ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010
I. Grimm
Abstract Aim:, The adult subventricular zone (SVZ) contains neural stem cells that generate neuroblasts migrating to the olfactory bulb (OB) and differentiating into interneurones. The molecular cues controlling essential functions within the neurogenesis pathway such as proliferation, short and long distance migration, functional integration and cell survival are poorly understood. We have previously shown that cultured adult neural stem cells express a considerable variety of nucleotide receptors and that nucleotides and epidermal growth factor (EGF) induce converging intracellular signalling pathways that carry potential for synergism in the control of neural stem cell proliferation and cell survival. Here we investigate the role of EGF and the nucleotides ATP, ADP,S and UTP in neural stem cell migration. Methods:, Neural stem cells were prepared from adult mice and subjected to adherent culture. Labelling of F-actin was performed with tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate-phalloidin. Images were processed for quantitative evaluation of fluorescence labelling. Agonist-induced phosphorylation of AKT and focal adhesion kinase was analysed by quantitative Western blotting. Agonist-dependent cell migration was assayed using 48-well microchemotaxis chambers. Results:, Nucleotides and EGF induce the formation of stress fibres, an increase in the cortical actin cytoskeleton and in cell spreading. This is associated with increased phosphorylation of AKT and focal adhesion kinase. Using microchemotaxis chambers we demonstrate a parallel increase in cell migration. Conclusion:, Our results suggest that nucleotides and EGF acting as paracrine or autocrine signalling substances can be of relevance for structuring and maintaining the cytoarchitecture of the SVZ and the stream of neuroblasts migrating to the OB. [source]

Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical observations of the nervous systems of three macrodasyidan gastrotrichs

ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 3 2003
R. Hochberg
Abstract The nervous systems of three macrodasyidan gastrotrichs, Dactylopodola baltica, Macrodasys caudatus and Dolichodasys elongatus, were investigated using immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. Labelling of neural structures against serotonin revealed the presence of two pairs of cerebral cells, a dorsal cerebral connective, and paired ventral nerve cords in D. baltica. In M. caudatus and D. elongatus serotonin immunoreactivity was present in a single pair of dorsal cerebral cells and the ventral nerve cords; the dorsal connective of D. elongatus was also immunoreactive to serotonin and acetylated ,-tubulin. The presence of paired, serotonin-like immunoreactive cells in D. baltica and other species may represent the plesiomorphic condition in Macrodasyida. The fine structure of the photoreceptors in D. baltica was also investigated to explore the potential ground pattern for eyes in the Macrodasyida. The pigmented photoreceptors of D. baltica contain a unicellular pigment cup, sheath cell and sensory receptor. The pigment cup contains numerous osmiophilic granules that presumably function to shield the eyes from downwelling light in the red part of the spectrum. Projecting into the pigment cup and sheath cell are numerous microvilli from a bipolar sensory cell. A single sensory cell may represent the plesiomorphic condition in Macrodasyida, with multiplication of sensory cells representative of more derived taxa. [source]

GMO Food Labelling in the EU: Tracing ,the Seeds of Dispute'

