bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor β1 ratio at baseline can predict early response to cyclophosphamide in systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis
Authors: Capuano Anna , Costanzi Stefano , Peluso Giusy , Zannoni Gianfranco , Vellone Valerio Gaetano , Gremese Elisa , Zoli Angelo , Scott Cathryn , Beltrami Carlo Alberto , Romano Giulio , Ferraccioli Gianfranco 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether the ratio of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) nephritis could be a prognostic factor for response to therapy with cyclophosphamide (CYC) and steroids at 6 months, and to examine whether the molecular ratio of HGF to TGFβ1 correlates with the activity index (AI) and chronicity index (CI) and has predictive value for remission at the sixth month.MethodsThirty‐six SLE patients with new‐onset nephritis, 25 of whom were treated with CYC and steroids, entered into a prospective observational cohort trial at a tertiary university referral center. Renal biopsy findings and clinical parameters were recorded for all patients. Histopathologic, clinical, and immunohistochemical data at baseline served to define the predictive value for the outcome at 6 months.ResultsAI and CI at baseline did not distinguish patients who had achieved remission from those who had not achieved remission after receiving CYC plus steroids. HGF and TGFβ1 were expressed in the tubuli, not in the glomeruli. The CI correlated directly with the TGFβ1 extension score (TGFβ1‐ES) (r = 0.43, P = 0.008), but correlated indirectly with the HGF intensity score (HGF‐IS) (r = −0.39, P = 0.02) and the HGF‐ES (r = −0.45, P = 0.006). An HGF‐ES:TGFβ1‐ES ratio of ≥1 at baseline distinguished patients who had achieved remission from those who had not achieved remission, with a predictive value of 94%.ConclusionThese findings indicate that baseline expression of renal HGF and TGFβ1 predicts short‐term renal outcome after therapy with CYC and steroids.
Amyloid contained in the knee joint meniscus is formed from apolipoprotein A‐I
Authors: Solomon Alan , Murphy Charles L. , Kestler Daniel , Coriu Daniel , Weiss Deborah T. , Makovitzky Josef , Westermark Per 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the chemical nature of amyloid deposits found in knee joint menisci.MethodsAmyloid was extracted from the menisci of 3 adults who underwent knee joint replacement surgery. The primary structural features of the purified proteins were determined by sequential Edman degradation and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Tissue specimens were also subjected to in situ hybridization analysis, as well as complementary DNA cloning by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Additionally, specimens from these 3 patients, as well as other patients with amyloid in the knee joint menisci, were examined immunohistochemically.ResultsAmino acid sequence and MS/MS analyses of the extracts revealed the presence of 60–77‐residue components identical to the N‐terminal portion of apolipoprotein A‐I (Apo A‐I). The Apo A‐I nature of the amyloid was confirmed by the demonstration that the green birefringent congophilic deposits in the 7 meniscus samples were recognized by an anti‐human Apo A‐I antibody. That the meniscus itself was the source of the amyloidogenic protein was evidenced through Southern blot analysis, in which an Apo A‐I product was generated by RT‐PCR from synovial tissue, and further, by the demonstration that the cytoplasm of chondrocytes reacted with the specific Apo A‐I probe used for in situ hybridization and was immunostained by the anti–Apo A‐I antiserum.ConclusionAmyloid in the knee joint menisci is formed from Apo A‐I that is produced by chondrocytes within the meniscal cartilage. This entity represents yet another localized form of amyloidosis associated with the aging process and may be of pathophysiologic import.
The effect of O2 tension on pH homeostasis in equine articular chondrocytes
Authors: Milner P. I. , Fairfax T. P. A. , Browning J. A. , Wilkins R. J. , Gibson J. S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effects of varying O2 on pH homeostasis, based on the hypothesis that the function of articular chondrocytes is best understood at realistic O2 tensions.MethodsCartilage from equine metacarpophalangeal/tarsophalangeal joints was digested with collagenase to isolate chondrocytes, and then loaded with the pH‐sensitive fluorophore 2′,7′‐bis‐2‐(carboxyethyl)‐5(6)‐carboxylfluorescein. The radioisotope22Na+ was used to determine the kinetics of Na+/H+ exchange (NHE) and the activity of the Na+/K+ pump, and ATP levels were assessed with luciferin assays. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined using 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate.ResultsThe pH homeostasis was unaffected when comparing tissue maintained at 20% O2 (the level in water‐saturated air at 37°C) with that at 5% O2 (which approximates the normal level in healthy cartilage); however, an O2 tension of <5% caused a fall in intracellular pH (pHi) and slowed pHi recovery following acidification, an effect mediated via inhibition of NHE activity (likely through acid extrusion by NHE isoform 1). The Na+/K+ pump activity and intracellular ATP concentration were unaffected by hypoxia, but the levels of ROS were reduced. Hypoxic inhibition of NHE activity and the reduction in ROS levels were reversed by treatment with H2O2, Co2+, or antimycin A. Treatment with calyculin A also prevented hypoxic inhibition of NHE activity.ConclusionThe ability of articular chondrocytes to carry out pH homeostasis is compromised when O2 tensions fall below those normally experienced, via inhibition of NHE. The putative signal is a reduction in levels of ROS derived from mitochondria, acting via altered protein phosphorylation. This effect is relevant to both physiologic and pathologic states of lowered O2, such as in chronic inflammation.
