bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of adiponectin in the pathogenesis and treatment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Polyzos Stergios A. , Kountouras Jannis , Zavos Christos , Tsiaousi Eleni 
Published: November 2009

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is recognized as the most common type of chronic liver disease in Western countries and the leading cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis. Insulin resistance (IR) is a key factor in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, the latter being considered as the hepatic component of IR or metabolic syndrome (MetS). Although the pathogenesis of NAFLD is not fully elucidated, a complex interaction between adipokines and cytokines produced by adipocytes and/or inflammatory cells infiltrating adipose tissue appears to play a crucial role in MetS and NAFLD.Adiponectin is the most abundant and adipose‐specific adipokine. In the liver, adiponectin acts through the activation of 5‐AMP‐activated protein kinase and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α pathways and inhibition of toll‐like receptor‐4 mediated signalling. There is an evidence that adiponectin decreases hepatic and systematic IR and attenuates liver inflammation and fibrosis. Adiponectin generally predicts steatosis grade and severity of NAFLD, but it remains to be addressed to what extent this is a direct effect or related to the presence of more severe IR. Although there is no proven pharmacotherapy for the treatment of NAFLD, recent therapeutic strategies have focused on the indirect upregulation of adiponectin through the administration of various therapeutic agents and/or lifestyle modifications. Weight loss, through diet, lifestyle changes and/or medications including orlistat, sibutramine, rimonabant or bariatric surgery, increase adiponectin and may improve liver histology. Insulin sensitizers, including pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, and lipid‐lowering agents, including statins and fibrates, also upregulate adiponectin and ameliorate liver histology. The wider use of new treatment approaches appears to signal the dawn of a new era in the management of NAFLD.In this adiponectin‐focused review, the pathogenetic role and the potential therapeutic benefits of adiponectin in NAFLD are systematically analysed.
Humanitarian aid beyond “bare survival”: Social movement responses to xenophobic violence in South Africa
Authors: ROBINS STEVEN 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTIn this article, I investigate responses to the humanitarian crisis that emerged following the May 2008 xenophobic violence against South African nonnationals that resulted in 62 deaths and the displacement of well over 30,000 people. I focus specifically on how a South African AIDS activist movement, the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) and its partners, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF—Doctors Without Borders) and the AIDS Law Project (ALP), translated a particular style and strategy of AIDS activism into legal, medical, humanitarian, and political responses to the massive population displacement. The TAC provided relief to displaced people in the form of basic needs, such as food, clothes, and blankets, as well as legal aid, and it engaged in activism that promoted the rights of the refugees. I investigate how the ideas and practices of global agencies such as the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) were deployed and reinterpreted by TAC activists. I also examine how TAC activists involved in assisting the refugees drew on a global humanitarian assemblage of categories, legal definitions, norms and standards, and procedures and technologies that went beyond the simple management of “bare life.” TAC's shift from fighting for antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to fighting for refugees' rights reveals a “politics of life” that spans multiple issues, networks, and constituencies. It is also a politics that, at times, strategically deploys standardized bureaucratic logics and biopolitical techniques of humanitarian aid.
Localization of Clinical Syndromes Using DWI: Two Examples of the “Capsular” Warning Syndrome
Authors: Olieveira‐Filho Jamary , Ay Hakan , Koroshetz Walter J. , Buonanno Ferdinando S. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTThe capsular warning syndrome (CWS) is a subtype of transient ischemic attack characterized by its recurrent nature, absence of cortical signs, and high probability of early capsular stroke. Currently, standard imaging techniques have identified only internal capsule lesions in this entity. The authors present 2 cases with an otherwise typical CWS in whom a brainstem stroke was detected by diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI). DWI's ability to differentiate between acute and chronic infarcts may assist in more accurate localization of clinical syndromes.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: Increased Expression of Glutathione by Estradiol, Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha, and Interleukin 1‐Beta in Endometrial Stromal Cells
Authors: Lee Sa Ra , Kim Sung Hoon , Lee Hoi Woul , Kim Young‐Hoon , Chae Hee Dong , Kim Chung‐Hoon , Kang Byung Moon 
Published: November 2009

