bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some metabolic aspects of vitamin B12 deficiency in sheep
Authors: Smith R. M. , Marston H. R.
Published: May 2005

1. Studies were made with pair-fed vitamin B12-deficient and vitamin B12-treated or cobalt-treated ewes fed a Co-deficient diet in cages. Measurements were made of body-weight changes and some observations were made of energy and nitrogen metabolism. The effects of oral Co on energy and nitrogen metabolism were examined in sheep fed the Co-deficient diet, but not yet deficient of vitamin B12 in the tissues.

2. The rate of loss of body-weight of vitamin B12-deficient sheep was significantly faster (P<0.01) than that of pair-fed sheep given 50 μg vitamin B12/d by injection.

3. In a limited number of observations of pair-fed sheep no significant differences were found in retention of combustible energy from the diet, but excretion of faecal nitrogen was higher in deficient animals than in animals receiving vitamin B12 or Co.

4. There was no significant effect of supplementary Co on energy metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, production of methane or digestibility of fodder in sheep that were not deficient of vitamin B12.
Metabolism of vitamin E in sheep
Authors: Hidiroglou M , Jenkins K. J. , Lessard J. R. , Carson R. B.
Published: May 2005

1. The metabolism of tritium-labelled tocopherol was investigated in thirty-six wethers and forty-two ewes fed on hay known to produce nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD).

2. In one experiment, the effect of selenium or vitamin E or both on the metabolism of tritium-labelled tocopherol was studied. No difference was found in the incorporation rate of radioactivity in tissues due to the addition of either of these components.

3. In a second experiment, significantly more radioactivity was found in the tissues of sheep dosed intramuscularly than of those dosed by stomach tube into the rumen. Excretion of radioactivity was rapid when labelled tocopherol was given into the rumen.

4. In a third experiment, the efficiency of vitamin E in preventing NMD in lambs was tested. Supplementation with vitamin E of the diet consisting of NMD-producing hay and given to ewes was ineffective as a prophylactic treatment. Direct administration of vitamin E to the lambs completely prevented the occurrence of NMD. Plasma vitamin E concentrations in the treated lambs were significantly higher than in untreated lambs at weekly sampling over a 4-month period regardless of whether the lambs were born from ewes treated with the vitamin or not.
Nitrogen retention in the pig
Authors: Carr J. R. , Boorman K. N. , Cole D. J. A.
Published: May 2005

1. Published results have been used to study the relationships between nitrogen retention (NR), body-weight (W) and N intake in the pig.

2. The general decrease in maximal NR (g/d per kg W0.75) with increasing W (kg) was curvilinear for values of W from 1.5 to 45: NR = 3.324−0.098 W+0.001 W2; and rectilinear for values of W from 45 to 165: NR = 1.252−0.006 W. Values for protein requirements derived from these equations agreed closely with published estimates.

3. The slopes of the curves for NR (g/d per kg W0.75) v. N intake (g/d) decreased as W (kg) increased from about 2.5 to 190. After extrapolation to a proposed common intercept on the NR axis of -150 mg N/d per kg W0.75, regression analysis of the intercepts of these curves on the N-intake axis v. W gave an estimate of N requirements for maintenance of 246±19 mg/d per kg W0.75.

4. The results also indicated that at low N intakes net protein utilization (N retention+ total obligatory N losses ÷ N intake) was essentially independent of W, whereas the gross efficiency of N utilization (NR ÷ N intake) was influenced by both W and N intake.
Nitrogen retention in rats fed on diets enriched with arginine and glycine
Authors: Sitren H. S. , Fisher H.
Published: May 2005

1. Adult rats were subjected to a brief period of diethyl ether anaesthesia and were given diets with 200 or 100 g casein/kg with or without arginine plus glycine supplementation in the post-anaesthesia period. Nitrogen retention was measured as well as liver protein content and liver and muscle transaminase activities (l-aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), (EC 2.6.1.1), and l-alanine aminotransferase (GPT) (EC 2.6.1.2)).

2. Results demonstrated that anaesthesia-stressed rats consuming the high-protein diet with supplemental arginine and glycine retained twice as much N as did rats given the diet with 200 g casein/kg alone, for the first 5 d post-anaesthesia.

3. Anaesthesia-stressed animals consuming the diets with 100 g casein/kg with or without arginine plus glycine supplementation did not differ from each other in N retention.

4. Liver protein content increased after anaesthesia in rats given the high-protein diets; liver transaminase activity increased, whereas muscle transaminase activity decreased, in animals consuming the high protein diets.

5. Possible mechanisms to account for these results are discussed.
Endogenous loss of leucine and methionine in adult male rats
Authors: Neale R. J. , Waterlow J. C.
Published: May 2005

1. The fractional rate of loss of 14C and body-weight was measured in adult male rats after giving 14C-labelled methionine or leucine and maintaining rats for 30 d on a low-protein or a specific methionine+cystine-free diet: carcasses were then analysed for protein and fat 14C radioactivity.

2. The fractional loss of 14CO2 from [14C]methionine or [14C]leucine between day 20 and day 30 was always greater than the fractional loss of body-weight.

3. Carcass protein 14C radioactivity after giving [14C]leucine was higher than after giving [14C]methionine, but fat 14C radioactivity after either 14C-labelled amino acid was only a small proportion of the total body 14C radioactivity.

4. After correction of the fractional loss of 14CO2 for urinary 14C loss, but not body-weight loss, absolute amino acid loss was calculated using published values for methionine and leucine content of rats.

