bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate From Serum Cystatin C and Creatinine in Patients with Thyroid Dysfunction
Authors: Čabarkapa Velibor , Mijović Romana , Stošić Zoran , Ćurić Nikola , Žeravica Radmila , Ilinčić Branislava 
Published: November 2011

Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate From Serum Cystatin C and Creatinine in Patients with Thyroid DysfunctionGiven that thyroid function influences serum cystatin C and creatinine levels, the question arises as to whether it is possible to accurately estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with thyroid dysfunction. The objective of the study was to determine serum cystatin C and creatinine levels and estimate GFR in patients with thyroid dysfunction. The study included 32 cases with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism and 27 cases with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism, as well as 20 healthy controls matched for sex and age with the cases. Serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4), creatinine and cystatin C were measured in all study subjects. GFR was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) and cystatin C-based equations. Serum cystatin C levels were significantly higher in hyperthyroid subjects compared to controls (1.32±0.31 vs. 0.89±0.15; p<0.01). Serum creatinine levels were significantly lower in hyperthyroid subjects compared to controls (60.6±10.2 vs. 76.4±8.6; p<0.01), and significantly higher in hypothyroid subjects compared to controls (94.5±13.2 vs. 76.4±8.6; p<0.01). GFR estimated with the MDRD equations was significantly higher in hyperthyroid subjects compared to hypothyroid subjects (101.6±20.7 vs. 64.1±11.6 mL/min/1.73m2; p<0.01). GFR estimated with the equation based on serum cystatin C was significantly lower in hyperthyroid subjects compared to hypothyroid subjects (59.2±22.1 vs. 92.1±16.0 mL/min/1.73m2; p<0.01). Although serum cystatin C is regarded a reliable marker of GFR and more sensitive than serum creatinine, it has limitations in patients with thyroid dysfunction, due to significant changes in its serum concentrations regardless of renal function. In patients with thyroid dysfunction GFR should therefore be estimated using the equations based on serum creatinine.
Role of Redox Metals, Oxidative Protein Products and Antioxidant Potentials of Thiols in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Sindhu Prathima , Shetty Beena , Sudha K , Rao Gayathri 
Published: November 2011

Role of Redox Metals, Oxidative Protein Products and Antioxidant Potentials of Thiols in Diabetic RetinopathyOxidative stress has been proved in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) not only by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) but also due to non-enzymatic protein glycosylation, auto-oxidation of glucose, impaired glutathione metabolism, alteration in the antioxidants and advanced oxidative protein product formation. The current study was undertaken to establish the relationship between iron, copper and antioxidants like reduced glutathione (GSH), total thiols, and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) as well as total protein and albumin. The study group consisted of a total of 90 subjects which included non-diabetic healthy controls (n=30), diabetes mellitus patients (n=30), and diabetic retinopathy patients (n=30). All the parameters were measured using spectrophotometric methods. AOPP levels showed a very highly significant increase in DR patients and in DM patients compared to normal controls, the AOPP levels being higher in the DR compared to the DM patients (p= 0.001). The levels of thiols showed a very highly significant decrease in DR and DM as compared to normal subjects. The total proteins level showed a very highly significant decrease (P = 0.001) in DR and DM compared to normal. There was no change in the level of albumin. A significant increase in the levels of iron was observed in DR when compared to DM and control. The levels of copper in DR showed a very highly significant increase when compared to DM and controls (p = 0.001). Our study indicates a possible increase in the copper and iron-mediated generation of ROS thereby leading to increased consumption of antioxidants in the body.
Effects of Immunotherapy on the Distribution and Clonality of TCR Vγ and Vδ Subfamily T Cells in Allergic Rhinitis Patients
Authors: Yang Qintai , Li Peng , Li Yangqiu , Wu Xiuli , Huang Xuekun , Chen Yulian , Zhang Gehua 
Published: November 2011

