bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The morphology of the inner ear from the domestic pig (Sus scrofa)
Authors: LOVELL J. M. , HARPER G. M. 
Published: December 2007

SummaryThe morphology of the hair cells of the inner ear end organs from the domestic pig (Sus scrofa) have been studied using a combination of Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM and TEM), revealing hair cells from the cochlea and vestibule using a novel surgical and technical approach. This is the first time that the inner ear hair cells from S. scrofa have been studied, thus providing useful anatomical information on the morphology of the hair cells from the cochlea, saccule and utricle from a large mammal. Anatomical information in relation to the morphology of the inner ear is of considerable importance, both in the pathological diagnosis of trauma and in the development of cochlea implants and other biotechnological systems associated with the enhancement of hearing. Standard fixation protocols using cardiac perfusion was not employed in this study as this method cannot always be applied, such as the pathological examination of the human ear, or the study of animals protected by endangered species legislation. With the exception of a very few countries, cetaceans cannot be killed for research purposes, yet physiological information on the inner ear from these species is urgently required for ecological assessment reasons. Supporting the use of S. scrofa as a model for cetacean hearing research is that this animal is a member of the order Artiodactyla, which includes both the hippopotamus and cetaceans. Being of a similar size, the pig is an ideal subject for developing protocols and surgical techniques required to investigate both the human and small cetacean auditory systems.
Near‐field photothermal microspectroscopy for adult stem‐cell identification and characterization
Authors: GRUDE OLAUG , HAMMICHE AZZEDINE , POLLOCK HUBERT , BENTLEY ADAM J. , WALSH MICHAEL J. , MARTIN FRANCIS L. , FULLWOOD NIGEL J. 
Published: December 2007

SummaryThe identification of stem cells in adult tissue is a challenging problem in biomedicine. Currently, stem cells are identified by individual epitopes, which are generally tissue specific. The discovery of a stem‐cell marker common to other adult tissue types could open avenues in the development of therapeutic stem‐cell strategies.We report the use of the novel technique of Fourier transform infrared near‐field photothermal microspectroscopy (FTIR–PTMS) for the characterization of stem cells, transit amplifying (TA) cells and terminally differentiated (TD) cells in the corneal epithelium. Principal component analysis (PCA) data demonstrate excellent discrimination of cell type by spectra. PCA in combination with linear discriminant analysis (PCA–LDA) shows that FTIR–PTMS very effectively discriminates between the three cell populations. Statistically significant differences above the 99% confidence level between IR spectra from stem cells and TA cells suggest that nucleic acid conformational changes are an important component of the differences between spectral data from the two cell types.FTIR–PTMS is a new addition to existing spectroscopy methods based on the concept of interfacing a conventional FTIR spectrometer with an atomic force microscope equipped with a near‐field thermal sensing probe. FTIR‐PTMS spectroscopy currently has spatial resolution that is similar to that of diffraction‐limited optical detection FTIR spectroscopy techniques, but as a near‐field probing technique has considerable potential for further improvement. Our work also suggests that FTIR–PTMS is potentially more sensitive than synchrotron radiation FTIR spectroscopy for some applications.Microspectroscopy techniques like FTIR–PTMS provide information about the entire molecular composition of cells, in contrast to epitope recognition that only considers the presence or absence of individual molecules. Our results with FTIR–PTMS on corneal stem cells are promising for the potential development of an IR spectral fingerprint for stem cells.
Evaluating performance in three‐dimensional fluorescence microscopy
Authors: MURRAY JOHN M. , APPLETON PAUL L. , SWEDLOW JASON R. , WATERS JENNIFER C. 
Published: December 2007

