bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Hormone Replacement for Central Hypothyroidism: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Two Doses of Thyroxine (T4) with a Combination of T4 and Triiodothyronine
Authors: Slawik Marc , Klawitter Björn , Meiser Edith , Schories Marcus , Zwermann Oliver , Borm Katrin , Peper Martin , Lubrich Beate , Hug Martin J. , Nauck Markus , Olschewski Manfred , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
Background: Dosage of T4 in central hypothyroidism is primarily guided by the free serum T4 level (fT4). However, the optimum fT4 range is ill defined, and subtle hypothyroidism might be missed using this approach.
Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the effects of a body weight (bw)-adapted T4 treatment, alone or in combination with T3, on metabolism, well-being, and cognitive function in comparison to a regimen leading to normal fT4.
Design: This was a placebo-controlled trial (double-blind, crossover).
Patients: A total of 29 patients (age 52 ± 2 yr; females/males, 8/21) with hypopituitarism, including TSH deficiency, participated in the study.
Interventions: Three regimens were compared (5 wk each): “EMPIRICAL-T4,” empirical T4 dosage (1 ± 0.05 μg/kg bw) leading to normal fT4; BW-ADAPTED-T4 (1.6 μg/kg bw T4); and “BW-ADAPTED-T3T4,” bw-adapted combination of T3 and T4 (ratio of 1:10).
Results: BW-ADAPTED-T4 administration increased mean fT4 concentrations to the upper limit of the normal range (peak levels). Compared with EMPIRICAL-T4, BW-ADAPTED-T4 treatment resulted in a lower body mass index (BMI) (29.0 ± 0.7 vs. 29.5 ± 0.7 kg/m2; P &lt; 0.03), lower total cholesterol (198 ± 9 vs. 226 ± 7 mg/dl; P &lt; 0.01), and lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (116 ± 5 vs. 135 ± 7 mg/dl; P &lt; 0.01). BW-ADAPTED-T3T4 treatment was associated with additional beneficial effects on ankle reflex time and working memory but resulted in supraphysiological free serum T3 (fT3) levels.
Limitations: Long-term side effects may have been missed.
Conclusions: Using a dose of 1.6 μg/kg bw improved markers commonly associated with central hypothyroidism. This suggests that T4 dosage based on bw and aiming at fT4 in the upper reference range is superior to titration of T4 aiming at middle normal fT4 concentrations in those patients.
Evaluating the use and acceptability of a needle-remover device in India
Authors: Muller Nancy , Steele Matthew , Balaji K A , Krishna Madhu , Berman Adriane P , Robertson Joan , Vail Janet 
Published: August 2007

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the use of a manually operated needle remover on sharps-waste management practices in clinical settings in India - specifically, evaluating its acceptability and performance. Thirty-one Balcan Mini-Destructor needle removers were introduced into seven health facilities in two cities in India - Delhi and Jaipur. One hundred and nineteen health workers, including auxiliary nurse midwives, nurses, and laboratory staff, used the device. Data were prospectively collected by observation and interview on device usage, malfunction and acceptability over a 23-week period. Focus group discussions on current practices were conducted prior to study initiation and, after completion, on device acceptability and performance. The manual needle remover was well accepted. Devices were seen as easy to use and durable. In total, 88,719 needles were removed. In conclusion, the needle-remover device was considered an acceptable method of preventing needle reuse and isolating infectious sharps waste in clinical settings.
Workers’ factory takeovers and new state policies in Argentina: towards an ‘institutionalisation’ of non-governmental public action?
Authors: Dinerstein Ana Cecilia 
Published: August 2007

English
In the last decade many Argentine enterprises became bankrupt, inspiring thousands of workers to take them over and resume production by forming cooperatives. In 2004, the Programme for Self-Managed Work became the instrument by which the government ‘institutionalised’ the takeovers, depoliticising the radical aspects of workers’ actions in exchange for financial and technical assistance in pursuit of workers’ objectives of job preservation and self-managed work. This article presents results from (1) an ongoing ESRC research project on ‘The Movement of the Unemployed in Argentina‘(RES-155-25-0007), NGPA Programme, LSE and (2) previous research on social mobilisation and policy change in Argentina (2002–03).
