bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Groundwater irrigation and crop economy in the lower Gangetic plain at Matbarer Char, Madaripur, South-Central Bangladesh
Authors: Haque M Aminul , Islam M Saiful , Zahid Anwar
Published: June 2013

Attempts have been made in this paper to overview the present agricultural inputs for crop production and crop economy in the lower Gangetic plain. Results of the field survey show that the average labour requirement of Boro rice production is 35 person-days/acre. The fertilizer application by the farmers is not balanced and is well below the recommended doses. N, P2O5, K2O ratio used by the farmers was 7:3:1 against the appropriate ratio of 5:4:3 for HYV Boro rice. The cost of Boro rice cultivation has been estimated on the basis of input use. The rice cultivation costs were Tk.14,335, Tk 13,875 and Tk. 11,271 per acre for the water buyer, water seller with diesel pump and water seller with electric pump respectively. Labour and irrigation costs together normally account for two- thirds of the total cost of production - increases in the prices of these inputs can greatly depress Boro rice profitability. Moreover, Gross income of the water sellers from major crops is about 32% higher than that of the water buyers. The study also shows that the total cost for a Shallow Tube Well (STW) run by diesel motive power is almost twice that for electric motive power. If groundwater irrigated agriculture system is framed in a comprehensive manner, this could play an important role in poverty alleviation. DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15318 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 38(1): 29-39, June 2012
Farmers' perception on water related issues: a study of Bheramara Upazila, Kushitia
Authors: Kabir Md Humayun , Hossain Md Faruk
Published: June 2013

Bheramara Upazila of Kushtia District, located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh is one of the most affected areas due to severe water flow reduction in the lower part of the Ganges (the Padma) which is seriously hampering agricultural production. The local people/farmers are tremendously suffering due to water related problems for their domestic as well as agricultural activities. The present study based on the primary field investigation (including open ended questionnaire interview with a total of 100 farmers), key informant interviews and direct field observation attempts to identify farmers perception on water related issues and to understand the process, of how these problems are mitigated both in domestic and agricultural sectors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15319 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 38(1): 41-52, June 2012
Preliminary checklist of the angiospermic flora of Daulatpur Upazila in Kushtia District, Bangladesh
Authors: Moniruzzaman Md , Hassan Md Abul , Rahman Miganur , Layla Sheheley , Islam Md Rafiqul
Published: June 2013

A total of 125 angiosperms under 103 genera and 52 families have been recorded from Daulatpur Upazila in Kushtia. Magnoliopsida is represented by 41 families, 73 genera and 86 species, whereas Liliopsida is represented by 11 families, 30 genera and 39 species. In Liliopsida, Poaceae appears to be the largest family comprising 15 genera and 20 species. In Magnoliopsida, Euphorbiaceae appears to be the largest family comprising 9 genera and 14 species. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15320 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 38(1): 53-65, June 2012
Effect of industrial sludge on concentration and distribution pattern of Lead, Cadmium and Nickel in root, stem and leaf of Red Amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus L.) in silty clay loam soil
Authors: Rauf MA , Parkplan P , Miah MTI
Published: June 2013

A pot experiment was carried out to evaluate the concentration and distribution of Lead, Cadmium and Nickel in industrial sludge. The test crop was Red Amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus L.). Nitrogen was applied comprising the five combinations of different proportion of urea and industrial sludge and a control. Red Amaranth was harvested at 30 and 42 Days after sowing (DAS). Different physical and chemical analysis of soil, sludge, root, stem and leaf of the plant were carried out as required. Heavy metals concentration indicated the trends of Pb>Ni>Cd and distribution pattern of Pb, Cd and Ni were identified Leaf> root> stem, Root> leaf> stem and Root> leaf> stem respectively, both at 30 and 42 DAS with little exception. Industrial sludge had a significant influence on heavy metal concentration and distribution and contaminant food chain, although the data were below the maximum acceptable level. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15321 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 38(1): 67-74, June 2012
Host preference of pumpkin beetle to cucurbits under field conditions
Authors: Khan MMH
Published: June 2013

To find out preferred cucurbit host(s) of the pumpkin beetle and to determine the susceptibility of ten different cucurbits to the pest, a trial was conducted under field conditions. The results revealed that the most preferred host of the red pumpkin beetle (RPB) was muskmelon, which was followed by khira, cucumber and sweet gourd, and these may be graded as susceptible hosts. Bitter gourd, sponge gourd, ribbed gourd and snake gourd were least or non preferred hosts of RPB and these may be graded as resistant hosts. Other two crops, the bottle gourd and ash gourd were moderately preferred hosts of the insect and these may be graded as moderately susceptible hosts. The order of the most preferred host of the blue pumpkin beetle may be shown as bitter gourd> ribbed gourd> sponge gourd. Of these cucurbits, population of blue pumpkin beetle was much higher than that of red pumpkin beetle. The hosts most preferred to RPB are less preferred or not preferred to the blue pumpkin beetle. The field trials revealed that the order of preference of RPB for ten tested cucurbit hosts was muskmelon> sweet gourd> cucumber > khira > ash gourd > bottle gourd > sponge gourd ? ribbed gourd ? snake gourd > bitter gourd. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15322 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 38(1): 75-82, June 2012
Haemolytic effects of Samanea saman (Jacq.), Tectona grandis (L.) and Dipterocarpus turbinatus (Gaertn) seed extracts on Singhi fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Authors: Nasiruddin Munira , Azadi Mohammad Ali , Chowdhury Shabnam
Published: June 2013

