bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Profits sprout like tropical plants’: a fresh look at what went wrong with the Eurasian spice tradec. 1550–1800
Authors: Halikowski Smith Stefan 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThere has been little in the way of fresh thinking on the Eurasian spice trade since the 1980s, partly due to the crisis in economic history, although recent work has both dealt with the agency of non-European actors and started to take Chinese demand into the equation. Starting with problems specific to the Portuguese re-export trade, this article highlights the role of consumers, using research undertaken on the structures of demand to present a theory of cultural demystification. The Portuguese, it is argued, by opening direct trading links to the sources of supply, broke what amounted to a spell that had sustained the trade from the time of Alexander the Great. In concrete terms, the performance of individual spices is disaggregated, and the appearance of rival pepper products brought under scrutiny. While African peppers failed to consolidate the consumer interest they had generated over the fifteenth century, capsicum peppers rapidly spread to southern Europe, where they were domesticated and hence became invisible to international trade. The success of the capsicum pepper was replicated in West Africa, India, and China.
Was fashion a European invention?
Authors: Marco Belfanti Carlo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractFashion was arguably a social phenomenon that emerged in Europe during early modern times, and this paper seeks to determine whether it was unknown in the refined civilizations of the East. The conclusion is that fashion was not a European invention. The analysis of the evolution of Indian, Chinese, and Japanese clothing systems underlines how these societies underwent phases in which, thanks to propitious economic conditions, the accentuated propensity towards consumption stimulated behaviour that challenged the traditional hierarchies of appearance, usually regulated by canons of a prescriptive nature. Fashion was not, therefore, a European invention, but it only fully developed as a social institution in Europe, while in India, China, and Japan it only evolved partially, without being able to obtain full social recognition.
Erratum: Microbial ecology of the equine hindgut during oligofructose-induced laminitis
Authors: Milinovich Gabriel J , Burrell Paul C , Pollitt Christopher C , Klieve Athol V , Blackall Linda L , Ouwerkerk Diane , Woodland Erika , Trott Darren J 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Correction to: The ISMEJ Journal (2008) 2, 1089–1100; doi: 10.1038/ismej.2008.67 The authors of the above noted an error in the publication of this paper (AOP and in this issue) in the y axis to Figure 3. The right hand y axis title for horse 4 should read: ‘Fructose (mg/gram of caecal fluid DM).’ The corrected figure for horse 4 is shown below.
Multidimensional Analysis of Snow Cover Data in South Dakota Diversity of Landscapes
Authors: Shmagin Boris , Johnston Carol 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSnow distribution in SD was studied with Factor Analysis (FA) of monthly total snowfall [in]. The long-term data obtained from the High Plains Regional Climate Center were used for the territory of South Dakota. The perspective for creating an Atlas of Climate and Water Resources for SD directed this study of total monthly snowfall with connection to landscape diversity.The initial matrix {Xn*p} where n is number of stations and p is number of variables of monthly average for period of observations. The maximum number of stations n with mutual interval of observations for SD is equal 93 (n=93). These stations have mutual time interval of 18 years observations (1952-53 – 1969-70). Total monthly snowfall has data for p=10 is number of months with observation and p=11 is number of months with observations with total snowfall for the winter season. The second matrix contains proportions of total monthly snowfall to total annual (proportion is the monthly total snowfall divided on total seasonal snowfall); the number of rows n and the number of variable are the same as in the first case: n=93 and p=10, 11.The average annual sum of total monthly snowfall (September-June) for SD 34.64 in obtained on 93 stations for 1952-1970, the median is 31.84 from the same data; ranged from 10.21 to 152.27 from the same data. The most variable month is April with average4.89 [in], median 3.67, min 0.75 and max 33.18; the average proportion for April is 0.13, min 0.03 and max 0.24. The averages for November to April grow as sequence: 3.60, 5.70, 4.88, 7.25, 7.46 and 4.89 the variability of those months has sequence: 2.49 2.52 2.25 3.33 3.53 and 4.87. The Pearson coefficient of correlation for the monthly snowfall averages from September to June with annual sum has sequence: 0.83, 0.92, 0.96, 0.92, 0.93, 0.93, 0.94, 0.92, 0.90, and 0.82; the correlation for the monthly proportions from September to June with annual sum has sequence: 0.38, 0.45, -0.01, -0.32, -0.33, -0.21, -0.15, 0.27, 0.36, and 0.35.The FA of both initial matrixes had extracted two factors for monthly observations with incorporation of 93 % of total variability of the data in the model; and three factors model with 70% variability of data for monthly proportions. The two factor groups in model of observed snowfall contain winter months (Dec – Mar) and all other. The model of monthly proportions with tree factor groups include winter months in two group and combination of spring and fall months in third. The factor scores presented as maps for SD allow trace distribution of factor groups of monthly snowfall patterns for two models through the territory of SD. The combination of factor scores distribution for two models is in a good agreement with main landscape regions and subregions of SD.
