bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fish assemblage shifts and species declines in Alabama, USA streams
Authors: Johnston C. E. , Maceina M. J.
Published: July 2008

Abstract –  Recognition of faunal changes requires long‐term monitoring, which is lacking for all but a very few streams. Fish surveys are often focused on single, often imperiled, species. While such studies meet the goals of monitoring single species, assemblage‐based data are required for detection of assemblage change and declines in common species, and yet these studies are relatively rare. Assemblage‐based data may be important in identifying potential ecosystem problems before the loss of ecosystem function that results from catastrophic biodiversity decline. In 2005–2006, we sampled fishes in three streams in the Chattahoochee River drainage, Alabama in order to assess fish assemblage persistence and individual species declines. To achieve these comparisons we used historic data from two time periods, 1970s and 1995. Although comparisons to historical collections were used conservatively, we found dramatic assemblage shifts over time, even using conservative metrics. Examination of individual species persistence over time in these watersheds uncovered species losses at both the site and stream scale. Metrics of similarity, persistence, and Spearman’s rank correlation indicated low similarity of fish assemblages and high species turnover over time. Specifically, cyprinid species have been lost and have been replaced with more cosmopolitan species. Comparison of three time periods allowed the estimation of when assemblages changed through time. Changes in land use, increases in the human population and less overall water availability may be agents of habitat degradation partially responsible for fish faunal changes.
Oxidative DNA Damage Induced by Ethanol in Mouse Peripheral Leucocytes
Authors: Guo Lei , Yang Jing Yu , Wu Chun Fu
Published: July 2008

Abstract: It is suggested that reactive oxygen species produced during ethanol intake may induce oxidative DNA damage. The present study, by the use of single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay), investigated the potential genotoxicity of acute and long‐term ethanol administration in mouse peripheral leucocytes. Urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine and total antioxidant capacity and reactive oxygen species in whole blood were also detected. Acute or long‐term administration of ethanol, at the dose of 2.5 or 5.0 g/kg intraperitoneally, for 30 days, could induce significant DNA damage in peripheral leucocytes, which could be repaired at least 3 days after ethanol withdrawal in long‐term ethanol treatment. A significant increase of urinary 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine and generations of reactive oxygen species in whole blood after ethanol administration were observed, which demonstrated the ethanol‐induced oxidative DNA damage. Interestingly, it was found that the total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in whole blood after long‐term ethanol administration compared to the control group, which suggested enhancement in the activities of the antioxidative defence system against oxidative tissue damage caused by excessive ethanol consumption. Thus, the present studies provide a clear evidence that ethanol induced DNA damage in peripheral leucocytes, which might result from ethanol‐induced oxidative stress in the body.
Tramadol‐Induced Seizurogenic Effect: A Possible Role of Opioid‐Dependent γ‐Aminobutyric Acid Inhibitory Pathway
Authors: Rehni Ashish K. , Singh Inderbir , Kumar Manoj
Published: July 2008

