bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of HLA Class I and Class II Alleles on Progression From Autoantibody Positivity to Overt Type 1 Diabetes in Children With Risk-Associated Class II Genotypes
Authors: Lipponen Kati , Gombos Zsofia , Kiviniemi Minna , Siljander Heli , Lempainen Johanna , Hermann Robert , Veijola Riitta , Simell Olli , Knip Mikael , Ilonen Jorma
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Class II alleles define the main HLA effect on type 1 diabetes, but there is an independent effect of certain class I alleles. Class II and class I molecules are differently involved in the initiation and effector phases of the immune response, suggesting that class I alleles would be important determinants in the rate of β-cell destruction. To test this hypothesis we analyzed the role of HLA class I and class II gene polymorphisms in the progression from diabetes-associated autoimmunity to clinical disease.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The effect of HLA-DR-DQ haplotypes and a panel of class I HLA-A and -B alleles on the progression from autoantibody seroconversion to clinical diabetes was studied in 249 children persistently positive for at least one biochemical diabetes-associated autoantibody in addition to islet cell autoantibody.

RESULTS

The progression to clinical disease was separately analyzed after the appearance of the first and the second persistent biochemical autoantibody using Cox regression. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant protective effect of the A*03 allele (odds ratio [OR] 0.61, P = 0.042 after the first and OR 0.55, P = 0.027 after the second autoantibody), whereas the B*39 allele had a promoting effect after seroconversion for the second autoantibody (OR 2.4, P = 0.014). When children with the DR3/DR4 genotype were separately analyzed, HLA-B*39 had a strong effect (OR 6.6, P = 0.004 and OR 7.5, P = 0.007, after the appearance of the first and the second autoantibody, respectively). The protective effect of A*03 was seen only among children without the DR3/DR4 combination.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm that class I alleles affect the progression of diabetes-associated autoimmunity and demonstrate interactions between class I and class II alleles.
Cause-Specific Mortality Trends in a Large Population-Based Cohort With Long-Standing Childhood-Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Secrest Aaron M. , Becker Dorothy J. , Kelsey Sheryl F. , LaPorte Ronald E. , Orchard Trevor J.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Little is known concerning the primary cause(s) of mortality in type 1 diabetes responsible for the excess mortality seen in this population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Allegheny County (Pennsylvania) childhood-onset (age <18 years) type 1 diabetes registry (n = 1,075) with diagnosis from 1965 to 1979 was used to explore patterns in cause-specific mortality. Cause of death was determined by a mortality classification committee of at least three physician epidemiologists, based on the death certificate and additional records surrounding the death.

RESULTS

Vital status for 1,043 (97%) participants was ascertained as of 1 January 2008, revealing 279 (26.0%) deaths overall (141 females and 138 males). Within the first 10 years after diagnosis, the leading cause of death was acute diabetes complications (73.6%), while during the next 10 years, deaths were nearly evenly attributed to acute (15%), cardiovascular (22%), renal (20%), or infectious (18%) causes. After 20 years' duration, chronic diabetes complications (cardiovascular, renal, or infectious) accounted for >70% of all deaths, with cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death (40%). Women (P < 0.05) and African Americans (P < 0.001) have significantly higher diabetes-related mortality rates than men and Caucasians, respectively. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for non–diabetes-related causes do not significantly differ from the general population (violent deaths: SMR 1.2, 95% CI 0.6–1.8; cancer: SMR 1.2, 0.5–2.0).

CONCLUSIONS

The excess mortality seen in type 1 diabetes is almost entirely related to diabetes and its comorbidities but varies by duration of diabetes and particularly affects women and African Americans.
Chromatin Quality as a Crucial Factor for the Success of Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization Analyses of Unfertilized Oocytes, Polar Bodies and Arrested Zygotes
Authors: Zhivkova R , Delimitreva S , Toncheva D , Vatev I
Published: August 2010

Chromatin Quality as a Crucial Factor for the Success of Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization Analyses of Unfertilized Oocytes, Polar Bodies and Arrested Zygotes

Material that is supernumerary or unsuitable for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures is used for basic and for IVF-related research. Despite the disadvantages of such cells, they have contributed much to our understanding of the mechanisms and prevalence of different abnormalities.

Fifty-four human unfertilized oocytes, 34 arrested bipronuclear zygotes and 15 polar bodies were fixed for analysis on the third day after in vitro insemination and were subjected to fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes for chromosomes 18, 21, X and Y (centromere for 18, X, Y and locus-specific for 21). The aim of the study was the comparison of FISH efficiency in differently condensed chromatin.

The success of FISH analysis was over 60% of analyzed cells and it was dependent on the chromatin changes (condensation and/or fragmentation) during the culture period before cell fixation. Chromatin ageing was the crucial factor for the reduced success of FISH in both oocyte chromosomes (60.0%) and pronuclei (61.76%). The chromatin of second polar bodies (PBII), and premature chromosome condensation (PCC) of the sperm chromatin in oocytes was more suitable for FISH analysis (FISH success 75.0% in PBII and 64.29% in PCC) with both centromere and locus-specific probes.

