bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor Necrosis Factor Blockade Differentially Affects Innate Inflammatory and Th17 Cytokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: ZIVOJINOVIC SLADJANA M. , PEJNOVIC NADA N. , SEFIK-BUKILICA MIRJANA N. , KOVACEVIC LJILJANA V. , SOLDATOVIC IVAN I. , DAMJANOV NEMANJA S. 
Published: December 2011

Objective.To evaluate the effect of a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitor (etanercept) on innate inflammatory and Th17 cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.Serum samples were collected from 40 patients with active RA refractory to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs who initiated therapy with etanercept plus methotrexate (MTX). Treatment response was assessed at Week 24 according to the European League Against Rheumatism response criteria. Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), TNF-α, IL-32, IL-23, IL-17A, IL-21, and IL-22 were measured in patients with RA and 25 healthy controls.Results.Patients with RA had increased levels of IL-6 (p < 0.001), IL-32 (p < 0.001), IL-23 (p < 0.001), and a trend toward increased IL-21 in the sera compared to controls. At 24 weeks’ posttreatment, followup serum samples of etanercept responders had decreased levels of IL-6 (p < 0.001) and increased IL-21 (p < 0.05) and IL-32 (p < 0.001), while there were no differences in cytokine levels in non-responders. Serum IL-6 levels were positively correlated with levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.458, p < 0.01), C-reactive protein (r = 0.593, p < 0.01), and 28-joint Disease Activity Score (r = 0.432, p < 0.01) at baseline. Serum IL-21 levels were positively correlated with levels of rheumatoid factor (r = 0.513, r = 0.633, both p < 0.01) and antimutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies (r = 0.515, p < 0.01; r = 0.428, p < 0.05) at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment with etanercept.Conclusion.Multiple inflammatory pathways contribute to persistent chronic inflammation in RA. In contrast to nonresponders, etanercept therapy modulated serum cytokine levels and caused a marked decrease of IL-6 levels in responders. IL-21 might be involved in the regulation of autoantibody production in RA.
Migrantes équatoriennes, transsexuelles, prostituées : une construction identitaire au-delà des normes binaires
Authors: Negroni Catherine 
Published: December 2011

Migration, genre, prostitution, seront abordés ici à travers le parcours prostitutionnel de transsexuelles équatoriennes lilloises. La fabrication de l’identité transgenre, identité inscrite dans un « vide du genre », se décline comme un processus, où différents univers de référence s’imbriquent : l’homosexualité, la prostitution, la migration. Ce dessein de transmutation de soi, de « conversion de soi » qui se résout dans et par un long travail identitaire, place le transgenre dans une position paradoxale : celle de s’ancrer dans une identité sexuelle désirée devenir presque femme ou celle de rester dans une identité indéterminée qui dans les deux cas inscrit sa vie dans un espace de marginalité et de transgression.
La note de vie scolaire. Tensions autour des principes de justice à l'école
Authors: Gasparini Rachel 
Published: December 2011