EUROCHOICES, Issue 1 2003
Maria L. Loureiro
Summary GMO Food Labelling in the EU: Tracinq ,the Seeds of Dispute' Genetically modified (GM) food labelling has become a critical issue in the international trade arena. Policymakers and consumers in the European Union (EU) seem to agree on the need to control the use of biotechnology in the food industry. As a consequence, recently the EU Commission approved a measure that establishes strict rules on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), but which lifts the moratorium on GMO production and marketing. This new Directive deals with mandatory labelling of GM foods and their traceability along the food chain. In spite of the substantial effort made to reconcile the different opinions in the escalating debate about biotechnology, the new GMO regulation seems to be unsatisfactory for too many interest groups. A system of total traceability from ,farm to fork' and mandatory labelling for genetically modified products may be considered too complex and too expensive to implement, particularly by those countries or industries that have produced GMO foods for many years. Yet, giving European consumers the freedom to choose GMOs may be the only option that there is until Europeans restore their confidence in the food system and food regulators. A market or consumer-driven solution may eventually terminate the GMO dispute between the two transatlantic trading blocks. , Assurance , Revenud a ns , Agriculture Européenne ,étiquetage des aliments contenant des organismes génétiquement modifyés (OGM) est devenu une question cruciale sur la scène du commerce international. Tant les décideurs politiques que les citoyens de , Union européenne semblent s'accorder sur la nécessité de soumettre à contrôle , utilisation des biotechnologies dans , industrie alimentaire. En conséquence, la Commission européenne a récemment approuvé une mesure qui établit des règies strictes sur les OGM, mais qui lève le moratoire sur leur production et leur commercialisation. Cette nouvelle directive concerne ,étiquetage obligatoire des aliments contenant des OGM et la façon ? en assurer le suivi dans les filières alimentaires. Ce nouveau règlement OGM, en dépit des efforts réels effectués pour réconcilier les différents points de vue dans la montée du débat sur les biotechnologies, semble inconciliable avec trop de groupes ? intérêts pour être satisfaisant. Un système assurant une traçabilité totale, ,du champ à la fourchette' et un étiquetage obligatoire pour tout produit contenant des OGM, paraît bien trop complexe et coûteux à mettre en ,uvre, en particulier pour les pays ou les industries qui produisent des aliments génétiquement modifyés depuis des années. Et pourtant, il se pourrait bien que la seule façpn de restaurer la confiance perdue des Européens dans le système alimentaire et ses institutions soit justement de leur donner le droit de choisir. La fin de la querelle des OGM entre les blocs commerciaux des deux rives de , Atlantique peut venir de solutions apportées par le marché et issues des consommateurs. Einkommenversicherung in der Europäischen Landwirtschaft Die Kennzeichnung von genetisch veränderten Lebensmitteln ist zu einer der bedeutendsten Streitfragen auf dem Gebiet des internationalen Handels geworden. Politische Entscheidungsträger und Verbraucher in der Europäischen Union scheinen dahingehend überein zu stimmen, dass der Einsatz von Biotechnologie in der Nahrungsmittel-industrie kontrolliert werden sollte. Als Reaktion darauf hat die EU-Kommission kürzlich einer Maßnahme zugestimmt, welche ein strenges Regelwerk für genetisch veränderte Organismen (GVO) festschreibt, mit der aber gleichzeitig das Moratorium für die Produktion und Vermarktung von GVO aufgehoben wird. Die neue Richtlinie beschäftigt sich mit der Pflichtkennzeichnung von genetisch veränderten Nahrungsmitteln und mit ihrer Rückverfolgbarkeit entlang der Nahrungsmittelkette. Trotz der erheblichen Anstrengungen, die verschiedenen Standpunkte in der eskalierenden Debatte um Biotechnologie zu berücksichtigen, scheint die neue GVO Richtlinie in den Augen (zu) vieler Interessengruppen unbefriedigend zu sein. Ein System der vollständigen Rückverfolgbarkeit vom Stall bis zum Teller und die Pflichtkennzeichnung von genetisch veränderten Nahrungsmitteln mag in der Umsetzung als zu komplex und zu teuer betrachtet werden, insbesondere von den Ländern oder Industriezweigen, welche seit vielen Jahren GVO-Nahrungsmittel hergestellt haben. Dennoch könnte der Ansatz, den europäischen Verbrauchern die freie Wahl für oder gegen GVO zu gewähren, der einzig gangbare Weg sein, bis die Europäer ihr Vertrauen in das Produktions- und Kontrollsystem für Nahrungsmittel zurückgewonnen haben. Eine markt- oder verbraucherorientierte Lösung könnte letztlich den Streit um GVO zwischen den beiden transatlantischen Handelsblöcken beenden. [source]

Site-Selective Ser-Hydrolase Labelling with a Luminescent Organometallic NCN,Platinum Complex

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 13 2010
Birgit Wieczorek
Abstract The synthesis, spectroscopic properties and protein-binding studies of a novel luminescent organometallic NCN,platinum complex are described. The luminescent organometallic complex was linked to a serine hydrolase reactive phosphonate group by means of click chemistry, and was exploited in serine hydrolase specific-binding studies using gel electrophoresis. The NCN,platinum protein label was found to be a robust dye with absorbance and emission maxima between 374,380 and 482,493 nm, respectively, and quantum yields between 0.04 and 0.15. [source]

The subcellular localization of GABAB receptor subunits in the rat substantia nigra

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2003
Justin Boyes
Abstract The inhibitory effects of GABA within the substantia nigra (SN) are mediated in part by metabotropic GABAB receptors. To better understand the mechanisms underlying these effects, we have examined the subcellular localization of the GABAB receptor subunits, GABAB1 and GABAB2, in SN neurons and afferents using pre-embedding immunocytochemistry combined with anterograde or retrograde labelling. In both the SN pars compacta (SNc) and pars reticulata (SNr), GABAB1 and GABAB2 showed overlapping, but distinct, patterns of immunolabelling. GABAB1 was more strongly expressed by putative dopaminergic neurons in the SNc than by SNr projection neurons, whereas GABAB2 was mainly expressed in the neuropil of both regions. Immunogold labelling for GABAB1 and GABAB2 was localized in presynaptic and postsynaptic elements throughout the SN. The majority of labelling was intracellular or was associated with extrasynaptic sites on the plasma membrane. In addition, labelling for both subunits was found on the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes at symmetric, putative GABAergic synapses, including those formed by anterogradely labelled striatonigral and pallidonigral terminals. Labelling was also observed on the presynaptic membrane and at the edge of the postsynaptic density at asymmetric, putative excitatory synapses. Double immunolabelling, using the vesicular glutamate transporter 2, revealed the glutamatergic nature of many of the immunogold-labelled asymmetric synapses. The widespread distribution of GABAB subunits in the SNc and SNr suggests that GABAB -mediated effects in these regions are likely to be more complex than previously described, involving presynaptic autoreceptors and heteroreceptors, and postsynaptic receptors on different populations of SN neurons. [source]

