bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of heavy metals on the biology of a N2‐fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena doliolum
Authors: Mallick Nirupama , Rai L. C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effects of copper, nickel, and iron on survival, growth, nutrient uptake (NH, NO, and PO), carbon fixation, nitrate reductase, nitrogenase (CH2 reduction assay), glutamine synthetase (transferase), and alkaline phophatase activities of Anabaena doliolum were studied. About 50% survival of the test alga was scored at 8.0 × 10−3, 8.6 × 10−3, and 0.36 mM of Cu, Ni, and Fe, respectively. However 45, 59, and 57% reductions in final yield were scored, respectively, at LD50 concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Fe. On the basis of the LD50 of the test metals, Ni was the most inhibitory for nutrient uptake. However, the LD50 concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Fe showed different levels of inhibition for different processes. Although metal concentrations higher than LD50 were found to be more inhibitory, 0.54 mM iron generated maximum inhibitory effect as compared to Cu and Ni. The present study demonstrates that the test cyanobacterium exhibits metal and dose‐specific responses toward different physiological and biochemical processes.
Toxicity assessment of pollutants in the marine environment of Kuwait using Microbial bioassay
Authors: Salama M. S. , Salem A. A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe Arabian Gulf offers a suitable location for investigating the potential impact of toxic chemicals on marine life, because it is a semienclosed, relatively shallow, small body of water. This study was carried out to evaluate the relative sensitivity, precision, and accuracy of three published microbial bioassay procedures to ascertain their ability to detect toxicity in the marine environment of Kuwait.The bioassay procedures used were dissolved oxygen depletion (DOD), viable plate count (VPC), and optical density (OD). Mixed marine bacteria isolated from the local seawater of Kuwait was used, and test samples (pollutants) investigated include mercuric chloride (HgCl2), lindane, and a wastewater samples.The DOD technique was evaluated as best for sensitivity of testing toxicity. In both brief and extended exposures, activity quotient values given by this technique were much lower than the LC50 and IC50 values given by the VPC and OD techniques. However, both VPC and OD techniques showed better reproducibility than the DOD technique, as indicated by lower coefficient of variation (CV) values. When evaluating complexity, the OD assay would be considered the least complex, then the DOD, and last would be the VPC.Although both VPC and OD assays showed better reproducibility than the DOD technique, as indicated by lower CV values, the DOD demonstrated a higher sensitivity in detecting toxicity, and showed several other advantages such as rapidity and lower expenditure of routine assay requirements. However, the initiation of short‐term bioassay in Kuwait for predicting effect of pollutants in the marine environment is of necessity and importance.
Effects of the insecticide endosulfan on nitrification in low pH agricultural soils
Authors: Stratton Glenn W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTwo methods of measuring nitrification in soil bioassays were compared for their sensitivity in estimating toxic effects of endosulfan, a cyclodiene insecticide. Both technical grade endosulfan (95% pure) and endosulfan formulated as a commercial preparation (Thiodan 4EC) were tested in a sandy loam (pH 5.7), a silt loam (pH 5.0), and a clay loam (pH 4.9) soil. Nitrification was assayed using both soil perfusion and batch incubation techniques. There was a significant difference in the nitrification pattern evidenced by the three soils. In the sandy loam soil up to 90% of the added ammonium ion was converted into nitrate within 30 days, while the silt loam required 40 days to achieve similar nitrate levels. Activity in the clay loam was very slow and only 5% of the added ammonium ion was converted into nitrate within 70 days. The nitrification pattern for any given soil was similar when measured by both test methods. At insecticide levels of 10, 50, and 100 ppm of active ingredient, there was no significant difference in toxicity between the commercial preparation and technical endosulfan in 50% of the systems tested. In the remainder, the commercial formulation was usually more toxic. For concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm of active ingredient, endosulfan supplied as the commercial preparation was consistently more toxic than the technical material when tested toward nitrification. There was also a significant difference between the two incubation methods in their sensitivity to endosulfan. The exact level of toxicity was dependent upon both the soil type and the incubation method used. Generally, endosulfan was more toxic with the batch incubation system and in the silt loam soil. The importance of these results in nitrification bioassays are discussed.
