bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Model for Aquatic Invertebrate Response to Kissimmee River Restoration
Authors: Harris Steven C. , Martin Thomas H. , Cummins Kenneth W.
Published: April 2006

When the Kissimmee River was channelized in the 1960s and 1970s and placed under stage‐fluctuation management, the dynamic interactions between the river and the flood‐plain were essentially removed. Correspondingly, aquatic invertebrate life in the river and floodplain ecosystem shifted from a riverine to a more lacustrine fauna. A relinkage of the Kissimmee River with the floodplain following restoration will result in numerous changes to such ecologically important factors as streamflow, substrate composition, food quality and quantity, and water quality, all of which will influence invertebrate communities. These factors and their function in the ecosystem as the fauna shifts from predominantly lacustrine back to riverine are presented in a conceptual model. As an integral component of all aquatic ecosystems and a key link between primary producers and higher trophic levels, aquatic invertebrates are a valuable group with which to evaluate the recovery of the Kissimmee River. Utilization of a geographic information system mapping approach linking expected increased habitat heterogeneity and invertebrate richness with restoration efforts is suggested as an economical means of monitoring recovery of the Kissimmee River ecosystem.
Ineffectiveness of Two Annual Legumes as Nurse Plants for Establishment of Artemisia californica in Coastal Sage Scrub
Authors: Marquez Viviane J. , Allen Edith B.
Published: April 2006

Annual legumes are often used as nurse plants for restoration projects, but two commonly used legume species were competitors at all densities with Artemisia californica (California sagebrush), a dominant shrub of southern California coastal sage scrub. Survival of Artemisia was not reduced by the lowest densities of the native Lupinus succulentus (arroyo lupine) at ratios of Artemisia to Lupinus of 1:1 or 1:3 or by the exotic Trifolium hirtum (rose clover) at the 1:1 density, but its survival was as low as 4% at the highest densities of Trifolium (1:16) and 1:32). Overall, Trifolium was more detrimental to survival of Artemisia, but the biomass of Artemisia was reduced by 90% or more in mixtures with both legumes even at the lowest densities of 1:1. The total soil nitrogen either did not change or decreased in two of the mixtures between planting and harvest dates, indicating that the legumes not only did not add nitrogen to the soil within one growing season but even depleted it in these two cases. Whereas Lupinus had greater aboveground bio‐mass than Trifolium, it had a lower root density than Trifolium. The Artemisia root system was more shallow than either Trifolium or Lupinus, possibly explaining the poor growth of Artemisia in mixtures, The legumes were one to two orders of magnitude greater in aboveground biomass than Artemisia at the 1:1 ratio and therefore may be inappropriate choices as nurse plants. There is no evidence from this study that either of these legumes can act as nurse plants, even at the lowest ratio of one nurse plant to on shrub. Nurse plants are probably more important in harsher environments than in coastal sage scrub.
Towards a Conceptual Framework for Restoration Ecology
Authors: Hobbs Richard J. , Norton David A.
Published: April 2006

Heightening human impacts on the Earth result in widespread losses of production and conservation values and make large‐scale ecosystem restoration increasingly urgent. Tackling this problem requires the development of general guiding principles for restoration so that we can move away from the ad hoc, site‐ and situation‐specific approach that now prevails. A continuum of restoration efforts can be recognized, ranging from restoration of localized highly degraded sites to restoration of entire landscapes for production and/or conservation reasons. We emphasize the importance of developing restoration methodologies that are applicable at the landscape scale. Key processes in restoration include identifying and dealing with the processes leading to degradation in the first place, determining realistic goals and measures of success, developing methods for implementing the goals and incorporating them into land‐management and planning strategies, and monitoring the restoration and assessing its success. Few of these procedures are currently incorporated in many restoration projects. The concept that many ecosystems are likely to exist in alternative stable states, depending on their history, is relevant to the setting of restoration goals. A range of measures, such as those being developed to measure ecosystem health, could be used to develop “scorecards” for restoration efforts. Generalizable guidelines for restoration on individual sites could be based on the concepts of designed disturbance, controlled colonization, and controlled species performance. Fewer explicit guidelines are available at the landscape scale, beyond nonquantitative generalities about size and connectivity. Development of these guidelines is an important priority so that urgent large‐scale restoration can be planned and implemented effectively.
Implications of Seedling Emergence to Site Restoration following Bauxite Mining in Western Australia
Authors: Grant Carl D. , Bell David T. , Koch John M. , Loneragan William A.
Published: April 2006

