bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why are there few algae on snail shells? The effects of grazing, nutrients and shell chemistry on the algae on shells of Helisoma trivolvis
Authors: ABBOTT LINDSEY L. , BERGEY ELIZABETH A. 
Published: July 2007

Summary1. Freshwater snails often lack visible growths of algae on their shells. We tested three possible mechanisms that may account for this (grazing, snail‐derived nutrients and chemical defences), using the ramshorn snail Helisoma trivolvis.2. The experiments were carried out in floating plastic enclosures in a pond and comprised seven treatments. Grazing treatments were: a lone snail (ungrazed, as self‐grazing does not occur), Helisoma with conspecifics, Helisoma with the co‐occurring pond snail Physa sp., empty shells with Helisoma, and ungrazed empty shells. Nutrient effects were possible in all treatments with occupied shells (lone snail; Helisoma with conspecifics, and with Physa) versus absent in other treatments. Testing for chemical defences compared algae on fresh empty shells, weathered shells (outer organic periostracum layer absent) and boiled fresh shells (with denaturization of susceptible proteins).3. Diatoms dominated algal assemblages on snail shells. Although the upright diatom Gomphonema gracile was abundant on all shells, it was dominant on the shells of snails housed with other snail grazers (either Helisoma or Physa).4. Only the lone snail (nutrients but no grazing) showed higher algal biomass, so presumably any nutrient effect in the treatments with grazers was masked. Both Helisoma and Physa were observed apparently grazing on Helisoma shells, and consequently algal biomass in multi‐snail treatments was similar to that on empty shells. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that algal density was highest near the aperture of live snails, but not empty shells; this is consistent with a nutrient addition effect. There was no evidence of chemical defences against algal growth.5. In soft‐bottomed freshwater habitats with abundant snails, shells of living snails provide nutrient‐augmented substrata that may indirectly boost overall snail production.
Large‐scale identification of microRNAs from a basal eudicot (Eschscholzia californica) and conservation in flowering plants
Authors: Barakat Abdelali , Wall Kerr , Leebens‐Mack Jim , Wang Yunjiao J. , Carlson John E. , DePamphilis Claude W. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryMicroRNAs (miRNAs) negatively control gene expression by cleaving or inhibiting the translation of mRNA of target genes, and as such, they play an important role in plant development. Of the 79 plant miRNA families discovered to date, most are from the fully sequenced plant genomes of Arabidopsis, Populus and rice. Here, we identified miRNAs from leaves, roots, stems and flowers at different developmental stages of the basal eudicot species Eschscholzia californica (California poppy) using cloning and capillary sequencing, as well as ultrahigh‐throughput pyrosequencing using the recently introduced 454 sequencing method. In total, we identified a minimum of 173 unique miRNA sequences belonging to 28 miRNA families and seven trans‐acting small interfering RNAs (ta‐siRNAs) conserved in eudicot and monocot species. miR529 and miR537, which have not yet been reported in eudicot species, were detected in California poppy; loci encoding these miRNAs were also found in Arabidopsis and Populus. miR535, which occurs in the moss Physcomitrella patens, was also detected in California poppy, but not in other angiosperms. Several potential miRNA targets were found in cDNA sequences of California poppy. Predicted target genes include transcription factors but also genes implicated in various metabolic processes and in stress defense. Comparative analysis of miRNAs from plants of phylogenetically‐critical basal lineages aid the study of the evolutionary gains and losses of miRNAs in plants as well as their conservation, and lead to discoveries about the miRNAs of even well‐studied model organisms.
