Streaming Potential Modeling to Understand the Identification of Hydraulically Active Fractures and Fracture-Matrix Fluid Interactions Using the Self-Potential Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jougnot, D.; Roubinet, D.; Linde, N.; Irving, J.

2016-12-01

Quantifying fluid flow in fractured media is a critical challenge in a wide variety of research fields and applications. To this end, geophysics offers a variety of tools that can provide important information on subsurface physical properties in a noninvasive manner. Most geophysical techniques infer fluid flow by data or model differencing in time or space (i.e., they are not directly sensitive to flow occurring at the time of the measurements). An exception is the self-potential (SP) method. When water flows in the subsurface, an excess of charge in the pore water that counterbalances electric charges at the mineral-pore water interface gives rise to a streaming current and an associated streaming potential. The latter can be measured with the SP technique, meaning that the method is directly sensitive to fluid flow. Whereas numerous field experiments suggest that the SP method may allow for the detection of hydraulically active fractures, suitable tools for numerically modeling streaming potentials in fractured media do not exist. Here, we present a highly efficient two-dimensional discrete-dual-porosity approach for solving the fluid-flow and associated self-potential problems in fractured domains. Our approach is specifically designed for complex fracture networks that cannot be investigated using standard numerical methods due to computational limitations. We then simulate SP signals associated with pumping conditions for a number of examples to show that (i) accounting for matrix fluid flow is essential for accurate SP modeling and (ii) the sensitivity of SP to hydraulically active fractures is intimately linked with fracture-matrix fluid interactions. This implies that fractures associated with strong SP amplitudes are likely to be hydraulically conductive, attracting fluid flow from the surrounding matrix.

Self-potential and Complex Conductivity Monitoring of In Situ Hydrocarbon Remediation in Microbial Fuel Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, C.; Revil, A.; Ren, Z.; Karaoulis, M.; Mendonca, C. A.

2013-12-01

Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of soil and groundwater in both non-aqueous phase liquid and dissolved forms generated from spills and leaks is a wide spread environmental issue. Traditional cleanup of hydrocarbon contamination in soils and ground water using physical, chemical, and biological remedial techniques is often expensive and ineffective. Recent studies show that the microbial fuel cell (MFC) can simultaneously enhance biodegradation of hydrocarbons in soil and groundwater and yield electricity. Non-invasive geophysical techniques such as self-potential (SP) and complex conductivity (induced polarization) have shown the potential to detect and characterize the nature of electron transport mechanism of in situ bioremediation of organic contamination plumes. In this study, we deployed both SP and complex conductivity in lab scale MFCs to monitor time-laps geophysical response of degradation of hydrocarbons by MFC. Two different sizes of MFC reactors were used in this study (DI=15 cm cylinder reactor and 94.5cm x 43.5 cm rectangle reactor), and the initial hydrocarbon concentration is 15 g diesel/kg soil. SP and complex conductivity measurements were measured using non-polarizing Ag/AgCl electrodes. Sensitivity study was also performed using COMSOL Multiphysics to test different electrode configurations. The SP measurements showed stronger anomalies adjacent to the MFC than locations afar, and both real and imaginary parts of complex conductivity are greater in areas close to MFC than areas further away and control samples without MFC. The joint use of SP and complex conductivity could in situ evaluate the dynamic changes of electrochemical parameters during this bioremediation process at spatiotemporal scales unachievable with traditional sampling methods. The joint inversion of these two methods to evaluate the efficiency of MFC enhanced hydrocarbon remediation in the subsurface.

Development of an SP simulation package for understanding fundamentals of self-potential responses at an earth dam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, S.; Lim, S. K.; Oldenburg, D.

2016-12-01

Fluid flow in an underground porous medium pulls positive ions in the direction of flow and results in a streaming current. This movement of ions in the direction of flow creates a charge imbalance in the system which, in turn, causes conduction currents to flow in the opposite Although, the streaming current only flows in the saturated pores, the conduction currents will flow in the entire medium. The electrical potentials due to the fluid flow can be measured in the same manner as those in a direct current survey. This method is often called the self-potential (SP) method. A number of applications using the SP technique have been investigated including earthquake prediction, the vadose zone flow, locating sinkholes, mineral deposits and volcanic chambers. In this study, we particularly focus on the monitoring of seepage flow through earth dams. Earth dams are usually made of permeable materials and are designed to allow limited amounts of seepage flow from the reservoir. Due to seepage forces, the fine grains in the core can be washed out, and this internal erosion is one the most prevalent failure modes in earth dams. Therefore, identifying and monitoring the region of preferential seepage flow is a key for dam safety assessment. Usually, an earth dam is composed of fine-grained core and coarse-grained cover, which have different hydraulic conductivities. The distribution of hydraulic head, water saturation and fluid flow is found by solving hydrogeologic equations with applied boundary conditions. When a seepage path is induced due to internal erosion, the hydrological properties will be changed and this results in additional fluid flow. This is an additional source of SP signal. Understanding the impact of different sources of the SP signals is thus a crucial factor towards effective use of the SP technique for safety assessment at earth dams. Modelling SP signals requires two essential simulation capabilities: a) computing fluid flow in porous medium and b) solving steady-state Maxwell's equations. Since they are coupled having both systems in a single framework will be beneficial. This also allows the fundamentals of SP signals to be explored. By using an open-source modular framework, SimPEG, we develop an SP simulation package and demonstrate its effective use for understanding SP signals with an earth dam setup.

Monitoring and modelling of pumping-induced self-potentials for transmissivity estimation within a heterogeneous confined aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DesRoches, Aaron J.; Butler, Karl E.

2016-12-01

Variations in self-potentials (SP) measured at surface during pumping of a heterogeneous confined fractured rock aquifer have been monitored and modelled in order to investigate capabilities and limitations of SP methods in estimating aquifer hydraulic properties. SP variations were recorded around a pumping well using an irregular grid of 31 non-polarizing Pb-PbCl2 that were referenced to a remote electrode and connected to a commercial multiplexer and digitizer/data logger through a passive lowpass filter on each channel. The lowpass filter reduced noise by a factor of 10 compared to levels obtained using the data logger's integration-based sampling method for powerline noise suppression alone. SP signals showed a linear relationship with water levels observed in the pumping and monitoring wells over the pumping period, with an apparent electrokinetic coupling coefficient of -3.4 mV · m-1. Following recent developments in SP methodology, variability of the SP response between different electrodes is taken as a proxy for lateral variations in hydraulic head within the aquifer and used to infer lateral variations in the aquifer's apparent transmissivity. In order to demonstrate the viability of this approach, SP is modelled numerically to determine its sensitivity to (i) lateral variations in the hydraulic conductivity of the confined aquifer and (ii) the electrical conductivity of the confining layer and conductive well casing. In all cases, SP simulated on the surface still varies linearly with hydraulic head modelled at the base on the confining layer although the apparent coupling coefficient changes to varying degrees. Using the linear relationship observed in the field, drawdown curves were inferred for each electrode location using SP variations observed over the duration of the pumping period. Transmissivity estimates, obtained by fitting the Theis model to inferred drawdown curves at all 31 electrodes, fell within a narrow range of (2.0-4.2) × 10-3 m2 · s-1 and were consistent with values measured in the pumping and monitoring wells. This approach will be of particular interest where monitoring wells are lacking for direct measurement, and SP on the surface can be used to quickly estimate hydraulic properties.

Efficacy of very fast simulated annealing global optimization method for interpretation of self-potential anomaly by different forward formulation over 2D inclined sheet type structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, A.; Sharma, S. P.

2012-12-01

Self-Potential anomaly is an important geophysical technique that measures the electrical potential due natural source of current in the Earth's subsurface. An inclined sheet type model is a very familiar structure associated with mineralization, fault plane, groundwater flow and many other geological features which exhibits self potential anomaly. A number of linearized and global inversion approaches have been developed for the interpretation of SP anomaly over different structures for various purposes. Mathematical expression to compute the forward response over a two-dimensional dipping sheet type structures can be described in three different ways using five variables in each case. Complexities in the inversion using three different forward approaches are different. Interpretation of self-potential anomaly using very fast simulated annealing global optimization has been developed in the present study which yielded a new insight about the uncertainty and equivalence in model parameters. Interpretation of the measured data yields the location of the causative body, depth to the top, extension, dip and quality of the causative body. In the present study, a comparative performance of three different forward approaches in the interpretation of self-potential anomaly is performed to assess the efficacy of the each approach in resolving the possible ambiguity. Even though each forward formulation yields the same forward response but optimization of different sets of variable using different forward problems poses different kinds of ambiguity in the interpretation. Performance of the three approaches in optimization has been compared and it is observed that out of three methods, one approach is best and suitable for this kind of study. Our VFSA approach has been tested on synthetic, noisy and field data for three different methods to show the efficacy and suitability of the best method. It is important to use the forward problem in the optimization that yields the best result without any ambiguity and smaller uncertainty. Keywords: SP anomaly, inclined sheet, 2D structure, forward problems, VFSA Optimization,

Experimental measurements of the SP response to concentration and temperature gradients in sandstones with application to subsurface geophysical monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leinov, E.; Jackson, M. D.

2014-09-01

Exclusion-diffusion potentials arising from temperature gradients are widely neglected in self-potential (SP) surveys, despite the ubiquitous presence of temperature gradients in subsurface settings such as volcanoes and hot springs, geothermal fields, and oil reservoirs during production via water or steam injection. Likewise, with the exception of borehole SP logging, exclusion-diffusion potentials arising from concentration gradients are also neglected or, at best, it is assumed that the diffusion potential dominates. To better interpret these SP sources requires well-constrained measurements of the various coupling terms. We report measurements of thermoelectric and electrochemical exclusion-diffusion potentials across sandstones saturated with NaCl brine and find that electrode effects can dominate the measured voltage. After correcting for these, we find that Hittorf transport numbers are the same within experimental error regardless of whether ion transport occurs in response to temperature or concentration gradients over the range of NaCl concentration investigated that is typical of natural systems. Diffusion potentials dominate only if the pore throat radius is more than approximately 4000 times larger than the diffuse layer thickness. In fine-grained sandstones with small pore throat diameter, this condition is likely to be met only if the saturating brine is of relatively high salinity; thus, in many cases of interest to earth scientists, exclusion-diffusion potentials will comprise significant contributions from both ionic diffusion through, and ionic exclusion from, the pore space of the rock. However, in coarse-grained sandstones, or sandstones saturated with high-salinity brine, exclusion-diffusion potentials can be described using end-member models in which ionic exclusion is neglected. Exclusion-diffusion potentials in sandstones depend upon pore size and salinity in a complex way: they may be positive, negative, or zero depending upon sandstone rock texture (expressed here by the pore radius r) and salinity.

Detecting fluid leakage of a reservoir dam based on streaming self-potential measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Seo Young; Kim, Bitnarae; Nam, Myung Jin; Lim, Sung Keun

2015-04-01

Between many reservoir dams for agriculture in suburban area of South Korea, water leakage has been reported several times. The dam under consideration in this study, which is located in Gyeong-buk, in the south-east of the Korean Peninsula, was reported to have a large leakage at the right foot of downstream side of the reservoir dam. For the detection of the leakage, not only geological survey but also geophysical explorations have been made for precision safety diagnosis, since the leakage can lead to dam failure. Geophysical exploration includes both electrical-resistivity and self-potential surveys, while geological surveys water permeability test, standard penetration test, and sampling for undisturbed sample during the course of the drilling investigation. The geophysical explorations were made not only along the top of dam but also transverse the heel of dam. The leakage of water installations can change the known-heterogeneous structure of the dam body but also cause streaming spontaneous (self) potential (SP) anomaly, which can be detected by electrical resistivity and SP measurements, respectively. For the interpretation of streaming SP, we used trial-and-error method by comparing synthetic SP data with field SP data for model update. For the computation, we first invert the resistivity data to obtain the distorted resistivity structure of the dam levee then make three-dimensional electrical-resistivity modeling for the streaming potential distribution of the dam levee. Our simulation algorithm of streaming SP distribution based on the integrated finite difference scheme computes two-dimensional (2D) SP distribution based on the distribution of calculated flow velocities of fluid for a given permeability structure together with physical properties. This permeability is repeatedly updated based on error between synthetic and field SP data, until the synthetic data match the field data. Through this trial-and-error-based SP interpretation, we locate the leakage of reservoir-water formed locally inside the levee body of the reservoir dam within the limitation due to the 2D nature of stream SP simulation.

Modulation of basal and stress-induced amygdaloid substance P release by the potent and selective NK1 receptor antagonist L-822429.

PubMed

Singewald, Nicolas; Chicchi, Gary G; Thurner, Clemens C; Tsao, Kwei-Lan; Spetea, Mariana; Schmidhammer, Helmut; Sreepathi, Hari Kishore; Ferraguti, Francesco; Singewald, Georg M; Ebner, Karl

2008-09-01

It has been shown that anxiety and stress responses are modulated by substance P (SP) released within the amygdala. However, there is an important gap in our knowledge concerning the mechanisms regulating extracellular SP in this brain region. To study a possible self-regulating role of SP, we used a selective neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist to investigate whether blockade of NK1 receptors results in altered basal and/or stress-evoked SP release in the medial amygdala (MeA), a critical brain area for a functional involvement of SP transmission in enhanced anxiety responses induced by stressor exposure. In vitro binding and functional receptor assays revealed that L-822429 represents a potent and selective rat NK1 receptor antagonist. Intra-amygdaloid administration of L-822429 via inverse microdialysis enhanced basal, but attenuated swim stress-induced SP release, while the low-affinity enantiomer of L-822429 had no effect. Using light and electron microscopy, synaptic contacts between SP-containing fibres and dendrites expressing NK1 receptors was demonstrated in the medial amygdala. Our findings suggest self-regulatory capacity of SP-mediated neurotransmission that differs in the effect on basal and stress-induced release of SP. Under basal conditions endogenous SP can serve as a signal that tonically inhibits its own release via a NK1 receptor-mediated negative feedback action, while under stress conditions SP release is further facilitated by activation of NK1 receptors, likely leading to high local levels of SP and activation of receptors to which SP binds with lower affinity.

Enkephalinase inhibitor potentiates substance P- and electrically induced contraction in ferret trachea.

PubMed

Sekizawa, K; Tamaoki, J; Nadel, J A; Borson, D B

1987-10-01

To determine the role of endogenous enkephalinase (EC 3.4.24.11) in regulating peptide-induced contraction of airway smooth muscle, we studied the effect of the enkephalinase inhibitor, leucine-thiorphan (Leu-thiorphan), on responses of isolated ferret tracheal smooth muscle segments to substance P (SP) and to electrical field stimulation (EFS). Leu-thiorphan shifted the dose-response curve to SP to lower concentrations. Atropine or the SP antagonist [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP significantly inhibited SP-induced contractions in the presence of Leu-thiorphan. Leu-thiorphan increased the contractile responses to EFS dose dependently, an effect that was significantly inhibited by the SP antagonist [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP. SP, in a concentration that did not cause contraction, increased the contractile responses to EFS. This effect was augmented by Leu-thiorphan dose dependently and was not inhibited by hexamethonium or by phentolamine but was inhibited by atropine. Because contractile responses to acetylcholine were not significantly affected by SP or by Leu-thiorphan, the potentiating effects of SP were probably on presynaptic-postganglionic cholinergic neurotransmission. Captopril, bestatin, or leupeptin did not augment contractions, suggesting that enkephalinase was responsible for the effects. These results suggest that endogenous tachykinins modulate smooth muscle contraction and endogenous enkephalinase modulates contractions produced by endogenous or exogenous tachykinins and tachykinin-induced facilitation of cholinergic neurotransmission.

Dissecting Pistil Responses to Incompatible and Compatible Pollen in Self-Incompatibility Brassica oleracea Using Comparative Proteomics.

PubMed

Zeng, Jing; Gao, Qiguo; Shi, Songmei; Lian, Xiaoping; Converse, Richard; Zhang, Hecui; Yang, Xiaohong; Ren, Xuesong; Chen, Song; Zhu, Liquan

2017-04-01

Angiosperms have developed self-incompatibility (SI) systems to reject self-pollen, thereby promoting outcrossing. The Brassicaceae belongs to typical sporophytic system, having a single S-locus controlled SI response, and was chosen as a model system to study SI-related intercellular signal transduction. In this regard, the downstream factor of EXO70A1 was unknown. Here, protein two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) method and coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF -MS) and peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) was used to further explore the mechanism of SI responses in Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L. at protein level. To further confirm the time point of protein profile change, total proteins were collected from B. oleracea pistils at 0 min, 1 h, and 2 h after self-pollination. In total 902, 1088 and 1023 protein spots were separated in 0 min, 1 h and 2 h 2-DE maps, respectively. Our analyses of self-pollination profiles indicated that proteins mainly changed at 1 h post-pollination in B. oleracea. Moreover, 1077 protein spots were separated in cross-pollinated 1 h (CP) pistil 2-DE map. MALDI-TOF-MS and PMF successfully identified 34 differentially-expressed proteins (DEPs) in SP and CP 1 h 2-DE maps. Gene ontology and KEGG analysis revealed an array of proteins grouped in the following categories: stress and defense response (35%), protein metabolism (18%), carbohydrate and energy metabolism (12%), regulation of translation (9%), pollen tube development (12%), transport (9%) and cytoskeletal (6%). Sets of DEPs identified specifically in SP or only up-regulated expressed in CP pistils were chosen for funther investigating in floral organs and during the process of self- and cross-pollination. The function of these DEPs in terms of their potential involvement in SI in B. oleracea is discussed.

The ARC1 E3 ligase gene is frequently deleted in self-compatible Brassicaceae species and has a conserved role in Arabidopsis lyrata self-pollen rejection.

PubMed

Indriolo, Emily; Tharmapalan, Pirashaanthy; Wright, Stephen I; Goring, Daphne R

2012-11-01

Self-pollen rejection is an important reproductive regulator in flowering plants, and several different intercellular signaling systems have evolved to elicit this response. In the Brassicaceae, the self-incompatibility system is mediated by the pollen S-locus Cys-Rich/S-locus Protein11 (SCR/SP11) ligand and the pistil S Receptor Kinase (SRK). While the SCR/SP11-SRK recognition system has been identified in several species across the Brassicaceae, less is known about the conservation of the SRK-activated cellular responses in the stigma, following self-pollen contact. The ARM Repeat Containing1 (ARC1) E3 ubiquitin ligase functions downstream of SRK for the self-incompatibility response in Brassica, but it has been suggested that ARC1 is not required in Arabidopsis species. Here, we surveyed the presence of ARC1 orthologs in several recently sequenced genomes from Brassicaceae species that had diversified ∼20 to 40 million years ago. Surprisingly, the ARC1 gene was deleted in several species that had lost the self-incompatibility trait, suggesting that ARC1 may lose functionality in the transition to self-mating. To test the requirement of ARC1 in a self-incompatible Arabidopsis species, transgenic ARC1 RNA interference Arabidopsis lyrata plants were generated, and they exhibited reduced self-incompatibility responses resulting in successful fertilization. Thus, this study demonstrates a conserved role for ARC1 in the self-pollen rejection response within the Brassicaceae.

Inverting Residual Self-Potential Data for Redox Potentials of Contaminant Plumes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linde, N.; Revil, A.

2007-05-01

Self-potential (SP) data can be separated into a streaming potential component that is associated with pore water flow and a redox potential component, which is sensitive to differences in the redox potentials of organic-rich contaminant plumes and the surroundings. This work presents the first inversion method that uses residual SP (i.e., corrected for the streaming potential component) to invert for the redox potentials of contaminant plumes. We consider a two-layered electrical conductivity structure, where the boundary corresponds to the water table. We assume that the electrical dipole sources are associated with microbial breakdown of contaminants at the water table. This geobattery model is hypothesized to exist (1) because the water table is associated with a strong redox gradient between highly reducing conditions within the contaminated groundwater (due to biodegradation and oxygen depletion) and the oxidized vadose zone, and (2) because the microbial biofilms and precipitation of metallic particles can provide an electron conductor to complete the circuit required for the geobattery. The inverse method was applied to residual SP estimated from SP measurements collected at the ground surface in the vicinity of the Entressen landfill, South of France. The estimated redox potentials correlate well with in situ measurements (correlation coefficient is 0.93) and the estimated amplitudes of the redox potentials are similar to those measured in situ. A sensitivity analysis reveals that meaningful estimates of the redox potential can be derived even if the electrical conductivity structure is only known within an order of magnitude. These results provide further evidence that the SP method can be useful to monitor the spreading of contaminants around landfills and to evaluate the efficiency of remediation programs.

New insights into the hydrogeology of a basaltic shield volcano from a comparison between self-potential and electromagnetic data: Piton de la Fournaise, Indian ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boubekraoui, Souad; Courteaud, Michel; Aubert, Maurice; Albouy, Yves; Coudray, Jean

1998-12-01

In order to investigate aquifers, several geophysical surveys have been carried out in the Baril area of the southern flank of Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Reunion in the Indian Ocean using audiomagnetotelluric (AMT), very-low-frequency (VLF) and self-potential (SP) methods. We present the results with emphasis on a comparison between SP data and the findings of geoelectric surveys. AMT soundings have indicated, from the surface downward, three layers: (i) resistive volcanic rocks, (ii) an intermediate resistivity layer, and (iii) a conductive basement attributed to a seawater-bearing aquifer. VLF measurements allow the mapping of the first layer apparent resistivity, and therefore its bottom, when the true resistivity is supposed to be isotropic and homogenous. When this assumption does not hold, only the SP method permits the mapping of this bottom. Because of the good agreement between the SP and electromagnetic results, we propose the SP method as the first tool that should be used in studying shallow hydrogeological structures in volcanic areas.

EGFR/Src/Akt signaling modulates Sox2 expression and self-renewal of stem-like side-population cells in non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Singh, Sandeep; Trevino, Jose; Bora-Singhal, Namrata; Coppola, Domenico; Haura, Eric; Altiok, Soner; Chellappan, Srikumar P

2012-09-25

Cancer stem cells are thought to be responsible for the initiation and progression of cancers. In non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), Hoechst 33342 dye effluxing side population (SP) cells are shown to have stem cell like properties. The oncogenic capacity of cancer stem-like cells is in part due to their ability to self-renew; however the mechanistic correlation between oncogenic pathways and self-renewal of cancer stem-like cells has remained elusive. Here we characterized the SP cells at the molecular level and evaluated its ability to generate tumors at the orthotopic site in the lung microenvironment. Further, we investigated if the self-renewal of SP cells is dependent on EGFR mediated signaling. SP cells were detected and isolated from multiple NSCLC cell lines (H1650, H1975, A549), as well as primary human tumor explants grown in nude mice. SP cells demonstrated stem-like properties including ability to self-renew and grow as spheres; they were able to generate primary and metastatic tumors upon orthotopic implantation into the lung of SCID mice. In vitro study revealed elevated expression of stem cell associated markers like Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog as well as demonstrated intrinsic epithelial to mesenchymal transition features in SP cells. Further, we show that abrogation of EGFR, Src and Akt signaling through pharmacological or genetic inhibitors suppresses the self-renewal growth and expansion of SP-cells and resulted in specific downregulation of Sox2 protein expression. siRNA mediated depletion of Sox2 significantly blocked the SP phenotype as well as its self-renewal capacity; whereas other transcription factors like Oct4 and Nanog played a relatively lesser role in regulating self-renewal. Interestingly, Sox2 was elevated in metastatic foci of human NSCLC samples. Our findings suggest that Sox2 is a novel target of EGFR-Src-Akt signaling in NSCLCs that modulates self-renewal and expansion of stem-like cells from NSCLC. Therefore, the outcome of the EGFR-Src-Akt targeted therapy may rely upon the expression and function of Sox2 within the NSCLC-CSCs.

Self-potential characteristics of the dormant period of Izu-Oshima volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsushima, Nobuo; Nishi, Yuji; Onizawa, Shin'ya; Takakura, Shinichi; Hase, Hideaki; Ishido, Tsuneo

2017-12-01

Continuous self-potential (SP) monitoring has been conducted at Izu-Oshima volcano to detect signals resulting from volcanic activity since the installation of an SP monitoring network in March 2006. Since the installation, annual variations of up to 100 mV have been recorded. If we exclude these annual variations, temporal variations in SP do not show notable changes. This is consistent with the volcano being in a state of quiescence during the measurement period. The annual variations have the different amplitudes and mean levels between stations. To investigate the causes of these annual variations, we carried out numerical simulations of SP generation associated with downward meteoric water flow through electrokinetic coupling in a 550 m thick unsaturated layer. The results show that the vertical electric potential gradient varies with changes in liquid-phase saturation in the unsaturated layer. These changes are caused by variations in the rate of meteoric water percolation. This, in turn, correlates with fluctuations in daily precipitation, thus explaining the annual SP variation recorded at the ground surface. Differences in the amplitude and mean level of SP variation are shown to be associated with different rock properties, especially permeability, porosity, and electrical conductivity. Our results indicate that observable SP changes will appear at stations near the summit if the distributions of liquid-phase saturation and/or pertinent parameters controlling the electrokinetic coupling in the thick unsaturated layer are modified the upward flow of volcanic gas.

Electrical Methods: Self-Potential (SP) Method

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Various potentials are produced in native ground or within the subsurface altered by our actions. Natural potentials occur about dissimilar materials, near varying concentrations of electrolytic solutions, and due to the flow of fluids.

Phosphoramidon potentiates mammalian tachykinin-induced biting, licking and scratching behaviour in mice.

PubMed

Sakurada, T; Tan-No, K; Yamada, T; Sakurada, S; Kisara, K

1990-12-01

The effects of peptidase inhibitors were examined upon behavioural responses including scratch, bite and lick produced by intrathecal (IT) injection of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NK A) in mice. Phosphoramidon (0.002-2.0 nmol), an endopeptidase-24.11 inhibitor, simultaneously injected with SP or NK A, remarkably enhanced and prolonged SP- or NK A-induced behavioural response in a dose-dependent manner. The behavioural response to SP was significantly increased by 2.0 nmol of bestatin, an aminopeptidase inhibitor, but not by 1.0 nmol. Captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, was without effect on both tachykinin-induced responses. When phosphoramidon was injected together with bestatin and captopril which have no significant effect alone, SP- or NK A-induced behavioral response was significantly increased. These data suggest that endopeptidase-24.11 may be an important enzyme responsible for terminating of SP- or NK A-induced behavioral response at the spinal cord level.

Subcellular distribution of Lck during CD4 T-cell maturation in the thymic medulla regulates the T-cell activation threshold.

PubMed

Stephen, Tom Li; Wilson, Bridget S; Laufer, Terri M

2012-05-08

Mature peripheral T cells respond to foreign but not to self-antigens. During development in the thymus, deletion of high-affinity self-reactive immature thymocytes contributes to tolerance of mature T cells. However, double-positive thymocytes are positively selected to survive if they respond to self-peptide-MHC complexes; thus, there must be mechanisms to prevent overt reactivity to those same complexes in the periphery. "Developmental tuning" is the active process through which T-cell receptor (TCR)-associated signaling pathways of single-positive (SP) thymocytes are attenuated to respond appropriately to self-peptide-MHC complexes in the periphery. We previously showed that MHC class II expression in the thymic medulla was necessary to tune CD4(+) SP (CD4 SP) thymocytes. CD4 SP thymocytes from mice lacking medullary MHC class II expression had inappropriately enhanced proximal TCR signaling to low-affinity self-ligands that was associated with altered cellular distribution of the tyrosine kinase Lck. Now, we report that activation of both tuned and untuned CD4 SP thymocytes is Lck-dependent. Untuned CD4 SP cells contain a pool of Lck with increased basal phosphorylation that is not associated with the CD4 coreceptor. Phosphorylation of this pool of Lck decreases with tuning. Immunogold transmission electron microscopy of membrane sheets permitted direct visualization of Lck. In the absence of tuning, a significant proportion of Lck and the TCR subunit CD3ζ are expressed on the same protein island; this close association of Lck and the TCR probably explains the enhanced activation of untuned CD4 SP cells. Thus, changes in membrane topography during thymic maturation determine the set point for TCR responsiveness.

Enkephalinase inhibitors potentiate tackykinin-induced release of /sup 35/SO/sub 4/-labeled macromolecules from ferret trachea

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Borson, D.B.; Gold, M.; Varsano, S.

1986-03-01

To study the roles of tachykinins and endogenous proteinases in regulating secretion from ferret tracheal glands, the authors measured the release of /sup 35/SO/sub 4/-labeled macromolecules after incubating segments of trachea in Ussing chambers in the presence of /sup 35/SO/sub 4/. 85% of the total macromolecular radioactivity was in fractions of molecular weights greater than or equal to 10/sup 6/. The response to substance P (SP) was concentration-dependent, with a threshold of 10/sup -9/ M, and responses to 10/sup -6/M and 10/sup -5/M of 87 +/- 9 and 156 +/- 26 pmol/cm/sup 2//h, respectively (n = 6 ea). The enkephalinasemore » inhibitor, thiorphan, increased the secretory response to SP (10/sup -6/M) in a concentration-dependent fashion, with a threshold of 10/sup -8/M, and a response to SP after 10/sup -4/M thiorphan of 268 +/- 58 pmol/cm/sup 2//h (p < 0.05; n = 6). Phosphoramidon also increased SP-induced secretion to 334 +/- 69 pmol/cm/sup 2//h (p < 0.005; n = 4), and also potentiated the secretory responses to neurokinins A and B, physalaemin, eledoisin, and kassinin, but did not potentiate the secretory responses to either bradykinin or vasoactive intestinal peptide. Other proteinase inhibitors did not potentiate SP-induced secretion. These results suggest that enkephalinase in the airway degrades tachykinins, and may therefore play a role in regulating tachykinin-induced effects.« less

Surfactant protein A is expressed in the central nervous system of rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and suppresses inflammation in human astrocytes and microglia

PubMed Central

Yang, Xue; Yan, Jun; Feng, Juan

2017-01-01

The collectin surfactant protein-A (SP-A), a potent host defense molecule, is well recognized for its role in the maintenance of pulmonary homeostasis and the modulation of inflammatory responses. While previous studies have detected SP-A in numerous extrapulmonary tissues, there is still a lack of information regarding its expression in central nervous system (CNS) and potential effects in neuroinflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study used experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the most commonly used animal model of MS, to investigate the expression of SP-A in the CNS at different stages of disease progression. In addition, in vitro experiments with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human astrocytes and microglia were performed to investigate the potential role of SP-A in the modulation of CNS inflammatory responses. The results of the present study demonstrated widespread distribution of SP-A in the rat CNS, and also identified specific expression patterns of SP-A at different stages of EAE. In vitro, the current study revealed that treatment of human astrocytes and microglia with LPS promoted SP-A expression in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, exogenous SP-A protein significantly decreased Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB expression, and reduced interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α levels. The results of the current study indicate a potential role for SP-A in the modulation of CNS inflammatory responses. PMID:28393255

Commercial technologies from the SP-100 program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Truscello, Vincent C.; Fujita, Toshio; Mondt, Jack F.

1995-01-01

For more than a decade, the Jet Propulsion Labortory (JPL) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) have managed a multi-agency funded effort to develop a space reactor power system. This SP-100 Program has developed technologies required for space power systems that can be implemented in the industrial and commercial sectors to improve our competitiveness in the global economy. Initial steps taken to transfer this technology from the laboratories to industrial and commercial entities within the United States include: (1) identifying specific technologies having commercial potential; (2) distributing information describing the identified technologies and interacting with interested commercial and industrial entities to develop application-specific details and requirements; and (3) providing a technological data base that leads to transfer of technology or the forming of teaming arrangements to accomplish the transfer by tailoring the technology to meet application-specific requirements. SP-100 technologies having commercial potential encompass fabrication processes, devices, and components. Examples are a process for bonding refractory metals to graphite, a device to sense the position of an actuator and a component to enable rotating machines to operate without supplying lubrication ( a self-lubricating ball bearing). Shortly after the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Regional Technology Transfer Centers widely disseminated information covering SP-100 technologies, over one hundred expressions of interest were received. These early responses indicate that there is a large potential benefit in transferring SP-100 technology. Interactions with industrial and commercial entities have identified a substantial need for creating teaming arrangements involving the interested entity and personnel from laboratories and their contractors, who have the knowledge and ability to tailor the technology to meet application-specific requirements.

Waveform difference between skin conductance and skin potential responses in relation to electrical and evaporative properties of skin.

PubMed

Tronstad, Christian; Kalvøy, Håvard; Grimnes, Sverre; Martinsen, Ørjan G

2013-11-01

The shapes of skin conductance (SC) and skin potential (SP) responses are often similar, but can also be very different due to an unexplained cause. Using a new method to measure SC and SP simultaneously at the same electrode, this difference was investigated in a new way by comparing their temporal peak differences. SC, SP, skin susceptance (SS), and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were recorded from 40 participants during relaxation and stress. The SP response could peak anywhere between the onset of an SC response to some time after the peak of an SC response. This peak time difference was associated with the magnitude of the SCR, the hydration of the skin, and the filling of the sweat ducts. Interpretation of the results in light of existing biophysical theories suggests that this peak difference may indicate the hydraulic capacity state of the sweat ducts at the time of a response. Copyright © 2013 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Geotechnical Applications of the Self-Potential (SP) Method. Report 2. The Use of Self Potential to Detect Ground-Water Flow in Karst

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

with Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii . 14. The streaming potentials produced by the motion of ground water under a pressure gradient through a porous media...topography. An i.xtreme example is the -2,693-mv anomaly found on Agadak Volcano in Alaska (Corwin and Hoover 1978) and the -1,600-mv anomaly associated

Transformation of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Stemlike Cells into Mesenchymal Lineage via EMT Results in Cellular Heterogeneity and Supports Tumor Engraftment

PubMed Central

Jiang, Hua; Lin, Xiaolong; Liu, Yingtao; Gong, Wenjia; Ma, Xiaoling; Yu, Yinhua; Xie, Yi; Sun, Xiaoxi; Feng, Youji; Janzen, Viktor; Chen, Tong

2012-01-01

Ovarian cancers are heterogeneous and contain stemlike cells that are able to self-renew and are responsible for sustained tumor growth. Metastasis in the peritoneal cavity occurs more frequently in ovarian cancer than in other malignancies, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. We have identified that ovarian cancer stemlike cells (CSCs), which were defined as side population (SP) cells, were present in patients’ ascitic fluid and mesenchymally transformed cell lines, ES-2 and HO-8910PM. SP cells, which were sorted from both cell lines and implanted into immunocompromised mice, were localized to the xenografted tumor boundary. In addition, SP cells exhibited an epithelial phenotype and showed a distinct gene expression profile with reduced expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), indicating that SP cells exert an important role in ovarian cancer progression on the basis of their delicate interaction with the surrounding microenvironment and anatomical localization in tumors. In contrast, non-SP cells exhibited a more mesenchymal phenotype and showed more increased invasive potential than SP cells. This heterogeneity was observed as an endogenous transformation via the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Inhibition of the EMT process by Snail1 silencing reduced the SP cell frequency, and affected their invasive capacity and engraftment. These findings illustrate the interplay between epithelial ovarian CSCs and the EMT, and exert a link to explain tumor heterogeneity and its necessity for ovarian cancer maintenance, metastasis and progression. PMID:22801793

Modeling of self-potential anomalies near vertical dikes.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fitterman, D.V.

1983-01-01

The self-potential (SP) Green's function for an outcropping vertical dike is derived from solutions for the dc resistivity problem for the same geometry. The Green's functions are numerically integrated over rectangular source regions on the contacts between the dike and the surrounding material to obtain the SP anomaly. The analysis is valid for thermoelectrical source mechanisms. Two types of anomalies can be produced by this geometry. When the two source planes are polarized in opposite directions, a monopolar anomaly is produced. This corresponds to the thermoelectrical properties of the dike being in contrast with the surrounding material. When the thermoelectric coefficients change monotonically across the dike, a dipolar anomaly is produced. In either case positive and negative anomalies are possible, and the greatest variation in potential will occur in the most resistive regions. -Author

Attenuated plasma extravasation to sensory neuropeptides in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Mathison, R; Davison, J S

1993-01-01

The effects of either substance P (SP) or a metabolically stable SP analogue, [pGlu5,Me-Phe8,Sar9]SP(5-11), alone or in combination with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on blood pressure (BP) and extravasation of serum albumin were examined in normal and diabetic rats. CGRP (12 ng/kg) modified neither BP nor vascular permeability in control and diabetic rats. Both SP and its analogue (74 ng/kg) produced hypotension, and increased plasma extravasation in the respiratory tissues, urinary bladder and skin. The simultaneous injection of CGRP and SP resulted in modest potentiation of the vascular permeability actions of SP in control and diabetic rats. However, extravasation induced by [pGlu5,Me-Phe8,Sar9]SP(5-11) was potentiated by CGRP in control animals, but not in diabetic rats. Defective neurogenic inflammatory responses in diabetic rats may result from decreased responses in the effector tissues of diabetic rats to the neuropeptides released from sensory nerves.

Predicting Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Groundwater Boreholes Using Self-Potential Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graham, M.; MacAllister, D. J.; Jackson, M.; Vinogradov, J.; Butler, A. P.

2017-12-01

Many coastal groundwater abstraction wells are under threat from seawater intrusion: this is exacerbated in summer by low water tables and increased abstraction. Existing hydrochemistry or geophysical techniques often fail to predict the timing of intrusion events. We investigate whether the presence and transport of seawater can influence self-potentials (SPs) measured within groundwater boreholes, with the aim of using SP monitoring to provide early warning of saline intrusion. SP data collection: SP data were collected from a coastal groundwater borehole and an inland borehole (> 60 km from the coast) in the Seaford Chalk of southern England. The SP gradient in the inland borehole was approximately 0.05 mV/m, while that in the coastal borehole varied from 0.16-0.26 mV/m throughout the monitoring period. Spectral analysis showed that semi-diurnal fluctuations in the SP gradient were several orders of magnitude higher at the coast than inland, indicating a strong influence from oceanic tides. A characteristic decrease in the gradient, or precursor, was observed in the coastal borehole several days prior to seawater intrusion. Modelling results: Hydrodynamic transport and geoelectric modelling suggest that observed pressure changes (associated with the streaming potential) are insufficient to explain either the magnitude of the coastal SP gradient or the semi-diurnal SP fluctuations. By contrast, a model of the exclusion-diffusion potential closely matches these observations and produces a precursor similar to that observed in the field. Sensitivity analysis suggests that both a sharp saline front and spatial variations in the exclusion efficiency arising from aquifer heterogeneities are necessary to explain the SP gradient observed in the coastal borehole. The presence of the precursor in the model depends also on the presence and depth of fractures near the base of the borehole. Conclusions: Our results indicate that SP monitoring, combined with hydrodynamic transport and geoelectric modelling, holds considerable promise as an early warning device for seawater intrusion. We now aim to refine our understanding of the technique by applying it to a range of aquifer types.

Side population cells of pancreatic cancer show characteristics of cancer stem cells responsible for resistance and metastasis.

PubMed

Niess, Hanno; Camaj, Peter; Renner, Andrea; Ischenko, Ivan; Zhao, Yue; Krebs, Stefan; Mysliwietz, Josef; Jäckel, Carsten; Nelson, Peter J; Blum, Helmut; Jauch, Karl-Walter; Ellwart, Joachim W; Bruns, Christiane J

2015-06-01

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proposed to underlie the initiation and maintenance of tumor growth and the development of chemoresistance in solid tumors. The identification and role of these important cells in pancreatic cancer remains controversial. Here, we isolate side population (SP) cells from the highly aggressive and metastatic human pancreatic cancer cell line L3.6pl and evaluate their potential role as models for CSCs. SP cells were isolated following Hoechst 33342 staining of L3.6pl cells. SP, non-SP, and unsorted L3.6pl cells were orthotopically xenografted into the pancreas of nude mice and tumor growth observed. RNA was analyzed by whole genome array and pathway mapping was performed. Drug resistant variants of L3.6pl were developed and examined for SP proportions and evaluated for surface expression of known CSC markers. A distinct SP with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into non-SP cells was isolated from L3.6pl (0.9 % ± 0.22). SP cells showed highly tumorigenic and metastatic characteristics after orthotopic injection. Transcriptomic analysis identified modulation of gene networks linked to tumorigenesis, differentiation, and metastasization in SP cells relative to non-SP cells. Wnt, NOTCH, and EGFR signaling pathways associated with tumor stem cells were altered in SP cells. When cultured with increasing concentrations of gemcitabine, the proportion of SP cells, ABCG2(+), and CD24(+) cells were significantly enriched, whereas 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment lowered the percentage of SP cells. SP cells were distinct from cells positive for previously postulated pancreatic CSC markers. The Hoechst-induced side population in L3.6pl cells comprises a subset of tumor cells displaying aggressive growth and metastasization, increased gemcitabine-, but not 5-FU resistance. The cells may act as a partial model for CSC biology.

The N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked cytoplasmic calcium increase in adult rat dorsal root ganglion neuronal somata was potentiated by substance P pretreatment in a protein kinase C-dependent manner.

