bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Freeze fracture through the cytoskeleton, nucleus and nuclear matrix of lymphocytes studied by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Haggis G. H. , Schweitzer I. , Hall R. , Bladon T. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYThe technique of delaying fixation until after freeze‐fracture and thawing, described in an earlier paper (Haggis & Bond, 1979), has been developed further for study of cells in culture, principally mouse lymphocytes stimulated by concanavalin A. Using a thin layer of cells, a cryoprotectant concentration of either 10% glycerol or dimethylsulphoxide, is sufficient to give good structural preservation after rapid freezing and thawing. Nuclear matrices and Triton‐permeabilized cells have been prepared from stimulated lymphocytes for comparative study. Polylysine‐coated fibrin support films have been found to provide a convenient means of handling cells and subcellular preparations during freeze fracture, critical point drying and mounting for high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy.
Uranium alloys: sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Romig A. D. , Sorenson W. R. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYA new procedure has been developed to produce thin foils of uranium and its alloys for transmission electron microscopy. The procedure is a two‐step electrochemical cleaning‐thinning process which produces self‐supporting discs. This procedure was used to produce thin foils of the most important alloys of uranium.
Thickness variations within individual paraffin and glycol methacrylate sections
Authors: Helander K. G. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYThe object of this study was to investigate whether there are intra‐section thickness variations in individual paraffin and glycol methacrylate (GMA) sections. Using steel or glass knives sections were cut from liver and urinary bladder. Section thickness variations were measured with an interference microscope and amounted to 1–3 μm within individual paraffin sections and 0.3 μm within GMA sections. The results were confirmed by observations on sections which had been re‐embedded and re‐sectioned. Some of the variations within the paraffin sections were associated with the cell nuclei. It is concluded that GMA sections are much smoother than paraffin sections and thus more suitable for quantitative histological studies.
Image spread in dry‐mounted tritium autoradiographs
Authors: Kent C. , Parker T. L. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYA comparison has been made of autoradiographs prepared by conventional dipping methods and those prepared from the same material using a dry‐mounting method developed for the study of receptor labelling. Resolution was found to be inferior, and image spread greater, in the dry‐mounted preparations. The extent to which resolution and image spread were affected depended upon the distance between specimen and emulsion.
Simple collectors for cathodoluminescence in the SEM made from aluminium foil
Authors: Boyde A. , Reid S. A. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYInexpensive cathodoluminescence collectors for scanning electron microscopes can easily be made from aluminium foil fashioned as tubes which abut against the window of the photo‐multiplier at one end and shroud the specimen at the other. Their use in the study of fluorescent labelled mineralized tissues is illustrated.
A new technique for visualization of internal structure by SEM
Authors: Shennawy I. E. El , Gee D. J. , Aparicio S. R. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYA simple, rapid, economic and reliable method was used for visualization of internal structure of soft tissues by fracturing paraffin embedded samples at room temperature. The same sample which was used for light microscopy was then fractured for SEM. Most of the cellular and extracellular details are exposed without any need of special equipment. The technique preserves the architecture of tissues and can be used in routine diagnostic pathology.
Topiramate's effects on cocaine‐induced subjective mood, craving and preference for money over drug taking
Authors: Johnson Bankole A. , Roache John D. , Ait‐Daoud Nassima , Gunderson Erik W. , Haughey Heather M. , Wang Xin‐Qun , Liu Lei 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTopiramate, presumably through antagonism of excitatory glutaminergic pathways and facilitation of inhibitory gamma‐aminobutyric acid neurons in the cortico‐mesolimbic system, might reduce cocaine's abuse liability. We tested whether topiramate (100 mg twice daily) would reduce the euphoria, subjective mood, craving and preference for cocaine over money induced by low and high doses (0.325 and 0.65 mg/kg i.v., respectively) of experimentally administered cocaine in 24 male and female, cocaine‐dependent, non‐treatment‐seeking research volunteers in a university in‐patient laboratory. We utilized a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, within‐subject, Latin‐square cross‐over design in which three experimental challenge doses of low‐dose cocaine, high‐dose cocaine and placebo were administered in counterbalanced order after 5 days of topiramate or matching placebo pre‐treatments separated by a 1‐week washout period (2006–2009). After placebo pre‐treatments, cocaine produced dose‐related increases in euphoria, stimulant effects, craving for more cocaine and monetary value of cocaine in a behavioral preference test of cocaine versus money choice. Topiramate pre‐treatment reduced the cocaine‐related craving and monetary value of high‐dose cocaine while increasing the monetary value, euphoria and stimulant effects of low‐dose cocaine. Validated and standardized human experimental methods evaluating the potential for topiramate to alter cocaine's abuse liability suggest that topiramate may reduce the reinforcing effects and craving induced by higher cocaine doses. Low‐dose cocaine might appear to have some enhancement of its stimulant properties in the presence of topiramate's prominent sedative effects.
