bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of fungal antigens in eosinophilia‐associated cellular responses in nasal polyps: a comparison with enterotoxin
Authors: Okano M. , Fujiwara T. , Haruna T. , Kariya S. , Makihara S. , Higaki T. , Nishizaki K. 
Published: October 2010

Cite this as: M. Okano, T. Fujiwara, T. Haruna, S. Kariya, S. Makihara, T. Higaki and K. Nishizaki, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 171–178.SummaryBackground
Fungi and/or Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins (SEs) may participate in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic inflammation in cases of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).Objective
We sought to determine the effects of fungal antigens on eosinophilia‐associated cellular responses in nasal polyps.Methods
Dispersed nasal polyp cells (DNPCs) were prepared from 13 patients with CRSwNP. DNPCs were cultured with fungal extracts (Aspergillus, Alternaria and Candida) or SEB for 72 h, after which the levels of IL‐5, IL‐13 and RANTES were measured within the supernatant. Responses to β‐d‐glucan, mannan and chitin were also examined.Results
38.5%, 69.2% and 30.8% of DNPCs produced IL‐5, IL‐13 and RANTES, respectively, in response to 200 μg/mL of Aspergillus. 53.8%, 53.8% and 7.7% of DNPCs produced IL‐5, IL‐13 and RANTES, respectively, in response to 200 μg/mL of Alternaria. 53.8%, 38.5% and 15.4% of DNPCs produced IL‐5, IL‐13 and RANTES, respectively, in response to 200 μg/mL of Candida. All DNPCs produced these cytokines in response to 0.1 μg/mL of SEB. SEB induced significantly greater cytokine levels than the fungal extracts. No correlation between cytokine production following exposure to each of the fungal extracts or SEB and various clinical features, including nasal polyp eosinophilia and radiological severity of sinusitis was observed. Neither sensitization to fungus nor comorbidity with bronchial asthma was correlated with the fungal extract‐induced cytokine production by DNPCs. β‐d‐glucan, mannan and chitin did not induce significant cytokine production.Conclusions
These results suggest that, although DNPCs produce IL‐5, IL‐13 and RANTES in response to fungal extracts, fungal antigens including major carbohydrates are less capable of inducing eosinophilia‐associated cellular responses in nasal polyps than SEB.
In vitro tests of natural allelic variation of innate immune genes (avian β‐defensins) reveal functional differences in microbial inhibition
Authors: HELLGREN O. , SHELDON B. C. , BUCKLING A. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAllelic variation in immune genes might result from, and contribute to, host–pathogen evolution. Functional allelic variation in the innate immune system has received little attention. Here, we investigate whether naturally occurring allelic variation within the avian innate immune system (β‐defensins) is associated with variation in antimicrobial activity. We tested differences in in vitro antimicrobial properties of the synthesized products of two alleles of avian β‐defensin 7, both of which occur at high frequency in natural populations of the great tit (Parus major). Only one allele strongly inhibited the growth of the gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, but both alleles strongly inhibited growth of the gram‐negative bacterium Escherechia coli. Our data demonstrate functional allelic variation in natural defensin genes, and we discuss how differences in efficacy against microbial species might contribute to maintaining this variation.
A linkage map of pak‐choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) based on AFLP and SSR markers and identification of AFLP markers for resistance to TuMV
Authors: Xinhua W. , Yang L. , Huoying C. 
Published: October 2010

With 2 figures AbstractA genetic linkage map for pak‐choi, a very important economical and nutritional vegetable crop in Asia, has been constructed using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers based on 180 F2 individuals. It includes 133 AFLP and 74 SSR markers from 57 AFLP and 65 SSR primer combinations, respectively. Fifty SSR markers were previously used to construct a framework map and all AFLP markers and another 24 SSR markers were inserted. The linkage map consists of 10 linkage groups with a total distance of 1123 cM and an average interval of 5.43 cM. Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is one of the most important pathogens of pak‐choi. TuRBCH01, a TuMV‐C5 resistance gene, was successfully mapped into R6 linkage group in the present genetic linkage map and was positioned between AFLP markers E36M62‐3 and E44M48‐1.
Non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: Al Subie Haya , Fitzgerald Dominic A 
Published: October 2010