5. The best estimates of endogenous amino acid loss obtained using 1-14C-labelled amino acids, expressed as mg/kg body-weight0.75 per day were leucine 79, methionine 38.
Effect of environmental temperature and food intake on the distribution of fat in growing hairless mice
Authors: Stanier Margaret W.
Published: May 2005

1. The fat content of the skin and of the skin-free carcass was measured in young, growing hairless mice about 4-8 weeks old kept at either 22° (cool environment, i.e. below their critical temperature) or at 33° (warm environment; i.e. within their thermoneutral range). The food intake of groups of the mice reared at each temperature was restricted to between 77 and 89 % of that of a litter-mate fed ad lib.

2. In all the mice, whether fed ad lib. or on a restricted intake, those reared in the warm environment contained about 1.5 times as much fat as those reared in the cool environment. At both temperatures and feeding levels, approximately 25 % of the total body fat was present in the skin.

3. Each mouse reared at 33° on an ad lib. regimen reached about the same plateau weight in the same period as its litter-mate reared at 22°. However its food intake during this period of growth was only about half that of the mouse reared at the lower temperature, so its food conversion ratio (dry food intake: body-weight gain) was twice as efficient.

4. It is concluded that neither the growth rate nor the distribution of fat within the body of the growing mouse can be influenced by rearing the animals at these different environmental temperatures. Rearing at the higher temperature, however, both decreases food intake and also promotes deposition of more fat within the body.
COREX/BEST server: a web browser-based program that calculates regional stability variations within protein structures
Authors: Vertrees Jason , Barritt Phillip , Whitten Steve , Hilser Vincent J.
Published: May 2005

Summary: Utilizing the user-supplied coordinates of a protein structure, the COREX/BEST Server generates a structural thermodynamic ensemble. This conformational ensemble can then be used to calculate the regional variations in stability of a protein structure, and the stabilities are presented in units of energy (kcal/mol). The regional stabilities, which are calculated at the resolution of individual residues, can be mapped onto the protein structure for visual representation and downloaded from the site in the form of tab delimited text. The site provides an easy to follow summary of the theoretical and algorithmic approaches and provides links to references for more detailed descriptions.

Availability: The COREX/BEST Server may be accessed through a typical web browser by visiting http://best.utmb.edu/BEST/

Contact:  vjhilser@utmb.edu
The Xylem and Phloem Transcriptomes from Secondary Tissues of the Arabidopsis Root-Hypocotyl
Authors: Zhao Chengsong , Craig Johanna C. , Petzold H. Earl , Dickerman Allan W. , Beers Eric P.
Published: May 2005

The growth of secondary xylem and phloem depends on the division of cells in the vascular cambium and results in an increase in the diameter of the root and stem. Very little is known about the genetic mechanisms that control cambial activity and the differentiation of secondary xylem and phloem cell types. To begin to identify new genes required for vascular cell differentiation and function, we performed genome-wide expression profiling of xylem and phloem-cambium isolated from the root-hypocotyl of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Gene expression in the remaining nonvascular tissue was also profiled. From these transcript profiles, we assembled three sets of genes with expression significantly biased toward xylem, phloem-cambium, or nonvascular tissue. We also assembled three two-tissue sets of genes with expression significantly biased toward xylem/phloem-cambium, xylem/nonvascular, or phloem-cambium/nonvascular tissues. Localizations predicted by transcript profiles were supported by results from promoter-reporter and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction experiments with nine xylem- or phloem-cambium-biased genes. An analysis of the members of the phloem-cambium gene set suggested that some genes involved in regulating primary meristems are also regulators of the cambium. Secondary phloem was implicated in the synthesis of auxin, glucosinolates, cytokinin, and gibberellic acid. Transcript profiles also supported the importance of class III HD ZIP and KANADI transcription factors as regulators of radial patterning during secondary growth, and identified several members of the G2-like, NAC, AP2, MADS, and MYB transcription factor families that may play roles as regulators of xylem or phloem cell differentiation and activity.
Computational Identification of 69 Retroposons in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Yujun , Wu Yongrui , Liu Yilei , Han Bin
Published: May 2005

Retroposition is a shot-gun strategy of the genome to achieve evolutionary diversities by mixing and matching coding sequences with novel regulatory elements. We have identified 69 retroposons in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome by a computational approach. Most of them were derivatives of mature mRNAs, and 20 genes contained relics of the reverse transcription process, such as truncations, deletions, and extra sequence additions. Of them, 22 are processed pseudogenes, and 52 genes are likely to be actively transcribed, especially in tissues from apical meristems (roots and flowers). Functional compositions of these retroposon parental genes imply that not the mRNA itself but its expression in gamete cells defines a suitable template for retroposition. The presence/absence patterns of retroposons can be used as cladistic markers for biogeographic research. Effects of human and the Mediterranean Pleistocene refugia in Arabidopsis biogeographic distributions were revealed based on two recent retroposons (At1g61410 and At5g52090). An evolutionary rate of new gene creation by retroposition was calculated as 0.6 genes per million years. Retroposons can also be used as molecular fossils of the parental gene expressions in ancient time. Extensions of 3′ untranslated regions for those expressed parental genes are revealed as a possible trend of plant transcriptome evolution. In addition, we reported the first plant functional chimeric gene that adapts to intercompartmental transport by capturing two additional exons after retroposition.
Positive and Negative Factors Confer Phase-Specific Circadian Regulation of Transcription in Arabidopsis
Authors: Harmer Stacey L. , Kay Steve A.
Published: May 2005

