bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pituitary–adrenal axis function in dogs with neoplasia*
Authors: Boozer A. L. , Behrend E. N. , Kemppainen R. J. , Whitley E. M. , Smith A. N. , Busch K. A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractAdrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests were done in healthy and tumour‐bearing dogs. In the tumour‐bearing dogs, plasma endogenous ACTH (eACTH) concentration was measured and adrenal gland size was assessed ultrasonographically. Measurements in the tumour‐bearing dogs were taken prior to therapy. No difference existed in basal or ACTH‐stimulated cortisol concentration between tumour‐bearing and healthy dogs. No difference existed in eACTH concentration between dogs with non‐haematopoietic neoplasia (NHN) and lymphoma. However, of 20 dogs with lymphoma, 15% had increased basal serum cortisol concentration, 5% had an exaggerated response to ACTH and 5% had an increased eACTH concentration. Of 15 dogs with NHN, 20% had increased basal cortisol concentration, 7% had an exaggerated ACTH response and no dogs had an increased eACTH concentration. Of the dogs with lymphoma and NHN, 5 and 13%, respectively, had decreased basal cortisol concentrations; 20% of dogs with lymphoma and 13% with NHN had a subnormal ACTH response. eACTH levels were below the reference range in 10% of dogs with lymphoma and 7% with NHN. Overall, 10 adrenal glands were enlarged in seven dogs, five with lymphoma and two with NHN. The clinical significance of these findings remains to be determined.
Maternal Immunopotentiation Affects Caspase Activation and NF‐κB DNA‐binding Activity in Embryos Responding to an Embryopathic Stress
Authors: Torchinsky Arkady , Gongadze Maka , Zaslavsky Zeev , Savion Shoshana , Fein Amos , Toder Veadimir 
Published: December 2005

Problem Increased embryonic resistance to teratogenic stresses as a result of maternal immunopotentiation is associated with a decrease in the intensity of teratogen‐induced apoptosis in target embryonic structures. These findings suggest that this effect of maternal immunopotentiation might be realized through modification of the expression of molecules regulating the teratogen‐induced apoptotic process. To examine this possibility, we evaluated caspases 3, 8 and 9 activation as well as nuclear factor (NF)‐κB DNA‐binding activity in the embryos of immunopotentiated mice exposed to cyclophosphamide (CP).Methods of study The rate of resorptions and the proportion of malformed fetuses in CP‐treated mice were recorded on day 19 of pregnancy. Activity of caspases was tested in cytoplasmic extracts collected from the embryonic brain 24 hr after CP treatment using appropriate fluorometric kits, whereas NF‐κB DNA‐binding activity was evaluated in nuclear extracts using the electrophoretic mobility shift assay.Results As in our previous studies, immunopotentiated CP‐treated females exhibited a lower rate of resorptions or fetuses with open eyes than their non‐immunopotentiated counterparts. In parallel, we observed that maternal immunopotentiation normalized the CP‐induced activation of the tested caspases as well as the CP‐induced suppression of NF‐κB DNA‐binding activity.Conclusions As caspases act as inducers of apoptosis, and NF‐κB acts in CP‐treated embryos as an apoptosis suppressor, the above results suggest that maternal immunopotentiation might affect embryonic sensitivity to embryopathic stresses via NF‐κB‐ and caspases‐associated pathways.
Testicular Isoform of Angiotensin I‐Converting Enzyme (ACE, CD143) on the Surface of Human Spermatozoa: Revelation and Quantification Using Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Nikolaeva Marina A. , Balyasnikova Irina V. , Alexinskaya Marina A. , Metzger Roman , Franke Folker E. , Albrecht Ronald F. , Kulakov Vladimir I. , Sukhikh Gennady T. , Danilov Sergei M. 