WHO/EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas 2005: histological and molecular aspects
Authors: Burg Günter , Kempf Werner , Cozzio Antonio , Feit Josef , Willemze Rein , S. Jaffe Elaine , Dummer Reinhard , Berti Emilio , Cerroni Lorenzo , Chimenti Sergio , Diaz‐Perez José L. , Grange Florent , Harris Nancy L. , Kazakov Dmitry V. , Kerl Helmut , Kurrer Michael , Knobler Robert , Meijer Chris J.L.M. , Pimpinelli Nicola , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth , Russell‐Jones Robin , Sander Christian , Santucci Marco , Sterry Wolfram , Swerdlow Steven H. , Vermeer Maarten H. , Wechsler Janine , Whittaker Sean 
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  The new WHO/EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphomas comprises mature T‐cell and natural killer (NK)‐cell neoplasms, mature B‐cell neoplasms, and immature hematopoietic malignancies. It reflects the unique features of lymphoproliferative diseases of the skin, and at the same time it is as compatible as possible with the concepts underlying the WHO classification for nodal lymphomas and the EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas. This article reviews the histological, phenotypical, and molecular genetic features of the various nosological entities included in this new classification. These findings always have to be interpreted in the context of the clinical features and biologic behavior.Aim:  To review the histological, phenotypical and molecular genetic features of the various nosological entities of the new WHO/EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphomas.Methods:  Extensive review of the literature cited in Medline and own data of the authors.Results:  The WHO/EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas comprises mature T‐cell and NK‐cell neoplasms, mature B‐cell neoplasms and immature hematopoietic malignancies. It reflects the unique features of primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative diseases.Conclusion:  This classification is as much as possible compatible with the concept of the WHO classification for nodal lymphomas and the EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas. The histological, phenotypical and molecular genetic features always have to be interpreted in the context of the clinical features and biologic behavior.
Bidens pilosa suppresses interleukin‐1β‐induced cyclooxygenase‐2 expression through the inhibition of mitogen activated protein kinases phosphorylation in normal human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: YOSHIDA Nobuyo , KANEKURA Takuro , HIGASHI Yuko , KANZAKI Tamotsu 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT Bidens pilosa (BP) Linn. var. radiata is a plant used in traditional folk medicine. It is clinically effective in various diseases; the pathogenesis of most of these involves cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2. To investigate the mechanism on which the clinical effectiveness of BP is based, we examined its effects on COX‐2 expression and its major product, prostaglandin (PG)E2, under conditions of inflammation. We induced inflammation in normal human dermal fibroblasts with interleukin (IL)‐1β and examined the effects of BP on COX‐2 expression and PGE2 production using Western blotting and competitive enzyme immunoassay, respectively. The functional involvements of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) ERK1/2, p38, and JNK in COX‐2 expression were also examined by Western blotting. IL‐1β‐induced COX‐2 expression was regulated by MAPK pathways, especially by p38. BP inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPKs, COX‐2 expression, and subsequent PGE2 production. The physiological activities and clinical effectiveness of BP observed under diverse conditions may be partly attributable to its ability to inhibit MAPK, mainly p38, activity, COX‐2 expression, and subsequent PGE2 production.
Novel mutation (Asp158Val) in H1 domain of keratin 5 gene in a Japanese patient with Köbner‐type epidermolysis bullosa simplex
Authors: SAEKI Hidehisa , NAKAMURA Kensuke , TSUNEMI Yuichiro , KOMINE Mayumi , TAMAKI Kunihiko 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTWe describe a 19‐year‐old Japanese male with Köbner‐type epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS‐KB) with a novel keratin gene mutation. The patient developed blisters on the feet, palms, elbows and knees soon after birth. His father is similarly affected with blistering, but his mother and younger brother are not affected. Histological examination revealed that the primary separation in the blister occurred within the basal cell layer. Sequence analysis demonstrated an A‐to‐T transition at the second position of codon 158 in the keratin 5 (K5) gene. The amino acid at codon 158 was deduced to have changed from asparagine to valine. We identified a novel mutation (Asp158Val) in the H1 domain of the K5 gene in this Japanese patient with EBS‐KB. This is the first gene mutation report of EBS‐KB in the H1 domain of the K5 gene.
