bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ketoconazole Inhibits Ovulation as a Result of Arrest of Follicular Steroidogenesis in the Rat Ovary
Authors: Gal Michael , Orly Joseph 
Published: June 2014

Objective Ketoconazole (KCZ) is a known inhibitor of steroidogenic P450 enzymes in the adrenal cortex and the gonads. Previous studies examined the potential clinical use of KCZ for attenuation of ovarian response to gonadotropin treatments. This study aimed to use the superovuating rat model to explore the effect of KCZ on ovarian steroidogenesis, follicular function, and development toward ovulation. Methods Prepubertal rats were treated with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG)/human CG (hCG) resulting in multiple follicular development and ovulation. The effect of KCZ on this model was examined by administration of KCZ-gel formula and subsequent analyses of ovarian steroidogenesis, rate of ovulation, morphometric assessments of follicular parameters, and cell-specific steroidogenic maturation of the treated ovaries. Results When applied shortly before gonadotropin stimulation, KCZ markedly reduced ovarian progesterone, androstenedione, and estradiol levels down to 18.7, 36.5, and 19.0%, respectively ( P < 0.001). A single KCZ-gel administration of 6, 12, and 24 mg/rat resulted in reduction of ovulated ova/ovary down to 8.6 ± 4.9, 5.1 ± 4.3, and 2.4 ± 3.2, respectively, as compared to 13.6 ± 4.4 ova found in the oviduct of control-gel-injected animals ( P < 0.001). An alternative protocol made use of small KCZ doses injected in non-gel formula (5 mg/dose/8 hours), commenced with the eCG administration and terminated 24 hours later; this treatment readily inhibited the ovulation rates to 6.6 ± 6.6 as compared to 16.5 ± 4.1 ova/ovary in the control group ( P < 0.01). By contrast, KCZ failed to inhibit ovulation if administered 24 hours after eCG injection. Anovulation by KCZ resulted from arrest of follicular development at the stage of 800-840 μm Graafian follicles as compared to 920 μm of peri-ovulatory follicles (OFs) observed in the control group, P = 0.029. In addition, absence of CYP11A1 expression was evident in the granulosa cell layers of the growth-arrested follicles, which also lacked mucified mature cumulus cell complexes. Conclusion These results suggest that KCZ-mediated inhibition of follicular maturation probably results from impaired steroidogenesis at early phase of follicular development toward ovulation. Hence, attenuation of folliculogenesis by KCZ may be harnessed to modulate gonadotropin-ovarian stimulation in fertility treatments.
Surface nitrification: A major uncertainty in marine N2O emissions
Authors: Zamora Lauren M. , Oschlies Andreas 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe ocean is responsible for up to a third of total global nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, but uncertainties in emission rates of this potent greenhouse gas are high (>100%). Here we use a marine biogeochemical model to assess six major uncertainties in estimates of N2O production, thereby providing guidance in how future studies may most effectively reduce uncertainties in current and future marine N2O emissions. Potential surface N2O production from nitrification causes the largest uncertainty in N2O emissions (estimated up to ~1.6 Tg N yr−1 or 48% of modeled values), followed by the unknown oxygen concentration at which N2O production switches to N2O consumption (0.8 Tg N yr−1 or 24% of modeled values). Other uncertainties are minor, cumulatively changing regional emissions by <15%. If production of N2O by surface nitrification could be ruled out in future studies, uncertainties in marine N2O emissions would be halved.
Evidence that Agulhas Current transport is maintained during a meander
Authors: Leber Greta M. , Beal Lisa M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn April 2010, full‐depth hydrographic and direct velocity measurements across a solitary meander in the Agulhas Current were collected at nominally 34∘S. During a second cruise in November 2011, a transect across the nonmeandering Agulhas Current was captured. These data provide the first full‐depth, in situ picture of the meandering Agulhas Current and allow us to investigate how the velocity structure and transport of the meandering current differs from its nonmeandering state. An analysis of the horizontal momentum equations show that the meander is in geostrophic balance. However, sampling bias causes large differences between geostrophic and direct velocity measurements during meandering, especially near the surface. As the current meanders offshore, its core speed weakens by more than 70 cm s−1 and its width broadens by almost 40 km. These two effects compensate so that the southwestward transport of the Agulhas current is largely unchanged during meandering. At the same time, the meander generates a strong inshore counterflow, which weakens the net Eulerian transport across the 300‐km line by almost 20 Sv.