Published: December 2005

Problem  The elucidation of the role of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE, CD143) in the male fertility has been hampered by the absence of highly specific antibodies to the native testicular isoform (tACE). The quantification of tACE expression on human‐ejaculated spermatozoa was performed using a novel panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).Method of study The expression of tACE on the surface of live and fixed human spermatozoa was analyzed by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry using new mAbs to human tACE.Results Monoclonal antibodies 1E10 and 4E3 similarly revealed tACE on the surface of live and fixed spermatozoa. The high percentage of tACE‐positive spermatozoa (median 81%) was revealed in the swim‐up fraction of sperm. Antibody‐induced tACE shedding occurs preferentially from live sperm with defective function and/or morphology. Testicular ACE is located on the plasma membrane of the post‐acrosomal region, the neck and midpiece of normal spermatozoa, but showed a variable distribution on the defective cells.Conclusions The new mAbs recognizing the C‐terminal domain of human ACE are useful tools for quantification of tACE expression on human live and fixed spermatozoa and further adequate analysis of the tACE role in reproduction.
Granulocyte‐Macrophage Colony‐Stimulating Factor Levels in Amniotic Fluid Before the Onset of Labor and During Labor Do Not Differ in Normal Pregnancies
Authors: Hayashi Masatoshi , Sohma Ryoichi , Sumioka Yumiko , Inaba Noriyuki 
Published: December 2005

Problem  Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) at the implantation site may regulate invasion and differentiation of placental trophoblast. We evaluated whether GM‐CSF levels in amniotic fluid during labor contributing to subsequent delivery differed from those before the onset of labor in normal pregnancies.Method of study This study enrolled 36 Japanese women experiencing normal pregnancies with single fetuses who had no infection. Of these pregnancies, 18 were women during labor that led to subsequent term delivery (labors). The other 18 were women without labor underwent cesarean section (controls). These two groups (18 labors and 18 controls) were compared. The average gestational age at entry was 38–39 weeks of gestation. The women's ages and gestational ages did not differ significantly between the two groups. Amniotic fluid was collected and the GM‐CSF levels were compared between two groups. The GM‐CSF level was determined by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method.Results There was no significant increase in GM‐CSF levels in amniotic fluid during labor compared with that before the onset of labor.Conclusions The GM‐CSF in amniotic fluid may not promote the onset of labor at term and/or term labor contributing to subsequent delivery may not induce the production and secretion of GM‐CSF into amniotic cavity.
Evidence for Interleukin‐10‐Mediated Inhibition of Cyclo‐ oxygenase‐2 Expression and Prostaglandin Production in Preterm Human Placenta
Authors: Hanna Nazeeh , Bonifacio Lea , Weinberger Barry , Reddy Pradeep , Murphy Shaun , Romero Roberto , Sharma Surendra 
Published: December 2005

Problem  Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is thought to be a key cytokine for the maintenance of pregnancy. Here we examined the expression profiles of IL‐10 and cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and the effect of IL‐10 on COX‐2 expression and prostaglandin release in the human placenta from preterm labor deliveries associated with chorioamnionitis.Method of study  Placental tissues from preterm labor and term labor deliveries were processed for ex vivo placental explant culture system. IL‐10 expression was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. COX‐2 expression was evaluated by IHC, Western blotting and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release was measured by ELISA.Results  IL‐10 was significantly reduced in chorioamnionitis‐associated preterm labor as well as in term labor placental tissues compared with second trimester normal pregnancy samples obtained from elective terminations. Similar results were obtained with freshly isolated cytotrophoblasts from these deliveries. As expected, COX‐2 mRNA was detected at significant levels in tissues from term and preterm labor deliveries compared with no labor term deliveries. Importantly, IL‐10 inhibited COX‐2 expression in cultured placental explants from preterm labor deliveries, but not from term labor samples. Inhibition of COX‐2 expression coincided with reduced PGE2 release.Conclusion  These results demonstrate the importance of IL‐10 in countering inflammation associated with preterm labor, and suggest that term and preterm parturition may, in part, represent different conditions.