High Glucose Attenuates Protein S-Nitrosylation in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Wadham Carol , Parker Angela , Wang Lijun , Xia Pu 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE
Hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction, via a defect of nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity and overproduction of superoxide, is regarded as one of the most significant events contributing to the vascular lesions associated with diabetes. However, the mechanisms underlying such hyperglycemic injury remain undefined. We hypothesized that alterations in cellular protein S-nitrosylation may contribute to hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We exposed endothelial cells to high glucose in the presence and absence of reactive oxygen species inhibitors and used the biotin switch assay to analyze the alteration in the global pattern of protein S-nitrosylation compared with cells cultured under normal glucose conditions. We identified endogenous S-nitrosylated proteins by mass spectrometry and/or immunoblotting with specific antibodies.

RESULTS
High-glucose treatment induced a significant reduction of endogenous S-nitrosylated proteins that include endothelial NO synthase, β-actin, vinculin, diacylglycerol kinase-α, GRP78, extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1, and transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Interestingly, these changes were completely reversed by inhibition of superoxide production, suggesting a key role for oxidative stress in the regulation of S-nitrosylation under hyperglycemic conditions. In addition, we found that in parallel with the restoration of decreased S-nitrosylation of NF-κB, high glucose–induced NF-κB activation was blocked by the superoxide inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS
The alterations in protein S-nitrosylation may underlie the adverse effect of hyperglycemia on the vasculature, such as endothelial dysfunction and the development of diabetic vascular complications.
S 26948
Authors: Carmona Maria Carmen , Louche Katie , Lefebvre Bruno , Pilon Antoine , Hennuyer Nathalie , Audinot-Bouchez Véronique , Fievet Catherine , Torpier Gérard , Formstecher Pierre , Renard Pierre , Lefebvre Philippe , Dacquet Catherine , Staels Bart , Casteilla Louis , Pénicaud Luc ,   on behalf of the Consortium of the French Ministry of Research and Technology
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE—Rosiglitazone displays powerful antidiabetes benefits but is associated with increased body weight and adipogenesis. Keeping in mind the concept of selective peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)γ modulator, the aim of this study was to characterize the properties of a new PPARγ ligand, S 26948, with special attention in body-weight gain.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We used transient transfection and binding assays to characterized the binding characteristics of S 26948 and GST pull-down experiments to investigate its pattern of coactivator recruitment compared with rosiglitazone. We also assessed its adipogenic capacity in vitro using the 3T3-F442A cell line and its in vivo effects in ob/ob mice (for antidiabetes and antiobesity properties), as well as the homozygous human apolipoprotein E2 knockin mice (E2-KI) (for antiatherogenic capacity).
RESULTS—S 26948 displayed pharmacological features of a high selective ligand for PPARγ with low potency in promoting adipocyte differentiation. It also displayed a different coactivator recruitment profile compared with rosiglitazone, being unable to recruit DRIP205 or PPARγ coactivator-1α. In vivo experiments showed that S 26948 was as efficient in ameliorating glucose and lipid homeostasis as rosiglitazone, but it did not increase body and white adipose tissue weights and improved lipid oxidation in liver. In addition, S 26948 represented one of the few molecules of the PPARγ ligand class able to decrease atherosclerotic lesions.
CONCLUSIONS—These findings establish S 26948 as a selective PPARγ ligand with distinctive coactivator recruitment and gene expression profile, reduced adipogenic effect, and improved biological responses in vivo.
