bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommendations and Sources of n-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Bernabe-Garcia Mariela , Lopez-Alarcon Mardia
Published: April 2011

The n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have demonstrated a beneficial effect on reducing morbidity and mortality of some
highly prevalent chronic diseases. Therefore, there is considerable interest in establishing recommendations for
EPA and DHA. The Institute of Medicine of The National Academies in 2002 established that 10% (~100
mg/day) of the acceptable macronutrient distribution range from α-linolenic acid (ALA) can be provided from
EPA and DHA in order to avoid deficiencies and to support adequate neurodevelopment and growth. However,
most of these data were obtained from epidemiological investigations rather than from clinical research.
Additionally, this amount represents the average intake of these n-3 fatty acids in a healthy population but is not a
dietary reference intake (DRI); hence, this amount has been qualified as low according to the scientific
community. Considering the enormous health benefits based on several specific effects of n-3 LC-PUFAs, DRIs
should be re-evaluated in light of the new evidence and the recommendations of numerous international federal
agencies. At the present time, there is evidence of beneficial for prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) and
cardiac death at intakes of 250 to 500 mg/day of EPA + DHA as well for pregnant, lactating and childbearing
woman whose daily consumption should be at least 200 mg of DHA. Meanwhile, evidence is inconclusive for
preterm infants and other pathological entities such as cognitive decline and affective disorders.
Development of the Parent Adult Relationship Questionnaire (PARQ)
Authors: Pitzer Lindsay , Fingerman Karen L. , Lefkowitz Eva S.
Published: April 2011

Relationships between adults and parents are characterized by positive and negative qualities. Existing measures of relationship qualities and ambivalence often rely on items that are unbalanced in number of positive and negative items, emotional tone, or missing negative items completely. Three studies established validity (construct, convergent, discriminant) and reliability (internal consistency, test-retest) for the Parent Adult Relationship Quality (PARQ) scale. Study 1 found high internal consistency and test-retest correlations among undergraduates. Study 2 found associations with measures of positive relationship quality and high test-retest correlations using a sample of parents. Study 3 established convergent and discriminant validity with other measures of relationship quality, including an observational measure. The PARQ is a succinct measure that captures positive and negative aspects of support and interactions in relationships between adults and their parents.
Outlining Purposes, Stating the Nature of the Present Research, and Listing Research Questions or Hypotheses in Academic Papers
Authors: Shehzad Wasima
Published: April 2011

Driving research questions from the prevailing issues and interests and developing from them new theories, formulas, algorithms, methods, and designs, and linking them to the interests of the larger audience is a vital component of scientific research papers. The present article discusses outlining purposes or stating the nature of the present research, and listing research questions or hypotheses in the introduction of academic papers. This corpus-based genre study focuses particularly on Move 3 of the model “occupying the niche.” The results indicating disciplinary variation show that the writers of Computer Science (CS) research articles, over the years have developed an increased use of outlining purpose/stating the nature of the present research, having the characteristics of purposive, descriptive, extension of the previous work, contrast to the existing work, brevity, complexity, and a description of methodology. It also shows that listing research questions or hypothesis may have distinctively different functions in developing genres as compared to the established ones such as physics.
Meeting Students Where They Are: Advancing a Theory and Practice of Archives in the Classroom
Authors: Saidy Christina , Hannah Mark , Sura Tom
Published: April 2011

This article uses theories of technical communication and archives to advance a pedagogy that includes archival production in the technical communication classroom. By developing and maintaining local classroom archives, students directly engage in valuable processes of appraisal, selection, collaboration, and retention. The anticipated outcomes of this work are the critical practice of making connections, the decentering of the self, the ability to work through noise, and the ability to imagine future users of the archive. The authors conclude that local classroom archives are one new means of meaningful instruction in the technical communication classroom and the local archive concept has great potential for further development.
Fifteen Minutes of Fame: The Power of Blogs in the Lifecycle of Viral Political Information
Authors: Nahon Karine , Hemsley Jeff , Walker Shawn , Hussain Muzammil
Published: April 2011

This empirical study addresses dynamics of viral information in the blogosphere, presenting a new methodology which enables the capture of dynamism and the time‐factor of information diffusion in networks. Data was gathered on nearly 10,000 blogs and 13,000 blog posts, linking to 65 of the top U.S. presidential election videos that became viral on the Internet between March 2007 and June 2009. The article argues that the blogosphere is not monolithic and illuminates the role of four important blog types: elite, top‐political, top‐general and tail blogs. It creates a map of the ‘life cycle’ of blogs posting links to viral information. It shows that elite and top‐general blogs ignite the virality process, which means that they get the chance to frame messages and influence agenda setting while top‐political and tail blogs act as followers in the process.
The Relationship between the Misery Index and Crimes: Evidence from Iran
Authors: Piraee Khosrow , Barzegar Maryam
Published: April 2011