Abstract: The present study has been designed to pharmacologically investigate the role of opioid and γ‐aminobutyric acid receptors on the seizurogenic effect of tramadol. A single injection of pentylenetetrazole (80 mg/kg) was used to elicit seizure activity in mice. Seizures were assessed in terms of the time latency of the onset of Straub's tail phenomenon, onset of jerky movements of whole body, convulsions and death. Tramadol administration (50 mg/kg) caused a marked increase in seizurogenic activity of pentylenetetrazole as measured in terms of a significant decrease in the time latency of the onset of Straub's tail phenomenon, jerky movements of whole body, convulsions and death. Moreover, prior administration of naloxone (2 mg/kg) and gabapentin (25 mg/kg), respectively, attenuated the seizurogenic activity that tramadol exerted on pentylenetetrazole‐treated mice. Furthermore, prior administration of naloxone (2 mg/kg) and gabapentin (25 mg/kg), respectively, also attenuated the seizurogenic activity exerted by tramadolper se. Therefore, it is suggested that tramadol exerts a seizurogenic effect on mice possibly via an opioid‐dependent γ‐aminobutyric acid inhibitory pathway.
Antioxidative Action of Aspirin on Endothelial Function in Hypercholesterolaemic Rats
Authors: Tauseef Mohammad , Shahid Mohd. , Sharma Krishna K. , Fahim Mohammad
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  The role of aspirin on vascular endothelial changes during hypercholesterolaemia prior to development of actual atherosclerotic lesions is not known. Therefore, in the present study, we tested the hypothesis that aspirin by its antioxidant action improves endothelial function in a rat model of hypercholesterolaemia. Hypercholesterolaemia was induced in Wistar rats by feeding a 1% cholesterol‐rich diet for 10 weeks. Lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione were estimated in serum. Endothelial function and β2‐adrenoceptor activity was tested by studying the dose–response relationship of acetylcholine and isoproterenol, respectively, on isolated aortic tissues in an organ bath setup. Hypercholesterolaemic rats showed a significant increase in total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C), and a significant fall in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) compared to the control rats. Isolated aortic tissues from hypercholesterolaemic rats showed endothelial dysfunction and decreased sensitivity to β2‐adrenoceptor. Treatment with aspirin was associated with a fall in total cholesterol, LDL‐C and VLDL‐C, and a significant rise in serum HDL‐C. Aspirin treatment also restored endothelial function and β2‐adrenoceptor activity. Hypercholesterolaemic rats showed free radical generation, evident by increase in serum lipid peroxidation and reduction in serum reduced glutathione content compared to the control rats. Aspirin treatment was associated with reduction in free radical stress evident by decreased lipid peroxidation and significantly prevented reduction in glutathione content compared to hypercholesterolaemic controls. Aspirin improves endothelial function and β2‐adrenoceptor activity during experimentally induced hypercholesterolaemia in rats, possibly due to an antioxidant effect.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes after Acute Exposure to Bulaquine (CDRI 80/53) in Mice Liver
Authors: Noel Sanjeev , Sharma Sharad , Shankar Rishi , Rath Srikanta Kumar
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Therapeutic agents derived from 8‐aminoquinoline possess potent activity against hepatic stages of plasmodia. Bulaquine (CDRI 80/53), an enamine analogue of primaquine and a relatively new derivative of 8‐aminioquinoline, synthesized at the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India, has shown promising activity against hypnozoites of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale. Moreover, it has been found to be three to four times safer than primaquine in pre‐clinical studies. In this study, global gene profiling using 22,827 probes was carried out in the livers of male Swiss mice to identify affected genes and cellular pathways at 6, 12 and 24 hr after a single oral dose of bulaquine (40 mg/kg). Present gene expression analysis revealed perturbation in 11 probes (P < 0.01 and 2‐fold), including those corresponding to protein synthesis, cell division, protein ubiquitination, transcription regulation and steroid biosynthesis. Large numbers of probes (>100) corresponding to transcription, protein biosynthesis and intracellular signalling showed >2‐fold differential expression at one of the time‐points. Furthermore, 60 Gene Ontology terms were affected significantly (z score > 2). Conversely, serum biochemistry and histological evaluation of hepatic tissue showed no signs of stress. These gene expression alterations provide the first report of early hepatic response after an acute dose of bulaquine in mice liver; however, absence of traditional markers of hepatic stress might suggest a general hepatic response inherent in these transcriptional changes. Interestingly, the total number of affected probes was less as compared to that previously reported for primaquine.
Effect of Rosuvastatin on Methionine‐Induced Hyperhomocysteinaemia and Haematological Changes in Rats
Authors: Nigam Gaurav Kumar , Ansari M. Nazam , Bhandari Uma
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of rosuvastatin on methionine‐induced hyperhomocysteinaemia and haematological changes in albino rats. Methionine (1 g/kg, orally) administration to pathogenic control rats (i.e. group II) for 30 days significantly (P < 0.01) increased the levels of homocysteine, total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) and triglycerides (TGs) and decreased the levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) in serum. Haematological observations of the peripheral blood smears of pathogenic rats (i.e. group II) fed with methionine also showed crenation of red blood cells cell membrane and significant (P < 0.01) increase in total leucocyte count, differential leucocyte count and platelet counts with significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the mean haemoglobin levels as compared to vehicle control rats (group I). Administration of rosuvastatin (0.5 mg/kg/day, orally) to hyperhomocysteinaemic rats for 30 days significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the levels of homocysteine, TC, TGs, LDL‐C, VLDL‐C and increased the levels of HDL‐C in serum. The present results provide clear evidence that oral treatment with rosuvastatin produces homocysteine and lipid lowering activity and also reversal of haematological changes induced by methionine in rats.
Heterosubtypic T‐cell responses against avian influenza H5 haemagglutinin are frequently detected in individuals vaccinated against or previously infected with human subtypes of influenza
Authors: Goy Kylie , Von Bibra Sally , Lewis Jenny , Laurie Karen , Barr Ian , Anderson David , Hellard Margaret , Ffrench Rosemary
Published: July 2008

Background  Cellula r immune responses play a critical role in providing help for the production of neutralizing antibodies to influenza virus, as well as producing anti‐viral cytokines and killing infected cells in the lung. Heterosubtypic T‐cell responses between different subtypes of influenza have been shown to exist in humans and to provide protection against morbidity and mortality associated with H5N1 infection in animal challenge models. Therefore, existing T‐cell responses induced by natural infection or vaccination in humans may provide some degree of protection from infection with H5N1 strains, or may attenuate the severity of disease.

Objectives  To investigate heterosubtypic T‐cell responses to avian influenza in humans.

Methods  T‐cell responses to an overlapping set of H5 HA peptides and inactivated viruses (H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1) were assessed using IFN‐γ and IL‐2 enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISpot) assays in a cohort of adults either vaccinated against seasonal influenza in the last 3 years (n = 20) or previously infected (n = 40).

Results  T‐cell responses to all three subtypes of virus were found in both infected and vaccinated individuals by IFN‐γ and IL‐2 ELISpot assays. Approximately half of the participants from each group had a positive T‐cell response to the H5 HA peptides in the IFN‐γ or IL‐2 ELISpot assay.