The haemolytic effects of distilled water, 50% ethyl alcohol and 100% ethyl alcohol extracts of three plant seeds, Fulkoroi (Samanea saman), shegoon (Tectona grandis) and Gargan (Dipterocarpus turbinatus) were studied on a predatory fish Heteropneustes fossilis under laboratoary conditions. Comparative data of control and treated fishes showed that the toxic components induced changes in the blood parameters. Piscicides inducing toxicity were evident from decreased RBC counts, low haemoglobin percentage and decreased PCV, MCV, MCH values but increased WBC counts. Haemolysis included shrunken or swollen RBC, granulated nuclei of RBC and pyknotic and swollen nuclei of WBC, cellular damage resulting in bare nuclei of RBC and WBC, clumping of RBC and syncitium of RBC matrix. Damage of blood cells with 100% ethyl alcohol extract was pronounced with all the seed extracts. The order of toxicity on the blood parameters statistically were T. grandis > S. saman > D. turbinatus seed extracts. On the basis of haemolysis of blood cell the effects were D. turbinatus > S. saman > T. grandis seed extracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15323 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 38(1): 83-91, June 2012
Gastrointestinal helminths in pigeon Columba livia (Gmelin, 1789)
Authors: Begum A , Sehrin S
Published: June 2013

A total of 60 pigeon, Columba livia (25 males and 35 females) were examined to observe helminth parasite infection. All the birds were found to be infected by eleven species of helminth parasites: four species of trematoda: Echinostoma revolutum (15%) E. trivolvus (5%), Patagifer bilobus (5%), Ehinoparyphium recurvatum (8.33%); six species of cestoda: Hymenolepis columbae (63.33%), Raillietina echinobothrida (100%), R. bonini (43.33%), R. cesticillus (100%), Cotugnia celebesensis (68.33%), C. cuneata (100%); and one species of nematoda: Ascaridia columbae (28.33%). Females showed slightly higher intensity of infestation than the males. Trematode parasites were found in intestine and rectum, cestode parasites were found in duodenum and intestine, nematode parasite Ascaridia columbae was found in caeca. Oesophagus, crop, proventriculus, gizzard, gallbladder, liver, kidney and muscles were free of parasites. Considering among seasons highest intensity of infection was found in autumn. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15324 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 38(1): 93-98, June 2012
Ecology and breeding biology of the pond heron, Ardeola grayii (Sykes, 1832) and its conservation aspects
Authors: Jaman M Firoj , Hoque Md Nazmul , Sarker Noor Jahan , Rahman Md Saidur
Published: June 2013

Studies on ecology and breeding biology of the pond heron, Ardeola grayii was conducted from January to June, 2010 in Kalairpur Assim Union, Fulbaria under Mymensingh district. The breeding season of this bird ranged from February to June. The peak period for nesting was March. The pond heron choose the nesting site surrounding the human settlements near the pond and other water bodies. This species took 7 to 14 days to complete nest with an average of 10.8 days. The height of nest varied from 5.2 m to 10.9 m with an average of 7.82 m. The main nesting trees were bamboo (Bambusa longispiculata) and mango (Mangifera indica). Nesting materials were chiefly small sticks of mango, tamarind (Tamarindus indica), bel (Aegle marmelos) and leaves of bamboos. The clutch size varied from 3 to 4 eggs with an average of 3.7 eggs. The incubation period varied from 19 to 23 days with an average of 20.73 days. The hatching success was 90% in relation to the number of eggs laid. The fledging period of young varied from 25 to 29 days with an average of 26.73 days. Young individuals left the nest after 3 to 4 weeks. Results of this study indicate that the pond heron can breed successfully for their survival if indigenous plants trees are available to build their nest. So Government should make immediately an integrated conservation plan to protect this bird with the co-operation of national and international organizations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15325 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 38(1): 99-109, June 2012
Species composition of limnetic zooplankton from the southern coastal areas (Mathbaria and Bakerganj) in Bangladesh
Authors: Mozumder Pronob K , Nahar Samsun , Naser M Niamul , Alam Munirul , Huq Anwar , Sack R Bradley , Colwell Rita R
Published: June 2013

We studied the coastal zooplankton community structure of six waterbodies of Mathbaria and Bakerganj from January 2008 to June 2009. In total 35 zooplankton species were identified under 26 genera under 20 families under 8 orders from Mathbaria. Among them 6 were protozoans, 24 were rotifers, 3 were copepods, 1 was cladocerans and 1 was ostracods. From Bakergonj a total of 42 zooplankton species were identified under 23 genera under 17 Families under 7 orders. Among them 3 were protozoans, 25 were rotifers, 7 were copepods, 6 were cladocerans and 1 was ostracods. Results showed that abundance of rotifera group from both area was higher in Mathbaria (64.86%) and Bakerganj (60.98%) than other groups while abundance of ostracoda of Bakerganj area was lowest. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15326 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 38(1): 111-117, June 2012
Airborne fungal and pteridophytic spores in Chittagong University Campus, Chittagong
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Sohrab , Pasha MK
Published: June 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15327J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 38(1): 119-124, June 2012
Isolation and Characterization of Multipotent Cells from Human Fetal Dermis
Authors: Chinnici Cinzia Maria , Amico Giandomenico , Monti Marcello , Motta Stefania , Casalone Rosario , Petri Sergio Li , Spada Marco , Gridelli Bruno , Conaldi Pier Giulio
Published: June 2013

