bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Pathways to the Same End: Mechanisms of Myonuclear Apoptosis in Sarcopenia of Aging
Authors: Marzetti Emanuele , Privitera Giuseppe , Simili Vincenzo , Wohlgemuth Stephanie E. , Aulisa Lorenzo , Pahor Marco , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan
Published: August 2011

Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and function, represents a significant health issue due to the high prevalence of frailty and disability associated with this condition. Nevertheless, the cellular mechanisms responsible for the loss of muscle mass in old age are still largely unknown. An altered regulation of myocyte apoptosis has recently emerged as a possible contributor to the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. Studies in animal models have shown that the severity of skeletal muscle apoptosis increases over the course of aging and correlates with the degree of muscle mass and strength decline. Several apoptotic pathways are operative in aged muscles, with the mitochondria- and TNF-α-mediated pathways likely being the most relevant to sarcopenia. However, despite the growing number of studies on the subject, a definite mechanistic link between myocyte apoptosis and age-related muscle atrophy has not yet been established. Furthermore, the evidence on the role played by apoptosis in human sarcopenia is still sparse. Clearly, further research is required to better define the involvement of myocyte apoptosis in the pathogenesis of muscle loss at advanced age. This knowledge will likely help in the design of more effective therapeutic strategies to preserve muscle mass into old age, thus fostering independence of the elderly population and reducing the socioeconomic burden associated with sarcopenia.
Traumatic Urethral Injury without Pelvic Fracture in an Adult Female
Authors: Bockholt Nathan A. , Nepple Kenneth G. , Powell Charles R. , Kreder Karl J.
Published: August 2011

A 23-year-old female was involved in a motor vehicle collision with multiple injuries, including a right acetabular fracture, but no pelvic fracture. Urology consultation was obtained due to difficulty placing a urethral catheter. Examination revealed a longitudinal urethral tear with vaginal laceration extending 2 cm from the urethral meatus proximally toward the bladder neck. The longitudinal urethral tear was repaired primarily. Traumatic female urethral injury in the absence of a pelvic fracture is an exceedingly rare occurrence.
Investigation of the Proliferation, Apoptosis/Necrosis, and Cell Cycle Phases in Several Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines. Comparison ofViscum albumQuFrF Extract with Vincristine in anIn VitroModel
Authors: Kovacs Eva
Published: August 2011

Multiple myeloma is a haematological disorder of malignant plasma cells. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a potent growth factor for the proliferation of these cells. Vincristine as a chemotherapeutic agent is used mainly in combination with other chemotherapeutic substances in the treatment of different haematological disorders.Viscum albumQuFrF (VAQuFrF) extract is an experimental drug that is not used in the treatment in tumour patients. It contains 2000 ng lectin and 10 µg viscotoxin in 10 mg extract. In this study, the effects of VAQuFrF extract were compared with those of vincristine in six human multiple myeloma cell lines (Molp-8, LP-1, RPMI-8226, OPM-2, Colo-677, and KMS-12-BM) using anin vitromodel. As parameters, the IL-6 production, proliferation, apoptosis/necrosis, and cell cycle phases of the cells were taken. To measure the IL-6 production, apoptosis/necrosis, and cell cycle phases, the substances were tested in dose ranges of 10, 50, and 100 µg/106cells. To measure the proliferation of the cells, the substances were tested in dose ranges of 1, 5, and 10 µg/105cells. The profile of the antitumour effects of the two substances is identical. (1) Neither VAQuFrF extract nor vincristine produced IL-6 in any cell line. (2) Both substances inhibited the proliferation of the cells (cytostatic effect), arrested the cell cycle phases, and increased the number of apoptotic/necrotic cells (cytocidal effect). At a dose of 10 µg/105cells, VAQuFrF more effectively inhibited the proliferation than vincristine (p< 0.01) in the cell lines Molp-8, LP-1, and RPMI-8226. (3) VAQuFrF affected the tumour cells mainly via cytostatic effect. Vincristine had a clear cytocidal effect. These findings indicate that VAQuFrF extract could be a novel drug in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Lead, Cadmium, Zinc, and Copper Bioavailability in the Soil-Plant-Animal System in a Polluted Area
Authors: Angelova Violina R. , Ivanova Radka V. , Todorov Jivko M. , Ivanov Krasimir I.
Published: August 2011

A comparative research study on the bioavailability of Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu in the soil-plant-animal-system was carried out. The connection between the total quantity and the mobile forms of Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu in soils with different levels of contamination; the transition of these metals into rapeseed; and their assimilation by rabbits fed with a food that consisted mainly of rapeseed was studied. It was established that the absorption of heavy metals by the rapeseed definitely has a selective character, as the affinity towards Zn is most strongly expressed. The accumulation of Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu in the organs of the rapeseed occurs in the following order: inflorescences > leaves > stems. A direct connection between the quantity of the mobile forms and their accumulation in the plants was not found. The environmental contamination has a significant effect on heavy metal levels and distribution, as the largest quantity of all four elements is accumulated in the kidneys and liver. A well-expressed impact of the level of Cd contamination on the absorption of essential trace metals (Zn and Cu) and their accumulation into some of the organs of the animals was found.
Blood Cell Membrane Fluidity and Intracellular Ca2+Changes in Antiretroviral-Naïve and -Treated HIV-1–Infected Patients
Authors: Santos Nuno C. , Martins e Silva J. , Freitas Teresa , Doroana M. , Duarte N. , Tavares L. , Antunes F. , Saldanha Carlota
Published: August 2011