These results revealed the significance of early signs of in vitro cell ageing for the success of FISH analysis and for the interpretation of results in case of analysis of unfertilized human ova, polar bodies and arrested zygotes.
Y Chromosome Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Typing by SNaPshot MINISEQUENCING
Authors: Noveski P , Trivodalieva S , Efremov G , Plaseska-Karanfilska D
Published: August 2010

Y Chromosome Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Typing by SNaPshot MINISEQUENCING

Analysis of Y chromosome haplogroups, defined by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), is now a standard approach for study of the origin of human populations and measurement of the variability among them. It is also a new forensic tool, because it may allow determination of the origin of any male sample of interest. We have used a strategy for rapid, simple and inexpensive Y chromosome SNP typing of 343 male DNA samples, of which 211 were Macedonians, 111 Albanians and 21 Roma, Serbs or Turks. Using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) and a SNaPshot multiplex kit for single nucleotide extension reaction, 28 markers were grouped into five multiplexes. Twenty different Y haplogroups were found in these samples. The most common Y haplogroups in Macedonians were I2a-P37b (27.5%), E1b1b1a-M78 (15.6%), R1a1-SRY1532 (14.2%) and R1b1-P25 (11.4%). In the Albanians E1b1b1a-M78 accounted for 28.8%, R1b1-P25 for 18.0%, J2b2-M241 for 13.5% and R1a1-SRY1532 for 12.6%. We conclude that five haplogroups (E1b1b1a-M78, I2a-P37b, J2b2-M241, R1a1-SRY1532 and R1b1-P25) comprised 72.6% of the Y chromosomes, this being characteristic of the typical European Y chromosome gene pool.
A p.P30L Mutation at the CYP21A2 Gene in Macedonian Patients with Nonclassical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Anastasovska V , Kocova E , Kocova M
Published: August 2010

A p.P30L Mutation at the CYP21A2 Gene in Macedonian Patients with Nonclassical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) is an autosomal recessive imbalance in cortisol synthesis with adrenal androgen excess. Although rarely recognized in infants, it may cause premature adrenarche and pubarche, virilization in young women and variable symptoms in young men. It is commonly caused by mutations in CYP21A2, the gene for steroid 21-hydroxylase. Patients with the p.P30L allele tend to have pronounced evidence of androgen excess but are categorized as nonclassical. We used direct molecular detection of the p.P30L mutation in CYP21A2 in 11 Macedonian NCAH patients and in 17 members of their families using polymerase chain reaction/amplification created restriction site (PCR/ACRS) analysis and digestion with restriction enzymes. The p.P30L mutation was found in a homozygous state in seven (63.6%) and in a heterozygous state in four (36.4%) patients. Of the latter, one was also heterozygous for the p.Q318X mutation. The p.P30L mutation was found in a heterozygous state in 10 (58.8%) and in a homozygous state in one (5.9%) of the family members. These findings support a role of the p.P30L mutation in NCAH.
Possible Association of Maternal Haemorrhoid with Congenital Abnormalities in their Children - a Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Bánhidy F , Ács N , Puhó E , Czeizel A
Published: August 2010

Possible Association of Maternal Haemorrhoid with Congenital Abnormalities in their Children - a Population-Based Case-Control Study

Objectives:To look for a possible association of maternal haemorrhoid during pregnancy with a risk of congenital abnormalities in their children.

Methods:Comparison of the prevalence of medically-recorded haemorrhoid in pregnant women who had fetuses/newborns (cases) with congenital abnormalities and healthy babies (controls) in the population-based Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance System of Congenital Abnormalities.

Results:Of 22,843 cases with congenital abnormalities, 798 (3.49%), while of 38,151 controls, 1,624 (4.26%) had mothers with recorded and usually treated severe haemorrhoids. We found a higher risk for exomphalos (OR with 95% CI: 4.9, 1.7-7.9), and malposition-malrotation of gut (OR with 95% CI: 17.2, 2.1-142.0) which were present in 14 and 8 children of pregnant women with haemorrhoid, respectively. These associations could not be explained by teratogenic effect of maternal haemorrhoid or by drug treatments, so we hypothesized a possible common genetic background.

Conclusions:The higher frequency of exomphalos and malposition-malrotation of gut found in the children of mothers with haemorrhoid during pregnancy requires further study.
Unusual Detection of Tuberculosis in a Woman with Down's Syndrome
Authors: Pešut D , Raljević S , Slijepčević Tomić
Published: August 2010

Unusual Detection of Tuberculosis in a Woman with Down's Syndrome

A woman with Down's syndrome (DS) had sub-febrile temperature, nodular/patchy shadows on the chest X-ray over the right pulmonary base, and a history of recurrent respiratory infections. She was pale, asthenic, uncommunicative, mildly anemic and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 80/first hour. The tuberculin skin test (TST) PPD3 was negative. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from oral mucosal brushing, sensitive to the first line anti-tuberculosis drugs. Patients with DS and other mental disabilities need special care and attention during diagnostic procedures for tuberculosis (TB).
Economizer Selection Method with Reference to its Reliability at Preliminary Design Stage of Seagoing Vessels
Authors: Adam Charchalis , Jerzy Krefft
Published: August 2010

Economizer Selection Method with Reference to its Reliability at Preliminary Design Stage of Seagoing Vessels