SummaryIn biological fluorescence microscopy, image contrast is often degraded by a high background arising from out of focus regions of the specimen. This background can be greatly reduced or eliminated by several modes of thick specimen microscopy, including techniques such as 3‐D deconvolution and confocal. There has been a great deal of interest and some confusion about which of these methods is ‘better’, in principle or in practice. The motivation for the experiments reported here is to establish some rough guidelines for choosing the most appropriate method of microscopy for a given biological specimen. The approach is to compare the efficiency of photon collection, the image contrast and the signal‐to‐noise ratio achieved by the different methods at equivalent illumination, using a specimen in which the amount of out of focus background is adjustable over the range encountered with biological samples. We compared spot scanning confocal, spinning disk confocal and wide‐field/deconvolution (WFD) microscopes and find that the ratio of out of focus background to in‐focus signal can be used to predict which method of microscopy will provide the most useful image. We also find that the precision of measurements of net fluorescence yield is very much lower than expected for all modes of microscopy. Our analysis enabled a clear, quantitative delineation of the appropriate use of different imaging modes relative to the ratio of out‐of‐focus background to in‐focus signal, and defines an upper limit to the useful range of the three most common modes of imaging.
The host–parasite neuroimmunoendocrine network in schistosomiasis: consequences to the host and the parasite
Authors: MORALES‐MONTOR J. , HALL C. A. 
Published: December 2007

SUMMARY The physiological interactions during the course of any immune response are complex. Infection induces antigen‐specific recognition by the immune system, which is consequently charged with the responsibility of marshalling the appropriate effector responses necessary to destroy the pathogen, or at the very least inhibit its progression. Obviously, the immune system should accomplish this while minimizing collateral damage to the host or it risks, winning a Pyrrhic victory. As our understanding of the neuroendocrine system grows, it has become increasingly clear that this complex network of neurotransmitters, hormones and cytokines plays an important role in mediating immunity. Schistosomes present an especially complex relationship between pathogen and these physiological systems, with hormonally dependent host factors such as sex and age correlated with parasite success. In this report, we review the current literature on sex and age associations between infection and progression of disease. We then follow with a discussion on interactions between the host neuroendocrine and immune systems. We also speculate on strategies to apply this knowledge to novel treatment strategies. Results argue for a complex network comprising the immune, endocrinological and nervous systems of both host and schistosome in the regulation of the plural outcomes of infection.
Contributions to the study of Trichinella spiralis TSL‐1 antigens in host immunity
Authors: YÉPEZ‐MULIA L. , HERNÁNDEZ‐BELLO R. , ARIZMENDI‐PUGA N. , FONSECA‐LIÑÁN R. , ORTEGA‐PIERRES G. 
Published: December 2007

SUMMARY The observation on different hosts infected with Trichinella spiralis that recognized similar muscle larvae (ML) antigens and the fact that different monoclonal antibodies (mAb) had a similar reactivity to ML components prompted a proposal to define a useful classification system for these antigens. For this purpose, an international workshop provided a platform for the classification of T. spiralis antigens. ML antigens were classified in eight groups –Trichinella spiralis larvae groups, TSL‐1 to TSL‐8. TSL‐1 antigens are highly immunogenic and a number of important studies have been performed to analyse the role of these antigens in the host–parasite interplay. In this context, we have focused on the analysis of the role of TSL‐1 antigens in the induction of innate immune responses with particular emphasis on the activation of mast cells (MC) by an IgE‐independent pathway. These studies provided evidence on the role of mediator release from TSL‐1‐activated MC in the development of Type 2 immune responses. The protective role of TSL‐1 in T. spiralis‐infected mice has been described. In addition, it has been demonstrated that the use of TSL‐1 antigens allows for a more sensitive and specific diagnosis of human and animal trichinellosis.
Mexican immunoparasitology: what is done and has to be done
Authors: MORALES‐MONTOR J. 
Published: December 2007

