bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supervisory Review and the Finality of Judgments under Russian Law
Authors: Pomeranz William 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn this article, the author examines the institution of civil and criminal supervisory review (nadzor) and its compliance with such internationally recognized legal norms as res judicata and the right to a fair trial. Nadzor generally serves as extraordinary appeal of civil and criminal judgments that already have entered into legal force. The author first examines the historical roots of supervisory review during the Soviet period. He then analyzes how the supervisory review process has been transformed by the 2002 Civil Procedure Code and the 2001 Criminal Procedure Code. The author also reviews the role played by the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights and the Russian Constitutional Court in influencing the changes to the supervisory review process. Although this process has become fairer and more transparent, the author shows that nadzor remains controversial, most notably due to the lack of finality associated with the process. The article concludes by discussing the prospects for nadzor and how this process has influenced Russia's transition to a rule of law state.
Globalization and state-supported welfare
Authors: Tae Kuen Kim  
Published: February 2009

English We analyze the impact of globalization on the social welfare effort among 18 affluent countries, concentrating on the curve-linear hypothesis. This study provides new empirical evidence on the relationship between globalization and the welfare state by employing auto-regression analysis. Based on the findings, we discuss several issues regarding the relationship. French Cet article analyse l’impact de la mondialisation sur l’aide sociale dans 18 pays riches, en faisant appel à l’hypothèse de la courbe linéaire (courbe de Philips). Cette étude fournit de nouvelles preuves concrètes sur la relation entre la mondialisation et l’aide sociale étatique en employant une analyse de régression. À la lumière des résultats, plusieurs enjeux découlant de cette relation sont examinés. Spanish Analizamos el impacto de la globalización en los esfuerzos de bienestar social a través de 18 países ricos, centrándonos en una hipótesis de curva lineal. Este estudio provee nuevas evidencias empíricas sobre la relación entre globalización y el Estado del Bienestar mediante la utilización de un análisis de regresión. Con base en los hallazgos, discutimos algunas cuestiones relativas a esta relación.
Prevalence and predictors of burnout among Palestinian social workers
Authors: Abdallah Taisir 
Published: February 2009

English The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of burnout among Palestinian social workers. A random sample of 180 social workers completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The most predictive factors associated with burnout among Palestinian social workers are identified. French Cette étude a pour objectif d’étudier la fréquence et les indicateurs de l’épuisement professionnel dans la population des travailleurs sociaux palestiniens. Un échantillon aléatoire de 180 travailleurs sociaux a rempli le questionnaire sur le syndrome d’épuisement professionnel de Maslach. Les résultats ont permis d’identifier les facteurs prédictifs les plus importants de l’épuisement professionnel chez les travailleurs sociaux Palestiniens. Spanish El propósito del presente estudio fue investigar la prevalencia y los predoctores de desgaste en los trabajadores sociales palestinos. Una muestra aleatoria de 180 trabajadores sociales completó el Inventario de Desgaste de Maslach. Se identificaron los factores de mayor predictibilidad, asociados con el desgaste de los trabajadores sociales Palestinos.
Tibial Fixation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone and Semitendinosus-Gracilis Autografts
Authors: Volpi Piero , Marinoni Luca , Bait Corrado , Galli Marco , de Girolamo Laura 
Published: February 2009

