bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shrimp export from Bangladesh: Effect of war and trade liberalization
Authors: Sabur SA , Palash MS , Awal MA , Rahman KT
Published: November 2010

The study estimates the growth rates of frozen food, shrimp and total export, and instability of export earnings. The study evaluates the export marketing of frozen food; shrimp and fish by using time series aggregated data from the year of 1972-73 to 2005-06. The growth rates of frozen food were 44%, 11%, and 10% during post-war period (1972- 73 to 1982-83), pre-trade liberalization (1983-84 to 1992-93) and post-trade liberalization period (1993-94 to 2005-06) respectively. The export growth rate of shrimp was 43% in post-war period and 13% and 12% in the pre-trade liberalization and post-trade liberalization period respectively. The overall estimated shrimp export growth was 19%. Total export earnings growth rate was much lower than shrimp growth rate in post-war period but it became higher in pre-trade liberalization and post-trade liberalization period. Export earnings including earnings from shrimp and frozen food was more stable in pre-trade liberalization period. Instability of export earnings from shrimp decreased markedly initially. It again increased in the recent past and the instability of shrimp export was lower than that of total export in all periods except post-trade liberalization period. The contribution of shrimp sector to total export earnings was 3.83% in 2005-06 and insignificant share of only 0.84% in the year 1972-73. The present circumstances of this sector demands different institutional supports significantly from different angles to strengthen the position in the international market and ensuring more contribution to the economy. Keywords: Growth rate; Instability; Shrimp export DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v8i1.6409J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 8(1): 127-132, 2010
The effect of chickpea (Cicer arietinim) husk on the properties of cracker biscuits
Authors: Bose D , Shams-Ud-Din M
Published: November 2010

Chickpea (Cicer arietinim) husk was extracted by non-alkaline aqueous extraction process. The residual extracted husk was dried in a cabinet drier and finally ground. Both fresh husk and processed husk were analyzed for their composition. The processed husk (extracted ground husk) was incorporated into formulations of cracker biscuits at 0- 20% replacement levels of wheat flour and baking functionalities were evaluated. The studies on the effects of processed husk on biscuit’s qualities showed that the highest spread ratio of biscuits was achieved with 3% processed husk. Analysis of cracker biscuits containing various percentage of processed husk showed that biscuits with increasing level of processed husk had higher ash, fat, moisture and crude fiber content, while lower protein and total carbohydrate content. The amount of crude fiber content of biscuits significantly increased with the incorporation of processed husk when compared with conventional biscuits. The cracker biscuits containing various percentages of processed husks were evaluated for their sensory attributes. The results revealed that cracker biscuits containing 5% processed husk secured the highest score for overall acceptability among other substitution levels. Keywords: Chickpea husk; Cracker biscuits; Crude fiber; Baking propertiesDOI: 10.3329/jbau.v8i1.6412J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 8(1): 147-152, 2010
Studies on the preparation of chapatti and biscuit supplemented with potato flour
Authors: Khaliduzzaman M , Shams-Ud-Din M , Islam MN
Published: November 2010

The present study was concerned with the preparation of potato flour with various treatments and to formulate the chapatti and biscuit incorporating potato flours were prepared by treating the raw potato slices as blanched, blanched plus potassium meta-bisulphite (KMS) treatment and one as control. Various substitution levels from 15 % to 30 % of potato flour was used in the formulations of chapatti and biscuit in conjunction with wheat flour. Chapatti and biscuit prepared with either blanched or blanched plus KMS treated sample of potato flour had very good physical and baking quality. And chapatti prepared with 20% potato flour and biscuit containing 25 % had the most suitable baking properties among other proportions. The statistical analysis of sensory evaluation data indicated that the baked products prepared with potato flour from blanched plus KMS-treated samples ranked very well and were more acceptable than those made from blanched sample. Keywords: Potato flour; Drying; Chapatti; Biscuit DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v8i1.6413J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 8(1): 153-160, 2010
Autonomously Moving Colloidal Objects that Resemble Living Matter
Authors: Shioi Akihisa , Ban Takahiko , Morimune Youichi
Published: November 2010

The design of autonomously moving objects that resemble living matter is an excellent research topic that may develop into various applications of functional motion. Autonomous motion can demonstrate numerous significant characteristics such as transduction of chemical potential into work without heat, chemosensitive motion, chemotactic and phototactic motions, and pulse-like motion with periodicities responding to the chemical environment. Sustainable motion can be realized with an open system that exchanges heat and matter across its interface. Hence the autonomously moving object has a colloidal scale with a large specific area. This article reviews several examples of systems with such characteristics that have been studied, focusing on chemical systems containing amphiphilic molecules.
A Novel 18-Norclerodane Diterpenoid from the Roots of Tinospora sagittata var. yunnanensis
Authors: Huang Xiang-Zhong , Cheng Chun-Mei , Dai Yun , Fu Guang-Miao , Guo Jun-Ming , Yin Yan , Liang Hui
Published: November 2010

A novel 18-nor-clerodane diterpenoid named sagitone (1) was isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of dry roots of Tinospora sagittata var. yunnanensis together with the five known diterpenoids columbin (2), palmatoside C (3), fibleucin (4), tinophylloloside (5) and epitinophylloloside (6). The structure of the new compound 1 was determined based on MS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR spectral data. The compounds 1~6 did not show significant cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines K562 and HL-60.
Remote Sensing of Environmental Change in the Antirio Deltaic Fan Region, Western Greece
Authors: Vassilakis Emmanuel
Published: November 2010