Comparison of the antibacterial activity of modified‐cotton with magainin I and LL‐37 with potential as wound‐dressings
Authors: Pedrosa Marta , Mouro Cláudia , Nogueira Frederico , Vaz Joana , Gouveia Isabel 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTWounds are the ideal setting for the development of micro‐organisms, so it is often necessary to apply a dressing to control bacterial colonization. Cotton is commonly used in dressings, as it exhibits important hydrophilic characteristics such as high moisture and fluid retention properties, but it may provide a sustainable media for the development of micro‐organisms. In this way, the development of new strategies to provide cotton materials with lasting and effective antimicrobial properties is of the utmost importance. Consequently, here we described two processes to develop cotton‐dressings functionalized with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) magainin I (MagI) and LL‐37, in order to give cotton‐dressings an antibacterial effect. The AMPs showed no cytotoxic effect against human fibroblasts so they are safe to contact with skin. In addition, the functionalized materials with either LL‐37 or MagI present an antimicrobial effect exhibiting inhibition ratios of 89% against Klebsiella pneumoniae and 58% against Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40997.
Thermoresponsive poly(γ‐propyl‐l‐glutamate)‐graft‐(oligo ethylene glycol)s: Synthesis, characterization, and properties
Authors: Wu Yan , Deng Yong , Yuan Qiulin , Ling Ying , Tang Haoyu 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTA series of thermoresponsive poly(γ‐propyl‐L‐glutamate)‐graft‐(oligo ethylene glycol)s (PPLG‐g‐OEGs) with different main‐chain and side‐chain lengths have been synthesized via copper‐mediated alkyne‐azide 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition between poly(γ‐azidopropyl‐L‐glutamate)s (PAPLG) and propargyl terminated oligo ethylene glycols (Pr‐OEGs). Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis revealed that PAPLG10 adopted 39.4% β‐sheet, 47.4% α‐helix, and 13.2% random coil while PAPLG with longer main‐chain length (DP = 37 and 88) and PPLG‐g‐OEGs adopted exclusive α‐helix in the solid state. Circular dichroism analysis revealed that PPLG‐g‐OEGs adopted α‐helical conformations with helicities in the range of 50∼100%. The thermoresponsive behaviors of PPLG‐g‐OEGs in water have been studied by dynamic light scattering. The polymer concentration, main‐/side‐chain length, and helicity collectively affected their cloud point temperatures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41022.
The Superficial Glia Limitans of Mouse and Monkey Brain and Spinal Cord
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Zhang Zhaohuan , Guo Wei , Burnstock Geoffrey , He Cheng , Xiang Zhenghua 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTUsing the double immunostaining method, the glia limitans on the surfaces of mouse and monkey brain and spinal cord were studied systematically. The results showed that the superficial glia limitans of mouse brain and spinal cord comprise a layer of surface astrocytes, while the glia limitans of monkey comprise a layer of foot‐plates from marginal regions as described in histology and neuroscience textbooks. These surface astrocytes first appear at embryonic day (E)16 in spinal cord and at E17 on the ventral surface of the brain. At postnatal day (P)1, a layer of astrocytes covered the outermost regions of the spinal cord. At P10, the layer of astrocytes also covered the brain surface. The highest proliferation rates of surface astrocytes were found at E17 in the spinal cord and at E18 in the forebrain. Anat Rec, 296:995–1007, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid Interaction of Helicobacter pylori with Microvilli of the Polar Human Gastric Epithelial Cell Line NCI‐N87
Authors: Diesing Anne‐Kathrin , Nossol Constanze , Faber‐Zuschratter Heidi , Zuschratter Werner , Renner Lydia , Sokolova Olga , Naumann Michael , Rothkötter Hermann‐Josef 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTInfection with Helicobacter pylori results often in chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers or even gastric tumor development. Little is known about the initial interaction between gastric epithelial cells and H. pylori. The aim of the present study was to analyze the initial host contact to the bacteria. Monolayers of the human gastric epithelial cell line NCI‐N87 grown on porous membranes were used and the apical side of the epithelium was exposed to the H. pylori wild‐type strain P1 for 1 hr. Many epithelial cells were colonized by bacteria within the period of 60 min. Using scanning electron microscopy we detected that the bacteria were in close contact with the epithelia via microvilli. Further, transmission electron microscopy of the contact sites revealed no difference in the morphology of the microvilli in comparison to those not attached to the bacteria. The present study demonstrates the importance of microvilli on apical epithelial cells during the initial contact of the host by colonizing H. pylori. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2013 The Authors. The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Association of Anatomists.
