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Increased Activity (increased + activity)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	52%
Life Sciences	32%
Chemistry	7%
Earth and Environmental Science	5%
Psychology	2%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

Dermatology	13%
Oncology & Radiotherapy	7%
Diabetes	3%
16 Other Subdomains	61%

Selected Abstracts

Oxidative stress biomarkers in bivalves transplanted to the Guadalquivir estuary after Aznalcóllar spill

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2003
Antonio Romero-Ruiz
Abstract Biological effects of metals were studied in clams (Scrobicularia plana) transplanted to Guadalquivir estuary (Spain) at several times after the spill of toxic metals from Aznalcóllar pyrite mine (southwest Spain) (April 1998) using biochemical biomarkers responsive to reactive oxygen species. Significant As, Cd, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb uptake was found in clams living for seven months at the estuary (from July 1999). Increased activity of antioxidant (catalase, glucose-6-phosphate, and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase) and glutathione-related (glutathione reductase and glyoxalase I and II) enzymes was also found after short exposures; the levels of malondialdehyde and metallothionein increased also, particularly with long exposures. Clams living four weeks at the estuary (from March 2000) but not at a reference site also accumulated metals. The higher malondialdehyde and lower reduced-glutathione levels and the more oxidized glutathione status confirmed the oxidative stress of clams living at the estuary, while no marked increase of antioxidant activities was found this time. Lower metal availability along the second transplant could explain the limited responses in this shorter experiment. Although the status of Guadalquivir estuary has recovered since Aznalcóllar spill, continuous monitoring is needed to confirm its progress and to be alert to possible deterioration after heavy rains. [source]

Role of GSK-3, activity in motor neuronal cell death induced by G93A or A4V mutant hSOD1 gene

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 2 2005
Seong-Ho Koh
Abstract Point mutations such as G93A and A4V in the human Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase gene (hSOD1) cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). In spite of several theories to explain the pathogenic mechanisms, the mechanism remains largely unclear. Increased activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) has recently been emphasized as an important pathogenic mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and ALS. To investigate the effects of G93A or A4V mutations on the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt and GSK-3 pathway as well as the caspase-3 pathway, VSC4.1 motoneuron cells were transfected with G93A- or A4V-mutant types of hSOD1 (G93A and A4V cells, respectively) and, 24 h after neuronal differentiation, their viability and intracellular signals, including PI3-K/Akt, GSK-3, heat shock transcription factor-1 (HSTF-1), cytochrome c, caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), were compared with those of wild type (wild cells). Furthermore, to elucidate the role of the GSK-3,-mediated cell death mechanism, alterations of viability and intracellular signals in those mutant motoneurons were investigated after treating the cells with GSK-3, inhibitor. Compared with wild cells, viability was greatly reduced in the G93A and A4V cells. However, the treatment of G93A and A4V cells with GSK-3, inhibitor increased their viability by activating HSTF-1 and by reducing cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. However, the treatment did not affect the expression of PI3-K/Akt and GSK-3,. These results suggest that the G93A or A4V mutations inhibit PI3-K/Akt and activate GSK-3, and caspase-3, thus becoming vulnerable to oxidative stress, and that the GSK-3,-mediated cell death mechanism is important in G93A and A4V cell death. [source]

Endothelial dysfunction in patients with ulcerative colitis

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 3 2006
Dr. Orhan Kocaman MD
Abstract Background: Human intestinal microvessels from chronically inflamed ulcerative colitis (UC) show microvascular endothelial dysfunction. Whether generalized endothelial dysfunction could associate with UC has not been explored yet. Our aim was to assess the endothelial function in the patients with different UC activity and to hypothesize about the relationship of endothelial function to activity-related extraintestinal complications (AREC) of UC. Methods: Twelve patients with mild UC, 14 patients with moderate UC, 16 patients with severe UC, and 24 healthy subjects were included in the study. The activity of UC is calculated according to the Seo Index. Endothelial functions of the brachial artery were evaluated by using high-resolution vascular ultrasound. Endothelial-dependent dilatation (EDD) was assessed by establishing reactive hyperemia and endothelial-independent dilatation (EID) was determined by using sublingual isosorbide dinitrate. Results: EDD was significantly worse in patients with severe UC as compared with patients with mild UC (8.7 ± 1.6% versus 17.3 ± 5.6%, P < 0.05) and even in patients with moderate UC as compared with patients with mild UC (13.1 ± 3.2% versus 17.3 ± 5.6%, P < 0.05). EDD was not significantly worse in patients with mild UC as compared with healthy subjects (17.3 ± 5.6% versus 18.1 ± 8.1%, P > 0.05). EID was significantly worse in patients with severe UC compared with patients with moderate UC (10.5 ± 2.9% versus 13.4 ± 3.7%, P < 0.05) and even in patients with mild UC compared with healthy subjects (20 ± 6.7% versus 31.1 ± 12.6%, P < 0.05). EDD and EID were significantly worse in patients with AREC compared with patients with no AREC (9.5 ± 2.5% versus 14.9 ± 5.1%, P < 0.05; 11.6 ± 4.3% versus 16 ± 6.1%, P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Increased activity of UC is associated with significant endothelial dysfunction, which may relate to the pathophysiology of AREC of UC. [source]

