bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topical anti-inflammatory activity of Eugenia brasiliensis Lam. (Myrtaceae) leaves
Authors: Pietrovski Evelise Fernandes , Magina Michele Debiasi Alberton , Gomig Franciane , Pietrovski Caroline Fernandes , Micke Gustavo Amadeu , Barcellos Michele , Pizzolatti Moacir Geraldo , Cabrini Daniela Almeida , Brighente Inês Maria Costa , Otuki Michel Fleith 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Eugenia brasiliensis Lam., a plant from the south of Brazil, is used in the popular medicine for rheumatism treatment. This study reports that topical application of hydroalcoholic extract, fractions and isolated compounds from E. brasiliensis caused an inhibition of ear oedema in response to topical application of croton oil on the mouse ear. For oedema inhibition, the estimated ID50 values (dose reducing the inflammatory response by 50% relative to the control value) for hydroalcoholic extract and fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane) were 0.17, 0.29, 0.13 and 0.14 mg/ear, respectively, with inhibition of 79 ± 7%, 87 ± 6%, 88 ± 5% and 96 ± 2%, respectively. Isolated phenolic compounds (quercetin, catechin and gallocatechin) were also effective in inhibiting the oedema (inhibition of 61 ± 5%, 66 ± 2% and 37 ± 9%, respectively). Moreover, both extract and isolated compounds caused inhibition of polymorphonuclear cells influx (inhibition of 85 ± 6%, 81 ± 5%, 73 ± 6% and 76 ± 6%, respectively). The histological analysis of the ear tissue clearly confirmed that the extract and compounds of E. brasiliensis inhibited the influx of polymorphonuclear cells to mouse ear skin after application of croton oil. Furthermore, hydroalcoholic extract was also effective in inhibiting the arachidonic acid-mediated mouse ear oedema (ID50 value was 1.94 mg/ear and inhibition of 60 ± 7%). Therefore, these results consistently support the notion that E. brasiliensis possesses topical anti-inflammatory activity.
Vascular myorelaxing activity of isolates from South African Hyacinthaceae partly mediated by activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase in rat aortic ring preparations
Authors: Fusi Fabio , Ferrara Antonella , Koorbanally Chantal , Crouch Neil R , Mulholland Dulcie A , Sgaragli Giampietro 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The vasorelaxing effect of isolates (compounds 1, 2, 3, and 4 (homoisoflavanones), compound 5 (sesquiterpenoid), compounds 6 and 7 (bufadienolides)) from the South African Hyacinthaceae has been assessed using rat aortic ring preparations. Compounds 2, 3, and 4 inhibited the tonic contraction induced by both 60 mm K+ (K60) and phenylephrine, compound 3 being the most potent. Compounds 5, 6, and 7 caused a modest concentration-dependent relaxation, whereas compound 1 was ineffective. Under K25- or K60-induced depolarization, compound 3 displayed antispasmodic effects not reversed by tetraethylammonium. Under precontraction induced with phenylephrine, compound 3 shifted to the left the concentration-relaxation curves of either isoprenaline or sodium nitroprusside. 1 H-[1,2,4] oxidazolol [4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one shifted to the right the concentration-relaxation curve of compound 3, while 3′-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine had no effect. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, compound 3 (estimated pIC50 = 4.66) and ryanodine reduced the response to phenylephrine. Phenylephrine-stimulated influx of extracellular Ca2+ was markedly reduced when tissues were pretreated with compound 3 (pIC50 = 5.14) or nifedipine, but stimulated by ryanodine. Compound 3 partially antagonized the contraction induced by phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate. To our knowledge, this has been the first account describing the vasodilating activity of homoisoflavonoids: compound 3 proved an effective vasorelaxing agent, partly acting via the activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase.