Seedling emergence of 12 selected northern jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Smith) forest species were investigated to assist Alcoa of Australia Ltd. in maximizing the establishment of topsoil species in rehabilitated bauxite mining sites. The species, which encompassed a range of seed weights (0.024 mg to 87 mg), plant families, seed‐storage types, life forms, and germination requirements, were placed on the soil surface and at depths of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 15 cm under controlled conditions in a glasshouse. Ability to emerge from deep burial was found to depend on seed size for species that annually release their seed to the topsoil but not for species that store their seed on the plant. All selected species were capable of emerging from 2 cm depth of burial, but eight of the 12 species were either unable to emerge from 5 cm or showed a significant reduction in emergence from 5 cm depth of burial compared to optimally buried seed. This group included two small‐seeded species, Stylidium calcaratum and Chamaescilla corymbosa; the major forest dominant, Eucalyptus marginata; the serotinous canopy‐borne seed of Hakea amplexicaulis; and the wind‐dispersed seed of Xanthorrhoea gracilis. A few seeds of the legume species Kennedia coccinea, Acacia pulchella, and Bossiaea aquifolium established seedlings from depths of 15 cm. Currently, Alcoa removes the upper 15 cm of topsoil separately from the underlying soil prior to the commencement of mining. This topsoil is respread at a similar depth following mining as part of the rehabilitation procedure. It is recommended that Alcoa continue to strip topsoil to a depth of 15 cm but investigate the option of re‐spreading topsoil onto rehabilitated pits at a shallower depth to maximize establishment via the soil seed bank.
Population Genetic Analyses of Transplanted Eelgrass (Zostera marina) Beds Reveal Reduced Genetic Diversity in Southern California
Authors: Williams Susan L. , Davis Christopher A.
Published: April 2006

Seagrass ecosystems fulfill ecologically and economically valuable functions in coastal marine environments. Unfortunately, seagrass beds are susceptible to natural and human disturbances, and their distrubution is declining worldwide. Although intentional disturbance of seagrass beds must be mitigated pursuant to U.S. law, to date mitigation of seagrass beds has not prevented a net loss of habitat. Transplantation of vegetative material from small areas of nearby beds is the primary method of seagrass mitigation. Restoration research on seagrasses has focused primarily on establishment of the plants and secondarily on the functional equivalency of the habitats. We questioned whether transplanted seagrass beds were comparable to “natural” beds in terms of genetic diversity and structure. We sampledZostera marinaL. (eel‐grass) from 12 sites in the highly urbanized area of San Diego County and from pristine sites in Baja California. Using allozyme electrophoresis, we determined that genetic diversity (percentage of polymorphic loci, allele richness, expected and observed heterozygosities, and proportion of genetically unique individuals) was significantly reduced in transplanted eelgrass beds. Eelgrass from Baja California exhibited the highest genetic diversity. Based on Wright's F statistics, most of the genetic variation was distributed within rather than among sites (FST= 0.139), and the degree of genetic structure was only moderate at the greatest geographical scale (San Diego—Baja). Using a spatial statistical analysis (second‐order analysis), we found virtually no evidence for nonrandom distribution of alleles or genotypes at scales of 3–50 m within beds. We discuss several hypotheses for reduced genetic diversity in transplanted eelgrass beds, including transplantation protocol, small size of transplantations, and reduced or failed sexual reproduction.
Macroinvertebrate Responses to Mitigative Liming of Dogway Fork, West Virginia
Authors: Clayton Janet L. , Menendez Raymond
Published: April 2006

Dogway Fork, West Virginia, is a second–order stream affected by acid precipitation. One goal of the Acid Precipitation Mitigation Program was to determine if the composition or population levels of benthic macroinvertebrates were affected by limestone neutralization of the acidic waters (pH 4.5). Two techniques were used to determine any effects: seasonal Surber samples and in situ bioassays with selected genera. Prior to treatment, macroinvertebrate densities were low but represented a diverse group of acidtolerant taxa. During treatment, fewer macroinvertebrates were collected in the treated segment than in the untreated control. This appears to be a result of a number of factors, including substrate, flows, drift, fish predation, accumulation of limestone fines, and changes in water chemistry. Bioassays suggest that the limestone fines were not directly detrimental to the organisms but may have limited available habitat in the mixing zone. Limestone treatment affected the species composition of Dogway Fork. During four years of treatment, several new acid‐sensitive taxa were collected in the treated segment. Data suggest that, with continued treatment, populations of these taxa can be expected to increase.
Impact of a Protective Limestone Treatment on the Water Chemistry and Zooplankton Community of Thrush Lake, Minnesota
Authors: Wright David , Danks Marilyn , Lawrenz Ron
Published: April 2006

A limestone slurry was sprayed on the surface of Thrush Lake, a small headwater lake in northeastern Minnesota, to test a treatment designed to protect acid‐sensitive waters from anthropogenic acidification. The 6‐year study, consisting of pretreatment, transition, and post‐treatment phases, was part of the four‐state Acid Precipitation Mitigation Program directed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Measured water‐chemistry parameters, including acid‐neutralizing capacity, pH, dissolved calcium, and dissolved inoroganic carbon, increased following treatment, although local climatic conditions influenced the magnitude and duration of the chemical changes. Physical changes to the lake, other than an increase in conductivity and a short‐term alteration of water clarity subsequent to treatment, were not documented. The composition of the zooplankton community was altered, with the proportion of rotifers increasing after treatment. Individual zooplankton species showed a variety of changes in abundance that were associated with treatment over both seasonal and multi‐year intervals. For example, Holopedium gibbemm was absent from lake samples immediately following treatment and recovered within a season, whereas Diaptomus minutus and Keratella taurocephala populations were reduced after treatment and had not recovered by the end of the study. Alternately, Asplanchna priodonta increased in abundance after treatment. These observed abundance patterns were generally consistent with previzous acidification or base‐addition studies. In contrast, the changes in community composition of zooplankton did not consistently fit patterns developed from regional studies across water‐chemistry gradients. These differences emphasize the importance of biotic as well as abiotic factors in controlling zooplankton community composition.
An Evaluation of Habitat Rehabilitation on Coastal Dune Forests in Northern KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: van Aarde R. J. , Ferreira S. M. , Kritzinger J. J. , van Dyk P. J. , Vogt M. , Wassenaar T. D.
Published: April 2006