Questioning the Notion of Feminine Leadership: A Critical Perspective on the Gender Labelling of Leadership

GENDER, WORK & ORGANISATION, Issue 3 2000
Yvonne Due Billing
Traditionally, leadership has been equated with masculinity. Managerial jobs, at least in business and on senior levels, have been defined as a matter of instrumentality, autonomy, result-orientation, etc. something which is not particularly much in line with what is broadly assumed to be typical for females. Today, however, there seems to be a broad interest in leadership being more participatory, non-hierarchical, flexible and group-oriented. These new ideas on leadership are often seen by students of gender as indicating a feminine orientation. This article argues that it is necessary to critically discuss the whole idea of gender labelling leadership as masculine or feminine and suggests that we should be very careful and potentially aware of the unfortunate consequences when we use gender labels. Constructing leadership as feminine may be of some value as a contrast to conventional ideas on leadership and management but may also create a misleading impression of women's orientation to leadership as well as reproducing stereotypes and the traditional gender division of labour. [source]

The acceptability to stakeholders of mandatory nutritional labelling in France and the UK , findings from the PorGrow project

JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 1 2010
M. Holdsworth
Abstract Background:, Implementing a European Union (EU)-wide mandatory nutrition labelling scheme has been advocated as part a multi-pronged strategy to tackle obesity. The type of scheme needs to be acceptable to all key stakeholders. This study explored stakeholders' viewpoints of labelling in two contrasting food cultures (France and the UK) to see whether attitudes were influenced by sectoral interests and/or national context. Methods:, Using Multi Criteria Mapping, a decision analysis tool that assesses stakeholder viewpoints, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered during tape-recorded interviews. In France and the UK, 21 comparable stakeholders appraised nutritional labelling with criteria of their own choosing (i.e. feasibility, societal benefits, social acceptability, efficacy in addressing obesity, additional health benefits) and three criteria relating to cost (to industry; public sector; individuals). When scoring, interviewees provided both optimistic (best case) and pessimistic (worst case) judgements. Results:, Overall, mandatory nutritional labelling was appraised least favourably in France. Labelling performed worse under optimistic (best case) scenarios in France, for five out of eight sets of criteria. French stakeholders viewed labelling as expensive, having fewer benefits to society and as being marginally less effective than UK stakeholders did. However, French interviewees thought implementing labelling was feasible and would provide additional health benefits. British and French stakeholders made similar quantitative judgements on how socially acceptable mandatory labelling would be. Conclusions:, There is agreement between some stakeholder groups in the two different countries, especially food chain operators. However, cultural differences emerged that could influence the impact of an EU-wide mandatory labelling scheme in both countries. [source]

10th international symposium on the synthesis and applications of isotopes and isotopically labelled compounds,Professor John R. Jones memorial lectures, Monday, June 15, 2009

JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 5-6 2010
David Hesk Session Chair
Abstract The first Session of the Conference was dedicated to the memory of Professor John R. Jones. Labelling with Deuterium and Tritium was the common theme. William J.S. Lockley, Frank Tang and Shuiyu Lu gave presentations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Labelling of the guanylate cyclase activator cinaciguat (BAY 58-2667) with carbon-14, tritium and stable isotopes

JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 3 2010
D. Seidel
Abstract For studies of pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism of the new soluble guanylate cyclase activator cinaciguat (BAY 58-2667) the 14C-labelled compound was synthesized. The tritiated compound was required to elucidate the mode of action and the stable labelled compound was required for bio-analytical studies by quantitative mass spectrometry as well. Two radiosyntheses are described with different formation of the labelled intermediate 1-(chloro[14C]methyl)-4-(2-phenylethyl)benzene. The first one started with 14C-carboxylation of 1-bromo-4-(2-phenylethyl)benzene yielding the desired product in 5 steps. In the second synthesis intermediate 1-(chloro[14C]methyl)-4-(2-phenylethyl)benzene was formed by chloromethylation of bibenzyl with [14C]paraformaldehyde/hydrochloric acid subsequently resulting in the final product in three steps. Tritium labelling was performed by tritium exchange of the diester intermediate using an organo-iridium catalyst and subsequent saponification. The stable labelled compound was synthesized via a convergent synthesis starting with 13C,15N-cyanation of 1-(chloromethyl)-2-{[4-(2-phenylethyl)benzyl]oxy}benzene and 13C-cyanation of methyl 4-bromobenzoate, respectively. The labelled product was obtained after 7 chemical steps. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Labelling of GW796406X with [M+4]-methylcopper,

JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 5-6 2007
Alan H. Wadsworth
[source]

