bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knocking Out Cytosolic Cysteine Synthesis Compromises the Antioxidant Capacity of the Cytosol to Maintain Discrete Concentrations of Hydrogen Peroxide in Arabidopsis
Authors: López-Martín M. Carmen , Becana Manuel , Romero Luis C. , Gotor Cecilia
Published: April 2008

Plant cells contain different O-acetylserine(thiol)lyase (OASTL) enzymes involved in cysteine (Cys) biosynthesis and located in different subcellular compartments. These enzymes are made up of a complex variety of isoforms resulting in different subcellular Cys pools. To unravel the contribution of cytosolic Cys to plant metabolism, we characterized the knockout oas-a1.1 and osa-a1.2 mutants, deficient in the most abundant cytosolic OASTL isoform in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Total intracellular Cys and glutathione concentrations were reduced, and the glutathione redox state was shifted in favor of its oxidized form. Interestingly, the capability of the mutants to chelate heavy metals did not differ from that of the wild type, but the mutants have an enhanced sensitivity to cadmium. With the aim of establishing the metabolic network most influenced by the cytosolic Cys pool, we used the ATH1 GeneChip for evaluation of differentially expressed genes in the oas-a1.1 mutant grown under nonstress conditions. The transcriptomic footprints of mutant plants had predicted functions associated with various physiological responses that are dependent on reactive oxygen species and suggested that the mutant was oxidatively stressed. Evidences that the mutation caused a perturbation in H2O2 homeostasis are that, in the knockout, H2O2 production was localized in shoots and roots; spontaneous cell death lesions occurred in the leaves; and lignification and guaiacol peroxidase activity were significantly increased. All these findings indicate that a deficiency of OAS-A1 in the cytosol promotes a perturbation in H2O2 homeostasis and that Cys is an important determinant of the antioxidative capacity of the cytosol in Arabidopsis.
Artificial trans-Acting siRNAs Confer Consistent and Effective Gene Silencing
Authors: de la Luz Gutiérrez-Nava Maria , Aukerman Milo J. , Sakai Hajime , Tingey Scott V. , Williams Robert W.
Published: April 2008

Manipulating gene expression is critical to exploring gene function and a useful tool for altering commercial traits. Techniques such as hairpin-based RNA interference, virus-induced gene silencing, and artificial microRNAs take advantage of endogenous posttranscriptional gene silencing pathways to block translation of designated transcripts. Here we present a novel gene silencing method utilizing artificial trans-acting small interfering RNAs in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Replacing the endogenous small interfering RNAs encoded in the TAS1c gene with sequences from the FAD2 gene silenced FAD2 activity to levels comparable to the fad2-1 null allele in nearly all transgenic events. Interestingly, exchanging the endogenous miR173 target sequence in TAS1c with an miR167 target sequence led to variable, inefficient silencing of FAD2, suggesting a specific requirement for the miR173 trigger for production of small interfering RNAs from the TAS1c locus.
REBELOTE,SQUINT, andULTRAPETALA1Function Redundantly in the Temporal Regulation of Floral Meristem Termination inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Prunet Nathanaël , Morel Patrice , Thierry Anne-Marie , Eshed Yuval , Bowman John L. , Negrutiu Ioan , Trehin Christophe
Published: April 2008

In Arabidopsis thaliana, flowers are determinate, showing a fixed number of whorls. Here, we report on three independent genes, a novel gene REBELOTE (RBL; protein of unknown function), SQUINT (SQN; a cyclophilin), and ULTRAPETALA1 (ULT1; a putative transcription factor) that redundantly influence floral meristem (FM) termination. Their mutations, combined with each other or with crabs claw, the genetic background in which they were isolated, trigger a strong FM indeterminacy with reiterations of extra floral whorls in the center of the flower. The range of phenotypes suggests that, in Arabidopsis, FM termination is initiated from stages 3 to 4 onwards and needs to be maintained through stage 6 and beyond, and that RBL, SQN, and ULT1 are required for this continuous regulation. We show that mutant phenotypes result from a decrease of AGAMOUS (AG) expression in an inner 4th whorl subdomain. However, the defect of AG activity alone does not explain all reported phenotypes, and our genetic data suggest that RBL, SQN, and, to a lesser extent, ULT1 also influence SUPERMAN activity. Finally, from all the molecular and genetic data presented, we argue that these genes contribute to the more stable and uniform development of flowers, termed floral developmental homeostasis.
Functional and Physiological Characterization of Arabidopsis INOSITOL TRANSPORTER1, a Novel Tonoplast-Localized Transporter for myo-Inositol
Authors: Schneider Sabine , Beyhl Diana , Hedrich Rainer , Sauer Norbert
Published: April 2008

Arabidopsis thaliana INOSITOL TRANSPORTER1 (INT1) is a member of a small gene family with only three more genes (INT2 to INT4). INT2 and INT4 were shown to encode plasma membrane–localized transporters for different inositol epimers, and INT3 was characterized as a pseudogene. Here, we present the functional and physiological characterization of the INT1 protein, analyses of the tissue-specific expression of the INT1 gene, and analyses of phenotypic differences observed between wild-type plants and mutant lines carrying the int1.1 and int1.2 alleles. INT1 is a ubiquitously expressed gene, and Arabidopsis lines with T-DNA insertions in INT1 showed increased intracellular myo-inositol concentrations and reduced root growth. In Arabidopsis, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, fusions of the green fluorescent protein to the C terminus of INT1 were targeted to the tonoplast membranes. Finally, patch-clamp analyses were performed on vacuoles from wild-type plants and from both int1 mutant lines to study the transport properties of INT1 at the tonoplast. In summary, the presented molecular, physiological, and functional studies demonstrate that INT1 is a tonoplast-localized H+/inositol symporter that mediates the efflux of inositol that is generated during the degradation of inositol-containing compounds in the vacuolar lumen.
Crystal structural analysis of protein–protein interactions drastically destabilized by a single mutation
Authors: Urakubo Yoshiaki , Ikura Teikichi , Ito Nobutoshi
Published: April 2008

The complex of barnase (bn) and barstar (bs), which has been widely studied as a model for quantitative analysis of protein–protein interactions, is significantly destabilized by a single mutation, namely, bs Asp39 → Ala, which corresponds to a change of 7.7 kcal·mol−1 in the free energy of binding. However, there has been no structural information available to explain such a drastic destabilization. In the present study, we determined the structure of the mutant complex at 1.58 Å resolution by X‐ray crystallography. The complex was similar to the wild‐type complex in terms of overall and interface structures; however, the hydrogen bond network mediated by water molecules at the interface was significantly different. Several water molecules filled the cavity created by the mutation and consequently caused rearrangement of the hydrated water molecules at the interface. The water molecules were redistributed into a channel‐like structure that penetrated into the complex. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations showed that the mutation increased the mobility of water molecules at the interface. Since such a drastic change in hydration was not observed in other mutant complexes of bn and bs, the significant destabilization of the interaction may be due to this channel‐like structure of hydrated water molecules.
Using multiple templates to improve quality of homology models in automated homology modeling
Authors: Larsson Per , Wallner Björn , Lindahl Erik , Elofsson Arne
Published: April 2008

When researchers build high‐quality models of protein structure from sequence homology, it is today common to use several alternative target‐template alignments. Several methods can, at least in theory, utilize information from multiple templates, and many examples of improved model quality have been reported. However, to our knowledge, thus far no study has shown that automatic inclusion of multiple alignments is guaranteed to improve models without artifacts. Here, we have carried out a systematic investigation of the potential of multiple templates to improving homology model quality. We have used test sets consisting of targets from both recent CASP experiments and a larger reference set. In addition to Modeller and Nest, a new method (Pfrag) for multiple template‐based modeling is used, based on the segment‐matching algorithm from Levitt's SegMod program. Our results show that all programs can produce multi‐template models better than any of the single‐template models, but a large part of the improvement is simply due to extension of the models. Most of the remaining improved cases were produced by Modeller. The most important factor is the existence of high‐quality single‐sequence input alignments. Because of the existence of models that are worse than any of the top single‐template models, the average model quality does not improve significantly. However, by ranking models with a model quality assessment program such as ProQ, the average quality is improved by ∼5% in the CASP7 test set.
Sequence dependence of kinetics and morphology of collagen model peptide self‐assembly into higher order structures
Authors: Kar Karunakar , Wang Yuh‐Hwa , Brodsky Barbara
Published: April 2008

The process of self‐assembly of the triple‐helical peptide (Pro‐Hyp‐Gly)10 into higher order structure resembles the nucleation‐growth mechanism of collagen fibril formation in many features, but the irregular morphology of the self‐assembled peptide contrasts with the ordered fibers and networks formed by collagen in vivo. The amino acid sequence in the central region of the (Pro‐Hyp‐Gly)10 peptide was varied and found to affect the kinetics of self‐assembly and nature of the higher order structure formed. Single amino acid changes in the central triplet produced irregular higher order structures similar to (Pro‐Hyp‐Gly)10, but the rate of self‐association was markedly delayed by a single change in one Pro to Ala or Leu. The introduction of a Hyp‐rich hydrophobic sequence from type IV collagen resulted in a more regular suprastructure of extended fibers that sometimes showed supercoiling and branching features similar to those seen for type IV collagen in the basement membrane network. Several peptides, where central Pro‐Hyp sequences were replaced by charged residues or a nine‐residue hydrophobic region from type III collagen, lost the ability to self‐associate under standard conditions. The inability to self‐assemble likely results from loss of imino acids, and lack of an appropriate distribution of hydrophobic/electrostatic residues. The effect of replacement of a single Gly residue was also examined, as a model for collagen diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta and Alport syndrome. Unexpectedly, the Gly to Ala replacement interfered with self‐assembly of (Pro‐Hyp‐Gly)10, while the peptide with a Gly to Ser substitution self‐associated to form a fibrillar structure.
Insect herbivore stoichiometry: the relative importance of host plants and ant mutualists
Authors: ABBOT PATRICK , GRINATH JOSH , BROWN JULIA , PEEDEN EMILY , ERICKSON DAN , BILLICK IAN
Published: April 2008

Abstract 1. Mutualistic associations can vary over spatial and ecological gradients. For herbivorous insects that engage in mutualisms with ants, plant quality can be a particularly important source of variation, because of the upward transfer of nutrients from plants to herbivores to ants.

2. A previous study demonstrated that mutualistic ants, Formica obscuripes, exert a top‐down effect on the carbon and nitrogen concentrations (stoichiometry) in an herbivorous membracid, Publilia modesta. We characterised the consequences of mutualism for carbon and nitrogen stoichiometry between the same species pair, yet on an alternative, geographically‐distinct host plant.

3. We found no top‐down effect of ants on the carbon or nitrogen in the herbivore, but a strong, bottom‐up effect of individual plants on membracid nitrogen concentration.

4. These results suggests that spatial heterogeneity in host plant traits, and ultimately the diet breadth of herbivore mutualists, may be important factors mediating stoichiometric patterns in mutualistic associations.
Explaining the global pattern of protected area coverage: relative importance of vertebrate biodiversity, human activities and agricultural suitability
Authors: Loucks Colby , Ricketts Taylor H. , Naidoo Robin , Lamoreux John , Hoekstra Jonathan
Published: April 2008

Aim  Twelve per cent of the Earth’s terrestrial surface is covered by protected areas, but neither these areas nor the biodiversity they contain are evenly distributed spatially. To guide future establishment of protected areas, it is important to understand the factors that have shaped the spatial arrangement of the current protected area system. We used an information‐theoretic approach to assess the ability of vertebrate biodiversity measures, resource consumption and agricultural potential to explain the global coverage pattern of protected areas.

Location  Global.

Methods  For each of 762 World Wildlife Fund terrestrial ecoregions of the world, we measured protected area coverage, resource consumption, terrestrial vertebrate species richness, number of endemic species, number of threatened species, net primary production, elevation and topographic heterogeneity. We combined these variables into 39 a priori models to describe protected area coverage at the global scale, and for six biogeographical realms. Using the Akaike information criterion and Akaike weights, we identified the relative importance and influence of each variable in describing protected area coverage.

Results  Globally, the number of endemic species was the best variable describing protected area coverage, followed by the number of threatened species. Species richness and resource consumption were of moderate importance and agricultural potential had weak support for describing protected area coverage at a global scale. Yet, the relative importance of these factors varied among biogeographical realms. Measures of vertebrate biodiversity (species richness, endemism and threatened species) were among the most important variables in all realms, except the Indo‐Malayan, but had a wide range of relative importance and influence. Resource consumption was inversely related to protected area coverage across all but one realm (the Palearctic), most strongly in the Nearctic realm. Agricultural potential, despite having little support in describing protected area coverage globally, was strongly and positively related to protection in the Palearctic and Neotropical realms, as well as in the Indo‐Malayan realm. The Afrotropical, Indo‐Malayan and Australasian realms showed no clear, strong relationships between protected area coverage and the independent variables.

Main conclusions  Globally, the existing protected area network is more strongly related to biodiversity measures than to patterns of resource consumption or agricultural potential. However, the relative importance of these factors varies widely among the world’s biogeographical realms. Understanding the biases of the current protected area system may help to correct for them as future protected areas are added to the global network.
Does benzyl benzoate prevent colonization of new mattresses by mites?: A prospective study*
Authors: Rebmann H. , Weber A. K. , Focke I. , Rusche A. , Lau S. , Ehnert B. , Wahn U.
Published: April 2008

In 12 house‐dust‐mite‐infested double beds, one of the mattresses was replaced by a new one, the other being regarded as a mite source. All new mattresses were treated in a double‐blind fashion, with either benzyl benzoate or placebo before being placed on the bed as well as 1 year later. They were examined for mites and allergen concentrations over a period of 18 months. This period of time covered two mite seasons. Dust samples were taken bimonthly and analyzed by guanine test strip, microscopic mite counting, and determination of the mite allergens Der p 1 (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and Der f 1 (D. farinae) by ELISA. Although, at the end of the observation period, the new mattresses still had significantly lower mite and allergen levels than the old mattresses, there were no significant differences between the placebo and the benzyl benzoate groups. In our setting, benzyl benzoate plus frequent cleansing was not significantly more effective in controlling mites than frequent cleansing alone.
Formaldehyde exposure enhances inhalative allergic sensitization in the guinea pig
Authors: Riedel F. , Hasenauer E. , Barth P. J. , Koziorowski A. , Rieger C. H. L.
Published: April 2008

Formaldehyde (FA), a common indoor air pollutant, has been associated with increased prevalence rates of asthmatic symptoms among exposed individuals in epidemiologic surveys. We studied the influence of FA exposure on inhalative allergic sensitization in the guinea pig. Three groups of guinea pigs (n= 12 each) were exposed to clean air or two different FA concentrations (0.13 and 0.25 ppm) over 5 consecutive days. Exposure was followed by inhalation of 0.5% ovalbumin (OA) as sensitizing allergen. Three weeks later, specific bronchial provocation with OA was performed with body plethysmographic measurement of compressed air (CA). Furthermore, specific anti‐OA‐IgGI (reaginic) antibodies were determined in serum. In a further six animals, the respiratory tract was examined histologically for signs of inflammation directly after the end of FA or clean air exposure. In the group exposed to 0.25 ppm FA, 10/12 animals were found to be sensitized to OA (positive reaction on specific provocation) vs. 3/12 animals in the control group (P<0.01). Furthermore, CA measurements of specific bronchial provocation and serum anti‐OA‐antibodies were significantly higher in the 0.25 ppm FA group than in controls (CA 0.35 vs. 0.09 ml median, P<0.01; anti‐OA‐IgC1 13 vs. <10 EU median, P<0.05), indicating enhanced sensitization. In the group exposed to 0.13 ppm FA, no significant difference was found compared to the control group. There was no sign of inflammation of the lower airways in FA‐exposed guinea pigs other than mucosal edema, which was discovered by morphometry. We conclude that short‐term exposure to a low concentration of FA (0.25 ppm) can significantly enhance sensitization to inhaled allergens in the guinea pig.
Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to paracetamol (acetaminophen)
Authors: Ibáñez M. D. , Alonso E. , Muñoz M. C. , Martinez E. , Laso M. T.
Published: April 2008

We are reporting three patients who experienced delayed cutaneous reactions after treatment with paracetamol (acetaminophen). These reactions were confirmed in controlled challenge tests. Patch tests with paracetamol were positive in all patients. A biopsy performed of the case 1 patch test confirmed that the lesion was compatible with delayed hypersensitivity reaction‐type allergic contact dermatitis
Lack of subsensitivitvy to mizolastine over 8‐week treatment
Authors: Bousquet J. , Chanal I. , Murrieta M. , Stalla‐Bourdillon A.
Published: April 2008

Mizolastine is a new, nonsedating antihistamine providing satisfactory symptom relief in allergic rhinitis and urticaria. The purpose of this study was to use the wheal and flare skin reactions model to assess the maintenance of the pharmacodynamic effect of mizolastine, administered for 2 months. This double‐blind, parallel‐group study involved 60 atopic patients randomly allocated, after a 1‐week placebo run‐in, to once‐daily 10 mg mizolastine (n= 29) or placebo (n= 31) groups. Treatment continued for 8 weeks. Prick tests were performed in duplicate with histamine chlorhydrate (10mg/ml), codeine phosphate (9%), and five increasing concentrations (1–500 reactivity index/ml) of standardized allergen extracts (grass pollen or mites) at days 0, 7, 28, 42, and 56. After 7 days of treatment, inhibition of histamine‐induced wheal was ‐76% and + 20%, respectively, with mizolastine and placebo (P= 0.0001), in comparison with baseline; inhibition of flare was ‐ 86% and + 50%, respectively, with mizolastine and placebo (P = 0.0001). Suppression was maintained to a similar extent throughout the study. Results were consistent between histamine‐, codeine‐, and allergen‐induced tests. Safety was satisfactory in both groups. This study confirms mizolastine as a potent antihistamine which does not induce subsensitivity when taken for 8 weeks, and which can be safely recommended in allergic conditions.
Occupational asthma induced by aniseed
Authors: Fraj J. , Lezaun A. , Coláas C. , Duce F. , Domínguez M. A. , Alonso M. D.
Published: April 2008

This report deals with clinical and immunologic studies in a butcher with work‐related asthma. Both the positive methacholine inhalation test and the significant changes observed in PEFR measurements supported the diagnosis of asthma. The significant fall observed in PEFR measurements when the patient handled aniseed supported the diagnosis of occupationa asthma. Skin prick tests carried out with 13 spices showed positive reactions only to aniseed extract. The patient had high levels of specific antianiseed IgE antibodies. The bronchial challenge test with an aniseed extract showed an immediate response without a late response. These findings suggest that the respiratory symptoms in our patient were induced by the inhalation of aniseed dust through an IgE‐mediated immunologic mechanism of immediate hypersensitivity. This study established the diagnosis of occupational asthma from aniseed dust sensitization.
Hypersensitivity to carrot associated with specific IgE to grass and tree pollens
Authors: Gómez M. , Curiel G. , Mendez J. , Rodriguez M. , Moneo I.
Published: April 2008

This study deals with a 34‐year‐old female cook with no previous history of atopy, who was studied because of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and contact urticaria in both hands associated with severe itching when she handled raw carrot. The patient had had anaphylactic episodes after accidental ingestion of raw carrots, but she tolerated cooked carrots. Skin prick tests with carrot, celery, and olive, and birch, grass, and mugwort pollens were positive. Total IgE was 411 UI/ml. Specific IgE to olive, grass, and weed pollens were 10.92, 6.17, and 2.4 AU/ml, respectively. The histamine release test was positive for carrot, celery, celeriac, and olive pollen up to a dilution of 1/106. Immunoblot of raw carrot showed a single IgE‐binding 18‐kDa band. IgE reactivity for raw carrot immunoblot was completely inhibited by carrot and by celery, but not by olive or grass pollens. Specific IgE to olive pollen was not inhibited by carrot. The existence of monosensitization to an 18‐kDa protein in carrot and specific IgE to olive pollen has not been reported in the celery‐carrot‐mugwort‐spice syndrome.
Increased in vitro cvsteinvl leukotriene release from blood leukocytes in patients with asthma, nasal polyps, and aspirin intolerance
Authors: Mewes T. , Riechelmann H. , Klimek L.
Published: April 2008

In vitro cysteinyl leukotriene (cLT) release from blood leukocytes was measured in eight normal individuals (NI), nine patients with nasal polyps (NP) without aspirin intolerance, and eight patients with NP, asthma, and aspirin intolerance (AI). Blood leukocytes were prestimulated with interleukin‐3 (IL‐3) and incubated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (10 and 100 pglml) together with C5a (10‐‐8 mol/l) for 18 h. cLT release (LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4) from blood leukocytes was measured with a competitive enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Background cLT release was 259±66 pg/ml (mean±æM) in the NI group, 185±33 pg/ml in the NP group, and 578±136 pg/ml in the A1 group (P = 0.1). After incubation with 10 μg/ml ASA, cLT concentration was lower in normal subjects (346±72 pg/ml) and in patients with NP (209±53) than in patients with A1 (686±75 pg/ml, P = 0.002). After incubation with 100 μg/ml ASA, cLT concentrations were 285±272 pg/ml in the NI group, 313±77 pg/ml in the NP group, and 654±121 pg/ml in the AI group (P = 0.04), respectively. Simultaneous incubation with ASA 10 μg/ml and C5a (10‐‐8mol/l) resulted in a cLT concentration of 751±171 pg/ml in the NI group, 343±102 pg/ml in the NP group, and 2196±480 pg/ml in patients with A1 (P = 0.0006), whereas simultaneous incubation with ASA 100g/ml and C5a (10‐‐8mol/l) resulted in 268±51 pg/ml in the NI group, 412±97 pg/ml in the NP group, and 1701±368 pg/ml in the AI group (P= 0.005). In patients with AI, cLT release from blood leukocytes is altered when compared with normals and patients with NP. The presented cLT‐release assay could be of potential use in the in vitro diagnosis of AI.
Indoor mite allergens in patients with respiratory allergy living in Porto, Portugal
Authors: Plácido J. L. , Cuesta C. , Delgado L. , da Silva J. P. Moreira , Miranda M. , Ventas P. , Vaz M.
Published: April 2008

We investigated the levels of mite allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der 2, and Lep d 1) in dust samples from the homes of 59 patients with asthma, 36 sensitized to house‐dust mites (HDM) and 23 to grass pollen (controls), living in Porto, northern Portugal. The relationship between exposure and sensitization to HDM and the influence of housing conditions on mite‐allergen levels were also evaluated. Der p 1 (median 9.2 μg/g) and Der 2 (4.6 μg/g) were the main allergens, while Der f 1 and Lep d 1 levels were always <1 μg/g dust and undetectable in 11% and 47% of samples, respectively. All HDM‐sensitized asthmatics were exposed to Der p 1 levels >2 μg/g and their homes contained significantly higher levels of Der p 1 (median 12.5 vs 6.4 μg/g; P=0.008) and Der 2 (6.2 vs 3.0 μg/g; f=0.004) when compared to the control group. A significant correlation was observed between the exposure to Der p 1 and the wheal area at skin testing with the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) extract (P=0.01) as well as with serum specific IgE levels to Dp (P=0.03). Patients with higher levels of serum specific IgE (≥17.5 HRU/ml) were also more frequently exposed to Der p 1 levels ≥10 μg/g (P=0.002). Old homes, presence of carpets, and signs of dampness were conditions associated with significantly higher levels of mite allergens. In conclusion, we found high levels of Der p 1 and Der 2 particularly in the homes of HDM‐sensitized patients and we confirm the relationship between exposure and sensitization to HDM, assessed by both in vivo and in vitro methods. In addition to a favorable outdoor climate, we found in our region housing conditions propitious to mite growth, suggesting that specific geographic characteristics must also be taken into account for the correct planning of mite‐avoidance measures.
Impact of caregiver group psychoeducation on the course and outcome of bipolar patients in remission: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Reinares María , Colom Francesc , Sánchez‐Moreno José , Torrent Carla , Martínez‐Arán Anabel , Comes Mercè , Goikolea José M. , Benabarre Antoni , Salamero Manel , Vieta Eduard
Published: April 2008

Objective:  Although there are some randomized controlled trials that highlight the positive role of family‐focused treatment added to pharmacotherapy in bipolar disorder, no trials using contemporary methodologies have analyzed the specific effect of working with caregiver‐only groups. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a psychoeducational group intervention focused on caregivers of euthymic bipolar patients.

Method:  A total of 113 medicated euthymic bipolar outpatients who lived with their caregivers were randomized into an experimental and a control group. Caregivers in the experimental group received twelve 90‐min group psychoeducation sessions focused on knowledge of bipolar disorder and training in coping skills. The patients did not attend the groups. Caregivers assigned to the control group did not receive any specific intervention. Patients were assessed monthly during both the intervention and the 12 months of follow‐up. The primary outcome was time to any mood recurrence.

Results:  Psychoeducation group intervention focused on the caregivers of bipolar patients carried a reduction of the percentage of patients with any mood recurrence (χ2 = 6.53; p = 0.011) and longer relapse‐free intervals (log‐rank χ2 = 4.04; p = 0.044). When different types of episodes were analyzed separately, the effect was significant for both the number of patients who experienced a hypomanic/manic recurrence (χ2 = 5.65; p = 0.017) and the time to such an episode (log‐rank χ2 = 5.84; p = 0.015). The differences in preventing depressive and mixed episodes were not significant.

Conclusions:  A psychoeducation group intervention for the caregivers of bipolar patients is a useful adjunct to usual treatment for the patients in reducing the risk of recurrences, particularly mania and hypomania, in bipolar disorder.
Wheezing due to rhinovirus infection in infancy: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness at school age
Authors: Kotaniemi‐Syrjänen Anne , Reijonen Tiina M. , Korhonen Kaj , Waris Matti , Vainionpää Raija , Korppi Matti
Published: April 2008

Background: Characteristics related to decreased lung function and increased bronchial responsiveness after early childhood wheezing requiring hospitalization are not fully established.

Methods: Seventy‐nine children with wheezing requiring hospitalization at age <2 years were prospectively followed up and re‐investigated at age 5.6–8.8 years when the measurements of baseline lung function and bronchial responsiveness to exercise were performed.

Results: At early school age, 23% of children had decreased lung function, and 13% had increased bronchial responsiveness to exercise. Predictors of decreased lung function were maternal history of smoking during pregnancy (odds ratio [OR], 12.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–139.6), parental history of asthma (OR, 4.3; 95%CI: 1.1–17.1), and female gender (OR, 4.0; 95%CI: 1.2–13.7). Increased bronchial responsiveness was associated with rhinovirus infection‐induced wheezing in infancy (OR, 6.5; 95%CI: 1.2–36.3), and early cat or dog exposure leading to sensitization (OR, 26.6; 95%CI: 1.3–525.2). Inhaled anti‐inflammatory therapy was common in children with rhinovirus infection‐induced wheezing in infancy (n = 13/19; P = 0.001 vs children with other/no confirmed virus infection etiology for wheezing in infancy, n = 16/60), which may have improved lung function and attenuated bronchial responsiveness in them.

Conclusions: After early childhood wheezing requiring hospitalization, one‐fourth of children will have decreased lung function and one‐eighth of children will show increased bronchial responsiveness at school age. Gender, heredity of asthma, and antenatal exposure to tobacco smoke are predictors of decreased lung function, whereas rhinovirus infection etiology of wheeze and early animal exposure leading to sensitization are associated with increased bronchial responsiveness later in childhood.
Porphyrinuria in childhood autistic disorder is not associated with urinary creatinine deficiency
Authors: Nataf Robert , Skorupka Corinne , Lam Alain , Springbett Anthea , Lathe Richard
Published: April 2008

Background: Urinary metabolite measurements are often normalized to levels of the ubiquitous metabolite creatinine (CRT) to take account of variations in fluid export. Following CRT normalization, excesses of porphyrins and isoprostanes have been reported in the urines of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. It was suggested (Whiteley et al., 2006, Pediatr. Int. 2006; 48: 292–297) that urinary CRT levels may be depressed in children with autism spectrum disorders. This prompted re‐evaluation of CRT levels in such children.

Methods: First matinal urinary CRT levels were compared between subjects in different diagnostic categories including autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD‐NOS) and hyperactivity, before and after correction for age and gender. A larger reference group, consisting of subjects with unrelated disorders and Asperger disorder, with no reported porphyrin excess, was also compared to the group with autistic disorder, both for CRT and for porphyrin (coproporphyrin, COPRO) excess.

Results: No significant difference in CRT was observed between any of the categories analyzed, also when corrected for age and gender. In contrast, urinary COPRO levels were significantly higher in autistic disorder versus reference groups, either when expressed as absolute values (independent of CRT levels) or when normalized to CRT.

Conclusions: These data do not support a systematic reduction in urinary CRT levels in subjects with autism spectrum disorders including autistic disorder and PDD‐NOS. Urinary COPRO excess in autistic disorder was not associated with or consequent upon urinary CRT deficiency. Differences between affected and control subjects in age and sampling time, as reported by Whiteley et al., may underlie the apparent CRT reduction.
TREATING WOMEN AS SEX‐OBJECTS
Authors: Swanton Christine , Robinson Viviane , Crosthwaite Jan
Published: April 2008

In this paper we have two related aims. First, we aim to present an account of what it is to treat women as sex‐objects.1 Like other philosophical writers in the field, we hold that the central idea in an account of such treatment is the failure to treat women with proper respect in sexual behavior. This idea has been cashed out in terms of using,2 and in terms of dehumanization or failure to accord equal rights to freedom and welfare.3 However, we believe that there is a central deficiency in most such philosophical accounts of treating women as sex‐objects, namely, a failure to outline in any detail a theory of interpersonal norms so that one can grasp in more concrete terms what it is to avoid treating a woman as a sex‐object. We aim to rectify this deficiency by presenting a model of interpersonal norms based on the work of the social psychologist Chris Argyris.4
AIDS AND BOWERS V. HARDWICK
Authors: Pierce Christine
Published: April 2008

During the AIDS crisis, natural law arguments have turned up again not only in relation to anti‐sodomy arguments, but even as parts of important claims about AIDS prevention made by the medical and scientific community. Such arguments were invoked by the state of Georgia in the 1986 Supreme Court case, Bowers v. Hardwick, in which the Court held that the Constitution does not confer a fundamental right upon homosexuals to engage in sodomy. As we shall see, the Court accepted a version of legal moralism ignoring both the relevance of a right to privacy and two friend‐of‐the‐Court briefs urging them to consider the public health implications of prohibiting homosexual sodomy. I want to argue against legal moralism both in its standard form and in a more sophisticated version that permits natural law arguments a place in legal reasoning. Natural law arguments have aggravated the AIDS crisis by contributing not only to bad law but to bad science.
MICHAEL POLANYI'S DEFENSE OF SPONTANEOUS ORDER
Authors: Casement William
Published: April 2008

Michael Polanyi is best known for his work in epistemology and the philosophy of science. Less frequently discussed, but still a significant aspect of his work, is his political theory. He is an advocate of a free society which is based on “spontaneous order.” This concept is apparent in an early collection of essays entitled The Logic of Liberty, and is emphasized again in his last book, Meaning. In the latter work, Polanyi's method of argumentation involves citing three objections to the endorsement of spontaneous order, and then offering a rebuttal to each. His discussion in this regard, while brief, provides an excellent opportunity for insight into a pivotal topic in his politics. In what follows here I will offer first a brief summary of Polanyi's position on spontaneous order and certain related concepts. Then I will examine his responses to the three objections he poses, and point out their deficiencies. Involved are a commonplace logical fallacy, the tendency to underestimate the power of economic interests and egoistic motivations, and, ultimately, an overstated and untenable epistemological position which does not adequately support, but instead undermines, his political position.
IS CONTEMPORARY MORAL THEORY FOUNDED ON A MISUNDERSTANDING?*
Authors: Pojman Louis P.
Published: April 2008

[Christianity] has enriched philosophy with far more definite and purer concepts than it had been able to furnish before; but which, once they are there, are freely assented to by Reason and are assumed as concepts to which it could well have come of itself and which it could and should have introduced…. Even the Holy One of the Gospel must first be compared with our ideal of moral perfection, before we can recognize him as such [Immanuel Kant, Critique of Judgement, tr. Bernard; p. 410n and Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, tr. Lewis White Beck; p. 30].
NINE COMMENTATORS: A BRIEF RESPONSE
Authors: Sterba James P.
Published: April 2008

So much of the work that we do as philosophers is published without much critical commentary from our colleagues. Only rarely do we have the chance to improve our work through the extensive critical analysis of our colleagues. That is why I am very grateful to have this opportunity to benefit from the valuable critical analysis that the contributors to this volume have directed at my practical reconciliation argument for making people just. While in this brief response I cannot hope to discuss all the interesting points that my distinguished commentators Kurt Baier, Gerald Doppelt, James Fishkin, John Hospers, Alison Jaggar, Eric Mack, Jeffrey Reiman, Rosemarie Tong and Iris Young have raised, I will try to lay to rest at least some of their doubts concerning my practical reconciliation argument for making people just.
A FAILED RECONCILIATION: FURTHER REFLECTIONS ON STERBA'S PROJECT
Authors: Peffer Rodney G.
Published: April 2008

Although I do not find any of Sterba's responses to my recent criticisms of his work How to Make People Just convincing, I shall not attempt to answer them point by point since this would be a boring, scholastic exercise at best.1 Rather, I shall expand upon what I believe continue to be the three major problems with Sterba's theory and explain why his recent responses to my criticisms (and the criticisms of others) along these lines are not adequate.
Poly(D,L‐lactide) nanoencapsulation to reduce photoinactivation of a sunscreen agent
Authors: Vettor M. , Perugini P. , Scalia S. , Conti B. , Genta I. , Modena T. , Pavanetto F.
Published: April 2008

Synopsis

The use of sunscreens is the ‘gold standard’ for protecting the skin from ultraviolet light. Octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) is one of the most widely used UVB filter but it can act as a sensitizer or photoallergen. When exposed to sunlight, OMC can change from the primary trans‐form to cis‐form and the isomerization, not reversible, conducts to a reduction of the UVB filtering efficiency because the trans‐form has a higher extinction coefficient. Photostability is the most important characteristic of effective sunscreens and it can be influenced by formulation ingredients and by applying technological strategies. In this work, photostability experiments, performed on emulsion–gels containing different percentages of OMC free or loaded in poly(d,l‐lactide) nanoparticles, were carried out. The presence of a polymeric envelop may act to protect the active ingredient. In this study, the influence of poly(d,l‐lactide) matrices on the photochemical stability of the sunscreen agent was investigated. As highlighted in this study, free OMC in different formulations has different photoisomerization degree. Moreover, a dissimilar behaviour was observed by studying different sunscreen concentrations in the same cosmetic formulation. Photostability results show a significant reduction in photoisomerization degree for formulations containing sunscreen loaded in nanoparticles, highlighting that the encapsulation is a suitable strategy to improve OMC photostability. Moreover, sun protection factor (SPF) results show that the UVB filter protective power is also maintained after encapsulation.
“I Used to Think Women Were Weak”: Orthodox Masculinity, Gender Segregation, and Sport
Authors: Anderson Eric
Published: April 2008

This article explores the cultural and structural forces that help influence the reproduction of sexist, misogynistic, and antifeminine attitudes among men in team sports. It first shows how the segregation of men into a homosocial environment limits their social contact with women and fosters an oppositional masculinity that influences the reproduction of orthodox views regarding women. However, this research also shows that when these same men compete in the gender‐integrated sport of cheerleading, they positively reformulate their attitudes toward women. These findings therefore suggest that gender‐integrating sports might potentially decrease some of the socionegative outcomes attributed to male team sport athletes, possibly including violence against women.
The Legacy of Robin M. Williams Jr. in the Short Twenty‐First Century
Authors: Massey Douglas S.
Published: April 2008

This essay describes Robin M. Williams Jr.’s maturation from a precocious college student to a fully formed sociological researcher by describing various personal and professional encounters with significant events of the twentieth century. I reflect on the ways the historical cataclysms of depression and war galvanized Williams and his peers to work toward radical change, both in their lives and in the world about them. The result was a remarkable societal transformation that improved the lives of ordinary citizens in many and diverse ways. The essay concludes with the hope that sociologists will once again be in the vanguard of social action, as Robin Williams was during his long career of teaching, research, and public criticism.
Paradoxes of American Individualism1
Authors: Fischer Claude S.
Published: April 2008

I point to contradictions in American individualism not unlike those suggested by Robin M. Williams Jr. I go on to suggest how twenty‐first‐century sociologists might better understand this aspect of American exceptionalism: not as an egoistic, asocial individualism, but as a covenantal, social voluntarism.
Robin Williams and the Long Twentieth Century of American Sociology … or Back to the Future
Authors: Bearman Peter
Published: April 2008

In this essay, I reflect on the ways elements of Robin M. Williams Jr.’s research agenda might be carried forth in a meaningful way to sociological studies of twenty‐first‐century phenomena—in particular identifying the ways in which the facts of human interaction, of human expectation, and of human influence shapes outcomes of significance for our present, our future, and, therefore, our past.
The F Word: College Students’ Definitions of a Feminist
Authors: Houvouras Shannon , Scott Carter J.
Published: April 2008

Research indicates that most people espouse feminist ideologies, yet very few self‐identify as feminists. This article examines the discrepancy between agreement with feminist principles and lack of identification with feminism by analyzing 270 female and male college students’ definitions of feminists. We explored similarities and differences in definitions provided by self‐identified feminists and nonfeminists. The results indicate that feminists and nonfeminists are equally likely to define a feminist as one who actively promotes gender equality in society and, less commonly, rejects traditional gender roles and burns bras. Feminists were more likely to define a feminist as one who supports gender equality, is female, and has positive personal characteristics. Nonfeminists were more likely to define a feminist as one who supports female superiority, dislikes men, discriminates based on gender, has negative personal characteristics, and is lesbian or butch. These results are discussed in the broader contexts of feminist identity and movement mobilization.
Effect of hyperbilirubinemia on intestinal permeability in healthy term newborns
Authors: Indrio Flavia , Raimondi Francesco , Laforgia Nicola , Riezzo Gieuseppe , Polimeno Lorenzo , Francavilla Ruggiero
Published: April 2008

We investigated the effect of serum bilirubin (SB) on intestinal permeability (IP) of healthy, term, birth weight appropriate for gestational age neonates before phototherapy. IP was measured by the dual probe (lactulose/mannitol) sugar absorption test (SAT) performed on the third day of life in 12 healthy jaundiced newborns (total bilirubin 249 ± 39.75 μmol/L) and compared to that of 12 non‐jaundiced newborns (total bilirubin 83.79 + 37.62 μmol/L) matched for sex, gestational age, birth weight and Apgar score. Jaundiced newborns have a significantly higher La/Ma ratio than non‐jaundiced (0.31 ± 0.28 vs. 0.053 ± 0.043; p < 0.0004). A significant correlation was found between serum bilirubin level and La/Ma ratio (r = 0.56 p < 0.006).

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a direct effect of UCB on gut epithelial barrier of at‐term newborns in whom UCB appears to be responsible for an alteration of IP that theoretically may lead to a passage of macromolecules through the intestinal epithelium increasing the risk of sensitization.
Oxygenation and ventilation in spontaneously breathing very preterm infants with nasopharyngeal CPAP in the delivery room
Authors: Lindner Wolfgang , Pohlandt Frank
Published: April 2008

Aim: To provide data on ventilation, oxygenation and acid–base state from birth to 48 h in very preterm infants treated with lung recruitment manoeuvre and nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure in the delivery room.

Methods: Subjects of this prospective observational cohort study were 48 of 61 infants enrolled in a randomised controlled trial to test two lung recruitment manoeuvres after birth. The infants had received an arterial line in the delivery room. The outcome measures were data on oxygenation, ventilation and acid–base state during spontaneous breathing.

Results: Data are presented as (n [%]; median [minimum‐maximum]). 22 of 48 (46%) infants (gestational age, 26.4 [25.0–28.9] weeks; birth weight 870 [540–1310] g) were never intubated during the study. The FiO2 of these infants was low (0.4 [0.21–0.45] at 45 min and 0.21 [0.21‐0.5] at 48 h). Pco2 reached its maximum at 24 (11–44) min (8 [6.4–10.8] kPa) and decreased below 6.7 kPa (median) within 3 h. The incidence of intracranial haemorrhage/periventricular leukomalacia did not increase with hypercapnia (pCO2 > 8 kPa).

Conclusion: A transient period of hypercapnia after birth may occur in spontaneously breathing very preterm infants supported with nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure in the delivery room. The incidence of cerebral damage was not increased in infants with hypercapnia.