bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Recovered Companies Workers’ Struggle in Argentina
Authors: Hirtz Natalia Vanesa , Giacone Marta Susana 
Published: April 2013

The recovery of companies by their workers was one of the movements for autonomy that characterized the cycle of rebellion in Argentina between 1993 and 2002. Confronted by the liquidation of a company, the workers would occupy the premises and resume production. The cycle of governance that followed this period was characterized by new mechanisms of control that weakened the principles of direct democracy and solidarity forged in the workers’ struggle. Field research on two recovered companies suggests that, despite the institutionalization and disarticulation of the movement, the experience of more horizontal forms of organization, the reappropriation of the means of production, and the experience of autonomy are lessons for the working class that will be the referents for future organization for confronting capitalist exploitation. La recuperación de empresas por sus trabajadores fue uno de los movimientos en pro de la autonomía que caracterizó al ciclo de rebelión en Argentina entre 1993 y 2002. Frente a la inminente liquidación de las empresas, los trabajadores ocuparon las instalaciones y reanudaron la producción. El ciclo de gobierno que siguió a este período se caracterizó por nuevos mecanismos de control que debilitaron los principios de democracia directa y solidaridad forjados en la lucha de los trabajadores. Investigaciones de campo en dos empresas recuperadas sugieren que, a pesar de la institucionalización y la desarticulación del movimiento, la experiencia de formas más horizontales de organización, la reapropiación de los medios de producción y la posibilidad de tener autonomía constituyeron lecciones para la clase trabajadora y servirán como referentes para hacer frente a la explotación capitalista en el futuro.
Translation and validation of the Dutch VEINES-QOL/Sym in varicose vein patients
Authors: Van Der Velden S K , Biemans A A M , Nijsten T , Sommer A 
Published: April 2013

Objectives To translate from English to Dutch and evaluate the psychometric properties of the VEnous INsufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Studies (VEINES) questionnaire, divided in symptom (VEINES-Sym) and quality of life (VEINES-QOL) subscales. Methods Standard forward-backward translation method was used to translate the 26 items of the VEINES-QOL/Sym. Eligible patients had to complete a standardized questionnaire. Demographic, venous disease characteristics, clinical venous signs, CEAP (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements) classification and ultrasound findings were also noted. If item's scores were in an extreme category in more than 70% of patients a floor or ceiling effect was present. Feasibility of the individual items was considered poor if 5% or more of the responses were missing. The validity was tested by comparing the VEINES-QOL/Sym scores to the Short Form 36 (SF-36) scores and across the different ‘CEAP’ categories. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the underlying structure of the VEINES-QOL/Sym. Results Sixty-six patients were included (response rate of 72%). None of the 26 items missed <10% of responses, but two showed ceiling effect. Both the VEINES-QOL and VEINES-Sym showed an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.88 and 0.81, respectively). The VEINES-QOL demonstrated a good construct validity for the physical component of the SF-36, but not for the mental component (rho = 0.62 and 0.22, respectively), as expected. The VEINES-Sym correlated poorly to both SF-36's components. According to the confirmatory principle axis factoring, only three out of 25 items did not load sufficiently on the factor. Conclusions The Dutch VEINES-QOL/Sym can be used for health-related quality of life research in varicose veins patients and the evaluation of therapies.
Value of cardiac CT in comprehensive aortic valve and root evaluation before percutaneous aortic valve replacement
Authors: Bazeed Mohamed Fayez , Rezk Ahmad Ibrahim , Moselhy Mohamed Saleh 
Published: April 2013

