bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Periodontitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in a Chinese Population
Authors: Si Yan , Fan Hong , Song Yiqing , Zhou Xuan , Zhang Jing , Wang Zuomin
Published: January 2012

Background: A relationship between periodontitis and chronic respiratory disease has been suggested by recent studies. The aim of this study is to explore the association between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a Chinese population.

Methods: We conducted a case‐control study of 581 COPD cases and 438 non‐COPD controls. Lung function examination, a 6‐minute walk test, and the British Medical Research Council questionnaire were performed. Periodontal clinical examination index included probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), bleeding index (BI), plaque index (PI), and alveolar bone loss. A validated index for predicting COPD prognosis, the body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE) index, was also calculated.

Results: Participants with more severe COPD were more likely to have severe periodontal disease. PD, AL, PI, alveolar bone loss, and the number of teeth were significantly associated with all stages of COPD (all P <0.001). When compared to controls (BODE = 0), participants with higher BODE scores had significantly higher AL (P <0.001), BI (P = 0.027), PI (P <0.001), alveolar bone loss (P <0.001), and the number of teeth (P <0.001). PI appeared to be the main periodontal health‐related factor for COPD, with an odds ratio (OR) = 9.01 (95% CI = 3.98 to 20.4) in the entire study population OR = 8.28 (95% CI = 2.36 to 29.0), OR = 5.89 (95% CI = 2.64 to 13.1), and OR = 2.46 (95% CI = 1.47 to 4.10) for current, smokers, and non‐smokers, respectively.

Conclusion: Our study found a strong association between periodontitis and COPD, and PI seemed to be a major periodontal factor for predicting COPD among Chinese adults.
Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Plasma Acute‐Phase Cytokine Levels in Different Periodontal Diseases
Authors: Becerik Sema , Öztürk Veli Özgen , Atmaca Harika , Atilla Gül , Emingil Gülnur
Published: January 2012

Background: The aim of the present study is to investigate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma acute‐phase cytokines, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐11 (IL‐11), oncostatin M (OSM), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) levels in patients with different periodontal diseases.

Methods: Eighty individuals were included in this study; 20 with chronic periodontitis (CP), 20 with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), 20 with gingivitis, and 20 classified as healthy (H). Probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and papilla bleeding index were recorded. Plasma and GCF IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐11, OSM, and LIF levels were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: CP and GAgP groups had significantly higher GCF IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐11 levels when compared with the H group (P <0.05). Conversely, GCF LIF levels of the CP and GAgP groups were lower than those of the H group (P <0.05). GCF OSM levels did not differ significantly among study groups. Plasma levels of all the cytokines studied were not significantly different among the study groups.

Conclusions: Based on the present data, elevated IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐11 GCF levels, but not plasma levels, are suggested as reliable inflammatory biomarkers in periodontal diseases. Decreased LIF levels in diseased groups might reflect the possible beneficial effects of LIF in the modulation of inflammatory response in gingiva.
Pulmonary Hypertension in Elderly Patients with Diastolic Dysfunction and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Afshar Majid , Collado Fareed , Doukky Rami
Published: January 2012

Purpose:

Patients with diastolic dysfunction may have a disproportionate degree of elevation in pulmonary pressure, particularly in the elderly. Higher pulmonary vascular resistance in the elderly patients with heart failure but preserved ejection fraction suggests that beyond the post-capillary contribution of pulmonary venous congestion, a pre-capillary component of pulmonary arterial hypertension occurs. We aim to identify if pulmonary vascular resistance in elderly patients with diastolic dysfunction is disproportionately higher than patients with systolic dysfunction independent of filling pressures.

Methods:

389 patients identified retrospectively between 2003- 2010; elderly with preserved ejection fraction, elderly with depressed ejection fraction, and primary arterial hypertension who underwent right-heart catheterization at Rush University.

Results:

No significant difference in pulmonary vascular resistance between systolic and diastolic dysfunction. The mean difference in pulmonary vascular resistance was not statistically significant at 0.40 mmHg·min/l (95% CI -3.03 to 3.83) with similar left ventricular filling pressures with mean difference of 3.38 mmHg (95% CI, -1.27 to 8.02). When adjusted for filling pressures, there remained no difference in pulmonary vascular resistance for systolic and diastolic dysfunction. The mean pulmonary vascular resistance is more elevated in systolic heart failure compared to diastolic heart failure with means 3.13 mmHg·min/l and 3.52 mmHg·min/l, respectively.