A general method for the fluorine-18 labelling of fluoroquinolone antibiotics

JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 8 2003
Oliver Langer
Abstract Fluoroquinolones are an important class of antibiotic agents with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. Labelling of fluoroquinolones with fluorine-18 is of interest for the performance of pharmacokinetic measurements and the visualization of bacterial infections in humans with positron emission tomography. A two-step radiosynthetic pathway to prepare fluorine-18-labelled ciprofloxacin (1-cyclopropyl-6-[18F]fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-7-(1-piperazinyl)-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid) has previously been developed. In the present work this approach was applied to the preparation of the structurally related compounds [18F]norfloxacin (1-ethyl-6-[18F]fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-7-(1-piperazinyl)-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid) and [18F]pefloxacin (1-ethyl-6-[18F]fluoro-1,4-dihydro-7-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-4-oxo-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid). The first step of the radiosynthesis consisted of a 18F for 19F exchange reaction on a 7-chloro-substituted precursor molecule, followed by coupling reactions with the amines piperazine or 1-methylpiperazine. Starting from 51,58 GBq of [18F]fluoride 1.9,2.0 GBq of [18F]norfloxacin or [18F]pefloxacin, ready for intravenous injection, could be obtained in a synthesis time of 130 min (3.5,3.8% overall radiochemical yield). Moreover, the preparation of [18F]levofloxacin ((-)-(S)-9-[18F]fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-7-oxo-7H-pyrido[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazine-6-carboxylicacid) was attempted but failed to afford the desired product in practical amounts. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

[125I], [127I]-and [14C]-Labelling of the GLP-1-(7-37) derivative NN2211

JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 6 2003
Jesper B. Kristensen
Abstract Arg34Lys26(N, -(,- L -glutamyl(N, -palmitoyl)))-GLP-1(7-37) (NN2211) is currently in development as a diabetes type 2 drug. The fatty acid attached to the GLP-1(7-37) ensures a long and controlled duration of action. The synthesis of [125I]NN2211, [127I]NN2211 and [14C]NN2211 used for preclinical ADME studies are described. NN2211 was iodinated using the lactoperoxidase/hydrogen peroxide method, and [14C]NN2211 was synthesized in 4 steps by two routes both starting from an ,-protected [U- 14C]glutamic acid. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Labelling of octreotide using 76Br-prosthetic groups

JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS, Issue 8 2001
Ulrika Yngve
Abstract A method for labelling the octapeptide octreotide (D,Phe,Cys,Phe,D,Trp,Lys,Thr,Cys,Thr(ol)) with the positron emitting 76Br (T1/2=16 h) is presented. , -Boc-protected octreotide was conjugated to N,succinimidyl 4-[76Br]bromobenzoate 1 and N,succinimidyl 5-[76Br]bromo-3-pyridinecarboxylate 3 using microwave heating. The conjugates 4 and 5 were isolated in 50,55% radiochemical yield after the removal of the protecting Boc-group. Compound 3 was synthesised from the corresponding trimethylstannyl-precursor in 25% radiochemical yield. The synthesis of methyl-4-[76Br] bromobenzimidate 8 in 40% radiochemical yield from the precursor methyl-4-trimethylstannylbenzimidate is also described. Experiments were performed to react 8 with Boc-octreotide but no product was obtained. The binding-properties of 76Br-conjugates 4 and 5 to meningiomas were investigated using frozen section autoradiography. Compound 5 showed better binding properties than 4. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Effect of Intracerebroventricular Administration of the Octadecaneuropeptide on the Expression of Pro-Opiomelanocortin, Neuropeptide Y and Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone mRNAs in Rat Hypothalamus

JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
V. Compère
Abstract Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the octadecaneuropeptide (diazepam-binding inhibitor [33,50]; ODN) exerts a potent anorexigenic effect in the rat. We studied the effect of ODN on three neuropeptides involved in feeding behaviour: the orexigenic peptide neuropeptide Y (NPY) and two anorexigenic peptides, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptide , -melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The effect of i.c.v. administration of ODN (0.1 µg/kg and 1 µg/kg) on mRNA expression of the peptides in male rat hypothalamus was evaluated by semiquantitative in situ hybridization. In the arcuate nucleus, NPY-expressing neurones were mostly found in the inner zone in close proximity of the third ventricle. ODN at the dose of 0.1 µg/kg induced a significant decrease of 17.4% in NPY mRNA expression, while the depressing effect was more marked (31.4%) with the highest dose of ODN (1 µg/kg). POMC-expressing neurones were more laterally located in the arcuate nucleus. Administration of ODN at 0.1 µg/kg and 1 µg/kg doses induced increases of 33.5% and 27.4% in POMC mRNA expression, respectively. Labelling obtained with the CRH cRNA probe was essentially distributed throughout the medial parvocellular area of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. ODN, at doses of 0.1 and 1 µg/kg, resulted in 17.8% and 32.8% decreases in CRH mRNA expression, respectively. The present data suggest that ODN might exert its anorexigenic effect by increasing mRNA expression of POMC and decreasing mRNA expression of NPY in the arcuate nucleus. [source]

"Moral Panic" or Pejorative Labelling?

JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS HISTORY, Issue 4 2009
Rethinking the Mazengarb Inquiry into Underage Sex in the Hutt Valley in 195
This article re-examines the interpretation of widespread concern over significant underage sex in the Hutt Valley, Wellington, which resulted in a government inquiry in 1954. It challenges the typical "moral panic" interpretive lens concerning the inquiry, arguing that the term obscures more than it reveals. The term focuses on reaction to the Hutt Valley affair but fails to address sufficiently the causative question of why such concern existed in the first place. The "moral panic" framing of the Hutt Valley incidents has failed to give adequate recognize that the developments were early indicators of increasing societal shifts that threatened long-held public views on sexuality; that manifest, societal, sexuality values changes in the next two decades showed that concerned people of 1954 were right within the framework of their worldview to have such concern; and that the so-called "moral panic" concern of 1954 already existed prior to the Hutt Valley disclosures. [source]

IGD food labelling initiatives on food allergens and food safety

NUTRITION BULLETIN, Issue 4 2000
Sue Gatenby
Summary An Institute of Grocery Distribution initiative on food labelling has recently addressed two areas of public concern , the presence of allergens in foods and general food safety. Voluntary Guidelines on Labelling, developed by cross-sector working groups in these areas, have recently been published and are briefly summarised in this paper. [source]

Apoptotic Changes in the Epithelium Germinativum of the Cat (Felis catus s. domestica, L. 1758) at Different Ages and Breeding Seasons

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 4 2008
MJ SiemieniuchArticle first published online: 25 FEB 200
Contents Apoptosis (programmed cell death) could be considered as a physiological process that takes part in a healthy organism, which helps to maintain organism homeostasis. The visible deterioration of semen quality and the number of germ cells is accompanied by a seasonal decrease of the reproductive activity in some species. This post-effect cascade is caused by apoptosis, which is the primary mechanism responsible for the elimination of germ cells during spermatogenesis. The aim of our study was to assess apoptotic changes in the epithelium germinativum in cat testes at different ages. One hundred and two pairs of testes were obtained from domestic cats aged between 4 months and 10 years. The paraffin-embedded tissue sections were labelled using the Oncogene and Calbiochem Research Products DNA Fragmentation Detection Kit (Cat# QIA21; Darmstadt, Germany), which allows the recognition of apoptotic nuclei in tissue sections with Fragment End Labelling (FragELTM) of DNA. The activity of apoptotic processes in cat testes collected from the spring-summer period compared with the autumn-winter season revealed that, 59.42% and 51.51%, respectively, males testes were characterized by insignificant changes. The obtained data revealed a distinctive apoptotic changes in the young animal testes before spermatogenesis onset. An intensification of programmed death cells in the epithelium germinativum in the elder cats (between 3,6 and 6,10 years) was not observed. Apoptotic changes slightly intensified in cats aged between 12 and 36 months. [source]

Multiple Wrongdoing and Offence Structure: A Plea for Consistency and Fair Labelling

THE MODERN LAW REVIEW, Issue 3 2001
Barry Mitchell
Crimes come in all shapes and sizes, but relatively little work has been done on offence structure , Robinson's recent functional analysis is perhaps the one obvious exception. This article concentrates on incidents of multiple wrongdoing and suggests that the current substantive law is both inconsistent and confusing. Burglary, for example, is unnecessarily narrowly defined and should be expanded to include broadly similar scenarios. The law is confusing because it conflates qualitatively very different incidents under the same umbrella , serial killers, for example, commit the same crimes as those who kill multiple victims by one act. Not only does the law fly in the face of common sense but it conflicts with the principle of fair labelling , that crimes be defined to reflect their wrongfulness and severity , which seeks to fulfil some important functions in the criminal justice system. [source]

Comparison of Localization of the Neurokinin 1 Receptor and Nitric Oxide Synthase with Calbindin D Labelling in the Rat Spinal Cord

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 3 2000
M. Nazli
Summary A comparison of the localization of the neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor and nitric oxide synthase with calbindin D labelling in the lumbar spinal cord was carried out in the rat using immunocytochemistry. Considerable regional variations were observed. Application of the antibody to calbindin D resulted in dense staining in laminae I and II and light staining in the other laminae. Occasional scattered cells were seen in the deep laminae and in the lamina X, the ventral horn and the lateral spinal nucleus. The results indicate that neurones expressing calbindin D, NK1 receptor and NOS are three separate populations in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord. [source]

Optimal Conditions for Labelling of 3T3 Fibroblasts with Magnetoliposomes without Affecting Cellular Viability

