bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced myocarditis following Coxsackievirus infection in cellular FLICE inhibitory protein – long form‐transgenic mice
Authors: Huber Sally , Dohrman Austin , Sartini Danielle , Budd Ralph C. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryCellular FLICE inhibitory protein – long form (c‐FLIPL) is a caspase‐defective homologue of caspase‐8 that blocks apoptosis by death receptors. c‐FLIPL expression in T cells can also augment activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase, extracellular signal‐related kinase, as well as nuclear factor‐κB. This contributes to increased production of interleukin‐2 and CD25, resulting in hyperproliferation of T cells from c‐FLIPL‐transgenic mice. c‐FLIP also heterodimerizes with and activates caspase‐8, resulting in increased death of T cells and a selection of a T helper 2 cytokine profile. The effects of c‐FLIP on cytolytic function of CD8+ T cells have not been examined previously. We studied the cytolytic capacity of T cells from c‐FLIPL‐transgenic mice using an antigen‐specific system, as well as the consequences during a viral immune response to Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). The increased T‐cell receptor (TCR) signalling due to c‐FLIP did not alter the cytolytic machinery but did reduce cytotoxicity because of decreased surface expression of TCR and CD8. It also produced a Tc2 cytokine profile. These effects of c‐FLIP collectively served to diminish the severity of CVB3‐induced myocarditis.
Population trends of farmland birds in Sweden and England: similar trends but different patterns of agricultural intensification
Authors: WRETENBERG JOHAN , LINDSTRÖM ÅKE , SVENSSON SÖREN , THIERFELDER TOMAS , PÄRT TOMAS 
Published: September 2006

Summary

Studies, mainly from the UK, show that many farmland birds have declined as a result of recent agricultural intensification. We tested this idea by analysing farmland bird population trends in Sweden, a country displaying less dramatic agricultural changes and less intensive agriculture. Specifically we investigated whether (i) farmland specialists have declined more than generalists, (ii) population declines in Sweden are less marked than in England and (iii) Swedish population trends are associated with changes in the amount of autumn‐sown crops, and inputs of pesticides and fertilizers.
Data on population trends for 21 farmland bird species collected from the Swedish Breeding Bird Survey 1976–2001 were analysed in relation to agricultural changes in Sweden.
Fifteen (71%) farmland bird species declined significantly in number (P < 0·05) over the 26 years. Farmland specialists displayed a significantly stronger average decline (55%) as a group than farmland generalists (7%). For seven species the declines were significantly steeper between 1976 and 1988 than between 1988 and 2001.
Farmland bird populations have declined at least as much in Sweden as in England. Several specialist species displayed similar temporal patterns in population change in both countries.
The area of autumn‐sown crops has remained stable in Sweden, whereas use of pesticides and fertilizers has declined. There are no clear associations between these factors and observed farmland bird population declines.
The similarities in bird population trends in Sweden and England, despite large differences in patterns of agricultural change in Sweden and England, may be explained by: (i) common wintering grounds, (ii) similar negative effects of agricultural intensification (England) and intensification/abandonment (Sweden) and (iii) a simultaneous loss of landscape heterogeneity.
Synthesis and applications. Farmland birds in Sweden have declined by at least as much as in England, despite clear differences between the two countries in the degree of agricultural intensification over the last 30 years. We suggest that the marked declines in Swedish populations are caused by (i) the dual negative effects of intensification and abandonment of farmland at breeding grounds, and (ii) Swedish populations partly sharing wintering grounds with English populations. We conclude that agri‐environmental schemes need to be flexible enough to address the negative effects both of intensification and the abandonment of farming. In addition, our results emphasize that farmland bird conservation is an issue without country borders.
Biological Flora of the British Isles: Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn
Authors: MARRS R. H. , WATT A. S. 
Published: September 2006

Summary

This account reviews information on all aspects of the biology of bracken Pteridium (mainly aquilinum ssp. aquilinum) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, reproductive characters, herbivores and disease, history, and conservation.