Problem  The intracellular antioxidant system, based on glutathione (GSH), plays a key role in endometrial detoxification reactions and has been proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis endometriosis. This study was designed to evaluate whether estradiol (E2) and proinflammatory cytokines have any effects on expression of glutathione in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs).Method of study  Glutathione levels were measured utilizing high‐performance liquid chromatography following in vitro culture and treatment of ESCs with estradiol, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 1‐beta (IL‐1β).Results  The GSH level in E2 (10−8 m) treatment group was significantly higher than in the control group at 48 h (P < 0.05). In vitro treatment of ESCs with TNF‐α 10 ng/mL as well as E2 (10−8 m) plus TNF‐α 10 ng/mL for 48 hr also led to a significant increase in GSH level (P < 0.05; P < 0.05, respectively). Both IL‐1β 10 ng/mL and E2 (10−8 m) plus IL‐1β 10 ng/mL for 48 hr increased GSH level significantly (P < 0.05; P < 0.05, respectively) as well.Conclusions  These findings might suggest that increased production of estradiol and proinflammatory cytokines in the peritoneal cavity possibly leads to the establishment of endometriosis through increased level of GSH.
Progressive brain changes in schizophrenia: a 1-year follow-up study of diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Ota Miho , Obu Satoko , Sato Noriko , Mizukami Katsuyoshi , Asada Takashi 
Published: November 2009

Objective:Recent cross-sectional studies suggest that brain changes in schizophrenia are progressive during the course of the disorder. However, it remains unknown whether this is a global process or whether some brain areas are affected to a greater degree. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal brain changes in patients with chronic older schizophrenia by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods:Three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted and diffusion tensor (DT) MRI were performed twice on each of 16 chronic older schizophrenia patients (mean age = 58.1 ± 6.7 years ) with an interval of 1 year between imaging sessions. To clarify the longitudinal morphological and white matter changes, volume data and normalised diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics were compared between the first and follow-up studies using a paired t-test.Results:Focal cortical volume loss was observed in the left prefrontal lobe and anterior cingulate on volumetric study. In addition, DTI metrics changed significantly at the bilateral posterior superior temporal lobes, left insula, genu of the corpus callosum and anterior cingulate.Conclusion:There are ongoing changes in the brains of schizophrenic patients during the course of the illness. Discrepancies between volume data and DTI metrics may indicate that the pattern of progressive brain changes varies according to brain region.
A Kinetic Study of the Photodynamic Effect on Tryptophan Methyl Ester and Tryptophan Octyl Ester in DOPC Vesicles
Authors: Posadaz Ariana , Correa N. Mariano , Biasutti M. Alicia , García Norman A. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract The photodynamic effect on tryptophan methyl ester (trpME) and tryptophan octyl ester (trpOE), using the O