Background Knee instability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rarely manifests with activities of daily living, but it may occur in high-level sports performance, resulting in secondary injuries. Faced with these circumstances, sports orthopaedists have continued to improve on the results obtained with surgical techniques for treating knee joint injuries. Hypothesis Transverse tibial fixation with bioabsorbable cross pins is a valid technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with both the patellar tendon (bone—patellar tendon—bone) and semitendinosus and gracilis tendon. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods The study population was 120 patients operated on by the same surgeon and subdivided into 4 subgroups of 30 subjects each. Patients were chosen and assigned to each group consecutively. Patients in group 1 (bone—patellar tendon—bone) were implanted with bioabsorbable interference screws, group 2 (bone—patellar tendon—bone) received 2 bioabsorbable cross pins, group 3 (semitendinosus and gracilis tendon) received a bioabsorbable interference screw, and group 4 (semitendinosus and gracilis tendon) received 2 bioabsorbable cross pins. Patients were assessed at 5-year follow-up for International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Ligament Standard Evaluation Form, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Lysholm-Tegner Activity Scale, and KT-1000 arthrometer testing. Results The results at 5 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were similar across all 4 groups. No significant differences have been observed between groups. Conclusion The results suggest that transverse tibial fixation with bioabsorbable cross pins is a safe and reliable procedure, yielding clinical results that are comparable with those of the more widely used bioabsorbable interference screws.
The role of IGF-1 as a major growth factor for myeloma cell lines and the prognostic relevance of the expression of its receptor
Authors: Sprynski Anne Catherine , Hose Dirk , Caillot Laurent , Réme Thierry , Shaughnessy John D. , Barlogie Bart , Seckinger Anja , Moreaux Jérôme , Hundemer Michael , Jourdan Michel , Meißner Tobias , Jauch Anna , Mahtouk Karène , Kassambara Alboukadel , Bertsch Uta , Rossi Jean François , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Klein Bernard 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA plethora of myeloma growth factors (MGFs) has been identified, but their relative importance and cooperation have not been determined. We investigated 5 MGFs (interleukin-6 [IL-6], insulin-like growth factor type 1 [IGF-1], hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], HB–epidermal growth factor [HB-EGF], and a proliferation-inducing ligand [APRIL]) in serum-free cultures of human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs). In CD45− HMCLs, an autocrine IGF-1 loop promoted autonomous survival whereas CD45+ HMCLs could not survive without addition of MGFs, mainly IGF-1 and IL-6. IGF-1 was the major one: its activity was abrogated by an IGF-1R inhibitor only, whereas IL-6, HGF, or HB-EGF activity was inhibited by both IGF-1R– and receptor-specific inhibition. APRIL activity was inhibited by its specific inhibitor only. Of the investigated MGFs and their receptors, only expressions of IGF-1R and IL-6R in multiple myeloma cells (MMCs) of patients delineate a group with adverse prognosis. This is mainly explained by a strong association of IGF-1R and IL-6R expression and t(4;14) translocation, but IGF-1R expression without t(4;14) can also have a poor prognosis. Thus, IGF-1–targeted therapy, eventually in combination with anti–IL-6 therapy, could be promising in a subset of patients with MMCs expressing IGF-1R.
The effect of three environmental conditions on the fitness of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase-mediated permethrin resistance in Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus
Authors: Hardstone Melissa C , Lazzaro Brian P , Scott Jeffrey G 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
The evolution of insecticide resistance and persistence of resistance phenotypes are influenced by the fitness of resistance alleles in the absence of insecticide pressure. Experimental determination of fitness is difficult, but fitness can be inferred by measuring changes in allele frequencies in appropriate environments. We conducted allele competition experiments by crossing two highly related strains of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. One strain (ISOP450) was permethrin resistant (due to P450-mediated detoxification) and one was a susceptible strain. Allele and genotype frequencies were examined for 12 generations under three environmental conditions: standard laboratory, temephos exposure (an insecticide to which the P450 detoxification mechanism in ISOP450 confers no resistance and which is commonly used in mosquito control programs) and cold temperature stress (mimics the colder temperatures within the habitat of this mosquito).

Results
A fitness cost was inferred for the P450 mechanism in the standard laboratory environment. A greater cost was associated with the temephos exposed environment, suggesting the temephos placed an additional stress on the P450 resistant mosquitoes. No observed cost was associated with the P450 resistance locus in the cold temperature environment, but there was a significant heterozygote advantage. In all environments the fitness of the resistant homozygotes was the lowest.