The circadian clock exerts a major influence on transcriptional regulation in plants and other organisms. We have previously identified a motif called the evening element (EE) that is overrepresented in the promoters of evening-phased genes. Here, we demonstrate that multimerized EEs are necessary and sufficient to confer evening-phased circadian regulation. Although flanking sequences are not required for EE function, they can modulate EE activity. One flanking sequence, taken from the PSEUDORESPONSE REGULATOR 9 promoter, itself confers dawn-phased rhythms and has allowed us to define a new clock promoter motif (the morning element [ME]). Scanning mutagenesis reveals that both activators and repressors of gene expression act through the ME and EE. Although our experiments confirm that CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY) are likely to act as repressors via the EE, they also show that they have an unexpected positive effect on EE-mediated gene expression as well. We have identified a clock-regulated activity in plant extracts that binds specifically to the EE and has a phase consistent with it being an activator of expression through the EE. This activity is reduced in CCA1/LHY null plants, suggesting it may itself be part of a circadian feedback loop and perhaps explaining the reduction in EE activity in these double mutant plants.
Atrial contractile dysfunction, fibrosis, and arrhythmias in a mouse model of cardiomyopathy secondary to cardiac-specific overexpression of tumor necrosis factor-α
Authors: Saba Samir , Janczewski Andrzej M. , Baker Linda C. , Shusterman Vladimir , Gursoy Erdal C. , Feldman Arthur M. , Salama Guy , McTiernan Charles F. , London Barry
Published: May 2005

Transgenic mice overexpressing the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in the heart develop a progressive heart failure syndrome characterized by biventricular dilatation, decreased ejection fraction, decreased survival compared with non-transgenic littermates, and earlier pathology in males. TNF-α mice (TNF1.6) develop atrial arrhythmias on ambulatory telemetry monitoring that worsen with age and are more severe in males. We performed in vivo electrophysiological testing in transgenic and control mice, ex vivo optical mapping of voltage in the atria of isolated perfused TNF1.6 hearts, and in vitro studies on isolated atrial muscle and cells to study the mechanisms that lead to the spontaneous arrhythmias. Programmed stimulation induces atrial arrhythmias ( n = 8/32) in TNF1.6 but not in control mice ( n = 0/37), with a higher inducibility in males. In the isolated perfused hearts, programmed stimulation with single extra beats elicits reentrant atrial arrhythmias ( n = 6/6) in TNF1.6 but not control hearts due to slow heterogeneous conduction of the premature beats. Lowering extracellular Ca2+ normalizes conduction and prevents the arrhythmias. Atrial muscle and cells from TNF1.6 compared with control mice exhibit increased collagen deposition, decreased contractile function, and abnormal systolic and diastolic Ca2+ handling. Thus abnormalities in action potential propagation and Ca2+ handling contribute to the initiation of atrial arrhythmias in this mouse model of heart failure.
Respiratory-related heart rate variability in progressive experimental heart failure
Authors: Motte Sophie , Mathieu Myrielle , Brimioulle Serge , Pensis Anne , Ray Lynn , Ketelslegers Jean-Marie , Montano Nicola , Naeije Robert , van de Borne Philippe , Entee Kathleen Mc
Published: May 2005

Heart failure is associated with autonomic imbalance, and this can be evaluated by a spectral analysis of heart rate variability. However, the time course of low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) heart rate variability changes, and their functional correlates during progression of the disease are not exactly known. Progressive heart failure was induced in 16 beagle dogs over a 7-wk period by rapid ventricular pacing. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability and respiration, echocardiography, hemodynamic measurements, plasma atrial natriuretic factor, and norepinephrine was obtained at baseline and every week, 30 min after pacing interruption. Progressive heart failure increased heart rate (from 91 ± 4 to 136 ± 5 beats/min; P < 0.001) and decreased absolute and normalized (percentage of total power) HF variability from week 1 and 2, respectively ( P < 0.01). Absolute LF variability did not change during the study until it disappeared in two dogs at week 7 ( P < 0.05). Normalized LF variability increased in moderate heart failure ( P < 0.01), leading to an increased LF-to-HF ratio ( P < 0.05), but decreased in severe heart failure ( P < 0.044; week 7 vs. week 5). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that among heart rate variables, absolute HF variability was closely associated with wedge pressure, right atrial and pulmonary arterial pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction and volume, ratio of maximal velocity of early (E) and atrial (A) mitral flow waves, left atrial diameter, plasma norepinephrine, and atrial natriuretic peptide (0.45 < r < 0.65, all P < 0.001). In tachycardia-induced heart failure, absolute HF heart rate variability is a more reliable indicator of cardiac dysfunction and neurohumoral activation than LF heart rate variability.
Caffeine-induced arrhythmias in murine hearts parallel changes in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis
Authors: Balasubramaniam Richard , Chawla Sangeeta , Grace Andrew A. , Huang Christopher L.-H.
Published: May 2005