Genome-wide transcription analysis of interaction between the human macrophage and Mycobacterium tuberculosis during concurrent drug administration by conventional and novel methods
Authors: Yadav Awadh Bihari , Singh Amit K. , Misra Amit 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTargeted drug delivery to alveolar macrophages harboring Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) holds promise of high efficacy against pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). It was investigated whether inhalable microparticles (MP) can rescue macrophages from ‘alternative’ activation induced by pathogenic Mtb in addition to achieving targeted drug delivery. A genome-wide transcription analysis (Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 DNA microarray) of THP-1 cell line derived macrophages was undertaken after exposing them to infection with 10 MOI of MTB H37Rv at 0, 12 and 24 hours post infection. The Molecular markers of macrophage bactericidal activity were assayed in THP-1- and primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived macrophages, in the presence or absence of soluble anti-tuberculosis drugs, drug-containing MP and blank MP. About 1,500 genes were differentially upregulated and about 500 genes differentially downregulated in response to various modes of treatment. Variations were also observed in the kinetics of gene expression. Cluster analysis indicated activation of several pathways related to innate immune response (cytokines, chemokines, receptors and ligands), apoptosis, cytoskeleton and membrane remodeling, general metabolism and general housekeeping. Some of these results were validated at the functional level, by studying caspase activities, concentrations and time-courses of effector molecules , rates/extents of apoptosis and nitrite oxide induction. Production of cytokines and NO, apoptosis, and bacterial survival were studied as pharmacodynamic outcomes. Cytokine responses of THP-1 derived macrophages were estimated. MP reversed suppression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) induced by infection, and transiently upregulated γ-interferon (IFN-γ). Drug-free MP surprisingly induced IFN-γ, but not TNF. Primary cells responded to MP, regardless of drug content, by upregulation of NO; but THP-1-derived cells did not respond to blank MP. About 19% of infected cells exposed to MP underwent apoptosis as compared to ~11% cells treated with soluble drugs or blank MP. Cell death induced by blank MP was caspase-independent. Only drug-containing MP induced apoptosis through caspase-8 and caspase-9. Bacterial survival after different treatments varied between individuals. In the best case, while untreated infection resulted in survival of 900±141 colony forming units (CFU), treatment with soluble drugs, drug-containing MP and blank MP respectively, reduced CFU counts to 8.5± 0.7, 3±1.4 and 102±138.6. The results suggest a role of the drug delivery system in macrophage activation as a component of therapeutic strategy against TB.