Conclusion
The cytochrome P450-mediated permethrin detoxification resistance in Cx. p. quinquefasciatus can have an associated fitness cost in the absence of permethrin, relative to a susceptible allele. The strength of the cost varies depending on the environmental conditions. P450-mediated resistance is expected to decrease over time if the permethrin application is relaxed and to decrease at an even faster rate if permethrin is replaced with temephos. Additionally, these results indicate that a P450 resistance allele can persist (especially in heterozygotes) in colder temperatures and could potentially be carried into the Culex pipiens hybrid zone.
Correlations of mutations in katG, oxyR-ahpC and inhA genes and in vitro susceptibility in Mycobacterium tuberculosisclinical strains segregated by spoligotype families from tuberculosis prevalent countries in South America
Authors: Dalla Costa Elis R , Ribeiro Marta O , Silva Márcia SN , Arnold Liane S , Rostirolla Diana C , Cafrune Patricia I , Espinoza Roger C , Palaci Moises , Telles Maria A , Ritacco Viviana , Suffys Philip N , Lopes Maria L , Campelo Creuza L , Miranda Silvana S , Kremer Kristin , da Silva Pedro E Almeida , Fonseca Leila de Souza , Ho John L , Kritski Afrânio L , Rossetti Maria LR 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Mutations associated with resistance to rifampin or streptomycin have been reported for W/Beijing and Latin American Mediterranean (LAM) strain families of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A few studies with limited sample sizes have separately evaluated mutations in katG, ahpC and inhA genes that are associated with isoniazid (INH) resistance. Increasing prevalence of INH resistance, especially in high tuberculosis (TB) prevalent countries is worsening the burden of TB control programs, since similar transmission rates are noted for INH susceptible and resistant M. tuberculosis strains.

Results
We, therefore, conducted a comprehensive evaluation of INH resistant M. tuberculosis strains (n = 224) from three South American countries with high burden of drug resistant TB to characterize mutations in katG, ahpC and inhA gene loci and correlate with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) levels and spoligotype strain family. Mutations in katG were observed in 181 (80.8%) of the isolates of which 178 (98.3%) was contributed by the katG S315T mutation. Additional mutations seen included oxyR-ahpC; inhA regulatory region and inhA structural gene. The S315T katG mutation was significantly more likely to be associated with MIC for INH ≥2 μg/mL. The S315T katG mutation was also more frequent in Haarlem family strains than LAM (n = 81) and T strain families.

Conclusion
Our data suggests that genetic screening for the S315T katG mutation may provide rapid information for anti-TB regimen selection, epidemiological monitoring of INH resistance and, possibly, to track transmission of INH resistant strains.
Noninvasive technique for measurement of heartbeat regularity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Chan Po Kwok , Lin Chun Chi , Cheng Shuk Han 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Zebrafish (Danio rerio), due to its optical accessibility and similarity to human, has emerged as model organism for cardiac research. Although various methods have been developed to assess cardiac functions in zebrafish embryos, there lacks a method to assess heartbeat regularity in blood vessels. Heartbeat regularity is an important parameter for cardiac function and is associated with cardiotoxicity in human being. Using stereomicroscope and digital video camera, we have developed a simple, noninvasive method to measure the heart rate and heartbeat regularity in peripheral blood vessels. Anesthetized embryos were mounted laterally in agarose on a slide and the caudal blood circulation of zebrafish embryo was video-recorded under stereomicroscope and the data was analyzed by custom-made software. The heart rate was determined by digital motion analysis and power spectral analysis through extraction of frequency characteristics of the cardiac rhythm. The heartbeat regularity, defined as the rhythmicity index, was determined by short-time Fourier Transform analysis.

Results
The heart rate measured by this noninvasive method in zebrafish embryos at 52 hour post-fertilization was similar to that determined by direct visual counting of ventricle beating (p > 0.05). In addition, the method was validated by a known cardiotoxic drug, terfenadine, which affects heartbeat regularity in humans and induces bradycardia and atrioventricular blockage in zebrafish. A significant decrease in heart rate was found by our method in treated embryos (p < 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant increase of the rhythmicity index (p < 0.01), which was supported by an increase in beat-to-beat interval variability (p < 0.01) of treated embryos as shown by Poincare plot.

Conclusion
The data support and validate this rapid, simple, noninvasive method, which includes video image analysis and frequency analysis. This method is capable of measuring the heart rate and heartbeat regularity simultaneously via the analysis of caudal blood flow in zebrafish embryos. With the advantages of rapid sample preparation procedures, automatic image analysis and data analysis, this method can potentially be applied to cardiotoxicity screening assay.
Centrosome-associated regulators of the G2/M checkpoint as targets for cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Yingmei , Ji Ping , Liu Jinsong , Broaddus Russell R , Xue Fengxia , Zhang Wei 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, control mechanisms have developed that restrain cell-cycle transitions in response to stress. These regulatory pathways are termed cell-cycle checkpoints. The G2/M checkpoint prevents cells from entering mitosis when DNA is damaged in order to afford these cells an opportunity to repair the damaged DNA before propagating genetic defects to the daughter cells. If the damage is irreparable, checkpoint signaling might activate pathways that lead to apoptosis. Since alteration of cell-cycle control is a hallmark of tumorigenesis, cell-cycle regulators represent potential targets for therapy. The centrosome has recently come into focus as a critical cellular organelle that integrates G2/M checkpoint control and repairs signals in response to DNA damage. A growing number of G2/M checkpoint regulators have been found in the centrosome, suggesting that centrosome has an important role in G2/M checkpoint function. In this review, we discuss centrosome-associated regulators of the G2/M checkpoint, the dysregulation of this checkpoint in cancer, and potential candidate targets for cancer therapy.
High resolution preparation of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) protein fractions for clinical proteomics
Authors: Polati Rita , Castagna Annalisa , Bossi Alessandra , Campostrini Natascia , Zaninotto Federica , Timperio Anna Maria , Zolla Lello , Olivieri Oliviero , Corrocher Roberto , Girelli Domenico 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Macrophages are involved in a number of key physiological processes and complex responses such as inflammatory, immunological, infectious diseases and iron homeostasis. These cells are specialised for iron storage and recycling from senescent erythrocytes so they play a central role in the fine tuning of iron balancing and distribution. The comprehension of the many physiological responses of macrophages implies the study of the related molecular events. To this regard, proteomic analysis, is one of the most powerful tools for the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms, in terms of changes in protein expression levels.

Results
Our aim was to optimize a protocol for protein fractionation and high resolution mapping using human macrophages for clinical studies. We exploited a fractionation protocol based on the neutral detergent Triton X-114. The 2D maps of the fractions obtained showed high resolution and a good level of purity. Western immunoblotting and mass spectrometry (MS/MS analysis) indicated no fraction cross contamination. On 2D-PAGE mini gels (7 × 8 cm) we could count more than five hundred protein spots, substantially increasing the resolution and the number of detectable proteins for the macrophage proteome. The fractions were also evaluated, with preliminary experiments, using Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS).

Conclusion
This relatively simple method allows deep investigation into macrophages proteomics producing discrete and accurate protein fractions, especially membrane-associated and integral proteins. The adapted protocol seems highly suitable for further studies of clinical proteomics, especially for the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms controlling iron homeostasis in normal and disease conditions.
Measuring health-related quality of life in tuberculosis: a systematic review
Authors: Guo Na , Marra Fawziah , Marra Carlo A 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem worldwide. In recent years, increasing efforts have been dedicated to assessing the health-related quality of life experienced by people infected with tuberculosis. The objectives of this study were to better understand the impact of tuberculosis and its treatment on people's quality of life, and to review quality of life instruments used in current tuberculosis research.

Methods
A systematic literature search from 1981 to 2008 was performed through a number of electronic databases as well as a manual search. Eligible studies assessed multi-dimensional quality of life in people with tuberculosis disease or infection using standardized instruments. Results of the included studies were summarized qualitatively.

