bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oil and gas and the Inuvialuit people of the Western Arctic
Authors: Dana Leo‐Paul , Meis‐Mason Aldene , Anderson Robert B. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeTo learn how Inuvialuit people feel about the oil and gas activities on their land.Design/methodology/approachInterviews were administered to a stratified sample, on Inuvialuit land. Participants included: Inuvialuit elders; entrepreneurs; public servants; employees of the private sector; managers of oil companies; unemployed persons; housewives; the mayor of Inuvik; and the first aboriginal woman leader in Canada.FindingsIt was reported that oil and gas industry activities are having a positive impact on the regional economy, creating indirect as well as direct financial benefits for the Inuvialuit among others. However, some residents qualified their support saying that they are in favour of continued activity only if benefits filter to them as opposed to being enjoyed only by oil companies and migrant employees. Concern was also expressed for the environment and for the threat that development brings to wildlife upon which people rely on as a food source.Research limitations/implicationsThis study should have a longitudinal follow‐up.Practical implicationsWhile oil and gas exploration and the building of a pipeline may have economic advantages, this might have social, cultural and environment costs for the Inuvialuit.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates how oil and gas activities on Inuvialuit land will transform the lives of these people.
Contextualising social enterprise in New Zealand
Authors: Grant Suzanne 
Published: May 2008

PurposeSocial enterprise in New Zealand is still in its infancy, with no recognised framework to inform knowledge of current or future developments. In this exploratory paper, the aim is to consider four influences which are shaping the development of social enterprise in New Zealand.Design/methodology/approachA critical‐appreciative lens utilising Habermas' concepts of the lifeworld and system informs the consideration of these influences.FindingsFour distinct cultural and historical influences are proposed as contributing to the scope and “flavour” of social enterprise developing in New Zealand: socio‐cultural norms, e.g. “Kiwi ingenuity”; the neoliberal reforms initiated by successive governments during the 1980s; Crown settlements in relation to breaches of the principles of 1840 Treaty of Waitangi; New Zealanders' as international citizens.Originality/valueThe paper shows how feedback and dialogue across the sectors, at local, national and international levels, is now required to determine how other scholars, practitioners and policy makers perceive this proposed initial framework.
Leadership in the NHS: what can hospitals learn from Gerry Robinson – the programme?
Authors: Towill Denis R. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this succinct discussion paper is to dissect the recent excellent BBC2 TV series to put on record those emergent lessons from which NHS hospitals may well learn. The emphasis is on development of a framework and culture for health care delivery innovation from within.Design/methodology/approachThis short paper, one of a series, extracts the key emerging issues and learning opportunities from the perspective of hospital practice as observed from the logistician viewpoint.FindingsOpinion regarding the outcomes of the documentary has been divided both within the health care sector and the public domain. However, it did raise debate and identified issues about leadership which could be relevant for any large organisation within the world and particularly within health care.Originality/valueThe first of these series of papers is brief, to the point, and highly relevant for health care delivery at an international level.
Defining competencies for hospital management
Authors: Pillay Rubin 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the problem of providing managers in both the public and private sectors with the requisite competencies to help address efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness in the delivery of health services.Design/methodology/approachA cross sectional survey using a self administered questionnaire was conducted among hospital managers in South Africa. Respondents were asked to rate the level of importance that each proposed competency had in their job and to indicate their perceptions about the adequacy of health management training programs in South Africa.FindingsHospital managers in both sectors feel that people management and self management skills are the most valuable for the efficient and effective management of hospitals, followed by “hard management skills” and skills related to the ability to think strategically. Specific skills or knowledge related to health care delivery were perceived to be least important. Public sector managers were also more likely to seek future training, and were also more adamant about the need for future management development programs.Originality/valueThis research provides the evidence that there is a great need, as well as a significant demand, for a degree program in health management at South African institutions. The findings will be useful in the conceptualization, design and delivery of health management programs aimed at enhancing current and future management and leadership capacity in the health sector.
Standardization of management systems in Spanish care homes
Authors: Heras Iñaki , Cilleruelo Ernesto , Iradi Jon 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to give a brief introduction to the global phenomenon of standardization of management systems and to analyze the case of Spanish care homes.Design/methodology/approachObservation and interviews were conducted with top and middle managers, consultants and employees of UNE 158001 certified Spanish care homes. The paper analyzes the impact of UNE 158001 standards for residential homes for the elderly, the only specific standard for care homes that has been enacted by a European standardization body.FindingsThose homes which have implemented and certified the UNE 158001 standard point out that the application of this standard has not been difficult, thanks to the prior implementation of the ISO 9001:2000 standard, and also due to the fact that most of the requirements laid down by the UNE 158001 standard were already deemed to be customary according in their systems, with only some “minor” requirements needing change. The reasons behind the implementation the UNE 158001 standard were varied. Thus, some representatives of residential care homes pointed out that the standard was implemented in order to improve the efficiency of the home and/or improve the quality of the service provided. On the other hand, however, there were representatives who claimed that implementing UNE 158001 serves essentially a business purpose – in other words, of an image conveyed on the market.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful up‐to‐date conceptual overview for the different agencies interested in the sector, including managers, public administrators and consultants. In addition, the paper provides information for future developments in the sector.
Myoblasts from affected and non‐affected FSHD muscles exhibit morphological differentiation defects
Authors: Barro Marietta , Carnac Gilles , Flavier Sébastien , Mercier Jacques , Vassetzky Yegor , Laoudj‐Chenivesse Dalila 
Published: May 2008

AbstractFacioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is a muscular hereditary disease with a prevalence of 1 in 20,000 caused by a partial deletion of a subtelomeric repeat array on chromosome 4q. However, very little is known about the pathogenesis as well as the molecular and biochemical changes linked to the progressive muscle degeneration observed in these patients. Several studies have investigated possible pathophysiological pathways in FSHD myoblasts and mature muscle cells but some of these reports were apparently in contradiction. The discrepancy between these studies may be explained by differences between the sources of myoblasts. Therefore, we decided to thoroughly analyze affected and unaffected muscles from patients with FSHD in terms of vulnerability to oxidative stress, differentiation capacity and morphological abnormalities. We have established a panel of primary myoblast cell cultures from patients affected with FSHD and matched healthy individuals. Our results show that primary myoblasts are more susceptible to an induced oxidative stress than control myoblasts. Moreover, we demonstrate that both types of FSHD primary myoblasts differentiate into multi‐nucleated myotubes, which present morphological abnormalities. Whereas control myoblasts fuse to form branched myotubes with aligned nuclei, FSHD myoblasts fuse to form either thin and branched myotubes with aligned nuclei or large myotubes with random nuclei distribution. In conclusion, we postulate that these abnormalities could be responsible for muscle weakness in patients with FSHD and provide an important marker for FSHD myoblasts.
Foetal hepatocyte transplantation in a vascularized AV‐Loop transplantation model in the rat
Authors: Fiegel H. C. , Pryymachuk G. , Rath S. , Bleiziffer O. , Beier J. P. , Bruns H. , Kluth D. , Metzger R. , Horch R. E. , Till H. , Kneser U. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe use of foetal liver cells (FLC) in the context of hepatic tissue engineering might permit efficientin vitroexpansion and cryopreservation in a cell bank. A prerequisite for successful application of bioartificial liver tissue is sufficient initial vascularization. In this study, we evaluated the transplantation of fibrin gel‐immobilized FLC in a vascularized arterio‐veno‐venous (AV)‐loop model. FLC were isolated from embryonic/foetal (ED 16) rat livers and were enriched by using magnetic cell sorting (MACS). After cryopreservation, FLC were labelled by pkh‐26. Cells were transplanted in a fibrin matrix into a subcutaneous chamber containing a microsurgically created AV‐loop in the femoral region of the recipient rat. The chambers were explanted after 14 days. Subcutaneous implants without an AV‐loop and cell‐free implants served as controls. Fluorescence microscopy of the constructs was used to identify pkh‐26+‐ donor cells. Characterization was performed by RT‐PCR and immunhistology (IH) for CK‐18 and CD31. Transplantation of FLC using the AV‐loop permitted aneo‐tissue formation in the fibrin matrix. A high‐density vascularization was observed in the AV‐loop constructs as shown by CD31 IH. Viable foetal donor cells were detected which expressed CK‐18. FLC can be successfully used for heterotopic transplantation. Fibrin matrix permits rapid blood vessel ingrowth from the AV‐loop and supports engraftment of FLC. It is therefore an appropriate environment for hepatocyte transplantation in combination with microsurgical vascularization strategies. Transplantation of fibrin gel‐immobilized FLC may be a promising approach for the development of highly vascularizedin vivotissue‐engineering‐based liver support systems.
Intron‐1 rs3761548 is related to the defective transcription of Foxp3 in psoriasis through abrogating E47/c‐Myb binding
Authors: Shen Z. , Chen L. , Hao F. , Wang G. , Fan P. , Liu Y. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractFoxp3 is a master transcription factor (TF) for development and function of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and is critical for the transcription of target genes. But the transcriptional regulation of Foxp3 itself has not been fully understood until now. Here, we aimed to demonstrate the hypothesis that upstream single nucleotide polymorphism(s) (SNPs) of Foxp3 was/were responsible for the defective transcription of Foxp3 in psoriasis and to explore the mechanism behind this hypothesis. In this study, SNP of large sample was investigated for risk analysis. Mature algorithms, electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to identify TF binding site variations. Loss‐of‐function and overexpression assays and cell cycle blocker assay were performed to identify when and what kind of possible roles the candidate factors play. Our results showed that intron‐1 rs3761548 was correlated with a significant susceptibility to psoriasis. The rs3761548 contributed to the decreased resting Foxp3 transcription and impaired acceleration of Foxp3 transcription levels after stimulation in psoriatic patients with genotype AA. We analysed and demonstrated potent new E47/c‐Myb ‐dependent regulation elements in rs3761548, oppositely controlling Foxp3 gene transcription at G1 and G2/M phases of Treg cells in psoriatic patients. For patients with rs3761548 AA, the polymorphism causes loss of bindings to the E47 and c‐Myb factors, leading to defective transcription of Foxp3 gene. Further identification of the networks and molecular mechanisms underlying Foxp3 transcription may provide new insights into Foxp3 transcriptional regulation and alternative therapeutic strategies to improve characteristics of autoimmune disorders.
IL‐24: a classic cytokine and/or a potential cure for cancer?
Authors: Kreis S. , Philippidou D. , Margue C. , Behrmann I. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIL‐24, a member of the IL‐10 family of cytokines, is produced by monocytes and Th2 cells. Interestingly, immune cells do not appear to express specific IL‐24 receptor chains (IL‐20R1/IL‐20R2 and IL‐22R/IL‐20R2), it is therefore unlikely that IL‐24 has classical immune‐modulating properties. Skin, on the other hand, seems to represent a major target tissue for IL‐24 and related cytokines such as IL‐19, ‐20, and ‐22. However, the initial interest in IL‐24 did not arise from its physiological signalling properties through its cognate receptors but rather because of its tentative ability to selectively kill different cancer cells. In an attempt to further investigate the signalling events underlying the IL‐24‐induced cancer cell death, we found that melanoma cell lines did not react in the expected and previously described way. Using several different forms and delivery modes of IL‐24, we were unable to detect any apoptosis‐inducing properties of this cytokine in melanoma cells. In the present ‘Point of view’ we will briefly summarizse these findings and put them in context of published reports stating that IL‐24 might be a long sought after treatment for several types of cancer.
Connexin expression and gap junctional coupling in human cumulus cells: contribution to embryo quality
Authors: Wang H.‐X. , Tong D. , El‐Gehani F. , Tekpetey F. R. , Kidder G. M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractGap junctional coupling among cumulus cells is important for oogenesis since its deficiency in mice leads to impaired folliculogenesis. Multiple connexins (Cx), the subunits of gap junction channels, have been found within ovarian follicles in several species but little is known about the connexins in human follicles. The aim of this study was to determine which connexins contribute to gap junctions in human cumulus cells and to explore the possible relationship between connexin expression and pregnancy outcome from in vitro fertilization (IVF). Cumulus cells were obtained from IVF patients undergoing intra‐cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Connexin expression was examined by RT‐PCR and confocal microscopy. Cx43 was quantified by immunoblotting and gap junctional coupling was measured by patch‐clamp electrophysiology. All but 5 of 20 connexin mRNAs were detected. Of the connexin proteins detected, Cx43 forms numerous gap junction‐like plaques but Cx26, Cx30, Cx30.3, Cx32 and Cx40 appeared to be restricted to the cytoplasm. The strength of gap junctional conductance varied between patients and was significantly and positively correlated with Cx43 level, but neither was correlated with patient age. Interestingly, Cx43 level and intercellular conductance were positively correlated with embryo quality as judged by cleavage rate and morphology, and were significantly higher in patients who became pregnant than in those who did not. Thus, despite the presence of multiple connexins, Cx43 is a major contributor to gap junctions in human cumulus cells and its expression level may influence pregnancy outcome after ICSI.
Temperature-Dependent Parasitic Relationship between
Legionella pneumophila
and a Free-Living Amoeba (
Acanthamoeba castellanii
)
Authors: Ohno Akira , Kato Naoyuki , Sakamoto Ryota , Kimura Soichiro , Yamaguchi Keizo 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

We analyzed the effects of temperature on the interaction of
Legionella pneumophila
with
Acanthamoeba castellanii
. At <20°C, overexpression of type 1 metacaspase, a stimulator of
A. castellanii
encystation, was associated with a reduced number of bacteria within amoeba. At low temperatures,
A. castellanii
seems to eliminate
L. pneumophila
by encystation and digestion.
Multichromosomal Genome Structure and Confirmation of Diazotrophy in Novel Plant-Associated
Burkholderia
Species
Authors: Martínez-Aguilar Lourdes , Díaz Rafael , Peña-Cabriales Juan José , Estrada-de los Santos Paulina , Dunn Michael F. , Caballero-Mellado Jesús 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA hybridization experiments showed that multichromosome genome structures and very large genome sizes (6.46 to 8.73 Mb) are prevalent in novel plant-associated
Burkholderia
species.
15
N
2
isotope dilution assays revealed unambiguous diazotrophy in these novel species.
nifH
gene sequence analysis, often used to determine phylogenetic relatedness among diazotrophs, showed tight clusters of
Burkholderia
species, which were clearly distinct from those of other diazotrophs.
Membrane-Bound Pyrroloquinoline Quinone-Dependent Dehydrogenase in
Gluconobacter oxydans
M5, Responsible for Production of 6-(2-Hydroxyethyl) Amino-6-Deoxy-
l
-Sorbose
Authors: Yang Xue-Peng , Wei Liu-Jing , Lin Jin-Ping , Yin Bo , Wei Dong-Zhi 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

A membrane-bound protein purified from
Gluconobacter oxydans
M5 was confirmed to be a pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent
d
-sorbitol dehydrogenase. Gene disruption and complementation experiments demonstrated that this enzyme is responsible for the oxidation of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl) amino-
1
-deoxy-
d
-sorbitol (1NSL) to 6-(2-hydroxyethyl) amino-6-deoxy-
l
-sorbose (6NSE), which is the precursor of an antidiabetic drug, miglitol.