La note de vie scolaire instaurée en France à la rentrée 2006 dans les collèges est en lien avec la lutte contre la violence à l’école. Les débats à son propos sont révélateurs des tensions actuelles autour des principes de justice entre des professionnels (enseignants, conseiller principal d’éducation, chef d’établissement) qui doivent s’accorder sur la manière d’attribuer la note. Outre les difficultés classiques de l’évaluation, la note de vie scolaire rencontre des obstacles particuliers demandant des arbitrages au cas par cas qui, tout en étant symptomatiques de la tendance actuelle à trouver des réponses locales et personnelles aux problèmes scolaires, peuvent fragiliser le dispositif même.
Cytosolic DNA Triggers Mitochondrial Apoptosis via DNA Damage Signaling Proteins Independently of AIM2 and RNA Polymerase III
Authors: Wenzel Michael , Wunderlich Michael , Besch Robert , Poeck Hendrik , Willms Simone , Schwantes Astrid , Kremer Melanie , Sutter Gerd , Endres Stefan , Schmidt Andreas , Rothenfusser Simon 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
A key host response to limit microbial spread is the induction of cell death when foreign nucleic acids are sensed within infected cells. In mouse macrophages, transfected DNA or infection with modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) can trigger cell death via the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome. In this article, we show that nonmyeloid human cell types lacking a functional AIM2 inflammasome still die in response to cytosolic delivery of different DNAs or infection with MVA. This cell death induced by foreign DNA is independent of caspase-8 and carries features of mitochondrial apoptosis: dependence on BAX, APAF-1, and caspase-9. Although it does not require the IFN pathway known to be triggered by infection with MVA or transfected DNA via polymerase III and retinoid acid-induced gene I-like helicases, it shows a strong dependence on components of the DNA damage signaling pathway: cytosolic delivery of DNA or infection with MVA leads to phosphorylation of p53 (serines 15 and 46) and autophosphorylation of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM); depleting p53 or ATM with small interfering RNA or inhibiting the ATM/ATM-related kinase family by caffeine strongly reduces apoptosis. Taken together, our findings suggest that a pathway activating DNA damage signaling plays an important independent role in detecting intracellular foreign DNA, thereby complementing the induction of IFN and activation of the AIM2 inflammasome.
The Role of Gr1+ Cells after Anti-CD20 Treatment in Type 1 Diabetes in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Hu Changyun , Du Wei , Zhang Xiaojun , Wong F. Susan , Wen Li 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Studies suggest that Gr1+CD11b+ cells have immunoregulatory function, and these cells may play an important role in autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated the regulatory role of Gr1+CD11b+ cells in protecting against type 1 diabetes in NOD mice. In this study, we showed that temporary B cell depletion induced the expansion of Gr1+CD11b+ cells. Gr1+CD11b+ cells not only directly suppress diabetogenic T cell function but also can induce regulatory T cell differentiation in a TGF-β–dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that Gr1+CD11b+ cells could suppress diabetogenic CD4 and CD8 T cell function in an IL-10–, NO-, and cell contact-dependent manner. Interestingly, single anti-Gr1 mAb treatment can also induce a transient expansion of Gr1+CD11b+ cells that delayed diabetes development in NOD mice. Our data suggest that Gr1+CD11b+ cells contribute to the establishment of immune tolerance to pancreatic islet autoimmunity. Manipulation of Gr1+CD11b+ cells could be considered as a novel immunotherapy for the prevention of type 1 diabetes.
Association between Perchlorate and Indirect Indicators of Thyroid Dysfunction in NHANES 2001–2002, a Cross-Sectional, Hypothesis-Generating Study
Authors: Schreinemachers Dina M. 
Published: December 2011

Background A previous study based on NHANES 2001–2002 observed that increased levels of urinary perchlorate were associated with increased levels of thyroid stimulating hormone among all women, and with decreased levels of thyroxine among women with low urinary iodine. No associations were observed for men. Methods Using the same NHANES 2001–2002 data, associations of urinary perchlorate with indirect biomarkers of thyroid hormone disruption were investigated. Decreased levels of hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) have been observed among subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. To investigate the suitability of these indicators for use in observational studies, subjects were divided into six groups: boys, age 6–19; men, age 20–85; girls, age 6–14; non-pregnant women, age 15–49; women, age 50–85; and pregnant women. Use of perchlorate quintiles (Q1-Q5) and continuous log-transformed perchlorate in the regression models allowed investigation of both non-linear and linear associations. Adjustments were made for age, urinary creatinine, race/ethnicity, body mass index, cotinine, poverty index, hours of fasting, thiocyanate, nitrate, daily kcal intake, C-reactive protein. Adjustment for alcohol consumption depended on availability. Adjustment for prescription drugs (beta-blockers, sex hormones, antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic drugs) was made if it changed the perchlorate estimate by ≥ 10%. Results Statistically significant decreases were observed for HGB and HCT among boys, men, women age 15–49, and pregnant women, and for HDL among men. Conclusions Although the mean response biomarkers were within normal range, their association with urinary perchlorate is of interest. HGB and HCT among pregnant women showed a stronger association with urinary perchlorate than non-pregnant women age 15–49. Statistically significant associations were observed for individual perchlorate quintiles. Assumption of linearity of log-transformed perchlorate may result in underestimation of some associations.
Clustering of Lifestyle Behaviors: The Relationship between Cigarette Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Dietary Intake
Authors: Ma Jun , Betts Nancy M. , Hampl Jeff S. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To examine relationships between cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and dietary intake. Design. Respondents to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, a nationwide probability sample conducted from January 1994 through January 1997 (n = 23,602; response rate = 80%), were selected. Adults ages 19 years and older were grouped according to their smoking and drinking habits. Selected demographic variables, food group servings, food energy, and densities of selected nutrients were compared. Setting. In-home interviews were conducted in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Subjects. The selected sample (n = 6745) included 3229 nonsmokers, 1701 former smokers, and 1808 current smokers, and 2284 abstainers, 2713 occasional drinkers, 1000 moderate drinkers, and 748 liberal drinkers. Measures. Responses to standard questionnaires were examined by Student's t-test, χ2, one-way analysis of variance, and univariate and multivariate analyses of covariance. Results. Men were more likely than women to be current smokers and liberal drinkers (64% vs. 40% and 62%) vs. 38%). For both, the use of cigarettes and alcohol was closely related. An additive relationship was observed between smoking/drinking classification and lower food group servings and nutrient intakes. Although cigarette and alcohol use may have been underreported, these findings support previous ones showing poor food choices along with lower nutrient intakes as smoking and drinking increase. Conclusions. Smoking and drinking habits may alter individuals' food selections and nutrient intakes. Future interventions for health promotion may achieve greater success by targeting multiple risk factors simultaneously or sequentially.
STRATEGIES FOR COMPETETIVE ADVANTAGE IN ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Authors: Azadi Siamak 
Published: December 2011

