B cells: The many facets of B cells in allergic diseases

B cells play a key role in our immune system through their ability to produce antibodies, suppress a proinflammatory state, and contribute to central immune tolerance. We aim to provide an in-depth knowledge of the molecular biology of B cells, including their origin, developmental process, types and subsets, and functions. In allergic diseases, B cells are well known to induce and maintain immune tolerance through the production of suppressor cytokines such as IL-10. Similarly, B cells protect against viral infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that caused the recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Considering the unique and multifaceted functions of B cells, we hereby provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of B-cell biology and its clinical applications in allergic diseases, organ transplantation, and cancer.

Multiple use of soluble metallodendritic materials as catalysts and dyes

Different sizes of core-functionalized metallodendritic wedges were prepared by anchoring sensor-active arylplatinum(II) sites at the focal point of Fréchet-type polyether dendritic wedges of various generations. The strong color of these metallodendrimers in the presence of SO2 was used to assess the permeability of nanofiltration membranes (molecular weight cut-off of 400 dalton) at ambient pressure. A primary result of these studies is that dendrimers do not have to be exceptionally large for successful retention. Hence, nanofiltration, membrane-capped. immersion vials were developed, which operate as sensor devices when loaded with metallodendrimers with good retention properties. Appropriate substitution of the dye site at the focal point of these metallodendritic wedges by a catalytically active group afforded dendritic catalysts that exhibit essentially the same physical properties (shape, retention) as the corresponding dyefunctionalized dendritic wedges. When this homogeneous catalyst is compartmentalized in membrane-capped vials, a unique and convenient method for its retrieval from product solutions is available. Moreover, such immobilized metallodendritic catalysts can be regenerated and stored for months without losing their activity; this provides access for the development of novel sustainable homogeneous catalysts.

Selective liquid-phase semihydrogenation of functionalized acetylenes and propargylic alcohols with silica-supported bimetallic palladium-copper catalysts

Silica-supported, bimetallic palladium-copper catalysts were prepared in solution under mild conditions by reacting lithium di(4-tolyl)cuprate with palladium acetate in the presence of silica particles. Small bimetallic palladium-copper particles were deposited on the silica surface as confirmed with TEM-EDAX and EXAFS. The new material has been applied as catalyst in the liquid-phase semihydrogenation of mono- and disubstituted alkynes and showed high selectivity toward the cis-alkenes. The influence of addition of quinoline or potassium hydroxide to the semihydrogenation reaction mixture and the effects of exposure of the catalyst to air before use have been investigated.

Vanadium(IV) and -(V) complexes with O,N-chelating aminophenolate and pyridylalkoxide ligands

Two different monoanionic O,N-chelating ligand systems, i.e., [OC6H2(CH2NMe2)-2-Me2-4,6]- (1) and [OCMe2([2]-Py)]- (2), have been applied in the synthesis of vanadium(V) complexes. The tertiary amine functionality in 1 caused reduction of the vanadium nucleus to the 4+ oxidation state with either [VOCl3], [V(=NR)Cl3], or [V(=NR)(NEt2)3] (R = Ph, (3a, 5a), R = p-Tol (3b, 5b)), and applying 1 as a reducing agent resulted in the synthesis of the vanadium(IV) complexes [VO(OC6H2(CH2NMe2)-2-Me2-4,6)2] (4) and [V(=NPh)(OC6H2(CH2NMe2)-2-Me2-4,6)2] (6). In the case of [V(=N-p-Tol)(NEt2)(OC6H2(CH2NMe2)-2-Me2-4,6)2] (7b), the reduction was sufficiently slow to allow its characterization by 1H NMR and variable-temperature studies showed it to be a five-coordinate species in solution. Although the reaction of 1 with [V(=N-p-Tol)(O-i-Pr)3] (9b) did not result in reduction of the vanadium nucleus, vanadium(V) compounds could not be isolated. Mixtures of the vanadium(V) (mono)phenolate, [V(=N-p-Tol)(O-i-Pr)2(OC6H2(CH2NMe2)-2-Me2-4,6)] (10), and the vanadium(V) (bis)phenolate, [V(=N-p-Tol)(O-i-Pr)(OC6H2(CH2NMe2)-2-Me2-4,6)2] (11), were obtained. With the pyridylalkoxide 2, no reduction was observed and the vanadium(V) compounds [VOCl2(OCMe2([2]-Py))] (12) and [V(=N-p-Tol)Cl2(OCMe2([2]-Py)] (13) were obtained. 51V NMR showed 7b and 12 to be five-coordinate in solution, whereas for 10, 11, and 13 a coordination number of 6 was found. Compounds 12 and 13 showed decreased activity compared to their nonchelated vanadium(V) analogues when applied as catalysts in ethene polymerization. Two polymorphic forms with a difference in the V-N-C angle of 12.5 degrees have been found for 6. Crystal data: 6.Et2O, triclinic, P1, a = 11.1557(6) A, b = 12.5744(12) A, c = 13.1051(14) A, alpha = 64.244(8) degrees, beta = 70.472(7) degrees, gamma = 87.950(6) degrees, V = 1547(3) A3, Z = 2; 6.C6H6, triclinic, P1, a = 8.6034(3) A, b = 13.3614(4) A, c = 15.1044(5) A, alpha = 98.182(3) degrees, beta = 105.618(2) degrees, gamma = 107.130(2) degrees, V = 1551.00(10) A3, Z = 2; 12, orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 11.8576(12) A, b = 12.6710(13) A, c = 14.722(2) A, V = 2211.9(4) A3, Z = 8.

