bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the size and docosahexaenoic acid content of adipocytes during chick embryo development
Authors: Farkas Klára , Ratchford Iain A. J. , Noble Raymond C. , Speake Brain K. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe development of adipose tissue in the chick embryo was investigated using two groups of fertile eggs which differed by 1.7‐fold in their initial yolk lipid levels. The triacylglycerol content of the subcutaneous adipose depot in both groups increased dramatically from day 12 of the 21‐day embryonic period, attaining a maximal value just prior to hatching. During this period, the amount of triacylglycerol deposited in the adipose tissue was very highly correlated with the amount of lipid transferred from the yolk. The triacylglycerol content of the depot was also dependent on the initial yolk lipid content. During the hatching period, the amount of adipose triacylglycerol remained approximately constant in the group with the higher initial yolk lipid content but, in the case of the group with the lower initial yolk lipid levels, decreased by approximately 25%. The size distribution of adipocytes isolated from the tissue was determined by computerized image analysis microscopy. The mean adipocyte diameter increased from approximately 6 to 35 μm between days 12 and 19, irrespective of the initial yolk content, although development within the eggs with the lower initial yolk content resulted in a decrease in cell size over the hatching period. Both the triacylglycerol and phospholipid fractions of the isolated adipocytes contained substantial proportions (approximately 6%, w/w) of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at days 12 and 14, and lower levels of this fatty acid at the later stages. The amount (mg/depot) of DHA in adipose triacylglycerol decreased dramatically over the hatching period. The amount (mg/brain) of DHA in brain phospholipid increased by more than 5‐fold between day 12 of development and hatching. A possible explanation for the data may be that DHA is preferentially mobilized from adipose tissue in order to deliver the fatty acid to the developing neural tissues in a form suitable for uptake.
Application of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin in the assay of acyl‐CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase and neutral and acid cholesterol ester hydrolases
Authors: Liza Mariana , Romero José R. , Chico Yolanda , Fresnedo Olatz , Ochoa Begoña 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe utility of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin for increasing the sensitivity of assays for the microsomal acyl‐CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase, and the acid lysosomal and the neutral microsomal and cytosolic cholesterol ester hydrolase activity was studied in rat hepatocytes. Enzyme assays, at optimal concentrations of cyclodextrin, were validated by assessing: (i) linearity of product formation with incubation time and protein amount, and saturation with substrate, and (ii) the effect of treatments of cells or of subcellular fractions on enzyme activities. Delivery of cholesterol dissolved in 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin to the acyl‐CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase assay mixture raised the enzyme activity more than 8‐fold and was twice that measured when cholesterol was added in Triton WR‐1339. 2‐Hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin itself was partially effective, apparently by making endogenous cholesterol more accesible to the enzyme. Inclusion of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin in cholesterol ester hydrolase assays using standard micellar substrates doubled the activity estimated in lysosome and microsome preparations and enhanced the cytosolic cholesterol esterase activity by about 50%. Differences in the catalytic activity of acyl‐CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase and cholesterol ester hydrolases caused by treatment of hepatocytes with compound 58‐035 or 25‐hydroxycholesterol, or of subcellular fractions with NaF, were maintained when enzymes were assayed with cyclodextrin. The results indicate that 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin is a suitable vehicle for delivering cholesterol to acyl‐CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase and enhances the sensitivity of standard assays of the enzymes governing the intrahepatic hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters.