The anti-inflammatory modulatory role of Solidago chilensis Meyen in the murine model of the air pouch
Authors: Liz Rafael , Vigil Silvana Virginia Gagliotti , Goulart Stella , Izabel Maria , Moritz Goularte , Schenkel Eloir Paulo , Fröde Tânia Silvia 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of an aqueous extract (AE), and its butanolic (BuOH) and aqueous residual (AR) fractions, derived from the rhizome of Solidago chilensis in inflammation caused by carrageenan in mice. Solidago chilensis Meyen rhizome was extracted using hot water at 90°C under infusion. The extract was filtered and lyophilized. Part of the aqueous extract was fractionated with n-BuOH, resulting in butanolic (BuOH) and aqueous residual (AR) fractions. Adult Swiss mice were used in the in-vivo experiments. We evaluated the effect of rhizome aqueous extract of Solidago chilensis and these two derived fractions on the inflammation induced by carrageenan in the mouse model of the air pouch. The aqueous extract and its derived fractions significantly inhibited leucocytes, neutrophils, exudation, myeloperoxidase and adenosine deaminase activity, as well as nitric oxide, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), neutrophil chemokine (KC) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels (P &lt; 0.05). Indometacin and dexamethasone inhibited all the studied inflammatory parameters (P &lt; 0.01) with the exceptions that indometacin did not inhibit TNF-α levels and dexamethasone did not inhibit KC levels (P &gt; 0.05). These results indicate that Solidago chilensis has a significant anti-inflammatory action on acute inflammatory responses and that its inhibitory activity may be due not only to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators, but also to the inhibition of leucocyte infiltration.
The effect of hypoxia on gill morphology and ionoregulatory status in the Lake Qinghai scaleless carp, Gymnocypris przewalskii
Authors: Matey Victoria , Richards Jeffrey G. , Wang Yuxiang , Wood Chris M. , Rogers Joe , Davies Rhiannon , Murray Brent W. , Chen X.-Q. , Du Jizeng , Brauner Colin J. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY
Goldfish and crucian carp at low temperature exhibit plasticity in gill morphology during exposure to hypoxia to enhance gas exchange. Hypoxia-induced changes in gill morphology and cellular ultrastructure of the high altitude scaleless carp from Lake Qinghai, China, were investigated to determine whether this is a general characteristic of cold water carp species. Fish were exposed to acute hypoxia (0.3 mg O2 l–1) for 24 h followed by 12 h recovery in normoxic water (6 mg O2l–1 at 3200 m altitude), with no mortality. Dramatic alterations in gill structure were initiated within 8 h of hypoxia and almost complete by 24 h, and included a gradual reduction of filament epithelial thickness (&gt;50%), elongation of respiratory lamellae, expansion of lamellar respiratory surface area (&gt;60%) and reduction in epithelial water–blood diffusion distance (&lt;50%). An increase in caspase 3 activity in gills occurred following 24 h exposure to hypoxia, indicating possible involvement of apoptosis in gill remodeling. Extensive gill mucous production during hypoxia may have been part of a general stress response or may have played a role in ion exchange and water balance. The large increase in lamellar surface area and reduction in diffusion distance presumably enhances gas transfer during hypoxia (especially in the presence of increased mucous production) but comes with an ionoregulatory cost, as indicated by a 10 and 15% reduction in plasma [Na+] and [Cl–],respectively, within 12–24 h of hypoxia. Within 12 h of hypoxia exposure, `wavy-convex'-mitochondria rich cells (MRCs) with large apical crypts and numerous branched microvilli were transformed into small`shallow-basin' cells with a flattened surface. As the apical membrane of MRCs is the site for active ion uptake from the water, a reduction in apical crypt surface area may have contributed to the progressive reduction in plasma[Na+] and [Cl–] observed during hypoxia. The changes in the macro- and ultra-structure of fish gills, and plasma[Na+] and [Cl–] during hypoxia were reversible,showing partial recovery by 12 h following return to normoxia. Although the large morphological changes in the gill observed in the scaleless carp support the hypothesis that gill remodeling during hypoxia is a general characteristic of cold water carp species, the reduced magnitude of the response in scaleless carp relative to goldfish and crucian carp may be a reflection of their more active lifestyle or because they reside in a moderately hypoxic environment at altitude.