The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the misery index and the crime rate and to determine the motivational and opportunity effects of the misery index in Iran from 1971 to 2008. A parsimony model which corrected multicollinearity and specification problems in the standard crime function was proposed. Unrestricted error correction model (UECM) was employed to do bounds test and to examine the presence of cointegration. Multiple-rank F-test was used as well to examine the causality relationship. The results indicated that there had been long-run relationships between the misery index and economic crimes such as embezzlement, bribery, forgery, and drawing bad cheques. The motivational and opportunity effects were also verified by the model. Also, two-causality relationships existed between crimes like willful murder, indecent commitments, embezzlement, bribery, forgery, stealing and the misery index. Furthermore, the results showed uni-directional causality from the misery index to drawing bad cheques.
Preliminary results on the phytophagous insect fauna on Onopordum acanthium (Asteraceae) in Bulgaria
Authors: Harizanova Vili , Stoeva Atanaska , Cristofaro Massimo , Paolini Allesandra , Lecce Francesca , di Cristina
Published: April 2011

The Scotch thistle, Onopordum acanthium (Asteraceae) has the Eurasian origin
and represents an invasive weed in the USA and Australia. It is a serious
problem in pastures, along roadsides, rangeland, etc. The weed is very common
in Bulgaria and in 2009-2010 several sites with large populations of O.
acanthium have been located. The weekly surveys of some of the sites, mainly
in the region of Plovdiv, revealed a significant diversity of phytophagous
insect species, some of which had very high population density. More than 30
species have already been identified and observations on the phenology and
biology of some of them have been conducted. For some of the species, such as
endophagous Larinus latus, Lixus cardui, Eublemma amoena, Trichosirocalus
briesei, or ectophagous Cassida rubiginosa etc. found during our surveys,
there are reports in the literature describing them as having been already
introduced as successful biocontrol agents in Australia. Endophagous species
like lepidopteran Myelois circumvoluta and Pyroderces argyrogrammos which
feed on the stems and the head, and the tephritid flies Tephritis postica and
Chaetostomella cylindrica which feed on the capitula, seem quite destructive
for the weed, but need to be further studied regarding host specificity.
Species like Vanessa cardui and Brachycaudus cardui were found regularly, but
in low population density, mainly due to the high rate of parasitism.
Efficacy of seaweed concentrate from Ecklonia maxima (Osbeck) and conventional fungicides in the control of Verticillium wilt of pepper
Authors: Rekanovic Emil , Potocnik Ivana , Milijasevic-Marcic Svetlana , Stepanovic Milos , Todorovic Biljana , Mihajlovic Milica
Published: April 2011

In order to control the causal agent of Verticillium wilt of pepper
(Verticillium dahliae), the efficacy of two conventional fungicides,
thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim, and seaweed concentrate (SWC) from
Ecklonia maxima was evaluated in greenhouse conditions. Pepper plants were
inoculated with selected V. dahliae isolate in the stage of more than nine
fully developed leaves on primary stem. The tested fungicides and SWC were
applied three days before inoculation of pepper plants. Carbendazim was the
most efficient fungicide among tested substances (69.64%). SWC proved to be
more effective when applied at 1.0% concentarion (41.96%). The use of
thiophanate-methyl provided good Verticillium wilt control in pepper
(60.71%). SWC was less efficient than thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim, but
still significantly better compared to the disease control plot.
Framing Gender, Education and Empowerment
Authors: Monkman Karen
Published: April 2011

Discourse about gender and education is dominated by policy relating to girls' education globally that seeks to improve the situation of girls in low-income countries, increase educational opportunities, and positively influence international development. This perspective, while well intended, continues to rely on several shortcomings - namely, a conflation of the notions of sex and gender, prioritizing educational access over quality of the educational experience, and relying on under-theorized concepts such as empowerment. In general, scholarship has insufficiently addressed the relationship of sociocultural, political and economic contextual dynamics as they relate to the educational experience. This special issue includes a range of contextualized case studies of gender and education with the goal of breaking through these shortcomings, to reveal the story under and beyond the statistics and deepen our theoretical understanding. This introductory article presents an overview of the articles included herein, and discusses the notion of empowerment, and a number of other issues that could help us move forward to a richer knowledge base relating to gender and education internationally.
Education, Employment and Empowerment: The Case of a Young Woman in Northwestern China
Authors: Maslak Mary Ann
Published: April 2011

As a marginalized region of the world, the rural Gansu Province of northwestern China provides an informative canvas on which to examine and understand the ways in which education contributes to the lives of local Muslim women and supports their goals for work. Specifically, this article highlights the role education plays in the life of one young woman as a guest house worker from the Dongxiang ethnic group in the southernmost region of the province. Findings indicate that two types of education, formal and informal, contribute to and help maintain a successful career in the service industry.
The Dialectic between Global Gender Goals and Local Empowerment: Girls' Education in Southern Sudan and South Africa
Authors: Holmarsdottir Halla B. , Ekne Ingrid Birgitte Møller , Augestad Heidi L.
Published: April 2011

