bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DMSO modulates the pathway of apoptosis triggering
Authors: Banič Blaž , Nipič Damijan , Šuput Dušan , Milisav Irina 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe demonstrate here that distribution of caspase-9 influences the pathway of apoptosis triggering, since caspase-9 is activated efficiently only when it is distributed solely in the cytosol. Caspase-9 moves to the nuclei in a response to cell stress during isolation of primary hepatocytes; this is called preapoptotic cell stress response. The dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment cannot prevent the migration of caspase-9 into the nuclei when it is added to primary hepatocytes immediately after isolation; however, it can trigger redistribution of caspase-9 from the nuclei into the cytosol when added 1 day post-isolation. This redistribution is temporary, since caspase-9 returns to the nuclei within 48 hours of DMSO treatment. Thereafter, some caspase-9 is retained in the nuclei of DMSO-treated hepatocytes for longer than in the nuclei of untreated hepatocytes. By measuring caspase activities, we demonstrate that the addition of DMSO to cell culture medium can temporarily normalize the susceptibility of hepatocytes for apoptosis triggering through the intrinsic pathway. DMSO contributes also to the prolonged pathway inactivation, i.e., by extending preapoptotic cell stress response. We propose that DMSO extends the survival of primary hepatocytes by modulating preapoptotic cell stress response, which could be exploited for extending the lifespan of other primary cell cultures.
Involvement of carboxyl groups in chloride transport and reversible DIDS binding to band 3 protein in human erythrocytes
Authors: Janas Teresa , Janas Tadeusz 
Published: March 2011