The economizers are used for production of steam heating on en route ships. The economizers are producing steam in a heat exchange process from the ship's main engine exhaust gas. Products of the incomplete combustion of the heavy fuel oil remaining in engines, passing the boiler, collect on the heat exchange surface of the economizer. When the incorrect assumptions are made for the boiler operation conditions, the boiler steam capacity drops and fire and burning of the incomplete combustion products can occur in the economizer. To minimize combustion product quantity that collects on the boiler surface, the allowable exhaust gas pressure drop in the boiler should be taken into consideration, as well as the results from recommended exhaust gas flow velocity that is determined by main engine service load determined in the preliminary design phase of the ship. The remaining operating conditions are made in such a way to obtain high steam capacity of the boiler. It is essential at the design stage to take into consideration the future operating parameters of the combustion-steam-water installation, since these parameters depend on the choice of boiler and determined at the design stage production of steam. On the basis of operation parameters of contemporary container ships, an attempt was made to select economizer capacity in the preliminary design stage taking into consideration operation conditions of the propulsion system-steam installations unit in aspect of economizer reliability.
The Analisys of Elements Decided of Ship's Movement during Strike on Ground
Authors: Galor Wiesław
Published: August 2010

The Analisys of Elements Decided of Ship's Movement during Strike on Ground

The main goal of navigation is to handle the ship in accordance with the basic aim, which should be executed. The port water areas are one of especially, where risk of navigation accident is high. The safety of manoeuvring ship on port water area depends mainly on under-keel clearance (UKC). The paper presents the analysis of elements, which determine the movement of ship during strike on ground.
A New Species of the Genus Macrargus (Araneae, Linyphiidae, Micronetinae) from the North-East of Ukraine and Redescription of Two Related Species
Authors: Gnelitsa V. , Koponen S.
Published: August 2010

A New Species of the Genus Macrargus (Araneae, Linyphiidae, Micronetinae) from the North-East of Ukraine and Redescription of Two Related Species

Macrargus sumyensis Gnelitsa et Koponen, sp. n. is described from the North-East of Ukraine. Two closely related species of the genus Macrargus Dahl, 1886, Macrargus boreus Holm, 1968 and M. multesimus (O.-P. Cambridge, 1875), are redescribed and illustrated in detail.
New Records of Tortricid Moths (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) from Ukraine
Authors: Kavurka V.
Published: August 2010

New Records of Tortricid Moths (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) from Ukraine

Five species of tortricid moths of the tribe Grapholitini are recorded from Ukraine for the first time: Cydia oxytropidis (Martini, 1912); Pammene ignorata Kuznetzov, 1968; Dichrorampha teichiana Šulcs et Kerppola, 1997; Dichrorampha sylvicolana Heinemann, 1863 and Dichrorampha baixerasana Trematerra, 1991. Most of these species were collected in north-eastern regions of Ukraine.
Stratigraphic correlation potential of magnetic susceptibility and gamma-ray spectrometric variations in calciturbiditic facies (Silurian-Devonian boundary, Prague Synclinorium, Czech Republic)
Authors: Vacek František , Hladil Jindřich , Schnabl Petr
Published: August 2010

Stratigraphic correlation potential of magnetic susceptibility and gamma-ray spectrometric variations in calciturbiditic facies (Silurian-Devonian boundary, Prague Synclinorium, Czech Republic)

Magnetic susceptibility (MS) and gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS) stratigraphy were used for correlation and characterization of eight Silurian-Devonian (S-D) sections in the Prague Synclinorium (Czech Republic). They represent two different facies developments: lower subtidal to upper slope deposits and slope-to-basin-floor distal calciturbidites. Sections from relatively shallow- and deep-water sections are easy to compare and correlate separately, although the detailed relationship between these two facies is still not entirely clear and correlations between the two settings are difficult. This may be due to sharp facies transitions and presence of stratigraphic gaps. The MS and GRS stratigraphic variations combined with sedimentologic data have been also used for reconstruction of the evolution of the sedimentary environment. The beds close above the S-D boundary show noticeably enhanced MS magnitudes but weak natural gamma-ray emissions. It may correspond to an increased amount of terrigenous magnetic material occurring with short-term shallowing (sedimentological evidence). In deep-water sections the uppermost Silurian is characterized by high MS and GRS values. It corresponds to a supply of recycled sediment to the lower wedge which occurred during the late Pridoli regression phase. The basal Devonian beds correspond to gradual deepening, but the overlying sequences reflect other shallowing episodes which are expressed in increasing MS and gamma ray activity of rocks. The MS and GRS fluctuations are interpreted as a result of local subsidence of the sea bottom along synsedimentary growth-faults and/or a biotic event rather than of eustatic sea-level changes.
Microfacies analysis of the Upper Triassic (Norian) "Bača Dolomite": early evolution of the western Slovenian Basin (eastern Southern Alps, western Slovenia)
Authors: Gale Luka
Published: August 2010

Microfacies analysis of the Upper Triassic (Norian) "Bača Dolomite": early evolution of the western Slovenian Basin (eastern Southern Alps, western Slovenia)