Heart failure leading to ventricular arrhythmogenesis is a major cause of clinical mortality and has been associated with a leak of sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ into the cytosol due to increased open probabilities in cardiac ryanodine receptor Ca2+-release channels. Caffeine similarly increases such open probabilities, and so we explored its arrhythmogenic effects on intact murine hearts. A clinically established programmed electrical stimulation protocol adapted for studies of isolated intact mouse hearts demonstrated that caffeine (1 mM) increased the frequency of ventricular tachycardia from 0 to 100% yet left electrogram duration and latency unchanged during programmed electrical stimulation, thereby excluding slowed conduction as a cause of arrhythmogenesis. We then used fluorescence measurements of intracellular Ca2+ concentration in isolated mouse ventricular cells to investigate parallel changes in Ca2+ homeostasis associated with these arrhythmias. Both caffeine (1 mM) and FK506 (30 μM) reduced electrically evoked cytosolic Ca2+ transients yet increased the frequency of spontaneous Ca2+-release events. Diltiazem (1 μM) but not nifedipine (1 μM) pretreatment suppressed these increases in frequency. Identical concentrations of diltiazem but not nifedipine correspondingly suppressed the arrhythmogenic effects of caffeine in whole hearts. These findings thus directly implicate spontaneous Ca2+ waves in triggered arrhythmogenesis in intact hearts.
TGF-β potentiates airway smooth muscle responsiveness to bradykinin
Authors: Kim Jenny H. , Jain Deepika , Tliba Omar , Yang Bei , Jester William F. , Panettieri Reynold A. , Amrani Yassine , Puré Ellen
Published: May 2005

The molecular mechanisms by which bradykinin induces excessive airway obstruction in asthmatics remain unknown. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β has been involved in regulating airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma, although it is unknown whether TGF-β can modulate bradykinin-associated bronchial hyperresponsiveness. To test whether TGF-β directly modulates airway smooth muscle (ASM) responsiveness to bradykinin, isolated murine tracheal rings were used to assess whether TGF-β alters ASM contractile responsiveness to bradykinin. Interestingly, we found TGF-β-treated murine rings (12.5 ng/ml, 18 h) exhibited increased expression of bradykinin 2 (B2) receptors and became hyperreactive to bradykinin, as shown by increases in maximal contractile responses and receptor distribution. We investigated the effect of TGF-β on bradykinin-evoked calcium signals since calcium is a key molecule regulating ASM excitation-contraction coupling. We reported that TGF-β, in a dose- (0.5–10 ng/ml) and time- (2–24 h) dependent manner, increased mRNA and protein expression of the B2receptor in cultured human ASM cells. Maximal B2receptor protein expression that colocalized with CD44, a marker of membrane cell surface, occurred after 18 h of TGF-β treatment and was further confirmed using fluorescence microscopy. TGF-β (2.5 ng/ml, 18 h) also increased bradykinin-induced intracellular calcium mobilization in fura-2-loaded ASM cells. TGF-β-mediated enhancement of calcium mobilization was not attenuated with indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. These data demonstrate for the first time that TGF-β may play a role in mediating airway hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin seen in asthmatics by enhancing ASM contractile responsiveness to bradykinin, possibly as a result of increased B2receptor expression and signaling.
Anxiety Reduction through Detachment: Subjective, Physiological, and Neural Effects
Authors: Kalisch Raffael , Wiech Katja , Critchley Hugo D. , Seymour Ben , O'Doherty John P. , Oakley David A. , Allen Philip , Dolan Raymond J.
Published: May 2005

The ability to volitionally regulate emotions helps to adapt behavior to changing environmental demands and can alleviate subjective distress. We show that a cognitive strategy of detachment attenuates subjective and physiological measures of anticipatory anxiety for pain and reduces reactivity to receipt of pain itself. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we locate the potentialsite andsourceof this modulation of anticipatory anxiety in the medial prefrontal/anterior cingulate and anterolateral prefrontal cortex, respectively.
Jewish Festal Names in Antiquity—A Neglected Area of Onomastic Research
Authors: Williams Margaret
Published: May 2005

Naming children to reflect the occasion of their birth is found in many cultures and Jewish culture in antiquity was no exception. Although Sabbath-derived names have been studied, no comprehensive treatment of Jewish festal names exists. This paper attempts to fill that gap by examining in turn each name used by Jews during the Persian, Hellenistic and Roman periods with a definite or possible festal connection. The study concludes with an attempt to explain why the category of Jewish festal names expanded in late antiquity. It is suggested that the most likely reason was the enhanced festal role enjoyed by the synagogue at that time.
Postoperative Delirium after elective and emergency surgery: analysis and checking of risk factors. A study protocol
Authors: Agnoletti Vanni , Ansaloni Luca , Catena Fausto , Chattat Rabbih , De Cataldis Angelo , Di Nino Gianfranco , Franceschi Claudio , Gagliardi Stefano , Melotti Rita Maria , Potalivo Antonella , Taffurelli Mario
Published: May 2005

Background

Delirum is common in hospitalized elderly patients and may be associated with increased morbidity, length of stay and patient care costs. Delirium (acute confusional state) is defined as an acute disorder of attention and cognition. In elderly patients, delirium is often an early indicator of patho-physiological disturbances. Despite landmark studies dating back to the 1940s, the pathogenesis of Delirium remains poorly understood. Early investigators noted that Delirium was characterized by global cortical dysfunction that was associated predominantly with specific electroencephalographic changes. It's important to understand the risk factors and incidence of Delirium. Some of the risk factors are already identified in literature and can be summarized in the word "VINDICATE" which stands for: Vascular, Infections, Nutrition, Drugs, Injury, Cardiac, Autoimmune, Tumors, Endocrine. Aims of this study are: to re-evaluate the above mentioned clinical risk factors, adding some others selected from literature, and to test, as risk factors, a pattern of some genes associated to cognitive dysfunction and inflammation possibly related to postoperative Delirium.