We previously showed that lymphocytes and erythrocytes of HIV-1–infected patients, prior to antiretroviral therapy, presented significant changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]int) and membrane fluidity. The present study evaluates the same parameters after response to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Blood samples were collected from patients prior to and after antiretroviral therapy, and from control subjects. Membrane fluidity and [Ca2+]intwere assessed by fluorescence spectroscopy measurements, using three different probes: TMA-DPH and DPH for membrane fluidity, and fura-2 for Ca2+. When compared with the control group, both untreated and treated patients presented increased lymphocyte [Ca2+]intand decreased lymphocyte membrane fluidity, without significant differences between the two groups of patients. On the contrary, the therapy reversed the membrane fluidity variations observed in erythrocytes. The decreased erythrocyte [Ca2+]intof untreated patients was not reversed by HAART. AIDS patients present changes in lymphocyte (mostly noninfected) and erythrocyte properties, partially reversed by HAART, consistent with a process of facilitated propagation of the infection to new cells, stimulation of virion production, and maintenance of a reservoir of erythrocyte-bound infectious virus. These observations can be related with the action of the HIV Nef protein in the cell's proteins and lipid composition, as well as with the recently observed cell infection by HIV-1 via endocytosis.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Masquerading as a Large Renal Mass with Hepatic Invasion
Authors: Zabell Joseph R. N. , Nepple Kenneth G. , Wilkinson Neal W. , Dahmoush Laila , Williams Richard D.
Published: August 2011

Large masses are evaluated with imaging to assess primary origin and tumor spread. We present the unusual case of a 53-year-old male with a 17-cm right upper quadrant mass suspected to be renal or adrenal in origin based on radiographic findings. After surgical excision, the mass was subsequently discovered to be primary hepatocellular carcinoma with direct extension to the kidney and adrenal gland. A diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B was made postoperatively. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma with direct renal extension is an exceedingly rare occurrence based on our experience and review of the published literature.
Regenerative Medicine for Neurological Disorders
Authors: Park Dong-Hyuk , Eve David J. , Chung Yong-Gu , Sanberg Paul R.
Published: August 2011

The annual meeting of the American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR) has always introduced us to top-notch and up-to-date approaches for regenerative medicine related to neuroscience, ranging from stem cell–based therapy to novel drugs. The 16th ASNTR meeting focused on a variety of different topics, including the unknown pathogenesis or mechanisms of specific neurodegenerative diseases, stem cell biology, and development of novel alternative medicines or devices. Newly developed stem cells, such as amniotic epithelial stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as well-known traditional stem cells, such as neural, embryonic, bone marrow mesenchymal, and human umbilical cord blood–derived stem cells, were reported. A number of commercialized stem cells were also covered at this meeting. Fetal neural tissues, such as ventral mesencephalon, striatum, and Schwann cells, were investigated for neurodegenerative diseases or spinal cord injury. A number of studies focused on novel methods for drug monitoring or graft tracking, and combination therapy with stem cells and medicine, such as cytokines or trophic factors. Finally, the National Institutes of Health guidelines for human stem cell research, clinical trials of commercialized stem cells without larger animal testing, and prohibition of medical tourism were big controversial issues that led to heated discussion.
Subjective Outcome Evaluation Based on Secondary Data Analyses: The Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Sun Rachel C.F.
Published: August 2011

The intent of this study was to evaluate the program effectiveness of the Project P.A.T.H.S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes) (Secondary 1 Curriculum) by analyzing 207 school-based program reports, in which program implementers were invited to write down five conclusions based on an integration of the subjective outcome evaluation data collected from the program participants and program implementers. Secondary data analyses were conducted and 1,855 meaningful units were extracted from 1,035 “aggregated” conclusions. Among them, about 27 and 18% were related to perceptions of the program and implementers, respectively, and most of them were positive in nature. About one-third was related to perceived effectiveness of the program, and most of them referred to enhancement of students' development in societal, familial, interpersonal, and personal aspects. However, difficulties encountered during program implementation (3.34%) and recommendations for improvement (18.11%) were also reported. The present study replicated the findings reported in previous studies and suggests that the Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. is beneficial to the development of the program participants.
Could Cells from Your Nose Fix Your Heart? Transplantation of Olfactory Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Cardiac Infarction
Authors: McDonald Cameron , Mackay-Sim Alan , Crane Denis , Murrell Wayne
Published: August 2011