The start of the Education for All (EFA) movement ushered in a new era in education, an era linked to research on issues such as ‘global governance’ or the ‘world institutionalization of education’. This global governance not only affects the way in which educational systems are influenced, it also involves how we view and define various issues within education. One of the major goals of the EFA movement, which has been accepted as part of the global consensus of ‘what works’, is the focus on gender equality, and in particular on the role education can play in empowering women and girls. This article is an attempt to understand key issues related to gender and education, and in particular the objective is to provide a critical analysis of how the global consensus in relation to gender and empowerment can be understood in a local context. The data reported on here are from fieldwork conducted in Southern Sudan and South Africa, and in this article we attempt to shed light on the local realities in relation to global gender goals.
Schooling, Jobbing, Marrying: What's a Girl to do to Make Life Better? Empowerment Capabilities of Girls at the Margins of Globalization in China
Authors: Seeberg Vilma
Published: April 2011

Though girls' education is a well-established part of the anti-poverty canon, its importance in the lives of girls on the margins of China's globalization is more complex than a utility approach might suggest. This article uses a capabilities approach of empowerment to understand what educational opportunities a set of multiply marginalized girls value - that is, might have reason to value. The article foregrounds rural girls' voices to tell us what capabilities they treasure, how they develop agency, and what well-being they experience while living under severely constrained gendered socio-economic and cultural circumstances. Findings show that the opportunity structure is embedded in how and what the girls value in their world related to education. Hence, understanding and strengthening the fabric of this embedded opportunity structure can lay the foundation for an effective educational development policy toward the Millennium Development Goals. Findings showed that with schooling, the girls gained confidence, and psychological as well as cognitive control; some went against their parents' wishes, and stayed in school. After they ‘went into society’, they continued to develop their voice and capability of making strategic life choices about school, work and marriage. They imagined social change in their relation to their birth families, though they accepted the prevailing preference for sons, but they sought alternatives to marrying and returning to ‘grow crops' [ zhong tien] and have babies. One early school leaver put it this way, ‘If I don't change, I won't make progress. It would be like living in the past [the village]. I have to adapt to society [in the larger world].’
Education of Hazara Girls in a Diaspora: Education as Empowerment and an Agent of Change
Authors: Changezi Sofie Haug , Biseth Heidi
Published: April 2011

Afghanistan is a country which has experienced years of conflict and war. This unrest has forced large numbers of Afghans into diasporas, Hazaras comprising one of these groups. Hazaras have mainly fled from rural Hazarajat to more urban areas in Pakistan. Marginalization of Hazaras in general and girls in particular, both in Afghanistan and Pakistan, restricts their ability to, for example, access education and challenge traditional gender roles. However, in the authors' view, the change of locality is but one factor that has altered what kind of marginalization they experience, changing, among other things, the sentiments toward girls' education, as well as their access to schools. In analysing interviews conducted with Hazara parents, teachers and female students in Pakistan, the authors argue that this situation in a diaspora has made girls' education more accessible, and can be seen as an agent of change for both individuals and the Hazaras as a group.
Pigment Epithelium–Derived Factor Regulates Lipid Metabolism via Adipose Triglyceride Lipase
Authors: Borg Melissa L. , Andrews Zane B. , Duh Elia J. , Zechner Rudolf , Meikle Peter J. , Watt Matthew J.
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

Pigment epithelium–derived factor (PEDF) is an adipocyte-secreted factor involved in the development of insulin resistance in obesity. Previous studies have identified PEDF as a regulator of triacylglycerol metabolism in the liver that may act through adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). We used ATGL−/− mice to determine the role of PEDF in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Recombinant PEDF was administered to ATGL−/− and wild-type mice, and whole-body energy metabolism was studied by indirect calorimetry. Adipose tissue lipolysis and skeletal muscle fatty acid metabolism was determined in isolated tissue preparations. Muscle lipids were assessed by electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. Whole-body insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle glucose uptake were assessed.

RESULTS

PEDF impaired the capacity to adjust substrate selection, resulting in a delayed diurnal decline in the respiratory exchange ratio, and suppressed daily fatty acid oxidation. PEDF enhanced adipocyte lipolysis and triacylglycerol lipase activity in skeletal muscle. Muscle fatty acid uptake and storage were unaffected, whereas fatty acid oxidation was impaired. These changes in lipid metabolism were abrogated in ATGL−/− mice and were not attributable to hypothalamic actions. ATGL−/− mice were also refractory to PEDF-mediated insulin resistance, but this was not related to changes in lipid species in skeletal muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

The results are the first direct demonstration that 1) PEDF influences systemic fatty acid metabolism by promoting lipolysis in an ATGL-dependent manner and reducing fatty acid oxidation and 2) ATGL is required for the negative effects of PEDF on insulin action.
Effect of Acute Hypoglycemia on Human Cerebral Glucose Metabolism Measured by 13C Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: van de Ven Kim C.C. , de Galan Bastiaan E. , van der Graaf Marinette , Shestov Alexander A. , Henry Pierre-Gilles , Tack Cees J.J. , Heerschap Arend
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of acute insulin-induced hypoglycemia on cerebral glucose metabolism in healthy humans, measured by 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Hyperinsulinemic glucose clamps were performed at plasma glucose levels of 5 mmol/L (euglycemia) or 3 mmol/L (hypoglycemia) in random order in eight healthy subjects (four women) on two occasions, separated by at least 3 weeks. Enriched [1-13C]glucose 20% w/w was used for the clamps to maintain stable plasma glucose labeling. The levels of the 13C-labeled glucose metabolites glutamate C4 and C3 were measured over time in the occipital cortex during the clamp by continuous 13C MRS in a 3T magnetic resonance scanner. Time courses of glutamate C4 and C3 labeling were fitted using a one-compartment model to calculate metabolic rates in the brain.