Design

All patients admitted to our Emergency Unit who are meet our inclusion/exclusion criteria will be recruited. The arising of postoperative Delirium will select incidentally two groups (Delirium/non Delirium) and the forward analysis of correlate risk factors will be performed. As in a typical observational case/control study we will consider all the exposure factors to which our population are submitted towards the outcome (presence of Delirium). Our exposures are the following: ASA, Pain (SVS; VAS), Blood gas analysis (pH; Hb; pO2; pCO2), Residence pharmacological therapy (BDZ; hypnotics; narcotic drugs; alcohol; nitrous derivates), Body temperature, Arterial pressure, Heart frequency, Breath frequency, Na, K, Creatinin, Glicemia, Albumin, Hct, White blood cells, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Cognitive state (SPMSQ), Functional state (ADL and IADL), Psychological Distress (HADS), Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), Hypotension (classified in: light; moderate and severe and duration), Blood loss (classified in: < 2 lt and > 2 lt), Blood transfusions (< 2 lt and > 2 lt), Quantity of red cells and plasma transfusions, Visual VAS / SVS (timing: I-II-III post-operative day), Red cells and Plasma transfusions, Blood count evaluation and Saturation (O2%), Postoperative analgesia (Emilia-Romagna protocol), Presence of malignant tumoral disease, APACHE Score II. Moreover the presence of some relevant genetic polymorphisms will be studied in different genes such as IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 cluster.
TheDrosophilaCdc6/18 protein has functions in both early and late S phase in S2 cells
Authors: Crevel Gilles , Mathe Endre , Cotterill Sue
Published: May 2005

The Cdc6/18 protein has been mainly characterised for its role in the initiation of DNA replication. Several studies exist, however, which suggest that it may also have a role in controlling the G2/M transition. Here we present studies on the Drosophila Cdc6 (DmCdc6) protein that support this dual function for the protein.

First we show that its location is consistent with a cellular role post replication initiation as it remains nuclear throughout G1, S and G2 phases. In addition, we have been able to reduce the level of DmCdc6 protein to nondetectable levels in S2 cells using RNAi. This causes DNA fragmentation and cell cycle abnormalities which have some similarities with phenotypes previously observed in yeasts and are consistent with the cells entering mitosis with incompletely replicated DNA. Finally, we have stably overexpressed the DmCdc6 protein to a high level in S2 cells. Despite a large excess of protein the effects on the S2 cells were minimal. We did, however, detect a slight stalling of the cells in the late S phase of the cell cycle, which further supports the proposal that DmCdc6 has a role in controlling the transition from the S to M phases of the cycle.
Palmitoylation is a sorting determinant for transport to the myelin membrane
Authors: Schneider Anja , Länder Hanna , Schulz Giselheid , Wolburg Hartwig , Nave Klaus-Armin , Schulz Jörg B. , Simons Mikael
Published: May 2005

Myelin is a specialized membrane enriched in glycosphingolipids and cholesterol that contains a restricted set of proteins. The mechanisms by which oligodendrocytes target myelin components to myelin are not known. To identify the sorting determinants for protein transport to myelin, we used a primary oligodendrocyte culture system in which terminal differentiation is synchronized and there is excessive deposition of myelin-like membranes (MLMs). Because several myelin proteins are palmitoylated, we explored the role of acylation in protein transport to MLMs. We found that palmitoylation-deficient mutants of a major myelin protein, proteolipid protein (PLP/DM20), were less efficiently targeted to MLMs. The N-terminal 13 amino acids of PLP/DM20, which are palmitoylated at three sites, were sufficient to direct a fluorescent fusion protein to MLMs. Mutagenesis of the N-terminal palmitoylation motif abolished the transport of the fusion protein to MLMs, indicating that palmitoylation is required for sorting to myelin. Similar results were obtained in myelinating co-cultures of oligodendrocytes and neurons. Furthermore, the combined farnesylation/palmitoylation signals from c-Ha-Ras and the N-terminal consensus sequence for dual palmitoylation from neuromodulin were sufficient for the transport of fluorescent fusion proteins to MLMs. Thus, we conclude that palmitoylation is a sorting determinant for transport to the myelin membrane.
A prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial of the effect of topical bupivacaine on post-operative pain in bilateral nasal surgery with bilateral nasal packs inserted
Authors: Buchanan Malcolm A , Dunn Graham R , MacDougall Gillian M
Published: May 2005

To ascertain whether local anaesthetic use is of clinical benefit in nasal surgery, a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial of topical bupivacaine on post-operative pain in patients packed after bilateral nasal surgery was carried out. Each patient received a bupivacaine-soaked and a saline-soaked Merocel pack, thereby acting as their own control. Power analysis ascertained the number of patients required to enter the trial to detect a statistically significant difference in pain. Fifty-seven patients completed the trial. Visual analogue scales determined the level of post-operative pain at different time points in each nostril. Less pain was demonstrated in nostrils containing bupivacaine-soaked packs compared with saline-soaked packs at two hours (p < 0.0001), four hours (p = 0.0183) and six hours (p = 0.0476) post-operatively. Although not statistically significant, less pain was noted on pack removal on the local anaesthetic sides. These results provide clinical-based evidence for the use of bupivacaine as a local anaesthetic in reducing pain following nasal surgery with packing.
One-stage nasal and multi-level pharyngeal surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea: safety and efficacy
Authors: Pang Kenny P
Published: May 2005

