bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crh, the paralogue of the phosphocarrier protein HPr, controls the methylglyoxal bypass of glycolysis in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Landmann Jens J. , Busse Ricarda A. , Latz Jan‐Hendrik , Singh Kalpana D. , Stülke Jörg , Görke Boris 
Published: October 2011

SummaryThe histidine protein HPr has a key role in regulation of carbohydrate utilization in low‐GC Gram‐positive bacteria. Bacilli possess the paralogue Crh. Like HPr, Crh becomes phosphorylated by kinase HPrK/P in response to high fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate concentrations. However, Crh can only partially substitute for the regulatory functions of HPr leaving its role mysterious. Using protein co‐purification, we identified enzyme methylglyoxal synthase MgsA as interaction partner of Crh in Bacillus subtilis. MgsA converts dihydroxyacetone‐phosphate to methylglyoxal and thereby initiates a glycolytic bypass that prevents the deleterious accumulation of phospho‐sugars under carbon overflow conditions. However, methylgyloxal is toxic and its production requires control. We show here that exclusively the non‐phosphorylated form of Crh interacts with MgsA in vivo and inhibits MgsA activity in vitro. Accordingly, Crh inhibits methylglyoxal formation in vivo under nutritional famine conditions that favour a low HPr kinase activity. Thus, Crh senses the metabolic state of the cell, as reflected by its phosphorylation state, and accordingly controls flux through the harmful methylglyoxal pathway. Interestingly, HPr is unable to bind and regulate MgsA, making this a bona fide function of Crh. Four residues that differ in the interaction surfaces of HPr and Crh may account for this difference.
Activated Monocytes Prime Naïve T Cells Against Autologous Cancer: Vigorous Cancer DestructionIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Laumbacher B. , Gu S. , Wank R. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIt has not been considered so far that antigen‐presenting cells (APC) may phagocytose immunogenic material from autologous cancer cells. Assuming the presence of cancer‐immunogenic material in APC, we developed a novel autologous priming method that does not require tumour cells or identified peptides. Cancer‐immunogenic information came from CD14+monocytes. When stimulated with CD3‐activated T cells, monocytes primed CD3+CD4+and CD3+CD8+resting/naïve T cells to become powerful effector cells within 24 h. During priming, depletion of CD14+monocytes but not CD1a+CD83+dendritic cells prevented T cell priming. During cancer cell destruction, dendritic cells, but not monocytes, enhanced cancer cell lysis. The cascade‐primed (CAPRI) immune cell quartet comprising monocytes, dendritic cells, CD4+T and CD8+T cells induced a significant decrease in the number of suppressive CD25highFoxP3+CD4+T cells. CAPRI cells induced a marked upregulation of MHC class I and class II expression in cancer cells, which is crucial for autoimmune‐like lysis. We showin vivoevidence of the CAPRI cell concept in nude mice. In humans, we present circumstantial clinical evidence showing the efficacy of CAPRI cells in an adjuvant treatment attempt for breast cancer patients with metastasis (N = 42). Compared to patients at the Munich Tumor Center (no CAPRI treatmentN = 428), almost double the expected number of patients survived 5 years (P = 1.36 × 10−14). The CAPRI method is a safe procedure without negative side effects. High numbers of cancer‐specific CAPRI cells can be obtained within a week against different cancer types for efficient adoptive cell therapy.
Optimization of a Staphylococcus aureus adhesion assay for equine corneocytes
Authors: Griffeth Gregory C. , Callori Nancy , Rankin Shelley C. , Boston Raymond C. , Morris Daniel O. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMeticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes serious skin and soft‐tissue infections of humans and animals. Multiple strains of MRSA have been characterized, and one in particular, designated as strain USA 500, causes infections predominantly of horses and the people who work with them. The purpose of this study was to optimize an assay which could subsequently be used to compare the relative avidity of different S. aureus strains for equine corneocytes. Corneocytes were collected from the perineal skin of 10 healthy horses onto adhesive discs. The discs were then incubated at 37 °C with an S. aureus field strain at each of three concentrations [107, 108 and 109 colony forming units (CFU)/mL] and for each of three incubation periods (45, 90 and 180 min). After standardized rinsing and staining procedures, discs were examined at ×1,000 magnification and areas containing confluent corneocytes photographed. The percentage of surface area occupied by adherent bacteria was analysed using image processing and analysis software. Significant colour space image processing was required to distinguish bacteria from the ubiquitous melanin granules present within equine corneocytes. Objective and subjective methods were used to determine optimal conditions for specific adherence without introducing confounding factors. A bacterial concentration of 108 CFU/mL incubated with corneocytes for 45 min produced maximal bacterial adhesion with the least amount of interbacterial clumping. Future studies should utilize these conditions for optimal assay performance.
