bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The NLRP3 inflammasome in health and disease: the good, the bad and the ugly
Authors: Menu P , Vince J E 
Published: July 2011

SummaryWhile interleukin (IL)-1β plays an important role in combating the invading pathogen as part of the innate immune response, its dysregulation is responsible for a number of autoinflammatory disorders. Large IL-1β activating platforms, known as inflammasomes, can assemble in response to the detection of endogenous host and pathogen-associated danger molecules. Formation of these protein complexes results in the autocatalysis and activation of caspase-1, which processes precursor IL-1β into its secreted biologically active form. Inflammasome and IL-1β activity is required to efficiently control viral, bacterial and fungal pathogen infections. Conversely, excess IL-1β activity contributes to human disease, and its inhibition has proved therapeutically beneficial in the treatment of a spectrum of serious, yet relatively rare, heritable inflammasomopathies. Recently, inflammasome function has been implicated in more common human conditions, such as gout, type II diabetes and cancer. This raises the possibility that anti-IL-1 therapeutics may have broader applications than anticipated previously, and may be utilized across diverse disease states that are linked insidiously through unwanted or heightened inflammasome activity.
Immunosuppressive functions of hepatic myeloid-derived suppressor cells of normal mice and in a murine model of chronic hepatitis B virus
Authors: Chen S , Akbar S M F , Abe M , Hiasa Y , Onji M 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe immunosuppressive state of tumour-bearing hosts is attributable, at least in part, to myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). However, the role of MDSC in physiological conditions and diseases other than cancer has not been addressed. As the liver is a tolerogenic organ, the present study attempted to localize and assess functions of hepatic MDSC in a normal liver and in a murine model of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. MDSC was identified in the liver of normal mice and HBV transgenic mice (TM) as CD11b+ Gr1+ cells by dual-colour flow cytometry. Highly purified populations of MDSC and their subtypes were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The functions of MDSC and their subtypes were evaluated in allogenic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-specific T cell proliferation assays. Normal mice-derived liver MDSC, but not other myeloid cells (CD11b+ Gr1−), suppressed T cell proliferation in allogenic MLR in a dose-dependent manner. Alteration of T cell antigens and impaired interferon-γ production seems to be related to MDSC-induced immunosuppression. In HBV TM, the frequencies of liver MDSC were about twice those of normal mice liver (13·6 ± 3·2% versus 6·05 ± 1·21%, n = 5, P &lt; 0·05). Liver-derived MDSC from HBV TM also suppressed proliferative capacities of allogenic T cells and HBsAg-specific lymphocytes. Liver MDSC may have a critical role in maintaining homeostasis during physiological conditions. As liver MDSC had immunosuppressive functions in HBV TM, they may be a target of immune therapy in chronic HBV infection.
Listeria monocytogenes cell invasion: a new role for cofilin in co‐ordinating actin dynamics and membrane lipids
Authors: Bamburg James R. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryActin reorganization, mediated by the actin dynamizing protein cofilin, is essential for host cell invasion by the intracellular pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. During invasion, the InlB bacterial surface ligands closely interact with host cell Met receptors to induce phagocytosis. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Han et al., 2011 clearly demonstrate that phospholipase D (PLD)‐dependent production of membrane phosphatidic acid is required for invasion. They further show that the phosphorylated form of cofilin, which is inactive in actin binding, is necessary for the activation of the PLD1 isoform. Although cofilin‐independent PLD2 can also mediate internalization, it is a phospho‐cofilin‐dependent balanced production of phosphatidic acid that is required for optimal Listeria internalization. Cofilin‐dependent membrane lipid remodelling has important implications for cofilin function that go well beyond its direct effects on actin.