A collapsible airway is often the common denominator in sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal passage, nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx, base-of-tongue region and the hypopharynx. It is believed that the highest amount of resistance in the upper respiratory tract is in the nasal cavities, and particularly the nasal valve. Most authors believe that when considering surgical options for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) it is imperative to correct nasal pathology together with the other sites of airway obstruction. In this retrospective study, I sought to investigate the safety and efficacy of one-stage nasal and multi-level pharyngeal surgery. I compared two groups of patients: group 1, receiving one-stage nasal and multi-level pharyngeal surgery; and group 2, receiving only multi-level pharyngeal surgery. In group 1, nine out of 12 patients (75 per cent) met the criteria for surgical success, with a mean pre-operative apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) decreasing from 36.3 to 8.9 post-operatively (p<0.0002), while in group 2, 25 out of 40 patients met the surgical success criteria (62.5 per cent), with their mean AHI decreasing from 52.6 to 10.2 (p<0.0000). When comparing the surgical success rates between the two groups, it was not statistically significant, at p>0.106. There were no postoperative respiratory-related complications despite having bilateral nasal Merocel (tampon) packing in place (in group 1), and none of the patients in either group had any desaturation, hypoxaemia, apnoea or OSA-related complications. This series suggests that, with adequate post-operative monitoring, it is both safe and efficacious to perform both nasal and multi-level pharyngeal surgery in the one surgical session.
Localization of P2X and P2Y Receptors in Dorsal Root Ganglia of the Cat
Authors: Ruan Huai-Zhen , Birder Lori A. , de Groat William C. , Tai Changfeng , Roppolo James , Buffington Charles A. , Burnstock Geoffrey
Published: May 2005

The distribution of P2X and P2Y receptor subtypes in upper lumbosacral cat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) has been investigated using immunohistochemistry. Intensity of immunoreactivity for six P2X receptors (P2X5 receptors were immuno-negative) and the three P2Y receptors examined in cat DRG was in the order of P2Y2 = P2Y4>P2X3>P2X2 = P2X7>P2X6>P2X1 = P2X4>P2Y1. P2X3, P2Y2, and P2Y4 receptor polyclonal antibodies stained 33.8%, 35.3%, and 47.6% of DRG neurons, respectively. Most P2Y2, P2X1, P2X3, P2X4, and P2X6 receptor staining was detected in small- and medium-diameter neurons. However, P2Y4, P2X2, and P2X7 staining was present in large- and small-diameter neurons. Double-labeling immunohistochemistry showed that 90.8%, 32.1%, and 2.4% of P2X3 receptor-positive neurons coexpressed IB4, CGRP, and NF200, respectively; whereas 67.4%, 41.3%, and 39.1% of P2Y4 receptor-positive neurons coexpressed IB4, CGRP, and NF200, respectively. A total of 18.8%, 16.6%, and 63.5% of P2Y2 receptor-positive neurons also stained for IB4, CGRP, and NF200, respectively. Only 30% of DRG neurons in cat were P2X3-immunoreactive compared with 90% in rat and in mouse. A further difference was the low expression of P2Y1 receptors in cat DRG neurons compared with more than 80% of the neurons in rat. Many small-diameter neurons were NF200-positive in cat, again differing from rat and mouse.
Characterization of Osteocrin Expression in Human Bone
Authors: Bord Sharyn , Ireland Deborah C. , Moffatt Pierre , Thomas Gethin P. , Compston Juliet E.
Published: May 2005

Osteocrin (Ostn), a bone-active molecule, has been shown in animals to be highly expressed in cells of the osteoblast lineage. We have characterized this protein in human cultured primary human osteoblasts, in developing human neonatal bone, and in iliac crest bone biopsies from adult women. In vivo, Ostn expression was localized in developing human neonatal rib bone, with intense immunoreactivity in osteoblasts on bone-forming surfaces, in newly incorporated osteocytes, and in some late hypertrophic chondrocytes. In adult bone, Ostn expression was specifically localized to osteoblasts and young osteocytes at bone-forming sites. In vitro, Ostn expression decreased time dependently ( p<0.02) in osteoblasts cultured for 2, 3, and 6 days. Expression was further decreased in cultures containing 200 nM hydrocortisone by 1.5-, 2.3-, and 3.1-fold ( p<0.05) at the same time points. In contrast, alkaline phosphatase expression increased with osteoblast differentiation ( p<0.05). Low-dose estradiol decreased Ostn expression time dependently ( p<0.05), whereas Ostn expression in cultures treated with high-dose estradiol was not significantly changed. These results demonstrate that Ostn is expressed in human skeletal tissue, particularly in osteoblasts in developing bone and at sites of bone remodeling, suggesting a role in bone formation. Thus, Ostn provides a marker of osteoblast lineage cells and appears to correlate with osteoblast activity.
Increased Efficiency of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Using the Microwave
Authors: Weise Anja , Liehr Thomas , Claussen Uwe , Halbhuber Karl-Jürgen
Published: May 2005

A new method is described for performing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH signals are enhanced by microwave pulses applied during the DNA-DNA hybridization process. It is the first description of FISH with a single/low-copy probe done more efficiently by application of microwave; the latter leads to quick results or enhancement of weak signals. Microwave FISH has been compared systematically with normal FISH, and we could demonstrate the efficiency of microwave irradiation especially in the first 100 min of hybridization.
Zur Kinetik des thermischen Abbaus von PVC. I. Untersuchungen zum Gehalt an Defektstrukturen und zu ihrem Einfluß auf die Thermostabilität
Authors: Anders H. , Behnisch J. , Zimmermann H.
Published: May 2005