Effects of Immunotherapy on the Distribution and Clonality of TCR Vγ and Vδ Subfamily T Cells in Allergic Rhinitis PatientsThe aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the peripheral specific IgE level, distribution of TCR Vg and Vd subfamily T cells and mRNA expressions of TCR Vg I-III following specific immunotherapy (SIT) with house-dust-mite extract in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients. Ten AR patients undergoing SIT with house-dust-mite extract for 1 year were recruited. Quantitative analysis of immunofluorescence was performed to detect the serum specific IgE (sIgE) level before and after SIT; RT-PCR-genescan analysis was employed to detect the mRNA expressions of TCR Vg (I-III) and Vd (1-8) in the peripheral mononuclear cells followed by analysis of T cell clonality. Real-time quantitative PCR was applied to detect the expressions of TCR Vg I-III genes. Ten healthy volunteers served as controls. For AR patients, SIT treatment could improve the symptoms, but the serum sIgE level was not markedly decreased. Before SIT, the expressions of TCR Vg I-III gene were similar between AR patients and controls (P>0.05) but markedly decreased after SIT in AR patients (P<0.05 in TCR VgI and VgII). The expressions of TCR Vd (1-8) before and after SIT were 5.3±0.82 and 4.9±0.57, respectively, and that in healthy controls was 5.2±1.40. Vd1, 2, 3 and 6 were the most common genes found in these patients. Significant difference in the TCR Vd6 subfamily T cells was found between the two groups. Polyclonal or biclonal proliferation was found in the T cells of patients before SIT and in healthy controls, but oligoclonal proliferation in only 1 subject before SIT. After SIT, the proportion of patients with oligoclonal proliferation of T cells (6/10) was markedly increased (P<0.05). SIT for 1 year could alter the expressions of TCR Vg I-III genes, the distribution of TCR Vg and Vd T cells and the ways in which T cells proliferate. The early improvement of symptoms following immunotherapy might not be related to the serum sIgE content in AR patients, but associated with the TCR gd T cells, especially the TCR V d6 T cells.
Biodiversity of the Arctic Ocean in the Face of Climate Change
Authors: Węsławski Jan 
Published: November 2011

Biodiversity of the Arctic Ocean in the Face of Climate Change
Global climate changes which has been observed over the recent years affects organisms occurring in the Arctic seas and the functioning of the whole maritime ecosystems there. The research note presents and briefly analyses the biological diversity of the Arctic Ocean and the most important factors which change the relations between organisms and the environment in the Arctic.
Michèle Roberts: Female Genius and the Theology of an English Novelist
Authors: Jasper Alison 
Published: November 2011

Since Simone de Beauvoir published The Second Sex in 1949, feminist analysis has tended to assume that the conditions of male normativity—reducing woman to the merely excluded "Other" of man—holds true in the experience of all women, not the least, women in the context of Christian praxis and theology. Beauvoir's powerful analysis—showing us how problematic it is to establish a position outside patriarchy's dominance of our conceptual fields—has helped to explain the resilience of sexism and forms of male violence that continue to diminish and destroy women's lives because they cannot be seen as questionable. It has also, I would argue, had the unintended consequence of intensifying the sense of limitation, so that it becomes problematic to account for the work and lives of effective, innovative and responsible women in these contexts. In order to address this problematic issue, I use the life and work of novelist Michèle Roberts, as a case study in female genius within an interdisciplinary field, in order to acknowledge the conditions that have limited a singular woman's literary and theological aspirations but also to claim that she is able to give voice to something creative of her own.
The key concept of female genius within this project draws on Julia Kristeva's notion of being a subject without implicitly excluding embodiment and female desire as in normative male theology, or in notions of genius derived from Romanticism. Roberts' work as a writer qualifies her as female genius in so far as it challenges aspects of traditional Christianity, bringing to birth new relationships between theological themes and scriptural narratives without excluding her singular female desires and pleasures as a writer. This paper—as part of a more inclusive, historical survey of the work of women writers crossing the disciplinary boundaries between literature and Christian theology over the last several centuries also asks whether, in order to do proper justice to the real and proven limitations imposed on countless women in these fields across global and historical contexts, we need, at the same time, to reduce the Christian tradition to something that is always antithetical or for which women can take absolutely no credit or bear no responsibility.
Inner Strength of Female Characters in Loitering with Intent and The Public Image by Muriel Spark
Authors: Rogalińska Monika 
Published: November 2011

Women characters in Muriel Spark's novels are diverse, some strong and powerful, some weak and unable to make decisions. And there are characters who develop throughout the novel and learn from their own mistakes. From being passive, they gradually start acting and making their own choices. Loitering with Intent and The Public Image present women characters who go through metamorphosis, from being dependent on others into living their own lives and freeing themselves from former influences. Such kaleidoscopic change enables them not only to be able to finally make their own decisions but also to overcome many difficult situations threatening their future life.
Fleur Talbot, a heroine in Loitering with Intent, finds herself at a point in which she thinks that everything she cares for is lost. Chronically passive and naïve, she cannot imagine another way of being until she understands that she is being cheated, that her life will be ruined if she does not act. Everyone around her seems to be in conspiracy against her; only taking a firm stand and opposing her surrounding world can help. Fleur's life has become totally dependent on her ability to be strong and decisive. She knows that if she remains what she is, her career and prospects for the future will be lost, so she decides to prove her determination and her will to be finally happy. Her transformation into a powerful character saves her dignity and makes her a successful writer.
Annabel, a character in The Public Image is the same type of person as Fleur, as she lacks self-confidence and has no support from anybody, even her own husband. Muriel Spark, however, presents her as another example of a heroine who develops as the action progresses, able to evoke strength in herself when her situation seems hopeless. Annabel, at first treated as a puppet in the hands of other people, who use her image for their own benefit, shows that she is capable of anything by the book's end. When her career and reputation are threatened and her privacy invaded, she decides to leave the country. This requires both effort and sacrifice, as she has to leave behind everything she has worked for all her life, but this is the necessary price for her freedom.
The ability of both female characters to show so much determination reveals an inherent inner strength, and their weakness and vulnerability as just superficial. When the situation requires it, both Annabel and Fleur are ready to fight for their rights, for their freedom and self esteem, and they discover that they are indeed capable of changing their lives.
L'a-llusion. Il était perdu mais ne le savait pas...
Authors: Benhaïm Michèle 
Published: November 2011

