bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological and molecular characterization of aluminum resistance in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Chandran Divya , Sharopova Natasha , VandenBosch Kathryn A , Garvin David F , Samac Deborah A
Published: August 2008

Background

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is an important factor limiting crop production on acid soils. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which legumes respond to and resist Al stress. To explore the mechanisms of Al toxicity and resistance in legumes, we compared the impact of Al stress in Al-resistant and Al-sensitive lines of the model legume, Medicago truncatula Gaertn.

Results

A screen for Al resistance in 54 M. truncatula accessions identified eight Al-resistant and eight Al-sensitive lines. Comparisons of hydroponic root growth and root tip hematoxylin staining in an Al-resistant line, T32, and an Al-sensitive line, S70, provided evidence that an inducible Al exclusion mechanism occurs in T32. Transcriptional events associated with the Al resistance response were analyzed in T32 and S70 after 12 and 48 h Al treatment using oligonucleotide microarrays. Fewer genes were differentially regulated in response to Al in T32 compared to S70. Expression patterns of oxidative stress-related genes, stress-response genes and microscopic examination of Al-treated root tips suggested a lower degree of Al-induced oxidative damage to T32 root tips compared to S70. Furthermore, genes associated with cell death, senescence, and cell wall degradation were induced in both lines after 12 h of Al treatment but preferentially in S70 after 48 h of Al treatment. A multidrug and toxin efflux (MATE) transporter, previously shown to exude citrate in Arabidopsis, showed differential expression patterns in T32 and S70.

Conclusion

Our results identified novel genes induced by Al in Al-resistant and sensitive M. truncatula lines. In T32, transcription levels of genes related to oxidative stress were consistent with reactive oxygen species production, which would be sufficient to initiate cell death of Al-accumulating cells thereby contributing to Al exclusion and root growth recovery. In contrast, transcriptional levels of oxidative stress-related genes were consistent with excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation in S70 potentially resulting in necrosis and irreversible root growth inhibition. In addition, a citrate-exuding MATE transporter could function in Al exclusion and/or internal detoxification in T32 based on Al-induced transcript localization studies. Together, our findings indicate that multiple responses likely contribute to Al resistance in M. truncatula.
Seroprevalence of HHV-8, CMV, and EBV among the general population in Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Adjei Andrew A , Armah Henry B , Gbagbo Foster , Boamah Isaac , Adu-Gyamfi Clement , Asare Isaac
Published: August 2008

Background

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are prevalent in Africa, but less common elsewhere and the modes of transmission are still subject to debate. Generally, they rarely cause disease in the immunocompetent host but are highly oncogenic when associated with immunosuppression. Although the high prevalence of HHV-8, CMV and EBV has been well documented in Africa, such data are sparse from Ghana.

Methods

Serum samples from 3275 HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors and 250 HIV-AIDS patients were tested for antibodies specific for HHV-8, CMV and EBV by IgG ELISA assays. Differences in seropositivity rates by gender and age were evaluated using the Chi-square test with Yates correction.

Results

Of the 3275 HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors tested, 2573 (78.6%) were males and 702 (21.4%) were females, with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years (median 32.6; mean 31.2; mode 30). Of the 250 HIV-AIDS patients tested, 140 (56%) were males and 110 (44%) were females, with ages ranging from 17 to 64 years (median 30.8; mean 30.3; mode 28). Among the HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors, overall seroprevalence of HHV-8, CMV and EBV was 23.7%, 77.6% and 20.0%, respectively. Among the HIV-AIDS patients, overall seroprevalence of HHV-8, CMV and EBV was 65.6%, 59.2% and 87.2%, respectively. The seroprevalence of HHV-8 (p < 0.005) and EBV (p < 0.001) was statistically significantly higher in HIV-AIDS patients compared to HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.24) between CMV seroprevalence in HIV-AIDS patients and HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors. Age and gender were not independent determinants (p > 0.05) for all three infections among HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors and HIV-AIDS patients in Ghana.

Conclusion

The results presented herein indicate that HHV-8, CMV and EBV infections are hyperendemic in both HIV-seronegative and HIV-seropositive Ghanaians, and suggest primarily a horizontal route of transmission of these three viral infections in Ghana.
Dry season ecology of Anopheles gambiae complex mosquitoes in The Gambia
Authors: Jawara Musa , Pinder Margaret , Drakeley Chris J , Nwakanma Davis C , Jallow Ebrima , Bogh Claus , Lindsay Steve W , Conway David J
Published: August 2008

Background

Malaria in The Gambia is highly seasonal, with transmission occurring as Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations expand during and immediately after a single annual rainy season that lasts from June to October. There has been very limited investigation of the ecology of vectors during the dry season, when numbers are very limited and distributions may be restricted.

Methods

Weekly adult mosquito collections (pyrethrum spray, light trap, and search collections from rooms, as well as light trap collections from animal shelters, abandoned wells and grain stores), and artificial sentinel breeding site surveys were performed in four villages near the upper tidal and partially saline part of the Gambia River in the last four months of an annual dry season (March to June). Mosquito species were identified by morphological and DNA analysis, and ELISA assays were performed to test for Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites and human blood meal components.

