bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study on the immunological basis of the dissociation between type I-hypersensitivity skin reactions to Blomia tropicalis antigens and serum anti-B. tropicalis IgE antibodies
Authors: Ponte João CM , Junqueira Samuel B , Veiga Rafael V , Barreto Mauricio L , Pontes-de-Carvalho Lain C , Alcântara-Neves Neuza M 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Two conditions are used as markers of atopy: the presence of circulating anti-allergen IgE antibodies and the presence of positive skin prick test (SPT) reactions to allergenic extracts. The correlation between these conditions is not absolute. This study aimed at investigating immunological parameters that may mediate this lack of correlation. Individuals whose sera contained anti-B. tropicalis extract IgE antibodies (α-Bt E IgE) were divided into two groups, according to the presence or absence of skin reactivity to B. tropicalis extract (Bt E). The following parameters were investigated: total IgE levels; α-Bt E IgE levels; an arbitrary α-Bt E IgE/total IgE ratio; the proportion of carbohydrate-reactive α-Bt E IgE; the proportion of α-Bt E IgE that reacted with Ascaris lumbricoides extract (Al E); the production of IL-10 by Bt E- and Al E-stimulated peripheral blood cells (PBMC).

Results
Total IgE levels were similar in the two groups, but α-Bt E IgE was significantly higher in the SPT-positive group (SPT+). A large overlap of α-Bt E IgE levels was found in individuals of both groups, indicating that these levels alone cannot account for the differences in SPT outcome. Individuals of the two groups did not differ, statistically, in the proportion of α-Bt E IgE that reacted with carbohydrate and in the production of IL-10 by Bt E- and Al E-stimulated PBMC. Both groups had part of α-Bt E IgE activity absorbed out by Al E, indicating the existence of cross-reactive IgE antibodies. However, the α-Bt E IgE from the SPT-negative individuals (SPT-) was more absorbed with AlE than the α-Bt E IgE from the SPT+ individuals. This finding may be ascribed to avidity differences of the α-Bt E IgE that is present in the two groups of individuals, and could occur if at least part of the α-Bt E IgE from the SPT- individuals were elicited by A. lumbricoides infection.

Conclusion
The present results suggest that a low ratio of specific IgE to total IgE levels (in a minority of individuals), and differences in α-Bt E IgE avidities (which would have high affinities for A. lumbricoides antigens in SPT- than in SPT+ individuals) may play a role in the down-modulation of type-I hypersensitivity reaction against aeroallergens described in helminth-infected individuals.
Evaluation of medical student self-rated preparedness to care for limited english proficiency patients
Authors: Rodriguez Fatima , Cohen Amy , Betancourt Joseph R , Green Alexander R 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) represent a growing proportion of the US population and are at risk of receiving suboptimal care due to difficulty communicating with healthcare providers who do not speak their language. Medical school curricula are required to prepare students to care for all patients, including those with LEP, but little is known about how well they achieve this goal. We used data from a survey of medical students' cross-cultural preparedness, skills, and training to specifically explore their self-rated preparedness to care for LEP patients.

Methods
We electronically surveyed students at one northeastern US medical school. We used bivariate analyses to identify factors associated with student self-rated preparedness to care for LEP patients including gender, training year, first language, race/ethnicity, percent LEP and minority patients seen, and skill with interpreters. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the independent effect of each factor on LEP preparedness. In a secondary analysis, we explored the association between year in medical school and self-perceived skill level in working with an interpreter.