We report that cells from human fetal dermis, termed here multipotent fetal dermal cells, can be isolated with high efficiency by using a nonenzymatic, cell outgrowth method. The resulting cell population was consistent with the definition of mesenchymal stromal cells by the International Society for Cellular Therapy. As multipotent fetal dermal cells proliferate extensively, with no loss of multilineage differentiation potential up to passage 25, they may be an ideal source for cell therapy to repair damaged tissues and organs. Multipotent fetal dermal cells were not recognized as targets by T lymphocytes in vitro, thus supporting their feasibility for allogenic transplantation. Moreover, the expansion protocol did not affect the normal phenotype and karyotype of cells. When compared with adult dermal cells, fetal cells displayed several advantages, including a greater cellular yield after isolation, the ability to proliferate longer, and the retention of differentiation potential. Interestingly, multipotent fetal dermal cells expressed the pluripotency marker SSEA4 (90.56 ± 3.15% fetal vs. 10.5 ± 8.5% adult) and coexpressed mesenchymal and epithelial markers (>80% CD90+/CK18+ cells), coexpression lacking in the adult counterparts isolated under the same conditions. Multipotent fetal dermal cells were able to form capillary structures, as well as differentiate into a simple epithelium in vitro, indicating skin regeneration capabilities.
Single-Cell Suspension Methodology Favors Survival and Vascularization of Fetal Striatal Grafts in the YAC128 Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Cisbani G. , Saint-Pierre M. , Cicchetti F.
Published: June 2013

Cell replacement therapies have yielded variable and short-lived benefits in Huntington's disease (HD) patients. This suboptimal outcome is likely due to the fact that graft survival is compromised long term because grafts are subjected to a host's microglial inflammatory response, to a lack of adequate trophic support, and possibly to cortical excitotoxicity. However, graft demise may also relate to more straightforward issues such as cell preparation methodology (solid grafts vs. cell suspension). Indeed, we recently reported that solid grafts are poorly revascularized in HD patients transplanted 9 and 12 years previously. To evaluate whether methodological issues relating to cell preparation may have an impact on graft viability, we implanted green fluorescent protein (GFP+) single-cell suspensions of fetal striatal neuronal cells into the striatum of YAC128 HD mice. Postmortem evaluation yielded comparable graft survival in YAC128 mice and their wild-type littermates (noncarrier) at 1 and 3 months posttransplantation. Additionally, the degrees of graft revascularization in the YAC128 and noncarrier mice were similar, with both capillaries and large-caliber vessels observable within the grafted tissue. Furthermore, GFP+ cells interacted well with host blood vessels, indicating integration of the donor cells within the recipient brain. These observations, combined with our recent report of poor revascularization of solid grafts in the HD-transplanted patients, suggest that the success of cell transplantation can be improved by optimizing methodological aspects relating to cell preparation.
Emergence of VIM-6 metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Alcaligenes faecalis clinical isolates in a hospital in India
Authors: Khajuria Atul , Praharaj Ashok Kumar , Kumar Mahadevan , Grover Naveen
Published: June 2013

This item has no abstract. Use the links below to access the full text.
Use of the Patient-generated Index in Systemic Sclerosis to Assess Patient-centered Outcomes
Authors: de Achaval Sofia , Kallen Michael A. , Mayes Maureen D. , Lopez-Olivo Maria A. , Suarez-Almazor Maria E.
Published: June 2013

Objective.

To evaluate the content and construct validity of an individualized patient-reported instrument, the Patient-generated Index (PGI), in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and to compare its performance to that of other instruments and to the Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) framework.

Methods.

Patients identified the 5 most important life areas affected by SSc, which we categorized into domains of the PROMIS framework (mental, physical, and social). Correlations were obtained between PGI and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Symptom Burden Index (SBI) scores.

Results.

Sixty-two patients with SSc completed the PGI: 87% women, 69% white, mean age 53 years, mean disease duration 8 years, and 63% with diffuse disease. A total of 258 individual life area responses were recorded: 54% in social health (social function and relationship subcomponents); 28% in physical health (physical function, symptoms, general physical health); and 19% in mental health (consisting largely of the affect subcomponent). Patient PGI responses were categorized into 6 of the 7 subcomponents of the PROMIS framework; substance use/alcohol was not identified. Statistically significant correlations ranging in absolute value from 0.26 to 0.50 were observed between the PGI and the HAQ, SF-36 summary component scores, and the large majority of SF-36 subscales and SBI components.

Conclusion.

The PGI is a personalized instrument that adequately assessed a wide range of health-related quality of life outcomes within the PROMIS framework. The PGI captured additional constructs not yet defined within the framework that are important for patients with SSc.
Cross-cultural Validation of a Disease-specific Patient-reported Outcome Measure for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Canada
Authors: Bourré-Tessier Josiane , Clarke Ann E. , Mikolaitis-Preuss Rachel A. , Kosinski Mark , Bernatsky Sasha , Block Joel A. , Jolly Meenakshi
Published: June 2013

Objective.

The LupusPRO, a disease-targeted patient-reported outcome measure, was developed and validated in US patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report the results of the cross-cultural validation study of the English version of the LupusPRO among patients in Canada with SLE.

Method.

