bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution of the iron‐regulating protein hepcidin in the murine central nervous system
Authors: Zechel S. , Huber‐Wittmer K. , von Bohlen und Halbach Oliver 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIron serves as an essential trace element for all body tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). Because iron deficiency as well as iron overload is known to cause damage to the mammalian brain, the maintenance of iron homeostasis is crucial. It has been discovered recently that hepcidin plays an essential role in iron metabolism outside the CNS. A defect in hepcidin expression is responsible for iron accumulation and mice over‐expressing hepcidin die postnatally by a severe anemia. We have used RT‐PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry to investigate the cellular distribution of hepcidin mRNA and protein in brain, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia. Our results show a wide‐spread distribution of hepcidin in different brain areas, including the olfactory bulb, cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus, mesencephalon, cerebellum, pons, spinal cord, as well as in dorsal root ganglia of the peripheral nervous system. Hepcidin immunoreactivity is not restricted to neurons, but can be detected in both neurons and GFAP‐positive glia cells. Because hepcidin action in organs outside the CNS is linked to iron homeostasis, we speculate that it is also involved in such processes in the CNS, putatively together with other iron regulating proteins. Cellular mechanisms and functions of hepcidin in the CNS remain to be elucidated. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of protein and carbohydrate supplementation on strength training outcome of rehabilitation in ACL patients
Authors: Holm L. , Esmarck B. , Mizuno M. , Hansen H. , Suetta C. , Hölmich P. , Krogsgaard M. , Kjær M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPatients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury experience atrophy and weakening of the extensor as well as the hamstrings muscles at the injured leg. Especially, the weakness of the quadriceps muscle has been ascribed to hamper daily physical tasks. The purpose of the present study was therefore to investigate if nutrient supplementation during 12 weeks of conservative rehabilitation strength training could enhance hypertrophy and strength of the quadriceps muscle in ACL‐injured patients. Twenty‐six ACL‐injured men and women were included and randomly distributed into three supplementation groups: Protein + Carbohydrate (PC), Isocaloric–Carbohydrate (IC), or Placebo (PL), ingesting the supplementation immediately after each of 36 training sessions. Determined from images of thigh cross‐sections (magnetic resonance imaging) the hypertrophy of the quadriceps muscle differed significantly between groups at the distal part, with the PC group demonstrating the largest hypertrophy. Peak torque of the quadriceps muscle at constant velocity 60° · s−1 was significantly elevated in the PC group only, and the time to reach peak torque tended to decrease as well only in the PC group. The results from this study demonstrate that restoration of the distal vasti muscle mass and knee extension muscle strength with resistance training is promoted further by protein‐containing nutrient supplementation immediately after single exercise sessions. Thus, exercise‐related protein supplementation may seem important for surgery‐related rehabilitation of skeletal muscle. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:2114–2123, 2006
Augmentation of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) mineralization by a synthetic growth factor mimetic
Authors: Lin Xinhua , Peña Louis A. , Zamora Paul O. , Campion Sarah L. , Takahashi Kazuyuki 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThese studies evaluated whether F2A4‐K‐NS, a peptide mimetic of FGF‐2, could augment ectopic bone production following the subcutaneous implant of human demineralized bone matrix (DBM). DBM was formulated into a gel with and without F2A4‐K‐NS, and injected subcutaneously into athymic rats. After 28 days the resultant tissue was excised and fixed. The tissue was examined with soft X‐rays and microcomputerized tomography (micro‐CT), and by histological methods. Inclusion of F2A4‐K‐NS with DBM resulted in an increased mineral deposition as determined by soft X‐ray and micro‐CT analysis and von Kossa staining. DBM‐containing tissues showed extensive mineralization compared to the carrier alone, which was poorly mineralized. The mineralization was qualitatively and quantitatively the most extensive in the samples containing F2A4‐K‐NS plus DBM. Additionally, the highest amount of von Kossa staining for calcium was observed in tissues from animals that had received DBM plus F2A4‐K‐NS. In these studies, 100 ng of peptide per 0.2 mL of injectable DBM gel generated the most optimal results. The synthetic peptide F2A4‐K‐NS augmented DBM‐induced ectopic mineralization in athymic animals. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:2051–2058, 2006
Nitric oxide protects osteoblasts from oxidative stress‐induced apoptotic insults via a mitochondria‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Chang Chia‐Chen , Liao Yi‐Shyan , Lin Yi‐Ling , Chen Ruei‐Ming 