Conclusions  Heterosubtypic T‐cell responses to H5 HA occur quite frequently in vaccinated and infected individuals. Further investigation of these responses and what role they may play upon challenge or vaccination against H5N1 may assist in vaccine design for avian influenza.
Movement of the tongue during normal breathing in awake healthy humans
Authors: Cheng S. , Butler J. E. , Gandevia S. C. , Bilston L. E.
Published: July 2008

Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the airway muscles suggest that genioglossus is the primary upper airway dilator muscle. However, EMG data do not necessarily translate into tissue motion and most imaging modalities are limited to assessment of the surfaces of the upper airway. In this study, we hypothesized that genioglossus moves rhythmically during the respiratory cycle and that the motion within is inhomogeneous. A ‘tagged’ magnetic resonance imaging technique was used to characterize respiratory‐related tissue motions around the human upper airway in quiet breathing. Motion of airway tissues at different segments of the eupnoeic respiratory cycle was imaged in six adult subjects by triggering the scanner at the end of inspiration. Displacements of the ‘tags’ were analysed using the harmonic phase method (HARP). Respiratory timing was monitored by a band around the upper abdomen. The genioglossus moved during the respiratory cycle. During expiration, the genioglossus moved posteriorly and during inspiration, it moved anteriorly. The degree of motion varied between subjects. The maximal anteroposterior movement of a point tracked on the genioglossus was 1.02 ± 0.54 mm (mean ±s.d.). The genioglossus moved over the geniohyoid muscle, with minimal movement in other muscles surrounding the airway at the level of the soft palate. Local deformation of the tongue was analysed using two‐dimensional strain maps. Across the respiratory cycle, positive strains within genioglossus reached peaks of 17.5 ± 9.3% and negative strains reached peaks of −16.3 ± 9.3% relative to end inspiration. The patterns of strains were consistent with elongation and compression within a constant volume structure. Hence, these data suggest that even during respiration, the tongue behaves as a muscular hydrostat.
Ferruginous Conditions Dominated Later Neoproterozoic Deep-Water Chemistry
Authors: Canfield Donald E. , Poulton Simon W. , Knoll Andrew H. , Narbonne Guy M. , Ross Gerry , Goldberg Tatiana , Strauss Harald
Published: July 2008

Earth's surface chemical environment has evolved from an early anoxic condition to the oxic state we have today. Transitional between an earlier Proterozoic world with widespread deep-water anoxia and a Phanerozoic world with large oxygen-utilizing animals, the Neoproterozoic Era [1000 to 542 million years ago (Ma)] plays a key role in this history. The details of Neoproterozoic Earth surface oxygenation, however, remain unclear. We report that through much of the later Neoproterozoic (<742 ± 6 Ma), anoxia remained widespread beneath the mixed layer of the oceans; deeper water masses were sometimes sulfidic but were mainly Fe
2+
-enriched. These ferruginous conditions marked a return to ocean chemistry not seen for more than one billion years of Earth history.
Altered metabolic and transporter characteristics of vastus lateralis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Green H. J. , Burnett M. E. , D'Arsigny C. L. , O'Donnell D. E. , Ouyang J. , Webb K. A.
Published: July 2008

To investigate energy metabolic and transporter characteristics in resting muscle of patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD; forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) = 42 ± 6.0% (mean ± SE)], tissue was extracted from resting vastus lateralis (VL) of 9 COPD patients and compared with that of 12 healthy control subjects (FEV1= 114 ± 3.4%). Compared with controls, lower ( P < 0.05) concentrations (mmol/kg dry wt) of ATP (19.6 ± 0.65 vs. 17.8 ± 0.69) and phosphocreatine (81.3 ± 2.3 vs. 69.1 ± 4.2) were observed in COPD, which occurred in the absence of differences in the total adenine nucleotide and total creatine pools. Higher concentrations were observed in COPD for several glycolytic metabolites (glucose-1-phosphate, glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-6-phosphate, pyruvate) but not lactate. Glycogen storage was not affected by the disease (289 ± 20 vs. 269 ± 20 mmol glucosyl units/kg dry wt). Although no difference between groups was observed for the glucose transporter GLUT1, GLUT4 was reduced by 28% in COPD. For the monocarboxylate transporters, MCT4 was 35% lower in COPD, with no differences observed for MCT1. These results indicate that in resting VL, moderate to severe COPD results in a reduction in phosphorylation potential, an apparent elevation of glycolytic flux rate, and a potential defect in glucose and lactate transport as a result of reduced levels of the principal isoforms.
Neuromuscular plasticity during and following 3 wk of human forearm cast immobilization
Authors: Clark Brian C. , Issac Lailah C. , Lane Jason L. , Damron Leatha A. , Hoffman Richard L.
Published: July 2008