Results

Adults of An. gambiae s.l. were collected throughout the period, numbers increasing towards the end of the dry season when humidity was increasing. Adult collections were dominated by An. melas (86%), with An. gambiae s.s. (10%) and An. arabiensis (3%) also present throughout. Most females collected in room search and spray collections contained blood meals, but most from light traps were unfed. None of the females tested (n = 1709) contained sporozoites. Larvae (mostly An. gambiae s.s.) were recovered from artificial sentinel breeding sites in the two villages that had freshwater pools. These two villages had the highest proportions of An. gambiae s.s. adults, and experienced the most substantial increase in proportions of An. gambiae s.s. after the onset of rains.

Conclusion

During the dry season population minimum, An. melas was the predominant vector species, but differences among villages in availability of fresh-water breeding sites correlate with egg laying activity and relative numbers of An. gambiae s.s. adults, and with the increase in this species immediately after the beginning of the rains. Local variation in dry season vector persistence is thus likely to influence spatial heterogeneity of transmission intensity in the early part of the rainy season.
Is it possible to identify patient's sex when reading blinded illness narratives? An experimental study about gender bias
Authors: Andersson Jenny , Salander Pär , Brandstetter-Hiltunen Marie , Knutsson Emma , Hamberg Katarina
Published: August 2008

Background

In many diseases men and women, for no apparent medical reason, are not offered the same investigations and treatment in health care. This may be due to staff's stereotypical preconceptions about men and women, i.e., gender bias. In the clinical situation it is difficult to know whether gender differences in management reflect physicians' gender bias or male and female patients' different needs or different ways of expressing their needs. To shed some light on these possibilities this study investigated to what extent it was possible to identify patients' sex when reading their blinded illness narratives, i.e., do male and female patients express themselves differently enough to be recognised as men and women without being categorised on beforehand?

Methods

Eighty-one authentic letters about being diseased by cancer were blinded regarding sex and read by 130 students of medicine and psychology. For each letter the participants were asked to give the author's sex and to explain their choice. The success rates were analysed statistically. To illuminate the participants' reasoning the explanations of four letters were analysed qualitatively.

Results

The patient's sex was correctly identified in 62% of the cases, with significantly higher rates in male narratives. There were no differences between male and female participants. In the qualitative analysis the choice of a male writer was explained by: a short letter; formal language; a focus on facts and a lack of emotions. In contrast the reasons for the choice of a woman were: a long letter; vivid language; mention of emotions and interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, the same expressions were interpreted differently depending on whether the participant believed the writer to be male or female.

Conclusion

It was possible to detect gender differences in the blinded illness narratives. The students' explanations for their choice of sex agreed with common gender stereotypes implying that such stereotypes correspond, at least on a group level, to differences in male and female patients' illness descriptions. However, it was also obvious that preconceptions about gender obstructed and biased the interpretations, a finding with implications for the understanding of gender bias in clinical practice.
Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura presenting with syncope episodes when coughing
Authors: Santambrogio Luigi , Nosotti Mario , Palleschi Alessandro , Rosso Lorenzo , Tosi Davide , De Simone Matilde , Ciulla Michele M , Maggioni Marco , Cioffi Ugo
Published: August 2008

Background

Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura is a rarely encountered clinical entity which may have different clinical pictures. Although the majority of these neoplasms have a benign course, the malignant form has also been reported.

Case presentation

We herein describe a case of 72 year-old man with head, facial, and thoracic traumas caused by neurally-mediated situational syncope when coughing. The diagnostic work-up including chest x-ray, CT and PET, revealed a large solitary mass of the left hemithorax. Radical surgical resection of the mass was performed through a left lateral thoracotomy and completed with a wedge resection of the lingula. Hystological examination of the surgical specimen showed an encapsulated mass measuring 12 × 11.5 × 6 cm consistent with a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. It's surgical removal definitively resolved the neurologic manifestations. The patient had no postoperative complications. At two years follow-up the patient is free from recurrence and without clinical manifestations.

Conclusion

In our case its resection definitively resolved the episodes of situational syncope due, in our opinion, to the large thoracic mass compressing the phrenic nerve
Tobacco use induces anti-apoptotic, proliferative patterns of gene expression in circulating leukocytes of Caucasian males
Authors: Charles Peter C , Alder Brian D , Hilliard Eleanor G , Schisler Jonathan C , Lineberger Robert E , Parker Joel S , Mapara Sabeen , Wu Samuel S , Portbury Andrea , Patterson Cam , Stouffer George A
Published: August 2008

Background

Strong epidemiologic evidence correlates tobacco use with a variety of serious adverse health effects, but the biological mechanisms that produce these effects remain elusive.