Background Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most frequent valvular heart disease, and patients who develop AS are at a high risk of sudden death. There is no medical cure available, and aortic valve replacement is the only effective treatment for advanced disease. Preoperative evaluation is the cornerstone of therapy and is necessary for selecting the implantation technique and valve. Purpose To evaluate the role of cardiac CT in comprehensive aortic valve and aortic root evaluation before percutaneous aortic valve replacement. Material and Methods Thirty-four patients with severe aortic valve stenosis were evaluated by cardiac CT. The aortic valve calcification grade defined by cardiac CT was compared to the operative findings. The mean calculated aortic annulus diameter (CAAD) measured by cardiac CT was compared to the aortic annulus diameter measured by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as well as during the operation. The distances from the aortic valve annulus to the coronary ostia (right and left) were measured by cardiac CT and compared to the intraoperative measurements. The findings from the CT coronary angiography and conventional coronary angiography were compared. Results There was strong agreement (k = 0.865) between the calcification grade by cardiac CT and the intraoperative grading. There was a stronger correlation (r = 0.948) between the CAAD assessed by cardiac CT and intraoperatively compared to the correlation between the intraoperative versus TTE measurements (r = 0.660). The distances measured between the aortic annulus and the right and left coronary artery ostia by cardiac CT were strongly correlated with the distances measured intraoperatively (r = 0.966 and 0.940 in the right and left sides, respectively). Cardiac CT detected three coronary artery stenotic lesions and three patent stents. All findings were confirmed by conventional coronary angiography. Thirteen percent of the evaluated coronary artery segments were of non-diagnostic quality by cardiac CT. Conclusion Cardiac CT substantially facilitates the assessment of aortic root morphology prior to aortic valve replacement.
Function and expression of ATIP and its variants in cardiomyoblast cell line H9c2
Authors: Varghayee Naghmeh , Krezel Michael A , Rezmann Linda , Chow Laurie , Frauman Albert George , Louis William J , Louis Simon N 
Published: April 2013

Hypothesis: Cardiac hypertrophy in myocytes is in part regulated by changes in expression of a novel Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2-receptor) interacting protein identified as ATIP. Introduction: The role of the AT2-receptor in cardiac hypertrophy is controversial, with some reports indicating that AT2-receptor activation has detrimental effects on disease progression, whereas others indicate that it has a beneficial role. Materials and methods: In an effort to unravel this paradox, we examined the expression and function of ATIP in cell-based models of cardiac hypertrophy using QPCR, immunohistochemistry, cell proliferation, morphological and transfection techniques in H9c2 cardio-myoblast and myotubules. Results: These studies indicate that in cultured cardio-myoblast and myotubules, Ang II mediates cellular hypertrophy and proliferation solely via the AT1-receptor, the ATIP variants are abundantly expressed and that ATIP3 may play an anti-proliferative/hypertrophic role in these cells in the absence of AT2-receptor expression or activation. Conclusions: Previously ATIP has been shown to inhibit growth factor signalling in cancerous cells via an interaction with the AT2-receptor. This is the first report to identify that ATIP may have a similar role in other disease states characterised by excessive growth and indicates that for ATIP3, at least, an interaction with the AT2-receptor may not be necessary.
Experience with cinacalcet in primary hyperparathyroidism: results after 1 year of treatment
Authors: Luque-Fernández Inés , García-Martín Antonia , Luque-Pazos Alessandra 
Published: April 2013

