bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast expression of the coactivator p300 governs the intensity of profibrotic response to transforming growth factor β
Authors: Bhattacharyya Swati , Ghosh Asish K. , Pannu Jaspreet , Mori Yasuji , Takagawa Shinsuke , Chen Guofen , Trojanowska Maria , Gilliam Anita C. , Varga John 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveTransforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces profibrotic responses in normal fibroblasts, and plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in scleroderma (systemic sclerosis [SSc]). The intensity of cellular responses elicited by cytokines is modulated by transcriptional coactivators such as the histone acetylase p300. The objective of these studies was to delineate the physiologic role of p300 in Smad‐dependent profibrotic responses elicited by TGFβ.MethodsEctopic p300 was transiently expressed in normal dermal fibroblasts. Cellular p300 levels were suppressed using p300‐specific ribozymes. The regulation of gene expression was examined by transient transfection assays, Northern blotting, and immunoblot analysis. The expression of p300 in normal and scleroderma fibroblasts was evaluated by confocal microscopy and immunoblotting, and p300 levels in skin from mice with experimental scleroderma were assessed by immunohistochemistry.ResultsIn normal fibroblasts, TGFβ induced an increase in the levels of p300. Forced expression of ectopic p300 in these cells dramatically enhanced the magnitude of TGFβ responses, whereas selective depletion of p300 using ribozyme resulted in abrogation of TGFβ‐induced collagen synthesis and promoter activity. Furthermore, TGFβ lost its ability to induce Smad‐dependent transcription in p300‐depleted fibroblasts. These responses could be fully rescued with ectopic p300. Abrogation of Smad‐mediated TGFβ signaling was not due to alterations in the levels or the ligand‐dependent phosphorylation or intracellular trafficking of endogenous Smads. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated substantially increased p300 expression in lesional skin from mice with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease, an animal model of scleroderma. Furthermore, levels of p300 were 2–3–fold higher in cultured fibroblasts derived from SSc patients than in fibroblasts from matched normal controls.ConclusionThese results establish, for the first time, that the coactivator histone acetylase p300, itself a target of TGFβ regulation, is an essential component of the cellular TGFβ signal transduction pathways mediating stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblasts. Since the cellular abundance of p300 appears to govern the intensity of profibrotic responses elicited by TGFβ, elevated p300 expression in lesional tissue may contribute to the progression of skin fibrosis in scleroderma.
Activation of the type I interferon system in primary Sjögren's syndrome: A possible etiopathogenic mechanism
Authors: Båve Ullvi , Nordmark Gunnel , Lövgren Tanja , Rönnelid Johan , Cajander Stefan , Eloranta Maija‐Leena , Alm Gunnar V. , Rönnblom Lars 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveThe etiopathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is largely unknown. In other autoimmune diseases, type I interferon (IFN) may play a pivotal role by triggering and sustaining the disease process. We therefore aimed to determine whether patients with primary SS had an activated type I IFN system.MethodsSalivary gland biopsy specimens and sera from patients with primary SS were investigated for the occurrence of IFNα‐producing cells and measurable IFNα levels, respectively. The ability of primary SS sera together with apoptotic or necrotic cells to induce IFNα production in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells was examined. The IFNα inducer was characterized, and IFNα‐producing cells were identified. Clinical data were correlated with the IFNα‐inducing capacity of primary SS sera.ResultsNumerous IFNα‐producing cells were detected in salivary gland biopsy specimens, despite low serum IFNα levels. Autoantibodies to RNA‐binding proteins, combined with material released by necrotic or late apoptotic cells, were potent inducers of IFNα production in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs). This appeared to be attributable to RNA‐containing immune complexes triggering PDCs by means of RNA and interaction with Fcγ receptor IIa. The IFNα‐inducing capacity of sera was associated with positive results of a labial salivary gland biopsy (focus score ≥1) and with dermatologic, hematologic, and pulmonary manifestations.ConclusionPatients with primary SS have an activated type I IFN system. Although virus may initiate the production of IFN, the continued IFNα synthesis is caused by RNA‐containing immune complexes that activate PDCs to prolong IFNα production at the tissue level. This IFNα promotes the autoimmune process by a vicious circle–like mechanism, with increased autoantibody production and formation of more endogenous IFNα inducers.