The Angiogenic Peptide Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling is Up‐Regulated in a Rat Pressure Ulcer Model
Authors: Yang Jing‐Jin , Wang Xue‐Ling , Shi Bo‐Wen , Huang Fang 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to investigate the mRNA and protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in pressure ulcers, and to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which VEGF and bFGF are involved in pressure ulcer formation. A rat model of ischemia‐reperfusion pressure ulcer was established by magnetic disk circulating compression method. Real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot assays were conducted to detect the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF and bFGF in the tissues of rat I‐, II‐, and III‐degree pressure ulcers, the surrounding tissues, and normal skin. Our study confirmed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of VEGF and bFGF in the tissues of rat I‐degree pressure ulcer were significantly higher than that in the II‐ and III‐degree pressure ulcer tissues (P < 0.05). The expression of VEGF and bFGF in the tissues surrounding I‐ and II‐degree pressure ulcers were higher than the rats with normal skin. The expression of VEGF and bFGF in the tissues of rat III‐degree pressure ulcer was lower than that in the surrounding tissues and normal skin (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between change in the VEGF and bFGF. The results showed that with an increase in the degree of pressure ulcers, the expression of VEGF and bFGF in pressure ulcers tissue are decreased. This leads to a reduction in angiogenesis and may be a crucial factor in the formation of pressure ulcers. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Role of Phenethyl Isothiocyanate on Bladder Cancer ADM Resistance Reversal and Its Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Tang Kai , Lin Yi , Li Li‐Ming 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTAdramycin (ADM) resistance is an essential aspect of bladder cancer treatment failure and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) has been found to exhibit antitumor properties; however, the effect and potential mechanism of PEITC on bladder cancer ADM resistance reversal is not fully clear. The aim of this study was to explore the role of PEITC in bladder cancer cells ADM resistance reversal and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this report, we identified the role of PEITC on ADM resistance reversal of human bladder carcinoma T24/ADM cells, including an increased drug sensitivity to ADM, cell apoptosis rates, intracellular accumulation of Rhodamine‐123 (Rh‐123), an increased expression of DNA topoisomerase II (Topo‐II), and a decreased expression of multidrug resistance gene (MDR1), multidrug resistance‐associated protein (MRP1), bcl‐2 and glutathione s transferase π (GST‐π).We also found that there was a decreased expression of NF‐κB, Survivin, Twist, and p‐Akt, and an increased expression of PTEN and p‐JNK after PEITC treatment for T24/ ADM cells. The results indicated that PEITC might be used as a potential therapeutic strategy to ADM resistance through blocking Akt and activating MAPK pathway in human bladder carcinoma. Anat Rec, 296:899–906, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ectopic Ikaros Expression Positively Correlates With Lung Cancer Progression
Authors: Zhang Zhenfa , Xu Zhao , Wang Xiaoyang , Wang Hao , Yao Zhi , Mu Yanchao , Ma Zhenyi , Liu Zhe 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTIkaros, encoded by the IKZF1 gene, is a pivotal transcription factor whose expression and utilization is dynamically altered during hematopoietic development. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling the transcription of the IKZF1 gene are unclear in lung cancer cell lines. Here we show the role of Ikaros in a cohort of grade IIIA lung cancer patients, with particular emphasis on its relationship with clinical outcomes and expression levels. The expression levels of Ikaros were positively correlated with the prognosis in the lung cancer patients. We also demonstrated that Ikaros expression is ectopically activated in a panel of lung cancer cell lines primarily through demethylation of its promoter. Moreover, gain‐of‐function experiments revealed that Ikaros inhibits migration and invasion of lung cancer cells in vitro. Our results thus shed light on how Ikaros can act as a lineage competency factor to facilitate lung cancer progression. Anat Rec, 296:907–913, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Case Report of Flipper Anatomic Anomaly of Sotalia guianensis From Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Marigo Juliana , Pinto Nelson S. , Simões‐Lopes Paulo