Snake activity affects seasonal variation in nest predation risk for birds

JOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
Jinelle H. Sperry
Variation in predator behavior has been proposed, but not tested, as a mechanism producing seasonal declines in avian nest success. We test this hypothesis by documenting seasonal activity of Texas ratsnakes Elaphe obsoleta and nest failure of endangered black-capped vireos Vireo atricapilla and golden-cheeked warblers Dendroica chrysoparia on which the snakes prey. Nest survival analysis was based on 880 vireo and 228 warbler nests and 3,060 snake locations from 62 radio-tracked snakes. Although nest success varied with snake activity for both birds, specific patterns differed substantially. Vireo daily nest survival was negatively correlated with snake activity over the three-year study, despite substantial variation among years in weather, and the fact that these birds are almost certainly a minor prey species of the ratsnakes. Warblers exhibited less clear-cut seasonal variation in nest success, and the association between nest success and snake activity was less pronounced than for vireos. Increased activity at warmer temperatures explained some of the seasonal change in snake movements, although mating may have accounted for a mid-season peak in activity. These results indicate that variation in predator behavior can be associated with and potentially cause seasonal changes in nest success, but also that these relationships are species specific even within the same community and may depend on aspects of the nesting ecology of the prey such as nest site selection. [source]

Up-regulation of the lysyl hydroxylase 2 gene by acetaminophen and isoniazid is modulated by transcription factor c-Myb

JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2010
Masafumi Kubota
Abstract Objectives Lysyl hydroxylase 2 (LH2), an isoform of hydroxylase, catalyses the hydroxylation of lysine residues in the telopeptide of collagen to form stable and irreversible cross-linkages in collagen. Increased activity of this enzyme in activated stellate cells in human liver has been proposed to relate to the promotion of hepatic fibrosis. In the present study, we examined the regulation of LH2 expression in drug-induced liver injury in order to clarify the mechanisms behind the hepatic fibrosis caused by certain drugs. Methods The mRNA and protein expression of the target gene were detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with specific primers and Western blotting with a specific antibody, respectively. Key findings The expression of LH2 was increased in HepG2 cells incubated with acetaminophen and isoniazid. This increase was accompanied by an increase in the expression of c-myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (Myb) mRNA. Over-expression of c-Myb in cells transfected with a c-Myb expression plasmid, pMbm I, caused an increase in the expression of LH2 mRNA. Mutation of the Myb-binding site in the promoter region of the LH2 gene resulted in a loss of transcriptional activation in the reporter gene assay. Conclusions These results suggest that c-Myb modulates the expression of the LH2 gene in HepG2 cells incubated with drugs causing hepatic fibrosis [source]

Increased activity of factor VIII coagulant associated with venous ulcer in a patient with Klinefelter's syndrome

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2 2005
J Dissemond
ABSTRACT Klinefelter's syndrome is the most frequent major abnormality of sexual differentiation in men with two or more X chromosomes. Recurrent venous ulcers as a result of a post-thrombotic syndrome are a well known symptom in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome. Until now the underlying pathomechanisms are not completely understood. Platelet hyperaggregability, factor V Leiden mutation and abnormalities in fibrinolysis were implicated as possible contributing factors. Here we describe the detection of an increased activity of factor VIII coagulant (factor VIII:C). This is the first case report on increased factor VIII:C activity associated with venous ulcers in a patient with Klinefelter's syndrome. Elevated factor VIII plasma levels are gradually accepted to be associated with an increased risk for venous thromboembolism. Therefore, we discuss that the examination of factor VIII:C may help in clarifying individual thromboembolic risks, especially in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome. [source]

Immunopathogenic mechanisms in tourette syndrome: A critical review,,

MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 9 2009
Davide Martino MD
Abstract Tourette syndrome (TS) has a multifactorial etiology, in which genetic, environmental, immunological and hormonal factors interact to establish vulnerability. This review: (i) summarizes research exploring the exposure of TS patients to immune-activating environmental factors, and (ii) focuses on recent findings supporting a role of the innate and adaptive immune systems in the pathogenesis of TS and related disorders. A higher exposure prior to disease onset to group A ,-haemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infections in children with tics and obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms has been documented, although their influence upon the course of disease remains uncertain. Increased activation of immune responses in TS is suggested by changes in gene expression profiles of peripheral immune cells, relative frequency of lymphocyte subpopulations, and synthesis of immune effector molecules. Increased activity of cell-mediated mechanisms is suggested by the increased expression of genes controlling natural killer and cytotoxic T cells, increased plasma levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines which correlate with disease severity, and increased synthesis of antineuronal antibodies. Important methodological differences might account for some inconsistency among results of studies addressing autoantibodies in TS. Finally, a general predisposition to autoimmune responses in TS patients is indicated by the reduced frequency of regulatory T cells, which induce tolerance towards self-antigens. Although the pathogenic role of immune activation in TS has not been definitively proven, a pathophysiological model is proposed to explain the possible effect of immunity upon dopamine transmission regulation and the generation of tics. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society [source]

Immunomodulatory effect of extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Family Malvaceae) in a mouse model