Published: August 2006

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) contributes to the regulation of osteoblast activities. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of NO pretreatment on oxidative stress‐induced osteoblast apoptosis and its possible mechanism using neonatal rat calvarial osteoblasts as the experimental model. Exposure of osteoblasts to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) at a low concentration of 0.3 mM significantly increased cellular NO levels without affecting cell viability. However, when the concentration reached a high concentration of 2 mM, SNP increased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and induced osteoblast injuries. Thus, administration of 0.3 and 2 mM SNP in osteoblasts were respectively used as sources of NO and oxidative stress. Pretreatment with NO for 24 h significantly ameliorated the oxidative stress‐caused morphological alterations and decreases in alkaline phosphatase activity, and reduced cell death. Oxidative stress induced osteoblast death via an apoptotic mechanism, but NO pretreatment protected osteoblasts against the toxic effects. The mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced following exposure to the oxidative stress. However, pretreatment with NO significantly lowered the suppressive effects. Oxidative stress increased cellular Bax protein production and cytochromecrelease from mitochondria. Pretreatment with NO significantly decreased oxidative stress‐caused augmentation of Bax and cytochromecprotein levels. In parallel with cytochromecrelease, oxidative stress induced caspase‐3 activation and DNA fragmentation. Pretreatment with NO significantly reduced the oxidative stress‐enhanced caspase‐3 activation and DNA damage. Results of this study show that NO pretreatment can protect osteoblasts from oxidative stress‐induced apoptotic insults. The protective action involves a mitochondria‐dependent mechanism. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1917–1925, 2006
Gene expression and proliferation analysis in young, aged, and osteoarthritic sheep chondrocytes effect of growth factor treatment
Authors: Acosta Carlos A. , Izal Iñigo , Ripalda Purificacion , Douglas‐Price Ana Laura , Forriol Francisco 
Published: August 2006

AbstractCartilage is a support tissue with a poor capacity to self‐repair. Its cells, chondrocytes, are responsible for synthesizing and renewing the matrix that surrounds them in a constant turnover mechanism. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is one of the techniques that promises to be an alternative to common strategies for chondral lesions. To apply this technique, a large amount of cells must be obtained. In our work, we studied the state of cells from different cartilage (young, aged, and osteoarthritic sheep) cultured in monolayer by analyzing their proliferation rate using bromodeoxyuridine and their gene expression profile by RT‐PCR. A decrease was found in expression of type II collagen and aggrecan in aged, osteoarthritic, and passaged chondrocytes. Treatment of cells with growth factors aFGF, IGF‐I, TGF‐β, and OP‐1 improved the proliferation rate in all cells studied and stimulated gene expression of type II collagen, aggrecan, and TGF‐β. Osteoarthritic cells showed a poor response according to matrix gene expression, while young cells responded properly, and aged chondrocytes showed a moderate response. These results suggest that the state of cartilage may affect the behavior of cultured chondrocytes. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:2087–2094, 2006
Growth and nitrate reductase activity in Juniperus oxycedrus subjected to organic amendments and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizae
Authors: Caravaca Fuensanta , del Mar Alguacil María , Díaz Gisela , Marín Purificación , Roldán Antonio 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe effectiveness of reforestation programs on degraded soils in the Mediterranean region is frequently limited by a low soil availability and a poor plant uptake and assimilation of nutrients. While organic amendments can improve the nutrient supply, inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi can enhance plant nutrient uptake. A pot experiment was conducted in 2004 to study the influence of inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus (Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith) or with a mixture of three AM fungi (G. intraradices, G. deserticola Trappe, Bloss. & Menge, and G. mosseae (Nicol & Gerd.) Gerd. & Trappe) and of an addition of composted sewage sludge or Aspergillus niger–treated dry‐olive‐cake residue on plant growth, nutrient uptake, mycorrhizal colonization, and nitrate reductase (NR) activity in shoot and roots of Juniperus oxycedrus L. Six months after planting, the inoculation of the seedlings with G. intraradices or a mixture of three AM fungi was the most effective treatment for stimulating growth of J. oxycedrus. There were no differences between the two mycorrhizal treatments. All treatments increased plant growth and foliar N and P contents compared to the control plants. Mycorrhizal inoculation and organic amendments, particularly fermented dry olive cake, increased significantly the NR activity in roots.
Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield, taste, and nutritional quality of tomatoes
Authors: Heeb Anuschka , Lundegårdh Bengt , Savage Geoffrey , Ericsson Tom 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIn a greenhouse experiment, tomato plants were grown in sand culture to test whether different fertilization regimes (mineral or organic fertilizers) at low (500 mg N plant–1 week–1) and high (750 mg N plant–1 week–1) nitrogen levels affected yield, nutritional quality, and taste of the fruits. In the mineral‐fertilizer treatments, nitrate‐ or ammonium‐dominated nutrient solutions were used. Organic fertilizer was supplied as fresh cut grass‐clover mulch (a total of 2.4 kg and 3.6 kg were given per plant at low and high N level, respectively) without (orgN) and with additional sulfur fertilization (orgN+S). Yields of red tomatoes from the organically fertilized plants were significantly lower (1.3–1.8 kg plant–1) than yields from plants that received mineral fertilizer (2.2–2.8 kg plant–1). At the final harvest, yields of green tomatoes in the organic treatment with extra sulfur were similar (1.1–1.2 kg plant–1) to the NO$ _3^- $‐dominated treatments at both nutrient levels and the NH$ _4^+ $‐dominated treatment at high nutrient level. Organic fertilizers released nutrients more slowly than mineral fertilizers, resulting in decreased S and P concentrations in the leaves, which limited growth and yield in the orgN treatments. Analysis of tomato fruits and plants as well as taste‐test results gave no conclusive answer on the relationship between sugar or acid contents in the fruits, macronutrient content of plant leaves and fruits, and perceived taste. Sugar contents were higher in the fruits given mineral fertilizer, whereas acid contents were higher in the fruits given organic fertilizer. Preference in taste was given to the tomatoes from plants fertilized with the nitrate‐dominated nutrient solution and to those given organic fertilizer with extra sulfur. Thus, a reduction in growth, which was expected to lead to a higher concentration of compounds like sugars and acids, did not result in better taste. Overall, it can be concluded that an appropriate nutrient supply is crucial to reach high yields and good taste.
Salt‐resistant and salt‐sensitive wheat genotypes show similar biochemical reaction at protein level in the first phase of salt stress
Authors: Saqib Muhammad , Zörb Christian , Schubert Sven 
Published: August 2006

AbstractSalinity has a two‐phase effect on plant growth, an osmotic effect due to salts in the outside solution and ion toxicity in a second phase due to salt build‐up in transpiring leaves. To elucidate salt‐resistance mechanisms in the first phase of salt stress, we studied the biochemical reaction of salt‐resistant and salt‐sensitive wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes at protein level after 10 d exposure to 125 mM–NaCl salinity (first phase of salt stress) and the variation of salt resistance among the genotypes after 30 d exposure to 125 mM–NaCl salinity (second phase of salt stress) in solution culture experiments in a growth chamber. The three genotypes differed significantly in absolute and relative shoot and root dry weights after 30 d exposure to NaCl salinity. SARC‐1 produced the maximum and 7‐Cerros the minimum shoot dry weights under salinity relative to control. A highly significant negative correlation (r2 = –0.99) was observed between salt resistance (% shoot dry weight under salinity relative to control) and shoot Na+ concentration of the wheat genotypes studied. However, the salt‐resistant and salt‐sensitive genotypes showed a similar biochemical reaction at the level of proteins after 10 d exposure to 125 mM NaCl. In both genotypes, the expression of more than 50% proteins was changed, but the difference between the genotypes in various categories of protein change (up‐regulated, down‐regulated, disappeared, and new‐appeared) was only 1%–8%. It is concluded that the initial biochemical reaction to salinity at protein level in wheat is an unspecific response and not a specific adaptation to salinity.