Pteridium is a complex genus comprising a number of species, subspecies and varieties. The treatment here is based on a recent revision that incorporates both morphological and molecular data, and is related to its geographical distribution.
Pteridium is thought to be a woodland genus, but it can grow in the open. It is cosmopolitan and occurs on all continents except Antarctica. It responds to human disturbance and is often found in open spaces after forest clearance and cultivation. In some situations it can be a troublesome weed, causing problems for land managers. Moreover, its abundance and distribution in Britain are predicted to increase as a result of global climate change.
Pteridium aquilinum ssp. aquilinum, the most common taxon in the British Isles, occurs in many plant communities, and it is apparently limited by frost and waterlogging. Its abundance has probably increased in the relatively recent past as a result of changing land management, and this increase impinges on plant communities with a high conservation interest. The changed land management reflects changing use of agricultural land and also a reduction in the use of Pteridium as a resource. Accordingly, in many places Pteridium is viewed as a weed and management is needed to control it and restore more desirable vegetation. These management techniques are summarized.
The impact of gender on survival amongst patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators for primary prevention against sudden cardiac death
Authors: HENYAN N. N. , WHITE C. M. , GILLESPIE E. L. , SMITH K. , COLEMAN C. I. , KLUGER J. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract.Background.  Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are a life‐saving therapy for many patients with cardiovascular disease at increased risk of fatal dysrhythmias. As men comprise the majority of the study population (67–92%) in clinical trials, the benefit to women is unknown. We performed a meta‐analysis of primary prevention trials to evaluate the impact of ICDs in men and women on death from any cause.Methods.  Included trials met the following criteria: (i) randomized controlled trials versus standard of care, (ii) ICD used as primary prevention in a well‐described protocol and (iii) data provided on risk of death from any cause for both male and female patients.Results.  Five clinical trials were included in this meta‐analysis. The risk of death from any cause was significantly reduced by 26% in male patients who received ICD therapy compared to control, hazard ratio (HR) 0.74 (95% CI 0.60–0.91) but not amongst female patients, HR 0.81 (95% CI 0.60–1.09). As the COMPANION trial evaluated the combination of biventricular pacemaker with ICD therapy we conducted a separate analysis without the inclusion of this study. Male patients receiving ICD therapy demonstrated a similar 24% reduction in risk of death from any cause, HR 0.76 (95% CI 0.58–0.99) whilst female patients demonstrated a reduction of only 12%, HR 0.88 (95% CI 0.63–1.22).Conclusions.  Unlike their male counterparts, females did not significantly benefit from ICD therapy and without concurrent biventricular pacing, appear only to achieve a nonsignificant 12% reduction in risk of death.
Antigen mimicry, epitope spreading and the pathogenesis of pemphigus
Authors: Tchernev G. , Orfanos C. E. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe molecular and cellular pathogenesis of pemphigus remains unclear. However, the integrity of intraepidermal and dermoepidermal adhesion appears to be of special importance, and the presence of antibodies directed against desmosomal plaque proteins can provoke pemphigus‐like pathologies. Antibodies reactive with various tissue antigens have been detected in pemphigus‐like skin conditions. Two major factors determining the occurrence of different pemphigus subforms are antigen mimicry and epitope spreading, as these two phenomena underpin antibody generation in response to different antigens. This multiplicity of target antigens and antibody responses may lead to diagnostic problems early in the disease and may also explain the apparent transformation of one disease subform into another as time progresses.
Stress Response of Campylobacter spp. and its Role in Food Processing
Authors: Alter T. , Scherer K. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryIn many temperate countries Campylobacter spp. are the most common bacterial causes of human infectious intestinal disease. Yet the aetiology of this infection has only partly been described. A majority of human campylobacteriosis cases are associated with food of animal origin. Despite being very sensitive to environmental stressors Campylobacter spp. are able to persist in the food chain and can pose a threat to the consumer. In this review, the survival potential and stress response of Campylobacter spp. in food will be summarized and the importance of food preservation technologies will be discussed.