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2008
Titilayo O. Fakeye
Abstract The immunomodulatory activity of water and alcohol extracts (including its fractions) of the dried calyx of the plant was evaluated in mice. The ability of the extracts to inhibit or enhance the production of two cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- ,) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), respectively, implicated as proinflammatory and antiinflammatory interleukins were also evaluated. The extracts at doses of 50 mg/kg were found to possess higher immunostimulatory activities in comparison with levamisole (positive control), with significant effects when compared with the vehicle-treated group (p < 0.01). Increased activity was observed with increase in doses of the 50% ethanol and absolute ethanol extracts. The insoluble fraction exhibited a significant dose-dependent immunostimulatory activity (p < 0.05), while the residual water-soluble fraction exhibited activity at 100 mg/kg body weight. The production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- ,), was low in all the extract groups tested, while the production of interleukin 10 (IL-10) was high compared with the control. The production of IL-10 was high in 300 mg/kg aqueous extract. The insoluble fraction exhibited a profound dose-dependent immunostimulatory activity higher than the positive control at 100 mg/kg. This study established the immunoenhancing properties of the extracts of this plant confirming that the immunomodulatory activity is cell mediated and humoral. The insoluble fraction could find use as an immunostimulatory agent in humans. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Calcaneal Tendon Regions Exhibit Different MMP-2 Activation After Vertical Jumping and Treadmill Running

THE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 10 2009
Olga Cristina De Mello Malheiro
Abstract Increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -2 and -9 was found in calcaneal tendon after physical training. However, little attention has been given to the distinct biomechanical and tissue structure of the calcaneal tendon's proximal and distal regions. Herein, we evaluated the effect of two types of physical activities on tendon morphology and matrix metalloproteinase activities in the proximal and distal regions of rat calcaneal tendon, separately. Adult male Wistar rats from control, water-adapted, vertical-jumping, and treadmill-running groups were sacrificed after 1 or 4 days of physical exercise, 6 hr after the end of that day's exercise session. Tendons were processed for histology, morphometry, and gelatin zymography. Tendons from adapted and trained animals showed active secretory cells and increased thickness, cellularity, and blood vessel volume fraction of peritendinous sheath, but without inflammatory process. In the proximal region, both pro- and active MMP-2 were increased after vertical jumping, but only pro-MMP-2 was increased after treadmill running. In contrast, in the distal region, both exercise types increased the activity of pro- and active MMP-2, especially treadmill running, which increased the active MMP-2 by about 11- and eightfold, respectively, after 1 and 4 days of training. No activity of MMP-9 was observed in either tendon region in this study. In conclusion, distal and proximal regions of calcaneal tendon exhibit differential intensities of tissue remodeling after treadmill running or vertical jumping and MMP-2, in the absence of inflammation, plays a major role in this adaptive response. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Increased activity of plasma and tissue kallikreins, plasma kininase II and salivary kallikrein in pemphigus foliaceus (fogo selvagem)

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2005
T.B. Rosatelli
Summary Background, Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune blistering disease of unknown aetiology, which is endemic in Brazil. Although the pathogenesis of PF is still unknown, proteins of the contact system have been implicated. Objectives, As the components of the kinin system may interact with those of the contact system, in this study we evaluated the plasma levels of high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK) and low-molecular-weight kininogen (LK), and the activity of plasma kallikrein, tissue kallikrein and kininase II in plasma of patients with PF presenting with Nikolsky's sign. As kidneys and salivary glands are relevant sources of tissue kallikrein for plasma, we also evaluated urinary/salivary kallikrein and urinary kininase II activities. Methods, Fifteen patients and 15 age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Kininogen levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the activities of kallikreins and kininase II were determined using selective chromogenic substrates. Results, Compared with controls, plasma HK levels were decreased (P = 0·031), whereas the activities of plasma kallikrein, tissue kallikrein and kininase II in plasma, and the activity of salivary kallikrein, were increased in patients (P < 0·001 for each comparison). Plasma levels of LK and the activities of urinary kallikrein and urinary kininase II were not significantly different from controls. Conclusions, Diminished levels of HK associated with increased activities of plasma kallikrein and kininase II indicate that the kinin system is activated at the systemic level in PF. As active plasma kallikreins may act on some proteins of the contact system, it is possible that the enzyme may contribute to blister formation. The further observation of an increased tissue kallikrein activity at the systemic and saliva levels may be interpreted as a systemic reflex of skin inflammation. Whether the activation of the kinin system is a cause or a consequence of blister formation needs further clarification. [source]

Circulating mononuclear cells nuclear factor-kappa B activity, plasma xanthine oxidase, and low grade inflammatory markers in adult patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 2 2010
J. T. Real
Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (2): 89,94 Abstract Background, Few data are available on circulating mononuclear cells nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) activity and plasma xanthine oxidase (XO) activity in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). The goal of the study was to analyse circulating mononuclear cells NF-kB and plasma XO activities in FH patients. Materials and methods, Thirty FH index patients and 30 normoglycaemic normocholesterolaemic controls matched by age, gender, body mass index, abdominal circumference and homeostasis model assessment index were studied. Plasma XO and inflammatory markers were measured by standard methods. NF-kB was assayed in circulating mononuclear cells. Results, Familial hypercholesterolaemia patients showed a significantly higher NF-kB (75·0 ± 20·7 vs. 42·7 ± 16·8 relative luminiscence units) and XO (0·44 ± 0·13 vs. 0·32 ± 0·09 mU mL,1) activities than controls. In addition, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) and oxidized LDL (LDL-ox) were also significantly higher in FH patients. In the total group (FH and controls), XO was significantly associated with LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apoB), NF-kB and hsCPR, and NF-kB activity was significantly associated with XO, hsCPR, LDL-ox, LDL-C and apoB plasma values. Using multiple regression analysis, XO was independently associated with hsCPR and NF-kB, and NF-kB activity in circulating mononuclear cells was independently associated with apoB and LDL-ox plasma values. Conclusion, Familial hypercholesterolaemia patients show increased activities of NF-kB and XO, and higher values of low grade inflammatory markers related to atherosclerosis. NF-kB activity was independently associated with apoB plasma values. These data could explain in part the high cardiovascular disease risk present in these patients. [source]