Need for information and for involvement in decision making among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A questionnaire survey
Authors: Neame Rebecca , Hammond Alison , Deighton Christopher 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo measure the need for information about rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the level of desire for involvement in treatment decisions among patients with RA. To examine the relationship between these preferences and what factors (sociodemographic, disease, treatment, level of disability, and level of knowledge about RA) associate with these preferences.MethodsQuestionnaire surveys were mailed to a randomly selected group of 600 patients with RA. Need for information and desire for involvement in decision making were measured using a validated tool (the Autonomy Preference Index).ResultsThe response rate was 57.3%. The need for information was very high. Information seeking preference scores (median 82.5, interquartile range 80.0–92.5) were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than decision making preference scores (mean ± SD 56.4 ± 13.6). Need for information and for decision making were both higher in women than men, and associations with these needs differed in men and women. However, younger age and greater knowledge of RA predicted greater need for decision making. There was no correlation between need for information and for involvement in treatment decisions for either sex (women: rs = 0.09, P = 0.19; men: rs = −0.06, P = 0.54).ConclusionThere was a high level of need for information among patients with RA. Desire for involvement in treatment decision making was significantly lower and did not correlate with need for information. Associations with these needs differed for men and women.
Redesigning the care of fragility fracture patients to improve osteoporosis management: A health care improvement project
Authors: Harrington J. Timothy , Barash Harvey L. , Day Sherry , Lease Joellen 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo develop new processes that assure more reliable, population‐based care of fragility fracture patients.MethodsA 4‐year clinical improvement project was performed in a multispecialty, community practice health system using evidence‐based guidelines and rapid cycle process improvement methods (plan‐do‐study‐act cycles).ResultsPrior to this project, appropriate osteoporosis care was provided to only 5% of our 1999 hip fracture patients. In 2001, primary physicians were provided prompts about appropriate care (cycle 1), which resulted in improved care for only 20% of patients. A process improvement pilot in 2002 (cycle 2) and full program implementation in 2003 (cycle 3) have assured osteoporosis care for all willing and able patients with any fragility fracture. Altogether, 58% of 2003 fragility fracture patients, including 46% of those with hip fracture, have had a bone measurement, have been assigned to osteoporosis care with their primary physician or a consultant, and are being monitored regularly. Only 19% refused osteoporosis care. Key process improvements have included using orthopedic billings to identify patients, referring patients directly from orthopedics to an osteoporosis care program, organizing care with a nurse manager and process management computer software, assigning patients to primary or consultative physician care based on disease severity, and monitoring adherence to therapy by telephone.ConclusionReliable osteoporosis care is achievable by redesigning clinical processes. Performance data motivate physicians to reconsider traditional approaches. Improving the care of osteoporosis and other chronic diseases requires coordinated care across specialty boundaries and health system support.
Impact of ultrasound imaging on local corticosteroid injections of symptomatic ankle, hind‐, and mid‐foot in chronic inflammatory diseases
Authors: d'Agostino Maria‐Antonietta , Ayral Xavier , Baron Gabriel , Ravaud Philippe , Breban Maxime , Dougados Maxime 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of ultrasonography (US) on local corticosteroid (CS) injections of painful ankle, hindfoot, and midfoot in chronic inflammatory diseases.MethodsConsecutive patients with chronic rheumatic diseases admitted to the hospital for local CS injections of painful ankle, hindfoot, or midfoot were enrolled in this study. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed by the physician in charge of CS injections, and US examination was performed by an independent examiner blinded to the clinical and radiologic findings. According to a randomized weekly‐periods design, the physician planned CS injections either aware (G1 group) or unaware (G2 group) of US results. In the latter case, he was nonetheless informed of US results after he had performed the injections. Impact of this information on the treatment planning was assessed in all cases. Prognostic impact of US was also evaluated by comparing the change in global assessment of efficacy of CS injections, in activity of the disease, and in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) subscales after 1 and 3 months, between G1 and G2 groups.ResultsThe knowledge of US findings led the physician to change his decision of local CS injections in 56 (82%) of 68 patients studied. Among 1,131 assessed sites, by clinical, radiographic, and US evaluation, injection was cancelled in 37 (15%) of 242 proposed sites, whereas it was decided in 74 (8%) additional sites. After 1 month, there was an improvement in G1 as compared with G2 groups. The mean ± SD change in WOMAC physical function subscale was 15.6 ± 17.5 in G1 versus 8 ± 13 in G2 (P = 0.0305). After 3 months, only the global assessment of efficacy of CS injections was statistically greater in G1 than in G2 group (P = 0.0170).ConclusionUS frequently led the physician to change his diagnosis of inflammatory lesions in painful foot, and consequently his planning of CS injections. Moreover, US could improve the response to local treatment.