Molecular and functional characterization of VDAC2 purified from mammal spermatozoa
Authors: Menzel Viviana A. , Cassará M. Carolina , Benz Roland , De Pinto Vito , Messina Angela , Cunsolo Vincenzo , Saletti Rosaria , Hinsch Klaus-Dieter , Hinsch Elvira 
Published: November 2008

VDAC (voltage-dependent anion channel) is the pore-forming protein located in the outer mitochondrial membrane. In higher eukaryotes, three genes encode VDAC. Nevertheless, the knowledge of VDAC isoforms is mainly restricted to VDAC1, the only isoform that has been characterized from living tissues to date. We have highly enriched the isoform VDAC2 using as starting material bovine spermatozoa. VDAC2 was obtained in the hydroxyapatite/celite pass-through of sperm proteins solubilized with Triton X-100. This fraction showed in SDS/PAGE two major bands and one faint band in the molecular mass range of 30–35 kDa. Two-dimensional electrophoresis resolved these bands in ten spots with various Coomassie Blue staining intensities. Western-blot analysis with antibodies monospecific for each isoform and MS peptide sequencing showed that the main protein resolved in electrophoresis was VDAC2 with minor contaminations of the other isoforms. Proteomic analysis of the higher molecular mass VDAC2 protein allowed the coverage of the whole protein with the exception of the tripeptide A24AR26. In the same material, the presence of two possible amino acid substitutions (T88 to L88 and A97 to Q97) was revealed. Reconstitution of VDAC2 pores in planar lipid bilayers showed typical features of mitochondrial porins. Stepwise increases in membrane conductance were observed with a predominant conductance of approx. 3.5 nS (nanoSiemens) in 1 M KCl. Very often, small short-lived fluctuations were observed with single-channel conductance of approx. 1.5 nS. Bovine spermatozoa VDAC2 was anion selective and showed voltage dependence. The present study is the first work to report the purification and characterization of VDAC2 from a mammalian tissue.
Immuno-inflammatory predictors of stroke at follow-up in patients with chronic non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF)
Authors: Pinto Antonio , Tuttolomondo Antonino , Casuccio Alessandra , Di Raimondo Domenico , Di Sciacca Riccardo , Arnao Valentina , Licata Giuseppe 
Published: November 2008

The aim of the present study was to determine the rates of stroke in patients with chronic NVAF (non-valvular atrial fibrillation), evaluating the relationship between plasma levels of inflammatory variables at admission and the occurrence of stroke during a 3-year follow-up. A total of 373 consecutive patients with chronic NVAF were enrolled. Blood samples were drawn within 72 h of admission, and we evaluated plasma levels of IL (interleukin)-1β, TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-α), IL-6, IL-10, E-selectin, P-selectin, ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1), VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) and vWF (von Willebrand Factor). Subsequent patient events (stroke at follow-up) were monitored over a 3 year period. By multivariate analysis, only age, hypertension and high levels of IL-6, TNF-α and vWF remained significant predictors of a higher risk of experiencing ischaemic stroke at follow-up. Moreover, plasma values of TNF-α, IL-6 and vWF had a significant area under the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve. In conclusion, baseline plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and vWF are predictors of new-onset ischaemic stroke at follow-up in patients with chronic NVAF.
Ecological Study of the Effectiveness of Isolation Precautions in the Management of Hospitalized Patients Colonized or Infected WithAcinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Gbaguidi-Haore Houssein , Legast Sophie , Thouverez Michelle , Bertrand Xavier , Talon Daniel 
Published: November 2008

Objective.To assess the impact of isolation precautions on the incidence of patients colonized or infected withAcinetobacter baumannii(case patients) in a university hospital during the period from 1999 to 2006.Design.Ecological study.Setting.The Besançon University Hospital in France, a 1,200-bed acute care hospital with approximately 50,000 admissions per year.Methods.Using Poisson regression analysis, we evaluated a total of 350,000 patient-days to determine the annual incidence of case patients. This annual incidence was used as the outcome variable, and infection control practices, antibiotic use, and other aggregated data regarding patients' age, sex, McCabe score, and immune status were used as covariates.Results.The implementation of isolation precautions was independently and negatively associated with the incidence of patients colonized or infected withA. baumannii(relative risk, 0.50 [95% confidence interval, 0.40–0.64];P< .001).Conclusions.Our study suggests that the implementation of isolation precautions, in addition to standard precautions, effectively prevents the spread ofA. baumanniiin a hospital setting.