2

(

1
Δg)‐photosensitizers Rose Bengal (RB) and Perinaphthenone (PN) has been studied in large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) of the phospholipid 1,2‐di‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) by stationary photolysis and time‐resolved methods. This work reports on the influence of both the site (O2(1Δg)) generation and the location of the tryptophan derivatives (trpD), on the photo‐oxidation process in a compartmentalized system. The apparent rate constant values for chemical quenching of O2(1Δg) by trpOE (kr,app), was higher in vesicles than in water. Also, the ratio between apparent reactive and overall rate constant values for the deactivation of O2(1Δg) (kr,app/kt,app), increases in vesicles as compared with water, when the oxidative species is generated in the lipidic region or at the interface. Nevertheless, this quotient is lower than the corresponding value in water when O2(1Δg) is generated in the aqueous pseudophase. For trpME, the kr,app/kt,appvalues in vesicles and in water are quite similar, confirming the fact that trpME is located in the water pseudophase. Results are discussed in terms of relative protection against O2(1Δg) attack in a microheterogeneous medium as compared with water.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Homing to Pulmonary Metastases Using Biocompatible Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Loebinger Michael R. , Kyrtatos Panagiotis G. , Turmaine Mark , Price Anthony N. , Pankhurst Quentin , Lythgoe Mark F. , Janes Sam M. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to specifically home to tumors has suggested their potential use as a delivery vehicle for cancer therapeutics. MSC integration into tumors has been shown in animal models using histopathologic techniques after animal sacrifice. Tracking the delivery and engraftment of MSCs into human tumors will need in vivo imaging techniques. We hypothesized that labeling MSCs with iron oxide nanoparticles would enable in vivo tracking with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Human MSCs were labeled in vitro with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, with no effect on differentiation potential, proliferation, survival, or migration of the cells. In initial experiments, we showed that as few as 1,000 MSCs carrying iron oxide nanoparticles can be detected by MRI one month after their coinjection with breast cancer cells that formed subcutaneous tumors. Subsequently, we show that i.v.- injected iron-labeled MSCs could be tracked in vivo to multiple lung metastases using MRI, observations that were confirmed histologically. This is the first study to use MRI to track MSCs to lung metastases in vivo. This technique has the potential to show MSC integration into human tumors, allowing early-phase clinical studies examining MSC homing in patients with metastatic tumors. [Cancer Res 2009;69(23):8862–7]
Anticipatory Coarticulation and Reaction Time to Phoneme Targets in Spontaneous Speech
Authors: Martin James G. , Mills Carol B. , Meltzer Richard H. , Shields Joyce H. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The subject’s task was to listen to continuous utterances and to press a reaction-time (RT) button upon hearing an assigned phoneme target. Stimulus materials were utterances of 7–13 syllables in length excised from tape-recorded spontaneous speech; each contained a target located in early, middle or late positions in the utterance. Either 200 msec of silence was tape-spliced into the utterance 33, 67, or 100 msec prior to the target, or the utterance was left intact (as spoken). The main results were faster RT to targets following the silent interval by 33 msec than to targets in the intact version or targets following the silent interval by 100 msec, that is, facilitative effects on target RT varied directly with proximity to target of silent interval. As with previous results using citation-form stimulus materials, these results were interpreted in terms of information from anticipatory coarticulation provided to the subject in advance, permitting extra time to allow the target to be anticipated across the silent interval.
Scaling of Glottal Opening
Authors: Löfqvist Anders , Baer Thomas , Yoshioka Hirohide 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Laryngeal control occurs mainly along two dimensions. One involves the longitudinal tension of the vocal folds and is used for control of fundamental frequency. The other involves abduction/adduction of the folds. This dimension is used in the vegetative functions of the larynx and in its phonetic function to control voicing and aspiration as well as voice quality. Although fine adjustments in timing of abduction/adduction gestures relative to supralaryngeal events produce contrasts of aspiration in obstruents, variations in the size of these gestures appear to be less significant and less finely controlled. The present experiment explores the control of laryngeal abduction/adduction by examining to what extent speakers can control size of glottal aperture under different conditions, with and without suitable feedback. The results suggest that voluntary control of the size of glottal opening is rather poor, and that subjects are unable to make very fine-graded adjustments along this dimension. Voluntary control of glottal opening in isolation is limited, perhaps because normal activities seldom require separate control of this variable. Instead, control of glottal opening is tightly coupled to such other activities as respiration, swallowing and speech articulation. Even in the context of sound production, glottal aperture is poorly controlled, perhaps because the precise degree of opening (as opposed to precise timing of opening and closing) has comparatively little practical significance over a wide range of openings.
Untersuchungen zum «intrinsic pitch» deutscher Vokale
Authors: Antoniadis Zissis , Strube Hans Werner 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
This paper describes investigations of the intrinsic pitch of German vowels, embedded in sentences of equal form. These sentences («lch habe /CVCa/ gesagt»; C = p, t, k; V = various vowels) were spoken several times by 3 speakers. Then the fundamental frequency of the respective vowel V was measured relative to the mean fundamental frequency of each sentence and expressed as a pitch interval. The statistical evaluation concerned the dependence of this intrinsic pitch on the vowel, i. e. its formant frequencies, on the adjacent consonants, and on the speaker. The results are qualitatively consistent with known data and further indicate an (at least partial) central control of intrinsic pitch.
Managing quality vs. measuring uncertainty in the medical laboratory
Authors: Westgard James O. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
ISO 15189's particular requirements for quality management in medical laboratories provide guidance for (a) relating performance specifications to the intended use of a test or examination procedure, (b) designing internal quality control (IQC) procedures to verify the attainment of the intended quality of test results, as well as (c) determining the uncertainty or results, where relevant and possible. This guidance has particular implications for analytical quality management, specifically for validating method performance relative to quality goals or requirements (intended use), designing statistical quality control procedures on the basis of the quality required for a test and the precision and bias observed for a method, and characterizing the quality achieved in practice by calculating measurement uncertainty. There already exists an error framework that provides practical tools and guidance for managing analytical quality, along with an existing concept of total error that can be used to characterize the quality of laboratory tests, thus there is considerable concern and debate on the merits and usefulness of measurement uncertainty. This paper argues that total error provides a practical top-down estimate of measurement uncertainty in the laboratory, and that the ISO/GUM model should be primarily directed to and applied by manufacturers.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:31–40.
Health Capability: Conceptualization and Operationalization
Authors: Prah Ruger Jennifer 
Published: November 2009