Tracking Bat‐Dispersed Seeds Using Fluorescent Pigment1
Authors: Reiter J. , Curio E. , Tacud B. , Urbina H. , Geronimo F. 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTTracking the dispersal of seeds by fruit‐eating animals in tropical rain forests is crucial to further our understanding of plant–frugivore interactions and their impacts upon forest regeneration and plant population dynamics. We tested the feasibility of tracking bat‐dispersed seeds in a Philippine lowland rain forest with the help of fluorescent pigment. The powder was mixed with acetone and sprayed to ripe fruits of fig trees,i.e.,Ficus septicaandF. variegata. During nightly monitoring using a hand‐held ultraviolet lamp bat deposits (seed‐containing spat outs and feces) could successfully be detected. Distances and directions of deposit sites to the focal trees were recorded and seed shadow areas were analyzed. Bats dispersed most of the seeds less than 50 m away from the parent plants resulting in seed shadow areas < 0.30 ha in size. Anin situfruit preference experiment showed that fluorescent powder is unlikely to deter bats from feeding on ripe figs. In conclusion, the technique is simple, inexpensive, noninvasive, applicable to different fields of research and allows one to follow the fate of seeds from known sources.
Species Turnover and Vertical Partitioning of Ant Assemblages in the Brazilian Amazon: A Comparison of Forests and Savannas1
Authors: Vasconcelos Heraldo L. , Vilhena José M. S. 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTWe measured beta diversity, or turnover in species composition, of ant assemblages inhabiting patches of forest and savanna (cerrado) near Alter do Chão, in the Brazilian Amazon. In addition, we assessed vertical partitioning of these assemblages by comparing the ground and lower vegetation strata within each habitat. Ants attracted to sardine baits were collected along transects in 39 savanna and 34 forest sites scattered over a 16 km × 16 km landscape. There were about twice as many species in the forest as in the savanna, and within both habitats, we collected more species on the ground than in the vegetation. Similar results were obtained when analyzing data at the level of individual transects, indicating that ant species richness is affected by both habitat and strata. About two‐thirds of the species recorded in the savanna were also found in the forest. Within both habitats, a large proportion of the species found in the least species‐rich stratum (vegetation) were also found in the richer one (ground). However, ordination analysis, using data from individual transects, revealed that different habitats and strata can be clearly discriminated from each other in terms of their ant species composition. Each habitat and stratum had a number of characteristic (indicator) species which, although generally not exclusive to that particular habitat and stratum, predominated there. Our findings indicate that habitat and strata specialization is an important factor governing the organization of ant communities in Amazonia.
A MICROTRAY‐BASED AGGREGATION ASSAY FOR THE RAPID DETECTION OF POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION AMPLICONS PRODUCED FROM BACTERIAL PATHOGENS
Authors: PU HSIN‐YI , WU SHAW‐JYE 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACT A microtray‐based aggregation test was developed for the rapid and cost‐effective detection of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons from foodborne pathogens. The PCR was performed using biotinylated primers, and the amplified DNA fragments were able to aggregate streptavidin‐coated particles. When transferred to a microtyping tray, the aggregated particles converged at the periphery of the well floor to form a visible ring within 5 min. No additional equipment was needed, and purification of the PCR amplicons was unnecessary. Using species‐specific biotinylated primers, we successfully demonstrated that the aggregation test can detect and identify Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter jejuni and Escherichia coli O157:H7 cells. The simplicity, rapidity and economy of this method should benefit food‐safety monitoring, as well as various other diagnostic PCR experiments.
MODELING SURVIVAL CURVES OF SALMONELLA SPP. IN CHORIZOS USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS AND REGRESSION
Authors: HAJMEER M. , BASHEER I. , CLIVER D.O. 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACT Time‐dependent survival curves of Salmonella spp. in chorizos were modeled using both the classical method of statistical regression and the newly introduced method of artificial neural networks (ANNs). The survival curves were obtained experimentally for chorizos formulated at five initial water activity (Aw0) levels of 0.85, 0.90, 0.93, 0.95 and 0.97, which had been stored under four different storage conditions: in a refrigerator (Ref) at 6C, at room temperature (RT) of 25C, in a hood (Hd) at 25C with forced inflow air circulation velocity F of 25.4 m/min and in an incubator (Inc) at 30C. The developed models enable prediction of survival curves (log count versus time) for Salmonella in chorizos as affected by a given set of operating conditions (Aw0, storage temperature [T] and F). Additionally, both the 1D‐ and 2D‐values (time to reduce the count by 1 and 2 logs, respectively) were derived from a number of simulated survival curves and were used to develop regression models (R2 = 0.980 and 0.977 for 1D‐ and 2D‐value models, respectively) for predicting these two times as a function of operating conditions. Both 1D‐ and 2D‐values increased with increasing Aw0 and decreasing T and F. Additionally, these times were more sensitive to Aw0 when the latter was above 0.940, and F was more influential at higher T. The ANN‐based model (R2 = 0.967) outperformed the regression‐based model (R2 = 0.919) and was also used to develop models for predicting the 1D‐ and 2D‐values as a function of Aw0, T and F.