Over‐expression of putative transcriptional coactivator KELP interferes withTomato mosaic viruscell‐to‐cell movement
Authors: SASAKI NOBUMITSU , OGATA TAKUYA , DEGUCHI MASAKAZU , NAGAI SHOKO , TAMAI ATSUSHI , MESHI TETSUO , KAWAKAMI SHIGEKI , WATANABE YUICHIRO , MATSUSHITA YASUHIKO , NYUNOYA HIROSHI 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYTomato mosaic virus(ToMV) encodes a movement protein (MP) that is necessary for virus cell‐to‐cell movement. We have demonstrated previously that KELP, a putative transcriptional coactivator ofArabidopsis thaliana, and its orthologue fromBrassica campestriscan bind to ToMV MPin vitro. In this study, we examined the effects of the transient over‐expression of KELP on ToMV infection and the intracellular localization of MP inNicotiana benthamiana, an experimental host of the virus. In co‐bombardment experiments, the over‐expression of KELP inhibited virus cell‐to‐cell movement. The N‐terminal half of KELP (KELPdC), which had been shown to bind to MP, was sufficient for inhibition. Furthermore, the over‐expression of KELP and KELPdC, both of which were co‐localized with ToMV MP, led to a reduction in the plasmodesmal association of MP. In the absence of MP expression, KELP was localized in the nucleus and the cytoplasm by the localization signal in its N‐terminal half. It was also shown that ToMV amplified normally in protoplasts prepared from leaf tissue that expressed KELP transiently. These results indicate that over‐expressed KELP interacts with MPin vivoand exerts an inhibitory effect on MP function for virus cell‐to‐cell movement, but not on virus amplification in individual cells.
Large‐scale blood group genotyping – clinical implications
Authors: Avent Neil D. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe molecular background of blood group antigen expression of the major clinically significant blood group antigens has been largely accomplished. Despite this large body of work, blood group phenotype prediction by genotyping has a marginal supporting role in the routine blood bank. It has however had a major impact in the prenatal determination of fetal blood group status in the management of haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. In the past few years several high throughput systems have been in development that have the potential capacity to perform genotyping on a mass scale. Such systems have been designed for use on donor‐ and patient‐derived DNA and provide much more comprehensive information regarding an individuals blood group than is possible by using serological methods alone. DNA‐based typing methodology is easier to standardize than serology and has the potential to replace it as a front line diagnostic in blood banks. This review overviews the current situation in this area and attempts to predict how blood group genotyping will evolve in the future.
Consolidation with alemtuzumab improves progression‐free survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in first remission – long‐term follow‐up of a randomized phase III trial of the German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG)
Authors: Schweighofer Carmen D. , Ritgen Matthias , Eichhorst Barbara F. , Busch Raymonde , Abenhardt Wolfgang , Kneba Michael , Hallek Michael , Wendtner Clemens‐Martin 
Published: November 2008

SummaryAlemtuzumab has shown considerable activity in untreated and relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. We report our long‐term experience in 21 patients within a randomized phase III trial investigating the role of alemtuzumab for consolidation therapy after first‐line fludarabine ± cyclophosphamide, which was stopped prematurely due to severe infections. However, after a median follow‐up of 48 months, progression‐free survival was significantly prolonged for patients receiving alemtuzumab consolidation compared to those with no further treatment (P = 0·004). Minimal residual disease (MRD) levels were persistently reduced after consolidation. Therefore, despite toxicity, MRD reduction by alemtuzumab consolidation translates into a significantly improved long‐term clinical outcome.
Whole blood coagulation in children with thrombocytopenia and the response to platelet replacement, recombinant factor VIIa, and a potent factor VIIa analogue
Authors: Larsen Ole H. , Clausen Niels , Persson Egon , Ezban Mirella , Ingerslev Jørgen , Sørensen Benny 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe present study evaluated dynamic coagulation profiles, platelet aggregation, and thrombin generation in whole blood (WB) from eight children with thrombocytopenia during chemotherapy, and the haemostatic potential of platelets (+60 × 109/l), recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa – NovoSeven®), and a potent rFVIIa analogue (NN1731) both at 1 and 4 μg/ml. Dynamic WB coagulation profiles were recorded by thrombelastometry employing activation with tissue factor (TF – Innovin®) at low concentrations. The baseline WB coagulation patterns were characterised by a prolonged clotting time (CT) and a pronounced reduction in clot propagation (MaxVel). WB platelet aggregation signal was five times lower in the study group compared with measurements in modelled thrombocytopenic WB from healthy volunteers. In vitro addition of fresh platelets reversed the coagulopathy. Addition of rFVIIa induced no significant changes in the thrombelastographic profile, whereas spiking with NN1731 shortened the CT significantly. The changes in WB thrombin generation reflected the changes in the MaxVel. In modeled thrombocytopenic WB from healthy individuals, both rFVIIa and NN1731 exhibited a pronounced haemostatic effect with NN1731 showing greater potency than rFVIIa. Compromised platelet function in the study group was assumingly responsible for the weakened haemostatic potential of rFVIIa as well as that of NN1731.