The LupusPRO was administered to English-speaking Canadian patients with SLE. Demographic, clinical, and serological characteristics were obtained, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) and LupusPRO were administered. Disease activity was ascertained using the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) and the Lupus Foundation of America definition of flare (Yes/No). Damage was assessed using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI). Physician disease activity and damage assessments were also ascertained using visual analog scales. A mail-back LupusPRO form was completed within 2–3 days of the index visit. Items tested were internal consistency reliability (ICR), test-retest reliability (TRT), convergent and discriminant validity (against corresponding domains of the SF-36), criterion validity (against disease activity or health status), and known-groups validity.

Results.

Participants were 123 Canadian patients with SLE (94% women); mean age was 47.7 (SD 14.8) years. The median (interquartile range) SELENA-SLEDAI and SDI were 4 (6) and 1 (3), respectively. The ICR of the LupusPRO domains ranged from 0.60 to 0.93, while the TRT range was 0.62–0.95. Measures observed were convergent and discriminant validity with corresponding domains of SF-36, criterion validity, and known-groups validity against disease activity, damage, and health status. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit.

Conclusion.

The LupusPRO has fair psychometric properties among Canadian patients with SLE, and prospective studies to establish minimally important difference are continuing.
Observation Period Effects on Estimation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Incidence and Prevalence in Quebec
Authors: Ng Ryan , Bernatsky Sasha , Rahme Elham
Published: June 2013

Objective.

To determine how duration of observation affects estimation of incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

SLE incidence and prevalence estimates from data periods as brief as 3 years (2001–2003) were compared to estimates from a 15-year period (1989–2003).

Results.

The 15-year period incidence was 5.6/100,000 (95% CI 5.0–6.1) and the prevalence was 59.1/100,000 (95% CI 57.4–60.8). When a 3-year period was used, incidence was overestimated by 238.1% and prevalence underestimated by 66.0%.

Conclusion.

SLE incidence and prevalence estimates vary considerably according to the observation period; more than 5 years of data is likely required.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity and Disability Affect the Risk of Serious Infection Events in RADIUS 1
Authors: Weaver Arthur , Troum Orrin , Hooper Michele , Koenig Andrew S. , Chaudhari Sandeep , Feng JingYuan , Wenkert Deborah
Published: June 2013

Objective.

To determine whether disease activity and disability independently correlate with serious infection event (SIE) risk in a large rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cohort.

Methods.

The associations between SIE and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Intervention and Utilization Study (RADIUS 1) cohort were evaluated using the Andersen-Gill model (a proportional HR model allowing > 1 event per patient).

Results.

Of 4084 patients with 347 SIE, 271 patients experienced ≥ 1 SIE. A 5-unit CDAI increase and 0.4-unit HAQ-DI increase corresponded to an increase in SIE risk with and without covariate adjustments. A 5-unit CDAI increase corresponded with a 7.7% increased SIE risk (adjusted HR 1.077, 95% CI 1.044–1.112, p < 0.0001) and a 0.4-unit HAQ-DI increase with a 30.1% increased risk (adjusted HR 1.301, 95% CI 1.225–1.381, p < 0.0001). Categorical analysis showed that more severe RA activity (even after controlling for disability) and disability were associated with an increased SIE risk.

Conclusion.

Increased RA disease activity and disability were each associated with a significantly increased SIE risk in the RADIUS 1 cohort, which could not be completely accounted for by disability.
Associations of Alcohol Use with Radiographic Disease Progression in African Americans with Recent-onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Davis Marshall L.R. , Michaud Kaleb , Sayles Harlan , Conn Doyt L. , Moreland Larry W. , Bridges S. Louis , Mikuls Ted R.
Published: June 2013

Objective.

To investigate the associations of alcohol consumption and radiographic disease progression in African Americans with recently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Patients with RA included in the study were participants in the Consortium for the Longitudinal Evaluation of African Americans with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (CLEAR) registry. Patients were categorized based on self-reported alcohol consumption; those consuming < 15 beverages per month versus those with ≥ 15 per month. Association of radiographic disease progression over a 1-year to 3-year period of observation with alcohol consumption was evaluated using multivariate generalized estimating equations.

Results.

Of 166 patients included in the study, 39% reported that they had never consumed alcohol. Of the 61% who had consumed alcohol, 73% reported that they consumed on average < 15 alcoholic beverages per month and 27% reported consuming ≥ 15 per month. In multivariate analysis, consumption of ≥ 15 alcoholic beverages per month was associated with an increased risk of radiographic disease progression (p = 0.017). There was no evidence of a relationship in those consuming < 15 beverages per month (p = 0.802).

Conclusion.

There appears to be a dose-dependent relationship between alcohol use and radiographic disease progression in RA. Individuals who consume 15 or more alcoholic beverages per month may have faster rates of radiographic joint damage than those with lower levels of consumption.
Hand Bone Loss in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: Posthoc Analysis of IMPACT II Data Comparing Infliximab and Placebo
Authors: Hoff Mari , Kavanaugh Arthur , Haugeberg Glenn
Published: June 2013

Objective.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment is shown to reduce but not to arrest the rate of hand bone loss. This has not been assessed in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Our objective was to examine changes in cortical hand bone density in patients with PsA treated with placebo or infliximab (IFX).

Methods.