This study examines the hypothesis that multipotent olfactory mucosal stem cells could provide a basis for the development of autologous cell transplant therapy for the treatment of heart attack. In humans, these cells are easily obtained by simple biopsy. Neural stem cells from the olfactory mucosa are multipotent, with the capacity to differentiate into developmental fates other than neurons and glia, with evidence of cardiomyocyte differentiationin vitroand after transplantation into the chick embryo. Olfactory stem cells were grown from rat olfactory mucosa. These cells are propagated as neurosphere cultures, similar to other neural stem cells. Olfactory neurospheres were grownin vitro, dissociated into single cell suspensions, and transplanted into the infarcted hearts of congeneic rats. Transplanted cells were genetically engineered to express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in order to allow them to be identified after transplantation. Functional assessment was attempted using echocardiography in three groups of rats: control, unoperated; infarct only; infarcted and transplanted. Transplantation of neurosphere-derived cells from adult rat olfactory mucosa appeared to restore heart rate with other trends towards improvement in other measures of ventricular function indicated. Importantly, donor-derived cells engrafted in the transplanted cardiac ventricle and expressed cardiac contractile proteins.
Cucurbitacin: Ancient Compound Shedding New Light on Cancer Treatment
Authors: Lee Dhong Hyun , Iwanski Gabriela B. , Thoennissen Nils H.
Published: August 2011

Cucurbitacins and their derivatives are triterpenoids found in medicinal plants known for their diverse pharmacological and biological activities, including anticancer effects, throughout human history. Although initial attention to cucurbitacin as a potential anticancer drug withered for decades, recent discoveries showing that cucurbitacin is a strong STAT3 (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription-3) inhibitor have reclaimed the attention of the drug industry one more time. There is increasing evidence showing that some cucurbitacins not only inhibit the JAK-STAT pathway, but also affect other signaling pathways, such as the MAPK pathway, which are also known to be important for cancer cell proliferation and survival. Moreover, some reports have shown the synergistic effect of cucurbitacins with known chemotherapeutic agents, such as doxorubicin and gemcitabine. In this review, we will summarize the recent discoveries regarding molecular mechanisms of action of cucurbitacins in human cancer cells and discuss the possibilities of cucurbitacin as a future anticancer drug in clinical settings.
DNA Evidence Uncompromised by Active Oxygen
Authors: Castelló Ana , Francés Francesc , Verdú Fernando
Published: August 2011

Currently, forensic sciences can make use of the potential of instrumental analysis techniques to obtain information from the smallest, even invisible, samples. However, as laboratory techniques improve, so too should the procedures applied in the search for and initial testing of clues in order to be equally effective. This requires continuous revision so that those procedures may resolve the problems that samples present. As far as bloodstains are concerned, there are methods available that are recognized as being both highly sensitive and effective. Nevertheless, the marketing of new cleaning products, those that contain active oxygen, has raised doubts about the ability of those procedures to detect blood. It has been shown that stains washed with these detergents (and still visible) invalidated both the presumptive test (reduced phenolphthalein, luminol, and Bluestar®) and that applied for determining human hemoglobin. These findings have caused considerable concern both within the forensic and scientific community, and among the general public, so obliging us to seek solutions. In this work, the effect of these new cleaning products on DNA analyses is studied. The results, encouraging ones, show that these detergents, despite invalidating all other tests, do not hinder the extraction, or the subsequent analysis, of DNA.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Synaptic Plasticity and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Sharma Shiv K.
Published: August 2011

The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was initially identified as a protein that promoted growth of hepatocytes. It regulates proliferation and survival of different types of cells. HGF signaling, which is initiated by its binding to a receptor tyrosine kinase, plays critical roles during development. HGF and its receptor are also present in brain cells. This review describes the role of HGF in hippocampal neurons, synaptic plasticity, and the memory impairment condition, Alzheimer's disease.
Tubulocystic Carcinoma of the Kidney: A Case Report of Natural History and Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Moses Kelvin A. , DeCaro John J. , Osunkoya Adeboye O. , Issa Muta M.
Published: August 2011

Tubulocystic carcinoma (TC) is a rare primary renal tumor that has been recently described in the pathology literature. Formerly termed low-grade collecting duct carcinoma, further molecular analysis has shown TC to be a distinct entity that is separate from the more aggressive collecting duct carcinoma. Previous series have described the microscopic and immunohistochemical features of this tumor. We describe the natural history of this tumor in a patient who was followed with active surveillance for several years and then underwent partial nephrectomy. Long-term follow-up has shown no evidence of disease. A review of the pertinent literature is performed.
Therapeutic Applicability of Anti-Inflammatory and Proresolving Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-Derived Lipid Mediators
Authors: Bannenberg Gerard L.
Published: August 2011