Conclusion:

There was no other association identified for secondary pulmonary hypertension other than diastolic dysfunction and chronic venous pulmonary hypertension. Our results argue against any significant arterial remodeling that would lead to disproportionate pre-capillary hypertension, and implies that treatment should focus on lowering filling pressure rather than treating the pulmonary vascular tree.
Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: Are We Dealing with a Localized Non-Traditional Calciphylaxis?
Authors: Meiller TF , Almubarak H , Weikel DS , Brahim J , Scheper MA
Published: January 2012

The bisphosphonate (BP) family of drugs has been used as a vital component in cancer therapy and many other diseases. One of the main adverse effects related to (BP) is BP-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Although this condition was first recognized in 2003, the pathophysiologic mechanism remains undefined. Our hypothesis is that ONJs clinical course and delayed wound healing is in part correlated to a localized non-traditional calciphylaxis. This effect is identified by the evidence of calcium deposition in the connective tissue and around small blood vessels in the soft tissues immediately adjacent to ONJ lesions. This phenomenon helps to fill gaps in the cascade of events which leads to soft tissue ischemia, necrosis, and non-healing ONJ lesions. Our finding adds to the current knowledge of the potential pathophysiologic mechanisms related to ONJ.
Supracondylar Osteotomies of Posttraumatic Distal Humeral Deformities in Young Adults - Technique and Results
Authors: Buß Fokko Richard , Schulz Arndt-Peter , Lill Helmut , Voigt Christine
Published: January 2012

Background:

Cubitus varus deformity is the most common late complication after distal humeral fractures in children. Typical symptoms are increasing instability especially the posterolateral rotatory instability (POLRI), lateral elbow pain and cosmetic problems. Different ways of correction have been described but a gold standard has not yet been established.

Methods:

In this study the clinical outcome 6,5 months after supracondylar closed wedge osteotomy stabilized with locking plates in four young adults was investigated: three with a posttraumatic varus deformity and one with a posttraumatic valgus deformity of the distal humerus.

Results:

All patients showed good or excellent results in the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH). In one case, a revision because of a delayed union was necessary, in another case a preexisting pseudarthrosis of the radial epicondyle remained. Neither a residual instability of the elbow joint, nor any significant prominence of the lateral epicondyle was observed.

Conclusion:

The supracondylar closed wedge osteotomy stabilized by a locking plate is an effective procedure for the correction of posttraumatic distal humerus deformities in young adults with good final functional results.
Determination of leachable components from an experimental endodontic sealer by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
Authors: Davis Cher , Skrtic Drago
Published: January 2012

Introduction. Studies of experimental composites based on amorphous calcium
phosphate (ACP) intended for dental applications as remineralizing pit and
fissure sealants, orthodontic adhesives and, most recently, endodontic
sealers were mainly focused on improving their mechanical, esthetic and
remineralizing capabilities. Similar to the vast majority of commercial
composites, these experimental formulations might have clinical drawbacks due
to incomplete conversion of monomers and leachability of monomers and
degradation products, shrinkage and stress associated with polymerization,
and microleakage typically occurring at the tooth/composite interfacial
region. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify leachable
components from the experimental amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) endodontic
sealer using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Material and
Methods. The light-cure resin [camphorquinone (CQ) +
ethyl-4-N,N-dimethylamino benzoate (4EDMAB)] was formulated from urethane
dimethacrylate (UDMA), poly(ethylene glycol)- extended urethane
dimethacrylate (PEG-U), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and
methacryloyloxyethyl phthalate (MEP). The experimental sealer contained 40
mass % ground ACP and 60 mass % resin. The copolymer (unfiled resin) and
ACP/UPHM composite specimens, after being dried to a constant mass, were
extracted in butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT; prevents polymerization of
eluted components) containing acetone for 7 days at 23?C with continuous
magnetic stirring. Gravimetric changes were recorded for each specimen. After
solvent evaporation, 1H NMR spectra were collected on the extractable portion
of each specimen. Representative peaks for each component were used to
calculate their relative portions in the extracts. By combining the
gravimetric and NMR data, the overall loss of each monomer and its
concentration in the extract was calculated. Results were statistically
analyzed by ANOVA and multiple pair-wise comparisons (t-test). Results. No CQ
could be detected in the extracts. However, 33.06 % and 24.66 % of the
initially incorporated 4EDMleached from the copolymers and composites,
respectively. 0.30-14.29% and 0.12-10.39% of each monomer content leached out
from copolymers and composites, respectively. The apparent differences in the
concentrations between copolymers and composites became marginal when
composite data were normalized with respect to the initial amount of the
resin. Conclusion. 1H NMR conveniently provides qualitative and quantitative
information on leachables without the elaborate sample preparation and/or
data interpretation. Leachability of the unrectaed monomers from the
experimental ACP sealer is apparently controlled by the highly cross-linked
resin network and unaffected by the incorporation of bioactive ACP into the
resin. The maximum levels of leachables from our experimental composite were
within or below the concentration ranges reported for the commercial
counterparts.
Surface area analysis in edentulous jaws of patients with skeletal class I
Authors: Postic Srdjan
Published: January 2012