Indirect cost assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Comparison of data from the health economic patient questionnaire HEQ‐RA and insurance claims data
Authors: Merkesdal Sonja , Ruof Joerg , Huelsemann Jan Leo , Mittendorf Thomas , Handelmann Silke , Mau Wilfried , Zeidler Henning 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo render information on the accuracy of patient‐reported indirect cost data compared with payer‐derived data of the real indirect costs on a patient‐by‐patient basis concerning disease‐related productivity losses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe assessment of indirect cost data was part of a clinical, multicenter, randomized RA trial. A total of 234 patients of working age with a diagnosis of RA (according to 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria) were recruited. Demographics of the cohort were mean age 53 years, mean disease duration 8 years, 76% were women, and all had membership in the regional statutory health insurance plan. Every 3 months corresponding indirect cost data were derived for the cohort from a health economic questionnaire for cost assessment in patients with RA and the payer's database over a period of 18 months. Comparative statistical analyses were performed between patient‐reported and insurance claims data.ResultsThe mean annual productivity losses due to sick leave amounted to 14 and 17 days per patient (questionnaire versus payer data), and productivity losses due to work disability amounted to 3 days (both); monetary valuation renders overall costs of €1,240 and €1,590, respectively. The difference of 17% in overall productivity losses is not significant. Comparison of productivity losses reveals a strong correlation of r = 0.83 in those due to sick leave and of κ = 0.84 in those due to work disability between questionnaire and payer data.ConclusionThe comparison of questionnaire and payer data shows that RA patients report their productivity losses adequately. Indirect cost assessment should therefore be included in further RA trials and observational studies.
Opportunistic infections in polymyositis and dermatomyositis
Authors: Marie Isabelle , Hachulla Eric , Chérin Patrick , Hellot Marie‐France , Herson Serge , Levesque Hervé , Hatron Pierre‐Yves 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo assess prevalence and characteristics of opportunistic infections in patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). To determine the predictive values for opportunistic infections on clinical presentation, biochemical findings, and paraclinical features of PM/DM to detect patients at risk of opportunistic infections.MethodsThe medical records of 156 consecutive PM/DM patients in 3 medical centers were reviewed.ResultsEighteen PM/DM patients (11.5%) developed opportunistic infections. The majority of patients exhibited an opportunistic infection after the onset of PM/DM (89% of cases). Opportunistic infections occurred most frequently during the first year following PM/DM diagnosis (62.5%). The pathogen microorganisms responsible for opportunistic infections were various, i.e., Candida albicans, Pneumocystis carinii, Aspergillus fumigatus, Geotrichum capitatum, Mycobacterium avium‐intracellulare complex, M. xenopi, M. marinum, M. tuberculosis, Helicobacter heilmanii, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus. Mortality rates were as high as 27.7% in these PM/DM patients. Higher mean daily doses of steroids, lymphopenia, and lower serum total protein levels were significantly more frequent in the group of PM/DM patients with opportunistic infections.ConclusionOur study underscores the high frequency of opportunistic infections in PM/DM, resulting in an increased mortality rate. It also indicates that a great variety of microorganisms are responsible for opportunistic infections, although they were more often due to fungi (>50% of cases). Our series highlights a predominance of both lung and digestive opportunistic infections (89% of cases). In addition, our results suggest that PM/DM patients presenting with factors predictive of opportunistic infection may require closer monitoring.
An evaluation of novice end‐user computing performance: Data modeling, query writing, and comprehension
Authors: Chan H.C. , Teo H.H. , Zeng X.H. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractEnd‐user computing has become a well‐established aspect of enterprise database systems today. End‐user computing performance depends on the user–database interface, in which the data model and query language are major components. We examined three prominent data models—the relational model, the Extended‐Entity‐Relationship (EER) model, and the Object‐Oriented (OO) model—and their query languages in a rigorous and systematic experiment to evaluate their effects on novice end‐user computing performance in the context of database design and data manipulation. In addition, relationships among the performances for different tasks (modeling, query writing, query comprehension) were postulated with the use of a cognitive model for the query process, and are tested in the experiment. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) techniques were used to examine the multiple causal relationships simultaneously. The findings indicate that the EER and OO models overwhelmingly outperformed the relational model in terms of accuracy for both database design and data manipulation. The associations between tasks suggest that data modeling techniques would enhance query writing correctness, and query writing ability would contribute to query comprehension. This study provides a better and thorough understanding of the inter‐relationships among these data modeling and task factors. Our findings have significant implications for novice end‐user training and development.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Multiple [60]Fullerene–Oligo(p‐phenylene ethynylene) Hybrids
Authors: Zhao Yuming , Shirai Yasuhiro , Slepkov Aaron D. , Cheng Long , Alemany Lawrence B. , Sasaki Takashi , Hegmann Frank A. , Tour James M. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractA series of multiple [60]fullerene terminated oligo(p‐phenylene ethynylene) (OPE) hybrid compounds has been synthesized through a newly developed in situ ethynylation method. Structural and magnetic shielding properties of the highly unsaturated carbon‐rich C60 and OPE scaffolds were characterized by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. Electronic interactions between the [60]fullerenes and the OPE backbones were investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments. Our studies clearly show that although the multiple [60]fullerene groups are connected via π‐conjugated OPE frameworks, they present diminutive electronic interactions in the ground state, and the electronic behavior of the [60]fullerene cages are only affected by the OPE backbones through modest inductive effects. Interestingly, sizable third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) responses (γ) and enhanced two‐photon absorption (TPA) cross‐sections (σ(2)) were determined for the multifullerene–OPE hybrid 31 relative to its OPE precursor from differential optical Kerr effect (DOKE) experiments. Such enhanced NLO performance is presumably due to the occurrence of periconjugation and/or charge transfer effects in the excited state. In addition, comparatively strong excited‐state absorption was observed and characterized for OPE pentamer 12. Thus, the use of such fullerene‐derivatized conjugated oligomers aids the quest for molecules with large third‐order NLO and TPA properties.