Objectives: To assess the characteristics of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) treated with cinacalcet and to evaluate its efficacy in reducing serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations after 1 year of treatment. Methods: The study included 20 patients with PHPT who had completed at least 12 months of treatment with cinacalcet (eight patients for refusal of parathyroidectomy, three for surgery not possible due to comorbidities and nine for progressive hypercalcemia prior to surgery). We recorded clinical and biochemical data at baseline, and after 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. We also monitored adverse events. Cinacalcet was administered in increasing doses until normal serum calcium was reached or side effects preventing a further increase occurred. Results: After 3 months of treatment, serum calcium significantly decreased (11.73 ± 0.85 versus 10.71 ± 1.63 mg/dl, p < 0.001) and serum phosphorus significantly increased (2.41 ± 0.48 versus 2.63 ± 0.70 mg/dl, p = 0.004) while no significant change occurred in PTH (181.91 ± 102.37 versus 195.47 ± 111.71 pg/ml, p = 0.695). No further variation was observed after 6 months compared with 3 months of follow up. However, after 12 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in PTH concentrations compared with baseline (181.91 ± 102.37 versus 152.47± 70.16 pg/ml, p = 0.028) as well as serum calcium (11.73 ± 0.85 versus 10.20± 0.95 mg/dl, p < 0.001); serum phosphorus significantly increased (2.41 ± 0.48 versus 2.71 ± 0.43 mg/dl, p = 0.01). Normocalcemia (S-Ca < 10.2 mg/dl) was achieved in 55% of patients. The medication was usually well tolerated (83.4%). Most common adverse events were nausea and vomiting, especially at the beginning of therapy. Conclusion: Cinacalcet rapidly reduced serum calcium in patients with PHPT and this reduction remained stable after 1 year of treatment. We also observed a decrease in PTH. Cinacalcet is an effective alternative in nonsurgical treatment of PHPT and may be useful in the preoperative hypercalcemia management.
Finding type 2 diabetes causal single nucleotide polymorphism combinations and functional modules from genome-wide association data
Authors: Kang Chiyong , Yu Hyeji , Yi Gwan-Su 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Due to the low statistical power of individual markers from a genome-wide association study (GWAS), detecting causal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for complex diseases is a challenge. SNP combinations are suggested to compensate for the low statistical power of individual markers, but SNP combinations from GWAS generate high computational complexity.

Methods
We aim to detect type 2 diabetes (T2D) causal SNP combinations from a GWAS dataset with optimal filtration and to discover the biological meaning of the detected SNP combinations. Optimal filtration can enhance the statistical power of SNP combinations by comparing the error rates of SNP combinations from various Bonferroni thresholds and p-value range-based thresholds combined with linkage disequilibrium (LD) pruning. T2D causal SNP combinations are selected using random forests with variable selection from an optimal SNP dataset. T2D causal SNP combinations and genome-wide SNPs are mapped into functional modules using expanded gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) considering pathway, transcription factor (TF)-target, miRNA-target, gene ontology, and protein complex functional modules. The prediction error rates are measured for SNP sets from functional module-based filtration that selects SNPs within functional modules from genome-wide SNPs based expanded GSEA.

Results
A T2D causal SNP combination containing 101 SNPs from the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) GWAS dataset are selected using optimal filtration criteria, with an error rate of 10.25%. Matching 101 SNPs with known T2D genes and functional modules reveals the relationships between T2D and SNP combinations. The prediction error rates of SNP sets from functional module-based filtration record no significance compared to the prediction error rates of randomly selected SNP sets and T2D causal SNP combinations from optimal filtration.

Conclusions
We propose a detection method for complex disease causal SNP combinations from an optimal SNP dataset by using random forests with variable selection. Mapping the biological meanings of detected SNP combinations can help uncover complex disease mechanisms.
Rule-based multi-scale simulation for drug effect pathway analysis
Authors: Hwang Woochang , Hwang Yongdeuk , Lee Sunjae , Lee Doheon 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Biological systems are robust and complex to maintain stable phenotypes under various conditions. In these systems, drugs reported the limited efficacy and unexpected side-effects. To remedy this situation, many pharmaceutical laboratories have begun to research combination drugs and some of them have shown successful clinical results. Complementary action of multiple compounds could increase efficacy as well as reduce side-effects through pharmacological interactions. However, experimental approach requires vast cost of preclinical experiments and tests as the number of possible combinations of compound dosages increases exponentially. Computer model-based experiments have been emerging as one of the most promising solutions to cope with such complexity. Though there have been many efforts to model specific molecular pathways using qualitative and quantitative formalisms, they suffer from unexpected results caused by distant interactions beyond their localized models.

Results
In this work, we propose a rule-based multi-scale modelling platform. We have tested this platform with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) model, which involves the malfunction of numerous organs such as pancreas, circulation system, liver, and adipocyte. We have extracted T2D-related 190 rules by manual curation from literature, pathway databases and converting from different types of existing models. We have simulated twenty-two T2D drugs. The results of our simulation show drug effect pathways of T2D drugs and whether combination drugs have efficacy or not and how combination drugs work on the multi-scale model.