Introduction. The surface area of edentulous jaw has been considered as an
important functional and anthropometric parameter. The aim of this study was
to assess the surface area of supporting tissue in edentulous jaws of
patients with the skeletal class I. Material and Methods. Thin aluminum foils
(0.5 mm of thickness) were adapted on plaster surfaces of 139 pairs of
edentulous jaws casts. Foils were positioned on a millimeter-paper in order
to measure their areas. Additionally, surface areas were measured using a
mechanic plan-meter (G. Coradi, Zurich, Switzerland, serial no. 49823). The
measurement error was 1%. Skeletal class of edentulous jaws was determined by
analysis of lateral cephalometric radiographs, and assessing the ANB (SNA,
SNB) angle. Results. The average surface area of edentulous upper jaws was
4654?407 mm2 in males, and 4212?368 mm2 in females. Edentulous lower jaws had
average surface area of 2843?339 mm2 in males, and 2334?295 mm2 in females.
Statistically significant difference (p<0.001) was found in comparison of
surface areas and dimensions of upper and lower edentulous jaws in male and
female. ANB values ranged from 2 to 4 degrees. Conclusion. The surface area
is an important parameter in the analysis of edentulous jaws. Edentulous jaws
in males had greater surface areas and dimensions as compared to females.
Edentulous areas on the right side were not absolutely symmetric to areas on
the left side.
Psycho-social impacts of virtual communication
Authors: Macura Rajko , Vujovic Slavoljub , Mikic Djuro
Published: January 2012

The emergence and spread of Internet communication has led to changes in
social relationships, abuse of the Internet and maladaptive behavior. Among
the authors who have studied the impact of these changes there is no
consensus, and the results of their research are often contradictory. Some
authors conclude that Internet communication strengthens networks of its
users, while others believe that such communication leads to reduced
participation in real social life. In a number of people, excessive use of
the Internet adversely affects the mental health and social life and can
lead to obsession at the expense of other aspects of life and creating
addiction. The greatest risk of negative impacts of online communication is
among children and young people. This paper is meant to indicate, the good
sides as well as the negative consequences of excessive and non-functional
Internet use
Superposition operator on the space of sequences almost converging to zero
Authors: Alekhno Egor
Published: January 2012

We study the superposition operator f on on the space ac
0 of sequences almost converging to zero. Conditions are derived for which f has a representation of the form f
x = a+bx +g
x, for all x ∈ ac
0 with a = f 0, b ∈ D(ac
0), g a superposition operator from ℓ∞ into I(ac
0), D(ac
0) = {z: zx ∈ ac
0 for all x ∈ ac
0}, and I(ac
0) the maximal ideal in ac
0. If f is generated by a function f of a real variable, then f is linear. We consider the conditions for which a bounded function f generates f acting on ac
0 and the conditions for which there exists a sequence y ∈ ac
0 such that y − f
y ∈ ac
0. In terms of f, criteria for the boundedness, continuity, and sequential σ(ac
0ℓ1)-continuity of f on ac
0 are given. It is shown that the continuity of f is equivalent to the weak sequential continuity. Finally, properties of spaces D(ac
0) and I(ac
0) are studied, and in particular it is established that the inclusion I(ac
0) ⊕ {λe: λ ∈ ℝ} ⊂ D(ac
0) is proper, where e = (1, 1, …). By means of D(ac
0), a number of Banach-Mazur limit properties are derived.
Association between weight status and recreational drug abuse in Korean adolescents
Authors: Baek Seong-Ik , So Wi-Young
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between weight status and recreational drug use in Korean adolescents. A total of 72,399 adolescent students (38,152 boys and 34,247 girls) from the middle first to high third grade participated in the 5th Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web-based Survey (KYRBWS-V) project in 2009. They were assessed for body mass index (BMI) and recreational drug abuse. The associations between BMI and recreational drug use were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis after adjusting for the covariate variables of age, smoking frequency and cigarette consumption, frequency of alcohol consumption and severe alcohol intoxication, amount of alcohol consumed, parents’ education level, economic status, sedentary activities during the week, mental stress, sleep duration, frequency of vigorous and moderate physical activities, and muscular strength exercises during the week. For boys, the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) between overweight and drug use were 0.990 (0.723–1.356; p = 0.950) for almost none, 0.939 (0.521–1.693; p = 0.834) for past use, and 0.791 (0.385–1.624; p = 0.523) for present use. The OR (95% CI) between obesity and drug use was 0.731(0.508–1.052; p = 0.091) for almost none, 0.755 (0.389–1.465; p = 0.407) for past use, and 0.701 (0.314–1.565; p = 0.386) for present use. For girls, the OR (95% CI) between overweight and drug use was 1.112 (0.702–1.763; p = 0.650) for almost none, 1.103 (0.464–2.619; p = 0.825) for past use, and 0.927 (0.267–3.218; p = 0.905) for present use. The OR (95% CI) between obesity and drug abuse was 0.594 (0.261–1.352; p = 0.215) for almost none, 1.318 (0.462–3.764; p = 606) for past use, and <0.001(<0.001–<0.001; p = 0.998) for present use. We concluded that recreational drug use had no correlation with overweight and obesity in Korean adolescents.
Different decision tree induction strategies for a medical decision problem
Authors: Burduk Robert , Wozniak Michal
Published: January 2012

The paper presents a comparative study of selected recognition methods for the medical decision problem -acute abdominal pain diagnosis. We consider if it is worth using expert knowledge and learning set at the same time. The article shows two groups of decision tree approaches to the problem under consideration. The first does not use expert knowledge and generates classifier only on the basis of learning set. The second approach utilizes expert knowledge for specifying the decision tree structure and learning set for determining mode of decision making in each node based on Bayes decision theory. All classifiers are evaluated on the basis of computer experiments.
Real Interest Rate and Saving Behavior in Nepal
Authors: Gaire Hom Nath
Published: January 2012

