Differential effects of polyphenols and alcohol of red wine on the expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines related to atherosclerosis: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Few clinical studies have focused on the alcoholindependent cardiovascular effects of the phenolic compounds of red wine (RW). Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effects of ethanol and phenolic compounds of RW on the expression of inflammatory biomarkers related to atherosclerosis in subjects at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Design: Sixty-seven high-risk, male volunteers were included in a randomized, crossover consumption trial. After a washout period, all subjects received RW (30 g alcohol/d), the equivalent amount of dealcoholized red wine (DRW), or gin (30 g alcohol/d) for 4 wk. Before and after each intervention period, 7 cellular and 18 serum inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated. Results: Alcohol increased IL-10 and decreased macrophage-derived chemokine concentrations, whereas the phenolic compounds of RW decreased serum concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule- 1, E-selectin, and IL-6 and inhibited the expression of lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 in T lymphocytes and macrophage-1 receptor, Sialil-Lewis X, and C-C chemokine receptor type 2 expression in monocytes. Both ethanol and phenolic compounds of RW downregulated serum concentrations of CD40 antigen, CD40 ligand, IL-16, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Conclusion: The results suggest that the phenolic content of RW may modulate leukocyte adhesion molecules, whereas both ethanol and polyphenols of RW may modulate soluble inflammatory mediators in high-risk patients. The trial was registered in the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register at http://www. isrctn.org/ as ISRCTN88720134

Differential effects of polyphenols and alcohol of red wine on the expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines related to atherosclerosis: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Few clinical studies have focused on the alcoholindependent cardiovascular effects of the phenolic compounds of red wine (RW). Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effects of ethanol and phenolic compounds of RW on the expression of inflammatory biomarkers related to atherosclerosis in subjects at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Design: Sixty-seven high-risk, male volunteers were included in a randomized, crossover consumption trial. After a washout period, all subjects received RW (30 g alcohol/d), the equivalent amount of dealcoholized red wine (DRW), or gin (30 g alcohol/d) for 4 wk. Before and after each intervention period, 7 cellular and 18 serum inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated. Results: Alcohol increased IL-10 and decreased macrophage-derived chemokine concentrations, whereas the phenolic compounds of RW decreased serum concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule- 1, E-selectin, and IL-6 and inhibited the expression of lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 in T lymphocytes and macrophage-1 receptor, Sialil-Lewis X, and C-C chemokine receptor type 2 expression in monocytes. Both ethanol and phenolic compounds of RW downregulated serum concentrations of CD40 antigen, CD40 ligand, IL-16, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Conclusion: The results suggest that the phenolic content of RW may modulate leukocyte adhesion molecules, whereas both ethanol and polyphenols of RW may modulate soluble inflammatory mediators in high-risk patients. The trial was registered in the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register at http://www. isrctn.org/ as ISRCTN88720134

Corporate Social and Regional Responsibility - The View of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

The objective of this research was to understand and describe what corpo-rate social and regional responsibility is in SMEs and define the meaning of these concepts to the community and region. Corporate social respon-sibility (CSR) creates a basis for regional responsibility. Regional respon-sibility is a new concept and this research examines it from SMEs’ view-point. This is a theoretical research and the aim is to create a theoretical framework of SMEs’ corporate social and regional responsibility. This framework supports the future research on the subject. The research results show that CSR of SMEs is practical, informal and dependent on the scarce resources of SMEs. CSR is a complex and deep concept and SMEs have their own way of interpreting it. It can be stated that CSR-practises in SMEs are closely connected to employment, envi-ronment, community and supply chain. The challenge is to find motivation to socially and regionally responsible behaviour in SMEs. Benefiting from responsible behaviour and the attitude of SME’s owner-manager are the key reasons for SMEs to involve in CSR and regional responsibility. The benefits of this involvement are for example improved image, reputation and market position. CSR can also be used in SMEs as risk management tool and in cost reduction. This study indicates also that creation of strate-gic partnerships, local government participation, a proper legal system and financial support are the basic issues which support CSR of SMEs. This research showed that regional responsibility of SMEs includes active participation in regional strategy processes, L&RED initiatives and regional philanthropy. For SMEs regional responsibility means good relationships with the community and other related stakeholders, involvement in L&RED initiatives and acting responsibly towards the operating environment. In SMEs’ case this means that they need to understand the benefits of this kind of involvement in order to take action and participate. As regional responsibility includes the relationships between firm and the community, it can be stated that regional responsibility extends CSR’s view of stakeholders and emphasises both, the regional stakeholders and public-private partnerships. Community engagement and responsible be-haviour towards community can be seen as a part of SMEs’ social and regional responsibility. This study indicates that social and regional re-sponsibility of SMEs have a significant influence on the community and region where they are located. Better local and regional relationships with regional and community actors are the positive impacts of social and re-gional responsibility of SMEs. Socially and regionally responsible behav-iour creates a more positive environment and deepens the involvement of SMEs to community and L&RED initiatives.