PubMed

Castillo, C; Norcini, M; Baquero-Buitrago, J; Levacic, D; Medina, R; Montoya-Gacharna, J V; Blanck, T J J; Dubois, M; Recio-Pinto, E

2011-03-17

The involvement of substance P (SP) in neuronal sensitization through the activation of the neurokinin-1-receptor (NK1r) in postsynaptic dorsal horn neurons has been well established. In contrast, the role of SP and NK1r in primary sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, in particular in the soma, is not well understood. In this study, we evaluated whether SP modulated the NMDA-evoked transient increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) in the soma of dissociated adult DRG neurons. Cultures were treated with nerve growth factor (NGF), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or both NGF+PGE2. Treatment with NGF+PGE2 increased the percentage of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) responsive neurons. There was no correlation between the percentage of NMDA responsive neurons and the level of expression of the NR1 and NR2B subunits of the NMDA receptor or of the NK1r. Pretreatment with SP did not alter the percentage of NMDA responsive neurons; while it potentiated the NMDA-evoked [Ca2+]cyt transient by increasing its magnitude and by prolonging the period during which small- and some medium-sized neurons remained NMDA responsive. The SP-mediated potentiation was blocked by the SP-antagonist ([D-Pro4, D-Trp7,9]-SP (4-11)) and by the protein kinase C (PKC) blocker bisindolylmaleimide I (BIM); and correlated with the phosphorylation of PKCε. The Nk1r agonist [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-SP (SarMet-SP) also potentiated the NMDA-evoked [Ca2+]cyt transient. Exposure to SP or SarMet-SP produced a rapid increase in the labeling of phosphorylated-PKCε. In none of the conditions we detected phosphorylation of the NR2B subunit at Ser-1303. Phosphorylation of the NR2B subunit at Tyr1472 was enhanced to a similar extent in cells exposed to NMDA, SP or NMDA+SP, and that enhancement was blocked by BIM. Our findings suggest that NGF and PGE2 may contribute to the injury-evoked sensitization of DRG neurons in part by enhancing their NMDA-evoked [Ca2+]cyt transient in all sized DRG neurons; and that SP may further contribute to the DRG sensitization by enhancing and prolonging the NMDA-evoked increase in [Ca2+]cyt in small- and medium-sized DRG neurons. Copyright © 2011 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

EFFECT OF FOOD TRAINING AND TRAINING DOSE ON NICOTINE SELF-ADMINISTRATION IN RATS

PubMed Central

Garcia, Kristine L.P.; Lê, Anh Dzung; Tyndale, Rachel F.

2014-01-01

Few studies investigate factors that influence acquisition in nicotine self-administration (NSA), such as food training and training dose. Most have utilized peak doses along nicotine’s dose-response curve (15 and 30 μg/kg) that establish NSA in the majority of animals. To investigate the specific and combined effects of training and dose on NSA acquisition, separate and head-to head experiments using food training (FT) or spontaneous acquisition (SP) at multiple doses on the ascending limb of the dose-response curve were tested. First, rats underwent FT or SP under fixed ratio (FR1 and FR2) and progressive ratio (PR) schedules using 7.5–30 μg/kg nicotine. More rats acquired NSA with FT vs. SP at 3.75 μg/kg (56% vs. 38%) and 7.5 μg/kg (88% vs. 40%, p<0.05) and FT rats responded higher under PR. Based on these findings, rats then underwent identical NSA acquisition and PR (with and without nicotine), extinction and reinstatement induced by cue exposure and nicotine in a head-to-head comparison of FT and SP using 7.5 μg/kg. Acquisition differences were replicated: 100% FT and 60% SP rats met criteria (p<0.05). Without nicotine (cue only), no FT rats and 8% SP rats met criteria. FR and PR responding, extinction, and cue and nicotine-induced reinstatement did not differ between FT and SP. FT versus SP enhances acquisition at lower nicotine doses but does not alter subsequent behaviors. Lower doses can reinforce NSA and be used, in the absence of FT, to study influences on acquisition more closely modelling the initial phases of human smoking. PMID:25101539

Effect of food training and training dose on nicotine self-administration in rats.

PubMed

Garcia, Kristine L P; Lê, Anh Dzung; Tyndale, Rachel F

2014-11-01

Few studies investigate factors that influence acquisition in nicotine self-administration (NSA), such as food training and training dose. Most have utilized peak doses along nicotine's dose-response curve (15 and 30μg/kg) that establish NSA in the majority of animals. To investigate the specific and combined effects of training and dose on NSA acquisition, separate and head-to-head experiments using food training (FT) or spontaneous acquisition (SP) at multiple doses on the ascending limb of the dose-response curve were tested. First, rats underwent FT or SP under fixed ratio (FR1 and FR2) and progressive ratio (PR) schedules using 7.5-30μg/kg nicotine. More rats acquired NSA with FT vs. SP at 3.75μg/kg (56% vs. 38%) and 7.5μg/kg (88% vs. 40%, p<0.05) and FT rats responded higher under PR. Based on these findings, rats then underwent identical NSA acquisition and PR (with and without nicotine), extinction and reinstatement induced by cue exposure and nicotine in a head-to-head comparison of FT and SP using 7.5μg/kg. Acquisition differences were replicated: 100% FT and 60% SP rats met criteria (p<0.05). Without nicotine (cue only), no FT rats and 8% SP rats met criteria. FR and PR responding, extinction, and cue and nicotine-induced reinstatement did not differ between FT and SP. FT versus SP enhances acquisition at lower nicotine doses but does not alter subsequent behaviours. Lower doses can reinforce NSA and be used, in the absence of FT, to study influences on acquisition more closely modelling the initial phases of human smoking. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Overexpression of the Transcription Factor Sp1 Activates the OAS-RNAse L-RIG-I Pathway

PubMed Central

Dupuis-Maurin, Valéryane; Brinza, Lilia; Baguet, Joël; Plantamura, Emilie; Schicklin, Stéphane; Chambion, Solène; Macari, Claire; Tomkowiak, Martine; Deniaud, Emmanuelle; Leverrier, Yann

2015-01-01

Deregulated expression of oncogenes or transcription factors such as specificity protein 1 (Sp1) is observed in many human cancers and plays a role in tumor maintenance. Paradoxically in untransformed cells, Sp1 overexpression induces late apoptosis but the early intrinsic response is poorly characterized. In the present work, we studied increased Sp1 level consequences in untransformed cells and showed that it turns on an early innate immune transcriptome. Sp1 overexpression does not activate known cellular stress pathways such as DNA damage response or endoplasmic reticulum stress, but induces the activation of the OAS-RNase L pathway and the generation of small self-RNAs, leading to the upregulation of genes of the antiviral RIG-I pathway at the transcriptional and translational levels. Finally, Sp1-induced intrinsic innate immune response leads to the production of the chemokine CXCL4 and to the recruitment of inflammatory cells in vitro and in vivo. Altogether our results showed that increased Sp1 level in untransformed cells constitutes a novel danger signal sensed by the OAS-RNase L axis leading to the activation of the RIG-I pathway. These results suggested that the OAS-RNase L-RIG-I pathway may be activated in sterile condition in absence of pathogen. PMID:25738304

Sp5 induces the expression of Nanog to maintain mouse embryonic stem cell self-renewal.

PubMed

Tang, Ling; Wang, Manman; Liu, Dahai; Gong, Mengting; Ying, Qi-Long; Ye, Shoudong

2017-01-01

Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) maintains mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) self-renewal. Our previous study showed that trans-acting transcription factor 5 (Sp5), an LIF/STAT3 downstream target, supports mESC self-renewal. However, the mechanism by which Sp5 exerts these effects remains elusive. Here, we found that Nanog is a direct target of Sp5 and mediates the self-renewal-promoting effect of Sp5 in mESCs. Overexpression of Sp5 induced Nanog expression, while knockdown or knockout of Sp5 decreased the Nanog level. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that Sp5 directly bound to the Nanog promoter. Functional studies revealed that knockdown of Nanog eliminated the mESC self-renewal-promoting ability of Sp5. Finally, we demonstrated that the self-renewal-promoting function of Sp5 was largely dependent on its zinc finger domains. Taken together, our study provides unrecognized functions of Sp5 in mESCs and will expand our current understanding of the regulation of mESC pluripotency.

Reduction by the Positive Allosteric Modulator of the GABAB Receptor, GS39783, of Alcohol Self-Administration in Sardinian Alcohol-Preferring Rats Exposed to the “Sipper” Procedure

PubMed Central

Maccioni, Paola; Flore, Paolo; Carai, Mauro A. M.; Mugnaini, Claudia; Pasquini, Serena; Corelli, Federico; Gessa, Gian Luigi; Colombo, Giancarlo

2010-01-01

The present study was designed to evaluate (a) alcohol self-administration behavior of selectively bred, Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats exposed to the so-called “sipper” procedure (characterized by the temporal separation between alcohol-seeking and -taking phases), and (b) the effect of the positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, GS39783, on alcohol self-administration in sP rats exposed to this procedure. To this end, sP rats were initially trained to lever-respond under a reinforcement requirement (RR) 55 (RR55) for alcohol. Achievement of RR55 resulted in the 20-min presentation of the alcohol (15%, v/v)-containing sipper bottle. Once stable levels of lever-responding and alcohol consumption were reached, rats were treated with 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg GS39783 (i.g.) 60 min before the self-administration session. Rats displayed robust alcohol-seeking (as suggested by relatively short latencies to the first lever-response and high frequencies of lever-responding) and -taking (as suggested by alcohol intakes averaging approximately 1.5 g/kg) behaviors. Pretreatment with GS39783 inhibited both alcohol-seeking (the number of rats achieving RR55 and the mean RR value were virtually halved) and -taking (the amount of self-administered alcohol was reduced by approximately 60%). The results of the present study suggest the power of the “sipper” procedure in triggering high levels of alcohol-seeking and -taking behavior in sP rats. Further, these results extend to this additional procedure of alcohol self-administration the capacity of GS39783 to reduce the motivational properties of alcohol and alcohol consumption in sP rats. PMID:21423431

Self-paced versus fixed speed walking and the effect of virtual reality in children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Sloot, Lizeth H; Harlaar, Jaap; van der Krogt, Marjolein M

2015-10-01

While feedback-controlled treadmills with a virtual reality could potentially offer advantages for clinical gait analysis and training, the effect of self-paced walking and the virtual environment on the gait pattern of children and different patient groups remains unknown. This study examined the effect of self-paced (SP) versus fixed speed (FS) walking and of walking with and without a virtual reality (VR) in 11 typically developing (TD) children and nine children with cerebral palsy (CP). We found that subjects walked in SP mode with twice as much between-stride walking speed variability (p<0.01), fluctuating over multiple strides. There was no main effect of SP on kinematics or kinetics, but small interaction effects between SP and group (TD versus CP) were found for five out of 33 parameters. This suggests that children with CP might need more time to familiarize to SP walking, however, these differences were generally too small to be clinically relevant. The VR environment did not affect the kinematic or kinetic parameters, but walking with VR was rated as more similar to overground walking by both groups (p=0.02). The results of this study indicate that both SP and FS walking, with and without VR, can be used interchangeably for treadmill-based clinical gait analysis in children with and without CP. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

HLA-E–restricted regulatory CD8+ T cells are involved in development and control of human autoimmune type 1 diabetes

PubMed Central

Jiang, Hong; Canfield, Steve M.; Gallagher, Mary P.; Jiang, Hong H.; Jiang, Yihua; Zheng, Zongyu; Chess, Leonard

2010-01-01

A key feature of the immune system is its ability to discriminate self from nonself. Breakdown in any of the mechanisms that maintain unresponsiveness to self (a state known as self-tolerance) contributes to the development of autoimmune conditions. Recent studies in mice show that CD8+ T cells specific for the unconventional MHC class I molecule Qa-1 bound to peptides derived from the signal sequence of Hsp60 (Hsp60sp) contribute to self/nonself discrimination. However, it is unclear whether they exist in humans and play a role in human autoimmune diseases. Here we have shown that CD8+ T cells specific for Hsp60sp bound to HLA-E (the human homolog of Qa-1) exist and play an important role in maintaining peripheral self-tolerance by discriminating self from nonself in humans. Furthermore, in the majority of type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients tested, there was a specific defect in CD8+ T cell recognition of HLA-E/Hsp60sp, which was associated with failure of self/nonself discrimination. However, the defect in the CD8+ T cells from most of the T1D patients tested could be corrected in vitro by exposure to autologous immature DCs loaded with the Hsp60sp peptide. These data suggest that HLA-E–restricted CD8+ T cells may play an important role in keeping self-reactive T cells in check. Thus, correction of this defect could be a potentially effective and safe approach in the therapy of T1D. PMID:20877010

A 2D forward and inverse code for streaming potential problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soueid Ahmed, A.; Jardani, A.; Revil, A.

2013-12-01

The self-potential method corresponds to the passive measurement of the electrical field in response to the occurrence of natural sources of current in the ground. One of these sources corresponds to the streaming current associated with the flow of the groundwater. We can therefore apply the self- potential method to recover non-intrusively some information regarding the groundwater flow. We first solve the forward problem starting with the solution of the groundwater flow problem, then computing the source current density, and finally solving a Poisson equation for the electrical potential. We use the finite-element method to solve the relevant partial differential equations. In order to reduce the number of (petrophysical) model parameters required to solve the forward problem, we introduced an effective charge density tensor of the pore water, which can be determined directly from the permeability tensor for neutral pore waters. The second aspect of our work concerns the inversion of the self-potential data using Tikhonov regularization with smoothness and weighting depth constraints. This approach accounts for the distribution of the electrical resistivity, which can be independently and approximately determined from electrical resistivity tomography. A numerical code, SP2DINV, has been implemented in Matlab to perform both the forward and inverse modeling. Three synthetic case studies are discussed.

Effects of substance P on carotid chemoreceptor activity in the cat.

PubMed Central

McQueen, D S

1980-01-01

1. The influence of substance P (SP) on spontaneous chemosensory discharge and on responses of the carotid chemoreceptors to various drugs has been investigated in pentobarbitone anaesthetized casts in which chemoreceptor activity was recorded from the peripheral end of a sectioned sinus nerve. 2. After an initial slight inhibition during the first 5--15 sec following the injection, SP (0.1--100 microgram I.A.) caused a dose-related increase in discharge which lasted for 45--300 sec in artificially ventilated cats, discharge being increased by about 50% on average. The increase was of shorter duration when the animals were allowed to breathe spontaneously. 3. The delayed increase in discharge was not secondary to the hypotension caused by SP, nor was it entirely due to changes in bronchomotor tone resulting from direct or indirect actions of SP, although such changes contributed to the response. It was not possible to determine whether the excitation was due to a direct effect of SP on the chemoreceptors. 4. Chemosensory excitation evoked by NaCN (5 microgram I.A.) was potentiated during I.A. infusions of SP and also 10--20 min after SP (10 microgram I.A.) had been injected. In contrast, responses to ACh (50 microgram I.A.) were inhibited. These effects may be due to a nicotinic-blocking action of SP on the carotid chemoreceptors. It was also found that the inhibitory action of dopamine (5 microgram I.A.) was reduced during SP infusion whereas that of 5-HT (10 microgram I.A.) was potentiated. 5. A sample of crude SP had effects on spontaneous chemoreceptor discharge and responses to NaCN and ACh which were qualitatively similar to those obtained using synthetic SP. 6. The physiological significance of the results is discussed and it is concluded that the interpretation depends upon whether or not SP is present in the cat's carotid body. PMID:6157809

Investigating quality of life and self-stigma in Hong Kong children with specific learning disabilities.

PubMed

Chan, Yi; Chan, Yim Yuk; Cheng, Sui Lam; Chow, Man Yin; Tsang, Yau Wai; Lee, Clara; Lin, Chung-Ying

2017-09-01

Children with specific learning disabilities (SpLD) are likely to develop self-stigma and have a poor quality of life (QoL) because of their poor academic performance. Although both self-stigma and poor QoL issues are likely to be found in low academic achievers without SpLD, children with SpLD have worse situation because their diagnosis of SpLD suggests that their learning struggles are biological and permanent. Specifically, students' perception of own capabilities may be affected more by the diagnosis of SpLD than their own actual performance. We examined the self-stigma and QoL of children with SpLD in Hong Kong, a region with an academics-focused culture. Children with SpLD (n=49,M age ±SD=9.55±1.21; SpLD group) and typically developing children (n=32,M age ±SD=9.81±1.40; TD group) completed a Kid-KINDL to measure QoL and a Modified Self-Stigma Scale to measure self-stigma. All parents completed a parallel Kid-KINDL to measure QoL of their children. Compared with the TD group, the SpLD group had a higher level of self-stigma (p=0.027) and lower QoL (child-reported Kid-KINDL: p=0.001; parent-reported Kid-KINDL: p<0.001). In the academics-focused environment in Hong Kong, SpLD was associated with impaired QoL and higher self-stigma. Treatments targeting the learning process of children with SpLD may be designed to overcome self-stigma and to improve QoL. In addition, the program may involve parents of the children with SpLD or other people (e.g., the peer of the children with SpLD) for improving their understanding and perceptions of SpLD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Monitoring the Dynamics of Water Flow at a High-Mountain Permafrost Site Using Electrical Self-Potential Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemna, A.; Weigand, M.; Wagner, F.; Hilbich, C.; Hauck, C.

2016-12-01

Flow of (liquid) water plays a crucial role in the dynamics of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in terrestrial permafrost systems. To better understand these processes in the active layer of permafrost regions, with the ultimate goal of adequately incorporating them in numerical models for improved scenario prediction, monitoring approaches offering high spatial and temporal resolution, areal coverage, and especially sensitivity to subsurface water flow, are highly desired. This particularly holds for high-mountain slopes, where strong variability in topography, precipitation, and snow cover, along with significant subsurface soil/rock heterogeneity, gives rise to complex spatio-temporal patterns of water flow during seasonal thawing and freezing periods. The electrical self-potential (SP) method is well known to, in theory, meeting the above monitoring demands by measuring the electrical streaming potential which is generated at the microscopic scale when water flows along electrically non-neutral interfaces. Despite its inherent sensitivity to subsurface water flow, the SP method has not yet been used for the monitoring of high-mountain permafrost sites. We here present first results from an SP monitoring survey conducted at the Schilthorn (2970 m asl) in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland, where SP data have been collected since September 2013 at a sampling rate of 10 min on a permanently installed array of 12 non-polarizing electrodes covering an area of 35 m by 15 m. While the SP time series exhibit systematic daily variations, with part of the signal clearly correlated with temperature, in particular in the snow-free periods, the largest temporal changes in the SP signal occur in spring, when the snow cover melts and thawing sets on in the active layer. The period of higher temporal SP variations continues until autumn, when the signal gradually returns to relatively low variations, coinciding with the freezing of the ground. Our results suggest that the SP method is a suitable tool for the monitoring of seasonal water flow dynamics at high-mountain permafrost sites. Current work is directed towards an improved field setup, as well as the quantitative analysis of the SP data based on laboratory calibration measurements.

Marine self potential and CSEM measurements using an autonomous underwater vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Constable, S.; Kowalczyk, P.; Bloomer, S.

2017-12-01

Marine self potential (SP) and controlled source EM (CSEM) measurements are commonly made using instruments towed close to the seafloor, which requires dedicated ship time, is limited to slow speeds, and is subject to navigation errors of 5 to 10 m. An alternative is to mount SP and CSEM sensors on an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). We tested this with a pilot study in the Iheya area of the Okinawa Trough, off Japan, using an ISE Explorer-class AUV operated by Fukada Salvage and Marine Works and equipped with a Scripps CSEM receiver system. Parts of this prospect have documented hydrothermal venting and seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits. CSEM signals were generated by deploying battery-powered seafloor transmitters, which emitted 20 amps, alternately every 30 seconds on orthogonal, 10 m antennas. CSEM signals were recorded by 3-axis AC-coupled sensors on the AUV as it flew a pattern 70 m above the seafloor around the transmitters. By transmitting two slightly different frequencies, two or more transmitters can broadcast simultaneously. Measurements were made at the same time using DC-coupled electric field amplifiers, from which self potentials were estimated using regularized inversion, yielding negative anomalies of 10 to 25 mV. Modeling suggests that the anomalies are localized and close to the seafloor. Apparent conductivities as high as 30 S/m were fit to the CSEM data, which strongly suggests that SMS mineralization is associated with the SP anomalies, although it is possible the causative mechanism is at least partly due to hydrothermal venting. In either case, we have demonstrated that AUV-mounted instrument systems are an efficient, effective, and low noise means of collecting marine CSEM and SP data. The entire data set was collected in a single day on station with a 10-hour AUV deployment.

Determining the Depth of Infinite Horizontal Cylindrical Sources from Spontaneous Polarization Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, G. R. J.; Stettler, E. H.

2017-03-01

Previously published semi-automatic interpretation methods that use ratios of analytic signal amplitudes of orders that differ by one to determine the distance to potential field sources are shown also to apply to self-potential (S.P.) data when the source is a horizontal cylinder. Local minima of the distance (when it becomes closest to zero) give the source depth. The method was applied to an S.P. anomaly from the Bourkes Luck potholes district in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, and gave results that were confirmed by drilling.

Protecting coastal abstraction boreholes from seawater intrusion using self-potential data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graham, Malcolm; Butler, Adrian; MacAllister, Donald John; Vinogradov, Jan; Ijioma, Amadi; Jackson, Matthew

2016-04-01

We investigate whether the presence and transport of seawater can influence self-potentials (SPs) measured within coastal groundwater boreholes, with a view to using SP monitoring as part of an early warning system for saline intrusion. SP data were collected over a period of 18 months from a coastal groundwater borehole in the fractured Chalk of England. Spectral analysis of the results shows semi-diurnal fluctuations that are several orders of magnitude higher than those observed from monitoring of the Chalk more than 60 km inland, indicating a strong influence from oceanic tides. Hydrodynamic and geoelectric modelling of the coastal aquifer suggests that observed pressure changes (giving rise to the streaming potential) are not sufficient to explain the magnitude of the observed SP fluctuations. Simulation of the exclusion-diffusion potential, produced by changes in concentration across the saline front, is required to match the SP data from the borehole, despite the front being located some distance away. In late summer of 2013 and 2014, seawater intrusion occurred in the coastal monitoring borehole. When referenced to the shallowest borehole electrode, there was a characteristic increase in SP within the array, several days before any measurable increase in salinity. The size of this precursor increased steadily with depth, typically reaching values close to 0.3 mV in the deepest electrode. Numerical modelling suggests that the exclusion-diffusion potential can explain the magnitude of the precursor, but that the polarity of the change in SP cannot be replicated assuming a homogeneous aquifer. Small-scale models of idealised Chalk blocks were used to simulate the effects of discrete fractures on the distribution of SP. Initial results suggest that comparatively large reductions in voltage can develop in the matrix ahead of the front, in conjunction with a reduced or absent precursor in the vicinity of a fracture. Geophysical logging indicates the presence of a fracture zone near the base of our measurement array, and when included in the numerical modelling we find an apparent increase in SP prior to saline breakthrough consistent with the field observations. Several challenges remain in accurately simulating all of the observed SP components at our study site and in identifying the presence or absence of these phenomena across a range of aquifer types. Nonetheless, this work represents an important step in the development of a new borehole geophysical monitoring tool for groundwater managers to identify impending seawater intrusion and adapt planned abstraction regimes accordingly.

Garcinol downregulates Notch1 signaling via modulating miR-200c and suppresses oncogenic properties of PANC-1 cancer stem-like cells.

PubMed

Huang, Chi-Cheng; Lin, Chien-Min; Huang, Yan-Jiun; Wei, Li; Ting, Lei-Li; Kuo, Chia-Chun; Hsu, Cheyu; Chiou, Jeng-Fong; Wu, Alexander T H; Lee, Wei-Hwa

2017-03-01

Pancreatic cancer represents one of the most aggressive types of malignancy due to its high resistance toward most clinically available treatments. The presence of pancreatic cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) has been attributed to the intrinsically high resistance and highly metastatic potential of this disease. Here, we identified and isolated pancreatic CSCs using the side population (SP) method from human pancreatic cancer cell line, PANC-1. We then compared the SP and non-SP PANC-1 cells genetically. PANC-1 SP cells exhibited CSC properties including enhanced self-renewal ability, increased metastatic potential, and resistance toward gemcitabine treatment. These cancer stem-like phenotypes were supported by their enhanced expression of ABCG2, Oct4, and CD44. A traditional plant-derived antioxidant, garcinol, has been implicated for its anticancer properties. Here, we found that garcinol treatment to PANC-1 SP cells significantly suppressed the stem-like properties of PANC-1 SP cells and metastatic potential by downregulating the expression of Mcl-1, EZH2, ABCG2, Gli-1, and Notch1. More importantly, garcinol treatment led to the upregulation of several tumor suppressor microRNAs, and miR-200c increased by garcinol treatment was found to target and downregulate Notch1. Thus, PANC-1 SP cells may serve as a model for studying drug-resistant pancreatic CSCs, and garcinol has the potential as an antagonist against pancreatic CSCs. © 2015 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Effect of nitro-L-arginine on electrical and mechanical responses to acetylcholine in the superior mesenteric artery from stroke-prone hypertensive rat

PubMed Central

Ghisdal, Philippe; Godfraind, Théophile; Morel, Nicole

1999-01-01

High salt diet is known to aggravate the vascular pathology in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats (SHR-SP). The aim of the present study was to assess the involvement of endothelial dysfunction in this effect. Contractile tension and membrane potential were simultaneously recorded in superior mesenteric artery rings of untreated and NaCl-loaded (1% NaCl in the drinking water) SHR-SP and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY).In unstimulated artery, hyperpolarization evoked by acetylcholine was not different in WKY and in NaCl-loaded WKY; it was reduced in SHR-SP and further reduced in NaCl-loaded SHR-SP. Hyperpolarization was unaffected by Nω-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA) but was abolished in high-KCl solution.In noradrenaline-stimulated artery, ACh-evoked hyperpolarization and relaxation were not different in WKY and in SHR-SP. NaCl-treatment did not affect the responses to ACh in WKY but decreased maximum relaxation in SHR-SP from 93±2% to 72±7% of the contraction. In WKY, in NaCl-loaded WKY and in SHR-SP, L-NA similarly shifted the concentration-relaxation curve to ACh to the right and depressed its maximum but L-NA did not affect the hyperpolarization to ACh. In NaCl-loaded SHR-SP, L-NA blunted the effects of ACh on membrane potential and on contraction.The NO donor SNAP abolished the depolarization and the contraction evoked by noradrenaline with the same potency in WKY and in untreated SHR-SP but was more potent in NaCl-loaded SHR-SP.In KCl-contracted arteries the relaxations to ACh were not different in WKY and SHR-SP but NaCl-loaded SHR-SP were more sensitive to ACh.The results showed that NaCl-rich diet markedly reduced the L-NA-resistant responses to ACh and increased the sensitivity to NO in SHR-SP. PMID:10602331

Evaluation of permeable fractures in rock aquifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bok Lee, Hang

2015-04-01

In this study, the practical usefulness and fundamental applicability of a self-potential (SP) method for identifying the permeable fractures were evaluated by a comparison of SP methods with other geophysical logging methods and hydraulic tests. At a 10 m-shallow borehole in the study site, the candidates of permeable fractures crossing the borehole were first determined by conventional geophysical methods such as an acoustic borehole televiwer, temperature, electrical conductivity and gamma-gamma loggings, which was compared to the analysis by the SP method. Constant pressure injection and recovery tests were conducted for verification of the hydraulic properties of the fractures identified by various logging methods. The acoustic borehole televiwer and gamma-gamma loggings detected the open space or weathering zone within the borehole, but they cannot prove the possibility of a groundwater flow through the detected fractures. The temperature and electrical conductivity loggings had limitations to detect the fractured zones where groundwater in the borehole flows out to the surrounding rock aquifers. Comparison of results from different methods showed that there is a best correlation between the distribution of hydraulic conductivity and the variation of the SP signals, and the SP logging can estimate accurately the hydraulic activity as well as the location of permeable fractures. Based on the results, the SP method is recommended for determining the hydraulically-active fractures rather than other conventional geophysical loggings. This self-potential method can be effectively applied in the initial stage of a site investigation which selects the optimal location and evaluates the hydrogeological property of fractures in target sites for the underground structure including the geothermal reservoir and radioactive waste disposal.

A least-squares minimisation approach to depth determination from numerical second horizontal self-potential anomalies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelrahman, El-Sayed Mohamed; Soliman, Khalid; Essa, Khalid Sayed; Abo-Ezz, Eid Ragab; El-Araby, Tarek Mohamed

2009-06-01

This paper develops a least-squares minimisation approach to determine the depth of a buried structure from numerical second horizontal derivative anomalies obtained from self-potential (SP) data using filters of successive window lengths. The method is based on using a relationship between the depth and a combination of observations at symmetric points with respect to the coordinate of the projection of the centre of the source in the plane of the measurement points with a free parameter (graticule spacing). The problem of depth determination from second derivative SP anomalies has been transformed into the problem of finding a solution to a non-linear equation of the form f(z)=0. Formulas have been derived for horizontal cylinders, spheres, and vertical cylinders. Procedures are also formulated to determine the electric dipole moment and the polarization angle. The proposed method was tested on synthetic noisy and real SP data. In the case of the synthetic data, the least-squares method determined the correct depths of the sources. In the case of practical data (SP anomalies over a sulfide ore deposit, Sariyer, Turkey and over a Malachite Mine, Jefferson County, Colorado, USA), the estimated depths of the buried structures are in good agreement with the results obtained from drilling and surface geology.

Rheological and Mechanical Response Modifications for a Self-Leveling Mortar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katsiadramis, N. J.; Sotiropoulou, A. B.; Pandermarakis, Z. G.

2010-06-01

In many cases cement based materials demand a higher flowability and workability and this conventionally can’t be done without loss of its strength, due to the fact that the common practice to increase the workability is the addition of water. But, nowadays using a third generation superplasticizer (SP) we can achieve the desire flowability without loss of its strength. The action of superplastisizers is to spread efficiently the cement grains and so to wetting better the cement grains giving a more homogeneous mixture with higher strength. Nine different mixtures were prepared adding a small percentage of SP (1%). The conditions to get a self levelling mortar, have to do not only with rheological but also with mechanical demands. The bending and compression test gave the achieving mechanical strength whereas their rheological response came through slump flow and v-funnel flow tests. With the help of a small amount of stabilizer we obtain a robust mixture that deserves the desire response at the field too.

Analysis of transporter responsible for the secretion of fusaric acid from the plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fusaric acid (FA), a phytotoxic polyketide produced by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov), has been suggested to be associated with disease symptoms on cotton. In response to a potential threat on cotton production by the introduction of high FA producing strains from Australia, new sources...

Sex differences in the acute in vivo effects of different human SP-A variants on the mouse alveolar macrophage proteome

PubMed Central

Phelps, David S.; Umstead, Todd M.; Floros, Joanna

2014-01-01

Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is involved in lung innate immunity. Humans have two SP-A genes, SFTPA1 and SFTPA2, each with several variants. We examined the in vivo effects of treatment with specific SP-A variants on the alveolar macrophage (AM) proteome from SP-A knockout (KO) mice. KO mice received either SP-A1, SP-A2, or both. AM were collected and their proteomes examined with 2D-DIGE. We identified 90 proteins and categorized them as related to actin/cytoskeleton, oxidative stress, protease balance/chaperones, regulation of inflammation, and regulatory/developmental processes. SP-A1 and SP-A2 had different effects on the AM proteome and these effects differed between sexes. In males more changes occurred in the oxidative stress, protease/chaperones, and inflammation groups with SP-A2 treatment than with SP-A1. In females most SP-A1-induced changes were in the actin/cytoskeletal and oxidative stress groups. We conclude that after acute SP-A1 and SP-A2 treatment, sex-specific differences were observed in the AM proteomes from KO mice, and that these sex differences differ in response to SP-A1 and SP-A2. Females are more responsive to SP-A1, whereas the gene-specific differences in males were minimal. These observations not only demonstrate the therapeutic potential of exogenous SP-A, but also illustrate sex- and gene-specific differences in the response to it. PMID:24954098

Geotechnical Applications of the Self-Potential Method. Report 3. Development of Self-Potential Interpretation Techniques for Seepage Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-02-01

potentials M Modeling or interpretation of SP data T Streaming potential theory TM Telluric current measurement 0 Other 57 REFERENCES Abaza, M. M. I ...470-483. L, T Abaza, M. M. I . 1966. Streaming Current and Streaming Potential Induced by Water Flow Through Porous Media: Ph.D. Thesis, Utah State...IO-- L* - CDU -c) low- -co M~ <__ _ _ i7L - 7 ____~~~~ < K- I ~ 1I1iiij § r~L K mn LKzz{ - i ----_ - t -C 71L- C > 0amp- Daily_ _ Recrd fo Ce uft an

Optimisation of nano-silica modified self-compacting high-Volume fly ash mortar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Achara, Bitrus Emmanuel; Mohammed, Bashar S.; Fadhil Nuruddin, Muhd

2017-05-01

Evaluation of the effects of nano-silica amount and superplasticizer (SP) dosage on the compressive strength, porosity and slump flow on high-volume fly ash self-consolidating mortar was investigated. Multiobjective optimisation technique using Design-Expert software was applied to obtain solution based on desirability function that simultaneously optimises the variables and the responses. A desirability function of 0.811 gives the optimised solution. The experimental and predicted results showed minimal errors in all the measured responses.

A randomized comparison of the i-gel with the self-pressurized air-Q intubating laryngeal airway in children.

PubMed

Kim, Min-Soo; Lee, Jae Hoon; Han, Sang Won; Im, Young Jae; Kang, Hyo Jong; Lee, Jeong-Rim

2015-04-01

Supraglottic airway devices with noninflatable cuff have advantages in omitting the cuff pressure monitoring and reducing potential pharyngolaryngeal complications. Typical devices without cuff inflation available in children are the i-gel and the self-pressurized air-Q intubating laryngeal airway (air-Q SP). To date, there is no comparative study between these devices in pediatric patients. The purpose of this randomized study was to compare the i-gel(™) and the self-pressurized air-Q(™) intubating laryngeal airway (air-Q SP) in children undergoing general anesthesia. Eighty children, 1-108 months of age, 7-30 kg of weight, and scheduled for elective surgery in which supraglottic airway devices would be suitable for airway management, were randomly assigned to either the i-gel or the air-Q SP. Oropharyngeal leak pressure and fiberoptic view were assessed three times as follows: after insertion and fixation of the device, 10 min after initial assessment, and after completion of surgery. We also assessed insertion parameters and complications. Insertion of the i-gel was regarded as significantly easier compared to the air-Q SP (P = 0.04). Compared to the air-Q SP group, the i-gel group had significantly higher oropharyngeal leak pressures at all measurement points and significantly lower frequencies of gastric insufflation at 10 min after initial assessment and completion of surgery. The air-Q SP group had better fiberoptic views than the i-gel group at all measurement points. Our results showed that the i-gel had easier insertion and better sealing function, and the air-Q SP provided improved fiberoptic views in children requiring general anesthesia. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Enkephalinase inhibitor potentiates mammalian tachykinin-induced contraction in ferret trachea.

PubMed

Sekizawa, K; Tamaoki, J; Graf, P D; Basbaum, C B; Borson, D B; Nadel, J A

1987-12-01

To determine the roles of endogenous enkephalinase (EC.3.4.24.11) in regulating tachykinin-induced contraction of airway smooth muscle, the authors studied the effects of the enkephalinase inhibitor leucine-thiorphan on the contractile responses to substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB) in isolated ferret tracheal smooth muscle segments. Leucine-thiorphan shifted, in concentration-dependent fashions, the dose-response curves to all tachykinins to lower concentrations. Leucine-thiorphan changed the rank order of tachykinin potency from NKA greater than SP greater than NKB to NKA = NKB greater than SP. Removal of the epithelium slightly enhanced the contractile responses to SP and NKA but not to NKB. Atropine shifted the dose-response curves of all tachykinins to higher concentrations. Each tachykinin increased the contractile response to electrical field stimulation (5 Hz, 20 sec of duration, 20 V) in a dose-dependent fashion. This effect was not altered by hexamethonium, indomethacin, BW755C or naloxone but was potentiated by leucine-thiorphan and inhibited by the tachykinin receptor antagonist (D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9)-SP and by atropine. Because tachykinins did not affect contractile responses to acetylcholine significantly, their effects were probably on presynaptic postganglionic nerves. Captopril, bestatin and leupeptin did not alter contractile responses, suggesting that angiotensin converting enzyme, aminopeptidases and serine proteinases did not modulate tachykinin-induced effects. Enkephalinase immunofluorescence was found in the smooth muscle and epithelium and confirmed the authors' finding of enkephalinase-like activity in the muscle. The results suggest that tracheal enkephalinase is an important modulator of tachykinin-induced effects.

The NH2-terminus of substance P modulates NMDA-induced activity in the mouse spinal cord.

PubMed

Hornfeldt, C S; Sun, X; Larson, A A

1994-05-01

Excitatory amino acids (EAAs) and substance P are believed to transmit nociceptive information in the spinal cord. As substance P NH2-terminal fragments can modulate non-NMDA EAA-mediated activity, we examined the effects of substance P fragments to ascertain whether the COOH- or NH2-terminus of substance P modulates the actions of NMDA in the spinal cord. NMDA activity was measured by the intensity of behaviors produced by NMDA (0.2 nmol) administered intrathecally in the mouse. The NMDA response was attenuated after pretreatment with either substance P (22.5 pmol, 30 min) or the NH2-terminal fragment of substance P, SP-(1-7). Pretreatment with the COOH-terminal fragment SP-(5-11) (22.5 pmol, 30 min), a neurokinin ligand, had no effect on NMDA-induced behaviors, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of substance P is caused by the NH2-terminus. Pretreatment with D-Pro2,D-Phe7 substance P-(1-7), a SP-(1-7) antagonist, potentiated NMDA activity, suggesting a tonic inhibitory effect of the substance P NH2-terminus. Desensitization to NMDA typically develops when NMDA is injected at 2 min intervals. While pretreatment with SP-(1-7) inhibited NMDA, coadministration of SP-(1-7) (22.5 pmol), with the first of four injections of NMDA, first inhibited but then potentiated responses to each challenge with NMDA. Coadministration of the same dose of SP-(1-7) with the fourth injection of NMDA immediately potentiated the response to NMDA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reported positive and negative outcomes associated with a self-practice/self-reflection cognitive-behavioural therapy exercise for CBT trainees.

PubMed

Spendelow, Jason S; Butler, Lisa J

2016-09-01

The aim of the current study was to identify outcomes of a self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) exercise for trainee clinical psychologists. Thirty-two trainees enrolled in their first year of a UK university doctoral clinical psychology training programme completed an online questionnaire following an eight-week exercise. Findings indicated an endorsement of many previously reported benefits of exercise participation, but also the identification of negative outcomes. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed that outcomes could be grouped into two main thematic domains (individual task outcomes and task organization issues) along with several subordinate themes. SP/SR is a useful tool in the development of trainee CBT therapist competences. There has been limited previous recognition of potential negative outcomes from this type of exercise. However, these can provide additional impetus for therapist skill development.

Variation in the flowering gene SELF PRUNING 5G promotes day-neutrality and early yield in tomato.

PubMed

Soyk, Sebastian; Müller, Niels A; Park, Soon Ju; Schmalenbach, Inga; Jiang, Ke; Hayama, Ryosuke; Zhang, Lei; Van Eck, Joyce; Jiménez-Gómez, José M; Lippman, Zachary B

2017-01-01

Plants evolved so that their flowering is triggered by seasonal changes in day length. However, day-length sensitivity in crops limits their geographical range of cultivation, and thus modification of the photoperiod response was critical for their domestication. Here we show that loss of day-length-sensitive flowering in tomato was driven by the florigen paralog and flowering repressor SELF-PRUNING 5G (SP5G). SP5G expression is induced to high levels during long days in wild species, but not in cultivated tomato because of cis-regulatory variation. CRISPR/Cas9-engineered mutations in SP5G cause rapid flowering and enhance the compact determinate growth habit of field tomatoes, resulting in a quick burst of flower production that translates to an early yield. Our findings suggest that pre-existing variation in SP5G facilitated the expansion of cultivated tomato beyond its origin near the equator in South America, and they provide a compelling demonstration of the power of gene editing to rapidly improve yield traits in crop breeding.

Opportunities and challenges for the application of SP measurements to monitor subsurface flow (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, M.; Vinogradov, J.; MacAllister, D.; Butler, A. P.; Leinov, E.; Zhang, J.