Spanish nursing under Franco: reinvention, modernization and repression (1956–1976)
Authors: Miró Margalida , Gastaldo Denise , Nelson Sioban , Gallego Gloria 
Published: July 2011

MIRÓ M, GASTALDO D, NELSON S and GALLEGO G. Nursing Inquiry 2012; 19: 270–280  Spanish nursing under Franco: reinvention, modernization and repression (1956–1976)This article examines Spanish nursing during a critical 20‐year period (1956–76) when, under the dictatorial government of General Franco, nursing became the target of a modernization strategy. In the national standardized system of state‐run schools, the previously distinct nursing and midwifery programmes were merged into a new training programme which created the single professional denomination of ATS–Ayudante Técnico Sanitario (Technical Sanitary Assistant). Under the leadership of medicine, and with the blessing of the Catholic Church and the Sección Femenina (Women’s Section of the Falangist Party), nursing was positioned as feminized and subordinate to medicine, a predominantly male profession in mid‐twentieth century Spain. This article discusses this crucial phase of Spanish nursing history by focusing on one influential historical document (published in 1956), Professional Moral Orientation for the Sanitary Technical Assistants, a nursing textbook on professional morals for first‐year nursing students written by Rosamaria Miranda, a Catholic nun and a trained nurse. Our analysis reveals that gender‐related and technical discourses concerning disciplinary and pastoral power relations presented in this textbook legitimate the core beliefs of Franquism put forward by the politically powerful women’s branch of the ruling Falangist Party in mid‐twentieth century Spain.
Long‐distance geneflow and habitat specificity of the rock‐dwelling coppertail skink, Ctenotus taeniolatus
Authors: DENNISON SIOBHAN , SMITH SHANNON M. , STOW ADAM J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractRock boulders or ‘bush‐rocks’ provide essential habitat for many organisms and there has been interest in rehabilitating areas denuded of rock with artificial substitutes. We examine whether the density and size of bush rock influences the density of the coppertail skink (Ctenotus taeniolatus). The success of habitat rehabilitation is contingent on dispersal of rock‐dwelling organisms into areas that have been remediated. To gauge the likelihood of this we characterize geneflow of coppertail skinks among discrete patches of rocky habitat associated with ridge tops. We genotyped 154 individuals from seven localities at six microsatellite DNA loci and from a subset of these individuals we obtained sequence data from the mitochondrial ND4 region. Our field survey established that lizard density was positively associated with the availability of suitably sized bush‐rock (P < 0.001), highlighting the importance of maintaining this habitat element, or replacing it where it has been lost. Despite the presence of habitat features that might be presumed as barriers to dispersal for coppertail skinks, such as intervening gullies and dense vegetation, our genetic data demonstrated high levels of geneflow among rocky ridge tops. Levels of partitioning estimated by global FST were significant but low for both microsatellite (FST = 0.020) and mitochondrial data (FST = 0.113). Spatial autocorrelation of genotypic similarity supports our conclusion of regular longer‐distance geneflow, and we infer lower levels of dispersal in juveniles than in adults. This study suggests that dispersal of coppertail skinks can be sufficient to naturally colonize areas of restored habitat.
Role of biodiversity in integrated fruit production in eastern North American orchards
Authors: Brown Mark W. 
Published: July 2011

Diversifying agricultural ecosystems to enhance biological control is a promising way of promoting sustainable pest management.
In the present study, monoculture apple and peach with standard insecticide treatments were compared with three biodiverse treatments (polyculure, monoculture with companion plants and polyculture with companion plants) with reduced standard insecticide use.
Abundance of insect predators was increased by both the presence of companion plants and extrafloral nectar but parasitism of the leafroller Platynota idaeusalis was not affected.
There were no consistent effects of biodiversity treatment on either tree growth or fruit yield. Insect injury to Empire apple and peach fruit was not consistently affected by the biodiversity treatments. Granny Smith apples were harvested later than Empire and had more fruit injury in the biodiverse treatments than the standard insecticide control.
A reduction in pesticides with added biodiversity proved to be a viable alternative to standard chemical insecticide management for temperate tree fruit. Increases in the natural control of pests resulting from increased plant diversity has promise for reducing the reliance on chemical insecticides for pest suppression.