Results

We analyzed gene transcription data to identify expression spectra related to tobacco use in circulating leukocytes of 67 Caucasian male subjects. Levels of cotinine, a nicotine metabolite, were used as a surrogate marker for tobacco exposure. Significance Analysis of Microarray and Gene Set Analysis identified 109 genes in 16 gene sets whose transcription levels were differentially regulated by nicotine exposure. We subsequently analyzed this gene set by hyperclustering, a technique that allows the data to be clustered by both expression ratio and gene annotation (e.g. Gene Ontologies).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that tobacco use affects transcription of groups of genes that are involved in proliferation and apoptosis in circulating leukocytes. These transcriptional effects include arepertoireof transcriptional changes likely to increase the incidence of neoplasia through an altered expression of genes associated with transcription and signaling, interferon responses and repression of apoptotic pathways.
Welcome to Journal of Foot and Ankle Research: a new open access journal for foot health professionals
Authors: Menz Hylton B , Potter Mike J , Borthwick Alan M , Landorf Karl B
Published: August 2008

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research (JFAR) is a new, open access, peer‐reviewed online journal that encompasses all aspects of policy, organisation, delivery and clinical practice related to the assessment, diagnosis, prevention and management of foot and ankle disorders. JFAR will cover a wide range of clinical subject areas, including diabetology, paediatrics, sports medicine, gerontology and geriatrics, foot surgery, physical therapy, dermatology, wound management, radiology, biomechanics and bioengineering, orthotics and prosthetics, as well the broad areas of epidemiology, policy, organisation and delivery of services related to foot and ankle care. The journal encourages submission from all health professionals who manage lower limb conditions, including podiatrists, nurses, physical therapists and physiotherapists, orthopaedists, manual therapists, medical specialists and general medical practitioners, as well as health service researchers concerned with foot and ankle care. All manuscripts will undergo open peer review, and all accepted manuscripts will be freely available on‐line using the open access platform of BioMed Central.
Predictors of podiatry utilisation in Australia: the North West Adelaide Health Study
Authors: Menz Hylton B , Gill Tiffany K , Taylor Anne W , Hill Catherine L
Published: August 2008

Background

Foot problems are highly prevalent in the community; however no large population‐based studies have examined the characteristics of those who do and do not access podiatry services in Australia. The aim of this study was to explore patterns of podiatry utilisation in a population‐based sample of people aged 18 years and over living in the northwest region of Adelaide, South Australia.

Methods

The North West Adelaide Health Study is a representative longitudinal cohort study of 4,060 people randomly selected and recruited by telephone interview. The interview included questions regarding healthcare service utilisation in the past year. Data were also collected on education, income and major medical conditions.

Results

Overall, 9.5% of the total sample and 17.7% of those who reported foot pain had attended a podiatrist in the past year. Participants who had accessed podiatry treatment were more likely to be female, be aged over 45 years, be obese, and have major chronic medical conditions (osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure). Those who reported foot pain but had not accessed a podiatrist were more likely to be male and be aged 20 to 34 years.

Conclusion

Only a small proportion of people who report foot pain have accessed podiatry services in the past year. There is a need to further promote podiatry services to the general community, particularly to men and younger people.
An unusual cause of spontaneous bleeding in the intensive care unit – mastocytosis: a case report
Authors: Koenig Martial , Morel Jérôme , Reynaud Jacqueline , Varvat Cécile , Cathébras Pascal
Published: August 2008

We report the case of a 39-year old male patient who presented with anaphylactoid shock and diffuse bleeding with prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time at the emergency room. The diagnosis of aggressive mastocytosis was suspected and then confirmed by raised tryptase level and mastocytic infiltration of the bone marrow. The outcome was favorable with supportive measures, antihistamine drugs, and imatinib mesylate.
Ultrasound and MR-imaging in preoperative evaluation of two rare cases of scar endometriosis
Authors: Pados George , Tympanidis John , Zafrakas Menelaos , Athanatos Dimitrios , Bontis John N
Published: August 2008

Scar or incisional endometriosis is a rare, often misdiagnosed, pathologic condition of the abdominal wall. Two cases of incisional endometriosis are presented. Both patients presented with atypical cyclic pain and palpable nodules on scars of previous cesarean sections. In both cases, the mass was totally excised, after accurate preoperative evaluation with 2-D ultrasound, power Doppler and MRI. Microscopic examination confirmed the preoperatively presumed diagnosis of cutaneous endometriosis. In cases of suspected scar endometriosis, preoperative diagnostic imaging is valuable in determining the extent of disease, thus enhancing accurate and total excision.
Global transcriptome analysis reveals circadian regulation of key pathways in plant growth and development
Authors: Covington Michael F , Maloof Julin N , Straume Marty , Kay Steve A , Harmer Stacey L
Published: August 2008

Background

As nonmotile organisms, plants must rapidly adapt to ever-changing environmental conditions, including those caused by daily light/dark cycles. One important mechanism for anticipating and preparing for such predictable changes is the circadian clock. Nearly all organisms have circadian oscillators that, when they are in phase with the Earth's rotation, provide a competitive advantage. In order to understand how circadian clocks benefit plants, it is necessary to identify the pathways and processes that are clock controlled.

Results

We have integrated information from multiple circadian microarray experiments performed on Arabidopsis thaliana in order to better estimate the fraction of the plant transcriptome that is circadian regulated. Analyzing the promoters of clock-controlled genes, we identified circadian clock regulatory elements correlated with phase-specific transcript accumulation. We have also identified several physiological pathways enriched for clock-regulated changes in transcript abundance, suggesting they may be modulated by the circadian clock.