In the westernmost region of the rapidly widening Corinth rift, Greece, extensive development of roads, bridges and other human infrastructure has caused continuous environmental change over the past twenty years. River networks, the land surface and the coastal environment, have been altered, especially in the areas corresponding to deltaic fans. In this paper we use earth observation systems that have captured these environmental changes, particularly medium (Landsat TM and ETM+) and high (Quickbird) resolution satellite images, to identify environmental changes between the periods 1992, 2000, 2002, and 2005. Six pseudo-color multi-temporal images in different spectral areas were created in order to detect changes to the terrestrial and coastal environment caused mainly by direct or indirect human impact. This methodology provided new data for quantifying significant alterations in the environment on different scales. In many cases this revealed their sequence during the time of observation.
Why does Viola hondoensis (Violaceae) shed its winter leaves in spring?
Authors: Hikosaka Kouki , Kawauchi Yoshie , Kurosawa Takahide
Published: November 2010

• Premise of the study: Viola hondoensis is a perennial herb that inhabits the understory of temperate, deciduous forests. It is an evergreen plant with a leaf life span that is shorter than a year. Its summer leaves are produced in spring and shed in autumn; winter leaves are produced in autumn and shed in spring. Here we asked why the plant sheds its winter leaves in spring, though climate conditions improve from spring to summer. We proposed four hypotheses for the cause of shedding: (1) changes in seasonal environment such as day length or air temperature, (2) shading by canopy deciduous trees, (3) self‐shading by taller summer leaves, and (4) competition for nutrients between summer and winter leaves.

• Methods: To test these hypotheses, we manipulated the environment of winter leaves: (1) plants were transplanted to the open site where there was no shading by canopy trees. (2) Petioles of summer leaves were anchored to the soil surface to avoid shading of winter leaves. (3) Sink organs were removed to eliminate nutrient competition.

• Key results: Longevity of winter leaves was extended when shading by summer leaves was eliminated and when sink organs were removed, but not when plants were transplanted to the open site.

• Conclusion: We conclude that the relative difference in light availability between summer and winter leaves is a critical factor for regulation of leaf shedding, consistent with the theory of maximization of the whole‐plant photosynthesis.
Fruits and foliage of Pueraria (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) from the Neogene of Eurasia and their biogeographic implications
Authors: Wang Qi , Manchester Steven R. , Dilcher David L.
Published: November 2010

• Premise of the study: Pueraria (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) is native in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania and is well known as a rampant invasive weed in the southeastern United States (P. montana; better known as kudzu), but relatively little is known about its early evolution and biogeographic origin.

• Methods: On the basis of comparative analyses of the fruit and leaflet architecture of closely related extant and fossil taxa, we studied the fossil history and biogeography of Pueraria.

• Key results: Fossil Pueraria is recognized on the basis of distinctive fruit and foliage from the Mio‐Pliocene of middle latitudes in China, Japan, Abkhazia, and Croatia. Recognition of P. miothunbergiana from the Mio‐Pliocene of China and Japan is reinforced by a trifoliolate leaf as well as isolated lateral and terminal leaflets. Pueraria shanwangensis sp. nov. represents the first recognition of fossil Pueraria fruits. This fruit species co‐occurs with P. miothunbergiana in the Middle Miocene Shanwang flora and possibly represents the same population. Pueraria maxima (Unger) comb. nov., previously named as Dolichites maximus or Desmodium maximum, is recognized on the basis of leaflets from the Miocene of Croatia and Abkhazia. Other prior fossil reports of Pueraria and Dolichites are reevaluated.

• Conclusions: Pueraria had begun to diversify by at least the Middle Miocene and had spread into the Mio‐Pliocene subtropical and temperate floras of the Balkan Peninsula, the Caucasus, and eastern Asia, which suggests the present diversity of this genus in tropical Asia and Oceania might have originated from the mid‐latitudes of Eurasia.
ART AND CIVIL SOCIETY: FROM PROTEST TO COOPERATION
Authors: Niziołek Katarzyna
Published: November 2010

In the article, adopting the democratic transformation perspective, the author focuses on art as a specific area of civil society. With an eye on Poland, various forms of artistic activism are analyzed and compared, from artistic vanguard and protest art of the communist period, to the practices of cultural democracy and social art of the present day. In particular, the concept of social art is explained and exemplified with three model projects, each set in a different context ‐ of an open public space, local community and minority group, and each representing a different set of social functions. Menas ir pilietinė visuomenė: nuo protesto iki bendradarbiavimo Santrauka Straipsnyje, laikydamasi demokratinės transformacijos perspektyvos, autorė susitelkia į meną kaip specifinę pilietinės visuomenės sritį. Analizuojamos ir lyginamos įvairios meninio aktyvumo formos, pasitaikančios Lenkijoje – nuo komunistinio laikotarpio meninio avangardo ir protestinio meno iki šių dienų kultūrinės demokratijos bei socialinio meno praktikos. Daug dėmesio skiriama socialinio meno sampratai, kuri čia aiškinama pateikiant trijų modelių pavyzdžius ir kiekvieną iš jų tiriant skirtinguose kontekstuose – atviroje viešojoje erdvėje, vietinėje bendruomenėje ir mažumos grupėje. Visi šie kontekstai straipsnyje pristatomi kaip skirtingų socialinių funkcijų visumos.
BETWEEN THE LOCAL, NATIONAL AND GLOBAL: THE PROBLEM OF “REGIONAL IDENTITIES”
Authors: Kowalska Wioletta Małgorzata
Published: November 2010

The main objective of the paper is to examine the concepts of region and regional identity in order to point out their political, social and theoretical/philosophical opportunity, and also their highly problematic character, especially in the current Eastern European context. The author tries to determine the contents of the concept of region from phenomenological perspective and shows that it is hardly possibly because, in practice, “region” refers more to arbitrary political and administrative criteria than to what can be experienced as a common “surrounding world”. The examples of regions analyzed in the paper are those of the infra‐state Polish region Podlasie and of the supra‐state Euregion Neman. In conclusion, the author claims that the opposition cultural/political, or experienced/constructed, should be mediated by European legal and moral rules. It is also claimed that only awareness of difficulties connected with the project of regions can allow their construction in a realistic, not arbitrary and not utopian way.