Keywords: Real Interest Rate; Bank Deposit; Gross Domestic Saving; Expected InflationDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bj.v2i1.5703Banking Journal 2012; 2(1): 16-34
Market Reactions to Tangible and Intangible Information: A Case of Nepal
Authors: Kadariya Sudarshan
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bj.v2i1.5704 Banking Journal 2012; 2(1): 35-58
Teledermatology consulting centre: Which rural area is suitable?
Authors: Shrestha S , Jha AK
Published: January 2012

Keywords: Telemedicine; Teledermatology; Nepal; Sindhupalchowk; Teleconsulting centre; rural areasDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v8i1.5712Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 8(1) 2009 10-12
Skin Rejuvenation
Authors: Bhattarai S , Rijal A , Sapam R
Published: January 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v8i1.5717Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology 8(1) 2009 34-37
John Edwards Holbrook's Senckenberg plates and the fishes they portray
Authors: Anderson William D.
Published: January 2012

John Edwards Holbrook (1794–1871), a zoologist residing in Charleston, South Carolina, sent six colour plates of North American fishes to Frankfurt am Main, apparently in 1845. Today those plates are in the collections of the Senckenbergische Bibliothek in Frankfurt. Herein, I comment on the illustrations of the 12 fishes depicted on those plates.
Early twentieth-century mammal collecting in Africa: The Smithsonian-Roosevelt East African Expedition of 1909–1910
Authors: Sterling Keir B.
Published: January 2012

This paper deals with the scientific contributions made by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) and the three mammalogists attached to the Smithsonian–Roosevelt East African Expedition of 1909–1910. These individuals included Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Edgar Alexander Mearns (1856–1916), an old friend of Roosevelt's and a retired Army surgeon-naturalist; Edmund Heller (1875–1947), long-time field naturalist with previous experience in Africa, and J. Alden Loring (1871–1947), a veteran field collector in the United States. They joined Roosevelt and his son Kermit (1889–1943), in the senior Roosevelt's efforts to collect large game mammal specimens for the United States National Museum, Washington, DC. The group also observed and collected more than 160 species of carnivores, ungulates, rodents, insectivores, and bats. Departing New York shortly after Roosevelt's tenure as President of the United States ended in March 1909, the party debarked at Mombasa in April, and spent most of the next year in Kenya and Uganda. They also visited Sudan before the expedition ended at Khartoum in March 1910. Other subjects discussed include the expedition's objectives and financing, the information gathered by expedition members and the publications which resulted.
Nanoimprint Resist Material Containing Ultraviolet Reactive Fluorine Surfactant for Defect Reduction in Lithographic Fabrication
Authors: Takei Satoshi , Sekiguchi Atsushi
Published: January 2012

The generated resist based defects on the template in addition to the presence of particles and contaminants is critical for ultraviolet curing of nanoimprint lithographic fabrication. This procedure is proven to be suitable for advanced resist material design under the process conditions. Nanoimprint resist material containing an ultraviolet reactive fluorine surfactant was developed to modify the fundamental surface interactions between resists and the template for defect reduction in nanoimprint patterning replication. The developed acrylate type nanoimprint resist material containing 4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,11,11,11-heptadecafluoro-2-hydroxyundecyl acrylate as an ultraviolet reactive fluorine surfactant, indicated excellent patterning dimensional accuracy by minimizing surface free energy, and having the effect of improving the generated resist based defect numbers on the template, with a 500 nm contact hole and 2 μm line patterns, in the replication of 20 nanoimprint process cycles. This desirable concept using an ultraviolet reactive fluorine surfactant with an acrylate group in the acrylate type nanoimprint resist material is one of the most promising processes ready to be incorporated into mass fabrication in the next generation of electronic devices.
Atmosphere: A Source of Pathogenic or Beneficial Microbes?
Authors: Polymenakou Paraskevi N.
Published: January 2012

The atmosphere has been described as one of the last frontiers of biological exploration on Earth. The composition of microbial communities in the atmosphere is still not well-defined, and taxonomic studies of bacterial diversity in the outdoor air have just started to emerge, whereas our knowledge about the functional potential of air microbiota is scant. When in the air, microorganisms can be attached to ambient particles and/or incorporated into water droplets of clouds, fog, and precipitation (i.e., rain, snow, hail). Further, they can be deposited back to earth’s surfaces via dry and wet deposition processes and they can possibly induce an effect on the diversity and function of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems or impose impacts to human health through microbial pathogens dispersion. In addition to their impact on ecosystem and public health, there are strong indications that air microbes are metabolically active and well adapted to the harsh atmospheric conditions. Furthermore they can affect atmospheric chemistry and physics, with important implications in meteorology and global climate. This review summarizes current knowledge about the ubiquitous presence of microbes in the atmosphere and discusses their ability to survive in the atmospheric environment. The purpose is to evaluate the atmospheric environment as a source of pathogenic or beneficial microbes and to assess the biotechnological opportunities that may offer.
Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Associated Factors among College Students on Campus and in the Home: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kim Eun-Kyung , Choo Jina
Published: January 2012