Dorsal hippocampal cannabinoid CB1 receptors mediate the interactive effects of nicotine and ethanol on passive avoidance learning in mice
Authors: Alijanpour Sakineh , Rezayof Ameneh , Zarrindast Mohammad‐Reza 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThe present study evaluated the involvement of the dorsal hippocampal cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the combined effect of ethanol and nicotine on passive avoidance learning in adult male mice. The results indicated that pre‐training administration of ethanol (1 g/kg, i.p.) impaired memory retrieval. Pre‐test administration of ethanol (0.5 and 1 g/kg, i.p.) or nicotine (0.5 and 0.7 mg/kg, s.c.) significantly reversed ethanol‐induced amnesia, suggesting a functional interaction between ethanol and nicotine. Pre‐test microinjection of a selective CB1 receptor agonist, ACPA (3 and 5 ng/mouse), plus an ineffective dose of ethanol (0.25 g/kg) or nicotine (0.3 mg/kg) improved memory retrieval, while ACPA by itself could not reverse ethanol‐induced amnesia. Pre‐test intra‐CA1 microinjection of a selective CB1 receptor antagonist, AM251 (0.5–2 ng/mouse), did not lead to a significant change in ethanol‐induced amnesia. However, pre‐test intra‐CA1 microinjection of AM251 prevented the ethanol (1 g/kg) or nicotine (0.7 mg/kg) response on ethanol‐induced amnesia. In order to support the involvement of the dorsal hippocampal CB1 receptors in nicotine response, the scheduled mixed treatments of AM251 (0.1–1 ng/mouse), ACPA (5 ng/mouse) and nicotine (0.3 mg/kg) were used. The results indicated that AM251 reversed the response of ACPA to the interactive effects of nicotine and ethanol in passive avoidance learning. Furthermore, pre‐test intra‐CA1 microinjection of the same doses of ACPA or AM251 had no effect on memory retrieval. These findings show that the cannabinoid CB1 receptors of dorsal hippocampus are important in the combined effect of ethanol and nicotine on passive avoidance learning.
Effect of homozygous deletions at 22q13.1 on alcohol dependence severity and cue‐elicited BOLD response in the precuneus
Authors: Liu Jingyu , Calhoun Vince D. , Chen Jiayu , Claus Eric D. , Hutchison Kent E. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTCopy number variations (CNVs) can alter the DNA sequence in blocks ranging from kilobases to megabases, involving more total nucleotides than single nucleotide polymorphisms. Yet, its impact in humans is far from fully understood. In this study, we investigate the relationship of genome‐wide CNVs with brain function elicited by an alcohol cue in 300 participants with alcohol use disorders. First, we extracted refined neurobiological phenotypes, the brain responses to an alcohol cue versus a juice cue in the precuneus, thalamus and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Then, we correlated the CNVs with incidence frequency > 1% to the neurobiological phenotypes. One CNV region at 22q13.1 was identified to be associated with alcohol dependence severity and the brain response to alcohol cues. Specifically, the 22k base‐pair homozygous deletion at 22q13.1 affects genes APOBEC3a and APOBEC3b. Carriers of this homozygous deletion show a significantly higher score in the alcohol dependence severity (P < 0.05) and increased response to alcohol cues in the precuneus (P < 10−12) than other participants. Tests of a mediation model indicate that the precuneus mediates the association between the homozygous deletions and alcohol dependence severity. Interestingly, the precuneus is not only anatomically and functionally connected to the ACC and thalamus (the main active regions to the alcohol cue), but also has the most predictive power to the alcohol dependence severity. These findings suggest that the homozygous deletion at 22q13.1 may have an important impact on the function of the precuneus with downstream implications for alcohol dependence.