Despite rapid and sustained development of electronic commerce, many companies doing e-business are still in the investment and brand-building phase and have yet to show a profit. However, as e-businesses shift their focus from building a customer base to increasing revenue growth and profitability, they should reevaluate their current business strategies, if any, and develop strategies that provide a clear path to profitability. This study uses McCarthy’s four marketing mix model and Porter’s five competitive forces model to identify strategies for Internet companies that respond to the five competitive forces and thereby achieve a competitive advantage. The study provides significant new insights into the development and implementation of e-business strategies that contribute to increased profit.
Analysis of Costs of Transrectal Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Fandella Andrea 
Published: December 2011

Introduction Literature reports mortality and morbidity data from prostatic carcinoma which permit a better use of some routine diagnostic tools such as transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy. The aim of this work is to quantify the overall cost of transrectal ultrasound biopsy of the prostate (TRUSB) and to assess the economic impact of current procedures for diagnosing prostatic carcinoma. Materials and Methods The total cost of TRUSB was calculated with reference to 247 procedures performed in 2008. The following cost factors were evaluated: personnel, materials, maintenance/depreciation of the equipment, energy consumption, and hospital overheads. A literature review was also carried out to check if our extrapolated costs corresponded to those of other authors worldwide, and to consider them in the wider framework of the economic effectiveness of strategies for early diagnosis of cancer of the prostate. Results The overall cost of TRUSB (8 samples) was EUR 249,000, obtained by adding together the costs of: personnel (EUR 160,000); materials (EUR 59,000); equipment maintenance and depreciation (EUR 12,400); energy consumption (EUR0,1); hospital overheads (EUR 17,500). With extended or saturation biopsies the cost increases for the more time needed by pathologists and can be calculated as EUR 300,000. The literature review points out TRUSB as an invasive tool for diagnosing prostatic carcinoma, clinically and economically controversial. Post-mortem data report the presence of cancer cells in the prostate of 50% of 70-year-old men, while extrapolations calculate a morbidity rate from prostatic carcinoma in 9.5% of 50-year-old men. It is therefore obvious that randomized prostatic biopsies, methods apart, have a good probability of being positive. This probability varies with the patient's age, the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA), the density of PSA/cm3 of prostate volume (PSAD), and the detection by digital exploration and/or positive transrectal ultrasound. Conclusions Despite the severe application of all these criteria and the critical assessment of the patient's general conditions, TRUSB is indicated for 16% of the male population over 50 years of age, with obvious economic consequences. Quite recently the clinical utility of assays of PSA derivatives (such as Pro-2PSA) has gained more and more importance. The Pro-2PSA seems to reduce the use of TRUSB.
Use of Zoledronic Acid in Patients with Prostate Cancer Bone Metastases: Control of pain and Musculoskeletal Complications
Authors: Paparella Stefano , Finkelberg Elisabetta , Varisco Daniela , Tondelli Elena , Rocco Francesco 
Published: December 2011