Effects of variety, cropping year, location and fertilizer application on nutritive value of durum wheat straw
Authors: Tolera A. , Tsegaye B. , Berg T. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThis study was carried out to assess the effects of variety, year, location and level of fertilizer application on chemical composition and in sacco dry matter (DM) degradability of durum wheat straw as well as to understand the relationship between straw quality and agronomic traits of the crop and to assess the possibilities of selecting wheat varieties that combine high grain yield with desirable straw quality. Two local (Arendeto and Tikur sinde) and two improved (Boohai and Gerardo) varieties of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum Desf.) were used in the experiment. The four varieties were grown at two locations (Akaki and Ejere) in the years 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 in 5 × 5 m plots in three replications. Diammonium phosphate and urea fertilizers were applied at four levels (0/0, 32/23, 41/23 and 64/46 kg/ha of nitrogen/phosphorus). Straw quality was assessed based on chemical composition and in sacco DM degradability. Correlation of straw quality with grain and straw yield and with other agronomic characteristics of the crop was determined. The potential utility index (a measure that integrates grain and digestible straw yield) was used for ranking of the varieties. The local varieties had higher crude protein (CP) and lower neutral detergent fibre contents and higher digestibility than the improved varieties. The cropping year and location had significant effect on CP content and degradability of the straw, which could be due to climatic variation. However, the fertilizer level did not have any significant effect on straw quality except that the CP content of the straw tended to increase with increasing level of fertilizer application. Based on the potential utility index the varieties ranked, in a decreasing order, as Tikur sinde > Arendeto > Gerardo > Boohai and the ranking was consistent across years and locations. Except the CP content, straw quality was not negatively correlated with grain and straw yield. This indicates that there is a possibility of selecting varieties of wheat that combine high grain and straw yield with desirable straw quality.
Effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on phytate phosphorus utilization and efficiency of microbial phytase in broiler chicks
Authors: Ebrahimnezhad Y. , Shivazad M. , Taherkhani R. , Nazeradl K. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryPrevious studies have suggested that organic acids may improve P utilization in animals. To evaluate the ability of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to improve phytate P utilization and the possible synergistic effect between EDTA and microbial phytase (MP) an experiment was conducted using 360 Ross 308 broiler chicks. The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design with a 3*2 factorial arrangement (0, 0.1 and 0.2% EDTA and 0 and 500 IU MP). Four replicate of 15 chicks per each were fed dietary treatments including (i) P‐deficient basal diet [0.2% available phosphorus (aP)] (NC); (ii) NC + 500 IU MP per kilogram of diet; (iii) NC + 0.1% EDTA per kilogram of diet; (iv) NC + 0.1% EDTA and 500 IU MP per kilogram of diet; (v) NC + 0.2% EDTA per kilogram; and (vi) NC + 0.2% EDTA + 500 IU MP per kilogram of diet. Weight gain (WG), feed efficiency and serum Ca, P and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed. Addition of 0.2% EDTA to low aP diets resulted in significantly lower feed consumption (FC) and WG, but 0.1% EDTA did not depress WG compared to NC. Phytase supplementation of P‐deficient diets significantly improved WG and feed efficiency, but it had no effect on FC. Microbial phytase supplementation significantly decreased ALP concentration. Results obtained in our study suggest no synergistic effect between phytase and EDTA in broiler chicks.
Multiple Scedosporium apiospermum brain abscesses after near‐drowning successfully treated with surgery and long‐term voriconazole: a case report
Authors: Leechawengwongs M. , Milindankura S. , Liengudom A. , Chanakul K. , Viranuvatti K. , Clongsusuek P. 
Published: July 2007

Summary Scedosporium apiospermum is an emerging fungal pathogen, increasingly recognised as a cause of infection not only in immunocompromised, but also in non‐immunodeficient patients. We present the case of an immunocompetent 21‐year‐old Thai man who experienced recurrent ruptured mycotic aneurysms and developed multiple S. apiospermum brain abscesses following aspiration of polluted water. A combination of surgery and voriconazole was effective in this difficult‐to‐treat case. Voriconazole penetrated the central nervous system (CNS) well and had limited toxicity, despite prolonged treatment. Voriconazole appears to be the antifungal agent of choice in the treatment of CNS scedosporiosis caused by S. apiospermum.
S100B LEVELS IN THE CEREBROSPINAL FLUID OF RATS ARE SEX AND ANAESTHETIC DEPENDENT
Authors: Vicente Évelin , Tramontina Francine , Leite Marina C , Nardin Patricia , Silva Mariane , Karkow Ana R , Adolf Rafael , Lucion Aldo B , Netto Carlos A , Gottfried Carmem , Gonçalves Carlos A 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARY

In the present study, we investigated the effect of anaesthetics (thiopental, ketamine and halothane) on CSF concentrations of S100B, as well as a possible sex dependence, because several studies have suggested astrocytes as putative targets for oestrogen.
