bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social support and immunosuppressant therapy adherence among adult renal transplant recipients
Authors: Chisholm‐Burns Marie A. , Spivey Christina A. , Wilks Scott E.
Published: August 2009

Chisholm‐Burns MA, Spivey CA, Wilks SE. Social support and immunosuppressant therapy adherence among adult renal transplant recipients. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 312–320. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Background: The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between social support and immunosuppressant therapy adherence among adult renal transplant recipients.

Methods: A cross‐sectional, survey design was employed. Mailed questionnaires were used to collect data from 81 recipients, and included the Immunosuppressant Therapy Adherence Scale©(ITAS©) and Modified Social Support Survey (MSSS‐5). The correlation between ITAS©and MSSS‐5 summary scores was assessed using the correlation coefficient (r). Analyses of the following relationships were conducted using correlation coefficients: (i) ITAS©summary score and individual items of the MSSS‐5; and (ii) MSSS‐5 summary score and individual items of the ITAS©. A hierarchical regression was conducted.

Results: The response rate was 74%. The relationship between social support and adherence was significant (r = 0.214, p < 0.05). Two MSSS‐5 items (affectionate support and instrumental support pertaining to household functions) were related to ITAS©summary score (p < 0.05), and one ITAS©item (forgetfulness) was related to the MSSS‐5 summary score (p < 0.05). The regression model (all MSSS‐5 items) accounted for 24% of the variation in ITAS©summary scores.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that strategies utilizing social support to address forgetfulness as well as strategies to improve affectionate support and instrumental support related to daily household functions may be useful adherence intervention tools.
Identification of Arabidopsis subtilisin‐like serine protease specifically expressed in root stele by gene trapping
Authors: Kuroha Takeshi , Okuda Asako , Arai Masahiro , Komatsu Yuta , Sato Shusei , Kato Tomohiko , Tabata Satoshi , Satoh Shinobu
Published: August 2009

Xylem plays a role not only in the transport of water and nutrients but also in the regulation of growth and development through the transport of biologically active substances. In addition to mineral salts, xylem sap contains hormones, organic nutrients and proteins. However, the physiological functions of most of those substances remain unclear. To explore genes involved in xylem sap production, we identified Arabidopsis genes expressed in the root stele of the root hair zone from gene‐trap lines by randomly inserting the β‐glucuronidase gene into the genome. Among 26 000 gene‐trap lines, we found that 10 lines had β‐glucuronidase (GUS) staining predominantly in the root stele of the root hair zone and no GUS staining in the shoots. Of these 10 lines, 2 lines showed that gene‐trap tags inserted into the promoter region of the same gene, denoted Arabidopsis thaliana subtilase 4.12(AtSBT4.12). Analysis of AtSBT4.12 promoter using an pAtSBT4.12::β‐glucuronidase transgenic line showed that the AtSBT4.12 gene was expressed only in the root stele of the root hair zone. AtSBT4.12 expression in roots was increased by application of methyl jasmonate. Subtilase proteins are commonly detected in proteomic analyses of xylem sap from various plant species, including Brassica napus, a relative of Arabidopsis. These results suggest that AtSBT4.12 may be a protein localized in the apoplast of root stele including xylem vessel and involved in stress responses in Arabidopsis roots.
Thermoperiod affects the diurnal cycle of nitrate reductase expression and activity in pineapple plants by modulating the endogenous levels of cytokinins
Authors: Freschi Luciano , Nievola Catarina Carvalho , Rodrigues Maria Aurineide , Domingues Douglas Silva , Van Sluys Marie‐Anne , Mercier Helenice
Published: August 2009

Nitrate reductase (NR, EC 1.6.6.1) activity in higher plants is regulated by a variety of environmental factors and oscillates with a characteristic diurnal rhythm. In this study, we have demonstrated that the diurnal cycle of NR expression and activity in pineapple (Ananas comosus, cv. Smooth Cayenne) can be strongly modified by changes in the day/night temperature regime. Plants grown under constant temperature (28°C light/dark) showed a marked increase in the shoot NR activity (NRA) during the first half of the light period, whereas under thermoperiodic conditions (28°C light/15°C dark) significant elevations in the NRA were detected only in the root tissues at night. Under both conditions, increases in NR transcript levels occurred synchronically about 4 h prior to the corresponding elevation of the NRA. Diurnal analysis of endogenous cytokinins indicated that transitory increases in the levels of zeatin, zeatin riboside and isopentenyladenine riboside coincided with the accumulation of NR transcripts and preceded the rise of NRA in the shoot during the day and in the root at night, suggesting these hormones as mediators of the temperature‐induced modifications of the NR cycle. Moreover, these cytokinins also induced NRA in pineapple when applied exogenously. Altogether, these results provide evidence that thermoperiodism can modify the diurnal cycle of NR expression and activity in pineapple both temporally and spatially, possibly by modulating the day/night changes in the cytokinin levels. A potential relationship between the day/night NR cycle and the photosynthetic pathway performed by the pineapple plants (C3 or CAM) is also discussed.
Immunization of liver and renal transplant recipients: a seroepidemiological and sociodemographic survey
Authors: Chesi C. , Günther M. , Huzly D. , Neuhaus R. , Reinke P. , Engelmann H.B. , Mockenhaupt F.P. , Bienzle U.
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Several life‐threatening infections, a major risk to adult solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients on immunosuppressive therapy, can be prevented by immunization. We analyzed sociodemographic parameters and the immunization status of adult liver transplant recipients (LTX‐R, n=267) and renal transplant recipients (RTX‐R, n=197) SOT recipients at the Transplantation Center, Berlin, Germany. Date, number, and provider of recommended vaccines were recorded and seroprotection rates determined. The social status in both groups was similar. Most patients (89%) were not adequately informed about immunizations; and if informed, main sources were physicians (47%) and the media (40%). Vaccinations were predominantly provided by family doctors (LTX‐R, 66%; RTX‐R, 31%) or hemodialysis centers (RTX‐R, 37%). Before transplantation, RTX‐R had significantly more often received booster vaccinations against tetanus and diphtheria (P<0.005), and a primary hepatitis B immunization (55%); whereas in LTX‐R, post‐transplant vaccinations against hepatitis A (16%) and pneumococcal disease (13%) were more frequent. Seroprotection rates against tetanus were fairly high in LTX‐R (85.3%) and RTX‐R (86.8%), and considerably lower for diphtheria, hepatitis A, and influenza. Immunization rates are too low in SOT recipients. Improvement will depend on a more active role of health care providers.
Rapid evolution of social learning
Authors: FRANZ M. , NUNN C. L.
Published: August 2009