Patients in IMPACT II (Induction and Maintenance Psoriatic Arthritis Clinical Trial 2) were randomized to placebo or IFX. After Week 24, all received IFX. In a subset of 120 patients, cortical hand bone density was assessed at Weeks 0, 24, and 54 by digital X-ray radiogrammetry (dxr-BMD) on the same radiographs scored for joint damage.

Results.

Changes from baseline to 24 weeks in dxr-BMD were −0.30% (SD 1.1%) in the placebo group and −0.08% (SD 1.4%) in the IFX group (p = 0.63). Between baseline and 54 weeks the changes were −0.71% (SD 2.1%) in the placebo group and 0.15% (SD 1.7%) in the IFX group (p = 0.07), and between 24 and 54 weeks −0.41% (SD 1.4%) and 0.23% (SD 0.8%), respectively (p = 0.05). No significant correlation was found between change in dxr-BMD and radiographic damage.

Conclusion.

This pilot study indicates that hand bone loss in PsA patients treated with anti-TNF can be arrested. Assessment of hand bone density may thus be a potential outcome measure for bone involvement and a response variable to treatment in PsA.
Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Haddad Amir , Thavaneswaran Arane , Toloza Sergio , Chandran Vinod , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: June 2013

Objective.

To determine the prevalence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to identify the features associated with its occurrence.

Methods.

Patients were recruited from the University of Toronto PsA observational cohort initiated in 1978. All patients fulfilled the CASPAR criteria. Radiographs of peripheral joints and spine were obtained every 2 years. DISH was defined as flowing bony bridges in at least 4 contiguous thoracic vertebrae. Each PsA patient with DISH was matched by sex to 3 PsA patients without DISH. Demographics, disease characteristics, and radiographic features were compared using McNemar test, Fisher’s exact test, chi-square test, and paired t test as appropriate. Logistic regression analyses models with stepwise regression were conducted.

Results.

DISH was observed in 78 (8.3%) of 938 patients with PsA. Patients with DISH were older and had longer disease duration, higher body mass index (BMI), and higher uric acid levels. Diabetes and hypertension were more prevalent in patients with DISH than in those without. The severity of radiographic damage to peripheral joints was also greater in patients with DISH. The presence of inflammatory back pain, HLA-B*27 allele, and sacroiliitis was similar in both groups. Patients with DISH had more syndesmophytes and calcaneal spurs. Older age, higher BMI, and the presence of radiographic damage to peripheral joints were associated with DISH in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion.

The diagnosis of DISH is possible in the presence of axial PsA. DISH was associated with known DISH-related factors including older age and high BMI, as well as the presence of radiographic damage to peripheral joints.
Incremental Effects of Comorbidity on Quality of Life in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Husted Janice A. , Thavaneswaran Arane , Chandran Vinod , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: June 2013

Objective.

To assess the added effect of comorbidity on quality of life (QOL) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods.

Between 2006 and 2012, 631 patients were recruited from the University of Toronto PsA Clinic. Using the clinical database, we ascertained the frequency of 15 comorbidities. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical (PCS) and mental component (MCS) summary scales were used to assess QOL. Linear regression analyses were conducted to estimate the magnitude of the association between number and type of comorbidities and PCS and MCS scores, after adjustment for disease-related and sociodemographic variables.

Results.

Prevalence of comorbidity was high, with 42% of patients having 3 or more comorbid conditions. After adjustment for inflammatory disease–related and sociodemographic factors, a history of 3 or more comorbid conditions accounted for only 2% and 1% of the R2 value explained in PCS and MCS scores, respectively. In terms of added burden, type of comorbid condition was more significant than number of comorbidities. After adjustment for disease-related and sociodemographic factors, fibromyalgia (FM), neurological disorders, and obesity jointly accounted for 6% of R2 value explained in PCS scores, while FM and depression/anxiety jointly accounted for about 9% of the R2 explained in MCS scores. The point decrease in PCS and MCS scores associated with each of these disorders was clinically significant. The 11 other comorbid conditions failed to achieve statistical significance in the models.

Conclusion.

The added effect of comorbidity on patient-reported physical and mental health in PsA was more related to type of comorbidity than number of comorbidities.
Duplicité et illusion dans les familles composées par l'adoption internationale
Authors: Loncan Anne
Published: June 2013

Les nouvelles compositions familiales créées par l’adoption internationale se développent de pair avec la mondialisation. Au-delà des implications socio-économiques ou politiques, l’auteur s’intéresse aux processus psychiques à l’œuvre dans ces familles. La duplicité littérale des pays, des cultures et des familles, associée à l’intensité des besoins et des demandes en jeu induit de multiples distorsions de la réalité favorisant la tromperie. À la lumière de deux exemples d’adoption internationale, l’un puisé dans la littérature, l’autre issu d’une thérapie familiale psychanalytique, il étudie l’émergence des fantasmes et représentations en rapport avec la falsification et la mystification. Estimant leurs effets masqués préjudiciables à la création de nouveaux liens et au respect des liens vestiges, il soutient que la mise en œuvre d’une TFP contribue aux réaménagements psychiques dans l’espace de l’enveloppe familiale en cours de constitution. Dans ce cadre thérapeutique où se déroule un vaste chantier psychique, les défenses pourront s’assouplir et faire place à une illusion groupale plus cohésive. En conclusion, l’auteur considère que, sous bien des aspects, la famille ainsi composée constitue le parangon des « nouvelles familles » et des écueils qui les menacent.
La contemporanéité qui fait lien
Authors: Gambini Itziar , Konicheckis Alberto
Published: June 2013