To explore the prevalence of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure of college students at two locations, i.e., on campus and in the home, and to identify factors associated with SHS exposure at each location, a preliminary cross-sectional study was conducted on 1754 nonsmoking students from two universities in Korea. In total, 83.1% were exposed to SHS at least once a week on campus or at home; the average SHS exposure was 3.4 times per week. Specifically, 79.7% and 23.5% were exposed to SHS on campus and in the home, respectively. On campus, SHS exposure was significantly more prevalent in freshmen and sophomore students. In the home, SHS exposure was significantly more prevalent among females, those with smokers in their families, and those who rated their health as poor. SHS exposure was common among nonsmoking college students, with more than two-thirds exposed on campus. The prevalence of SHS exposure was greater on campus than in the home; the factors associated with SHS exposure were location-specific.
MiRNAs and LincRNAs: Could They Be Considered as Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer?
Authors: Zarate Ruth , Boni Valentina , Bandres Eva , Garcia-Foncillas Jesús
Published: January 2012

Recent advances in the field of RNA research have provided compelling evidence implicating microRNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA molecules in many diverse and substantial biological processes, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, genomic imprinting, and modulation of protein activity. Thus, studies of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) may contribute to the discovery of possible biomarkers in human cancers. Considering that the response to chemotherapy can differ amongst individuals, researchers have begun to isolate and identify the genes responsible. Identification of targets of this ncRNA associated with cancer can suggest that networks of these linked to oncogenes or tumor suppressors play pivotal roles in cancer development. Moreover, these ncRNA are attractive drug targets since they may be differentially expressed in malignant versus normal cells and regulate expression of critical proteins in the cell. This review focuses on ncRNAs that are differently expressed in malignant tissue, and discusses some of challenges derived from their use as potential biomarkers of tumor properties.
Antioxidant Properties of Polysaccharide from the Brown Seaweed Sargassum graminifolium (Turn.), and Its Effects on Calcium Oxalate Crystallization
Authors: Zhang Chao-Yan , Wu Wen-Hui , Wang Jue , Lan Min-Bo
Published: January 2012

We investigated the effects of polysaccharides from the brown seaweed Sargassum graminifolium (Turn.) (SGP) on calcium oxalate crystallization, and determined its antioxidant activities. To examine the effects of SGP on calcium oxalate crystallization, we monitored nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals, using trisodium citrate as a positive control. We assessed antioxidant activities of SGP by determining its reducing power, its ability to scavenge superoxide radicals, and its activity in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The nucleation inhibition ratio of trisodium citrate and SGP was 58.5 and 69.2%, respectively, and crystal aggregation was inhibited by 71.4 and 76.8%, respectively. Increasing concentrations of SGP resulted in increased scavenging of superoxide anions and DPPH radicals (IC50 = 1.9 and 0.6 mg/mL, respectively). These results suggest that SGP could be a candidate for treating urinary stones because of its ability to inhibit calcium oxalate crystallization and its antioxidant properties.
Quantification of Signaling Lipids by Nano-Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (Nano-ESI MS/MS)
Authors: Haag Mathias , Schmidt Angelika , Sachsenheimer Timo , Brügger Britta
Published: January 2012

Lipids, such as phosphoinositides (PIPs) and diacylglycerol (DAG), are important signaling intermediates involved in cellular processes such as T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signal transduction. Here we report identification and quantification of PIP, PIP2 and DAG from crude lipid extracts. Capitalizing on the different extraction properties of PIPs and DAGs allowed us to efficiently recover both lipid classes from one sample. Rapid analysis of endogenous signaling molecules was performed by nano-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (nano-ESI MS/MS), employing lipid class-specific neutral loss and multiple precursor ion scanning for their identification and quantification. Profiling of DAG, PIP and PIP2 molecular species in primary human T cells before and after TCR stimulation resulted in a two-fold increase in DAG levels with a shift towards 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-DAG in stimulated cells. PIP2 levels were slightly reduced, while PIP levels remained unchanged.
Isostreptazolin and Sannaphenol, Two New Metabolites from Streptomyces sannanensis
Authors: Zheng Dan , Han Li , Li Yiqing , Li Jun , Rong He , Leng Qiao , Jiang Yi , Zhao Lixing , Huang Xueshi
Published: January 2012

Two new compounds, isostreptazolin (1) and sannaphenol (2), were isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sannanensis and their structures elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR as well as MS, IR and UV spectroscopic data analysis. The cytotoxic activity of 1 and 2 were evaluated. Both compounds were inactive against H460 and HeLa cell lines at 100 mM.
The Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites Filled with Rubbery Copolymer Grafted SiO2
Authors: Gao Jianing , Li Junting , Benicewicz Brian C. , Zhao Su , Hillborg Henrik , Schadler Linda S.
Published: January 2012