The Slovenian Basin represents a Mesozoic deep-water sedimentary environment, situated on the southern Tethyan passive margin. Little is known about its earliest history, from the initial opening in the Carnian (probably Ladinian) to a marked deepening at the beginning of the Jurassic. The bulk of the sediment deposited during this period is represented by the Norian-Rhaetian "Bača Dolomite", which has, until now, been poorly investigated due to a late-diagenetic dolomitization. The Mount Slatnik section (south-eastern Julian Alps, western Slovenia) is one of a few sections where the dolomitization was incomplete. Detailed analysis of this section allowed us to recognize eight microfacies (MF): MF 1 (calcilutite), MF 2 (pelagic bivalve-radiolarian floatstone/wackestone to rudstone/packstone), MF 3 (dolomitized mudstone) with sub-types MF 3-LamB and MF 3-LamD (laminated mudstone found in a breccia matrix and laminated mudstone found in thin-bedded dolomites, respectively) and MF 3-Mix (mixed mudstone), MF 4 (bioturbated radiolarian-spiculite wackestone), MF 5 (fine peloidal-bioclastic packstone), MF 6 (very fine peloidal packstone), MF 7 (bioclastic wackestone) and MF 8 (crystalline dolomite). The microfacies and facies associations indicate a carbonate slope apron depositional environment with hemipelagic sedimentation punctuated by depositions from turbidites and slumps. In addition to the sedimentary environment, two "retrogradation-progradation" cycles were recognized, each with a shift of the depositional setting from an inner apron to a basin plain environment.
Geology of the Čoka structure in northern Banat (Central Paratethys, Serbia)
Authors: Radivojević Dejan , Rundić Ljupko , Knežević Slobodan
Published: August 2010

Geology of the Čoka structure in northern Banat (Central Paratethys, Serbia)

The Čoka structure is a fault-bounded anticline in northern Banat, in the southern part of the Neogene Pannonian Basin. The structure and its vicinity were explored by 24 wells. In addition to well logs, paleontological, sedimentological and petrological analyses of cores and 27 seismic sections with different parameters of acquisition and processing were used for geological investigation of the area. The E-SE dipping pre-Neogene basement consists of Lower Triassic clastics and, in the NW part of the study area, Paleozoic greenschists. Thin Middle Miocene (Badenian) sediments unconformably overlie the basement and pinch out towards the elevated NW part of the study area. They are also missing in some wells on the apex of the Čoka structure, probably due to erosion. Badenian sediments were deposited in a shallow marine environment. The late Middle Miocene (Sarmatian) strata are missing and the Badenian is directly overlain by Upper Miocene (Pannonian) sediments. The latter also pinch out towards the NW but in contrast to Badenian sediments, they are present in all boreholes on the Čoka structure. Pannonian deposition took place in a caspibrackish environment of Lake Pannon, with predominance of marls and fine-grained clastics. Pannonian sediments are conformably overlain by latest Miocene (Pontian) and Pleistocene lacustrine, alluvial and terrestrial sediments.
Unusual Intramuscular Lipoma of Deltoid Muscle
Authors: Kapetanakis Stylianos , Papathanasiou Jiannis , Dermon Antonios , Dimitrakopoulou Alexandra , Ververidis Athanasios , Chloropoulou Pelagia , Kazakos Konstantinos
Published: August 2010

Unusual Intramuscular Lipoma of Deltoid Muscle

Lipomas are common soft tissue tumors usually located under the skin. Nevertheless, intramuscular lipomas of deltoid muscle are unusual tumors. We present a case of 74 years old woman with an intramuscular like clepsydra lipoma of deltoid muscle. The lesion was a palpable soft mass at the lateral side of the humerus. The patient had no previous history of trauma. The main symptom was pain only in abduction and extension. Imaging, pathological findings and surgical excision are discussed.
Common Market for Eastern and Southern African Countries: Multiplicity of Membership Issues and Choices
Authors: Dirar Luwam
Published: August 2010

The preferential trade agreement of Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) was formed in 1982 with the objective of achieving deeper integration. In 1994 COMESA member states agreed to form a free trade agreement. The free trade agreement came into effect after nine member states ratified it. In 2004, Rwanda and Burundi joined the free trade agreement and increased the membership size to 11. In 2009 COMESA was transformed into a customs union. The purpose of the article is to analyse how formation of the COMESA customs union affects the current state of multiplicity of membership in Southern and Eastern African countries. The article argues that multiplicity of membership hinders deeper integration. Based on the assumption that deeper regional integration can play a role in the development project of Eastern and Southern African countries, the article tries to make a cursory review of the overlap of membership among COMESA, Southern African Development Community (SADC), Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and East African Community (EAC) states. It tries to draw policy choices of the way forward to end the multiplicity of membership. The analysis of this article is based on the percentile of each member state's rate of export. It is not a percentile of the total regional exports. Not all COMESA member states have been analysed in this article. The article mainly focuses on those COMESA member states that treat COMESA as their main trading block in Africa and that also have multiple memberships in SADC, SACU and EAC.
An Examination of the Association of Selected Toxic Metals with Total and Central Obesity Indices: NHANES 99-02
Authors: Padilla Miguel A. , Elobeid Mai , Ruden Douglas M. , Allison David B.
Published: August 2010