G. Agamben considère que le « contemporain est celui qui reçoit en plein visage le faisceau de ténèbres qui provient de son temps ». Ces propos ont été éclairants pour élucider certains moments cruciaux dans la thérapie de la famille P.. À partir d’un scénario fantasmatique qu’on a pu formuler comme « un enfant périt », ils ont permis aux thérapeutes d’envisager comment s’établissent des liens dans la famille et se constitue le néogroupe thérapeutique. Ce même scénario, rejoué différemment dans des générations successives et, dans les séances de la thérapie, les a conduits à envisager l’hypothèse d’une matrice fantasmatique familiale.
L'« information internationale » dans les occasionnels et les libelles des guerres de religion
Authors: Martin Martial
Published: June 2013

Très tôt dans l’histoire de l’information imprimée, l’international s’impose aux côtés de la vie nationale (structurée autour des grands personnages et par quelques événements spécifiques comme les naissances, les mariages, les entrées) et des « faits divers » (meurtres sanglants, sexualités hors-normes, monstres, phénomènes célestes, catastrophes). La couverture des campagnes d’Italie constitue sans doute le point de départ de l’« information internationale » imprimée en France. Elle s’y pense, donc, dès ses débuts, en regard d’une glorification militaire de la Nation, des grands, du roi. Cependant, c’est avec les troubles civils et religieux de la seconde partie du siècle que l’information internationale prend son essor. Dans un espace religieux, diplomatique et militaire largement européen, on est à l’affût des nouvelles venues des Pays-Bas, d’Espagne, d’Allemagne, d’Angleterre, de Suisse ou d’Italie, comme le prouvent les répertoires tenus par le meilleur témoin de l’époque, Pierre de L’Estoile toujours à la recherche des bruits et des feuilles volantes provenant de l’étranger. Pour des raisons commerciales, ces feuilles sont souvent regrattées comme beaucoup des canards de l’époque. Mais la « manipulation » de l’information internationale ne s’arrête pas là : jouant sur une proximité de la forme et des réseaux de production et de diffusion, les libelles politiques n’hésitent pas à se présenter comme des lettres venues de l’Angleterre, de l’Espagne ou de l’Italie (parfois même de terres nouvelles bien plus éloignées) : l’un de leur ressort, le sentiment national, se nourrit de la fixation de stéréotypes étrangers.
Un système européen d'échanges scientifiques au XVIIIe siècle : les journaux savants
Authors: Vittu Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2013

Les journaux savants dont le nombre s’accrut constamment en Europe au cours du xviii e  siècle participèrent à la constitution d’un système d’échange scientifique particulier. L’analyse de ces journaux (forme, édition, diffusion, contenu), l’étude de bibliothèques privées ou publiques, enfin celle de nombreuses correspondances de savants permettent de renouveler la présentation de leur place dans la République des lettres. S’étendant petit à petit au centre de l’Europe, puis gagnant ses périphéries, la production de ces périodiques d’un genre particulier trace dans cet espace des réseaux complexes. S’y articulent des archipels de lieux de production et un feuilletage d’échanges, du local au transnational, qui correspond aussi à différents lectorats visés. Le « curieux », le professionnel, le savant (lettré ou scientifique) s’y retrouvent, les premiers participant aussi à la construction des savoirs, tandis-que les derniers, acteurs majeurs, utilisent divers journaux du « feuilletage » transnational à des fins stratégiques, dont l’analyse pourrait renouveler la vision classique des Lumières européennes.
L'attrait de la presse espagnole des Lumières pour l'information internationale : El Espíritu de los mejores Diarios que se publican en la Europa (1787-1791)
Authors: Larriba Elisabel
Published: June 2013

Dans quelle mesure l’Espagne des Lumières, qui est aussi celle de l’Inquisition et de la double censure (d’Etat en amont, inquisitoriale en aval), réussit-elle à s’ouvrir à l’information internationale ? Nous nous attacherons ici à démontrer comment la presse espagnole ou du moins certains périodiques contribuèrent activement, à la fin du xviii e  siècle, à la diffusion de ce type d’information. A cette fin, sera analysée la stratégie éditoriale de l’ Espíritu de los mejores diarios que se publican en Europa (1787-1791) qui, de par une démarche innovante et audacieuse (du moins en Espagne), s’attira incontestablement les grâces du public, mais fut condamné prématurément au silence en 1791, les autorités craignant alors la contagion des idées de la Révolution française.
La fabrique médiatique des événements internationaux : Afrique, un continent en marge (1994-2008) ?
Authors: Robinet François
Published: June 2013

Entre 1994 et 2008, rares sont les conflits africains transformés en événements médiatiques majeurs par les rédactions françaises. Seule une petite minorité de conflits comme les événements rwandais de 1994, la première guerre du Congo (1996-1997), la guerre civile au Darfour (en 2004 puis en 2006-2007) ou encore le conflit ivoirien (en 2002-2003 puis en novembre 2004) attire durablement l’attention des médias français. L’intensification de la couverture de ces quelques conflits résulte d’un ensemble de facteurs complexes appartenant à la fois au fonctionnement interne des médias mais aussi aux interrelations qui existent entre ces derniers et d’autres acteurs. Il faut relativiser le poids de la loi médiatique du coefficient morts/kilomètre. En fait, l’accès aisé aux images, la possibilité d’offrir un regard national sur l’événement ou l’existence d’acteurs susceptibles d’imposer un cadrage interprétatif favorable à la couverture sont déterminants. La transformation de ces faits en événements médiatiques dépend dès lors moins de leurs caractéristiques propres que des cadrages interprétatifs construits par certains acteurs influents comme les humanitaires, les belligérants ou les autorités françaises.
Les photographes chinois enfiévrés par le World Press Photo
Authors: Peter Alain
Published: June 2013