2013-12-01

Measurements of self-potential (SP) have been proposed or applied to monitor flow in the shallow subsurface in numerous settings, including volcanoes, earthquake zones, geothermal fields and hydrocarbon reservoirs, to detect leaks from dams, tanks and embankments, and to characterize groundwater flow and hydraulic properties. To interpret the measurements, it is generally assumed that the SP is dominated by the streaming potential, arising from the drag of excess electrical charge in the diffuse part of the electrical double layer at the mineral-fluid interfaces. The constitutive equation relating electrical current density j to the driving forces ▽V and ▽P is then j = -σ▽V -σC▽P=-σ▽V + Qv (1) where V is the streaming potential, P is the water pressure, σ is the saturated rock conductivity, v is the Darcy velocity, C is the streaming potential coupling coefficient, and Q is the excess charge transported by the flow. Equation (1) shows that there is a close relationship between flow properties of interest, such as the pressure gradient or Darcy velocity, and the streaming potential component of the SP. Hence SP measurements are an attractive method to monitor subsurface flow. However, the problem with interpreting the measurements is that both C and Q can vary over orders of magnitude, in response to variations in pore-water salinity, temperature, rock texture, and the presence of NAPLs in the pore-space. Moreover, additional current sources may be present if there are gradients in concentration or temperature, arising from differential rates of ion migration down gradient (diffusion potentials), and because of charge exclusion from the pore-space (exclusion potentials). In general, these additional current sources are neglected. This talk suggests a potential new opportunity for the application of SP measurements to monitor subsurface flow, in which the signal of interest arises from salinity rather than pressure gradients. Saline intrusion into freshwater aquifers is a global problem, threatening the water supply of millions of people in coastal settlements. Abstraction rates could be much more efficiently managed if encroaching saline water could be detected before it arrived at the borehole. However, current monitoring is based largely on borehole conductivity measurements, which requires a dense network of monitoring boreholes to map the saline front. Recent laboratory and field experiments suggest that the concentration gradient associated with the front generates an SP signal which can be detected at an abstraction well prior to the arrival of the front, potentially allowing monitoring using a comparatively cheap array of non-polarising borehole electrodes. Current challenges in interpreting SP measurements for subsurface flow are also discussed, particularly the use of models to predict the values of C and Q. The importance of accounting for the pore-level distribution of flow and excess charge in such models is emphasised, and a way forward is suggested in which pore-scale network models, used previously to predict relative permeability and capillary pressure, are extended to include charge transport at the pore-level.

Immunogenicity of adenovirus vaccines expressing the PCV2 capsid protein in pigs.

PubMed

Li, Delong; Du, Qian; Wu, Bin; Li, Juejun; Chang, Lingling; Zhao, Xiaomin; Huang, Yong; Tong, Dewen

2017-08-24

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the main pathogen of porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD), causing great economic losses in pig industry. In previous study, we constructed adenovirus vector vaccines expressing PCV2 Cap either modified with Intron A and WPRE, or CD40L and GMCSF, and evaluated all of these vaccines in mice and in pigs. Although Ad-A-C-W and Ad-CD40L-Cap-GMCSF could induce stronger immune responses than Ad-Cap, neither of them was better than commercial inactivated vaccine PCV2 SH-strain. In this study, secretory recombinant adenoviruses (Ad-A-spCap-W and Ad-A-spCD40L-spCap-spGMCSF-W) and non-secretory recombinant adenovirus Ad-A-CD40L-Cap-GMCSF-W were constructed, and identified by western blot and confocal laser microscope observation. The results of ELISA and VN showed that humoral immune responses induced by Ad-A-spCap-W and Ad-A-CD40L-Cap-GMCSF-W were not significantly different from SH-strain, but Ad-A-spCD40L-spCap-spGMCSF-W could induce significantly higher humoral immune response than SH-strain. Lymphocytes proliferative and cytokines releasing levels of Ad-A-spCap-W and Ad-A-CD40L-Cap-GMCSF-W were not significantly different from SH-strain, but Ad-A-spCD40L-spCap-spGMCSF-W was significantly higher than SH-strain. PCV2-challenge experiment showed that virus loads were significantly reduced in Ad-A-spCD40L-spCap-spGMCSF-W vaccinated group, and no obviously clinical and microscopic lesions were observed in Ad-A-spCD40L-spCap-spGMCSF-W vaccinated group. Altogether, these results demonstrate that recombinant adenovirus vaccine Ad-A-spCD40L-spCap-spGMCSF-W induces stronger immune responses and provides better protection than commercial inactivated vaccine PCV2 SH-strain, and suggest that Ad-A-spCD40L-spCap-spGMCSF-W could be a potential vaccine candidate against PCVAD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phase 3 geophysical studies in the Wadi Bidah District, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Flanigan, V.J.; Sadek, Hamdy; Smith, C.W.

1982-01-01

Detailed geophysical measurements have been made in the Rabathan area, Wadi Bidah district, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the site of diamond drill holes RAB-1, -2, and -3; these measurements suggest that the causative source for the anomalous EM (electromagnetic) and SP (self-potential) responses is probably highly conductive zones of Precambrian siliceous-carbonaceous rocks. Although many of the zones are no more than a few meters wide, they commonly contain 50 to 80 percent carbonaceous material and locally abundant pyrite. In places, several thin layers of highly concentrated carbonaceous material interlayered with chert form a multiple conductive zone that is seen in the geophysical data as complex anomaly patterns. In the geologic environment of Wadi Bidah, massive sulfide-bearing zones cannot be distinguished from siliceous-carbonaceous zones on the basis of the EM-SP responses. In North America in similar environments, complex resistivity methods used in experimental research have successfully discriminated between sulfide and carbonaceous conductors. Tests of such methods in the Wadi Bidah district are recommended. Geologic, geochemical, and geophysical data at the Jabal Mohr prospect suggest the possibility of mineralized rocks at depth over a possible strike length of 400 m.

Potential of wheat bran to promote indigenous microbial enhanced oil recovery.

PubMed

Zhan, Yali; Wang, Qinghong; Chen, Chunmao; Kim, Jung Bong; Zhang, Hongdan; Yoza, Brandon A; Li, Qing X

2017-06-01

Microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) is an emerging oil extraction technology that utilizes microorganisms to facilitate recovery of crude oil in depleted petroleum reservoirs. In the present study, effects of wheat bran utilization were investigated on stimulation of indigenous MEOR. Biostimulation conditions were optimized with the response surface methodology. The co-application of wheat bran with KNO 3 and NH 4 H 2 PO 4 significantly promoted indigenous MEOR (IMEOR) and exhibited sequential aerobic (O-), facultative (A n -) and anaerobic (A 0 -) metabolic stages. The surface tension of fermented broth decreased by approximately 35%, and the crude oil was highly emulsified. Microbial community structure varied largely among and in different IMEOR metabolic stages. Pseudomonas sp., Citrobacter sp., and uncultured Burkholderia sp. dominated the O-, A n - and early A 0 -stages. Bacillus sp., Achromobacter sp., Rhizobiales sp., Alcaligenes sp. and Clostridium sp. dominated the later A 0 -stage. This study illustrated occurrences of microbial community succession driven by wheat bran stimulation and its industrial potential.

Response of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like ammonia oxidizers to changes in temperature, soil moisture content, and fertilizer concentration.

PubMed

Avrahami, Sharon; Bohannan, Brendan J M

2007-02-01

Very little is known regarding the ecology of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria, a unique group of ammonia oxidizers within the Betaproteobacteria. We studied the response of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like ammonia oxidizers to changing environmental conditions by applying molecular methods and physiological measurements to Californian grassland soil manipulated in the laboratory. This soil is naturally high in Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria relative to the much-better-studied Nitrosospira multiformis-like ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Increases in temperature, soil moisture, and fertilizer interacted to reduce the relative abundance of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria, although they remained numerically dominant. The overall abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria increased with increasing soil moisture and decreased with increasing temperature. Potential nitrification activity was altered by interactions among temperature, soil moisture, and fertilizer, with activity tending to be higher when soil moisture and temperature were increased. The increase in potential nitrification activity with increased temperature was surprising, given that the overall abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria decreased significantly under these conditions. This observation suggests that (i) Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria may respond to increased temperature with an increase in activity, despite a decrease in abundance, or (ii) that potential nitrification activity in these soils may be due to organisms other than bacteria (e.g., archaeal ammonia oxidizers), at least under conditions of increased temperature.

Response of Nitrosospira sp. Strain AF-Like Ammonia Oxidizers to Changes in Temperature, Soil Moisture Content, and Fertilizer Concentration▿

PubMed Central

Avrahami, Sharon; Bohannan, Brendan J. M.

2007-01-01

Very little is known regarding the ecology of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria, a unique group of ammonia oxidizers within the Betaproteobacteria. We studied the response of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like ammonia oxidizers to changing environmental conditions by applying molecular methods and physiological measurements to Californian grassland soil manipulated in the laboratory. This soil is naturally high in Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria relative to the much-better-studied Nitrosospira multiformis-like ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. Increases in temperature, soil moisture, and fertilizer interacted to reduce the relative abundance of Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria, although they remained numerically dominant. The overall abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria increased with increasing soil moisture and decreased with increasing temperature. Potential nitrification activity was altered by interactions among temperature, soil moisture, and fertilizer, with activity tending to be higher when soil moisture and temperature were increased. The increase in potential nitrification activity with increased temperature was surprising, given that the overall abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria decreased significantly under these conditions. This observation suggests that (i) Nitrosospira sp. strain AF-like bacteria may respond to increased temperature with an increase in activity, despite a decrease in abundance, or (ii) that potential nitrification activity in these soils may be due to organisms other than bacteria (e.g., archaeal ammonia oxidizers), at least under conditions of increased temperature. PMID:17158615

Compliance with infection control standard precautions guidelines: a survey among dental healthcare workers in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

Haridi, Hassan Kasim; Al-Ammar, Abdalmohsen Saud; Al-Mansour, Moazzy Ibraheim

2016-01-01

Background: The concept of standard precautions (SP) has been a cornerstone of dental infection control (IC) practice. Full adherence with SP guidelines is still a matter of concern in many institutions. The objectives of the present study were to assess and characterise compliance with SP guidelines among dental healthcare workers (DHCWs) and to analyse factors that affect compliance. Methods: A regional cross-sectional questionnaire survey among DHCWs in all health facilities was carried out from August to November 2014. Results: A total of 307 returned valid self-report questionnaires with a response rate of 73.1%. Most participants (86.3%) were aware of the SP guidelines, 84.4% received IC training and 88.9% received hepatitis B vaccination. Compliance with SP was found to be high; the majority (90.1%) attained 75% on the compliance scale. In the multivariate logistic regression model, perceived higher institutional commitment as regard IC requirements (odds ratio [OR], 4.34; P <0.001), perceived training as adequate (OR, 3.51; P = 0.003), dentist job (OR, 2.99; P = 0.035) and younger age (OR, 0.59; P = 0.041) were independently predicted as good compliant behaviour. Conclusions: This survey revealed high self-reported compliance with SP guidelines. Institutional factors appear to have an important role. Attention should be paid to dental assistants and private DHCWs. PMID:28989490

A dual-stimuli-responsive fluorescent switch ultrathin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhixiong; Liang, Ruizheng; Liu, Wendi; Yan, Dongpeng; Wei, Min

2015-10-01

Stimuli-responsive fluorescent switches have shown broad applications in optical devices, biological materials and intelligent responses. Herein, we describe the design and fabrication of a dual-stimuli-responsive fluorescent switch ultrathin film (UTF) via a three-step layer-by-layer (LBL) technique: (i) encapsulation of spiropyran (SP) within an amphiphilic block copolymer (PTBEM) to give the (SP@PTBEM) micelle; (ii) the mixture of riboflavin (Rf) and poly(styrene 4-sulfonate) (PSS) to enhance the adhesion ability of small molecules; (iii) assembly of negatively charged SP@PTBEM and Rf-PSS with cationic layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoplatelets to obtain the (Rf-PSS/LDH/SP@PTBEM)n UTFs (n: bilayer number). The assembly process of the UTFs and their luminescence properties, as monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), present a uniform and ordered layered structure with stepwise growth. The resulting Rf-PSS/LDH/SP@PTBEM UTF serves as a three-state switchable multicolor (green, yellow, and red) luminescent system based on stimulation from UV/Vis light and pH, with an acceptable reversibility. Therefore, this work provides a facile way to fabricate stimuli-responsive solid-state film switches with tunable-color luminescence, which have potential applications in the areas of displays, sensors, and rewritable optical memory and fluorescent logic devices.Stimuli-responsive fluorescent switches have shown broad applications in optical devices, biological materials and intelligent responses. Herein, we describe the design and fabrication of a dual-stimuli-responsive fluorescent switch ultrathin film (UTF) via a three-step layer-by-layer (LBL) technique: (i) encapsulation of spiropyran (SP) within an amphiphilic block copolymer (PTBEM) to give the (SP@PTBEM) micelle; (ii) the mixture of riboflavin (Rf) and poly(styrene 4-sulfonate) (PSS) to enhance the adhesion ability of small molecules; (iii) assembly of negatively charged SP@PTBEM and Rf-PSS with cationic layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoplatelets to obtain the (Rf-PSS/LDH/SP@PTBEM)n UTFs (n: bilayer number). The assembly process of the UTFs and their luminescence properties, as monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), present a uniform and ordered layered structure with stepwise growth. The resulting Rf-PSS/LDH/SP@PTBEM UTF serves as a three-state switchable multicolor (green, yellow, and red) luminescent system based on stimulation from UV/Vis light and pH, with an acceptable reversibility. Therefore, this work provides a facile way to fabricate stimuli-responsive solid-state film switches with tunable-color luminescence, which have potential applications in the areas of displays, sensors, and rewritable optical memory and fluorescent logic devices. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr05376e

Augmentation of neurally evoked cholinergic bronchoconstrictor responses by prejunctional NK2 receptors in the guinea-pig.

PubMed

Hey, J A; Danko, G; del Prado, M; Chapman, R W

1996-02-01

1. We examined the effect of exogenously administered tachykinins, neurokinin A (NKA), substance P (SP) and neurokinin B (NKB) on neurally mediated cholinergic bronchoconstrictor responses in guinea-pigs. 2. Electrical stimulation of regions in the dorsal medulla oblongata produced a cholinergic bronchospasm that was not affected by depletion of endogenous tachykinins with capsaicin pretreatment (50 mg kg-1, s.c., 1 week earlier) or by pretreatment with the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, phosphoramidon (3 mg kg-1, i.v.). 3. Infusion of NKA (0.03-0.1 microgram kg-1 min-1), SP (1 microgram kg-1 min-1) or NKB (1 microgram kg-1 min-1) potentiated the bronchoconstrictor response to electrical stimulation of the dorsal medulla. The doses of tachykinins tested were subthreshold for direct activation of airway smooth muscle, because they were devoid of direct bronchoconstrictor effects. The relative rank order potency for augmentation of centrally induced bronchospasm was NKA > NKB approximately SP, suggesting activation of the NK2 receptor subtype. 4. Infusion of NKA, SP and NKB had no effect on bronchoconstrictor responses to i.v. methacholine (1 microgram kg-1) indicating that a prejunctional neural mechanism of action was responsible for the effects on CNS stimulation-induced bronchospasm. 5. Potentiation of the bronchoconstrictor response to dorsal medullary stimulation produced by infusion of NKA was blocked by pretreatment with the NK2 antagonist SR 48968 (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) but not by the NK1 antagoinst CP 96,345 (1 mg kg-1, i.v.). 6. The potentiation of CNS-induced bronchospasm produced by infusion of SP was partially inhibited by CP 96,345 (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) but not by SR 48968 (1 mg kg-1, i.v.). Treatment with combined SR 48968 (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) and CP 96,345 (1 mg kg-1, i.v.) completely blocked the SP-induced potentiation of CNS-stimulated bronchospasm. 7. These results identify an important modulatory role for NK2 receptors, located at prejunctional sites on parasympathetic nerves, on cholinergic bronchoconstrictor responses in guinea-pigs. 8. It is proposed that substances that release tachykinins from airway sensory nerves, e.g. inflammatory mediators or irritants, may induce hyperresponsiveness of cholinergic bronchomotor responses by activation of NK2-receptors on parasympathetic airway nerves. Furthermore, these studies indicate that endogenous tachykinins are not involved in the maintenance of basal cholinergic bronchomotor tone in the intact guinea-pig.

Effect of thiorphan on response of the guinea-pig gallbladder to tachykinins.

PubMed

Maggi, C A; Patacchini, R; Renzi, D; Santicioli, P; Regoli, D; Rovero, P; Drapeau, G; Surrenti, C; Meli, A

1989-06-08

Tachykinins produced a concentration-related contraction of the isolated guinea-pig gallbladder, with a rank order of potency neurokinin A (NKA) greater than Arg-neurokinin B = neurokinin B (NKB) greater than substance P (SP). Only the effect of SP was potentiated by thiorphan (0.1-10 microM). A significant enhancement of the response to SP was also produced by captopril (1 microM). [Nle10]NKA-(4-10) and [beta-Ala8]NKA-(4-10), selective NK-2 receptor agonists, were active, whereas [Pro9]SP sulfone (selective NK-1 agonist) was almost ineffective. [MePhe7]NKB (selective NK-3 agonist) had some activity but only at high concentrations. Septide was almost ineffective and DiMeC7 had an action comparable to that of [MePhe7]NKB. None of the effects induced by these synthetic tachykinin analogs were significantly potentiated by thiorphan. Capsaicin (10 microM) produced a contraction which was unaffected by thiorphan. Both capsaicin and NKA-induced contractions were antagonized by Spantide at concentrations (5-10 microM) which had no effect against the atropine-sensitive contractions produced by electrical field stimulation. Capsaicin (1 microM) produced a consistent release of SP-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) and a second application of the drug had no further effect, indicating complete desensitization. SP-LI release by capsaicin was almost doubled in the presence of thiorphan. These findings indicate that NK-2 and possibly some NK-3 receptors mediate the contractile response of the guinea-pig gallbladder to tachykinins. Both exogenous and endogenous (released by capsaicin) SP were degraded to a significant extent in this organ via a thiorphan-sensitive mechanism, the identity of which remains to be established.

Neutral endopeptidase inhibitors potentiate substance P-induced contraction in gut smooth muscle.

PubMed

Djokic, T D; Sekizawa, K; Borson, D B; Nadel, J A

1989-01-01

To determine the role of endogenous neutral endopeptidase (NEP), also called enkephalinase (EC 3.4.24.11), in regulating tachykinin-induced contraction of gut smooth muscle, we studied the effects of NEP inhibitors on the contractile responses to substance P (SP) in isolated longitudinal strips of ileum or duodenum in rats and ferrets. Leucine-thiorphan and phosphoramidon shifted the concentration-response curves of SP to lower concentrations in all tissues studied, but the sensitivity to SP was greater and the effect of leucine-thiorphan was less in the ferret, a finding that correlated with the observation that the ferret ileum contained substantially less NEP activity than rat ileum. Captopril, bestatin, MGTA, leupeptin, and physostigmine did not alter contractile responses to SP, suggesting that kininase II, aminopeptidases, carboxypeptidase N, serine proteinases, and acetylcholinesterase do not modulate the SP-induced effects. These studies suggest that, in the ileum and duodenum, NEP modulates the actions of SP and, furthermore, that the sensitivity of tissues may be determined, at least in part, by the amount of enzymatically active NEP present.

Identifying Hydrologic Flowpaths on Arctic Hillslopes Using Electrical Resistivity and Self Potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voytek, E.; Rushlow, C. R.; Godsey, S.; Singha, K.

2015-12-01

Shallow subsurface flow is a dominant process controlling hillslope runoff generation, soil development, and solute reaction and transport. Despite their importance, the location and geometry of flowpaths are difficult to determine. In arctic environments, shallow subsurface flowpaths are limited to a thin zone of seasonal thaw above continuous permafrost, which is traditionally assumed to mimic to surface topography. Here we use a combined approach of electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) and self-potential measurements (SP) to map shallow subsurface flowpaths in and around water tracks, drainage features common to arctic hillslopes. ERI measurements delineate thawed zones in the subsurface that control flowpaths, while SP is sensitive to groundwater flow. We find that areas of low electrical resistivity in the water tracks are deeper than manual thaw depth estimates and variations from surface topography. This finding suggests that traditional techniques significantly underestimate active layer thaw and the extent of the flowpath network on arctic hillslopes. SP measurements identify complex 3-D flowpaths in the thawed zone. Our results lay the groundwork for investigations into the seasonal dynamics, hydrologic connectivity, and climate sensitivity of spatially distributed flowpath networks on arctic hillslopes.

Rapid fluid disruption: A source for self-potential anomalies on volcanoes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnston, M.J.S.; Byerlee, J.D.; Lockner, D.

2001-01-01

Self-potential (SP) anomalies observed above suspected magma reservoirs, dikes, etc., on various volcanoes (Kilauea, Hawaii; Mount Unzen, Japan; Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island, Miyake Jima, Japan) result from transient surface electric fields of tens of millivolts per kilometer and generally have a positive polarity. These SP anomalies are usually attributed to electrokinetic effects where properties controlling this process are poorly constrained. We propose an alternate explanation that contributions to electric fields of correct polarity should be expected from charge generation by fluid vaporization/disruption. As liquids are vaporized or removed as droplets by gas transport away from hot dike intrusions, both charge generation and local increase in electrical resistivity by removal of fluids should occur. We report laboratory observations of electric fields in hot rock samples generated by pulses of fluid (water) through the rock at atmospheric pressure. These indicate the relative amplitudes of rapid fluid disruption (RFD) potentials and electrokinetic potentials to be dramatically different and the signals are opposite in sign. Above vaporization temperatures, RFD effects of positive sign in the direction of gas flow dominate, whereas below these temperatures, effects of negative sign dominate. This suggests that the primary contribution to observed self-potential anomalies arises from gas-related charge transport processes at temperatures high enough to produce vigorous boiling and vapor transport. At lower temperatures, the primary contribution is from electrokinetic effects modulated perhaps by changing electrical resistivity and RFD effects from high-pressure but low-temperature CO2 and SO2 gas flow ripping water molecules from saturated crustal rocks. If charge generation is continuous, as could well occur above a newly emplaced dike, positive static potentials will be set up that could be sustained for many years, and the simplest method for identifying these hot, active regions would be to identify the SP anomalies they generate.

Sexual Perfectionism in Women: Not as Simple as Adaptive or Maladaptive.

PubMed

Kluck, Annette S; Zhuzha, Kseniya; Hughes, Kelly

2016-11-01

According to research and theory, the construct of perfectionism may apply to specific life domains, including being a perfect sexual partner. We extended the research on sexual perfectionism (SP) by examining the relationships between its various dimensions (i.e., self-directed, partner-directed, socially prescribed, partner-prescribed) and communication about sex, sexual functioning, and appearance self-consciousness during sex. Women (N = 208) of ages 19-50 were recruited online to respond to the Multidimensional Sexual Perfectionism Questionnaire and measures of communication about sex, sexual functioning, and physical appearance self-consciousness during sex. Dimensions of SP demonstrated a mixed pattern of relationships with measures of adaptive functioning. Partner-prescribed SP was related to greater appearance self-consciousness during sex, indicating an unfavorable role of this dimension of SP. An indirect effect of socially prescribed and partner-prescribed SP on sexual functioning through poor dyadic communication about sex and greater appearance self-consciousness was also found. Self-directed SP was less clearly problematic and uniquely related to better dyadic communication, whereas partner-directed SP was uniquely related to fewer concerns about the body appearance during sex. In conclusion, with respect to personal functioning, higher standards directed towards sexual partners may be less problematic but perceptions that romantic partners expect one to be a perfect sexual partner may have deleterious effects. Overall, SP may relate to sexual experiences of women beyond the college-age group with some aspects of SP being more problematic than others.

Geophysical investigation, Lake Sherwood dam site, east-central Missouri.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-10-01

Electrical resistivity and self potential (SP) data were acquired across selected segment of the Lake Sherwood earth-fill : dam and in designated areas immediately adjacent to the dam. : The 2-D electrical resistivity profile data were acquired with ...

Differential Response of Potato Toward Inoculation with Taxonomically Diverse Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria.

PubMed

Naqqash, Tahir; Hameed, Sohail; Imran, Asma; Hanif, Muhammad Kashif; Majeed, Afshan; van Elsas, Jan Dirk

2016-01-01

Rhizosphere engineering with beneficial plant growth promoting bacteria offers great promise for sustainable crop yield. Potato is an important food commodity that needs large inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. To overcome high fertilizer demand (especially nitrogen), five bacteria, i.e., Azospirillum sp. TN10, Agrobacterium sp. TN14, Pseudomonas sp. TN36, Enterobacter sp. TN38 and Rhizobium sp. TN42 were isolated from the potato rhizosphere on nitrogen-free malate medium and identified based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences. Three strains, i.e., TN10, TN38, and TN42 showed nitrogen fixation (92.67-134.54 nmol h(-1)mg(-1) protein), while all showed the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which was significantly increased by the addition of L-tryptophan. Azospirillum sp. TN10 produced the highest amount of IAA, as measured by spectrophotometry (312.14 μg mL(-1)) and HPLC (18.3 μg mL(-1)). Inoculation with these bacteria under axenic conditions resulted in differential growth responses of potato. Azospirillum sp. TN10 incited the highest increase in potato fresh and dry weight over control plants, along with increased N contents of shoot and roots. All strains were able to colonize and maintain their population densities in the potato rhizosphere for up to 60 days, with Azospirillum sp. and Rhizobium sp. showing the highest survival. Plant root colonization potential was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy of root sections inoculated with Azospirillum sp. TN10. Of the five test strains, Azospirillum sp. TN10 has the greatest potential to increase the growth and nitrogen uptake of potato. Hence, it is suggested as a good candidate for the production of potato biofertilizer for integrated nutrient management.

The effects of substance P on smooth muscle cells and on neuro-effector transmission in the guinea-pig ileum

PubMed Central

Fujisawa, Kazuaki; Ito, Yushi

1982-01-01

1 The effects of substance P (SP) on the membrane and contractile properties of the smooth muscle cell, or on neuro-effector transmission in the guinea-pig ileum were observed by means of microelectrodes, double sucrose gap and tension recording. 2 SP (10-13-10-10M) induced a phasic contraction of longitudinal muscle strips, but did not change the muscle tone of circular muscle strips, in concentrations up to 10-8M. 3 SP (10-10-10-8M) evoked three different membrane responses in longitudinal muscle cells: (i) bursts of spike discharges with no significant change in the membrane potential and input membrane resistance; (ii) bursts of spike discharges with a small but clear depolarization of the membrane and increase in the input membrane resistance; (iii) slow waves with no change in the membrane potential. 4 In the circular muscle cells, low concentrations of SP (<10-8M) did not affect the membrane potential or the spikes, but SP (10-7M) increased the spike discharges with no significant change in the membrane potential. 5 SP (10-10M) reduced the threshold depolarization required for the generation of action potentials with no change in membrane potential of the longitudinal muscle cells. 6 Pretreatment with atropine (5 × 10-6M), tetrodotoxin (TTX 10-6M) or baclofen (4.7 × 10-6M) had no effect on the excitatory actions of SP on the smooth muscle cells of longitudinal and circular muscle strips. 7 Excitatory actions of SP on the membrane potential or spike activities of longitudinal muscle cells were preserved in NaCl but not in Ca-deficient solution. 8 SP (10-10-10-9M) enhanced the amplitude of the excitatory junction potentials (e.j.ps) evoked by electrical field stimulation in longitudinal muscle cells with no change in the membrane potential and input resistance. SP (10-10-10-9M), however, did not change the amplitude of inhibitory junction potentials (i.j.ps) recorded from the circular muscle cells. 9 These results indicate that SP in relatively low concentrations acts on both smooth muscle cells and on excitatory neuro-effector transmission in the longitudinal muscle; the main site of the action of SP is probably the muscle membrane. PMID:6178458

Viral infection potentiates the increase in airway blood flow produced by substance P.

PubMed

Yamawaki, I; Geppetti, P; Bertrand, C; Chan, B; Massion, P; Piedimonte, G; Nadel, J A

1995-08-01

We examined the effect of respiratory tract infection with Sendai virus on the responsiveness of airway blood flow to substance P (SP) in rats. Pathogen-free rats were inoculated with either Sendai virus suspension or sterile viral growth medium into each nostril. Five days later, we measured airway and esophageal blood flows before and immediately after injection of SP or histamine into the left ventricle of rats in both groups using a modification of the reference-sample microsphere technique. Viral infection potentiated the increase in airway blood flow evoked by SP but not by histamine. We also examined the effect of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) on the SP-induced increase in airway blood flow. Both phosphoramidon (NEP inhibitor) and captopril (ACE inhibitor) potentiated the increase in airway blood flow produced by SP in pathogen-free rats. In the presence of both peptidase inhibitors, a submaximal dose of SP increased blood flow to a similar level in infected and pathogen-free rats. Thus decreased activity of both ACE and NEP may be involved in the exaggerated increase in airway blood flow evoked by SP in virus-infected rats.

Threat effects on human oculo-motor function.

PubMed

Naranjo, E N; Cleworth, T W; Allum, J H J; Inglis, J T; Lea, J; Westerberg, B D; Carpenter, M G

2017-09-17

Neuro-anatomical evidence supports the potential for threat-related factors, such as fear, anxiety and vigilance, to influence brainstem motor nuclei controlling eye movements, as well as the vestibular nuclei. However, little is known about how threat influences human ocular responses, such as eye saccades (ES), smooth pursuit eye tracking (SP), and optokinetic nystagmus (OKN), and whether these responses can be facilitated above normal baseline levels with a natural source of threat. This study was designed to examine the effects of height-induced postural threat on the gain of ES, SP and OKN responses in humans. Twenty participants stood at two different surface heights while performing ES (ranging from 8° to 45° from center), SP (15, 20, 30°/s) and OKN (15, 30, 60°/s) responses in the horizontal plane. Height did not significantly increase the slope of the relationship between ES peak velocity and initial amplitude, or the gain of ES amplitude. In contrast height significantly increased SP and OKN gain. Significant correlations were found between changes in physiological arousal and OKN gain. Observations of changes with height in OKN and SP support neuro-anatomical evidence of threat-related mechanisms influencing both oculo-motor nuclei and vestibular reflex pathways. Although further study is warranted, the findings suggest that potential influences of fear, anxiety and arousal/alertness should be accounted for, or controlled, during clinical vestibular and oculo-motor testing. Copyright © 2017 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Endometrial Cancer Side-Population Cells Show Prominent Migration and Have a Potential to Differentiate into the Mesenchymal Cell Lineage

PubMed Central

Kato, Kiyoko; Takao, Tomoka; Kuboyama, Ayumi; Tanaka, Yoshihiro; Ohgami, Tatsuhiro; Yamaguchi, Shinichiro; Adachi, Sawako; Yoneda, Tomoko; Ueoka, Yousuke; Kato, Keiji; Hayashi, Shinichi; Asanoma, Kazuo; Wake, Norio

2010-01-01

Cancer stem-like cell subpopulations, referred to as “side-population” (SP) cells, have been identified in several tumors based on their ability to efflux the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33342. Although SP cells have been identified in the normal human endometrium and endometrial cancer, little is known about their characteristics. In this study, we isolated and characterized the SP cells in human endometrial cancer cells and in rat endometrial cells expressing oncogenic human K-Ras protein. These SP cells showed i) reduction in the expression levels of differentiation markers; ii) long-term proliferative capacity of the cell cultures; iii) self-renewal capacity in vitro; iv) enhancement of migration, lamellipodia, and, uropodia formation; and v) enhanced tumorigenicity. In nude mice, SP cells formed large, invasive tumors, which were composed of both tumor cells and stromal-like cells with enriched extracellular matrix. The expression levels of vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen III were enhanced in SP tumors compared with the levels in non-SP tumors. In addition, analysis of microdissected samples and fluorescence in situ hybridization of Hec1-SP-tumors showed that the stromal-like cells with enriched extracellular matrix contained human DNA, confirming that the stromal-like cells were derived from the inoculated cells. Moreober, in a Matrigel assay, SP cells differentiated into α-smooth muscle actin-expressing cells. These findings demonstrate that SP cells have cancer stem-like cell features, including the potential to differentiate into the mesenchymal cell lineage. PMID:20008133

Tracheal smooth muscle responses to substance P and neurokinin A in the piglet.

PubMed

Haxhiu-Poskurica, B; Haxhiu, M A; Kumar, G K; Miller, M J; Martin, R J

1992-03-01

The tachykinins substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) have been shown to induce airway smooth muscle contraction in mature animals, and the enzyme neutral endopeptidase (NEP) modulates this effect. We evaluated maturation of SP- and NKA-induced tracheal smooth muscle contraction and modulation of their effects by NEP in anesthetized, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated piglets less than 4 days, 2-3 wk, and 10 wk of age. Tracheal smooth muscle tension was measured in vivo from an open tracheal segment by use of a force transducer. Intravenous SP caused a dose-dependent increase in tracheal tension in all three age groups; however, the response in less than 4-day-old piglets was significantly weaker than in 2- to 3- and 10-wk-old piglets. NKA caused a dose-dependent increase in tracheal tension only in 2- to 3- and 10-wk-old piglets. The response of tracheal tension to NKA was weaker than the response to SP in all age groups. Atropine (2 mg/kg) significantly diminished the responses of tracheal tension to SP and NKA, indicating a cholinergic contribution to these responses at all ages. Intravenous thiorphan, a known NEP inhibitor, potentiated the effects of SP only in 2- to 3- and 10-wk-old piglets and did not affect the response of tracheal tension to NKA at any age. Biochemical analyses demonstrated a significant increase in tracheal NEP activity in comparably aged piglets over the first 10 wk of life.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calcitonin gene-related peptide enhances substance P-induced behaviors via metabolic inhibition: in vivo evidence for a new mechanism of neuromodulation.

PubMed

Mao, J; Coghill, R C; Kellstein, D E; Frenk, H; Mayer, D J

1992-03-06

The present study examined the effects of intrathecal (i.t.) injection of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on caudally directed biting and scratching induced by i.t. substance P (SP), bombesin (BBS), strychnine (STR), and kainic acid (KA). CGRP alone (5.25, 10.5 and 21 nmol) had no effect on these behaviors, but CGRP pretreatment produced a dose-related enhancement of behaviors induced by SP or BBS, but not by KA or STR. 2-Amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV, 25 nmol), a selective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, did not block the CGRP potentiation of SP and BBS induced behaviors. CGRP, however, failed to enhance scratching and biting induced by a SP analogue [pGlu5-Mephe8-MeGly9]SP(5-11) (Dime-C7) that is resistant to enzymatic degradation by SP endopeptidase. These findings demonstrate that CGRP potentiates SP induced behavioral responses via inhibition of neuropeptide degradation and that this mechanism may serve as a physiological mechanism of SP modulation.

Experimental measurements of thermoelectric and electrochemical potentials in sandstones saturated with NaCl electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leinov, E.; Jackson, M.

2013-12-01

Measurements of the self-potential (SP) have been used to characterize subsurface flow in numerous settings, including volcanoes, earthquake zones, and geothermal fields. Thermoelectric (TE) and electrochemical (EC) potentials contribute to the measured SP if gradients in temperature and/or concentration are present, yet few experimental measurements of EC and TE potentials in natural porous media have been reported. Each is the sum of a diffusion and exclusion potential: the former arises when ions of contrasting mobility migrate at different rates down a temperature or concentration gradient; the latter arises when there is a temperature or concentration gradient across an electrically charged porous medium in which co-ions of the same polarity have been excluded from the pore-space. Here we report measurements of the SP arising from temperature or concentration gradients across clean (clay-free) sandstone samples saturated with NaCl electrolyte over the salinity range 5x10-5 to 1M. Electrical potentials are measured using non-polarizing Ag/AgCl electrodes, and temperature or salinity gradients are induced by placing the saturated samples in contact with electrolyte reservoirs of contrasting temperature or concentration. Our experimental methodology accounts for the temperature- and concentration-dependent electrode response. We find that the TE potential responds linearly to the applied temperature difference, allowing a TE potential coupling coefficient to be determined; the value of this decreases as the electrolyte concentration increases, from +0.056mV/K at 10-4 M to -0.126mV/K at 1M. The EC potential increases as the concentration ratio increases, from a minimum of 1.8mV at a salinity ratio of 1.13, to a maximum of 24.8mV at salinity ratio of 102, before decreasing to 19.5mV at salinity ratio of 103. In both cases, at high values of concentration (>0.01M) the measured potential is diffusion dominated, while at lower concentration the exclusion potential is evident. Moreover, the contribution of the exclusion potential increases as the permeability of the rock samples decreases. Our results demonstrate that the relative contribution of exclusion and diffusion potentials, expressed in terms of the macroscopic Hittorf transport number, is the same regardless of whether ion transport is in response to temperature or concentration gradients. Hence, it is possible to predict the contribution of TE potentials from EC potential measurements, and vice-versa. Moreover, it is often not valid to ignore the contribution of exclusion potentials, as has been assumed in previous studies; the relative contribution of exclusion and diffusion potentials depends upon the surface charge, the mobility contrast between the co- and counter ions, and the thickness of the electrical double layer relative to the pore-radius, and is predicted reasonably well by the simple model of Westermann-Clark and Christoforou [1986]. Finally, EC and TE potentials may be large in magnitude and make a significant contribution to the measured SP in many natural settings. Westermann-Clark, G.B. and C.C. Christoforou, (1986), The exclusion-diffusion potential in charged porous membranes, J. Electroanal. Chem. 198, 213-231.

Geothermal evolution of an intruded dike in the rift zone of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii from VLF and self-potential measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Paul M.

2015-09-01

Self-potential (SP) and VLF measurements were made in 1973, 1975, 1995, 1997 and 2012 across a basaltic dike that intruded into the Koae fault zone of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii in May 1973. The SP anomaly remained strong throughout. In 2012 it was at about 60% of the strength it had in 1973. In contrast, the VLF anomaly, though diminished, was still observable in 1995/1997, but by 2012 it had disappeared. A hydrothermal dike model, with parameters calibrated by modeling the solidification of Kilauea Iki lava lake, is used to calculate temperatures and conductivity variation. Following Jaeger's (1957) method, we find that the time in years for a dike of width W (m) to solidify is 0.0075W2. Thus, a 1 m dike solidifies within the first few days, and after 39 years is only tens of degrees above ambient. Given the orders of magnitude difference between the conductivities of wet and dry basalt, we infer, that after solidification, the VLF anomalies were caused by induction in a localized veil of wet, hot basalt enveloping the dike, that was generated initially by condensation of steam, and subsequently by condensation of evaporated water as temperatures reduced. The conductivity anomaly persisted until the mid-nineties. By 2012, temperatures and condensation were too small for a VLF signal. The persistent SP anomaly is attributed to localized fluid disruption, with evaporation mainly at the water table and in the vadose zone. Streaming potentials are associated with evaporative circulation in the vadose zone. Next to the dike a positive potential is generated by upward flow of moisture-laden air, with a smaller negative potential on its flanks from downward infiltrating rainwater. The analysis indicates that the combination of SP and VLF measurements can characterize the evolving geothermal regime of intrusions above the water table.

Validity of self-reported intensity of exposure to second-hand smoke at home against environmental and personal markers.

PubMed

Martínez-Sánchez, José M; González-Marrón, Adrián; Martín-Sánchez, Juan Carlos; Sureda, Xisca; Fu, Marcela; Pérez-Ortuño, Raúl; Lidón-Moyano, Cristina; Galán, Iñaki; Pascual, José Antonio; Fernández, Esteve

2017-11-02

The objective of this study was to assess the validity of two questions about the perception of intensity of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home using as a reference environmental markers (airborne nicotine and benzene) and biomarkers of exposure (cotinine in saliva and urine). This was a cross-sectional study in a convenience sample of 49 non-smoking volunteers. We found a high correlation between self-reported SHS exposure and airborne nicotine (r sp =0.806, p<0.05), salivary cotinine (r sp =0.752, p<0.05), and urinary cotinine (r sp =0.626, p<0.05). We did not find differences between the score question and the conventional ones (p >0.05). In conclusion, the significant correlation of the two questions proposed with environmental markers and personal markers indicates their potential validity to assess exposure to SHS at home. Copyright © 2017 SESPAS. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Self-practice and self-reflection in cognitive behaviour therapy training: what factors influence trainees' engagement and experience of benefit?

PubMed

Bennett-Levy, James; Lee, Nicole K

2014-01-01

Previous studies of self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) CBT training have found that trainees report significant benefits from practising CBT techniques on themselves (self-practice) and reflecting on their experience (self-reflection) as a formal part of their CBT training. However, not all trainees experience the same level of benefit from SP/SR and not all types of training course produce benefits to the same extent. This paper examines the question: What factors influence trainees' reported benefit from SP/SR? The aim was to develop a model to maximize the value of SP/SR training. The authors used a grounded theory analysis of four SP/SR training courses, varying along several dimensions, to derive a model that could account for the data. A model was derived comprising of seven elements: Two outcomes - "Experience of Benefit" and "Engagement with the Process" - that mutually influence one another; and five other influencing factors - "Course Structure and Requirements", "Expectation of Benefit", "Feeling of Safety with the Process", "Group Process", and "Available Personal Resources" - that mediate the impact on Engagement with the Process and Experience of Benefit from SP/SR. A model that provides guidance about the best ways to set up and develop SP/SR programs has been developed. This model may now be subject to empirical testing by trainers and researchers. Implications and recommendations for the design and development of future SP/SR programs are discussed.