It is conceivable that toxic metals contribute to obesity by influencing various aspects of metabolism, such as by substituting for essential micronutrients and vital metals, or by inducing oxidative stress. Deficiency of the essential metal zinc decreases adiposity in humans and rodent models, whereas deficiencies of chromium, copper, iron, and magnesium increases adiposity. This study utilized the NHANES 99-02 data to explore the association between waist circumference and body mass index with the body burdens of selected toxic metals (barium, cadmium, cobalt, cesium, molybdenum, lead, antimony, thallium, and tungsten). Some of the associations were significant direct relationships (barium and thallium), and some of the associations were significant inverse relationships (cadmium, cobalt, cesium, and lead). Molybdenum, antimony, and tungsten had mostly insignificant associations with waist circumference and body mass index. This is novel result for most of the toxic metals studied, and a surprising result for lead because high stored lead levels have been shown to correlate with higher rates of diabetes, and obesity may be a key risk factor for developing diabetes. These associations suggest the possibility that environmental exposure to metals may contribute to variations in human weight gain/loss. Future research, such as prospective studies rather than the cross-sectional studies presented here, is warranted to confirm these findings.
Generation and Development of RNA Ligase Ribozymes with Modular Architecture Through “Design and Selection”
Authors: Fujita Yuki , Ishikawa Junya , Furuta Hiroyuki , Ikawa Yoshiya
Published: August 2010

In vitro selection with long random RNA libraries has been used as a powerful method to generate novel functional RNAs, although it often requires laborious structural analysis of isolated RNA molecules. Rational RNA design is an attractive alternative to avoid this laborious step, but rational design of catalytic modules is still a challenging task. A hybrid strategy of in vitro selection and rational design has been proposed. With this strategy termed “design and selection,” new ribozymes can be generated through installation of catalytic modules onto RNA scaffolds with defined 3D structures. This approach, the concept of which was inspired by the modular architecture of naturally occurring ribozymes, allows prediction of the overall architectures of the resulting ribozymes, and the structural modularity of the resulting ribozymes allows modification of their structures and functions. In this review, we summarize the design, generation, properties, and engineering of four classes of ligase ribozyme generated by design and selection.
Clinical Toxicities of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Subramanian Srividya , Bates Susan E. , Wright John J. , Espinoza-Delgado Igor , Piekarz Richard L.
Published: August 2010

The HDAC inhibitors are a new family of antineoplastic agents. Since the entry of these agents into our therapeutic armamentarium, there has been increasing interest in their use. Although this family comprises chemical compounds from unrelated chemical classes that have different HDAC isoform specificities, they surprisingly have very similar toxicity profiles. In contrast, the observed toxicity profile is somewhat different from that of traditional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents and from other epigenetic agents. While some of the side effects may be familiar to the oncologist, others are less commonly seen. As some patients remain on therapy for a prolonged period of time, the long-term sequelae need to be characterized. In addition, since preclinical models suggest promising activity when used in combination with other antineoplastic agents, combination trials are being pursued. It will thus be important to distinguish the relative toxicity attributed to these agents and be alert to the exacerbation of toxicities observed in single agent studies. Notably, few of the agents in this class have completed phase 2 testing. Consequently, more clinical experience is needed to determine the relative frequency of the observed side effects, and to identify and develop approaches to mitigate potential clinical sequelae.
Vulnerability Factors for the Psychiatric and Behavioral Effects of Cannabis
Authors: Bortolato Marco , Bini Valentina , Tambaro Simone
Published: August 2010

Cogent evidence shows that cannabis plays a variable role on behavioral regulation and the pathophysiology of most psychiatric conditions. Accordingly, cannabis has been alternatively shown to exacerbate or ameliorate mental symptoms, depending on its composition and route of consumption, as well as specific individual and contextual characteristics. The vulnerability to the psychological effects of cannabis is influenced by a complex constellation of genetic and environmental factors. In the present article, we will review the current evidence on the pharmacological, individual and situational factors that have been documented to affect the behavioral and psychiatric effects of cannabinoids.
Role of the G Protein-Coupled Receptor, mGlu1, in Melanoma Development
Authors: Wangari-Talbot Janet , Goydos James , Chen Suzie
Published: August 2010

Melanoma remains one of the cancers for which a decline in morbidity has not been achieved with current scientific and medical advances. Mono-therapies targeting melanoma have been largely ineffective, increasing the need for identification of new drugable targets. Multiple tumor suppressors and oncogenes that impart genetic predisposition to melanoma have been identified and are being studied in an attempt to provide insight on the development of anti-melanoma therapies. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor I (GRM1) has recently been implicated as a novel oncogene involved in melanomagenesis. GRM1 (mGlu1, protein) belongs to the G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) super family and is normally functional in the central nervous system. Our group showed in a transgenic mouse model system that ectopic expression of Grm1 in melanocytes is sufficient to induce spontaneous melanoma development in vivo. GPCRs are some of the most important therapeutic drug targets discovered to date and they make up a significant proportion of existing therapies. This super family of transmembrane receptors has wide spread expression and interacts with a diverse array of ligands. Diverse physiological responses can be induced by stimulator(s) or suppressor(s) of GPCRs, which contributes to their attractiveness in existing and emerging therapies. GPCR targeting therapies are employed against a variety of human disorders including those of the central nervous system, cardiovascular, metabolic, urogenital and respiratory systems. In the current review, we will discuss how the identification of the oncogenic properties of GRM1 opens up new strategies for the design of potential novel therapies for the treatment of melanoma.
Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxymethylcellulose-Methacrylate Hydrogel Cell Scaffolds
Authors: Reeves Robert , Ribeiro Andreia , Lombardo Leonard , Boyer Richard , Leach Jennie B.
Published: August 2010