The enzymatic oxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids by lipoxygenases and cyclo-oxygenases is a resourceful mode of formation of specific autacoids that regulate the extent and pace of the inflammatory response. Arachidonate-derived eicosanoids, such as lipoxin A4, prostaglandin (PG)D2, PGF2α, PGE2, and PGD2-derived cyclopentenones exert specific roles in counter-regulating inflammation and turning on resolution. Recently recognized classes of autacoids derived from long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, the E- and D-series resolvins, protectin D1, and maresin 1, act as specialized mediators to dampen inflammation actively, afford tissue protection, stimulate host defense, and activate resolution. It is held that counter-regulatory lipid mediators and the specific molecular pathways activated by such endogenous agonists may be suitable for pharmacological use in the treatment of inflammatory disease. The anti-inflammatory drug aspirin is a striking example of a drug that is able to act in such a manner, namely through triggering the formation of 15-epi-lipoxin A4and aspirin-triggered resolvins. Different aspects of the therapeutic applicability of lipid mediators have been addressed here, and indicate that the development of innovative pharmacotherapy based on anti-inflammatory and proresolution lipid mediators presents novel prospects for the treatment of inflammatory disease.
Recent Insights into the Implication of Nitric Oxide in Osteoblast Differentiation and Proliferation during Bone Development
Authors: Saura Marta , Tarin Carlos , Zaragoza Carlos
Published: August 2011

Bone tissue renovation is a dynamic event in which osteoblasts and osteoclasts are responsible for the turnover between bone formation and bone resorption, respectively. During bone development, extracellular matrix remodeling is required for osteoblast differentiation and the process is largely mediated by the proteolytic activity of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which play a fundamental role in osteoblast migration, unmineralized matrix degradation, and cell invasion. The recent advances towards investigation in osteogenesis have provided significant information about the transcriptional regulation of several genes, including MMPs, by the expression of crucial transcription factors like NFAT, ATF4, osterix, TAZ, and Cbfa-1–responsive elements. Evidence from gene knock-out studies have shown that bone formation is, at least in part, mediated by nitric oxide (NO), since mice deficient in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and mice deficient in the eNOS downstream effector (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG) show bone abnormalities, while inducible NOS (iNOS) null mice also show imbalances in bone osteogenesis and abnormalities in bone healing. Recently, in vitro data showed that Cbfa-1 and the MAPK pathways were crucial for osteoblastic cell differentiation, and NO was found to play a significant role. This article sheds light on some of the mechanisms that may influence NO-mediated actions in bone development.
Sorptive Removal of Odorous Carbonyl Gases by Water
Authors: Kabir Ehsanul , Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: August 2011

In this study, the removal capacity of deionized water was investigated against five gaseous carbonyl compounds (i.e., acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, valeraldehyde, and isovaleraldehyde) by means of the gas stripping method. To determine the trapping behavior of these odorants by water, gaseous working standards prepared at three different concentration levels (i.e., for acetaldehyde around 300, 500, and 1,000 ppb) were forced through pure water contained in an impinger at room temperature. The removal efficiency of the target compounds was inspected in terms of two major variables: (1) concentration levels of gaseous standard and (2) impinger water volume (20, 50, 100, and 150 mL). Although the extent of removal was affected fairly sensitively by changes in water volume, this was not the case for standard concentration level changes. Considering the efficiency of sorption media, gas stripping with aqueous solution can be employed as an effective tool for the removal of carbonyl odorants.
Anti-Inflammatory Prostanoids: Focus on the Interactions between Electrophile Signaling and Resolution of Inflammation
Authors: Díez-Dacal Beatriz , Pérez-Sala Dolores
Published: August 2011

Prostanoids are products of cyclooxygenase biosynthetic pathways and constitute a family of lipidic mediators of widely diverse structures and biological actions. Besides their known proinflammatory role, numerous works have revealed the anti-inflammatory effects of various prostanoids and established their role in the resolution of inflammation. Among these, prostaglandins with cyclopentenone structure (cyPG) are electrophilic lipids that may act through various mechanisms, including the activation of nuclear and membrane receptors and, importantly, direct addition to protein cysteine residues and modification of protein function. Due to their ability to influence cysteine modification–mediated signaling, cyPG may play a critical role in the interplay between redox and inflammatory signaling pathways. Moreover, cellular redox status modulates cyPG addition to proteins; thus, a reciprocal regulation exists between these two factors. After initial controversy, it is becoming clear that endogenous cyPG are generated at concentrations sufficient to promote inflammatory resolution. As for other prostanoids, cyPG effects are highly dependent on context factors and they may exert pro- or anti-inflammatory actions in a cell type–dependent manner, or even biphasic or dual actions in a given cell type or tissue. In light of the growing number of cyPG protein targets identified, cyPG resemble other pleiotropic mediators acting through protein modification. However, their complex structure results in an inter- and intramolecular selectivity of the residues being modified, thus opening the way for structure-activity and drug discovery studies. Detailed characterization of cyPG interactions with cellular proteins will help us to understand their mechanism of action fully and establish their therapeutic potential in inflammation.
Concentrations of TSP-Bound Metals in Four Urban Residential Locations in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Nguyen Hang Thi , Park Chan Goo , Kim Jin-A , Lee Je-Seung , Lee Jin-Hong , Kim Ki-Hyun
Published: August 2011