DNA methylation of the RIZ1 gene is associated with nuclear accumulation of p53 in prostate cancer
Authors: Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Matsubara Akio , Teishima Jun , Seki Mitsuhiro , Mita Koji , Usui Tsuguru , Oue Naohide , Yasui Wataru 
Published: October 2006

The retinoblastoma protein‐interacting zinc finger gene, RIZ1, is thought to be a tumor suppressor gene. RIZ1 is inactivated by mutation, deletion and DNA methylation in several human cancers. In the present study, the relationship between DNA methylation of RIZ1 and mutation of p53 was investigated in prostate cancer (PCa). In total, 47 cases of node‐negative PCa (stages I–III) were analyzed. DNA methylation of the RIZ1 gene was detected in 20 (42.6%) of the 47 PCa tissues by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction. DNA methylation of the RIZ1 gene was not associated with clinicopathological features. DNA methylation of RIZ1 tended to be present more frequently in PCa specimens with a high Gleason score (16/30, 53.3%) than in those with a low Gleason score (4/17, 23.5%); however, this tendency was not statistically significant (P = 0.0675). Nuclear accumulation of p53 was observed in four (8.5%) of 47 PCa specimens by immunostaining. All four PCa specimens with nuclear accumulation of p53 were stage III disease and showed DNA methylation of RIZ1. However, of the remaining 43 cancers without nuclear accumulation of p53, DNA methylation of RIZ1 was observed in only 16 (37.2%) specimens (P = 0.0272). Of the three PCa cell lines, only the PC3 cell line showed loss of RIZ1 mRNA due to DNA methylation, and this loss was rectified by treatment with a demethylating agent, 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine. These results suggest that transcriptional inactivation of RIZ1 by aberrant DNA methylation may contribute to prostate carcinogenesis. Genetic alterations are likely associated with epigenetic alterations in PCa. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 32–36)
The effect of bolus viscosity on swallowing function in neurogenic dysphagia
Authors: CLAVÉ P. , DE KRAA M. , ARREOLA V. , GIRVENT M. , FARRÉ R. , PALOMERA E. , SERRA‐PRAT M. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryAimTo assess the pathophysiology and treatment of neurogenic dysphagia.Methods46 patients with brain damage, 46 with neurodegenerative diseases and eight healthy volunteers were studied by videofluoroscopy while swallowing 3–20 mL liquid (20.4 mPa s), nectar (274.4 mPa s) and pudding (3931.2 mPa s) boluses.ResultsVolunteers presented a safe and efficacious swallow, short swallow response (≤740 ms), fast laryngeal closure (≤160 ms) and strong bolus propulsion (≥0.33 mJ). Brain damage patients presented: (i) 21.6% aspiration of liquids, reduced by nectar (10.5%) and pudding (5.3%) viscosity (P < 0.05) and (ii) 39.5% oropharyngeal residue. Neurodegenerative patients presented: (i) 16.2% aspiration of liquids, reduced by nectar (8.3%) and pudding (2.9%) viscosity (P < 0.05) and (ii) 44.4% oropharyngeal residue. Both group of patients presented prolonged swallow response (≥806 ms) with a delay in laryngeal closure (≥245 ms), and weak bolus propulsion forces (≤0.20 mJ). Increasing viscosity did not affect timing of swallow response or bolus kinetic energy.ConclusionsPatients with neurogenic dysphagia presented high prevalence of videofluoroscopic signs of impaired safety and efficacy of swallow, and were at high risk of respiratory and nutritional complications. Impaired safety is associated with slow oropharyngeal reconfiguration and impaired efficacy with low bolus propulsion. Increasing bolus viscosity greatly improves swallowing function in neurological patients.
