bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzyme‐ and immunohistochemical aspects of skeletal muscle fibers in brown bear (Ursus arctos)
Authors: Smerdu Vika , Čehovin Tamara , Štrbenc Malan , Fazarinc Gregor 
Published: September 2008

AbstractTo further elucidate the pattern of MHC isoform expression in skeletal muscles of large mammals, in this study the skeletal muscles of brown bear, one of the largest mammalian predators with an extraordinary locomotor capacity, were analyzed. Fiber types in longissimus dorsi, triceps brachii caput longum, and rectus femoris muscles were determined according to the myofibrillar ATPase (mATPase) histochemistry and MHC isoform expression, revealed by a set of antibodies specific to MHC isoforms. The oxidative (SDH) and glycolytic enzyme (α‐GPDH) capacity of fibers was demonstrated as well. By mATPase histochemistry five fiber types, i.e., I, IIC, IIA, IIAX, IIX were distinguished. Analyzing the MHC isoform expression, we assume that MHC‐I, ‐IIa, and ‐IIx are expressed in the muscles of adolescent bears. MHC‐I isoform was expressed in Type‐I fibers and coexpressed with presumably ‐IIa isoform, in Type‐IIC fibers. Surprisingly, two antibodies specific to rat MHC‐IIa stained those fast fibers, that were histochemically and immunohistochemically classified as Type IIX. This assumption was additionally confirmed by complete absence of fiber staining with antibody specific to rat MHC‐IIb and all fast fiber staining with antibody that according to our experience recognizes MHC‐IIa and ‐IIx of rat. Furthermore, quite high‐oxidative capacity of all fast fiber types and their weak glycolytic capacity also imply for MHC‐IIa and ‐IIx isoform expression in fast fibers of bear. However, in adult, full‐grown animal, only MHC‐I and MHC‐IIa isoforms were expressed. The expression of only two fast isoforms in bear, like in many other large mammals (humans, cat, dog, goat, cattle, and horse) obviously meets the weight‐bearing and locomotor demands of these mammals. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ontogeny of the complex sperm in the macrostomid flatworm Macrostomum lignano (Macrostomorpha, Rhabditophora)
Authors: Willems Maxime , Leroux Frederic , Claeys Myriam , Boone Mieke , Mouton Stijn , Artois Tom , Borgonie Gaëtan 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSpermiogenesis in Macrostomum lignano (Macrostomorpha, Rhabditophora) is described using light‐ and electron microscopy of the successive stages in sperm development. Ovoid spermatids develop to highly complex, elongated sperm possessing an undulating distal (anterior) process (or “feeler”), bristles, and a proximal (posterior) brush. In particular, we present a detailed account of the morphology and ontogeny of the bristles, describing for the first time the formation of a highly specialized bristle complex consisting of several parts. This complex is ultimately reduced when sperm are mature. The implications of the development of this bristle complex on both sperm maturation and the evolution and function of the bristles are discussed. The assumed homology between bristles and flagellae questioned. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cadmium modulates proliferation and differentiation of human neuroblasts
Authors: Gulisano Massimo , Pacini Stefania , Punzi Tiziana , Morucci Gabriele , Quagliata Sara , Delfino Giovanni , Sarchielli Erica , Marini Mirca , Vannelli Gabriella B. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractCadmium is an environmental pollutant inducing numerous pathological effects, including neurological disorders and brain diseases. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of cadmium in affecting neurons and in inducing neurotoxicity in the development of the human brain. We have recently established, cloned, and propagated in vitro a primary long‐term cell culture (FNC‐B4) obtained from the human fetal olfactory neuroepithelium. In the present study, we show that different concentrations of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) induced dose‐dependent biological effects in FNC‐B4 cells. A low concentration (10 μM) of CdCl2 stimulated neuroblast growth, whereas a high concentration (100 μM) inhibited the growth and the viability of neuroblasts inducing morphological and cytoskeletal alterations as well as apoptotic cell death. We also observed that CdCl2 affected, in a dose‐dependent manner, the differentiation of FNC‐B4 neuroblasts, with increased mRNA and protein levels of differentiation markers and decreased expression levels of neuronal stem markers. Furthermore, differentiated cells co‐expressed glial and neuronal markers. We suggest that CdCl2 in FNC‐B4 neuroblasts might represent a selective cue by which, in a heterogeneous primary culture, the more differentiated mature cells die, whereas the undifferentiated cells, at the same time glial and neuronal progenitors, are forced to access a state of differentiation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The amino terminus of tau inhibits kinesin‐dependent axonal transport: Implications for filament toxicity