Using self-potential housing technique to model water seepage at the UNHAS housing Antang area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syahruddin, Muhammad Hamzah

2017-01-01

The earth's surface has an electric potential that is known as self-potentiall (SP). One of the causes of the electrical potential at the earth's surface is water seepage into the ground. Electrical potential caused by water velocity seepage into the ground known as streaming potential. How to model water seepage into the ground at the housing Unhas Antang? This study was conducted to answer these questions. The self-potential measurements performed using a simple digital voltmeter Sanwa brand PC500 with a precision of 0.01 mV. While the coordinates of measurements points are self-potential using Global Positioning System. Mmeasurements results thus obtained are plotted using surfer image distribution self-potential housing Unhas Antang. The self-potential data housing Unhas Antang processed by Forward Modeling methods to get a model of water infiltration into the soil. Housing Unhas Antang self-potential has a value of 5 to 23 mV. Self-potential measurements carried out in the rainy season so it can be assumed that the measurement results caused by the velocity water seepage into the ground. The results of modeling the velocity water seepage from the surface to a depth of 3 meters was 2.4 cm/s to 0.2 cm /s. Modeling results showed that the velocity water seepage of the smaller with depth.

Interpretation of Self-Potential anomalies for investigating fault using the Levenberg-Marquardt method: a study case in Pinggirsari, West Java, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fajriani; Srigutomo, Wahyu; Pratomo, Prihandhanu M.

2017-04-01

Self-Potential (SP) method is frequently used to identify subsurface structures based on electrical properties. For fixed geometry problems, SP method is related to simple geometrical shapes of causative bodies such as a sphere, cylinder, and sheet. This approach is implemented to determine the value of parameters such as shape, depth, polarization angle, and electric dipole moment. In this study, the technique was applied for investigation of fault, where the fault is considered as resembling the shape of a sheet representing dike or fault. The investigated fault is located at Pinggirsari village, Bandung regency, West Java, Indonesia. The observed SP anomalies that were measured allegedly above the fault were inverted to estimate all the fault parameters through inverse modeling scheme using the Levenberg-Marquardt method. The inversion scheme was first tested on a synthetic model, where a close agreement between the test parameters and the calculated parameters was achieved. Finally, the schema was carried out to invert the real observed SP anomalies. The results show that the presence of the fault was detected beneath the surface having electric dipole moment K = 41.5 mV, half-fault dimension a = 34 m, depth of the sheet’s center h = 14.6 m, the location of the fault’s center xo = 478.25 m, and the polarization angle to the horizontal plane θ = 334.52° in a clockwise direction.

Enhancing Self-Practice/Self-Reflection (SP/SR) approach to cognitive behaviour training through the use of reflective blogs.

PubMed

Farrand, Paul; Perry, Jon; Linsley, Sue

2010-07-01

Self-Practice/Self-Reflection (SP/SR) is increasingly beginning to feature as a central component of CBT training programmes (Bennett-Levy et al., 2001). Programmes including a reflective element, however, are not unproblematic and it has been documented that simply setting time aside for reflection does not necessarily result in trainees using such time to reflect. Such limitations may be overcome by including a requirement to post reflections on reflective blogs. To examine the effect that a requirement to contribute to a reflective blog had upon a SP/SR approach to CBT training. A focus group methodology was adopted with data analyzed using a general inductive qualitative approach. The requirement to use blogs to reflect upon the self-practice of CBT techniques enhanced SP/SR, established a learning community, and improved course supervision, although some technical difficulties arose. Consideration should be given towards using reflective blogs to support a SP/SR approach to CBT training. Benefits afforded by the use of reflective blogs further establish SP/SR as a valid and flexible training approach.

Characterization of tachykinin receptors mediating bronchomotor and vasodepressor responses to neuropeptide gamma and substance P in the anaesthetized rabbit.

PubMed

Yuan, L; Burcher, E; Nail, B S

1998-02-01

The effects of i.v. injections of two endogenous tachykinins, substance P (SP) and neuropeptide gamma and the highly selective tachykinin agonists [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP, [Lys5,MeLeu9, Nle10]-NKA(4-10) and senktide, on total lung resistance (RL), dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) and systemic blood pressure, were compared in the anaesthetized rabbit. Senktide, the NK-3 receptor selective agonist, had no effect on RL, Cdyn or blood pressure. The other four agonists caused dose-dependent increases in RL and Cdyn, with [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP being the most potent agonist in producing changes in the absence of phosphoramidon. This suggested that NK-1 receptors play an important role in these responses. [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-SP, SP and neuropeptide gamma also decreased blood pressure. Phosphoramidon (1 mg/kg) potentiated the changes in RL and Cdyn evoked by [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP and SP, with very marked enhancement of responses to neuropeptide gamma. Responses to [Lys5, MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4-10) were unaffected, suggesting that this NK-2 selective agonist may not be catabolized by neutral endopeptidase (NEP). In the presence of phosphoramidon, the non-peptide tachykinin NK-1 receptor selective antagonist CP 96345 (80 nmol/kg) reduced all responses to [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP and SP, whereas the NK-2 selective antagonist SR 48968 (40 nmol/kg) inhibited the bronchomotor but not the vasodepressor responses to neuropeptide gamma and [Lys5,MeLeu9, Nle10]-NKA(4-10). The fall in blood pressure induced by neuropeptide gamma was diminished by CP 96345, whereas bronchoconstriction was unaffected, indicating possible differences in NK-1 receptors in the vasculature and airways. Electrical stimulation of the distal ends of vagus nerves caused increases in RL which were abolished by atropine (1 mg/kg). Copyright 1998 Academic Press Limited

The self-compatibility mechanism in Brassica napus L. is applicable to F1 hybrid breeding.

PubMed

Tochigi, Takahiro; Udagawa, Hisashi; Li, Feng; Kitashiba, Hiroyasu; Nishio, Takeshi

2011-08-01

Brassica napus, an allopolyploid species having the A genome of B. rapa and the C genome of B. oleracea, is self-compatible, although both B. rapa and B. oleracea are self-incompatible. We have previously reported that SP11/SCR alleles are not expressed in anthers, while SRK alleles are functional in the stigma in B. napus cv. 'Westar', which has BnS-1 similar to B. rapa S-47 and BnS-6 similar to B. oleracea S-15. This genotype is the most frequent S genotype in B. napus, and we hypothesized that the loss of the function of SP11 is the primary cause of the self-compatibility of 'Westar'. To verify this hypothesis, we transformed 'Westar' plants with the SP11 allele of B. rapa S-47. All the transgenic plants and their progeny were completely self-incompatible, demonstrating self-compatibility to be due to the S haplotype having the non-functional SP11 allele in the A genome, which suppresses a functional recessive SP11 allele in the C genome. An artificially synthesized B. napus line having two recessive SP11 alleles was developed by interspecific hybridization between B. rapa and B. oleracea. This line was self-incompatible, but F(1) hybrids between this line and 'Westar' were self-compatible. These results suggest that the self-compatibility mechanism of 'Westar' is applicable to F(1) seed production in B. napus.

Effect of hypothalamic neuropeptides on corticotrophin release from quarters of rat anterior pituitary gland in vitro.

PubMed

Nicholson, S A; Adrian, T E; Gillham, B; Jones, M T; Bloom, S R

1984-02-01

The effect of six hypothalamic peptides on the basal release of ACTH and that induced by arginine vasopressin (AVP) or by ovine corticotrophin releasing factor (oCRF) from fragments of the rat anterior pituitary gland incubated in vitro was investigated. Dose-response curves to AVP and to oCRF were obtained, and the response to a low dose of oCRF was potentiated by a low dose of AVP. Basal release of ACTH was not affected by any of the peptides in concentrations in the range 10(-12) to 10(-6) mol/l, and only substance P (SP) and somatostatin (SRIF) inhibited significantly the response to oCRF in a dose-related manner. The responses to a range of doses of oCRF or AVP were reduced by 10(-8) and 10(-6) mol SP or SRIF/l, and to a greater extent by the higher dose. Except in the case of 10(-6) mol SRIF/l on the response to AVP, the response was not further diminished by preincubation of the tissue with the peptide before the stimulating agent was added. The inhibition of the responses to AVP or oCRF by 10(-9) mol SP/l was not potentiated by its combination with either 5 X 10(-10) or 10(-8) mol SRIF/l; the inhibitory effects were merely additive. The results suggest that although SRIF and SP are able to modulate the release of ACTH from the anterior pituitary gland, they do so only at a high concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

MicroRNAs Influence Reproductive Responses by Females to Male Sex Peptide in Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Fricke, Claudia; Green, Darrell; Smith, Damian; Dalmay, Tamas; Chapman, Tracey

2014-01-01

Across taxa, female behavior and physiology change significantly following the receipt of ejaculate molecules during mating. For example, receipt of sex peptide (SP) in female Drosophila melanogaster significantly alters female receptivity, egg production, lifespan, hormone levels, immunity, sleep, and feeding patterns. These changes are underpinned by distinct tissue- and time-specific changes in diverse sets of mRNAs. However, little is yet known about the regulation of these gene expression changes, and hence the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs), in female postmating responses. A preliminary screen of genomic responses in females to receipt of SP suggested that there were changes in the expression of several miRNAs. Here we tested directly whether females lacking four of the candidate miRNAs highlighted (miR-279, miR-317, miR-278, and miR-184) showed altered fecundity, receptivity, and lifespan responses to receipt of SP, when mated once or continually to SP null or control males. The results showed that miRNA-lacking females mated to SP null males exhibited altered receptivity, but not reproductive output, in comparison to controls. However, these effects interacted significantly with the genetic background of the miRNA-lacking females. No significant survival effects were observed in miRNA-lacking females housed continually with SP null or control males. However, continual exposure to control males that transferred SP resulted in significantly higher variation in miRNA-lacking female lifespan than did continual exposure to SP null males. The results provide the first insight into the effects and importance of miRNAs in regulating postmating responses in females. PMID:25245794

Personality functioning in patients with avoidant personality disorder and social phobia.

PubMed

Eikenaes, Ingeborg; Hummelen, Benjamin; Abrahamsen, Gun; Andrea, Helene; Wilberg, Theresa

2013-12-01

Avoidant personality disorder (APD) and social phobia (SP) are closely related, such that they are suggested to represent different severity levels of one social anxiety disorder. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare patients with APD to patients with SP, with particular focus on personality dysfunction. Ninety-one adult patients were examined by diagnostic interviews and self-report measures, including the Index of Self-Esteem and the Severity Indices of Personality Problems. Patients were categorized in three groups; SP without APD (n = 20), APD without SP (n = 15), and APD with SP (n = 56). Compared to patients with SP without APD, patients with APD reported more symptom disorders, psychosocial problems, criteria of personality disorders, and personality dysfunction regarding self-esteem, identity and relational problems. These results indicate that APD involves more severe and broader areas of personality dysfunction than SP, supporting the conceptualization of APD as a personality disorder as proposed for DSM-5.

TRPA1 controls inflammation and pruritogen responses in allergic contact dermatitis

PubMed Central

Liu, Boyi; Escalera, Jasmine; Balakrishna, Shrilatha; Fan, Lu; Caceres, Ana I.; Robinson, Eve; Sui, Aiwei; McKay, M. Craig; McAlexander, M. Allen; Herrick, Christina A.; Jordt, Sven E.

2013-01-01

Allergic contact dermatitis is a common skin disease associated with inflammation and persistent pruritus. Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in skin-innervating sensory neurons mediate acute inflammatory and pruritic responses following exogenous stimulation and may contribute to allergic responses. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of TRPA1, but not TRPV1, inhibited skin edema, keratinocyte hyperplasia, nerve growth, leukocyte infiltration, and antihistamine-resistant scratching behavior in mice exposed to the haptens, oxazolone and urushiol, the contact allergen of poison ivy. Hapten-challenged skin of TRPA1-deficient mice contained diminished levels of inflammatory cytokines, nerve growth factor, and endogenous pruritogens, such as substance P (SP) and serotonin. TRPA1-deficient sensory neurons were defective in SP signaling, and SP-induced scratching behavior was abolished in Trpa1−/− mice. SP receptor antagonists, such as aprepitant inhibited both hapten-induced cutaneous inflammation and scratching behavior. These findings support a central role for TRPA1 and SP in the integration of immune and neuronal mechanisms leading to chronic inflammatory responses and pruritus associated with contact dermatitis.—Liu, B., Escalera, J., Balakrishna, S., Fan, L., Caceres, A. I., Robinson, E., Sui, A., McKay, M. C., McAlexander, M. A., Herrick, C. A., Jordt, S. E. TRPA1 controls inflammation and pruritogen responses in allergic contact dermatitis. PMID:23722916

A dual-stimuli-responsive fluorescent switch ultrathin film.

PubMed

Li, Zhixiong; Liang, Ruizheng; Liu, Wendi; Yan, Dongpeng; Wei, Min

2015-10-28

Stimuli-responsive fluorescent switches have shown broad applications in optical devices, biological materials and intelligent responses. Herein, we describe the design and fabrication of a dual-stimuli-responsive fluorescent switch ultrathin film (UTF) via a three-step layer-by-layer (LBL) technique: (i) encapsulation of spiropyran (SP) within an amphiphilic block copolymer (PTBEM) to give the (SP@PTBEM) micelle; (ii) the mixture of riboflavin (Rf) and poly(styrene 4-sulfonate) (PSS) to enhance the adhesion ability of small molecules; (iii) assembly of negatively charged SP@PTBEM and Rf-PSS with cationic layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoplatelets to obtain the (Rf-PSS/LDH/SP@PTBEM)n UTFs (n: bilayer number). The assembly process of the UTFs and their luminescence properties, as monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), present a uniform and ordered layered structure with stepwise growth. The resulting Rf-PSS/LDH/SP@PTBEM UTF serves as a three-state switchable multicolor (green, yellow, and red) luminescent system based on stimulation from UV/Vis light and pH, with an acceptable reversibility. Therefore, this work provides a facile way to fabricate stimuli-responsive solid-state film switches with tunable-color luminescence, which have potential applications in the areas of displays, sensors, and rewritable optical memory and fluorescent logic devices.

Assessment of geothermal energy potential by geophysical methods: Nevşehir Region, Central Anatolia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kıyak, Alper; Karavul, Can; Gülen, Levent; Pekşen, Ertan; Kılıç, A. Rıza

2015-03-01

In this study, geothermal potential of the Nevşehir region (Central Anatolia) was assessed by using vertical electrical sounding (VES), self-potential (SP), magnetotelluric (MT), gravity and gravity 3D Euler deconvolution structure analysis methods. Extensive volcanic activity occurred in this region from Upper Miocene to Holocene time. Due to the young volcanic activity Nevşehir region can be viewed as a potential geothermal area. We collected data from 54 VES points along 5 profiles, from 28 MT measurement points along 2 profiles (at frequency range between 320 and 0.0001 Hz), and from 4 SP profiles (total 19 km long). The obtained results based on different geophysical methods are consistent with each other. Joint interpretation of all geological and geophysical data suggests that this region has geothermal potential and an exploration well validated this assessment beyond doubt.

Self-potential monitoring of water flux at the HOBE agricultural site, Voulund, Denmark

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jougnot, D.; Linde, N.; Looms, M. C.

2013-12-01

The self-potential (SP) method is of interest in hydrology and environmental sciences because of its non-invasive nature and its sensitivity to flow and transport processes in the subsurface. The contribution to the SP signal by water flux is referred to as the streaming potential and is due to the presence of an electrical double layer at the mineral-pore water interface. When water flows through the pore, it gives rise to a streaming current and a resulting measurable electrical voltage between non-polarizable electrodes placed at different locations. This electrokinetic behavior is well understood in water saturated porous media, but the best way to model streaming currents under partial saturation is still under discussion. To better understand SP data within the vadose zone, we conducted field-based monitoring of the vertical distribution of the SP signal following different hydrologic events. The investigations were carried out at the Voulund agricultural test site that is part of the Danish hydrological observatory, HOBE, located in the Skjern river catchment (Denmark) in the middle of a cultivated area. It has been instrumented since 2010 to monitor suction, water content and temperature down to a depth of 3 m, together with meteorological variables and repeated geophysical campaigns (cross borehole electrical resistivity tomography and ground penetrating radar). In July 2011, we installed 15 non-polarizable electrodes at 10 depths within the vadose zone (from 0.25 to 3.10 m) and a reference electrode below the water table (7.30 m). More than 2 years of data acquired at a measurement period of 5 minutes are now available with periods indicative of various hydrologic events, such as natural infiltration, water table rises and a high salinity tracer test. We performed wavelet-based signal analysis and investigated the wavelet coherency of the SP data with other measurement variables. The wavelet coherency analysis displays an anti-correlation between SP and water content at high frequencies (periods smaller than 1 day) and between SP and temperature at lower frequencies. For the high salinity tracer test, the continuous wavelet power spectra of the SP time series indicate that most signal energy is initially located in the higher frequencies at the top of the soil profile and later at lower frequencies at depth as the plume migrates downwards. We use a numerical model of the test site to simulate water fluxes, ionic transport and SP during different hydrological events. The first simulation results compare fairly well to the measured data. These initial results will serve as starting point for a detailed assessment of the value of SP data in vadose zone hydrology, particularly as a tool for in situ monitoring of water flux.

Granular Formation during Apoptosis in Blastocystis sp. Exposed to Metronidazole (MTZ)

PubMed Central

Suresh, Kumar; Tan, Tian Chye

2016-01-01

The role and function of the granular life cycle stage in Blastocystis sp, remains uncertain despite suggestions being made that the granules are metabolic, reproductive and lipid in nature. This present study aims to understand granular formation by triggering apoptosis in Blastocystis sp. by treating them with metronidazole (MTZ). Blastocystis sp.cultures of 4 sub-types namely 1, 2, 3 and 5 when treated with 0.01 and 0.0001 mg/ml of metronidazole (MTZ) respectively showed many of the parasites to be both viable and apoptotic (VA). Treated subtype 3 isolates exhibited the highest number of granular forms i.e. 88% (p<0.001) (0.0001 mg/ml) and 69% (p<0.01) (0.01 mg/ml) respectively at the 72 h in in vitro culture compared to other subtypes. These VA forms showed distinct granules using acridine orange (AO) and 4’,6-diamino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining with a mean per cell ranging from 5 in ST 5 to as high as 16 in ST 3. These forms showed intact mitochondria in both viable apoptotic (VA) and viable non-apoptotic (VNA) cells with a pattern of accumulation of lipid droplets corresponding to viable cells. Granular VA forms looked ultra-structurally different with prominent presence of mitochondria-like organelle (MLO) and a changed mitochondrial trans-membrane potential with thicker membrane and a highly convoluted inner membrane than the less dense non-viable apoptotic (NVA) cells. This suggests that granular formation during apoptosis is a self-regulatory mechanism to produce higher number of viable cells in response to treatment. This study directs the need to search novel chemotherapeutic approaches by incorporating these findings when developing drugs against the emerging Blastocystis sp. infections. PMID:27471855

Descriptive peer norms, self-control and dietary behaviour in young adults.

PubMed

Robinson, Eric; Otten, Roy; Hermans, Roel C J

2016-01-01

There is evidence that perceived peer eating norms can influence dietary behaviour. This cross-sectional study examined whether certain personality traits increase the likelihood that personal eating habits are similar to perceived peer eating habits. We assessed frequency of consumption of sugar-sweetened soda (SSS) and sweet pastries (SP), as well as perceived peer descriptive eating norms for SSS and SP in a group of 1056 young adults. We examined whether individual differences in the need for social acceptance and self-control moderated whether participants were likely to display similar dietary habits to their peers. Perceived peer eating norms for SSS and SP predicted frequency of consumption; believing that one's peers frequently consumed SSS and SP was associated with increased personal consumption for both. Individuals with low self-control, as opposed to high self-control, were more likely to adhere to peer norms for SP, but not for SSS. Trait social acceptance needs did not significantly moderate similarity between peer norms and personal consumption for either SSS or SP. The extent to which young adults adhere to descriptive peer dietary norms may depend upon self-control, whereby individuals with low self-control are less able to inhibit social influence of descriptive peer norms on dietary behaviour.

Substance P ameliorates collagen II-induced arthritis in mice via suppression of the inflammatory response

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hong, Hyun Sook; Son, Youngsook, E-mail: ysson@khu.ac.kr

Highlights: • SP can increase IL-10 levels and reduce TNF-α and IL-17 levels in RA. • SP causes the increase in T{sub reg}, M2 macrophage, and MSCs in RA. • SP-induced immune suppression leads to the blockade of RA progression. • SP can be used as the therapeutics for autoimmune-related inflammatory diseases. - Abstract: Current rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapies such as biologics inhibiting pathogenic cytokines substantially delay RA progression. However, patient responses to these agents are not always complete and long lasting. This study explored whether substance P (SP), an 11 amino acids long endogenous neuropeptide with the novel abilitymore » to mobilize mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and modulate injury-mediated inflammation, can inhibit RA progression. SP efficacy was evaluated by paw swelling, clinical arthritis scoring, radiological analysis, histological analysis of cartilage destruction, and blood levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-17 in vivo. SP treatment significantly reduced local inflammatory signs, mean arthritis scores, degradation of joint cartilage, and invasion of inflammatory cells into the synovial tissues. Moreover, the SP treatment markedly reduced the size of spleens enlarged by excessive inflammation in CIA, increased IL-10 levels, and decreased TNF-α and IL-17 levels. Mobilization of stem cells and induction of T{sub reg} and M2 type macrophages in the circulation were also increased by the SP treatment. These effect of SP might be associated with the suppression of inflammatory responses in RA and, furthermore, blockade of RA progression. Our results propose SP as a potential therapeutic for autoimmune-related inflammatory diseases.« less

Finite element modeling of self-potential signals over conduits and fractures in covered karst terrain Peter Bumpus and Sarah Kruse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bumpus, P. B.; Kruse, S. E.

2013-12-01

A year of continuous monitoring with two grids of 12-15 electrodes each measured self-potential (SP) over two small covered-karst conduits in Tampa, Florida. Positive and negative SP anomalies episodically manifested over conduits, suggesting that conduit flow is dynamic, not static. Various SP flow regimes in the conduits are postulated: flow in the conduit is faster than through surrounding surficial sediment, flow in the conduit is slower than through surrounding sediment, and conduit flow rates match those through the surrounding sediments. It is further postulated that conduits change permeability with inflow and washing out of sediment, especially associated with rain events. Numerical simulations of the postulated flow regimes were run with 2D simulations using the Comsol finite element modeling code. Simulations show that each regime produces different SP patterns. Models simulate the Tampa field setting in which a 1-2 meter-thick high permeability sand layer overlies a low-permeability clay-rich layer. A funnel-shaped conduit breaches both layers. In the models, when the permeability of the conduit sands is equal to surrounding surficial sands, a small (several mV) negative anomaly manifests locally at the conduit. This negative anomaly can be explained as the result of the depression of the SPS surface (the first sediment surface with a change in conductance or streaming potential coefficient) in the conduit. However a permeability difference of as little as 5 to 20 percent between conduit and background can cause an SP anomaly of tens to several hundred millivolts, either positive or negative. When the permeability is higher in the conduit than the surficial sands, lateral flow into the conduit within the sand layer and through the conduit to the underlying aquifer are both high, and the SP signal over the conduit is positive. This may contradict the concept exemplified in other studies that downward flow creates a negative anomaly. In our case the positive voltage is the result of high lateral flow toward a high flux conduit. As a result, the horizontal dimension of the conduit plays a role in whether a positive or negative anomaly is observed locally near the surface, depending on the degree to which the terminus of the inward lateral flow affects voltage over the conduit center. When the conduit has lower permeability than surrounding surficial sediment, models show that the SP anomaly is negative. In this case lateral flow is small to a low-flux conduit and there is little build-up of positive SP to overcome the negative potential associated with the SPS trough.

Isolation and clonal characterization of hematopoietic and liver stem cells.

PubMed

Nakauchi, Hiromitsu

2004-11-01

Prospective isolation of stem cells is essential to understanding the mechanisms that control their proliferation and differentiation. Using 9 monoclonal antibodies and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), we have succeeded in prospectively identifying hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in adult mouse bone marrow. Mouse HSCs were exclusively enriched in CD34 negative, c-Kit Sca-1 Lineage Marker (CD34 KSL) cells representing 0.004% of bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells. When single CD34-KSL cells were transplanted individually into a lethally irradiated mouse, 25% of the recipient mice survived and showed long-term reconstitution of the BM, providing evidence for multipotency and a self-renewal capacity of HSCs. Using a similar approach, we also prospectively identified hepatic stem cells with multilineage differentiation potential and self-renewal capability in the c-Met CD49f c-Kit CD45 Ter119 fraction of cells isolated from day 13.5 fetal mouse liver. On cell transplantation, these cells differentiated into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. As an alternative to the antibody based stem cell isolation, Hoechst33342 staining is useful. To understand the mechanism responsible for SP phenotype, we performed an expression cloning and identified bcrp-1/ABCG2 gene, a member of ATP binding-cassette (ABC) transporter family. Bcrp-1 is almost exclusively expressed in CD34 KSL cells among blood cells; however their expression in other tissue specific stem cells remains to be studied. With the use of FACS and monoclonal antibodies, hematopoietic and liver stem cells were prospectively isolated and characterized. HSCs could also be purified by Hoechst 33342 staining. By expression cloning, we identify bcrp-1/ABCG2 transporter as a molecule responsible for SP phenotype. Elucidation of the physiological role of bcrp-1/ABCG2 in HSCs may provide us with clues to understand the molecular mechanisms of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.

Detection de fuite dans les barrages en remblai par la methode de polarisation spontanee et par tomographie electrique: Cas de la jonction de deux barrages en remblai

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nzumotcha Tchoumkam, Linda Armelle

The infiltration through the core of foundation of embankment dams is a problem which is worrying for safety and economical dams. The mechanism of infiltration can be progressive and can disturb the stability or the durability of the structures. Consequently, its evolution can undermine public security. Statistics made for 11192 embankment dams through the world showed that until 1986, 48% of damages have been caused by internal erosion. This internal erosion was generated by infiltration through the core or the foundation of embankment dam. Electrical, electromagnetic and thermometric methods are usually considered as investigation methods. The goal of this work is to study the sensibility of the self-potential method (S.P.) to detect seepage for the case of embankment dams. We used S.P jointly with electrical resistance tomography (ERT). To attain this objective, we acquired self-potential and resistivity data with periodic changes of the water level in the reservoir. These changes were made every spring (in November) and every summer (in April) at the emptying and impounding of the reservoir. For this project, measures have been conducted over a period of two years (2008-2010). Before that, thermometry, self-potential and magnetic methods were applied on the site to acquire information about seepage and its approximate position. Flow rate was also measured. In April 2010, injection of grout was used to clog seepage. The measurements allowed to represent the variation of potential with time and space. That permitted to make a distinction between different sources of self-potential signal. The mapping of the electric potential during the emptying and the impounding of the reservoir showed a negative anomaly which correlate to an outflow located in the upstream of the dam. The monitoring of the S.P. signal permitted to dissociate an anomaly zone which can be related to the site of injection of grout. The gradient of self-potential decreased with the increase of pressure gradient. We have computed the effective electro kinetic (EK) coupling coefficient of the dam from the variation of the potential with water level. Time-lapse ERT is used to control the variation of electrical conductivity of the material together with changes in water level. The anomaly in the time-lapse represented agrees with the outflow. We also propose a 3D numerical model to interpret the measurements in a semi-quantitative manner. Comparing between results of modeling and the survey data, differences are noted that can be explained in different ways. More work would be needed to elucidate those differences, in particular with the measurement strategy and the estimation of coupling coefficients. Nevertheless, the proposed approach allowed to underline different variations under the ground. These results have also been used to discuss the limitations of the self-potential method applied to detect seepage in the dam.

EVALUATION OF GEOPHYSICAL METHODS FOR THE DETECTION OF SUBSURFACE TETRACHLOROETHYLENE IN CONTROLLED SPILL EXPERIMENTS

EPA Science Inventory

This paper presents some of the results of five of the techniques: cross borehole complex resistivity (CR) also referred to as spectral induced polarization (SIP), cross borehole high resolution seismic (HRS), borehole self potential (SP), surface ground penetration radar (GPR), ...

Long range surface plasmon resonance with ultra-high penetration depth for self-referenced sensing and ultra-low detection limit using diverging beam approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Isaacs, Sivan, E-mail: sivan.isaacs@gmail.com; Abdulhalim, Ibrahim; NEW CREATE Programme, School of Materials Science and Engineering, 1 CREATE Way, Research Wing, #02-06/08, Singapore 138602

2015-05-11

Using an insulator-metal-insulator structure with dielectric having refractive index (RI) larger than the analyte, long range surface plasmon (SP) resonance exhibiting ultra-high penetration depth is demonstrated for sensing applications of large bioentities at wavelengths in the visible range. Based on the diverging beam approach in Kretschmann-Raether configuration, one of the SP resonances is shown to shift in response to changes in the analyte RI while the other is fixed; thus, it can be used as a built in reference. The combination of the high sensitivity, high penetration depth and self-reference using the diverging beam approach in which a dark linemore » is detected of the high sensitivity, high penetration depth, self-reference, and the diverging beam approach in which a dark line is detected using large number of camera pixels with a smart algorithm for sub-pixel resolution, a sensor with ultra-low detection limit is demonstrated suitable for large bioentities.« less

'Losing my touch': decline in self-reported confidence in performing practical procedures in consultant oncologists.

PubMed

Thomson, A H; Foy, C J W; Benstead, K

2006-08-01

This study aimed to compare the confidence of oncology consultants and specialist registrars (SpRs) in the performance of practical procedures, to contrast this with confidence in other areas of practice and to determine at what grade they felt most confident. Questionnaires were sent to all 57 oncology consultants and SpRs in the South-West region. Respondents scored confidence on a five-point Likert scale. The response rate was 70%. SpRs were significantly more confident in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (p = 0.003) and central line insertion (p = 0.006). Consultants were significantly more confident in developing management plans (p = 0.001) and performing committee work (p = 0.002). Only 6% of consultants felt most confident performing practical procedures as a consultant, and were less confident about these than other tasks (p = 0.001). Some 86% of SpRs considered they were more confident performing practical procedures as senior house officers (SHOs). In conclusion, self-reported confidence in performing practical procedures declines during career progression in oncology. This raises questions about the teaching and supervision of these procedures. If there is a greater emphasis on a consultant-provided service, their educational needs will need to be recognized and retraining or outsourcing of these procedures to other specialties may be necessary.

Localization of self-potential sources in volcano-electric effect with complex continuous wavelet transform and electrical tomography methods for an active volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saracco, Ginette; Labazuy, Philippe; Moreau, Frédérique

2004-06-01

This study concerns the fluid flow circulation associated with magmatic intrusion during volcanic eruptions from electrical tomography studies. The objective is to localize and characterize the sources responsible for electrical disturbances during a time evolution survey between 1993 and 1999 of an active volcano, the Piton de la Fournaise. We have applied a dipolar probability tomography and a multi-scale analysis on synthetic and experimental SP data. We show the advantage of the complex continuous wavelet transform which allows to obtain directional information from the phase without a priori information on sources. In both cases, we point out a translation of potential sources through the upper depths during periods preceding a volcanic eruption around specific faults or structural features. The set of parameters obtained (vertical and horizontal localization, multipolar degree and inclination) could be taken into account as criteria to define volcanic precursors.

Scombroid poisoning: mini-review with case histories.

PubMed

Russell, F E; Maretić, Z

1986-01-01

Scombroid poisoning has become an almost world-wide medical problem. It is probably the most common cause of fish poisoning, although frequently misdiagnosed as "Salmonella infection'. While there remains some question as to the definitive etiology, there is little doubt that the poisoning is caused by the ingestion of certain mackerel-like fishes whose tissues have undergone a number of changes provoked by bacteria, and involving the conversion of histidine to histamine, potentiated by diamines. Improper storage of the fishes, usually at temperatures above 20 degrees C, appears to be the most important predisposing factor. The organisms most commonly involved are Proteus sp., Clostridium sp., Escherichia sp., Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. Twenty-five cases of scombroid poisoning are presented. The clinical manifestations were very similar in most cases, consisting of: alterations in taste; anxiety; hyperemia, particularly of the face and neck; nausea; pruritus; headache; certain other symptoms and signs. Most patients responded to antihistamitics, and all cases were self-limiting.

Surfactant protein A (SP-A) inhibits agglomeration and macrophage uptake of toxic amine modified nanoparticles.

PubMed

McKenzie, Zofi; Kendall, Michaela; Mackay, Rose-Marie; Whitwell, Harry; Elgy, Christine; Ding, Ping; Mahajan, Sumeet; Morgan, Cliff; Griffiths, Mark; Clark, Howard; Madsen, Jens

2015-01-01

The lung provides the main route for nanomaterial exposure. Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is an important respiratory innate immune molecule with the ability to bind or opsonise pathogens to enhance phagocytic removal from the airways. We hypothesised that SP-A, like surfactant protein D, may interact with inhaled nanoparticulates, and that this interaction will be affected by nanoparticle (NP) surface characteristics. In this study, we characterise the interaction of SP-A with unmodified (U-PS) and amine-modified (A-PS) polystyrene particles of varying size and zeta potential using dynamic light scatter analysis. SP-A associated with both 100 nm U-PS and A-PS in a calcium-independent manner. SP-A induced significant calcium-dependent agglomeration of 100 nm U-PS NPs but resulted in calcium-independent inhibition of A-PS self agglomeration. SP-A enhanced uptake of 100 nm U-PS into macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner but in contrast inhibited A-PS uptake. Reduced association of A-PS particles in RAW264.7 cells following pre-incubation of SP-A was also observed with coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy. Consistent with these findings, alveolar macrophages (AMs) from SP-A(-/-) mice were more efficient at uptake of 100 nm A-PS compared with wild type C57Bl/6 macrophages. No difference in uptake was observed with 500 nm U-PS or A-PS particles. Pre-incubation with SP-A resulted in a significant decrease in uptake of 100 nm A-PS in macrophages isolated from both groups of mice. In contrast, increased uptake by AMs of U-PS was observed after pre-incubation with SP-A. Thus we have demonstrated that SP-A promotes uptake of non-toxic U-PS particles but inhibits the clearance of potentially toxic A-PS particles by blocking uptake into macrophages.

Gap junctional communication modulates gene transcription by altering the recruitment of Sp1 and Sp3 to connexin-response elements in osteoblast promoters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stains, Joseph P.; Lecanda, Fernando; Screen, Joanne; Towler, Dwight A.; Civitelli, Roberto

2003-01-01

Loss-of-function mutations of gap junction proteins, connexins, represent a mechanism of disease in a variety of tissues. We have shown that recessive (gene deletion) or dominant (connexin45 overexpression) disruption of connexin43 function results in osteoblast dysfunction and abnormal expression of osteoblast genes, including down-regulation of osteocalcin transcription. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of gap junction-sensitive transcriptional regulation, we systematically analyzed the rat osteocalcin promoter for sensitivity to gap junctional intercellular communication. We identified an Sp1/Sp3 containing complex that assembles on a minimal element in the -70 to -57 region of the osteocalcin promoter in a gap junction-dependent manner. This CT-rich connexin-response element is necessary and sufficient to confer gap junction sensitivity to the osteocalcin proximal promoter. Repression of osteocalcin transcription occurs as a result of displacement of the stimulatory Sp1 by the inhibitory Sp3 on the promoter when gap junctional communication is perturbed. Modulation of Sp1/Sp3 recruitment also occurs on the collagen Ialpha1 promoter and translates into gap junction-sensitive transcriptional control of collagen Ialpha1 gene expression. Thus, regulation of Sp1/Sp3 recruitment to the promoter may represent a potential general mechanism for transcriptional control of target genes by signals passing through gap junctions.

The effect of substance P on the antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs.

PubMed

Nagai, H; Tsuji, F; Koda, A

1990-03-01

The effect of substance P (SP) on the antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in vitro and in vivo was investigated in guinea pigs. SP caused the contraction of isolated non-sensitized guinea pig tracheal muscle at concentrations between 10(-9) to 10(-7) g/ml. The elimination of epithelium in the tracheal muscle produced a slight enhancement of SP response as compared to control. Antigen-induced contraction of isolated sensitized guinea pig tracheal muscle was slightly enhanced by the pretreatment with SP at a concentration of 10(-9) g/ml. The SP-induced enhancement of antigen-induced contraction was significantly augmented by the elimination of epithelium of sensitized tracheal muscle. Moreover, the clear bronchoconstriction was observed by the infusion of SP (1 micrograms/min) intravenously, but not by the infusion of SP at the rates between 0.1 and 0.01 micrograms/min. Antigen-induced asthmatic respiratory disorder was accelerated temporarily by the infusion of subthreshold SP (0.1 microgram/min). The reactivity of bronchial smooth muscle measured by repeated injection of acetylcholine was significantly potentiated by the infusion of subthreshold SP (0.1 microgram/min). These results suggest that SP has dual actions in the contractile response of guinea pig airway smooth muscle. One is the direct contractile activity, and the other one is enhancing activity of antigen- and acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction.

Sickness presence in the Swedish Police in 2007 and in 2010: Associations with demographic factors, job characteristics, and health.

PubMed

Taloyan, Marina; Kecklund, Göran; Thörn, Licia; Kjeldgård, Linnea; Westerlund, Hugo; Svedberg, Pia; Alexanderson, Kristina

2016-06-23

Sickness presence (SP) is a complex phenomenon that has been shown to predict sickness absence, poor work performance, and suboptimal self-rated health. However, more research is needed to increase the understanding of how SP relates to occupational factors, demographic variables, and self-rated health. The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the prevalence of SP among the Police employees in Sweden in 2007 and in 2010; (2) the association between demographics, seniority, occupational group (police officer vs civil servant), and self-reported health on the one hand and SP on the other hand for both years separately. Survey data from Swedish Police employees from 2007 (n = 17,512) and 2010 (n = 18,415) were analyzed using logistic regression to assess odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of SP was stable between the years, but the proportion who stated that they had not been ill at all decreased from 2007 to 2010 (28.0% vs. 23.6%), while the proportion stating always having stayed at home when ill did not differ; 45.0% in 2007 to 45.8% in 2010. The ORs of SP were higher among those with suboptimal self-rated health compared to those with optimal self-rated health (4.38 (95% CI 4.02- 4.78) and 4.31 (3.96- 4.70) in 2007 and 2010, respectively) and among police officers compared with civilians (1.26 (1.17-1.36) and 1.19 (1.10-1.28)), whereas no clear patterns were found for age, gender, and seniority. The prevalences of SP were about the same in 2007 and 2010 and were slightly lower compared to in previous studies. The strong association between SP and suboptimal self-rated health suggests that high levels of SP may be an early marker of future illness and sickness absence. In future studies of SP it is important to account for having been ill, that is, at risk of SP.

A measurable impact of a self-practice/self-reflection programme on the therapeutic skills of experienced cognitive-behavioural therapists.

PubMed

Davis, Melanie L; Thwaites, Richard; Freeston, Mark H; Bennett-Levy, James

2015-01-01

The need for effective training methods for enhancing cognitive-behavioural therapist competency is not only relevant to new therapists but also to experienced therapists looking to retain and further enhance their skills. Self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) is a self-experiential cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) training programme, which combines the experience of practicing CBT methods on oneself with structured reflection on the implications of the experience for clinical practice. In order to build on previous qualitative studies of SP/SR, which have mainly focused on trainee CBT therapists, the aim of the current study was to quantify the impact of SP/SR on the therapeutic skills of an experienced cohort of CBT therapists. Fourteen CBT therapists were recruited to participate in an SP/SR programme specifically adapted for experienced therapists. In the context of a quasi-experimental design including multiple baselines within a single-case methodology, therapists provided self-ratings of technical cognitive therapy skill and interpersonal empathic skill at four critical time points: baseline, pre-SP/SR and post-SP/SR and follow-up. Analysis of programme completers (n = 7) indicated that SP/SR enhances both technical skill and interpersonal therapeutic skill. Further intention-to-treat group (n = 14) analyses including both those who left the programme early (n = 3) and those who partially completed the programme (n = 4) added to the robustness of findings with respect to technical cognitive therapy skills but not interpersonal empathic skills. It was concluded that SP/SR, as a training and development programme, could offer an avenue to further therapeutic skill enhancement in already experienced CBT therapists. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Substance P in the dorsal vagal complex inhibits medullary TRH-induced gastric acid secretion in rats.

PubMed

Yang, H; Taché, Y

1997-05-01

Neurons that contain substance P (SP) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in medullary midline raphe nuclei project to the dorsal vagal complex (DVC). The modulatory role of SP on basal gastric acid secretion (GAS) and TRH on DVC-induced stimulation of GAS was studied in urethan-anesthetized rats. The stable SP agonist, DiMe-C7 ([pGlu5, MePhe8, MeGly9]SP5-11, 50 and 100 pmol), injected unilaterally into the DVC reduced the GAS response (47 +/- 12 mumol/60 min) to coinjected TRH analog, RX 77368 (25 pmol), by 53% and 85%, respectively, whereas DiMe-C7 (100 pmol) alone had no effect on basal and pentagastrin-stimulated GAS. DiMe-C7 (100 pmol/site) inhibited the GAS response to kainic acid injected into the raphe pallidus (Rpa) when it was injected bilaterally into the DVC but not the hypoglossal nuclei. The SP nourokinin-1-receptor antagonist, CP-96,345, injected bilaterally into the DVC (1 nmol/ site) increased basal GAS (33 +/- 8 mumol/90 min) and potentiated the GAS response to kainic acid injected into the Rpa by 40%. These results suggest that SP acts on neurokinin-1 receptors in the DVC to reduce medullary TRH-induced stimulation of GAS in rats.