Increased risk of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in asthmatic patients using long‐term inhaled corticosteroid therapy
Authors: HOJO MASAYUKI , IIKURA MOTOYASU , HIRANO SATOSHI , SUGIYAMA HARUHITO , KOBAYASHI NOBUYUKI , KUDO KOICHIRO 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The risk of pneumonia is increased among COPD patients using inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). However, there is uncertainty regarding the association between long‐term use of ICS and exacerbations of respiratory tract infections among asthmatic patients.Methods:  A case‐control nested cohort study was performed to assess the association of asthma with nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infection.Results:  Among this cohort of 464 asthmatic patients, 14 experienced complications due to NTM infections, of which eight were caused by Mycobacterium avium‐intracellulare complex, three by M. kansasii, one by M. terrae and the remaining two by unclassifiable scotochromogens. Asthmatic patients with NTM infections were older (67.1 ± 8.6 vs 58.8 ± 12.3 years, P < 0.01) and had more severe airflow limitation (FEV1%, 60.6 ± 10.3 vs 72.3 ± 18.3, P < 0.03) than those without NTM infections. All except one had received ICS treatment for more than 5 years, and 12 of the 14 patients used inhaled fluticasone propionate daily (four patients at a dose of 400 µg/day and eight patients at a dose >800 µg/day).Conclusions:  These findings suggest that the risk of NTM infection may be greater in asthmatic patients who are older, have more severe airflow limitation and receive higher doses of ICS therapy.
The effect of release method and trial site on recapture rates of adult sterile Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Reynolds Olivia L , Smallridge Catherine J , Cockington Vanessa G , Penrose Lindsay D 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae) is Australia's worst pest of edible fruit. The Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone (FFEZ) in south‐eastern Australia encompasses some of the country's most valuable horticultural production areas and is recognised nationally and internationally as free of B. tryoni. Outbreaks of B. tryoni in the FFEZ are controlled, in part, with the inundative release of sterile B. tryoni. To determine whether release method and trial site affected trap recapture rates of sterile B. tryoni, four sterile B. tryoni releases were conducted simultaneously at two sites: Wagga Wagga, New South Wales (NSW) and Unley, South Australia (SA) from December 2007 to April 2008, using both a plastic adult rearing container (PARC) and a bin release method. PARC or bin did not affect the number of B. tryoni recaptured. Trap recapture rates of released sterile B. tryoni were higher in NSW than SA throughout the trial, and peak recapture rates occurred 1 week earlier in NSW. Humidity was higher inside the bins compared with the PARCs in three of the four releases; temperature was higher in PARCs compared with bins in two of the releases. For the only fly batch tested, emergence and flight were higher in the PARCs compared with the bins. Quality control and recapture studies showed that dye pigment was not a confounding factor in recapture rates of the main studies.
Transplantation of mature adipocyte‐derived dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells improves urethral sphincter contractility in a rat model
Authors: Obinata Daisuke , Matsumoto Taro , Ikado Yuichiro , Sakuma Takahiro , Kano Koichiro , Fukuda Noboru , Yamaguchi Kenya , Mugishima Hideo , Takahashi Satoru 
Published: October 2011

Objectives:  To examine the effects of mature adipocyte‐derived dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cell transplantation on urethral tissue regeneration and sphincter function.Methods:  Sixteen female Sprague–Dawley rats underwent vaginal distension (VD) for 3 h. Subsequently, green fluorescence protein (GFP)‐labeled DFAT cells (1 × 106 in 20 µL saline, DFAT group, n = 8) or saline (20 µL, control group, n = 8) were injected into paraurethral connective tissue. Two weeks following VD, leak point pressure (LPP) was measured and an immunohistochemical analysis of the urethra was performed to evaluate urethral sphincter regeneration.Results:  The VD model was characterized by atrophy of the urethral sphincter and showed a decrease in LPP. DFAT cell transplantation resulted in a significant improvement of LPP (DFAT group: 37.3 ± 6.4 vs control group: 21.7 ± 5.7 mmHg, P < 0.01). Immunohistochemistry revealed that the striated muscle thickness and smooth muscle α−actin‐positive area were significantly (P < 0.05) larger in the DFAT group than in the control group. DFAT cell transplantation enhanced macrophage accumulation followed by an increased number of cells in the proliferative state. Transplanted DFAT cells were observed in the damaged smooth muscle layer and showed positive staining for smooth muscle α−actin, suggesting conversion into the smooth muscle cell phenotype.Conclusions:  DFAT cell transplantation promotes sphincter muscle regeneration and improves LPP in the rat VD model.