Ce texte propose une hypothèse relative à la jouissance maternelle postmoderne recelée dans une clinique adolescente de l’acte : la mère pourrait bien, en se présentifiant comme immédiatement barrée, empêcher, en ne pouvant investir libidinalement son enfant, le temps de l’illusion et donc celui de la désillusion. La conséquence de ce défaut de l’instant logique de voir, auquel vient se substituer le moment de conclure, produit un sujet ayant à exister comme divisé sans avoir pris acte de la perte qui le fonde, c’est-à-dire sans avoir traversé le temps pour comprendre. Comme si sa vie commençait par la conclusion... Le sujet existe ici avec un objet perdu, mais dont la perte ne repose pas sur le mythe d’une complétude antérieure.
La mère, la guerre et l'enfant
Authors: Boukobza Claude 
Published: November 2011

L’Unité d’Accueil Mères-Enfants du Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Denis a été fondée pour traiter toutes les pathologies de la relation précoce mères-bébés, dans une perspective de prévention de la pathologie de l’enfant. L’équipe est actuellement particulièrement questionnée par les femmes arrivées en France à la suite de violences de guerre dans les pays d’Afrique sub-saharienne, souvent enceintes d’un enfant fruit d’un viol collectif, vivant dans l’isolement et la précarité les plus extrêmes. Comment la relation avec cet enfant qui représente, dans sa chair, l’horreur et la honte du traumatisme peut-elle s’établir ? Comment aider la mère à faire de cet étranger, souvent vécu comme persécuteur un « familier », qu’elle pourra inscrire dans un destin commun ? Comment enfin l’équipe peut-elle échapper à la sidération devant ces situations qui présentifient l’horreur ?
Haine maternelle et inceste père-fille
Authors: Govindama Yolande 
Published: November 2011

Cet article traite de la relation singulière entre la mère et sa fille qui partagent un amour excessif où prédominent la haine et le fantasme d’infanticide maternel dans le cas de l’inceste père-fille. Cette relation est revisitée à travers le concept freudien de « dark continent » (continent noir) et celui de « ravage » de Lacan. En effet, si le « ravage » s’impose comme une traversée inévitable chez la femme dans sa relation à sa mère, il ne comporte pas de fantasme de meurtre, il s’agit bien dans le cas de l’inceste d’un échec de cette étape de la relation ravageante mère-fille. L’article pose la question de l’inceste père-fille comme la réalisation d’un inceste avec la mère primitive.
La législation sur l'usage du titre de psychothérapeute
Authors: Sédat Jacques 
Published: November 2011