Concentrations of 17 trace metals bound in total suspended particulate (TSP) were measured at four urban residential locations (Jong Ro [JR], Gwang Jin [GJ], Gang Seo [GS], and Yang Jae [YJ]) in Seoul, Korea from February to July 2009. The maximum concentrations of metals were recorded by Fe in the range of 2599 (JR) to 2914 ng m-3(GJ), while the least values were observed from Ag or Co with a few ng m-3. The relative ordering of the mean concentration (ng m-3) at these sites is generally found on the order of Fe > Zn > Ba > Mn > Pb > Cu > B > Cr > Ni > Sr >V > As > Li > Cd > Mo > Co > Ag or with a few exceptions (e.g., a reversal between Ba and Mn or between Ni and Sr). Calculation of the enrichment factor suggests the significant role of man-made processes on such metals as Cd, Zn, and Pb. Inspection of the temporal patterns indicates the peak occurrence of most metals during the spring season due in part to the Asian Dust (AD) event. However, according to the factor analysis, sources of these metals were dominated by both resuspended soil/road dust and the combustion of fossil fuels. The overall results of our study suggest that the interaction between the environmental conditions and roadside traffic activities are paramount in explaining the metal pollution in these urban residential areas.
Resolvins as Regulators of the Immune System
Authors: Seki Hiroyuki , Sasaki Takaharu , Ueda Tomomi , Arita Makoto
Published: August 2011

Inflammation is the first response of the immune system to infection or injury, but excessive or inappropriate inflammatory responses contribute to a range of acute and chronic human diseases. Clinical assessment of dietary supplementation of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (i.e., eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) indicate that they have beneficial impact on these diseases, although the mechanisms are poorly understood at the molecular level. In this decade, it has been revealed that EPA and DHA are enzymatically converted to bioactive metabolites in the course of acute inflammation and resolution. These metabolites were shown to regulate immune cell functions and to display potent anti-inflammatory actions bothin vitroandin vivo. Because of their ability to resolve an acute inflammatory response, they are referred to as proresolving mediators, or resolvins. In this review, we provide an overview of the formation and actions of these lipid mediators.
Resolution of Adipose Tissue Inflammation
Authors: González-Périz Ana , Clària Joan
Published: August 2011

The presence of the so-called “low-grade” inflammatory state is recognized as a critical event in adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity. This chronic “low-grade” inflammation in white adipose tissue is powerfully augmented through the infiltration of macrophages, which, together with adipocytes, perpetuate a vicious cycle of macrophage recruitment and secretion of free fatty acids and deleterious adipokines that predispose the development of obesity-related comorbidities, such as insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the last decade, many factors have been identified that contribute to mounting uncontrolled inflammation in obese adipose tissue. Among them, bioactive lipid mediators derived from the cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways, which convert the ω-6-polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) arachidonic acid into potent proinflammatory eicosanoids (i.e., prostaglandins [PGs] and leukotrienes), have emerged. Interestingly, the same lipid mediators that initially trigger the inflammatory response also signal the termination of inflammation by stimulating the biosynthesis of anti-inflammatory and proresolving lipid autacoids. This review discusses the current status, characteristics, and progress in this class of “stop signals”, including the lipoxins, which were the first identified ω-6 PUFA–derived lipid mediators with potent anti-inflammatory properties; the recently described ω-3 PUFA–derived lipid mediators resolvins and protectins; and the cyclopentenone PGs of the D series. Special emphasis is given to the participation of these bioactive lipid autacoids in the resolution of adipose tissue inflammation and in preventing the development of obesity-related complications.
Atomic Force Microscopy Analysis of DNA Extracted from the Vegetative Cells and the Viable, but Nonculturable, Cells of Two Mycoplasmas (Acholeplasma laidlawiiPG8 andMycoplasma hominisPG37)
Authors: Trushin Maxim V. , Chernov Vladislav M. , Gorshkov Oleg V. , Baranova Natalija B. , Chernova Olga A.
Published: August 2011

This article reports on a study of some characteristics of DNA extracted from the vegetative and viable, but nonculturable (VBNC), cells of two mycoplasma species (Acholeplasma laidlawiiPG8 andMycoplasma hominisPG37) using atomic force microscopy (AFM). DNA images were obtained by operating the AFM microscope in the tapping mode. It was found that DNA from the VBNC forms ofM. hominisPG37 has decreased sizes (height: 0.177 ± 0.026 nm vs. 0.391 ± 0.041 nm for the vegetative forms, and width: 1.92 ± 0.099 vs. 2.17 ± 0.156 nm for the vegetative forms) in comparison to DNA from the vegetative forms of the mycoplasma. In the case of DNA from theA. laidlawiiPG8 VBNC forms, we detected a decrease in width (1.506 ± 0.076 nm vs. 1.898 ± 0.117 nm for the vegetative forms), but an increase in height (0.641 ± 0.068 nm vs. 0.255 ± 0.010 nm for the vegetative forms) of the molecule. Analyzing the obtained results, one can speculate on some similarities in the physical-chemical properties of DNA fromM. hominisPG37 andM. gallisepticumS6. In turn, this implies some general mechanisms of adaptation to a severe environment.
Aging in Persons with Rett Syndrome: An Updated Review
Authors: Lotan Meir , Merrick Joav , Kandel Isack , Morad Mohammed
Published: August 2011

Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurological disease affecting mainly females, characterized by an arrest of brain development caused by an X-linked mutation. Rett syndrome is the first human disease found to be caused by defects in a protein involved in regulating gene expression through its interaction with methylated DNA. The disease has been traced to a defective gene called MECP2. The case stories presented here and recent findings show that females with RS are able to live into old age. Due to the observed longevity of individuals with RS, and the fact that individuals with RS present the therapist/physician with specific clinical challenges, it is suggested that proper, long-term, and individually tailored, intensive care should be provided at all ages in the hope to prevent or at least reduce the age-related deterioration that is typical of this population.
Antagonism of Some Aquatic Hyphomycetes against Plant Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Sati S. C. , Arya P.
Published: August 2011

The antagonistic activity of five aquatic hyphomycetes, viz.,Heliscus lugdunensis,Tetrachaetum elegans,Tetracladium breve,T. marchalianum, andT. nainitalense, against seven plant pathogenic fungi was studied using a dual culture technique. Inhibitory activity of tested aquatic hyphomycetes was determined by measuring the radial growth of plant pathogenic fungi on dual culture plates.Tetrachaetum elegansshowed antagonistic activity againstColletotrichum falcatum,Fusarium oxysporum,Pyricularia oryzae,Sclerotium sclerotiorum, andTilletia indicaHeliscus lugdunensisshowed antagonism against only two plant pathogenic fungi,Rhizoctonia solaniandColletotrichum falcatum.Tetracladium breve,T. marchalianum, andT. nainitalenseshowed no response towards tested plant pathogenic fungi.
Stem Cell-Based Dental Tissue Engineering
Authors: Zivkovic Petar , Petrovic Vladimir , Najman Stevo , Stefanovic Vladisav
Published: August 2011

The development of biological and biomaterial sciences profiled tissue engineering as a new and powerful tool for biological replacement of organs. The combination of stem cells and suitable scaffolds is widely used in experiments today, in order to achieve partial or whole organ regeneration. This review focuses on the use of tissue engineering strategies in tooth regeneration, using stem cells and stem cells/scaffold constructs. Although whole tooth regeneration is still not possible, there are promising results. However, to achieve this goal, it is important to understand and further explore the mechanisms underlying tooth development. Only then will we be able to mimic the natural processes with the use of stem cells and tissue engineering techniques.
Autophagy Regulates the Post-Translational Cleavage of BCL-2 and Promotes Neuronal Survival
Authors: Lossi Laura , Gambino Graziana , Salio Chiara , Merighi Adalberto
Published: August 2011

B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (BCL-2) is one of the more widely investigated anti-apoptotic protein in mammals, and its levels are critical for protecting from programmed cell death. We report here that the cellular content of BCL-2 is regulated at post-translational level along the autophagy/lysosome pathways in organotypic cultures of post-natal mouse cerebellar cortex. Specifically this mechanism appears to be effective in the cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) that are known to undergo massive programmed cell death (apoptosis) during post-natal maturation. By the use of specific agonists/antagonist of calcium channels at the endoplasmic reticulum it was possible to understand the pivotal role of calcium release from intracellular stores in CGC neuroprotection. The more general significance of these findings is supported by a very recent study Niemann-Pick transgenic mice.
Relationship between Burnout, Quality of Life, and Work Ability Index—Directions in Prevention
Authors: Arandjelovic Mirjana , Nikolic Maja , Stamenkovic Slavisa
Published: August 2011

The aim of our study was (1) to test the possibilities of standardized questionnaires for burnout, quality of life, and work ability in Serbia by investigating interactions of these phenomena in food manufacturing workers in Serbia; and (2) to determine possible preventive measures. The study enrolled 489 food manufacturing workers in the region of Niš (Serbia) during the period from January 2008 to February 2009. We included three standardized questionnaires: for burnout (CBI), quality of life (ComQoL-A5), and the work ability index (WAI) in the Serbian language. The results of our study indicate high scores in personal (60.0) and work burnout (67.9), lower scores for objective (66.2%SM) and subjective quality of life in enrolled subjects (69.2%SM), and an excellent work ability index in most workers (65.8%). The questionnaires tested are reliable instruments in the Serbian region. Burnout, quality of life, and work ability are significantly interrelated categories in food manufacturing workers. There is a high degree of work burnout that has not yet been accompanied with significant impairment of quality of living and work ability in exposed workers. That is why a salutogenic approach in the prevention of this phenomenon, by health-promotion programs in the workplace, would be the method of choice for burnout improvement.
Moving Beyond Health to Flourishing: The Effects of Yoga Teacher Training
Authors: Conboy L. A. , Wilson A. , Braun T.
Published: August 2011