Comparisons of pelvic floor muscle performance, anxiety, quality of life and life stress in women with dry overactive bladder compared with asymptomatic women
Authors: Knight Sharon , Luft Janis , Nakagawa Sanae , Katzman Wendy B. 
Published: October 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case control)Level of Evidence 3bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Abnormal pelvic floor muscle function has been associated with chronic pelvic pain syndromes.This study adds evidence about pelvic muscle performance in women with dry overactive bladders.OBJECTIVES
To determine if pelvic floor muscle surface electromyography (sEMG) measurements differed between women with dry overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and asymptomatic controls.
To determine whether pelvic floor muscle performance was associated with anxiety scores, quality of life and life stress measures
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We enrolled 28 women with urinary urgency and frequency without urinary incontinence, and 28 age‐matched controls.
sEMG was used to assess pelvic muscle performance.
Participants also completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire and Recent Life Changes Questionnaire.
RESULTS
Anxiety scores were significantly higher in women with dry OAB than in controls.
No significant differences were found in sEMG measures of pelvic muscle contraction or relaxation between the two groups
There was no significant correlation between sEMG pretest resting baseline measurements and the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire or life stress scores among symptomatic women
As expected, women with dry OAB had significantly higher scores on the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire.
CONCLUSIONS
This study supports a relationship between dry OAB symptoms and anxiety that warrants further exploration.
Resting sEMG baselines were not elevated and did not support the hypothesis that women with dry OAB are unable to relax their pelvic floor muscles.
The Reform of Health Policy in China – Left Behind in the Race to Industrialize?
Authors: Manning Nick 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA major programme of health reform was announced in 2009. China is growing fast, and is beginning to engage with the international social policy community to discuss and review the consequences of rapid industrialization. As a specific part of social policy, health policy shares some of the characteristics of a policy area driven by the consequences of industrialization, but it also has its own particular features. This article reviews the general relationship between state and citizens in the health field by way of an introduction before focussing more specifically on Chinese patterns of health inequalities, and the pressures for reform. The 2009 reform of health policy and its dynamics are then presented, and the article concludes that there has been a deterioration in Chinese health policy, which threatens to undermine the benefits of economic growth for Chinese people.
COUNTING THREADS. SAFFRON IN AEGEAN BRONZE AGE WRITING AND SOCIETY
Authors: DAY JO 
Published: October 2011

SummaryThe ideogram for saffron has long been recognized on the Linear B tablets from Knossos. Close examination of this corpus allows a distinction in content to be made between the LM II–LM IIIA1 tablets of the Room of the Chariot Tablets and the later LM IIIA1–2 tablets from the North Entrance Passage. It is suggested here that the later material demonstrates an increasing control over saffron production by the palace, with a greater overall quantity of the spice recorded, larger individual contributions, potential supervisors in charge of collection, and pressure to reach targets. This increase in organization coincides with a dramatic decrease in crocus imagery in other media, and may indicate a deliberate Mycenaean rejection of the symbolic world of Minoan floral iconography, and an interest only in the commercial value of the precious spice. Possible antecedents of the saffron ideogram in Linear A and Cretan Hieroglyphic are also considered.