Conclusion

Our analysis suggests that transcript abundance of roughly one-third of expressed A. thaliana genes is circadian regulated. We found four promoter elements, enriched in the promoters of genes with four discrete phases, which may contribute to the time-of-day specific changes in the transcript abundance of these genes. Clock-regulated genes are over-represented among all of the classical plant hormone and multiple stress response pathways, suggesting that all of these pathways are influenced by the circadian clock. Further exploration of the links between the clock and these pathways will lead to a better understanding of how the circadian clock affects plant growth and leads to improved fitness.
Multicenter Study Using Paraffin-Embedded Tumor Tissue Testing PITX2 DNA Methylation As a Marker for Outcome Prediction in Tamoxifen-Treated, Node-Negative Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Harbeck Nadia , Nimmrich Inko , Hartmann Arndt , Ross Jeffrey S. , Cufer Tanja , Grützmann Robert , Kristiansen Glen , Paradiso Angelo , Hartmann Oliver , Margossian Astrid , Martens John , Schwope Ina , Lukas Antje , Müller Volkmar , Milde-Langosch Karin , Nährig Jörg , Foekens John , Maier Sabine , Schmitt Manfred , Lesche Ralf
Published: August 2008

Purpose

We recently reported DNA methylation of the paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2) gene to be strongly correlated with increased risk of recurrence in node-negative, hormone receptor–positive, tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients using fresh frozen specimens. Aims of the present study were to establish determination of PITX2 methylation for routine analysis in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer tissue and to test PITX2 DNA methylation as a biomarker for outcome prediction in an independent patient cohort.

Patients and Methods

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology was validated for FFPE tissue by comparing methylation measurements in FFPE specimens with those in fresh frozen specimens from the same tumor. The impact of PITX2 methylation on time to distant metastasis was then evaluated in FFPE specimens from hormone receptor–positive, node-negative breast cancer patients (n = 399, adjuvant tamoxifen monotherapy).

Results

Reproducibility of the PCR assay in replicate measurements (rs ≥ 0.95; n = 150) and concordant measurements between fresh frozen and FFPE tissues (rs = 0.81; n = 89) were demonstrated. In a multivariate model, PITX2 methylation added significant information (hazard ratio = 2.35; 95% CI, 1.20 to 4.60) to established prognostic factors (tumor size, grade, and age).

Conclusion

PITX2 methylation can be reliably assessed by real-time PCR technology in FFPE tissue. Together with our earlier studies, we have accumulated substantial evidence that PITX2 methylation analysis holds promise as a practical assay for routine clinical use to predict outcome in node-negative, tamoxifen-treated breast cancer, which might allow, based on future validation studies, the identification of low-risk patients who may be treated by tamoxifen alone.
Analysis of Herpes Zoster Events Among Bortezomib-Treated Patients in the Phase III APEX Study
Authors: Chanan-Khan Asher , Sonneveld Pieter , Schuster Michael W. , Stadtmauer Edward A. , Facon Thierry , Harousseau Jean-Luc , Ben-Yehuda Dina , Lonial Sagar , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Reece Donna , Neuwirth Rachel , Anderson Kenneth C. , Richardson Paul G.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The aim of this subset analysis was to determine if bortezomib treatment is associated with increased incidence of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM).

Patients and Methods

Incidence of herpes zoster was evaluated in 663 patients with relapsed MM from the phase III APEX trial comparing single-agent bortezomib with high-dose dexamethasone.

Results

Bortezomib was associated with a significantly higher incidence of herpes zoster compared with dexamethasone treatment (13%, 42 of 331 v 5%, 15 of 332; P = .0002). Most herpes zoster infections were grade 1/2; incidences of grade 3/4 events (1.8% v 1.5%) and infections considered serious adverse events (1.5% v 0.9%) were similar between treatment arms, and no herpes zoster–related deaths occurred. Neither the time to onset of the herpes event nor the patients’ absolute lymphocyte counts at baseline differed significantly between arms. VZV reactivation was the only herpes viral event noted to be significantly elevated in the bortezomib treatment group compared with the dexamethasone treatment group (P = .0002). The incidence of non–VZV-related herpes viral infections was comparable between arms. No additional risk factors for herpes zoster reactivation were identified.

Conclusion

Further studies are needed to explain these observations and their implications; however, for patients treated with bortezomib or bortezomib-containing regimens, the risk of VZV reactivation should be monitored and routine use of antiviral prophylaxis considered.
Turkey's Relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council from 2003 to 2007: New Paradigms?
Authors: Olson Robert
Published: August 2008

Robert Olson is professor of Middle East politics at the University of Kentucky.
Depression during menopausal transition: a review of treatment strategies and pathophysiological correlates
Authors: Frey Benicio N , Lord Catherine , Soares Claudio N
Published: August 2008

It has long been recognized that women are at a higher risk than men to develop depression and that such risk is particularly associated with reproductive cycle events. Recent long-term, prospective studies have demonstrated that the transition to menopause is associated with higher risk for new onset and recurrent depression. A number of biological and environmental factors are independent predictors for depression in this population, including the presence of hot flushes, sleep disturbance, history of severe premenstrual syndrome or postpartum blues, ethnicity, history of stressful life events, past history of depression, body mass index, socioeconomic status and the use of hormones and antidepressants. Accumulated evidence suggests that ovarian hormones modulate serotonin and noradrenaline neurotransmission, a process that may be associated with underlying pathophysiological processes involved in the emergence of depressive symptoms during periods of hormonal fluctuation in biologically predisposed subpopulations. Transdermal estradiol and serotonergic and noradrenergic antidepressants are efficacious in the treatment of depression and vasomotor symptoms in symptomatic, midlife women. The identification of individuals whom might be at a higher risk for depression during menopausal transition could guide preventive strategies for this population.
Sexually transmitted infections in the older woman
Authors: Drew Olivia , Sherrard Jackie
Published: August 2008