C. , Leonardo Flach , Azevedo Alexandre F. , Lailson‐Brito José 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe cetacean flipper consists of a soft tissue that encases most of the forelimb containing humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. Several studies have documented the typical cetacean's flipper anatomy, but only a few described digital anomalies and the most common are fusions and supernumerary such as polydactily and polyphalangy. The flippers of the Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis have a falciform general aspect showing individual differences and marks produced by individual contact in social interactions that mainly occur on the posterior border. Here, we report for the first time a case of flippers with anatomical anomalies of loss of digits and deviation of radius of an adult S. guianensis from Baía de Sepetiba (22°54′–23°04′, 43°36′–44°02′W), Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. Anat Rec, 296:1016–1018, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Region‐Specific Expression of Aquaporin Subtypes in Equine Testis, Epididymis, and Ductus Deferens
Authors: Klein C. , Troedsson M.H.T. , Rutllant J. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe process of water movement in the excurrent duct system of the male reproductive tract is pivotal for establishment of male fertility. The objective was to elucidate expression of aquaporin (AQP) water channels in the stallion reproductive tract. Real‐time RT‐PCR detected expression of AQP0–5 and AQP7–11 in testis, epididymis, and ductus deferens of mature stallions. There were two main expression patterns: (1) higher expression in testis than in epididymis and ductus deferens (AQP0, −4, −5, −8, −10, and −11); and (2) lower expression in testis than in epididymis and ductus deferens (AQP1, −3, −7, and −9). Overall, we inferred that fluid transport in the stallion testicle involved a collaboration of AQP subtypes (primarily AQP2, −5, −7, and −8). Based on immunohistochemistry, expression of AQP subtypes analyzed (i.e., AQP0, −2, −5, and −9) was localized to Leydig cells and elongated and round spermatids. Functional significance of AQP expression by Leydig cells remained uncertain. In elongated and round spermatids, AQP s likely contributed to the volume reduction observed during spermatogenesis. Subtypes AQP2 and AQP9 were the predominant forms expressed in epididymal tissue. Regulation of AQP2 expression, especially in the epididymal head, seemed to occur at the post‐transcriptional level, as protein expression upon immunohistochemistry was pronounced, despite low transcript abundance. In epididymal tissue, AQPs likely contributed to fluid resorbtion, given their localization on the apical membrane of principal cells. Anat Rec, 296:1115–1126, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphology and Biomechanics of the Pinniped Jaw: Mandibular Evolution Without Mastication
Authors: Jones Katrina E. , Ruff Christopher B. , Goswami Anjali 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTPinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses) underwent a shift in jaw function away from typical carnivoran mastication to more novel marine behaviors during the terrestrial‐aquatic transition. Here we test the effect of aquatic prey capture and male‐male combat on the morphological evolution of a mammal jaw that does not masticate. Nine three‐dimensional landmarks were taken along the mandible for 25 species (N = 83), and corpus and symphysis external and cortical breadths for a subset of five species (N = 33). Principal components analysis was performed on size‐corrected landmark data to assess variation in overall jaw morphology across pinnipeds. Corpus breadths were input to a beam model to calculate strength properties and estimated bite force of specific species with contrasting behaviors (filter feeding, suction feeding, grip‐and‐tear feeding, and male‐male combat). Results indicate that, although phylogenetic signal in jaw shape is strong, function is also important in determining morphology. Filter feeders display an elongate symphysis and a long toothrow that may play a role in filtering krill. Grip‐and‐tear feeders have a long jaw and large estimated bite force relative to non‐biting species. However, the largest estimated bite forces were observed in males of male‐male combative species, likely due to the high selection pressure associated with male success in highly polygynous species. The suction feeding jaw is weak in biting but has a different morphology in the two suction feeding taxa. In conclusion, familial patterns of pinniped jaw shape due to phylogenetic relatedness have been modified by adaptations to specialized behavior of individual taxa. Anat Rec, 296:1049–1063, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship Between Cell Proliferation and Eruption Rate in the Rat Incisor
