bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insect ion transport peptides are derived from alternatively spliced genes and differentially expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system
Authors: Dircksen Heinrich 
Published: January 2009

SUMMARYInsect ionic and fluid homeostasis relies upon the Malpighian tubules (MT)and different hindgut compartments. Primary urine formed in MTs is finally modified by ion, solute and water reabsorptive processes primarily in the hindgut under the control of several large peptide hormones. One of these, the ion transport peptide (ITP), is a chloride transport-stimulating and acid secretion-inhibiting hormone similar to crustacean hyperglycaemic hormones(CHHs). In locusts, moths and fruit flies, ITP together with the slightly longer ITPL isoforms, inactive in hindgut bioassays, arise by alternative splicing from very similar itp genes. ITP and ITPL are differentially distributed in (1) pars lateralis/retrocerebral complex neurosecretory cells(NSCs) containing both splice forms, (2) interneurons with either one of the splice forms, (3) hindgut-innervating abdominal ITP neurons (in Drosophila only), and (4) intrinsic, putative sensory NSCs in peripheral neurohaemal perisympathetic/perivisceral organs or transverse nerves (usually containing ITPL). Both splice forms occur as hormones released into the haemolymph in response to feeding or stress stimuli. ITPL mainly released from the peripheral NSCs is discussed as a competitive inhibitor (as established in vitro) of ITP action on yet to be identified hindgut ITP receptors. Furthermore, some evidence has been provided for possible ecdysis-related functions of ITP and/or ITPL in moths. The comparative data on the highly similar gene, precursor and primary structures and similar differential distributions in insect and crustacean NSCs suggest that CHH/ITP and ITPL neuropeptide-producing cells and their gene products share common phylogenetic ancestry.
Targets of Statin Therapy: LDL Cholesterol, Non-HDL Cholesterol, and Apolipoprotein B in Type 2 Diabetes in the Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS)
Authors: Charlton-Menys Valentine , Betteridge D John , Colhoun Helen , Fuller John , France Michael , Hitman Graham A , Livingstone Shona J , Neil H Andrew W , Newman Connie B , Szarek Michael , DeMicco David A , Durrington Paul N 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackground: LDL can vary considerably in its cholesterol content; thus, lowering LDL cholesterol (LDLC) as a goal of statin treatment implies the existence of considerable variation in the extent to which statin treatment removes circulating LDL particles. This consideration is particularly applicable in diabetes mellitus, in which LDL is frequently depleted of cholesterol.Methods: Type 2 diabetes patients randomly allocated to 10 mg/day atorvastatin (n = 1154) or to placebo (n = 1196) for 1 year were studied to compare spontaneous and statin-induced apolipoprotein B (apo B) concentrations (a measure of LDL particle concentration) at LDLC and non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDLC) concentrations proposed as statin targets in type 2 diabetes.Results: Patients treated with atorvastatin produced lower serum apo B concentrations at any given LDLC concentration than patients on placebo. An LDLC concentration of 1.8 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) during atorvastatin treatment was equivalent to a non-HDLC concentration of 2.59 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) or an apo B concentration of 0.8 g/L. At the more conservative LDLC targets of 2.59 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) and 3.37 mmol/L (130 mg/dL) for non-HDLC, however, the apo B concentration exceeded the 0.9-g/L value anticipated in the recent Consensus Statement from the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology.Conclusions: The apo B concentration provides a more consistent goal for statin treatment than the LDLC or non-HDLC concentration.
Monitoring Thrombin Generation by Electrochemistry: Development of an Amperometric Biosensor Screening Test for Plasma and Whole Blood
Authors: Thuerlemann Charles , Haeberli André , Alberio Lorenzo 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Background: Complete investigation of thrombophilic or hemorrhagic clinical presentations is a time-, apparatus-, and cost-intensive process. Sensitive screening tests for characterizing the overall function of the hemostatic system, or defined parts of it, would be very useful. For this purpose, we are developing an electrochemical biosensor system that allows measurement of thrombin generation in whole blood as well as in plasma.
Methods: The measuring system consists of a single-use electrochemical sensor in the shape of a strip and a measuring unit connected to a personal computer, recording the electrical signal. Blood is added to a specific reagent mixture immobilized in dry form on the strip, including a coagulation activator (e.g., tissue factor or silica) and an electrogenic substrate specific to thrombin.
Results: Increasing thrombin concentrations gave standard curves with progressively increasing maximal current and decreasing time to reach the peak. Because the measurement was unaffected by color or turbidity, any type of blood sample could be analyzed: platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and whole blood. The test strips with the predried reagents were stable when stored for several months before testing. Analysis of the combined results obtained with different activators allowed discrimination between defects of the extrinsic, intrinsic, and common coagulation pathways. Activated protein C (APC) predried on the strips allowed identification of APC-resistance in plasma and whole blood samples.
Conclusions: The biosensor system provides a new method for assessing thrombin generation in plasma or whole blood samples as small as 10 μL. The assay is easy to use, thus allowing it to be performed in a point-of-care setting.
An Instrumented Flume to Investigate the Mechanics of Rainfall-Induced Landslides in Unsaturated Granular Soils
Authors: Olivares Lucio , Damiano Emilia , Greco Roberto , Zeni Luigi , Picarelli Luciano , Minardo Aldo , Guida Andrea , Bernini Romeo 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
The mechanics of rainfall-induced flowslides in pyroclastic soils have yet to be completely clarified. The complexity of phenomena (rainfall-induced failure in initially unsaturated granular deposits, post-failure transition to flow-like landslide) requires the use of a well-equipped small-scale flume. To this aim, flume experiments at the Second University of Naples were performed to analyze the fundamental aspects of such phenomena. A new experimental program is now being carried out to assess the performance of a time domain reflectometry device and optical fibers as indicators of impending failure. The paper describes the instrumented flume and the procedures adopted for monitoring the major aspects of slope behavior. Our first experimental results are very promising in this respect.
Variation in the gene encoding Krüppel-like factor 7 influences body fat: studies of 14 818 Danes
Authors: Zobel Dorit P , Andreasen Camilla H , Burgdorf Kristoffer S , Andersson Ehm A , Sandbæk Annelli , Lauritzen Torsten , Borch-Johnsen Knut , Jørgensen Torben , Maeda Shiro , Nakamura Yusuke , Eiberg Hans , Pederse Oluf , Hansen Torben 
Published: January 2009

ObjectiveKLF7encodes Krüppel-like factor (KLF) 7, a member of the KLF family of transcription factors, initially shown to play important roles in cellular development and differentiation, and reported to be specifically involved in adipogenesis. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified inKLF7, of which the A-allele of rs2302870 has been associated with type 2 diabetes in a Japanese population; however, a possible association ofKLF7SNPs with obesity has not been investigated. We aimed to identify variation in the putative promoter region, the coding regions, exon/intron boundaries, and 3′-UTR ofKLF7, and to examine identified variants in relation to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related quantitative traits in Danish individuals.MethodsIdentified variants were investigated for association with type 2 diabetes in 8777 individuals and with obesity in 14 818 individuals.ResultsWe identified four common SNPs in low pairwise linkage disequilibrium; three in the putative promoter region (−1119 G>A, −963 C>A (rs7568369), and −614 G>A) and IVS2+35092 A>C (rs2302870). We failed to confirm an association between rs2302870 and type 2 diabetes. Neither was rs7568369 associated with type 2 diabetes; however, the minor A-allele of rs7568369 protected against obesity (OR=0.90 (0.84–0.96),P=0.001) and in studies of quantitative traits (n=5,535) the variant associated with decreased body mass index (P=0.002) and waist circumference (P=0.003). The −1119 G>A and −614 G>A variants were not associated with obesity or type 2 diabetes.ConclusionWe identified a novel association between the minor A-allele ofKLF7rs7568369 and protection against obesity in the Danish population.
Transient pituitary enlargement with central hypogonadism secondary to bilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis: pituitary oedema?
Authors: Joubert Michael , Verdon Renaud , Reznik Yves 
Published: January 2009