The suppression of delayed‐type hypersensitivity by CD8+ regulatory T cells requires interferon‐γ
Authors: Cone Robert E. , Li Xingya , Sharafieh Roshanak , O'Rourke James , Vella Anthony T. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryCD8+ regulatory (suppressor) T cells are induced by complex cellular pathways in the spleens of mice that have received an injection of antigen into the anterior chamber (AC) of an eye, an immune‐privileged site. Although these CD8+ regulatory T cells perform an antigen‐specific regulatory function for an immune response to self and non‐self antigens, the mechanisms of the activation or function of these regulatory cells are not clear. Here, we describe a novel mechanism for the activation of splenic CD8+ regulatory T cells induced by injection of antigen into the AC. Immunization of mice with trinitrophenyl and bovine serum albumin (TNP‐BSA) amplified AC‐induced splenic CD8+ regulatory T cells that suppressed the initiation of contact sensitivity when transferred to immunized, challenged mice. These CD8+ regulatory T cells were produced independently of perforin, indicating that they are not canonical cytotoxic T cells. Fas ligand (FasL)‐deficient CD8+ regulatory T‐cell function was rescued by inclusion of exogenous interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), demonstrating that the expression of FasL by CD8+ regulatory T cells was dispensable, but IFN‐γ was not. Ultimately, we demonstrated that the generation of these CD8+ regulatory T cells occurred independently of IFN‐γ, but their suppressor function required IFN‐γ receptor stimulation.
Fluorescence polarisation immunoassay based on a monoclonal antibody for the detection of sulphamethazine in chicken muscle
Authors: Zhang Suxia , Wang Zhanhui , Nesterenko Irina S. , Eremin Sergei A. , Shen Jianzhong 
Published: October 2006

SummaryA fluorescence polarisation immunoassay (FPIA) for the screening of sulphamethazine (SMZ) in chicken muscle was developed. Fluorescein‐labelled tracers for several sulphonamides were synthesised and monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) and polyclonal antibody (Pab) were produced. The Mabs and Pabs were raised against sulphonamides conjugated to bovine serum albumin by a diazo method. The most sensitive FPIA method for SMZ detection was based on a combination of the Mab against SMZ–bovine serum albumin and tracer SMZ labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. The limit of detection and IC50 for SMZ were 1 and 16 ng mL−1. Recoveries of SMZ from fortified chicken muscle samples averaged between 78% and 89%. The proposed FPIA method was applied for determining SMZ in an actual residue study.
Variations in the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in supported living schemes and residential settings
Authors: McConkey R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground The social inclusion of tenants living in two forms of supported living schemes – those clustered on one site and those dispersed in neighbourhoods – is contrasted with more traditional provision found on the island of Ireland, namely, small group homes, residential homes and campus‐style settings.Methods A standard pro forma based on measures used in past research was completed by the key‐worker for each tenant or resident. In all, data were obtained on 620 persons, representing nearly all tenants in clustered schemes in Northern Ireland and over 40% of those in dispersed schemes.Results People in either form of supported living tended to have greater levels of social inclusion as measured by their use of community amenities and social contacts than did those in small group homes or residential homes, with participants from campus‐style settings having the lowest levels of social inclusion. Moreover, multivariate analyses confirmed that the accommodation variable was a significant influence in addition to the social competence of the person.Conclusions Although there were few differences between the two models of supported living, further research could usefully focus on decisions to place persons in either form of accommodation and their impact on wider indicators of social inclusion.
Population structure between environmentally transmitted vibrios and bobtail squids using nested clade analysis
Authors: JONES B. W. , LOPEZ J. E. , HUTTENBURG J. , NISHIGUCHI M. K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSquids from the genus Euprymna (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) and their symbiotic bacteria Vibrio fischeri form a mutualism in which vibrios inhabit a complex light organ within the squid host. A host‐mediated daily expulsion event seeds surrounding seawater with symbiotically capable V. fischeri that environmentally colonize newly hatched axenic Euprymna juveniles. Competition experiments using native and non‐native Vibrio have shown that this expulsion/re‐colonization phenomenon has led to cospeciation in this system in the Pacific Ocean; however, the genetic architecture of these symbiotic populations has not been determined. Using genetic diversity and nested clade analyses we have examined the variation and history of three allopatric Euprymna squid species (E. scolopes of Hawaii, E. hyllebergi of Thailand, and E. tasmanica from Australia) and their respective Vibrio symbionts. Euprymna populations appear to be very genetically distinct from each other, exhibiting little or no migration over large geographical distances. In contrast, Vibrio symbiont populations contain more diverse haplotypes, suggesting both host presence and unidentified factors facilitating long‐distance migration structure in Pacific Vibrio populations. Findings from this study highlight the importance of how interactions between symbiotic organisms can unexpectedly shape population structure in phylogeographical studies.