RESULTS

Plasma glucose 13C isotopic enrichment was stable at 35.1 ± 1.8% during euglycemia and at 30.2 ± 5.5% during hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia stimulated release of counterregulatory hormones (all P < 0.05) and tended to increase plasma lactate levels (P = 0.07). After correction for the ambient 13C enrichment values, label incorporation into glucose metabolites was virtually identical under both glycemic conditions. Calculated tricarboxylic acid cycle rates (VTCA) were 0.48 ± 0.03 μmol/g/min during euglycemia and 0.43 ± 0.08 μmol/g/min during hypoglycemia (P = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that acute moderate hypoglycemia does not affect fluxes through the main pathways of glucose metabolism in the brain of healthy nondiabetic subjects.
Diet-Quality Scores and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Men
Authors: de Koning Lawrence , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Fung Teresa T. , Willett Walter C. , Rimm Eric B. , Hu Frank B.
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

To 1) compare associations of diet-quality scores, which were inversely associated with cardiovascular disease, with incident type 2 diabetes and 2) test for differences in absolute-risk reduction across various strata.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, who were initially free of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer (n = 41,615), were followed for ≤20 years. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2005, the alternative HEI (aHEI) the Recommended Food Score, the alternative Mediterranean Diet (aMED) Score, and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Score were calculated from food-frequency questionnaires. Cox proportional hazard models with time-varying covariates were used to assess risk by quintiles and continuous intervals.

RESULTS

There were 2,795 incident cases of type 2 diabetes. After multivariate adjustment, the aHEI, aMED, and DASH scores were significantly associated with reduced risk. A 1-SD increase was associated with 9–13% reduced risk (P < 0.01), and the DASH score was associated with lower risk independent of other scores. These scores were associated with lower absolute risk among those who were overweight or obese compared with normal weight (P for interaction < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Several diet-quality scores were associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and reflect a common dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of plant-based foods such as whole grains; moderate alcohol; and low intakes of red and processed meat, sodium, sugar-sweetened beverages, and trans fat. High-quality diets may yield the greatest reduction in diabetes cases when followed by those with a high BMI.
Les grandes surfaces périphériques de vente dans les Bouches-du-Rhône
Authors: Vaudour Nicole
Published: April 2011

L'équipement commercial en grandes surfaces de vente des Bouches-du-Rhône suit avec un léger retard la croissance démographique de la seconde agglomération française après Paris. L'essor des hypermarchés, par ticulièrement spectaculaire depuis les cinq dernières années, a permis au département de résorber une partie de ses défaillances en lui conférant la prééminence absolue sur les autres départements de la région-programme, mais seulement la dixième place du classement national. Après avoir évoqué les caractères généraux de l'équipement départemental en grandes surfaces commerciales, l'auteur analyse les incidences des créations d'hypermarchés périphériques dans deux cas précis : la circulation routière d'une part, la rivalité avec les commerces des centres-villes d'autre part. Malgré un succès indéniable, l'avenir des hypermarchés se présente dans le département sous un jour incertain. Les efforts de réorganisation commerciale déployés par les commerçants indépendants des centres-villes conjugués à l'application de la loi d'orientation du commerce et l'observation des schémas d'organisation de l'espace urbain réduiront vraisemblablement l'éventail des futures créations d'hypermarchés.
Carrefours aériens aux U.S.A. et leur dynamique
Authors: Mouhot Pierre
Published: April 2011

Pour mesurer l'impact de la déréglementation du transport aérien régulier aux États-Unis, une douzaine d'années après sa mise en application, l'examen d'un échantillon de 1 305 liaisons permet de déterminer les axes les plus attractifs et le niveau de concurrence par ligne et sur les principaux aéroports. Il révèle la diversité des situations concurrentielles et les larges possibilités offertes par les hubs des grandes compagnies : les lignes sans concurrence sont nombreuses, les plus grands aéroports intérieurs sont dominés par six méga-compagnies mais leur saturation a entraîné l'essor de hubs concurrents. La recherche de plaques tournantes peu encombrées a donné un nouveau dynamisme à des aéroports restés longtemps relativement secondaires.
Equisetum thermale sp. nov. (Equisetales) from the Jurassic San Agustín hot spring deposit, Patagonia: Anatomy, paleoecology, and inferred paleoecophysiology
Authors: Channing Alan , Zamuner Alba , Edwards Dianne , Guido Diego
Published: April 2011

• Premise of the study: Dated molecular phylogenies suggest a Cenozoic origin for the crown group of Equisetum. but compression fossil equisetaleans that are morphologically indistinguishable from extant Equisetum and recently discovered anatomically preserved examples strongly suggest an earlier Mesozoic initial diversification.

• Methods: In situ samples of Equisetum thermale sp. nov. from the Upper Jurassic San Agustín hot spring deposit were collected and studied with the use of polished blocks, thin sections, and light microscopy.