A Switch From Prohormone Convertase (PC)-2 to PC1/3 Expression in Transplanted α-Cells Is Accompanied by Differential Processing of Proglucagon and Improved Glucose Homeostasis in Mice
Authors: Wideman Rhonda D. , Covey Scott D. , Webb Gene C. , Drucker Daniel J. , Kieffer Timothy J. 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE—Glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels by stimulating hepatic glucose production, is produced in α-cells via cleavage of proglucagon by prohormone convertase (PC)-2. In the enteroendocrine L-cell, proglucagon is differentially processed by the alternate enzyme PC1/3 to yield glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1, GLP-2, and oxyntomodulin, which have blood glucose–lowering effects. We hypothesized that alteration of PC expression in α-cells might convert the α-cell from a hyperglycemia-promoting cell to one that would improve glucose homeostasis.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We compared the effect of transplanting encapsulated PC2-expressing αTC-1 cells with PC1/3-expressing αTCΔPC2 cells in normal mice and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-treated mice.
RESULTS—Transplantation of PC2-expressing α-cells increased plasma glucagon levels and caused mild fasting hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and α-cell hypoplasia. In contrast, PC1/3-expressing α-cells increased plasma GLP-1/GLP-2 levels, improved glucose tolerance, and promoted β-cell proliferation. In GLP-1R−/− mice, the ability of PC1/3-expressing α-cells to improve glucose tolerance was attenuated. Transplantation of PC1/3-expressing α-cells prevented STZ-induced hyperglycemia by preserving β-cell area and islet morphology, possibly via stimulating β-cell replication. However, PC2-expressing α-cells neither prevented STZ-induced hyperglycemia nor increased β-cell proliferation. Transplantation of αTCΔPC2, but not αTC-1 cells, also increased intestinal epithelial proliferation.
CONCLUSIONS—Expression of PC1/3 rather than PC2 in α-cells induces GLP-1 and GLP-2 production and converts the α-cell from a hyperglycemia-promoting cell to one that lowers blood glucose levels and promotes islet survival. This suggests that alteration of proglucagon processing in the α-cell may be therapeutically useful in the context of diabetes.
Inflammation and Endothelial Activation Is Evident at Birth in Offspring of Mothers With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Nelson Scott M. , Sattar Naveed , Freeman Dilys J. , Walker James D. , Lindsay Robert S. 
Published: August 2007

OBJECTIVE— Offspring of mothers with diabetes are at risk of obesity and glucose intolerance in later life. In adults, markers of subclinical inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP] and interleukin [IL]-6) and endothelial activation (intracellular adhesion molecule [ICAM]-1) are associated with obesity and higher risk for incident type 2 diabetes. We examined whether these biomarkers were elevated at birth in offspring of type 1 diabetic mothers (OT1DM).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Umbilical cord plasma CRP, IL-6, and ICAM-1 were measured in 139 OT1DM and 48 control offspring, with analysis relative to fetal lipids and hormonal axes.
RESULTS— OT1DM had higher median (interquartile range) CRP (OT1DM 0.17 mg/l [0.13–0.22] vs. control subjects 0.14 mg/l [0.12–0.17], P &lt; 0.001) and ICAM-1 (OT1DM 180 ng/ml [151–202] vs. control subjects 166 ng/ml [145–187], P = 0.047). IL-6 was not different after necessary adjustment for mode of delivery. Birth weight was unrelated to inflammatory indexes; however, leptin was correlated with CRP (control subjects r = 0.33, P = 0.02; OT1DM r = 0.41, P &lt; 0.001) and with IL-6 (r = 0.23, P &lt; 0.01) and ICAM-1 (r = 0.29, P &lt; 0.001) in OT1DM. In OT1DM, CRP correlated with maternal glycemic control (A1C at 35–40 weeks; r = 0.28, P = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, leptin was a determinant of CRP (P &lt; 0.001), ICAM-1 (P = 0.003), and IL-6 (P = 0.02) in OT1DM. Inflammatory measures demonstrated positive relationships with triglycerides in OT1DM (CRP, IL-6, and ICAM-1 P &lt; 0.05) and control subjects (ICAM-1 P = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS— Inflammatory markers are increased in OT1DM and are related to measures of fetal adiposity, particularly leptin, and maternal glycemia. Subclinical inflammation is a novel component of the diabetic intrauterine environment and should be considered a potential etiological mechanism for in utero programming of disease.