Phylogeography and mitochondrial diversity of extirpated brown bear (Ursus arctos) populations in the contiguous United States and Mexico
Authors: MILLER C. R. , WAITS L. P. , JOYCE P. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe fossil record indicates that the brown bear (Ursus arctos) colonized North America from Asia over 50 000 years ago. The species historically occupied the western United States and northern Mexico but has been extirpated from over 99% of this range in the last two centuries. To evaluate colonization hypotheses, subspecific classifications, and historical patterns and levels of genetic diversity in this region, we sequenced 229 nucleotides of the mitochondrial DNA control region in 108 museum specimens. The work was set in a global context by synthesizing all previous brown bear control region sequences from around the world. In mid‐latitude North America a single moderately diverse clade is observed, represented by 23 haplotypes with up to 3.5% divergence. Only eight of 23 haplotypes (35%) are observed in the extensively sampled extant populations suggesting a substantial loss of genetic variability. The restriction of all haplotypes from mid‐latitude North America to a single clade suggests that this region was founded by bears with a similar maternal ancestry. However, the levels and distributions of diversity also suggest that the colonizing population was not a small founder event, and that expansion occurred long enough ago for local mutations to accrue. Our data are consistent with recent genetic evidence that brown bears were south of the ice prior to the last glacial maximum. There is no support for previous subspecies designations, although bears of the southwestern United States may have had a distinctive, but recent, pattern of ancestry.
Binding Characteristics of SLE Anti‐DNA Autoantibodies to Catecholestrogen‐modified DNA
Authors: Khan W. A. , Moinuddin  
Published: October 2006

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease in which anti‐double‐stranded DNA antibody is a classic autoantibody that characterizes SLE. A role for oestrogens in the pathogenesis of SLE has been suspected for many years but the exact patho‐aetiology remains elusive. In this study, the binding of SLE autoantibodies with native and 4‐OHE2‐NO‐modified plasmid DNA were assessed. Binding specificity of antibodies was analysed by direct binding and inhibition enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative precipitin titration and gel retardation assay. Anti‐DNA IgG from SLE sera, purified on Protein A‐Agarose matrix, exhibited increased recognition of 4‐OHE2‐NO‐DNA than native DNA (P < 0.001). Gel retardation assay further substantiated the enhanced recognition of modified DNA by anti‐DNA autoantibodies. The affinity of anti‐DNA antibodies for modified polymer was found to be high as calculated by using Langmuir plot. DNA modified by 4‐OHE2‐NO presents unique neo‐epitopes that might be one of the factor in antigen‐driven induction of SLE autoantibodies.
Suicidal risk in bipolar I disorder patients and adherence to long‐term lithium treatment
Authors: Gonzalez‐Pinto Ana , Mosquera Fernando , Alonso Marta , López Purificación , Ramírez Fernando , Vieta Eduard , Baldessarini Ross J 
Published: October 2006

Objectives:  Among the well‐established treatments for bipolar disorder (BPD), lithium continues to offer an unusually broad spectrum of benefits that may include reduction of suicidal risk.Methods:  We examined the association of suicidal acts with adherence to long‐term lithium maintenance treatment and other potential risk factors in 72 BP I patients followed prospectively for up to 10 years at a Mood Disorders Research Center in Spain.Results:  The observed rates of suicide were 0.143, and of attempts, 2.01%/year, with a 5.2‐fold (95% CI: 1.5–18.6) greater risk among patients consistently rated poorly versus highly adherent to lithium prophylaxis (11.4/2.2 acts/100 person‐years). Treatment non‐adherence was associated with substance abuse, being unmarried, being male, and having more hypomanic–manic illness and hospitalizations. Suicidal risk was higher with prior attempts, more depression and hospitalization, familial mood disorders, and being single and younger, as well as treatment non‐adherence, but with neither sex nor substance abuse. In multivariate analysis, suicidal risk was associated with previous suicidality > poor treatment adherence > more depressive episodes > younger age.Conclusions:  The findings support growing evidence of lower risk of suicidal acts during closely monitored and highly adherent, long‐term treatment with lithium and indicate that treatment adherence is a potentially modifiable factor contributing to antisuicidal benefits.