• Key results: Equisetum thermale exhibits all the morphological and anatomical characteristics of the extant crown group Equisetum. It shows a mixture of features present in the two extant subgenera, e.g., superficial stomata typical of subgenus Equisetum allied with infrequently ramifying stems typical of subgenus Hippochaete. This appears to ally E. thermale with the least derived extant species in the genus Equisetum bogotense (sister species to the two subgenera). Its association of hydromorphic and xeromorphic characters allowed it to grow as an emergent aquatic in physically and chemically stressed geothermally influenced wetlands, where it formed dense monospecific stands. Equisetum thermale, because it is preserved in situ with intact anatomy, provides clear paleoecological, biological, plus inferred paleoecophysiological evidence of adaptations known in extant species.

• Conclusions: As the earliest unequivocal member of the genus, E. thermale supports the hypothesis of a Mesozoic origin. Its inferred tolerance of a similar range of stresses (e.g., high salinity, alkalinity, and heavy metal concentrations) to that seen in extant Equisetum suggests early evolution and subsequent maintenance of ecophysiological innovations in the genus.
Evolution of disparity between the regular and variant phloem in Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Pace Marcelo R. , Lohmann Lúcia G. , Angyalossy Veronica
Published: April 2011

• Premise of the study: The phloem is a plant tissue with a critical role in plant nutrition and signaling. However, little is still known about the evolution of this tissue. In lianas of the Bignoniaceae, two distinct types of phloem coexist: a regular and a variant phloem. The cells associated with these two phloem types are known to be anatomically different; however, it is still unclear what steps were involved in the evolution of such differences.

• Methods: Here we studied the anatomical development of the regular and variant phloem in representatives of all 21 genera of Bignonieae and used a phylogenetic framework to investigate the timing of changes associated with the evolution of each phloem type.

• Key results: We found that the variant phloem always appears in a determinate location, between the leaf orthostichies. Furthermore, the variant phloem was mostly occupied by very wide sieve tubes and generally included a higher concentration of fibers, indicating an increase in conduction and mechanical support. On the other hand, the regular phloem included much more parenchyma, more and wider rays, and tiny sieve tubes that resembled terminal sieve tubes from plants with seasonal formation of vascular tissues; these findings suggest reduced conduction and higher storage capacity in the regular phloem.

• Conclusions: Overall, differences between the regular and variant phloem increased over time, leading to further specialization in conduction in the variant phloem and an increase in storage specialization in the regular phloem.
Microsatellite primers in the native perennial cycad Cycas taitungensis (Cycadaceae)
Authors: Ju Li‐Ping , Kuo Chia‐Chi , Chao Yi‐Shan , Cheng Yu‐Pin , Gong Xun , Chiang Yu‐Chung
Published: April 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the native perennial cycad Cycas taitungensis to evaluate the genetic variation of this endangered insular species.

•Methods and Results: Using a magnetic bead enrichment method and EST data, 16 primer sets were developed and identified for the native Taiwan cycad C. taitungensis. The primers amplified dinucleotide, trinucleotide, and complex repeats with 1–9 alleles per locus. Most primers also amplified DNA from C. revoluta and C. debaoensis.

•Conclusions: These results indicate the utility of primers for future studies of the genetic structure of C. taitungensis. In addition, the primers are useful for further phylogeographic studies between C. taitungensis and C. revoluta, which is a closely related species.
Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Controlled Study
Authors: ANTONCHAK MARC A. , SAOUDIAN MAHNAZ , KHAN AMBER R. , BRUNNER HERMINE I. , LUGGEN MICHAEL E.
Published: April 2011

Objective.

To determine the extent to which cognitive dysfunction (CD) observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exceeds that seen in a matched control group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to estimate the prevalence of CD in SLE in a community-based sample.

Methods.

A random subsample of 31 patients with SLE was compared to patients with RA matched by age, sex, and race and derived from the same patient population. Cognitive function was assessed by the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM). The primary outcome was the total throughput score (number of correct responses divided by the time taken for those responses averaged over all subtests), adjusted for premorbid intelligence, neuromuscular efficiency, disease activity, damage, depression, fatigue, and health-related quality of life.

Results.

There were no statistically significant differences in mean throughput scores between patients in the SLE and RA groups in any subtest of the ANAM or in the total throughput score. The frequency of CD, defined as either total scores > 1.5 SD below the mean of the RA population, or 4 or more ANAM subtests each > 1.5 SD below the RA mean, was similar in patients with SLE and in RA controls.

Conclusion.

We found no differences in cognitive function between patients with SLE and RA, suggesting that the CD found in some patients with SLE may represent the consequences of a chronic and/or inflammatory disease rather than SLE-related central nervous system damage.
Resolution of Inflammation Following Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis Is Associated with New Bone Formation
Authors: PEDERSEN SUSANNE J. , CHIOWCHANWISAWAKIT PRAVEENA , LAMBERT ROBERT G.W. , ØSTERGAARD MIKKEL , MAKSYMOWYCH WALTER P.
Published: April 2011

Objective.

