, but not its IL‐1β–induced phosphorylation at serine 276 and serine 536, which are necessary for its transactivation and transcriptional efficacy, respectively. Examination of upstream events revealed that cyclic tensile strain also inhibited the cytoplasmic protein degradation of IκBβ and IκBα, as well as repressed their gene transcription. Additionally, cyclic tensile strain induced a rapid nuclear translocation of IκBα to potentially prevent NF‐κB binding to DNA. Furthermore, the inhibition of IL‐1β–induced degradation of IκB by cyclic tensile strain was mediated by down‐regulation of IκB kinase activity.ConclusionThese results indicate that the signals generated by cyclic tensile strain act at multiple sites within the NF‐κB signaling cascade to inhibit IL‐1β–induced proinflammatory gene induction. Taken together, these findings provide insight into how biomechanical signals regulate and reduce inflammation, and underscore their potential in enhancing the ability of chondrocytes to curb inflammation in diseased joints.
Evidence for a different anatomic basis for joint disease localization in polymyalgia rheumatica in comparison with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Marzo‐Ortega Helena , Rhodes Laura A. , Tan Ai Lyn , Tanner Steven F. , Conaghan Philip G. , Hensor Elizabeth M. A. , O'Connor Philip , Radjenovic Aleksandra , Pease Colin T. , Emery Paul , McGonagle Dennis 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe anatomic basis for joint disease localization in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is poorly understood. This study used contrast‐enhanced and fat suppression magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the relationship between synovial and extracapsular inflammation in PMR and early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsTen patients with new‐onset PMR and 10 patients with early RA underwent dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI and conventional MRI of affected metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Synovitis and tenosynovitis were calculated based on the number of enhancing voxels, initial rate of enhancement, and maximal enhancement of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd‐DTPA). Periarticular bone erosion and bone edema were scored according to the OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials) scoring system in both groups. The degree of extracapsular Gd‐DTPA enhancement was assessed in both conditions using semiquantitative scoring.ResultsNo significant differences were seen in the volume of synovitis (P = 0.294), degree of flexor tenosynovitis (P = 0.532), periarticular erosions (P = 0.579), or degree of bone edema (P = 0.143) between RA and PMR joints. However, despite comparable degrees of synovitis, the proportion of MCP joints showing extracapsular enhancement was higher in the PMR group (100%) than in the RA group (50%) (P = 0.030). One PMR patient, but none of the RA patients, had bone edema at the capsular insertion.ConclusionDespite degrees of synovitis and tenosynovitis comparable with those in RA, PMR‐related hand disease is associated with prominent extracapsular changes, suggesting that inflammation in these tissues is more prominent than joint synovitis, which is common in both conditions. This suggests that the anatomic basis for joint disease localization differs between RA and PMR.
Multicenter validation of a new quality of life measure in pediatric lupus
Authors: Moorthy L. Nandini , Peterson Margaret G. E. , Baratelli Maria , Harrison Melanie J. , Onel Karen B. , Chalom Elizabeth C. , Haines Kathleen , Hashkes Philip J. , Lehman Thomas J. A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectivePediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic fluctuating disease that significantly impacts quality of life (QOL). There is no pediatric SLE‐specific health‐related QOL (HRQOL) scale. Our objective was to develop and validate a new pediatric SLE‐specific HRQOL scale.MethodsWe developed the Simple Measure of the Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters (SMILEY) based on results of qualitative research of children with SLE and their parents. SMILEY has parallel child and parent reports with a 5‐faces scale for responses. SMILEY comprises 4 domains: effect on self, limitations, social, and burden of SLE. In this cross‐sectional study, we examined face, content, construct, and concurrent validity; internal consistency; test–retest reliability; and child‐parent agreement for SMILEY. Children ≤18 years of age with SLE and their parents completed corresponding child and parent SMILEY reports, as well as other QOL and physical function scales. Qualified physicians assessed SLE activity, damage, and severity.ResultsEighty‐six children with SLE and 80 parents participated. SMILEY was found to have face, content, construct, and concurrent validity (Spearman's rank correlation [rs] ≥0.4); test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.9); and internal consistency (α = 0.9). Moderate agreement was found between child and parent SMILEY reports (ICC 0.7, rs = 0.5, P < 0.001).ConclusionSMILEY is a brief, easily understood, valid, and reliable pediatric SLE‐specific QOL scale. Because SMILEY assesses children's self‐perception of QOL as impacted by SLE, we predict that it will have great utility in clinical practice, clinical trials, and outcomes research.