Endogenous ascorbate restrains apoplastic peroxidase activity during sunflower leaf development
Authors: Pinedo M. , Lechner L. , Creus C. , Simontacchi M. , Aguirrezabal L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSeveral apoplastic enzymes have been implicated in the control of elongation growth of plant cells. Among them, peroxidases contribute to both loosening and stiffening of the cell wall. They appear to be regulated by various mechanisms, including the action of extracellular inhibitors. To obtain evidence of the role of the enzyme–inhibitor interaction during leaf development, the intercellular washing fluids from Helianthus annuus leaves of different ages were isolated using standard methods of vacuum infiltration and centrifugation. Peroxidase activities, assessed using tetramethylbenzidine as substrate, increased during leaf development, reaching a maximum value after the leaves were fully expanded. An inhibitor, chemically characterised as ascorbate, co‐localised with the enzyme in the apoplast. Moreover, there was a strong negative correlation between the action of peroxidase and the micromolar concentration of ascorbate in the apoplastic fluid. The results show that in growing leaves, the in planta ascorbate concentration is able to restrain peroxidase enzyme activity. Then, at the time of growth cessation, the loss of extracellular ascorbate relieves the inhibition on this enzyme that contributes to wall fixation.
Loss of nuclear flavanols during drought periods in Taxus baccata
Authors: Feucht W. , Treutter D. , Dithmar H. , Polster J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractNormally, needles of Taxus baccata during the growth period prominently stain blue for nuclear flavanols with the histochemical DMACA procedure. However, under excess heat and drought conditions, nuclear flavanols of current‐year needles decline to zero. Nevertheless, greenish‐yellow‐coloured flavonols (quercetin derivatives) were still observed in nuclei. All of these yellow nuclei were in a silenced state and without mitosis. This link between drought and loss of nuclear flavanols was found in 3 years, 2003, 2007 and 2010. In 2007, exceptional drought occurred in early spring, interrupted by short rains. This, in turn, led to flushing of new sprouts, a characteristic feature in which nuclei were overloaded with flavanols. By the end of three drought periods, all nuclei developed blue‐coloured nuclear flavanols. The flavanols seem to be associated with the histone proteins of chromatin. The oxidative degradation of catechin in Tris buffer (pH 8.0) containing MgCl2 was studied in the presence of the H4‐core fragment TYTEHAKRKTVTAMD, modified according to the epigenetic histone code. The results show that catechin degradation can be significantly inhibited by the non‐modified peptides and the methylated peptides (methylation at both lysine residues). The acetylated and formylated peptides do not show this behaviour. These observations indicate that flavanol association at chromosomes appears to be regulated by the epigenetic histone code.
Comparative germination ecology of two altitudinal vicariant Saxifraga species endemic to the north of Spain
Authors: Giménez‐Benavides L. , Milla R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSeeds of high‐mountain species are thought to germinate rapidly, synchronously and at high percentages after a cold period, with limited dependence on the external environment; yet, empirical evidence only partially supports this behaviour. We performed a comparative study of the germination response of two closely related taxa along an altitude gradient in northern Spain. Seeds from several maternal families of six populations of Saxifraga trifurcata (lowland species) and S. canaliculata (highland species) were subjected to temperature and stratification treatments. Germination percentages and germination rates were analysed using generalised linear mixed modelling and accelerated failure‐time modelling. We found that germination percentages and germination rates were high and dependent on incubation temperature in both species. Within species, seeds from higher altitudes had higher germination percentages under all conditions. Cold–wet stratification negatively affected germination success, particularly in the lowland species. Overall, the highland species was less responsive to the experimental treatments and showed more synchronous germination patterns. We conclude that seeds from these two Saxifraga species germinate as efficiently as species from other habitats, but have a narrower germination response, probably due to the stronger selective pressures in their harsh environments. Finally, a cold, wet stratification period is not a prerequisite for the germination of high‐mountain S. canaliculata, and its strong negative effect on the germination of its lowland relative S. trifurcata may contribute to the altitudinal segregation of these two species.
Expression profiling of genes involved in the formation of aroma in two peach genotypes
Authors: Pirona R. , Vecchietti A. , Lazzari B. , Caprera A. , Malinverni R. , Consolandi C. , Severgnini M. , De Bellis G. , Chietera G. , Rossini L. , Pozzi C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe expression profile of flavour‐related genes during ripening was investigated in two peach genotypes, Bolero and OroA, which have been selected for their contrasting aroma/ripening behaviour. A new peach microarray containing 4776 oligonucleotide probes corresponding to a set of ESTs specifically enriched in secondary metabolism (μPEACH2.0) was designed to investigate transcriptome changes during three fruit ripening stages, revealing 1807 transcripts differentially expressed within and between the two genotypes. Differences in the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of aroma compounds were detected during the ripening process within and between the two genotypes. In particular, a subset of 12 transcripts involved in metabolism of esters, norisoprenoids, phenylpropanoids and lactones, varied in expression during ripening and between Bolero and OroA.
