bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tamoxifen, protein kinase C and rat sperm mitochondria
Authors: Saberwal Gurveen Sethi , Gill‐Sharma Manjit K. , Balasinor Nafisa , Choudhary Jyoti , Padwal Varsha , Juneja H.S. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractTamoxifen at a dose of 400 μg/kg/day has been reported to reduce the fertility of adult male rats and alter the pattern of cauda sperm motility from forward progressive to circular yawing type. Since sperm motility is powered by mitochondria, the effect of tamoxifen on mitochondrial function was studied. Tamoxifen treatment significantly increased rhodamine 123 fluorescent dye uptake by sperm mitochondria, reflecting an altered mitochondrial membrane potential. ATP and DAG levels, activities of glycolytic enzymes, creatine kinase and PKC all remained unaffected by tamoxifen. This is also the first report describing the presence of PKC α and β in rat sperm. Morphological and biochemical integrity of sperm membranes was determined by electron microscopy and malondialdehyde levels, which were unaltered after tamoxifen treatment. This study indicates that the altered sperm motility induced by tamoxifen is accompanied by changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, but in the absence of any detectable change in membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation, ATP levels and activities of glycolytic enzymes, creatine kinase and PKC.
Structural organization of the intact bacterial cellulosome as revealed by electron microscopy
Authors: Madkour Mohamed , Mayer Frank 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe architecture of the intact cellulosome of Clostridium thermocellum, a huge extracellular multi‐polypetide bacterial enzyme complex engaged in degradation of cellulose, was investigated by electron microscopy. This was done because former electron microscopic studies aimed at elucidation of the structure of polycellulosomes and cellulosomes were restricted by the fact that data on macromolecular details could only be derived from deformed or disrupted enzyme complexes, or by application of cryo preparation and imaging techniques yielding insufficient resolution. The shape of well‐preserved cellulosomes was more or less spherical, often similar to that of an olive fruit with a cavity. Therein, multiple fibrillar structures could be visualized, interpreted to be the proximal stretches of copies of the fibrillar protein Cip A (‘scaffoldin’), the nonenzymatic scaffolding protein known to function as attachment site for the enzymatic subunits, as well as fibrillar parts of anchoring proteins. The enzymatic subunits were depicted to be attached, in a repetitive fashion, to the distal stretches of the Cip A proteins. The enzymatic subunits were seen, in the intact cellulosome, to form a shell‐like complex substructure surrounding the cavity. Obviously, this kind of architecture makes sure that the catalytic domains of the enzymatic subunits are exposed to the environment, and, hence, to the substrate, the cellulose fibrils. Attempts were made to demonstrate the alternating occurrence of coiled domains and fibrillar stretches along the elongated protein Cip A previously characterized by sequencing, X‐ray, and NMR studies. To this end, Cip A molecules, with adhering enzymatic subunits, were partially removed from their native location within the cellulosome, “stretched” by hydromechanical forces directly on the electron microscopic support film, negatively stained, and depicted by electron microscopy. The alternating occurrence of presumed coiled domains and fibrillar stretches along Cip A could be visualized, together with detached enzymatic subunits found on the support film.
Apoptotic effect of gossypol on human lymphocytes
Authors: Yurtcu Erkan , Ergun Mehmet Ali , Menevse Adnan 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe overall objective of this study was to determine the effect of gossypol on human lymphocytes. Blood samples were taken from healthy donors and lymphocytes were cultured with various concentrations of gossypol (25–150 μM). The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by assessing DNA fragmentation by agarose gel electrophoresis; morphological features of apoptosis were assessed by light microscopy. The concentrations of gossypol required to induce apoptosis in human lymphocytes without causing necrosis through cytotoxic effects were between 25–50 μM.