The rehabilitation program conducted by Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) of areas exposed to opencast surface mining of sand dunes north of Richards Bay (28°43'S, 32°12'E) on the coast of northern KwaZulu‐Natal Province commenced 16 years before this study and has resulted in the development of a series of known‐aged stands of vegetation. By assuming that these spatially separated stands develop along a similar pathway over time, instantaneous sampling should reveal successional or other changes usually associated with aging and should provide an opportunity to evaluate the success of rehabilitation. We compare relative densities of pioneer and secondary species, species richness, and a similarity index of the herbaceous layer, tree, beetle, millipede, bird, and small‐mammal communities of rehabilitating areas of known age with those of 30‐year‐old unmined forests and unmined forests of unknown age adjacent to the rehabilitating area. Species richness for all but the mammalian taxa increased with increasing age of rehabilitating stands. For all taxa but the mammals and herbaceous layer, the unmined stands harbored more species than the mined rehabilitating stands. The relative densities of pioneer species of all the taxa decreased with an increase in the age of rehabilitating stands, whereas those of the secondary species increased with an increase in habitat age. Similarity between unmined stands and rehabilitating stands of different ages increased with increasing regeneration age of rehabilitating stands, suggesting that rehabilitating communities, in terms of species composition and relative densities, are developing towards the status of unmined communities. Rehabilitation based on RBM's management program of limited interference is occurring and may result in the reestablishment of a coastal dune forest ecosystem. But rehabilitation resulting from succession depends on the availability of species sources from which colonization can take place. In the Richards Bay mining operation the present mining path is laid out so that such refuges are present.
Rehabilitation of Semiarid Landscapes in Australia. II. Restoring Vegetation Patches
Authors: Ludwig J. A. , Tongway D.J.
Published: April 2006

This paper describes a practical technique, tested experimentally, for rehabilitating degraded semiarid landscapes in Australia. This rehabilitation technique is based on the ecological principle that semiarid landscapes are spatially organized as patchy, source‐sink systems; this patchy organization functions to conserve limited water and nutrients within the system. The aim was to rebuild vegetation patchiness, lost through decades of utilization of these landscapes as rangelands. Patches were reconstructed from large tree branches and shrubs obtained locally and placed in elongated piles along contours. These piles of branches were very effective in recreating productive soil patches within the landscape, as described in part I of this study. These new patchy habitats promoted the establishment and growth of perennial grasses. Although the foliage cover of these grasses declined into a drought, which started before the end of the experiment, plant survivorship remained high. This suggests that patches also function as refugia for organisms during droughts. The patches of branches remained robust and functional, even under grazing impacts, although plant growth and survival were significantly higher within an ungrazed paddock than in a grazed paddock.
Setting Objectives and Defining Outputs for Ecological Restoration and Habitat Creation
Authors: Box John
Published: April 2006

The past 40 years have seen the legal and policy framework for nature conservation in Britain extend from protection and preservation to include enhancement through techniques such as ecological restoration and habitat creation. Clear objectives need to be set for ecological restoration and habitat creation schemes because the processes involve human intervention in combination with natural factors operating over time. Objectives are required for both management and monitoring in order to enable measurement of success or failure. The most effective way to achieve high‐quality restoration and creation schemes is to define the output of the process—a habitat, vegetation type, or biological community. The better the definition of the output, the greater the need to define the inputs and the nature of the intervening processes. Ecologists and environmental managers have a key role to play in establishing the degree of definition necessary in order to achieve a particular objective.
Chlorhexidine mouthrinse in combination with an SLS‐containing dentifrice and a dentifrice slurry
Authors: Van Strydonck D. A. C. , Timmerman M. F. , Van der Velden U. , Van der Weijden G. A.
Published: April 2006

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the plaque‐inhibitory effect of a 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) rinse when preceded by ordinary toothbrushing with a 1.5% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)‐containing dentifrice to the effect of the same rinse when used alone, or when preceded by rinsing with an SLS‐containing slurry.

Methods: The study was an examiner blinded, randomized three‐arm, parallel design. It used a 4‐day plaque accumulation model to compare three different oral hygiene regimens, which were performed under supervision. One hundred and twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to one of each group. At the beginning of each test period, they received a thorough dental prophylaxis. The experiment was performed in one randomly assigned (upper or lower) jaw, called the study jaw. The opposite jaw, referred to as the dentifrice jaw, served only to introduce the influence of toothbrushing with a dentifrice on the anti‐plaque efficacy of the CHX in the study jaw of the same mouth. At the end of the 4‐day test period, plaque and gingival bleeding were scored in the study jaw. In all the regimens, the oral hygiene procedure was finalized by rinsing with a CHX 0.2% solution for 1 min. The study jaw was not brushed during the experiment. Regimen A (positive control) consisted of rinsing with CHX alone. In regimen B, rinsing with CHX was preceded by rinsing with an SLS‐containing slurry, while in regimen C rinsing with CHX was preceded by toothbrushing with an SLS‐containing dentifrice in the dentifrice jaw. No other oral hygiene measures were allowed. After 4 days of undisturbed plaque accumulation, the amount of plaque and level of gingival health were evaluated.