Predictability of the clinical course of juvenile dermatomyositis based on initial muscle biopsy: A retrospective study of 72 patients
Authors: Miles L. , Bove K. E. , Lovell D. , Wargula J. C. , Bukulmez H. , Shao M. , Salisbury S. , Bean J. A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveExcept when the diagnosis of juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) is in doubt, a case has not been made for routine muscle biopsy (MB). We sought to determine whether MB findings prior to systemic therapy have prognostic value.MethodsWe reviewed the hospital records and slides prepared from the initial open MB of 72 patients treated at one center between 1977 and 2002 and followed for a minimum of 2 years. None of the patients had received a course of systemic corticosteroid therapy at the time of MB. Our approach to MB evaluation was based on recent discussions with muscle pathology experts to develop criteria for assessing inflammation, vasculopathy, myofiber atrophy, regeneration, acute and chronic myopathic change, and stromal changes. Using simple and multivariate logistic regression, we tested each MB parameter for ability to predict outcome using 2 published classification systems.ResultsExtensive active myopathic changes (excluding regeneration) and central nuclei without basophilia predicted chronic juvenile DM. Severe arteropathic change, positive arterial direct immunofluorescence, obvious foci of severe capillary loss/endomysial fibrosis, and muscle infarcts predicted chronic juvenile DM, particularly with ulceration. Other MB parameters, regardless of severity, were not significant predictors of chronic juvenile DM versus limited disease.ConclusionA scoring system for evaluating pretreatment MB in juvenile DM that focuses on extent of necrotizing myopathy, severity of vasculopathy, and features of established chronicity such as central nucleation of nonbasophilic myofibers may provide a basis for stratification of therapeutic regimens according to risk for chronic disease. The validity of our findings should be prospectively tested.
The importance of the disease process and disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug treatment in the development of septic arthritis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Edwards Christopher J. , Cooper Cyrus , Fisher David , Field Max , van Staa Tjeerd P. , Arden Nigel K. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on the likelihood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) developing septic arthritis (SA).MethodsThe United Kingdom General Practice Research Database (GPRD) was used to identify adults with RA, and age‐, sex‐, and practice‐matched control subjects. Subjects were studied between 1987 and 2002. The risk of developing SA (excluding infected joint replacements) for individuals with RA was calculated and the effect of DMARD use determined.ResultsA total of 136,977 subjects (34,250 patients with RA, 102,747 controls) were identified. SA was identified in 345 subjects, of which 321 (236 in patients with RA, 85 in controls) cases occurred during the study period. The incidence rate of SA was 12.9 times higher in subjects with RA than in those without (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 10.1–16.5, P < 0.001). The incident rate ratios (IRRs) for developing SA while receiving DMARDs compared with receiving no DMARDs were different for different medications. Penicillamine (adjusted IRR 2.51, 95% CI 1.29–4.89, P = 0.004), sulfasalazine (adjusted IRR 1.74, 95% CI 1.04–2.91, P = 0.03), and prednisolone (adjusted IRR 2.94, 95% CI 1.93–4.46, P < 0.001) were associated with an increased incidence of SA when compared with not receiving any DMARD. The use of other DMARDs including methotrexate showed no such effect.ConclusionIndividuals with RA have an increased risk of developing SA. This increased risk can be attributed to both the disease process and the use of DMARDs.
The Mitsunobu Reaction: Origin, Mechanism, Improvements, and Applications
Authors: But Tracy Yuen Sze , Toy Patrick H. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe Mitsunobu reaction is a widely used and versatile method for the dehydrative oxidation–reduction condensation of an acid/pronucleophile usually with a primary or secondary alcohol that requires the combination of a reducing phosphine reagent together with an oxidizing azo reagent. The utility of this reaction stems from the fact that it is generally highly stereoselective and occurs with inversion of the stereochemical configuration of the alcohol starting material. Furthermore, as carboxylic acids, phenols, imides, sulfonamides, and other compounds can be used as the acid/pronucleophile, this reaction is useful for the preparation of a wide variety of functional groups. This Focus Review of the Mitsunobu reaction summarizes its origins, the current understanding of its mechanism, and recent improvements and applications.