Tarp lokalumo, nacionalumo ir globalumo: regioninių tapatumų problema

Santrauka

Pagrindinis straipsnio tikslas – išnagrinėti regiono ir regioninio tapatumo sampratas, siekiant ne tik išsiaiškinti jų politinę, socialinę ir teorinę bei filosofinę esmę, bet ir išties problemišką pobūdį, ypač dabartiniame Rytų Europos kontekste. Autorė siekia apibrėžti regiono sampratos turinį iš fenomenologinės perspektyvos ir parodo, kad tai vargu ar įmanoma, nes praktiniu požiūriu regionas labiau nurodo politinius ir administracinius kriterijus, o ne tai, kas gali būti vertinama kaip supantis pasaulis. Straipsnyje analizuojami du regionai – lenkų infranacionalinis Palenkės regionas ir supranacionalinis Nemuno euroregionas. Tvirtinama, kad kultūros bei politikos ir patirties bei supratimo prieštaravimus turi derinti Europos įstatymai ir moralės normos. Autorė teigia, kad tik kylančių sunkumų dėl regionų tyrimo įsisąmoninimas leidžia jų realų, o ne arbitralinį ar utopinį konstravimą.
THE LOCALITY OF THE “GLOBAL VILLAGE” IN THE ASPECT OF COMMUNICATION: PRO ET CONTRA M. MCLUHAN
Authors: Barevičiūtė Jovilė
Published: November 2010

The article deals with the concept of a “global village” in the aspect of communication. In the first part of the article this concept is introduced without undertaking any judgments and following a position of a judicial researcher. In the second part the conditions of the possibility of a “global village”, regarding the crucial differences of globality and villagicity and their incompatibility, are questioned. A thought is raised whether M. McLuhan's “global village”, which is constituted by contemporary information and communication technologies and treated as new media, should be assessed as a “global city”, attaching to globality some essentially new and unaccustomed meanings, inspired by the traditional socio‐cultural structural transformations to the networkful nonstructural systems.

„Globaliojo kaimo“ lokalumas komunikaciniu aspektu: pro et contra M. Mcluhanui

Santrauka

Straipsnyje komunikaciniu aspektu tiriama M. McLuhano „globaliojo kaimo“ samprata. Pirmoje jo dalyje ši samprata pristatoma nesiimant jokių jos vertinimų ir laikantis bešališkos tyrėjo pozicijos. Antroje straipsnio dalyje kvestionuojamos „globaliojo kaimo“ galimybės sąlygos dėl esminių globalumo ir kaimiškumo skirtumų bei jų tarpusavio nesuderinamumo. Išsakoma mintis, kad McLuhano įžvelgiamas „globalusis kaimas“, kurį jo mąstymo perspektyvoje steigia dabartinės informacijos ir komunikacijos technologijos, traktuojamos kaip naujosios medijos, turėtų būti traktuojamas kaip „globalusis didmiestis“, globalumui suteikiant iš esmės naujų ir neįprastų konotacijų, inspiruotų tradicinių sociokultūrinių struktūrų transformacijų į tam tikras tinkliškas bestruktūres sistemas.
ERAP1Is Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis in Han Chinese
Authors: LI CHAO , LIN ZHIMING , XIE YINGYING , GUO ZISHI , HUANG JINXIAN , WEI QIUJING , LI QIU XIA , WANG XINWEI , CAO SHUANGYAN , LIAO ZETAO , XU MANLONG , SHEN YAN , GU JIERUO
Published: November 2010

Objective.

Genetic components play important roles in the incidence and development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Aminopeptidase regulator of tumor necrosis factor receptor shedding 1 (ERAP1) was recently found to be associated with AS in North American and British cohorts. We evaluated whetherERAP1is associated with AS in a Chinese Han population.

Methods.

A sample of 50 patients and 50 healthy controls was recruited for preliminary screening for informative single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Then 6 SNP of suggestive significance in the initial screening were followed up in a large sample of 471 patients with AS and 456 ethnically matched controls. Diagnosis of AS followed the 1984 modified New York criteria. Linkage disequilibrium coefficient (D’ and r2) and haplotypes were estimated by Haploview.

Result.

Two SNP (rs27434, p = 0.00039, and rs27529, p = 0.0083) inERAP1other than that reported previously were found to be significantly associated with AS. Haplotype analysis using 5 SNP within 1 linkage disequilibrium block identified 2 risk haplotypes (GATGT and GACGT) and 1 protective haplotype (GGTGT) for AS.

Conclusion.

Our study demonstrated that 2 novel SNP inERAP1were associated with AS in the Han Chinese population, suggesting thatERAP1might confer genetic risk for AS in Han Chinese through the common mechanism shared by different populations, although the AS-associated SNP inERAP1might be population-specific.
Pediatric Behçet’s Disease and Thromboses
Authors: KRUPA BRICE , CIMAZ ROLANDO , OZEN SEZA , FISCHBACH MICHEL , COCHAT PIERRE , KONÉ-PAUT ISABELLE
Published: November 2010

Objective.

To describe the characteristics of a group of pediatric patients with Behçet’s disease (BD) who presented at least 1 episode of thrombosis during their disease course.

Methods.

We made a retrospective chart review of the clinical, biological, and radiological data of children with BD who presented at least 1 episode of either arterial or venous thrombosis. Data were extracted from both an international pediatric Behçet cohort and files referred from 7 French centers.