Conclusions
We believe that our simulation would help to understand drug mechanism for the drug development and provide a new way to effectively apply existing drugs for new target. It also would give insight for identifying effective combination drugs.
Celecoxib reduces brain dopaminergic neuronaldysfunction, and improves sensorimotor behavioral performance in neonatal rats exposed to systemic lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Kaizaki Asuka , Tien Lu-Tai , Pang Yi , Cai Zhengwei , Tanaka Sachiko , Numazawa Satoshi , Bhatt Abhay J , Fan Lir-Wan 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is induced in inflammatory cells in response to cytokines and pro-inflammatory molecules, suggesting that COX-2 has a role in the inflammatory process. The objective of the current study was to examine whether celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, could ameliorate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced brain inflammation, dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction and sensorimotor behavioral impairments.

Methods
Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of LPS (2 mg/kg) was performed in rat pups on postnatal Day 5 (P5), and celecoxib (20 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered (i.p.) five minutes after LPS injection. Sensorimotor behavioral tests were carried out 24 h after LPS exposure, and brain injury was examined on P6.

Results
Our results showed that LPS exposure resulted in impairment in sensorimotor behavioral performance and injury to brain dopaminergic neurons, as indicated by loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity, as well as decreases in mitochondria activity in the rat brain. LPS exposure also led to increases in the expression of α-synuclein and dopamine transporter proteins and enhanced [3H]dopamine uptake. Treatment with celecoxib significantly reduced LPS-induced sensorimotor behavioral disturbances and dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction. Celecoxib administration significantly attenuated LPS-induced increases in the numbers of activated microglia and astrocytes and in the concentration of IL-1β in the neonatal rat brain. The protective effect of celecoxib was also associated with an attenuation of LPS-induced COX-2+ cells, which were double labeled with TH + (dopaminergic neuron) or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) + (astrocyte) cells.

Conclusion
Systemic LPS administration induced brain inflammatory responses in neonatal rats; these inflammatory responses included induction of COX-2 expression in TH neurons and astrocytes. Application of the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib after LPS treatment attenuated the inflammatory response and improved LPS-induced impairment, both biochemically and behaviorally.
miR-411 is up-regulated in FSHD myoblasts and suppresses myogenic factors
Authors: Harafuji Naoe , Schneiderat Peter , Walter Maggie C , Chen Yi-Wen 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant muscle disorder, which is linked to the contraction of the D4Z4 array at chromosome 4q35. Recent studies suggest that this shortening of the D4Z4 array leads to aberrant expression of double homeobox protein 4 (DUX4) and causes FSHD. In addition, misregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been reported in muscular dystrophies including FSHD. In this study, we identified a miRNA that is differentially expressed in FSHD myoblasts and investigated its function.

Methods
To identify misregulated miRNAs and their potential targets in FSHD myoblasts, we performed expression profiling of both miRNA and mRNA using TaqMan Human MicroRNA Arrays and Affymetrix Human Genome U133A plus 2.0 microarrays, respectively. In addition, we over-expressed miR-411 in C2C12 cells to determine the effect of miR-411 on myogenic markers.

Results
Using miRNA and mRNA expression profiling, we identified 8 miRNAs and 1,502 transcripts that were differentially expressed in FSHD myoblasts during cell proliferation. One of the 8 differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-411, was validated by quantitative RT-PCR in both primary (2.1 fold, p<0.01) and immortalized (2.7 fold, p<0.01) myoblasts. In situ hybridization showed cytoplasmic localization of miR-411 in FSHD myoblasts. By analyzing both miRNA and mRNA data using Partek Genomics Suite, we identified 4 mRNAs potentially regulated by miR-411 including YY1 associated factor 2 (YAF2). The down-regulation of YAF2 in immortalized myoblasts was validated by immunoblotting (−3.7 fold, p<0.01). C2C12 cells were transfected with miR-411 to determine whether miR-411 affects YAF2 expression in myoblasts. The results showed that over-expression of miR-411 reduced YAF2 mRNA expression. In addition, expression of myogenic markers including Myod, myogenin, and myosin heavy chain 1 (Myh1) were suppressed by miR-411.