Field Evaluation of Two Geophysical Techniques for Real-Time Mapping of Smouldering Remediation (STAR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trento, L. M.; Tsourlos, P.; McMaster, M.; Liefl, D.; Sims, A.; Dominguez, J. L. G.; Vidumsky, J.; Gerhard, J.

2016-12-01

Self-sustaining Treatment for Active Remediation (STAR) technology destroys non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) in situ using principles of smouldering combustion. It involves propagating an exothermic (400-1000C) oxidation reaction outwards from an ignition well. A full-scale STAR system is currently being applied at an industrial site contaminated with coal tar below the water table in New Jersey, USA. STAR is typically tracked using multi-level thermocouples, which are discrete and sparse in space and time. This study evaluates two surface-based geophysical methods - Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Self-Potential (SP) - for the ability to map the STAR reaction in real time at the New Jersey site. Both techniques involve placing electrode arrays on the surface and monitoring electrical signals over time (i.e., time-lapse). It is hypothesized that ERT should be able to monitor the resistive dry zone that precedes the reaction front and/or the growing NAPL-depleted zone. SP is expected to be able to detect the potential difference associated with thermal gradients generated by the reaction. Approximately 72 ERT electrodes in a "swiss cross" pattern plus 10 SP electrodes will be emplaced over single STAR treatment cell (six ignition wells). This setup will be employed to monitor both a deep (25 feet) and shallow (8 feet) STAR treatments. The geophysics will be complemented by in situ temperature measurements, continuous gas measurements, and pre- and post-treatment coring. The primary goal of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of using ERT and SP for STAR under field conditions. The tests will be conducted in August 2016.

Promotion of allergic immune responses by intranasally-administrated nanosilica particles in mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Tokuyuki; Yoshioka, Yasuo; Fujimura, Maho; Yamashita, Kohei; Higashisaka, Kazuma; Morishita, Yuki; Kayamuro, Hiroyuki; Nabeshi, Hiromi; Nagano, Kazuya; Abe, Yasuhiro; Kamada, Haruhiko; Tsunoda, Shin-Ichi; Itoh, Norio; Yoshikawa, Tomoaki; Tsutsumi, Yasuo

2011-12-01

With the increase in use of nanomaterials, there is growing concern regarding their potential health risks. However, few studies have assessed the role of the different physical characteristics of nanomaterials in allergic responses. Here, we examined whether intranasally administered silica particles of various sizes have the capacity to promote allergic immune responses in mice. We used nanosilica particles with diameters of 30 or 70 nm (nSP30 or nSP70, respectively), and conventional micro-sized silica particles with diameters of 300 or 1000 nm (nSP300 or mSP1000, respectively). Mice were intranasally exposed to ovalbumin (OVA) plus each silica particle, and the levels of OVA-specific antibodies (Abs) in the plasma were determined. Intranasal exposure to OVA plus smaller nanosilica particles tended to induce a higher level of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, IgG and IgG1 Abs than did exposure to OVA plus larger silica particles. Splenocytes from mice exposed to OVA plus nSP30 secreted higher levels of Th2-type cytokines than mice exposed to OVA alone. Taken together, these results indicate that nanosilica particles can induce allergen-specific Th2-type allergic immune responses in vivo. This study provides the foundations for the establishment of safe and effective forms of nanosilica particles.

On the characterization of subsurface flow and hydraulic conductivity from surface SP measurements: correcting for electrical heterogeneities.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sailhac, P.; Marquis, G.; Darnet, M.; Szalai, S.

2003-04-01

Surface self potential measurements (SP) are useful to characterize underground fluid flow or chemical reactions (as redox) and can be used in addition to NMR and electrical prospecting in hydrological investigations. Assuming that the SP anomalies have an electrokinetic origin, the source of SP data is the divergence of underground fluid flow; one important problem with surface SP data is then its interpretation in terms of fluid flow geometry. Some integral transform techniques have been shown to be powerful for SP interpretation (e.g. Fournier 1989, Patella, 1997; Sailhac &Marquis 2001). All these techniques are based upon Green’{ }s functions to characterize underground water flow, but they assume a constant electrical conductivity in the subsurface. This unrealistic approximation results in the appearance of non-electrokinetic sources at strong lateral electrical conductivity contrasts. We present here new Green’{ }s functions suitable for media of heterogeneous electrical conductivity. This new approach allows the joint interpretation of electrical resistivity tomography and SP measurements to detect electrokinetic sources caused by fluid flow. Tests on synthetic examples show that it gives more realistic results that when a constant electrical conductivity is assumed.

Chloride channel function is linked to epithelium-dependent airway relaxation.

PubMed

Fortner, C N; Lorenz, J N; Paul, R J

2001-02-01

We previously reported that substance P (SP) and ATP evoke transient, epithelium-dependent relaxation of mouse tracheal smooth muscle. Since both SP and ATP are known to evoke transepithelial Cl- secretion across epithelial monolayers, we tested the hypothesis that epithelium-dependent relaxation of mouse trachea depends on Cl- channel function. In perfused mouse tracheas, the responses to SP and ATP were both inhibited by the Cl- channel inhibitors diphenylamine-2-carboxylate and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate. Relaxation to ATP or SP was unaffected by 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DNDS), and relaxation to SP was unaffected by either DIDS or DNDS. Replacing Cl- in the buffer solutions with the impermeable anion gluconate on both sides of the trachea inhibited relaxation to SP or ATP. In contrast, increasing the gradient for Cl- secretion using Cl- free medium only in the tracheal lumen enhanced the relaxation to SP or ATP. We conclude that Cl- channel function is linked to receptor-mediated, epithelium-dependent relaxation. The finding that relaxation to SP was not blocked by DIDS suggested the involvement of a DIDS-insensitive Cl- channel, potentially the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl- channel. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated tracheas from CFTR-deficient mice and found that the peak relaxation to SP or ATP was not significantly different from those responses in wild-type littermates. This suggests that a DIDS-insensitive Cl- channel other than CFTR is active in the SP response. This work introduces a possible role for Cl- pathways in the modulation of airway smooth muscle function and may have implications for fundamental studies of airway function as well as therapeutic approaches to pulmonary disease.

The Metastatic Potential and Chemoresistance of Human Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Bhagwandin, Vikash J.; Bishop, J. Michael; Wright, Woodring E.; Shay, Jerry W.

2016-01-01

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) typically have the capacity to evade chemotherapy and may be the principal source of metastases. CSCs for human pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC) have been identified, but neither the metastatic potential nor the chemoresistance of these cells has been adequately evaluated. We have addressed these issues by examining side-population (SP) cells isolated from the Panc-1 and BxPC3 lines of human PDAC cells, the oncogenotypes of which differ. SP cells could be isolated from monolayers of Panc-1, but only from spheroids of BxPC3. Using orthotopic xenografts into the severely immunocompromised NSG mouse, we found that SP cells isolated from both cell lines produced tumors that were highly metastatic, in contrast to previous experience with PDAC cell lines. SP cells derived from both cell lines expressed the ABCG2 transporter, which was demonstrably responsible for the SP phenotype. SP cells gave rise to non-SP (NSP) cells in vitro and in vivo, a transition that was apparently due to posttranslational inhibition of the ABCG2 transporter. Twenty-two other lines of PDAC cells also expressed ABCG2. The sensitivity of PDAC SP cells to the vinca alkaloid vincristine could be greatly increased by verapamil, a general inhibitor of transporters. In contrast, verapamil had no effect on the killing of PDAC cells by gemcitabine, the current first-line therapeutic for PDAC. We conclude that the isolation of SP cells can be a convenient and effective tool for the study of PDAC CSCs; that CSCs may be the principal progenitors of metastasis by human PDAC; that the ABCG2 transporter is responsible for the SP phenotype in human PDAC cells, and may be a ubiquitous source of drug-resistance in PDAC, but does not confer resistance to gemcitabine; and that inhibition of ABCG2 might offer a useful adjunct in a therapeutic attack on the CSCs of PDAC. PMID:26859746

Saccadic spike potentials in gamma-band EEG: characterization, detection and suppression.

PubMed

Keren, Alon S; Yuval-Greenberg, Shlomit; Deouell, Leon Y

2010-02-01

Analysis of high-frequency (gamma-band) neural activity by means of non-invasive EEG is gaining increasing interest. However, we have recently shown that a saccade-related spike potential (SP) seriously confounds the analysis of EEG induced gamma-band responses (iGBR), as the SP eludes traditional EEG artifact rejection methods. Here we provide a comprehensive profile of the SP and evaluate methods for its detection and suppression, aiming to unveil true cerebral gamma-band activity. The SP appears consistently as a sharp biphasic deflection of about 22 ms starting at the saccade onset, with a frequency band of approximately 20-90 Hz. On the average, larger saccades elicit higher SP amplitudes. The SP amplitude gradually changes from the extra-ocular channels towards posterior sites with the steepest gradients around the eyes, indicating its ocular source. Although the amplitude and the sign of the SP depend on the choice of reference channel, the potential gradients remain the same and non-zero for all references. The scalp topography is modulated almost exclusively by the direction of saccades, with steeper gradients ipsilateral to the saccade target. We discuss how the above characteristics impede attempts to remove these SPs from the EEG by common temporal filtering, choice of different references, or rejection of contaminated trials. We examine the extent to which SPs can be reliably detected without an eye tracker, assess the degree to which scalp current density derivation attenuates the effect of the SP, and propose a tailored ICA procedure for minimizing the effect of the SP. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

3D Hydraulic tomography from joint inversion of the hydraulic heads and self-potential data. (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jardani, A.; Soueid Ahmed, A.; Revil, A.; Dupont, J.

2013-12-01

Pumping tests are usually employed to predict the hydraulic conductivity filed from the inversion of the head measurements. Nevertheless, the inverse problem is strongly underdetermined and a reliable imaging requires a considerable number of wells. We propose to add more information to the inversion of the heads by adding (non-intrusive) streaming potentials (SP) data. The SP corresponds to perturbations in the local electrical field caused directly by the fow of the ground water. These SP are obtained with a set of the non-polarising electrodes installed at the ground surface. We developed a geostatistical method for the estimation of the hydraulic conductivity field from measurements of hydraulic heads and SP during pumping and injection experiments. We use the adjoint state method and a recent petrophysical formulation of the streaming potential problem in which the streaming coupling coefficient is derived from the hydraulic conductivity allowed reducing of the unknown parameters. The geostatistical inverse framework is applied to three synthetic case studies with different number of the wells and electrodes used to measure the hydraulic heads and the streaming potentials. To evaluate the benefits of the incorporating of the streaming potential to the hydraulic data, we compared the cases in which the data are coupled or not to map the hydraulic conductivity. The results of the inversion revealed that a dense distribution of electrodes can be used to infer the heterogeneities in the hydraulic conductivity field. Incorporating the streaming potential information to the hydraulic head data improves the estimate of hydraulic conductivity field especially when the number of piezometers is limited.

Geophysical evaluation of the Success Dam foundation, Porterville, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hunter, L.E.; Powers, M.H.; Haines, S.; Asch, T.; Burton, B.L.; Serafini, D.C.

2006-01-01

Success Dam is a zonedearth fill embankment located near Porterville, CA. Studies of Success Dam by the recent Dam Safety Assurance Program (DSAP) have demonstrated the potential for seismic instability and large deformation of the dam due to relatively low levels of earthquake shaking. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted several phases of investigations to determine the properties of the dam and its underlying foundation. Detailed engineering studies have been applied using a large number of analytical techniques to estimate the response of the dam and foundation system when subjected to earthquake loading. Although a large amount of data have been acquired, most are 'point' data from borings and results have to be extrapolated between the borings. Geophysical techniques were applied to image the subsurface to provide a better understanding of the spatial distribution of key units that potentially impact the stability. Geophysical investigations employing seismic refraction tomography, direct current (DC) resistivity, audio magnetotellurics (AMT) and self-potential (SP) were conducted across the location of the foundation of a new dam proposed to replace the existing one. Depth to bedrock and the occurrence of beds potentially susceptible to liquefaction were the focus of the investigations. Seismic refraction tomography offers a deep investigation of the foundation region and looks at compressional and shear properties of the material. Whereas resistivity surveys determines conductivity relationships in the shallow subsurface and can produce a relatively high-resolution image of geological units with different electrical properties. AMT was applied because it has the potential to look considerably deeper than the other methods, is useful for confirming depth to bedrock, and can be useful in identifying deep seated faults. SP is a passive electrical method that measures the electrical streaming potential in the subsurface that responds to the movement of ground water. SP surveys were conducted at low pool and high pool conditions in order to look for evidence of seepage below the existing dam. In this paper, we summarize these techniques, present their results at Success Dam, and discuss general application of these techniques for investigating dams and their foundations.

Transient ElectroMagnetic and Electric Self-Potential survey in the TAG hydrothermal field in MAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, C.; Deng, X.; Wu, G.; Xi, Z.; Zhou, D.; Zuo, L.

2012-12-01

The TAG hydrothermal field is one of the most studied hydrothermal fields. This field covers an area of 5km×5km, which includes low-temperature Mn- and Fe-oxides and nontronites zone, relict massive sulfide mounds as well as active hydrothermal mound(TAG mound) [Thompson, 1985, Rona, 1993]. Drilling program was performed in the ODP (Ocean Drilling Program) Leg 158 in the TAG mound [Humphris, 1996]. In 1996, electrical resistivity survey in the TAG mound was conducted using innovative transient electric dipole-dipole instruments which was carried by DSV 'Alvin' [Cairns et al., 1996, Von Herzen et al., 1996]. In June 2012, the 2nd Leg of the Chinese 26th cruise was carried out in the TAG hydrothermal field at Mid Atlantic Ridge by R/V DAYANGYIHAO. Six TEM (Transient ElectroMagnetic) survey lines were deployed, with four of which across the ODP Leg 158 drilling area. Besides, two SP (Electric Self-Potential) survey lines were across the ODP drilling area. The survey results of TEM preliminary revealed the vertical structure of the TAG hydrothermal field. The survey results of both TEM and SP are consistent with the ODP drilling result, and also agree well with the temperature and water-column anomalies obtained in this leg. Preliminary results show that the TEM and SP methods are capable of revealing the horizontal and vertical distribution of the hydrothermal sulfide fields.

Monitoring biocalcification potential of Lysinibacillus sp. isolated from alluvial soils for improved compressive strength of concrete.

PubMed

Vashisht, Rajneesh; Attri, Sampan; Sharma, Deepak; Shukla, Abhilash; Goel, Gunjan

2018-03-01

The present study reports the potential of newly isolated calcite precipitating bacteria isolated from alluvial soil to improve the strength and durability of concrete. A total of sixteen samples of alluvial soil and sewage were collected from the different locations of province Solan (India). For isolation, enrichment culture technique was used to enrich calcite precipitating strains in Urea broth. After enrichment, fourteen distinct bacterial strains were obtained on Urea agar. Based on qualitative and quantitative screening for urease activity, five isolates were obtained possessing higher calcite formation and urease activities (38-77 μmhos/cm) as compared with standard strain of Bacillus megaterium MTCC 1684 (77 μmhos/cm). An isolate I13 identified as Lysinibacillus sp. was selected for self healing property in the concrete mix of M20. An improved compressive strength of 1.5 fold was observed in concrete samples amended with Lysinibacillus sp. over the concrete amended with B. megaterium MTCC 1684 after 28 days of curing. The higher calcite precipitation activity was indicated in Lysinibacillus sp. by FE-SEM micrographs and EDX analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Central cardiovascular and behavioral effects of carboxy- and amino-terminal fragments of substance P in conscious rats.

PubMed

Tschöpe, C; Jost, N; Unger, T; Culman, J

1995-08-28

The central cardiovascular and behavioral effects of carboxy- (SP 5-11, SP 6-11, SP 7-11, SP 8-11) and amino- (SP 1-7, SP 1-9) terminal substance P (SP) fragments were compared with those of SP 1-11 in conscious rats. In addition, the ability of these SP-fragments to induce desensitization of the central NK1 receptor was investigated. SP 1-11 (50 pmol) injected i.c.v. induced an increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and a typical behavioral response consisting of face washing (FW), hindquarter grooming (HQG) and wet-dog shakes (WDS). The cardiovascular and behavioral responses to equimolar doses of SP 5-11 and SP 6-11 were similar to those of SP 1-11, however, only SP 5-11 induced exactly the same behavioral pattern as SP 1-11. SP 6-11 was more potent in inducing FW and WDS than SP 1-11 or SP 5-11. The carboxy-terminal SP-fragments, SP 7-11 and SP 8-11, and the amino-terminal SP-fragments, SP 1-7, SP 1-9, did not elicit any significant cardiovascular or behavioral responses. Pretreatment with SP 1-11 reduced the cardiovascular and behavioral responses to subsequent injections of SP 1-11. Of all SP-fragments tested, only SP 5-11 was able to attenuate the cardiovascular and behavioral responses to SP 1-11. Our results demonstrate that SP 6-11 represents the shortest carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence, that after i.c.v. injection, elicits the same cardiovascular response as SP 1-11, but fails to desensitize the NK1 receptor. The carboxy-terminal fragment, SP 5-11, is the shortest amino acid sequence which produces the same pattern of central cardiovascular and behavioral responses as SP 1-11 and also retains the ability to desensitize the NK1 receptor like SP 1-11.

Cognition, imagery and coping among adolescents with social anxiety and phobia: testing the Clark and Wells model in the population.

PubMed

Ranta, Klaus; Tuomisto, Martti T; Kaltiala-Heino, Riittakerttu; Rantanen, Päivi; Marttunen, Mauri

2014-01-01

The Clark and Wells' cognitive model of social phobia suggests that self-focused attention, negative observer-perspective images of oneself and safety behaviours maintain anxiety in subjects with SP. Empirical research among adults supports the model, but limited evidence for it has been obtained in other age groups or in the general population. We examined automatic thoughts, imagery, safety behaviours and general coping of adolescents with social anxiety and phobia. These were elicited by a thought listing procedure in a recalled, distressing social situation. The target variables were compared between adolescents with high versus normal self-reported social anxiety (HSA/NSA) and between adolescents with clinical/subclinical SP (SP/SSP) versus no diagnosis. Adolescents with HSA reported overall negative thoughts, negative observer-perspective images and safety behaviours more frequently than adolescents with NSA. The SP/SSP group displayed the same difference, and clearer, relative to the no diagnosis group, but additionally reported negative thoughts focused more often on self. Minor differences in coping were found between the groups. The study suggests that adolescents with SP already display the negative self-focused cognitions, observer-perspective imagery and behavioural pattern found among adults with SP. Social anxiety associates with observer-perspective imagery and safety behaviours in adolescence. Adolescents with clinical social phobia report frequent negative self-focused thoughts. However, such negative cognitions focused on self do not associate to self-reported social anxiety. The cognitive model of social phobia (Clark & Wells, 1995) is applicable to adolescents. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of dietary supplementation with Spirulina platensis on Atrazine-induced oxidative stress- mediated hepatic damage and inflammation in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

PubMed

Toughan, Hosam; Khalil, Samah R; El-Ghoneimy, Ashraf Ahmed; Awad, Ashraf; Seddek, A Sh

2018-03-01

The present study evaluated the potential modulatory effect(s) of dietary supplementation with Spirulina platensis (SP) on Atrazine (ATZ)-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Common carp was exposed to ATZ (428μg/L) and SP (1%), either alone or in combination, for 40 days. Subsequently, the treatment groups were evaluated for ATZ-induced oxidative stress-mediated hepatic damage and the potential antioxidant effect(s) of SP supplementation. The results indicated that ATZ exposure led to a significant increase in the oxidative stress as suggested by the increased levels of lipid and DNA oxidative damage markers and the significant decline of antioxidant status biomarkers. Further, a real-time PCR analysis of the liver tissues revealed that the ATZ exposure resulted in the significant modulation of the mRNA expression of cytokines involved in the inflammatory response pathway in the liver, such as Interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-10. The expression of IL-1ß mRNA was up-regulated while that of IL-10 mRNA was down-regulated. The group subjected to supplementation with SP exhibited a significant decrease in ATZ-induced oxidative stress-mediated hepatotoxic and inflammatory responses; however, these did not attain the levels of the control group. Owing to its ability for protecting against ATZ-induced oxidative stress-mediated hepatic damage in carps, SP could be a potentially effective and promising candidate as a feed additive for carps in aquaculture. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Associations between peer victimization, self-reported depression and social phobia among adolescents: the role of comorbidity.

PubMed

Ranta, Klaus; Kaltiala-Heino, Riittakerttu; Pelkonen, Mirjami; Marttunen, Mauri

2009-02-01

Associations of peer victimization with adolescent depression and social phobia (SP), while controlling for comorbidity between them, have not been sufficiently explored in earlier research. A total of 3156 Finnish adolescents aged 15-16 years participated in a survey study. Self-reported peer victimization, as well as self-reported depression (Beck Depression Inventory), SP (Social Phobia Inventory), and selected background variables were assessed. Frequency of overt and covert peer victimization was examined among four groups: (1) adolescents with depression non-comorbid with SP (DEP), (2) those with SP non-comorbid with depression (SP), (3) those with both SP and depression (SP+DEP), and (4) controls, with neither. A logistic regression analysis controlling for confounding familial (family moving, parental unemployment), and psychopathology (delinquency, aggressiveness, general anxiety) covariates was conducted to confirm the associations between peer victimization and the four groups. Among boys the comorbid SP+DEP group reported the highest rates of both overt and covert victimization, these being significantly higher than among both DEP and SP groups. Among girls covert victimization was again most frequent in the SP+DEP group, but overt victimization was not more frequent in the comorbid group than it was in the DEP and SP groups. In the logistic regression analysis depression without SP did not maintain an independent association with either type of victimization. Instead, SP without depression with ORs from 2.8 to 4.3, and SP comorbid with depression, with ORs between 3.2 and 11.4 had independent associations with peer victimization. In conclusion, overt and covert peer victimization seem to be associated with SP, rather than depression, among adolescents.

Social phobia, depression and eating disorders during middle adolescence: longitudinal associations and treatment seeking.

PubMed

Ranta, Klaus; Väänänen, Juha; Fröjd, Sari; Isomaa, Rasmus; Kaltiala-Heino, Riittakerttu; Marttunen, Mauri

2017-11-01

Longitudinal associations between social phobia (SP), depression and eating disorders (EDs), and the impact of antecedent SP and depression on subsequent treatment seeking for EDs have rarely been explored in prospective adolescent population studies. We aimed to examine these associations in a large-scale follow-up study among middle adolescents. We surveyed 3278 Finnish adolescents with a mean age of 15 years for these disorders. Two years later, 2070 were reached and again surveyed for psychopathology and treatment seeking. Longitudinal associations between the self-reported disorders and treatment-seeking patterns for self-acknowledged ED symptoms were examined in multivariate analyses, controlling for SP/depression comorbidity and relevant socioeconomic covariates. Self-reported anorexia nervosa (AN) at age 15 years predicted self-reported depression at age 17 years. Furthermore, self-reported SP at age 15 years predicted not seeking treatment for bulimia nervosa (BN) symptoms, while self-reported depression at age 15 years predicted not seeking treatment for AN symptoms during the follow-up period. Adolescents with AN should be monitored for subsequent depression. Barriers caused by SP to help seeking for BN, and by depression for AN, should be acknowledged by healthcare professionals who encounter socially anxious and depressive adolescents, especially when they present with eating problems.

Systematic Education of Self-Medication at Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences.

PubMed

Narui, Koji; Samizo, Kazuo; Inoue, Michiko; Watanabe, Kinzo

2016-01-01

The promotion of self-medication by pharmacies, with the aim of encouraging a patient's self-selection of proper OTC drug, is written about in the national action plan "Japan is Back". The subject of self-medication has been improved in the 2013 revised edition of "Model Core Curriculum for Pharmaceutical Education". At Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, the systematic education of self-medication was started from the onset of the six-year course in the third, fourth and fifth grade. We introduce here a new approach in our systematic education of self-medication. In the practice of the fourth grade, groups of around 5-6 students are formed. The pharmacy students assume various roles-of pharmacist, rater, observer, and chairman-and perform role-playing. We prepared a standardized patient (SP) showing various symptoms. The student of the role of pharmacist asks about the SP's symptoms, chooses an OTC drug suitable for the SP, and explains the OTC drug to the SP. After the role-playing, those in the roles of rater, observer, SP, and faculty give feedback to the student who played the role of pharmacist. Because we conduct this role-playing using SPs with a variety of symptoms, we can create a situation similar to a real drugstore.

Up-regulation of lymphocyte antigen 6 complex expression in side-population cells derived from a human trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo.

PubMed

Inagaki, Tetsunori; Kusunoki, Soshi; Tabu, Kouichi; Okabe, Hitomi; Yamada, Izumi; Taga, Tetsuya; Matsumoto, Akemi; Makino, Shintaro; Takeda, Satoru; Kato, Kiyoko

2016-01-01

The continual proliferation and differentiation of trophoblasts are critical for the maintenance of pregnancy. It is well known that the tissue stem cells are associated with the development of tissues and pathologies. It has been demonstrated that side-population (SP) cells identified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) are enriched with stem cells. The SP cells in HTR-8/SVneo cells derived from human primary trophoblast cells were isolated by FACS. HTR-8/SVneo-SP cell cultures generated both SP and non-SP (NSP) subpopulations. In contrast, NSP cell cultures produced NSP cells and failed to produce SP cells. These SP cells showed self-renewal capability by serial colony-forming assay. Microarray expression analysis using a set of HTR-8/SVneo-SP and -NSP cells revealed that SP cells overexpressed several stemness genes including caudal type homeobox2 (CDX2) and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), and lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus D (LY6D) gene was the most highly up-regulated in HTR-8/SVneo-SP cells. LY6D gene reduced its expression in the course of a 7-day cultivation in differentiation medium. SP cells tended to reduce its fraction by treatment of LY6D siRNA indicating that LY6D had potential to maintain cell proliferation of HTR-8/SVneo-SP cells. On ontology analysis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway was involved in the up-regulated genes on microarray analysis. HTR-SVneo-SP cells showed enhanced migration. This is the first report that LY6D was important for the maintenance of HTR-8/SVneo-SP cells. EMT was associated with the phenotype of these SP cells.

Difference in compliance with Standard Precautions by nursing staff in Brazil versus Hong Kong.

PubMed

Pereira, Fernanda Maria Vieira; Lam, Simon Ching; Chan, Jackie Hoi Man; Malaguti-Toffano, Silmara Elaine; Gir, Elucir

2015-07-01

The Standard Precautions (SP) are measures to reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne and other pathogens, and should be used by health professionals in the care of all patients regardless of their condition of infection. However, suboptimal compliance with SP has been consistently reported in the nursing literature. This study evaluated the differences of compliance with SP among nurses from Brazil and Hong Kong. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2 countries-Hong Kong and Brazil-with nurses working in hospitals who responded to a self-administered questionnaire with demographic data and responses to a 20-item Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale. The compliance rate of 560 nurses was 69.4% for the Brazilian sample and 57.4% for the Hong Kong sample. The additional clinical experience of the Brazilian nurses versus those in Hong Kong may be related to differences in compliance with SP between nurses. Copyright © 2015 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neurokinin-neurotrophin interactions in airway smooth muscle

PubMed Central

Meuchel, Lucas W.; Stewart, Alecia; Smelter, Dan F.; Abcejo, Amard J.; Thompson, Michael A.; Zaidi, Syed I. A.; Martin, Richard J.

2011-01-01

Neurally derived tachykinins such as substance P (SP) play a key role in modulating airway contractility (especially with inflammation). Separately, the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; potentially derived from nerves as well as airway smooth muscle; ASM) and its tropomyosin-related kinase receptor, TrkB, are involved in enhanced airway contractility. In this study, we hypothesized that neurokinins and neurotrophins are linked in enhancing intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) regulation in ASM. In rat ASM cells, 24 h exposure to 10 nM SP significantly increased BDNF and TrkB expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, [Ca2+]i responses to 1 μM ACh as well as BDNF (30 min) effects on [Ca2+]i regulation were enhanced by prior SP exposure, largely via increased Ca2+ influx (P < 0.05). The enhancing effect of SP on BDNF signaling was blunted by the neurokinin-2 receptor antagonist MEN-10376 (1 μM, P < 0.05) to a greater extent than the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist RP-67580 (5 nM). Chelation of extracellular BDNF (chimeric TrkB-Fc; 1 μg/ml), as well as tyrosine kinase inhibition (100 nM K252a), substantially blunted SP effects (P < 0.05). Overnight (24 h) exposure of ASM cells to 50% oxygen increased BDNF and TrkB expression and potentiated both SP- and BDNF-induced enhancement of [Ca2+]i (P < 0.05). These results suggest a novel interaction between SP and BDNF in regulating agonist-induced [Ca2+]i regulation in ASM. The autocrine mechanism we present here represents a new area in the development of bronchoconstrictive reflex response and airway hyperreactive disorders. PMID:21515660

Pulmonary actions of the neurokinin1-specific agonist [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-substance P.

PubMed

Yiamouyiannis, C A; Stengel, P W; Cockerham, S L; Silbaugh, S A

1995-01-01

We examined the relationship between airway obstruction and plasma extravasation produced by the intravenous administration of the selective NK1 receptor agonist [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-substance P(SP). Conscious guinea-pigs were injected with Evans' blue dye followed by intravenous [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP. Animals were killed 3 min later and airway obstruction, determined via excised lung gas volumes, and plasma extravasation in the trachea, mainstem bronchi and intrapulmonary airways quantitated. Maximal plasma protein extravasation occurred at a dose about 30 times less than that required to elicit airway obstruction. Neither the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor, thiorphan, or the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril, altered the extravasation response to [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP. However, thiorphan alone or combined with captopril produced a small but significant potentiation of the airway obstructive response. The marked difference between pulmonary gas trapping and Evans' blue extravasation responses suggest that [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP-induced airway obstruction is not secondary to increased pulmonary edema.

Neutral endopeptidase inhibitor potentiates the tachykinin-induced increase in ciliary beat frequency in rabbit trachea.

PubMed

Kondo, M; Tamaoki, J; Takizawa, T

1990-08-01

We used cultured rabbit tracheal epithelium to determine the effect of mammalian-derived tachykinin on airway ciliary activity and its modulation by neutral endopeptidase EC 3.4.24.11 (NEP). Neurokinin A (NKA) caused dose-dependent increases in ciliary beat frequency (CBF), as measured by a photoelectric method, with the maximal increase from the baseline 15.7 +/- 1.7% (mean +/- SEM, p less than 0.01), whereas substance P (SP) had no effect. The NKA-induced increase in CBF was not inhibited by phentolamine, propranolol, or atropine, but it was abolished by the tachykinin antagonist [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9]SP. Pretreatment of tissue with thiorphan (10(-5) M), a NEP inhibitor, had little effect on CBF responses to NKA; however, it significantly potentiated the responses to SP (14.9 +/- 3.0%, p less than 0.01). Other peptidase inhibitors, including captopril, bestatin, and leupeptin, did not alter the tachykinin-induced CBF response, suggesting that angiotensin converting enzyme, aminopeptidases, and serine proteinases do not modulate ciliary activity in response to tachykinins. These results suggest that NKA increases CBF by acting directly on tachykinin receptors and that NEP may play a role in modulating the tachykinin-induced stimulatory effects on CBF.

R(+)-Baclofen, but Not S(-)-Baclofen, Alters Alcohol Self-Administration in Alcohol-Preferring Rats.

PubMed

Lorrai, Irene; Maccioni, Paola; Gessa, Gian Luigi; Colombo, Giancarlo

2016-01-01

Racemic baclofen [(±)-baclofen] has repeatedly been reported to suppress several -alcohol-motivated behaviors, including alcohol drinking and alcohol -self-administration, in rats and mice. Recent data suggested that baclofen may have bidirectional, stereospecific effects, with the more active enantiomer, R(+)-baclofen, suppressing alcohol intake and the less active enantiomer, S(-)-baclofen, stimulating alcohol intake in mice. The present study was designed to investigate whether this enantioselectivity of baclofen effects may also extend to the reinforcing properties of alcohol in rats. To this end, selectively bred Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats were initially trained to lever respond on a fixed ratio 4 (FR4) schedule of reinforcement for alcohol (15%, v/v) in daily 30-min sessions. Once responding had stabilized, rats were tested with vehicle, (±)-baclofen (3 mg/kg), R(+)-baclofen (0.75, 1.5, and 3 mg/kg), and S(-)-baclofen (6, 12, and 24 mg/kg) under the FR4 schedule of reinforcement. Treatment with 3 mg/kg (±)-baclofen reduced the number of lever responses for alcohol and estimated amount of self-administered alcohol by approximately 60% in comparison to vehicle treatment. R(+)-baclofen was approximately twice as active as (±)-baclofen: treatment with 1.5 mg/kg R(+)-baclofen decreased both variables to an extent similar to that of the decreasing effect of 3 mg/kg (±)-baclofen. Conversely, treatment with all doses of S(-)-baclofen failed to affect alcohol self administration. These results (a) confirm that non-sedative doses of (±)-baclofen effectively suppressed the reinforcing properties of alcohol in sP rats and (b) apparently do not extend to operant alcohol self-administration in sP rats the capability of S(-)-baclofen to stimulate alcohol drinking in mice.

Wnt/β-catenin and LIF-Stat3 signaling pathways converge on Sp5 to promote mouse embryonic stem cell self-renewal.

PubMed

Ye, Shoudong; Zhang, Dongming; Cheng, Fei; Wilson, Daniel; Mackay, Jeffrey; He, Kan; Ban, Qian; Lv, Feng; Huang, Saifei; Liu, Dahai; Ying, Qi-Long

2016-01-15

Activation of leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF)-Stat3 or Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) self-renewal. A myriad of downstream targets have been identified in the individual signal pathways, but their common targets remain largely elusive. In this study, we found that the LIF-Stat3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways converge on Sp5 to promote mESC self-renewal. Forced Sp5 expression can reproduce partial effects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling but mimics most features of LIF-Stat3 signaling to maintain undifferentiated mESCs. Moreover, Sp5 is able to convert mouse epiblast stem cells into a naïve pluripotent state. Thus, Sp5 is an important component of the regulatory network governing mESC naïve pluripotency. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Ankylosing Spondylitis versus Nonradiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: Comparison of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Effectiveness and Effect of HLA-B27 Status. An Observational Cohort Study from the Nationwide DANBIO Registry.

PubMed

Glintborg, Bente; Sørensen, Inge J; Østergaard, Mikkel; Dreyer, Lene; Mohamoud, Abdiweli A; Krogh, Niels S; Hendricks, Oliver; Andersen, Lis S; Raun, Johnny L; Kowalski, Marcin R; Danielsen, Laura; Pelck, Randi; Nordin, Henrik; Pedersen, Jens K; Kraus, Dorte G A; Christensen, Susan R; Hansen, Inger M J; Esbesen, Jakob; Schlemmer, Annette; Loft, Anne G; Al Chaer, Nabil; Salomonsen, Lone; Hetland, Merete L

2017-01-01

To compare baseline disease activity and treatment effectiveness in biologic-naive patients with nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who initiate tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment and to study the role of potential confounders (e.g., HLA-B27 status). Observational cohort study based on prospectively registered data in the nationwide DANBIO registry. We used Kaplan-Meier plots, Cox, and logistic regression analyses to study the effect of diagnosis (nr-axSpA vs AS) and potential confounders (sex/age/start yr/HLA-B27/disease duration/TNFi-type/smoking/baseline disease activity) on TNFi adherence and response [e.g., Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Activity Index (BASDAI) 50%/20 mm]. The study included 1250 TNFi-naive patients with axSpA (29% nr-axSpA, 50% AS, 21% lacked radiographs of sacroiliac joints). Patients with nr-axSpA were more frequently women (50%/27%) and HLA-B27-negative (85/338 = 25%), compared to AS (81/476 = 17%; p < 0.01). At TNFi start patients with nr-axSpA had higher visual analog scale scores [median (quartiles)] for pain: 72 mm (55-84)/65 mm (48-77); global: 76 mm (62-88)/68 mm (50-80); fatigue: 74 mm (55-85)/67 mm (50-80); and BASDAI: 64 (54-77)/59 (46-71); all p < 0.01. However, patients with nr-axSpA had lower C-reactive protein: 7 mg/l (3-17)/11 mg/l (5-22); and BAS Metrology Index: 20 (10-40)/40 (20-50); all p < 0.01. Median (95% CI) treatment adherence was poorer in nr-axSpA than in AS: 1.59 years (1.15-2.02) versus 3.67 years (2.86-4.49), p < 0.0001; but only in univariate and not confounder-adjusted analyses (p > 0.05). Response rates were similar in AS and nr-axSpA (p > 0.05). HLA-B27 negativity was associated with poorer treatment adherence [HLA-B27 negative/positive, nr-axSpA: HR 1.74 (1.29-2.36), AS: HR 2.04 (1.53-2.71), both p < 0.0001]; and lower response rates (nr-axSpA: 18/61 = 30% vs 93/168 = 55%; AS: 17/59 = 29% vs 157/291 = 54%, both p < 0.05). In this nationwide cohort, patients with nr-axSpA had higher subjective disease activity at start of first TNFi treatment, but similar outcomes to patients with AS after confounder adjustment. HLA-B27 positivity was associated with better outcomes irrespective of axSpA subdiagnosis.

Tracing of paleo-shear zones by self-potential data inversion: case studies from the KTB, Rittsteig, and Grossensees graphite-bearing fault planes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehanee, Salah A.

2015-01-01

This paper describes a new method for tracing paleo-shear zones of the continental crust by self-potential (SP) data inversion. The method falls within the deterministic inversion framework, and it is exclusively applicable for the interpretation of the SP anomalies measured along a profile over sheet-type structures such as conductive thin films of interconnected graphite precipitations formed on shear planes. The inverse method fits a residual SP anomaly by a single thin sheet and recovers the characteristic parameters (depth to the top h, extension in depth a, amplitude coefficient k, and amount and direction of dip θ) of the sheet. This method minimizes an objective functional in the space of the logarithmed and non-logarithmed model parameters (log( h), log( a), log( k), and θ) successively by the steepest descent (SD) and Gauss-Newton (GN) techniques in order to essentially maintain the stability and convergence of this inverse method. Prior to applying the method to real data, its accuracy, convergence, and stability are successfully verified on numerical examples with and without noise. The method is then applied to SP profiles from the German Continental Deep Drilling Program (Kontinentales Tiefbohrprogramm der Bundesrepublik Deutschla - KTB), Rittsteig, and Grossensees sites in Germany for tracing paleo-shear planes coated with graphitic deposits. The comparisons of geologic sections constructed in this paper (based on the proposed deterministic approach) against the existing published interpretations (obtained based on trial-and-error modeling) for the SP data of the KTB and Rittsteig sites have revealed that the deterministic approach suggests some new details that are of some geological significance. The findings of the proposed inverse scheme are supported by available drilling and other geophysical data. Furthermore, the real SP data of the Grossensees site have been interpreted (apparently for the first time ever) by the deterministic inverse scheme from which interpretive geologic cross sections are suggested. The computational efficiency, analysis of the numerical examples investigated, and comparisons of the real data inverted here have demonstrated that the developed deterministic approach is advantageous to the existing interpretation methods, and it is suitable for meaningful interpretation of SP data acquired elsewhere over graphitic occurrences on fault planes.

Structural controls on fluid circulation at the Caviahue-Copahue Volcanic Complex (CCVC) geothermal area (Chile-Argentina), revealed by soil CO2 and temperature, self-potential, and helium isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roulleau, Emilie; Bravo, Francisco; Pinti, Daniele L.; Barde-Cabusson, Stéphanie; Pizarro, Marcela; Tardani, Daniele; Muñoz, Carlos; Sanchez, Juan; Sano, Yuji; Takahata, Naoto; de la Cal, Federico; Esteban, Carlos; Morata, Diego

2017-07-01

Natural geothermal systems are limited areas characterized by anomalously high heat flow caused by recent tectonic or magmatic activity. The heat source at depth is the result of the emplacement of magma bodies, controlled by the regional volcano-tectonic setting. In contrast, at a local scale a well-developed fault-fracture network favors the development of hydrothermal cells, and promotes the vertical advection of fluids and heat. The Southern Volcanic Zone (SVZ), straddling Chile and Argentina, has an important, yet unexplored and undeveloped geothermal potential. Studies on the lithological and tectonic controls of the hydrothermal circulation are therefore important for a correct assessment of the geothermal potential of the region. Here, new and dense self-potential (SP), soil CO2 and temperature (T) measurements, and helium isotope data measured in fumaroles and thermal springs from the geothermal area located in the north-eastern flank of the Copahue volcanic edifice, within the Caviahue Caldera (the Caviahue-Copahue Volcanic Complex - CCVC) are presented. Our results allowed to the constraint of the structural origin of the active thermal areas and the understanding of the evolution of the geothermal system. NE-striking faults in the area, characterized by a combination of SP, CO2, and T maxima and high 3He/4He ratios (up to 8.16 ± 0.21Ra, whereas atmospheric Ra is 1.382 × 10- 6), promote the formation of vertical permeability preferential pathways for fluid circulation. WNW-striking faults represent low-permeability pathways for hydrothermal fluid ascent, but promote infiltration of meteoric water at shallow depths, which dilute the hydrothermal input. The region is scattered with SP, CO2, and T minima, representing self-sealed zones characterized by impermeable altered rocks at depth, which create local barriers for fluid ascent. The NE-striking faults seem to be associated with the upflowing zones of the geothermal system, where the boiling process produces a high vapor-dominated zone close to the surface, whereas the WNW-striking faults could act as a boundary of the Copahue geothermal area to the south.