To test the hypothesis that in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) a vertebral corner inflammatory lesion (CIL) visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that completely resolves following treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) agents is more likely to develop into a de novo syndesmophyte visible on a radiograph as compared to a vertebral corner with no CIL.

Methods.

Fifty patients with AS, who had MRI at baseline and at followup (mean 19.2 months), and spinal radiography at baseline and after 2 years, were followed prospectively. A persistent CIL was defined as being present on both MRI, while a resolved CIL was defined as present at baseline MRI and completely disappeared at followup MRI. Two readers read the MRI independently, and analyses were done for areas with agreement (concordant reads) and for individual reads.

Results.

For patients receiving anti-TNF therapy (n = 23), new syndesmophytes developed more frequently from vertebral corners where a CIL had completely resolved on followup MRI (42.9% on concordant reads) as compared to vertebral corners where no CIL was demonstrable on either the baseline or followup MRI (2.4%; p < 0.0001). Results from individual readers showed similar differences. For patients receiving standard treatment (n = 27), the same pattern, although nonsignificant, was observed (20% vs 3.3%; p = 0.16) on concordant reads, as well as on individual reads.

Conclusion.

Our study of AS spines documents that MRI findings predict new bone formation on radiograph. Demonstration of an increased likelihood of developing new bone following resolution of inflammation after anti-TNF therapy supports the theory that TNF-α acts as a brake on new bone formation. Because the number of new syndesmophytes was low, further study is necessary to make firm conclusions.
Quantitative Data for Care of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Usual Clinical Settings: A Patient Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire and Physician Estimate of Noninflammatory Symptoms
Authors: ASKANASE ANCA DINU , CASTREJÓN ISABEL , PINCUS THEODORE
Published: April 2011

Objective.

To analyze quantitative data in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), seen in usual care, from a patient Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) with routine assessment of patient index data (RAPID3) scores and from a physician global estimate of noninflammatory symptoms; and to compare results to self-report Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire (SLAQ) scores and 4 SLE indices: SLE Disease Activity Index-2K (SLEDAI-2K), British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG), Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM), and European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement (ECLAM).

Methods.

Fifty consecutive patients with SLE were studied in usual care of one rheumatologist. All patients completed an MDHAQ/RAPID3 in this setting. Each patient also completed a SLAQ. The rheumatologist scored SLEDAI-2K, BILAG, SLAM, ECLAM, and 2 physician global estimates, one for overall status and one for noninflammatory symptoms. Patients were classified into 2 groups: “few” or “many” noninflammatory symptoms. Scores and indices were compared using correlations, cross-tabulations and t tests.

Results.

The patients included 45 women and 5 men. MDHAQ/RAPID3 and SLAQ scores were significantly correlated. RAPID3 scores were significantly higher in patients with SLE index scores above median levels, and in 34 patients scored by the rheumatologist as having “few” noninflammatory symptoms. MDHAQ/RAPID3 and SLAQ were significantly higher in 16 patients scored as having many noninflammatory symptoms.

Conclusion.

MDHAQ/RAPID3 and SLAQ subscale scores appear to reflect disease activity in patients with SLE, but not in patients with many noninflammatory symptoms. A physician scale for noninflammatory symptoms is useful to interpret MDHAQ/RAPID3, SLAQ, and SLE index scores.
High-Throughput Screening of Chemical Libraries for Modulators of Gene Promoter Activity ofHLA-B2705: Environmental Pathogenesis and Therapeutics of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: ZHAO LIKE , LIU CHIN-HSIU , YU DAVID
Published: April 2011

Objective.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a highly heritable disease withHLA-B27being the strongest susceptible gene. In order to survey the environmental triggers for arthritis development, we used a high-throughput technique to screen the effects of 12,264 chemicals on theHLA-B27gene promoter.

Methods.

Promoter reporter transfectants 293T-HLA-B27 and HeLa-HLA-B27 were tested using robotics with 12,264 chemicals. Chemicals that modulatedHLA-B27promoter activity > 150% or < 40% were selected for further evaluation of IC50/EC50 and cell viability.

Results.

The primary screening using the 293T-HLA-B27 promoter reporter cell line yielded 5.1% hits that either suppressed (556 chemicals) or enhanced (68 chemicals) theHLA-B27promoter activity. A secondary reconfirmation screening was carried out with these 624 candidates using HeLa-HLA-B27 promoter reporter cells under several different culture conditions. The yield of positive candidates was 130, of which 47 were derived from natural products. Based on the bio-information of those positive natural products, 21 chemicals were selected for analysis by dose-response IC50/EC50 experiments. Eight compounds showed potential pharmacological activities. Two suppressors are both derived from an herbal medicine (lei gong teng) that has been used for decades to treat immune diseases. The 6 activators all belonged to a group of chemicals known as flavonoids, widely distributed among dietary fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion.

Several common dietary products that contain certain flavonoids might be environmental risk factors for AS; the Chinese traditional herblei gong tengmight be a potential drug for patients who areHLA-B27-positive. These results provide new research directions for the pathogenesis and therapeutics of AS.
Malignancies in Italian Patients with Systemic Sclerosis Positive for Anti-RNA Polymerase III Antibodies
Authors: AIRO’ PAOLO , CERIBELLI ANGELA , CAVAZZANA ILARIA , TARABORELLI MARA , ZINGARELLI STEFANIA , FRANCESCHINI FRANCO
Published: April 2011

Objective.