Background Patients suffering from prostatic carcinoma are at high risk of having bone complications because of the metastatic progression of the disease to the skeleton and the consequences of androgenic deprivation. Zoledronic acid is a potent inhibitor of the bone resorption mediated by the osteoclasts, and is the only bisphosphonate whose capacity of reducing significantly the skeleton morbidity in patients with bone metastases is statistically proved. Methods TO attest tolerability and efficacy of zoledronic acid in preventing unfavorable skeletal events and in reducing osteomuscular pain, 25 patients - aged 75 years, suffering from hormone-responsive prostatic carcinoma under hormonal therapy with bone metastases, have been followed and subjected to IV monthly infusion of 4 mg zoledronic acid for 12 consecutive months, associated to daily intake of calcium and multivitamin supplementations. Results At the end of the study, a sensible improvement in their clinical conditions and in their perception of the pain has been recorded in 23 patients and valued through a set of questions (Brief Pain Inventory). Conclusions Zoledronic acid is therefore confirmed to be an effective medicine in preventing the skeleton complications and in controlling the painful symptoms in patients suffering from prostatic carcinoma with bone metastases.
Iodine: Radionuclides
Authors: Hu Qinhong , Moran Jean E. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article provides a review of iodine with regard to the basic chemistry, occurrence, speciation, separation, analysis, fate, and transport. Biogeochemical cycling of iodine in the environment is complex because iodine occurs in multiple oxidation states (ranging from −1 to +7), and inorganic and organic species may be hydrophilic, atmophilic, and biophilic. Organically bound iodine can be a significant fraction of total iodine in the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Nuclear‐fuel reprocessing facilities constitute the major source (>90%) of129I released to the environment. It has been recognized that129I is a very important dose contributor in risk assessment because of its tendency to concentrate in the human thyroid gland, long half‐life, and presumably high mobility. Speciation, input concentration, and residence time effects will influence the biogeochemical cycling of anthropogenic129I deposited on surface soils.
Bio‐electrospraying and Cell Electrospinning: Progress and Opportunities for Basic Biology and Clinical Sciences
Authors: Poncelet Denis , de Vos Paul , Suter Nicolai , Jayasinghe Suwan N. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractEngineering of functional tissues is a fascinating and fertile arena of research and development. This flourishing enterprise weaves together many areas of research to tackle the most complex question faced to date, namely how to design and reconstruct a synthetic three‐dimensional fully functional tissue on demand. At present our healthcare is under threat by several social and economical issues together with those of a more scientific and clinical nature. One such issue arises from our increasing life expectancy, resulting in an ageing society. This steeply growing ageing society requires functional organotypic tissues on demand for repair, replacement, and rejuvenation (R3). Several approaches are pioneered and developed to assist conventional tissue/organ transplantation. In this Progress Report, “non‐contact jet‐based” approaches for engineering functional tissues are introduced and bio‐electrosprays and cell electrospinning, i.e., biotechniques that have demonstrated as being benign for directly handling living cells and whole organisms, are highlighted. These biotechniques possess the ability to directly handle heterogeneous cell populations as suspensions with a biopolymer and/or other micro/nanomaterials for directly forming three‐dimensional functional living reconstructs. These discoveries and developments have provided a promising biotechnology platform with far‐reaching ramifications for a wide range of applications in basic biological laboratories to their utility in the clinic.
Direct synthesis and melt‐drawing property of aramids by bulk polycondensation of isophthalic acid with m‐phenylenediamine and 3,4′‐oxydianiline
Authors: Higashihara Tomoya , Zhang Cenyao , Tsukuda Akimitsu , Ochi Takashi , Ueda Mitsuru 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe direct polycondensation of isophthalic acid with a mixture of 1,3‐phenylenediamine (m‐PDA) and 3,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (3,4′‐ODA) could be successfully performed in the bulk to afford the expected co‐aramids for the first time. The co‐aramids with low molecular weights and 3,4′‐ODA contents higher than 50 mol% display excellent thermoplasticity and melt‐drawing property. Indeed, several meters long filaments with 12 μm diameter could be produced. In addition, the environmentally friendly method for the preparation of aramid materials as well as the demonstration of their filament formation will open up the new possibility to prepare aramid fibers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
RAFT polymerization of N‐vinyl pyrrolidone using prop‐2‐ynyl morpholine‐4‐carbodithioate as a new chain transfer agent
Authors: Mishra Vivek , Kumar Rajesh 
Published: December 2011