Results
Of 651 students, 416 completed questionnaires (63.9% response rate). Twenty percent of medical students reported being very well or well-prepared to care for LEP patients. Of these, 40% were in their fourth year of training. Skill level working with interpreters, prevalence of LEP patients seen, and training year were correlated (p < 0.001) with LEP preparedness. Using multivariate logistic regression, only student race/ethnicity and self-rated skill with interpreters remained statistically significant. Students in third and fourth years were more likely to feel skilled with interpreters (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Increasingly, medical students will need to be prepared to care for LEP patients. Our study supports two strategies to improve student preparedness: training students to work effectively with interpreters and increasing student diversity to better reflect the changing US demographics.
Are Australian immigrants at a risk of being physically inactive?
Authors: Dassanayake Jayantha , Dharmage Shyamali C , Gurrin Lyle , Sundararajan Vijaya , Payne Warren R 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundWe examined whether physical activity risk differed between migrant sub-groups and the Australian-born population.MethodsData were drawn from the Australian National Health Survey (2001) and each resident's country of birth was classified into one of 13 regions. Data were gathered on each resident's physical activity level in the fortnight preceding the survey. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders examined the risk of physical inactivity of participants from each of the 13 regions compared to the Australian-born population.ResultsThere was a greater prevalence of physical inactivity for female immigrants from most regions compared to male immigrants from a like region. Immigrants from South East Asia (OR 2.04% 95% CI 1.63, 2.56), Other Asia (OR 1.53 95% CI 1.10, 2.13), Other Oceania (1.81 95% CI 1.11, 2.95), the Middle East (OR 1.42 95% CI 0.97, 2.06 [note: border line significance]) and Southern & Eastern Europe are at a significantly higher risk of being physically inactive compared to those born in Australian. In contrast, immigrants from New Zealand (OR 0.77 95% CI 0.62, 0.94), the UK & Ireland (OR 0.82 95% CI 0.73, 0.92), and other Africa (OR 0.69 95% CI 0.51, 0.94) are at a significantly lower risk of being physically inactive compared to the Australian born population.ConclusionFuture research identifying potential barriers and facilitators to participation in physical activity will inform culturally sensitive physical activity programs that aim to encourage members of specific regional ethnic sub-groups to undertake physical activity.
Tuning photoluminescence of organic rubrene nanoparticles through a hydrothermal process
Authors: Kim Mi Suk , Cho Eun Hei , Park Dong Hyuk , Jung Hyunjung , Bang Joona , Joo Jinsoo 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Light-emitting 5,6,11,12-tetraphenylnaphthacene (rubrene) nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by a reprecipitation method were treated hydrothermally. The diameters of hydrothermally treated rubrene NPs were changed from 100 nm to 2 μm, depending on hydrothermal temperature. Photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of rubrene NPs varied with hydrothermal temperatures. Luminescence of pristine rubrene NPs was yellow-orange, and it changed to blue as the hydrothermal temperature increased to 180°C. The light-emitting color distribution of the NPs was confirmed using confocal laser spectrum microscope. As the hydrothermal temperature increased from 110°C to 160°C, the blue light emission at 464 to approximately 516 nm from filtered-down NPs was enhanced by H-type aggregation. Filtered-up rubrene NPs treated at 170°C and 180°C exhibited blue luminescence due to the decrease of intermolecular excimer densities with the rapid increase in size. Variations in PL of hydrothermally treated rubrene NPs resulted from different size distributions of the NPs.
Polymer-stabilized palladium nanoparticles for catalytic membranes: ad hoc polymer fabrication
Authors: Domènech Berta , Muñoz Maria , Muraviev Dmitri N , Macanás Jorge 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMetal nanoparticles are known as highly effective catalysts although their immobilization on solid supports is frequently required to prevent aggregation and to facilitate the catalyst application, recovery, and reuse. This paper reports the intermatrix synthesis of Pd0 nanoparticles in sulfonated polyethersulfone with Cardo group membranes and their use as nanocomposite catalytic membrane reactors. The synthesized polymer and the corresponding nanocomposite were characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The catalytic efficiency of catalytic membranes was evaluated by following the reduction of p-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH4.
Establishment of real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay for transcriptional analysis of duck enteritis virus UL55 gene
Authors: Wu Ying , Cheng Anchun , Wang Mingshu , Zhang Shunchuan , Zhu Dekang , Jia Renyong , Luo Qihui , Chen Zhengli , Chen Xiaoyue 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay (qRT-PCR) has become the benchmark for detection and quantification of target gene expression level and been utilized increasingly in detection of viral load and therapy monitoring. The dynamic transcription variation of duck enteritis virus UL55 gene during the life cycle of duck enteritis virus in infected cells has not been reported yet.