To evaluate the frequency of malignancies in Italian patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and anti-RNA polymerase III (RNAP III), antitopoisomerase I (topo I), or anticentromere antibodies (ACA); and to characterize the temporal relationship between the 2 diseases, in order to confirm data suggesting a close temporal relationship between the onset of SSc and malignancy in American patients with anti-RNAP III antibodies.

Methods.

From a cohort of 466 consecutive SSc patients, 360 Italians with isolated positivity for anti-RNAP III (n = 16), anti-topo I (n = 101), or ACA (n = 243) were identified. Malignancy cases were divided according to their relationship with SSc onset into 3 categories: preceding, synchronous with, or metachronous to the onset of SSc (diagnosed more than 6 months before; 6 months before to 12 months after; and more than 12 months after onset of SSc, respectively).

Results.

Malignancies were more frequent in the anti-RNAP III group (7/16 patients), than in the anti-topo I (11/101) and ACA groups (21/243) (p < 0.001). This difference was accounted for by the number of patients with cancer synchronous to the onset of SSc (3/16 in the anti-RNAP III group vs 0/101 in the anti-topo I and 1/243 in the ACA group; p < 0.001), whereas neither the number of malignancies preceding nor those metachronous to the onset of SSc was significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion.

In a cohort of Italian patients with SSc we observed a significant association between malignancies synchronous to SSc onset and positivity for anti-RNAP III antibodies, similar to that described in American patients with SSc.
Le toucher des mots et la vie des gestes
Authors: Mathieu Jean-Claude
Published: April 2011

Résumé À la suite de Jean Starobinski lui-même, on a souvent mis l’accent sur le lien entre le regard (« œil vivant », « transparence ») et l’analyse des textes. Pourtant l’attention au sentiment intime du corps, au champ du toucher, à la valeur « tactile » des mots, à la gestualité, s’élargissant du geste suspendu du peintre aux « gestes » sociaux de largesse, d’invitation, tient aussi une grande place dans cette œuvre ; c’est ce versant que l’on a choisi de parcourir.
Teoría de conjuntos y ontología
Authors: Minhot Leticia O.
Published: April 2011

Preguntarse qué clase de entidad es una teoría científica es plantearse una pregunta ontológica. Su respuesta consistirá de categorías ontológicas que subsumirán a las teorías. Si tales son las de la teoría de conjuntos, esto significa que las teorías científicas son entidades conjuntistas, al menos en parte. En este trabajo construyo tres modos posibles de elucidar la pretensión de la teoría de conjuntos como ontología para las teorías científicas. La primera es una lectura de la teoría de conjuntos como ontología formal en el sentido de Husserl. En la segunda, en base a Tugendhat (2003), el uso de la teoría de conjuntos para la reconstrucción de teorías significa que ésta es una semántica formal. La tercera es la presentación de una lectura ajena al estructuralismo, pero que, sin embargo, considera a la teoría de conjuntos como ontología. Lo que hago aquí es utilizar la propuesta de Badiou para pensar, desde una vía alternativa a la tesis ontosemántica, la actividad de reconstruir teorías utilizando a la teoría de conjuntos
Perspectivas ontosemánticas en la concepción estructuralista de la ciencia
Authors: Gonzalo Adriana
Published: April 2011

El presente trabajo analiza las reflexiones llevadas a cabo en el seno de la Concepción Estructuralista (CE) en relación a una agenda de los principales problemas ontosemánticos de las teorías científicas planteados en ese marco metateórico. Se presenta un raconto histórico del desarrollo de las problemáticas y de las soluciones teóricas brindadas en el devenir de la CE, partiendo de Sneed (1971) y Stegmüller (1973, 1976), hasta los trabajos de Moulines (1982, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1998, 2002).
El trabajo se centra en el problema de distinción entre términos T-teóricos y T-no-teóricos, y en los criterios de significación involucrados. Asimismo, se analiza la solución pragmática de la CE en la determinación del significado de los términos científicos, con el objetivo de evaluar aciertos y límites de la propuesta programática.
Precisiones sobre la estrategia tropológica en ciencia
Authors: Rivadulla Andrés
Published: April 2011

El objeto de este trabajo es contribuir a determinar si tiene sentido hablar de una estrategia tropológica en ciencia. Para ello se hace necesario escudriñar las formas de relaciones entre modelos, metáforas y analogías. Tras exponer determinados planteamientos realistas fuertes, y también otros moderados, acerca del valor de verdad de las metáforas en ciencia, paso a matizar algunas posiciones, frecuentes entre filósofos contemporáneos, sobre las relaciones entre analogías y modelos, y entre modelos y metáforas, tales como si la analogía es la base de la modelización, o si los modelos son una forma de metáfora. De los análisis de estas cuestiones, y de las conclusiones detalladas que extraigo, se desprende que carece de fundamento pensar en la existencia deliberada de una estrategia tropológica en ciencia.
Huellas de la ciudad. Reflexiones sobre la relación entre ciudad, monumento y fotografía a partir de Walter Benjamin
Authors: Rabe Ana María
Published: April 2011