Authors: LaPointe Nichole E. , Morfini Gerardo , Pigino Gustavo , Gaisina Irina N. , Kozikowski Alan P. , Binder Lester I. , Brady Scott T. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies is characterized by filamentous deposits of the microtubule‐associated protein tau, but the relationship between tau polymerization and neurotoxicity is unknown. Here, we examined effects of filamentous tau on fast axonal transport (FAT) using isolated squid axoplasm. Monomeric and filamentous forms of recombinant human tau were perfused in axoplasm, and their effects on kinesin‐ and dynein‐dependent FAT rates were evaluated by video microscopy. Although perfusion of monomeric tau at physiological concentrations showed no effect, tau filaments at the same concentrations selectively inhibited anterograde (kinesin‐dependent) FAT, triggering the release of conventional kinesin from axoplasmic vesicles. Pharmacological experiments indicated that the effect of tau filaments on FAT is mediated by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) activities. Moreover, deletion analysis suggested that these effects depend on a conserved 18‐amino‐acid sequence at the amino terminus of tau. Interestingly, monomeric tau isoforms lacking the C‐terminal half of the molecule (including the microtubule binding region) recapitulated the effects of full‐length filamentous tau. Our results suggest that pathological tau aggregation contributes to neurodegeneration by altering a regulatory pathway for FAT. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Laminin peptide YIGSR and its receptor regulate sensory axonal response to the chemoattractive guidance cue in the chick embryo
Authors: Masuda Tomoyuki , Sakuma Chie , Kobayashi Kenta , Kikuchi Kazufumi , Soda Emi , Shiga Takashi , Kobayashi Kazuto , Yaginuma Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2008

AbstractDuring early development, centrally projecting dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons extend their axons toward the dorsal spinal cord. We previously reported the involvement of dorsal spinal cord‐derived chemoattraction in this projection (Masuda et al. [ 2007] Neuroreport 18:1645–1649). However, the molecular nature of this attraction is not clear. Here we show that laminin‐1 (α1β1γ1) is expressed strongly along the pathway of DRG axons and that its 67‐kDa receptor (67LR) is present on DRG cells. This evidence suggests that laminin‐1‐67LR signaling may be involved in DRG axonal guidance. By employing culture assays, we show that laminin‐1 or the YIGSR peptide, a soluble peptide of the laminin β1 chain, promotes the DRG axonal response to dorsal spinal cord‐derived chemoattraction. By using a function‐blocking antibody against 67LR, we show that the anti‐67LR antibody blocks the modulation of DRG axonal response by the YIGSR peptide in vitro. Furthermore, the in ovo injection of the anti‐67LR antibody inhibits the DRG axonal growth toward the dorsal spinal cord. These results provide evidence that the YIGSR peptide promotes dorsal spinal cord‐derived chemoattraction via 67LR to contribute to the formation of the initial trajectories of developing DRG axons. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro activity of dalbavancin against enterococci isolates from wild animals, pets, poultry and humans in Portugal
Authors: Poeta Patricia , Radhouani Hajer , Sargo Roberto , Igrejas Gilberto 
Published: September 2008