Occupational silica and solvent exposures and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus in urban women
Authors: Finckh Axel , Cooper Glinda S. , Chibnik Lori B. , Costenbader Karen H. , Watts Julie , Pankey Helen , Fraser Patricia A. , Karlson Elizabeth W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with occupational exposure to silica dust and organic solvents in an urban population.MethodsWomen with SLE were identified through both community screening and hospital databases in 4 predominantly African American neighborhoods in Boston. Female control patients were volunteers from the same communities and were screened for the absence of connective tissue disease. Demographic factors, smoking history, and a detailed occupational history, including exposures to specific chemicals, were obtained by in‐person interviews. The exposure assessment was based on independent evaluation of the occupational history by 2 reviewers who were blinded to each subject's disease status. The risks associated with exposure to silica and solvents were analyzed using multivariate conditional logistic regression models, adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsNinety‐five patients and 191 age‐ and race‐matched controls were included in this analysis. Exposure to silica for longer than 1 year was associated with SLE (odds ratio [OR] 4.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.7–11.2). An exposure‐response effect was seen for longer duration of exposures to silica (P for trend = 0.01). The association between occupational exposure to organic solvents and SLE was not statistically significant (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.34–3.2).ConclusionSilica exposure from a variety of industrial occupations in urban areas is associated with an increased risk of SLE. A longer duration of exposure to silica dust is associated with greater risks. This study provides further impetus for additional research into the influence of modifiable exposures on the pathogenesis of SLE.
Design of a Phosphinate‐Based Fluorescent Probe for Superoxide Detection in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Xu Kehua , Liu Xia , Tang Bo , Yang Guiwen , Yang Yong , An Liguo 
Published: October 2006

Abstract3′,6′‐Bis(diphenylphosphinyl)fluorescein (PF‐1) was synthesized as a highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe for imaging O2.− in living cells. The design strategy for the probe was based on the nucleophilic mechanism of O2.− to mediate deprotection of this probe to give fluorescein. Upon reaction with O2.−, the probe exhibits a strong fluorescence response and high selectivity for O2.− over other reactive oxygen species and some biological compounds. The phosphinate‐based probe, as a new fluorescent reagent, is cell‐permeable and can detect micromolar changes of O2.− concentrations by using confocal microscopy in living cells. The unique combination of good selectivity, high sensitivity, good water solubility, and rapid reactivity establishes the potential value of the probe for facilitating investigations of the generation, metabolism, and mechanisms of superoxide‐mediated cellular homeostasis and injury.
Nuclear receptor NR5A2 is required for proper primitive streak morphogenesis
Authors: Labelle‐Dumais Cassandre , Jacob‐Wagner Mariève , Paré Jean‐Francois , Bélanger Luc , Dufort Daniel 
Published: October 2006

AbstractNR5A2, also known as liver receptor homologue 1 (LRH‐1) and fetoprotein transcription factor (FTF), is an orphan nuclear receptor involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and steroidogenesis in the adult. NR5A2 was also shown to be expressed during early mouse embryogenesis. Consistent with its early expression pattern, a targeted disruption of this gene leads to embryonic lethality around the gastrulation period. To characterize the embryonic phenotype resulting from NR5A2 loss of function, we undertook morphological and marker gene analyses and showed that NR5A2−/− embryos display growth retardation, epiblast disorganization, a mild embryonic–extraembryonic constriction, as well as abnormal thickening of the proximo‐posterior epiblast. We demonstrated that, although initial specification of the anterior–posterior axis occurred in the absence of NR5A2, primitive streak formation was impaired and neither embryonic nor extraembryonic mesoderm was generated. Moreover, although the visceral endoderm does not show major morphological abnormalities in NR5A2−/− embryos, a decrease in the expression level of HNF4 and GATA4 was observed. Aggregation experiments demonstrated that, in the presence of wild‐type tetraploid cells, NR5A2 mutant cells in the epiblast are capable of undergoing normal gastrulation. Therefore, our results suggest a requirement for NR5A2 in extraembryonic tissues and identify a novel role of this gene in proper primitive streak morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 235:3359–3369, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of claudins in murine tooth development
Authors: Ohazama Atsushi , Sharpe Paul T. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractClaudins belong to a family of transmembrane proteins that were identified as components of tight junction strands. We carried out comparative in situ hybridization analysis of 11 claudin genes (claudin1 – claudin11) during murine odontogenesis from the formation of the epithelial thickening to the cytodifferentiation stage. We identify dynamic spatiotemporal expression of 9 of the 11 claudins. At the early bell stage, two claudins (claudin1 and 4) are specifically expressed in stratum intemedium, whereas only one claudin is expressed in each of the preameloblasts (claudin2) and preodontoblasts (claudin10). At the bud stage, when the first epithelial differentiation pathways are being established, localized expression of six claudins (claudin1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10) identify spatial specific interactions, suggesting a hitherto unobserved complexity of epithelial organization, within the early tooth primordium. Developmental Dynamics 236:290–294, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Circulating, soluble forms of major histocompatability complex antigens are not exosome‐associated