What Do Adults in Prince Edward Island: Know About Nutrition?
Authors: Gottschall-Pass Kathy , Reyno Lauren , MacLellan Debbie , Spidel Mark 
Published: August 2007

Purpose: To assess adults’ knowledge of dietary recommendations, food sources of key nutrients, food choices, and diet-disease relationships.Methods: A previously validated survey, designed to assess nutrition knowledge, was adapted for use in Prince Edward Island and mailed to a random sample of 3,500 adults (aged 18 to 74). Dillman's Total Design Method was followed and a response rate of 26.4% achieved. Mean scores and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the overall survey and for each section. Demographic variations were assessed by univariate analysis.Results: Of an overall possible score of 110 points, the mean score with 95% CI was 71.0 (70.1, 71.9). Respondents scored higher on the sections on dietary recommendations, food sources, and food choices than diet-disease relationships. Demographic differences existed in gender, age, education, and income. Findings suggest that adults have good general knowledge of dietary recommendations, but lack knowledge about how to make healthier food choices and the impact of diet on disease risk.Conclusion: When designing intervention strategies, dietitians should consider targeted messages to provide adults with the information they need to make healthy food choices.
Cover Picture: An Epoxy Photoresist Modified by Luminescent Nanocrystals for the Fabrication of 3D High‐Aspect‐Ratio Microstructures (Adv. Funct. Mater. 13/2007)
Authors: Ingrosso C. , Fakhfouri V. , Striccoli M. , Agostiano A. , Voigt A. , Gruetzner G. , Curri M. L. , Brugger J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractM. Lucia Curri and co‐workers report on p. 2009 an epoxy‐based negative tone photoresist that can be functionalized with red emitting CdSe@ZnS core/shell type nanocrystals and patterned by UV lithography. The 3D high aspect ratio of the microfabricated structures proves that lithographic properties of the functional nanocomposite are retained and the nanocrystals properties conveyed into the resist. The emitting nanocomposite represents a convenient model for material functionalization expandable to nanocrystals with different properties.An epoxy‐based negative‐tone photoresist, which is known as a suitable material for high‐aspect‐ratio surface micromachining, is functionalized with red‐light‐emitting CdSe@ZnS nanocrystals (NCs). The proper selection of a common solvent for the NCs and the resist is found to be critical for the efficient incorporation of the NCs in the epoxy matrix. The NC‐modified resist can be patterned by standard UV lithography down to micrometer‐scale resolution, and high‐aspect‐ratio structures have been successfully fabricated on a 100 mm scaled wafer. The “as‐fabricated”, 3D, epoxy‐based surface microstructures show the characteristic luminescent properties of the embedded NCs, as verified by fluorescence microscopy. This issue demonstrates that the NC emission properties can be conveniently conveyed into the polymer matrix without deteriorating the lithographic performance of the latter. The dimensions, the resolution, and the surface morphology of the NC‐modified‐epoxy microstructures exhibit only minor deviations with respect to that of the unmodified reference material, as examined by means of microscopic and metrologic investigations. The proposed approach of the incorporation of emitting and non‐bleachable NCs into a photoresist opens novel routes for surface patterning of integrated microsystems with inherent photonic functionality at the micro‐ and nanometer‐scale for light sensing and emitting applications.
Iron solids formed from oxidation precipitation of ferrous sulfate solutions
Authors: Hove Mfandaidza , van Hille Robert P. , Lewis Alison E. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe oxidation and precipitation of iron from ferrous sulfate solutions was studied at high Fe2+ concentrations, as found in typical South African acid mine drainage, and at high pH, as practised in the removal of iron from acid mine drainage (AMD) by the high‐density sludge process. The results obtained showed that the nature of the precipitates formed was largely determined by the rate of Fe2+ oxidation. High pH promoted higher‐oxidation rates resulting in high‐nucleation rates, and the consequent formation of finer particles. The precipitation process in all cases was found to produce nanosized, growth limited primary particles. These primary particles later aggregated, producing particles several hundreds of nanometres in size. At pH 8.0, these fine particles aggregated due to Van der Waals forces, while at pH 10.0, ferrihydrite was found to transform into goethite. The settling rates of the precipitates showed little dependence on the pH. The precipitate formed at pH 6.0 contained consistently higher proportions of Fe2+ compared to the precipitates formed at higher pHs. Interestingly, particles formed at higher pH gave lower final BET surface areas, contrary to the trend that would be predicted from the evolution of the population based average particle size. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007.