Effect of caffeine on in vivo processing of alkylated bases in proliferating plant cells
Authors: Pincheira J. , López‐Sáez J.F. , Carrera P. , Navarrete M.H. , de la Torre C. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractDNA damage was induced by either 2 mM ethylmethanesulfonate or 1 Gy of γ‐irradiation in Allium cepa L. root meristems. The percentage of DNA that migrated towards the anode during microelectrophoresis after alkali denaturation (pH∼13.5) of the isolated nuclei (comet assay) reflects the amount of single strand breaks present in them. There was some DNA migration (12.8±2.4%) in untreated roots. This percentage doubled at the end of 1.5 h treatment with the mono‐functional alkylating agent 2 mM ethylmethanesulfonate, and trebled after a single exposure to 1 Gy of γ‐rays. A proportion of the DNA migration caused by these two treatments was reversed (repaired) by a 2 h long period of in vivo recovery. However, when 5 mM caffeine was applied after removal of the alkylating agent, the amount of DNA migrating to the comet tail over the same 2 h period was almost double that at the onset of recovery. In both control and irradiated nuclei, caffeine also increased the initial level of DNA migration in the comet assay, but to a lesser extent. These results indicate that caffeine increases the DNA damage that accumulates during the processing of alkylated bases and, to a lesser extent, of the DNA bases damaged by γ‐irradiation. Thus, the potentiation effect of caffeine on induced chromosomal damage may not just be due to caffeine‐induced cancellation of the G2 checkpoint, but also to a direct effect this methylxantine has on the processing of DNA damage.
A porcine model of ischemic heart failure produced by chronic placement of a tube in a coronary artery
Authors: Ohtsuka Sadanori , Ishikawa Kimito , Suzuki Syoji , Yamaguchi Iwao , Masuda Noriyuki , Wada Koichi , Uchid Wataru 
Published: September 2003

AbstractBackground and Aims:Animal models of heart failure (HF) are useful to clarify the mechanism and to develop therapeutic interventions. To produce an easy ischemic HF model, we induced myocardial infarction (MI) in pigs by placing a tube in the coronary artery.Methods:Twelve pigs underwent echocardiography and were randomly allocated to the myocardial infarction group (MI group) and the control group. In the MI pigs, a 4.2 F nylon tube was placed via the carotid artery in the left circumflex coronary (LCx) artery to induce MI. Three months thereafter, thoracotomy was performed in the both groups and left ventricular (LV) pressure–volume relation was evaluated.Results:Body weight, LV dimension and function did not differ in the baseline state between the two groups. Three months after the tube placement, LV diameter was larger (47±3 vs. 42±2 mm) and its fractional shortening was lower in the MI group than the control group. In addition, aortic flow was decreased, LV ejection fraction was decreased (25±5 vs. 52±6%) and LV diastolic pressure was elevated (14±3 vs. 8±2 mmHg) in the MI group compared with the control group. The extent of MI was 26±5% of the LV in the MI pigs.Conclusion:The method of placing a tube in the coronary artery does not need thoracotomy or an additional procedure and enables the production of an ischemic HF model of pigs.
Danger of high‐protein dietary supplements to persons with hyperphenylalaninaemia
Authors: Koch R. , Moseley K. D. , Moats R. , Yano S. , Matalon R. , Guttler F. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractA 16‐year‐old adolescent with mild hyperphenylalaninaemia was given a high‐protein ‘body building’ supplement twice daily, causing headaches, decreased school performance and mild depression. All symptoms disappeared after cessation of the supplement. The phenylalanine hydroxylase mutation H170D/IVS1nt5G>T was found to be responsive to tetrahydrobiopterin with significant decrease in blood phenylalanine concentration and increase in tyrosine blood content. A brain phenylalanine level of 0.5 mmol/L was initially documented, which decreased to the normal carrier range of 0.2 mmol/L within one month of discontinuance of the protein supplement. At present, the patient is on a normal diet without phenylalanine restriction.
Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency and acute neurological presentation
Authors: Fiumara A. , van Kuilenburg A. B. P. , Caruso U. , Nucifora C. , Marzullo E. , Barone R. , Meli C. , van Gennip A. H. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractDihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency has been linked to 5‐fluorouracil toxicity, but patients may present a wide clinical spectrum. We describe a 1‐year‐old Tunisian girl with a dramatic onset of neurological symptoms suggesting the possible triggering role of environmental factors.