AbstractNon‐cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis is said to be a declining problem in developed countries, although its prevalence in indigenous communities in Australia and New Zealand is among the highest reported in the world. Early childhood pneumonia and underlying conditions such as immunodeficiency and primary ciliary dyskinesia need to be considered in the aetiology. A high‐resolution computerised tomography scan is the key investigation in children with a chronic wet cough in whom bronchiectasis is suspected. Regardless of the cause, the treatment of bronchiectasis is centred upon facilitating the clearance of airway secretions and the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations. This review aims to provide general paediatricians with an update on the presenting features, investigation and management of non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
In quest of the nitrogen oxidizing prokaryotes of the early Earth
Authors: Vlaeminck Siegfried E. , Hay Anthony G. , Maignien Loïs , Verstraete Willy 
Published: October 2010

SummaryThe introduction of nitrite and nitrate to the relatively reduced environment of the early Earth provided impetus for a tremendous diversification of microbial pathways. However, little is known about the first organisms to produce these valuable resources. In this review, the latest microbial discoveries are integrated in the evolution of the nitrogen cycle according to the great ‘NO‐ON’ time debate, as we call it. This debate hypothesizes the first oxidation of nitrogen as abiotic and anoxic (‘NO’) versus biological and aerobic (‘ON’). Confronting ancient biogeochemical niches with extant prokaryotic phylogenetics, physiology and morphology, pointed out that the well‐described ammonia and nitrite oxidizing Proteobacteria likely did not play a pioneering role in microbial nitrogen oxidation. Instead, we hypothesize ancestral and primordial roles of methanotrophic NC10 bacteria and ammonia oxidizing archaea, respectively, for early nitrite production, and of anammox performing Planctomycetes followed by Nitrospira for early nitrate production. Additional genomic and structural information on the prokaryotic protagonists but also on their phages, together with the continued search for novel key players and processes, should further elucidate nitrogen cycle evolution. Through the ramifications between the biogeochemical cycles, this will improve our understanding on the evolution of terrestrial and perhaps extraterrestrial life.
‘Candidatus Liberibacter europaeus’ sp. nov. that is associated with and transmitted by the psyllid Cacopsylla pyri apparently behaves as an endophyte rather than a pathogen
Authors: Raddadi Noura , Gonella Elena , Camerota Caterina , Pizzinat Alan , Tedeschi Rosemarie , Crotti Elena , Mandrioli Mauro , Attilio Bianco Piero , Daffonchio Daniele , Alma Alberto 
Published: October 2010

Summary‘Candidatus Liberibacter spp.’ cause serious plant diseases. ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, ‘Ca. L. americanus’ and ‘Ca. L. africanus’ are the aetiological agents of citrus greening (Huanglongbing) in Asia, America and Africa. ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ causes diseases in Solanaceae in America and New Zealand. All four species are vectored by psyllid insects of different genera. Here, we show that the pear psyllid pest Cacopsylla pyri (L.) hosts a novel liberibacter species that we named ‘Ca. Liberibacter europaeus’. It can bloom to high titres in the psyllid host, with more than 109 16S rRNA gene copies per individual. Fluorescent in situ hybridization experiments showed that ‘Ca. L. europaeus’ is present in the host midgut lumen, salivary glands and Malpighian tubules. ‘Candidatus L. europaeus’ has a relatively high prevalence (> 51%) in C. pyri from different areas in the Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta regions in Italy and can be transmitted to pear plants in experimental transmission trials. However, even though high titres of the bacterium (more than 108 16S rRNA gene copies g−1 of pear plant tissue) could be detected, in the pear tissues no specific disease symptoms could be observed in the infected plants over a 6‐month period. Despite liberibacters representing potential quarantine organisms, ‘Ca. L. europaeus’, first described in Italy and Europe, apparently behaves as an endophyte rather than a pathogen.
Real listening – using personal construct assessment with people with intellectual disabilities: two case studies
Authors: Hare Dougal Julian , Searson Ruth , Knowles Rebecca 
Published: October 2010

Accessible summary

People with intellectual disabilities are still not being listened to by services.
When upset, people with intellectual disabilities are often seen as mentally ill.
This paper describes a procedure [repertory grid] for understanding how people with intellectual disabilities make sense of their experiences.