Results: The overall plaque index for regimens A, B and C was 1.17, 1.62, and 1.14, respectively. There was no significant difference in plaque accumulation between the CHX alone regimen (A) and the SLS–dentifrice–CHX regimen (C). Regimen B differed significantly from regimens A and C. The overall bleeding index for regimens A, B and C was 0.24, 0.18, and 0.20, respectively. There was no significant difference between the three regimens.

Conclusions: The present study shows that the anti‐plaque efficacy of a 0.2% CHX rinse was not reduced when preceded by everyday toothbrushing with a SLS‐containing dentifrice. However, when preceded by rinsing with an SLS‐containing slurry, the anti‐plaque efficacy of a 0.2% CHX rinse was reduced.
Topical minocycline microspheres versus topical chlorhexidine gel as an adjunct to mechanical debridement of incipient peri‐implant infections: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Renvert Stefan , Lessem Jan , Dahlén Gunnar , Lindahl Christel , Svensson Marie
Published: April 2006

Aim: This randomized clinical trial presents a 12‐month follow‐up of the clinical and microbiological results after application of minocycline microspheres as an adjunct to mechanical treatment of incipient peri‐implant infections compared with an adjunctive treatment using 1% chlorhexidine gel application.

Material and Methods: Thirty‐two subjects with probing depth 4 mm, combined with bleeding and/or exudate on probing and presence of putative pathogenic bacteria were given oral hygiene instructions and mechanical treatment of infected areas adjacent to implants. The subjects were then randomly assigned adjunctive subgingival antimicrobial treatment using either chlorhexidine gel or minocycline microspheres. Sixteen patients in the minocycline group and 14 in the chlorhexidine group completed the study. Follow‐up examinations were carried out after 10 days, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

Results: The adjunctive use of minocycline microspheres resulted in improvements of probing depths and bleeding scores, whereas the adjunctive use of chlorhexidine only resulted in limited reduction of bleeding scores. For the deepest sites of the treated implants in the minocycline group, the mean probing depth was reduced from 5.0 to 4.4 mm at 12 months. This study could not show any significant difference in the levels of bacterial species or groups at any time point between the two antimicrobial agents tested. The present findings encourage further studies on adjunctive use of minocycline microspheres in the treatment of peri‐implant lesions.

Conclusions: The use of a local antibiotic as an adjunct to mechanical treatment of incipient peri‐implantitis lesions demonstrated improvements in probing depths that were sustained over 12 months.
Pharmacologic Modulation of Skeletal Muscle Metabolism: A Microdialysis Study
Authors: Schuster Frank , Tas Petrus , Müller Rainer , Roewer Norbert , Anetseder Martin
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Microdialysis is a valuable tool to measure tissue responses. We hypothesized that skeletal muscle metabolism can be modulated by microdialysis applied drugs which alter cytosolic calcium concentration. With approval of the local animal care committee, the hind limbs of sacrificed male Sprague Dawley rats were perfused either with Ringer's solution or with dantrolene 1 μM at 30 ml hr−1 and 21 °. Microdialysis probes in both hind limbs were perfused at 1 μl min−1 either with sorbitol 80 mM, calcium 20 mM, 40 mM, 80 mM, caffeine 40 mM, 80 mM, and halothane 10 vol% respectively, and at the contralateral adductor muscle with Ringer as control. Lactate was measured spectrophotometrically in the dialysate at 15 min. intervals. Lactate levels as measured by intramuscular microdialysis were not influenced by intramuscular application of sorbitol 80 mM compared to control measurements with Ringer's solution. Local application of calcium 20 mM, 40 mM, 80 mM, caffeine 40 mM, 80 mM, and halothane 10 vol% via microdialysis increased lactate concentrations, while organ perfusion by dantrolene 1 μM reduced the caffeine‐induced lactate increase. Modulation of intramuscular lactate metabolism by exogenous compounds via microdialysis probes generates new insights in skeletal muscle metabolism.
Russian VX: Inhibition and Reactivation of Acetylcholinesterase Compared with VX Agent
Authors: Kuca Kamil , Jun Daniel , Cabal Jiri , Hrabinova Martina , Bartosova Lucie , Opletalova Veronika
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Organophosphorus compounds such as nerve agents inhibit, practically irreversibly, cholinesterases by their phosphorylation in the active site of these enzymes. Current antidotal treatment used in the case of acute nerve agent intoxications consists of combined administration of anticholinergic drug (usually atropine) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) reactivator (HI‐6, obidoxime, pralidoxime), which from a chemical view is a derivative from the group of pyridinium or bispyridinium aldoximes (commonly called “oxime”). Oximes counteract acetylcholine increase, resulting from AChE inhibition. In the human body environment these compounds are powerful nucleophiles and are able to break down the bond between AChE and nerve agent molecule. This process leads to renewal of enzyme functionality – to its reactivation. The usefulness of oxime in the reactivation process depends on its chemical structure and on the nerve agent whereby AChE is inhibited. Due to this fact, selection of suitable reactivator in the treatment of intoxications is very important. In our work, we have compared differences in the in vitro inhibition potency of VX and Russian VX on rat, pig and human brain, and subsequently we have tested reactivation of rat brain cholinesterase inhibited by these agents using oxime HI‐6, obidoxime, pralidoxime, trimedoxime and methoxime. The results showed that no major differences in the reactivation process of both VX and Russian VX‐inhibited cholinesterase. The similarity in reactivation was caused by analogous chemical structure of either nerve agent; and that oxime HI‐6 seems to be the most effective reactivator tested, which confirms that HI‐6 is currently the most potent reactivator of AChE inhibited by nerve agents. The results obtained in our study should be considered in the future development of new AChE reactivators.
Assessment by c‐Fos Immunostaining of Changes in Brain Neural Activity Induced by 2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐Dioxin (TCDD) and Leptin in Rats*
Authors: Lensu Sanna , Miettinen Riitta , Pohjanvirta Raimo , Lindén Jere , Tuomisto Jouko
Published: April 2006