AbstractNoncovalent DIDS binding to Band 3 (AE1) protein in human erythrocyte membranes, modified by non-penetrating, water soluble 1-ethyl-3-(4-azonia-4,4-dimethylpentyl)-carbodiimide iodide (EAC), was studied at 0°C in the presence of 165 mM KCl. Under experimental conditions applied up to (48 ± 5) % of irreversible chloride self-exchange inhibition was observed. The apparent dissociation constant, KD, for “DIDS-Band 3” complex, determined from the chloride transport experiments, was (34 ± 3) nM and (80 ± 12) nM for control and EAC-treated resealed ghosts, respectively. The inhibition constant, Ki, for DIDS was (35 ± 6) nM and (60 ± 8) nM in control and EAC-treated ghosts, respectively. The reduced affinity for DIDS reversible binding was not a result of negative cooperativity of DIDS binding sites of Band 3 oligomer since Hill’s coefficients were indistinguishable from 1 (within the limit error) both for control and EAC-treated ghosts. By using tritium-labeled DIDS, 4,4’-diisothiocyanato-2,2’-stilbenedisulfonate ([3H]DIDS), the association rate constant, k+1 (M−1s−1), was measured. The mean values of (4.3 ± 0.7) × 105 M−1s−1 for control and (2.7 ± 0.7) × 105 M−1s−1 for EAC-treated ghosts were obtained. The mean values for KD, evaluated from [3H]DIDS binding measurements, were (37 ± 9) nM and (90 ± 21) nM for control and EAC-modified ghosts, respectively. The results demonstrate that EAC modification of AE1 reduces about 2-fold the affinity of AE1 for DIDS. It is suggested that half of the subunits are modified near the transport site by EAC.
Gerstmann-Straüssler-Scheinker PRNP P102L-129V mutation
Authors: Ferrer Isidro , Carmona Margarita , Blanco Rosa , Recio Maria , San Segundo R. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Neuropathological and biochemical studies in a case of Gerstmann-Straüssler-Scheinker disease bearing the PRNP P102L-129V mutation showed numerous multicentric PrPres in the cerebral cortex, striatum, thalamus and cerebellum, PrPres globular deposits in the anterior and posterior horns of the spinal cord, and multiple granular PrPres deposits in the grey and white matter of the encephalon and spinal cord. Western blots with antiPrPres antibodies revealed several weak bands ranging from 36 to 66 kDa, weak bands of 29 and 24 kDa, a strong band of about 20 kDa, a low band of molecular weight around 15 kDa and a weaker band of about 7 kDa. Spongiform degeneration was absent. Hyper-phosphorylated 3R and 4R tau occurred in dystrophic neurites surrounding PrPres plaques, neuropil threads and, to a lesser degree, in the form of neurofibrillary tangles. Gel electrophoresis of sarkosyl-insoluble fractions and western blotting with anti-phospho-tau antibodies showed a pattern similar to that seen in Alzheimer disease cases run in parallel. Dystrophic neurites in the vicinity of PrPres plaques were enriched in voltage dependent anion channel thus suggesting abnormal accumulation of mitochondria. These changes were associated with increased oxidative damage in neurons and astrocytes, Finally, increased expression of active stress kinases, that have the capacity to phosphorylate tau in vitro, p38 (p-38-P) and SAPK/ JNK (SAPK/JNK-P) was found in cell processes surrounding PrP plaques. Together, these observations provide evidences of mitochondrial abnormalities, and increased oxidative stress damage and oxidative stress responses in GSS bearing the PRNP P102L-129V mutation.
Combining erythropoeitin and bone marrow stromal cell therapy after stroke
Authors: Arias Laura , Chen Shaoyi , Hu Bingren , Sick Thomas 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Both Erythropoietin (EPO) and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) have been shown to improve outcome after stroke. EPO may improve outcome after stroke through its actions on blood progenitor cells, angiogenesis, or direct action in the CNS. BMSCs may improve outcome after stroke by regeneration, altering plasticity of viable cells, or prevention of cell death. Sorting out these potential modes of actions for EPO and BMSCs has been difficult using in vivo models of stroke. This study investigated neuroprotection afforded by EPO, BMSCs and the combination of these modalities in mouse hippocampal slice cultures after oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). Significant neuroprotection was observed following post-injury treatment of slice cultures with BMSCs and neuroprotection was augmented by treating BMSCs with EPO. EPO alone did not protect neurons from OGD when given after injury, but was effective when given prior to OGD. The failure of EPO to protect when given after injury did not appear to result from its inability to activate EPO signaling pathways involving phosphorylation of Akt. This study supports the implication that BMSCs may rescue dying neurons after ischemia by providing trophic support. The data also show that EPO’s actions as a neuroprotective agent following stroke may be mediated by its actions on BMSCs.
Lipoastrocytoma: A case report
Authors: Pažanin Leo , Čupić Hrvoje , Radoš Marko , Jednačak Hrvoje , Paladino Josip 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Lipidized tumours of the central nervous system are very rare. Lipidization of tumour cells is a histological hallmark of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma and cerebellar neurolipocytoma and has been described in some other primary neuroepithelial tumours such as glioblastoma, cerebral primitive neuroectodermal tumour, central neurocytoma and ependymoma. However, a few cases of lipidized low-grade glial tumours that could not be classified to the fore mentioned categories have been reported, as well. We report a new case of such a tumour occupying the right temporal lobe in a 23-year old woman. Histologically, the tumour was composed of GFAP positive glial cells with areas of complete cell lipidization. More than a two years after the surgery, the patient is well and asymptomatic supporting presumed favourable clinical course of these rare tumours. The recommended treatment plan for these presumably benignant tumours should be continued with radiographic surveillance after the gross total resection.
HSV1 in Alzheimer’s disease: Myth or reality?
Authors: Špeljko Tea , Jutric David , Šimić Goran 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia in the elderly, characterized by the presence of cerebral amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The causes of the disease are not well understood, especially considering that more than 95% of AD patients are non-familial. Due to the similarity of brain regions affected in herpes simplex encephalitis to those mainly affected in AD, and owing to the very high prevalence of latent herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) infection, reactivation of HSV1 was proposed as one of the possible causes of AD. The trigeminal ganglion, located only a few millimeters from the entorhinal cortex, is the primary site of HSV1 latency, although other sites including the sensory neurons, the nodose ganglion of the vagus nerve and other regions of the brain may be involved, possibly in relation to very early neurofibrillary AD changes in the dorsal raphe, locus coeruleus and other brainstem nuclei. Novel data obtained upon infection of cultured neuronal cells and mouse brain with HSV1 further show that HSV1 infection causes intracellular amyloid-beta protein accumulation, as well as abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein, the major component of tangles. Another interesting fact is the existence of a significant degree of homology between HSV1 components and AD susceptibility genes. In this review we summarize findings that reveal connections between the two conditions, as well as different suggestions for the mechanisms of HSV1-induced AD. As most of the available results support a connection of AD and HSV1 infection, antiviral therapy should be taken into consideration for AD treatment following early diagnosis.
F. K. Studnička (1894): Fishes and amphibians also have the cerebral cortex
Authors: Judaš Miloš 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide translation of probably the first report (Studnička 1894) demonstrating that the telencephalon of all vertebrate taxa (including fishes and amphibians) is characterized by the presence of the cerebral cortex (pallium). This report was one of those initiating a century-long and still not fully resolved discussion concerning homologies of various pallial subdivisions in different vertebrate taxa and probably the first to draw attention to the importance of careful study of the pallium in representatives of agnathans (Cyclostomes) such as lampreys (Petromyzonts) and hagfishes (Myxinoids). This article also briefly reviews the current status of comparative research on vertebrate telencephalon, and provides historical notes which position Studnička’s report in its historical context.
Biomass production of grey alder, hybrid alder and silver birch stands on abandoned agricultural land
Authors: Aosaar Jürgen , Uri Veiko 
Published: March 2011