Authors: MacKay Philippa A. , LeibundGut‐Landmann Salome , Koch Norbert , Dunn Amy C. , Reith Walter , Jack Ralph W. , McLellan Alexander D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn vitro studies have shown that soluble MHC (sMHC) released by cell lines is bound to nano‐vesicles termed exosomes. It is thought that exosomes may represent the major reservoir of sMHC class I and II molecules in biological fluids. However, most studies have been confined to in vitro assays performed with cell lines. We show here that sMHC in the serum or plasma differs from exosome‐bound sMHC in five ways: In contrast to exosome‐associated sMHC, circulating sMHC is of low density, has a low apparent molecular mass (40–300 kDa) and is not detergent‐labile. Moreover, the majority of MHC class II isoforms and MHC class I in blood are not physically linked and circulating HLA‐DR is accessible to an antibody specific for the HLA‐DR α‐chain intracellular epitope, which is masked by its association with cellular or exosomal membranes. Finally, utilizing transcriptional activator of murine MHC class II (C2ta) promoter‐mutant mice, we showed that the release of sMHC class II into the circulation is dependent on the C2ta pI promoter, but not pIII or pIV. This suggests that myeloid dendritic cells and/or macrophages, which preferentially use promoter pI of the C2ta gene, produce most of the sMHC class II found in the circulation.
Visibility and anonymity effects on attraction and group cohesiveness
Authors: Lea Martin , Spears Russell , Watt Susan E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis study investigated attraction and group cohesiveness under different visibility and anonymity conditions for social categories that differed in their capacity to be visually cued. Using computer‐mediated communication in 36 mixed gender (visually cued category) and nationality (non‐visually cued category) groups, we manipulated social category salience (via discussion topic), and anonymity versus visibility (via live video links). Under high salience, the effects of anonymity versus visibility were moderated by availability of visible category cues. Visibility increased attraction and cohesiveness for visually cued groups, whereas anonymity increased attraction and cohesiveness for non‐visually cued groups. Path analysis showed that, under high salience, effects of visibility and anonymity were mediated by self‐categorization processes, triggered by prototypicality of self in the case of non‐visually cued groups under anonymity. In low salience conditions, visibility directly cued attraction independently from self‐categorization, in line with relational attraction processes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive–Emotional–Behavioural Therapy for the eating disorders: working with beliefs about emotions
Authors: Corstorphine Emma 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA subgroup of eating‐disordered patients have particular difficulty in tolerating negative mood states and existing interventions seem to be less effective when working with such cases. This clinical practice paper outlines a Cognitive–Emotional–Behavioural Therapy (CEBT). This intervention is aimed at enabling patients to challenge the basis of their emotional distress, and thus to reduce the need for the function of the associated eating behaviours. The intervention draws on range of models and techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behavioural therapy, mindfulness training and experiential exercises. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Magnetic resonance imaging of phase transitions in nitinol
Authors: Peeters Johannes M. , van Faassen Ernst E.H. , Bakker Chris J.G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMagnetic resonance images are prone to artifacts caused by metallic objects. Apart from being a source of image degradation, such artifacts can also provide information about the magnetic properties of the foreign object. In this work, we aim to explore the potential of magnetic resonance imaging to detect and characterize changes in magnetic properties of nitinol undergoing temperature‐ or strain‐induced phase changes. A spin echo and a gradient echo method were used to measure the magnetization changes related to the phase transformations. Results of both methods were in agreement and in accordance with the independent measurements using a vibrating sample magnetometer. Magnetic resonance imaging turned out to be a suitable method to visualize and quantify magnetization and phase changes in situ. It is not restricted to a single imaging strategy and does not require any modification of the test object. The results indicate the potential of magnetic resonance imaging to provide direct feedback of the thermomechanical state of the alloy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater, 2006