Enzymatic control of anhydrobiosis-related accumulation of trehalose in the sleeping chironomid, Polypedilum vanderplanki

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 20 2010
Kanako Mitsumasu
Larvae of an anhydrobiotic insect, Polypedilum vanderplanki, accumulate very large amounts of trehalose as a compatible solute on desiccation, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this accumulation are unclear. We therefore isolated the genes coding for trehalose metabolism enzymes, i.e. trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) and trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) for the synthesis step, and trehalase (TREH) for the degradation step. Although computational prediction indicated that the alternative splicing variants (PvTps,/,) obtained encoded probable functional motifs consisting of a typical consensus domain of TPS and a conserved sequence of TPP, PvTps, did not exert activity as TPP, but only as TPS. Instead, a distinct gene (PvTpp) obtained expressed TPP activity. Previous reports have suggested that insect TPS is, exceptionally, a bifunctional enzyme governing both TPS and TPP. In this article, we propose that TPS and TPP activities in insects can be attributed to discrete genes. The translated product of the TREH ortholog (PvTreh) certainly degraded trehalose to glucose. Trehalose was synthesized abundantly, consistent with increased activities of TPS and TPP and suppressed TREH activity. These results show that trehalose accumulation observed during anhydrobiosis induction in desiccating larvae can be attributed to the activation of the trehalose synthetic pathway and to the depression of trehalose hydrolysis. [source]

Respiratory protection of nitrogenase in Azotobacter species: is a widely held hypothesis unequivocally supported by experimental evidence?

FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 4 2000
Jürgen Oelze
Abstract The hypothesis of respiratory protection, originally formulated on the basis of results obtained with Azotobacter species, postulates that consumption of O2 at the surface of diazotrophic prokaryotes protects nitrogenase from inactivation by O2. Accordingly, it is assumed that, at increased ambient O2 concentrations, nitrogenase activity depends on increased activities of a largely uncoupled respiratory electron transport system. The present review compiles evidence indicating that cellular O2 consumption as well as both the activity and the formation of the respiratory system of Azotobacter vinelandii are controlled by the C/N ratio, that is to say the ratio at which the organism consumes the substrate (i.e. the source of carbon, reducing equivalents and ATP) per source of compound nitrogen. The maximal respiratory capacity which can be attained at increased C/N ratios, however, is controlled, within limits, by the ambient O2 concentration. When growth becomes N-limited at increased C/N ratios, cells synthesize nitrogenase and fix N2. Under these diazotrophic conditions, cellular O2 consumption remains constant at a level controlled by the O2 concentration. Control by O2 has been studied on the basis of both whole cell respiration and defined segments of the respiratory electron transport chain. The results demonstrate that the effect of O2 on the respiratory system is restricted to the lower range of O2 concentrations up to about 70 ,M. Nevertheless, azotobacters are able to grow diazotrophically at dissolved O2 concentrations of up to about 230 ,M indicating that respiratory protection is not warranted at increased ambient O2 concentrations. This conclusion is supported and extended by a number of results largely excluding an obvious relationship between nitrogenase activity and the actual rate of cellular O2 consumption. On the basis of theoretical calculations, it is assumed that the rate of O2 diffusion into the cells is not significantly affected by respiration. All of these results lead to the conclusion that, in the protection of nitrogenase from O2 damage, O2 consumption at the cell surface is less effective than generally assumed. It is proposed that alternative factors like the supply of ATP and reducing equivalents are more important. [source]

New archaeo-stratigraphic data for the TD6 level in relation to Homo antecessor (Lower Pleistocene) at the site of Atapuerca, north-central Spain

GEOARCHAEOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 5 2003
Antoni Canals
The sediments of the TD6 level of Gran Dolina Cave at Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain, consist of a series of mud flows with angular clasts. The TD6 deposit has two parts: an upper part, known as the Aurora stratum, which yields Homo antecessor remains, and a lower part with rather homogeneous sediment. The excavation of TD6 level did not reveal a sequence of diachronic occupations. Instead, the contextual and stratigraphic studies permitted us to describe and delimit the micro-units forming the TD6 deposit. The study of the distribution of archaeological remains based on vertical archaeological profiles, using an archaeo-stratigraphic method, allowed us to document the occurrence of a series of archaeological levels within the apparent homogeneous deposit. Variations in the density of archaeological remains along the archaeo-stratigraphic levels permitted us to define two occupational cycles in TD6. These cycles seemingly show increased activities through time, culminating in the Aurora level with the presence of cannibalized Homo antecessor remains. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Induction of olfactory mucosal and liver metabolism of lidocaine by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin

JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2002
Mary Beth Genter
Abstract Formulation of drugs for administration via the nasal cavity is becoming increasingly common. It is of potential clinical relevance to determine whether intranasal drug administration itself, or exposure to other xenobiotics, can modulate the levels and/or activity of nasal mucosal metabolic enzymes, thereby affecting the metabolism and disposition of the drug. In these studies, we examined changes in several of the major metabolic enzymes in nasal epithelial tissues upon exposure to the environmental contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD), as well as the impact of these changes on the metabolism of a model intranasally administered drug, lidocaine. Results of these studies show that TCDD can induce multiple metabolic enzymes in the olfactory mucosa and that the pattern of induction in the olfactory mucosa does not necessarily parallel that which occurs in the liver. Further, increases in enzyme levels noted by Western blot analysis were associated with increased activities of several nasal mucosal enzymes as well as with enhanced conversion of lidocaine to its major metabolite, monoethyl glycine xylidide (MEGX). These results demonstrate that environmental exposures can influence the levels and activity of nasal mucosal enzymes and impact the pharmacology of drugs administered via the nasal route. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 16:128,134, 2002. DOI 10.1002/jbt.10032 [source]