L’historique des différentes étapes qui ont marqué les débats et les textes législatifs successifs depuis 1995, à propos du statut de la psychanalyse face à l’introduction de la fonction de psychothérapeute, permet de mieux comprendre ce qu’ont été les positions soutenues par les associations de psychanalystes, durant toute cette période de latence jusqu’à la publication du décret d’application de l’article 91 de la loi HSPT, en mai 2011, qui reconnaît la spécificité de la formation au sein des associations de psychanalystes tout en fixant les conditions d’usage du titre de psychothérapeute et le rôle des Agence régionales de santé (ARS).
Heart Check: The Development and Evolution of an Organizational Heart Health Assessment
Authors: Golaszewski Thomas , Fisher Brian 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to document the development, testing, and application of an organizational assessment tool used to measure employer support for heart health. Additional information is presented on its future research and applications plan. Design. This article represents the pooling of results from multiple studies using a variety of designs, including pilot tests, cross-sectional analyses, and quasi-experiments. Setting. Worksites covering the spectrum of employers across industry types and size, and throughout all of New York State. Subjects. Over 10,000 New York employees and 1000 New York employers are represented in the multiple phases of this research. Measures. Heart Check is a 226-item inventory designed to measure such features in the worksite as organizational foundations, administrative supports, tobacco control, nutrition support, physical activity support, stress management, screening services, and company demographics. Additional side studies used professional judgments and behavioral surveys. Results. As an assessment tool Heart Check shows evidence for reliability and validity. Applications of the instrument show characteristics that define high-scoring companies, quasi standards for New York employers, and, when applied during interventions, positive changes in organizational support levels. Conclusions. A relatively inexpensive, easy-to-use, and metrically tested instrument exists for measuring the construct of organizational support for employee heart health. The instrument shows promise as part of a system to enhance heart health through public health-based interventions in the workplace.
Evaluation of a Community-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Youth: Lessons from Active Winners
Authors: Pate Russell R. , Saunders Ruth P. , Ward Dianne S. , Felton Gwen , Trost Stewart G. , Dowda Marsha 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To test the effects of a community-based physical activity intervention designed to increase physical activity and to conduct an extensive process evaluation of the intervention. Design. Quasi-experimental. Setting. Two rural communities in South Carolina. One community received the intervention, and the other served as the comparison. Subjects. Public school students who were in fifth grade at the start of the study (558 at baseline) were eligible to participate. A total of 436 students participated over the course of the study. Intervention. The intervention included after-school and summer physical activity programs and home, school, and community components designed to increase physical activity in youth. The intervention took place over an 18-month period. Measures. Students reported after-school physical activity at three data collection points (prior to, during, and following the intervention) using the Previous Day Physical Activity Recall (PDPAR). They also completed a questionnaire designed to measure hypothesized psychosocial and environmental determinants of physical activity behavior. The process evaluation used meeting records, documentation of program activities, interviews, focus groups, and heart rate monitoring to evaluate the planning and implementation of the intervention. Results. There were no significant differences in the physical activity variables and few significant differences in the psychosocial variables between the intervention and comparison groups. The process evaluation indicated that the after-school and summer physical activity component of the intervention was implemented as planned, but because of resource and time limitations, the home, school, and community components were not implemented as planned. Conclusions. The intervention did not have a significant effect on physical activity in the target population of children in the intervention community. This outcome is similar to that reported in other studies of community-based physical activity intervention.
ADA Compliance and the Accessibility of Physical Activity Facilities in Western Oregon
Authors: Cardinal Bradley J. , Spaziani Marc D. 
Published: November 2011

Objectives. One of the mandates of Title III of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is to address the accessibility of public facilities for all people. The aim of this study was to determine how compliant physical activity facilities in western Oregon were with regard to Title III of the ADA. Comparisons were also made with the findings of a study conducted 5 years prior in a different geographic region. Methods. On the basis of direct observations and physical measurements taken during on-site visits to 50 physical activity facilities located in western Oregon during 2000–2001, facility compliance with Title III of the ADA was characterized in terms of 10 structural domains. Results. No facility was found to be 100% ADA-compliant. Exterior entrance/doors (90%) and telephone accessibility (88%) were the areas where compliance was highest, whereas accessibility to and around exercise equipment (8%) and customer service desk (37%) were areas lowest in compliance. Relative to a previously published study, the facilities in western Oregon showed greater rates of ADA compliance in six of the 10 structural domains evaluated. Conclusions. There is an on-going need and legal mandate for increasing the accessibility of physical activity facilities. Furthermore, from a social-ecological perspective, the environmental constraints identified in this study might be limiting factors in efforts aimed at increasing individuals with disabilities' physical activity involvement.
Building Capacity for Heart Health Promotion: Results of a 5-Year Experience in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: MacLean David R. , Farquharson Jane , Heath Stephanie , Barkhouse Kari , Latter Celeste , Joffres Christine 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To present the outcomes of a capacity-building initiative for heart health promotion. Design. Follow-up study combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Setting. The Western Health Region of Nova Scotia, Canada. Subjects. Twenty organizations, including provincial and municipal agencies and community groups engaged in health, education, and recreation activities. Intervention. Two strategies were used for this study: partnership development and organizational development. Partnership development included the creation of multilevel partnerships in diverse sectors. Organizational development included the provision of technical support, action research, community activation, and organizational consultation. Measures. Quantitative data included number and type of partnerships, learning opportunities, community activation initiatives, and organizational changes. Qualitative data included information on the effectiveness of partnerships, organizational consultation, and organizational changes. Results. Results included the development of 204 intersectoral partnerships, creation of a health promotion clearinghouse, 47 workshops attended by approximately 1400 participants, diverse research products, implementation of 18 community heart health promotion initiatives, and increased organizational capacity for heart health promotion via varied organizational changes, including policy changes, fund reallocations, and enhanced knowledge and practices. Conclusions. Partnership and organizational development were effective mechanisms for building capacity in heart health promotion. This intervention may have implications for large-scale, community-based, chronic-disease prevention projects.