S100B is a calcium‐binding protein that acts as a neurotrophic cytokine and is expressed in the central nervous system, predominantly by astrocytes. At nanomolar concentrations, S100B stimulates neurite outgrowth and glial glutamate uptake, as well as protecting neurons against glutamate excitoxicity.
Peripheral S100B concentrations, particularly in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), have been used as a parameter of glial activation or death in several physiological and pathological conditions.
Higher levels of CSF S100B were found when rats were anaesthetized with thiopental; these levels, independently of anaesthetic, were sex dependent. Conversely, no effect of anaesthetic or sex was observed on serum concentrations of S100B.
The increase in CSF concentrations of S100B induced by thiopental was confirmed in non‐anaesthetized neonatal rats and cortical astrocyte cultures.
Assuming CSF S100B as a marker of development, glial activation or even brain damage, investigations regarding the sex dependence of its concentration may be useful in gaining an understanding of sex variations in the behaviour and the pathological course of, as well as susceptibility to, many brain disorders. The findings of the present study reinforce the sex effect on synaptic plasticity and suggest a sex dependence of neural communication mediated by extracellular S100B without restricting the influence of astrocytes on the developmental phase.
STRONTIUM FRUCTOSE 1,6‐DIPHOSPHATE RESCUES ADENINE‐INDUCED MALE HYPOGONADISM AND UPREGULATES THE TESTICULAR ENDOTHELIN‐1 SYSTEM
Authors: Feng Yu , Zhang Qi , Dai De‐Zai , Ying Han‐Jie , Dai Yin 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARY

Male hypogonadism is a major problem that starts to affect middle‐aged men and has adversely effects on human sexual life. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of strontium fructose 1,6‐diphosphate (FDP‐Sr) on male hypogonadism in rats.
The pharmacological model of testis dysfunction was created by administration of adenine (200 mg/kg per day, i.g.) for 30 days. Three doses of FDP‐Srs (200, 100 and 50 mg/kg per day, i.g.) were administered in parallel with adenine. Finally, mating behaviour index (the mounting latency and the number of mounting events), the total number of spermatozoa and sperm motility, related enzyme function and gene regulation and the mRNA levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side‐chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD), prepro‐endothelin (ET)‐1, endothelin‐converting enzyme (ECE) and endothelin receptor A (ETA) were analysed.
The results showed that adenine significantly prolonged the mounting latency and decreased the number of mounting events, markedly reduced the total number of spermatozoa, slowed sperm motility and decreased testicular enzyme activity in the testes. At the mRNA level, adenine significantly downregulated serum testosterone, StAR, P450sc and 3β‐HSD. In parallel, adenine also targeted the ET‐1 system, significantly downregulating mRNA levels of prepro‐ET‐1, ECE and ETA. Administration of FDP‐Sr dose‐dependently reversed these effects.
In conclusion, adenine‐induced testis dysfunction appears to be manifested as loss of sexual function in association with decreased spermatogenesis and reduced mRNA levels of steroidogenesis and the testicular ET‐1 system. These abnormalities were significantly restored by FDP‐Sr in a dose‐dependent manner. These data indicate the possibility of using FDP‐Sr to treat male hypogonadism.
STANDARD IMAGING TECHNIQUES OF ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND‐GUIDED FINE‐NEEDLE ASPIRATION USING A CURVED LINEAR ARRAY ECHOENDOSCOPE
Authors:   EUS‐FNA Standardization Committee, Yamao Kenji , Irisawa Atsushi , Inoue Hiroyuki , Matsuda Koji , Kida Mitsuhiro , Ryozawa Shomei , Hirooka Yoshiki , Kozu Teruo 
Published: July 2007

Standard imaging techniques using a curved linear array echoendocope are summarized to facilitate the attainment of expertise in endoscopic ultrasonography and endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration, and to promote the widespread use of this diagnostic and therapeutic tool.Typical images of the mediastinal organs, the bilio‐pancreatic systems and neighboring organs by scanning from the esophagus, stomach, duodenal bulb, and descending portion of the duodenum, are shown in a sequential manner. The basic techniques of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration are also presented.