Dietary long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids modify heart, kidney, and lung fatty acid composition in weanling rats
Authors: Suárez A. , Faus M. J. , Gil A. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe fatty acid composition of heart, kidney, and lung was studied in weanling rats fed three diets differing in their polyunsaturated fatty acid content for 0, 2, and 4 wk. The first group had a 10% w/w fat semipurified diet which consisted of a mixture of olive oil (62.5%), soybean oil (11.1%), and refined coconut oil (26.4%) and provided 18:1n‐9, 18:2n‐6, and 18:3n‐3 in similar amounts to a maternal human milk (diet HO). The second group received 7% of HO fat and 3% fish oil (0.4% 20:4n‐6 and 5% 22:6n‐3 of total fatty acids) (diet FO), and the third group was fed 7% HO fat, 1.5% of the same fish oil, and 1.5% of a purified pig brain phospholipid concentrate (0.6% 20:4n‐6 and 3.5% 22:6n‐3 of total fatty acids) (diet FO+BPL). The experimental diets increased tissue monounsaturated fatty acids in comparison with rats at weaning. Tissue lipid content of 20:4n‐6 was increased and 22:6n‐3 decreased in Group HO compared with weanling rats, whereas opposite changes were observed in Group FO. Feeding diet FO+BPL increased 22:6n:3 in tissue lipids compared with diet HO, and increased 20:4n‐6 content in relation to diet FO. Our results indicate that rat heart, kidney, and lung are highly responsive to dietary n‐3 and n‐6 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids during postnatal life.
Effects of grouping and fighting on the reproductive tracts of male white‐footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus)
Authors: Sullivan James A. , Scanlon Patrick F. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryAdult, male white‐footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were subjected to a variety of social situations ranging from isolation during the 20 day experimental period to constant contact with both females and other adult males. Contacts included grouping (three or four males per cage) and exposure to fighters (once daily for 20 minutes). The following measurements were recorded: weights of the body, testes, epididymides, vesicular glands, vesicular gland tissue (wet and dry), seminal fluid of the vesicular gland, adrenal glands, and baculum; spermatozoan reserves of the testes and epididymides. Grouping significantly affected both the weight and spermatozoan reserves of the testes and epididymides, as well as both the tissue and seminal fluid weight of the vesicular glands. The results suggested a graded effect of all treatments on the reproductive tract. In order of magnitude of the associated response, from none to greatest, the treatments may be ranked as follows: pairing with females, isolating, handling, fighting, and grouping. All reproductive parameters measured showed this general ranking, suggesting that the response to the various treatments was similar and differed only quantitatively. The results further suggested decreased secretion of LH and testosterone, although measurements of testosterone did not substantiate this conclusion. The lack of significant effects of grouping on adrenal gland weights strengthened the argument that adrenal involvement is not a necessary adjunct to the suppression of the reproductive tract in grouped Peromyscus, but the adrenal may be involved if contacts between males result in overt fighting.
Extensions to Kiritani and Nakasuji's method for analysing insect stage‐frequency data
Authors: Manly B. F. J. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryThere is evidence that the simple method ofKiritani andNakasuji (1967) for the analysis of insect stage‐frequency data produces estimates of stage‐specific survival rates that compare well with the estimates from more complicated methods (Manly, 1975). However the method as originally proposed byKiritani andNakasuji cannot always be applied because it assumes that the insect population involved was sampled at regular intervals of time. Furthermore, parameters such as the durations of stages are not estimated. In this note modifications to the basic method are suggested with the idea of overcoming these limitations.
The effect of crowding on adult populations of Delia (=Hylemya) antiqua (Meigen)
Authors: Zurlini G. , Robinson A. S. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryUsing 5 density levels, the effect of increasing density was studied on several population statistics of adult Delia (=Hylemya) antiqua. Amongst the statistics studied were adult lifespan; female mating frequency, fecundity and egg hatchability. It was shown that females lived significantly longer than males and that increasing density significantly reduced lifespan. Density had no effect on mating frequency. Total fecundity/female was significantly reduced with increasing density but oviposition rate was density independent.Using these statistics, mean generation time T, net reproduction rate R0 and capacity for increase rc were calculated at the different density levels. Values of R0 showed a one‐tailed response but there was no clear effect of density on rc.Multiple comparisons between variables revealed several important relationships.
Adult lifespan was the most important factor affecting egg production.