CblE type of homocystinuria: Mild clinical phenotype in two patients homozygous for a novel mutation in the MTRR gene
Authors: Vilaseca M. A. , Vilarinho L. , Zavadakova P. , Vela E. , Cleto E. , Pineda M. , Coimbra E. , Suormala T. , Fowler B. , Kozich V. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractPatients with the cblE type of homocystinuria usually present with megaloblastic anaemia, feeding difficulties, developmental delay and cerebral atrophy. We present a 14‐year‐old Spanish girl (patient 1) and a 10‐year‐old Portuguese boy (patient 2) with cblE disease and mild clinical phenotype. The main clinical feature in both patients was persistent megaloblastic anaemia observed at 3 years and at 2 months of age, respectively. Diagnosis was made at the ages of 9 and 7 years, respectively, owing to persistent macrocytosis despite cobalamin treatment. Plasma total homocysteine values at diagnosis were 91 μmol/L and 44 μmol/L, respectively, in the absence of methylmalonic aciduria. Neurological and neurophysiological examinations were normal except for two small lesions on brain MRI suggestive of ischaemia and slight abnormalities in somatosensitive evoked potentials. Enzymatic analysis, complementation studies and clearly reduced production of methylcobalamin from 57Co‐labelled cyanocobalamin indicated functional methionine synthase reductase deficiency due to the cblE defect. Genetic analysis confirmed that both patients are homozygous for a novel mutation c.1361C > T in the methionine synthase reductase gene leading to a replacement of serine by leucine (S454L) in a highly conserved FAD‐binding domain. We propose that homozygosity for this novel mutation may be associated with a mild phenotype, although its long‐term deleterious neurological consequences remain possible. Furthermore, we propose that even in the absence of apparent neurological involvement, total homocysteine should be investigated in patients with resistant megaloblastic anaemia to detect possible mild forms of the cblE type of homocystinuria.
Plasma and erythrocyte fatty acid concentrations in long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Lund A. M. , Dixon M. A. , Vreken P. , Leonard J. V. , Morris A. A. M. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractPlasma and erythrocyte fatty acids have been measured in 9 patients with long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency being treated with a low‐fat diet. No significant abnormality was detected and in particular docosahexaenoic acid was not deficient.
Brain abscess caused by Cladophialophora (Xylohypha) bantiana in a renal transplant patient
Authors: Silveira E.R. , Resende M.A. , Mariano V.S. , Coura W.A. , Alkmim L.D. , Vianna L.B. , Starling C.E. , Cruz G.G. , Benício L.H.A. , Paula A.M. , Gomes J.A. , Santos G.D. , Macedo M.A.M. , Salum R.E. , Gontijo M. , Rabello A.L. , Caligiorne R.B. 
Published: September 2003

Abstract:Infectious disease is the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality in allotransplantation because of heavy immunosuppression. Brain abscesses caused by melanized fungi have been found occasionally and are an example of this complication. In this paper, we describe a case in a 61‐year‐old black man, who received a cadaveric kidney transplantation in December 1993, followed by triple therapy with cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisone. The patient developed right hemiparesis at the beginning of April 1998. A computed tomography scan showed a mass in the left parieto‐temporal region of the brain. The patient underwent surgery and a brown‐colored encapsulated brain abscess was resected. Histology of the tissue revealed a large number of pigmented fungal hyphae. Culture in a Sabouraud dextrose medium with cyclohexamide and chloramphenicol at 25°C resulted in the growth of dark‐green colonies. The fungus identified was Cladophialophora bantiana, based on characteristic microscopic features and on growth at 40°C. The abscess recurred in spite of treatment with fluconazole. The patient was submitted to a second brain surgical procedure and was treated with amphotericin B in addition to fluconazole. Ten days later the patient's blood cultures became positive for Escherichia coli. After 3 days the patient died due to septic shock.