SummaryMany people with intellectual disabilities are still not being listened to by the services providing them with care and support, and when they become upset and frustrated, they are all too readily regarded as being mentally ill. To help people with intellectual disabilities describe and make sense of their experiences and feelings in a non‐judgemental manner, and without the need for these experiences to be interpreted and explained, this paper describes the use of an adapted repertory grid procedure developed from George Kelley’s personal construct psychology. Although such an approach has been identified as being particularly suitable for working with people with intellectual disabilities in a person‐centred manner, little information has been presented and to remedy this, this paper presents an outline of PCP, its application with people with intellectual disabilities and two case reports to illustrate its use in clinical practice.
Home‐Based Leg‐Strengthening Exercise Improves Function 1 Year After Hip Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Mangione Kathleen K. , Craik Rebecca L. , Palombaro Kerstin M. , Tomlinson Susan S. , Hofmann Mary T. 
Published: October 2010

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of a short‐term leg‐strengthening exercise program with that of attentional control on improving strength, walking abilities, and function 1 year after hip fracture.DESIGN: Randomized controlled pilot study.SETTING: Patients' homes.PARTICIPANTS: Community‐dwelling older adults (n=26) 6 months after hip fracture at baseline.INTERVENTION: Exercise and control participants received interventions from physical therapists twice a week for 10 weeks. The exercise group received high‐intensity leg‐strengthening exercises. The control group received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and mental imagery.MEASUREMENTS: Isometric force production of lower extremity muscles, usual and fast gait speed, 6‐minute walk (6‐MW) distance, modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT), and Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Survey (SF‐36) physical function.RESULTS: The primary endpoint was 1 year after fracture. Isometric force production (P=.006), usual (P=.02) and fast (P=.03) gait speed, 6‐MW distance (P=.005), and mPPT score (P<.001) were improved 1 year after fracture with exercise. Effect sizes were 0.79 for strength, 0.81 for mPPT score, 0.56 for gait speed, 0.49 for 6‐MW, and 0.30 for SF‐36 score. More patients in the exercise group made meaningful changes in gait speed and 6‐MW distance than control patients (chi‐square P=.004).CONCLUSION: A 10‐week home‐based progressive resistance exercise program was sufficient to achieve moderate to large effects on physical performance and quality of life and may offer an alternative intervention mode for patients with hip fracture who are unable to leave home by 6 months after the fracture. The effects were maintained at 3 months after completion of the training program.
The Law of Population and the Austrian School
Authors: Barrows Stephen P. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThere has been considerable debate within the social sciences about the consequences of rapid population growth. The law of population, as described by Thomas Robert Malthus, asserts that population growth is ultimately limited by the means of subsistence, and therefore preventive checks on population growth (e.g., voluntarily limiting the number of births) are necessary to avoid the grim prospect of inevitable human suffering when the means of subsistence cannot support the population. Economists, demographers, and other social scientists have produced volumes of exegesis on Malthus's work. This article assesses how representative economists of the Austrian School have interacted with Malthus's law of population.
Effect of lameness (hoof disorders) on productivity of Karan Fries crossbred cows
Authors: SINGH Yajuvendra , LATHWAL Surender Singh , CHAKRAVARTY Atish Kumar , GUPTA Ashok Kumar , MOHANTY Tushar Kumar , RAJA Thiruvothur Venkatesan , DANGI Roshan Lal , ROY Biplob Kumer 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTIn present study production performance of 96 lame cows was compared with 67 healthy cows. No significant effect of parity and year of calving on milk yield were observed but the effect of season of calving was significant (P < 0.01). Effect of lameness on milk yield at the second, third and fourth months and 305 days was highly significant (P < 0.01), and was also significant (P < 0.05) on lactation yield of the fifth and tenth months. The effect of lameness on monthly and 305‐day milk yield was significant (P < 0.01) only for those cows diagnosed lame before calving and during the first month of lactation. The differences in mean monthly yield were highly significant (P < 0.01) at the second, third and fourth months; and significant (P < 0.05) in the first and fifth months. The loss in the first lactation month of cows which were diagnosed as lame in the second month, was found to be significant (P < 0.05). Thus the yield of the month previous to the diagnosis (sub‐clinical stage) was also affected. A significant (P < 0.01) total loss of 498.95 kg of milk yield was observed during a period of 305 days.
Effects of rice straw particle size on digesta particle size distribution, nitrogen metabolism, blood biochemical parameters, microbial amino acid composition and intestinal amino acid digestibility in goats
Authors: WANG Min , ZHAO Xiao Gang , Liao Hai Yan , TAN Zhi Liang , TANG Shao Xun , SUN Zhi Hong , ZHOU Chuan She , HAN Xue Feng 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTEffects of rice straw particle size and physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) on particle size distribution of different digestive tract, nitrogen (N) metabolism, blood biochemical parameters, microbial amino acid (AA) composition and intestinal AA digestibility in goats were investigated. A 4 × 4 Latin square design was employed using four mature Liuyang black goats fitted with permanent ruminal, duodenal, and terminal ileal fistulae. During each of the four periods, goats were offered one of four diets that were similar in chemical composition, but varied in particle sizes and peNDF through alteration of the theoretical cut length of rice straw (10, 20, 40 and 80 mm, respectively). Dietary peNDF contents of four diets were 17.4, 20.9, 22.5 and 25.4%, respectively. Results showed that increasing particle size of rice straw and dietary peNDF significantly affected the particle size distributions of digesta in rumen, duodenum and ileum, except feces. However, increasing particle size of rice straw and peNDF did not affected N metabolism in goats, except the increased apparent N digestibility in rumen and large intestine, and the decreased apparent N digestibility in small intestine. Furthermore, increasing particle size of rice straw and peNDF showed little influence on the profile of blood biochemical parameters, microbial AA composition and intestinal AA digestibility in goats.
Violent victimization among males and economic conditions
Authors: Lauritsen Janet L. , Heimer Karen 
Published: October 2010