This study demonstrated a method for toughening a highly crosslinked anhydride cured DGEBA epoxy using rubbery block copolymer grafted SiO2 nanoparticles. The particles were synthesized by a sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The inner rubbery block poly(n-hexyl methacrylate) (PHMA) had a glass transition temperature below room temperature. The outer block poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) was matrix compatible. A rubbery interlayer thickness of 100% and 200% of the particle core radius was achieved by grafting a 20 kg/mol and a 40 kg/mol PHMA at a graft density of 0.7 chains/nm2 from the SiO2 surface. The 20 kg/mol rubbery interlayer transferred load more efficiently to the SiO2 cores than the 40 kg/mol rubbery interlayer and maintained the epoxy modulus up to a loading of 10 vol% of the rubbery interlayer. Both systems enabled cavitation or plastic dilatation. Improvement of the strain-to-break and the tensile toughness was found in both systems. We hypothesize that plastic void growth in the matrix is the primary mechanism causing the improvement of the ductility.
Sheathless Size-Based Acoustic Particle Separation
Authors: Guldiken Rasim , Jo Myeong Chan , Gallant Nathan D. , Demirci Utkan , Zhe Jiang
Published: January 2012

Particle separation is of great interest in many biological and biomedical applications. Flow-based methods have been used to sort particles and cells. However, the main challenge with flow based particle separation systems is the need for a sheath flow for successful operation. Existence of the sheath liquid dilutes the analyte, necessitates precise flow control between sample and sheath flow, requires a complicated design to create sheath flow and separation efficiency depends on the sheath liquid composition. In this paper, we present a microfluidic platform for sheathless particle separation using standing surface acoustic waves. In this platform, particles are first lined up at the center of the channel without introducing any external sheath flow. The particles are then entered into the second stage where particles are driven towards the off-center pressure nodes for size based separation. The larger particles are exposed to more lateral displacement in the channel due to the acoustic force differences. Consequently, different-size particles are separated into multiple collection outlets. The prominent feature of the present microfluidic platform is that the device does not require the use of the sheath flow for positioning and aligning of particles. Instead, the sheathless flow focusing and separation are integrated within a single microfluidic device and accomplished simultaneously. In this paper, we demonstrated two different particle size-resolution separations; (1) 3 µm and 10 µm and (2) 3 µm and 5 µm. Also, the effects of the input power, the flow rate, and particle concentration on the separation efficiency were investigated. These technologies have potential to impact broadly various areas including the essential microfluidic components for lab-on-a-chip system and integrated biological and biomedical applications.
Mortality Profile Related to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Multiple Cause-of-death Analysis
Authors: SOUZA DEBORAH C.C. , SANTO AUGUSTO H. , SATO EMILIA I.
Published: January 2012

Objective.

To analyze the mortality profile related to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods.

For the 1985–2007 period, we analyzed all death certificates (n = 4815) on which SLE was listed as an underlying (n = 3133) or non-underlying (n = 1682) cause of death. We evaluated sex, age, and the causes of death, comparing the first and last 5 years of the period, as well as determining the observed/expected death ratio (O/E ratio).

Results.

For SLE as an underlying cause, the mean age at death was 35.77 years (SD 15.12) and the main non-underlying causes of death were renal failure, circulatory system diseases, pneumonia, and septicemia. Over the period, the proportional mention of infectious causes and circulatory system diseases increased, whereas renal diseases decreased. For SLE as a non-underlying cause of death, the most common underlying causes of death were circulatory, respiratory, genitourinary, and digestive system diseases, and certain infections. The overall death O/E ratio was > 1 for renal failure, tuberculosis, septicemia, pneumonia, and digestive system diseases, as well as for circulatory system diseases at < 50 years of age, particularly acute myocardial infarct.

Conclusion.

Unlike in developed countries, renal failure and infectious diseases are still the most frequent causes of death. The increase in SLE deaths associated with infection, especially pneumonia and septicemia, is worrisome. The judicious use of immunosuppressive therapy together with vigorous treatment of cardiovascular comorbidities is crucial to the successful management of SLE and to improving survival of patients with SLE.
Propylthiouracil-induced Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-associated Renal Vasculitis Versus Primary ANCA-associated Renal Vasculitis: A Comparative Study
Authors: CHEN YONG-XI , ZHANG WEN , CHEN XIAO-NONG , YU HAI-JIN , NI LI-YAN , XU JING , PAN XIAO-XIA , REN HONG , CHEN NAN
Published: January 2012

Objective.

Renal involvement is frequently present in primary antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated small-vessel vasculitis (AAV) as well as propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced AAV. We analyzed the characteristics of patients with PTU-induced AAV with renal involvement and investigated the differences of the 2 diseases.

Methods.

Thirty-six patients with PTU-induced AAV, diagnosed from 1997 to 2010, were enrolled for study. Their data were compared with those of 174 patients with primary AAV diagnosed at the same time. Renal involvement was present in all patients.

Results.

There was a prominent proportion of young women with PTU-induced AAV (p < 0.01). They had lower levels of proteinuria and serum creatinine and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively). Clinical immunological abnormalities were less severe in patients with PTU-induced AAV. Patients with PTU-induced AAV had less organ involvement and lower Birmingham Vasculitis Assessment Score than patients with primary AAV (p < 0.01). Renal biopsies showed a lower proportion of glomeruli with crescents (p < 0.01). Interstitial inflammation was less severe in patients with PTU-induced AAV (p < 0.05). Similarly, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy were less severe in patients with PTU-induced AAV (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). Renal survival and total survival were better in patients with PTU-associated vasculitis (p < 0.05, p = 0.01).