Outbreak of Tuberculosis Caused by Mycobacterium caprae in a Zoological Garden
Authors: Pate M. , ŠVara T. , Gombač M. , Paller T. , ŽOlnir‐Dovč M. , Emeršič I. , Prodinger W. M. , Bartoš M. , Zdovc I. , Krt B. , Pavlik I. , Cvetnić Ž. , Pogačnik M. , Ocepek M. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryIn the autumn of 2004, tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium caprae occurred in a zoo in Slovenia. A dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) was killed after a history of progressive emaciation. Necropsy findings indicated disseminated tuberculosis, which was confirmed by cultivation of M. caprae. Consequently, a tuberculin skin test was performed in all epidemiologically linked animals and another dromedary camel and six bison (Bison bison) were positive and killed. Mycobacterium caprae was isolated from two bison while M. scrofulaceum and Mycobacterium spp. were found in two other bison, respectively. The second dromedary camel was found to be negative for mycobacteria under both microscopic and culture tests. The isolates were investigated with commercial identification kits, IS6110 PCR, IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, spoligotyping and mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units typing. Genotyping results revealed that the dromedary camel and the two bison were infected by the same M. caprae.
Management consensus of inflammatory bowel disease for the Asia–Pacific region
Authors: Ouyang Qin , Tandon Rakesh , Goh K L , Pan Guo‐Zong , Fock K M , Fiocchi Claudio , Lam S K , Xiao Shu‐Dong 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAt the present there are no large‐scale epidemiologic data on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the Asia–Pacific region, but several studies have shown an increased incidence and prevalence of IBD in this region. Compared to the West, there appears to exist a time lag phenomenon. With regard to the two main forms of IBD, ulcerative colitis (UC) is more prevalent than Crohn's disease (CD). In addition to geographic differences, ethnic differences have been observed in the multiracial Asian countries. Moreover, the genetic backgrounds are different in the Asian compared to Western patients. For instance, NOD2/CARD15 variants have not been found in Asian CD patients. In general, the clinical course of IBD seems to be less severe in the Asia–Pacific region than in Western countries. Diagnosis of IBD in this region poses special problems. The lack of a gold standard for the diagnosis of IBD, and the existence of a variety of infectious enterocolitis with similar manifestations to those of IBD make the differential diagnosis particularly difficult. So far, Western diagnostic criteria have been introduced for the diagnosis of IBD. A stepwise approach to exclude non‐IBD enterocolitis also must be introduced, and a definite diagnosis must include typical histological features. In some patients, follow up and therapeutic trials might be necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of IBD will allow the development of better diagnostic markers. The management of IBD also poses some special problems in the Asia–Pacific Region. There is often a delay in using proper medications for IBD, and alternative local remedies are still widely used. With a combination of Western guidelines and regional experiences, similar principles can be used for induction and maintenance of remission. A stepwise selection of medications is advocated depending on the extent, activity and severity of the disease. Comprehensive and individualized approaches are suggested for different IBD patients. Deeper understanding of disease pathogenesis and the unique characteristics of IBD in the Asia–Pacific region, combined with reasonable and practical guidelines for drug management and the future use of biological agents would improve the therapeutic outlook of IBD in this region.