Research Summary In this article, we use data from the 1973 to 2005 National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) to estimate previously unknown trends in serious nonfatal violent victimization for Latino, non‐Latino Black, and non‐Latino White males in the United States. Past research has shown that Blacks and Latinos have been more susceptible than Whites to financial hardship during economic downturns and that economic disadvantage is an important correlate of violence in cross‐sectional analyses. If significant declines in the national economy contribute to increases in violence, then crime trends disaggregated by race and ethnicity should show greater changes among minorities during periods of economic downturn. Although rates of violence have declined for all groups, we find that trends for Latino and Black males are similar and closely follow changes in consumer sentiment. In contrast, trends for White males display fewer fluctuations coinciding with changes in economic conditions. Continued disaggregation shows that these patterns appear primarily in stranger violence and not in violence by known offenders. The patterns also suggest that the association between changing economic conditions and male victimization trends might have weakened in recent years. Policy Implications The findings raise concerns about the potential impact of recent economic changes on the risk for serious victimization, particularly among Blacks and Latinos. In light of the possible recent weakening of the relationship between economic changes and crime, future research should assess whether criminal justice policies and other factors moderate the relationship between economic conditions and victimization and use group‐specific measures of violence so that important variability across race and ethnicity is not masked. These analyses also should be expanded to consider the potential effects on violence of government policies designed to alleviate poverty and unemployment.
Perspectives on Clinical and Preclinical Testing of New Tuberculosis Vaccines
Authors: Dannenberg Arthur M. 
Published: October 2010