SUMMARY In this special issue of Parasite Immunology, the reader will find reviewed some of the hottest topics in immunoparasitology, with emphasis on the most studied parasite species in México. For instance, the immunological conditions that appear favorable for the survival or destruction of the parasite in the intermediate and definitive hosts in cysticercosis, as well as the use of immunodiagnostic tests in epidemiological/intervention studies are discussed in two different articles. The role that alternatively activated macrophages plays in modulating host immunity is also discussed, while in the field of Leishmaniasis, the reader will find reviewed the role that CD8+ T cells play in the host defense during the human infection. The role that antibodies may play as biomarkers of protective or pathological cellular immune events in Toxoplasma gondii infections, as well as the new insights about the regulation of the inflammatory immune response by the cytokine/chemokine network in amebiasis, are topics reviewed. The use that TSL‐1 antigens may have in the development of more sensitive and specific diagnosis of human and animal trichinellosis as well as the role that the neuroimmunoendocrine network plays during schistosomiasis are also presented. We hope that our readers will find fascinating and enticing, the first ever Special Issue devoted to Mexican Immunoparasitology.
CD8 cytotoxic T cells in cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: RUIZ J. H. , BECKER I. 
Published: December 2007

SUMMARY CD8 T cells are essential in the defence against viruses, yet little is known of their participation in the host defence against parasites, such as Leishmania, which can cause a variety of clinical diseases, such as localized cutaneous, diffuse cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Murine models of leishmaniasis suggest that CD8 T cells participate through IFN‐γ production, yet their cytotoxic capacity also plays an important role, as has been found in patients infected with various Leishmania strains, where CD8 T cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis of autologous Leishmania‐infected macrophages correlate with cure. Yet the mechanisms underlying the CD8 T activation in patients with leishmaniasis remain an enigma. It is possible that dendritic cells activate CD8 T cells through mechanisms that include antigen cross‐presentation. Here we summarize the recent findings of CD8 T cells in cutaneous leishmaniasis and discuss their significance in the control of the disease. Further knowledge in this field will undoubtedly improve the design of therapeutic and vaccine strategies.
How minerals may influence the development and expression of immunity to endoparasites in livestock
Authors: McCLURE S. J. 
Published: December 2007