Effects of Different Doses of Low Power Continuous Wave He,Ne Laser Radiation on Some Seed Thermodynamic and Germination Parameters, and Potential Enzymes Involved in Seed Germination of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
Rashida Perveen
In this study, water-soaked seeds of sunflower were exposed to He,Ne laser irradiation of different energies to determine whether or not He,Ne laser irradiation caused changes to seed thermodynamic and germination parameters as well as effects on the activities of germination enzymes. The experiment comprised four energy levels: 0 (control), 100, 300 and 500 mJ of laser energy and each treatment replicated four times arranged in a completely randomized design. The experimentation was performed under the greenhouse conditions in the net-house of the Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The seed thermodynamic parameters were calculated according to seed germination thermograms determined with a calorimeter at 25.8°C for 72 h. Various thermodynamic parameters of seed (,H, (,S)e, (,S)c, (,S)e/,t and (,S)c/,t) were affected significantly due to presowing laser treatment. Significant changes in seed germination parameters and enzyme activities were observed in seeds treated with He,Ne laser. The He,Ne laser seed treatment resulted in increased activities of amylase and protease. These results indicate that the low power continuous wave He,Ne laser light seed treatment has considerable biological effects on seed metabolism. This seed treatment technique can be potentially employed to enhance agricultural productivity. [source]

Chemomodulatory effects of Azadirachta indica on the hepatic status of skin tumor bearing mice

PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2006
Ashwani Koul
Abstract The liver plays an important role in the modulation of the process of carcinogenesis, as it is the primary site for the biotransformation of xenobiotics including carcinogens as well as anticancer drugs. The present study was designed to evaluate the biochemical alterations occurring in the liver of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced skin tumor bearing male Balb/c mice and their modulation by aqueous Azadirachta indica leaf extract (AAILE). It was observed that skin tumor induction caused hepatic damage characterized by a decreased hepatosomatic index and significantly increased (p < 0.001) activities of the hepatic tissue injury marker enzymes, namely alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. However, upon treatment with AAILE, the above-mentioned alterations, including the increased activities of hepatic tissue injury marker enzymes, were significantly reversed, which signified the hepato-protective efficacy of Azadirachta indica. Increased oxidative stress was also observed in the hepatic tissue of skin tumor bearing mice as revealed by a significant increase (p < 0.001) in lipid peroxidation levels and a decrease in reduced glutathione contents and activities of various antioxidant enzymes studied, namely glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. The AAILE treatment reduced oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation levels and enhancing the reduced glutathione contents and activities of various antioxidant enzymes. The activities of the xenobiotic biotransformation enzymes, namely cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5 and glutathione-S-transferase, were found to be decreased in the hepatic tissue of tumor bearing mice. Treatment with AAILE further caused a decrease in the activity of cytochrome P450 and cytochrome b5, whereas it up-regulated the activity of glutathione-S-transferase. The significance of these observations with respect to the progress of the process of carcinogenesis is explained in the present research article. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Increased activity of plasma and tissue kallikreins, plasma kininase II and salivary kallikrein in pemphigus foliaceus (fogo selvagem)

Script-driven imagery of self-injurious behavior in patients with borderline personality disorder: a pilot FMRI study

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010
A. Kraus
Objective:, Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is one of the most distinctive features of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and related to impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. Method:, Female patients with BPD (n = 11) and healthy controls (n = 10) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while listening to a standardized script describing an act of self-injury. Experimental sections of the script were contrasted to the neutral baseline section and group-specific brain activities were compared. Results:, While imagining the reactions to a situation triggering SIB, patients with BPD showed significantly less activation in the orbitofrontal cortex compared with controls. Furthermore, only patients with BPD showed increased activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during this section and a decrease in the mid-cingulate while imagining the self-injurious act itself. Conclusion:, This pattern of activation preliminary suggests an association with diminished emotion regulation, impulse control as well as with response selection and reappraisal during the imagination of SIB. [source]

Differential expression of CaMK-II genes during early zebrafish embryogenesis

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 1 2007
Sarah C. Rothschild
Abstract CaMK-II is a highly conserved Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase expressed throughout the lifespan of all vertebrates. During early development, CaMK-II regulates cell cycle progression and "non-canonical" Wnt-dependent convergent extension. In the zebrafish, Danio rerio, CaMK-II activity rises within 2 hr after fertilization. At the time of somite formation, zygotic expression from six genes (camk2a1, camk2b1, camk2g1, camk2g2, camk2d1, camk2d2) results in a second phase of increased activity. Zebrafish CaMK-II genes are 92,95% identical to their human counterparts in the non-variable regions. During the first three days of development, alternative splicing yields at least 20 splice variants, many of which are unique. Whole-mount in situ hybridization reveals that camk2g1 comprises the majority of maternal expression. All six genes are expressed strongly in ventral regions at the 18-somite stage. Later, camk2a1 is expressed in anterior somites, heart, and then forebrain. Camk2b1 is expressed in somites, mid- and forebrain, gut, retina, and pectoral fins. Camk2g1 appears strongly along the midline and then in brain, gut, and pectoral fins. Camk2g2 is expressed early in the midbrain and trunk and exhibits the earliest retinal expression. Camk2d1 is elevated early at somite boundaries, then epidermal tissue, while camk2d2 is expressed in discrete anterior locations, steadily increasing along either side of the dorsal midline and then throughout the brain, including the retina. These findings reveal a complex pattern of CaMK-II gene expression consistent with pleiotropic roles during development. Developmental Dynamics 236:295,305, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Maternal hypoxia increases the activity of MMPs and decreases the expression of TIMPs in the brain of neonatal rats

DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Wenni Tong
Abstract A recent study has shown that increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) has detrimental effect on the brain after neonatal hypoxia. The present study determined the effect of maternal hypoxia on neuronal survivability and the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9, as well as the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1 and 2 (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) in the brain of neonatal rats. Pregnant rats were exposed to 10.5% oxygen for 6 days from the gestation day 15 to day 21. Pups were sacrificed at day 0, 4, 7, 14, and 21 after birth. Body weight and brain weight of the pups were measured at each time point. The activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the protein abundance of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were determined by zymography and Western blotting, respectively. The tissue distribution of MMPs was examined by immunofluorescence staining. The neuronal death was detected by Nissl staining. Maternal hypoxia caused significant decreases in body and brain size, increased activity of MMP-2 at day 0, and increased MMP-9 at day 0 and 4. The increased activity of the MMPs was accompanied by an overall tendency towards a reduced expression of TIMPs at all ages with the significance observed for TIMPs at day 0, 4, and 7. Immunofluorescence analysis showed an increased expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 in the hippocampus at day 0 and 4. Nissl staining revealed significant cell death in the hippocampus at day 0, 4, and 7. Functional tests showed worse neurobehavioral outcomes in the hypoxic animals. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 2010 [source]

Relationship between protective effects of rosiglitazone on endothelium and endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and cultured endothelial cells

DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 2 2007
Shan Wang
Abstract Background Previous investigations have indicated that the level of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is increased in diabetic patients and animals, and rosiglitazone has a protective effect on the endothelium. In the present study, we tested the relationship between protective effects of rosiglitazone and ADMA in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and cultured endothelial cells. Methods Blood samples were collected from carotid artery. Vasodilator responses to acetylcholine (ACh) in the isolated aortic rings were measured, and serum concentrations of glucose, lipid, nitrite/nitrate, ADMA and tumour necrosis factor-, (TNF-,) were determined. Cultured endothelial cells were treated with ADMA, and the concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), TNF-,, and the activity of nuclear factor-,B (NF-,B) were determined. Results Vasodilator responses to ACh were decreased markedly and the serum concentrations of TNF-,, nitrite/nitrate and ADMA were increased significantly in diabetic rats. Rosiglitazone (3, 10 or 30 mg/kg) produced a significant reduction of the inhibition of vasodilator responses to ACh, but had no effect on the serum concentrations of glucose, lipid, nitrite/nitrate and ADMA in diabetic rats. ADMA (30 µM) significantly increased the activity of NF-,B and elevated the levels of ICAM-1 and TNF-,, and pre-treatment with rosiglitazone (10 or 30 µM) markedly inhibited the increased activity of NF-,B and reduced the elevated levels of TNF-, and ICAM-1 induced by ADMA in cultured endothelial cells. Conclusions Rosiglitazone improves endothelial function in diabetic rats, which is related to the reduction of the inflammatory response induced by ADMA. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Learned Recognition of Intraspecific Predators in Larval Long-Toed Salamanders Ambystoma macrodactylum

ETHOLOGY, Issue 6 2001
Erica L. Wildy
The ability of prey to detect predators and respond accordingly is critical to their survival. The use of chemical cues by animals in predator detection has been widely documented. In many cases, predator recognition is facilitated by the release of alarm cues from conspecific victims. Alarm cues elicit anti-predator behavior in many species, which can reduce their risk of being attacked. It has been previously demonstrated that adult long-toed salamanders, Ambystoma macrodactylum, exhibit an alarm response to chemical cues from injured conspecifics. However, whether this response exists in the larval stage of this species and whether it is an innate or a learned condition is unknown. In the current study, we examined the alarm response of naïve (i.e. lab-reared) larval long-toed salamanders. We conducted a series of behavioral trials during which we quantified the level of activity and spatial avoidance of hungry and satiated focal larvae to water conditioned by an injured conspecific, a cannibal that had recently been fed a conspecific or a non-cannibal that was recently fed a diet of Tubifex worms. Focal larvae neither reduced their activity nor spatially avoided the area of the stimulus in either treatment when satiated, and exhibited increased activity towards the cannibal stimulus when hungry. We regard this latter behavior as a feeding response. Together these results suggest that an anti-predator response to injured conspecifics and to cannibalistic conspecifics is absent in naïve larvae. Previous studies have shown that experienced wild captured salamanders do show a response to cannibalistic conspecifics. Therefore, we conducted an additional experiment examining whether larvae can learn to exhibit anti-predator behavior in response to cues from cannibalized conspecifics. We exposed larvae to visual, chemical and tactile cues of stimulus animals that were actively foraging on conspecifics (experienced) or a diet of Tubifex (naïve treatment). In subsequent behavioral treatments, experienced larvae significantly reduced their activity compared to naive larvae in response to chemical cues of cannibals that had recently consumed conspecifics. We suggest that this behavior is a response to alarm cues released by consumed conspecifics that may have labeled the cannibal. Furthermore, over time, interactions with cannibals may cause potential prey larvae to learn to avoid cannibals regardless of their recent diet. [source]