Abstract: The environmental toxicant 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) causes multiple effects in laboratory animals. One of these is a wasting syndrome (a dramatic loss of body weight over 2–5 weeks) whose mechanism is still largely unknown. We exploited the over 1000 times difference in TCDD sensitivity between Long‐Evans (Turku/AB); (L‐E) and Han/Wistar (Kuopio); (H/W) rats to reveal brain areas that might be activated by a single dose of TCDD (50 μg/kg) given 24 hr previously. Leptin (1.3 mg/kg intraperitoneally 2 hr before tissue harvest) was used as a reference compound, as its neural pathway for decreasing food intake in the control of energy homeostasis is fairly well known. Serial sections of the brains were immunostained with an antibody for the activity marker c‐Fos, and selected areas – primarily in the hypothalamus – were analysed with a computer‐assisted microscope. Given alone, TCDD did not elicit any major alterations in c‐Fos protein levels in the hypothalamic nuclei at the early time‐point studied (24 hr after administration), neither in pooled data nor in individual strains. The control substance leptin proved that the method is valid as it increased the number of c‐Fos‐immunopositive cells in the hypothalamic ventromedial and arcuate nuclei. Although the present findings are not suggestive of a primary role for the hypothalamus in the wasting syndrome, a time‐course study covering also the feeding‐active dark hours is warranted for their verification.
Toxic Effects of Lipid‐Mediated Gene Transfer in Ventral Mesencephalic Explant Cultures
Authors: Bauer Matthias , Kristensen Bjarne Winther , Meyer Morten , Gasser Thomas , Widmer Hans Ruedi , Zimmer Jens , Ueffing Marius
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Adverse effects of cDNA and oligonucleotide delivery methods have not yet been systematically analyzed. We introduce a protocol to monitor toxic effects of two non‐viral lipid‐based gene delivery protocols using CNS primary tissue. Cell membrane damage was monitored by quantifying cellular uptake of propidium iodide and release of cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase to the culture medium. Using a liposomal transfection reagent, cell membrane damage was already seen 24 hr after transfection. Nestin‐positive target cells, which were used as morphological correlate, were severely diminished in some areas of the cultures after liposomal transfection. In contrast, the non‐liposomal transfection reagent revealed no signs of toxicity. This approach provides easily accessible information of transfection‐associated toxicity and appears suitable for prescreening of transfection reagents.
Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Induction of Apoptosis of HL60 Cells by Ingredients of Traditional Herbal Medicine, Sho‐saiko‐to
Authors: Makino Toshiko , Tsubouchi Ryoko , Murakami Keiko , Haneda Miyako , Yoshino Masataka
Published: April 2006

Abstract: The prooxidant and apoptosis‐inducing effects of Sho‐saiko‐to, a traditional Sino‐Japanese herbal medicine and its active ingredients were analyzed. Among the components of Sho‐saiko‐to, wogon, the extract of Scutellaria and licorice root extract induced apoptosis of HL60 cells and increased the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species. Lower concentrations (5 to 20 μM) of baicalein, the principal flavonoid in the Scutellaria root extract, showed induction of cell apoptosis and elevated the intracellular reactive oxygen species. However, the increase in the concentrations of baicalein rather inhibited the induction of apoptosis and the elevated levels of reactive oxygen species in cells. Induction of baicalein‐mediated apoptosis was inhibited by addition of Tempol, the scavenger of reactive oxygen species. Glycyrrhetinic acid, an ingredient of licorice root extract, also induced apoptosis followed by increase in the intracellular reactive oxygen species. The effect of Sho‐saiko‐to on cell differentiation can be explained by the action of two ingredients, baicalein and glycyrrhetinic acid, which cause apoptosis and increase in reactive oxygen species in cells.
Mactinin treatment promotes wound‐healing‐associated inflammation in urokinase knockout mice
Authors: Luikart Sharon D. , Levay‐Young Brett , Hinkel Tim , Shearer Jeffry , Mills Charles , Caldwell Michael D. , Gyetko Margaret R. , Oegema Theodore R.
Published: April 2006