Personal significance is encoded automatically by the human brain: an event‐related potential study with ringtones
Authors: Roye Anja , Jacobsen Thomas , Schröger Erich 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn this human event‐related brain potential (ERP) study, we have used one's personal – relative to another person's – ringtone presented in a two‐deviant passive oddball paradigm to investigate the long‐term memory effects of self‐selected personal significance of a sound on the automatic deviance detection and involuntary attention system. Our findings extend the knowledge of long‐term effects usually reported in group‐approaches in the domains of speech, music and environmental sounds. In addition to the usual mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3a component elicited by deviants in contrast to standard stimuli, we observed a posterior ERP deflection directly following the MMN for the personally significant deviant only. This specific impact of personal significance started around 200 ms after sound onset and involved neural generators that were different from the mere physical deviance detection mechanism. Whereas the early part of the P3a component was unaffected by personal significance, the late P3a was enhanced for the ERPs to the personal significant deviant suggesting that this stimulus was more powerful in attracting attention involuntarily. Following the involuntary attention switch, the personally significant stimulus elicited a widely‐distributed negative deflection, probably reflecting further analysis of the significant sound involving evaluation of relevance or reorienting to the primary task. Our data show, that the personal significance of mobile phone and text message technology, which have developed as a major medium of communication in our modern world, prompts the formation of individual memory representations, which affect the processing of sounds that are not in the focus of attention.
Mitochondrial mechanism of neuroprotection by CART
Authors: Mao Peizhong , Ardeshiri Ardi , Jacks Rachel , Yang Sufang , Hurn Patricia D. , Alkayed Nabil J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe previously demonstrated that the neuropeptide cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) is protective against focal cerebral ischemiain vivoand against neuronal cell death in culture induced by oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD). The mechanism of neuroprotection by CART is unknown, in part due to lack of knowledge regarding its putative receptor. Using a yeast two‐hybrid system with CART's carboxy‐terminal to screen a mouse brain cDNA library, we uncovered a potential direct interaction between CART and subunit B of the mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDHB). We confirmed CART/SDHB binding usingin vitropull‐down assay, and tested the effects of CART peptide on SDH activity, Complex II (CII) activity and ATP production in primary cultured cortical neurons under basal conditions and after OGD. At concentrations between 0.2 and 4 nm, CART significantly increased SDH function, CII activity and ATP generation in purified mitochondria and intact neurons under baseline conditions. Furthermore, pretreatment with CART enhanced mitochondrial mechanisms of neuronal survival and prevented the decline in SDH and CII activities and ATP production after OGD. The findings suggest that CART's neuroprotective mechanism of action may be linked to preservation of mitochondrial function and prevention of energy failure after ischemia–reperfusion injury.
The influence of the subthalamic nucleus upon the damage to the dopamine system following lesions of globus pallidus in rats
Authors: Wright A. K. , Arbuthnott G. W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLesioning or stimulating the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with Parkinson's disease, or in animal models of parkinsonism, alleviates many of the symptoms and so it is tempting to think of the STN as a part of the cause of Parkinson's disease. The globus pallidus (GP) is thought to have a tonic inhibitory action on the STN. An ibotenic acid injection into the GP in rats removes the cells of the GP and, over the following 6 weeks, a progressive loss of dopamine cells (counted stereologically in sections stained for tyrosine hydroxylase) develops in substantia nigra (SN). In this investigation we show that, when animals have the STN cells destroyed by very small ibotenic acid injections, their dopamine neurons are not damaged. Furthermore, if a lesion to the GP follows a lesion of STN then the dopamine cells also survive this double insult, at least for the first 3 weeks following the lesion. The experiments provide good reason to suspect that, at least in the short term, increased activity in the STN is a contributory cause of the loss of dopamine cells which follows the lesion of the GP in rats. Whether or not this is part of the mechanism of cell loss in Parkinson's disease, the rats with GP lesions at least provide an opportunity to test strategies that might protect dopamine cells from slowly developing damage. Removing the STN seems to be neuroprotective in this new model of dopamine degeneration.