Results.

Twenty-one patients were included. Diagnosis of BD was based on the criteria of the International Study Group for BD. Main locations for thrombosis were the cerebral sinuses, in 11 patients (52.4%); and lower limbs, in 9 patients (40.9%). Recurrent episodes were observed in 4 patients (21%). Thrombophilia measurements were normal in 14 patients out of 21, while anticardiolipin antibodies were positive in 4 patients, and 2 out of 21 had protein C deficiency. One patient had lupus anticoagulant. All patients were treated with colchicine. Corticosteroids were also added for variable periods in 13 patients. Five patients out of 21 were treated with anticoagulants (heparin, then anti-vitamin K) and 3 with antiplatelets (acetylsalicylic acid).

Conclusion.

Thromboses are a serious complication of BD and may occur early in the disease course. The presence of thrombophilic markers could increase the risk of thrombosis in BD, but the size of our population does not allow any conclusion. An international cohort (PED-BD) is currently in place and will allow study of such cases longitudinally, as well as assessment of the elements that correlate with an increased risk of thrombosis in children with BD.
A New Presentation of Neonatal Lupus: 5 Cases of Isolated Mild Endocardial Fibroelastosis Associated with Maternal Anti-SSA/Ro and Anti-SSB/La Antibodies
Authors: GUETTROT-IMBERT GAËLLE , COHEN LAURENCE , FERMONT LAURENT , VILLAIN ELISABETH , FRANCÈS CAMILLE , THIEBAUGEORGES OLIVIER , FOLIGUET BERNARD , LEROUX GAËLLE , CACOUB PATRICE , AMOURA ZAHIR , PIETTE JEAN-CHARLES , COSTEDOAT-CHALUMEAU NATHALIE
Published: November 2010

Objective.

Maternal anti-SSA/Ro or anti-SSB/La antibodies are associated with neonatal lupus erythematosus syndrome (NLES), especially congenital heart block (CHB), which may be associated with severe endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). A few reports have described severe EFE without CHB associated with anti-SSA/Ro antibodies, with a poor prognosis. EFE has also been observed in biopsies of DCM that had been considered idiopathic. These points, considered in association with 5 unusual cases of mild EFE, led us to consider the relationship between underrecognized cases of isolated autoantibody-associated EFE and DCM that had been considered idiopathic.

Methods.

We analyzed 5 cases of EFE diagnosed in utero (n = 4) or after birth (n = 1). In 3 cases, maternal antibody status was discovered because of the EFE diagnosis.

Results.

Endomyocardial hyperechogenicity predominated in the left atrium (n = 3) and mitral annulus (n = 3). No left-heart dysfunction was observed. Two mothers were treated with betamethasone. One mother chose to have a therapeutic abortion, and EFE was confirmed at autopsy. Electrocardiograms at birth (n = 4) did not show CHB. Other manifestations of NLES were present in all cases. One child had right ventricular hypoplasia and underwent a partial cavopulmonary anastomosis. At last followup (4–7 yrs), the other 3 children had normal heart function, and echocardiography showed a normal heart (n = 2) or mild persistent EFE (n = 1).

Conclusion.

Middle-term prognosis of isolated autoantibody-associated EFE may be better than previously reported, although the longterm prognosis remains unknown. We hypothesize that a fetal insult can lead to DCM.
Use of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs: Is There a Change in Patient Risk Profile After Withdrawal of Rofecoxib?
Authors: RAHME ELHAM , ROUSSY JEAN-PASCAL , LAFRANCE JEAN-PHILIPPE , NEDJAR HACENE , MORIN SUZANNE
Published: November 2010

Objective.

Use of traditional nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (tNSAID) increased after rofecoxib withdrawal. tNSAID use is associated with increased gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and cardiovascular (CV) risk similar to celecoxib. The objective of our study was to describe changes in celecoxib and tNSAID use regarding GI and CV risk and congestive heart failure (CHF) and renal risk that occurred in Quebec, Canada, between April 2005–March 2007 (the post-period) compared to April 2002–March 2004 (the pre-period).

Methods.

Data were obtained from the provincial health insurance agency. All NSAID users ≥ 50 years of age were considered.

Results.

Celecoxib use decreased by 23% (coxib 61%) while that of tNSAID doubled. In both periods, celecoxib users were older and included more women, and they suffered more frequently from arthritis. Users of celecoxib were more likely to have higher level of GI risk: post-period odds ratios compared to low GI risk, very high 1.79 (95% CI 1.63, 1.97), high 1.76 (95% CI 1.71, 1.81), and moderate 1.30 (95% CI 1.27, 1.33); similar results were observed in the pre-period. Celecoxib users had higher CV risk levels in the pre-period: OR compared to low CV risk, very high 1.13 (95% CI 1.08, 1.19), high 1.24 (95% CI 1.20, 1.29), and moderate 1.16 (95% CI 1.14, 1.19); and in the post-period, very high 0.85 (95% CI 0.81, 0.89), high 1.13 (95% CI 1.10, 1.16), and moderate 1.15 (95% CI 1.12, 1.17). CHF and renal risk factors did not play an important role in the choice of NSAID in either period.

Conclusion.

Current NSAID use differs from that prior to 2004. Coxib utilization decreased substantially and patients at high CV risk seem less likely to receive celecoxib, while those at high GI risk seem more likely to receive it.
Disease Phenotypes and Gender Association of FCRL3 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism −169T/C in Taiwanese Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: CHEN JI-YIH , WANG CHIN-MAN , WU YEONG-JIAN JAN , KUO SHIN-NING , SHIU CHIUNG-FANG , CHANG SU-WEI , LIN YEN-TSUN , HO HUEI-HUANG , WU JIANMING
Published: November 2010

Objective.