Research in the medical and psychological fields has primarily followed a “disease-focused” approach to health. Although there is growing research on the components and outcomes of well-being, very few studies have focused on traditional practices that can be used as interventions to encourage human flourishing. The current study was developed to address this research gap. We suggest one effective method of increasing psychological well-being, the practice of yoga, an age-old practice that has been said to produce physical and psychological health. In this observational study, we examined associations with participation in a 4-week yoga teacher training resident program. Measurement instruments were chosen to capture changes in psychosocial health and human flourishing. Measurements were taken before the start of the program, immediately after the program, and 3 months postprogram. As expected, in this healthy population, the human flourishing scales showed more change than the psychosocial health scales. For example, in this healthy sample, there were no significant changes in perceived social support, quality of life, or self-efficacy from baseline to the 3-month follow-up. However, optimism, a positive psychology research measure, improved from baseline to follow-up. The mindfulness subscales of observation, awareness, and nonreactivity all improved following the training, suggesting that one benefit of yoga practice is a more refined ability to attend to one's inner experience. This study adds to the growing literature focusing on interventions that move beyond relieving pathology to those that produce optimal functioning and human thriving.
Differential Micronuclei Induction in Human Lymphocyte Cultures by Imidacloprid in the Presence of Potassium Nitrate
Authors: Stivaktakis Polychronis , Vlastos Dimitris , Giannakopoulos Evangelos , Matthopoulos Demetrious P.
Published: August 2011

Humans are exposed to pesticides as a consequence of their application in farming or their persistence in a variety of media, including food, water, air, soil, plants, animals, and smoke. The interaction of pesticides with environmental factors may result in the alteration of their physicochemical properties. Square wave cathodic stripping voltammetry (SW-CSV), a technique that simulates electrodynamically the cellular membrane, is used to investigate whether the presence of potassium nitrate (KNO3) in the culture medium interferes with the genotoxic behavior of imidacloprid. The cytokinesis block micronuclei (CBMN) method is used to evaluate imidacloprid's genotoxicity in the absence or presence of KNO3in the culture medium and, as a consequence, its adsorption by lymphocytes. Comparing micronuclei (MN) frequencies in control and imidacloprid-treated blood cell cultures, statistically significant differences were not detected. KNO3did not induce MN frequencies compared to control. Statistically significant differences in MN frequencies were observed when blood cell cultures were treated with imidacloprid in the presence of increasing concentrations of KNO3. SW-CSV revealed that by increasing KNO3molarity, imidacloprid's concentration in the culture medium decreased in parallel. This finding indicates that imidacloprid is adsorbed by cellular membranes. The present study suggests a novel role of a harmless environmental factor, such as KNO3, on the genotoxic behavior of a pesticide, such as imidacloprid. KNO3rendered imidacloprid permeable to lymphocytes, resulting in elevated MN frequencies.
Theta Oscillations and Reactivity of Hippocampal Stratum Oriens Neurons
Authors: Kitchigina Valentina F.
Published: August 2011

The supposition was advanced that the neuronal theta rhythmicity is the key mode of signal selection at the hippocampal level. To address this hypothesis, the experimental data on the responses of putative hippocampal interneurons of the stratum oriens CA1-CA3 to stimulation during enhanced theta rhythm and after its blockade are reviewed. Both a strong increase and a decrease of the natural theta rhythm disturbed the reactions of hippocampal neurons; during theta augmentation, the responses were masked or disappeared, and after theta blockade, they lost the ability to habituate. In both cases, two important events were broken: the resetting of the background activity and the phase-locking of theta cycles to stimulus. These data allow one to suppose that only important stimuli are normally capable to evoke these events and these stimuli are selected for recording. When the response to a significant stimulus occurs, the following theta prevents the responses to other stimuli. This probably protects the hippocampal activity from interference from irrelevant signals. Presumably, the absence of the theta deprives the hippocampus of this protection. During enhanced and persistent theta oscillations, the reset disappeared and theta bursts were generated without stimulus locking. In this state, the system is probably closed and the information cannot be recorded. During the theta blockade, the reset was too long and did not habituate. In this case, the system is open for any signals and the hippocampus loses the ability to select signal. This analysis suggests that information selection in the hippocampus may be performed with the participation of nonpyramidal neurons.
Selenium Supplementation does not Decrease Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Concentration in Children and Adolescents with Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Bonfig W. , Gäertner R. , Schmidt H.
Published: August 2011

In adults, selenium supplementation decreases thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO Ab) concentrations in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Our aim in this study was to investigate if selenium supplementation decreased TPO Ab and thyroglobulin antibody (Tg Ab) concentrations in children with AIT. Forty-nine patients (33 females) with newly diagnosed AIT and hypothyroidism were randomized to daily oral therapy with levothyroxine alone (group A, n = 18), levothyroxine plus 100 µg sodium-selenite (group B, n = 13), or levothyroxine plus 200 µg sodium-selenite (group C, n = 18). Mean age at diagnosis was 12.2 ± 2.2 years. All 49 patients needed a mean levothyroxine dose of 1.6 ± 0.5 µg/kg body weight to lower TSH to the treatment goal of 1–2 µU/ml, with no significant difference between groups. At study entry and after 12 months, TPO Ab concentrations were comparable in all three groups. Tg Ab concentrations decreased significantly after 12 months in group A and group C (p= 0.03 andp= 0.01), but not in group B (p= 0.06). It is our conclusion that selenium supplementation with sodium-selenite does not decrease TPO Ab concentrations in children and adolescents, neither given in the reduced dose of 100 µg daily nor given in the “adult” supplementation dose of 200 µg daily.
Artificial Organelles: Digital Microfluidic Platform for Proteoglycan and Glycoprotein Biosynthesis
Authors: Martin Jeffrey G. , Beaudet Julie M. , Dordick Jonathan S. , Linhardt Robert J.
Published: August 2011