Kinematics and power requirements of ascending and descending flight in the pigeon (Columba livia)
Authors: Berg Angela M. , Biewener Andrew A. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYAscending or descending locomotion involves a change in potential energy(PE) and a corresponding change in power requirement. We sought to test whether the mechanical power required for steady ascending or descending flight is a simple sum of the power required for level flight and the power necessary for potential energy change. Pigeons (Columba livia) were trained to fly at varying angles of ascent and descent (60°, 30°,0°, –30°, –60°), and were recorded using high-speed video. Detailed three-dimensional kinematics were obtained from the recordings, allowing analysis of wing movement. Aerodynamic forces and power requirements were then estimated from kinematic data. As expected,`PE flight power' increased significantly with angle of flight (0.234 W deg.–1), though there appeared to be a limit on the amount of PE that the birds could gain or dissipate per wingbeat. We found that the total power output for flight at various angles was not different from the sum of power required for level flight and the PE rate of change for a given angle, except for the steep –60° descent. The total power for steep descent was higher than this sum because of a higher induced power due to the bird's deceleration and slower flight velocity. Aerodynamic force estimates during mid-downstroke did not differ significantly in magnitude or orientation among flight angles. Pigeons flew fastest during–30° flights (4.9±0.1 m s–1) and slowest at 60° (2.9±0.1 m s–1). Although wingbeat frequency ranged from 6.1 to 9.6 Hz across trials, the variation was not significant across flight angles. Stroke plane angle was more horizontal, and the wing more protracted, for both +60° and –60° flights, compared with other flight path angles.
The effect of food temperature on postprandial metabolism in albatrosses
Authors: Battam H. , Chappell M. A. , Buttemer W. A. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYHeat generated by the specific dynamic action (SDA) associated with feeding is known to substitute for the thermoregulatory costs of cold-exposed endotherms; however, the effectiveness of this depends on food temperature. When food is cooler than core body temperature, it is warmed by body heat and,consequently, imposes a thermoregulatory challenge to the animal. The degree to which this cost might be `paid' by SDA depends on the relative timing of food heating and the SDA response. We investigated this phenomenon in two genera of endotherms, Diomedea and Thalassarche albatrosses,by measuring postprandial metabolic rate following ingestion of food at body temperature (40°C) and cooler (0 and 20°C). This permitted us to estimate potential contributions to food warming by SDA-derived heat, and to observe the effect of cold food on metabolic rate. For meal sizes that were∼20% of body mass, SDA was 4.22±0.37% of assimilated food energy,and potentially contributed 17.9±1.0% and 13.2±2.2% of the required heating energy of food at 0°C for Diomedea and Thalassarche albatrosses, respectively, and proportionately greater quantities at higher food temperatures. Cold food increased the rate at which postprandial metabolic rate increased to 3.2–4.5 times that associated with food ingested at body temperature. We also found that albatrosses generated heat in excess by more than 50% of the estimated thermostatic heating demand of cold food, a probable consequence of time delays in physiological responses to afferent signals.
The effect of thermal history on the susceptibility of reef-building corals to thermal stress
Authors: Middlebrook Rachael , Hoegh-Guldberg Ove , Leggat William 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe mutualistic relationship between corals and their unicellular dinoflagellate symbionts (Symbiodinium sp.) is a fundamental component within the ecology of coral reefs. Thermal stress causes the breakdown of the relationship between corals and their symbionts (bleaching). As with other organisms, this symbiosis may acclimate to changes in the environment, thereby potentially modifying the environmental threshold at which they bleach. While a few studies have examined the acclimation capacity of reef-building corals, our understanding of the underlying mechanism is still in its infancy. The present study focused on the role of recent thermal history in influencing the response of both corals and symbionts to thermal stress, using the reef-building coral Acropora aspera. The symbionts of corals that were exposed to 31°C for 48 h (pre-stress treatment) 1 or 2 weeks prior to a 6-day simulated bleaching event (when corals were exposed to 34°C) were found to have more effective photoprotective mechanisms. These mechanisms included changes in non-photochemical quenching and xanthophyll cycling. These differences in photoprotection were correlated with decreased loss of symbionts, with those corals that were not prestressed performing significantly worse, losing over 40% of their symbionts and having a greater reduction in photosynthetic efficiency. These results are important in that they show that thermal history, in addition to light history, can influence the response of reef-building corals to thermal stress and therefore have implications for the modeling of bleaching events. However, whether acclimation is capable of modifying the thermal threshold of corals sufficiently to cope as sea temperatures increase in response to global warming has not been fully explored. Clearly increases in sea temperatures that extend beyond 1–2°C will exhaust the extent to which acclimation can modify the thermal threshold of corals.