Impact of sulfate nutrition on the utilization of atmospheric SO2 as sulfur source for Chinese cabbage
Authors: Yang Liping , Stulen Ineke , De Kok Luit J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe ability of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis) to utilize atmospheric sulfur dioxide (SO2) as sulfur (S) source for growth was investigated in relation to root sulfate (SO$ ^{2-}_4 $) nutrition. If seedlings of Chinese cabbage were transferred to a sulfate‐deprived nutrient solution directly after germination, plants became rapidly S‐deficient. Plant‐biomass production was decreased and the shoot‐to‐root ratio decreased. Sulfate deprivation resulted in a substantial decrease in total S, sulfate, organic‐S, and water‐soluble nonprotein thiol contents and in an increase in amino‐acid content of both shoot and root. The sulfate‐uptake rate of the root was strongly increased, whereas nitrate‐uptake rate was decreased. Upon resupply of sulfate, the onset of S‐deficiency symptoms was prevented, and growth was restored, whereas sulfate and nitrate‐uptake rates were quite similar to those of the sulfate‐sufficient plants. A 6‐day exposure to 0.12 µL L–1 SO2 of sulfate‐sufficient plants did not affect plant‐biomass production, shoot‐to‐root ratio, S and nitrogen (N) compounds of shoot and root, or sulfate and nitrate uptake by the root. Exposure of sulfate‐deprived plants to SO2 resulted in enhanced total S, organic‐S, and water‐soluble nonprotein thiol contents of the shoot. The contribution of SO2 as S source for biomass production depended on the duration of the sulfate deprivation. If Chinese cabbage was transferred to a sulfate‐deprived nutrient solution and simultaneously exposed to SO2, then plants benefited optimally from the foliarly absorbed S. The development of S‐deficiency symptoms was prevented, and shoot‐biomass production was quite similar to that of sulfate‐sufficient plants. However, upon SO2 exposure root‐biomass production was even higher than that of sulfate‐sufficient plants, whereas sulfate uptake was still enhanced. Evidently, upon SO2 exposure there was no strict and direct shoot‐to‐root signaling in tuning sulfate uptake by the root and its transport to the shoot to the need for growth, via down‐regulation of sulfate uptake and normalizing shoot–to–root biomass partitioning.
Nitrogen release from plant‐derived and industrially processed organic fertilizers used in organic horticulture
Authors: Stadler Christina , von Tucher Sabine , Schmidhalter Urs , Gutser Reinhold , Heuwinkel Hauke 
Published: August 2006

AbstractAs a consequence of the BSE crisis, alternatives for fertilizers derived from animal residues are being sought for use in organic horticulture. Grain legumes (milled seeds of pea, yellow lupine, and faba bean) and organic fertilizers of industrially processed plant and microbial residues (Maltaflor®‐spezial, Phytoperls®, Agrobiosol®, Rizi‐Korn) were investigated as to their suitability as a replacement fertilizer. With four soils, incubation studies were conducted to determine net N mineralization of the organic fertilizers, and pot experiments were used to measure the apparent N utilization by perennial ryegrass. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine simple fertilizer characteristics that describe their N release and (2) to compare the suitability of both experimental setups to predict fertilizer N release. At the end of all experiments, net N mineralization and apparent N utilization from Rizi‐Korn was highest compared to all the other organic fertilizers, while pea performed relatively poor. This differentiation between the fertilizers developed during the first 2 weeks. Nitrogen release from the organic fertilizers as described by net N mineralization or apparent N utilization was significantly related to the N content of the fertilizers. Different soils modified this relationship. Two industrially processed fertilizers (Phytoperls®, Agrobiosol®) could not be included into a generalized relationship because N release from these fertilizers was low compared to their N content. It is discussed that the quality of fertilizer C and N affected the N release from the fertilizers. Both experimental setups, incubation and pot experiments, were suitable to describe the release of plant‐available N from the organic fertilizers. However, N release of fertilizers with a low net N mineralization in the incubation experiments was underestimated compared to plant N uptake of ryegrass in the pot experiments. It is concluded that the N content of organic fertilizers indicates, but not predicts their N release.