Long‐term results of permanent urethral stent Memotherm implantation in the management of recurrent bulbar urethral stenosis
Authors: Sertcelik Memduh N. , Bozkurt Ibrahim H. , Yalcinkaya Fatih , Zengin Kursad 
Published: July 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Milroy reported 84% success at a mean of 4.5 years follow‐up by usage of a permanently implantable “urolume” spent in 1993. Memotherm was developed later, especially for urologic use. Our study is one of the largest in this urea, with a high number of patients and a long follow‐up period.OBJECTIVE• To evaluate the effectiveness and long‐term results of permanent urethral stent (Memotherm) implantation in the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture.PATIENTS AND METHODS• In all, 47 patients with a history of previous unsuccessful treatment for bulbar urethral stricture were treated using Memotherm bulbar urethral stents between 1998 and 2002.• Long‐term follow‐up data was analysed and discussed.RESULTS• At the end of the 7‐year period 37 of 47 patients (78.7%) had been treated successfully.• Post‐micturition dribbling incontinence lasting up to 3 months after stent placement occurred in 32 (68.1%) patients, but this was reduced to only seven patients (14.9%) by the 7‐year follow‐up.• There was stress incontinence of various severities in nine (19.2%) patients at the 1‐year follow‐up. These patients were those who had stenosed urethral segments adjacent to the external sphincter. At the long‐term follow‐up <10% of the patients had stress incontinence complaints.CONCLUSION• Memotherm is a good treatment option in patients with recurrent bulbar urethral stricture of any cause.
Combined p53 and MDM2 biomarker analysis shows a unique pattern of expression associated with poor prognosis in patients with renal cell carcinoma undergoing radical nephrectomy
Authors: Noon Aidan P. , Polański Radosław , El‐Fert Ashraf Y. , Kalirai Helen , Shawki Howida , Campbell Fiona , Dodson Andy , Eccles Richard M. , Lloyd Bryony H. , Sibson David R. , Coupland Sarah E. , Lake Sarah L. , Parsons Keith , Vlatković Nikolina , Boyd Mark T. 
Published: July 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Unlike most other cancers mutations of the p53 gene (TP53), typically indicated by increased p53 expression, are rare in renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and there is no evidence that mutation of TP53 is associated with outcome or treatment response. However, whilst TP53 mutations are not linked with outcome, p53 expression is as we show here.Our study is the first to demonstrate simultaneously that patients with increased p53 expression (significantly associated with MDM2 expression), have reduced disease specific survival even though the expressed p53 is rarely mutated.We therefore identify increased expression of wild‐type p53 and MDM2 in RCC as targets for future therapeutic approaches.OBJECTIVE
To resolve much debated issues surrounding p53 function, expression and mutation in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), we performed the first study to simultaneously determine p53/MDM2 expression, TP53 mutational status (in p53‐positive patients) and outcome in RCC.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In total, 90 specimens obtained from patients with RCC, who were treated by radical nephrectomy, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for p53 and MDM2 on a tissue microarray, and p53 was functionally and genetically analyzed in p53 positive samples.
Outcome analysis was by the Kaplan–Meier method and univariate analysis was used to identify variables for subsequent multivariate analysis of correlations between clinical parameters and biomarker expression.
RESULTS
Up‐regulation of p53 in RCC is strongly linked with MDM2 up‐regulation (P < 0.001).
Increased coexpression of p53 and MDM2 identifies those patients with a significantly reduced disease‐specific survival by univariate (P= 0.036) and Cox multiple regression analysis (P= 0.027; relative risk, 3.20).
Functional (i.e. functional analysis of separated alleles in yeast) and genetic analysis of tumours with increased p53 expression shows that most patients (86%) retain wild‐type p53.
CONCLUSIONS
Coexpression of p53/MDM2 identifies a subset of patients with poor prognosis, despite all of them having organ‐confined disease.
Up‐regulated p53 is typically wild‐type and thus provides a mechanistic explanation for the association between p53 and MDM2 expression: up‐regulated wild‐type p53 likely promotes the observed MDM2 coexpression.
The results obtained in the present study suggest that the p53 pathway is altered in a tissue/disease‐specific manner and that therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway should be investigated to determine whether the tumour suppressive function of p53 can be rescued in RCC.