The development of artificial organelles is a new, fast-growing field in which a variety of techniques have been employed. This article gives a brief overview of the history of artificial organelles, and describes the development of an artificial endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi organelle on a digital microfluidic platform. This device should be useful in high-throughput combinatorial proteoglycan/glycoprotein synthesis, providing critical information about the control of biosynthetic pathways for these important signaling molecules.
Natural Catalytic Antibodies in Norm, Autoimmune, Viral, and Bacterial Diseases
Authors: Nevinsky Georgy A. , Buneva Valentina N.
Published: August 2011

In human patients with autoimmune, viral, and bacterial diseases, the generation of antibodies (Abs) to foreign antigens and/or autoantibodies to self-antigens usually occurs. Some Abs with different catalytic activities (abzymes, Abzs) may be induced spontaneously by primary antigens and can have characteristics of the primary antigen, including the catalytic activity of idiotypic and/or anti-idiotypic Abs. Healthy humans usually do not develop Abzs or their activities are low, often on the borderline of sensitivity of the detection methods. Detection of Abzs was shown to be the earliest indicator of development of different autoimmune diseases (ADs). At the early stages of ADs, the repertoire of Abzs is usually relatively narrow, but it greatly expands with the progress of the disease, leading to the generation of catalytically diverse Abzs with different activities and functions. Some Abzs are cytotoxic and can play an important negative role in the pathogenesis of ADs, while positive roles have been proposed for other Abzs. Abzs with some low activities can temporarily be present in the blood of patients in the course of viral and bacterial diseases, but their activity increases significantly if these infections stimulate development of ADs. A significant increase in the relative Abz activities associated with a specific reorganization of the immune system, including changes in the differentiation and proliferation of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells and lymphocyte proliferation in different organs. Different mechanisms of Abz production can be proposed for healthy externally immunized and for autoimmune mammals during the development of pathology.
Frontiers in Vitamin Research: New Antibodies, New Data
Authors: Coveñas Rafael , Mangas Arturo , Bodet Dominique , Duleu Sébastien , Marcos Pilar , Karakas Begum , Geffard Michel
Published: August 2011

Since 2004, the anatomical distribution of vitamins in the monkey brain, studied using immunohistochemical techniques and new tools (specific antisera that discriminate different vitamins reasonably well), has been an ongoing research field. The visualization of immunoreactive structures containing vitamins (folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, pyridoxal, and vitamin C) has recently been reported in the monkey brain (Macaca fascicularis), all these vitamins showing a restricted or very restricted distribution. Folic acid, thiamine, and riboflavin have only been observed in immunoreactive fibers, vitamin C has only been found in cell bodies (located in the primary somatosensory cortex), and pyridoxal has been found in both fibers and cell bodies. Perikarya containing pyridoxal have been observed in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, the periventricular hypothalamic region, and in the supraoptic nucleus. The fibers containing vitamins are thick, smooth (without varicosities), and are of medium length or long, whereas immunoreactive cell bodies containing vitamins are round or triangular. At present, there are insufficient data to elucidate the roles played by vitamins in the brain, but the anatomical distribution of these compounds in the monkey brain provides a general idea (although imprecise and requiring much more study) about the possible functional implications of these molecules. In this sense, here the possible functional roles played by vitamins are discussed.
Bladder Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells: Basic Science and Implications for Therapy
Authors: Bryan Richard T.
Published: August 2011

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Western society, with the global burden predicted to increase significantly in the foreseeable future. Over 90% of these bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas of urothelial origin (urothelial carcinomas or UCs) and at presentation, over 70% will be non–muscle-invasive or stage Ta/T1 tumours, with the remainder being muscle-invasive or stages T2-4. Bladder UC is a highly heterogeneous disease: for the 50–55% of bladder cancer patients presenting with Ta tumours, recurrence is the main issue, but for the 20–25% of patients presenting with T1 tumours, progression is the main issue. Progression to, or presentation with, muscle-invasive disease represents the critical step for patients, necessitating more aggressive therapies and carrying significantly worse survival rates. We therefore urgently require detailed molecular insights into the pathogenesis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer so that the disease can be more adequately and appropriately treated at presentation, so that progression from stages Ta/T1 can be abrogated, and so that the risk of recurrence following treatment can be minimised. The recently identified bladder cancer stem cells are considered to be mediators of resistance to current therapies and therefore represent strong candidate biological targets. The aim of this review is to discuss the background and basic science of such cells, and the implications for current and future therapies.