Mactinin, a 31 kDa fragment from the amino‐terminal end of α‐actinin, is chemotactic for monocytes and can promote monocyte/macrophage maturation. Macrophages are essential for wound healing, in which they play key roles in debridement, angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen metabolism. We have previously determined that urokinase is necessary to form mactinin from extracellular α‐actinin, which may be present at sites of inflammation as a result of cell movement. Thus, urokinase knockout mice are unable to form mactinin and therefore are an ideal model to study mactinin's effects on wound healing. Saline‐ and mactinin‐treated wounds were analyzed in a subcutaneous sponge wound model in both wild‐type and urokinase knockout mice. The wounded urokinase knockout mice had markedly decreased leukocyte infiltration compared with wounded wild‐type mice. In addition, production of the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐12, and of collagen was also decreased in knockouts. Treatment of knockout mice with mactinin resulted in leukocyte infiltration numbers, interleukin‐12 levels, and hydroxyproline measurements similar to those in wild‐type mice. The results suggest that impaired wound healing in urokinase‐deficient mice can be restored by administration of mactinin.
Use of an in vitro model of tissue‐engineered human skin to study keratinocyte attachment and migration in the process of reepithelialization
Authors: Harrison Caroline A. , Heaton Martin J. , Layton Christopher M. , Mac Neil Sheila
Published: April 2006

To produce a stable epidermis, keratinocytes need to be firmly attached to the basement membrane. However, following wounding, keratinocytes are required to develop a migratory phenotype in order to reepithelialize the wound. To investigate some of the issues underlying reepithelialization, we have developed a three‐dimensional in vitro model of tissue‐engineered skin, comprising sterilized human dermis seeded with human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Using this model, we have shown that the inclusion of fibroblasts within the model increases the stability of keratinocyte attachment. We have also demonstrated that keratinocyte migration occurs most effectively in the absence of a basement membrane and following the inclusion of fibroblasts in the model. In addition, subjecting the keratinocyte layer to mechanical trauma induces a migratory phenotype. We conclude that this three‐dimensional in vitro wound model can be used to increase our understanding of the factors that enhance keratinocyte migration and hence wound healing in vivo.
Effect of Vacuum Assisted Closure® Therapy on early systemic cytokine levels in a swine model
Authors: Kilpadi Deepak V. , Bower Curtis E. , Reade Clifton C. , Robinson Penni J. , Sun You Su , Zeri Richard , Nifong L. Wiley , Wooden William A.
Published: April 2006

Vacuum Assisted Closure® (V.A.C.®) Therapy has previously been shown to facilitate healing of wounds. However, the physiological mechanism(s) of this treatment modality and its systemic effects require further investigations. The goal of this porcine study was to investigate the effect of V.A.C.® Therapy on the systemic distribution of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and transforming growth factor‐β1. Twelve pigs were each given one full‐thickness excisional wound, using electrocautery. Six of the pigs were treated with V.A.C.® Therapy and six with saline‐moistened gauze. Serum samples were collected immediately after wound creation, and hourly for 4 hours. Samples were analyzed using commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. During the initial 4 hours of treatment, V.A.C.® Therapy resulted in earlier and greater peaking of IL‐10 and maintenance of IL‐6 levels compared with saline‐moistened gauze controls, which showed decreased IL‐6 values over the first hour (both at p<0.05). No other treatment‐based differences were detected.
Platelet-Activating Factor-Acetylhydrolase Can Monodeacylate and Inactivate Lipoteichoic Acid
Authors: Seo Ho Seong , Kim Je Hak , Nahm Moon H.
Published: April 2006

Bacterial lipoteichoic acid (LTA) shares a structural motif with platelet-activating factor (PAF). Both molecules are strong inflammatory agents and have a glycerol backbone with two lipid chains at the
sn
-1 and
sn
-2 positions. PAF is normally inactivated by PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), a phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which removes a short acyl group at the
sn
-2 position. To investigate whether PAF-AH can similarly degrade LTA, we studied the effects of porcine PLA2, bee venom PLA2, and recombinant human PAF-AH on pneumococcal LTA (PnLTA) and staphylococcal LTA (StLTA). After incubation with a porcine or bee venom PLA2, a large fraction of PnLTA lost 264 Da, which corresponds to the mass of the oleic acid group at the
sn
-2 position. After incubation with recombinant human PAF-AH, PnLTA lost 264 Da; the reduction did not occur when PAF-AH was exposed to Pefabloc SC, an irreversible inhibitor of the PAF-AH active site. Following PAF-AH treatment, PnLTA and StLTA were not able to stimulate mouse RAW 264.7 cells to produce tumor necrosis factor alpha but could stimulate CHO cells expressing human TLR2. This stimulation pattern has been observed with monoacyl PnLTA prepared by mild alkali hydrolysis (22). Taking these data together, we conclude that PAF-AH can remove one acyl chain at the
sn
-2 position of LTA and produce a monoacyl-LTA that is inactive against mouse cells.
Increased Levels ofCandida albicansMannan-Specific T-Cell-Derived Antigen Binding Molecules in Patients with Invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Kosonen Jan , Rantala Arto , Little Colin H. , Lintu Päivi , Harjamäki Pirjo-Riitta , Georgiou George M. , Cone Robert E. , Savolainen Johannes
Published: April 2006