Aquatic Fern (Azolla Sp.) Assisted Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jha, Anal K.; Prasad, K.

2016-02-01

Aquatic pteridophyte (Azolla sp.) was taken to assess its potential to synthesize the metal (Au) nanoparticles. The synthesized particles were characterized using X-ray, UV-visible, scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Nanoparticles almost spherical in shape having the sizes of 5-17nm are found. UV-visible study revealed the surface plasmon resonance at 538nm. Responsible phytochemicals for the transformation were principally phenolics, tannins, anthraquinone glycosides and sugars present abundantly in the plant thereby bestowing it adaptive prodigality. Also, the use of Azolla sp. for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles offers the benefit of eco-friendliness.

Effect of sulfate ions on growth and pollutants removal of self-flocculating microalga Chlorococcum sp. GD in synthetic municipal wastewater.

PubMed

Lv, Junping; Guo, Junyan; Feng, Jia; Liu, Qi; Xie, Shulian

2017-06-01

Sulfate is a primary sulfur source and can be available in wastewaters. Nevertheless, effect of sulfate ions on growth and pollutants removal of microalgae seems to be less investigated. At the present study, self-flocculating microalga Chlorococcum sp. GD was grown in synthetic municipal wastewater with different sulfate concentrations. Results indicated that Chlorococcum sp. GD grew better in synthetic municipal wastewater with 18, 45, 77, 136 and 271mg/L SO 4 2- than in wastewater without SO 4 2- . Chlorococcum sp. GD had also excellent removal efficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus and effectively flocculated in sulfate wastewater. Sulfate deprivation weakened the growth, pollutants removal and self-flocculation of Chlorococcum sp. GD in wastewater. Antioxidative enzymes activity significantly increased and photosynthetic activity significantly decreased when Chlorococcum sp. GD was cultivated in sulfate-free wastewater. Sulfate deprivation probably reduced cell activity of growth, pollutants removal and flocculation via inducing the over-accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In vitro biocompatibility, inflammatory response, and osteogenic potential of 4 root canal sealers: Sealapex, Sankin apatite root sealer, MTA Fillapex, and iRoot SP root canal sealer.

PubMed

Chang, Seok-Woo; Lee, So-Youn; Kang, Soo-Kyung; Kum, Kee-Yeon; Kim, Eun-Cheol

2014-10-01

The objective of this study was to compare the cytotoxicity, inflammatory response, osteogenic effect, and the signaling mechanism of these biologic activities of 4 calcium compound-based root canal sealers (ie, Sealapex [Sybron Kerr, WA], apatite root sealer [ARS; Dentsply Sankin, Tokyo, Japan], MTA Fillapex [Angelus Indústria de Produtos Odontológicos S/A, Londrina, PR, Brazil], and iRoot SP [Innovative BioCreamix Inc, Vancouver, Canada]) in human periodontal ligament cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Levels of inflammatory mediators were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis. Osteogenic potential was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining, and marker genes by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The signal transduction pathways were examined by Western blotting. None of the sealers were cytotoxic. ARS, MTA Fillapex, and iRoot SP induced a lower expression of proinflammatory mediators than Sealapex. All sealers increased ALP activity and the formation of mineralized nodules and up-regulated the expression of osteoblastic marker messenger RNA. ARS, MTA Fillapex, and iRoot SP showed superior osteogenic potential compared with Sealapex. The expression and/or activation of integrin receptors and downstream signaling molecules, including focal adhesion kinase, paxillin, Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor κB, was induced by ARS, MTA Fillapex, and iRoot SP treatment but not by Sealapex treatment. We show for the first time that ARS, MTA Fillapex, and iRoot SP induce a lower expression of inflammatory mediators and enhance osteoblastic differentiation of PDLCs via the integrin-mediated signaling pathway compared with Sealapex. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Positive and negative reasons for sickness presenteeism in Norway and Sweden: a cross-sectional survey

PubMed Central

Johansen, Vegard; Aronsson, Gunnar; Marklund, Staffan

2014-01-01

Objectives This article investigates various reasons for sickness presenteeism (SP), that is, going to work despite illness. The research questions asked is: What are the main reported reasons for SP in Norway and Sweden? Design Cross-sectional survey in Norway and Sweden. Use of binomial logistic regression analysis. Participants A random sample of people aged between 20 and 60 years was obtained from complete and updated databases of the Norwegian and Swedish populations. A postal questionnaire was sent to the selected individuals, with response rate 33% (n=2843). 2533 workers responded to questions about SP during the last 12 months. Primary and secondary outcome measures The article informs about the distribution of reasons for SP in Norway and Sweden, selected by the respondents from a closed list. The article also examines which factors influence the most often reported reasons for SP. Results 56% of the Norwegian and Swedish respondents experienced SP in the previous year. The most frequently reported reasons for SP include not burden colleagues (43%), enjoy work (37%) and feeling indispensable (35%). A lower proportion of Norwegians state that they cannot afford taking sick leave adjusted OR (aOR 0.16 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.22)), while a higher proportion of Norwegians refer to that they enjoy their work (aOR=1.64 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.09)). Women and young workers more often report that they do not want to burden their colleagues. Managers (aOR=2.19 (95% CI 1.67 to 2.86)), highly educated persons and the self-employed more often report that they are indispensable. Conclusions Positive and negative reasons for SP are reported, and there are significant differences between respondents from the two countries. The response rate is low and results must be interpreted with caution. Study design Cross-sectional study. PMID:24523425

Recent Findings in Social Phobia among Children and Adolescents

PubMed Central

Hitchcock, Carla A.; Chavira, Denise A.; Stein, Murray B.

2010-01-01

Childhood social phobia (SP) is common and associated with varying forms of impairment. The cause of social anxiety disorder is often complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Shyness in young children may be a possible precursor to social anxiety later in life, although not the sole antecedent. Current assessment of childhood social anxiety includes psychometrically sound self report and clinician administered measures either specifically targeting SP disorder or including the construct as a subscale of a broader measure. The type of measure that is used most often depends on the purpose of the assessment, the setting, time constraints, and required training. Extant data support the efficacy of both psychosocial and pharmacological interventions, with response rates ranging from 50–80%. Further research is needed to clarify the developmental stages of SP, the psychometric properties of brief measures, as well as the efficacy of combined interventions. PMID:19728571

Transcriptional Activation of c3 and hsp70 as Part of the Immune Response of Acropora millepora to Bacterial Challenges

PubMed Central

Brown, Tanya; Bourne, David; Rodriguez-Lanetty, Mauricio

2013-01-01

The impact of disease outbreaks on coral physiology represents an increasing concern for the fitness and resilience of reef ecosystems. Predicting the tolerance of corals to disease relies on an understanding of the coral immune response to pathogenic interactions. This study explored the transcriptional response of two putative immune genes (c3 and c-type lectin) and one stress response gene (hsp70) in the reef building coral, Acropora millepora challenged for 48 hours with bacterial strains, Vibrio coralliilyticus and Alteromonas sp. at concentrations of 106 cells ml-1. Coral fragments challenged with V. coralliilyticus appeared healthy while fragments challenged with Alteromonas sp. showed signs of tissue lesions after 48 hr. Coral-associated bacterial community profiles assessed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis changed after challenge by both bacterial strains with the Alteromonas sp. treatment demonstrating the greatest community shift. Transcriptional profiles of c3 and hsp70 increased at 24 hours and correlated with disease signs in the Alteromonas sp. treatment. The expression of hsp70 also showed a significant increase in V. coralliilyticus inoculated corals at 24 h suggesting that even in the absence of disease signs, the microbial inoculum activated a stress response in the coral. C-type lectin did not show a response to any of the bacterial treatments. Increase in gene expression of c3 and hsp70 in corals showing signs of disease indicates their potential involvement in immune and stress response to microbial challenges. PMID:23861754

In Situ Blood Vessel Regeneration Using SP (Substance P) and SDF (Stromal Cell-Derived Factor)-1α Peptide Eluting Vascular Grafts.

PubMed

Shafiq, Muhammad; Zhang, Qiuying; Zhi, Dengke; Wang, Kai; Kong, Deling; Kim, Dong-Hwee; Kim, Soo Hyun

2018-05-31

The objective of this study was to develop small-diameter vascular grafts capable of eluting SDF (stromal cell-derived factor)-1α-derived peptide and SP (substance P) for in situ vascular regeneration. Polycaprolactone (PCL)/collagen grafts containing SP or SDF-1α-derived peptide were fabricated by electrospinning. SP and SDF-1α peptide-loaded grafts recruited significantly higher mesenchymal stem cells than that of the control group. The in vivo potential of PCL/collagen, SDF-1, and SP grafts was assessed by implanting them in a rat abdominal aorta for up to 4 weeks. All grafts remained patent as observed using color Doppler and stereomicroscope. Host cells infiltrated into the graft wall and the neointima was formed in peptides-eluting grafts. The lumen of the SP grafts was covered by the endothelial cells with cobblestone-like morphology, which were elongated in the direction of the blood flow, as discerned using scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, SDF-1α and SP grafts led to the formation of a confluent endothelium as evaluated using immunofluorescence staining with von Willebrand factor antibody. SP and SDF-1α grafts also promoted smooth muscle cell regeneration, endogenous stem cell recruitment, and blood vessel formation, which was the most prominent in the SP grafts. Evaluation of inflammatory response showed that 3 groups did not significantly differ in terms of the numbers of proinflammatory macrophages, whereas SP grafts showed significantly higher numbers of proremodeling macrophages than that of the control and SDF-1α grafts. SDF-1α and SP grafts can be potential candidates for in situ vascular regeneration and are worthy for future investigations. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

The behavioural effects of a novel substance P analogue following infusion into the ventral tegmental area or substantia nigra of rat brain.

PubMed

Eison, A S; Eison, M S; Iversen, S D

1982-04-22

The behavioural response following infusion of a novel, stable substance P (SP) analogue, DiMe-C7, into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of rats was characterized and contrasted with the response to an equal dose of the parent compound SP. DiMe-C7 produced a longer-lasting behavioural stimulation than SP as evidenced in several behaviours, including locomotor activity, wet dog shakes, rearing and grooming. DiMe-C7-induced locomotor activity and rearing were potentiated by concurrent peripheral administration of D-amphetamine and blocked by pretreatment with haloperidol. Such responses to DiMe-C7 may thus be dependent upon dopaminergic activity. When given immediately following VTA infusion of DiMe-C7, morphine decreased, while naloxone had no effect upon most behavioural measures. The effect of methysergide on DiMe-C7 or SP into the substantia nigra reticulata produced a pattern of responses similar to nature to those produced by VTA infusion but different with respect to time course. These findings suggest that DiMe-C7 is a metabolically stable analogue of substance P which manifests prolonged actions on behaviour when centrally administered. Further, a role for central dopaminergic mechanisms is implicated in DiMe-C7-induced behavioural action.

Expression of Stipa purpurea SpCIPK26 in Arabidopsis thaliana Enhances Salt and Drought Tolerance and Regulates Abscisic Acid Signaling

PubMed Central

Zhou, Yanli; Sun, Xudong; Yang, Yunqiang; Li, Xiong; Cheng, Ying; Yang, Yongping

2016-01-01

Stipa purpurea (S. purpurea) is the dominant plant species in the alpine steppe of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. It is highly resistant to cold and drought conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the stress tolerance are unknown. In this study, a CIPK gene from S. purpurea (SpCIPK26) was isolated. The SpCIPK26 coding region consisted of 1392 bp that encoded 464 amino acids. The protein has a highly conserved catalytic structure and regulatory domain. The expression of SpCIPK26 was induced by drought and salt stress. SpCIPK26 overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) plants provided increased tolerance to drought and salt stress in an abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent manner. Compared with wild-type A. thaliana plants, SpCIPK26-overexpressing plants had higher survival rates, water potentials, and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), as well as lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following exposure to drought and salt stress. Gene expression analyses indicated stress-inducible genes (RD29A, RD29B, and ABF2) and a ROS-scavenger gene (CAT1) were upregulated in SpCIPK26-overexpressing plants after stress treatments. All of these marker genes are associated with ABA-responsive cis-acting elements. Additionally, the similarities in the gene expression patterns following ABA, mannitol, and NaCl treatments suggest SpCIPK26 has an important role during plant responses to drought and salt stress and in regulating ABA signaling. PMID:27338368

Manifestation of atopic dermatitis-like skin in TNCB-induced NC/Nga mice is ameliorated by topical treatment of substance P, possibly through blockade of allergic inflammation.

PubMed

Choi, Hyeongwon; Kim, Dong-Jin; Nam, Seungwoo; Lim, Sunki; Hwang, Jae-Sung; Park, Ki Sook; Hong, Hyun Sook; Shin, Min Kyung; Chung, Eunkyung; Son, Youngsook

2018-04-01

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense pruritus and eczematous lesion. In this study, topically applied substance P (SP) significantly alleviated AD-like clinical symptoms in 2, 4, 6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)-induced dermatitis in NC/Nga mice. This effect was nullified by pretreatment of the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) antagonist CP99994. SP treatment significantly reduced the infiltration of mast cells and CD3-positive T cells as well as inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), in AD-like skin lesions and decreased the levels of IgE and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine in serum. This SP-induced alleviation of allergic inflammatory responses was also confirmed as reduced activation in the axillary lymph nodes (aLN) and spleen, suggesting the systemic effect of SP on immune responses in TNCB-induced NC/Nga mice. Furthermore, SP-mediated TSLP reduction was confirmed in human keratinocyte culture under pro-inflammatory TNF-α stimulation. Taken together, these results suggest that topically administered SP may have potential as a medication for atopic dermatitis. © 2017 The Authors. Experimental Dermatology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Mathematical modeling of postcoinfection with influenza A virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, with implications for pneumonia and COPD-risk assessment.

PubMed

Cheng, Yi-Hsien; You, Shu-Han; Lin, Yi-Jun; Chen, Szu-Chieh; Chen, Wei-Yu; Chou, Wei-Chun; Hsieh, Nan-Hung; Liao, Chung-Min

2017-01-01

The interaction between influenza and pneumococcus is important for understanding how coinfection may exacerbate pneumonia. Secondary pneumococcal pneumonia associated with influenza infection is more likely to increase respiratory morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess exacerbated inflammatory effects posed by secondary pneumococcal pneumonia, given prior influenza infection. A well-derived mathematical within-host dynamic model of coinfection with influenza A virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) integrated with dose-response relationships composed of previously published mouse experimental data and clinical studies was implemented to study potentially exacerbated inflammatory responses in pneumonia based on a probabilistic approach. We found that TNFα is likely to be the most sensitive biomarker reflecting inflammatory response during coinfection among three explored cytokines. We showed that the worst inflammatory effects would occur at day 7 SP coinfection, with risk probability of 50% (likely) to develop severe inflammatory responses. Our model also showed that the day of secondary SP infection had much more impact on the severity of inflammatory responses in pneumonia compared to the effects caused by initial virus titers and bacteria loads. People and health care workers should be wary of secondary SP infection on day 7 post-influenza infection for prompt and proper control-measure implementation. Our quantitative risk-assessment framework can provide new insights into improvements in respiratory health especially, predominantly due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Aberrantly regulated dysadherin and B-cell lymphoma 2/B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X enhances tumorigenesis and DNA targeting drug resistance of liver cancer stem cells

PubMed Central

JIANG, NAN; CHEN, WEI; ZHANG, JIAN-WEN; LI, YANG; ZENG, XIAN-CHENG; ZHANG, TONG; FU, BIN-SHENG; YI, HUI-MIN; ZHANG, QI

2015-01-01

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are frequently resistant to current therapeutic regimens and therefore responsible for tumor recurrence. Previous studies have reported that expression levels of dysadherin in CSCs may be used as a prognostic indicator, which is also responsible for treatment failure and poor survival rates. The present study analyzed the association of enhanced dysadherin levels with drug resistance and evasion of apoptosis in human HCC SP cells. An SP of 3.7% was isolated from human HCC cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. These SP cells displayed elevated levels of dysadherin and stemness proteins as well as high resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and apoptosis. In order to reveal the possible link between dysadherin levels and tumorigenesis of SP cells, small interfering RNA technology was used to knockdown the expression of dysadherin in SP cells. Of note, the siRNA-transfected SP cells showed significantly reduced levels of stemness proteins, and were more sensitive to DNA-targeting drugs and apoptotic cell death as compared to non-transfected cells. Furthermore, in vivo experiments in NON/SCID mice indicated that dysadherin-expressing SP cells were highly tumorigenic, as they were able to induce tumor growth. The SP cell-derived tumor tissues in turn showed elevated dysadherin levels. The results of the present study therefore suggested that knockdown of dysadherin suppressed the tumorigenic properties of cancer stem-like SP cells. Hence, dysadherin is a valuable potential target for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs. PMID:26458963

Surfactant Protein D Facilitates Cryptococcus neoformans Infection

PubMed Central

Geunes-Boyer, Scarlett; Beers, Michael F.; Heitman, Joseph; Wright, Jo Rae

2012-01-01

Concurrent with the global escalation of the AIDS pandemic, cryptococcal infections are increasing and are of significant medical importance. Furthermore, Cryptococcus neoformans has become a primary human pathogen, causing infection in seemingly healthy individuals. Although numerous studies have elucidated the virulence properties of C. neoformans, less is understood regarding lung host immune factors during early stages of fungal infection. Based on our previous studies documenting that pulmonary surfactant protein D (SP-D) protects C. neoformans cells against macrophage-mediated defense mechanisms in vitro (S. Geunes-Boyer et al., Infect. Immun. 77:2783–2794, 2009), we postulated that SP-D would facilitate fungal infection in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we examined the role of SP-D in response to C. neoformans using SP-D−/− mice. Here, we demonstrate that mice lacking SP-D were partially protected during C. neoformans infection; they displayed a longer mean time to death and decreased fungal burden at several time points postinfection than wild-type mice. This effect was reversed by the administration of exogenous SP-D. Furthermore, we show that SP-D bound to the surface of the yeast cells and protected the pathogenic microbes against macrophage-mediated defense mechanisms and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. These findings indicate that C. neoformans is capable of coopting host SP-D to increase host susceptibility to the yeast. This study establishes a new paradigm for the role played by SP-D during host responses to C. neoformans and consequently imparts insight into potential future preventive and/or treatment strategies for cryptococcosis. PMID:22547543

Impact of depression on treatment effectiveness and gains maintenance in social phobia: a naturalistic study of cognitive behavior group therapy.

PubMed

Marom, Sofi; Gilboa-Schechtman, Eva; Aderka, Idan M; Weizman, Abraham; Hermesh, Haggai

2009-01-01

The impact of depression on cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) for social phobia (SP) in a naturalistic outpatient setting was examined after treatment termination and at 1-year follow-up. Consecutive SP outpatients (N=219) were diagnosed using a structured interview. CBGT was provided in 18 1.5-hr weekly sessions. At pretreatment and posttreatment questionnaires and clinician ratings were administered. Self-report measures were obtained at 1-year follow-up. The main outcome measure was the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. CBGT was found to be effective in reducing both social anxiety (effect size=1.23) as well as depression (effect size=0.94). Individuals with generalized social phobia (GSP) and individuals with specific social phobia (SSP) differed in their presenting psychopathology and in their response to CBGT. Among treatment completers, 44% GSPs and 37% SSPs achieved at least 50% improvement, and 44% GSPs and 87% SSPs reported distress and functioning within the normal range at the end of treatment. Among SPs diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) at the onset of treatment, SP symptoms aggravated during the follow-up period, whereas SPs not diagnosed with MDD experienced a further alleviation of SP symptoms during follow-up. CBGT provided in a public clinic to non-selected, mostly unmedicated and comorbid patients, is an effective treatment for the majority of SP sufferers. MDD at the onset of CBGT was not associated with poorer treatment response, but predicted exacerbation of SP symptoms following treatment termination. Depressed SPs may need additional intervention to maintain CBGT gains. SSPs may benefit from less intensive CBGT than GSPs. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Spinal action of neurokinins producing cardiovascular responses in the conscious freely moving rat: evidence for a NK-1 receptor mechanism.

PubMed

Hasséssian, H; Drapeau, G; Couture, R

1988-12-01

This study was initiated to characterize the receptors which mediate the cardiovascular responses elicited by the intrathecal (i.th.) administration of neurokinins (NK) in the conscious freely moving rat. The dose response profile for substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB) was determined over 0.065-65 nmol doses of the peptides. After i.th. administration at the T8-T10 thoracic level, only SP elicited a dose dependent pressor response. However, all NK elicited a dose dependent increase in heart rate (HR), and the following rank order of potency was observed: SP greater than NKA greater than NKB. SP (6.5 nmol) produced cardiovascular responses markedly greater than an equimolar dose of any of the seven SP fragments which were studied. The C-terminal sequences SP (4-11), [pGlu5]SP (5-11), [pGlu6]SP (6-11), and SP (7-11), as a group were slightly more potent than the N-terminal fragments, SP (1-4), SP (1-7) and SP (1-9) which were almost inactive. The NK-1 receptor selective agonists [Pro9, Met(O2)11]SP and [beta-Ala4, Sar9, Met(O2)11]SP (4-11), produced pressor and positive chronotropic responses equal to or greater in intensity than SP. With up to 6.5 nmol of the NK-2 receptor selective agonist [Nle10]NKA (4-10), no dose dependent cardiovascular response was produced and the NK-3 receptor selective agonist senktide (succinyl-[Asp6, MePhe8]SP (6-11], produced neither a cardiac nor pressor response when 6.5 nmol was administered. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that, receptors of the NK-1 subtype mediate the cardiovascular responses evoked by the spinal action of NK.

Development and Validation of the Biomedical Research Trust Scale (BRTS) in English and Spanish

PubMed Central

Baik, Sharon H.; Arevalo, Mariana; Gwede, Clement; Meade, Cathy D.; Jacobsen, Paul B.; Quinn, Gwendolyn P.; Wells, Kristen J.

2016-01-01

This study developed and validated the Biomedical Research Trust Scale (BRTS), a 10-item measure of global trust in biomedical research, in English and Spanish (BRTS-SP). In total, 85 English- and 85 Spanish-speaking participants completed the BRTS or BRTS-SP, as well as measures of biobanking attitudes, self-efficacy, receptivity, and intentions to donate blood or urine. Results indicated the BRTS and BRTS-SP showed adequate internal consistency in both English and Spanish. In addition, greater levels of trust in biomedical research were significantly associated with greater self-efficacy, receptivity, attitudes, and intentions to donate blood and urine in English-speaking participants, and self-efficacy and intention to donate urine in Spanish-speaking participants. These results support the use of the BRTS and BRTS-SP among English- and Spanish-speaking community members. PMID:27646400

Development and Validation of the Biomedical Research Trust Scale (BRTS) in English and Spanish.

PubMed

Baik, Sharon H; Arevalo, Mariana; Gwede, Clement; Meade, Cathy D; Jacobsen, Paul B; Quinn, Gwendolyn P; Wells, Kristen J

2016-10-01

This study developed and validated the Biomedical Research Trust Scale (BRTS), a 10-item measure of global trust in biomedical research, in English and Spanish (BRTS-SP). In total, 85 English- and 85 Spanish-speaking participants completed the BRTS or BRTS-SP, as well as measures of biobanking attitudes, self-efficacy, receptivity, and intentions to donate blood or urine. Results indicated the BRTS and BRTS-SP showed adequate internal consistency in both English and Spanish. In addition, greater levels of trust in biomedical research were significantly associated with greater self-efficacy, receptivity, attitudes, and intentions to donate blood and urine in English-speaking participants, and self-efficacy and intention to donate urine in Spanish-speaking participants. These results support the use of the BRTS and BRTS-SP among English- and Spanish-speaking community members.

Isolation of Potential Bacteria as Inoculum for Biofloc Formation in Pacific Whiteleg Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei Culture Ponds.

PubMed

Kasan, Nor Azman; Ghazali, Nurarina Ayuni; Ikhwanuddin, Mhd; Ibrahim, Zaharah

2017-01-01

A new green technology to reduce environmental damages while optimizing production of Pacific Whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei was developed known as "Biofloc technology". Microbial communities in biofloc aggregates are responsible in eliminating water exchange and producing microbial proteins that can be used as supplemented feed for L. vannamei. This study aimed to isolate and identify potential bioflocculant-producing bacteria to be used as inoculum for rapid formation of biofloc. For the purpose of this study, bacterial communities during 0, 30 and 70 days of culture (DOC) of L. vannamei grow-out ponds were isolated and identified through phenotypic and 16S rDNA sequences analysis. Phylogenetic relationships between isolated bacteria were then evaluated through phylogenetic tree analysis. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the differences of microbial communities at each DOC. Out of 125 bacterial isolates, nine species of bacteria from biofloc were identified successfully. Those bacteria species were identified as Halomonas venusta, H. aquamarina, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus infantis, B. cereus, B. safensis, Providencia vermicola, Nitratireductor aquimarinus and Pseudoalteromonas sp., respectively. Through phylogenetic analysis, these isolates belong to Proteobacteria and Firmicutes families under the genera of Halomonas sp., Vibrio sp., Bacillus sp., Providencia sp., Nitratireductor sp. and Pseudoalteromonas sp. In this study, bioflocculant-producing bacteria were successfully identified which are perfect candidates in forming biofloc to reduce water pollution towards a sustainable aquaculture industry. Presence of Halomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. in all stages of biofloc formation reinforces the need for new development regarding the ability of these species to be used as inoculum in forming biofloc rapidly.

Temporal stability and coherence of anxiety, dyspnea, and physiological variables in panic disorder

PubMed Central

Burkhardt, Susan C. A.; Wilhelm, Frank H.; Meuret, Alicia E.; Blechert, Jens; Roth, Walton T.

2010-01-01

Twenty-five panic disorder (PD) patients, 19 social phobics (SP), and 20 healthy controls (HC) sat quietly for 15 minutes, rating their anxiety and dyspnea every 30 seconds while respiratory, cardiovascular, and electrodermal responses were recorded. No panic attacks were reported. For self-reported anxiety and dyspnea, within-subject variability over time was higher in PD than in SP or HC. In PD within-subject correlations across 30-second epochs were significant for (a) self-reported anxiety versus dyspnea, end-tidal pCO2, minute volume, duty cycle, skin conductance level, and interbeat interval, and for (b) dyspnea versus end-tidal pCO2, minute volume, tidal volume, and inspiratory flow rate. Several positive or negative correlations were greater in PD than in other groups. Thus in PD, experienced anxiety and dyspnea are temporally unstable but are correlated with each other and with fluctuations in respiratory and autonomic variables, even in the absence of panic attacks. PMID:20637257

Simultaneous nutrient removal, optimised CO2 mitigation and biofuel feedstock production by Chlorogonium sp. grown in secondary treated non-sterile saline sewage effluent.

PubMed

Lee, Kwan Yin; Ng, Tsz Wai; Li, Guiying; An, Taicheng; Kwan, Ka Ki; Chan, King Ming; Huang, Guocheng; Yip, Ho Yin; Wong, Po Keung

2015-10-30

The phycoremediation process has great potential for effectively addressing environmental pollution. To explore the capabilities of simultaneous algal nutrient removal, CO2 mitigation and biofuel feedstock production from spent water resources, a Chlorogonium sp. isolated from a tilapia pond in Hong Kong was grown in non-sterile saline sewage effluent for a bioremediation study. With high removal efficiencies of NH3-N (88.35±14.39%), NO3(-)-N (85.39±14.96%), TN (93.34±6.47%) and PO4(3-)-P (91.80±17.44%), Chlorogonium sp. achieved a CO2 consumption rate of 58.96 mg L(-1) d(-1), which was optimised by the response surface methodology. Under optimised conditions, the lipid content of the algal biomass reached 24.26±2.67%. Overall, the isolated Chlorogonium sp. showed promising potential in the simultaneous purification of saline sewage effluent in terms of tertiary treatment and CO2 sequestration while delivering feedstock for potential biofuel production in a waste-recycling manner. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Regulation of voltage-gated potassium channels attenuates resistance of side-population cells to gefitinib in the human lung cancer cell line NCI-H460.

PubMed

Choi, Seon Young; Kim, Hang-Rae; Ryu, Pan Dong; Lee, So Yeong

2017-02-21

Side-population (SP) cells that exclude anti-cancer drugs have been found in various tumor cell lines. Moreover, SP cells have a higher proliferative potential and drug resistance than main population cells (Non-SP cells). Also, several ion channels are responsible for the drug resistance and proliferation of SP cells in cancer. To confirm the expression and function of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels of SP cells, these cells, as well as highly expressed ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and stemness genes, were isolated from a gefitinib-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (NCI-H460), using Hoechst 33342 efflux. In the present study, we found that mRNA expression of Kv channels in SP cells was different compared to Non-SP cells, and the resistance of SP cells to gefitinib was weakened with a combination treatment of gefitinib and Kv channel blockers or a Kv7 opener, compared to single-treatment gefitinib, through inhibition of the Ras-Raf signaling pathway. The findings indicate that Kv channels in SP cells could be new targets for reducing the resistance to gefitinib.

Modulation of hypoglossal motoneuron excitability by NK1 receptor activation in neonatal mice in vitro

PubMed Central

Yasuda, Kouichi; Robinson, Dean M; Selvaratnam, Subramaniam R; Walsh, Carmen W; McMorland, Angus J C; Funk, Gregory D

2001-01-01

The effects of substance P (SP), acting at NK1 receptors, on the excitability and inspiratory activity of hypoglossal (XII) motoneurons (MNs) were investigated using rhythmically active medullary-slice preparations from neonatal mice (postnatal day 0–3). Local application of the NK1 agonist [SAR9,Met (O2)11]-SP (SPNK1) produced a dose-dependent, spantide- (a non-specific NK receptor antagonist) and GR82334-(an NK1 antagonist) sensitive increase in inspiratory burst amplitude recorded from XII nerves. Under current clamp, SPNK1 significantly depolarized XII MNs, potentiated repetitive firing responses to injected currents and produced a leftward shift in the firing frequency-current relationships without affecting slope. Under voltage clamp, SPNK1 evoked an inward current and increased input resistance, but had no effect on inspiratory synaptic currents. SPNK1 currents persisted in the presence of TTX, were GR82334 sensitive, were reduced with hyperpolarization and reversed near the expected EK. Effects of the α1-noradrenergic receptor agonist phenylephrine (PE) on repetitive firing behaviour were virtually identical to those of SPNK1. Moreover, SPNK1 currents were completely occluded by PE, suggesting that common intracellular pathways mediate the actions of NK1 and α1-noradrenergic receptors. In spite of the similar actions of SPNK1 and PE on XII MN responses to somally injected current, α1-noradrenergic receptor activation potentiated inspiratory synaptic currents and was more than twice as effective in potentiating XII nerve inspiratory burst amplitude. GR82334 reduced XII nerve inspiratory burst amplitude and generated a small outward current in XII MNs. These observations, together with the first immunohistochemical evidence in the newborn for SP immunopositive terminals in the vicinity of SPNK1-sensitive inspiratory XII MNs, support the endogenous modulation of XII MN excitability by SP. In contrast to phrenic MNs (Ptak et al. 2000), blocking NMDA receptors with AP5 had no effect on the modulation of XII nerve activity by SPNK1. In conclusion, SPNK1 modulates XII motoneuron responses to inspiratory drive primarily through inhibition of a resting, postsynaptic K+ leak conductance. The results establish the functional significance of SP in controlling upper airway tone during early postnatal life and indicate differential modulation of motoneurons controlling airway and pump muscles by SP. PMID:11454963

Neural and receptor cochlear potentials obtained by transtympanic electrocochleography in auditory neuropathy.

PubMed

Santarelli, Rosamaria; Starr, Arnold; Michalewski, Henry J; Arslan, Edoardo

2008-05-01

Transtympanic electrocochleography (ECochG) was recorded bilaterally in children and adults with auditory neuropathy (AN) to evaluate receptor and neural generators. Test stimuli were clicks from 60 to 120dB p.e. SPL. Measures obtained from eight AN subjects were compared to 16 normally hearing children. Receptor cochlear microphonics (CMs) in AN were of normal or enhanced amplitude. Neural compound action potentials (CAPs) and receptor summating potentials (SPs) were identified in five AN ears. ECochG potentials in those ears without CAPs were of negative polarity and of normal or prolonged duration. We used adaptation to rapid stimulus rates to distinguish whether the generators of the negative potentials were of neural or receptor origin. Adaptation in controls resulted in amplitude reduction of CAP twice that of SP without affecting the duration of ECochG potentials. In seven AN ears without CAP and with prolonged negative potential, adaptation was accompanied by reduction of both amplitude and duration of the negative potential to control values consistent with neural generation. In four ears without CAP and with normal duration potentials, adaptation was without effect consistent with receptor generation. In five AN ears with CAP, there was reduction in amplitude of CAP and SP as controls but with a significant decrease in response duration. Three patterns of cochlear potentials were identified in AN: (1) presence of receptor SP without CAP consistent with pre-synaptic disorder of inner hair cells; (2) presence of both SP and CAP consistent with post-synaptic disorder of proximal auditory nerve; (3) presence of prolonged neural potentials without a CAP consistent with post-synaptic disorder of nerve terminals. Cochlear potential measures may identify pre- and post-synaptic disorders of inner hair cells and auditory nerves in AN.

Genomic, Proteomic, and Metabolite Characterization of Gemfibrozil-Degrading Organism Bacillus sp. GeD10.

PubMed

Kjeldal, Henrik; Zhou, Nicolette A; Wissenbach, Dirk K; von Bergen, Martin; Gough, Heidi L; Nielsen, Jeppe L

2016-01-19

Gemfibrozil is a widely used hypolipidemic and triglyceride lowering drug. Excess of the drug is excreted and discharged into the environment primarily via wastewater treatment plant effluents. Bacillus sp. GeD10, a gemfibrozil-degrader, was previously isolated from activated sludge. It is the first identified bacterium capable of degrading gemfibrozil. Gemfibrozil degradation by Bacillus sp. GeD10 was here studied through genome sequencing, quantitative proteomics and metabolite analysis. From the bacterial proteome of Bacillus sp. GeD10 1974 proteins were quantified, of which 284 proteins were found to be overabundant by more than 2-fold (FDR corrected p-value ≤0.032, fold change (log2) ≥ 1) in response to gemfibrozil exposure. Metabolomic analysis identified two hydroxylated intermediates as well as a glucuronidated hydroxyl-metabolite of gemfibrozil. Overall, gemfibrozil exposure in Bacillus sp. GeD10 increased the abundance of several enzymes potentially involved in gemfibrozil degradation as well as resulted in the production of several gemfibrozil metabolites. The potential catabolic pathway/modification included ring-hydroxylation preparing the substrate for subsequent ring cleavage by a meta-cleaving enzyme. The identified genes may allow for monitoring of potential gemfibrozil-degrading organisms in situ and increase the understanding of microbial processing of trace level contaminants. This study represents the first omics study on a gemfibrozil-degrading bacterium.

Cytotoxicity of three new triazolo-pyrimidine derivatives against the plant trypanosomatid: Phytomonas sp. isolated from Euphorbia characias.

PubMed

Magán, Rosa; Marín, Clotilde; Salas, Juan M; Barrera-Pérez, Mario; Rosales, Maria J; Sánchez-Moreno, Manuel

2004-10-01

There is no effective chemotherapy against diseases caused by Phytomonas sp., a plant trypanosomatid responsible for economic losses in major crops. We tested three triazolo-pyrimidine complexes [two with Pt(II), and another with Ru(III)] against promastigotes of Phytomonas sp. isolated from Euphorbia characias. The incorporation of radiolabelled precursors, ultrastructural alterations and changes in the pattern of metabolite excretion were examined. Different degrees of toxicity were found for each complex: the platinum compound showed an inhibition effect on nucleic acid synthesis, provoking alterations on the levels of mitochondria, nucleus and glycosomes. These results, together with others reported previously in our laboratory about the activity of pyrimidine derivatives, reflect the potential of these compounds as agents in the treatment of Phytomonas sp.

An overview on the role of silica-based materials in vaccine development.

PubMed

Navarro-Tovar, Gabriela; Palestino, Gabriela; Rosales-Mendoza, Sergio

2016-11-01

Although vaccination has prevented millions of deaths, the development of highly immunogenic subunit vaccines is still required. Since the number of adjuvants approved for human use is limited, the new paths for the development of delivery vehicles offered by nanotechnology are of key relevance. Areas covered: Herein, the potential of silica nanoparticles (SP) as both adjuvants and vaccine delivery vehicles is discussed based on the analysis of the current biomedical literature. Expert commentary: SP are reported not only as biodegradable and biocompatible material but also as easy to modify and with a low production cost. Additionally, several reports suggest that SP enhance the immune response. Therefore, SP are a promising delivery vehicle and/or adjuvant in vaccines. However, knowledge on the industrial production and specific aspects of immunity are still required.

77 FR 73500 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change Relating...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-10

... Trading of Shares of the Horizons S&P 500 Covered Call ETF, Horizons S&P Financial Select Sector Covered Call ETF, and Horizons S&P Energy Select Sector Covered Call ETF Under NYSE Arca Equities Rule 5.2(j)(3... and trade shares (``Shares'') of the Horizons S&P 500 Covered Call ETF, Horizons S&P Financial Select...

Neuron responses to substance P and enkephalin in rat dorso-lateral septum in vitro.

PubMed

Nayar, R; Sirett, N E; Hubbard, J I

1987-10-01

Using an in vitro brain slice technique the responses of spontaneously active neurons in the rat dorso-lateral septum to 10 nM substance P (SP) and enkephalin were determined. Fewer neurons responded to SP (41%) than to enkephalin (55%). The SP responses were 13 excitations, 14 inhibitions, the enkephalin responses were 13 excitations, 14 inhibitions and 11 responded to both, 6 of these were inhibited by both. Immunocytochemical techniques have shown there is a discrete localisation of SP and enkephalin axons and terminals in the rat septum. SP responsive neurons were associated with the SP terminal-rich region (p = 0.01) but no association was found for enkephalin responses in the enkephalin terminal-rich region (p = 0.7).

Self-propulsion against a moving membrane: Enhanced accumulation and drag force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marini Bettolo Marconi, U.; Sarracino, A.; Maggi, C.; Puglisi, A.

2017-09-01

Self-propulsion (SP) is a main feature of active particles (AP), such as bacteria or biological micromotors, distinguishing them from passive colloids. A renowned consequence of SP is accumulation at static interfaces, even in the absence of hydrodynamic interactions. Here we address the role of SP in the interaction between AP and a moving semipermeable membrane. In particular, we implement a model of noninteracting AP in a channel crossed by a partially penetrable wall, moving at a constant velocity c . With respect to both the cases of passive colloids with c >0 and AP with c =0 , the AP with finite c show enhancement of accumulation in front of the obstacle and experience a largely increased drag force. This effect is understood in terms of an effective potential localised at the interface between particles and membrane, of height proportional to c τ /ξ , where τ is the AP's reorientation time and ξ the width characterizing the surface's smoothness (ξ →0 for hard core obstacles). An approximate analytical scheme is able to reproduce the observed density profiles and the measured drag force, in very good agreement with numerical simulations. The effects discussed here can be exploited for automatic selection and filtering of AP with desired parameters.

Asymmetrical structure, hydrothermal system and edifice stability: The case of Ubinas volcano, Peru, revealed by geophysical surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzales, Katherine; Finizola, Anthony; Lénat, Jean-François; Macedo, Orlando; Ramos, Domingo; Thouret, Jean-Claude; Fournier, Nicolas; Cruz, Vicentina; Pistre, Karine

2014-04-01

Ubinas volcano, the historically most active volcano in Peru straddles a low-relief high plateau and the flank of a steep valley. A multidisciplinary geophysical study has been performed to investigate the internal structure and the fluids flow within the edifice. We conducted 10 self-potential (SP) radial (from summit to base) profiles, 15 audio magnetotelluric (AMT) soundings on the west flank and a detailed survey of SP and soil temperature measurements on the summit caldera floor. The typical “V” shape of the SP radial profiles has been interpreted as the result of a hydrothermal zone superimposed on a hydrogeological zone in the upper parts of the edifice, and depicts a sub-circular SP positive anomaly, about 6 km in diameter. The latter is centred on the summit, and is characterised by a larger extension on the western flank located on the low-relief high plateau. The AMT resistivity model shows the presence of a conductive body beneath the summit at a depth comparable to that of the bottom of the inner south crater in the present-day caldera, where intense hydrothermal manifestations occur. The lack of SP and temperature anomalies on the present caldera floor suggests a self-sealed hydrothermal system, where the inner south crater acts as a pressure release valve. Although no resistivity data exists on the eastern flank, we presume, based on the asymmetry of the basement topography, and the amplitude of SP anomalies on the east flank, which are approximately five fold that on the west flank, that gravitational flow of hydrothermal fluids may occur towards the deep valley of Ubinas. This hypothesis, supported by the presence of hot springs and faults on the eastern foot of the edifice, reinforces the idea that a large part of the southeast flank of the Ubinas volcano may be altered by hydrothermal activity and will tend to be less stable. One of the major findings that stems from this study is that the slope of the basement on which a volcano has grown plays a major role in the geometry of the hydrothermal systems. Another case of asymmetrical composite cone edifice, built on a steep topography, is observed on El Misti volcano (situated 70 km west of Ubinas), which exhibits a similar SP pattern. These types of edifices have a high potential of spreading and sliding along the slope owing to the thicker accumulation of low cohesion and hydrothermally altered volcanic products.

Statistical optimization and anticancer activity of a red pigment isolated from Streptomyces sp. PM4

PubMed Central

Karuppiah, Valliappan; Aarthi, Chandramohan; Sivakumar, Kannan; Kannan, Lakshmanan

2013-01-01

Objective To enhance the pigment production by Streptomyces sp. PM4 for evaluating its anticancer activity. Methods Response surface methodology was employed to enhance the production of red pigment from Streptomyces sp. PM4. Optimized pigment was purified and evaluated for the anticancer activity against HT1080, Hep2, HeLa and MCF7 cell lines by MTT assay. Results Based on the response surface methodology, it could be concluded that maltose (4.06 g), peptone (7.34 g), yeast extract (4.34 g) and tyrosine (2.89 g) were required for the maximum production of pigment (1.68 g/L) by the Streptomyces sp. PM4. Optimization of the medium with the above tested features increased the pigment yield by 4.6 fold. Pigment showed the potential anticancer activity against HT1080, HEp-2, HeLa and MCF-7cell lines with the IC50 value of 18.5, 15.3, 9.6 and 8.5 respectively. Conclusions The study revealed that the maximum amount of pigment could be produced to treat cancer. PMID:23905024

Statistical optimization and anticancer activity of a red pigment isolated from Streptomyces sp. PM4.

PubMed

Karuppiah, Valliappan; Aarthi, Chandramohan; Sivakumar, Kannan; Kannan, Lakshmanan

2013-08-01

To enhance the pigment production by Streptomyces sp. PM4 for evaluating its anticancer activity. Response surface methodology was employed to enhance the production of red pigment from Streptomyces sp. PM4. Optimized pigment was purified and evaluated for the anticancer activity against HT1080, Hep2, HeLa and MCF7 cell lines by MTT assay. Based on the response surface methodology, it could be concluded that maltose (4.06 g), peptone (7.34 g), yeast extract (4.34 g) and tyrosine (2.89 g) were required for the maximum production of pigment (1.68 g/L) by the Streptomyces sp. PM4. Optimization of the medium with the above tested features increased the pigment yield by 4.6 fold. Pigment showed the potential anticancer activity against HT1080, HEp-2, HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines with the IC50 value of 18.5, 15.3, 9.6 and 8.5 respectively. The study revealed that the maximum amount of pigment could be produced to treat cancer.

Growth and Proteome Response of Temperate and Polar Diatoms Thalassiosira pseudonana and Chaetoceros sp. to variations in Cobalt and Zinc: Identification of the High-Affinity Zinc Transporter and Potential for Use as a Biomarker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kellogg, M. M.; Moran, D. M.; McIlvin, M. R.; Allen, A. E.; Saito, M. A.

2016-02-01

Marine diatoms such as the temperate Thalassiosira pseudonana (Tp) and the polar Chaetoceros sp (Ch) are known to be important contributors to marine primary productivity and the global carbon cycle. The nutritional use of zinc (Zn) in diatoms and the ability to substitute cobalt (Co) for Zn has been previously demonstrated to be of importance in their growth and biochemistry. We conducted physiological experiments with Zn and Co on these diatoms and analyzed their proteomic response. Growth studies involving Tp confirmed previous studies' findings showing Zn/Co substitution, while studies on Ch showed a toxic response to high Zn abundances. Proteome responses of Tp to Zn limitation identified a putative and previously unidentified transporter that was undetectable at high Zn concentration and became highly abundant at two lower Zn concentrations. The distribution of this protein in nature and its potential use as a Zn stress biomarker in diatoms will be discussed.

Substance P Induces HO-1 Expression in RAW 264.7 Cells Promoting Switch towards M2-Like Macrophages

PubMed Central

Montana, Giovanna

2016-01-01

Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide that mediates many physiological as well as inflammatory responses. Recently, SP has been implicated in the resolution of inflammation through induction of M2 macrophages phenotype. The shift between M1-like and M2-like, allowing the resolution of inflammatory processes, also takes place by means of hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). HO-1 is induced in response to oxidative stress and inflammatory stimuli and modulates the immune response through macrophages polarisation. SP induces HO-1 expression in human periodontal ligament (PDL), the latter potentially plays a role in cytoprotection. We demonstrated that SP promotes M2-like phenotype from resting as well as from M1 macrophages. Indeed, SP triggers the production of interleukine-10 (IL-10), interleukine-4 (IL-4) and arginase-1 (Arg1) without nitric oxide (NO) generation. In addition, SP increases HO-1 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Here we report that SP, without affecting cell viability, significantly reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukine-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and ameliorates migration and phagocytic properties in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. M2-like conversion required retention of NF-κB p65 into the cytoplasm and HO-1 induced expression. Silencing of the HO-1 mRNA expression reversed the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 stimulated by LPS and down-regulated anti-inflammatory hallmarks of M2 phenotype. In conclusion, our data show that SP treatment might be associated with anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by suppressing NF-κB activation and inducing HO-1 expression. PMID:27907187

Detection of cases of inflammatory rheumatic disorders: performance of a telephone questionnaire designed for use by patient interviewers

PubMed Central

Guillemin, F; Saraux, A; Fardellone, P; Guggenbuhl, P; Behier, J; Coste, J

2003-01-01

Objective: To assess the performance in the detection of cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the spondyloarthropathies (SpA) of a questionnaire suitable for use in telephone surveys conducted by patient interviewers. Methods: A questionnaire was designed with reference to the signs, symptoms, and epidemiological criteria for RA (ACR 1987) and SpA (ESSG 1991). Three groups of respondents were recruited from the rheumatology outpatient clinics of 10 university hospitals: 235 with RA, 175 with SpA, and 195 controls with other rheumatological disorders. All diagnoses were confirmed by a rheumatologist. Patient from self help groups and social organisations were trained by a polling company professional to conduct a standard telephone interview using the new questionnaire. Results: In an RA-control comparison, logistic regression showed that a set of five items, predominantly ACR criteria, were the most informative. Self reported diagnosis performed best (sensitivity 0.99, specificity 0.87). In an SpA-control comparison, a set of three items from the ESSG criteria were the most informative, with self reported diagnosis again performing best (sensitivity 0.85, specificity 0.96). Overall agreements with clinical diagnoses were 97.7% for RA and 94.4% SpA, dropping to 90.4% and 79.1%, respectively, when self reported diagnosis was excluded. Without self reported diagnosis, questions about peripheral joint and spinal pain made significant contributions to diagnostic performance. Conclusion: A questionnaire in plain language was developed for use in detecting cases of RA and SpA. It performed satisfactorily when administered by patient interviewers and is now available for epidemiological surveys of the general population. PMID:12972474

The trophic ecology of key megafaunal species at the Pakistan Margin: Evidence from stable isotopes and lipid biomarkers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeffreys, Rachel M.; Wolff, George A.; Murty, Sarah J.

2009-10-01

The Arabian Sea is subject to intense seasonality resulting from biannual monsoons, which lead to associated large particulate fluxes and an abundance of organic carbon, a potential food source at the seafloor for benthic detritivores. We used the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen alongside lipid analyses to examine potential food sources (particulate and sedimentary organic matter, POM and SOM respectively) in order to determine trophic linkages for the twelve most abundant megafaunal species ( Pontocaris sp., Solenocera sp., Munidopsis aff. scobina, Actinoscyphia sp., Actinauge sp., Echinoptilum sp., Pennatula aff. grandis, Astropecten sp. Amphiura sp. Ophiura euryplax, Phormosoma placenta and Hyalinoecia sp.) at the Pakistan Margin between 140 and 1400 m water depth. This transect spans a steep gradient in oxygen concentrations and POM flux. Ranges of δ 13C and δ 15N values were narrow in POM and SOM (˜4‰ and ˜2‰ for δ 13C and δ 15N, respectively) with little evidence of temporal variability. Labile lipid compounds in SOM originating from phytoplankton did exhibit seasonal change in their concentrations at the shallowest sites, 140 and 300 m. Benthic megafauna had broad ranges in δ 13C and δ 15N (>10‰ and >8‰ for δ 13C and δ 15N, respectively) suggesting they occupy several trophic levels and utilize a variety of food sources. There is evidence for feeding niche separation between and within trophic groups. Lipid biomarkers in animal tissues indicate a mixture of food sources originating from both phytoplankton (C 20:5(n-3) and C 22:6(n-3)) and invertebrate prey (C 20:1 and C 22:1). Biomarkers originating from phytodetritus are conserved through trophic transfer to the predator/scavengers. Six species ( Pontocaris sp., Solenocera sp., Actinoscyphia sp., Echinoptilum sp., Amphiura sp. and Hyalinoecia sp.) showed a significant biochemical response to the seasonal supply of food and probably adapt their trophic strategy to low food availability. Biotransformation of assimilated lipids by megafauna is evident from polyunsaturated fatty acid distributions, for example, Echinoptilum sp. converts C 20:5(n-3) to C 24:6(n-3).

Dataset on predictive compressive strength model for self-compacting concrete.

PubMed

Ofuyatan, O M; Edeki, S O

2018-04-01

The determination of compressive strength is affected by many variables such as the water cement (WC) ratio, the superplasticizer (SP), the aggregate combination, and the binder combination. In this dataset article, 7, 28, and 90-day compressive strength models are derived using statistical analysis. The response surface methodology is used toinvestigate the effect of the parameters: Varying percentages of ash, cement, WC, and SP on hardened properties-compressive strengthat 7,28 and 90 days. Thelevels of independent parameters are determinedbased on preliminary experiments. The experimental values for compressive strengthat 7, 28 and 90 days and modulus of elasticity underdifferent treatment conditions are also discussed and presented.These dataset can effectively be used for modelling and prediction in concrete production settings.

Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots Exfoliated From Carbon Fibers by Microwave Irradiation: Two Photoluminescence Centers and Self-Assembly Behavior.

PubMed

Yuan, Jian-Min; Zhao, Rui; Wu, Zhen-Jun; Li, Wei; Yang, Xin-Guo

2018-04-17

Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) attract great attention for their unique properties and promising application potential. The difficulty in the formation of a confined structure, and the numerous and diverse oxygen-containing functional groups results in a low emission yield to GOQDs. Here, GOQDs with a size of about 5 nm, exfoliated from carbon fibers by microwave irradiation, are detected and analyzed. The exfoliated GOQDs are deeply oxidized and induce large numbers of epoxy groups and ether bonds, but only a small amount of carbonyl groups and hydroxyl groups. The subdomains of sp 2 clusters, involving epoxy groups and ether bonds, are responsible for the two strong photoluminescence emissions of GOQDs under different excitation wavelengths. Moreover, GOQDs tend to self-assemble at the edges of their planes to form self-assembly films (SAFs) with the evaporation of water. SAFs can further assemble into different 3D patterns with unique microstructures such as sponge bulk, sponge ball, microsheet, sisal, and schistose coral, which are what applications such as supercapacitors, cells, catalysts, and electrochemical sensors need. This method for preparation of GOQDs is easy, quick, and environmentally friendly, and this work may open up new research interests about GOQDs. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A redox-sensitive, oligopeptide-guided, self-assembling, and efficiency-enhanced (ROSE) system for functional delivery of microRNA therapeutics for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

PubMed

Hu, Qida; Wang, Kai; Sun, Xu; Li, Yang; Fu, Qihan; Liang, Tingbo; Tang, Guping

2016-10-01

Lack of efficient adjuvant therapy contributes to a high incidence of recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A novel therapeutic is required for adjuvant treatment of HCC. We developed a polymer-based nanosystem (ROSE) for functional gene therapy by synthesizing a supramolecular complex self-assembled from polycations and functional adamantyl modules. The ROSE system condensing tumor suppressor microRNA-34a (miR-34a) therapeutics becomes ROSE/miR-34a nanoparticles that could facilitate gene transfection in HCC cells with satisfied stability and efficiency, possibly due to proton sponge effect by polycations, PEGlyation protection, and controlled release by breakdown of disulfide bonds. Meanwhile, modification with a targeting oligopeptide SP94 in ROSE/miR-34a enables approximately higher affinity for LM3 HCC cells than hepatocytes in vitro and greater HCC specificity in vivo. Furthermore, ROSE/miR-34a nanoparticles significantly inhibits HCC cell proliferation and in vivo tumor growth, representing a notable effect improvement over conventional gene delivery strategies. ROSE/miR-34a, featuring redox-responsiveness, oligopeptide-guided specificity, self-assembly, and enhanced transfection, is therefore a potential therapeutic agent in future adjuvant therapy for HCC treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Ischia volcanic island (Southern Italy): Inferences from potential field data interpretation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paoletti, V.; Di Maio, R.; Cella, F.; Florio, G.; Motschka, K.; Roberti, N.; Secomandi, M.; Supper, R.; Fedi, M.; Rapolla, A.

2009-01-01

In this paper we present a study of the structural setting of the volcanic island of Ischia by the analysis and interpretation of high-resolution aeromagnetic and self-potential data recently acquired over the island. The magnetic data allowed us to locate the main anomaly sources and lineaments of the island and its offshore surroundings, while the self-potential (SP) data provided information on both the structural pattern of the resurgent caldera and the high-temperature fluid circulation. An inversion of the acquired magnetic and SP data, and a joint modelling of the magnetic data and of a previous gravity data set along a SW-NE profile allowed us to build a model of the island. The model is characterized by the presence of an igneous-very likely trachytic-structure, whose top is located at 1200-1750 m b.s.l. Such a body, possibly formed by several neighbouring intrusions, has a density contrast with the pyroclastic cover of about 0.4 gr/cm 3 and its central-western part, below Mt. Epomeo, seems to be demagnetized. The demagnetization should be connected to the high geothermal gradient measured in this portion of the island and may be due to hydro-chemical alteration processes and/or to the possible presence of partially melted spots within the intrusion. Our outcome is consistent with the results of previous geophysical, geo-volcanological and geothermal studies.

Hydrothermal system of the Papandayan Volcano from temperature, self-potential (SP) and geochemical measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byrdina, Svetlana; Revil, André; Gunawan, Hendra; Saing, Ugan B.; Grandis, Hendra

2017-07-01

Papandayan volcano in West Java, Indonesia, is characterized by intense hydrothermal activities manifested by numerous fumaroles at three craters or kawah, i.e. Mas, Manuk and Baru. The latter was created after November 2002 phreatic eruption. Since 2011, numerous volcano-tectonic B events are encountered and the volcano was set on alert status on several occasions. The purpose of the present study is to delineate the structure of the summital hydrothermal system from Self-Potential (SP), soil temperature and gas concentrations in the soil (CO2, SO2 and H2S) data. This combination of geophysical and geochemical methods allows identification of the weak permeable zones serving as preferential pathways for hydrothermal circulation and potential candidates to future landslides or flank collapses. This study is an on-going collaborative research project and we plan to conduct electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and also Induced-Polarization (IP) surveys. Additional data would allow the 3D imaging of the studied area. The IP parameters will be used to characterise and to quantify the degree of alteration of the volcanic rocks as has been shown very recently in the laboratory studies. There are also rocks and soil samples that will undergo laboratory analyses at ISTerre for IP and complex resistivity parameters at the sample scale that will help to interpret the survey results.

Attenuated geophysical signatures associated with ongoing remediation efforts at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Oscoda, Michigan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Che-Alota, V.; Atekwana, E. A.; Sauck, W. A.; Nolan, J. T.; Slater, L. D.

2007-12-01

Previous geophysical investigations (1996, 1997, 2003, and 2004) conducted at the decommissioned Wurtsmith Air Force Base former Fire Training Cell (FT-02) showed a clearly defined high conductivity anomaly associated with hydrocarbon contaminants in the vadose zone and ground water near the source area. The source of the geophysical anomalies was attributed to biogeochemical modifications of the contaminated zone resulting from intrinsic bioremediation. During these previous surveys, ground penetrating radar (GPR) data showed a zone of attenuated GPR reflections extending from the vadose zone to below the water table. Self potential data (SP) data defined a positive anomaly coincident with the hydrochemically defined plume, while electrical resistivity data showed anomalously high conductivity within the zone of impact. In 2007, another integrated geophysical study of the site was conducted. GPR, SP, electrical resistivity, and induced polarization surveys were conducted with expectations of achieving similar results as the past surveys. However, preliminary assessment of the data shows a marked decrease in electrical conductivity and SP response over the plume. GPR data still showed the attenuated signals, but the zone of attenuation was only observed below the water table. We attribute the attenuation of the observed geophysical anomalies to ongoing soil vapor extraction initiated in 2003. Significant removal of the contaminant mass by the vapor extraction system has altered the subsurface biogeochemical conditions and these changes were documented by the 2007 geophysical and geochemical data. The results of this study show that the attenuation of the contaminant plume is detectable with geophysical methods.

Differential effects of phosphoramidon on neurokinin A- and substance P-induced airflow obstruction and airway microvascular leakage in guinea-pig.

PubMed Central

Lötvall, J. O.; Elwood, W.; Tokuyama, K.; Barnes, P. J.; Chung, K. F.

1991-01-01

1. The effects of the inhaled neuropeptides, neurokinin A (NKA) and substance P (SP) on lung resistance (RL) and airway microvascular permeability were studied in anaesthetized guinea-pigs. 2. Single doses of inhaled NKA (3 x 10(-5), 1 x 10(-4), 3 x 10(-4) M; 45 breaths) and SP (1 x 10(-4), 3 x 10(-4), 1 x 10(-3); 45 breaths) caused a dose-dependent increase in both RL and airway microvascular leakage, assessed as extravasation of the albumin marker, Evans blue dye. 3. NKA at 1 x 10(-4) and 3 x 10(-4) M resulted in a significantly higher increase in RL than SP at the same doses. 4. Inhaled SP (3 x 10(-4) M; 45 breaths) caused significantly higher Evans blue dye extravasation in main bronchi and proximal intrapulmonary airways compared to the same dose of NKA. 5. Pretreatment with the specific inhibitor of neural endopeptidase (NEP24.11), phosphoramidon, caused an approximately 100 fold leftward shift of the RL responses to inhaled NKA and SP. 6. Phosphoramidon significantly potentiated both NKA- and SP-induced airway microvascular leakage at proximal intrapulmonary airways, but not at any other airway level. 7. Inhibition of NEP24.11 potentiate both the SP- or NKA-induced airflow obstruction to a larger extent than the induced airway microvascular leakage, suggesting that NEP24.11 is more important in the modulation of the airflow obstruction observed after these mediators. PMID:1725766

Differential effects of phosphoramidon on neurokinin A- and substance P-induced airflow obstruction and airway microvascular leakage in guinea-pig.

PubMed

Lötvall, J O; Elwood, W; Tokuyama, K; Barnes, P J; Chung, K F

1991-12-01

1. The effects of the inhaled neuropeptides, neurokinin A (NKA) and substance P (SP) on lung resistance (RL) and airway microvascular permeability were studied in anaesthetized guinea-pigs. 2. Single doses of inhaled NKA (3 x 10(-5), 1 x 10(-4), 3 x 10(-4) M; 45 breaths) and SP (1 x 10(-4), 3 x 10(-4), 1 x 10(-3); 45 breaths) caused a dose-dependent increase in both RL and airway microvascular leakage, assessed as extravasation of the albumin marker, Evans blue dye. 3. NKA at 1 x 10(-4) and 3 x 10(-4) M resulted in a significantly higher increase in RL than SP at the same doses. 4. Inhaled SP (3 x 10(-4) M; 45 breaths) caused significantly higher Evans blue dye extravasation in main bronchi and proximal intrapulmonary airways compared to the same dose of NKA. 5. Pretreatment with the specific inhibitor of neural endopeptidase (NEP24.11), phosphoramidon, caused an approximately 100 fold leftward shift of the RL responses to inhaled NKA and SP. 6. Phosphoramidon significantly potentiated both NKA- and SP-induced airway microvascular leakage at proximal intrapulmonary airways, but not at any other airway level. 7. Inhibition of NEP24.11 potentiate both the SP- or NKA-induced airflow obstruction to a larger extent than the induced airway microvascular leakage, suggesting that NEP24.11 is more important in the modulation of the airflow obstruction observed after these mediators.

Effect of gamma radiation on growth and survival of common seed-borne fungi in India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maity, J. P.; Chakraborty, A.; Chanda, S.; Santra, S. C.

2008-07-01

The present work describes radiation-induced effects of major seeds like Oryza sativa Cv-2233, Oryza sativa Cv-Shankar, Cicer arietinum Cv-local and seed-borne fungi like Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Trichoderma sp. and Curvularia sp. 60Co gamma source at 25 °C emitting gamma ray at 1173 and 1332 keV energy was used for irradiation. Dose of gamma irradiation up to 3 kGy (0.12 kGy/h) was applied for exposing the seed and fungal spores. Significant depletion of the fungal population was noted with irradiation at 1-2 kGy, whereas germinating potential of the treated grain did not alter significantly. However, significant differential radiation response in delayed seed germination, colony formation of the fungal spores and their depletion of growth were noticed in a dose-dependent manner. The depletion of the fungal viability (germination) was noted within the irradiation dose range of 1-2 kGy for Alternaria sp. and Aspergillus sp., while 0.5-1 kGy for Trichoderma sp. and Curvularia sp. However, complete inhibition of all the selected fungi was observed above 2.5 kGy.

NK-1 receptor desensitization and neutral endopeptidase terminate SP-induced pancreatic plasma extravasation.

PubMed

Maa, J; Grady, E F; Kim, E H; Yoshimi, S K; Hutter, M M; Bunnett, N W; Kirkwood, K S

2000-10-01

Substance P (SP) induces plasma extravasation and neutrophil infiltration by activating the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1-R). We characterized the mechanisms regulating this response in the rat pancreas. Anesthetized rats were continuously infused with SP, and plasma extravasation was quantified using Evans blue (EB) dye. Continuous infusion of SP (8 nmol. kg(-1). h(-1)) resulted in a threshold increase in EB at 15 min, a peak effect at 30 min (150% increase), and a return to baseline by 60 min. The NK1-R antagonist CP-96,345 blocked SP-induced plasma extravasation. After 60 min, the NK1-R was desensitized to agonist challenge. Resensitization was first detected at 20 min and increased until full recovery was seen at 30 min. Inhibition of the cell-surface protease neutral endopeptidase (NEP) by phosphoramidon potentiated the effect of exogenous SP; therefore endogenous NEP attenuates SP-induced plasma extravasation. Thus the continuous infusion of SP stimulates plasma extravasation in the rat pancreas via activation of the NK1-R, and these effects are terminated by both desensitization of the NK1-R and the cell-surface protease NEP.

Cellular and synaptic effect of substance P on neonatal phrenic motoneurons.

PubMed

Ptak, K; Konrad, M; Di Pasquale, E; Tell, F; Hilaire, G; Monteau, R

2000-01-01

Experiments were carried out on the in vitro brainstem-spinal cord preparation of the newborn rat to analyse the effects of substance P (SP) on phrenic motoneuron (PMN) activity. In current-clamp mode, SP significantly depolarized PMNs, increased their input resistance, decreased the rheobase current and shifted the firing frequency-intensity relationships leftwards, but did not affect spike frequency adaptation or single spike configuration. The neurokinin receptor agonist NK1 had SP-mimetic effects, whereas the NK3 and NK2 receptor agonists were less effective and ineffective, respectively. In a tetrodotoxin-containing aCSF, only SP or the NK1 receptor agonist were still active. No depolarization was observed when the NK1 receptor agonist was applied in the presence of muscarine. In voltage-clamp mode, SP or the NK1 receptor agonist produced an inward current (ISP) which was not significantly reduced by extracellular application of tetraethylammonium, Co2+, 4-aminopyridine or Cs+. In aCSF containing tetrodotoxin, Co2+ and Cs+, ISP was blocked by muscarine. No PMN displayed any M-type potassium current but only a current showing no voltage sensitivity over the range -100 to 0 mV, reversing near the expected EK +, hence consistent with a leak current. SP application to the spinal cord only (using a partitioned chamber) significantly increased the phrenic activity. Pretreatment with the NMDA receptor antagonist DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP5) decreased the C4 discharge duration and blocked the effect of SP, thus exhibiting an NMDA potentiation by SP. In conclusion, SP modulates postsynaptically the response of phrenic motoneurons to the inspiratory drive through the reduction of a leak conductance and the potentiation of the NMDA component of the synaptic input.

77 FR 61804 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Order Granting Approval of Proposed Rule Change...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-11

... Listing and Trading of iShares 2018 S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series and iShares 2019 S&P AMT- Free Municipal... (``Shares'') of the iShares 2018 S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series (``2018 Fund'') and iShares 2019 S&P AMT-Free...). iShares 2018 S&P AMT-Free Municipal Series The 2018 Fund will seek investment results that...

Combined 2-D Electrical Resistivity and Self Potential Survey to Investigate the Pattern of the Watukosek Fault System Around the Lusi Eruption Site, Indonesia.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazzini, A.; Husein, A.; Mauri, G.; Lupi, M.; Hadi, S.; Kemna, A.

2015-12-01

The Lusi mud eruption is located in the Sidoarjo area, Indonesia and is continuously erupting hot mud since its birth in May 2006. A comprehensive combined electrical resistivity and self-potential (SP) survey was performed in the 7 km2 area inside the Lusi embankment that had been built to contain the erupted mud and to prevent flooding of the surrounding roads and settlements. The goal of the geophysical survey is to map the near-surface occurrence of the Watukosek fault system, upon which LUSI resides, delineate its spatial pattern and monitor its development. We completed six lines of measurements combining resistivity measurement using Wenner configuration and SP measurements using roll-along technique. Three subparallel lines were located either to the north and to the south of the main crater. Each line was approximately W-E oriented extending for ~1.26 km. The surveyed regions consist of dried mud breccia (containing clayey-silty-sandy admixture with clast up to ~ 10 cm in size). The thickness of the dry walkable mud is approximately 2-3 m and the deeper layer consist of water saturated mud that could be vulnerable to a liquefaction scenario in case of significant seismic activity in the region. The resistivity data were inverted into 2-D resistivity images with a maximum exploration depth of almost 200 m. The resistivity images consistently reveal a region of about 300 m in width (between 30-90 m depth) characterized by anomalous resistivities, which are lower than the value observed in the surounding area. The position of these anomalies is also supported by the SP data, which suggests that their origin is related to fluid flow path in the subsurface. Thus the combined resistivity and SP results allow inference of an improved model of the Watukosek fault system.

Self-potential method for characterizing streaming flows in the saturated and vadose zones: state of the art and limitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sailhac, P.

2005-12-01

Self-Potential (SP) method is sensitive not only to the water content, but, above all, to flow velocities within the underground porous medium. So it can be considered as a crucial help in hydrogeophysics. This is underlined by the so-called electrokinetic coupling and has been early used in geophysics (e.g. Bogoslovsky and Ogilvy, 1970) and hydrology (Abaza and Clyde 1969). During the last decade, both experimental and theoretical progresses have moved ahead SP to provide quantitative flow parameters. Now SP time and/or spatial variations can be used to monitor water fluxes during infiltration (e.g. Thony et al. 1997, Doussan et al. 2002, Darnet & Marquis 2004), seepage (Titov et al. 2000), or pumping (e.g. Fagerlund & Heinson 2003, Darnet et al. 2003, Revil et al. 2003). In order that SP is used by a larger community, it would be useful to recall the fundamentals, to review recent interpretation techniques in a simple framework and to precise their limitations. First considering flows in the saturated zone and a pumping experiment, I will show different interpretation techniques that are based upon Green function decompositions (e.g. wavelets, COP tomography of Patella, and iso-α line of Revil et al.). Classical application of theses techniques is underlined by the assumption of a constant electrical conductivity medium that involves uncertainty and bias in quantitative flow parameter estimates. For instance, the diffusive effect of a conductive shallow layer tends to increase the apparent depth of an underground flow source or sink. To correct this problem, one can use Green functions of a tabular medium in the COP tomography. In the complex case of unsaturated zone, the hydraulic and electric conductivities are depending on the water content. We will discuss on different soil models and different experiments that can be used for the monitoring of the infiltration and the characterisation of the soil hydraulic parameters.

The Maternal Serological Response to Intrauterine Ureaplasma sp. Infection and Prediction of Risk of Pre-Term Birth

PubMed Central

Ireland, Demelza J.; Keelan, Jeffrey A.

2014-01-01

Pre-term birth (PTB) associated with intrauterine infection and inflammation (IUI) is the major cause of early PTB less than 32 weeks of gestation. Ureaplasma spp. are common commensals of the urogenital tract in pregnancy and are the most commonly identified microorganisms in amniotic fluid of pre-term pregnancies. While we have an understanding of the causal relationship between intra-amniotic infection, inflammation and PTB, we are still unable to explain why vaginal Ureaplasma sp. colonization is tolerated in some women but causes PTB in others. It is now known that placental tissues are frequently colonized by bacteria even in apparently healthy pregnancies delivered at term; usually this occurs in the absence of a significant local inflammatory response. It appears, therefore, that the site, nature, and magnitude of the immune response to infiltrating microorganisms are key in determining pregnancy outcome. Some evidence exists that the maternal serological response to Ureaplasma sp. colonization may be predictive of adverse pregnancy outcome, although issues such as the importance of virulence factors (serovars) and the timing, magnitude, and functional consequences of the immune response await clarification. This mini-review discusses the evidence linking the maternal immune response to risk of PTB and the potential applications of maternal serological analysis for predicting obstetric outcome. PMID:25538708

Tachykinin antagonist FK224 inhibits neurokinin A-, substance P- and capsaicin-induced human bronchial contraction.

PubMed

Honda, I; Kohrogi, H; Yamaguchi, T; Hamamoto, J; Hirata, N; Iwagoe, H; Fujii, K; Goto, E; Ando, M

1997-01-01

To determine the roles of endogenously released tachykinins (substance P [SP] and neurokinin A [NKA]) in the human bronchial tissues, we studied the effects of tachykinin antagonist FK224 on bronchial smooth muscle contraction induced by SP, NKA and capsaicin in an organ bath. FK224 (10(-6) M and 10(-5) M, respectively) significantly inhibited NKA-induced contraction and 10(-5) M FK224 shifted the dose-response curve to more than one log unit higher concentration. Because SP- and capsaicin-induced contractions were small, we pretreated the tissues with the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor phosphoramidon (10(-5) M), which inhibits degradation of exogenous tachykinins in order to potentiate the contractions. FK224 (10(-5) M) significantly inhibited SP-induced contraction and it shifted the dose-response curves to about one log unit higher concentration. FK224 (10(-5) M) also significantly inhibited capsaicin-induced contraction and it shifted the dose-response curves to more than one log unit higher concentration. In contrast, FK224 (10(-5) M) did not affect on acetylcholine-, histamine-, and leukotriene D4-induced contraction. These results suggest that FK224 is a tachykinin receptor antagonist in the human bronchial smooth muscle, and that capsaicin-induced contraction is due to endogenously released tachykinin-like substances in the human bronchus.

A halotolerant thermostable lipase from the marine bacterium Oceanobacillus sp. PUMB02 with an ability to disrupt bacterial biofilms

PubMed Central

Seghal Kiran, George; Nishanth Lipton, Anuj; Kennedy, Jonathan; Dobson, Alan DW; Selvin, Joseph

2014-01-01

A halotolerant thermostable lipase was purified and characterized from the marine bacterium Oceanobacillus sp. PUMB02. This lipase displayed a high degree of stability over a wide range of conditions including pH, salinity, and temperature. It was optimally active at 30 °C and pH 8.0 respectively and was stable at higher temperatures (50–70 °C) and alkaline pH. The molecular mass of the lipase was approximately 31 kDa based on SDS-PAGE and MALDI-ToF fingerprint analysis. Conditions for enhanced production of lipase by Oceanobacillus sp. PUMB02 were attained in response surface method-guided optimization with factors such as olive oil, sucrose, potassium chromate, and NaCl being evaluated, resulting in levels of 58.84 U/ml being achieved. The biofilm disruption potential of the PUMB02 lipase was evaluated and compared with a marine sponge metagenome derived halotolerant lipase Lpc53E1. Good biofilm disruption activity was observed with both lipases against potential food pathogens such as Bacillus cereus MTCC1272, Listeria sp. MTCC1143, Serratia sp. MTCC4822, Escherichia coli MTCC443, Pseudomonas fluorescens MTCC1748, and Vibrio parahemolyticus MTCC459. Phase contrast microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed very effective disruption of pathogenic biofilms. This study reveals that marine derived hydrolytic enzymes such as lipases may have potential utility in inhibiting biofilm formation in a food processing environment and is the first report of the potential application of lipases from the genus Oceanobacillus in biofilm disruption strategies. PMID:25482232

CRISPR-Cas Defense System and Potential Prophages in Cyanobacteria Associated with the Coral Black Band Disease

PubMed Central

Buerger, Patrick; Wood-Charlson, Elisha M.; Weynberg, Karen D.; Willis, Bette L.; van Oppen, Madeleine J. H.

2016-01-01

Understanding how pathogens maintain their virulence is critical to developing tools to mitigate disease in animal populations. We sequenced and assembled the first draft genome of Roseofilum reptotaenium AO1, the dominant cyanobacterium underlying pathogenicity of the virulent coral black band disease (BBD), and analyzed parts of the BBD-associated Geitlerinema sp. BBD_1991 genome in silico. Both cyanobacteria are equipped with an adaptive, heritable clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas defense system type I-D and have potential virulence genes located within several prophage regions. The defense system helps to prevent infection by viruses and mobile genetic elements via identification of short fingerprints of the intruding DNA, which are stored as templates in the bacterial genome, in so-called “CRISPRs.” Analysis of CRISPR target sequences (protospacers) revealed an unusually high number of self-targeting spacers in R. reptotaenium AO1 and extraordinary long CRIPSR arrays of up to 260 spacers in Geitlerinema sp. BBD_1991. The self-targeting spacers are unlikely to be a form of autoimmunity; instead these target an incomplete lysogenic bacteriophage. Lysogenic virus induction experiments with mitomycin C and UV light did not reveal an actively replicating virus population in R. reptotaenium AO1 cultures, suggesting that phage functionality is compromised or excision could be blocked by the CRISPR-Cas system. Potential prophages were identified in three regions of R. reptotaenium AO1 and five regions of Geitlerinema sp. BBD_1991, containing putative BBD relevant virulence genes, such as an NAD-dependent epimerase/dehydratase (a homolog in terms of functionality to the third and fourth most expressed gene in BBD), lysozyme/metalloendopeptidases and other lipopolysaccharide modification genes. To date, viruses have not been considered to be a component of the BBD consortium or a contributor to the virulence of R. reptotaenium AO1 and Geitlerinema sp. BBD_1991. We suggest that the presence of virulence genes in potential prophage regions, and the CRISPR-Cas defense systems are evidence of an arms race between the respective cyanobacteria and their bacteriophage predators. The presence of such a defense system likely reduces the number of successful bacteriophage infections and mortality in the cyanobacteria, facilitating the progress of BBD. PMID:28066391

CRISPR-Cas Defense System and Potential Prophages in Cyanobacteria Associated with the Coral Black Band Disease.

PubMed

Buerger, Patrick; Wood-Charlson, Elisha M; Weynberg, Karen D; Willis, Bette L; van Oppen, Madeleine J H

2016-01-01

Understanding how pathogens maintain their virulence is critical to developing tools to mitigate disease in animal populations. We sequenced and assembled the first draft genome of Roseofilum reptotaenium AO1, the dominant cyanobacterium underlying pathogenicity of the virulent coral black band disease (BBD), and analyzed parts of the BBD-associated Geitlerinema sp. BBD_1991 genome in silico . Both cyanobacteria are equipped with an adaptive, heritable clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas defense system type I-D and have potential virulence genes located within several prophage regions. The defense system helps to prevent infection by viruses and mobile genetic elements via identification of short fingerprints of the intruding DNA, which are stored as templates in the bacterial genome, in so-called "CRISPRs." Analysis of CRISPR target sequences (protospacers) revealed an unusually high number of self-targeting spacers in R. reptotaenium AO1 and extraordinary long CRIPSR arrays of up to 260 spacers in Geitlerinema sp. BBD_1991. The self-targeting spacers are unlikely to be a form of autoimmunity; instead these target an incomplete lysogenic bacteriophage. Lysogenic virus induction experiments with mitomycin C and UV light did not reveal an actively replicating virus population in R. reptotaenium AO1 cultures, suggesting that phage functionality is compromised or excision could be blocked by the CRISPR-Cas system. Potential prophages were identified in three regions of R. reptotaenium AO1 and five regions of Geitlerinema sp. BBD_1991, containing putative BBD relevant virulence genes, such as an NAD-dependent epimerase/dehydratase (a homolog in terms of functionality to the third and fourth most expressed gene in BBD), lysozyme/metalloendopeptidases and other lipopolysaccharide modification genes. To date, viruses have not been considered to be a component of the BBD consortium or a contributor to the virulence of R. reptotaenium AO1 and Geitlerinema sp. BBD_1991. We suggest that the presence of virulence genes in potential prophage regions, and the CRISPR-Cas defense systems are evidence of an arms race between the respective cyanobacteria and their bacteriophage predators. The presence of such a defense system likely reduces the number of successful bacteriophage infections and mortality in the cyanobacteria, facilitating the progress of BBD.

Inhibition of NFκB and Pancreatic Cancer Cell and Tumor Growth by Curcumin Is Dependent on Specificity Protein Down-regulation*

PubMed Central

Jutooru, Indira; Chadalapaka, Gayathri; Lei, Ping; Safe, Stephen

2010-01-01

Curcumin activates diverse anticancer activities that lead to inhibition of cancer cell and tumor growth, induction of apoptosis, and antiangiogenic responses. In this study, we observed that curcumin inhibits Panc28 and L3.6pL pancreatic cancer cell and tumor growth in nude mice bearing L3.6pL cells as xenografts. In addition, curcumin decreased expression of p50 and p65 proteins and NFκB-dependent transactivation and also decreased Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 transcription factors that are overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells. Because both Sp transcription factors and NFκB regulate several common genes such as cyclin D1, survivin, and vascular endothelial growth factor that contribute to the cancer phenotype, we also investigated interactions between Sp and NFκB transcription factors. Results of Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 knockdown by RNA interference demonstrate that both p50 and p65 are Sp-regulated genes and that inhibition of constitutive or tumor necrosis factor-induced NFκB by curcumin is dependent on down-regulation of Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 proteins by this compound. Curcumin also decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and induced reactive oxygen species in pancreatic cancer cells, and this pathway is required for down-regulation of Sp proteins in these cells, demonstrating that the mitochondriotoxic effects of curcumin are important for its anticancer activities. PMID:20538607

Use of geophysical methods to characterize groundwater in karstic rocks near Puerto Morelos, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

cerda Garcia, C. G.; Carpenter, P. J.; Leal-Bautista, R. M.

2017-12-01

Geophysical surveys were used to determine the depth of the freshwater/saltwater interface and groundwater preferential flow pathways along the Ruta de los Cenotes, near Puerto Morelos (northeast part of the Yucatán peninsula). The Yucatán Peninsula is a limestone platform that allows quick recharge of the aquifer, the main supply of water for this region. The water in the aquifer is divided into freshwater and saltwater zones. A Schlumberger resistivity sounding along the road near one cenote suggests the water table is 5 meters deep and the freshwater/saltwater interface is 38 meters deep. A time-domain electromagnetic (TEM) sounding suggests the freshwater/saltwater interface is 45 meters deep. The depth of the interface determines the volume of fresh water available. Preferential flow pathways in the vadose and saturated zones are karst conduits where groundwater percolates downward in the vadose zone. These were identified using resistivity profiling and spontaneous self-potential (SP) geophysical methods. Interpretation of SP profile Line SP1, located 3 m south of the cenote, suggests two fractures, which appear to extend south as far as SP profile Line SP2, 15 m south of the cenote; both lines are parallel to each other. SP anomalies suggest water flow along these fractures. The use of noninvasive geophysical methods, specifically SP, resistivity and TEM are useful for exploring the karst system in the Yucatán peninsula.