Fertilizer‐use efficiency of different inorganic polyphosphate sources: effects on soil P availability and plant P acquisition during early growth of corn
Authors: Torres‐Dorante Luis Omar , Claassen Norbert , Steingrobe Bernd , Olfs Hans‐Werner 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPolyphosphate‐based fertilizers are worldwide in use, and their effect on crop yield is often reported to be similar to orthophosphate products, although some studies showed higher yields with polyphosphate applications. However, information on how these fertilizers may influence plant P acquisition is very limited. A pot experiment was carried out under controlled conditions with corn (Zea mays L.) growing on a sandy soil (pH 4.9) and a silty‐loam soil (pH 6.9) differing in P‐sorption properties. The objective was to evaluate phosphorus fertilizer–use efficiency (PFUE) of several polyphosphate (poly‐P) compounds (pyrophosphate [PP], tripolyphosphate [TP], and trimetaphosphate [TMP]) using orthophosphate (OP) as a reference. Focus was put on evaluating plant parameters involved in plant P acquisition, i.e., root length and P uptake per unit of root length. Furthermore, soil P availability was characterized by measuring ortho‐P and poly‐P concentrations in soil solution as well as in CAL (calcium‐acetate‐lactate) extracts.The P availability was differentially influenced by the different P sources and the different soils. In the silty‐loam soil, the application of poly‐P resulted in higher ortho‐P concentrations in soil solution. In the same soil, CAL‐extractable ortho‐P was similar for all P sources, whereas in the sandy soil, this parameter was higher after OP application. In the silty‐loam soil, poly‐P concentrations were very low in soil solution or in CAL extracts, whereas in the sandy soil, poly‐P concentrations were significantly higher. Phosphorus fertilizer–use efficiency was significantly higher for poly‐P treatments in the silty‐loam soil and were related to a higher root length since no differences in the P uptake per unit of root length among poly‐P and OP treatments were found. However, in the sandy soil, no differences in PFUE between OP and poly‐P treatments were observed. Therefore, PFUE of poly‐P compounds could be explained by better root growth, thereby improving plant P acquisition.
Changes in soil–biological quality indices after long‐term addition of shredded shrubs and biogenic waste compost
Authors: Quintern Michael , Lein Marcus , Joergensen Rainer G. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractLong‐term effects on soil chemical and soil biological properties were analyzed after an 8 y period with addition of biogenic household‐waste compost and shredded shrubs with and without N fertilization to an arable field. The addition of compost and shredded shrubs to soil increased significantly all soil organic matter–related properties. The effects of compost addition on soil chemical properties were in most cases stronger than those of adding shredded shrubs, especially the effects on total N, 0.5 M K2SO4‐extractable Corgand 0.5 M NaHCO3‐extractable phosphate. In the shredded‐shrubs treatments, basal respiration and the contents of soil microbial‐biomass C, biomass N, and fungal ergosterol were significantly increased by 40%, 45%, 67%, and 90%, respectively. In the compost treatment, only microbial‐biomass C and biomass N were significantly increased by 25% and 38%, respectively. Microbial‐biomass P remained unaffected by both organic‐amendment treatments. Nitrogen fertilization had significantly negative effects on the NaHCO3‐extractable P fraction (–22%) and on the basal respiration (–31%), but positive effects on the ergosterol content (+17%).