Prepare for conflict: EEG correlates of the anticipation of target competition during overt and covert shifts of visual attention

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 9 2010
Simon P. Kelly
Abstract When preparing to make a saccadic eye movement in a cued direction, perception of stimuli at the target location is enhanced, just as it is when attention is covertly deployed there. Accordingly, the timing and anatomical sources of preparatory brain activity accompanying shifts of covert attention and saccade preparation tend to exhibit a large degree of overlap. However, there is evidence that preparatory processes are modulated by the foreknowledge of visual distractor competition during covert attention, and it is unknown whether eye movement preparation undergoes equivalent modulation. Here we examine preparatory processes in the electroencephalogram of human participants during four blocked versions of a spatial cueing task, requiring either covert detection or saccade execution, and either containing a distractor or not. As in previous work, a typical pattern of spatially selective occipital, parietal and frontal activity was seen in all task versions. However, whereas distractor presence called on an enhancement of spatially selective visual cortical modulation during covert attention, it instead called on increased activity over frontomedial oculomotor areas in the case of overt saccade preparation. We conclude that, although advance orienting signals may be similar in character during overt and covert conditions, the pattern by which these signals are modulated to ameliorate the behavioral costs of distractor competition is highly distinct, pointing to a degree of separability between the overt and covert systems. [source]

Altered fatty acid pattern of phospholipids and triglycerides in the submandibular gland of ,3-depleted rats

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 2 2007
Christine Delporte
Alteration of the phospholipid (PL) and triglyceride (TG) fatty acid pattern was recently documented in several organs of rats depleted in long-chain polyunsaturated ,3 fatty acid (,3 rats). This study extends such a knowledge to the submandibular gland. The total PL and TG content of the salivary gland was not different in control and ,3 rats. The sole ,3 fatty acids found in ,3 rats (C22:5,3 and C22:6,3) were present at levels 3,12 times lower than in control rats. The C22:5,3/C22:6,3 ratio was increased threefold in ,3 rats. The PL and TG C16:0/C16:1,7 and C18:0/C18:1,9 ratios were decreased in ,3 rats. The conversion of C18:2,6 to C20:4,6 and C22:4,6 appeared facilitated in the ,3 rats. Some of these rats were injected intravenously, 60,120 min before killing, with either a medium-chain triglyceride:fish oil emulsion or a control medium-chain triglyceride:olive oil emulsion. The former emulsion increased the PL C22:5,3 and C22:6,3 content and prevented the age-related decrease in C16:0/C16:1,7 and C18:0/C18:1,9 ratios otherwise also recorded in PL. In conclusion, these findings document an increased activity of ,9-desaturase, a more efficient conversion of C18:2,6 to its metabolites, and an impaired generation of C22:6,3 from C22:5,3 in ,3 rats. [source]

EVOLUTION OF PREY BEHAVIOR IN RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN PREDATION REGIME: DAMSELFLIES IN FISH AND DRAGONFLY LAKES

EVOLUTION, Issue 3 2003
R. Stoks
Abstract In a large behavioral experiment we reconstructed the evolution of behavioral responses to predators to explore how interactions with predators have shaped the evolution of their prey,behavior. All Enallagma damselfly species reduced both movement and feeding in the presence of coexisting predators. Some Enallagma species inhabit water bodies with both fish and dragonflies, and these species responded to the presence of both predators, whereas other Enallagma species inhabit water bodies that have only large dragonflies as predators, and these species only responded to the presence of dragonflies. Lineages that shifted to live with large dragonflies showed no evolution in behaviors expressed in the presence of dragonflies, but they evolved greater movement in the absence of predators and greater movement and feeding in the presence of fish. These results suggest that Enallagma species have evolutionarily lost the ability to recognize fish as a predator. Because species coexisting with only dragonfly predators have also evolved the ability to escape attacking dragonfly predators by swimming, the decreased predation risk associated with foraging appears to have shifted the balance of the foraging/predation risk trade-off to allow increased activity in the absence of mortality threats to evolve in these lineages. Our results suggest that evolution in response to changes in predation regime may have greater consequences for characters expressed in the absence of mortality threats because of how the balance between the conflicting demands of growth and predation risk are altered. [source]

Region-specific changes in sympathetic nerve activity in angiotensin II,salt hypertension in the rat

EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
John W. Osborn
It is now well accepted that many forms of experimental hypertension and human essential hypertension are caused by increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. However, the role of region-specific changes in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in the pathogenesis of hypertension has been difficult to determine because methods for chronic measurement of SNA in conscious animals have not been available. We have recently combined indirect, and continuous and chronic direct, assessment of region-specific SNA to characterize hypertension produced by administration of angiotensin II (Ang II) to rats consuming a high-salt diet (Ang II,salt hypertension). Angiotensin II increases whole-body noradrenaline (NA) spillover and depressor responses to ganglionic blockade in rats consuming a high-salt diet, but not in rats on a normal-salt diet. Despite this evidence for increased ,whole-body SNA' in Ang II,salt hypertensive rats, renal SNA is decreased in this model and renal denervation does not attenuate the steady-state level of arterial pressure. In addition, neither lumbar SNA, which largely targets skeletal muscle, nor hindlimb NA spillover is changed from control levels in Ang II,salt hypertensive rats. However, surgical denervation of the splanchnic vascular bed attenuates/abolishes the increase in arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance, as well as the decrease in vascular capacitance, observed in Ang II,salt hypertensive rats. We hypothesize that the ,sympathetic signature' of Ang II,salt hypertension is characterized by increased splanchnic SNA, no change in skeletal muscle SNA and decreased renal SNA, and this sympathetic signature creates unique haemodynamic changes capable of producing sustained hypertension. [source]