Synthesis and Aggregation Behavior of meso‐Sulfinylporphyrins: Evaluation of S‐Chirality Effects on the Self‐Organization to S–Oxo‐Tethered Cofacial Porphyrin Dimers
Authors: Matano Yoshihiro , Shinokura Tomonori , Matsumoto Kazuaki , Imahori Hiroshi , Nakano Haruyuki 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe synthesis and aggregation behavior of meso‐sulfinylporphyrins are described. The copper‐catalyzed C–S cross‐coupling reaction of a meso‐iodoporphyrin with benzenethiol and n‐octanethiol has proved to be an efficient method for the synthesis of meso‐sulfanylporphyrins, which are oxygenated by m‐chloroperbenzoic acid to produce the corresponding meso‐sulfinylporphyrins. Optically active zinc meso‐sulfinylporphyrins were successfully isolated by means of optical resolution of the racemates on a chiral HPLC column. Zinc sulfinylporphyrins readily undergo self‐organization through S–oxo–zinc coordination to form cofacial porphyrin dimers in solution, in which the hetero‐ and homodimers are present as a diastereomeric mixture. The aggregation modes of the S–oxo‐tethered porphyrin dimers were fully characterized by 1H NMR, IR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy as well as DFT calculations on their model compounds, thus revealing that the self‐aggregation behavior depends on the combination of S chirality. The absolute configurations at the sulfur center can be determined by the exciton‐coupled CD method. The observed self‐association constant for the S–oxo‐tethered dimerization of (S)‐phenylsulfinylporphyrin in toluene is larger than that in dichloromethane, which reflects the difference in dipole moments between the homodimer and the monomer. In cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry, the first oxidation process of the cofacial dimers is split into two reversible steps, which indicates that the initially produced π radical cations are delocalized efficiently between the two porphyrin rings. The present findings demonstrate the potential utility of meso‐sulfinyl groups as promising ligands for investigating the effects of peripheral chirality on the structures and optical and electrochemical properties of metal‐assisted porphyrin self‐assemblies.
Betonkorrosion durch Schwefelsäure an Abwasserbauwerken. Innovative Schadensdiagnose
Authors: Taffe Alexander , Pohl Markus , Roeser Wolfgang , Schwamborn Bernd 
Published: September 2007

AbstractZur erfolgreichen Instandsetzung geschädigter Stahlbetonbauwerke sind verlässliche Daten aus Bauwerksuntersuchungen und darauf basierende Schlussfolgerungen durch den sachkundigen Planer unabdingbar. Während im Fall tausalzinduzierter Korrosion die Vorgehensweise bei der Untersuchung und Instandsetzung in der Praxis gut bekannt und geregelt ist, trifft dies bei Schäden an Abwasserbauwerken und Biogasanlagen durch biogene Schwefelsäure nicht zu. In diesem Beitrag wird gezeigt, welche Aussagen mit klassischen Prüfungen wie chemischer Analyse und Oberflächenzugfestigkeitsprüfung im Vergleich zu einem neu entwickelten Verfahren wie der Laser‐induzierten Breakdown Spektroskopie (LIBS) gewonnen werden können. Es werden die Möglichkeiten aber auch Grenzen dieser Verfahren bei der Bauwerksdiagnose im Fall von biogenem Schwefelsäureangriff beschrieben.
Experimental and Numerical Simulation Study of Heat Transfer Due to Confined Impinging Circular Jet
Authors: Chang‐geng L. , Jie‐min Z. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAn experimental and numerical simulation study of heat transfer due to a confined impinging circular jet is presented. In this research, a stainless steel foil heated disk was used as the heat transfer surface of a simulated chip, and the thermocouples were mounted symmetrically along the diameter of the foil to measure the temperature distribution on the surface. Driven by a small pump, a circular air jet (1.5 mm and 1 mm in diameter) impinged on the heat‐transfer surface with middle and low Reynolds numbers. The parameters, such as Reynolds number and ratio of height‐to‐diameter, were changed to investigate the radial distribution of the Nusselt number and the characteristics of heat transfer in the stagnation region. Numerical computations were performed by using several different turbulence models. In wall bounded turbulent flows, near‐wall modeling is crucial. Therefore, the turbulence models enhanced wall treatment, such as the RNG κ‐ϵ model, may be superior for modeling impingement flows. The numerical results showed reasonable agreement with the experimental data for local heat transfer coefficient distributions. The impinging jet may be an effective method to solve the cooling problem of high power density electronic packaging.