Phase II study of subcutaneous alemtuzumab without dose escalation in patients with advanced‐stage, relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Karlsson Claes , Lundin Jeanette , Kimby Eva , Kennedy Ben , Moreton Paul , Hillmen Peter , Österborg Anders 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThis phase II study (n = 20) aimed to evaluate type, severity and duration of side‐effects and efficacy following subcutaneous (SC) alemtuzumab, without dose‐escalation, in advanced‐stage relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients. Alemtuzumab 30 and 3 mg was administered SC simultaneously day 1, followed by 30 mg three times per week. Injection‐site‐reactions were recorded every 6–24 h until resolved using National Cancer Institute criteria and a new skin toxicity subscale. The first doses of 30 mg and 3 mg produced injection‐site‐reactions (all but one were grade 1/2) in 13/20 and 9/20 patients, respectively. The second dose (on day 3) resulted in skin‐reactions in 10/20 patients and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth injections produced reactions in 6/20, 1/20, 2/20 and 0/20 patients, respectively. Mild “flu‐like” symptoms occurred during week 1 in 10/20 patients. All side‐effects had subsided by the sixth dose. 15/20 patients (75%) responded (12 partial responses, three complete responses) with a median time‐to‐treatment‐failure of 20 months. Symptomatic cytomegalovirus‐reactivation occurred in 6/20 patients. Two deaths occurred: one bacterial pneumonia and one adenovirus‐infection. The present study showed how to assess cutaneous‐toxicity in detail and that 30 mg alemtuzumab SC administered upfront was well tolerated. Optimized alemtuzumab therapy in properly selected patients may result in high efficacy even in advanced CLL. Our results need to be confirmed in extended studies.
Sleep problems and the need for parental night‐time attention in children with physical disabilities
Authors: Hemmingsson H. , Stenhammar A. M. , Paulsson K. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground  The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency and predictors of sleep problems and the need for parental night‐time attention in children with physical disabilities.Methods  A questionnaire on sleep problems and need for parental night‐time attention was completed by 505 parents of children with physical disabilities aged 1–16 years (mean 9 years 3 months) with moderate to severe motor disabilities. General characteristics of the children were analysed by frequencies and cross‐tabulations. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with sleep problems and the need for parental night‐time attention.Results  The results showed a high prevalence of sleep problems, which in general were chronic. Currently 48% of the children had sleep problems, of which 23% estimated the problems to be serious. About one‐third (37%) needed parental night‐time attention every night, and 10% needed help five times or more. No significant differences were found between younger children and school‐aged children regarding sleep problems and the need for parental night‐time attention. Having pain [odds ratio (OR) = 3.4] was associated with sleep problems, as was having problems eating and drinking (OR = 3) and the diagnosis of cerebral palsy (OR = 2.5) (P < 0.05). Children with muscular dystrophy (OR = 68.5), cerebral palsy (OR = 26.7) and ‘other diagnosis’ (OR = 18.5) were more likely to need support at night than were children with spina bifida, P < 0.001. Pain (OR = 7.6) was also associated with need for support at night, P < 0.001.Conclusions  The prevalence of sleep problems and need for parental night‐time attention is high among children with physical disabilities. This in turn affects the whole family, and paediatric caregivers must keep this in mind. Besides certain diagnoses, the results suggest that children who have pain should be prioritized.