In addition to cytokines, CD4+T cells have been found to secrete soluble, T-cell-derived antigen binding molecules (TABMs). These antigen-specific immunoproteins are thought to have immunoregulatory properties in the suppression of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) because they often associate with interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta. Decreased CMI causes susceptibility to infections caused by organisms which are normally nonpathogenic. In this situation, e.g.,Candida albicanssaprophytism may develop into invasive candidiasis. The difficult diagnosis of invasive candidiasis is based on the findings obtained from blood cultures and with tissue biopsy specimens, with some additional diagnostic value gained by the detection ofCandida albicansmannan antigenemia and antimannan antibodies. In the present study,Candida albicansmannan-specific TABM (CAM-TABM) levels in the sera of patients with invasive candidiasis (n= 11),Candidacolonization (n= 11) and noncolonization (n= 10), recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (n= 30), and atopic eczema dermatitis syndrome (n= 59) and healthy controls (n= 30) were analyzed. For 14 participants, the effect of mannan stimulation on TABM production and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and IL-4 mRNA expression by peripheral blood lymphocytes was also studied. It was demonstrated that CAM-TABM production was the highest in patients with invasive candidiasis and that CAM-TABM levels could distinguishCandida-colonized patients from noncolonized patients. In addition, the CAM-TABM level was directly related to mRNA expression for IL-4 but not IFN-γ. These results reinforce the view that TABMs are associated with decreased CMI, immunoregulation, and the T-helper cell 2-type immune response.
One-Step Immunochromatography Assay Kit for Detecting Antibodies to Canine Parvovirus
Authors: Oh Jin-Sik , Ha Gun-Woo , Cho Young-Shik , Kim Min-Jae , An Dong-Jun , Hwang Kyu-Kye , Lim Yoon-Kyu , Park Bong-Kyun , Kang BoKyu , Song Dae-Sub
Published: April 2006

This study was performed to determine the feasibility of using whole serum to detect antibodies to canine parvovirus (CPV) under nonlaboratory conditions and to evaluate the performance characteristics of an immunochromatography assay kit. Precise detection of levels of antibody against CPV in puppies can be used to determine a vaccination schedule, because maternal antibodies frequently result in the failure of protective vaccination, and can also be used to determine the antibody levels of infected puppies. Several methods for the titration of CPV antibodies have been reported, including the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay, which is considered the “gold standard.” These methods, however, require intricate and time-consuming procedures. In this study, a total of 386 serum specimens were tested. Compared to the HI assay, the rapid assay had a 97.1% sensitivity and a 76.6% specificity (with a cutoff HI titer of 1:80). This single-step assay could be performed rapidly and easily without special equipment. The kit provides a reliable method for detection of anti-CPV antibody where laboratory support and personnel are limited.
ESAT-6 Peptide Recognition by Bovine CD8
+
Lymphocytes of Naturally Infected Cows in Herds from Southern Italy
Authors: Vitale Fabrizio , Reale Stefano , Petrotta Enrico , Caracappa Santo , Barera Annalisa , La Manna Marco Pio , Macaluso Pasquale , Caccamo Nadia , Dieli Francesco , Vordermeier Hans Martin , Sireci Guido , Salerno Alfredo
Published: April 2006

The aim of this study was to define epitopes of
Mycobacterium bovis
from ESAT-6 (early secretory antigen of 6 kDa) recognized by CD8
+
T lymphocytes from cows naturally infected with
Mycobacterium bovis
. We found that bovine CD8
+
T cells recognized 10 out of 11 ESAT-6 peptides tested.
Conformation Study of A-Ring in 19β,28-Epoxy-2-fluoro-18α-oleananes
Authors: Tišlerová Iva , Richtr Václav , Klinot Jiří
Published: April 2006

A series of 2-fluoro-substituted 19β,28-epoxy-18α-oleanane triterpenoids was prepared. Detailed NMR analysis (1H, 13C, 19F) was used for independent determination of the configuration of substituents. Conformation of the A-ring was derived from coupling constants J(H,H), J(F,H), J(F,C) and NOE-contacts observed in 2D-H,H-NOESY spectra. It was found that A-ring in all 2α-fluoro derivatives 2-5 and 2β-fluoro-3β-OR derivatives 10 and 11 adopts chair-form, while in 2β-fluoro ketone 9 a boat-form is preferred. The chair-boat equilibrium of A-ring was found in 2β-fluoro-3α-OR derivatives 7 and 8.
Occupational exposure to eight organic dusts and respiratory cancer among Finns
Authors: Laakkonen A , Kyyrönen P , Kauppinen T , Pukkala E I
Published: April 2006

Background:There is inconclusive evidence concerning cancer risks of organic dusts.

Aim:The carcinogenic exposures are mainly inhalatory and the authors therefore studied associations between occupational exposure to eight different organic dusts and respiratory cancers in Finland.

Methods:The authors followed up a cohort of all economically active Finns born between 1906 and 1945 for 30 million person-years during 1971–95. Incident cases of nasal, laryngeal, and lung cancer and mesotheliomas were identified through a record linkage with the Finnish Cancer Registry. Occupations from the population census in 1970 were converted to exposures to eight organic dusts with a job-exposure matrix (FINJEM). Cumulative exposure (CE) was calculated as a product of prevalence, level, and estimated duration of exposure. Standardised incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for age, period, and social class were calculated for each organic dust using the economically active population as the reference.