Methylation of Ras association domain family protein 1, isoform A correlated with proliferation and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC‐7721
Authors: Zhao Qiang‐Zi , Dou Ke‐Feng 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground:  It has been proposed that aberrant DNA methylation can alter cancer's response to therapeutic agents. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between Ras association domain family protein 1, isoform A (RASSF1A) and drug resistance or growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC‐7721.Methods:  Methylation status of RASSF1A from genomic gene of SMMC‐7721 was determined with methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction and was further verified by demethylation treatment with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine. Wild‐type RASSF1A cDNA was introduced into SMMC‐7721; chemosensitivity to cisplatin, mitomycin and fluorouracil were analyzed using 3‐[4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Growth of cells was detected by colony formation assay and xenograft model.Results:  RASSF1A was inactivated in SMMC‐7721 cell line through epigenetic hypermethylation, and reintroduction of RASSF1A was markedly able to reduce the resistance to some anticancer drugs and inhibit the growth of cancer cells either in vitro or in vivo.Conclusion:  These results correlate methylation status of RASSF1A with biological profiles of SMMC‐7721 and thus, associate methylation with cancer therapy. RASSF1A may be useful to predict treatment response and help to develop novel treatment strategies for clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
DURABILITY OF AUTOGENOUS VEIN AND POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE BYPASS GRAFTS TO THE CAROTID ARTERIES
Authors: Huilgol Ravi L. , Young Jane , Lemech Lubomyr , Stephen Michael S. , May James , Harris John P. , White Geoffrey H. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Bypass for extra‐cranial arterial disease is infrequently carried out. We reviewed our experience to determine the outcome of carotid artery grafting using either an autogenous vein or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).Methods:  Details of patients were recorded prospectively as part of a vascular surgical registry. Patients identified from the registry as having carotid artery bypass procedures were classified according to the type of conduit used. Comparison was made between patients with autogenous vein and PTFE grafts.Results:  Between 1978 and 2002, 24 patients (13 men and 11 women) mean age 60.0 ± 13.4 years (range, 20–81 years) underwent 28 bypass procedures (three were bilateral and one was a reoperation). Symptomatic carotid disease was the clinical indication in 20 of 28 procedures (71.4%). Pathological indications included advanced atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries (15), past radiotherapy (4), failed stenting (3), resection of carotid body tumour (2), trauma (1), reoperation on a failed graft (1), carotid aneurysm (1) and iatrogenic carotid occlusion (1). An autogenous vein was used in 16, PTFE in 11 and autogenous artery in 1 of the patients. Using the Kaplan–Meier method, the overall patient cumulative 5‐year survival was 84% and cumulative 5‐year stroke‐free survival was 93%. The combined perioperative stroke and mortality rate was 7.1%. Two patients had transient ischaemic attacks (7.1%), one had cranial nerve palsies (3.6%) and one required reoperation for bleeding (3.6%). Five‐year cumulative graft primary patency using the Kaplan–Meier method was 74% for PTFE grafts and 92% for autogenous vein grafts (P = 0.37).Conclusion:  Carotid artery bypass is a safe and a useful treatment option for complex extra‐cranial arterial disease. Either PTFE or autogenous veins may be used as conduits.
LOWER EXTREMITY VENOUS CHANGES IN PNEUMOPERITONEUM DURING LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
Authors: Güleç Bülent , ÖNer Köksal , Yigitler Cengizhan , Kocaoğlu Murat , Aydin Yüksel , Sağlam Mutlu 
Published: September 2006

Background:  The effect of pneumoperitoneum on veins of the lower limbs related to the intra‐abdominal working pressures during laparoscopic cholecystectomy has not been thoroughly investigated. We tested the hypothesis that working pressures do not affect the venous haemodynamics in the lower limbs.Methods:  The cross‐sectional area and peak flow rates of femoral and saphenous veins in the right groin were measured in 60 patients divided into two groups according to the intra‐abdominal working pressures (11 vs 14 mmHg). All measurements were carried out preoperatively and at predetermined periods during and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy by colour Doppler ultrasonography. One‐way anova and χ2 test were used for the analysis of demographic data. For the repeated measures, anova and Student’s t‐test were used for statistical analysis. The probabilities less than 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant.Results:  The cross‐sectional area of the veins increased, whereas the peak flow rate in veins decreased during pneumoperitoneum. Comparing the peak flow rate in the saphenous vein at the third intraoperative measurement, there is statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  The degree of intra‐abdominal pressure affects the haemodynamics of the peripheral veins. Pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopy causes stasis in the peripheral veins. It is reasonable to use routine prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis, in the light of these findings.