To investigate the association of the functional FCRL3 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) −169T/C with disease phenotypes and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Taiwanese.

Methods.

FCRL3 SNP −169T/C was genotyped in 573 patients with SLE, 670 patients with RA, and 758 controls. Genotype distributions and allele frequencies were compared among the 3 groups as aggregates or as stratified by clinical characteristics, autoantibody profile, and sex within patient groups.

Results.

Overall, FCRL3 SNP −169T/C was not associated with susceptibility to either SLE or RA. However, −169CC genotype was significantly reduced in leukopenia-positive SLE patients as compared to the leukopenia-negative SLE patients (CC vs CT+TT, p = 6 × 10−4, OR 0.444, 95% CI 0.279–0.708) and controls (p = 6.1 × 10−3, OR 0.583, 95% CI 0.396–0.857). On the other hand, −169TT genotypes were significantly more numerous in RA patients with non-destructive disease as compared with patients with destructive disease (CC+CT vs TT: p = 0.007, OR 1.672, 95% CI 1.149–2.432). The −169T allele frequency was also significantly increased in non-destructive RA compared with patients with destructive disease (C vs T: p = 0.010, OR 1.423, 95% CI 1.089–1.859). FCRL3 SNP −169TT homozygous donors were significantly more numerous among female cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP)-negative RA patients versus female CCP-positive RA patients (CC+CT vs TT: p = 0.019, OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.085–2.479).

Conclusion.

The functional FCRL3 SNP −169T/C appears to play important roles in the development of certain phenotypes such as SLE leukopenia and RA disease severity in Taiwanese patients with SLE and RA.
Effect of Sociodemographic Factors on Surgical Consultations and Hip or Knee Replacements Among Patients with Osteoarthritis in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: RAHMAN M. MUSHFIQUR , KOPEC JACEK A. , SAYRE ERIC C. , GREIDANUS NELSON V. , AGHAJANIAN JAAFAR , ANIS ASLAM H. , CIBERE JOLANDA , JORDAN JOANNE M. , BADLEY ELIZABETH M.
Published: November 2010

Objective.

To quantify the effect of demographic variables and socioeconomic status (SES) on surgical consultation and total joint arthroplasty (TJA) rates among patients with osteoarthritis (OA), using population-based administrative data.

Methods.

A cohort study was conducted in British Columbia using population data from 1991 to 2004. From April 1996 to March 1998, we documented 34,420 new patients with OA and these patients were followed to March 2004 for their first surgical consultation and TJA. Effects of age, sex, and SES were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards models after adjusting for comorbidities and pain medication used.

Results.

During a mean 5.5-year followup period, 7475 patients with OA had their first surgical consultations and 2814 patients received TJA within a 6-year mean followup period. Crude hazards ratio (HR) for men compared to women was 1.25 (95% CI 1.20–1.31) for surgical consultation and was 1.14 (95% CI 1.06–1.23) for TJA. The interaction between sex and SES was significant. Stratified analysis showed among men an HR of 1.42 (95% CI 1.27–1.58) and 1.52 (95% CI 1.26–1.83) for surgical consultations and TJA, respectively, for the highest SES compared with the lowest SES quintiles. Similarly significant results were observed among women.

Conclusion.

Differential access to the healthcare system exists among patients with OA. Women with OA were less likely than men to see an orthopedic surgeon as well as to obtain TJA. Patients with higher SES consulted orthopedic surgeons more frequently and received more TJA than those with the lowest SES.
Low Body Mass Index Is Adversely Associated with Radiographic Joint Damage in Indian Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: VELPULA UMA D. , AGRAWAL SUMEET , THOMAS JOE , PRABU V.N. NAGA , RAJASEKHAR LIZA , NARSIMULU GUMDAL
Published: November 2010

Objective.

Various factors affect joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The influence of body mass index (BMI) is not adequately known. As BMI is potentially modifiable, we studied its influence on radiological joint damage in patients with RA.

Methods.

Treatment-naive patients with early RA (< 24 mo) were included. Demographic data were collected along with swollen joint count (SJC), tender joint count (TJC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and IgM-rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF). Radiographs of hands and feet were obtained. BMI and Disease Activity Score for 28-joint count (DAS28-ESR) were calculated. Joint damage was assessed using the Simplified Erosions Narrowing Score (SENS).

Results.

A total of 101 patients were studied (81 women; mean age 41.91 ± 11.99 yrs). Mean disease duration was 10.77 ± 6.73 months; 55 patients (54.5%) were IgM-RF-positive. Mean BMI was 22.82 ± 4.66 kg/m2with 24 (23.8%) patients having low, 42 (41.6%) normal, and 35 (34.7%) high BMI. Mean SENS score was 16.81 ± 11.10; mean DAS28 was 6.23 ± 0.96. Significant correlation was noted between SENS and DAS28 (r = 0.28; p < 0.005). There was significant negative correlation between BMI and SENS (r = −0.509; p < 0.0005). In patients with low BMI, mean SENS (26.62 ± 13.45) was significantly higher than in patients with normal (15.88 ± 8.38; p < 0.001) and high BMI (11.20 ± 7.32; p < 0.001). Patients with normal BMI also had significantly higher SENS scores than those with high BMI (p < 0.05). One-way ANOVA did not reveal significant differences in DAS28 between groups. SENS was significantly higher in the IgM-RF-positive group (19.55 ± 11.36) than in the IgM-RF-negative group (13.54 ± 9.94; p < 0.01); DAS28 was not different between the 2 groups (6.22 ± 0.98 vs 6.26 ± 0.96, respectively). Within the 2 IgM-RF groups, a significant negative correlation was seen between BMI and SENS. Multiple regression analysis revealed RF, DAS28, and BMI were independently associated with SENS. BMI accounted for 23.04% of the variance in SENS independent of DAS28 and IgM-RF.