Many carbohydrates pose advantages for tissue engineering applications due to their hydrophilicity, degradability, and availability of chemical groups for modification. For example, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble cellulose derivative that is degradable by cellulase. Though this enzyme is not synthesized by mammalian cells, cellulase and the fragments derived from CMC degradation are biocompatible. With this in mind, we created biocompatible, selectively degradable CMC-based hydrogels that are stable in routine culture, but degrade when exposed to exogenous cellulase. Solutions of CMC-methacrylate and polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEG-DM) were co-crosslinked to form stable hydrogels; we found that greater CMC-methacrylate content resulted in increased gel swelling, protein diffusion and rates of degradation by cellulase, as well as decreased gel shear modulus. CMC-methacrylate/PEG-DM gels modified with the adhesive peptide RGD supported fibroblast adhesion and viability. We conclude that hydrogels based on CMC-methacrylate are suitable for bioengineering applications where selective degradability may be favorable, such as cell scaffolds or controlled release devices.
Flexible Temperature Sensors on Fibers
Authors: Sibinski Maciej , Jakubowska Malgorzata , Sloma Marcin
Published: August 2010

The aim of this paper is to present research dedicated to the elaboration of novel, miniaturized flexible temperature sensors for textronic applications. Examined sensors were manufactured on a single yarn, which ensures their high flexibility and good compatibility with textiles. Stable and linear characteristics were obtained by special technological process and applied temperature profiles. As a thermo-sensitive materials the innovative polymer compositions filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes were used. Elaborated material was adapted to printing and dip-coating techniques to produce NTC composites. Nanotube sensors were free from tensometric effect typical for other carbon-polymer sensor, and demonstrated TCR of 0.13%/K. Obtained temperature sensors, compatible with textile structure, can be applied in rapidly developing smart textiles and be used for health and protections purposes.
Recent Trends in Monitoring of European Water Framework Directive Priority Substances Using Micro-Sensors: A 2007–2009 Review
Authors: Namour Philippe , Lepot Mathieu , Jaffrezic-Renault Nicole
Published: August 2010

This review discusses from a critical perspective the development of new sensors for the measurement of priority pollutants targeted in the E.U. Water Framework Directive. Significant advances are reported in the paper and their advantages and limitations are also discussed. Future perspectives in this area are also pointed out in the conclusions. This review covers publications appeared since December 2006 (the publication date of the Swift report). Among priority substances, sensors for monitoring the four WFD metals represent 81% of published papers. None of analyzed publications present a micro-sensor totally validated in laboratory, ready for tests under real conditions in the field. The researches are mainly focused on the sensing part of the micro-sensors. Nevertheless, the main factor limiting micro-sensor applications in the environment is the ruggedness of the receptor towards environmental conditions. This point constitutes the first technological obstacle to be overcome for any long-term field tests.
Etravirine: Clinical review of a treatment option for HIV type-1-infected patients with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance
Authors: Towner William J , Cassetti Isabel , Domingo Pere , Nijs Steven , Kakuda Thomas N , Vingerhoets Johan , Woodfall Brian
Published: August 2010

Despite our progressive understanding of HIV type-1 (HIV-1) infection and the development of a number of antiretroviral agents to delay the onset of AIDS, there remains a need for agents with improved efficacy and safety. In particular, therapy options for treatment-experienced adult patients have been limited by the presence of drug-resistant virus, which often leads to a reduced virological response in these patients. The recently approved non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor etravirine has demonstrated durable and superior efficacy over placebo and a favourable tolerability profile in HIV-1-infected, treatment- experienced patients, offering a valuable new therapeutic option. This review examines the clinical development and drug profile of etravirine, placing it in the context of other antiretrovirals available for treatment- experienced patients.
Le deuil des grands métiers
Authors: Zunigo Xavier
Published: August 2010

Résumé La notion de « projet professionnel » s’est imposée comme une catégorie centrale de l’action publique en matière de lutte contre le chômage des jeunes de moins de 26 ans. Mais la question de sa transposition pratique se pose dans la conduite au quotidien de l’action publique. La vision rationnelle et téléologique du devenir social qu’elle sous-tend s’oppose, en effet, aux représentations à court terme de l’avenir qui sont celles des jeunes les plus dépossédés sur le marché du travail. L’enquête ethnographique menée dans une institution de gestion du chômage dont le rôle est d’aider les stagiaires à formuler un « projet professionnel » voudrait montrer que la notion subit progressivement une adaptation réaliste. La succession des échecs dans les recherches de stages, de formations ou d’emplois oblige les stagiaires à se porter vers des emplois qu’ils auraient été plus réticents à accepter en début de formation (caissière, manœuvre, manutentionnaire, etc.). Loin d’offrir les moyens d’une projection dans l’avenir, la formation prend ainsi la forme d’une expérience, sous assistance institutionnelle, des potentialités limitées des ressources détenues par les stagiaires et d’une confirmation d’un futur étroitement borné aux zones les plus dominées de l’espace social.
Les néo-enseignants face à l'utilitarisme
Authors: Geay Bertrand
Published: August 2010