Characterizing homologues of crop domestication genes in poorly described wild relatives by high‐throughput sequencing of whole genomes
Authors: Malory Sylvia , Shapter Frances M. , Elphinstone Martin S. , Chivers Ian H. , Henry Robert J. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryWild crop relatives represent a source of novel alleles for crop genetic improvement. Screening biodiversity for useful or diverse gene homologues has often been based upon the amplification of targeted genes using available sequence information to design primers that amplify the target gene region across species. The crucial requirement of this approach is the presence of sequences with sufficient conservation across species to allow for the design of universal primers. This approach is often not successful with diverse organisms or highly variable genes. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) can quickly produce large amounts of sequence data and provides a viable option for characterizing homologues of known genes in poorly described genomes. MPS of genomic DNA was used to obtain species‐specific sequence information for 18 rice genes related to domestication characteristics in a wild relative of rice, Microlaena stipoides. Species‐specific primers were available for 16 genes compared with 12 genes using the universal primer method. The use of species‐specific primers had the potential to cover 92% of the sequence of these genes, while traditional universal primers could only be designed to cover 80%. A total of 24 species‐specific primer pairs were used to amplify gene homologues, and 11 primer pairs were successful in capturing six gene homologues. The 23 million, 36‐base pair (bp) paired end reads, equated to an average of 2X genome coverage, facilitated the successful amplification and sequencing of six target gene homologues, illustrating an important approach to the discovery of useful genes in wild crop relatives.
BODIES, BURIALS AND AGEING: ACCESSING THE TEMPORALITY OF OLD AGE IN PREHISTORIC SOCIETIES
Authors: APPLEBY J.E.P. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThere has been little attempt within archaeology to understand the social meanings specifically attached to old age, or the implications of the social construction of old age for the reconstruction of prehistoric social formations. This stems partly from the low social value placed upon the elderly in modern societies, which makes us tend to view them as irrelevant, and partly from the difficulty of accurately ageing the skeletons of older individuals, which can make them appear invisible in the archaeological record.A case study from the Traisental of Lower Austria is used to illustrate how the changing meanings of old age are recoverable from archaeological cemetery assemblages. Analysis of material culture patterning is combined with assessment of different forms of bodily degeneration to identify changes over time in the way that old age was socially recognized and the possibility that different kinds of bodily infirmity had very different social implications.
EPISCOPAL GROUPS IN HISPANIA
Authors: GURT I ESPARRAGUERA JOSEP M. , RAMOS ISABEL SÁNCHEZ 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThis study considers the most important Christian architectural complex in the Late Antique city, which at the same time came to be seen as a fundamental point of reference for the ecclesiastical structure of the surrounding territory. Taking the current state of research on episcopal groups in Hispania as its starting point, this paper aims to reach a series of conclusions as regards their location, spatial evolution and the total area they occupied, as well as their internal distribution. In addition, the continuing difficulties involved in archaeologically defining the presence of these religious complexes in the majority of episcopal sees created in Hispania during this period are discussed.
Political objectives and privatization decisions
Authors: Szentpéteri Ádám , Telegdy Álmos 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn early Romanian privatization a group of firms was explicitly banned from privatization. We use this institutional feature to test which factors contributed to the selection of firms for long‐term state ownership, and find that politicians sheltered from privatization large and inefficient firms which paid low wages and had high overdue payments. These results are consistent with minimization of employment losses, even if efficiency enhancement of privatization had to be sacrificed. We conjecture that the unfavourable economic conditions bringing large employment losses motivated Romanian politicians to fear the possible negative employment effects of privatization.
Vocabulary size and depth of word knowledge in adult‐onset second language acquisition
Authors: Hellman Andrea B. 