Halli lepa, hübriidlepa ja arukase biomassi produktsioon endistel põllumaadel
The present study is based on four experimental sites, located in Southern-Estonia: hybrid alder and grey alder plantations located in Põlva county, and two sample plots of silver birch, located in Tartu county. The stand characteristics, above-ground biomass and current annual production (CAP) were estimated in order to evaluate production capacity of different tree species growing on abandoned agricultural lands. Due to fast growth and high biomass production capacity the most promising tree species for short-rotation forestry in Estonia is grey alder. The stem mass in the 13-years-old grey alder and hybrid alder stand was 63.4 t ha-1 and 40.0 t ha-1, respectively. However, the different biomass production is mainly affected by stand densities, 6170 trees per ha and 4080 trees per ha, respectively. During ageing, the differences between the alder stands diminish. At the age of 14, mean height and diameter at breast height were practically equal. Also the mean stem mass in the older, 13-year old stand, is almost equal: 10.3 kg in grey alder stand and 9.8 kg in hybrid alder stand. At a younger age, the mean stem mass was higher in grey alder stand, but later, at the age of 13, the mean stem mass has become almost the same (10.3 kg in grey alder stand and 9.8 kg in hybrid alder stand). The rotation period for hybrid alder is longer than for grey alder and bulk maturity will occur later. Silver birch is also a highly productive tree species and has a prospect for short-rotation forestry. The mean stem mass and annual current increment of 8-year-old silver birch stand was in same the magnitude as in the grey alder stand. Although the average stand diameter and height were lower in the silver birch stand than in the grey alder stand, it is compensated by the higher wood density of birch wood. The number of trees has affected silver birch stand production, the above-ground biomass in the very high density birch stand (35 600 trees per ha) was significantly lower than in the sparse stand (11 600 trees per ha), 22.8 t ha-1 and 31.2 t ha-1, respectively.
Anatomical structure and localisation of lignin in needles and shoots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing in a habitat with varying environmental characteristics
Authors: Lukjanova Aljona , Mandre Malle 
Published: March 2011

Anatomical structure and localisation of lignin in needles and shoots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing in a habitat with varying environmental characteristics
We investigated the influence of a habitat with varying environmental characteristics on the anatomical structure and localisation of lignin in needles and shoots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). A dune in South-West Estonia was chosen as the study area because it has extreme environmental characteristics: primitive sandy soil, deficiency of water, heavy winds and high light exposure. Analysis showed that the needles of all age and the current-year shoots of pines growing on the foot of the dune had the largest average cross section, mesophyll and parenchyma areas. The degree of the lignification of needles at the foot, on the slope and on the top of the dune differed distinctly. Intensive lignification of the cellular walls of the xylem was observed in needles and shoots of the pines, growing at the foot, but not in the trees growing on the top of the dune. Analysis showed that the anatomical structure and localisation of lignin, both in needles and in shoots, depend on their age, the trees location (foot, slope or top of the dune) and soil mineral composition.
Changes of coastal dune landscapes in Estonia
Authors: Ratas Urve , Rivis Reimo , Käärt Kaija 
Published: March 2011