Dependent upon sexual behaviour peri- and postmenopausal women are increasingly at risk of sexually transmitted infections, although the overall rates remain low when compared with younger people. Symptoms are often non-specific or absent and may be misinterpreted as being due to the menopause. In addition, both the women and their clinicians may not be aware of their infection risk, thus leading to a delayed or missed diagnosis. Risk assessment and referral for screening of infections should be carried out wherever appropriate.
Stress, health and ageing: a focus on postmenopausal women
Authors: Wolf Oliver T , Kudielka Brigitte M
Published: August 2008

Stress influences health and disease and this might be of special relevance for ageing. The present review starts with the description of age-associated changes of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In this context, the possible modulatory role of estradiol is discussed. Later, the influence of rising stress hormone levels for the ageing brain is illustrated and a few intervention strategies are outlined. At the end, the concept of allostatic load (AL) is described, which aims at a broader assessment of the impact of stress on the individual. The strengths and also the current limitations of the AL concept are highlighted.
Immunocytological and Preliminary Immunohistochemical Studies of Prothymosin α, a Human Cancer–associated Polypeptide, With a Well-characterized Polyclonal Antibody
Authors: Klimentzou Persefoni , Drougou Angeliki , Fehrenbacher Birgit , Schaller Martin , Voelter Wolfgang , Barbatis Calypso , Paravatou-Petsotas Maria , Livaniou Evangelia
Published: August 2008

Prothymosin α (ProTα) is a nuclear polypeptide of great biological and, possibly clinical, importance, because its expression levels have been associated with early diagnosis/prognosis of human cancer. It is therefore interesting to raise easily available and cost-effective antibodies that would be applied to develop reliable ProTα immunodiagnostics. In this study, New Zealand white rabbits and laying hens were parallel immunized against intact ProTα or the synthetic fragments ProTα[1-28], ProTα[87-109], and ProTα[101-109], all conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). The corresponding antibodies G and Y were immunochemically evaluated in parallel with ELISA and Western blot systems and applied to fluorescence immunocytology experiments using various cancer cell lines and normal cells. The antibody G raised against ProTα[101-109]/KLH had excellent functional characteristics in the Western blot and immunocytology experiments, where the fluorescent signal was almost exclusively shown in the cell nucleus independently of the cells assayed. The above antibody has been applied to preliminary IHC staining of human cancer prostate tissues, leading to a high percentage of clearly and intensively stained nuclei in the adenocarcinoma tissue; this antibody can be further used in cancer tissue immunostaining and in research concerning the role of ProTa in tumorigenesis.
‘The Last Fleet’: Crime, Reformation, and Punishment in Western Australia After 1868
Authors: Godfrey Barry , Cox David J.
Published: August 2008

This article reexamines the theories of John Braithwaite published in 2001 in the light of recently analysed historical court data. He argued that transported men and women enjoyed better conditions and better life chances than those who were imprisoned in British jails, and that the social and economic conditions in early- to mid-19th century Australia provided ex-convicts with opportunities to integrate into respectable society. The 19th-century system of transporting con victs to Australia ended in 1868 with the last ship arriving in Fremantle, Western Australia. There is considerable debate as to whether transportation aided the rehabilitation of offenders, or heaped more misery upon those defined by the British authorities as moral ‘refuse’ who should be flung far from British shores. This article uses existing information, such as the English census registers, and the Fremantle magistrates' court registers, to reconstruct the lives of the last 218 transported men, and the general reconviction rates of transported men in the colony. We argue that the majority of convicts continued to offend in the colony, but only committed minor crimes, and that the labour needs of the new colonies helped to bind many convicts into society through employment and the estab-lishment of new relationships. The colony therefore benefitted from convict endeavour while in the drunken and dissolute convicts, free settlers and contemporary social commentators were still able to find evidence of a persistent ‘criminal stain’.
Reviews
Authors: Hogg Russell , Smallbone Stephen
Published: August 2008

JV Barry — A Life; By Mark Finnane (with the assistance of John Myrtle); (2007) Sydney: UNSW Press, xiv + 322 pp, ISBN 978 086840 845 3

Writing Reports for Court: A Practical Guide for Psychologists Working in Forensic Contexts; by Jack White, Andrew Day and Louisa Hackett; 2007; Australian Academic Press; 198 pages, ISBN 9781875378807
Regulation of cathepsin K activity by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Godat Emmanuel , Hervé-Grépinet Virginie , Veillard Florian , Lecaille Fabien , Belghazi Maya , Brömme Dieter , Lalmanach Gilles
Published: August 2008

Although cysteine cathepsins, including cathepsin K, are sensitive to oxidation, proteolytically active forms are found at inflammatory sites. Regulation of cathepsin K activity was analyzed in the presence of H2O2 to gain an insight into these puzzling observations. H2O2 impaired processing of procathepsin K and inactivated its mature form in a time- and dose-dependent mode. However, as a result of the formation of a sulfenic acid, as confirmed by trapping in the presence of 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazol, approximately one-third of its initial activity was restored by dithiothreitol. This incomplete inactivation may partially explain why active cysteine cathepsins are still found during acute lung inflammation.
Glutaminyl cyclases from animals and plants: a case of functionally convergent protein evolution
Authors: Schilling Stephan , Wasternack Claus , Demuth Hans-Ulrich
Published: August 2008

Several mammalian peptide hormones and proteins from plant and animal origin contain an N-terminal pyroglutamic acid (pGlu) residue. Frequently, the moiety is important in exerting biological function in either mediating interaction with receptors or stabilizing against N-terminal degradation. Glutaminyl cyclases (QCs) were isolated from different plants and animals catalyzing pGlu formation. The recent resolution of the 3D structures ofCarica papayaand human QCs clearly supports different evolutionary origins of the proteins, which is also reflected by different enzymatic mechanisms. The broad substrate specificity is revealed by the heterogeneity of physiological substrates of plant and animal QCs, including cytokines, matrix proteins and pathogenesis-related proteins. Moreover, recent evidence also suggests human QC as a catalyst of pGlu formation at the N-terminus of amyloid peptides, which contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Obviously, owing to its biophysical properties, the function of pGlu in plant and animal proteins is very similar in terms of stabilizing or mediating protein and peptide structure. It is possible that the requirement for catalysis of pGlu formation under physiological conditions may have triggered separate evolution of QCs in plants and animals.
Trial of the cysteine cathepsin inhibitor JPM-OEt on early and advanced mammary cancer stages in the MMTV-PyMT-transgenic mouse model
Authors: Schurigt Uta , Sevenich Lisa , Vannier Corinne , Gajda Mieczyslaw , Schwinde Anne , Werner Fee , Stahl Andreas , von Elverfeldt Dominik , Becker Anne-Katrin , Bogyo Matthew , Peters Christoph , Reinheckel Thomas
Published: August 2008

Recent data suggest proteases of the papain-like cysteine cathepsin family as molecular targets for cancer therapy. Here, we report the treatment of polyoma middle T oncogene-induced breast cancers in mice with the cell-permeable broad-spectrum cysteine cathepsin inhibitor JPM-OEt. Up to 100 mg/kg inhibitor was intraperitoneally injected once per day in two trials on early and advanced cancers. In both trials, transient delays in tumour growth were observed. However, at the endpoint of both experiments no significant differences in tumour weights, histopathology and lung metastasis were found between the inhibitor and the control group. The invasive strand formation of collagen I-embedded tumour cell spheroids generated from primary tumours of inhibitor-treated mice in the early cancer trial could be inhibited in vitro by JPM-OEt; a result arguing against induction of resistance to the inhibitor. Measurement of cysteine cathepsin activities in tissue extracts after intraperitoneal injection of JPM-OEt revealed effective inhibition of cysteine cathepsins in pancreas, kidneys and liver, while activities in mammary cancers and in lungs were not significantly affected. We conclude that the pharmacokinetic properties of JPM-OEt, which result in poor bioavailability, may prohibit its use for stand-alone treatment of solid mammary cancers and their lung metastases.
Proteinases as hormones: targets and mechanisms for proteolytic signaling
Authors: Hansen Kristina K. , Oikonomopoulou Katerina , Baruch Amos , Ramachandran Rithwik , Beck Paul , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Hollenberg Morley D.
Published: August 2008

Proteinases, such as kallikrein-related peptidases, trypsin and thrombin, can play hormone-like ‘messenger’ rolesin vivo. They can regulate cell signaling by cleaving and activating a novel family of G-protein-coupled proteinase-activated receptors (PARs 1–4) by unmasking a tethered receptor-triggering ligand. Short synthetic PAR-derived peptide sequences (PAR-APs) can selectively activate PARs 1, 2 and 4, causing physiological responsesin vitroandin vivo. Using the PAR-APs to activate the receptorsin vivo, it has been found that PARs, like hormone receptors, can affect the vascular, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and nervous systems (central and peripheral). PARs trigger responses ranging from vasodilatation to intestinal inflammation, increased cytokine production and increased nociception. These PAR-stimulated responses have been implicated in various disease states, including cancer, atherosclerosis, asthma, arthritis, colitis and Alzheimer's disease. In addition to targeting the PARs, proteinases can also cause hormone-like effects by other signaling mechanisms that may be as important as the activation of PARs. Thus, the PARs themselves, their activating serine proteinases and their signaling pathways can be considered as attractive targets for therapeutic drug development. Further, proteinases can be considered as physiologically relevant ‘hormone-like’ messengers that can convey signals locally or systemically either via PARs or by other mechanisms.
Expression of tissue and plasma kallikreins and kinin B1and B2receptors in lung cancer
Authors: Chee Jessica , Naran Anupam , Misso Neil L. , Thompson Philip J. , Bhoola Kanti D.
Published: August 2008

Tissue kallikrein (hK1) and plasma kallikrein (PK, hKB1) are serine proteases that produce biologically active kinin peptides from endogenous kininogen substrates. There is evidence linking the kallikreins and the mitogenic kinin peptides to carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of tissue prokallikrein (pro-hK1), plasma prekallikrein (PPK, pre-hKB1) and kinin B1and B2receptor proteins in different subtypes of lung cancer. Immunohistochemistry, using specific antibodies, was performed on archived normal lung sections and sections from adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, large cell carcinomas, small cell carcinomas and carcinoid tumours of the lung. Immunoperoxidase labelling was visualised by brightfield microscopy and immunofluorescence labelling by confocal microscopy. Extensive cytoplasmic expression of pro-hK1 and PPK was observed, which was similar in small cell and non-small cell tumours. However, nuclear labelling for the kallikreins was absent or limited. The kinin B1and B2receptors were highly expressed in the cytoplasm of all tumour types and in the nuclei of non-small cell tumours. Further studies are required to assess the functional significance of the expression of hK1, PK and kinin receptors in lung tumours, and whether any of these proteins may be potential biomarkers for specific subtypes of lung carcinoma.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) employs multiple strategies to subvert the host innate antiviral response
Authors: Bode Johannes G. , Brenndörfer Erwin D. , Häussinger Dieter
Published: August 2008

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious global health problem which accounts for approximately 40% of chronic liver diseases worldwide. HCV frequently establishes a persistent infection, although it is recognized and targeted by innate immunity as well as cellular and humoral immune mechanisms. This suggests that HCV has developed powerful strategies to escape elimination by innate and adaptive immunity. HCV-induced liver injury is thought to be mainly immune-mediated rather than due to direct cytopathic effects of the virus. Hence, therapeutic strategies should target those mechanisms favoring viral persistence since unspecific enhancement of host antiviral immunity may theoretically also promote liver injury. The present review summarizes our current understanding of how the hepatitis C virus interferes with the innate antiviral host-response to establish persistent infection.
Generation of synthetic RNA-based thermosensors
Authors: Waldminghaus Torsten , Kortmann Jens , Gesing Stefan , Narberhaus Franz
Published: August 2008

Structured RNAs with fundamental sensory and regulatory potential have been discovered in all kingdoms of life. Bacterial RNA thermometers are located in the 5′-untranslated region of certain heat shock and virulence genes. They regulate translation by masking the Shine-Dalgarno sequence in a temperature-dependent manner. To engineer RNA-based thermosensors, we used a combination of computer-based rational design and in vivo screening. After only two rounds of selection, several RNA thermometers that are at least as efficient as natural thermometers were obtained. Structure probing experiments revealed temperature-dependent conformational changes in these translational control elements. Our study demonstrates that temperature-controlled RNA elements can be designed by a simple combined computational and experimental approach.
Effects of the Cdc2-like kinase-family and DNA topoisomerase I on the alternative splicing of eNOS in TNF-α-stimulated human endothelial cells
Authors: Eisenreich Andreas , Boltzen Ulrike , Poller Wolfgang , Schultheiss Heinz-Peter , Rauch Ursula
Published: August 2008

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and plays an important role in vascular homeostasis and cardiovascular diseases. It has recently been shown that increased expression of alternatively spliced eNOS isoforms eNOS 13A, B and C and heterodimerization with ‘full-length’ eNOS is associated with a decreased eNOS activity. The regulatory pathways enabling this phenomenon are completely unknown. This study examined the effect of Cdc2-like kinases and DNA topoisomerase I on eNOS splicing in TNF-α-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We found that inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I, but not Cdc2-like kinases, prevents the TNF-α-induced increase in eNOS isoform expression and NO reduction in HUVEC. Moreover, we show that the inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I or the Cdc2-like kinases differently modulates the phosphorylation of the serine/arginine-rich proteins SRp75 and SRp55. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that DNA topoisomerase I but not Cdc2-like kinases serves as an important regulator of the differential eNOS isoform expression in endothelial cells, thereby modulating the TNF-α-induced eNOS activity switch.
Cytotoxic and peptidase inhibitory activities of selected non-hepatotoxic cyclic peptides from cyanobacteria
Authors: Bubik Anja , Sedmak Bojan , Novinec Marko , Lenarčič Brigita , Lah Tamara T.
Published: August 2008

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms are a rich source of metabolites having a variety of biological activities. Two main groups of cyclic peptides, depsipeptides and ureido linkage-containing peptides, reportedly inhibit serine peptidases. We characterised their inhibitory properties against selected peptidases and investigated their influence on cell viability. The depsipeptide planktopeptin BL1125 is a strong linear competitive tight-binding inhibitor of leukocyte (K
i=2.9 nm) and pancreatic (K
i=7.2 nm) elastase and also of chymotrypsin (K
i=6.1 nm). Anabaenopeptins B and F show no inhibition against chymotrypsin, but inhibit both elastases. The tested cyclic peptides do not inhibit trypsin, urokinase, kallikrein 1 or cysteine peptidases. All three tested cyanopeptides show no short-term cytotoxicity in concentrations of up to 10 μm, but impair the metabolic activity of normal human astrocytes after prolonged exposure (48–96 h), whereas glioblastoma cells, tumour cells of the same type, are resistant. Strong inhibition and relative selectivity of the tested cyanopeptides suggests that they are potential candidates for application in inflammatory diseases and possibly some types of cancers.
Survey and phytochemical analysis of seagrasses in the Gulf of Mannar, southeast coast of India
Authors: Athiperumalsami Thirumalai , Kumar Venkataraman , Jesudass L. Louis
Published: August 2008

Of the six genera of seagrasses recorded in India, four were present throughout a 1-year study period at a station off Hare Island, Tuticorin (8°45′ N, 78°12′ E), in the Gulf of Mannar region. Phytochemical analysis of these seagrass extracts revealed the presence of pharmaceutically potent secondary metabolites and appreciable quantities of primary and some secondary metabolites.
Virtual Cultural Heritage – eine immersive, multimediale Anwendung am Beispiel des Klosters Georgenthal (Virtual Cultural Heritage – an Immersive Multimedia Application Showcase of the Monastery Georgenthal)
Authors: Böse Ralf , Spierling Ulrike , Struck Hans-Georg
Published: August 2008

In diesem Beitrag werden die Konzeption und die prototypische Umsetzung eines stereoskopischen Kurzfilms in Verbindung mit einem 3D Soundsystem auf Basis der Wellenfeldsynthese vorgestellt. Die Installation ist Teil einer Museumskonzeption für den geplanten barrierefreien Erlebnispark, Klostervision' in Georgenthal, Thüringen. Sie ist weltweit die erste Installation in diesem Anwendungskontext. Besonders wird auf das inhaltliche Konzept eingegangen, das mit Hilfe einer packenden Story die Immersion des Mediums für die Wissensvermittlung ausnutzt, und deren Wirkung erläutert. Weiterhin wird die Umsetzung beschrieben, deren Herausforderungen in stereoskopischen Realaufnahmen, computer-grafischen Szenen, 3D- Compositing und einer Integration in das räumliche Audiosystem IOSONO bestanden.
The qSD12 Locus Controls Offspring Tissue-Imposed Seed Dormancy in Rice
Authors: Gu Xing-You , Turnipseed E Brent , Foley Michael E
Published: August 2008

Seed component structures were grouped into maternal and offspring (embryo and endosperm) tissues to characterize a dormancy quantitative trait locus (QTL) for tissue-specific function using a marker-assisted genetic approach. The approach was devised to test if genotypic/allelic frequencies of a marker tightly linked to the QTL deviate from Mendelian expectations in germinated and nongerminated subpopulations derived from a segregation population of partially after-ripened seeds and was applied to the dormancy QTL qSD12 and qSD7-1 in a nearly isogenic background of rice. Experimental results unambiguously demonstrated that qSD12 functions in the offspring tissue(s) and suggested that qSD7-1 may control dormancy through the maternal tissues. These experiments also provide the first solid evidence that an offspring tissue-imposed dormancy gene contributes to the segregation distortion in a mapping population developed from partially after-ripened seeds and, in part, to the germination heterogeneity of seeds from hybrid plants. Offspring and maternal tissue-imposed dormancy genes express in very early and late stages of the life cycle, respectively, and interact to provide the species with complementary adaptation strategies. The qSD12 locus was narrowed to the region of ∼600 kbp on a high-resolution map to facilitate cloning and marker-assisted selection of the major dormancy gene.
Comportamento e práticas sexuais de homens e mulheres, Brasil 1998 e 2005
Authors: Barbosa Regina Maria , Koyama Mitti Ayako Hara
Published: August 2008

OBJETIVO: Comparar achados básicos de duas pesquisas sobre comportamento e práticas sexuais de mulheres e homens e suas associações com características sociodemográficas da população. MÉTODOS: Os dados analisados foram obtidos por meio de questionário aplicado a uma amostra probabilística de 3.423 pessoas em 1998, e 5.040 em 2005, com idades entre 16 e 65 anos, moradores em regiões urbanas do Brasil. Análises comparativas foram realizadas por sexo e ano de realização da pesquisa, e segundo variáveis sociodemográficas, utilizando o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson. RESULTADOS: O número de parcerias sexuais no ano que antecedeu a entrevista diminuiu entre os homens, de 29,5% para 23,1%. Constatou-se ainda variabilidade de comportamentos e práticas sexuais em função da idade, escolaridade, situação conjugal, religião e região geográfica de residência, além de características específicas segundo sexo. Verificou-se aumento da proporção de mulheres que iniciaram a vida sexual no grupo daquelas com 16 a 19 anos e ensino até fundamental, ou residentes na região Sul do País; e aumento de relato de atividade sexual no último ano entre as mulheres e redução desse relato entre os homens com mais de 55 anos, protestantes/pentecostais, ou separados e viúvos. A proporção de homens com mais de um parceira(o) sexual no último ano diminuiu entre aqueles com 25 a 44 anos ou com ensino até médio. Houve aumento de relato da prática de sexo oral por parte de mulheres com mais de 35 anos ou residentes no Norte/Nordeste. CONCLUSÕES: A análise comparativa entre 1998 e 2005 sugeriu tendência de diminuição das diferenças entre homens e mulheres. Possivelmente isso resulta de um padrão de mudança caracterizado por aumento da freqüência nos comportamentos femininos investigados e diminuição da freqüência nos comportamentos masculinos.