Holocene paleogeographies of the Palairos coastal plain (Akarnania, northwest Greece) and their geoarchaeological implications

GEOARCHAEOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 7 2006
Andreas Vött
Sediments from the Palairos coastal plain (Akarnania, northwest Greece) were studied to establish paleogeographical scenarios of Holocene landscape evolution. Near coast vibracore profiles revealed regressive sedimentary sequences, the base of which is dominated by marine sand and/or lagoonal mud. The middle and upper parts of the sequences are made up of lacustrine mud and fine- to coarse-grained alluvial deposits reflecting the increased activity of torrential river systems. In the southern plain, marine sediments of the maximum incursion of the Ionian Sea were found 1 km inland and date from the seventh millennium B.C. This proves that the Lake Voulkaria in the northern plain does not represent the remains of a former marine embayment. Subsequently, a large lagoon developed and existed until the fourth millennium B.C. The central plain was mainly exposed to subaerial conditions when man started to colonize the area in the seventh millennium B.C. In the fifth millennium B.C., the Palairos lagoon turned into a freshwater lake. When ancient Palairos was founded in the 6th century B.C., shallow lakes and swamps dominated the southern and central parts of the plain. At that time, a narrow canal-like connection between the Bay of Palairos-Pogonia and the Lake Voulkaria existed and was possibly used as a slipway for ships. During the last 4000 years, the Palairos plain experienced strong input of fluvial sediments which finally filled up the coastal lake as well as the swampy grounds. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]

Effect of seed coating on plant growth and soil conditions: A preliminary study for restoration of degraded rangeland in the Qinghai,Tibetan Plateau, China

GRASSLAND SCIENCE, Issue 3 2010
Yingchun Liu
Abstract Rangeland degradation is a significant problem in the Qinghai,Tibetan Plateau, China. Restoration of the degraded rangelands through reseeding is being undermined by poor seedling growth under adverse soil moisture and nutrition conditions. Accordingly, seeds of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus) were coated with a mixture of hygroscopic and plant-derived polysaccharide gums and alga powder (Phaeocystis sp. necolon-1), and inoculated with spores of microorganisms (Aspergillus sp. and Streptomyces sp.), serving as coating mixture decomposers, in order to improve rhizosphere moisture and nutrition. In a growth chamber simulating spring climate on the Plateau, seedling emergence of the coated seeds was 60,80 and 48,82%, respectively, for the two plant species in comparison to 38 and 24% for the uncoated seeds, which was due to moisture being supplied by the coat. In the outdoor pots with soil texture and moisture conditions similar to those of the degraded rangelands on the Plateau, dry weight of the plants from the coated seeds was 109,184 and 118,156 mg plant,1 for the respective plant species, while that of the plants from uncoated seeds was 18,20 and 10,11 mg plant,1. The number of Rhizobium sp. nodules on Chinese milk vetch plants from the coated seeds was 21,25 plant,1 while 0,2 in plants from uncoated seeds. Enhancement of plant growth was caused by increased activity of soil microbes. Plant growth on the soil after sampling plants from the coated seeds was also enhanced, indicating sustainability of improvement of soil conditions. Thus seed coating with hygroscopic nutrient-source materials and inoculation with microorganism spores as slow decomposers of the coating materials is a promising method for restoring degraded rangelands. [source]

Telithromycin-associated hepatotoxicity: Clinical spectrum and causality assessment of 42 cases,

HEPATOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
Allen D. Brinker
Telithromycin is the first of a new class of ketolide antibiotics with increased activity against penicillin-resistant and erythromycin-resistant pneumococci. This agent received approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 for treatment of upper and lower respiratory infections. Following market introduction, spontaneous reports of telithromycin-associated hepatotoxicity, including frank liver failure, were received. To address these reports, an ad hoc group with expertise in spontaneous adverse events reporting and experience in evaluating drug-induced liver injury was formed, including members of the FDA, other federal agencies, and academia. The primary objective of this group was to adjudicate case reports of hepatic toxicity for causal attribution to telithromycin. After an initial screening of all cases of liver injury associated with telithromycin reported to FDA as of April 2006 by one of the authors, 42 cases were comprehensively reviewed and adjudicated. Five cases included a severe outcome of either death (n = 4) or liver transplantation (n = 1); more than half were considered highly likely or probable in their causal association with telithromycin. Typical clinical features were: short latency (median, 10 days) and abrupt onset of fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice, sometimes with the presence of ascites even in cases that resolved. Concurrence in assignment of causality increased after agreement on definitions of categories and interactive discussions. Conclusion: Telithromycin is a rare cause of drug-induced liver injury that may have a distinctive clinical signature and associated high mortality rate. Consensus for attribution of liver injury to a selected drug exposure by individual experts can be aided by careful definition of terminology and discussion. (HEPATOLOGY 2009;49:250-257.) [source]