Current theoretical approaches to bioethics and public health ethics propose varied justifications as the basis for health care and public health, yet none captures a fundamental reality: people seek good health and the ability to pursue it. Existing models do not effectively address these twin goals.The approach I espouse captures both of these orientations through a concept here called health capability. Conceptually, health capability illuminates the conditions that affect health and one's ability to make health choices. By respecting the health consequences individuals face and their health agency, health capability offers promise for finding a balance between paternalism and autonomy.I offer a conceptual model of health capability and present a health capability profile to identify and address health capability gaps.
Isoelectrofocusing and PCR Amplification-Reverse Hybridization Assay in Evaluation of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
Authors: Beletić Anđelo , Đorđević Valentina , Dudvarski-Ilić Aleksandra , Obradović Ivana , Mirković Duško , Ilić Mirka , Radojković Dragica , Majkić-Singh Nada 
Published: November 2009

Isoelectrofocusing and PCR Amplification-Reverse Hybridization Assay in Evaluation of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin DeficiencyAlpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is a potentially lethal genetic disorder, which has pulmonary and liver manifestations. The standardized biochemical and molecular diagnostic protocol for detection of clinically relevant alleles is needed. The paper summarizes current concepts about AATD, describes the potentials of isoelectric focusing and PCR amplification-reverse allele specific oligonucleotide hybridization assay in the detection of affected individuals and shortly presents our experiences in the evaluation of AATD. We conclude that the systematic clinical laboratory approach to AATD might be based on the combination of mentioned methods, coordinated by alpha-1-antritrypsin quantification. Additionally, its complete medical implementation is achieved through teamwork between clinical chemists, molecular biologists and clinicians.
Le droit des relations entre producteurs et grands distributeurs de produits alimentaires
Authors: Ferrier Didier 
Published: November 2009

The law and the relations between farmers and supermarkets in food distribution
In view of rapidly evolving bargaining positions between farmers and supermarket distribution chains, many regulations of all kinds have been edicted recently. In general, they have been poorly efficient in settling and avoiding disputes. It is suggested here that mutually beneficial synergies, deriving from contracts, could be more effective. On such basis, the Law is not a constraint anymore, but rather a tool which helps in reaching agreement.
La notion de rural et les rapports ville-campagne en France Les années quatre-vingt-dix
Authors: Mathieu Nicole 
Published: November 2009

The concept of ruralityand the relation between town and country during the nineties in France
The significance of rurality in the present process of social change and spatial allocation cannot be estimated without taking into account the prevailing « urban » and « rural » symbolisation as well as the conception of their relation. During the nineties in France the dominant social representation of rurality is idyllic when at the same time the city is considered unsustainable. The rural way of life is so valorised that new real dynamics of migrations are observed.
Coopératives: la fin d'une forme institutionnelle?
Authors: Gaignette Antonin , Nieddu Martino 
Published: November 2009

AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION: THE END OF A REGULATIONNIST INSTITUTIONAL FORM?
During the post-war boom years, the agricultural co-operation distinguished itself from the cooperatives of other sectors by developing into an institutional form of monopolistic competition serving small agricultural businesses. Indeed, the agricultural co-operation has all the characteristics of an institution (a social legitimacy defined by its mission to modernise and its capacity to direct its agents behaviour). This article provide an historical context for this institutional structure. In the economic arena following the three decades of post-war boom, the political strategies designed to shape economic operations became less central. Consequently, the co-operation would be called upon to continue as a legal organisation, but at the cost of losing its foothold as a sectorial institutional structure.
Immobilized Enzymes
Authors: Guisan Jose M. , Betancor Lorena , Fernandez‐Lorente Gloria 
Published: November 2009

AbstractDifferent protocols for enzyme immobilization are here discussed. On one hand, very simple immobilization protocols are commented, e.g. physical adsorption of enzymes on fully stable supports. On the other hand, more complex but much more efficient multipoint covalent immobilizations are also discussed. In general, all immobilization protocols are discussed on the basis of a multiple point of view: (i) the cost‐effectiveness of the immobilization (enzymes are immobilized for the very inexpensive biodiesel synthesis as well as for the production of very high added value drugs) (ii) re‐utilisation of immobilized derivatives in different type of reactors and (iii) the use of immobilization techniques in order to improve functional enzyme properties. This last point of view constitutes a main goal of this review: (a) monomeric enzymes may be highly stabilized by multipoint covalent immobilization, (b) multimeric enzymes may be stabilized via immobilization and post‐immobilization techniques, (c) lipase activity may be increased by interfacial immobilization, (d) enzyme selectivity can be also modulated by performing different immobilization protocols (e.g. involving different regions of the enzyme surface, promoting different rigidity in such regions and so on). In general, a solution for each different problem has been offered including some future prospects that will be available when other technologies will be strongly improved (e.g. use of monoclonal antibodies, use of magnetic nanoparticles and so on).