Results
The newly identified duck enteritis virus UL55 gene was amplified and cloned into pMD18-T vector after digestion to generate a recombinant plasmid pMD18-T/UL55 for the establishment of qRT-PCR as standard DNA. The results of agarose gel electrophoresis and melting curve analysis demonstrated the primers we designed for qRT-PCR were specific and available. We used β-actin as a reference gene for normalization and established two standard curves based on pMD18-T/UL55 and pMD18-T/β-actin successfully. Based on that, the transcriptional analysis of DEV UL55 gene was performed, and the result suggested the expression of UL55 mRNA was at a low level from 0 to 8 h post-infection(p.i.), then accumulated quickly since 12 h p.i. and peaked at 36 h p.i., it can be detected till 60 h p.i.. Nucleic acid inhibition test was carried out for analyzing a temporal regulation condition of DEV UL55 gene, result revealed that it was sensitive to ganciclovir. Synthesis procedures of DEV UL55 gene can be inhibited by ganciclovir.

Conclusions
The method we established in this paper can provide quantitative values reflecting the amounts of measured mRNA in samples. It's available for detection and quantification, also can be used in DEV diagnosis. The DEV UL55 gene was produced most abundantly during the late phase of replication in DEV-infected cells and the transcription of it depended on the synthesized DNA. DEV UL55 gene is a γ2 gene which occurs last and have a strict requirement for viral DNA synthesis.
The historical milestones in the understanding of leukocyte biology initiated by Elie Metchnikoff
Authors: Cavaillon Jean-Marc 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTProgress in science is made with key discoveries, correct analyses, wrong statements, and disputes within the scientific community. Despite scientific controversies, Elie Metchnikoff has allowed the theory of phagocytes to triumph. Starting his career as a zoologist, Metchnikoff became a pathologist, beautifully defining the role of monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils during inflammation and innate immunity. The discoveries of immune cells were made by other outstandings scientists, such as Paul Ehrlich, whose key contributions to humoral immunity led him to share the Nobel Prize with Metchnikoff. Ludwig Aschoff grouped certain cells under the term RES, according to their propensity for absorbing and storing vital stains. This classification was not always a source of accurate discoveries, and research on the exact function of RES cells led to some wanderings. This is illustrated by studies about the nature of the antibody-producing cells, which were first thought to belong to the RES, before being identified as plasmocytes and lymphocytes.
Gene expression analysis of dendritic cells that prevent diabetes in NOD mice: analysis of chemokines and costimulatory molecules
Authors: Morel Penelope A , Srinivas Mangala , Turner Michael S , Fuschiotti Patrizia , Munshi Rajan , Bahar Ivet , Feili-Hariri Maryam , Ahrens Eric T 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTWe have demonstrated previously that BM-derived DCs can prevent diabetes development and halt progression of insulitis in NOD mice, the mouse model of type 1 diabetes. The DC population that was most effective in this therapy had a mature phenotype, expressed high levels of costimulatory molecules, and secreted low levels of IL-12p70. The protective DC therapy induced Treg and Th2 cells in vitro and in vivo. Microarray analysis of therapeutic and nontherapeutic DC populations revealed differences in the expression of OX40L, CD200, Ym-1, CCL2, and CCL5, which could play important roles in the observed DC-mediated therapy. The unique pattern of costimulatory molecules and chemokines expressed by the therapeutic DCs was confirmed by flow cytometry and ELISA. Using a novel cell-labeling and 19F NMR, we observed that the chemokines secreted by the therapeutic DCs altered the migration of diabetogenic Th1 cells in vivo and attracted Th2 cells. These results suggest that the therapeutic function of DCs is mediated by a combination of costimulatory and chemokine properties that results in the attraction of diabetogenic Th1 and the induction of Th2 and/or Treg differentiation.
Beta-Blocker Use Is Associated With Improved Relapse-Free Survival in Patients With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Melhem-Bertrandt Amal , Chavez-MacGregor Mariana , Lei Xiudong , Brown Erika N. , Lee Richard T. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Sood Anil K. , Conzen Suzanne D. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Gonzalez-Angulo Ana-Maria 
Published: June 2011