Conclusion.

Clinical and histopathological abnormalities were less severe in patients with PTU-induced AAV and most of them had a good prognosis.
Evaluation of Circulating Endothelial and Platelet Microparticles in Men with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: SARI ISMAIL , BOZKAYA GIRAY , KIRBIYIK HALIL , ALACACIOGLU AHMET , ATES HALIL , SOP GULTEN , CAN GERCEK , TAYLAN ALI , PISKIN OZDEN , YILDIZ YASAR , AKKOC NURULLAH
Published: January 2012

Objective.

To evaluate the profiles of endothelial microparticles (EMP) and platelet microparticles (PMP) in men with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and healthy subjects. We also aimed to determine whether microparticles (MP) correlate with disease activity, function, and spinal mobility indices.

Methods.

There were 82 men with AS and 53 healthy controls. Subjects with a history of chronic diseases including coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were excluded. MP were stained with monoclonal antibodies against platelets and endothelial cells and quantified using flow cytometry. MP that were positive for both CD42a+/CD31+ and total CD42a+ were identified as PMP; and MP consisting of CD42a–/CD31+ and total CD144+ were considered EMP.

Results.

EMP and PMP were similar between the patient and control groups (p > 0.05). Comparison of patients with AS in the active disease state (BASDAI ≥ 4) and in the inactive state showed that EMP and PMP were not different between the groups (p > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed no correlation with Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, or Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index. C-reactive protein was significantly correlated with PMP and CD42a–/CD31+ EMP (p < 0.05). Comparison of patients with AS treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs, subjects treated conventionally, and healthy controls revealed that PMP and CD42a–/CD31+ EMP were significantly downregulated in patients receiving biological agents.

Conclusion.

Circulating EMP and PMP, known to be indicators and mediators of vascular injury, were not significantly altered in men with AS who did not have classical cardiovascular risk factors. Significantly downregulated MP in patients receiving biological agents suggested that anti-TNF treatment may have a beneficial effect on vascular function in AS.
Familial Autoimmunity in Systemic Sclerosis — Results of a French-based Case-Control Family Study
Authors: KOUMAKIS EUGÉNIE , DIEUDÉ PHILIPPE , AVOUAC JÉRÔME , KAHAN ANDRÉ , ALLANORE YANNICK ,   Association des Sclérodermiques de France
Published: January 2012

Objective.

To assess the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in first-degree relatives of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and to compare those results with control families in order to identify patterns of autoimmune diseases in relatives.

Methods.

A retrospective case-control postal questionnaire survey was performed in France to recruit patients with SSc belonging to an association of patients with SSc and unrelated age-matched and sex-matched controls. Each participant was asked to self-report on the existence of autoimmune diseases in their first-degree relatives. The prevalence of autoimmune diseases in the families of patients with SSc was compared with the corresponding prevalence in the families of controls.

Results.

A total of 121 families out of 373 (32.4%) with a member having SSc reported at least 1 autoimmune disease in 1 or more first-degree relatives. The most frequent autoimmune diseases in SSc families when adjusted for family size were autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD; 4.9%), rheumatoid arthritis (4.1%), psoriasis (3.9%), and type 1 diabetes mellitus (2.9%). Compared with control families, AITD and connective tissue diseases (SSc, systemic lupus erythematosus, or Sjögren’s syndrome) were more likely to occur in families with SSc (p = 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively), with OR of 3.20 (95% CI 1.25–8.18) and 5.20 (95% CI 1.22–21.8). In contrast, inflammatory bowel disease was less likely to occur within families with SSc (p = 0.02, OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.11–0.80). In addition, the coexistence of more than 1 autoimmune disease in the index SSc case was associated with familial aggregation of autoimmune diseases.

Conclusion.

Our results show that autoimmune diseases cluster within families of patients with SSc. This supports the notion that these diseases might arise on a shared genetic basis underlying several autoimmune phenotypes.
Rose des vents et roue du temps. Broderie à images sur l'organisation d'une séquence temporelle limitée
Authors: Dubois Claude-Gilbert
Published: January 2012

La rose est un symbole, exploité par les poètes, pour signifier l’épanouissement de l’instant et sa brièveté. La roue (il suffit de changer une lettre) est un autre symbole du temps, qui en exprime l’uniformité circulaire et l’éternel retour des choses. Le jet, avec son trajet direct vers un objectif, l’onde et sa propagation par élargissement de la circonférence initiale, sont d’autres moyens, géométriques et visuels, de concrétiser par images la perception déroutante parce que non matériellement figurable, de l’écoulement temporel. La question posée est de savoir si les représentations imagées du temps, ayant valeur générale, peuvent pertinemment s’appliquer au déroulement d’une séquence temporelle limitée, comme l’est un entretien, une consultation, une séance thérapeutique ou une conférence. La séquence découpée dans le temps universel ressemble à la surface circonscrite et organisée pour une création d’espace, esthétique ou utilitaire. Elle a à la fois son organisation propre et ses interférences avec l’environnement temporel dont elle se différencie sans se détacher. Une et multiple, elle renvoie à ce que Rilke disait de la rose aux multiples pétales : « un seul regard sous des milliers de paupières ».
Le temps d'avant les mots
Authors: Bruley Marie-Claire
Published: January 2012

