bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractPurpose:  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

AbstractPurpose:  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

SummaryMarine 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

SummaryA 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

SummaryMetatranscriptomic 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.
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

SummaryA 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractBackground: 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

AbstractBackground: 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

AbstractBackground: 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.