Do Conservative Solutes Migrate at Average Pore‐Water Velocity?
Authors: Rovey Charles W. , Niemann William L. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractAccording to common understanding, the advective velocity of a conservative solute equals the average linear pore‐water velocity. Yet direct monitoring indicates that the two velocities may be different in heterogeneous media. For example, at the Camp Dodge, Iowa, site the advective velocity of discrete Cl− plumes was less than one tenth of the average pore‐water velocity calculated from Darcy's law using the measured hydraulic gradient, effective porosity, and hydraulic conductivity (K) from large‐scale three‐dimensional (3D) techniques, e.g., pumping tests. Possibly, this difference reflects the influence of different pore systems, if the K relevant to transient solute flux is influenced more by lower‐K heterogeneity than a steady or quasi‐steady water flux.To test this idea, tracer tests were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. Under one‐dimensional flow conditions, the advective velocity of discrete conservative solutes equaled the average pore‐water velocity determined from volumetric flow rates and Darcy's law. In a larger 3D flow system, however, the same solutes migrated at ∼65% of the average pore‐water velocity. These results, coupled with direct observation of dye tracers and their velocities as they migrated through both homogeneous and heterogeneous sections of the same model, demonstrate that heterogeneity can slow the advective velocity of discrete solute plumes relative to the average pore‐water velocity within heterogeneous 3D flow sytems.
Boosting Immune Response to Hepatitis B DNA Vaccine by Coadministration of Prothymosin α-Expressing Plasmid
Authors: Jin Yanwen , Cao Cheng , Li Ping , Liu Xuan , Huang Wei , Li Chufang , Ma Qingjun 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTDNA vaccines induce protective humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in several animal models. However, compared to conventional vaccines, DNA vaccines usually induce poor antibody responses. In this study, we report that coadministration of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA vaccine with prothymosin α as an adjuvant improves antibody responses to HBV S antigen. We also observed higher seroconversion rates and higher antibody titers. Prothymosin α appears to increase the number and affinity of hepatitis B surface antigen-specific, gamma interferon-secreting T cells and to enhance cellular immune response to the PreS2S DNA vaccine. Interestingly, administering the DNA separately from the prothymosin α plasmid abrogated the enhancement of DNA vaccine potency. The results suggest that prothymosin α may be a promising adjuvant for DNA vaccines.
Induction of Antigen-Specific Th1-Type Immune Responses by Gamma-Irradiated RecombinantBrucella abortusRB51
Authors: Sanakkayala Neelima , Sokolovska Anna , Gulani Jatinder , HogenEsch Harm , Sriranganathan Nammalwar , Boyle Stephen M. , Schurig Gerhardt G. , Vemulapalli Ramesh 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTBrucella abortusstrain RB51 is an attenuated rough mutant used as the live vaccine against bovine brucellosis in the United States and other countries. We previously reported the development of strain RB51 as a bacterial vaccine vector for inducing Th1-type immune responses against heterologous proteins. Because safety concerns may preclude the use of strain RB51-based recombinant live vaccines, we explored the ability of a gamma-irradiated recombinant RB51 strain to induce heterologous antigen-specific immune responses in BALB/c mice. Exposure of strain RB51G/LacZ expressingEscherichia coliβ-galactosidase to a minimum of 300 kilorads of gamma radiation resulted in complete loss of replicative ability. These bacteria, however, remained metabolically active and continued to synthesize β-galactosidase. A single intraperitoneal inoculation of mice with 109CFU equivalents of gamma-irradiated, but not heat-killed, RB51G/LacZ induced a β-galactosidase-specific Th1-type immune response. Though no obvious differences were detected in immune responses toB. abortus-specific antigens, mice vaccinated with gamma-irradiated, but not heat-killed, RB51G/LacZ developed significant protection against challenge with virulentB. abortus. In vitro experiments indicated that gamma-irradiated and heat-killed RB51G/LacZ induced maturation of dendritic cells; however, stimulation with gamma-irradiated bacteria resulted in more interleukin-12 secretion. These results suggest that recombinant RB51 strains exposed to an appropriate minimum dose of gamma radiation are unable to replicate but retain their ability to stimulate Th1 immune responses against the heterologous antigens and confer protection againstB. abortuschallenge in mice.
Immunoglobulin E Binding Reactivity of a Recombinant Allergen Homologous to α-Tubulin from
Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Authors: Jeong Kyoung Yong , Lee Haeseok , Lee Jae Sik , Lee Jongweon , Lee In-Yong , Ree Han-Il , Hong Chein-Soo , Park Jung Won , Yong Tai-Soon 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACT

Storage mites may cause allergic respiratory diseases in urban areas as well as pose an occupational hazard in rural areas. Characterization of storage mite allergens is important for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents against mite-associated allergic disorders. Here we report on the cloning and expression of α-tubulin from the storage mite (
Tyrophagus putrescentiae
). The deduced amino acid sequence of the α-tubulin from the storage mite showed as much as 97.3% identity to the α-tubulin sequences from other organisms. The highly conserved amino acid sequences of α-tubulins across different species of mites may indicate that cross-reactivity for this potential allergen exists. The frequency of immunoglobulin E reactivity of this recombinant protein is 29.3% in sera from storage mite-allergic subjects.
EVALUATION OF CURRENT-CARRYING WIRES FOR MANIPULATION OF MAGNETIC MICRO/NANOPARTICLES FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: RAMADAN QASEM , SAMPER VICTOR , POENAR DANIEL , YU CHEN 
Published: December 2005

In this study we present a set of guidelines for the design of current carrying micro-conductors/micro-coils (MCs) for magnetic nanoparticles manipulation in biomedical applications. Precise spatial manipulation requires steep magnetic field gradients and due to the consequences of scaling laws, these gradients should be maximized as the size of the particle reduces. Conventional planar coils have many construction and functional limitations, such as generating only small magnetic field gradients, Joule heating, and limited ability to move particles with high spatial resolution. On the other hand, micro-coils can provide a satisfactory solution to all these problems. The geometrical and structural parameters play significant roles in determining the ability to move guide and transport nanoparticles. Design guidelines were generated from a detailed theoretical treatment and finite element analysis (FEA). The spatial distributions of magnetic fields, field gradients and magnetic forces on particles were simulated using FEA for different geometrical/structural parameters and wire arrangements. An array of wires create a chain of magnetic potential wells that are controllable in terms of magnitude and direction and therefore can be used to control the motion and position of magnetic nano-particles by tuning the current through the array.
The Community of Europe and Globalization
Authors: Skrobacki Waldemar 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe European Union is a creation of Europe's history and should be understood in that context. European integration is a multidimensional process, for it is an attempt to build a real community. It includes an ethical dimension that is based on the European welfare state and on the continent's long intellectual tradition of liberal democracy. It is successful precisely because it is not abstract.
Hepcidin inhibits in vitro erythroid colony formation at reduced erythropoietin concentrations
Authors: Dallalio Gail , Law Erin , Means Robert T. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe anemia of chronic disease (ACD) results from 3 major processes: slightly shortened red cell survival, impaired reticuloendothelial system iron mobilization, and impaired erythropoiesis. Hepcidin is an acute-phase protein with specific iron regulatory properties, which, along with the anemia seen with increased hepcidin expression, have led many to consider it the major mediator of ACD. However, if hepcidin is the major factor responsible for ACD, then it should also contribute to the impaired erythropoiesis observed in this syndrome. Erythroid colony formation in vitro was inhibited by hepcidin at erythropoietin (Epo) concentrations less than or equal to 0.5 U/mL but not at Epo 1.0 U/mL. At Epo concentrations of 0.3 U/mL, HCD57 erythroleukemia cells exposed to hepcidin exhibit decreased expression of the antiapoptotic protein pBad compared with controls. These studies suggest that hepcidin may contribute to anemia in ACD not only through effects on iron metabolism, but also through inhibition of erythroid progenitor proliferation and survival.