Syntheses, Structures, Photoluminescence and Theoretical Studies of Xanthone in Crystalline Resorcinarene‐Based Inclusion Complexes
Authors: Zheng Shao‐Liang , Coppens Philip 
Published: April 2005

AbstractTwo new crystalline resorcinarene‐based xanthone inclusion complexes, CECR⋅xanthone⋅MeOH (1), and HECR⋅2 xanthone⋅6 MeOH (2) (CECR=C‐ethylcalix[4]resorcinarene, HECR=hexaethylresorcin[6]arene) have been prepared to study the relation between photophysical properties and solid‐state structure. Compared with the neat crystals, the xanthone phosphorescence is severely quenched in both solids, but the lifetime is an order of magnitude larger in 2, in which xanthone occurs as a dimer, than in 1, in which it occurs as a monomer. The electronic transitions involved in the photoluminescent process, and the relation between the energy levels of host and guest and emission quenching of the guest in the supramolecular solid have been investigated by means of time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations.
Prostaglandin D2 affects the differentiation and functions of human dendritic cells: impact on the T cell response
Authors: Gosset Philippe , Pichavant Muriel , Faveeuw Christelle , Bureau Fabrice , Tonnel André‐Bernard , Trottein François 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe local environment in which dendritic cells (DC) differentiate is important for the acquisition of their immunostimulatory properties. Since prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), a major prostanoid produced during inflammatory reactions, is involved in the control of immune responses, its effect on the differentiation and functions of human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (MDDC) was studied. We show that DC differentiated in the presence of PGD2 (PG/DC) have an unusual phenotype, with modifications in the expression of molecules involved in antigen (Ag) capture and presentation, leading to higher endocytic and Ag‐processing activities. However, under conditions that necessitated Ag processing and presentation, PG/DC have an impaired ability to stimulate naive T cells, whereas superAg‐pulsed DC efficiently promote their proliferation. Upon lipopolysaccharide or TNF‐α/IL‐1β stimulation, PG/DC phenotypically mature but produce abnormal amounts of immunoregulatory cytokines (decreased IL‐12p70/IL‐10 ratio). Moreover, mature PG/DC fail to up‐regulate the chemokine receptor CCR7 and show an impaired migration towards its ligand CCL19. Finally, PG/DC favor the differentiation of naive T cells toward Th2 cells, an effect dependent on IL‐10 and inducible costimulator ligand expression by DC. Most of the herein described effects of PGD2 on MDDC can be reproduced, usually with a higher efficacy, with a selective D prostanoid receptor (DP)1, but not DP2, agonist. Taken as a whole, these results demonstrate that PGD2 impacts DC differentiation and functions, and extend the concept that it exerts important roles in immunity.
Binding of Oxovanadium(IV) to Dipeptides Containing Histidine and Cysteine Residues
Authors: Garribba Eugenio , Lodyga‐Chruscinska Elzbieta , Micera Giovanni , Panzanelli Angelo , Sanna Daniele 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe complexation of the oxovanadium(IV) ion with five dipeptides containing L‐histidine or L‐cysteine (GlyHis, HisHis, HisGly, CysGly, GlyCys) was studied. L‐histidinamide (HisNH2) was assumed as a model system for dipeptides with L‐histidine in the N‐terminal position. The study was performed in aqueous solution through the combined application of potentiometric and spectroscopic (electronic absorption and EPR) techniques. The results indicate that simple dipeptides lacking a strong anchoring group can form mono‐ and bischelated complexes with the VIVO ion if a suitable “donor” is present in the chain. The ligands behave like amino acids in the acidic and neutral pH range, inhibit the precipitation of hydroxides and suppress the formation of hydrolytic species if at least a fivefold molar excess of ligand is used. In alkaline media all the ligands, except CysGly, promote the deprotonation and N‐coordination of the amide group. CysGly forms a bischelated complex with a [2  (NH2, S–)] donor set. The contribution of the deprotonated amide group to the 51V hyperfine coupling constant, Az, as a function of the total equatorial charge of oxovanadium(IV) ion, is discussed. The results have general validity and are useful to predict the geometry and donor set of complexes involving the bonding of the VIVO ion to the deprotonated amide group. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)