Number of mated females was more important in affecting total fecundity/cage than adult density.
It could also be calculated that to produce the effect of one single mated female on total fecundity/cage the overall density would have to be reduced by 0.0023 individuals/cm3.These results are discussed in the context of efficient laboratory rearing of the onion fly.
Changes in spatial distribution pattern during the larval stage of the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea drury (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)
Authors: Suzuki Nobuhiko , Kunimi Yasuhisa , Uematsu Seiji , Kobayashi Ken'ichi 
Published: December 2006

SummaryThe changes in spatial distribution pattern during larval stage of the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea were quantitatively investigated in the field experimental populations.The female adult deposits eggs as a cluster and the hatchlings make a compact colonial‐web. In this period, the all‐or‐none type mortality which is characteristic in gregarious insect species was occasionary recognized before spinning a compact colonial‐web. Once making a compact colonial‐web, the larvae feed the leaves in the colonial‐web up to about 5th instar. In this period, the movement of larvae occurred due to the local food shortage in a colonial‐web and the expansion of colonial‐web. As the larvae developed, the colonial‐web was separated into several small groups. These larvae began to disperse about 5th instar. In this period, the local food shortage seems to be an important trigger for the larval dispersal. The mean concentration of larvae on leaves abruptly decreased, and finally the larvae became solitary at the 6th or 7th instars.The dispersal process in later larval stage is not necessarily due to the complete food shortage. The dispersal prior to the occurrence of food shortage may be a safety mechanism to protect the larvae from the food shortage.
Predator‐prey responses in an acarine system
Authors: Pernando M. H. J. P. , Hassell M. P. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryThis study examines the responses of the predatory mite,Phytoseiulus persimilis, to the density and distribution of its prey,Tetranychus urticae. It is divided into three parts. Firstly, the functional responses of protonymph, deutonymph and adult females towards different prey stages are displayed. The great majority of the responses are of the type II form, and the variations in the values of attack ratea′ and handling timeThare discussed. Experiments are then described in which individual protonymph, deutonymph and adult female predators are presented with varying ratios of two prey age‐classes (eggs and deutonymphs, and larvae and deutonymphs). Any observed preference for one of the prey stages is discussed in relation to the predicted preference on the basis of the separate functional response experiments. Finally, the response of different densities of adult female predators to a non‐random distribution of deutonymph prey on bean leaflets is examined. The predators show a clear tendency to aggregate on the leaflets of high prey density, counteracted to some extent by interference increasing the probability of dispersal to other leaflets.
Population dynamics of the chestnut gall‐wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)
Authors: Itô Yosiaki , Nakamura Masako , Kondo Masaki , Miyashita Kazuyoshi , Nakamura Kazuo 
Published: December 2006

SummaryAs a part of serial study on population dynamics of the chestnut gall‐wasp, Dryocosmus kuriphilus, analyses of the distribution of eggs, gall‐cells and emergent holes were made from the statistical point of view. Many of distributions of the eggs per bud could be described by the truncated Poisson, but some cases showed slight overdispersion than expected by chance. Because of no linear increase of with increasing (expected mean for complete sample), however, the truncated negative binomial seemed to be not so available for whole series.Distributions of the gall‐cells and the emergent holes were, on the other hand, well described by the truncated Poisson distribution when the observed frequency was calculated for respective trees. Negative‐binomial tendency found in distributions from some stations consisted of a certain number of trees would be resulted from mixture of Poisson populations with different means.Random or slightly concentrated oviposition and random mortality within galls was thus supposed for future study unless the proof favouring other distribution models would appear.
Differences in temporal utilization patterns of dung pats among three scarabaeid dung beetles
Authors: Yasuda Hironori 
Published: December 2006

Summary
Differences in the temporal utilization patterns of dung pats were investigated among three dung beetle species, Aphodius haroldianus, Onthophagus lenzii and Liatongus phanaeoides, and density effects of three species on emigration from a dung pat were compared.