AbstractDalbavancin is a new new semisynthetic teicoplanin‐related lipoglycopeptide with activity against gram‐positive organisms. We investigated the activity of dalbavancin against faecal enterococci isolates from wild animals, pets, poultry and healthy humans in Portugal.The in vitro activity of dalbavancin was determined by the microbroth dilution method according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines in 589 enterococci of different species and origins. All vancomycin‐susceptible Enterococcus spp. were inhibited by ≤0.25 mg/l dalbavancin. Although vancomycin‐resistant‐enterococci (VRE) showed higher dalbavancin MIC values (16 mg/l), the isolates that exhibited the VanC resistance phenotype were inhibited at dalbavancin concentrations ≤0.125 mg/l. Only van A isolates were not inhibited by low concentrations of dalbavancin since van A strains showed higher dalbavancin MIC values (16 mg/l). (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation and characterization of phenol degrading yeast
Authors: Patel Riddhi , Rajkumar Shalini 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA phenol degrading yeast isolate was identified and characterized from the soil sample collected from a landfill site, in Ahmedabad, India, by plating the soil dilutions on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar. The microscopic studies and biochemical tests indicated the isolate to be Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The phenol degrading potential of the isolate was measured by inoculation of pure culture in the mineral medium containing various phenol concentrations ranging from 100 to 800 mg l–1 and monitoring phenol disappearance rate at regular intervals of time. Growth of the isolate in mineral medium with various phenol concentrations was monitored by measuring the turbidity (OD600 nm). The results showed that the isolated yeast was tolerant to phenol up to 800 mg–1. The phenol degradation ranged from 8.57 to 100% for the concentration of phenol from 800 mg l–1 to 200 mg l–1, respectively. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of the Penicillium chrysogenum antifungal protein (PAF) on barley powdery mildew and wheat leaf rust pathogens
Authors: Barna Balázs , Leiter Éva , Hegedűs Nikoletta , Bíró Tamás , Pócsi István 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe small molecular mass antifungal protein of Penicillium chrysogenum (PAF) inhibited the growths of two obligate biotrophic fungal pathogens, Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei and Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici and, hence, mitigated the symptoms of barley powdery mildew and wheat leaf rust infections, respectively. PAF also affected adversely the germination of B. graminis conidia and P. recondita uredospores causing degenerative branching of germ tubes. Since powdery mildews and rusts cause serious economic losses the potential applicability of PAF to control these plant diseases is promising. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A high‐resolution pollen and geochemical analysis of late Holocene human impact and vegetation history in southern Cumbria, England
Authors: Coombes Paul M. V. , Chiverrell Richard C. , Barber Keith E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe historic era, which in Cumbria begins with the Roman invasion of AD 71, is a frequently neglected period in palaeoecological research, but its study can bring benefits in improving knowledge of landscape history and in understanding the significance and limitations of palaeoecological records. Pollen and geochemical data are presented for late Holocene records from Deer Dyke and Hulleter Mosses in southern Cumbria. The records show initially low levels of anthropogenic impact, followed by a phase of forest clearance and mixed agriculture from the 7th to 11th centuries AD. The timing of these clearances suggests that they were initially Anglo‐Saxon in origin, rather than Norse. Further clearances in the 16th century AD are interpreted as a response to monastic dissolution and late Tudor population pressures; the landscapes reached their contemporary form following extensive clearances in the 17th century AD. Silicon and titanium concentrations at Deer Dyke Moss were used to reconstruct past levels of atmospheric dust loading, which is broadly related to soil erosion. Geochemical influx was found to peak during periods of landscape transition rather than from established land use. This relationship with pollen data is thought to reflect the predominantly low levels of anthropogenic impact in the region, which changes as substantial woodland clearances during the 16th century AD and continuous land use pressure since then have greatly increased the supply of airborne dust. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance comparison of free and immobilised chicken liver esterase inhibited by four different pesticides