Persistence of motor unit and muscle fiber types in the presence of inactivity
Authors: Roy Roland R. , Pierotti David J. , Garfinkel Alan , Zhong Hui , Baldwin Kenneth M. , Edgerton V. Reggie 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe clarity of categorizing skeletal muscle fibers in individual motor units into phenotypes based on quantitative single fiber enzyme activities and as a function of neuromuscular activity level was examined. Neuromuscular activity was eliminated in adult cat hindlimb muscles by spinal cord isolation(SI), i.e. complete spinal cord transection at a low thoracic and a high sacral level with bilateral dorsal rhizotomy between the transection sites. One motor unit was isolated via ventral root teasing procedures from the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of each hindlimb in control and SI cats, and physiologically tested and glycogen depleted through repetitive stimulation;fibers comprising each motor unit were visualized through glycogen staining. Each motor unit was composed of fibers of the same myosin immunohistochemical type. Myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase, succinate dehydrogenase andα-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activities were determined for a sample of motor unit and non-motor unit fibers, providing a measure of three enzyme activities often used to characterize fiber phenotype within a single unit. Although normal enzyme activities were altered after 6 months of inactivity,the relationships among the three enzymes were largely maintained. These data demonstrate that it is not the diversity in any single enzyme property but the profile of several metabolic pathways that underlies the significance of fiber phenotypes. These profiles must reflect a high level of coordination of expression of selected combinations of genes. Although neuromuscular activity level influences fiber phenotype, the present results demonstrate that activity-independent mechanisms remain important sources of the control of phenotype establishment in the near absence of activity.
Jumping in a wingless stick insect,Timema chumash(Phasmatodea,Timematodea, Timematidae)
Authors: Burrows Malcolm 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe stick insect Timema chumash belongs to a sub-order of the phasmids that is thought to have diverged early from other stick insects, and which is restricted to the southwest of North America. It jumps by rapidly extending the tibiae of both its hind legs simultaneously from an initially fully flexed position, unlike any other stick insect that has been described. The hind legs are 1.5 times longer than the front and middle legs, but still represent only half the length of its body, and the femoro-tibial joints show few specialisations for jumping. In its best jumps, the wingless body is accelerated in 12 ms to a take-off velocity of 0.9 m s–1 and experiences an acceleration of 75 m s–2, the equivalent of 8 g. This performance requires an energy expenditure of 19 μJ,generates a power output of 1.6 mW and exerts a force of 3.6 mN. The jump propels the body forward a distance of 80 mm from a mean take-off angle of 39°. Heights of 20 mm were also achieved. Elevation of the jump was controlled by the initial position of the hind legs; when the hind tibiae and femora projected above the dorsal outline of the body the jump was forwards,when parallel with the long axis of the body the jump was backwards and could result in somersaulting. The jumping movements would appear to displace Timema in different directions away from a potential predator.