Prolonged reductions in muscle activity results in alterations in neuromuscular properties; however, the time course of adaptations is not fully understood, and many of the specific adaptations have not been identified. This study evaluated the temporal evolution of adaptations in neuromuscular properties during and following 3 wk of immobilization. We utilized a combination of techniques involving nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess changes in central activation of muscle, along with spinal (H reflex) and corticospinal excitability [i.e., motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude, silent period (SP)] and contractile properties in 10 healthy humans undergoing 3 wk of forearm immobilization and 9 control subjects. Immobilization induced deficits in central activation (85 ± 3 to 67 ± 7% ) that returned to baseline levels 1 wk after cast removal. The flexor carpii radialis MEP amplitude increased greater than twofold after the first week of immobilization and remained elevated throughout immobilization and 1 wk after cast removal. Additionally, we observed a prolongation of the SP 1 wk after cast removal compared with baseline (78.5 ± 7.1 to 98.2 ± 8.7 ms). The contractile properties were also altered, since the rate of evoked force relaxation was slower following immobilization (−14.5 ± 1.4 to −11.3 ± 1.0% peak force/ms), and remained depressed 1 wk after cast removal (−10.5 ± 0.8% peak force/ms). These observations detail the time course of adaptations in corticospinal and contractile properties associated with disuse and illustrate the profound effect of immobilization on the human neuromuscular system as evidenced by the alterations in corticospinal excitability persisting 1 wk following cast removal.
Characterization of Rat Calvarial Nonunion Defects
Authors: Schmitz John P. , Schwartz Zvi , Hollinger Jeffrey O. , Boyan Barbara D.
Published: July 2008

This study examined the healing of nonunions by describing the histology and ultrastructural appearance of craniotomy defects as a model. Bone defects (3,4 and 8 mm) were created in the calvaria of adult rats. Central and peripheral specimens of 8-mm defects were retrieved at 1 3 7 10 14 21 28 and 42 days and examined using both light and transmission electron microscopy. Specimens from the 3- and 4-mm defects were retrieved at 28 days and examined using light microscopy. In all sizes of defects bony repair was consistently localized to the dural side of the defect. The 3-and 4 mm defects demonstrated the greatest degree of osseous bridging and evidence of normal osseous repair throughout the defect. The 8-mm defects repaired in general with the formation of nonunions which contained a small amount of bone at the periphery and fibrous connective tissue. Bone formation was evident at 10 days in the peripheral regions of the 8-mm defects and exhibited bony peninsulas with normal primary calcification fronts. Matrix vesicles containing hydroxyapatite-like crystals were present. In contrast, the central regions of the 8-mm defects were characterized by several islands of cartilage-like cells which stained metachromatically with toluidine blue. Transmission electron microscopy of this region at 14 days demonstrated a dense collage nous extracellular matrix with matrix vesicles infiltrating the collagen bundles. There was no evidence of crystal formation in the matrix vesicles nor of calcification in the collagenous matrix. At 21 days both the central and peripheral regions of the 8-mm calvarial nonunions were characterized by dense fibrous connective tissue repair and inactive fibroblasts. The collagen became more densely packed throughout the region of the defect by 42 days. Inactive fibroblasts with long cytoplasmic processes were observed throughout the defect. These data confirm that defect size is important in the development of bone fibrous union defects. One characteristic of nonunion development may be the failure of cells to calcify this matrix perhaps due to the lack of appropriate bone-derived growth and differentiation factors.
Anomalous Pattern of Median Artery in the Forearm of Indians
Authors: Srivastava S.K. , Pande B.S.
Published: July 2008

Various anomalous relations between the brachial plexus or its branches and arteries are reported. The present study was conducted on 134 limbs to note the origin and course of the median artery and its relation to the median nerve. In 2 limbs (1.5%), the median artery split the median nerve into two roots in the forearm and the artery passed through the nerve. In both of these limbs (1.5%), the median artery arose from the ulnar artery. The median artery in these 2 limbs (1.5%) was considerably large and supplied the hand. Both the origin of the median artery from the ulnar artery and the splitting of the median nerve by the median artery are rare anomalies which have not been reported in the available literature.
Spiral Ligament Tension Fibroblasts and Extracellular Fibres in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Sim David W.
Published: July 2008

Fibroblasts with stress fibres and their relationship to extracellular matrix fibres were described in the marginal regions of the spiral ligament in several mammalian species. Location, structure and attachment of these cells suggested that they facilitated the development of radial tension in the basilar membrane-spiral ligament complex. In this study, fibroblast structure and relationship with the extracellular matrix was examined by light and transmission electron microscopy in the guinea pig spiral ligament. Tension fibroblasts were found in marginal and subcentral regions of the spiral ligament. Their ultrastructure was described. They were related to the trabeculated extracellular matrix and were numerous in the marginal region at the spiral ligament-otic capsule interface. Their comparative anatomy and role in the development of spiral ligament-otic capsule tension was discussed.
Trigeminal Foraminal Pattern in the Face
Authors: Varrela Juha , Koski Kalevi
Published: July 2008

The integration of the trigeminal nerve into the craniofacial skeleton was studied by examining cephalometrically the relationships of the openings of the branches of the trigeminal nerve to each other and to other structures. Lateral cephalograms were taken from 30 adult skulls; several linear and angular dimensions were measured from the cephalograms. The results suggest a relationship between nerve growth and bone growth in the craniofacial skeleton.
Whorl-Like Outer Segments in the Retina of the Mole (Scalopus aquaticus)
Authors: Grim Norman
Published: July 2008

The retina of the common mole, Scalopus aquaticus, has been studied with the transmission electron microscope. Structures examined include: pigment epithelium, outer and inner segments of the sensory cells, and synaptic ribbons of the outer plexiform layer. Rods and cones described in this species by previous light microscopic studies are not seen with electron microscopic techniques. Instead, the mole retina contains peculiar outer segments consisting of whorls of membranes. These whorls have some similarities to dystrophic retinas of several vertebrates. The possibility of their being caused by extraordinary light exposure is discussed, also. The appearance of the sensory cells suggests that they are functional receptors.
Identification of Lactotropes (PRL Cells), Somatotropes (GH Cells), Corticotropes (ACTH Cells) and Thyrotropes (TSH Cells) in the Pituitary Gland of the Musk Shrew, Suncus murinus L. (Insectivora), by Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Iwama Y. , Nakano T. , Hasegawa K. , Muto H.
Published: July 2008

By means of immunohistochemistry, lactotropes, somatotropes, corticotropes and thyrotropes in the pituitary of the male musk shrew, Suncus murinus L., were identified at the electron-microscopic level. Lactotropes were classified into three types: type I containing large (200–450 nm in diameter) round secretory granules, type II with medium-sized (150–250 nm in diameter) ones and type III with small (50–150 nm in diameter) ones. Somatotropes were also classified into type I somatotropes that contain large (450 nm in diameter) spherical secretory granules and type II somatotropes containing comparatively small (300 nm in diameter) round granules. Both type I and II somatotropes were small and sometimes contained rod-shaped granules. Corticotropes were round or oval cells with round secretory granules in various densities and sizes (150–500 nm in diameter) scattered all over the cytoplasm. Thyrotropes were angular or polyhedral cells containing electron-transparent round secretory granules (200–300 nm in diameter) and large irregularly shaped granules with a maximum diameter of about 1,500 nm. Each type of the cells may be distinguished by its respective ultrastructural characteristics alone without the aid of immunohistochemistry.
Effects of 5-Fluoro-2’-Deoxyuridine on Cell Proliferation in the Developing Mouse Palate
Authors: Amwayi P. , Luke D.A.
Published: July 2008

Cell proliferation following the administration of 5-fluoro-2’-deoxyuridine (FUdR) to pregnant mice was studied in the vertical palatal processes of fetuses using 3H-thymidine and autoradiography. Doses of 30 and 80 mg FUdR per kilogram maternal body weight substantially reduced the number of labelled nuclei in the epithelium and mesenchyme. Both doses of FUdR also decreased the mean number of silver grains over mesenchymal nuclei. It is concluded that an important mechanism, whereby FUdR induces cleft palate in experimental animals, is by reducing cell proliferation and the rate of DNA synthesis in the palatal processes.
Bestimmung des menschlichen Hirngewichts in vivo durch Schädelmessungen
Authors: Brunhölzl Ch. , Widmer A.Ch. , Baser M.W. , Müller H.R.
Published: July 2008

The length, width as well as the axial, sagittal and transversal circumferences of the skull were measured before autopsy in 112 cadavers. The brain was weighed immediately after removal. A residual analysis of the correlations between skull measurements and the true brain weight was carried out, resulting in the formula: brain weight, g = (21.8 × axial circumference, cm) + (13.9 × transversal circumference, cm) + (2.105 × length × width, cm) – 890. The mean brain weight as calculated by this formula was within 1.5% of the true weight in the male and within 0.08% in the female cadavers examined.
Dynamic Change of the Vascular Wall from Transmural to Intercellular Passage of Red Blood Cells Observed in Splenic Regeneration
Authors: Sasaki K.
Published: July 2008

Rat splenic tissues were autotransplanted into the major omentum, and the operated animals were treated with phenylhydrazine to investigate the passage of erythrocytes through the vascular wall during splenic regeneration. Both ways of the passage were differentiated during regeneration. From day 1 to day 5 after transplantation, the pores were formed in the endothelial cells, through which erythrocytes (chiefly reticulocytes) migrated, and were closed by the basal lamina when erythrocytes did not penetrate. From day 7 to day 10, endothelial cells proliferated, and some of them were transformed into sinus endothelial cells containing condensed microfilaments and formed the interendothelial slit, but few erythrocytes passed there at this stage yet. On and after day 11, when the sinus endothelial cells exhibited well-developed microfilaments, reticular cells contained moderately developed microfilaments and the basal lamina developed well, the slits were opened, where a large number of erythrocytes passed. These results showed, concerning the passage of blood cells, that the vascular wall in the splenic autografts changed from the transmural pattern to the intercellular one after a marked proliferation of endothelial cells and that the effective passage of erythrocytes was closely associated with the development of microfilaments in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells and basal lamina as well as the interaction of reticular cells.
Accessory Oculomotor Nuclei of Man
Authors: Bianchi R. , Gioia M.
Published: July 2008

A morphoquantitative study was carried out to provide detailed information regarding the cytoarchitecture and neuronal morphology of the nucleus of Darkschewitsch (ND) of man. The neuronal population showed heterogeneity of shape and size of the nerve cell bodies. Small and medium-sized neurons appeared scattered in a wide neuropil. In the Golgi material, two types of neurons were identified: multipolar and fusiform cells. Multipolar cells, which were the most numerous (77%), had 3–5 dendrites giving off primary bifurcations at a short distance from the nerve cell body. Sometimes dendrites and axons were seen to spread outside the ND. The fusiform cells had 1–2 dendrites emerging from the opposite poles of the elongated nerve cell bodies. The dendrites tended to run unbranched for long distances in the section plane before dichotomizing. The dendrites and axons of the fusiform cells always lay inside the ND. The cytoarchitectural features of the ND corresponded to the characters of the reticular formation so that the ND of man could be considered to be a typical reticular nucleus inside the central gray matter. The prevailing presence of multipolar neurons whose processes often spread outside the ND could suggest that the ND is a mainly projective nucleus.
Vascular Pattern of the Guinea Pig Tympanic Membrane
Authors: Uno Y. , Ohtani O. , Masuda Y.
Published: July 2008

The vascular organization of the guinea pig tympanic membrane was studied by light microscopy in India-ink-, colored-gelatin-, or horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-injected specimens. The ultrastructural localization of the vessels was examined by transmission electron microscopy in HRP-injected material. We found that the tympanic membrane is supplied by two arterial sources, the superior and inferior tympanic arteries, both of which arise from the posterior auricular artery. The superior tympanic artery gives off arterioles which, in the tympanic membrane, run centrifugally from the attachment of the manubrium, while the inferior tympanic artery emits arterioles which run centripetally from the tympanic annulus. Both sets of arterioles divide into capillaries and form a monolayered polygonal meshwork. The capillaries drain into venules which run between arterioles in the membrane and empty into either the superior tympanic vein located at the manubrium or the inferior tympanic vein at the annulus.
S-100-Immunoreactive Giant Macrophages in Lymphoid Tissues of the Guinea Pig
Authors: Atoji Y. , Shirogane D. , Kurono T. , Suzuki Y. , Sugimura M.
Published: July 2008

Giant cells containing S-100 protein of the lymphoid tissues in the guinea pig were studied by immunohistochemistry using S-100 antiserum. S-100-immunoreactive giant cells were dendritic in shape, contained one or two irregular-shaped, euchromatic nuclei, phagosomes of various diameter, numerous mitochondria and microfilaments in the perikaryon, and extended cell processes free of cell organelles. These cells predominantly lined the superficial cortex facing the subcapsular sinus, were less numerously scattered in the medulla of lymph nodes and located at the marginal zone of the spleen. They also stained with S-100 α monoclonal antiserum and showed active phagocytosis for aldehyde-fixed red cells or colloidal carbon in the popliteal lymph node and spleen. S-100-immunoreactive giant cells also appeared in the corticomedullary zone of the thymus and in the interfollicular area of the Peyer’s patches of the gut. Small sinus macrophages, which exhibited active phagocytosis for colloidal carbon but were less active for red cells in the popliteal lymph node and spleen, were not stained with S-100 antiserum. These findings indicate that S-100-immu-noreactive giant cells of the lymph node and spleen are a subpopulation of macrophages different from S-100-negative cells of the small type.
Mode of Expression of Muscle-Type Enolase Isozyme in the Developing Limb Bud of Human Embryos
Authors: Shinohara H. , Tanaka O. , Oguni M. , Kato K. , Semba R.
Published: July 2008

The appearance of β-enolase, a glycolytic enzyme, was studied immunohistochemically using the upper limb bud of human embryos at Carnegie stages from 13 to 21. β-Enolase-immunoreactive cells first appeared at stage 15 in the proximal portion of the upper limb bud. It was evidenced that glycogen granules first appear at the same stage. These results may suggest that changes in energy metabolism might be one of the earliest events in the differentiating steps of the skeletal muscles because this stage is earlier than the stages of cell fusion myofilament formation and innervation of the muscle cells.
Histochemical Localization of Carbonic Anhydrase in the Female Genitalia of Pigs during the Oestrous Cycle
Authors: Rodriguez-Martinez H. , Ekstedt E. , Ridderstråle Y.
Published: July 2008

The ovaries and internal genital tracts of cycling gilts were studied for localization of carbonic anhydrase activity using a post-embedding cobalt precipitation technique. Carbonic anhydrase activity was present in selective capillary endothelia and epithelial cells of the genitalia. The ovarian parenchyma, irrespective of the stage of the oestrous cycle considered, was unstained. The secretory cells of the deep furrows in the uterotubal junction and those in the isthmic region of the oviduct of the oestrous female showed a clear membrane-bound localization. The surface epithelium in the tubal ampulla showed a conspicuous cytoplasmic carbonic anhydrase activity during oestrus and the early luteal phase. Neither the intensity nor the localization of the histo-enzymatic reaction in the females varied with their hormonal status (i.e. stage of the oestrous cycle). The localization of the enzyme in particular regions of the female pig genitalia that normally act as sperm reservoirs (uterotubal junction – tubal isthmus) or where fertilization – early embryo development occur (i.e. ampulla) might be related to the control of the acid-base status of the luminal fluid.
Cellular and Subcellular Localization of Progastricsin in Calf Fundic Mucosa: Colocalization with Pepsinogen and Prochymosin
Authors: Kurabayasht Y. , Yamada J. , Andrén A. , Kitamura N. , Yamashita T.
Published: July 2008

The presence of gastricsin in bovine abomasal juice has been reported previously, but its exact site of origin has not yet been established. Specific polyclonal antibodies were used in the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method or the protein A/gold technique to label cells producing progastricsin. This immunocytolocalization was correlated with that of pepsinogen and prochymosin using specific polyclonal antibodies against those zymogens. The present study clearly established that progastricsin was located exclusively in chief, mucous neck, transitional mucous neck/chief foveolar epithelial and surface epithelial cells of the calf fundic mucosa. Furthermore, progastricsin was found to be colocalized with pepsinogen and prochymosin in the same secretory granules of these cells. Progastricsin was not observed in parietal, gastric endocrine and undifferentiated neck cells.
Quantitative Analysis of the Postnatal Axon Growth in the Dorsal Funiculus of Rats
Authors: Schultes G.
Published: July 2008

The dorsal funiculus in cervical spinal cords of rats from birth to 120 days postnatally has been studied on order to document the axon growth. Within the dorsal funiculus the cuneate and gracile fasciculi have been examined and within the gracile fasciculus the distinct cervical, thoracal and lumbar areas. Light microscopy and morphometry on the day of birth and 15, 20 and 120 days postnatally show an axon growth stagnation between the 15th and 20th day of maturation. The stagnation phase seems to induce the myelinization. A comparison between GolΓs and Burdach’s tracts shows an earlier and faster growth of the axons in Burdach’s tract. Consequently, the epicritical sensibility of the upper extremity is. developed earlier. It has been found out that within GolΓs tract a caudocranial maturation takes place. The lumbar area of the fasciculus gracilis is matured earlier than the thoracal and the cervical ones.
Straining Urethral Reflex: Description of a Reflex and Its Clinical Significance
Authors: Shafik A.
Published: July 2008

The present communication describes a reflex which I call ‘straining urethral reflex’ and discusses its clinical significance. The study was performed on 17 healthy volunteers with a mean age of 39.6 years. The intrarectal pressure (representative of the intra-abdominal pressure) was measured by means of a balloon-tipped catheter introduced into the rectum and connected to a pressure transducer. A concentric needle electrode was introduced into the external urethral sphincter. The subject was asked to strain, and the urethral sphincter electromyographic activity and the intrarectal pressure were recorded. Two types of straining were investigated: sudden and slow. The procedure was repeated in 10 subjects after urethral sphincter infiltration with xylocaine or saline. On sudden straining, the external urethral sphincter contracted. The anesthetized sphincter did not respond, while the saline-infiltrated sphincter responded to sudden straining. Slow sustained straining did not evoke the reflex response. The latency of the reflex was calculated. The external urethral sphincter contraction on sudden straining guards against the involuntary opening of the vesical neck and urinary leak under stress conditions of a sudden increase in the intra-abdominal pressure. The reflex may prove significant in the diagnosis of micturition control disorders. It can thus be included as an investigative tool in urologic practice.
Ontogeny of Cholinergic Ganglionic Cells Which Take Up L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine and Contain Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide in the Mouse Tongue
Authors: Ichikawa H. , Matsuo S. , Wakisaka S. , Akai M.
Published: July 2008

During the prenatal development of the mouse tongue, the intralingual ganglion was investigated histochemically and immunohistochemically for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, the capacity to take up L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VΙP)-like immunoreactivity. AChE-positive cells were first observed at gestational day 12, and AChE-positive neurons which take up L-DOPA were found at gestational day 14, while VIP-like immunoreactive neurons were not seen until gestational day 16. The present results suggested that the cholinergic neurons within the mouse tongue can take up L-DOPA from gestational day 14 and synthesize VIP from gestational day 16.
A Model to Predict Canine Pelvic Limb Musculoskeletal Geometry
Authors: Pedersen D.R. , Feinberg J.H. , Brand R.A.
Published: July 2008

We developed a model to predict the three-dimensional canine pelvic limb muscular geometry (i.e., all muscle moment arms during any instant in gait). Forty-one muscle origins and insertions, as well as external landmarks (to obtain anthropometric dimensions) were marked on both pelvic limbs of five dogs and digitized on biplanar radiographs. Reference frames in the pelvis, femur, and tibia established the three-dimensional coordinates of each origin, insertion, and landmark. A set of dimensionless ‘scaled coordinates’ was created by dividing the actual origin and insertion coordinates by selected anthropometric dimensions of each animal. Combining scaled coordinates from all ten limbs produced an averaged ‘template’ of scaled coordinates. To provide limited validation of the scaling procedure we measured the anthropometric dimensions between externally palpable landmarks of two additional pelvic limbs. The anthropometric dimensions were multiplied by the averaged template coordinates to calculate two new sets of hindlimb muscle coordinates within the three bony reference frames. The two limbs then were dissected, muscle endpoints were marked, andbiplanar radiographs of each of the limb segments were digitized. The actual coordinates so obtained were similar to those predicted by the template and anthropometric measures.
Microcirculation of the Rat Omentum Studied by Means of Corrosion Casts
Authors: Ackermann P.C. , De Wet P.D , Loots G.P.
Published: July 2008

A study of the microvasculature of the omentum using corrosion casts was undertaken. The object was to supply information regarding the morphology of the three-dimensional structure of the microvasculature information which may be valuable in understanding the functions of the omentum. Corrosion casts of rat omenta were prepared and studied. Characteristic glomerular-like capillary beds were identified. Some of these beds were densely and others loosely arranged. Two types of capillaries made up these beds, tortuous and straight capillaries. These beds also showed a planate surface giving the impression that they lie directly under the mesothelium.
Effects of Low-Power Gallium Aluminium Arsenide Diode Laser Irradiation on the Development of Synapses in the Neonatal Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Igarashi H. , Inomata K.
Published: July 2008

The effect of low-power gallium aluminium arsenide diode laser irradiation on the development of synapses was studied in the radiatum layer and the lacunosum-moleculare layer of field CA3 of the neonatal rat hippocampus. Neonatal rats were irradiated with a low-power diode laser (830 nm, 60 mW) at two points located above the hippocampi, for 15 s, respectively, twice per day from birth (day 1) to day 5. The mean body weights of the laser-irradiated animals were found to be lower than those of the control animals the deficit at day 20 being 22.6%. Moreover the density of synaptic junctions stained by ethanolic phosphotungstic acid per unit area of the radiatum layer and the lacunosum-moleculare layer of the neonatal rat hippocampus was significantly reduced at day 20. It was suggested tha the low-power diode laser irradiation affected the development of synapses in the neonatal rat brain.
Distributions of Fibronectin, Laminin, Type I and IV Collagens and Carbonic Anhydrase Isozyme III during Bovine Ruminal Epithelial Development
Authors: Amasaki H. , Matsumoto S. , Daigo M.
Published: July 2008

The present study describes the immunohistochemical distributions of extracellular matrices and the carbonic anhydrase isozyme III (CA-3) in the bovine ruminal epithelium during fetal development. Fibronectin (FN), laminin and type I and IV collagens were distributed in the ruminal subepithelial mesenchymal regions with nonspecific regionality during the gestational periods. At stages after about 59 cm crown-rump length (CRL), FN of the epithelial basement membrane disappeared, and CA-3 appeared in the basal epithelial cells of the root of the ruminal papillae, suggesting that the functional differentiation of the ruminal epithelium might start at around 59 cm CRL in bovine fetuses.
Morphometric Evaluation of Chondrocyte Cavities in Normal and Prearthrotic Human Femoral Heads
Authors: Bertram Ch. , Lierse W.
Published: July 2008

In 25 human femoral heads, the structural changes in the chondrocyte cavities of prearthrotic cartilage were determined in three different layers by detailed morphometric evaluation. As examination parameters, the area, perimeter, diameter, and the form deviation from a circle (form PE) were chosen. In addition, we calculated the numeric cell density and the mean distance between two chondrocyte cavities. For intraindividual comparison, the same data were obtained from nondegeneratively changed cartilage areas of each femoral head. The main arthrotic regions were located in the weight-bearing area of the femoral head, particularly in the dorso- and ventrolateral quadrants. The number of chondrocyte cavities as well as the numeric cell density were decreasing from superficial to basal layers, whereas the mean distance between two chondrocyte cavities was increasing. Concerning these parameters, no significant differences were seen between the prearthrotic and control groups. We found that the chondrocyte cavities in the superficial layer in prearthrotic areas show a tendency to smaller volumes in comparison with nondegeneratively changed areas, whereas in the basal layer, no difference could be seen. We presume that the changes in the articular cartilage are not related to an insufficient supply of the cartilage with nutriments, but probably to the high mechanical strain applied to its surface.
Exocytosis in Pheochromocytoma Cells after Exposure to a High Concentration of Potassium
Authors: Oomori Y. , Okuno S.O. , Fujisawa H. , Satoh T. , Ono K.
Published: July 2008

An electron-microscopic study revealed exocytosis of electron-dense granules in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells after 1-min exposure to a high concentration of potassium medium. Numerous omega profiles indicative of the exocytosis were seen in the surface membrane of the PC12 cells. Most omega profiles showed clear or did not contain the granule contents. Sometimes, the granular, flocculent or dense materials were seen within the omega profiles that were exposed directly to the extracellular medium. Moreover, noncoated or coated omega profiles were observed. Coated vesicles were also visible under the surface membrane. The present study suggests that PC12 cells retain the exocytotic release mechanism for catecholamines.
Re-Examination of the Basicranial Anatomy of the Megachiroptera
Authors: King A.J.
Published: July 2008

Basicranial anatomy is helpful in attempts at reconstructing phylogenetic relationships. Recent descriptions of megachiropteran basicrania contradict earlier reports from the beginning of the century and support a mono-phyletic origin of the Chiroptera. The anatomy of the carotid circulation and the tympanic cavity in the Megachiroptera is examined here, and the results are compared with the two previous conflicting reports. The results from this investigation support the earlier studies and refute some of the basicranial synapomorphies supporting chiropteran monophyly·
Manuelle Überprüflbarkeit der sogenannten lumbosakralen Instabilität
Authors: Reimann R. , Tschemernjak J. , Strohmaier S.
Published: July 2008

By the manual test of the lumbosacral instability described by Eder and Tilscher we can never find out for certain whether the fifth lumbar vertebra can be shifted ventrally above the sacrum. Before this test the patient has to be turned over on to his side with hips flexed, which causes a ventral flexion (anteflexion) of the lumbosacral segment. During the test, however, the lumbosacral segment is forced to a dorsal flexion (retroflexion); therefore the spinous process of the fifth lumbar vertebra retires from the back surface simulating a sliding forward of the whole vertebra.