Hay una relación estrecha entre monumento y fotografía, que es prácticamente inseparable en el caso del símbolo de la ciudad. El monumento y más el símbolo de una ciudad necesita ser reproducido, lo cual quiere decir en primer lugar: fotografiado. ¿Pero vemos realmente la ciudad cuando contemplamos los monumentos o bien la reproducción de los mismos? La vida actual de la ciudad se manifiesta de mil maneras. Pero no son mil imágenes las que componen el rostro de la ciudad. Para reflejarlo, no basta con reproducir lo que se presenta ostensivamente; hay que atrapar al vuelo lo que aparece desapareciendo en un momento fugaz. Para ello hace falta atrapar las huellas casuales tras aquellas intencionales. En diálogo con Walter Benjamin y también con Alfred Döblin se reflexiona en este texto sobre la relación de la imagen con el recuerdo y las diferentes dimensiones del tiempo, y en este contexto sobre posibilidades y límites de la representación de la vida y el carácter de una ciudad.
Las primeras instituciones científicas alemanas en España: los comienzos de la cooperación institucional en los albores del siglo XX
Authors: Rebok Sandra
Published: April 2011

Este artículo describe distintas iniciativas alemanas para dar una forma institucional al intercambio científico con España en época de entreguerras. Estos esfuerzos se centraron desde un principio en las ciudades de Madrid y Barcelona y se iniciaron en el año 1923 con la inauguración del Centro de Estudios Alemanes y de Intercambio en Barcelona y continuaron dos años más tarde también en Madrid con la creación del Centro de Intercambio Intelectual Germano-Español. Ambas instituciones estaban dedicadas a reforzar el interés que había en España por la cultura y la lengua alemanas, a fomentar las relaciones culturales hispano-alemanas en todos los ámbitos, así como a la gestión administrativa del intercambio académico. A esto se unió en el año 1927 otra iniciativa de relevancia, si bien con una motivación de origen católico y dedicada más a la propia investigación que al intercambio de personas o de información: el madrileño Instituto Görres. Junto con otras instituciones científicas en los siguientes años se pudo fomentar una estrecha colaboración científica entre los dos países, hasta que la Guerra Civil y la subsiguiente guerra mundial acabaron con muchos de sus prometedores proyectos.
Transformations et perspectives de l’anthropologie de la santé : un regard épistémologique
Authors: Moulin Anne Marie
Published: April 2011

Commentant les nouveaux objets et les perspectives de l’anthropologie de la santé, l’auteur souligne que cette appellation, à la fois plus large que l’anthropologie médicale et décentrée par rapport à elle, témoigne d’une nouvelle conjoncture. Cette conjoncture est marquée par l’importance grandissante donnée au droit à la santé dans toute l’acception du terme, impliquant des composantes socioculturelles variables d’une région à l’autre. L’auteur développe les conséquences d’une telle orientation sur la perception de la vérité en biomédecine et le statut comparé des différentes médecines.
Les nouveaux défis pour l’anthropologie de la santé
Authors: Massé Raymond
Published: April 2011

L’anthropologie de la santé a connu une évolution spectaculaire au cours des dernières décennies. Elle doit toutefois composer aujourd’hui avec les contributions de plusieurs autres disciplines des sciences sociales et humaines dans le champ d’étude des dimensions sociales, politiques et culturelles de la santé et de la maladie. Pour conserver sa crédibilité comme “science sociale” et pour faire face à l’émergence de nouveaux objets de recherche, elle devra relever plusieurs défis, tant au plan de ses outils conceptuels, mais aussi et surtout au plan de sa maîtrise des méthodologies qualitatives et quantitatives. Mais cela, sans mettre de côté son profond souci pour une réflexion critique sur les politiques de santé et pour une phénoménologie de la souffrance.
Quel humanisme pour notre âge bio-technologique ?
Authors: Bibeau Gilles
Published: April 2011

Face aux dérives qui touchent de nos jours à la définition même de la vie et de l’humanité, l’auteur invite ses collègues à renouer avec leur fonction de vigilance critique et éthique. L’argument se déploie dans trois directions. Il s’ancre d’abord dans l’étude de l’impact de la biologie moléculaire sur la médecine qui tend à se transformer, pour une part, en une médecine prédictive et qui engendre de nouvelles définitions de la maladie et de la santé. L’auteur plaide, ensuite, pour un renouvellement des modèles culturalistes qui ont prévalu, jusqu’ici, dans l’anthropologie médicale et pour leur application à l’étude des nouvelles pathologies (surpoids, obésité, par exemple) qui caractérisent nos sociétés d’abondance. Enfin, il propose un virage de notre discipline en direction des études portant sur l’inégalité sociale, dans une ouverture au politique, à l’éthique et aux questions de justice sociale et d’équité. La prise en compte de ce triple horizon permettra, selon l’auteur, à l’anthropologie médicale de contribuer à construire un nouvel humanisme ajusté à notre âge.