Matched regulation of gastrointestinal performance in the Burmese python,Python molurus
Authors: Cox Christian L. , Secor Stephen M. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYIn Burmese pythons fasting and feeding cause dramatic regulation of gastric acid production and intestinal nutrient uptake. Predictably, other components of their gastrointestinal tract are similarly regulated with each meal. We therefore assessed the matched regulation of gastrointestinal performance by comparing the postprandial activities and capacities of gastric (pepsin),pancreatic (amylase and trypsin) and intestinal (aminopeptidase-N and maltase)enzymes, and intestinal nutrient uptake. Tissue samples were collected from pythons fasted and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10 and 15 days following their consumption of rodent meals equaling 25% of snake body mass. With feeding,pythons experience no significant change in stomach mass, whereas both the pancreas and small intestine doubled in mass. Feeding also triggered a depletion of gastric mucosal pepsinogen, a respective 5.7- and 20-fold increase in the peak activities of pancreatic trypsin and amylase, and a respective 2.3- and 5.5-fold increase in the peak activities of intestinal maltase and aminopeptidase-N. Enzyme activities peaked between 2 and 4 days postfeeding and returned to fasting levels by day 10. Independent of digestive stage, python intestine exhibited a proximal to distal decline in enzyme activity. For both sugars and proteins, intestinal capacities for enzyme activity were significantly correlated with nutrient uptake capacities. The concomitant postprandial upregulation of tissue morphology, intestinal nutrient transport rates and enzyme activities illustrate, for the python, the matched regulation of their gastrointestinal performance with each meal.
Recruitment of the diaphragmaticus, ischiopubis and other respiratory muscles to control pitch and roll in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Uriona T. J. , Farmer C. G. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYWe used electromyography on juvenile American alligators to test the hypothesis that the following muscles, which are known to play a role in respiration, are recruited for aquatic locomotion: M. diaphragmaticus, M. ischiopubis, M. rectus abdominis, M. intercostalis internus, and the M. transversus abdominis. We found no activity with locomotion in the transversus. The diaphragmaticus, ischiopubis, rectus abdominis and internal intercostals were active when the animals executed a head-down dive from a horizontal posture. Weights attached to the base of the tail resulted in greater electrical activity of diaphragmaticus, ischiopubis and rectus muscles than when weights were attached to the head, supporting a role of this musculature in locomotion. The diaphragmaticus and rectus abdominis were active unilaterally with rolling maneuvers. Although the function of these muscles in locomotion has previously been unrecognized, these data raise the possibility that the locomotor function arose when Crocodylomorpha assumed a semi-aquatic existence and that the musculoskeletal complex was secondarily recruited to supplement ventilation.
The correlated evolution of biomechanics, gait and foraging mode in lizards
Authors: McElroy Eric J. , Hickey Kristin L. , Reilly Stephen M. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYForaging mode has molded the evolution of many aspects of lizard biology. From a basic sit-and-wait sprinting feeding strategy, several lizard groups have evolved a wide foraging strategy, slowly moving through the environment using their highly developed chemosensory systems to locate prey. We studied locomotor performance, whole-body mechanics and gaits in a phylogenetic array of lizards that use sit-and-wait and wide-foraging strategies to contrast the functional differences associated with the need for speed vs slow continuous movement during foraging. Using multivariate and phylogenetic comparative analyses we tested for patterns of covariation in gaits and locomotor mechanics in relation to foraging mode. Sit-and-wait species used only fast speeds and trotting gaits coupled with running (bouncing) mechanics. Different wide-foraging species independently evolved slower locomotion with walking(vaulting) mechanics coupled with several different walking gaits, some of which have evolved several times. Most wide foragers retain the running mechanics with trotting gaits observed in sit-and-wait lizards, but some wide foragers have evolved very slow (high duty factor) running mechanics. In addition, three evolutionary reversals back to sit-and-wait foraging are coupled with the loss of walking mechanics. These findings provide strong evidence that foraging mode drives the evolution of biomechanics and gaits in lizards and that there are several ways to evolve slower locomotion. In addition, the different gaits used to walk slowly appear to match the ecological and behavioral challenges of the species that use them. Trotting appears to be a functionally stable strategy in lizards not necessarily related to whole-body mechanics or speed.