Results:A total of 20 426 incident cases of respiratory cancer were observed. Slightly increased risk was observed among men exposed to wood dust for nasal cancer (SIR 1.42, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.44). For laryngeal cancer, men exposed to plant dust (mainly grain millers) had a raised SIR in the high exposure class (SIR 3.55, 95% CI 1.30 to 7.72). Men exposed to wood dust had a raised SIR for lung cancer, but only in the low exposure class (SIR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.18). Women exposed to wood dust showed an increased SIR for mesotheliomas in the low exposure class (SIR 4.57, 95% CI 1.25 to 11.7) and some excess in the medium exposure category.

Conclusions:Exposure to organic dusts is unlikely to be a major risk factor of respiratory cancer. Even exposure to wood dust which is a major exposure in Finland seems to have minor effect for nasal cancer. The authors found suggestive evidence that exposure to grain dust may increase the risk of laryngeal cancer, and some support to the hypothesis that exposure to textile dust, and to plant and animal dust (agricultural dusts) may decrease the risk of lung cancer.
Turonian (Upper Cretaceous) lithostratigraphy and biochronology, southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, and northern San Juan Islands, Washington State
Authors: Haggart James W , Ward Peter D , Orr William
Published: April 2006

Clastic strata preserved on Sidney Island, Barnes Island, and adjacent islands of the southernmost Gulf Islands of British Columbia and the northern San Juan Islands of Washington State are assigned to new stratigraphic units: the Sidney Island Formation and the Barnes Island Formation. The Sidney Island Formation consists of basal conglomerate and sandstone that grades upward through planar-stratified sandstone into hummocky cross-stratified sandstone and siltstone, all of which are deposited in relatively shallow-marine environments. The Barnes Island Formation, in contrast, consists of deep-marine conglomerate, sandstone, and mudstone that was deposited in a submarine-fan setting. Mollusk fossils from the Sidney Island Formation are of Early to Middle Turonian age, whereas ammonites and foraminifers from the Barnes Island Formation indicate a Late Turonian age. The Sidney Island Formation thus records initial marine transgression and inundation of basement rocks, followed by basin deepening that is transitional to the deep-marine submarine-fan deposits of the Barnes Island Formation. Sidney Island Formation strata have been considered previously as derived from uplift along the nearby San Juan thrust system in mid-Cretaceous time. However, the shallow-marine strata are internally well organized, and the facies succession is persistent across the formation's outcrop area. In addition, the formation lacks the distinctive detrital metamorphic mineral assemblages that are characteristic of older rocks of the San Juan Islands. These observations suggest that strata of the Sidney Island Formation did not accumulate immediately adjacent to active thrusting but rather in a more distal setting relative to the thrust system.
Diamond in the AtlinNakina region, British Columbia: insights from heavy minerals in stream sediments
Authors: Canil D , Mihalynuk M , MacKenzie J M , Johnston S T , Grant B
Published: April 2006

The sources of rare diamonds reported in northwestern British Columbia, southwestern Yukon, and parts of Alaska are enigmatic. We carried out a heavy-mineral survey of 17 streams draining bedrock in the AtlinNakina region in northwestern British Columbia to determine if high-pressure igneous and metamorphic rocks exhumed in the area could be potential sources for the diamond. Heavy-mineral fractions returned flakes of gold but no diamond. The ferromagnetic fractions were examined optically and by electron microprobe analysis of key indicator minerals, namely olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, garnet, spinel, and titanite. Detritus from a horizon of coarse pebble conglomerate in the Jurassic Laberge Group south of Atlin is the most likely source of the anomalous diamond. Garnets and pyroxenes in the latter sedimentary unit were derived by rapid erosion of peridotite and eclogite massif bodies exhumed from depths approaching the diamond stability field during collision and Pliensbachian uplift in the northern Cordillera. Evidence is shown for glacial transport of detritus from both the Laberge Group sediments and Neogene volcanics, the latter of which evidently covered a much wider area before the last glaciation.
Ice-wedge casts in Late Wisconsinan glaciofluvial deposits, southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Gao Cunhai
Published: April 2006

Ice-wedge casts in Late Wisconsinan glaciofluvial sand and gravel deposits in southern Ontario taper downwards to form a V- or funnel-shaped morphology, ranging from 1 to over 3 m deep and from 1.0 to 2.5 m wide at the top. Pressure-derived primary structures, caused by repeated thermal contraction and expansion, include upturned strata, realigned stones, and small folds in the enclosing sediments. Although paleotemperature is difficult to estimate, the presence of ice-wedge casts testifies to the former presence of permafrost under prevailing periglacial conditions over this area. The regional till stratigraphy constrains the timing of ice-wedge growth to ca. 15 000 to ca. 13 000 BP. At this time, newly exposed terrains would have occurred in an interlobate area where severe climate created favourable conditions for permafrost to develop due to the close proximity to the receding ice. Inactive areas in braided rivers such as raised topographic surfaces and sand-filled channels with limited vegetation cover and minimal capability to trap drifting snow would have greatly enhanced ice-wedge growth. Rapid climatic amelioration and vegetation colonization across this area beginning ca. 13 000 BP probably slowed or stopped the growth of ice wedges. This limited window of opportunity, both geographically and in time, probably accounts for the limited occurrence of ice-wedge casts in southern Ontario.