OLIVE‐MILL WASTEWATER IN ANTIQUITY. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS AND APPLICATIONS
Authors: NIAOUNAKIS MICHAEL 
Published: October 2011

SummaryThe present study examines the results of archaeological research and all the related information retrieved from the writings of ancient Greek and Roman authors on the use and the environmental effects of olive‐mill wastewater since antiquity. The ancients were aware of the negative effects that the uncontrolled disposal of olive‐mill wastewater had on the environment, while the controlled release was considered to be beneficial for the soil.A predecessor of olive‐mill wastewater isamurca(Latin) oramorge(Greek). Both terms have been used by ancient authors to describe the watery, bitter‐tasting liquid residue obtained when the oil is drained from compressed olives. The role ofamurcaoramorgeis, however, difficult to assess, though it does seem to have been a universal remedy against insects, weeds and plant diseases.On the basis of production and consumption patterns, an attempt was made to estimate the annual olive oil production during the reign of Augustus, which in turn could provide us with an order of magnitude approach for the generated olive‐mill wastewater (amurca).Although there is no evidence that the Romans practised any detoxification technique for reducing the pollutant effects of this waste before disposal, several Greek and Roman writers have described the recycling ofamurcainto valuable products. Some of the uses ofamurcaare, in the light of recent research, questionable or not exactly applicable for the present day. However, the pesticidal and fertilizing properties of olive‐mill wastewater have been confirmed by a large number of research studies.
How does the application of different nitrification inhibitors affect nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching from cow urine in grazed pastures?
Authors: Di H. J. , Cameron K. C. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractNitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas, and nitrate () is a water contaminant. In grazed grassland, the major source of both leaching and N2O emissions is nitrogen (N) deposited in animal excreta, particularly in the urine. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of two nitrification inhibitors: (i) a solution of dicyandiamide (DCD) and (ii) a liquid formulation of 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) for reducing N2O emissions and leaching from urine patch areas in two grazed pasture soils under different environmental conditions. In the Canterbury Templeton soil, the nitrification rate of ammonium from the animal urine applied at 1000 kg N/ha was significantly decreased by the application of DCD (10 kg/ha) and DMPP (5 kg/ha). N2O emissions, measured over a 3‐month period, from dairy cow urine applied to the Canterbury Templeton soil were 1.14 kg N2O‐N/ha, and this was reduced to 0.43 and 0.39 kg N2O‐N/ha by DCD and the liquid DMPP, respectively. These are equivalent to 62–66% reductions in the total N2O emissions. Nitrate leaching losses from dairy cow urine applied to the Waikato Horotiu soil lysimeters were reduced from 628.6 kg ‐N/ha to 400.6 and 451.5 kg ‐N/ha by the application of DCD (10 kg/ha) or DMPP (1 kg/ha), respectively. There was no significant difference between the DCD solution and the liquid DMPP in terms of their effectiveness in reducing N2O emissions or leaching under the experimental conditions of this study. These results suggest that both the liquid formulations of DCD and DMPP have the potential to be used as nitrification inhibitors to reduce N2O emissions and leaching in grazed pasture soils.
The effect of honey‐coated bandages compared with silver‐coated bandages on treatment of malignant wounds—a randomized study
Authors: Lund‐Nielsen Betina , Adamsen Lis , Kolmos Hans Jørn , Rørth Mikael , Tolver Anders , Gottrup Finn 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMalignant wounds (MWs) occur in 5–10% of all cancer patients. Malodor and exudation are the most common side effects. The aim was to determine the influence of honey‐coated compared with silver‐coated bandages on treatment of MWs. Patients were randomly selected to enter either group A (honey‐coated bandages) or group B (silver‐coated bandages). Parameters were the following: wound size, cleanliness, malodor, exudation, and wound pain. Digital photographs, visual analog scales (VAS), and wound morphology registration were used for measurement at baseline and following the 4‐week intervention. Sixty‐nine patients with MWs and advanced cancer, aged 47–90 (median 65.6), were included. No statistically significant difference was noted between the groups with respect to wound size, degree of cleanliness, exudation, malodor, and wound pain. There was a median decrease in wound size of 15 cm2 and 8 cm2 in group A and B, respectively (p = 0.63). Based on post‐intervention pooled data from the groups, improvement was seen in 62% of the participants with respect to wound size and in 58% (n = 69) with respect to cleanliness. The VAS score for malodor (p = 0.007) and exudation (p < 0.0001) improved significantly post‐intervention.Patients with reduced wound size had a median survival time of 387 days compared with 134 days in patients with no wound reduction (p = 0.003). The use of honey‐coated and silver‐coated bandages improved the outcome of MWs. No differences were found between the two regimens. Both types of bandages are recommended for use by patients with MWs containing tumor debris and necrosis.