Microparticles from stored red blood cells induce thrombin generation

Background: Microparticles are small phospholipid vesicles of <1 lm shed in blood flow by various cell types including red blood cells. Erythrocyte-derived microparticles (EMPs) accumulate in erythrocyte concentrates (ECs) during their storage time. EMPs are considered as part of storage lesion and as their exact role is not elucidated, they could be involved in these clinical outcomes. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact and implication of EMPs isolate from ECs on coagulation. Methods: EMPs were first isolated from erythrocyte concentrates by centrifugation and counted by flow cytometry. Using a calibrated automated thrombogram, EMPs were then added to different type of plasmas in order to evaluate the potential of thrombin generation. Results: We demonstrate that EMPs isolated from ECs are capable to accelerate and amplify thrombin generation in presence of a low exogenous tissue factor concentration, thanks to their negatively charged membrane necessary for the assembly of coagulation complexes. Interestingly, in the absence of exogenous tissue factor, EMPs are also able to trigger thrombin generation. In addition, thrombin generation induced by EMPs is not affected by the presence of anti-TF antibodies. Finally, thrombin generation induced by EMPs is not affected by using plasma samples deficient in factor VII, XI or XII. However, thrombin generation is reduced in plasma deficient in factor VIII or IX and is completely abolished in plasma deficient in factor X, V or II. No thrombin generation was observed in plasma samples without EMPs. Summary/conclusion: Several studies have shown a link between storage time of blood products and post transfusion complications. We provide evidence that EMPs accumulated during storage of erythrocyte concentrates were not only able to accelerate and support thrombin generation in plasma in presence of a low exogenous tissue-factor concentration, but also to trigger thrombin generation in absence of exogenous TF. The impact of those transfused EMs is unknown on recipients, nevertheless it could be hypothesized that under certain circumstances, transfused EMPs could be involved in thrombin generation and could be linked to adverse clinical outcome. Further work is needed to determine whether procoagulant EMPs transfused with erythrocyte concentrate may account for some of the complications occurring after red blood cell transfusion, and more particularly after transfusion of ''older''stored blood, rich in EMPs.

La empresa red: un modelo de división del trabajo entre empresas

La empresa red constituye un modelo de empresa formado a partir de una constelación de pequeñas empreses jurídicamente independientes pero coordinadas por un mismo ciclo de producción. Estan articuladas por pautas, normas y leyes consuetudinarias, así como vinculadas a la comunidad local y a las redes de parentesco, amistad y vecindad. En este estudio se exponen los efectos de dicho modelo de empresa sobre la dualización del mercado de trabajo y de las relaciones laborales. Asimismo, ilustra sobre uno de los procedimientos de reorganización social de la producción.

Las narrativas transmedia como constructoras del mensaje publicitario entre marca y consumidor. Estudio de Caso: Red Bull “Can you Make it?”

En les últimes dues dècades el món publicitari ha experimentat una gran evolució a causa de l’aparició dels nous models digitals i l’entorn 2.0. En aquest projecte es recull un anàlisi sobre els orígens de la transmedialitat, les seves característiques i múltiples funcions. A més a més, aprofundirem en el rellevant paper del consumidor en aquests nous formats, en ser un element fonamental que ajuda a tancar el cercle comunicatiu. En concret, s’estudiarà el repte Can You Make It? de la marca Red Bull en ser un cas amb una gran varietat d’elements publicitaris a analitzar.

RPS : Red social para entusiastas de Raspberry Pi

El proyecto "RPS: Red social para entusiastas de Raspberry Pi", se desarrollará en el ámbito temático de desarrollo de aplicaciones móviles con HTML5. La idea principal de este proyecto se centra en dar visibilidad a la comunidad de Raspberry Pi, mediante una aplicación móvil destinada a compartir las experiencias de sus usuarios de una forma sencilla y atractiva.