Conclusion.

Low BMI is adversely associated with joint damage in patients with early RA.
Cardiovascular Disease Is Related to Hypertension in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Greek Cohort Study
Authors: SERELIS JOHN , PANAGIOTAKOS DEMOSTHENES B. , MAVROMMATI MARIA , SKOPOULI FOTINI N.
Published: November 2010

Objective.

To evaluate the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Greek patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) under medical followup, and to assess the contribution of traditional CVD and RA-specific factors associated with CVD development.

Methods.

This is a historic cohort study; information was collected from medical records of patients who had > 2 years’ followup. Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic variables were evaluated for association with development of CVD.

Results.

A total of 325 RA patients were studied: 250 women, mean age at RA onset 44 ± 15 years, and 75 men, mean age at RA onset 51 ± 15 years; median followup was 10 years. Fourteen women (5.6%) and 12 men (16%) developed CVD (p = 0.004). Multi-adjusted analysis revealed that hypertension (hazard ratio 3.76, 95% CI 0.99–15.06) was associated with incidence of CVD; late age at disease onset (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.11), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level 1 year after start of followup (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.05), and leflunomide treatment (HR per 1 year of treatment = 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.05) were also positively associated with CVD development.

Conclusion.

Hypertension was an important risk factor for CVD development in patients with RA. Late RA onset and inadequate early control of disease activity (as attested by CRP) remain additional risk factors. Leflunomide treatment may have a contributing effect. Early and effective treatment of RA and strict control of hypertension may modify the burden of CVD in RA patients.
Optimal Frequency of Visits for Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus to Measure Disease Activity Over Time
Authors: IBAÑEZ DOMINIQUE , GLADMAN DAFNA D. , TOUMA ZAHI , NIKPOUR MANDANA , UROWITZ MURRAY B.
Published: November 2010

Objective.

Adjusted mean Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; AMS) measures lupus disease activity over time. Our aim was to determine optimal visit frequency for calculating AMS.

Methods.

Patients followed monthly for 12 consecutive visits were included. AMS was calculated using all of the SLEDAI 2000 (AMSGOLD using all 12 visits), only quarterly visits (AMS3, using visits 3 months apart), semiannual visits (AMS6, using first, middle, and last visits only), and annual visits (AMS12, using only the first and last visits). Comparisons of AMS3, AMS6, and AMS12 with AMSGOLD are made using descriptive statistics.

Results.

Seventy-eight patients were included (92% women, mean age at SLE diagnosis 30.1 yrs and at study start 46.2 yrs). The mean (SD) AMSGOLD for the entire year was 2.05 (1.66), for AMS3 1.99 (1.65), for AMS6 2.12 (1.87), and for AMS12 2.08 (1.83). Mean (SD) of the absolute differences with AMSGOLD: for AMS3 0.29 (0.33), for AMS6 0.45 (0.59), and for AMS12 0.61 (0.58). Differences that were < 0.5 were considered minimal while those ≥ 1 were deemed important. Comparing AMSGOLD to AMS3, 82% of the differences were minimal and 3% were important. When comparing to AMS6, 68% were minimal and 10% were important, while comparing to AMS12, 50% were minimal and 21% were important.

Conclusion.

Usual clinic visits occurring quarterly offer a good estimation of disease activity over a 1-year period and are preferred over semiannual and annual visits.
Quantification of Cells Expressing Mesenchymal Stem Cell Markers in Healthy and Osteoarthritic Synovial Membranes
Authors: HERMIDA-GÓMEZ TAMARA , FUENTES-BOQUETE ISAAC , GIMENO-LONGAS MARIA JOSÉ , MUIÑOS-LÓPEZ EMMA , DÍAZ-PRADO SILVIA , de TORO FRANCISCO JAVIER , BLANCO FRANCISCO JAVIER
Published: November 2010

Objective.

To quantify cells expressing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers in synovial membranes from human osteoarthritic (OA) and healthy joints.

Methods.

Synovial membranes from OA and healthy joints were digested with collagenase and the isolated cells were cultured. Synovial membrane-derived cells were phenotypically characterized for differentiation experiments using flow cytometry to detect the expression of mesenchymal markers (CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD117, CD166, and STRO-1) and hematopoietic markers (CD34 and CD45). Chondrogenesis was assessed by staining for proteoglycans and collagen type II, adipogenesis by using a stain for lipids, and osteogenesis by detecting calcium deposits. Coexpression of CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105 was determined using immunofluorescence.

Results.

Cells expressing MSC markers were diffusely distributed in OA synovial membranes; in healthy synovial membrane these cells were localized in the subintimal zone. More numerous MSC markers in OA synovial membranes were observed in cells also expressing the CD90 antigen. FACS analysis showed that more than 90% of OA synovial membrane-derived cells were positive for CD44, CD73, and CD90, and negative for CD34 and CD45. OA synovial membrane-derived cells were also positive for CD29 (85.23%), CD117 (72.35%), CD105 (45.5%), and STRO-1 (49.46%). Micropellet analyses showed that the culture of cells with transforming growth factor-ß3 stimulated proteoglycan and collagen type II synthesis.

Conclusion.

Synovial membranes from patients with OA contain more cells positive for CD44, CD90, and CD105 antigens than those from joints with undamaged cartilage.
Progressive Loss of Lymphatic Vessels in Skin of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: MANETTI MIRKO , MILIA ANNA FRANCA , GUIDUCCI SERENA , ROMANO ELOISA , MATUCCI-CERINIC MARCO , IBBA-MANNESCHI LIDIA
Published: November 2010

Objective.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by microvascular and fibrotic changes in the skin and internal organs. The role of blood vessel dysfunction in the pathogenesis of SSc has been extensively investigated, but few studies have addressed the involvement of the lymphatic vascular system. Our aim was to evaluate dermal lymphatic vessels in patients with SSc according to different phases of skin involvement.