SUMMARY This review attempts to explain how dietary mineral intake may affect the immune system, with particular reference to gastrointestinal nematode infestations of livestock, and considers its significance for other gut infections as well as for other species. Of the 56 minerals found in mammalian tissues, 16 are currently considered to be essential, and a further 13 probably essential, for cell and tissue function. To date, eight of these have been shown to affect the function of the mammalian immune system directly. Nine others have roles in physiological pathways such as neurological or endocrine function, or protein or carbohydrate metabolism, which in turn regulate the immune system. The remainder may in the future be shown to have immunologically specific roles. The pathogenesis of mineral effects on immunity involves a number of pathways and molecular mechanisms. Major areas requiring further investigation are the relationship between deficiency of minerals and in vivo immune‐mediated protection against disease, in particular diseases of the mucosa, and the mechanisms by which the minerals or their deficiency exert their effect on immunity. Research is also required into the possibility that animals in the process of acquiring gut immunity have higher requirements for minerals.
Vitamin E is essential for the tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana to metal‐induced oxidative stress
Authors: COLLIN VALÉRIE C. , EYMERY FRANÇOISE , GENTY BERNARD , REY PASCAL , HAVAUX MICHEL 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants were grown in a hydroponic culture system for 7 to 14 d in the absence or presence of 75 µM Cd or 75 µM Cu. The Cu treatment resulted in visual leaf symptoms, together with anthocyanin accumulation and loss of turgor. Pronounced lipid peroxidation, which was detected by autoluminescence imaging and malondialdehyde titration, was observed in Cu‐treated leaves. The Cd treatment also resulted in loss of leaf pigments but lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress were less pronounced than in the leaves exposed to Cu. Analysis of low‐molecular‐weight chloroplast and cytosolic antioxidants (ascorbate, glutathione, tocopherols, carotenoids) and antioxidant enzymes (thiol‐based reductases and peroxidases) revealed relatively few responses to metal exposure. However, there was a marked increase in vitamin E (α‐tocopherol) in response to Cd and Cu treatments. Ascorbate increased significantly in Cu‐exposed leaves. Other antioxidants either remained stable or decreased in response to metal stress. Transcripts encoding enzymes of the vitamin E biosynthetic pathway were increased in response to metal exposure. In particular, VTE2 mRNA was enhanced in Cu‐ and Cd‐treated plants, while VTE5 and hydroxylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) mRNAs were only up‐regulated in Cd‐treated plants. Consistent increases in HPPD transcripts and protein were observed. The vitamin E‐deficient (vte1) mutant exhibited an enhanced sensitivity towards both metals relative to the wild‐type (WT) control. Unlike the vte1 mutants, which showed enhanced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in the presence of Cu or Cd, the ascorbate‐deficient (vtc2) mutant showed WT responses to metal exposure. Taken together, these results demonstrate that vitamin E plays a crucial role in the tolerance of Arabidopsis to oxidative stress induced by heavy metals such as Cu and Cd.
A nodular granulomatous posthitis caused byHalicephalobussp. in a horse
Authors: Muller Stéphanie , Grzybowski Marco , Sager Heinz , Bornand Valérie , Brehm Walter 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThis report describes a case of nodular posthitis caused byHalicephalobus gingivalisin a 24‐year‐old warmblood horse. Macroscopic examination revealed a multinodular, partially ulcerated mass on the external lamina of the prepuce. Nematode migration from unfixed biopsy material in phosphate‐buffered saline revealed adult nematodes with the typical morphological features ofH. gingivalis:distinctive rhabditiform oesophagus with corpus, isthmus and bulb and the dorsoflexed ovary. The main histopathological features consisted of submucosal confluent granulomatous foci containing cross‐ and tangential sections of larval and adult nematodes surrounded by cellular debris, epitheloid macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Therapy including oral administration of moxidectin and local application of an ointment containing prednisolone and moxidectin was initiated but clinical response was poor. Five months later, the nodular mass was still present and histologically, the same lesions with numerous intact nematodes were identified. In the present case, a localized infection with granuloma formation in the area of the prepuce was observed. Clinically, it cannot be distinguished from other nematode infections or even from a squamous cell carcinoma. An accurate clinical examination followed by histopathological and parasitological examinations was necessary to establish the final diagnosis. This case is unusual in that the lesions were locally very extensive (10 cm), but they remained confined to the preputium and the nematodes did not spread haematogenously to other internal organs.
Molecular Characterization of Phytoplasma Associated with Rose Witches’‐Broom in China