The "Dendritic Effect" in Homogeneous Catalysis with Carbosilane-Supported Arylnickel(II) Catalysts: Observation of Active-Site Proximity Effects in Atom-Transfer Radical Addition

Advantages of homo- and heterogeneous catalysts are united in metallodendritic molecules where nickel-based catalysts are bound to carbosilane dendrimers. The first direct indication of a "dendritic effect" in the redox catalysis behavior is described: variation of the dendrimer support controls the proximity of the Ni(II) centers, which in turn controls catalytic activity. Catalyst deactivation, by means of Ni(III) formation, can be avoided by a larger separation of the Ni(II) centers (see picture).

Analysis of a large family with the second type of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder A mutation in at least three different genes can cause the disease. A mutation in the first gene, the PKD1 gene, which has been identified on chromosome 16p13.3, accounts for ADPKD in approximately 86% of the families with this disorder. In the majority of the other ADPKD families the disease is caused by a mutation in a second gene, the PKD2 gene. This gene has been mapped to chromosome 4q21-22, but has not yet been identified. In a few families ADPKD is not caused by a mutation in either the PKD1 or the PKD2 gene. The locus for a possible third gene has not yet been determined. Now that haplotype analysis with polymorphic markers at the ADPKD1 and ADPKD2 loci is possible, we can easily distinguish between both forms of ADPKD. We describe a large Dutch family in which ADPKD is linked to chromosome 4. Compared with ADPKD1 families, the disease in this family tends to run a milder course, as has been described previously for other ADPKD2 families.

A 1-year follow-up study on leakage of four root canal sealers at different thicknesses

Determination of leakage using a fluid transport model allows measurement of leakage in a longitudinal manner. Leakage of four sealers at three different thicknesses in 225 bovine root sections, after storage in water for 1 year, was measured again using the same methodology. The change in seal over time for each sealer was observed. The results after the second measurement showed that every sealer produced the best seal when the sealer layer was the thinnest. AH26, Ketac-Endo and Tubli-Seal showed a reduction in leakage over time and gave significantly less leakage than Sealapex (P<0.005). Sealapex showed significantly more leakage after storing in water for 1 year (P<0.005). Therefore, the long-lasting seal of sealer may, among other influencing factors, depend on the layer thickness and the solubility of the material.

Chromosome 4 localization of a second gene for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. A gene defect located on the short arm of chromosome 16 is responsible for the disease in roughly 86% of affected European families. Using highly polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers, we have assigned a second gene for ADPKD to chromosome 4. In eight families with clear evidence against linkage to chromosome 16 markers, linkage analysis with the markers D4S231 and D4S423, demonstrated a multipoint lod score of 22.42.

Dental cast study of adult patients with untreated unilateral cleft lip or cleft lip and palate in indonesia compared with surgically treated patients in The Netherlands

To determine differences in maxillary and dentoalveolar relationships between untreated and treated patients having unilateral clefts of the lip and alveolus (UCLA) or lip and palate (UCLP), dental cast assessments were done on 70 untreated adult Indonesian patients (UCLA-I, UCLP-I) and 67 Dutch patients, surgically treated in infancy (UCLA-D, UCLP-D). The Indonesian group consisted of 44 UCLA-I and 26 UCLP-I patients, and the Dutch group of 24 UCLA-D and 43 UCLP-D patients. In the UCLA-I patients, deformities occurred in that part of the dentoalveolar complex that surrounds the cleft. Lip repair in the UCLA-D group more frequently caused deformities in the incisor and buccal areas on the cleft side. In the UCLP-I patients, deformities were present in the incisor and cuspid areas on the cleft side. The buccal segments showed collapse both on the cleft and noncleft sides. Lip and palate repair in the UCLP-D group caused significantly more deformities in the incisor, cuspid, and buccal areas up to the level of the first molars, both on the cleft and noncleft sides. Surgical treatment seems to cause maxillary and dentoalveolar deformities up to the first molars more frequently, but these are not as pronounced as one would expect: following the practiced surgical regimen, the deformities were usually mild. Negative effects of surgical intervention seem to be antagonized by the restored integrity of the lip and palate leading to orientation of maxillary parts and correction of tongue position, which in turn has a molding effect on the maxilla and mandible.

Changing pattern of drug use in relation to disease duration of rheumatoid arthritis

The prevalent use of antirheumatic drugs in a cohort of 311 middle aged female patients with seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was investigated. Seropositive patients used a greater amount and more aggressive drugs during each decade of disease duration. The overall use of drugs decreased with disease duration, except for a subgroup of seropositive patients with RA who, with increased disease duration, used more aggressive drugs.