Elevated mean diffusivity in widespread brain regions in congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Macey Paul M. , Woo Mary A. , Alger Jeffry R. , Harper Ronald M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPurposeTo investigate whether mean diffusivity (MD) values are altered in brain areas underlying cardiovascular and respiratory control in congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS).Materials and MethodsConventional and diffusion tensor imaging were performed in 15 CCHS and 30 control subjects, using a 3.0‐Tesla MRI unit. Mean diffusivity maps were calculated from diffusion‐weighted images, spatially normalized, smoothed, and compared between groups using analysis of covariance at each voxel with age as covariate. Global mean MD values of gray and white matter were determined in individual subjects and compared between groups and with age.ResultsIncreased MD values appeared in CCHS over control subjects within multiple areas influencing breathing and cardiovascular control, including the midbrain, pons, and dorsal and ventral medulla. Other altered sites included cerebellar cortex and deep nuclei, basal ganglia, basal forebrain, and temporal and frontal cortices. Global mean MD values for gray and white matter did not differ between groups; however, gray matter MD values significantly increased with age (P < 0.02) in CCHS patients only.ConclusionIncreased MD values suggest regional alterations or injury; affected areas include brainstem sites classically associated with autonomic and respiratory control. Other altered regions mediate additional physiological characteristics impaired in CCHS. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of prostaglandin E2released from leptomeningeal cells in increased expression of transforming growth factor‐β in glial cells and cortical neurons during systemic inflammation
Authors: Wu Zhou , Hayashi Yoshinori , Zhang Jian , Nakanishi Hiroshi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe leptomeninges play a central role in the antiinflammatory response through the glia–neuron interaction during systemic inflammation. In the present study, we examined the possible production of two potent antiinflammatory mediators, prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) by leptomeningeal cells during systemic inflammation. After immunization with the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 and membrane‐bound PGE synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) were induced in the leptomeninges. Primary cultured leptomeningeal cells secreted PGE2after treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or proinflammatory cytokines. The LPS‐induced release of PGE2was depressed by a selective COX‐2 inhibitor, NS‐398. On the other hand, TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β receptor II (TGF‐βRII) both markedly increased in the leptomeninges and the parenchymal cells after the CFA injection. Double‐staining immunohistochemistry demonstrated TGF‐β1 to be induced in both glial cells and cortical neurons, whereas TGF‐βRII was induced only in cortical neurons. Furthermore, the conditioned medium prepared from the leptomeningeal cells after LPS stimulation was able to induce an increased expression of TGF‐β1 and TGF‐βRII in the primary cultured glial cells and cortical neurons. This increased expression was suppressed by NS‐398. PGE2was found to increase directly the production of TGF‐β1 and TGF‐βRII in the primary cultured cells. These observations strongly suggest that PGE2, which is biosynthesized by the leptomeninges, mainly regulates the production of TGF‐β1 by glial cells and cortical neuron, thus playing a protective role in the cortical neurons during systemic inflammation. Furthermore, TGF‐β1 may also exert a protective effect directly on the cortical neurons. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rho kinase activates ezrin‐radixin‐moesin (ERM) proteins and mediates their function in cortical neuron growth, morphology and motility in vitro
Authors: Haas Matilda A. , Vickers James C. , Dickson Tracey C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe ezrin‐radixin‐moesin (ERM) family of proteins contribute to cytoskeletal processes underlying many vital cellular functions. Their previously elucidated roles in non‐neuronal cells are an indication of their potential importance in CNS neurons. The specific mechanisms of their activation are unknown, but are likely to depend on factors such as the cell type and biological context. For ERM proteins to become active they must be phosphorylated at a specific C‐terminal threonine residue. In non‐neuronal cells, several kinases, including the Rho GTPase family member Rho kinase, have been identified as capable of phosphorylating the C‐terminal threonine. In these experiments we have investigated specifically the potential role of Rho kinase mediated ERM activation in cortical neurons, utilizing a new pharmacologic inhibitor of Rho kinase and quantitative analysis of aspects of neuronal functions potentially mediated by ERM proteins. Rho kinase inhibition significantly suppressed aspects of neuronal development including neurite initiation and outgrowth, as well as growth cone morphology, with a concomitant loss of phosphorylated ERM immunolabeling in areas associated with neuronal growth. The ability of the Rho kinase inhibitor to decrease the amount of pERM protein was shown by immunoblotting. Post‐injury responses were negatively affected by Rho kinase inhibition, namely by a significant decrease in the number of regenerative neurites. We investigated a novel role for ERM proteins in neuron migration using a post‐injury motility assay, where Rho kinase inhibition resulted in significant and drastic reduction in neuron motility and phosphorylated ERM immunolabeling. Thus, Rho kinase is an important activator of ERMs in mediating specific neuronal functions. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.