Competitive Oxidation of Volatile Fatty Acids by Sulfate- and Nitrate-Reducing Bacteria from an Oil Field in Argentina
Authors: Grigoryan Aleksandr A. , Cornish Sabrina L. , Buziak Brenton , Lin Shiping , Cavallaro Adriana , Arensdorf Joseph J. , Voordouw Gerrit 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Acetate, propionate, and butyrate, collectively referred to as volatile fatty acids (VFA), are considered among the most important electron donors for sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and heterotrophic nitrate-reducing bacteria (hNRB) in oil fields. Samples obtained from a field in the Neuquén Basin, western Argentina, had significant activity of mesophilic SRB, hNRB, and nitrate-reducing, sulfide-oxidizing bacteria (NR-SOB). In microcosms, containing VFA (3 mM each) and excess sulfate, SRB first used propionate and butyrate for the production of acetate, which reached concentrations of up to 12 mM prior to being used as an electron donor for sulfate reduction. In contrast, hNRB used all three organic acids with similar kinetics, while reducing nitrate to nitrite and nitrogen. Transient inhibition of VFA-utilizing SRB was observed with 0.5 mM nitrite and permanent inhibition with concentrations of 1 mM or more. The addition of nitrate to medium flowing into an upflow, packed-bed bioreactor with an established VFA-oxidizing SRB consortium led to a spike of nitrite up to 3 mM. The nitrite-mediated inhibition of SRB led, in turn, to the transient accumulation of up to 13 mM of acetate. The complete utilization of nitrate and the incomplete utilization of VFA, especially propionate, and sulfate indicated that SRB remained partially inhibited. Hence, in addition to lower sulfide concentrations, an increase in the concentration of acetate in the presence of sulfate in waters produced from an oil field subjected to nitrate injection may indicate whether the treatment is successful. The microbial community composition in the bioreactor, as determined by culturing and culture-independent techniques, indicated shifts with an increasing fraction of nitrate. With VFA and sulfate, the SRB genera
Desulfobotulus
,
Desulfotignum
, and
Desulfobacter
as well as the sulfur-reducing
Desulfuromonas
and the NR-SOB
Arcobacter
were detected. With VFA and nitrate,
Pseudomonas
spp. were present. hNRB/NR-SOB from the genus
Sulfurospirillum
were found under all conditions.
Effect of Subtherapeutic Administration of Antibiotics on the Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant
Escherichia coli
Bacteria in Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Alexander T. W. , Yanke L. J. , Topp E. , Olson M. E. , Read R. R. , Morck D. W. , McAllister T. A. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

Antibiotic-resistant
Escherichia coli
in 300 feedlot steers receiving subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics was investigated through the collection of 3,300 fecal samples over a 314-day period. Antibiotics were selected based on the commonality of use in the industry and included chlortetracycline plus sulfamethazine (TET-SUL), chlortetracycline (TET), virginiamycin, monensin, tylosin, or no antibiotic supplementation (control). Steers were initially fed a barley silage-based diet, followed by transition to a barley grain-based diet. Despite not being administered antibiotics prior to arrival at the feedlot, the prevalences of steers shedding TET- and ampicillin (AMP)-resistant
E. coli
were >40 and <30%, respectively. Inclusion of TET-SUL in the diet increased the prevalence of steers shedding TET- and AMP-resistant
E. coli
and the percentage of TET- and AMP-resistant
E. coli
in the total generic
E. coli
population. Irrespective of treatment, the prevalence of steers shedding TET-resistant
E. coli
was higher in animals fed grain-based compared to silage-based diets. All steers shed TET-resistant
E. coli
at least once during the experiment. A total of 7,184 isolates were analyzed for MIC of antibiotics. Across antibiotic treatments, 1,009 (13.9%), 7 (0.1%), and 3,413 (47.1%)
E. coli
isolates were resistant to AMP, gentamicin, or TET, respectively. In addition, 131 (1.8%) and 143 (2.0%) isolates exhibited potential resistance to extended-spectrum β-lactamases, as indicated by either ceftazidime or cefpodoxime resistance. No isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin. The findings of the present study indicated that subtherapeutic administration of tetracycline in combination with sulfamethazine increased the prevalence of tetracycline- and AMP-resistant
E. coli
in cattle. However, resistance to antibiotics may be related to additional environmental factors such as diet.
Coordinated Regulation of Cold-Induced Changes in Fatty Acids with Cardiolipin and Phosphatidylglycerol Composition among Phospholipid Species for the Food Pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Mastronicolis S. K. , Arvanitis N. , Karaliota A. , Magiatis P. , Heropoulos G. , Litos C. , Moustaka H. , Tsakirakis A. , Paramera E. , Papastavrou P. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT

We present here the structural identification of four phospholipid (Phl) classes in
Listeria monocytogenes
, the fatty acid (FA) composition for each individual Phl species, and a description of cold-induced FA changes. Cardiolipin (48.5%) and phosphatidylglycerol (18.1%) are dominated by anteiso-FA, and the previously recognized branched FA chain shortening by cold was observed singularly in these Phls. Phosploaminolipid (19.9%) and phosphatidylinositol, (9.1%) are significantly different, containing significant amounts of straight-chain FA. These findings are supported by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis.