bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethylene levels are regulated by a plant encoded 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid deaminase
Authors: McDonnell Lisa , Plett Jonathan M. , Andersson‐Gunnerås Sara , Kozela Christopher , Dugardeyn Jasper , Van Der Straeten Dominique , Glick Bernard R. , Sundberg Björn , Regan Sharon
Published: February 2009

Control of the levels of the plant hormone ethylene is crucial in the regulation of many developmental processes and stress responses. Ethylene production can be controlled by altering endogenous levels of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC), the immediate precursor to ethylene or by altering its conversion to ethylene. ACC is known to be irreversibly broken down by bacterial or fungal ACC deaminases (ACDs). Sequence analysis revealed two putative ACD genes encoded for in the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) and we detected ACD activity in plant extracts. Expression of one of these A. thaliana genes (AtACD1) in bacteria indicated that it had ACD activity. Moreover, transgenic plants harboring antisense constructs of the gene decreased ACD activity to 70% of wild‐type (WT) levels, displayed an increased sensitivity to ACC and produced significantly more ethylene. Taken together, these results show that AtACD1 can act as a regulator of ACC levels in A. thaliana.
Comparative cDNA‐AFLP analysis reveals that dl‐β‐amino‐butyric acid induces resistance through early activation of the host‐defense genes in potato
Authors: Li Yajun , Tian Zhendong , Liu Jun , Xie Conghua
Published: February 2009

dl‐β‐amino‐butyric acid (BABA) has been found to protect potato plants against late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans. This paper compares gene expression profiles of a potato clone harboring horizontal resistance to P. infestans in response to BABA and the pathogen by using cDNA‐amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA‐AFLP), aiming at fudermental elucidation of molecular mechanisms of BABA induced resistance (BABA‐IR). In total, 101 transcript derived fragments (TDFs) showed significant differential expression among the treated and their respective control samples. About half of differentially expressed fragments (49) were overlapped in both BABA and P. infestans induction systems, and homology analysis showed that these TDFs in common involved in signaling, cell wall strengthening and synthesis of antimicrobial compounds, reflecting both BABA‐IR and the natural resistance shared similar defense mechanisms to a great extent. Analysis of the transcription profiles demonstrated that an early activation of plant basal defense system could be crucial for BABA‐IR. Some differentially expressed TDFs homologous to genes encoding proteins related to jasmonic acid–and salicylic acid–dependent signaling pathways, were up‐regulated by BABA. Similar genes associated with these pathways were also identified in the pathogen inoculated samples, reinforcing that the extensive cross‐talk between BABA‐IR and horizontal resistance may be important to coordinate the genes responsible for P. infestans infection in potato.
Impact of antenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome on the clinical presentation and surgical outcomes: The Australian experience
Authors: Sivarajan Venkatesan , Penny Daniel J , Filan Peter , Brizard Christian , Shekerdemian Lara S
Published: February 2009

Aim:  Antenatal diagnosis of severe congenital heart disease enables planning of perinatal care of affected infants. Congenital heart surgery is highly centralised in Australia, and surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) currently takes place at a single institution, in order to ensure case volume. The study aims to review the impact of antenatal diagnosis on the early clinical course of infants with HLHS in Australia.

Methods:  Retrospective review was performed on all neonates who were admitted for management of HLHS between 2001 and 2005 at the Paediatric Cardiac Surgical Unit, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Results:  Sixty neonates with HLHS were admitted, in whom an antenatal diagnosis was present in 46 (77%). Treatment was withdrawn in seven infants, of whom three had prenatal, and 4 had post‐natal diagnoses. Antenatally diagnosed infants were commenced on prostaglandin earlier than post‐natally diagnosed infants (age 1 h and 55 h respectively), and on paediatric intensive care unit admission had a higher pH (7.31 vs. 7.20), a lower lactate (3.0 vs. 6.7), a lower inspired oxygen fraction (0.21 vs. 0.96) and were less likely to be ventilated (10.8% vs. 92.9%). Infants with an antenatal diagnosis had lower peak creatinine (70 vs. 120) and alanine aminotransferase (29 vs. 242). The survival to intensive care discharge and stage 2 palliation was 74% and 68% respectively, and was not influenced by timing of diagnosis.

Conclusions:  Antenatal diagnosis of HLHS was strongly associated with a superior pre‐operative clinical status, but did not influence early survival after surgical palliation.
Early renal post‐ischaemic tissue damage and dysfunction with contribution of A1‐adenosine receptor activation in rat
Authors: MOOSAVI SMS , BAYAT G , OWJI SM , PANJEHSHAHIN MR
Published: February 2009

Aim: This study investigated the effect of a selective A1‐adenosine receptor (A1‐AR) antagonist, 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), on the renal dysfunction and histological damage induced by ischaemia/reperfusion at an early stage.

Methods: Pentobarbital anaesthetised rats were prepared for measuring renal functional variables. Ischaemia was induced by bilateral renal artery clamping for 30 min followed by a 4 h reperfusion period. In DPCPX‐treated rats, it was infused (i.v.) at 10 µg/kg per min before and after renal ischaemia. Both kidneys were examined using light and electron microscopy.

Results: The renal ischaemic challenge resulted in major histological and ultrastructural damages, which were associated with decreased creatinine clearance, absolute potassium‐excretion and effective free‐water reabsorption, but increased fractional sodium‐excretion and urine flow during reperfusion period. In DPCPX‐treated rats, the histological and ultrastructural damage to the kidneys was improved along with the decrease in creatinine clearance and increase in fractional sodium‐excretion being smaller, but the increase in urine flow being larger than those of the non‐treated rats, while absolute potassium‐excretion and effective free‐water reabsorption were equal to those of the sham‐operated rats.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that endogenous activation of A1‐AR contributes to the early development of renal ischaemia/reperfusion injury.
Protective effect of paraoxonase 1 of high‐density lipoprotein in type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy
Authors: LI CHENGJIANG , GU QING
Published: February 2009

Aim:  Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an important antioxidative enzyme associated with high‐density lipoproteins (HDL). Recent data suggest that HDL antioxidative ability may be altered in type 2 diabetic patients. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate whether HDL‐PON1 activity and HDL antioxidative ability were related to the presence and severity of diabetic nephropathy.

Methods:  Sixty type 2 diabetic patients, who were subdivided into normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria, and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were recruited. HDL was then isolated to measure PON1 activity, lipid peroxide and its ability in protecting low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidation.

Results:  HDL‐PON1 activity and HDL antioxidative ability in protecting LDL from oxidation was preserved in diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria, but significantly decreased in those with microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria. HDL peroxide was comparable between healthy controls and normoalbuminuric patients, but significantly increased in those with microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria. On multiple analyses, urinary protein was an independent negative determinant of HDL‐PON1 activity, and HDL‐PON1 activity was positively associated with HDL antioxidative ability, and negatively associated with HDL peroxide.

Conclusion:  HDL‐PON1 activity is decreased in type 2 diabetic patients with incipient or overt nephropathy, which relates to the reduced HDL antioxidative ability in protecting LDL from oxidation and increased peroxide in HDL.
Primary open angle glaucoma in subjects harbouring the predicted GLC1L haplotype reveals a normotensive phenotype
Authors: Sherwin Justin C , Hewitt Alex W , Bennett Sonya L , Baird Paul N , Craig Jamie E , Mackey David A
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Purpose:  Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a complex heterogeneous disease. The aim of this study was to describe the POAG phenotype in individuals who harbour the novel GLC1L disease‐associated haplotype in a large pedigree where the Myocilin Gln368STOP mutation also segregates.

Methods:  The clinical findings from 24 subjects with POAG from the GTAS02 family recruited as part of the Glaucoma Inheritance Study of Tasmania (GIST) were compared relative to genotype status. The previously identified GLC1L disease haplotype encompasses a chromosomal region of 8.3 centimorgans bounded by the markers D3S3521 and D3S1289 on 3p21‐22.

Results:  In subjects with the GLC1L disease haplotype (with or without Gln368STOP), the POAG phenotype was characterized by a mean age at diagnosis of 54.3 years, and mean maximum recorded intraocular pressure (IOP) of 23.9 mmHg. The mean maximum recorded IOP was lower in subjects with the predicted disease haplotype and no Gln368STOP mutation, compared with subjects with the predicted disease haplotype and presence of the Gln368STOP mutation (P = 0.02). Presence of the Gln368STOP mutation was significantly more common in those with the predicted disease haplotype than those without (P = 0.04). In the four subjects carrying the GLC1L disease‐associated haplotype without the Gln368STOP mutation, a normotensive glaucoma (mean maximum recorded IOP 15 mmHg, range 13–17 mmHg) was present.

Conclusions:  The GLC1L locus may be associated with glaucoma in the absence of elevated IOP. Discovery of the specific gene within the GLC1L locus on 3p21‐22 would provide a useful addition to our ability to offer genetic testing and counselling to POAG individuals and their families.
Agreement between stress intraocular pressure and long‐term intraocular pressure measurements in primary open angle glaucoma
Authors: De Moraes Carlos Gustavo V , Furlanetto Rafael Lacerda , Reis Alexandre Soares Castro , Vegini Franciele , Cavalcanti Natanael Figueiroa , Susanna Jr Remo
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Purpose:  The aim of this paper is to study the correlation between the intraocular pressure peaks and fluctuation detected during the water drinking test and the same parameters observed during long‐term follow up.

Methods:  This prospective cohort study enrolled 22 eyes of 22 newly diagnosed primary open angle glaucoma patients. After an initial complete ophthalmological examination, patients were started on antiglaucoma medication and returned 4 weeks later to perform the water drinking test. Thereafter, patients were evaluated at least eight times within a period of 6–12 months. The intraocular pressure peaks and fluctuation detected during the water drinking stress test were compared with those observed during regular office visits. Spearman's correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman Plots were used for statistical analysis.

Results:  The mean age of participants was 54.3 ± 8.2 years (±SD), 59% were women, and average mean deviation −10.2 ± 4.5 dB. The mean follow‐up period was 8.2 ± 2.0 months. The average intraocular pressure peaks and fluctuation during the water drinking test were 20.0 ± 2.9 mmHg and 40 ± 10%, respectively, and 18.1 ± 2.8 mmHg and 30 ± 10% during follow up. Spearman's correlation coefficients were significant and strong between the intraocular pressure peaks and fluctuation detected during the water drinking test and during the follow‐up period (P < 0.001, rho = 0.76 and 0.82, respectively). There was good agreement between the variables.

Conclusion:  The intraocular pressure peaks and fluctuation detected during the water drinking test showed significant correlation and agreement with the pressures observed during follow‐up visits. Stress tests could be used to estimate long‐term intraocular pressure variation.
Retinal nerve fibre layer of perimetrically unaffected eyes of glaucoma patients: an optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Da Pozzo Stefano , Fanni Daniela , Paoloni Marco , Trovarelli Sara , Ravalico Giuseppe
Published: February 2009

Abstract

Purpose:  The aim of this study is to evaluate whether optical coherence tomography (StratusOCT) may detect early changes in perimetrically unaffected (PU) fellow eyes of glaucomatous patients by assessing retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness parameters.

Methods:  Thirty‐seven glaucomatous patients with unilateral field loss and 34 age‐matched controls were recruited. In glaucoma patients, PU and perimetrically affected fellow eyes were analysed separately. For each group, mean values (±SD) of RNFL thickness parameters were calculated and comparisons between fellow eyes of glaucoma patients and between healthy and PU eyes of glaucoma patients conducted with paired t‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐test, respectively. Proportion of clock‐hour sectors flagged with probability <5% or <1% was collected and differences between healthy and PU eyes were evaluated on Fisher exact test.

Results:  Global (Average Thickness) and sectoral parameters (Inferior and Nasal Average), Maximum thickness–minimum thickness (Max‐min), as well as 2‐o'clock (nasal side) and 6‐o'clock sectors resulted significantly thinner in PU eyes than in control group. Proportion of eyes with clock‐hour position flagged with probability <5% or <1% was not significantly different between healthy and PU eyes.

Conclusion:  Despite a standard automated perimetry within normal limits, the StratusOCT detected both localized and diffuse RNFL thinning in PU eyes of glaucoma patients. These eyes should be considered at risk of developing functional damage over time and consequently require thorough monitoring for detecting any sign of progression.
High abundance of virulence gene homologues in marine bacteria
Authors: Persson Olof P. , Pinhassi Jarone , Riemann Lasse , Marklund Britt‐Inger , Rhen Mikael , Normark Staffan , González José M. , Hagström Åke
Published: February 2009

Marine bacteria can cause harm to single‐celled and multicellular eukaryotes. However, relatively little is known about the underlying genetic basis for marine bacterial interactions with higher organisms. We examined whole‐genome sequences from a large number of marine bacteria for the prevalence of homologues to virulence genes and pathogenicity islands known from bacteria that are pathogenic to terrestrial animals and plants. As many as 60 out of 119 genomes of marine bacteria, with no known association to infectious disease, harboured genes of virulence‐associated types III, IV, V and VI protein secretion systems. Type III secretion was relatively uncommon, while type IV was widespread among alphaproteobacteria (particularly among roseobacters) and type VI was primarily found among gammaproteobacteria. Other examples included homologues of the Yersinia murine toxin and a phage‐related ‘antifeeding’ island. Analysis of the Global Ocean Sampling metagenomic data indicated that virulence genes were present in up to 8% of the planktonic bacteria, with highest values in productive waters. From a marine ecology perspective, expression of these widely distributed genes would indicate that some bacteria infect or even consume live cells, that is, generate a previously unrecognized flow of organic matter and nutrients directly from eukaryotes to bacteria.
Survey of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its phages: de novo peptide sequencing as a novel tool to assess the diversity of worldwide collected viruses
Authors: Ceyssens Pieter‐Jan , Noben Jean‐Paul , Ackermann Hans‐W. , Verhaegen Jan , De Vos Daniel , Pirnay Jean‐Paul , Merabishvili Maia , Vaneechoutte Mario , Chibeu Andrew , Volckaert Guido , Lavigne Rob
Published: February 2009

A collection of 15 newly isolated (bacterio)phages infecting the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa was established to investigate their global diversity and potential in phage therapy. These phages were sampled in 14 different countries traversing four continents, from both natural environments and hospital sewage. They all display unique DNA and protein profiles and cluster morphologically into six groups within the three major families of the Caudovirales. Extensive host range studies on a library of 122 AFLP‐genotyped clinical P. aeruginosa strains (of which 49 were newly isolated at the University Hospital of Leuven, Belgium) showed that the phages lysed 87% of the strains. Infection analysis of outer membrane mutants identified 10 phages as type IV pili‐dependent. More detailed information about the evolutionary relatedness of the phages was gathered by de novo peptide sequencing of major virion proteins using tandem Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight technology. Applying this technique for the first time to viruses, seven groups of closely related phages were identified without the need of prior knowledge of genome content and/or electron microscopic imaging. This study demonstrates both the epidemic population structure of P. aeruginosa and the global spread of P. aeruginosa phage species, and points at the resistance of two clinically predominant, widespread P. aeruginosa strains against phage attack.
Comparative day/night metatranscriptomic analysis of microbial communities in the North Pacific subtropical gyre
Authors: Poretsky Rachel S. , Hewson Ian , Sun Shulei , Allen Andrew E. , Zehr Jonathan P. , Moran Mary Ann
Published: February 2009

Metatranscriptomic analyses of microbial assemblages (< 5 μm) from surface water at the Hawaiian Ocean Time‐Series (HOT) revealed community‐wide metabolic activities and day/night patterns of differential gene expression. Pyrosequencing produced 75 558 putative mRNA reads from a day transcriptome and 75 946 from a night transcriptome. Taxonomic binning of annotated mRNAs indicated that Cyanobacteria contributed a greater percentage of the transcripts (54% of annotated sequences) than expected based on abundance (35% of cell counts and 21% 16S rRNA of libraries), and may represent the most actively transcribing cells in this surface ocean community in both the day and night. Major heterotrophic taxa contributing to the community transcriptome included α‐Proteobacteria (19% of annotated sequences, most of which were SAR11‐related) and γ‐Proteobacteria (4%). The composition of transcript pools was consistent with models of prokaryotic gene expression, including operon‐based transcription patterns and an abundance of genes predicted to be highly expressed. Metabolic activities that are shared by many microbial taxa (e.g. glycolysis, citric acid cycle, amino acid biosynthesis and transcription and translation machinery) were well represented among the community transcripts. There was an overabundance of transcripts for photosynthesis, C1 metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation in the day compared with night, and evidence that energy acquisition is coordinated with solar radiation levels for both autotrophic and heterotrophic microbes. In contrast, housekeeping activities such as amino acid biosynthesis, membrane synthesis and repair, and vitamin biosynthesis were overrepresented in the night transcriptome. Direct sequencing of these environmental transcripts has provided detailed information on metabolic and biogeochemical responses of a microbial community to solar forcing.
One-Year-Old Infants Appreciate the Referential Nature of Deictic Gestures and Words
Authors: Gliga Teodora , Csibra Gergely
Published: February 2009

One-year-old infants have a small receptive vocabulary and follow deictic gestures, but it is still debated whether they appreciate the referential nature of these signals. Demonstrating understanding of the complementary roles of symbolic (word) and indexical (pointing) reference provides evidence of referential interpretation of communicative signals. We presented 13-month-old infants with video sequences of an actress indicating the position of a hidden object while naming it. The infants looked longer when the named object was revealed not at the location indicated by the actress's gestures, but on the opposite side of the display. This finding suggests that infants expect that concurrently occurring communicative signals co-refer to the same object. Another group of infants, who were shown video sequences in which the naming and the deictic cues were provided concurrently but by two different people, displayed no evidence of expectation of co-reference. These findings suggest that a single communicative source, and not simply co-occurrence, is required for mapping the two signals onto each other. By 13 months of age, infants appreciate the referential nature of words and deictic gestures alike.
House Price Shocks and Household Indebtedness in the United Kingdom
Authors: DISNEY RICHARD , BRIDGES SARAH , GATHERGOOD JOHN
Published: February 2009

We use household panel data to explore the link between changes in house prices and household indebtedness (both secured on housing assets and unsecured) in the United Kingdom. We show that households which are borrowing‐constrained by a lack of housing equity as collateral make greater use of unsecured debt such as credit cards or personal loans. In response to rising house prices, which relax this constraint, such households are more likely to refinance and to increase their indebtedness relative to unconstrained households. However, for most households, house price movements appear to have little impact on indebtedness.
Coppicing shifts CO2 stimulation of poplar productivity to above‐ground pools: a synthesis of leaf to stand level results from the POP/EUROFACE experiment
Authors: Liberloo Marion , Lukac Martin , Calfapietra Carlo , Hoosbeek Marcel R. , Gielen Birgit , Miglietta Franco , Scarascia‐Mugnozza Giuseppe E. , Ceulemans Reinhart
Published: February 2009

A poplar short rotation coppice (SRC) grown for the production of bioenergy can combine carbon (C) storage with fossil fuel substitution. Here, we summarize the responses of a poplar (Populus) plantation to 6 yr of free air CO2 enrichment (POP/EUROFACE consisting of two rotation cycles). We show that a poplar plantation growing in nonlimiting light, nutrient and water conditions will significantly increase its productivity in elevated CO2 concentrations ([CO2]). Increased biomass yield resulted from an early growth enhancement and photosynthesis did not acclimate to elevated [CO2]. Sufficient nutrient availability, increased nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and the large sink capacity of poplars contributed to the sustained increase in C uptake over 6 yr. Additional C taken up in high [CO2] was mainly invested into woody biomass pools. Coppicing increased yield by 66% and partly shifted the extra C uptake in elevated [CO2] to above‐ground pools, as fine root biomass declined and its [CO2] stimulation disappeared. Mineral soil C increased equally in ambient and elevated [CO2] during the 6 yr experiment. However, elevated [CO2] increased the stabilization of C in the mineral soil. Increased productivity of a poplar SRC in elevated [CO2] may allow shorter rotation cycles, enhancing the viability of SRC for biofuel production.
Optimal management strategies for placenta accreta
Authors: Eller AG , Porter TF , Soisson P , Silver RM
Published: February 2009

Objective  To determine which interventions for managing placenta accreta were associated with reduced maternal morbidity.

Design  Retrospective cohort study.

Setting  Two tertiary care teaching hospitals in Utah.

Population  All identified cases of placenta accreta from 1996 to 2008.

Methods  Cases of placenta accreta were identified using standard ICD‐9 codes for placenta accreta, placenta praevia, and caesarean hysterectomy. Medical records were then abstracted for maternal medical history, hospital course, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Maternal and neonatal complications were compared according to antenatal suspicion of accreta, indications for delivery, preoperative preparation, attempts at placental removal before hysterectomy, and hypogastric artery ligation.

Main outcome measures  Early morbidity (prolonged maternal intensive care unit admission, large volume of blood transfusion, coagulopathy, ureteral injury, or early re‐operation) and late morbidity (intra‐abdominal infection, hospital re‐admission, or need for delayed re‐operation).

Results  Seventy‐six cases of placenta accreta were identified. When accreta was suspected, scheduled caesarean hysterectomy without attempting placental removal was associated with a significantly reduced rate of early morbidity compared with cases in which placental removal was attempted (67 versus 36%, P = 0.038). Women with preoperative bilateral ureteric stents had a lower incidence of early morbidity compared with women without stents (18 versus 55%, P= 0.018). Hypogastric artery ligation did not reduce maternal morbidity.

Conclusions  Scheduled caesarean hysterectomy with preoperative ureteric stent placement and avoiding attempted placental removal are associated with reduced maternal morbidity in women with suspected placenta accreta.
Indications for induction of labour: a best‐evidence review
Authors: Mozurkewich E , Chilimigras J , Koepke E , Keeton K , King VJ
Published: February 2009

Background  Rates of labour induction are increasing.

Objectives  To review the evidence supporting indications for induction.

Search strategy  We listed indications for labour induction and then reviewed the evidence. We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library between 1980 and April 2008 using several terms and combinations, including induction of labour, premature rupture of membranes, post‐term pregnancy, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM), multiple gestation, suspected macrosomia, diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease, fetal anomalies, systemic lupus erythematosis, oligohydramnios, alloimmunization, rhesus disease, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We performed a review of the literature supporting each indication.

Selection criteria  We identified 1387 abstracts and reviewed 418 full text articles. We preferentially included high‐quality systematic reviews or large randomised trials. Where no such studies existed, we included the best evidence available from smaller randomised trials and observational studies.

Main results  We included 34 full text articles. For each indication, we assigned levels of evidence and grades of recommendation based upon the GRADE system. Recommendations for induction of labour for post‐term gestation, PROM at term, and premature rupture of membranes near term with pulmonary maturity are supported by the evidence. Induction for IUGR before term reduces intrauterine fetal death, but increases caesarean deliveries and neonatal deaths. Evidence is insufficient to support induction for women with insulin‐requiring diabetes, twin gestation, fetal macrosomia, oligohydramnios, cholestasis of pregnancy, maternal cardiac disease and fetal gastroschisis.

Authors’ conclusions  Research is needed to determine risks and benefits of induction for many commonly advocated clinical indications.
From Irish Eineach to British Honor? Noble Honor and High Politics in Early Modern Ireland, 1500–1650
Authors: Kane Brendan
Published: February 2009

The study of honor has greatly enriched historians’ understanding of early modern societies. By providing a means to explore the interplay between individual and collective notions of worth, it has allowed scholars to more closely investigate the relationship between culture and politics. In this historiography there has been important, but limited, work on Ireland. This article suggests the importance of honor not only for understanding early modern Ireland in its own right, but also for understanding a crucial cultural factor in the emergence of the British state. It proposes a three‐part framework through which the negotiation of honor claims in Anglo‐Irish relations may be explored and their political implications assessed: from Gaelic eineach, through Anglo‐Irish onóir, to British honor.
A New Trumpet? The History of Women in Scotland 1300–1700
Authors: Ewan Elizabeth
Published: February 2009

In comparison to the field in many other countries, women's history in Scotland is a relatively new area of research. This is especially true for the history of late medieval and early modern women. Although some work appeared in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Scottish women's history did not really develop as a field until the 1980s, with most work on women before 1700 appearing in the last two decades. Several recent studies have taken a biographical approach, but other work has drawn on the insights from research elsewhere to examine such issues as work, family, religion, crime and images of women. Scholars are also uncovering women's voices in their letters, memoirs, poetry and court records. Because of the late development of the field, much recent work has been recuperative, but increasingly the insights of gender history both in other countries and in Scottish history after 1700, are being used to frame the questions which are asked. Future work should contribute both to a reinterpretation of the current narratives of Scottish history, and also to a deepening of the complexity of the history of women in late medieval and early modern Britain and Europe.
Increased apoptosis in HepG2.2.15 cells with hepatitis B virus expression by synergistic induction of interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α
Authors: Shi Hong , Guan Shi‐He
Published: February 2009

Background: Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were thought to be important immune mediators in host defence against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Aims: To examine the synergistic effect of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α on HBV‐expressing HepG2.2.15 cells and its potential mechanisms.

Methods: Cell viability was quantitatively measured by 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Cell morphology was captured using light microscopy. The typical DNA ladder test was performed using agarose gel electrophoresis. HBsAg and HBeAg titre changes were quantified by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Gene expression was analysed using cDNA macroarrays.

Results: Interferon‐γ (1000 U/ml) alone or combined with TNF‐α (5 ng/ml) treatment resulted in apoptosis in HepG2.2.15 cells, but no significant apoptosis in the parent non‐virus expressing HepG2 cells. IFN‐γ‐ and TNF‐α‐mediated apoptosis was reduced by lamivudine treatment in HepG2.2.15 cells. IFN‐γ combined with TNF‐α reduced the titre of hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen in the HepG2.2.15 cell line. For apoptosis‐related gene changes, IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF‐1) (12.2‐fold), c‐myc (V00568 4.7‐fold, L00058 2.4‐fold) and caspase 7 (2.3‐fold) genes were upregulated in the combination treatment group.

Conclusion: Interferon‐γ and TNF‐α play a role in the cell death of HBV‐expressing HepG2.2.15 cells. Expression of HBV leads to IFN‐γ‐ and TNF‐α‐mediated apoptosis in the cells. Increased IRF‐1, c‐myc and caspase 7 gene expression may be responsible for the synergistic induction of apoptosis by IFN‐γ and TNF‐α.
Norfloxacin treatment for clinically significant portal hypertension: results of a randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled crossover trial
Authors: Kemp William , Colman John , Thompson Kenneth , Madan Anoop , Vincent Margaret , Chin‐Dusting Jaye , Kompa Andrew , Krum Henry , Roberts Stuart
Published: February 2009

Background: While selective intestinal decontamination (SID) can alter the hyperdynamic circulatory state of cirrhosis, the impact of SID on portal pressure remains unclear especially in the setting of clinically significant portal hypertension.

Aims: To examine the impact of SID with norfloxacin on portal pressure in subjects with clinically significant portal hypertension and explore the potential mechanisms by which norfloxacin exerts its haemodynamic effects.

Methods: Randomised, double blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial of norfloxacin 400 mg twice daily for 4 weeks. The portal pressure was assessed by hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Endotoxaemia was assessed by the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. l‐arginine (l‐Arg) transporter function was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Plasma levels of urotensin II (UII) and tumour necrosis factor were measured before and after therapy.

Results: Sixteen subjects with clinically significant portal hypertension (16.5±1.1 mmHg) completed the study. Norfloxacin therapy was not superior to placebo in reducing HVPG (13.8±1.0 mmHg vs 13.6±1.2 mmHg, P=0.3). Furthermore, no alteration in l‐Arg transport was detected after 4 weeks of norfloxacin therapy. Plasma UII levels correlated positively with HVPG (P=0.01) and the Child–Pugh score (P<0.05). However, UII levels following therapy did not parallel HVPG changes.

Conclusions: Norfloxacin is not superior to placebo in reducing HVPG in subjects with clinically significant portal hypertension. Furthermore, norfloxacin does not appear to modulate the l‐Arg transporter mechanism in this patient population. Although plasma UII correlates positively with HVPG, UII does not appear to have a direct role in modulating HVPG.
Occult hepatitis B virus infection in patients with autoimmune liver diseases
Authors: Georgiadou Sarah P. , Zachou Kalliopi , Liaskos Christos , Gabeta Stella , Rigopoulou Eirini I. , Dalekos George N.
Published: February 2009

Background: Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by undetectable serum HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) but detectable HBV‐DNA in serum or liver.

Aims: To determine the prevalence and clinical impact of occult HBV in autoimmune liver diseases as similar data are missing.

Methods: One hundred and ninety‐six sera samples from HBsAg‐negative patients, including 66 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 93 primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and 37 primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), were investigated for HBV‐DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) before treatment initiation. One hundred and three serial samples from 38 AIH patients under immunosuppression and 282 selected blood donors (HBsAg negative; antibodies to HBV‐core antigen positive) were also investigated. Fourteen available paraffin‐embedded AIH liver samples were also investigated for HBV‐DNA by nested‐PCR.

Results: Hepatitis B virus DNA was detected in the serum of 24/196 patients (12.2%) and 0/282 donors (P=0.0000). Nine patients had AIH (13.6%), eight had PBC (8.6%) and seven had PSC (18.9%) (P=0.0000 vs healthy). HBV‐DNA detection in AIH livers was higher than in serum. HBV‐DNA was associated neither with HBV markers nor with epidemiological, laboratory and clinical data. Serial testing of AIH patients revealed two HBV‐DNA‐negative patients before treatment becoming positive during treatment, while all HBV‐DNA‐positive patients before immunosuppression became negative.

Conclusion: Based mainly on serum HBV‐DNA, we found a significant proportion of autoimmune liver disease patients with occult HBV compared with donors. However, taking into account our results in a small number of liver tissues, it should be emphasized that occult HBV could be even higher when both serum and liver specimens are investigated. Occult HBV does not seem to affect the clinical and laboratory features of the diseases, while AIH patients with occult HBV under immunosuppression do not deteriorate during follow‐up.
Mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cords ameliorate mouse hepatic injury in vivo
Authors: Yan Yongmin , Xu Wenrong , Qian Hui , Si Yuan , Zhu Wei , Cao Huiling , Zhou Hongxing , Mao Fei
Published: February 2009

Aims: To investigate human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) for use in the reversal of mouse hepatic injury.

Methods: Human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells, characterized by flow cytometry, were transplanted into carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐injured mice, and then followed for determination of localization and differentiation. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction for the human 17α gene and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for the human X chromosome were used to locate exogenous hUCMSCs in mouse livers. Peripheral blood and liver specimens were collected at 7, 14 and 21 days after transplantation. For evaluating the recovery of injured liver tissues, serum aminotransferase was measured, and the pathological state of the hepatocytes was assessed.

Results: The hUCMSCs were positive for the human MSC‐specific markers CD13, CD29, CD44, CD105 and nerve growth factor receptor, but negative for the haematopoietic lineage markers CD31, CD34, CD38, CD45 and HLA‐DR. Under conditions favouring differentiation in vivo, the expression of tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenase, human alpha‐fetoprotein, cytokeratin 18, fibroblast secretory protein 1 and alpha‐smooth‐muscle‐actin was detectable after hUCMSCs administration to mice subjected to liver injury. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP)‐biotin nick end labelling and proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining showed that transplanted hUCMSCs could inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis and facilitate proliferation. Serum aminotransferases were decreased after transplantation of hUCMSCs into the injured mice, and hepatocyte denaturation was reduced.

Conclusions: Human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells can enhance recovery of CCl4‐injured mouse liver, providing evidence that such therapy could be useful for liver disorders or injury.
Fluorescence spectroscopy to diagnose hepatic steatosis in a rat model of fatty liver
Authors: De Oliveira Gustavo Ribeiro , Sankarankutty Ajith K. , Castro e Silva Orlando , Ferreira Juliana , Kurachi Cristina , Zucoloto Sergio , Vannucchi Hélio , Jordão Alceu Afonso , Marchini Júlio Sergio , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador
Published: February 2009

Background: Steatosis is diagnosed on the basis of the macroscopic aspect of the liver evaluated by the surgeon at the time of organ extraction or by means of a frozen biopsy.

Aim: In the present study, the applicability of laser‐induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy was investigated as a method for the diagnosis of different degrees of steatosis experimentally induced in rats.

Material and methods: Rats received a high‐lipid diet for different periods of time. The animals were divided into groups according to the degree of induced steatosis diagnosis by histology. The concentration of fat in the liver was correlated with LIF by means of the steatosis fluorescence factor (SFF).

Results: The histology classification, according to liver fat concentration was, Severe Steatosis, Moderate Steatosis, Mild Steatosis and Control (no liver steatosis). Fluorescence intensity could be directly correlated with fat content. It was possible to estimate an average of fluorescence intensity variable by means of different confidence intervals (P=95%) for each steatosis group. SFF was significantly higher in the Severe Steatosis group (P<0.001) compared with the Moderate Steatosis, Mild Steatosis and Control groups.

Conclusion: The various degrees of steatosis could be directly correlated with SFF. LIF spectroscopy proved to be a method capable of identifying the degree of hepatic steatosis in this animal model, and has the potential of clinical application for non‐invasive evaluation of the degree of steatosis.
Effects of Fact Retrieval Tutoring on Third‐Grade Students with Math Difficulties with and without Reading Difficulties
Authors: Powell Sarah R. , Fuchs Lynn S. , Fuchs Douglas , Cirino Paul T. , Fletcher Jack M.
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of fact retrieval tutoring as a function of math difficulty (MD) subtype, that is, whether students have MD alone (MD‐only) or have concurrent difficulty with math and reading (MDRD). Third graders (n= 139) at two sites were randomly assigned, blocking by site and MD subtype, to four tutoring conditions: fact retrieval practice, conceptual fact retrieval instruction with practice, procedural computation/estimation instruction, and control (no tutoring). Tutoring occurred for 45 sessions over 15 weeks for 15–25 minutes per session. Results provided evidence of an interaction between tutoring condition and MD subtype status for assessment of fact retrieval. For MD‐only students, students in both fact retrieval conditions achieved comparably and outperformed MD‐only students in the control group as well as those in the procedural computation/estimation instruction group. By contrast, for MDRD students, there were no significant differences among intervention conditions.
Academic Intrinsic Motivation and Perceived Academic Competence in Greek Elementary Students with and without Learning Disabilities
Authors: Zisimopoulos Dimitrios A. , Galanaki Evangelia P.
Published: February 2009

The aim of this study was to examine differences in intrinsic motivation and perceived academic competence as well as in their association between 5th‐ and 6th‐grade students with learning disabilities (LD) (n= 40) and their typically achieving peers. Participants were 980 Greek elementary students from the metropolitan area of Athens. As predicted, students with LD showed lower intrinsic motivation and perceived academic competence than students without LD almost across all subscales. Exceptions were noticed in intrinsic motivation concerning curiosity/interest and history subscales as well as perceptions of academic competence in the subjects of history and science. Support was found that among typically achieving students intrinsic motivation was positively and significantly related at a moderate level to perceived academic competence across all subscales, as opposed to students with LD, for whom few correlations were found.
The endogenous danger signals HSP70 and MICA cooperate in the activation of cytotoxic effector functions of NK cells
Authors: Elsner Leslie , Flügge Perris F. , Lozano Jingky , Muppala Vijayakumar , Eiz‐Vesper Britta , Demiroglu Sara Y. , Malzahn Dörthe , Herrmann Thomas , Brunner Edgar , Bickeböller Heike , Multhoff Gabriele , Walter Lutz , Dressel Ralf
Published: February 2009

Although natural killer (NK) cells are often described as first line defence against infected or malignant cells which act without the need of prior activation, it is known now that the NK cell activity is tightly regulated by other cells and soluble factors. We show here that the stress‐inducible heat shock protein (HSP) 70 activates human NK cells to kill target cells expressing major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related molecule A (MICA) in a natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D‐) dependent manner. The HSP70‐derived peptide TKD (TKDNNLLGRFELSG) was able to replace the full‐length HSP70 and to exert the same function. Interestingly, the expression of the cytotoxic effector protease granzyme B in NK cells was increased after TKD stimulation. When MICA and MICB expression was induced in human tumour cells by a histone deacetylase inhibitor and NK cells were activated by HSP70 or TKD, both treatments jointly improved the killing of the tumour cells. Thus, the synergistic activity of two stress‐inducible immunological danger signals, HSP70 and MICA/B, leads to activation and enhanced cytotoxicity of human NK cells against tumour cells.
Lactobacillus reuteri enhances excitability of colonic AH neurons by inhibiting calcium‐dependent potassium channel opening
Authors: Kunze Wolfgang A. , Mao Yu‐Kang , Wang Bingxian , Huizinga Jan D. , Ma Xuelian , Forsythe Paul , Bienenstock John
Published: February 2009

Probiotics are live non‐pathogenic commensal organisms that exert therapeutic effects in travellers’ diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Little is known about mechanisms of action of commensal bacteria on intestinal motility and motility‐induced pain. It has been proposed that probiotics affect intestinal nerve function, but direct evidence for this has thus far been lacking. We hypothesized that probiotic effects might be mediated by actions on colonic intrinsic sensory neurons. We first determined whether sensory neurons were present in rat colon by their responses to chemical mucosal stimulation and identified them in terms of physiological phenotype and soma morphotype. Enteric neuron excitability and ion channel activity were measured using patch clamp recordings. We fed 109Lactobacillus reuteri (LR) or vehicle control to rats for 9 days. LR ingestion increased excitability (threshold for evoking action potentials) and number of action potentials per depolarizing pulse, decreased calcium‐dependent potassium channel (IKCa) opening and decreased the slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP) in sensory AH neurons, similar to the IKCa antagonists Tram‐34 and clotrimazole. LR did not affect threshold for action potential generation in S neurons. Our results demonstrate that LR targets an ion channel in enteric sensory nerves through which LR may affect gut motility and pain perception.
Function of PrPC (1‐OPRD) in biological activities of gastric cancer cell lines
Authors: Liang Jie , Wang Jingbo , Luo Guanhong , Pan Yanglin , Wang Xin , Guo Changcun , Zhang Dexin , Yin Fang , Zhang Xiaoyin , Liu Jie , Wang Jianhong , Guo Xuegang , Wu Kaichun , Fan Daiming
Published: February 2009

Approximately 10–15% of the human prion disease is inherited and one of the important genetic mutations occurs in the octapeptide repeat region of prion protein gene. One of the variants, one octapeptide repeat deletion (1‐OPRD), existed in several gastric cancer cell lines and its mutation frequency was higher in gastric cancer cases. However, the biological functions of it remain unknown. Wild‐type and mutation forms of PrPC were cloned and transfected into gastric cancer cells. Cell apoptosis, adhesion, invasion, multidrug resistance (MDR) and proliferation were, respectively, investigated. Different expressed genes were screened by gene array and proved by PT‐PCR. Further, luciferase report assay was used to explore the transcriptional activation of target genes. Forced overexpression PrPC (1‐OPRD) could promote the gastric cancer cells SGC7901 growth through facilitating G1‐ to S‐phase transition in the cell cycle. PrPC (1‐OPRD) could also inhibit apoptosis, and promote adhesion, invasion and MDR in SGC7901. However, it exhibited no significant difference between wild‐type PrPC (1‐OPRD) and PrPC on apoptosis, invasion or MDR effects. Further experiments indicated that PrPC (1‐OPRD) could trigger the transactivation of cyclinD3 besides cyclinD1 to promote cell transition and proliferation. Overexpression of PrPC (1‐OPRD) might promote the proliferation of gastric cancer cells at least partially through transcriptional activation of cyclinD3 to accelerate the G1‐/S‐phase transition. The promoting proliferation effect of PrPC (1‐OPRD) was more than that of wild‐type PrPC. However, they showed no difference on apoptosis, adhesion, invasion or MDR effects of gastric cancer cells.