Changes of coastal dune landscapes in Estonia
Coastal landscapes are strongly affected by their geomorphology, based on the character of deposits and moisture conditions. The main influences on the aeolian ecosystems of coastal areas are heavy winds, salt spray and lack of nutrients. An increase in the frequency of storms in coastal waters may result in the erosion of beaches that were previously stable or prograding. Coastal dune ecosystems are in different stages of vegetation succession and soil development. At present coastal dune landscapes are being rapidly changed by waves and human impact. In the last decade, research on the geomorphologic changes of the coast in Estonia has been quite noteworthy, but the associated changes in ecosystems have been little considered. The main problem for coastal dunes landscape is the decrease of natural habitats due to afforestation, recreation and building. In this paper our attention is focused on changes of Estonian coastal dune landscapes during the last one hundred years.
Factors influencing the species composition and richness of herb layer in old boreo-nemoral forests
Authors: Sepp Toivo , Liira Jaan 
Published: March 2011

Vanade salumetsade rohurinde koosseis ja seda mõjutavad tegurid
We aimed to study the composition of herb layer in old Estonian boreonemoral forests (Aegopodium and Hepatica forest site-types) and estimate factors that influence the vegetation. Besides forest management and other anthropogenic disturbances, stand age, geographic location and tree species composition were analysed as potential driving factors. We surveyed 169 forests, mostly as a contrasting pair of intensively managed and possibly near-natural forest within each sub-region of a forest site-type. Later, for analyses, we reclassified forests into three groups by weighted summing of the observed signs of disturbances. Analyses revealed the distinction in herb layer composition among forest site-types and dominant-tree species. Geographic location of a stand also appeared to affect the understorey, while stand age had no statistically significant impact on herb layer in old and over-matured forests. We did not detect explicitly the direct effect of forest management and disturbances on herb layer composition and diversity. However, indirectly, only in Hepatica site-type, the management increased herb layer species richness and the proportion of graminoids, by providing more light via reduced closure of a stand. Species characteristic of managed stands were mostly light-demanding, dry soil tolerant and apophytic species. Undisturbed stands were characterized by presence of nemoral and vernal herbs that typically grow in broad-leaved or mixed stands. Consequently, the dominance of conifers in managed forest, can limit the growth of characteristic species of boreonemoral forest site-types. Therefore, to improve the state of plant diversity in boreo-nemoral forests, tree species diversity and small-sized gap-initiation should be supported.
Alvar forest of Harjumaa district
Authors: Paal Jaanus , Rajandu Elle , Rooma Igna 
Published: March 2011

Harjumaa loometsad
Alvar forests in Harjumaa district, NW and N Estonia, were studied. Eight community types were established: (i) Inula salicina-Potentilla fruticosa-Pinus sylvestris, (ii) Carex panicea-C. cespitosa-Pinus sylvestris-Betula pubescens, (iii) Filipendula vulgaris-Brachypodium pinnatum-Pinus sylvestris, (iv) Brachypodium pinnatum-Calamagrostis arundinacea-Picea abies-Pinus sylvestris, (v) Hepatica nobilis-Brachypodium pinnatum-Picea abies-Pinus sylvestris, (vi) Paris quadrifolia-Anemone nemorosa-Fraxinus excelsior, (vii) Mercurialis perennis-Picea abies, and (viii) Pulmonaria obscura-Viola mirabilis-Betula pendula-Picea abies. The 2nd community type represents the Sesleria alvar forest site type (FST) habitats, while communities of the 1st, 3rd and 4th types belong to the Calamagrostis alvar FST. These communities grow mainly on medium thick or thin Calcaric Skeletic Regosols, less frequently on thin Renzic Leptosols or on other types of soil. Other communities qualified by forest inventory as alvar forests factually belong to the boreo-nemoral Hepatica FST (communities of 5th type) and Aegopodium FST (communities of 6th, 7th and 8th types). Alvar forests are characterized by remarkably high species diversity deriving first of all from the number of field and moss layer species. The number of species in all layers, except moss layer, depends significantly from the community type reflecting in integrated form effect of communities' structure. Diversity of field layer species is positively affected by the ratio of carbon and nitrogen content in soil humus horizon, whereas the higher abundance of pine trees has negative effect on the species number in moss layer.
The ecological status of Puhatu cutover peatland
Authors: Ots Katri , Kikamägi Karin , Kuznetsova Tatjana 
Published: March 2011