Authors: Xu Fei , Yu Wei‐Jing , Sun Da‐Wen , Xu Xue‐Qin , Hua Tse‐Chao 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: In enzyme inhibition‐based biosensors for the detection of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, the biological element is the immobilised esterase which is inhibited selectively by the pesticides. The free chicken liver esterase, which possesses comparable inhibition response to the pesticides as AChE, has been reported. However, the responses to the pesticides are different between the free and immobilised enzyme due to the diffusion limitation. Therefore, in this study four typical pesticides were selected to compare the ability of free and (ion exchange) immobilised chicken enzyme for pesticide detection and reasons for the difference were investigated.RESULTS: For dichlorvos and malathion at a concentration of 0.1 mg L−1, the inhibition of the immobilised enzyme was 26.98% and 48.72%, respectively, higher than that for the free enzyme, while the percentage inhibition of free and immobilised enzyme differed very little for trichlorfon at 0.1 mg L−1. In the meantime, carbaryl at a concentration of 2.5 mg L−1 showed a 17.72% inhibition for immobilised enzyme which was 13.64% higher than that for the free enzyme. The Michaelis constant of immobilised enzyme was lower than that of the free one and suitable pH values for the free and immobilised enzyme were 7.5 and 8.0, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of chicken liver esterase to the pesticide inhibition could be improved by immobilisation. Smaller Km and a lower pH for the micro‐environment of immobilised enzyme should result in higher percentage inhibition compared with that of the free enzyme. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of short‐chain branching content in polyethylene by pyrolysis comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography using low thermal mass column technology
Authors: Eckerle Patric , Pursch Matthias , Cortes Hernan J. , Sun Kefu , Winniford Bill , Luong Jim 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA research effort was undertaken to utilize the pyrolysis process to create fragments of polyethylene that could be indicative of branching, and allow quantitiation of said short‐chain branches by pyrolysis comprehensive 2‐D GC (Py‐GC×GC). Several strategies for sample introduction and pyrolysis such as the in‐column pyrolysis device and the programmed temperature vaporizer (PTV) were studied. The chromatographic separations were executed using low‐thermal mass (LTM) comprehensive 2‐D GC (GC×GC). A series of polyethylene‐co‐hexene samples were analyzed and a linear correlation of 1‐hexene content with branching peak ratio was found. Correlation coefficients were determined as 0.97 for the measurements performed.
Analysis of aldehydes via headspace SPME with on‐fiber derivatization to their O‐(2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl)oxime derivatives and comprehensive 2D‐GC‐MS
Authors: Schmarr Hans‐Georg , Sang Wei , Ganß Sebastian , Fischer Ulrich , Köpp Benedikt , Schulz Carsten , Potouridis Theodoros 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA method for the analysis of the homologous series of alkanals, (E)‐2‐alkenals, and (E,E)‐2,4‐alkadienals is described utilizing a headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) step and on‐fiber derivatization with O‐(2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine (PFBHA) hydrochloride. Oxime derivatives formed on the fiber are desorbed in the gas chromatographic injector and analyzed by comprehensive 2‐D GC coupled to quadrupole MS (GC×GC‐qMS). Selecting specific fragment ions within the electron impact mass spectra of the oxime derivatives provides a suitable method for the target analysis of these aldehyde classes, which furthermore benefits from the increased separation efficiency by GC×GC. The analysis of higher molecular weight aldehydes is described in wine and grape seed oil as examples. Quantification of the aldehydes utilizes a stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA) assay with octan‐d16‐al as isotopomeric internal standard. Besides the selectivity and sensitivity of aldehyde analysis using PFBHA derivatives, critical aspects on background level contamination and repeatability of the sample preparation method are discussed. Optimization of GC×GC‐qMS parameters allowed a considerable saving of the cryogenic medium, involving additional (unmodulated) conditioning runs, rendering the method more amenable to routine analysis.
Viability of human septal cartilage after 1.45 µm diode laser irradiation
Authors: Choi Ick‐Soo , Chae Yong‐Seok , Zemek Allison , Protsenko Dmitry E. , Wong Brian 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesChondrocyte viability following laser irradiation and reshaping has not been established for human nasal septal cartilage. Knowledge of the relationship between thermal injury and laser dosimetry is needed in order to optimize septal laser cartilage reshaping. The objective of this study was to determine the depth and width of thermal injury in human septal cartilage following laser irradiation.Study Design/Materials and MethodsExcess fresh nasal septal cartilage sections from rhinoplasty or septoplasty operations were irradiated using a 1.45 µm diode laser 1.25–3.6 W (2.8 mm spot diameter) with 1 second fixed exposure time, and then at exposure times of 1–4 seconds for a fixed power of 1.25 W. An infrared camera recorded surface temperature profiles during irradiation, and the temperature data were incorporated into a rate process model to numerically estimate thermal damage. Calcein AM and ethidium homodimer‐1 fluorescent dyes combined with confocal laser microscopy (CLM) were used to measure thermal damage.ResultsCLM demonstrated clear demarcation between dead and living cells following irradiation. The extent of non‐viable chondrocyte distributions increased with power and exposure time. The maximum depths of injury were 1,012 and 1,372 µm after 3.6 W 1 second and 1.25 W 4 seconds irradiation respectively. The damage predictions made by the rate process model underestimated thermal injury when compared with CLM measurements.ConclusionsThe assay system identified regions of non‐viable chondrocytes in human septal cartilage and defined how thermal injury varies with dosimetry when using a 1.45 µm diode laser. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:562–569, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of laser beam profile in soft tissue due to compression, glycerol, and micro‐needling
Authors: Kang Heesung , Son Taeyoon , Yoon Jinhee , Kwon Kiwoon , Nelson J. Stuart , Jung Byungjo 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesVarious methods have been suggested to enhance photon density in biological tissues in an attempt to maximize the efficacy of laser therapy. In this study, the effects of tissue compression, glycerol, and micro‐needling methods on the laser beam profile (LBP) were investigated by quantitatively evaluating the spatial distribution of subsurface tissue photon density.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThe LBP in tissue was obtained by imaging the laser beam transmitted through ex vivo porcine skin samples. The independent and combinational effects of tissue compression, glycerol, and micro‐needling methods on the LBP were evaluated by quantitatively analyzing the full width at half‐maximum (FWHM), maximum intensity, and total intensity at FWHM.ResultsExperimental results indicate the enhancement of the quality of Gaussian beam profile in ex vivo porcine skin. Glycerol and tissue compression resulted in an increase of maximum and total intensity and a decrease of FWHM. Tissue compression in conjunction with glycerol was determined to be the most effective method for enhancing the LBP. The topical application of glycerol in conjunction with micro‐needling reduced the time period to optically clear tissue, which resulted in a further increase of subsurface tissue photon density.ConclusionTissue compression, glycerol, and micro‐needling methods might be used independently or in combination to effectively enhance the photon density delivered to target chromophores in subsurface tissue, thus improving the LBP quality. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:570–575, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of 808 nm low‐power laser irradiation on the muscle contraction of frog gastrocnemius
Authors: Komatsu Mitsuaki , Kubo Tomihiro , Kogure Shinichi , Matsuda Yoshiki , Watanabe Kazuhiro 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground and objectivesThe efficacy of low‐power laser irradiation (LLI) on muscle fibers remains unclear; therefore, we examined the effect of LLI (808 nm: 60 or 100 mW) on muscle contraction and conducted waveform analyses of the twitch curve, including alterations in the peak amplitudes of tension (AMP), latency (LAT), contraction period (CP), and relaxation period (RP).Study design/materials and methodsThe sciatic nerve‐gastrocnemius muscles of 35 frogs (Xenopus laevis) were prepared. In Experiment 1, continuous stimulation for gastrocnemius contraction was delivered to the sciatic nerve (10 minutes); the experimental group simultaneously received LLI. In Experiment 2, two sets of stimulation and cessation (2 minutes each) were repeated after the initial stimulation period (2 minutes); the experimental group received LLI during the resting period.Results and conclusionsIn Experiment 1, 60 mW LLI significantly facilitated an attenuation of AMP and maintained a smaller prolongation of CP (P<0.05), whereas 100 mW LLI significantly influenced a retardation of AMP attenuation and LAT prolongation (P<0.05). In Experiment 2, 100 mW LLI significantly influenced AMP attenuation and LAT prolongation by retardation (P<0.05); almost no effects were obtained in the case of 60 mW LLI. These results suggest that 808 nm LLI influences both synaptic signal transmission at the neuromuscular junction and excitation–contraction coupling in the muscle fibers, but not the relaxation process. We conclude that LLI at relatively high doses can influence muscle by retarding AMP attenuation and LAT prolongation. Lesers Surg. Med. 40:576–583, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.