L’effectif des photographes chinois inscrits au concours du World Press Photo (WPP) pourrait bientôt dépasser celui des Etats-Unis. La WPP date de 1955 et l’organisation qui en a la charge maintenant, de 1960. Comme le montre un questionnaire adressé à des centaines de photographes et des entretiens individuels avec une vingtaine d’entre eux, cette « fièvre du WPP » provient à la fois des raisons communes aux photographes du monde entier et d’autres spécifiques à la Chine. Dans la première catégorie se range le souci de promouvoir la carrière professionnelle ; la deuxième reflète une volonté de s’affranchir de certaines règles de la censure.
Républicanisme scolaire : émancipation et méritocratie
Authors: Foray Philippe
Published: June 2013

Résumé L’auteur distingue les différentes traditions portées par l’idée de “républicanisme”, la première (Aristote) considère la citoyenneté comme une participation à l’élaboration collective de la “vie bonne”, la seconde (Machiavel) comme l’aptitude à la “vigilance” civique pour la préservation des libertés ; l’émancipation promise par l’école, quant à elle, consiste à former des citoyens politiques dans la perspective “libérale” : ce qui signifie qu’elle est centrée sur le principe méritocratique de l’égalité des chances et l’émancipation est comprise comme un processus principalement individuel. Dans le modèle classique, l’émancipation politique et la sélection des élites sont compatibles sinon acceptées ; l’égalité républicaine implique qu’il y ait une place pour chacun et le régime de l’inégalité sociale maintient chacun à sa place. Mais la généralisation institutionnelle (via l’école unique) de l’égalité des chances génère échecs et inégalités et entre en contradiction avec un objectif d’émancipation à la fois politique et social.
Du savoir inutile. Création, expérimentation et pratique du savoir en périphérie
Authors: Sabin Guillaume
Published: June 2013

Résumé Notre époque semble être gagnée par le savoir instrumental : le savoir se doit d’être utile, rentable et évaluable. Dans le même temps, savoirs et informations se confondent ; il semble que nous ne devions plus pratiquer le savoir, mais seulement l’absorber. Une expérience menée à Buenos Aires entre un mouvement de chômeurs et un collectif de « recherche militante » réaffirme pourtant l’inutilité du savoir : celui-ci est une pratique qui germe de l’action, il n’est pas détaché de l’expérience vécue et refuse de se laisser contaminer par la raison utilitaire. Cette expérience vient rappeler les liens qui unissent le savoir aux hommes et au monde, le caractère immanent des savoirs en création.
Professionalism: Hyperrealism and play
Authors: Odom Amanda
Published: June 2013

Marvel has entertained the dichotomy between serving as creator of and commenter on the text quite explicitly in "Ascension" (2009).
"Of comics and men: A cultural history of American comic books," by Jean-Paul Gabilliet
Authors: Morton Drew
Published: June 2013

Review of Jean-Paul Gabilliet. Of comics and men: A cultural history of American comic books. Translated by Bart Beaty and Nick Nguyen. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 2010. Hardcover, $55.00 (390p), ISBN 978-1604732672.
super politics of comic book fandom
Authors: Costello Matthew J.
Published: June 2013

Editorial for "Appropriating, Interpreting, and Transforming Comic Books," edited by Matthew Costello, special issue, Transformative Works and Cultures, no. 13 (2013).
Deux modèles récents de la parenté à l’épreuve de la noblesse française d’Ancien Régime
Authors: Haddad Elie
Published: June 2013

Cet article propose de tester deux modèles récents d’interprétation de la parenté en les appliquant à la noblesse française d’Ancien Régime. Le premier est celui de François Héran dont les diagrammes de parenté sont utilisés dans le cadre d’un système complexe, ce qui permet de mettre en évidence les limites de son approche structurale. Le second est l’interprétation du système de parenté européen entre xive et xviie siècle proposée par Gérard Delille, ce qui permet de revenir sur le caractère fondamentalement cognatique de la parenté à l’époque moderne et sur les biais introduits par une approche patrilignagère.
Cutting Edge: Conditional MHC Class II Expression Reveals a Limited Role for B Cell Antigen Presentation in Primary and Secondary CD4 T Cell Responses
Authors: Archambault Angela S. , Carrero Javier A. , Barnett Lisa G. , McGee Nigel G. , Sim Julia , Wright Jonathan O. , Raabe Tobias , Chen Peiquin , Ding Hua , Allenspach Eric J. , Dragatsis Ioannis , Laufer Terri M. , Wu Gregory F.
Published: June 2013