Résumé Évoquer la « montée de l’individualisme » ou l’existence d’un nouveau système normatif, fondé sur l’appel à l’autonomie et le travail en réseau, n’est guère convaincant pour comprendre les transformations de l’univers professionnel enseignant, où existent de longue date des formes spécifiques d’individualisme et des traditions pédagogiques centrées sur la valorisation de l’autonomie personnelle. Pour rendre compte des spécificités de cet univers et des transformations qui l’affectent actuellement, on analyse ici ce qui se joue au moment où de nouveaux venus entrent dans la profession, à partir des résultats d’une enquête par questionnaire croisant des éléments relatifs aux trajectoires des néo-enseignants, à leurs premières expériences du métier et aux représentations qu’ils se forment de leur avenir personnel et professionnel. On met ainsi à jour une forme spécifique d’individualisme qui relève davantage d’un certain relativisme politico-institutionnel et d’une sorte de primat accordé à la sphère professionnelle immédiate ou à la sphère privée, plutôt que d’une conception proprement utilitariste. Ce rapport à soi-même et aux autres peut tout aussi bien jouer comme forme de résistance aux injonctions institutionnelles que comme entrave à l’organisation collective.
Quand la pauvreté affecte plus les villes, affecte-t-elle plus les femmes ?
Authors: Lachaud Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2010

Résumé À l’aide des enquêtes malgaches de 2001 et 2005, l’étude examine la féminisation de l’urbanisation de la pauvreté, et les relations qui prévalent avec le marché du travail. Premièrement, alors que la part de la pauvreté urbaine a augmenté plus rapidement que la population urbaine entre 2001 et 2005, la comparaison de la variation des écarts de pauvreté selon le sexe dans le temps suggère que les ménages féminins urbains sont plus concernés par la pauvreté. Deuxièmement, une approche d’économétrie spatiale montre que, pour les chefs de ménage, lorsque l’urbanisation régionale augmente de 1 pour cent, l’écart du ratio de pauvreté régional [femmes-hommes] croît de 0,81 point de pourcentage. Troisièmement, l’incidence régionale de la féminisation de la pauvreté est inversement reliée aux taux de croissance relatifs féminins de l’offre de travail per capita, du temps de travail par personne employée et de la productivité du travail, et positivement corrélée au taux de croissance relatif par tête de l’emploi féminin. Ainsi, le déclin de la qualité et de l’efficience des emplois, affectant surtout les femmes, la croissance plus rapide du chômage urbain féminin, et les disparités accrues selon le sexe du taux de sous-occupation, justifient des politiques visant à promouvoir l’emploi urbain des femmes. Classification JEL : I32, J21
Quelle est la nature de la croissance urbaine indienne ?
Authors: Schaffar Alexandra
Published: August 2010

Résumé Les travaux sur la croissance urbaine investissent la relation entre l’activité économique et les évolutions urbaines d’un pays. Ces travaux, alimentés par l’opposition entre les théories de la croissance aléatoire et les théories de la croissance endogène furent, jusque-là, essentiellement appliqués aux systèmes extrêmement stables des pays anciennement industrialisés. Cet article propose de les transposer dans le cas d’un pays émergent. À l’aide d’un ensemble d’outils économétriques, il cherche à étudier la nature de la croissance urbaine indienne entre 1981 et 2005, une période de mutations économiques et sociales importantes dans ce pays. Classification JEL : R12, R23, N95, R15.
Sous l'épée de Damoclès : l'évaluation des cadres, entre performance individuelle et esprit d'équipe
Authors: Palpacuer Florence , Vercher Corinne , Tessier Nathalie , Bourdon Isabelle
Published: August 2010

Résumé Cet article identifie trois modèles d’évaluation ancrés dans des visions distinctes de la firme respectivement orientées ‘marché’, ‘métier’, ou ‘clan’, et analyse leur traduction dans les supports d’entretien individuels d’appréciation utilisés pour la population d’encadrement établis et mis en œuvre par un échantillon de 40 entreprises. Notre étude empirique met en lumière trois grands types de résultats : une prédominance de l’un des modèles dans l’outil d’évaluation de chaque entreprise, le caractère contingent de cette prédominance, en fonction du statut et de la taille de l’entreprise, une hybridation des modèles dans les supports, de type marché/clan dans les grandes multinationales, traduisant une dynamique d’évolution d’un modèle vers un autre et/ou une co-existence et « mise en tension » de différents modèles dans un même outil d’évaluation.
La structuration de l'offre de téléassistance pour les personnes âgées : créer la proximité à distance
Authors: Raulet-Croset Nathalie , Amar Laure , Charue-Duboc Florence , Kogan Anne-France
Published: August 2010

Résumé Les services de téléassistance pour les « personnes âgées dépendantes » se sont développés pour contribuer à leur maintien à domicile. L’article s’intéresse à la façon dont différents opérateurs de téléassistance ont fait évoluer leur offre pour s’adapter à l’apparition de nouveaux usages du dispositif. Nous analysons cette évolution en considérant les choix de ces acteurs quant aux différentes formes de proximité inscrites dans le dispositif.
Un homme d'intuitions
Authors: Colliard Jean-Claude
Published: August 2010

Résumé Maurice Duverger est d’abord celui qui par ses cours a donné le goût de la science politique à plusieurs générations d’étudiants. Son œuvre, qu’il est parfois de bon ton aujourd’hui de minorer, demeure majeure et se caractérise par plusieurs grandes intuitions : celle qui conduira à l’autonomie et à l’institutionnalisation de la discipline, celle qui aboutira aux célèbres « lois de Duverger » sur l’influence du mode de scrutin sur le système de partis et celle qui, par le développement de l’analyse stratégique des institutions conduira à la notion, à vrai dire discutable, de « régime semi-présidentiel ».
Maurice Duverger et les partis politiques
Authors: Seiler Daniel-Louis
Published: August 2010