Methods.

Skin biopsies were obtained from the forearm of 25 SSc patients (10 early/15 late-stage disease) and 13 healthy controls. Skin sections were immunostained for podoplanin (D2-40), which is selectively expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells, and examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Lymphatic vessels were counted in the papillary and reticular dermis. Data were analyzed using Student’s t test.

Results.

The number of lymphatic vessels was significantly reduced in the papillary and reticular dermis of SSc patients compared with controls. In early SSc, lymphatic vessel counts were not different from controls in the papillary dermis, and showed a trend toward a reduction in the reticular dermis. In late SSc, a significant reduction in lymphatic vessels compared with controls was found in both the papillary and reticular dermis. The number of lymphatic vessels in the papillary dermis of late SSc was significantly lower than in early SSc.

Conclusion.

In SSc, lymphatic microangiopathy is linked to the progression of skin involvement. The progressive disappearance of lymphatic vessels may have a critical pathogenetic role in the progression of SSc from an early edematous phase to overt fibrosis.
La finance antisismique
Authors: Dupré Denis
Published: November 2010

Résumé Il y a crise dans le sens étymologique de décision, jugement. C’est de fait le moment d’exercer notre jugement pour décider collectivement des facteurs éthiques qui nous feront basculer dans le meilleur des mondes possibles. Il faut mettre en pratique deux principes éthiques : tendre vers la juste part et ne pas profiter de la rareté. La révolution éthique concerne la production : la finance éthique doit produire ce qui a du sens à l’aune de nos enjeux collectifs de gestion des raretés.
Regard sociologique sur l'oligarchie
Authors: Bourdeau Vincent , Flory Julienne , Maric Michel
Published: November 2010

Résumé À l’occasion de la sortie de leur dernier ouvrage Le président des riches (aux Éditions Zones/ La Découverte, 2010) Mouvements a rencontré les sociologues Monique Pinçon-Charlot et Michel Pinçon. Le parcours de ces deux chercheurs, anciennement rattachés au Centre de sociologie urbaine (CNRS), a été marqué par le choix d’un objet, au début des années 1980 : la haute bourgeoisie et l’aristocratie parisiennes. Au départ, comme ils nous l’indiquent dans l’entretien, il s’agissait d’étudier les stratégies spatiales de la bourgeoisie, comment certains quartiers se voyaient peu à peu dotés de murs symboliques (propreté, belles voitures et demeures, habitants soigneusement vêtus inhibent toute velléité de flânerie dans les beaux quartiers) et matériels (le prix du m 2 ) au point de devenir de véritables « ghettos », même si réservés au « Gotha » (comme le suggérait le titre d’un de leurs ouvrages de 2007). Peu à peu c’est l’ensemble des habitus de la grande bourgeoisie qui ont été décortiqués au fil d’une œuvre qui ne compte pas moins de 10 ouvrages consacrés au sujet. Peut-être plus polémique dans son style que leurs précédents ouvrages, Le Président des riches permet de comprendre les rouages d’un système – l’oligarchie – qui s’est mis au service des classes les plus aisées de notre société. La haute bourgeoisie et l’aristocratie seraient ainsi le dernier groupe social à manifester un fonctionnement de classe, d’une classe consciente non seulement de ce qu’elle est, mais aussi des intérêts qu’elle doit défendre pour se maintenir comme telle.
Responsabilité individuelle et justice sociale
Authors: Spitz Jean-Fabien
Published: November 2010

Résumé Qu’est-ce qui peut justifier la présence d’inégalités dans une société juste ? Le débat, en théorie politique ces dernières années, a mis en avant l’idée que les inégalités dues au hasard, relevant moins des choix des individus que du contexte dans lequel ces derniers se déterminent à agir, devaient être ciblées exclusivement afin de ne plus laisser s’exprimer que des formes d’inégalités méritées, dues aux efforts (ou non-efforts) des uns et des autres. Jean-Fabien Spitz plaide, au contraire, pour une approche de la responsabilité déconnectée de la question de l’auteur de l’action et rattachée à un point de vue moins individuel que social sur la justice, à partir duquel devraient se déterminer les manières dont nous voulons nous traiter les uns les autres lorsque nous agissons dans le cadre d’une société juste. L’égalité que l’on doit viser est ainsi moins une égalité des chances, qu’une égalité de traitement excluant toute forme de domination, dans tous les lieux et tous les temps de nos existences.
Misère, inégalités sociales et étatisme marchand
Authors: Bayon Denis
Published: November 2010

Résumé L’approche « décroissante », aussi multiple soit-elle dans ses formulations, a mauvaise presse. Denis Bayon revient sur la signification du terme et suggère qu’entre une option « décroissante » qui peut paraître utopique et l’ensemble des mesures de sortie de crise qui s’appuient sur les institutions de la croissance, tout simplement chimériques, nous n’avons guère d’options possibles pour assurer à tous un accès à une vie préservée des nuisances écologiques et des inégalités matérielles les plus criantes.
Richesse, égalité, fiscalité : de la justice sociale à la transformation de nos modes de vie
Authors: Bourdeau Vincent , Flipo Fabrice , Maric Michel
Published: November 2010