Culture is widely thought to be beneficial when social learning is less costly than individual learning and thus may explain the enormous ecological success of humans. Rogers (1988. Does biology constrain culture. Am. Anthropol. 90: 819–831) contradicted this common view by showing that the evolution of social learning does not necessarily increase the net benefits of learned behaviours in a variable environment. Using simulation experiments, we re‐analysed extensions of Rogers’ model after relaxing the assumption that genetic evolution is much slower than cultural evolution. Our results show that this assumption is crucial for Rogers’ finding. For many parameter settings, genetic and cultural evolution occur on the same time scale, and feedback effects between genetic and cultural dynamics increase the net benefits. Thus, by avoiding the costs of individual learning, social learning can increase ecological success. Furthermore, we found that rapid evolution can limit the evolution of complex social learning strategies, which have been proposed to be widespread in animals.
Photosynthesis, photochemistry and antioxidative defence in response to two drought severities and with re‐watering in Allocasuarina luehmannii
Authors: Posch S. , Bennett L. T.
Published: August 2009

Gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and water potentials, together with ascorbate and glutathione concentrations, were studied during moderate and severe drought stress and in response to re‐watering in Allocasuarina luehmannii seedlings. Moderate drought stress (MS) decreased stomatal conductance (gs) and net CO2 assimilation rates (A) to ∼40% and ∼60% of control values, respectively, and caused decreases in internal CO2 concentration (Ci) and maximum light use efficiency of light‐acclimated photosystem II (PSII) centres (Fv′/Fm′). Severe drought stress (SS) decreased gs and A to ∼5% and ∼15% of the control values, respectively, and caused increases in Ci and PSII excitation pressure (1 − qP), as well as decreases in water potentials, effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII), maximum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and Fv′/Fm′. Ascorbate and glutathione concentrations remained unaffected by drought treatments, but ascorbate became more oxidised under severe stress. MS seedlings recovered within 1 day (Ci, Fv′/Fm′) to 1 week (A, gs) of re‐watering. In comparison, SS seedlings had longer‐lasting after‐stress effects, with recovery of many variables (gs, water potentials, Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, Fv′/Fm′) taking between 1 and 3 weeks from re‐watering. We found no indication that interaction with antioxidants played a significant role in recovery. In conclusion, A. luehmannii seedlings appear to function normally under moderate drought, but do not seem to have particular metabolic tolerance mechanisms to endure severe drought, which may have implications for its persistence under climate change at the drier margins of its distribution.
Con‐specific neighbours may enhance compensation capacity in an invasive plant
Authors: Lu X. , Dai H. , Ding J.
Published: August 2009

Facilitation, both by inter‐ and intra‐specific neighbours, is known to be an important process in structuring plant communities. However, only a small number of experiments have been reported on facilitation in plant invasions, especially between invasive con‐specific individuals. Here, we focus on how con‐specific neighbours of the invasive alien plant alligator weed affect the tolerance of alligator weed to herbivory by the introduced biological control agent, Agasicles hygrophila. We conducted greenhouse and garden experiments in which invasive plant density and herbivory intensity (artificial clipping and real herbivory) were manipulated. In the greenhouse experiment, artificial clipping significantly reduced plant biomass when plants were grown individually, but when con‐specific neighbours were present in the same pot, biomass was not significantly different from control plants. Similarly, when compared to control plants, plants that were subjected to herbivory by A. hygrophila produced more biomass when grown with two con‐specific neighbours than when grown alone. Real herbivory also resulted in an increased number of vegetative buds, and again when two con‐specific neighbours were present this effect was increased (a 55.3% increase in buds when there was no neighbour, but a 111.6% increase in buds when two con‐specific neighbours were present). In the garden experiment, in which plants were grown at high density (6 plants per pot), alligator weed fully recovered from defoliation caused by insects at levels from 20–30% to 100%. Our results indicate that the con‐specific association may increase the compensatory ability to cope with intense damage in this invasive plant.
Revision of the Australian Gagrellinae (Arachnida: Opiliones: Sclerosomatidae), with a description of a new species
Authors: Taylor Christopher K
Published: August 2009

A new species of the Indo‐Australian Gagrellinae (Arachnida: Opiliones: Sclerosomatidae), Gagrella cauricrepa, is described from the Iron Range, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia. This represents the first definite indigenous Australian record of Sclerosomatidae, though the family has previously been known from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The previous record of Zaleptus marmoratus Roewer 1910 from the Australian fauna is regarded as currently unconfirmable.
Vector competence of Australian Culex gelidus Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae) for endemic and exotic arboviruses
Authors: Johnson Petrina H , Hall‐Mendelin Sonja , Whelan Peter I , Frances Stephen P , Jansen Cassie C , Mackenzie Donna O , Northill Judith A , Van Den Hurk Andrew F
Published: August 2009

The recent recognition of established populations of the mosquito, Culex gelidus Theobald, in Australia has raised concerns about local transmission of arboviruses. The vector competence of a mainland population of Cx. gelidus was investigated for two local alphaviruses, Ross River (RRV) and Barmah Forest (BFV) viruses, and three flaviviruses, Japanese encephalitis (JEV), Kunjin (KUNV) and Murray Valley encephalitis (MVEV) viruses. Colonised mosquitoes were exposed to virus via blood‐soaked pledgets and transmission was tested using a capillary‐tube method. The important Australian vectors, Aedes vigilax (Skuse) and Culex annulirostris Skuse, were used as internal controls for the alphaviruses and flaviviruses, respectively. Overall, Cx. gelidus was a more efficient vector of flaviviruses than alphaviruses. Culex gelidus was refractory to infection with BFV, and nearly 25% transmitted RRV, which was comparable to Ae. vigilax. Culex gelidus was susceptible to all three flaviviruses, with transmission rates of 96%, 95% and 41% for JEV, KUNV and MVEV, respectively. JEV transmission rates in Cx. annulirostris were unexpectedly low and this was possibly due to differences in susceptibility to JEV genotypes I and II. Considering the high susceptibility to the flaviviruses demonstrated here, and the natural infections with RRV and JEV that have been detected from northern Australian populations, the establishment of the exotic mosquito, Cx. gelidus, in Australia is potentially a significant public health concern.
Establishment of a silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) population in western Sydney
Authors: Childs Iona J , Gunning Robin V , Mansfield Sarah
Published: August 2009

A field survey in western Sydney found populations of Bemisia tabaci biotype B (silverleaf whitefly) that have the potential to damage greenhouse vegetable crops prevalent in the region. Adult whiteflies were collected from five farms at 2‐week intervals and the proportion of silverleaf whitefly in the overall whitefly population was determined using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. High levels of silverleaf whitefly were detected at most sampling dates on two of the farms surveyed and a third farm exhibited lower but relatively continuous silverleaf whitefly abundance. The presence of permanent silverleaf whitefly populations must be considered by the greenhouse industry when formulating whitefly management plans for western Sydney.
Relative toxicity of nC24 agricultural mineral oil to Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and its possible relationship to egg ultrastructure
Authors: Xue Yingen , Beattie G Andrew C , Meats Alan , Spooner‐Hart Robert , Herron Grant A
Published: August 2009

The relative toxicity (LC50 values based on µg oil/cm2) is evaluated of aqueous nC24 agricultural mineral oil (AMO) emulsions to the egg, six‐legged nymph (larva), eight‐legged protonymph and adult stages of two‐spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae) and its predator, Phytoseiulus persimilis, on French bean leaf discs, using a Potter spray tower to apply of the oil. The egg of P. persimilis was the least susceptible stage (LC50 444.84) and its LC50 was significantly higher than all other stages tested of either P. persimilis or T. urticae. The LC50 for adult female T. urticae (LC50 63.89) was significantly lower than the larva (LC50 93.86); however, there was no significant difference in response between the protonymph (LC50 70.44) and the larva, which were both higher than T. urticae eggs (LC50 17.55). LC50s for P. persimilis larva (LC50 43.87), protonymph (LC50 41.55) and adult female (LC50 53.34) were similar. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the egg surface of T. urticae is usually well covered with fine silk that may trap more oil and increase AMO efficacy. Other possible differences in AMO efficacy between T. urticae and P. persimilis may be due to differences in egg size, egg incubation period, egg surface structure and the presence of vulnerable respiratory cones in T. urticae eggs. Dose of 0.2–0.3% (w/w) is considered to be the most appropriate for nC24 AMOs use against T. urticae in combination with P. persimilis in integrated pest management programs.
Impact of nC24 agricultural mineral oil deposits on the searching efficiency and predation rate of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Xue Yingen , Andrew G , Beattie C , Meats Alan , Spooner‐Hart Robert , Herron Grant A
Published: August 2009

Walking activity, walking straightness, walking speed and searching efficiency of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias‐Henriot were measured on French bean leaf discs that were sprayed with either distilled water, or one of 0.25%, 0.50% and 1.00% w/w aqueous emulsions of an nC24 agricultural mineral oil (AMO). There was no significant difference in percentage of time that mites spent walking in the control (water‐sprayed) conditions and in any of the oil treatments. Walking paths were significantly straighter in the oil treatments than in the control, but differences among the oil treatments did not differ significantly. Walking speeds in the oil treatments were significantly slower than in the control and decreased with increasing oil concentration. Deposits of oil at all concentrations significantly suppressed searching efficiency in comparison with control, and searching efficiency in the 1.00% oil treatment was significantly lower than in the 0.25% oil treatment. First predation of P. persimilis on AMO‐contaminated eggs of two‐spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) on unsprayed leaf discs was significantly delayed in all oil treatments in comparison with the control. However there was no significant effect on the overall predation rate. In the tests of P. persimilis predation on AMO‐contaminated T. urticae eggs on sprayed leaf discs, the number of first predation occurrences in the first hour was significantly lower in 0.50% and 1.00% oil treatments than in the control. Overall predation rates were significantly reduced by oil but they did not differ significantly among the oil treatments.
Vardenafil‐induced relaxation and cyclic nucleotide levels in normal and obstructed rat urinary bladder
Authors: Werkström Viktoria , Hedlund Petter , Lee Tack , Andersson Karl‐Erik
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of the phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor, vardenafil, on contraction and cyclic nucleotide levels in isolated detrusor preparations with and without mucosa, from control rats and rats with partial urethral obstruction (PUO) and intact mucosa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into groups subjected to PUO for 14 days (six), and sham‐operated control rats (12). Detrusor preparations were mounted in organ baths and effects of increasing concentrations of vardenafil (1 nmto 100 µm) assessed on carbachol‐activated (1 µm) preparations, and on contractions induced by transmural activation of nerves (electrical field stimulation, EFS). Levels of cGMP and cAMP were determined using radioimmunoassays.

RESULTS

Vardenafil caused concentration‐dependent relaxations of carbachol‐contracted detrusor, the mean (sd) of which at 100 µmwas 91 (4)% in control and 100% in PUO rats. The −log 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 4.41 (0.08) and 4.73 (0.05) (P < 0.01), respectively. Removing the mucosa increased the relaxant effect of vardenafil at 1–10 µm(P < 0.05) although −log IC50values were unaffected compared to the control. The cGMP levels ( pmol/mg protein) in control preparations increased from 2.5 (0.6) to 5.0 (0.8), and from 1.4 (0.2) to 7.2 (1.3) in obstructed bladders. In mucosa‐denuded preparations the cGMP content increased from 0.6 (0.1) to 1.6 (0.4) in response to vardenafil. In control rats, the levels of cAMP increased from 12.8 (2.5) to 18.9 (0.9) (P < 0.05) after vardenafil. In mucosa‐denuded preparations the cAMP levels after vardenafil increased from 16.5 (2.11) to 37.8 (3.4) (P < 0.01). In PUO bladders, the tissue content of cAMP increased from 12.6 (2.4) to 20.6 (3.4) (P < 0.01). Vardenafil concentration‐dependently inhibited nerve‐induced contractions in all groups studied. At 100 µm19 (3)% of the control contraction remained, vs 8 (1)% for preparations from obstructed rats, and 11 (4)% in mucosa‐denuded preparations.

CONCLUSION

In normal rats, vardenafil relaxed carbachol‐ and inhibited EFS‐induced contractions of detrusor preparations with and without urothelium, and in PUO rats with urothelium. Relaxations were accompanied by increases in both cAMP and cGMP content. It is proposed that vardenafil‐induced relaxation of rat detrusor, also in obstructed and mucosa‐denuded preparations, is mediated via cAMP.
Smile Through Your Fear and Sadness
Authors: Smith Fraser W. , Schyns Philippe G.
Published: August 2009

It is well established that animal communication signals have adapted to the evolutionary pressures of their environment. For example, the low-frequency vocalizations of the elephant are tailored to long-range communications, whereas the high-frequency trills of birds are adapted to their more localized acoustic niche. Like the voice, the human face transmits social signals about the internal emotional state of the transmitter. Here, we address two main issues: First, we characterized the spectral composition of the facial features signaling each of the six universal expressions of emotion (happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, and surprise). From these analyses, we then predicted and tested the effectiveness of the transmission of emotion signals over different viewing distances. We reveal a gradient of recognition over viewing distances constraining the relative adaptive usefulness of facial expressions of emotion (distal expressions are good signals over a wide range of viewing distances; proximal expressions are suited to closer-range communication).
The French in Algeria, Algerians in France: Bourdieu, Colonialism, and Migration
Authors: Loyal Steven
Published: August 2009

Bourdieu's early fieldwork which included field observation, statistical analysis, and the use of photography to capture, represent, and analyse Algerian society in its complexity, took place within the unusual context of the Algerian War of Independence (1954–62). A number of his photographs of Algerian life depict the physical dislocation of Algerian peasantry into shanty towns largely as the result of rapid socio-economic and cultural change introduced by French colonisation and war. Although this fieldwork was to fundamentally shape his subsequent oeuvre, substantive issues which arose out of this research including colonialism, racism, and migration, tended to disappear in his later writings. This paper will argue that Bourdieu's discussion of colonialism in his early work, together with arguments developed by his student and co-author, Abdelmalek Sayad, provide a basis for understanding contemporary processes of ethno-racial domination and migration.
Creating an Enabling Environment for Diasporas’ Participation in Homeland Development
Authors: Brinkerhoff Jennifer M.
Published: August 2009

Diasporas contribute to their homeland’s development through remittances, philanthropy, skills transfer, business investment, and advocacy. This paper focuses on actions that homeland governments can take to create an enabling environment for diasporas’ contributions. Part I addresses the diaspora phenomenon and the homeland government‐diaspora relationship. Part II develops a framework for characterizing government’s role in an enabling environment specific to diasporas’ development contributions. Part III considers how to put the framework into practice, identifying important caveats and discussing several implementation issues, including the potential role of donors. The framework is also a tool for diasporans to strategically advocate for improved enabling environments.
Economic Contribution of Migrant Workers to Thailand
Authors: Pholphirul Piriya , Rukumnuaykit Pungpond
Published: August 2009

In the past decade or two, an increasing number of migrants from countries neighbouring Thailand have moved to Thailand temporarily or permanently in search for jobs and life security, causing an increase in the labour supply in the Thai labour market. This paper attempts to find the economic contribution of these migrant workers to Thailand using various data sources and a collection of related findings. We find that capital gains from migrant workers show an increasing trend from around 0.03 per cent of the real national income (880 million baht) in 1995 to around 0.055 per cent of the real national income (2,039 million baht) in 2005. Using the adjusted labour share, the net contribution of migrant workers is on average 0.023 per cent of the real national income per year, or around 760 million baht per year.
Experiences of physical strain during person transfer situations in dementia care units
Authors: Wångblad Cristina , Ekblad Maria , Wijk Helle , Ivanoff Synneve Dahlin
Published: August 2009

Caring for residents with dementia impose a higher challenge and workload on the nursing staff because of a higher degree of motor function and cognitive decline among the residents. Training in person transfer tasks for nursing staff has mostly been concentrated on ergonomics irrespective of the nature of the resident’s functional decline. An increased knowledge about the nursing staffs’ experiences of physical workload in dementia care and in how to reduce their physical strain is needed.

Aim:  The aim of the study was to describe nurse’s aids’ experiences of physical strain during person transfer tasks at dementia care units.

Method:  Four focus group interviews with altogether 16 nurses’ aids, working at special care units for people with dementia, were performed.

Results:  The results show that knowledge about the disease and personality of residents in dementia care units can help to decrease the physical strain on nurses’ aids in person transfer situations.

Nurse’s aids need to be flexible when performing transfer tasks to accommodate variations in the resident’s functional ability. Physical strain associated with person transfer tasks is not related to the weight of the resident. Misunderstandings because of cognitive decline and communication problems increase physical strain on nurses’ aids. Specialized training in person transfer tasks is needed for nurse’s aids working in dementia care.

Conclusions:  These results may serve to guide physiotherapists working in dementia care units in assessing residents’ functional ability, in when to use assistive devices and mobility aids and in training and supervising nurse’s aids in person transfer tasks.
Urocortin induced expression of COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 via corticotrophin‐releasing factor type 2 receptor in rat aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Rongjian , Xu Youhua , Fu Hong , Wang Juejin , Jin Lai , Li Shengnan
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose: Our previous study showed that urocortin (Ucn1) exacerbates the hypercoagulable state and vasculitis in a rat model of sodium laurate‐induced thromboangiitis obliterans. Furthermore, the inflammatory molecules COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 may participate in this effect. In the present study, the effects of Ucn1 on COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) were investigated and the mechanisms involved explored.

Experimental approach: RAECs were isolated from adult male Wistar rats, and identified at the first passage. Experiments were performed on cells, from primary culture, at passages 5–8. The expression of COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 at both mRNA and protein levels was determined by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. Levels of PGE2and soluble ICAM‐1 (sICAM‐1) in culture medium were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the phosphorylation status of p38MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK, Akt and NF‐κB was analysed by Western blot; nuclear translocation of NF‐κB was observed by immunofluorescence.

Key results: Ucn1 augmented LPS‐induced expression of COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 in RAECs in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Ucn1 increased PGE2and sICAM‐1 levels. These effects were abolished by the CRF2receptor antagonist, antisauvagine‐30, but not by the CRF1receptor antagonist, NBI‐27914. Moreover, Ucn2 activated p38MAPK and augmented NF‐κB nuclear translocation and phosphorylation, whereas ERK1/2, JNK and Akt pathways were not involved in this process.

Conclusions and implications: These findings suggest that Ucn1 exerts pro‐inflammatory effects by augmenting LPS‐induced expression of COX‐2 and ICAM‐1 in RAECs via CRF2receptors and the activation of p38MAPK and NF‐κB.
Atorvastatin and fenofibrate increase apolipoprotein AV and decrease triglycerides by up‐regulating peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α
Authors: Huang Xian‐sheng , Zhao Shui‐ping , Bai Lin , Hu Min , Zhao Wang , Zhang Qian
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  Combining statin and fibrate in clinical practice provides a greater reduction of triglycerides than either drug given alone, but the mechanism for this effect is poorly understood. Apolipoprotein AV (apoAV) has been implicated in triglyceride metabolism. This study was designed to investigate the effect of the combination of statin and fibrate on apoAV and the underlying mechanism(s).

Experimental approach:  Hypertriglyceridaemia was induced in rats by giving them 10% fructose in drinking water for 2 weeks. They were then treated with atorvastatin, fenofibrate or the two agents combined for 4 weeks, and plasma triglyceride and apoAV measured. We also tested the effects of these two agents on triglycerides and apoAV in HepG2 cells in culture. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure apoAV and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPARα) expression.

Key results:  The combination of atorvastatin and fenofibrate resulted in a greater decrease in plasma triglycerides and a greater increase in plasma and hepatic apoAV than either agent given alone. Hepatic expression of the PPARα was also more extensively up‐regulated in rats treated with the combination. A similar, greater increase in apoAV and a greater decrease in triglycerides were observed following treatment of HepG2 cells pre‐exposed to fructose), with the combination. Adding an inhibitor of PPARα (MK886) abolished the effects of atorvastatin on HepG2 cells.

Conclusions and implications:  A combination of atorvastatin and fenofibrate increased apoAV and decreased triglycerides through up‐regulation of PPARα.
Organ culture mimics the effects of hypoxia on membrane potential, K+ channels and vessel tone in pulmonary artery
Authors: Manoury Boris , Etheridge Sarah L , Reid Joy , Gurney Alison M
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  Blood vessel culture is gaining interest for use with transfection‐based techniques, but alters the contractile properties of the vessels. The present study tested the effects of culture on the intrinsic tone of rat pulmonary arteries (PAs) and examined the function and expression of K+ channels regulating the resting membrane potential (Em) and tone of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs).

Experimental approach:  Rat intrapulmonary arteries were isolated and cultured under standard and modified conditions. Contractile responses of fresh and cultured PA were compared using vessel myograph. Electrophysiology experiments on isolated PASMCs used the patch‐clamp technique. K+ channel expression was quantified using reverse transcription and real‐time PCR.

Key results:  After 4 days in culture vessels contracted to phenylephrine, but relaxation to carbachol was significantly impaired. Contractile responses to 10 mM KCl, 4‐aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium increased, and vessels developed an uncharacteristic relaxation response to Ca2+‐free solution, nifedipine and levcromakalim. PASMCs from cultured vessels were depolarized and K+ currents reduced, in association with down‐regulation of Kv1.5, Kv2.1 and TWIK‐related acid‐sensitive K+ channel‐1 mRNA. These changes were partially reversed by increased oxygenation of the culture medium or removing the endothelium before culture.

Conclusions and implications:  Culture of PA for 3–4 days induced loss of functional K+ channels, depolarization of PASMCs, Ca2+ influx, intrinsic tone and spontaneous constrictions, similar to the effects of chronic hypoxia. This limits the use of cultured vessels for studying excitation–contraction coupling, although oxygenating the culture medium and removing the endothelium can help to retain normal smooth muscle function.
Aliskiren reduces body‐weight gain, adiposity and plasma leptin during diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Stucchi Paula , Cano Victoria , Ruiz‐Gayo Mariano , Fernández‐Alfonso María S
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  Overfeeding increases adipose tissue mass and leptin production and up‐regulates the renin‐angiotensin system in adipose tissue in rodents. Here, we determined the effect of chronic treatment with the renin inhibitor, aliskiren, in a model of diet‐induced obesity in mice, on: (i) body weight, adipose tissue weight and plasma leptin; (ii) food intake and caloric efficiency; and (iii) angiotensin II (Ang II) in adipose tissue.

Experimental approach:  Four‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice (n= 40) received aliskiren (50 mg·kg−1·day−1; 6 weeks) by means of a subcutaneous osmotic Alzet minipump. Animals were given either a low‐fat (10% kcal from fat) or a high‐fat diet (45% kcal from fat) during this period. Food‐intake and body‐weight variation were monitored during treatment.

Key results:  In addition to a decrease of plasma renin activity, aliskiren reduced body‐weight gain, adipose pads and plasma leptin concentration, independent of the diet. In adipose tissue, local concentrations of Ang II were also reduced by aliskiren.

Conclusions and implications:  Aliskiren limited the gain of adiposity in young mice. This effect was not due to changes in food intake or caloric efficiency and might be related to a down‐regulation of the local renin‐angiotensin system in adipose tissue. These effects were accompanied by reduced plasma leptin levels. As Ang II favours differentiation of adipocytes, it is possible that the decreased adipose tissue was linked to changes in adipocyte size and number.
P2X purinoceptors mediate an endothelium‐dependent hyperpolarization in longitudinal smooth muscle of anterior mesenteric artery in young chickens
Authors: Alkayed F , Boudaka A , Shiina T , Takewaki T , Shimizu Y
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose: The chicken anterior mesenteric artery contains an outer longitudinal smooth muscle layer, whose neural regulation remains to be elucidated. ATP evokes a depolarization in the smooth muscle through P2Y purinoceptors. However, there may be an additional inhibitory regulation because blockade of P2Y purinoceptors converts the depolarization to hyperpolarization. The objective of the present study was to examine the mechanism underlying this hyperpolarization.

Experimental approach: Membrane potentials of longitudinal smooth muscle of the chicken mesenteric artery were recorded with a microelectrode technique. Perivascular nerves were stimulated by applying electrical field stimulation (EFS).

Key results: EFS induced a hyperpolarization in preparations obtained from 5‐week‐old chickens, whereas it evoked a depolarization in those from 12‐week‐old chickens. The EFS‐evoked hyperpolarization in 5‐week‐old chickens was blocked by a non‐specific purinoceptor antagonist, suramin, and by a specific P2X purinoceptor antagonist, pyridoxal phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulphonic acid. Desensitization of the P2X purinoceptor with its agonist α,β‐MeATP significantly suppressed EFS‐evoked hyperpolarization. Blockade of the P2Y purinoceptor did not affect EFS‐evoked hyperpolarization. The application of the NOS inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester or the removal of the endothelium inhibited the hyperpolarization. The application of the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside mimicked the hyperpolarization. Reverse transcriptase‐PCR showed that P2X purinoceptors are expressed in the endothelium of the anterior mesenteric artery.

Conclusions and implications: Hyperpolarization in the longitudinal smooth muscle of the chicken anterior mesenteric artery was induced by ATP. ATP released from perivascular nerves may act on P2X purinoceptors in the endothelium and thereby stimulate NO production.
Discovery and functional characterization of a novel small molecule inhibitor of the intracellular phosphatase, SHIP2
Authors: Suwa A , Yamamoto T , Sawada A , Minoura K , Hosogai N , Tahara A , Kurama T , Shimokawa T , Aramori I
Published: August 2009

Background and purpose:  The lipid phosphatase known as SH2 domain‐containing inositol 5′‐phosphatase 2 (SHIP2) plays an important role in the regulation of the intracellular insulin signalling pathway. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of SHIP2 could produce significant benefits in treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, there were no small molecule SHIP2 inhibitors and we, therefore, aimed to identify this type of compound.

Experimental approach:  The phosphatase assay with malachite green was used for high‐throughput screening. The pharmacological profiles of suitable compounds were further characterized in phosphatase assays, cellular assays and oral administration in normal and diabetic (db/db) mice.

Key results:  During high‐throughput screening, AS1949490 was identified as a potent SHIP2 inhibitor (IC50= 0.62 µM for SHIP2). This compound was also selective for SHIP2 relative to other intracellular phosphatases. In L6 myotubes, AS1949490 increased the phosphorylation of Akt, glucose consumption and glucose uptake. In FAO hepatocytes, AS1949490 suppressed gluconeogenesis. Acute administration of AS1949490 inhibited the expression of gluconeogenic genes in the livers of normal mice. Chronic treatment of diabetic db/db mice with AS1949490 significantly lowered the plasma glucose level and improved glucose intolerance. These in vivo effects were based in part on the activation of intracellular insulin signalling pathways in the liver.

Conclusions and implications:  This is the first report of a small molecule inhibitor of SHIP2. This compound will help to elucidate the physiological functions of SHIP2 and its involvement in various diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
Women's letters, literature and conscience in sixteenth‐century England
Authors: Daybell James
Published: August 2009

Early modern letters have long been utilized for the light they shed on the religious consciences of women. In his seminal work, Patrick Collinson outlined the ‘confessional’ nature of women's correspondence with reformation preachers such as John Knox, Edward Dering, Thomas Cartwright and Thomas Wilcox. Traditional studies have approached letters as historical documents, reliable depositories of facts there to be picked clean by the assiduous scholar. Approached as ‘literary’ texts, however, reading letters from the perspectives of genre, rhetoric and epistolary conventions, erodes (but does not entirely erase) simple notions of individual subjectivity, and letters as ‘windows on men's souls’: religious self‐representation instead appears as conscious, strategic, fluctuating and contested. Perhaps surprisingly given the religious turmoil of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, women's everyday correspondence, by its very nature pragmatic, registers little concerning religion. The epistolary representation of religious conscience it will, therefore, be argued in this essay most clearly emerges through situations of conflict or social negotiation. The essay will seek to explore the ways in which women constructed religious selves in correspondence by examining letters produced in a range of situations and performing a variety of functions. These include letters from women writing to extricate themselves or husbands and family from accusations of recusancy; letters of maternal rebuke chiding sons for lack of piety or irreligious behaviour; letters of religious nonconformists which were ‘scribally’ published or printed for posterity; and women's correspondence with male confessors.
The dangers of prudence: salus populi suprema lex, Robert Sanderson, and the ‘Case of the Liturgy’
Authors: Vallance Edward
Published: August 2009

The Ciceronian maxim salus populi, suprema lex was regularly invoked by writers justifying Parliament's war against Charles I. Quentin Skinner has seen this axiom as integral to the notion of ‘neo‐Roman’ liberty. However, as Johann Sommerville has recently demonstrated, in both early modern and classical contexts, salus populi was often used to justify the ‘arbitrary’ power of the sovereign. This essay traces the implications of one absolutist reading of this classical tag in Robert Sanderson's ‘Case of the Liturgy’: a case of conscience justifying amending the church liturgy in order to conform to the requirements of the Parliament's Directory (1645). The posthumous publication of Sanderson's case in the Restoration period reveals the ambiguity of this axiom, which was used, via Sanderson, to justify both the dispensing and suspending power of James II and giving obedience to William and Mary in the wake of the Revolution of 1688–9.
Spin doctor of conscience? The royal confessor and the Christian prince
Authors: Reinhardt Nicole
Published: August 2009

This article examines the role of royal confessors as counsellors in early modern France and Spain. The starting point is the normative concept of the confessor within Bellarmine's theory of the Principe Christiano, which draws a model for the confessor as anti‐courtier or prophet. After examining how the understanding of royal sins developed in the theological and political context of sixteenth‐ and seventeenth‐century Catholicism, the article focuses on the practical involvement of confessors in political counselling. It argues that in the long run the participation of ecclesiastics in political councils did not lead to a ‘theologization’ of politics, but rather to a secularization of the ecclesiastics. The confessor as a person of confidence is finally examined in competition with another important counsellor of early modern monarchs: the favourite. On account of their self‐understanding rooted in Bellarmine's model, confessors tended to become part of the opposition to royal favourites. Finally, I demonstrate the reasons for the confessor's decline as a counsellor from 1650 onwards. This was the result of a material and methodological uncertainty crisis in moral theology as well as of a gradual tendency towards the privatization of (the monarch's) conscience rooted in Augustinian and Jansenism.
Incidence and risk factors predicting blood transfusion in caesarean section
Authors: CHUA Seng Chai , JOUNG Steven J. , AZIZ Rihdab
Published: August 2009

Background: Routine preoperative evaluation for caesarean section (CS) has commonly included a blood type and screen evaluation due to risk of blood transfusion. However, there have been no objective local data to support such practices.

Aims: To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of blood type and screen testing for CS.

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed all singleton CS at a tertiary hospital using data from Blood Bank Registry and Obstetric Database, from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2005. Clinical variables including demographic characteristics, estimated blood loss, indications for CS, preoperative haemoglobin and indications for transfusions were gathered. All patients who had blood transfusion recorded in Obstetric Database or in Blood Bank Registry had their medical records reviewed by two reviewers to confirm accuracy and identify risk factors for haemorrhage.

Results: Of 2212 patients with singleton pregnancy who underwent CS, 14 (0.63%) required a blood transfusion. The risk of blood transfusion for elective and emergency CS are 3.9 per 1000 and 9.8 per 1000, respectively. In the absence of risk factors identified in this study, no women (of a total of 1293 elective CS) required blood transfusion.

Conclusion: In the absence of significant risk factors for haemorrhage at CS in a tertiary setting, routine blood type and screen testing does not enhance patient care. In the rare event that a patient without previously identifiable risk factors requires an urgent blood transfusion, O negative blood could be given in the interim pending formal determination of type and cross‐match.
Population‐based carrier screening for cystic fibrosis in Victoria: The first three years experience
Authors: MASSIE John , PETROU Vicki , FORBES Robyn , CURNOW Lisette , IOANNOU Liane , DUSART Desiree , BANKIER Agnes , DELATYCKI Martin
Published: August 2009

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited, life‐shortening condition affecting Australian children. The carrier frequency is one per 25 and most babies with CF are born to parents with no family history. Carrier testing is possible before a couple has an affected infant.

Aims:  To report the outcomes of a carrier screening program for CF.

Method: Carrier screening was offered to women and couples planning a pregnancy, or in early pregnancy, through obstetricians and general practitioners in Victoria, Australia. Samples were collected by cheek swab and posted to the laboratory. Twelve CFTR gene mutations were tested. Carriers were offered genetic counselling and partner testing. Carrier couples were offered prenatal testing by chorionic villous sampling (CVS) if pregnant. The number of people tested, carriers detected and pregnancy outcomes were recorded from January 2006 to December 2008.

Results: A total of 3200 individuals were screened (3000 females). One hundred and six carriers were identified (one per 30, 95% confidence interval one per 25, one per 36). All carrier partners were screened, and nine carrier couples identified (total carriers 115). Ninety‐six individuals (83%) were carriers of the p.508del mutation. Of the nine carrier couples, six were pregnant at the time of screening (five natural conception and one in vitro fertilisation) and all had CVS (mean gestation 12.5 weeks). Two fetuses were affected, three were carriers and one was not a carrier. Termination of pregnancy was undertaken for the affected fetuses.

Conclusion: Carrier screening for CF by obstetricians and general practitioners by cheek swab sample can be successfully undertaken prior to pregnancy or in the early stages of pregnancy.