Results
Twelve original studies met our criteria for inclusion. A wide range of quality of life instruments were involved, and the Short-Form 36 was most commonly used. A validated tuberculosis-specific quality of life instrument was not located. The findings showed that tuberculosis had a substantial and encompassing impact on patients' quality of life. Overall, the anti-tuberculosis treatment had a positive effect of improving patients' quality of life; their physical health tended to recover more quickly than the mental well-being. However, after the patients successfully completed treatment and were microbiologically 'cured', their quality of life remained significantly worse than the general population.

Conclusion
Tuberculosis has substantially adverse impacts on patients' quality of life, which persist after microbiological 'cure'. A variety of instruments were used to assess quality of life in tuberculosis and there has been no well-established tuberculosis-specific instrument, making it difficult to fully understand the impact of the illness.
Maternal celiac disease autoantibodies bind directly to syncytiotrophoblast and inhibit placental tissue transglutaminase activity
Authors: Anjum Naheed , Baker Philip N , Robinson Nicola J , Aplin John D 
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Background
Celiac disease (CD) occurs in as many as 1 in 80 pregnant women and is associated with poor pregnancy outcome, but it is not known if this is an effect on maternal nutrient absorption or, alternatively, if the placenta is an autoimmune target. The major autoantigen, tissue transglutaminase (tTG), has previously been shown to be present in the maternal-facing syncytiotrophoblast plasma membrane of the placenta.

Methods
ELISA was used to demonstrate the presence of antibodies to tissue transglutaminase in a panel of CD sera. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the binding of IgA autoantibodies from CD serum to term placenta. In addition, novel direct binding and activity assays were developed to mimic the in vivo exposure of the villous placenta to maternal autoantibody.

Results and Discussion
CD IgA autoantibodies located to the syncytial surface of the placenta significantly more than IgA antibodies in control sera (P < 0.0001). The distribution of antigen was similar to that observed using a monoclonal antibody to tissue transglutaminase. Staining was reduced by pre-absorption of CD serum with recombinant human tissue transglutaminase. In direct binding assays, autoimmune immunoglobulin A (IgA) from the maternal compartment became associated with antigen at the syncytial surface of the placenta, as a result of which transglutaminase activity at this site was inhibited.

Conclusion
These data indicate that direct immune effects in untreated CD women may compromise placental function.
Deletions of neuraminidase and resistance to oseltamivir may be a consequence of restricted receptor specificity in recent H3N2 influenza viruses
Authors: Gulati Shelly , Smith David F , Air Gillian M 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundInfluenza viruses attach to cells via sialic acid receptors. The viral neuraminidase (NA) is needed to remove sialic acids so that newly budded virions can disperse. Known mechanisms of resistance to NA inhibitors include mutations in the inhibitor binding site, or mutations in the hemagglutinin that reduce avidity for sialic acid and therefore reduce the requirement for NA activity.ResultsInfluenza H3N2 isolates A/Oklahoma/323/03 (Fujian-like), A/Oklahoma/1992/05 (California-like), and A/Oklahoma/309/06 (Wisconsin-like) lost NA activity on passage in MDCK cells due to internal deletions in the NA-coding RNA segment. The viruses grow efficiently in MDCK cells despite diminished NA activity. The full length NA enzyme activity is sensitive to oseltamivir but replication of A/Oklahoma/323/03 and A/Oklahoma/309/06 in MDCK cells was resistant to this inhibitor, indicating that NA is not essential for replication. There was no change in HA activity or sequence after the NA activity was lost but the three viruses show distinct, quite restricted patterns of receptor specificity by Glycan Array analysis. Extensive predicted secondary structure in RNA segment 6 that codes for NA suggests the deletions are generated by polymerase skipping over base-paired stem regions. In general the NA deletions were not carried into subsequent passages, and we were unable to plaque-purify virus with a deleted NA RNA segment.ConclusionH3N2 viruses from 2003 to the present have reduced requirement for NA when passaged in MDCK cells and are resistant to NA inhibitors, possibly by a novel mechanism of narrow receptor specificity such that virus particles do not self-aggregate. These viruses delete internal regions of the NA RNA during passage and are resistant to oseltamivir. However, deletions are independently generated at each passage, suggesting that virus with a full length NA RNA segment initiates the first round of infection.