Krieg als Unterhaltung in deutschen Reiseberichten über den I. Koalitionskrieg
Authors: Hentschel Uwe 
Published: September 2003

Bekanntlich gehörte die Reisebeschreibung mit dem Roman und der publizistischen Literatur zu den beliebtesten Textsorten am Ausgang des 18. Jahrhunderts. Die große Beachtung, die sie bei den Lesern fand, ergab sich aus ihrem großen Informationswert, ihrer strukturellen Offenheit, die das Inkorporieren ganz unterschiedlicher Textelemente erlaubte, sowie aus dem hohen Authentizitätsgehalt, der ihr zugeschrieben wurde. Die itinerare Berichterstattung über den Krieg zeigt jedoch, daß es den Autoren keineswegs allein um Informationsvermittlung und ‐bewertung ging, sondern zumeist auch um die Befriedigung von literarischen Unterhaltungsbedürfnissen, wie sie der moderne Buchmarkt beförderte. Zahlreiche Berichte aus den neunziger Jahren des 18. Jahrhunderts beweisen, daß die Reisebeschreiber den Krieg aufsuchten, um ihn als persönliches Abenteuer, sensationelles Erlebnis oder dramatisches Ereignis zu stilisieren.“Reisebeschreibungen sind jetzt die Modelektüre unsers Dezenniums …”1
Study on some functional and compositional properties of yak butter lipid
Authors: NEUPANEY Dhanapati , KIM Jin‐bo , ISHIOROSHI Makoto , SAMEJIMA Kunihiko 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTThe present experiment was performed to determine some functional properties of yak butter lipids such as lipid class composition; conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) composition, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis, tyrosinase inhibition activity and antioxidant property. Yak butter lipids composition contained 98% triacylglycerols, 0.9% free fatty acids, 0.32% free sterols and 0.27% phospholipids. The CLA content in yak butter was 2.5% and the major portion was of cis‐9 and trans‐11 (90%). The DSC analysis of yak butter lipids showed a similar path for transition temperature as cow butter lipids, although the enthalpy of yak lipid was higher (40.0 mJ/mg) compared to cow butter lipids (32.0 mJ/mg). Melting point of yak butter was observed at 41°C. Yak butter with lactic acid, NaCl, citric acid and ascorbic acid showed pronounced tyrosinase inhibition activity. Vegetable oils blended with yak butter have extended the oxidation induction time.
Identification and characterization of proteoglycans in bovine neonatal skeletal muscle
Authors: NISHIMURA Takanori , FUTAMI Eiko , WAKAMATSU Jun‐ichi , HATTORI Akihito 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTIn order to provide background for understanding biological roles of proteoglycans (PG) in developing skeletal muscle, we have isolated and characterized PG in bovine neonatal skeletal muscle. Two types of PG were isolated from skeletal muscle by density gradient ultracentrifugation and ion‐exchange chromatography. One was a small PG (PG‐S) with a molecular size of 100–130 kDa, another was a large PG (PG‐L) with a molecular size of 300–500 kDa. The glycosaminoglycan chains of PG‐S and PG‐L were dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, respectively, judged by cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis. Immunoblot assays revealed that both PG bound to type I, II, III and IV collagen, laminin and fibronectin. Unlike PG‐S, PG‐L bound to type V collagen and hyaluronic acid. Small proteoglycans had a core protein of 45 kDa, which reacted with the antibody against the decorin core protein. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the PG‐S core protein was consistent with that of decorin from bovine bone and tendon. Thus, PG‐S from neonatal skeletal muscle was identified as decorin in bovines. Immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies against PG‐L and PG‐S demonstrated that PG‐L was located both in the perimysium and endomysium, but PG‐S was localized exclusively in the perimysium. These findings suggest that the characterized PG may have distinct roles in the ECM construction of developing skeletal muscle.
Diel variation in surface and subsurface microbial activity along a gradient of drying in an Australian sand‐bed stream
Authors: Claret Cecile , Boulton Andrew J. 