Conclusions
The study demonstrated that miR-411 was differentially expressed in FSHD myoblasts and may play a role in regulating myogenesis.
Inhibition of Streptococcus pneumoniae adherence to human epithelial cells in vitro by the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Authors: Wong Sook-San , Quan Toh Zheng , Dunne Eileen M , Mulholland E Kim , Tang Mimi LK , Robins-Browne Roy M , Licciardi Paul V , Satzke Catherine 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Colonization of the nasopharynx by Streptococcus pneumoniae is considered a prerequisite for pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia and otitis media. Probiotic bacteria can influence disease outcomes through various mechanisms, including inhibition of pathogen colonization. Here, we examine the effect of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on S. pneumoniae colonization of human epithelial cells using an in vitro model. We investigated the effects of LGG administered before, at the same time as, or after the addition of S. pneumoniae on the adherence of four pneumococcal isolates.

Results
LGG significantly inhibited the adherence of all the pneumococcal isolates tested. The magnitude of inhibition varied with LGG dose, time of administration, and the pneumococcal isolate used. Inhibition was most effective when a higher dose of LGG was administered prior to establishment of pneumococcal colonization. Mechanistic studies showed that LGG binds to epithelial cells but does not affect pneumococcal growth or viability. Administration of LGG did not lead to any significant changes in host cytokine responses.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrate that LGG can inhibit pneumococcal colonization of human epithelial cells in vitro and suggest that probiotics could be used clinically to prevent the establishment of pneumococcal carriage.
China’s biggest, most neglected health challenge: non-communicable diseases
Authors: Tang Shenglan , Ehiri John , Long Qian 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Over the past two decades, international health policies focusing on the fight against the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and those diseases that address maternal and child health problems, among others, have skewed disease control priorities in China and other Asian countries. Although these are important health problems, an epidemic of chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in China has accounted for a much greater burden of disease due to the ongoing rapid socioeconomic and demographic transition.

Discussion
Although NCDs currently account for more than 80% of the overall disease burden in China, they remain very low on the nation’s disease control priorities, attracting marginal investment from central and local governments. This leaves the majority of patients with chronic conditions without effective treatment. International organizations and national governments have recognized the devastating social and economic consequences caused by NCDs in low- and middle-income countries, including China. Yet, few donor-funded projects that address NCDs have been implemented in these countries over the past decade. Due to a lack of strong support from international organizations and national governments for fighting against NCDs, affected persons in China, especially the poor and those who live in rural and less developed regions, continue to have limited access to the needed care. Costs associated with frequent health facility visits and regular treatment have become a major factor in medical impoverishment in China. This article argues that although China's ongoing health system reform would provide a unique opportunity to tackle current public health problems, it may not be sufficient to address the emerging threat of NCDs unless targeted steps are taken to assure that adequate financial and human resources are mapped for effective control and management of NCDs in the country.

Summary
The Chinese government needs to develop a domestically-driven and evidence-based disease control policy and funding priorities that respond appropriately to the country’s current epidemiological transition, and rapid sociodemographic and lifestyle changes.
Ethnic disparities in higher education
Authors: Zorlu Aslan 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Using unique administrative individual data, this paper examines ethnic differences in degree performance in Dutch colleges and universities. The paper estimates parametric duration models and accounts for unobserved heterogeneity to assess the sources of ethnic disparities. The analysis shows that ethnic minorities from non-western countries have a significantly lower degree performance and higher risk of dropping-out. Especially, Turkish, Moroccan and Caribbean students are less likely to graduate, and graduates among them need much more time to complete their study. There is no evidence that this disadvantage stems from poor parental socioeconomic position and the choice of study subject.