CHEMBIOCHEM, Issue 17 2007
Stefaan J. H. Soenen Drs.
Abstract A comparative study that deals with the internalisation of different types of magnetoliposomes (MLs) by 3T3 fibroblasts revealed that cationic MLs proved to be superior to neutral and anionic ones. Internalisation was visualised both by optical light and transmission electron microscopy. The latter showed that the cationic MLs ultimately ended up in lysosomal structures. The effect of increasing 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) concentrations in the cationic ML coat has been elucidated. High uptake efficiency was only achieved with MLs that carry a high DOTAP payload. However, these structures also demonstrated toxic effects. The use of the saturated distearoyl analogue (DSTAP) at identical concentrations led to improved uptake efficiency and lower toxicity. By using iron-oxide-free vesicles, it was shown that the toxicity was due to lipid bilayer constituents and not the iron oxide. In conclusion, the use of DMPC,DSTAP (96.67:3.33; molar ratio) MLs results in an extremely high labelling of 3T3 fibroblasts with iron oxides (47.66 pg Fe per cell) without evoking any influence on cell viability. [source]

Tetraamine-Derived Bifunctional Chelators for Technetium-99m Labelling: Synthesis, Bioconjugation and Evaluation as Targeted SPECT Imaging Probes for GRP-Receptor-Positive Tumours,

CHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 7 2010
Keelara Abiraj Dr.
Abstract Owing to its optimal nuclear properties, ready availability, low cost and favourable dosimetry, 99mTc continues to be the ideal radioisotope for medical-imaging applications. Bifunctional chelators based on a tetraamine framework exhibit facile complexation with Tc(V)O2 to form monocationic species with high in vivo stability and significant hydrophilicity, which leads to favourable pharmacokinetics. The synthesis of a series of 1,4,8,11-tetraazaundecane derivatives (01,06) containing different functional groups at the 6-position for the conjugation of biomolecules and subsequent labelling with 99mTc is described herein. The chelator 01 was used as a starting material for the facile synthesis of chelators functionalised with OH (02), N3 (04) and O -succinyl ester (05) groups. A straightforward and easy synthesis of carboxyl-functionalised tetraamine-based chelator 06 was achieved by using inexpensive and commercially available starting materials. Conjugation of 06 to a potent bombesin-antagonist peptide and subsequent labelling with 99mTc afforded the radiotracer 99mTc-N4-BB-ANT, with radiolabelling yields of >97,% at a specific activity of 37,GBq,,mol,1. An IC50 value of (3.7±1.3),nM was obtained, which confirmed the high affinity of the conjugate to the gastrin-releasing-peptide receptor (GRPr). Immunofluorescence and calcium mobilisation assays confirmed the strong antagonist properties of the conjugate. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies of 99mTc-N4-BB-ANT showed high and specific uptake in PC3 xenografts and in other GRPr-positive organs. The tumour uptake was (22.5±2.6),% injected activity per gram (%,IA,g,1) at 1,h post injection (p.i.). and increased to (29.9±4.0),%,IA,g,1 at 4,h p.i. The SPECT/computed tomography (CT) images showed high tumour uptake, clear background and negligible radioactivity in the abdomen. The promising preclinical results of 99mTc-N4-BB-ANT warrant its potential candidature for clinical translation. [source]

Nucleotides and epidermal growth factor induce parallel cytoskeletal rearrangements and migration in cultured adult murine neural stem cells

Fragrance contact allergic patients: strategies for use of cosmetic products and perceived impact on life situation

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 6 2009
Susan Hovmand Lysdal
Background: Fragrance ingredients are a common cause of contact allergy. Very little is known about these patients' strategies to manage their disease and the effect on their daily lives. Objectives: To investigate if patients with diagnosed fragrance contact allergy used scented products, how they identified tolerated products, and if fragrance allergy affected their daily living. Method: One hundred and forty-seven patients diagnosed with fragrance contact allergy in a 20-month period were included and received a postal questionnaire concerning the subjects of the study. One hundred and seventeen (79.6%) replied. Results: In total, 53/117 (45.3%) responded that they had found some scented products that they could tolerate. Thirty-seven (31.6%) had not tried to find any scented products and 26 (22%) had tried but could not find any. The methods most often used were trying different products and reading the ingredient label. Of the total respondents, 17.1% reported sick-leave due to fragrance allergy and 45.3% found that fragrance allergy significantly affected their daily living. Conclusion: Many patients with fragrance contact allergy succeeded in finding some scented products, which they could tolerate, e.g. by use of ingredient labelling, but a significant proportion had continued skin problems. Almost half of the patients perceived that fragrance allergy significantly affected their daily lives. [source]

A patch test study of 27 crude drugs commonly used in Chinese topical medicaments

CONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2003
Hsuan-Hsiang Chen
Chinese topical medicaments (CTMs) are commonly used in Taiwan and in Southeast Asia. However, a systematic evaluation of contact sensitization potential from CTM has not been carried out to our knowledge. This study was undertaken to investigate the incidence of contact sensitivity to the components of CTM in patients with contact dermatitis from CTM. A screening series of 27 crude drugs most commonly used in CTM as well as a modified European standard series was patch tested in 30 patients. The herbs with the most frequent positive reactions were Flos Caryophylli ( ), Radix Angelicae Pubescentis ( ), Cortex Cinnamomi ( ), Cortex Radix Acanthopanacis ( ), Caulis Impatientis ( ), Resina Draconis/Sanguis Draconis ( ), Fructus Cnidii ( ), Radix Gentiana Macrophyllae ( ), and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong ( ). Concomitant allergy to colophonium was found in most of these positive reactions. Reducing the concentration and simplifying the compositions of these components, as well as replacement with those of low allergenicity in CTM, such as Rhizoma Arisaematis ( ), Herba Lycopodii ( ), Radix Cyathulae Officinalis ( ), Rhizoma Pinelliae ( ), Radix Angelicae Dahuricae ( ), Herba Dendrobii ( ), Secretio Moschus ( ), and Stigmata Croci ( ), may be advocated. A precise labelling of the dosage of each component and the exact chemical compounds in CTM products could further improve the safety and therapeutic effects of CTM in the future. [source]

Differential regulation of GDF-5 and FGF-2/4 by immobilisation in ovo exposes distinct roles in joint formation,

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2006
E. Kavanagh
Abstract Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family and growth and differentiation factor 5 (GDF-5) have been implicated in joint specification, but their roles in subsequent cavity formation are not defined. Cavity formation (cavitation) depends upon limb movement in embryonic chicks and factors involved in joint formation are often identified by their expression at the joint-line. We have sought support for the roles of FGF-2, FGF-4, and GDF-5 in cavitation by defining expression patterns, immunohistochemically, during joint formation and establishing whether these are modified by in ovo immobilisation. We found that FGF-2 exhibited low level nuclear expression in chondrocytes and fibrocartilage cells close to presumptive joints, but showed significantly higher expression levels in cells at, and directly bordering, the forming joint cavity. This high-level joint line FGF-2 expression was selectively diminished in immobilised limbs. In contrast, we show that FGF-4 does not exhibit differential joint-line expression and was unaffected by immobilisation. GDF-5 protein also failed to show joint-line selective labelling, and although immobilisation induced a cartilaginous fusion across presumptive joints, it did not affect cellular GDF-5 expression patterns. Examining changes in GDF-5 expression in response to a direct mechanical strain stimulus in primary embryonic chick articular surface (AS) cells in vitro discloses only small mechanically-induced reductions in GDF-5 expression, suggesting that GDF-5 does not exert a direct positive contribution to the mechano-dependent joint cavitation process. This notion was supported by retroviral overexpression of UDPGD, a characteristic factor involved in hyaluronan (HA) accumulation at presumptive joint lines, which was also found to produce small decreases in AS cell GDF-5 expression. These findings support a direct mechano-dependent role for FGF-2, but not FGF-4, in the cavitation process and indicate that GDF-5 is likely to influence chondrogenesis positively without contributing directly to joint cavity formation. Developmental Dynamics 235:826,834, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Prejudice and schizophrenia: a review of the ,mental illness is an illness like any other' approach

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2006
J. Read
Objective:, Many anti-stigma programmes use the ,mental illness is an illness like any other' approach. This review evaluates the effectiveness of this approach in relation to schizophrenia. Method:, The academic literature was searched, via PsycINFO and MEDLINE, to identify peer-reviewed studies addressing whether public espousal of a biogenetic paradigm has increased over time, and whether biogenetic causal beliefs and diagnostic labelling are associated with less negative attitudes. Results:, The public, internationally, continues to prefer psychosocial to biogenetic explanations and treatments for schizophrenia. Biogenetic causal theories and diagnostic labelling as ,illness', are both positively related to perceptions of dangerousness and unpredictability, and to fear and desire for social distance. Conclusion:, An evidence-based approach to reducing discrimination would seek a range of alternatives to the ,mental illness is an illness like any other' approach, based on enhanced understanding, from multi-disciplinary research, of the causes of prejudice. [source]

Adding biphasic insulin aspart 30 once or twice daily is more efficacious than optimizing oral antidiabetic treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes

DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 5 2007
W. M. W. Bebakar
Aim:, To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp30; NovoMix® 30) to existing oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) vs. optimizing OADs in a subgroup of Western Pacific patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on oral monotherapy or oral combination therapy. Methods:, This 26-week, multi-centre, open-labelled, randomized, two-arm parallel trial consisted of a 2-week screening period, followed by 24 weeks of treatment. Subjects randomized to BIAsp30 treatment (n = 129) received BIAsp30 once daily (o.d.) at dinnertime between Week 2 and Week 14, and those not reaching treatment targets were switched to twice daily (b.i.d.) BIAsp30 at Week 14 (n = 50). Subjects randomized to the OAD-only arm (n = 63) continued with their previous OAD treatment and, in an attempt to reach treatment goals, the dose was optimized (but OAD unchanged) in accordance to local treatment practice and labelling. Results:, Significantly greater reductions in HbA1c over Weeks 0,13 with BIAsp30 (o.d.) vs. OAD-only treatment (1.16 vs. 0.58%; p < 0.001), and over Weeks 0,26, with BIAsp30 (o.d.) and BIAsp30 (b.i.d.) treatments vs. OAD-only treatment (1.24 vs. 1.34 vs. 0.67%; p < 0.01). Hypoglycaemic episodes were reported in 54% of the patients in BIAsp30 (o.d. and b.i.d. pooled) and 30% of the patients in OAD-only group. All episodes were minor or symptomatic, except for one in each treatment group, which was major. Conclusions:, Initiating BIAsp30 treatment is a safe and more effective way to improve glycaemic control in Western Pacific patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral monotherapy or oral combination therapy compared with optimizing oral combination therapy alone. In patients not reaching treatment target on BIAsp30 (o.d.), treatment with BIAsp30 (b.i.d.) should be considered. [source]

Autoradiographic observations on developing and growing claws of reptiles

ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 2 2010
Lorenzo Alibardi
Abstract Alibardi, L. 2010. Autoradiographic observations on developing and growing claws of reptiles. ,Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 233,241 The present qualitative autoradiographic analysis aims to present the main features of morphogenesis and growth of claws in reptiles. Lizard embryos treated with tritiated thymidine reveal that epidermal cell proliferation in terminal digits is prevalent in the dorsal side and gives origin to the curved unguis of the claw. Less proliferation occurs in the ventral side of the digit tip where the concave sub-unguis is derived. Adult claws of a turtle show that thymidine-labelled cells are present along most of the epidermis of the claw, especially at the claw tip. Also, injection of tritiated histidine and proline, indicating active protein synthesis, confirm autoradiographic labelling along most of the epidermis of claws, in particular at the apical tip. The present study indicates that proximal matrix regions, as have been described in mammalian nails, are absent in reptiles. This pattern of claw growth probably derives from that of terminal digital scales. In fact reptilian (and avian) claws are formed from a modification of scales, a different condition from that present in mammals. [source]

The club-shaped gland of amphioxus: export of secretion to the pharynx in pre-metamorphic larvae and apoptosis during metamorphosis

ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009
Nicholas D. Holland
Abstract In amphioxus larvae, the club-shaped gland is a tube connecting the pharyngeal lumen with the external environment. The functions of the gland and its fate during the larva-to-juvenile metamorphosis have long been controversial. Here we use a fixative including ruthenium red to preserve extracellular secretions (presumably glycoproteins) in late pre-metamorphic larvae. This procedure reveals reddish, fibrogranular material in the lumen of the club-shaped gland and in the pharynx adjacent to the gland's inner opening. This finding strengthens the idea that secretions of the club-shaped gland are exported to the pharyngeal lumen to help form a mucous trap for capturing food particles entering the mouth. We also use the terminal desoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay to study apoptosis in the tissues of metamorphosing larvae. One of the earliest events of metamorphosis is the massive apoptotic destruction of the club-shaped gland. Therefore, despite some previous opinions to the contrary, the cells of the gland do not survive to participate in the genesis of the definitive endostyle or any other post-larval structures. [source]

Structure of adhesive organ of the mountain-stream catfish, Pseudocheneis sulcatus (Teleostei: Sisoridae)

ACTA ZOOLOGICA, Issue 4 2005
Debasish Das
Abstract The structure and ultrastructure of the adhesive organ (AO) in the catfish, Pseudocheneis sulcatus (Sisoridae), an inhabitant of the sub-Himalayan streams of India, is described. The surface of the AO is thrown into folds, the ridges of which bear curved spines. The AO epidermis consists of 10,12 tiers of filament-rich cells, of which the outer tier cells project spines lined with a thick plasma membrane and bear bundles of tonofilaments (TF). Their cytoplasm contains TF and large mucus-like granules, but no obvious organelles. A second tier of living cells with spines is present beneath the outer tier and seems to replace the latter when its spines are damaged or shed. The outer tier cells react positively with antibody to cytokeratin. Actin labelling is clearly absent from the outer tier, indicating that keratinization of the outer tier occurs in the absence of actin filaments. In the cells of the third to fifth tiers, the cytoplasm possesses abundant small mucous granules (0.1,0.3 µm), and fewer TF compared to the cytoplasm in the spines. The cells of the innermost tiers and the basal layer possess few TF bundles, but no mucous granules. The potential of AO filament cells to produce both mucous granules and keratin filaments is noteworthy. The observations provide evidence that specific regions of fish epidermis can actually undergo a true process of keratinization. [source]