Moda en la red : Análisis del sector en el ámbito del marketing online

El éxito del comercio electrónico, el manejo de nuevas plataformas para llevar a cabo campañas de marketing online, la aparición de influenciadores como los blogs y las redes sociales o los nuevos formatos de publicidad de moda en la red son algunos de los puntos que se analizarán en esta disertación.

Espectadroa de la red

Presentación de los barrios de blogs: cómo son, cómo se relacionan, cómo se propaga la información a través de éstos y cómo saber cuáles son los más interesantes.

La marca como agente creador de contenido multiplataforma transmedia: la transformación de Red Bull

En els últims anys la comunicació ha evolucionat a causa de la digitalització de la societat i l'aparició de múltiples plataformes socials. Per això, aquesta investigació busca analitzar com ha canviat l'entorn comunicatiu, fins a quins nivells ha afectat això a les marques i als consumidors prenent com a punt central d'aquest projecte la transmedialitat, les seves característiques i les seves funcions. A més, analitzarem tots aquests canvis aplicant els coneixements teòrics a la campanya Red Bull Stratos, que per a molts va marcar un abans i un després en la història del màrqueting de continguts.

Red Riding Hood: Caperucita Roja, de Perrault a Catherine Hardwicke

El cuento de Caperucita Roja1 ha sobrevivido a través de los años gracias a su rico simbolismo por las imágenes de gran alcance que contiene. La joven niña con la capa roja que se encuentra con un lobo disfrazado de abuela es algo que golpea profundamente al receptor. El tema se ha estudiado desde numerosos puntos de vista; destaca el psicoanalista Bruno Bettelheim,2 que señala la caperuza que lleva la protagonista como símbolo de su entrada en la pubertad, asociando el color rojo con el ciclo menstrual. No todos los críticos están de acuerdo con este aspecto, aunque bastantes autores relacionan el cuento con el despertar de la sexualidad,la adolescencia y todo lo que conlleva. Perrault tampoco descuida tener en cuenta su advertencia de los riesgos en la etapa, sobre todo para las niñas románticas, en la moraleja final del relato.

Negocios sentimentales. Familia, corporación y red mercantil en Argentina durante el siglo XIX

Nuestras unidades analíticas, están constituidas por dos familias dedicadas al comercio cuyo recorrido nos permite analizar un arco temporal amplio de prácticas y estrategias de racionalidad empresaria durante el siglo XIX argentino. El debate que guía el trabajo puede resumirse en la preponderancia de los lazos de parentesco o en el predominio de estrategias de tipo corporativo a la hora de articular la lógica mercantil. El desafío de nuestra propuesta es plantear el funcionamiento corporativo, las prácticas empresariales, y la integración político/institucional como variables fundamentales que compensaban la debilidad de los vínculos de parentesco. Los dos casos contrastados exudan similar funcionamiento en cuanto al origen inmigratorio de sus responsables y a las estrategias utilizadas para integrarse en ciudades portuarias de reciente importancia pero con una ambición común: convertirse en centros neurálgicos de la vida mercantil. El primer caso atañe a un comerciante catalán llegado en la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII, que construyó su patrimonio y su casa mercantil a través de un complejo entramado de redes sociales. El segundo ejemplo corresponde a un grupo empresario, llegado cien años después y dispuesto a condensar lazos identitarios con la ocupación de lugares claves de la vida mercantil e industrial regional. Ambos casos comparten la ausencia de una base familiar que garantizara la supervivencia patrimonial, una carencia que permite rediscutir el rol de la familia.

Efeitos dos parâmetros operacionais na fotodegradação do azo corante direct red 23 na interface dióxido de titânio/água

The decolorization and degradation of direct red 23 azo dye have been investigated in aqueous suspension of titanium dioxide under artificial irradiation. The effects of some operational parameters such as azo dye concentration, catalyst loading, and solution pH were investigated at 30.0 ºC and optimized values were obtained. The first-order kinetic model was used to discuss the results. The UV-Vis spectra changes showed that the azo dye sample, collected after 6 h irradiation, was 98% decolorized while the residual total carbon was 97.9% degraded, indicating simultaneous photodecolorization and degradation.