A. haroldianus preferred fresh dung pats, immigrated to fresh pats and then emigrated from those pats quickly (mean duration of residence 48.4 h), whereas L. phanaeoides immigrated to older dung pats (over 7 days after deposition) as well as fresh ones and remained in the pats for the longest time (165.6 h).O. lenzii showed intermediate behavior in this respect (63.3 h).
In A. haroldianus, the presence of conspecifics induced faster emigration than presence of the other two species. L. phanaeoides showed the opposite relationship. In O. lenzii, the response to conspecifics was intermediate to those of the other two species.
Ultrasound-guided Interdigital Neuroma Injections: Short-term Clinical Outcomes after a Single Percutaneous Injection—Preliminary Results
Authors: Sofka Carolyn M. , Adler Ronald S. , Ciavarra Gina A. , Pavlov Helene 
Published: December 2006

Purpose To describe the procedure of ultrasound-guided Morton's neuroma and recurrent stump neuroma injections and early clinical outcomes after a single injection. Materials and Methods Retrospective review of 44 percutaneous ultrasound-guided neuroma injections in 24 patients who had completed clinical outcomes questionnaires. A 10-point pain scale [scale of 1 (no pain) to 10 (severe pain)] in a 7-day pain log format was distributed to patients at the time percutaneous neuroma injection was performed. Results Neuromas were clearly visualized with sonography as hypoechoic nodules and were distinguishable from other causes of forefoot pain, such as metatarsophalangeal joint synovitis and intermetatarsal bursae. The sizes of the neuromas injected ranged between 4 and 19 mm. Postinjection, all neuromas displayed increased echogenicity and/or the appearance of fluid surrounding it, confirming localization of the therapeutic mixture. We arbitrarily subdivided the pain ratings into symptomatic (greater than 4) and asymptomatic (less than or equal to 4) for statistical analysis. Average pain level pre injection was 5.2 and average pain level was 3.7 at 7 days post single injection, with 62% of the initially symptomatic patients asymptomatic on day 7 ( p < 0.000001). Overall, 76% of the total number of neuromas injected once were asymptomatic on day 7. Conclusion Ultrasound can be used to accurately target Morton's neuromas and, therefore, appropriately direct therapeutic interventions, with good short-term clinical results.
Rheological properties of sodium caprate‐induced β‐lactoglobulin gel and changes in secondary structure during gelation
Authors: Yuno‐Ohta Naoko , Murata Katsuo , Miyahara Mitsuyoshi , Ohta Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIn this study, we found that transparent gels of β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG) were formed by adding different concentrations of sodium caprate to protein solutions at ambient temperature. We investigated changes in the dynamic viscoelasticity of the mixture with time at 25°C and found that more than 12% β‐LG induced the formation of a viscoelastic gel with a suitable amount of sodium caprate (for example, 12% β‐LG and 3.6% sodium caprate). Furthermore, we analyzed the changes in the secondary structure of proteins during the gelation step by FHR spectroscopy. Dissociation of the β‐LG dimer was first observed just after mixing with sodium caprate. Furthermore, in the β‐LG protein in which the original contents were predominantly β‐sheets, intermolecular β‐sheets attributable to aggregation increased with a decrease in the content of intramolecular β‐sheets. Sodium caprate‐induced gel was heated at 80°C for 30 min after the gel was formed, and a large increase in the intermolecular β‐sheet bands was observed by heat treatment. These results suggest that the formation of sodium caprate‐induced gels of β‐LG was accompanied by less marked changes in the protein conformation than those in heat‐induced gels.