Evaluation of Electro‐Oxidation of Textile Effluent Using Response Surface Methods
Authors: Saravanathamizhan R. , Mohan N. , Balasubramanian N. , Ramamurthi V. , Basha C. Ahmed 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn the present investigation, treatment of textile effluent using an electrochemical technique was designed and analyzed using the Box‐Behnken method. The influence of individual parameters on electro‐oxidation of textile effluent has been critically examined using the response surface method (RSM), and a quadratic model for chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction has been developed. It has been observed from the present analysis that the predicted values are in good agreement with experimental data with a correlation coefficient of 0.945.
Concentrations and Seasonal Trends of Extracellular Microcystins in Freshwaters of the Czech Republic – Results of the National Monitoring Program
Authors: Bláhová Lucie , Babica Pavel , Maršálková Eliška , Maršálek Blahoslav , Bláha Ludek 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe first outcomes of the national monitoring program on cyanobacteria and their toxins in the Czech Republic are reported. The concentrations of extracellular microcystins (MCs, analyzed by ELISA) in 206 water samples collected from 94 localities have been investigated. Observed MC concentrations were relatively high in comparison with the literature data, although weather conditions during the covered season (year 2004) were less favorable for the cyanobacterial water blooms. Detectable MCs (>0.125 μg/L) were found in 145 waters (70% of all samples) with a median concentration of 0.67 μg/L. The total median, including samples with no detectable MCs, was 0.26 μg/L. The seasonal trend showed an increase from July to September at most localities (maximum concentrations of about 8 μg/L and extremes up to 37 μg/L). However, a peak at the beginning of the season or continuously elevated MC concentrations were also observed at some localities. Positive correlations between increasing concentrations of MCs and the dominancy of Microcystis spp. have been observed. The survey provides the first large‐scale study of the occurrence and seasonal variability of extracellular microcystins that are of particular interest for drinking water management.
Chemical Aspects of Fractional Crystallization of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters Produced from Waste Fats
Authors: Sahlabji Taher , Wichmann Hubertus , Dieckmann Heike , Jopke Petra , Bahadir Müfit 
Published: September 2007

AbstractFractional crystallization of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) produced from waste cooking oil or animal fats was performed in a laboratory‐scale facility. The raw esters and the “winterization” products were analyzed by determining the FAME pattern, iodine and peroxide numbers as well as oxidation stabilities and element concentrations. Fractionation experiments under air and nitrogen were conducted, but no differences concerning oxidative stability were observed. By improvement of the winterization and washing the filtration residue with methanol, the enrichment of saturated FAME in one step was raised up to a technically sufficient rate of 85%. Absorption of oxygen by FAME at different temperatures was measurable. Volatile decomposition products were registrated after heating the FAME at different temperatures. It was shown that antioxidants like butylhydroxytoluene or α‐tocopherol were enriched in the phase of unsaturated FAME. This effect obviously affected the oxidative stability of the fraction of saturated FAME during winterization, although no oxidative damage of FAME was detectable at temperatures up to 20°C.
Heavy Metal Removal from Soils Using Magnetic Separation: 1. Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Feng Nan , Bitton Gabriel , Yeager Philip , Bonzongo Jean‐Claude , Boularbah Ali 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe removal of Cu, Zn, and Cd from a sandy soil was investigated using iron filings as an adsorbent, and subsequently recovering the iron filings by magnetic separation. The best treatment was obtained by using 5% iron filings and 3 h contact time between iron filings and the soil. The metal removal efficiency from soil extracts was evaluated, using MetPLATETM, a toxicity test that is specific for heavy metals, and the 48 h Ceriodaphnia dubia acute toxicity test. The toxicity removal was generally higher than 95% for Cu after a single treatment. With regard to Zn‐spiked soil, the toxicity removal was 96.1%, 70.0%, and 49.6% after single treatment at the input concentration of 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg Zn2+/kg soil, respectively. After two or three successive treatments, more than 90% of the toxicity was removed for 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg Zn‐spiked soils. In the case of Cd‐spiked soil, a single treatment removed 51.1% of the toxicity from 200 mg/kg Cd‐spiked soil extracts while more than 90% of the toxicity was removed after two or three treatments. Chemical analysis and a mass balance study were also carried out to investigate the Cu distribution in the soil fractions. The results indicate that, before treatment, a large portion of Cu was immobilized in the soil matrix. Following magnetic separation, Cu was removed from both the soil matrix and extracts and was indeed adsorbed and concentrated on the iron filings. The retrieval of Cu by iron filings was further examined by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS).