bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective factors relating to decreased risks of adolescent suicidal behaviour
Authors: Cheng Y. , Tao M. , Riley L. , Kann L. , Ye L. , Tian X. , Tian B. , Hu J. , Chen D.
Published: April 2009

Background  Suicide has been identified as one of the three leading causes of death in adolescents and young adults. No previous study in China has tested the association between protective factors and urban adolescents' suicidal behaviours. In this study we tested the hypothesis that suicidal behaviours would be associated with multiple protective factors.

Methods  A stratified random of 9015 students from 100 junior middle schools in Beijing, Hangzhou, Wuhan and Urumqi completed the Chinese version of Global School‐Based Student Health Survey.

Results  Overall, 17.4% of students had seriously considered attempting suicide, and 8.1% had made a specific plan to attempt suicide during the 12 months preceding the survey. The students in Wuhan (18.7%) and Urumqi (20.8%) cities were significantly more likely than students in Beijing (14.4%) and Hangzhou (14.4%) to have suicidal ideation (χ2 = 45.9, P < 0.001). Female students were significantly more likely than male students to have suicidal ideation and have made suicide attempts [odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, P < 0.001]. Results indicated that the rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts increased with age (OR = 1.44, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression models showed that suicide risk tended to decrease significantly when ‘days of missed classes or school without permission were less than one’, and when students thought students in their school were kind and helpful most of the time or always', ‘parents or guardians checked to see if homework was done most of the time or always’, ‘parents or guardians understood their problems and worries most of the time or always’ and ‘parents or guardians really know what they are doing with their free time most of the time or always’.

Conclusions  Adolescent suicide behaviour should be a serious problem. Measures can be taken to prevent suicide by observing the factors significantly linked to suicidal behaviour. Steps can then be taken to identify adolescents who have serious suicidal ideation so that intervention can be taken to reduce the suicidal rate.
Targeting health visitor care: lessons from Starting Well
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: April 2009

.
 
Wright C. M.,
Jeffrey S. K.,
Ross M. K.,
Wallis L. &
Wood R.
(
2009
)

,
94
,
23
–
27
.

Background  UK child health promotion guidelines expect health visitors to assess family needs before new babies are aged 4 months and offer targeted care on that basis thereafter. Data from an intensive family support programme were used to assess how accurately family needs can be predicted at this stage.

Design  A population‐based cohort of 1202 families with new babies receiving an intensive health visiting programme. Analysis of routinely recorded data.

Setting  Starting Well project, Glasgow, UK.

Predictors  Health visitor rating of family needs.

Main outcome measures  Families receiving high visiting rates or referred to social work services.

Results  Of 302 families rated high need, only 143 (47%) were identified by age 4 months. Visiting rates in the first year for those initially rated high need were nearly double those for the remainder, but around two‐thirds of those with high contact rates/referred to social work were not initially rated high need. Six family characteristics (no income, baby born preterm, multiple pregnancy, South Asian, prior social work/criminal justice involvement, either parent in care as a child) were identified as the commonest/strongest predictors of contact rates; 1003 (83%) families had one such characteristic and/or lived in a highly deprived area, including 228 (93%) of those with high contact rates and 157 (96%) of those referred to social work.

Conclusions  Most families at risk will not be identified on an individual basis in the early weeks. Most families in deprived areas need continued input if the most vulnerable families are to be reliably identified.
Outcomes of conduct problems in adolescence: 40‐year follow‐up of national cohort
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: April 2009

.
 
Colman I.,
Murray J.,
Abbott R. A.,
Maughan B.,
Kuh D.,
Croudace T. J. &
Jones P. B.
(
2009
)

,
338
,
a2981
.
 
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.a2981
.

Objective  To describe long‐term outcomes associated with externalizing behaviour in adolescence, defined in this study as conduct problems reported by a teacher, in a population‐based sample.

Design  Longitudinal study from ages 13–53.

Setting  The Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development (the British 1946 birth cohort).

Participants  A total of 3652 survey members assessed by their teachers for symptoms of externalizing behaviour at age 13 and 15.

Main outcome measures  Mental disorder, alcohol abuse, relationship difficulties, highest level of education, social class, unemployment and financial difficulties at ages 36–53.

Results  A total of 348 adolescents were identified with severe externalizing behaviour, 1051 with mild externalizing behaviour and 2253 with no externalizing behaviour. All negative outcomes measured in adulthood were more common in those with severe or mild externalizing behaviour in adolescence, as rated by teachers, compared with those with no externalizing behaviour. Adolescents with severe externalizing behaviour were more likely to leave school without any qualifications (65.2%; adjusted odds ratio 4.0, 95% confidence interval 2.9 to 5.5), as were those with mild externalizing behaviour (52.2%; 2.3, 1.9 to 2.8), compared with those with no externalizing behaviour (30.8%). On a composite measure of global adversity throughout adulthood that included mental health, family life and relationships, and educational and economic problems, those with severe externalizing behaviour scored significantly higher (40.1% in top quarter), as did those with mild externalizing behaviour (28.3%), compared with those with no externalizing behaviour (17.0%).

Conclusions  Adolescents who exhibit externalizing behaviour experience multiple social and health impairments that adversely affect them, their families and society throughout adult life.
The relationship between maternal depression, in‐home violence and use of physical punishment: what is the role of child behaviour?
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: April 2009

Silverstein M.,
Augustyn M.,
Young R. &
Zuckerman B.
(
2009
)

,
94
,
138
–
143
.
 
DOI: 10.1136/adc.2007.128595
.

Background  The combined impact of maternal depression and in‐home violence, and how their relationship with physical punishment varies with child behaviour are unknown.

Objectives  To determine the combined impact of maternal depression and violence exposure on smacking and explore the role of child behaviours in this relationship.

Methods  Multivariable regression analysis of a sample of kindergarten children. Maternal depressive symptoms, violence exposure and smacking were measured by parent interview. Child behaviours were reported by teachers.

Results  A total of 12 764 mother–child dyads were examined. The adjusted odds ratio for smacking among depressed mothers was 1.59 (95% CI 1.40 to 1.80), mothers exposed to in‐home violence 1.48 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.85) and dually exposed mothers 2.51 (95% CI 1.87 to 3.37). Adjusting for child self‐control or externalizing behaviour did not change these associations, and no effect modification by child behaviour was detected. Among mothers smacking children, depression was associated with increased smacking frequency [adjusted incident rate ratio (aIRR) 1.12; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.24], but became borderline significant after adjusting for child self‐control or externalizing behaviour (aIRRs 1.10; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.21). Depressed mothers exposed to violence demonstrated higher rates of smacking (aIRR 1.29; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.53); this remained stable when adjusting for child behaviours.

Conclusion  Maternal depression and violence exposure are associated with smacking, particularly when depression and violence coexist, when they are also associated with smacking frequency. Child self‐control and externalizing behaviour do not substantially impact the association between maternal depressive symptoms, violence exposure and smacking.
Investigating the effects of organic and conventional management on soil aggregate stability using X‐ray computed tomography
Authors: Papadopoulos A. , Bird N. R. A. , Whitmore A. P. , Mooney S. J.
Published: April 2009

Soil aggregate stability is an important measure for assessing soil structural quality. Here we compare stable and unstable soil aggregates from organically and conventionally managed soils that have similar organic matter contents to determine the role of management in aggregate stability. Aggregate stability was determined by slaking, which proved to be an accurate estimator of the rate of aggregate turnover. The results indicate that, in soil aggregates released by slaking, the organic matter is held in aggregates > 0.3 mm diameter. A relatively short aggregate turnover rate will prohibit the production of stable micro‐aggregates within macro‐aggregates and thus gradually reduce aggregate stability, as was observed in soils under conventional management. Data obtained by X‐ray μCT suggested that intra‐aggregate porosity did not significantly affect stability. We observed cracks and elongated pores connected to the surface of stable soil aggregates that can provide an escape route for entrapped air, thus reducing pressure build‐up and potentially reducing slaking. Our results show that organic management has the potential to develop more stable aggregates compared with conventionally managed soils for the soil type studied. Thus, conventional soils require particular attention to management practices that increase the rate of aggregate turnover in order to reduce the production of unstable aggregates that can contribute to crusting, erosion and runoff.
Abnormal B‐cell activation associated with TALL‐1 over‐expression and SOCS‐1 suppression during chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Moorman Jonathan , Dong Zhi P. , Ni Lei , Zhang Chunlan , Borthwick Thomas , Yao Zhi Q.
Published: April 2009

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with cirrhosis, autoimmunity and lymphoproliferative disorders. We have previously reported a differential regulation of T and B lymphocytes by HCV core protein in vitro. In this report, we employed a translational approach to characterize the activation status of peripheral B cells from individuals with chronic HCV infection and to explore potential mechanisms for B‐cell dysregulation in the setting of HCV infection. In contrast to the T‐cell suppression observed in HCV‐infected individuals, B cells exhibit a non‐specific polyclonal activation phenotype, characterized by significantly higher levels of (1) the early activation marker, CD69, (2) the costimulatory molecule, CD86, and (3) the CCR5 chemokine receptor, CD195, when compared with B cells from healthy donors in response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. Importantly, tumour necrosis factor‐ and Apo‐L‐related leucocyte‐expressed ligand‐1 (TALL‐1), also known as B‐lymphocyte stimulator (BLYS), was found to be up‐regulated on the surface of B cells from HCV patients in response to PHA as well as HCV core antigen stimulation. This up‐regulation of TALL‐1 was associated with vigorous memory B‐cell responses to viral antigenic stimulation. Additionally, suppressor of cytokine signalling‐1 (SOCS‐1), a negative feedback immunoregulator that is inhibited in B lymphocytes by HCV core in vitro, was also inhibited in B cells from HCV patients when compared with healthy donors. These findings suggest that TALL‐1 over‐expression and SOCS‐1 suppression are associated with aberrant B‐cell activation, providing a plausible basis for the B‐cell clonal expansion underlying the lymphoproliferative disorders and autoimmune phenomena observed during chronic HCV infection.
Production of interferon‐γ by activated T‐cell receptor‐αβ CD8αβ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes is required and sufficient for disruption of the intestinal barrier integrity
Authors: Zufferey Christel , Erhart Dominik , Saurer Leslie , Mueller Christoph
Published: April 2009

Maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier function is of vital importance in preventing uncontrolled influx of antigens and the potentially ensuing inflammatory disorders. Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are in intimate contact with epithelial cells and may critically regulate the epithelial barrier integrity. While a preserving impact has been ascribed to the T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐γδ subset of IEL, IEL have also been shown to attenuate the barrier function. The present study sought to clarify the effects of IEL by specifically investigating the influence of the TCR‐αβ CD8αβ and TCR‐αβ CD8αα subsets of IEL on the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. To this end, an in vitro coculture system of the murine intestinal crypt‐derived cell‐line mICcl2 and syngeneic ex vivo isolated IEL was employed. Epithelial integrity was assessed by analysis of transepithelial resistance (TER) and paracellular flux of fluorescein isothiocyanate‐conjugated (FITC‐) dextran. The TCR‐αβ CD8αα IEL and resting TCR‐αβ CD8αβ IEL did not affect TER of mICcl2 or flux of FITC‐dextran. In contrast, activated TCR‐αβ CD8αβ IEL clearly disrupted the integrity of the mICcl2 monolayer. No disrupting effect was seen with activated TCR‐αβ CD8αβ IEL from interferon‐γ knockout mice. These findings demonstrate that secretion of interferon‐γ by activated TCR‐αβ CD8αβ IEL is strictly required and also sufficient for disrupting the intestinal epithelial barrier function.
Cell cycle arrest induced by engagement of B7‐H4 on Epstein–Barr virus‐positive B‐cell lymphoma cell lines
Authors: Park Ga Bin , Song Hyunkeun , Kim Yeong‐Seok , Sung Minjung , Ryu Jeoung W. , Lee Hyun‐Kyung , Cho Dae‐Ho , Kim Daejin , Lee Wang J. , Hur Dae Y.
Published: April 2009

B7‐H4 is a recently discovered B7 family member that has inhibitory effects on T‐cell immunity. However, the reverse signalling mechanism of the B7‐H4‐expressing cells remains unclear. Previous work has shown that B7‐H4 expression was enhanced on B cells following Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, and engagement of cell‐surface‐expressed B7‐H4 induces cell death of EBV‐transformed B cells. Here we found that B7‐H4 was constitutively expressed on EBV‐positive lymphoma cells, Raji and IM‐9 cells, but was not expressed on EBV‐negative lymphoma cells (Ramos). Engagement of B7‐H4 significantly reduced cell growth of Raji and IM‐9 cells and resulted in cell cycle arrest at G0–G1 phase in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. To clarify the mechanism of cell cycle arrest via activation of B7‐H4, cell cycle regulatory factors were examined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. We found that B7‐H4 triggered down‐regulation of CDK4/6 and up‐regulation of p21 expression at both protein and RNA levels. Furthermore, CDK2 and cyclin E/D expression was down‐regulated by B7‐H4 triggering. Additionally, the down‐regulation of phospho‐AKT and phospho‐cyclin E were clearly detected in B7‐H4‐activated Raji cells, but the phosphorylation of p53 was constitutively maintained. These results indicate that B7‐H4‐mediated signalling on EBV‐positive B‐cell lymphoma cells modulates the cell cycle through down‐regulation of the AKT pathway. Consequently, B7‐H4 may be a new potential target for use in EBV‐positive lymphoma therapy.
Clinical manifestations and management of patients with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I
Authors: Husebye E. S. , Perheentupa J. , Rautemaa R. , Kämpe O.
Published: April 2009

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS‐I) is a monogenic model disease of autoimmunity. Its hallmarks are chronic mucocutaneous candidosis, hypoparathyroidism and adrenal insufficiency, but many other autoimmune disease components occur less frequently. The first components usually appear in childhood, but may be delayed to adolescence or early adult life. There is enormous variation in presentation and phenotype, which makes the diagnosis difficult. Antibodies against interferon‐ω and ‐α have recently been shown to be sensitive and relatively specific markers for APS‐I, and mutational analysis of the autoimmune regulator gene gives the diagnosis in >95% of cases. The treatment and follow‐up of patients is demanding and requires the collaboration of specialists of several fields. However, the literature is especially sparse regarding information on treatment and follow‐up; hence, we present here a comprehensive overview on clinical characteristics, treatment and follow‐up based on personal experience and published studies.
Learning to be tolerant: how T cells keep out of trouble
Authors: Holländer G. A. , Peterson P.
Published: April 2009

A pool of immature T cells with a seemingly unrestricted repertoire of antigen specificities is generated life‐long in the thymus. Amongst these cells are, however, thymocytes that express a strongly self‐reactive antigen receptor and hence hold the potential to trigger autoimmunity. To prevent such an outcome, the thymus employs several independent but functionally related strategies that act in parallel to enforce self‐tolerance. The deletion of strongly self‐reactive thymocytes and the generation of regulatory T cells constitute the two most efficient mechanisms to induce and maintain immunological tolerance. Thymic epithelial cells of the medulla express for this purpose tissue‐restricted self‐antigens. This review will focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms operative in the thymus to shape a repertoire of mature T cells tolerant to self‐antigens.
Aggressiveness and its role in the adaptation of plant pathogens
Authors: Pariaud B. , Ravigné V. , Halkett F. , Goyeau H. , Carlier J. , Lannou C.
Published: April 2009

Aggressiveness, the quantitative component of pathogenicity, and its role in the adaptation of plant pathogens are still insufficiently investigated. Using mainly examples of biotrophic and necrotrophic fungal pathogens of cereals and Phytophthora infestans on potato, the empirical knowledge on the nature of aggressiveness components and their evolution in response to host and environment is reviewed. Means of measuring aggressiveness components are considered, as well as the sources of environmental variance in these traits. The adaptive potential of aggressiveness components is evaluated by reviewing evidence for their heritability, as well as for constraints on their evolution, including differential interactions between host and pathogen genotypes and trade‐offs between components of pathogenicity. Adaptations of pathogen aggressiveness components to host and environment are analysed, showing that: (i) selection for aggressiveness in pathogen populations can be mediated by climatic parameters; (ii) global population changes or remarkable population structures may be explained by variation in aggressiveness; and (iii) selection for quantitative traits can influence pathogen evolution in agricultural pathosystems and can result in differential adaptation to host cultivars, sometimes leading to erosion of quantitative resistance. Possible links with concepts in evolutionary ecology are suggested.
Allergen content of grass pollen preparations for skin prick testing and sublingual immunotherapy
Authors: Sander I. , Fleischer C. , Meurer U. , Brüning T. , Raulf‐Heimsoth M.
Published: April 2009

Background:  The allergen content of diagnostics and immunotherapeutics is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the allergen content of different grass pollen preparations for skin prick testing and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Methods:  Five skin prick test (SPT) solutions and 10 sublingual immunotherapeutics were analysed for protein and allergen concentration by Bradford assay, inhibition of IgE‐binding to Phleum pratense ImmunoCAPs and content of the main allergen Phl p 5 by two‐site enzyme immunoassay. In addition, the grass pollen preparations were compared by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and immunoblotting analyses.

Results:  Protein concentrations of SPT solutions ranged from 15 to 427 μg/ml, and Phl p 5 concentrations ranged from 0.15 to 18.3 μg/ml. The ranking of SPT solutions concerning Phl p 5 content and IgE inhibition capacity was the same, and the ranking of protein and allergen content was closely correlated (r = 0.9). Protein content of the maintenance doses of the immunotheurapeutics ranged from 5 to 153 μg, Phl p 5 content ranged from 0.2 to 21.6 μg. IgE inhibition capacity of the maintenance doses was closely correlated to their Phl p 5 and protein content. SDS‐PAGE and immunoblots confirmed the differences in protein and allergen content.

Conclusions:  Grass pollen preparations for SPT and SLIT varied greatly concerning protein and allergen content. Whereas this result corresponds to previous analyses results of SPT solutions, it was the first comparison of grass pollen immunotherapeutics. For diagnosis and therapy, these differences should be taken into account.
Vacuum‐assisted delivery is associated with late‐onset asthma
Authors: Keski‐Nisula L. , Harju M. , Järvelin M.‐R. , Pekkanen J.
Published: April 2009

Background:  Perinatal factors during delivery might modulate fetal immunological development and thereby be associated with the development of allergic diseases and asthma later.

Methods:  Perinatal data was recorded during pregnancy and at the time of delivery in regard to 5823 children who were born in Northern Finland in 1985–1986. Data from self‐administered questionnaires were available at the ages of 7 and 15–16 years and skin prick tests for four main allergens were carried out at the age of 15–16 years. Only singletons delivered by the vaginal route were analyzed.

Results:  There was a higher prevalence of doctor‐diagnosed asthma at any time of life among children who were delivered by vacuum extraction (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.27–2.56; P < 0.001) in comparison with spontaneously delivered children. In particular, this risk was increased as regards late‐onset asthma (RR 2.41, 95% CI 1.52–3.81; P < 0.001). Perinatal effects had less impact on the development of other asthma, atopy or hay fever.

Conclusions:  The delivery by vacuum extraction had significant impact on the development of late‐onset asthma compared with spontaneously delivered children.
Lipoxin A4 generation is decreased in aspirin‐sensitive patients in lysine‐aspirin nasal challenge in vivo model
Authors: Kupczyk M. , Antczak A. , Kuprys‐Lipinska I. , Kuna P.
Published: April 2009

Background:  Lipoxins represent a group of lipoxygenase derived eicosanoids which, in contrast to leukotrienes, are potent anti‐inflammatory mediators. The aim of our study was to determine lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) levels in nasal lavages after intranasal challenge with aspirin in aspirin intolerant (AIA) in comparison to aspirin tolerant (ATA) asthmatics and after allergen challenge in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis.

Methods:  Twelve AIA, 8 ATA and 20 allergic patients were challenged with placebo, 16 mg of lysine‐aspirin (Lys‐ASA) or allergen (grasses). Nasal lavages were collected and eicosanoids’ levels were determined using ELISA.

Results:  Clinically positive Lys‐ASA challenge in AIA resulted in influx of leukocytes (eosinophils and basophils) to nasal secretions and increase of LTC4 to 106.82 pg/ml (P < 0.05 vs baseline (26.58 pg/ml)) on first hour after the challenge. We did not observe any differences in LTC4 level before and after ASA challenge in ATA. In AIA group the mean level of LXA4 was 43 ± 21.5 pg/ml after placebo and decreased in 2 h after Lys‐ASA challenge (29 ± 17 pg/ml, P = 0.015). We found an increase in LXA4 in ATA after ASA provocation as compared to placebo (33 ± 16 pg/ml vs 52 ± 31 pg/ml, P = 0.046). In atopic patients baseline level of LXA4 was 33.49 ± 16.95 pg/ml with no difference after the clinically positive allergen challenge (36.22 ± 13.26 pg/ml, P = 0.23).

Conclusions:  Results of our study confirm that AIA have diminished LXs’ biosynthesis capacities in vivo after ASA challenge. Taking into consideration anti‐inflammatory properties of lipoxins this phenomenon may be partially responsible for the development of chronic inflammation in AIA patients.
Counter regulation of the high affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI, on human airway dendritic cells by IL‐4 and IL‐10
Authors: Faith A. , Singh N. , Chevretton E. , Roberts D. , Lee T. , Corrigan C. , Hawrylowicz C.
Published: April 2009

Background:  Immunoglobulin E is a signalling molecule within the environment of the respiratory tract, the high affinity receptor for which, FcεRI, is expressed by dendritic cells (DC). Little is known, however, of the expression and function of FcεRI on DC in the human respiratory tract.

Methods:  CD1c+ DC were purified from surgically resected nasal turbinates of 11 atopic and 12 nonatopic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Expression of FcεRI was determined by flow cytometry. Cytokine production by DC was determined by cytometric bead array.

Results:  Expression of FcεRI was significantly elevated on respiratory tract dendritic cells (RTDC) from atopic as compared to nonatopic patients. Activation of RTDC through FcεRI induced production of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and TNF‐α, and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. The production of IL‐6 and TNF‐α was elevated in atopic compared to nonatopic patients studied. Conversely IL‐10 production was elevated in nonatopic patients. Concomitant activation of FcεRI and stimulation of RTDC with IL‐4 inhibited production of IL‐10 by RTDC. Neutralization experiments with anti‐IL‐10 Ab enhanced whereas addition of exogenous IL‐10 to RTDC inhibited FcεRI‐mediated inflammatory cytokine production.

Conclusion:  The function of FcεRI on RTDC from patients with rhinosinusitis is susceptible to counter regulation by IL‐4 and IL‐10.
Epigenetic chromatin modifiers in barley: I. Cloning, mapping and expression analysis of the plant specific HD2 family of histone deacetylases from barley, during seed development and after hormonal treatment
Authors: Demetriou Kyproula , Kapazoglou Aliki , Tondelli Alessandro , Francia Enrico , Stanca Michele A. , Bladenopoulos Konstantinos , Tsaftaris Athanasios S.
Published: April 2009

Epigenetic phenomena have been associated with modifications of chromatin structure. These are achieved, in part, by histone post‐translational modifications including acetylations and deacetylations, the later being catalyzed by histone deacetylaces (HDACs). Eukaryotic HDACs are grouped into three major families, RPD3/HDA1, SIR2 and the plant‐specific HD2. HDAC genes have been analyzed from model plants such as Arabidopsis, rice and maize and have been shown to be involved in various cellular processes including seed development, vegetative and reproductive growth and responses to abiotic and biotic stress, but reports on HDACs from other crops are limited. In this work two full‐length cDNAs (HvHDAC2‐1 and HvHDAC2‐2) encoding two members of the plant‐specific HD2 family, respectively, were isolated and characterized from barley (Hordeum vulgare), an agronomically important cereal crop. HvHDAC2‐1 and HvHDAC2‐2 were mapped on barley chromosomes 1H and 3H, respectively, which could prove useful in developing markers for marker‐assisted selection in breeding programs. Expression analysis of the barley HD2 genes demonstrated that they are expressed in all tissues and seed developmental stages examined. Significant differences were observed among tissues and seed stages, and between cultivars with varying seed size, suggesting an association of these genes with seed development. Furthermore, the HD2 genes from barley were found to respond to treatments with plant stress‐related hormones such as jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA) implying an association of these genes with plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. The expression pattern of HD2 genes suggests a possible role for these genes in the epigenetic regulation of seed development and stress response.
Ectomycorrhizal fungi enhance nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition of Nothofagus dombeyi under drought conditions by regulating assimilative enzyme activities
Authors: Alvarez Maricel , Huygens Dries , Olivares Erick , Saavedra Isabel , Alberdi Miren , Valenzuela Eduardo
Published: April 2009

Drought stress conditions (DC) reduce plant growth and nutrition, restraining the sustainable reestablishment of Nothofagus dombeyi in temperate south Chilean forest ecosystems. Ectomycorrhizal symbioses have been documented to enhance plant nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake under drought, but the regulation of involved assimilative enzymes remains unclear. We studied 1‐year‐old N. dombeyi (Mirb.) Oerst. plants in association with the ectomycorrhizal fungi Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch. and Descolea antartica Sing. In greenhouse experiments, shoot and root dry weights, mycorrhizal colonization, foliar N and P concentrations, and root enzyme activities [glutamate synthase (glutamine oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GOGAT), EC 1.4.1.13‐14), glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH, EC 1.4.1.2‐4), nitrate reductase (NR, EC 1.6.6.1), and acid phosphomonoesterase (PME, EC 3.1.3.1‐2)] were determined as a function of soil‐water content. Inoculation of N. dombeyi with P. tinctorius and D. antartica significantly stimulated plant growth and increased plant foliar N and P concentrations, especially under DC. Ectomycorrhizal inoculation increased the activity of all studied enzymes relative to non‐mycorrhizal plants under drought. We speculate that GDH is a key enzyme involved in the enhancement of ectomycorrhizal carbon (C) availability by fuelling the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle under conditions of drought‐induced carbon deficit. All studied assimilative enzymes of the ectomycorrhizal associations, involved in C, N, and P transfers, are closely interlinked and interdependent. The up‐regulation of assimilative enzyme activities by ectomycorrhizal fungal root colonizers acts as a functional mechanism to increase seedling endurance to drought. We insist upon incorporating ectomycorrhizal inoculation in existing Chilean afforestation programs.
Ecomorphometric variation and sexual dimorphism in the common shrew (Sorex araneus)
Authors: WHITE T. A. , SEARLE J. B.
Published: April 2009

We investigated the evolution of the biomechanics of the mandible in island and mainland populations of the common shrew on the west coast of Scotland. We predicted that climatic differences between populations should cause differences in prey composition leading to changes in the mechanical potential (MP) of the mandible. In females, MP was correlated with climate, with greater MP in warmer and drier habitats. In males, MP was significantly greater than in females but there was no relationship between male MP and climate. This led to increased sexual dimorphism in colder and wetter climates. The same pattern was found after a phylogenetic least squares analysis was conducted to account for shared phylogenetic history. We discuss possible reasons for this pattern, including male–male combat and the greater necessity of females to feed as efficiently as possible to meet their extremely high energy requirements during lactation.
Survival selection on escape performance and its underlying phenotypic traits: a case of many‐to‐one mapping
Authors: STROBBE F. , MCPEEK M.A. , DE BLOCK M. , DE MEESTER L. , STOKS R.
Published: April 2009

Selection often operates not directly on phenotypic traits but on performance which is important as several traits may contribute to a single performance measure (many‐to‐one mapping). Although largely ignored in the context of selection, this asks for studies that link all relevant phenotypes with performance and fitness. In an enclosure experiment, we studied links between phenotypic traits, swimming performance and survival in two Enallagma damselflies. Predatory dragonflies imposed survival selection for increased swimming propensity and speed only in E. annexum; probably E. aspersum was buffered by the former species’ presence. Accordingly, more circular caudal lamellae, structures involved in generating thrust while swimming, were selected for only in E. annexum. Other phenotypic traits that contributed to swimming speed were apparently not under selection, probably because of many‐to‐one mapping (functional redundancy). Our results indicate that not only the phenotypic distributions of syntopic prey organisms but also many‐to‐one mapping should be considered when documenting phenotype–performance–fitness relationships.
Convergence in trophic morphology and feeding performance among piscivorous natricine snakes
Authors: VINCENT S. E. , BRANDLEY M. C. , HERREL A. , ALFARO M. E.
Published: April 2009

Piscivory has independently evolved numerous times amongst snakes, and therefore these animals provide a powerful opportunity to test for convergent evolution in a vertebrate feeding system. In this study, we integrate performance trials with comparative methods to test the hypothesis that piscivory drives convergence in trophic morphology and feeding performance among natricine snakes. Within and across species, increasing the relative length of the quadrate bone in the skull is positively and strongly linked to a reduction in the time needed to swallow large fish prey. Thus, our feeding experiments suggest that a longer quadrate bone enables snakes to better conform their head shape to the shape of the prey during swallowing. Ancestral diet reconstructions and phylogenetically corrected multiple regression analyses further reveal that evolutionary increases in piscivory are coupled to the evolution of relatively longer quadrates, and hence improved feeding performance on fish prey in these animals. The exploitation of similar dietary niches drives the evolution of convergent trophic morphologies and feeding performances in natricine snakes.
Attenuation of lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury by treatment with IL‐10
Authors: WU Chieh‐Liang , LIN Liang‐Yi , YANG Jyh‐Shyue , CHAN Ming‐Cheng , HSUEH Chi‐Mei
Published: April 2009

Background and objective:  The aim of this study was to characterize the changes in neutrophils and cytokines in BAL fluid following acute lung injury (ALI), and to determine the protective effect of post‐injury treatment with IL‐10.

Methods:  A rat model of ALI was established by evenly spraying LPS (16 mg/kg) into the lungs followed by observation for 48 h. Histological changes and the kinetics of neutrophil infiltration were evaluated in the injured lungs. The cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10 and interferon‐γ) and macrophage‐inflammatory protein (MIP‐2) were measured in BAL fluid by ELISA. The activation of BAL fluid neutrophils was investigated after treatment with IL‐10 in vitro. The protective effect on histology and MIP‐2 levels of intra‐tracheal instillation of IL‐10 12 and 16 h after LPS treatment was studied in vivo.

Results:  Intra‐tracheal instillation of LPS caused significant lung injury and the activation of neutrophils. The levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in BAL fluid peaked at 8 and 16 h after LPS instillation respectively. IL‐10 levels reached a maximum at 16–24 h, at the beginning of resolution of tissue injury. IL‐10 inhibited the activation of neutrophils in vitro and MIP‐2 induction in vivo. IL‐10 had a protective effect if it was administered 12 but not 16 h after LPS.

Conclusions:  Neutrophils appeared to play an important role in ALI. Time‐dependent treatment with IL‐10 after intra‐tracheal instillation of LPS was effective in protecting rats from ALI, probably by suppressing pulmonary infiltration with activated neutrophils.
Correlation of C‐reactive protein with disease severity in CT diagnosed emphysema
Authors: OMORI Hisamitsu , TSUJI Mayumi , SATA Keiko , IYONAGA Cieko , NARIMATSU Akiko , MIHARA Shuichi , MARUBAYASHI Tohru , TOMIGUCHI Seiji , NOMORI Hiroaki , KOHROGI Hirotsugu , KATOH Takahiko
Published: April 2009

Background and objective:  Recent studies suggest that CRP levels are related to airflow obstruction. However, limited data exist on the relevance of CRP levels in individuals with or without emphysema. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the extent of emphysema, COPD severity and serum CRP levels.

Methods:  Lung function tests and high‐sensitivity CRP were examined in 651 males with stable disease who underwent CT screening for lung cancer. CRP levels were examined cross‐sectionally in individuals with various degrees of emphysema and in those without emphysema.

Results:  Emphysema was detected in 179 (34.7%) of 516 current smokers. Airflow obstruction was observed in 47 (28.8%) of 163 smokers with mild emphysema, in eight (57.1%) of 14 smokers with moderate emphysema, and in two of two individuals with severe emphysema. CRP levels were not higher in individuals with mild or moderate emphysema compared with individuals without emphysema. Among 98 individuals with airflow obstruction (19.0% of the 516 current smokers), there was a modest correlation between CRP levels and FEV1%.

Conclusions:  The severity of COPD varied in individuals with similar degrees of emphysema. CRP levels were not significantly higher in individuals with mild or moderate emphysema compared with individuals without emphysema but CRP levels were modestly correlated with FEV1% among individuals with airflow obstruction.
Predicting the response to air travel in passengers with non‐obstructive lung disease: Are the current guidelines appropriate?
Authors: KELLY Paul T. , SWANNEY Maureen P. , SECCOMBE Leigh M. , FRAMPTON Chris , PETERS Matthew J. , BECKERT Lutz E.
Published: April 2009

Background and objective:  Air travel guidelines recommend using baseline arterial oxygen levels and the hypoxic challenge test (HCT) to predict in‐flight hypoxaemia and the requirement for in‐flight oxygen in patients with lung disease. The purpose of the present study was to (i) quantify the hypoxaemic response to air travel and (ii) identify baseline correlate(s) to predict this response in passengers with non‐obstructed lung disease.

Methods:  Fourteen passengers (seven women) with chronic non‐obstructed lung disease volunteered for this study. The study involved three phases: (i) respiratory function testing; (ii) in‐flight measures (SpO2, cabin pressure and dyspnoea); and (iii) a HCT. The in‐flight hypoxaemic response was compared with the baseline arterial oxygen level, respiratory function and the HCT.

Results:  All subjects flew without oxygen and no adverse events were recorded in‐flight. Mean cabin pressure was 593 ± 16 mm Hg. Pre‐flight SpO2 was 95 ± 3% and significantly decreased to 85 ± 9% in‐flight, with further significant falls in subjects who walked during the flight (nadir SpO2 78 ± 11%). The pre‐flight SpO2 showed the strongest correlation with in‐flight SpO2 (r = 0.91, P < 0.001). The HCT SpO2 was moderately correlated to the in‐flight SpO2 (r = 0.58, P < 0.05). Spirometry, DL,CO and TLC measurements did not correlate with in‐flight SpO2.

Conclusion:  Significant in‐flight desaturation can be expected in passengers with non‐obstructive lung disease. Respiratory function did not predict in‐flight desaturation. We found a good relationship between pre‐flight SpO2 and in‐flight SpO2 which supports the role of pre‐flight oximetry for predicting in‐flight hypoxaemia in passengers with non‐obstructed lung disease.
Airline policy for passengers requiring supplemental in‐flight oxygen
Authors: WALKER Jacqueline , KELLY Paul T. , BECKERT Lutz
Published: April 2009

Background and objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate the current Australian/New Zealand airline policy on supplemental in‐flight oxygen for passengers with lung disease.

Methods:  Fifty‐four commercial airlines servicing international routes were surveyed. Information was gathered from airline call centres and web sites. The survey documented individual airline policy on in‐flight oxygen delivery, approval schemes, equipment and cost.

Results:  Of the 54 airlines contacted, 43 (81%) were able to support passengers requiring in‐flight oxygen. The majority (88%) of airlines provided a cylinder for passengers to use. Airline policy for calculating the cost of in‐flight oxygen differed considerably between carriers. Six (14%) airlines supplied oxygen to passengers free of charge; however, three of these airlines charged for an extra seat. Fifteen airlines (35%) charged on the basis of oxygen supplied, that is, per cylinder. Fourteen airlines (33%) had a flat rate charge per sector.

Conclusions:  This study confirmed that most airlines can accommodate passengers requiring supplemental oxygen. However, the findings highlight inconsistencies in airline policies and substantial cost differences for supplemental in‐flight oxygen. We advocate an industry standardization of policy and cost of in‐flight oxygen.
Short‐term responses of phenology, shoot growth and leaf traits of four alpine shrubs in a timberline ecotone to simulated global warming, Eastern Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: XU ZHEN‐FENG , HU TING‐XING , WANG KAI‐YUN , ZHANG YUAN‐BIN , XIAN JUN‐REN
Published: April 2009

The short‐term effects of artificial warming on phenology, growth and leaf traits were investigated in four alpine shrubs using the open‐top chamber (OTC) method in a timberline ecotone (3240 m a.s.l.) on the Eastern Tibetan Plateau. The OTC enhanced the mean air temperature by 2.9°C throughout the growing season. In contrast, only a slight difference (0.4°C) in the mean soil temperature was observed in the OTC compared with the control plots (CP). Spiraea mongolica, Potentilla fruticosa, Conicera hispida (deciduous shrubs) and Daphne retusa (evergreen shrub) showed earlier bud break, flowering and fruit coloring as well as longer flower longevity in the OTC than in the CP. All deciduous shrubs in the OTC had a longer leaf lifespan. Daphne retusa had higher leaf survival rates in the OTC. No significant differences in the total number of flowers and fruits were noticed for most species between the two treatments. Warming stimulated the shoot and leaf growth for most species. The specific leaf area tended to increase for many species in the OTC. However, the leaf nitrogen concentration tended to decrease in P. fruticosa and S. mongolica. The results obtained in the present study indicate that warming conditions can have strong impacts on alpine shrubs in a timberline ecotone.
Population viability analysis for Guarianthe aurantiaca, an ornamental epiphytic orchid harvested in Southeast México
Authors: MONDRAGÓN DEMETRIA
Published: April 2009

The trade of wild epiphytic orchids has put many populations at risk of extinction; however, little is known about the impact of repeated harvesting of individuals on population dynamics. A population viability analysis (PVA) was developed to simulate the impact of harvesting on the risk of extinction of a population of an epiphytic orchid that is sold in Mexican markets. In January 2004, 388 individuals of Guarianthe aurantiaca were labeled and measured. The same individuals were measured again in December 2005 and December 2006. Capsule production and mortality were also recorded. Deterministic (d) and stochastic (s) matrix models were developed to estimate the population growth rate (λ). A PVA was developed to evaluate the probability of extinction over a 100‐year period, given a threshold of 5% of the initial population and different harvest intensities of G. aurantiaca. The λd values were statistically indistinguishable from unity (0.989 ± 0.103 for 2004–2005; 0.990 ± 0.087 for 2005–2006); the λs values were below unity (0.988 ± 0.001). The reproductive stages had the highest elasticity values, whereas the persistence of individuals in their category was the demographic process with the highest elasticity. A life table response experiment showed that the difference in the λd values was accounted for by the positive contribution of the stasis of individuals in category j and the retrogression of individuals in category r1 to category j. The extinction risk was 100% when more than 5% of the reproductive individuals were harvested. The results suggest that this G. aurantiaca population is in a precarious equilibrium and harvesting should be controlled and restricted to immature individuals.
Role of antioxidants in the treatment of male infertility
Authors: Kefer John C , Agarwal Ashok , Sabanegh Edmund
Published: April 2009

Male infertility continues to be a clinical challenge of increasing significance. While male factors such as decreased semen quality are responsible for 25% of all infertility issues, the etiology of suboptimal semen quality is poorly understood. Many physiological, environmental, and genetic factors have been implicated, including oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), or free radicals, and although ROS are required for critical aspects of sperm function, excessive levels of ROS can negatively impact sperm quality. The origin of ROS generation, and the etiologies of increased ROS in men with suboptimal sperm quality have only recently been elucidated, offering multiple targets for potential therapy. Here, we present a critical review of the literature describing the role of oxidative stress on decreased sperm function, as well as the role of antioxidants in the treatment of male factor infertility.
Laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children
Authors: Kojima Yoshiyuki , Sasaki Shoichi , Mizuno Kentaro , Tozawa Keiichi , Hayashi Yutaro , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  To present our initial experience with laparoscopic pyeloplasty and to evaluate the safety and short‐term outcome of this technique in children.

Methods:  Thirteen kidney units in twelve children underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) at our institution between 2005 and 2008. Patient age at surgery was 18–177 months (mean 89.8 months). There were six boys and six girls. Ten had unilateral UPJO with a normal contralateral kidney, one had bilateral UPJO and one had UPJO of a solitary kidney. We used 3‐ and 5‐mm instruments for grasping, blunt dissection, incising and suturing to facilitate safe and precise surgery. The outcome was measured by the operative time and resolution of obstruction and symptoms.

Results:  Median operative time was 275 min (range 154–420). There was a slight relationship between age and operative time. No major perioperative complications occurred in any cases. Median renal pelvic anterior–posterior diameter at ultrasonography significantly decreased from 8.6 cm (range 3.8–22.0) preoperatively to 3.9 cm (1.0–8.9) postoperatively (P < 0.05). The median pre‐ and postoperative split renal function on diuretic renography in unilateral cases was 37.3% (range 29.7–46.4) and 39.5% (27.8–48.0), respectively. Overall, successful resolution of UPJO was observed in 12 of 13 kidneys (92.3%).

Conclusions:  Laparoscopic pyeloplasty represents a safe and effective option in the surgical treatment of children with UPJO.