L’enfant turbulent habité par des angoisses de débordement et des forces pulsionnelles qu’il ne maîtrise pas souffre souvent d’un fondement qui ne tient pas. Repérer dans son histoire les défaillances qui n’ont pas permis à une enveloppe psychique de se constituer est un pas nécessaire pour tisser avec lui un lien d’empathie incontournable pour que la cure s’engage. Mais ses capacités de symbolisation sont souvent mises à mal. La cure exposée ici veut montrer la puissance de sensorialité de certains matériaux, ici la pâte à modeler, le langage archaïque auquel il invite par la variété des impressions tactiles et le contact de peau à peau. Le geste, la trace, le rythme, source d’un plaisir érogène, ont peu à peu permis la construction d’un espace psychique où il est devenu possible de rêver éveillé. Matière et mouvement sur la matière ont offert une représentabilité psychique qui a pu combler le vide de représentation.
Le temps de l'image, le temps des mots
Authors: Simond Marianne
Published: January 2012

Sous l’angle temporel, l’auteur cherche à distinguer l’image, en particulier visuelle et le discours. Elle détaille les caractéristiques du temps, selon l’une et selon l’autre. En se référant aux concepts freudiens de représentation de chose et de représentation de mot, de processus primaire et de processus secondaire, elle pose en particulier l’hypothèse que le rêve-éveillé, du côté de la représentation de chose, rend possible un accès au processus primaire de l’inconscient, avant de donner un accès fécond au processus secondaire de l’analyse. Elle détaille ensuite divers aspects de la méthode, toujours sous l’angle des différences liées au temps : entre autres, le positionnement de l’analysant, les distinctions faites au cours des séances entre le rêve-éveillé, les images et l’analyse, les mots.
Le temps de... vieillir ?
Authors: Natanson Madeleine
Published: January 2012

S’appuyant sur un texte de Freud et ceux de dix-neuf psychanalystes interrogés récemment, une réflexion sur le temps de vieillir, tente d’explorer les âges de la vie, la rencontre des peurs des anciens et des jeunes et les richesses de nos mémoires.
Gérer la distance à la « base ». Les permanents CGT d'un atelier SNCF
Authors: Mischi Julian
Published: January 2012

À partir de l’ethnographie d’un syndicat de cheminots situé en milieu rural, cet article explore les liens que des responsables CGT entretiennent avec l’entreprise (un atelier de la SNCF) où ils sont de moins en moins présents. Appréhender les logiques de la professionnalisation syndicale « par en bas » fait apparaître le rôle déterminant du contexte local et du groupe des pairs : les permanents sont confrontés à de multiples rappels à l’ordre de la part des salariés. L’article analyse comment ces permanents définissent leur rôle et font face à la pression de leurs collègues, comment ils sont amenés à envisager des stratégies de sortie de poste afin d’échapper à une situation (de distance au terrain mêlée de proximité) qui, à un certain moment de leur trajectoire, devient trop coûteuse.
S'attacher à la politique. Carrières de jeunes socialistes professionnels
Authors: Bargel Lucie
Published: January 2012

Cet article analyse les carrières de membres du Mouvement des jeunes socialistes au milieu des années 2000, avec les outils de la sociologie interactionniste de la socialisation. À travers le détail de quelques cas, il montre d’abord comment, pour les plus investis, l’engagement politique en vient progressivement à unifier l’ensemble des pratiques. C’est ce qui permet de comprendre leur attachement, au sens à la fois affectif, moral et contraignant, à la politique comme activité professionnelle, tout en en restituant les ambiguïtés. L’article détaille ainsi dans un second temps les rapports complexes des enquêtés à leur professionnalisation dans la sphère politique.
« Ne pas perdre la foi dans l'imamat ». Comment se maintiennent les « vocations » d'imams bénévoles en France
Authors: Jouanneau Solenne
Published: January 2012

En France, l’imamat permet d’exercer une autorité morale donnant accès à certaines gratifications symboliques et/ou financières. Mais ceux qui occupent ce rôle expérimentent aussi des situations difficiles : menaces d’expulsion, surveillance policière, surveillance communautaire, etc. Dans le cas des imams bénévoles se surajoutent aussi potentiellement les tensions familiales et professionnelles. Un tel constat invite à s’interroger sur la manière dont se maintient l’engagement dans l’imamat, en se demandant comment certains individus, surtout lorsqu’ils agissent bénévolement, parviennent à entretenir, pour eux-mêmes comme pour les autres, la croyance dans le bien fondé d’être et de rester imam ( i.e. d’agir et de se définir durablement comme tel). Après avoir présenté, d’une part, les différentes catégories d’incidences biographiques que génère ce type de militantisme et, d’autre part, les possibles rétributions symboliques qui y sont attachées, cet article tentera donc de comprendre comment rétributions et désagréments attachés à cet engagement prennent sens en fonction des trajectoires et des socialisations militantes.