Published: July 2011

This study investigated whether adult‐onset second language (L2) learners achieve native level vocabulary after decades of immersion. Vocabulary tests were given to three groups of participants: highly successful adult‐onset learners of English, monolingual English speakers, and bilingual native speakers of English. Overall, the native speakers outperformed the non‐native speakers; however, the rate of native like achievement was remarkably high among the successful adult‐onset learners, which indicated that native level L2 vocabulary size and depth of word knowledge were attainable in adulthood. Factors that correlated with native level L2 vocabulary were: childhood caregivers' education, verbal ability and literacy in the native language, and interest in word learning and daily reading. The findings suggest that the lexicon may be the potentially most successful area of adult‐onset L2 learning.Olyan felnőttkori angol nyelvtanulók szókincsét vizsgáltuk, akik több évtizedig amerikai angol nyelvterületen tartózkodtak és az angol nyelvet sikeresen elsajátították. A felnőttkori angol nyelvtanulókat két kontroll csoporttal hasonlítottuk össze szókincsfelmérő tetszek alapján: egy nyelven beszélő amerikai angol anyanyelvűekkel és több nyelven beszélő amerikai angol anyanyelvűekkel. Mindent összevetve, az angol anyanyelvű kontroll csoportok magasabb eredményt értek el. Ennek ellenére meglepően magas volt a sikeres felnőttkori nyelvtanuló mintacsoportban azoknak az aránya, akik anyanyelvi szintű angol szókincset értek el, ami arra utal, hogy egy idegennyelv szókincse felnőttkorban is elsajátítható anyanyelvi szinten. Regressziópróba három összetett faktort hozott statisztikai összefüggésbe az anyanyelvi szintű idegennyelvi szókinccsel azoknak a felnőttkori nyelvtanulóknak a körében, akik több évtizedig nyelvterületen tartózkodtak: (1) szüleik/nevelőik iskolai végzettsége, (2) magyar anyanyelvi kézségük és írás‐olvasás tudásszintjük, (3) érdeklődésük a szókincsfejlesztés és a mindennapi olvasás iránt. Az eredmény azt jelzi, hogy a szókincs nagysága és mélysége a felnőttkori nyelvelsajátítás potenciálisan legsikeresebb területe.
Grammar and meaning in early adult foreign language instruction
Authors: Scheffler Paweł 
Published: July 2011

There are at present two general views on implementing second/foreign language instruction. First, we can start from meaning and communication, assuming that grammar will ‘take care of itself’ with only a little help from the teacher. Second, we can start from grammar, assuming that communicative ability will follow from subsequent practice. The present article examines the key arguments for the meaning‐first approach and two specific proposals for its implementation. It is then argued that such an approach is not appropriate for adult foreign language instruction, in which grammar should be taught and practised systematically from the initial stages of the process.Istnieją obecnie dwa poglądy na realizację nauczania języka obcego/drugiego. Po pierwsze, możemy rozpocząć proces nauczania od komunikacji i nacisku na znaczenie form językowych, przyjmując, że kompetencja gramatyczna wykształci się sama z niewielką pomocą nauczyciela. Po drugie, możemy rozpocząć od nauczania gramatyki, zakładając, że umiejętność komunikacji będzie konsekwencjąćwiczeń komunikacyjnych. Niniejszy artykuł omawia główne argumenty za pierwszym z wymienionych podejść i dwa modele jego realizacji. Następnie autor przedstawia argumenty, według których podejście to nie jest odpowiednie dla dorosłych uczących się języka obcego. W takim przypadku, gramatyka powinna być nauczana systematycznie od początkowego etapu nauki.
Provision of Fluoride Varnish to Medicaid‐Enrolled Children by Physicians: The Massachusetts Experience
Authors: Isong Inyang A. , Silk Hugh , Rao Sowmya R. , Perrin James M. , Savageau Judith A. , Donelan Karen 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. To evaluate the impact of a 2008 Medicaid policy in Massachusetts (MA), regarding reimbursing physicians for providing fluoride varnish (FV) to eligible children in medical settings.
Data Source. Survey of a sample of primary care physicians in MA.
Study Design. Cross‐sectional survey of a sample of physicians who provide care to MassHealth (MA Medicaid) enrolled‐children. Dependent variables: history of completed preventive dental skills training, and FV provision. Independent variables: oral health knowledge, FV‐attitudes, and physician and practice characteristics.
Principal Findings. Overall, 19 percent of respondents had completed the training required to be eligible to bill for FV provision. Only 5 percent of physicians were providing FV. Most respondents (63 percent) were not familiar with the new policy, and only 25 percent felt that FV should be provided during well‐child visits. Most physicians (60 percent) did not feel that the reimbursement rate of U.S.$26/application was sufficient; 17 percent said that they would not provide FV, regardless of payment. Most common barriers to FV provision were a lack of time and logistical challenges.
Conclusions. Our findings suggest that simply reimbursing physicians for FV provision is insufficient to ensure provider participation. Success of this policy will likely require addressing several barriers identified.