Protective role of caffeic acid against alcohol‐induced biochemical changes in rats
Authors: Pari L. , KarthiKesan K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractCaffeic acid is a well‐known phenolic compound mainly present in plants. In this study, caffeic acid was evaluated for its protective effect against chronic ethanol‐induced biochemical changes in male Wistar rats. Administration of ethanol (7.9 g/kg/day) for 45 days induced liver and kidney damage as manifested by a significant increase in the levels of serum hepatic and renal markers namely aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirubin, urea, creatinine, and a significant decrease in creatinine clearance and levels of hemoglobin. Plasma thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances and hydroperoxide were significantly elevated where as the levels of nonenzymic antioxidants [reduced glutathione, vitamin E and vitamin C] were significantly decreased in alcohol‐intoxicated rats. Administration of caffeic acid along with alcohol significantly decreased the serum levels of liver and kidney markers to near‐normal levels. In addition, administration of caffeic acid significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation markers while the levels of antioxidants were significantly increased in circulation of alcohol‐fed rats. All these results were accompanied by histological observations in liver. The results demonstrate that caffeic acid has a beneficial effect in reducing the adverse effect of alcohol.
The expression of the solute carriers NTCP and OCT‐1 is regulated by cholesterol in HepG2 cells
Authors: Dias Vera , Ribeiro Vera 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDrug disposition and response are greatly determined by the activities of drug‐metabolizing enzymes and transporters. While the knowledge in terms of CYP enzymes and efflux ABC transporters (such as MDR1, P‐glycoprotein) is quite extensive, influx transporters are increasingly being unveiled as key contributors to the process of drug disposition. There is little information on the regulation of these proteins in human cells, especially as regards the effect of endogenous compounds. In this study, we analysed the expression of CYP3A4 and three uptake transporters NTCP (SLC10A1), OATP‐A/OATP1A2 (SLCO1A2) and OCT‐1 (SLC22A1) in HepG2 cells following treatment with cholesterol. While CYP3A4 and OATP1A2 expression was unaffected, cholesterol treatment led to increased levels of NTCP and OCT‐1 mRNAs. Alterations in the functional characteristics and/or expression levels of drug transporters in the liver may conceivably contribute to the variability in drug oral bioavailability often observed in the clinical settings.
Association ofCYP2D6andADRB1genes with hypotensive and antichronotropic action ofbetaxololin patients with arterial hypertension
Authors: Zateyshchikov Dmitry A. , Minushkina Larissa O. , Brovkin Alexey N. , Savel’eva Ekaterina G. , Zateyshchikova Anna A. , Manchaeva Baira B. , Nikitin Alexey G. , Sidorenko Boris A. , Nosikov Valery V. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBetaxolol is a selective antagonist of β1‐adrenergic receptors. Personal response to the drug widely varies and depends on its properties and individual features including innate characteristics. Our aim was to study the association between the clinical response to betaxolol in patients with essential hypertension (EH) and polymorphous markers of two genes: β1adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB1) and cytochrome P450 2D6 gene (CYP2D6). Eighty‐one patients with EH were selected. Mean age was 52.2 ± 1.22 years. Betaxolol monotherapy provided effective blood pressure control (BP < 140/90 mmHg) in 68 patients, 56 of them continued treatment with initial dose. The systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure declined significantly at the end of the study. We have not found any significant association of rest and exercise BP and heart rate (HR) with polymorphous markerArg389GlyofADRB1gene except the nighttime variability of DBP. But in case of the polymorphous markerPro34SerofCYP2D6gene we have found significant association with response to betaxolol therapy. The rest HR declined more significantly inSer/Progenotype carriers (−32.6 ± 4.77 beats/min and −18.4 ± 2.01 beats/min,P = 0.023). These patients demonstrated more significant increase of exercise time (4.58 ± 0.90 and 0.59 ± 0.58 min,P = 0.045). Maximal exercise HR and DBP were also significantly lower inSer/Progenotype carriers in comparison withSer/Sergenotype carriers. Decline of mean daytime SBP in 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was more significant inProallele carriers (−21.0 ± 2.55 mmHg vs. −5.2 ± 2.27 mmHg in patients withSer/Sergenotype,P = 0.001). Betaxolol effect on HR and BP significantly depends on variability of the gene determining the drug metabolism. The carriers ofPro34allele ofCYP2D6gene (8.6%) are more sensitive to betaxolol therapy. Because of the relatively small group sizes our data should be considered as preliminary ones. The increase of our groups and the replication in other studies will permit to estimate the contribution of genetic factors to betaxolol effect on HR and BP.