Authors: Gao R. , Zhang G.‐M. , Lan Y.‐F. , Zhu T.‐S. , Yu X.‐Q. , Zhu X.‐P. , Li X.‐D. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIn 2005, rose plants (Rosa rugosa cv. ‘Plena’) exhibiting typical phytoplasma disease symptoms of stunting, yellowing, witches’‐broom and dieback were observed in Pingyin, Shandong Province, China. The disease, rose witches’‐broom (RoWB), is progressively destructive and can be graft‐transmitted. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing of PCR products and electron microscopy were used to investigate the possible association of phytoplasma with RoWB. All results indicated that presence of phytoplasma in the symptomatic rose plants. Sequence alignment of 16S rRNA gene, tuf gene and rp gene confirmed that the phytoplasma associated with RoWB is the causal agent of Paulownia witches’‐broom disease, which might be transmitted from the paulownia tree that is several meters away. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the molecular characterization of phytoplasma infecting rose in China.
Identification of Barley mild mosaic virus Isolates in Germany Breaking rym5 Resistance*
Authors: Habekuss A. , Kühne T. , Krämer I. , Rabenstein F. , Ehrig F. , Ruge‐Wehling B. , Huth W. , Ordon F. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIn winter and early spring 2004 unequivocal mosaic symptoms were detected for the first time in Germany on six plants of the barley cv. ‘Tokyo’ carrying the resistance gene rym5. By serological and electron microscopic investigations Barley mild mosaic virus (BaMMV) was identified in all plants and could be re‐transmitted to cv. ‘Tokyo’ as well as to additional cultivars carrying rym5. In contrast to this, genotypes carrying the resistance genes rym1 + rym5, Rym2, rym4, rym7, rym9, rym11, rym12, rym13, Rym14Hb, rym15 or Rym16Hb turned out to be resistant. Furthermore, the BaMMV isolates were not transmissible to different dicotyledonous species. Sequence analyses in the VPg coding region of RNA1 revealed differences to the known sequence of the original BaMMV isolate (BaMMV‐ASL1, AJ 242725) and also of a French pathotype (BaMMV‐Sil, AJ 544267, AJ 544268) which is also able to overcome the resistance mediated by rym5. At least in one location a spread of the area infested by this new strain was observed in 2004/2005 and 2005/2006.
Utilization of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester to Control Alternaria alternata Rot in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Fruit
Authors: Ojeda‐Contreras A.‐J. , Hernández‐Martínez J. , Domínguez Z. , Mercado‐Ruiz J.‐N. , Troncoso‐Rojas R. , Sánchez‐Estrada A. , Tiznado‐Hernández M.‐E. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractChemical fungicides that are related with resistant strains develop negative effects on human health and environment. Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees with positive effects on human health and inhibitory activity against Alternaria alternata. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a component of the propolis. The objective of this experiment was to test the effect of CAPE on fungi infecting tomato fruit using as a model the pathosystem A. alternata‐tomato. CAPE was chemically synthesized in our laboratory and analysed with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Different concentrations (0, 16, 32, 48, 64, 80, 90 and 100 μm) of CAPE were tested on A. alternata growing in vitro. For the in vivo experiment, red ripe tomato fruit was inoculated with A. alternata and untreated or treated with 1, 50 and 100 μm of CAPE. After that, the fruit was stored at 25°C for up to 20 days. Colony size (CS) was recorded in vitro. In tomato fruits, the severity of infection (SI), respiration rate (RR), ethylene production (EP), pH, total soluble solids (TSS), weight loss (WL) and titratable acidity (TA) were evaluated during the storage time. CAPE melting point and spectral data probed to be the right molecule. In vitro, 64 and 100 μm of CAPE reduced CS by 30%. In vivo, 50 and 100 μm of CAPE reduced SI higher than the fungicide Captan® with no effects on RR, EP, WL, pH, TSS and TA. It was concluded that CAPE controls A. alternata infection better than a commercial fungicide without negative effects on tomato fruit ripening and fruit quality.
Kinematic Gait Analysis of the Hind Limb after Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy and Cranial Tibial Wedge Osteotomy in Ten Dogs
Authors: Lee J. Y. , Kim G. , Kim J. ‐H. , Choi S. H. 
Published: December 2007

SummaryThis study identifies and compares the kinematic gait changes occurring in tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) and cranial tibial wedge osteotomy (CTWO) limbs after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL). Ten, healthy, adult beagle dogs were assigned to TPLO (five dogs) and CTWO (five dogs) groups. Hind limb kinematics were assessed, while dogs were trotted at speeds ranging from 2.0 to 2.3 m/s. The animals were evaluated preoperatively (prior to TPLO and CTWO surgery) and at both 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. Two‐dimensional evaluation was synchronized to obtain the three‐dimensional coordinates using the APAS motion analysis software. Gait patterns were assessed by measuring stifle, tibiotarsal joint angles and stifle joints angular velocity. Stifle and tibiotarsal joint functions were not affected by TPLO surgery, but stifle and tibiotarsal joint angles were changed, following CTWO surgery, compared with their preoperative values. The angular velocity patterns of CTWO were characterized by increased stifle joint extension velocity from the middle to end swing phase and decrease in the peak velocities (flexion) during swing phase. None of these changes was observed in the stance phase after the CTWO surgery. These kinematic results showed that dogs that underwent a CTWO procedure were more likely to have significantly hyperextended gait patterns of the swing phase postoperatively than the dogs that had a TPLO procedure for repair of a ruptured CrCL.