Als wesentliche Voraussetzung für Untersuchungen zur thermischen Stabilität von PVC wurde der Gehalt an isolierten und konjugierten Doppelbindungen sowie Ketochlorallylgruppen quantitativ bestimmt. Die Beurteilung des Einflusses dieser Defektstrukturen der Polymerkette erfolgte durch Messung des Dehydrochlorierungsverlaufes unter isothermen und nichtisothermen Bedingungen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß lediglich Ketochlorallylgruppen effektiv eine erhöhte Initiierungsgeschwindigkeit bewirken.
Zur Kinetik der radikalischen Polymerisation von Dimethyl‐diallyl‐ammoniumchlorid. IV. Mechanismus von Start‐und Abbruchreaktion mit Persulfat als Initiator
Authors: Hahn M. , Jaeger W. , Wandrey Ch. , Reinisch G.
Published: May 2005

Bei der persulfatinitiierten radikalischen Cyclopolymerisation von Dimethyl‐diallyl‐ammoniumchlorid in wäßriger Lösung erfolgt die Primärradikalbildung durch zwei parallelreaktionen: (1) einen aktivierten Zerfall von Ionenpaaren aus S2O2−8 und Monomerkationassoziaten unter Bildung von Sulfatanionradikalen und (2) durch eine Redoxreaktion zwischen Persulfat und als Ionenpaar an das Monomerkation assoziiertem Cl− unter Bildung von Sulfatanionradikalen und Chloratomen. Eine quantitative Analyse der Teilreaktionen ergab, daß beide mit vergleichbarer Geschwindigkeit ablaufen. Die nach Reaktion (2) gebildeten Chloratome wirken sowohl kettenstartend als auch kettenabbrechend, der zusätzliche Kettenabbruch wird formalkinetisch als Übertragung zum Monomer registriert.
Oxacycloalkane in der Polymerchemie. IV. Grundlagen der applikation oligomerer formaldiole
Authors: Rübner J. , Frommelt H.
Published: May 2005

Durch kationische Polymerisation in Masse werden Oligoformale mit einer definierten chemischen Struktur erhalten. Durch geeignete Wahl ihrer Zusammensetzung und die Art der Reaktionsführung können spezielle Eigenschaften der Oligomere erreicht werden. Die bei Kettenabbruch mit wäßrigem Alkali erhältlichen oligomeren Formaldiole sind für die Umsetzung mit Di‐ und Triisocyanaten geeignet. Polyurethanfolien aus Formaldiolen verfügen bei hohem Trioxocananteil über ein sehr hohes Wasseraufnahmevermögen und eine hohe Durchlässigkeit für Wasserdampf. Kompositionen aus Brombutendiolformalpolyolen verleihen Polyurethanhartschäumen permanent wirkende Flammwidrigkeit.
Comment on “Determination of birefringence of the ideal crystalling fibres”
Authors: Pietralla M.
Published: May 2005

It is shown that the paper commented contains errors which invalidate the results.
Hydrogen‐bonding and phase‐forming behavior of a soluble quinacridone
Authors: Keller Uwe , Müllen Klaus , De Feyter Steven , De Schryver Frans C.
Published: May 2005

Functional organic dyes provide a direct link between electronics and optics. The supramolecular packing of a given chromophore plays an important role in the functional properties of a material. A highly substituted, soluble quinacridone (see Figure) is presented for which the aggregation process can be directly probed by UV/vis spectroscopy.

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Polymerization‐induced epitaxy
Authors: Sano Masahito
Published: May 2005

The epitaxy of polymers is a useful way of introducing high degrees of orientational order to otherwise disordered materials. A recently discovered method—polymerization‐induced epitaxy (PIE)—based on the polymerization of monomers (instead of recrystallization from solution) is briefly reviewed. The polymerization conditions and the film structures are considered. It is shown that film formation is independent of the reaction mechanism.
Photorefractive liquid crystals
Authors: Wiederrecht Gary P. , Yoon Beth A. , Wasielewski Michael R.
Published: May 2005

Photorefractive liquid crystals represent the newest class of photorefractive materials. The low electric fields required for reorienting liquid crystals, combined with their high birefringence, results in the observation of photorefractivity with very low optical intensities and low applied fields. Photoinducing efficient charge transport over macroscopic distances is the primary hurdle for producing the space‐charge field required for photorefractivity.
Molecular image‐processing devices based on chemical reaction systems. 2: Implementation of blum‐type algorithms
Authors: Rambidi N. G. , Maximychev A. V. , Usatov A. V.
Published: May 2005

Potentialities for impliementing Blum‐type algorithms based on chemical and biochemical dynamical media are discussed. These media proved to be efficient for performing some primitive operations important for image processing.
A model of molecular electronics based on the concept of conjugated lonic–hydrogen bond systems
Authors: Karasev V. A. , Luchinin V. V. , Stefanov V. E.
Published: May 2005

A new model of lmolecular electronics is proposed as an alternative to the ‘soliton logic’ developed by Carter. The model is based on the principles of continuity of conjugated ionic–hydrogen bond systems (CIHBSs) in the construction of supramolecular structures and conjugation through the hydrogen bond in energy transduction. It is presumed that these principles are realized in biostructures. The Concept implies a symmetrica oligomeric organisation of supramolecular structures and an oscillatory mode of their functioning. The basic architecture and basic elements have been identified. The basic architecture is determined by periodic CIHBSs. The latter have been analysed in proteins, nucleoproteids and biomembranes. The basic elements contain groups capable of building in CIHBSs. Charge generators, valves and other basic elements contain groups capable of building in CIHBSs. Charge generators, valves and other basic elements have been distinguished among biomolecules. Oligomeric enzymes have been suggested as functional prototypes of molecular processors–multivibrators where CIHBSs form Feedback loops and Provide energy recuperation. Technologcal aspects of designing molecular electronic devices on CIHBS principles have been considered. The most challenging and complicated problem is the creation of supramolecular structures with properties which can be specified in advance. Synthesis of membrane two‐dimensional active media capable of storing and processing information in the mode of parallel fluxes is suggested as the most promising route for the fabrication of biochips.
The autoimmune features of acute transverse myelopathy
Authors: Abramsky Oded , Teitelbaum Dvora
Published: May 2005