Changing wage structure and education in Vietnam, 1992–98
Authors: Liu Amy Y. C. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis paper examines the changes in relative earnings of workers with different education levels in Vietnam. Using a simple demand‐and‐supply framework developed by Katz and Murphy (1992), it was found that an increase in the relative demand for better‐educated male workers in particular appears to play an important role in explaining the earnings differentials between workers of different education groups. Education reform to better suit the needs of the post‐reform emerging market, on‐the‐job training for workers and equal access to education are some policy options that hold the key to reducing wage inequality between different education groups.
Property rights protection and access to bank loans
Authors: Bai Chong‐En , Lu Jiangyong , Tao Zhigang 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPoor protection of private property has limited the access to bank loans by private enterprises in developing and transition economies. Under those circumstances, private entrepreneurs have resorted to various ways of enhancing the de facto protection of private property. Using a dataset of 3,073 private enterprises in China, this paper empirically investigates the impact of political participation and philanthropic activities – informal substitutes for the lack of formal protection of private property – on the access to bank loans.
Graduated Drivers License Programs and Rural Teenage Motor Vehicle Fatalities
Authors: Morrisey Michael A. , Grabowski David C. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT:
Context: Graduated drivers license (GDL) programs have been shown to reduce motor vehicle fatalities among 15‐ to 17‐year‐olds. However, the 20 most rural states have been the least likely to enact more stringent GDL policies. Purpose: Estimate the relationship of GDL programs and the number of traffic fatalities among 15‐ to 17‐year‐olds on rural interstate and noninterstate roadways. Methods: Analysis of 1992‐2002 Fatality Analysis Reporting System data and a compendium of state laws using a conditional negative binominal regression model with full fixed effects to control for unobservable differences across states and years. Findings: Overall, GDL programs were associated with a 7.8% reduction in rural traffic fatalities among 15‐ to 17‐year‐olds. Virtually all of this reduction took place on noninterstate roadways. The most stringent GDL programs were associated with a nearly 22% reduction in this age group and were the only programs associated with reductions in fatalities among 15‐ to 17‐year‐old drivers. Conclusions: Rural states should consider enacting stringent GDL programs. Had the 19 of the 20 most rural states without such programs all adopted the most stringent GDL programs in 2002, the analysis suggests that 64 traffic deaths among 15‐ to 17‐years‐olds could have been prevented.
Differential Effectiveness of Depression Disease Management for Rural and Urban Primary Care Patients
Authors: Adams Scott J. , Xu Stanley , Dong Fran , Fortney John , Rost Kathryn 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT:
Context: Federally qualified health centers across the country are adopting depression disease management programs following federally mandated training; however, little is known about the relative effectiveness of depression disease management in rural versus urban patient populations. Purpose: To explore whether a depression disease management program has a comparable impact on clinical outcomes over 2 years in patients treated in rural and urban primary care practices and whether the impact is mediated by receiving evidence‐based care (antidepressant medication and specialty care counseling). Methods: A preplanned secondary analysis was conducted in a consecutively sampled cohort of 479 depressed primary care patients recruited from 12 practices in 10 states across the country participating in the Quality Enhancement for Strategic Teaming study. Findings: Depression disease management improved the mental health status of urban patients over 18 months but not rural patients. Effects were not mediated by antidepressant medication or specialty care counseling in urban or rural patients. Conclusions: Depression disease management appears to improve clinical outcomes in urban but not rural patients. Because these programs compete for scarce resources, health care organizations interested in delivering depression disease management to rural populations need to advocate for programs whose clinical effectiveness has been demonstrated for rural residents.