Puhatu ammendatud jääksoo ökoloogilisest seisundist
The aim of the present study was estimation of the ecological status of Puhatu cutover peatland in Norteast Estonia. Results of the samples showed that the pH of peat in Puhatu cutover peatland was in the range 5.1-5.5. The nutrients concentrations of peat (%) varied as follows: total N 2.1-2.9, total P 0.016-0.032, K 0.004-0.02, Ca 1.2-3.5 and Mg 0.08-0.2. The height of pines was 3.0 ± 0.6 m and height growth in current year was up to 73 cm. Comparison of our results with the scale presented by Ingestad suggests that the content of P, K and Mg in pine needles and birch leaves is lower and Ca content significantly higher than the optimum level.
Stand structure links up canopy processes and forest management
Authors: Frey Toomas 
Published: March 2011

Stand structure links up canopy processes and forest management
Above- and belowground biomass and net primary production (P
n) of a maturing Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) forest (80 years old) established on brown soil in central Estonia were 227, 50 and 19.3 Mg ha correspondingly. Stand structure is determined mostly by mean height and stand density, used widely in forestry, but both are difficult to measure with high precision in respect of canopy processes in individual trees. However, trunk form quotient (q
2) and proportion of living crown in relation to tree height are useful parameters allowing describe stand structure tree by tree. Based on 7 model trees, leaf unit mass assimilation activity and total biomass respiration per unit mass were determined graphically as mean values for the whole tree growth during 80 years of age. There are still several possible approaches not used carefully enough to integrate experimental work at instrumented towers with actual forestry measurement. Dependence of physiological characteristics on individual tree parameters is the missing link between canopy processes and forest management.
The influence of seed origin on stand variables of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) provenance trial in Ahunapalu
Authors: Maaten Tiit , Kurm Malle , Kiviste Andres , Loks Mihkel 
Published: March 2011

Seemnete päritolupiirkonna mõju hariliku männi (Pinus sylvestris L.) puistu takseerandmetele Ahunapalu geograafilises katsekultuuris
The aim of the present study is to analyse the influence of seed origin on the growth performance in Scots pine provenance trial at the age of 33 and 43 years. The provenance trial plantation with 18 provenances of Scots pine were established in Estonia, Järvselja Training and Experimental Forest District (58°19'47, 21"N. Lat. and 27°16'2, 79"E. Long) under the supervision of E. Pihelgas in 1965, using seeds from different regions of the former Soviet Union. The northernmost seeds were received from Arhangelsk province, Russia, (63° N. Lat.) and the southernmost seeds from Borjomi Forest Enterprise, Georgia, situated 800 m above sea level (42° N. Lat.). The westernmost seeds were from Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine (23-24° E. Long.). Seeds of Estonian pine seedlings originated from the forest districts of Järvselja, Sõmeru, Vihula, Sagadi and Koorküla. Data used for above-mentioned study was collected during the years 1998 and 2008.
Statistical analysis was conducted using the software package R. The statistical analysis of the data obtained from provenance trials showed that under Estonian circumstances density, height and breast height diameter were stand variable which were depending on seed origin the most. The average survival percentage of progenies from southern provenances (with the northern latitude less than 52°) was lower than that in case of the progenies of the northern seed origin; a strong linear relationship was found between the stand breast height diameter and the northern latitude of seed provenance. The average breast height diameter of the stands from southern origin was larger than that of the stands from northern origin, whereas the plots of northern seed provenances had bigger survival percentage (density) than that of plots grown from southern seeds. Thus, the plots of northern seed origin had poorer conditions for diameter growth. The stands of northern seed provenance had slightly lower average height than that in the stands of southern seed origin.