The activation, differentiation, and subsequent effector functions of CD4 T cells depend on interactions with a multitude of MHC class II (MHCII)–expressing APCs. To evaluate the individual contribution of various APCs to CD4 T cell function, we have designed a new murine tool for selective in vivo expression of MHCII in subsets of APCs. Conditional expression of MHCII in B cells was achieved using a cre-loxP approach. After i.v. or s.c. priming, partial proliferation and activation of CD4 T cells was observed in mice expressing MHCII only by B cells. Restricting MHCII expression to B cells constrained secondary CD4 T cell responses in vivo, as demonstrated in a CD4 T cell–dependent model of autoimmunity, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. These results highlight the limitations of B cell Ag presentation during initiation and propagation of CD4 T cell function in vivo using a novel system to study individual APCs by the conditional expression of MHCII.
Trp53 Deficiency Protects against Acute Intestinal Inflammation
Authors: Spehlmann Martina E. , Manthey Carolin F. , Dann Sara M. , Hanson Elaine , Sandhu Sukhman S. , Liu Linus Y. , Abdelmalak Farid K. , Diamanti Michaela A. , Retzlaff Kristin , Scheller Jürgen , Rose-John Stefan , Greten Florian R. , Wang Jean Y. J. , Eckmann Lars
Published: June 2013

The p53 protein has not only important tumor suppressor activity but also additional immunological and other functions, whose nature and extent are just beginning to be recognized. In this article, we show that p53 has a novel inflammation-promoting action in the intestinal tract, because loss of p53 or the upstream activating kinase, ATM, protects against acute intestinal inflammation in murine models. Mechanistically, deficiency in p53 leads to increased survival of epithelial cells and lamina propria macrophages, higher IL-6 expression owing to enhanced glucose-dependent NF-κB activation, and increased mucosal STAT3 activation. Blockade or loss of IL-6 signaling reverses the protective effects of p53 deficiency. Conversely, IL-6 treatment protects against acute colitis in a manner dependent on STAT3 signaling and induction of cytoprotective factors in epithelial cells. Together, these results indicate that p53 promotes inflammation in the intestinal tract through suppression of epithelium-protective factors, thus significantly expanding the spectrum of physiological and immunological p53 activities unrelated to cancer formation.
Paraoxonase-1 Suppresses Experimental Colitis via the Inhibition of IFN-γ Production from CD4 T Cells
Authors: Yamashita Junji , Iwamura Chiaki , Ito Toshihiro , Narita Masakuni , Hara Yukio , Sasaki Tetsuya , Masuda Daisuke , Takahashi Munehisa , Tsuchiya Manami , Hada Kaori , Ishikawa Makoto , Matsuo Takato , Ohno Yoichi , Tanaka Hitoshi , Maruyama Hideya , Ogawa Yasumasa , Nakayama Toshinori
Published: June 2013

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, where excessive Th1 cell responses are observed. We performed experiments to identify immunologically bioactive proteins in human plasma and found that paraoxonase (PON)-1, which has esterase activity and is associated with high-density lipoproteins, inhibited the IFN-γ production by both murine and human differentiating Th1 cells. Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid–induced colitis was attenuated by the administration of PON-1. The beneficial effects of PON-1 were associated with a reduced ratio of IFN-γ–producing CD4 T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes and decreased production of T cell–related cytokines in the colon. PON-1 inhibited the TCR-induced activation of ERK-MAPK signaling and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in CD4 T cells. Interestingly, an excessive CD4 T cell response was observed in PON-1–deficient mice under physiological and pathological conditions. Additionally, the efficacy of PON-1 or G3C9-C284A (G3C9), which shows a higher esterase activity than PON-1, on colitis was similar to that of an anti–TNF-α mAb, which is a clinically used CD treatment. Moreover, G3C9 more effectively suppressed CD4+CD45RBhigh cell transfer–induced chronic colitis in mice than did PON-1, and the efficacy of G3C9 against the colitis was similar to that of the anti–TNF-α mAb. Therefore, PON-1 (or G3C9) administration may be clinically beneficial for CD patients.
TLR4 Signaling Augments Monocyte Chemotaxis by Regulating G Protein–Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 Translocation
Authors: Liu Zheng , Jiang Yong , Li Yuehua , Wang Juan , Fan Liyan , Scott Melanie J. , Xiao Guozhi , Li Song , Billiar Timothy R. , Wilson Mark A. , Fan Jie
Published: June 2013

Monocytes are critical effector cells of the innate immune system that protect the host by migrating to inflammatory sites, differentiating to macrophages and dendritic cells, eliciting immune responses, and killing pathogenic microbes. MCP-1, also known as CCL2, plays an important role in monocyte activation and migration. The chemotactic function of MCP-1 is mediated by binding to the CCR2 receptor, a member of the G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) family. Desensitization of GPCR chemokine receptors is an important regulator of the intensity and duration of chemokine stimulation. GPCR kinases (GRKs) induce GPCR phosphorylation, and this leads to GPCR desensitization. Regulation of subcellular localization of GRKs is considered an important early regulatory mechanism of GRK function and subsequent GPCR desensitization. Chemokines and LPS are both present during Gram-negative bacterial infection, and LPS often synergistically exaggerates leukocyte migration in response to chemokines. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of LPS–TLR4 signaling on the regulation of monocyte chemotaxis. We demonstrate that LPS augments MCP-1–induced monocyte migration. We also show that LPS, through p38 MAPK signaling, induces phosphorylation of GRK2 at serine 670, which, in turn, suppresses GRK2 translocation to the membrane, thereby preventing GRK2-initiated internalization and desensitization of CCR2 in response to MCP-1. This results in enhanced monocyte migration. These findings reveal a novel function for TLR4 signaling in promoting innate immune cell migration.