DesignWe report the case of an incidental pituitary mass discovered in the context of bilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis due to a bacterial pansinusitis.ConclusionsMagnetic resonance imaging features of the pituitary lesion, together with transient central hypogonadism and total regression of the mass after anticoagulation and antimicrobial therapy, suggest that this lesion is a pituitary oedema of vascular mechanism. Other possible causes of pituitary mass in such a situation are also discussed.
Confronting Health Disparities: Latin American Social Medicine in Venezuela
Authors: Briggs Charles L. , Mantini-Briggs Clara 
Published: January 2009

Objectives. We explored the emergence and effectiveness of Venezuela's Misión Barrio Adentro, “Inside the Neighborhood Mission,” a program designed to improve access to health care among underserved residents of the country, hoping to draw lessons to apply to future attempts to address acute health disparities. Methods. We conducted our study in 3 capital-region neighborhoods, 2 small cities, and 2 rural areas, combining systematic observations with interviews of 221 residents, 41 health professionals, and 28 government officials. We surveyed 177 female and 91 male heads of household. Results. Interviews suggested that Misión Barrio Adentro emerged from creative interactions between policymakers, clinicians, community workers, and residents, adopting flexible, problem-solving strategies. In addition, data indicated that egalitarian physician–patient relationships and the direct involvement of local health committees overcame distrust and generated popular support for the program. Media and opposition antagonism complicated physicians’ lives and clinical practices but heightened the program's visibility. Conclusions. Top-down and bottom-up efforts are less effective than “horizontal” collaborations between professionals and residents in underserved communities. Direct, local involvement can generate creative and dynamic efforts to address acute health disparities in these areas.
Small-Area Estimation and Prioritizing Communities for Tobacco Control Efforts in Massachusetts
Authors: Li Wenjun , Land Thomas , Zhang Zi , Keithly Lois , Kelsey Jennifer L. 
Published: January 2009

Objectives. We developed a method to evaluate geographic and temporal variations in community-level risk factors and prevalence estimates, and used that method to identify communities in Massachusetts that should be considered high priority communities for smoking interventions. Methods. We integrated individual-level data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 1999 to 2005 with community-level data in Massachusetts. We used small-area estimation models to assess the associations of adults’ smoking status with both individual- and community-level characteristics and to estimate community-specific smoking prevalence in 398 communities. We classified communities into 8 groups according to their prevalence estimates, the precision of the estimates, and temporal trends. Results. Community-level prevalence of current cigarette smoking among adults ranged from 5% to 36% in 2005 and declined in all but 16 (4%) communities between 1999 and 2005. However, less than 15% of the communities met the national prevalence goal of 12% or less. High smoking prevalence remained in communities with lower income, higher percentage of blue-collar workers, and higher density of tobacco outlets. Conclusions. Prioritizing communities for intervention can be accomplished through the use of small-area estimation models. In Massachusetts, socioeconomically disadvantaged communities have high smoking prevalence rates and should be of high priority to those working to control tobacco use.
Health Care Utilization, Barriers to Care, and Hormone Usage Among Male-to-Female Transgender Persons in New York City
Authors: Sanchez Nelson F. , Sanchez John P. , Danoff Ann 
Published: January 2009

Objectives. We investigated health care utilization, barriers to care, and hormone use among male-to-female transgender persons residing in New York City to determine whether current care is in accord with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and the goals of Healthy People 2010. Methods. We conducted interviews with 101 male-to-female transgender persons from 3 community health centers in 2007. Results. Most participants reported having health insurance (77%; n = 78) and seeing a general practitioner in the past year (81%; n = 82). Over 25% of participants perceived the cost of medical care, access to specialists, and a paucity of transgender-friendly and transgender-knowledgeable providers as barriers to care. Being under a physician's care was associated with high-risk behavior reduction, including smoking cessation (P = .004) and obtaining needles from a licensed physician (P = .002). Male-to-female transgender persons under a physician's care were more likely to obtain hormone therapies from a licensed physician (P < .001). Conclusions. Utilization of health care providers by male-to-female transgender persons is associated with their reduction of some high-risk behaviors, but it does not result in adherence to standard of care recommendations for transgender individuals.
Expanded Access to Naloxone: Options for Critical Response to the Epidemic of Opioid Overdose Mortality
Authors: Kim Daniel , Irwin Kevin S. , Khoshnood Kaveh 
Published: January 2009