Résumé Que reste-t-il aujourd’hui de l’œuvre de Duverger sur les partis politiques ? Certainement sa typologie des organisations partisanes. Celle-ci fût toutefois souvent incomprise : il importe de considérer qu’elle ne se fonde pas sur une question de nombre d’adhérents mais sur la structure de leur relation dans l’organisation du parti. Par contre, les considérations de l’auteur sur « la nécessité » historique du bipartisme ont été invalidées par les faits. On peut considérer, en la matière avec Hans Daalder que dès l’origine, son obsession était d’en finir avec le centrisme, « cet éternel marais ».
Le macro-agenda duvergérien, à demi-achevé
Authors: Taagepera Rein
Published: August 2010

Résumé L’agenda duvergérien a pour objectif de prédire les résultats et d’expliciter les effets mécaniques et psychologiques des modes de scrutin. Il comprend deux approches : d’une part, l’approche « micro », qui permet de saisir les effets psychologiques et les considérations d’ordre stratégique qui en découlent ; d’autre part, l’approche « macro » qui vise à utiliser les variables institutionnelles (et en particulier la faible magnitude) pour prédire le nombre et la taille des partis et l’écart entre la distribution des voix et la distribution des sièges. Cette contribution traite du seul aspect « macro » de l’agenda duvergérien. Elle donne une vue synthétique de « l’état de l’art », rend compte des questions soulevées et plus précisément de celles que l’on peut aujourd’hui considérer comme résolues.
L'axolotl. De la controverse scientifique au mythe littéraire
Authors: Renard Jean-Bruno
Published: August 2010

Résumé Sorte de salamandre vivant dans les lacs mexicains, l’axolotl suscite depuis deux cents ans un grand intérêt scientifique en raison de ses caractéristiques biologiques peu ordinaires : c’est un animal jugé archaïque, qui se reproduit à l’état larvaire et qui possède une forte capacité de régénération de ses membres mutilés. Si ce batracien n’a pas fait l’objet de mythes et de légendes, il a en revanche été une source d’inspiration pour la littérature de l’imaginaire. Cet article présente les connaissances scientifiques sur l’axolotl, l’imaginaire qui lui est associé et trois textes littéraires – dus à l’Américain Robert Abernathy, à l’Argentin Julio Cortazar et à l’auteur français de bandes dessinées Caza – qui exploitent la figure de cet animal.
Needs of Older Cancer Survivors in a Community Cancer Care Setting
Authors: Schlairet Maura C.
Published: August 2010

This study describes the unique supportive care needs and associated distress among older adults receiving cancer survivorship care in a community cancer center. The psychological and social changes that accompany aging may influence the impact of cancer, so documenting the distinctive experiences of older survivors is critical to the development of evidence-based practice guidelines. A secondary analysis of data was conducted using results from a survey of adult cancer survivors. Data were available from a convenience sample of 307 survivors receiving care in a community cancer care setting who volunteered to complete a Survey of Needs. Fatigue, fear of recurrence, sleep disturbance, balance/walking/mobility difficulties, long-term effects of treatment, and body changes were most frequently reported. Results suggest assessment of older adult cancer survivors’ experiences related to physical symptoms, symptom management, and interest in education targeting physical effects common to survivorship.
Tailoring a Diabetes Nursing Elective Course to Millennial Students
Authors: Strang Sharon Lee , Bagnardi Margaret , Williams Sharon
Published: August 2010

Tailoring classroom teaching to millennial college students who have grown up as active learners is challenging. Interactive, collaborative teaching methods may be effective with such learners. An innovative class using Diabetes Conversation Maps, a patient self-management tool, was taught as an elective course. Students were assigned the role of a person who received a diagnosis of diabetes; the role included the person’s specific age, gender, ethnicity, medication regimen, and predominant emotion. Students were expected to complete the assigned readings to enable them to role-play during five Conversation Map sessions. An updated, modified version of the Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center’s Brief Diabetes Knowledge Test was used to evaluate knowledge in a pretest-posttest format. The new teaching method resulted in an increased knowledge of diabetes and patient education techniques, as well as high student satisfaction.
Scleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens in Eyes With History of Open Globe Injury
Authors: Banaee Touka , Sagheb Setareh
Published: August 2010

Purpose:

To report the results and complications of scleral fixation of intraocular lens (SF-IOL) in traumatized eyes of children with iris defects and inadequate capsular support with technique customized to the condition of the eye.

Methods:

Retrospective review of pediatric eyes with a history of open globe injury and SF-IOLs. All eyes had undergone pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy after primary repair of the laceration. Site of scleral fixation and limbal incision were selected according to the site of traumatic scar, remaining capsular support, and keratometry.

Results:

Ten patients with a mean age of 6.1 years were included. Mean duration of aphakia was 18.7 months. Five eyes had adequate capsular support for one haptic of the IOL. The only intraoperative complication was mild ciliary body hemorrhage. Mean follow-up was 11.8 months. Uncorrected visual acuity did not improve postoperatively in only one eye due to severe corneal astigmatism. Best-corrected visual acuity improved in 6 eyes. Mean postoperative sphere and cylinder were 1.8 and −3.05 diopters, respectively. The only postoperative complication was decentration of a sulcus-fixed haptic needing reoperation in one eye.

Conclusion:

SF-IOL is a viable option for correcting traumatic aphakia and can have good results if customized to the condition of the eye.