Purpose To examine the association between beta-blocker (BB) intake, pathologic complete response (pCR) rates, and survival outcomes in patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 1,413 patients with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy between 1995 and 2007. Patients taking BBs at the start of neoadjuvant therapy were compared with patients with no BB intake. Rates of pCR between the groups were compared using a χ2 test. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to determine the association between BB intake, relapse-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS). Results Patients who used BBs (n = 102) were compared with patients (n = 1,311) who did not. Patients receiving BBs tended to be older and obese (P < .001). The proportion of pCR was not significantly different between the groups (P = .48). After adjustment for age, race, stage, grade, receptor status, lymphovascular invasion, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use, BB intake was associated with a significantly better RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.88) but not OS (P = .09). Among patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC; n = 377), BB intake was associated with improved RFS (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.87;P = .027) but not OS (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.12 to 1.00;P = .05). Conclusion In this study, BB intake was associated with improved RFS in all patients with breast cancer and in patients with TNBC. Additional studies evaluating the potential benefits of beta-adrenergic blockade on breast cancer recurrence with a focus on TNBC are warranted.
Nutrition and Modernity
Authors: Aguilar-Rodríguez Sandra 
Published: June 2011

This article explores the rhetoric of milk in Mexico considering medical discourses, publicity campaigns, state programs, and women's experiences. I look at the difference in milk consumption across class and the lack of regulation in milk production and sale in 1940s and 1950s Mexico. I analyze the discourse of doctors and policy makers who worked at the Institute of National Nutrition (INN) and the Secretaría de Salubridad y Asistencia (Ministry of Public Health and Assistance; SSA). I explore the main programs through which powdered milk was distributed among Mexico's working classes. Finally, I present women's perceptions regarding fresh and powdered milk. At home, women had a key role in introducing milk to their family diet, as they were in charge of buying groceries and cooking daily meals. In the public sphere, women working as teachers, nurses, and social workers implemented state food programs promoting milk drinking. In order to provide a clearer picture, this work draws from a variety of sources such as archives, cookbooks, women's magazines, censuses, and life history interviews.
This research reveals that there was little criticism of the spread of powdered milk, as the international consensus established that milk was essential for children's development and for the health and progress of a nation. Even if INN reports show that some doctors realized that traditional foodstuffs such as insects were rich in animal protein, the hegemonic discourse was moving in the opposite direction. Insects and other foodstuffs were identified with indigenous peoples and were seen as the source of their “backwardness.” Milk had not only a nutritional value but also a symbolic meaning that in the long run proved to be more appealing. If Mexico wanted to be modern, its citizens had to change their eating habits and follow European and U.S. standards.
A multicentre evaluation of the new Beckman Coulter anti-Müllerian hormone immunoassay (AMH Gen II)
Authors: Wallace A M , Faye S A , Fleming R , Nelson S M 
Published: June 2011

Background The measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been by two commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays: Diagnostics Systems Laboratory (DSL 10-14400) and Immunotech (A11893 IVD EU only). Beckman Coulter has developed a new assay for AMH (AMH Gen II A79765), which uses the DSL antibodies but is standardized to the Immunotech calibration. As a result, comparative data are urgently required between the old DSL assay and its replacement AMH Gen II. Methods An evaluation of the AMH Gen II assay was performed at three sites, each with extensive experience of measuring circulating AMH in the adult female. Results were compared with the original DSL ELISA assay. The analysis was performed on a total of 271 patients' samples, approximately 90 at each site. Results Performance characteristics were evaluated for the AMHGen II assay. Linearity was acceptable with observed values close to the expected (mean recovery 106.3%). The functional sensitivity (20% coefficient of variation), calculated from precision profile data, was 1.5 pmol/L. Within- and between-batch imprecision, assessed over the concentration range of 5–70 pmol/L, were 5.3–11.4% and 3.8–17.3%, respectively. There was good agreement between assays with a Bablok-Passing regression equation AMH Gen II = 1.40 DSL–0.62 pmol/L, r = 0.96, n = 271. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that similar precision and excellent between-assay agreement should be obtained when laboratories change from the DSL to the AMH Gen II ELISA and they should expect an increase in AMH values of approximately 40%.
Evaluation of a self-diagnostic tool for Dupuytren's disease in rock climbers
Authors: Pervulesko Nora , Schöffl Volker , Gormasz Christian 
Published: June 2011