The United States is in the midst of a prolonged and growing epidemic of accidental and preventable deaths associated with overdoses of licit and illicit opioids. For more than 3 decades, naloxone has been used by emergency medical personnel to pharmacologically reverse overdoses. The peers or family members of overdose victims, however, are most often the actual first responders and are best positioned to intervene within an hour of the onset of overdose symptoms. Data from recent pilot programs demonstrate that lay persons are consistently successful in safely administering naloxone and reversing opioid overdose. Current evidence supports the extensive scaleup of access to naloxone. We present advantages and limitations associated with a range of possible policy and program responses.
Measuring Socioeconomic Differences in Use of Health Care Services by Wealth Versus by Income
Authors: Allin Sara , Masseria Cristina , Mossialos Elias 
Published: January 2009

Objectives. We compared the extent of socioeconomic differences in use of health care services based on wealth (i.e., accumulated assets) as the socioeconomic ranking variable with the extent of differences based on income to explore the sensitivity of the estimates of equity to the choice of the socioeconomic indicator. Methods. We used data from the Health and Retirement Study in the United States and the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe to estimate levels of income- and wealth-related disparity in use of physician and dental services among adults 50 or older in 12 countries. Results. We found socioeconomic differences in use of physician services after standardizing for need in about half of the countries studied. No consistent pattern in levels of disparity measured by wealth versus those measured by income was found. However, the rich were significantly more likely to use dental services in all countries. Wealth-related differences in dental service use were consistently higher than were income-related differences. Conclusions. We found some support for wealth as a more sensitive indicator of socioeconomic status among older adults than was income. Wealth may thus allow more accurate measurements of socioeconomic differences in use of health care services for this population.
Public Health Legal Preparedness in Indian Country
Authors: Bryan Ralph T. , Schaefer Rebecca McLaughlin , DeBruyn Lemyra , Stier Daniel D. 
Published: January 2009

American Indian/Alaska Native tribal governments are sovereign entities with inherent authority to create laws and enact health regulations. Laws are an essential tool for ensuring effective public health responses to emerging threats. To analyze how tribal laws support public health practice in tribal communities, we reviewed tribal legal documentation available through online databases and talked with subject-matter experts in tribal public health law. Of the 70 tribal codes we found, 14 (20%) had no clearly identifiable public health provisions. The public health–related statutes within the remaining codes were rarely well integrated or comprehensive. Our findings provide an evidence base to help tribal leaders strengthen public health legal foundations in tribal communities.
Psychosocial Care for Women Survivors of the Tsunami Disaster in India
Authors: Becker Susan M. 
Published: January 2009

Objectives. I investigated the effectiveness of Psychosocial Care, a community-based mental health initiative for survivors of the 2004 tsunami disaster in India. Methods. Mental health teams from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in India implemented a train-the-trainer model of psychosocial care in one of the worst tsunami-affected areas of south India. Three months of psychosocial care was provided for an intervention group of women, but not for a control group recruited from an exposed neighboring village. Impact of Event Scale (IES) scores—both total scores and scores for subscales on hypervigilance, avoidance, and intrusion—were compiled for both the intervention and control groups and used as outcome measures. Results. For the intervention group, posttest total IES and subscale scores were significantly lower than pretest scores (P < .001), indicating improvement in symptoms. Posttest total IES and subscale scores were significantly lower for the intervention group than for the control group (P < .001). Conclusions. Psychosocial care is an effective mental health strategy for women survivors of disasters and should be an integral component of disaster response in resource-poor countries.
Optical absorption and reflectivity spectra of highly chromium doped CdTe alloy and layer
Authors: Potera Piotr , Stefaniuk Ireneusz , Kuzma Marian , Virt Ihor , Pukowska Barbara 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
In the present work, a CdTe alloy doped with a relatively high concentration of chromium (1%), and a CdTe:Cr layer, have been studied. Absorption and reflectivity spectra were measured at room temperature. They indicate the presence of chromium in the divalent state, both in the alloy and in the layer.
Adherence Devices in a Community Sample: How are Pillboxes Used?
Authors: Gould Odette N. , Todd Laura , Irvine-Meek Janice 
Published: January 2009