Measurements of thermal conductivity of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate at high pressure
Authors: Tomida Daisuke , Kenmochi Satoshi , Tsukada Takao , Yokoyama Chiaki 
Published: August 2007

AbstractIonic liquids are salts that are liquid at room temperature. They have attracted considerable attention as new materials. In this study, a transient short‐hot‐wire apparatus was prepared, and the thermal conductivity of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim] [BF4]) was measured. The experimental temperatures were from 294 to 334 K, and the pressures were from 0.1 to 20 MPa. It was found that the thermal conductivity of an ionic liquid has a very small temperature and pressure dependence. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 36(6): 361–372, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20166
Synthesis and refractive‐index control of fluoropolymers by the polyaddition of bis(epoxide)s and triazine di(aryl ether)s
Authors: Kudo Hiroto , Ito Nobuhito , Nakajima Keiji , Ochiai Masami , Nishikubo Tadatomi 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe polyaddition of fluorine‐containing bis(epoxide)s and fluorine‐containing triazine di(aryl ether)s were examined to give the corresponding fluorine‐containing poly(cyanurate)s. It was observed that the synthesized fluoropolymers had good thermal stabilities and good film‐forming properties. The glass transition temperatures (Tg's) and refractive‐indices (nD's) of synthesized polymers were determined by differential scanning calorimetry and ellipsometry, respectively, and it was found that the values of Tg's and nD's were supported by their fluorine containing ratios and skeletons. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4421–4429, 2007
A tailor‐made polymethacrylate bearing a reactive diene in reversible diels–alder reaction
Authors: Amalin Kavitha A. , Singha Nikhil K. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA tailor‐made polymethacrylate bearing a pendant furfuryl group was prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), an important method of recent advances in controlled radical polymerization. It was otherwise difficult to prepare via conventional radical polymerization, because of several side reactions involving the reactive diene functionality of the furfuryl group. Successful Diels–Alder (DA) chemistry was carried out using this reactive furfuryl group of the tailor‐made polymer as diene and a bismaleimide as a dienophile. Interestingly, the resultant material was observed to be thermoreversible as evidenced by FT‐IR and DSC studies. This example of application of a tailor‐made polymer having controlled molecular architecture and with reactive diene functionality in DA chemistry will open new possibilities to prepare newer tailor‐made reversible materials. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4441–4449, 2007
Synthesis and morphology of polyethylene chains grafted onto the surface of crosslinked polystyrene microspheres
Authors: Shi Liya , Bi Wuguo , Chen Hui , Tang Tao 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe bifunctional comonomer 4‐(3‐butenyl) styrene was used to synthesize crosslinked polystyrene microspheres (c‐PS) with pendant butenyl groups on their surface via suspension copolymerization. Polyethylene chains were grafted onto the surface of c‐PS microspheres (PS‐g‐PE) via ethylene copolymerizing with the pendant butenyl group on the surface of the c‐PS microspheres under the catalysis of metallocene catalyst. The composition and morphology of the PS‐g‐PE microspheres were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. It is possible to control the content of PE grafted onto the surface of c‐PS microspheres by varying the polymerization time or the initial quantity of pendant butenyl group on the surface of c‐PS microspheres. Investigation on the morphology and crystallization behavior of grafted PE chains showed that different surface patterns could be formed under various crystallization conditions. Moreover, the crystallization temperature of PE chains grafted on the surface of c‐PS microspheres was 6 °C higher than that of pure PE. The c‐PS microspheres decorated by PE chains had a better compatibility with PE matrix. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4477–4486, 2007