Objective To determine the validity of a self-diagnostic questionnaire for Dupuytren's disease among rock climbers. Methods A simple, self-diagnostic questionnaire for Dupuytren's disease was freely distributed to climbers in Austria and Germany. None of the subjects were medically prescreened. The questionnaire consisted of four questions with pictures concerning their present diagnosis and the differential diagnosis for Dupuytren's disease. Medical experts then clinically examined those climbers who completed the questionnaire for Dupuytren's disease. Results Sixty-one climbers (46 men, 15 women; mean age 32 [13] years; climbing for 10 [11] years) participated in the survey; 16 participants were competition climbers. Clinical diagnosis of Dupuytren's disease was confirmed in five cases (8.2%). The questionnaire produced no false-negatives, but there were three (4.8%) false-positive results in this sample. The correlation between the self-diagnostic tool and the clinical examination was r = 0.62 ( P = 0.005). No significant difference ( P = 0.250) was found between the self-diagnostic tool and the clinical examination. The sensitivity of the self-diagnostic tool in a sample of rock climbers was 100%, and its specificity 94.9%. Conclusions The questionnaire is an accurate and precise self-diagnostic tool for rock climbers to determine the diagnosis of Dupuytren's disease.
Does Justification Aim at Truth?
Authors: Graham Peter J. 
Published: May 2011

Does epistemic justification aim at truth? The vast majority of epistemologists instinctively answer ‘Yes’; it's the textbook response. Joseph Cruz and John Pollock surprisingly say no. In ‘The Chimerical Appeal of Epistemic Externalism’ they argue that justification bearsnointeresting connection to truth; justification doesnotevenaimat truth. ‘Truth is not a very interesting part of our best understanding’ of justification (C&P 2004, 137); it has no ‘connection to the truth.’ A ‘truth-aimed… epistemology is not entitled to carry the day’ (C&P 2004, 138, emphasis added).Pollock and Cruz's argument for this surprising conclusion is of general interest for it is ‘out of step with a very common view on the part of epistemologists, both internalist and externalist alike’ (C&P 2004, 136), as nearly all ‘epistemologists have claimed that truth and falsity play a crucial role in distinguishing between justified and unjustified beliefs [for] believing truths is the ultimate aim of human rational cognition’ (C&P 2004, 125; cf. Audi 1988).
Indeterminacy, Incompleteness, Indecision, and Other Semantic Phenomena
Authors: Montminy Martin 
Published: May 2011

This paper explores the relationships between Davidson's indeterminacy of interpretation thesis and two semantic properties of sentences that have come to be recognized recently, namely semantic incompleteness and semantic indecision. More specifically, I will examine what the indeterminacy thesis entails for sentences of the form ‘By sentence S (or word w), agent A means that m’ and ‘Agent A believes that p.’ My primary goal is to shed light on the indeterminacy thesis and its consequences. I will distinguish two kinds of indeterminacy that have very different sources and very different consequences. But this does not purport to be an exhaustive study: there may well be other forms of indeterminacy that this paper does not address.I will first explain the phenomena of semantic incompleteness and semantic indecision, and then explore their relationships with the indeterminacy thesis.
The Explanationist Argument For Moral Realism
Authors: Sinclair Neil 
Published: May 2011

In this paper I argue that the explanationist argument in favour of moral realism fails. According to this argument, the ability of putative moral properties to feature in good explanations provides strong evidence for, or entails, the metaphysical claims of moral realism. Some have rejected this argument by denying that moral explanations are ever good explanations. My criticism is different. I will argue that even if we accept that moral explanations are (sometimes) good explanations the metaphysical claims of realism do not follow.According to moral realists, moral properties such asjusticeandgoodnesstake their own unique place in nature's ontological roll-call. Although realists disagree about the nature of these moral properties — for example, whether they are reducible or otherwise constituted by non-moral or natural properties — they all agree that such properties are genuine constituents of the world that are sometimes instantiated by objects, events or states of affairs.