SUMMARYThis review hopes to improve the selection of new tuberculosis (TB) vaccines by providing several perspectives on the immunization of humans, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, and monkeys which have not usually been considered. (i) In human TB vaccine trials, the low rate of healing ofMycobacterium bovisBCG lesions (used as the control group) would distinguish individuals who might be helped by vaccination from the 95% who do not need it and would make these trials more conclusive. (ii) The rabbit immune response toMycobacterium tuberculosisis much more effective in arresting tuberculosis than those of other laboratory animals, so pulmonary tubercle counting in rabbits should be included in all preclinical TB vaccine testing. (iii) Both delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and cell-mediated immunity (CMI) are necessary to control the growth ofM. tuberculosis. The testing of new TB vaccines in mice or in guinea pigs may not detect important antigens needed for human immunization. Mice respond poorly to tuberculin-like antigens that cause DTH. Guinea pigs respond poorly to antigens that cause CMI. Rabbits and humans respond well to both DTH and CMI antigens. Since monkeys are very susceptible toM. tuberculosis, they may not be as useful as rabbits for preclinical vaccine evaluation. (iv) Critical antigens (possibly ESAT-6 or CFP-10) might increase the immunity of the host to a greater extent than that produced by a naturalM. tuberculosisinfection and therefore would be useful in both prophylaxis and immunotherapy. Such critical antigens would increase the host's ability to neutralize key components ofM. tuberculosisthat enable it to survive in both laboratory animals and humans.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in HIV-Positive Patients by Microscopic Observation Drug Susceptibility Assay
Authors: Ha Dang Thi Minh , Lan Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Kiet Vo Sy , Wolbers Marcel , Hang Hoang Thi Thanh , Day Jeremy , Hien Nguyen Quang , Tien Nguyen Anh , An Pham Thuy , Anh Truong Thi , Oanh Do Thi Tuong , Hoa Chau Luong , Chau Nguyen Thi Minh , Hai Nguyen Ngoc , Binh Ngo Thanh , Ngoc Le Hong , Phuong Doan Thanh , Quyet Tran Van , Tuyen Nguyen Thi Bich , Ha Vo Thi , Nho Nguyen Thi , Hoa Dai Viet , Anh Phan Thi Hoang , Dung Nguyen Huy , Farrar Jeremy , Caws Maxine 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT

The microscopic observation drug susceptibility assay (MODS) is a novel and promising test for the early diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). We evaluated the MODS assay for the early diagnosis of TB in HIV-positive patients presenting to Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in southern Vietnam. A total of 738 consecutive sputum samples collected from 307 HIV-positive individuals suspected of TB were tested by smear, MODS, and the mycobacteria growth indicator tube method (MGIT). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of MODS compared to the microbiological gold standard (either smear or MGIT) were 87 and 93%, respectively. The sensitivities of smear, MODS, and MGIT were 57, 71, and 75%, respectively, against clinical gold standard (MODS versus smear,
P
< 0.001; MODS versus MGIT,
P
= 0.03). The clinical gold standard was defined as patients who had a clinical examination and treatment consistent with TB, with or without microbiological confirmation. For the diagnosis of smear-negative patients, the sensitivities of MODS and MGIT were 38 and 45%, respectively (
P
= 0.08). The median times to detection using MODS and MGIT were 8 and 11 days, respectively, and they were 11 and 17 days, respectively, for smear-negative samples. The original bacterial/fungal contamination rate of MODS was 1.1%, while it was 2.6% for MGIT. The cross-contamination rate of MODS was 4.7%. In conclusion, MODS is a sensitive, specific, and rapid test that is appropriate for the detection of HIV-associated TB; its cost and ease of use make it particularly useful in resource-limited settings.
The Inhibitory Action of P56 on Select Functions of E1 Mediates Interferon's Effect on Human Papillomavirus DNA Replication
Authors: Saikia Paramananda , Fensterl Volker , Sen Ganes C. 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT
The interferon (IFN)-induced protein P56 inhibits human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA replication by binding to HPV E1, which has several distinct functions in initiating viral DNA replication. Here, we determined that P56 inhibited HPV type 18 (HPV18) E1's DNA helicase activity, E2 binding, and HPV Ori sequence-specific DNA binding but not nonspecific DNA binding. We observed that deletion of a single amino acid, F399, produced an E1 mutant that could not bind P56. This E1 mutant retained its ability to support Ori DNA replication, but this activity was not inhibited by IFN, demonstrating that P56 is the principal executor of the anti-HPV action of IFN.