AbstractRAFT polymerization of N‐vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) has been investigated in the presence of chain transfer agent (CTA), i.e., prop‐2‐ynyl morpholine‐4‐carbodithioate (PMDC). The influence of reaction parameters such as monomer concentration [NVP], molar ratio of [CTA]/[AIBN, i.e., 2,2′‐azobis (2‐methylpropionitrile)] and [NVP]/[CTA], and temperature have been studied with regard to time and conversion limit. This study evidences the parameters leading to an excellent control of molecular weight and molar mass dispersity. NVP has been polymerized by maintaining molar ratio [NVP]: [PMDC]: [AIBN] = 100 : 1 : 0.2. Kinetics of the reaction was strongly influenced by both temperature and [CTA]/[AIBN] ratio and to a lesser extent by monomer concentration. The activation energy (Ea = 31.02 kJ mol−1) and enthalpy of activation (ΔH‡= 28.29 kJ mol−1) was in a good agreement to each other. The negative entropy of activation (ΔS‡ = −210.16 J mol‐1K‐1) shows that the movement of reactants are highly restricted at transition state during polymerization. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Surgical response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attack
Authors: Bhandarwar A H , Bakhshi G D , Tayade M B , Borisa A D , Thadeshwar N R , Gandhi S S 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, was attacked by terrorists at various famous, densely populated places on 26 November 2008. The attack lasted for 60 h, resulting in multiple civilian casualties from bullet and blast injuries. The aim was to review the disaster management plan and analyse the injury patterns and surgical response.

Methods
The disaster management plan was activated in the Sir Jamshetjee Jejeebhoy Group of Hospitals as soon as the earliest casualties were reported. The casualty receiving area was converted into a triage zone; patients were accordingly sent to different stations for further management. There was rotation of the duties of the medical personnel every 8 h for increased efficiency.

Results
A total of 271 casualties were encountered, of which 108 were dead at admission. Some 163 patients were triaged, 23 of whom received primary care as outpatients. The remaining 140 patients needed admission to hospital; 194 operations were performed in 127 patients. There were six postoperative deaths.

Conclusion
This was a unique terrorist attack targeted on civilians and continuing for more than 2 days. The casualties consisted of military injuries due to combined firearm and blast trauma. Primary triage, or onsite triage once the site is safe, optimizes management.
Hydrogel Photonic Sensor for the Detection of 3‐Pyridinecarboxamide
Authors: Yuan Yanxia , Li Zhiliang , Liu Yue , Gao Jianping , Pan Zeng , Liu Yu 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMolecular imprinting is recognized as a powerful technique for preparing polymeric structures that contains tailor‐made recognition sites for certain molecules. By combining a responsive hydrogel photonic crystal and molecular imprinting of 3‐pyridinecarboxamide, polyacrylamide (PAM) imprinted photonic crystals (IPCs) with an inverse opal structure were prepared. They showed a rapid, recoverable, and selective response to 3‐pyridinecarboxamide, which was detected by measuring the diffraction peak. The position of the diffraction peak could be tuned by copolymerizing acrylamide (AM) with acrylic acid (AA), by changing the ratio of AM to AA, by adding N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide to the monomers, or by imprinting molecules to monomers. More interestingly, the change in the Bragg diffraction of the IPCs can be directly converted into a readable optical signal that is visible to the naked eye without any labeling treatment.
ChemInform Abstract: High‐Pressure Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Lithium Borate HP‐LiB3O5.
Authors: Neumair Stephanie C. , Vanicek Stefan , Kaindl Reinhard , Toebbens Daniel M. , Wurst Klaus , Huppertz Hubert 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe new title compound is prepared by high‐pressure reaction of Li2O and B2O3 in a modified Walker‐type apparatus (6 GPa, 1050 °C, 10 min).