Published: September 2003

Summary1. Microbes play key roles in nutrient transformation and organic matter mineralisation in the hyporheic zone but their short‐term responses to diel variations in discharge and temperature are unknown. Rates of microbial esterase activity were hypothesised to vary vertically and along a gradient of moisture in a drying sand‐bed stream where discharge fluctuated daily in response to evapotranspiration.2. At ‘fully saturated’, ‘moist’ and ‘dry’ locations in three sites along a drying Australian sand‐bed stream, microbial activity at three depths (surface, 10 and 30 cm) was assessed using fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis. Samples were collected in mid‐summer in the late afternoon and again at dawn to assess diel variation in hydrolytic activity at each site and depth. Data loggers tracked diel variations in temperature at each depth.3. Hydrolytic activity was up to 10‐fold greater in the surface sediments in late afternoon than at dawn in all habitats, and was correlated with surface sediment temperature. Diel differences in activity were not detected at 10 cm, although daily thermal cycles were evident at this depth. Unexpectedly, activity was marginally higher at dawn at 30 cm in all habitats, perhaps reflecting lags in temperature at that depth.4. Overall, microbial activity declined with depth, strongly correlated with vertical trends in total organic matter and concentrations of dissolved phosphorus. Particulate organic matter, probably buried during a flood 35 days earlier, appeared largely responsible for these vertical trends. On the other hand, there was little evidence for hydrological exchange between much of the hyporheic zone and the surface stream, implying that processes in the subsurface zone of this stream are effectively isolated during baseflow in mid‐summer.5. Diel cycles of wetting and drying in the moist habitats did not enhance esterase activity relative to the dry or fully saturated habitats. Sediment moisture was not correlated with microbial activity, and mats of senescent algae appeared to inhibit water loss from surface sediments in the moist habitat. In this sand‐bed stream, local diel fluctuations in water level appear to have less influence on microbial activity and mineralisation of organic matter in the sediments than occasional floods that bury leaf litter and renew many hyporheic zone functions. Subreach‐scale processes seem to be the major driving force of microbial processes and nutrient cycling in this sand‐bed river.
Genetic population structure and neighbourhood population size estimates of the caddisfly Plectrocnemia conspersa
Authors: Wilcock Helen R. , Nichols Richard A. , Hildrew Alan G. 
Published: September 2003

Summary1. We used both genetic and ecological methods to evaluate the role of history and the scale of colonisation in structuring populations of the caddisfly Plectrocnemia conspersa. There was no genetic differentiation between sites up to 20 km apart, despite population sizes suggesting that genetic drift could create substantial variation at this scale.2. Genetic differentiation between populations separated by more than 20 km was greater than expected given the contrasting short‐range trend, and implied a neighbourhood population size that is implausibly small. Therefore, the evolutionary processes that affect the short‐range trend do not explain differentiation over greater distances.3. At small scales (<20 km), relatively short flights by winged adults spread over a number of generations could account for the spread of genes. For instance, dispersing individuals could found small (often temporary) populations, which may then grow and exchange genes with larger and more permanent local populations, amplifying the effects of the initial gene flow.4. Over larger scales (20–500 km), substantial gaps between regions containing suitable habitat patches could reduce the number of colonisation events. Genetic patterns at this scale may date from the time they were last colonised. Previous ecological studies have rarely examined the dynamics of aquatic insect populations over these larger geographical scales, yet these processes may be central to their persistence and spread.
Allocation strategies in crustacean stoichiometry: the potential role of phosphorus in the limitation of reproduction
Authors: Færøvig Per J. , Hessen Dag O. 
Published: September 2003

Summary1. Elemental composition (carbon : nitrogen : phosphorus, C : N : P) was analysed in eggs and juveniles of two crustaceans, Daphnia magna (Cladocera) and the crayfish Astacus astacus (Decapoda). Stoichiometry was also analysed for the carapace, muscle tissue, hepatopanchreas and gills of Astacus.2. For both species the C : P ratio was significantly higher in eggs than juveniles, but there was a constant, homeostatic elemental ratio in eggs during embryogenesis (Astacus) and with different C : N : P in maternal food (Daphnia).3. Differences in the stoichiometry of major tissue categories in Astacus suggest that there are distinct allocation strategies of elements to various somatic tissues as well as to reproduction versus somatic tissues overall.4. There are strong ontogenetic shifts in the allocation of energy and elements in both species, as for crustaceans in general. During maturity there may be a trade‐off with regard to the allocation of C, N or P to somatic or reproductive tissue, and poor food quality (high C : P in food) could pose other constraints on reproductive capacity than does food shortage (low C).5. Egg production may be at least as sensitive to low P as is somatic growth and could result in a marked decrease in overall population growth rate more severe than would be expected from individual growth rate alone.