Lymphocytes from patients with acute transverse myelopathy (ATM) were shown to undergo a specific and significant transformation when cultured in vitro in the presence of either the central nervous myelin basic encephalitogenic protein (BE) or the peripheral nerve myelin P2 protein. A similar pattern of response was demonstrated in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and in acute myeloradiculitis. Lymphocytes from patients suffering from other autoimmune neurological disorders or other neurological diseases affecting the spinal cord showed no response to these immunologically related antigens, which have previously been found to have the capacity of inducing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, either alone or with experimental allergic neuritis, when injected into animals. The specific in vitro response to BE and P2 suggests that in vivo sensitization of lymphocytes to such self‐antigens occurs in ATM and that a cell‐mediated, probably postinfectious autoimmune mechanism may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of the disease.
The ultrastructure of the sural nerve in Pompe's disease
Authors: Goebel Hans H. , Lenard Hans G. , Kohlschütter Alfried , Pilz Hartmut
Published: May 2005

The sural nerve of a 9‐month‐lod infant with Pompe's disease revealed lysosomal and free cytoplasmic glycogen in almost every cell type. Glycogen was combined with lipofuscinlike material in Schwann cells of unmyelinated axons. Proliferation of axonal constituents indicated mild damage to axons.
Proximal peroneal nerve conduction velocity: Recording from anterior tibial and peroneus brevis muscles
Authors: Devi Sarala , Lovelace Robert E. , Duarte Neuza
Published: May 2005

Difficulties in calculating the motor nerve conduction velocity of the peroneal nerve arise when the extensor digitorum brevis is completely atrophied and does not respond to stimulation. In these patients, conduction velocity in the proximal fibers of the peroneal nerve can still be calculated by recording from proximal muscles such as the anterior tibial and peroneus brevis. We established normal values by a simple standardized method using 34 subjects.
Neuropathology of sanfilippo syndrome
Authors: Ghatak Nitya R. , Fleming D. Frank , Hinman Alanson
Published: May 2005

This report describes neuropathological observations in an 11‐year‐old patient with Sanfilippo syndrome (SS). The cerebrum was selectively atrophic, with remarkable sparing of the cerebellum. The existing neurons throughout the cerebrum contained various types of membranous cytoplasmic bodies (MCBs), frequently with special predilection for dendrites. Neuronal population was normal in the cerebellum, with massive accumulation of MCBs in the Purkinje cell dendrites and little or no accumulation in the perkiarya. Synaptic contacts were frequently observed on the distended dendrites. Additional findings included storage of vacuoles and granular material in the pericytes and meningeal cells and finely lamellated inclusions in the ependyma and choroid plexus cells. Preferential involvement of the dendrites might provide a morphological explanation for the severe mental retardation in SS.
Amplified luminometric assays of alkaline phosphatase using riboflavin phosphates
Authors: Harborn Stuart , Eggelte Henny J. , Benson Suzanne M. , Rabin Brain R.
Published: May 2005

An asasy for alkaline phosphatase is described which is based on the hydrolysis of riboflavin phosphates (5′FMN or 4′FMN) to produce riboflavin. This is converted to 5′FMN using riboflavin kinase, and then asayed using the bacterial bioluminescent system from Vibrio harveyi or V. Fischeri. The most sensitive assay is obtained using 4′FMN, which can measure less than 20 amol after a 1‐hour incubation.
Total bile acids in hyperlipidaemic serum determined by bioluminescent and spectrophotometric methods
Authors: Lekhakula Somsong , Boonpisit Sasiprapa , Amornkitticharoen Boonthum
Published: May 2005

A simple, rapid and sensitive bioluminescent method has been used to measure total bile acids in hyperlipidaemic serum. We found that the levels of total bile acids in hypertriglyceridaemic and hypercholesterolemic sera determined by a spectrophotometric method were four‐fold higher than those measured by the bioluminescent method (6.73 ± 4.07 μmol/l (mean ± SD) by bioluminescent and 26.10 ± 13.42 μmol/l by the spectrophotometric method). There was no difference in total bile acid levels between these two methods for normal serum (4.72 ± 3.38 μmol/l by bioluminescence and 4.49 ± 3.27 μmol/l by the spectrophotometric method).
Enzymatic synthesis and chromatographic purification of lignan glucuronides
Authors: Brunner G. , Tegtmeier F. , Kirk D. N. , Wynn S. , Setchell K. D. R.
Published: May 2005

Enterolactone, enterodiol and secoisolariciresinol were conjugated with glucuronic acid by solubilized rabbit liver microsomal UDP‐glucuronyltransf erase. The monoglucuronide conjugate of all three substrates was formed and its identity confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Analytical high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and NMR spectroscopy indicated conjugation with glucuronic acid to occur at several positions in the molecule. The enzymatic conjugation was monitored by analytical capillary isotachophoresis (ITP). The Km‐values for enterlactone, enterodiol, and secoisolariciresinol were calculated to be 0.30, 0.23, and 0.22 mmol/l respectively.