Background: Calendar-packaging devices such as pillboxes (dosettes) and blister packaging are often recommended to seniors, and are commonly used. However, little is known about how they are used. The goal of this project was to investigate how older adults in the community use calendar-packaging adherence devices. Methods: A mail survey of a community sample was used. Analyses addressed 3 research questions. First, the respondents reported on what type of calendar packaging they used. Second, the characteristics of the individuals who used pillboxes and blister packs were compared. Third, the way in which calendar devices were used by these individuals was described. Results: Respondents were 135 community-dwelling older adults (mean age ± standard deviation = 73 ± 9 years). The majority of respondents in the survey (75%) used a pillbox at least some of the time, while a smaller number (13%) used blister packs for at least some of their medications. Respondents who used pillboxes were taking more medications than those who did not. Few of the respondents reported using pillboxes in the recommended way. Only 11% of pillbox users used boxes with multiple slots for each day and, while the majority of respondents (93%) filled their pillboxes themselves, most of these individuals (82%) depended solely on their memory for filling the pillbox and only one individual had a second person check the pillbox for errors. Conclusion: Although pillboxes are often recommended and are widely used, the types of pillboxes chosen and the ways in which they are used may not be optimal to ensure medication adherence. Can Pharm J 2009;142:28–35.
Les communautés de fans de Matrix sur Internet : une étude de sociologie de la connaissance
Authors: Keucheyan Razmig 
Published: January 2009

RéSUMé. — Cet article a pour objet les communautés de fans du film Matrix sur Internet. Matrix est une œuvre hollywoodienne. Elle a toutefois ceci de spécifique qu’elle contient un discours ouvertement philosophique. Ses réalisateurs sont des adeptes du « post-modernisme », en particulier des thèses de Jean Baudrillard. Des allusions explicites à ce dernier et à d’autres penseurs sont présentes dans le film. De ce fait, Matrix a suscité d’innombrables interprétations, émanant de divers types d’intellectuels, et a conduit des milliers d’internautes à débattre des problèmes philosophiques qu’il soulève au sein de forums « en ligne ». Notre objectif est, d’une part, de comprendre les raisons de la réception philosophique dont le film a fait l’objet, et d’autre part, d’analyser le mode de circulation des idées au sein des forums qui lui sont consacrés sur Internet. Nous avons réalisé une enquête auprès de deux communautés de fans de Matrix afin de répondre à ces questions.
La typologie église-sectes-mystique selon Ernst Troeltsch
Authors: Disselkamp Annette 
Published: January 2009

RéSUMé. — La célèbre typologie Église-sectes-mystique, mise en œuvre par le théologien Ernst Troeltsch dans Les Doctrines sociales des Églises et groupes chrétiens, illustre une caractéristique importante de l’idéal type, à savoir son affinité avec les grands débats intellectuels qui traversent la société. Elle correspond notamment à deux interrogations ayant préoccupé les penseurs du XIX e siècle jusqu’au début du XX e , celle du rapport entre l’absolu et le relatif et celle de l’ascèse. Cette affinité contribue à en faire une abstraction réussie.
Les caractères en forme de coins : le cas du cunéiforme
Authors: Cancik-Kirschbaum Eva , Chambon Grégory 
Published: January 2009

Depuis la Renaissance, les récits sur la découverte de civilisations dans le Nouveau-Monde et en Orient ont stimulé en Europe les réflexions sur le langage et l'écriture. En particulier, la réception des systèmes d'écriture des anciennes cultures, comme les hiéroglyphes égyptiens, a influencé l'élaboration de théories sur l'évolution de l'écriture et sur le niveau des civilisations. L'enthousiasme suscité par l'étude des hiéroglyphes a en partie voilé le rôle joué lors de cette réception par l'écriture cunéiforme, « re-découverte » plus tardivement. Les caractéristiques géométriques des inscriptions copiées en Perse et la simplicité de l'élément générique de cette écriture, le « coin », posaient un problème pour les théoriciens qui élaboraient des schémas sur l'évolution culturelle de l'Humanité.