Ecophysiological function of leaf ‘windows’ in Lithops species – ‘Living Stones’ that grow underground
Authors: Martin C. E. , Brandmeyer E. A. , Ross R. D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractLeaf temperatures were lower when light entry at the leaf tip window was prevented through covering the window with reflective tape, relative to leaf temperatures of plants with leaf tip windows covered with transparent tape. This was true when leaf temperatures were measured with an infrared thermometer, but not with a fine‐wire thermocouple. Leaf tip windows of Lithops growing in high‐rainfall regions of southern Africa were larger than the windows of plants (numerous individuals of 17 species) growing in areas with less rainfall and, thus, more annual insolation. The results of this study indicate that leaf tip windows of desert plants with an underground growth habit can allow entry of supra‐optimal levels of radiant energy, thus most likely inhibiting photosynthetic activity. Consequently, the size of the leaf tip windows correlates inversely with habitat solar irradiance, minimising the probability of photoinhibition, while maximising the absorption of irradiance in cloudy, high‐rainfall regions.
Yellow is pale: The complications and challenges of late diagnosis of extrahepatic biliary atresia
Authors: Ho Shaun SC , Haller Wolfram , Catto‐Smith Anthony G 
Published: October 2012

AbstractExtrahepatic biliary atresia classically presents in the neonatal period with jaundice and pale stools. The lack of bile pigment in stool can be unrecognised, delaying diagnosis and surgical treatment. Vitamin K is given at birth to reduce the risk of haemorrhagic disease of the newborn, but this may be inadequate to prevent the development of coagulopathy secondary to fat soluble vitamin malabsorption. We present the case of a 3 month old infant who presented with an intracerebral haemorrhage and coagulopathy thought to be secondary to fat malabsorption resulting from delayed diagnosis of extrahepatic biliary atresia. This was despite the perinatal administration of intramuscular vitamin K. His parents did not recognise the stool pallor as being abnormal. This case illustrates the importance of educating parents on the significance of pale stools, and also the risk of coagulopathy in extrahepatic biliary atresia despite perinatal intramuscular vitamin K.
Epileptic spasms: Experience with a high‐dose oral corticosteroid protocol
Authors: Ware Tyson L , Mackay Mark T , Harvey A Simon , Freeman Jeremy L 
Published: October 2012

Aim:  To audit clinical practice and assess early outcomes for infants with epileptic spasms after an agreed initial treatment protocol was adopted.Methods:  We reviewed all cases of epileptic spasms diagnosed between July 2007 and June 2009 and assessed adherence to protocol, remission by day 14, spasm recurrence and side effects. The protocol required that infants be treated with high‐dose oral prednisolone except those with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) who were treated with vigabatrin.Results:  Twenty‐eight infants (age 3–14 months, 17 male) were newly diagnosed. Six (21%) had no cause identified (cryptogenic), six (21%) had TSC and 16 (57%) had other non‐TSC symptomatic aetiologies. Twenty‐three were treated per protocol and five were not. The proportion with remission by day 14 of treatment was 100% in the cryptogenic group (all treated per protocol), 64% in those with non‐TSC symptomatic aetiologies treated per protocol, 20% in those with non‐TSC symptomatic aetiologies treated not per protocol and 17% in infants with TSC (all treated per protocol). Of 17 infants who received prednisolone, two were admitted for management of febrile illness.Conclusion:  Our experience with high‐dose oral prednisolone for treatment of epileptic spasms suggests that it is effective and tolerable. The greater proportion of non‐TSC symptomatic patients with timely cessation of spasms when treated by this protocol supports the use of high‐dose oral prednisolone as the treatment of choice. Given the poor response of children with TSC to treatment with vigabatrin, early use of steroid therapy deserves consideration.
Prevalence of weight‐related concerns and behaviours among New Zealand young people
Authors: Utter Jennifer , Denny Simon , Percival Teuila , Crengle Sue , Ameratunga Shanthi , Dixon Robyn , Teevale Tasileta , Hall Anganette 
Published: October 2012

Aim:  The study aims to describe the prevalence of weight loss behaviours and weight‐related concerns among a nationally representative sample of adolescents in New Zealand.Methods:  Data for this study were collected as part of Youth'07, a nationally representative survey of the health and well‐being of 9107 secondary school students in New Zealand.Results:  More than one third of males and 65% of females tried to lose weight in the past year. Approximately 10% of males and 29% of females reported using at least one of the unhealthy weight control behaviours in the past year (fasted, skipped meals, smoked, vomited, diet pills). Among females and males, using unhealthy weight control behaviours was most prevalent among those who were older, overweight and lived in high‐deprivation areas.Conclusion:  Unhealthy weight control behaviours among New Zealand adolescents are common and warrant future research and discussion to understand why so many young people use unhealthy weight loss strategies.