Synergistic effect of BSA on antioxidant activities in model food emulsions
Authors: Almajano M. Pilar , Gordon Michael H. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSunflower oil‐in‐water emulsions containing TBHQ, caffeic acid, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), or 6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethylchroma‐2‐carboxylic acid (Trolox), both with and without BSA, were stored at 50 and 30°C. Oxidation of the oil was monitored by determination of the PV, conjugated diene content, and hexanal formation. Emulsions containing EGCG, caffeic acid, and, to a lesser extent, Trolox were much more stable during storage in the presence of BSA than in its absence even though BSA itself did not provide an antioxidant effect. BSA did not have a synergistic effect on the antioxidant activity of TBHQ. The BSA structure changed, with a considerable loss of fluorescent tryptophan groups during storage of solutions containing BSA and antioxidants, and a BSA‐antioxidant adduct with radical‐scavenging activity was formed. The highest radical‐scavenging activity observed was for the isolated protein from a sample containing EGCG and BSA incubated at 30°C for 10 d. This fraction contained unchanged BSA as well as BSA‐antioxidant adduct, but 95.7% of the initial fluorescence had been lost, showing that most of the BSA had been altered. It can be concluded that BSA exerts its synergistic effect with antioxidants because of formation of a protein‐antioxidant adduct during storage, which is concentrated at the oil‐water interface owing to the surface‐active nature of the protein.
Lipase‐catalyzed esterification of glycerol and oleic acid
Authors: Yesiloglu Yesim , Kilic Ismail 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe enzymatic synthesis of glycerides from glycerol and oleic acid in organic solvent was studied, and the optimal conditions for glyceride synthesis by lipases were established. Of the commercially available lipases that were investigated, Candida rugosa lipase and porcine pancreas lipase resulted in the highest extent of esterification. Iso‐octane and hexane were particularly useful organic solvents in glyceride synthesis. The water content in the reaction mixture was of primary importance. For C. rugosa lipase and porcine pancreas lipase, the optimal water contents were 5 and 1%, respectively. Candida rugosa lipase and porcine pancreas lipase manifested contrasting positional specificities in glyceride synthesis.
Ergosterol peroxide from an edible mushroom suppresses inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophages and growth of HT29 colon adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Kobori M , Yoshida M , Ohnishi‐Kameyama M , Shinmoto H 
Published: December 2006

Background and purpose:5α,8α‐Epidioxy‐22E‐ergosta‐6, 22‐dien‐3β‐ol (ergosterol peroxide) is a major antitumour sterol produced by edible or medicinal mushrooms. However, its molecular mechanism of action has yet to be determined. Here, we examine the anticancer and anti‐inflammatory effects of ergosterol peroxide.Experimental approach:After treating RAW264.7 macrophages with LPS and purified ergosterol peroxide or ergosterol, we determined LPS‐induced inflammatory cytokines, nuclear DNA binding activity of transcription factors and phosphorylation of MAP kinases (MAPKs). HT29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells were treated with ergosterol peroxide for 5 days. To investigate the antitumour properties of ergosterol peroxide, we performed DNA microarray and RT‐PCR analyses and determined the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HT29 cells.Key results:Ergosterol peroxide suppressed LPS‐induced TNF‐α secretion and IL‐1α/β expression in RAW264.7 cells. Ergosterol peroxide and ergosterol suppressed LPS‐induced DNA binding activity of NF‐κB and C/EBPβ, and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38, JNK and ERK MAPKs. Ergosterol peroxide down‐regulated the expression of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) regulated by C/EBP, and HMG‐CoA reductase (HMGCR) in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, ergosterol peroxide showed cytostatic effects on HT29 cells and increased intracellular ROS. Furthermore, ergosterol peroxide induced the expression of oxidative stress‐inducible genes, and the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN1A, and suppressed STAT1 and interferon‐inducible genes.Conclusion and Implication:Our results suggest that ergosterol peroxide and ergosterol suppress LPS‐induced inflammatory responses through inhibition of NF‐κB and C/EBPβ transcriptional activity, and phosphorylation of MAPKs. Moreover, ergosterol peroxide appears to suppress cell growth and STAT1 mediated inflammatory responses by altering the redox state in HT29 cells.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 209–219. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706972