Authors: Gomes J.R. , Omar N.F. , Do Carmo E.R. , Neves J.S. , Soares M.A.M. , Narvaes E.A. , Novaes P.D. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to further define the relationship between cell proliferation and the rate of tooth eruption in the rat incisor. Vinblastine is a drug that blocks cellular mitosis and was used to inhibit cell proliferation in the odontogenic region of rat incisors that were submitted to a shortening treatment or to higher masticatory forces. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: normofunctional (control group for incisor eruption), hypofunctional (incisor submitted to eruption acceleration), hyperfunctional (incisors under higher masticatory forces), hypofunctional with vinblastine and hyperfunctional with vinblastine. In incisors submitted to shortening procedures, a significant decrease in the eruption rate and cell proliferation was observed two days after vinblastine injection, suggesting that incisor eruption is dependent on cell proliferation. Anat Rec, 296:1096–1101, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of Hippocampal Injury and Cognitive Function Induced by Embolization in the Rat Brain
Authors: Zhang Heng‐Ai , Gao Mei , Chen Bainian , Shi Lili , Wang Qiaoyun , Yu Xiaoyan , Xuan Zhaohong , Gao Li , Du Guanhua 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTEmbolism is responsible for at least 20% of all stroke and half of cerebral infarctions. A number of animal models have been developed to mimic thromboembolic stroke. However, little aimed directly at hippocampal damage and cognitive function. In the present study, three sizes of emboli (150–178 μm, 74–124 μm, and 48–74 μm) were employed to induce thromboembolic stroke model in rats. Results showed that the diameter of the particle was critical for animal behavioral and histopathological consequences. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining revealed that CA1 and CA2–3, which are two of the main hippocampal subdivisions were injured seriously, especially induced by emboli(48–74 μm). At 24 hr, the neurological deficit scores showed that emboli injection could cause significant neurological deficit, and the increase of neurological deficit scores correlated well to the diameter of emboli. At 60 days, emboli(150–178 μm) and emboli(48–74 μm) lead to obvious cognitive impairment, which correlated well to the hippocampal CA1 injury. Our research might be helpful to choose suitable size of emboli to induce animal model to research subcortical ischemia and vascular dementia. However, cognitive alterations and cerebral injury following different sizes of emboli injection in rats remains a topic for future investigation. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ontogenetic Patterns of Morphological Variation in the Ectocranial Human Vault
Authors: Anzelmo Marisol , Barbeito‐AndrÉs Jimena , Ventrice Fernando , Pucciarelli Héctor M. , Sardi Marina L. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe skull is considered a modular structure in which different parts are influenced by different factors and, as a result, achieve adult shape at different ages. Previous studies have suggested that the basicranium presents a modular pattern that distinguishes sagittal and lateral parts, probably affected by the brain and masticatory structures, respectively. The vault of modern humans, in contrast, has been considered as a highly integrated system mainly influenced by brain growth. Here, we explored developmental shape variation in sagittal and lateral ectocranial vault in humans in order to assess if both regions are ontogenetically dissociated. We used a sample of 135 cranial computed tomography images from 0 to 31 ages. Landmarks and semilandmarks were collected on sagittal and lateral regions and geometric morphometric techniques were applied separately for each region. On the shape coordinates, we used Goodall's F‐test in order to assess the age when the adult configuration is attained. Principal component analysis enabled us to evaluate shape variation during ontogeny. Results indicated that both sagittal and lateral structures attain adult shape at early adolescence. Both regions express coordinated shape modifications probably due to shared developmental factors. It is concluded that masticatory muscles may not exert a strong enough influence to produce independent variation in the lateral traits. Thus, it is likely that the brain integrates sagittal and lateral parts of the vault across human ontogeny. Anat Rec, 296:1008–1015, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.