Résumé Mouvements a voulu réunir des chercheurs et militants qui partagent un même constat alarmiste à la fois sur l’état des inégalités en France et dans le monde et sur l’émergence d’une nouvelle caste de rentiers dont l’existence inattendue dans le contexte de crise économique et environnementale que nous connaissons. Des chercheurs et des militants qui tentent d’élaborer, chacun à leur manière, des outils pour mieux définir la richesse, l’égalité et une fiscalité juste. Jean Gadrey s’est longuement penché sur l’évolution de nos sociétés industrielles vers des économies de services, à partir d’une approche socio-économique. Il a par ailleurs été l’un des premiers en France à réfléchir sur les limites des indicateurs économiques classiques, suggérant d’autres pistes pour évaluer la richesse. À ce titre, il a été membre de la Commission Stiglitz, tout comme Marc Fleurbaey. Ce dernier a publié de nombreux articles et plusieurs ouvrages sur les questions de justice sociale et de redistribution. Vincent Drezet est l’auteur de nombreux écrits plaidant pour une plus grande justice fiscale, dont il y a quelques mois Pour un « Big Bang fiscal » (Éditions Le Bord de l’eau / Attac) et en octobre 2010, en collaboration avec Liêm Hoang-Ngoc, Il faut faire payer les riches ! (Éditions du Seuil). Ils ont tous les trois accepté de réagir aux questions soulevées dans notre dossier, au cours d’une discussion qui a cherché à dresser le plus précisément possible un tableau de la situation actuelle mais aussi à dessiner des pistes pour en sortir.
La fragilité de la réalité
Authors: Rennes Juliette , Susen Simon
Published: November 2010

Résumé Luc Boltanski, sociologue, est directeur d’études à l’École des hautes études en sciences sociales. Né en 1940, il est l’auteur d’une quinzaine d’ouvrages qui, tout en s’appuyant sur des terrains d’enquête variés – de la puériculture à l’engendrement et l’avortement, en passant par le monde professionnel des cadres, l’humanitaire ou le management — n’en sont pas moins liés par des questions transversales. L’analyse des dispositifs normatifs mobilisés par les acteurs pour faire « tenir » la réalité sociale ou la mettre en cause fait partie des fils conducteurs de sa sociologie. Si les outils d’analyse qu’il a contribué à forger pour mener ces enquêtes ont profondément marqué la sociologie de ces vingt dernières années, ces outils évoluent plus vite que ce que l’on retient généralement du « tournant pragmatique ». Et c’est une trajectoire sociologique tissée de doutes, de remises en cause méthodologiques et de petits virages théoriques, que nous livre ici ce sociologue sensible aux bricolages et aux « incertitudes de la vie sociale ».
Le débat télévisé comme performance collective : l'exemple de Mots Croisés
Authors: Villeneuve Gaël
Published: November 2010

Résumé Connaître et comprendre les émissions télévisuelles de débat de l’intérieur, c’est ce que nous propose de faire dans cet article Gaël Villeneuve. En analysant le fonctionnement interne de l’émission Mots Croisés, l’auteur nous donne à voir ce que le téléspectateur ne peut pas distinguer devant son écran. Qui sont les personnes invitées au débat ? Comment est organisée une émission « en directe » ? Voici l’envers du décor.
Temporal clustering of metals in a short sediment core of the Cascais Canyon (Portuguese Margin)
Authors: Mil-Homens Mário , Costa Ana M. , Lebreiro Susana M. , Canário João , Lopes Cristina , Mouro Filomena , Mateus Manuela , De Stigter Henko , Richter Thomas , Branco Vasco , Ascensão Trancoso M. , Melo Zenaida , Boer Wim
Published: November 2010

The Cascais Canyon delivers contaminated sediments from the shelf to the deep marine environment. Multi-core PE252-32, located at 2100 m water depth in the canyon, records the latest 300 years of sedimentation. It was dated by 210Pb and analyzed texturally and geochemically for major elements and selected trace metals (Cu, Cr, Hg, Li, Ni, Pb and Zn). Cluster analysis performed on the down-core geochemical data identified four groups of variables related by grain-size, geochemical source and composition. Mercury, Pb and Zn were grouped in a cluster representing the anthropogenic component. Cluster analysis was applied again particularly to the latter cluster relatively to depth, in order to constrain the onset and temporal evolution of anthropogenic contamination. A second clustering, made on the basis of Hg, Pb and Zn, grouped samples by age and degree of anthropogenic contamination. One cluster contained relatively uncontaminated samples older than 1900 AD, and another cluster samples younger than 1900 AD with distinct metal enrichment. Maximum enrichments occurred during the early 1980s, followed by a slight recovery from the mid-1980s to the present. Mercury was the element with the highest enrichment factor (EFHg=5). Despite relatively low accumulation rates at this core location, our results show the importance of the Cascais Canyon as a transport route for contaminated sediments from the Tagus prodelta into the deep regions of the Portuguese Margin.
Temporal variations in metallothionein concentration and subcellular distribution of metals in gills and digestive glands of the oyster Crassostrea angulata
Authors: Trombini Chiara , Fabbri Elena , Blasco Julián
Published: November 2010

The metallothionein levels and metal concentrations in whole body, digestive gland and gills of Crassostrea angulata were analyzed in field samples collected from the River Guadalquivir estuary over several years following a mining waste spill upstream. The subcellular distribution of metals was analyzed to determine the mechanisms involved in the detoxification process. The highest metallothionein levels were reported in the digestive gland shortly after the mining contamination event. In this organ, metals are stored preferentially in the non-cytosolic fraction when increased bioaccumulation takes place. In the cytosol of the gills, metals are associated with metallothionein, whereas in the digestive gland, the distribution of metals between metallothioneins and high molecular weight proteins is similar. Metallothionein variation cannot be explained by metals alone; other abiotic factors must be taken into account. In order to use metallothionein as a metal exposure biomarker in field studies, natural variability needs to be taken into account for the correct interpretation of results.