Mizoribine requires individual dosing due to variation of bioavailability
Authors: Fuke Toshiya , Abe Yoshifusa , Hibino Satoshi , Takeshi Mikawa , Saito Takako , Sakurai Shunsuke , Watanabe Shuichiro , Murayama Jun‐Ichiro , Itabashi Kazuo , Nakano Yasuko 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundMizoribine (MZR) is an immunosuppressant used for the treatment of glomerular diseases, but there are few reports on the pharmacokinetics of MZR in children.MethodsFirst, we performed a pharmacokinetic study on nine childhood‐onset glomerular disease patients. The MZR dosages ranged from 1.8 to 14.5 mg/kg/dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using 38 MZR concentration‐time curves. Second, nine patients who were newly treated with MZR were enrolled to validate the findings obtained from prior investigation.ResultsIn the prior study, peak serum MZR concentration (Cmax) was dose‐dependent in each patient. Although proportionality between dosage and Cmax was observed in each patient, the regression coefficient was in a wide range from 0.075 to 1.04 and was specific to each patient. This variability was likely caused by individual variation of bioavailability. When the optimal time‐point to monitor Cmax was investigated, the time‐to‐reach peak serum MZR concentration (Tmax) was similar among all the patients, which was from 2.5 to 3.5 h after administration of MZR. Tmax was most frequently observed at 3 h and the serum MZR concentration ratio relative to Cmax at 3 h was also highest (0.93 ± 0.07). In the following study, it was validated that monitoring C3 is reproducible and reliable after adjusting the dosage of MZR to obtain target serum concentration.ConclusionIndividual dosing is required to optimize Cmax in childhood‐onset glomerular disease patients. The safe dosage of MZR for each patient could be predicted by evaluating the serum MZR concentration 3 h after administration.
Impact of obstetrical brachial plexus injury on parents
Authors: Fırat Tüzün , Oskay Deran , Akel Burcu Semin , Öksüz Çiğdem 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to describe the impact of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) on parents and to investigate the effect of the severity of OBPP and the age of the children on parents.MethodsA total of 106 parents (with a mean age of 30.14 ± 5.01 years) of children with OBPP were included in the study. The functional level of the children was assessed by the Active Movement Scale, whereas the impact of OBPP on the parents was assessed by the Turkish version of the Impact on Family Scale.ResultsThe parents appeared to be moderately affected by their child's disorder. Financial, social, personal, mastery parameters and total impact values were 52% (27–77%), 65% (46–114%), 49% (31–67%), 51% (28–74%) and 56% (40–72%), respectively. Root involvement and the age of the children did not make a statistically significant difference in the level of impact.ConclusionsDetailed knowledge of the impact of OBPP on families might provide a chance to support affected families in coping with the situation and decrease their burden in providing care for the children. It is crucial to evaluate and provide social support to parents of children with OBPP.
Prevalence of Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis in childhood malnutrition and malignancy
Authors: Kaya Sadik , Selimoglu Mukadder Ayse , Kaya Ozlem Aycan , Ozgen Unsal 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundHair follicle mites, Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, are known to accompany immune‐deficiency states, however no study so far has investigated their presence in malnutrition. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of those mites in childhood malnutrition, malignancy and risk factors.MethodsOne hundred children with malnutrition, 31 children with malignancy and 63 children without any chronic disease and infection were included in this study. History, physical examination, anthropometric measurements and routine laboratory findings were recorded. Demodex spp. were investigated by standard superficial skin biopsies.ResultsDemodex was found in 25 patients (25%), 10 patients (32.3%), and one patient (1.6%) among malnutrition, malignancy, and control groups, respectively (P = 0.001). By using multilogistic regression binary method, it was found that malnutrition, malignancy and low socioeconomic level increased the risk 17.37 times (P = 0.006), 27.29 times (P = 0.002), and 2.3 times (P = 0.037), respectively. Of 22 children who were evaluated after 6 months, 13 (59.1%) were negative for Demodex. In 11 (84.6%) of those 13, nutritional status was improved.ConclusionDemodex was detected in approximately in one‐quarter and one‐third of children with malnutrition and malignancy, respectively. Eliminating the cause of immunosuppression, such as poor nutritional status, seems also to be an effective method for eliminating Demodex.