Establishment of a Center for Development of Chemical Sensors for Explosives at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-02-08

Emanuelli, A.M., Medina - Ramos , W., Rivera, A. and Hernandez-Rivera, S.P., Synthesis and Assembly of Short and Long Gold Nanorods for Nitroexplosives... Medina - Ramos , A.M. Chamoun-Emanuelli, O.M. Primera-Pedrozo, A. Rivera, L.F. De La Torre-Quintana, and S.P. Hernández-Rivera, “Self Assembly of Gold...Rincón, PR, Nov. 21, 2008. 60. A.M. Chamoun-Emanuelli, W. Medina - Ramos , A. Rivera, O.M. Primera-Pedrozo and S.P. Hernández-Rivera, “Self Assembly

Substance P(1-7) antagonizes substance P-induced aversive behaviour in mice.

PubMed

Sakurada, T; Kuwahara, H; Takahashi, K; Sakurada, S; Kisara, K; Terenius, L

1988-12-19

Substance P (SP) and its fragments were administered intrathecally into awake mice. SP and C-terminal fragments caused dose-dependent reciprocal hindlimb scratching responses. SP(5-11) was more potent than SP not only in inducing scratching response but also in inducing aversive behaviour including licking and biting. SP(1-7) induced no behavioural reactions. However, when low doses of SP(1-7) (1.0-4.0 pmol) were injected simultaneously with SP or SP(5-11) (0.1 nmol), aversive behaviours induced by SP or SP(5-11) were significantly reduced. These results indicate that SP(1-7) formed endogenously could modulate the actions of SP or SP(5-11) in the spinal cord.

An Evaluation of a Self-Paced Approach to Elementary Chemistry Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schaumburg, Gary F.

The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare retention rates between self-paced (SP) and classical lecture (CL) chemistry students as measured by the proportion of students who received a withdrawal or unofficial withdrawal grade; (2) as indicated by the distribution of final grades, to compare student achievement between SP and CL students;…

A Recombinant Fragment of Human Surfactant Protein D induces Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines via Fas-Mediated Pathway

PubMed Central

Kaur, Anuvinder; Riaz, Muhammad Suleman; Murugaiah, Valarmathy; Varghese, Praveen Mathews; Singh, Shiv K.; Kishore, Uday

2018-01-01

Human surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a potent innate immune molecule, which is emerging as a key molecule in the recognition and clearance of altered and non-self targets. Previous studies have shown that a recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rfhSP-D) induced apoptosis via p53-mediated apoptosis pathway in an eosinophilic leukemic cell line, AML14.3D10. Here, we report the ability of rfhSP-D to induce apoptosis via TNF-α/Fas-mediated pathway regardless of the p53 status in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma using Panc-1 (p53mt), MiaPaCa-2 (p53mt), and Capan-2 (p53wt) cell lines. Treatment of these cell lines with rfhSP-D for 24 h caused growth arrest in G1 cell cycle phase and triggered transcriptional upregulation of pro-apoptotic factors such as TNF-α and NF-κB. Translocation of NF-κB from the cytoplasm into the nucleus of pancreatic cancer cell lines was observed via immunofluorescence microscopy following treatment with rfhSP-D as compared to the untreated cells. The rfhSP-D treatment caused upregulation of pro-apoptotic marker Fas, as analyzed via qPCR and western blot, which then triggered caspase cascade, as evident from cleavage of caspase 8 and 3 analyzed via western blot at 48 h. The cell number following the rfhSP-D treatment was reduced in the order of Panc-1 (~67%) > MiaPaCa-2 (~60%) > Capan-2 (~35%). This study appears to suggest that rfhSP-D can potentially be used to therapeutically target pancreatic cancer cells irrespective of their p53 phenotype.

A Recombinant Fragment of Human Surfactant Protein D induces Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines via Fas-Mediated Pathway.

PubMed

Kaur, Anuvinder; Riaz, Muhammad Suleman; Murugaiah, Valarmathy; Varghese, Praveen Mathews; Singh, Shiv K; Kishore, Uday

2018-01-01

Human surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a potent innate immune molecule, which is emerging as a key molecule in the recognition and clearance of altered and non-self targets. Previous studies have shown that a recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rfhSP-D) induced apoptosis via p53-mediated apoptosis pathway in an eosinophilic leukemic cell line, AML14.3D10. Here, we report the ability of rfhSP-D to induce apoptosis via TNF-α/Fas-mediated pathway regardless of the p53 status in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma using Panc-1 (p53 mt ), MiaPaCa-2 (p53 mt ), and Capan-2 (p53 wt ) cell lines. Treatment of these cell lines with rfhSP-D for 24 h caused growth arrest in G1 cell cycle phase and triggered transcriptional upregulation of pro-apoptotic factors such as TNF-α and NF-κB. Translocation of NF-κB from the cytoplasm into the nucleus of pancreatic cancer cell lines was observed via immunofluorescence microscopy following treatment with rfhSP-D as compared to the untreated cells. The rfhSP-D treatment caused upregulation of pro-apoptotic marker Fas, as analyzed via qPCR and western blot, which then triggered caspase cascade, as evident from cleavage of caspase 8 and 3 analyzed via western blot at 48 h. The cell number following the rfhSP-D treatment was reduced in the order of Panc-1 (~67%) > MiaPaCa-2 (~60%) > Capan-2 (~35%). This study appears to suggest that rfhSP-D can potentially be used to therapeutically target pancreatic cancer cells irrespective of their p53 phenotype.

Transcriptome analysis reveals self-incompatibility in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) might be under gametophytic control.

PubMed

Zhang, Cheng-Cai; Wang, Li-Yuan; Wei, Kang; Wu, Li-Yun; Li, Hai-Lin; Zhang, Fen; Cheng, Hao; Ni, De-Jiang

2016-05-17

Self-incompatibility (SI) is under genetic control and prevents inbreeding depression in angiosperms. SI mechanisms are quite complicated and still poorly understood in many plants. Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) belonging to the family of Theaceae, exhibits high levels of SI and high heterozygosity. Uncovering the molecular basis of SI of the tea plant may enhance breeding and simplify genomics research for the whole family. The growth of pollen tubes following selfing and crossing was observed using fluorescence microscopy. Self-pollen tubes grew slower than cross treatments from 24 h to 72 h after pollination. RNA-seq was employed to explore the molecular mechanisms of SI and to identify SI-related genes in C. sinensis. Self and cross-pollinated styles were collected at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after pollination. Six RNA-seq libraries (SP24, SP48, SP72, CP24 CP48 and CP72; SP = self-pollinated, CP = cross-pollinated) were constructed and separately sequenced. In total, 299.327 million raw reads were generated. Following assembly, 63,762 unigenes were identified, and 27,264 (42.76 %) unigenes were annotated in five public databases: NR, KOG, KEGG, Swiss-Port and GO. To identify SI-related genes, the fragments per kb per million mapped reads (FPKM) values of each unigene were evaluated. Comparisons of CP24 vs. SP24, CP48 vs. SP48 and CP72 vs. SP72 revealed differential expression of 3,182, 3,575 and 3,709 genes, respectively. Consequently, several ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, Ca(2+) signaling, apoptosis and defense-associated genes were obtained. The temporal expression pattern of genes following CP and SP was analyzed; 6 peroxidase, 1 polyphenol oxidase and 7 salicylic acid biosynthetic process-related genes were identified. The RNA-seq data were validated by qRT-PCR of 15 unigenes. Finally, a unigene (CL25983Contig1) with strong homology to the S-RNase was analyzed. It was mainly expressed in styles, with dramatically higher expression in self-pollinated versus cross-pollinated tissues at 24 h post-pollination. The present study reports the transcriptome of styles after cross- and self-pollination in tea and offers novel insights into the molecular mechanism behind SI in C. sinensis. We believe that this RNA-seq dataset will be useful for improvement in C. sinensis as well as other plants in the Theaceae family.

Flipping the Classroom: Assessment of Strategies to Promote Student-Centered, Self-Directed Learning in a Dental School Course in Pediatric Dentistry.

PubMed

Bohaty, Brenda S; Redford, Gloria J; Gadbury-Amyot, Cynthia C

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to explore student and course director experiences with the redesign of a traditional lecture-based course into a flipped classroom for teaching didactic content in pediatric dentistry to second-year dental students. The study assessed student satisfaction, extent of student engagement, overall course grades, and course director satisfaction. The students enrolled in a flipped classroom pediatric dentistry course (spring semester 2014; SP14) were asked to complete pre- and post-course questionnaires to assess their perceptions of active learning, knowledge acquisition, and course satisfaction. The process was repeated with the class enrolled in the same course the following year (SP15). Responses for SP14 and SP15 resulted in an overall response rate of 95% on the pre questionnaire and 84% on the post questionnaire. The results showed that the greatest perceived advantage of the flipped classroom design was the availability and access to online content and course materials. Students reported enhanced learning due to heightened engagement in discussion. The results also showed that students' overall course grades improved and that the course director was satisfied with the experience, particularly after year two. Many calls have been made for educational strategies that encourage critical thinking instead of passive learning environments. This study provides one example of a course redesign and demonstrates the need for both faculty and student development to ensure success when a flipped classroom methodology is introduced.

Optimization of Enzymatic Saccharification of Alkali Pretreated Parthenium sp. Using Response Surface Methodology

PubMed Central

Pandiyan, K.; Tiwari, Rameshwar; Singh, Surender; Nain, Pawan K. S.; Rana, Sarika; Arora, Anju; Singh, Shashi B.; Nain, Lata

2014-01-01

Parthenium sp. is a noxious weed which threatens the environment and biodiversity due to its rapid invasion. This lignocellulosic weed was investigated for its potential in biofuel production by subjecting it to mild alkali pretreatment followed by enzymatic saccharification which resulted in significant amount of fermentable sugar yield (76.6%). Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis variables such as temperature, pH, enzyme, and substrate loading was carried out using central composite design (CCD) in response to surface methodology (RSM) to achieve the maximum saccharification yield. Data obtained from RSM was validated using ANOVA. After the optimization process, a model was proposed with predicted value of 80.08% saccharification yield under optimum conditions which was confirmed by the experimental value of 85.80%. This illustrated a good agreement between predicted and experimental response (saccharification yield). The saccharification yield was enhanced by enzyme loading and reduced by temperature and substrate loading. This study reveals that under optimized condition, sugar yield was significantly increased which was higher than earlier reports and promises the use of Parthenium sp. biomass as a feedstock for bioethanol production. PMID:24900917

A novel sponge disease caused by a consortium of micro-organisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sweet, Michael; Bulling, Mark; Cerrano, Carlo

2015-09-01

In healthy sponges, microbes have been shown to account for up to 40 % of tissues. The majority of these are thought to originate from survivors evading digestion and immune responses of the sponge and growing and residing in the microenvironments of the mesophyll. Although a large percentage of these microbes are likely commensals, they may also include potentially pathogenic agents, which under specific conditions, such as temperature stress, may cause disease. Here we report a novel disease (sponge necrosis syndrome) that is severely affecting populations of the sponge Callyspongia ( Euplacella) aff biru. Both ITS fungal and 16S rDNA bacterial diversities were assessed in healthy and diseased individuals, highlighting six potential primary causal agents for this new disease: two bacteria, a Rhodobacteraceae sp. and a cyanobacterium, Hormoscilla spongeliae (formally identified as Oscillatoria spongeliae), and four fungi, a Ascomycota sp., a Pleosporales sp., a Rhabdocline sp., and a Clasosporium sp. Furthermore, histological analysis showed the dominance of fungal hyphae rather than bacteria throughout the disease lesion, which was absent or rare in healthy tissues. Inoculation trails showed that only a combination of one bacterium and one fungus could replicate the disease, fulfilling Henle-Koch's postulates and showing that this sponge disease is caused by a poly-microbial consortium.

Evaluating groundwater flow using passive electrical measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voytek, E.; Revil, A.; Singha, K.

2016-12-01

Accurate quantification of groundwater flow patterns, both in magnitude and direction, is a necessary component of evaluating any hydrologic system. Groundwater flow patterns are often determined using a dense network of wells or piezometers, which can be limited due to logistical or regulatory constraints. The self-potential (SP) method, a passive geophysical technique that relies on currents generated by water movement through porous materials, is a re-emerging alternative or addition to traditional piezometer networks. Naturally generated currents can be measured as voltage differences at the ground surface using only two electrodes, or a more complex electrode array. While the association between SP measurements and groundwater flow was observed as early as 1890s, the method has seen resurgence in hydrology since the governing equations were refined in the 1980s. The method can be used to analyze hydrologic processes at various temporal and spatial scales. Here we present the results of multiple SP surveys collected a multiple scales (1 to 10s of meters). Here single SP grid surveys are used to evaluate flow patterns through artic hillslopes at a discrete point in time. Additionally, a coupled groundwater and electrical model is used to analyze multiple SP data sets to evaluate seasonal changes in groundwater flow through an alpine meadow.

Reconstruction of the water table from self-potential data: a bayesian approach.

PubMed

Jardani, A; Revil, A; Barrash, W; Crespy, A; Rizzo, E; Straface, S; Cardiff, M; Malama, B; Miller, C; Johnson, T

2009-01-01

Ground water flow associated with pumping and injection tests generates self-potential signals that can be measured at the ground surface and used to estimate the pattern of ground water flow at depth. We propose an inversion of the self-potential signals that accounts for the heterogeneous nature of the aquifer and a relationship between the electrical resistivity and the streaming current coupling coefficient. We recast the inversion of the self-potential data into a Bayesian framework. Synthetic tests are performed showing the advantage in using self-potential signals in addition to in situ measurements of the potentiometric levels to reconstruct the shape of the water table. This methodology is applied to a new data set from a series of coordinated hydraulic tomography, self-potential, and electrical resistivity tomography experiments performed at the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site, Idaho. In particular, we examine one of the dipole hydraulic tests and its reciprocal to show the sensitivity of the self-potential signals to variations of the potentiometric levels under steady-state conditions. However, because of the high pumping rate, the response was also influenced by the Reynolds number, especially near the pumping well for a given test. Ground water flow in the inertial laminar flow regime is responsible for nonlinearity that is not yet accounted for in self-potential tomography. Numerical modeling addresses the sensitivity of the self-potential response to this problem.

Participation in organized sport and self-esteem across adolescence: the mediating role of perceived sport competence.

PubMed

Wagnsson, Stefan; Lindwall, Magnus; Gustafsson, Henrik

2014-12-01

The purpose of the study was to test longitudinal (2 years across three occasions) associations between sport participation (SP) and self-esteem (SE) across adolescence (10-18 years), addressing the mediating role of perceived sport competence (PSC) from a developmental perspective. Three waves of data were collected from three age cohorts (10-12, 13-15, and 16-18 years) of school-aged youth (N = 1358). The results demonstrate that SP and SE are related across time and that PSC has an important mediating role in this relationship, both from a skill development and a self-enhancement perspective. In the skill development model, the mediating role of PSC was significantly stronger in the youngest cohort whereas the effect of PSC on subsequent SP in the self-enhancement model was significantly stronger in the 13-15 age group compared with the youngest age group.

Mapping Emplaced Articulated Concrete Mattress Using Geoelectrical and Electromagnetic Techniques.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-08-01

4 Articulated Concrete Mattress ........................... 4 Test Sites . ........................................ 5 3- Self -Potential M ethod...7 Self -Potential Theory . ................................ 7 Calculation of Self -Potential Response Profiles...45 Figures 1-53 Appendix A: Phase II Report - Investigation of Articulated Concrete Mattress Using Self -Potential and

Using Self Potential and Multiphase Flow Modeling to Optimize Groundwater Pumping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gasperikova, E.; Zhang, Y.; Hubbard, S.

2008-12-01

Numerical and field hydrological and geophysical studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of groundwater pumping on near-river hydrology for a segment of the Russian River at the Wohler Site, California, which is a riverbed filtration system managed by the Sonoma County Water Agency. Groundwater pumping near streams can cause a creation of unsaturated regions and hence reduce the pumping capacity and change the flow paths. A three-dimensional multiphase flow and transport model can be calibrated to the temperature, and water levels at monitoring wells based on known pumping rates, and the river stage. Streaming (self) potential (SP) is one of the electrokinetic processes that describes the coupled behavior of hydraulic and electrical flow within a porous medium, and is easily measured on the surface or in boreholes. Observing temporal and spatial variations in geophysical signatures provides a powerful approach for monitoring changes in the natural systems due to natural or forced (pumping) system perturbations. Geophysical and hydrological data were collected before, during and after a pumping experiment at the Wohler Site. Using this monitoring dataset, we illustrate how loose coupling between hydrogeological and geophysical (SP) processes and data can be used to calibrate the flow model and to optimize pumping schedules as needed to guide sustainable water resource development.

The Application of 2-D Resistivity and Self Potential (SP) Methods in Determining the Water Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordiana, M. M.; Tajudeen Olugbenga, Adeeko; Afiq Saharudin, Muhamad; nabila, S.; El Hidayah Ismail, Noer

2018-04-01

Existence of water flow at urban area will decrease the shear strength and increase hydraulic conductivity of soil which finally caused subsurface problems at this area. To avoid landslide, slope instability and disturbance of the ecosystem, good and detailed planning must be done when developing hilly area. The understanding about geological condition has to be considering before construction activities be done. Six 2-D resistivity survey lines with minimum 5 m electrode spacing were executed using Pole-dipole array. The field investigation such as borehole was carried out at multiple locations in the area where the 2-D resistivity method have been conducted. The directions and intensities of the water were evaluated with self-potential (SP) method. Subsequently, the results from borehole were used to verify the results of electrical resistivity method. Interpretation of 2-D resistivity data showed a low resistivity value (< 40 ohm-m), which appears to be a zone that is fully saturated with sandy silt and this could be an influence factor the increasing water level because sandy silt is highly permeable in nature. The borehole, support the results of 2-D resistivity method relating a saturated zone in the survey area. There is a good correlation between the 2-D resistivity investigations and the results of borehole records.

Conformationally Induced Off-On Cell Membrane Chemosensor Targeting Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases for in Vivo and in Vitro Fluorescence Imaging of Cancers.

PubMed

Jiao, Yang; Yin, Jiqiu; He, Haiyang; Peng, Xiaojun; Gao, Qianmiao; Duan, Chunying

2018-05-09

Molecules capable of monitoring receptor protein-tyrosine kinase expression could potentially serve as useful tools for cancer diagnosis due to the overexpression of tyrosine kinases during tumor growth and metastasis. In this work, a conformationally induced "off-on" tyrosine kinase cell membrane fluorescent sensor (SP1) was designed and evaluated for the detection and imaging of receptor protein-tyrosine kinases in vivo and in vitro. SP1 consists of sunitinib and pyrene linked via hexamethylenediamine and displays quenched fluorescence as a dimer. The fluorescence of SP1 is restored in the presence of receptor protein-tyrosine kinases upon strong interaction with SP1 at the target terminal. The unique signal response mechanism enables SP1 use for fluorescence microscopy imaging of receptor protein-tyrosine kinases in the cell membranes of living cells, allowing for the rapid differentiation of cancer cells from normal cells. SP1 can be used to visualize the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane and mouse model tumors, suggesting its possible application for early cancer diagnosis.

Role of the vagal afferents in substance P-induced respiratory responses in anaesthetized rabbits.

PubMed

Prabhakar, N R; Runold, M; Yamamoto, Y; Lagercrantz, H; Cherniack, N S; von Euler, C

1987-09-01

Since substance P (SP)-like immunoreactivity has been demonstrated in vagal sensory fibres of bronchopulmonary origin, it was considered of interest to (1) characterize the pattern of responses to SP injected into the pulmonary as well as the systemic arterial system, and (2) assess the types of vagal afferents that are affected by SP. Experiments were performed on 15 pentobarbital-anaesthetized, spontaneously breathing rabbits. Efferent phrenic nerve activity was monitored as an index of central respiratory neural output. Intra-atrial injections of SP into the pulmonary circulation (100 ng kg-1) increased the respiratory rate, and peak integrated phrenic amplitude by 47 +/- 8 and 40 +/- 4%, respectively, above the controls. In addition, SP elicited augmented breaths (ABs) within 2-3 s in 67% of the trials. In contrast to right atrial injections, no ABs and no significant changes in respiratory rate were observed in response to intra-aortic injections of SP (100 ng kg-1). Tidal phrenic activity rise after aortic injections of SP was significantly less as compared with right atrial administrations of SP. Since both routes of administration decreased the arterial blood pressure to the same extent, these respiratory responses were not likely secondary to cardiovascular changes. After administration of an SP antagonist (D-Arg-D-Trp7,9, Leu11, SP), respiratory responses to SP were significantly attenuated. Also, the rate of occurrence of ABs elicited by releasing the tracheal occlusions was reduced (control 95 vs. 14% SP antagonist). Bilateral vagotomy abolished the tachypnoeic response and reduced the magnitude of the phrenic nerve increments caused by right atrial injection of SP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Spiropyran-Decorated SiO₂-Pt Janus Micromotor: Preparation and Light-Induced Dynamic Self-Assembly and Disassembly.

PubMed

Zhang, Qilu; Dong, Renfeng; Chang, Xueyi; Ren, Biye; Tong, Zhen

2015-11-11

The controlled self-assembly of self-propelled Janus micromotors may give the micromotors some potential applications in many fields. In this work, we design a kind of SiO2-Pt Janus catalytic micromotor functionalized by spiropyran (SP) moieties on the surface of the SiO2 hemisphere. The spiropyran-modified SiO2-Pt Janus micromotor exhibits autonomous self-propulsion in the presence of hydrogen peroxide fuel in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)/H2O (1:1 in volume) mixture. We demonstrate that the self-propelled Janus micromotors can dynamically assemble into multiple motors because of the electrostatic attractions and π-π stacking between MC molecules induced by UV light irradiation (λ = 365 nm) and also quickly disassemble into mono motors when the light is switched to green light (λ = 520 nm) for the first time. Furthermore, the assembled Janus motors can move together automatically with different motion patterns propelled by the hydrogen peroxide fuels upon UV irradiation. The work provides a new approach not only to the development of the potential application of Janus motors but also to the fundamental science of reversible self-assembly and disassembly of Janus micromotors.

Avoidant personality disorder versus social phobia: the significance of childhood neglect.

PubMed

Eikenaes, Ingeborg; Egeland, Jens; Hummelen, Benjamin; Wilberg, Theresa

2015-01-01

Avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) and social phobia (SP) are common disorders both in the community and in clinical settings. Whether the two disorders represent different severity levels of social anxiety disorder is currently in dispute. The relationship between AvPD and SP is probably more complex than previously assumed. Several environmental, temperamental, and constitutional factors may play a role in the etiology of AvPD and SP. Better knowledge about childhood experiences may shed light on similarities and differences between the two disorders. The aim of this study was to compare self-reported childhood experiences in AvPD and SP patients. This is a cross-sectional multi-site study of 91 adult patients with AvPD and/ or SP. We compared patients with AvPD with and without SP (AvPD group) to patients with SP without AvPD (SP group). The patients were examined using structured diagnostic interviews and self-report measures, including Child Trauma Questionnaire, Parental Bonding Instrument, and Adult Temperament Questionnaire. Both AvPD and SP were associated with negative childhood experiences. AvPD patients reported more severe childhood neglect than patients with SP, most pronounced for physical neglect. The difference between the disorders in neglect remained significant after controlling for temperamental factors and concurrent abuse. The study indicates that childhood neglect is a risk factor for AvPD and may be one contributing factor to phenomenological differences between AvPD and SP.

Zac1, an Sp1-like protein, regulates human p21{sup WAF1/Cip1} gene expression in HeLa cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Pei-Yao; Hsieh, Tsai-Yuan; Liu, Shu-Ting

2011-12-10

Zac1 functions as both a transcription factor and a transcriptional cofactor for p53, nuclear receptors (NRs) and NR coactivators. Zac1 might also act as a transcriptional repressor via the recruitment of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). The ability of Zac1 to interact directly with GC-specific elements indicates that Zac1 possibly binds to Sp1-responsive elements. In the present study, our data show that Zac1 is able to interact directly with the Sp1-responsive element in the p21{sup WAF1/Cip1} gene promoter and enhance the transactivation activity of Sp1 through direct physical interaction. Our data further demonstrate that Zac1 might enhance Sp1-specific promoter activity bymore » interacting with the Sp1-responsive element, affecting the transactivation activity of Sp1 via a protein-protein interaction, or competing the HDAC1 protein away from the pre-existing Sp1/HDAC1 complex. Finally, the synergistic regulation of p21{sup WAF1/Cip1} gene expression by Zac1 and Sp1 is mediated by endogenous p53 protein and p53-responsive elements in HeLa cells. Our work suggests that Zac1 might serve as an Sp1-like protein that directly interacts with the Sp1-responsive element to oligomerize with and/or to coactivate Sp1.« less

A BCM theory of meta-plasticity for online self-reorganizing fuzzy-associative learning.

PubMed

Tan, Javan; Quek, Chai

2010-06-01

Self-organizing neurofuzzy approaches have matured in their online learning of fuzzy-associative structures under time-invariant conditions. To maximize their operative value for online reasoning, these self-sustaining mechanisms must also be able to reorganize fuzzy-associative knowledge in real-time dynamic environments. Hence, it is critical to recognize that they would require self-reorganizational skills to rebuild fluid associative structures when their existing organizations fail to respond well to changing circumstances. In this light, while Hebbian theory (Hebb, 1949) is the basic computational framework for associative learning, it is less attractive for time-variant online learning because it suffers from stability limitations that impedes unlearning. Instead, this paper adopts the Bienenstock-Cooper-Munro (BCM) theory of neurological learning via meta-plasticity principles (Bienenstock et al., 1982) that provides for both online associative and dissociative learning. For almost three decades, BCM theory has been shown to effectively brace physiological evidence of synaptic potentiation (association) and depression (dissociation) into a sound mathematical framework for computational learning. This paper proposes an interpretation of the BCM theory of meta-plasticity for an online self-reorganizing fuzzy-associative learning system to realize online-reasoning capabilities. Experimental findings are twofold: 1) the analysis using S&P-500 stock index illustrated that the self-reorganizing approach could follow the trajectory shifts in the time-variant S&P-500 index for about 60 years, and 2) the benchmark profiles showed that the fuzzy-associative approach yielded comparable results with other fuzzy-precision models with similar online objectives.

Defense responses in plants of Eucalyptus elicited by Streptomyces and challenged with Botrytis cinerea.

PubMed

Salla, Tamiris D; Astarita, Leandro V; Santarém, Eliane R

2016-04-01

Elicitation of E. grandis plants with Streptomyces PM9 reduced the gray-mold disease, through increasing the levels of enzymes directly related to the induction of plant defense responses, and accumulation of specific phenolic compounds. Members of Eucalyptus are economically important woody species, especially as a raw material in many industrial sectors. Species of this genus are susceptible to pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea (gray mold). Biological control of plant diseases using rhizobacteria is one alternative to reduce the use of pesticides and pathogen attack. This study evaluated the metabolic and phenotypic responses of Eucalyptus grandis and E. globulus plants treated with Streptomyces sp. PM9 and challenged with the pathogenic fungus B. cinerea. Metabolic responses were evaluated by assessing the activities of the enzymes polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase as well as the levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The incidence and progression of the fungal disease in PM9-treated plants and challenged with B. cinerea were evaluated. Treatment with Streptomyces sp. PM9 and challenge with B. cinerea led to changes in the activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase as well as in the levels of phenolic compounds in the plants at different time points. Alterations in enzymes of PM9-treated plants were related to early defense responses in E. grandis. Gallic and chlorogenic acids were on average more abundant, although caffeic acid, benzoic acid and catechin were induced at specific time points during the culture period. Treatment with Streptomyces sp. PM9 significantly delayed the establishment of gray mold in E. grandis plants. These results demonstrate the action of Streptomyces sp. PM9 in inducing plant responses against B. cinerea, making this organism a potential candidate for biological control in Eucalyptus.

Compressed glassy carbon: An ultrastrong and elastic interpenetrating graphene network

PubMed Central

Hu, Meng; He, Julong; Zhao, Zhisheng; Strobel, Timothy A.; Hu, Wentao; Yu, Dongli; Sun, Hao; Liu, Lingyu; Li, Zihe; Ma, Mengdong; Kono, Yoshio; Shu, Jinfu; Mao, Ho-kwang; Fei, Yingwei; Shen, Guoyin; Wang, Yanbin; Juhl, Stephen J.; Huang, Jian Yu; Liu, Zhongyuan; Xu, Bo; Tian, Yongjun

2017-01-01

Carbon’s unique ability to have both sp2 and sp3 bonding states gives rise to a range of physical attributes, including excellent mechanical and electrical properties. We show that a series of lightweight, ultrastrong, hard, elastic, and conductive carbons are recovered after compressing sp2-hybridized glassy carbon at various temperatures. Compression induces the local buckling of graphene sheets through sp3 nodes to form interpenetrating graphene networks with long-range disorder and short-range order on the nanometer scale. The compressed glassy carbons have extraordinary specific compressive strengths—more than two times that of commonly used ceramics—and simultaneously exhibit robust elastic recovery in response to local deformations. This type of carbon is an optimal ultralight, ultrastrong material for a wide range of multifunctional applications, and the synthesis methodology demonstrates potential to access entirely new metastable materials with exceptional properties. PMID:28630918

Biological responses of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films with different structures in biomedical application.

PubMed

Liao, T T; Zhang, T F; Li, S S; Deng, Q Y; Wu, B J; Zhang, Y Z; Zhou, Y J; Guo, Y B; Leng, Y X; Huang, N

2016-12-01

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films are potential candidates for artificial joint surface modification in biomedical applications, and the influence of the structural features of DLC surfaces on cell functions has attracted attention in recent decades. Here, the biocompatibility of DLC films with different structures was investigated using macrophages, osteoblasts and fibroblasts. The results showed that DLC films with a low ratio of sp(2)/sp(3), which tend to have a structure similar to that of diamond, led to less inflammatory, excellent osteogenic and fibroblastic reactions, with higher cell viability, better morphology, lower release of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) and IL-6 (interleukin-6), and higher release of IL-10 (interleukin-10). The results also demonstrated that the high-density diamond structure (low ratio of sp(2)/sp(3)) of DLC films is beneficial for cell adhesion and growth because of better protein adsorption without electrostatic repulsion. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying inhibition of an inflammatory response and the promotion of osteoblastogenesis and fibrous propagation, and effectively build a system for evaluating the biocompatibility of DLC films. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Depression: relationships to sleep paralysis and other sleep disturbances in a community sample

PubMed Central

Szklo-Coxe, Mariana; Young, Terry; Finn, Laurel; Mignot, Emmanuel

2009-01-01

SUMMARY Sleep disturbances are important correlates of depression, with epidemiologic research heretofore focused on insomnia and sleepiness. This epidemiologic study’s aim was to investigate, in a community sample, depression’s relationships to other sleep disturbances: sleep paralysis (SP), hypnagogic/hypnopompic hallucinations (HH), cataplexy – considered rapid eye movement-related disturbances – and automatic behavior (AB). Although typical of narcolepsy, these disturbances are prevalent, albeit under-studied, in the population. Cross-sectional analyses (1998–2002), based on Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study population-based data from 866 participants (mean age 54, 53% male), examined: depression (Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale), trait anxiety (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI-T ≥ 75th percentile), and self-reported sleep disturbances. Descriptive sleep data were obtained by overnight polysomnography. Adjusted logistic regression models estimated depression’s associations with each (>few times ever) outcome – SP, HH, AB, and cataplexy. Depression’s associations with self-reported SP and cataplexy were not explained by anxiety. After anxiety adjustment, severe depression (Zung ≥55), vis-à-vis Zung <50, increased SP odds ~500% (P = 0.0008). Depression (Zung ≥50), after stratification by anxiety given an interaction (P = 0.02), increased self-reported cataplexy odds in non-anxious (OR 8.9, P = 0.0008) but not anxious (OR 1.1, P = 0.82) participants. Insomnia and sleepiness seemed only partial mediators or confounders for depression’s associations with self-reported cataplexy and SP. Anxiety (OR 1.9, P = 0.04) partially explained depression’s (Zung ≥55) association with HH (OR 2.2, P = 0.08). Anxiety (OR 1.6, P = 0.02) was also more related than depression to AB. Recognizing depression’s relationships to oft-neglected sleep disturbances, most notably SP, might assist in better characterizing depression and the full range of its associated sleep problems in the population. Longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate mediators and causality. PMID:17716279

Safety and efficiency of emergency department interrogation of cardiac devices

PubMed Central

Neuenschwander, James F.; Peacock, W. Frank; Migeed, Madgy; Hunter, Sara A.; Daughtery, John C.; McCleese, Ian C.; Hiestand, Brian C.

2016-01-01

Objective Patients with implanted cardiac devices may wait extended periods for interrogation in emergency departments (EDs). Our purpose was to determine if device interrogation could be done safely and faster by ED staff. Methods Prospective randomized, standard therapy controlled, trial of ED staff device interrogation vs. standard process (SP), with 30-day follow-up. Eligibility criteria: ED presentation with a self-report of a potential device related complaint, with signed informed consent. SP interrogation was by company representative or hospital employee. Results Of 60 patients, 42 (70%) were male, all were white, with a median (interquartile range) age of 71 (64 to 82) years. No patient was lost to follow up. Of all patients, 32 (53%) were enrolled during business hours. The overall median (interquartile range) ED vs. SP time to interrogation was 98.5 (40 to 260) vs. 166.5 (64 to 412) minutes (P=0.013). While ED and SP interrogation times were similar during business hours, 102 (59 to 138) vs. 105 (64 to 172) minutes (P=0.62), ED interrogation times were shorter vs. SP during non-business hours; 97 (60 to 126) vs. 225 (144 to 412) minutes, P=0.002, respectively. There was no difference in ED length of stay between the ED and SP interrogation, 249 (153 to 390) vs. 246 (143 to 333) minutes (P=0.71), regardless of time of presentation. No patient in any cohort suffered an unplanned medical contact or post-discharge adverse device related event. Conclusion ED staff cardiac device interrogations are faster, and with similar 30-day outcomes, as compared to SP. PMID:28168230

Safety and efficiency of emergency department interrogation of cardiac devices.

PubMed

Neuenschwander, James F; Peacock, W Frank; Migeed, Madgy; Hunter, Sara A; Daughtery, John C; McCleese, Ian C; Hiestand, Brian C

2016-12-01

Patients with implanted cardiac devices may wait extended periods for interrogation in emergency departments (EDs). Our purpose was to determine if device interrogation could be done safely and faster by ED staff. Prospective randomized, standard therapy controlled, trial of ED staff device interrogation vs. standard process (SP), with 30-day follow-up. Eligibility criteria: ED presentation with a self-report of a potential device related complaint, with signed informed consent. SP interrogation was by company representative or hospital employee. Of 60 patients, 42 (70%) were male, all were white, with a median (interquartile range) age of 71 (64 to 82) years. No patient was lost to follow up. Of all patients, 32 (53%) were enrolled during business hours. The overall median (interquartile range) ED vs. SP time to interrogation was 98.5 (40 to 260) vs. 166.5 (64 to 412) minutes (P=0.013). While ED and SP interrogation times were similar during business hours, 102 (59 to 138) vs. 105 (64 to 172) minutes (P=0.62), ED interrogation times were shorter vs. SP during non-business hours; 97 (60 to 126) vs. 225 (144 to 412) minutes, P=0.002, respectively. There was no difference in ED length of stay between the ED and SP interrogation, 249 (153 to 390) vs. 246 (143 to 333) minutes (P=0.71), regardless of time of presentation. No patient in any cohort suffered an unplanned medical contact or post-discharge adverse device related event. ED staff cardiac device interrogations are faster, and with similar 30-day outcomes, as compared to SP.

Transcriptomic and proteomic dynamics in the metabolism of a diazotrophic cyanobacterium, Cyanothece sp. PCC 7822 during a diurnal light–dark cycle

DOE PAGES

Welkie, David; Zhang, Xiaohui; Markillie, Meng; ...

2014-12-29

Cyanothece sp. PCC 7822 is an excellent cyanobacterial model organism with great potential to be applied as a biocatalyst for the production of high value compounds. Like other unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacterial species, it has a tightly regulated metabolism synchronized to the light-dark cycle. Utilizing transcriptomic and proteomic methods, we were able to quantify the relationships between transcription and translation underlying central and secondary metabolism in response to nitrogen free, 12 hour light and 12 hour dark conditions.

The effects of trait impulsivity on proactive and reactive interference control.

PubMed

Xiang, Ling; Chen, Yan; Chen, Antao; Zhang, Fenghua; Xu, Fuming; Wang, Baoxi

2018-02-01

The current study used event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to explore whether self-reported trait impulsivity in healthy individuals might be differentially related to proactive and reactive interference control. Participants with high and low impulsivity (HI and LI, respectively) performed a modified version of the prime-target interference task. Proactive interference control was induced in the mostly incongruent (MI) context and reactive interference control was induced in the mostly congruent (MC) context. Although the behavioral data revealed no difference between HI and LI individuals in terms of the interference effects (incongruent - congruent) under both contexts, the ERP results showed that impulsivity has a different influence on the interference effects under different task contexts. In the MC context, the interference effects on the medial frontal negativity (MFN) and the negative sustained potential (N-SP) were greater, while that on the positive sustained potential (P-SP) were smaller in the HI compared to those in the LI group. This suggests that high levels of impulsivity might be associated with a reduced efficiency of the processes supporting reactive control to resolve interference when interference is not expected. In contrast, the three ERP indices (MFN, P-SP, and N-SP) of interference processing in the MI context were insensitive to variations in impulsivity. This suggests that HI individuals might be as effective as LI individuals in recruiting proactive control for sustained active maintenance of task goals to anticipate and prevent interference throughout the experimental blocks where interference occurs frequently. In conclusion, these results indicate that impulsivity has a more negative influence on reactive interference control than on proactive interference control. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Bradykinin contracts the pupillary sphincter and evokes ocular inflammation through release of neuronal substance P.

PubMed

Bynke, G; Håkanson, R; Hörig, J; Leander, S

1983-08-05

Bradykinin contracts the isolated rabbit sphincter pupillae muscle. The contraction produced by 10(-8) M bradykinin was resistant to atropine but not to tetrodotoxin, suggesting a non-cholinergic nervous mechanism. The contraction was blocked by specific substance P (SP) antagonists, suggesting the involvement of SP. The SP antagonists tested were [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP-(1-11) and [Arg5,D-Trp7,9]SP-(5-11). The bradykinin-induced contraction exhibited marked tachyphylaxis in contrast to that induced by SP. It appears that the tachyphylaxis reflects the depletion of a bradykinin-sensitive neuronal pool of SP. Injection of bradykinin into the vitreous chamber of the rabbit eye caused miosis and disruption of the blood-aqueous barrier (manifested as aqueous flare). A second administration of bradykinin a few hours after the first injection evoked a reduced response; the response to SP upon repeated administration was unchanged. Atropine was without effect on the response to bradykinin whereas tetrodotoxin and the SP antagonists reduced the response. The results suggest that bradykinin causes miosis and aqueous flare at least partly through local release of neuronal SP.

Differential effects of C- and N-terminal substance P metabolites on the release of amino acid neurotransmitters from the spinal cord: potential role in nociception.

PubMed

Skilling, S R; Smullin, D H; Larson, A A

1990-04-01

Extensive evidence implicates Substance P [SP(1-11)] as a primary afferent neurotransmitter or modulator of nociceptive information, and there is increasing evidence that the excitatory amino acids aspartate (Asp) and glutamate (Glu) may also act as nociceptive neurotransmitters. We have previously demonstrated that nociceptive stimulation (metatarsal injection of formalin) caused a tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive release of Asp and a TTX-insensitive release of Glu from the dorsal spinal cord. We have also shown release of Asp and Glu following the direct infusion of SP(1-11), suggesting that formalin-induced Asp or Glu changes could be secondary to an initial release of SP(1-11). In contrast to nociception, pretreatment with TTX, reported here, had no effect on the SP(1-11)-induced release of Asp, suggesting a presynaptic mechanism. Behavioral experiments, in both our laboratory, and others, now suggest that the N-terminal products of SP metabolism play a distinct role in the modulation of SP(1-11) nociception, possibly through an interaction with an opiate receptor. To test the hypothesis that N- and C-terminal fragments of SP produce opposite effects on biochemical events potentially involved in nociception, we compared the effects of infusion of the N-terminal metabolite SP(1-7) and the C-terminal metabolite SP(5-11) on changes in the ECF concentration of amino acids in the spinal cord as a measure of their apparent release, using microdialysis. Intradiaylsate infusion of SP(5-11) increased the release of Asp, Glu, asparagine (Asn), glycine (Gly), and taurine (Tau). The changes in Asp, Glu, and Tau were similar in direction and magnitude to changes produced by SP(1-11) or formalin injection, further supporting the hypothesis that the C-terminal is responsible for the nociceptive effects of SP(1-11). In contrast, infusion of SP(1-7) significantly decreased the release of Asn, Tau, Glu, and Gly. This inhibition of amino acid release is consistent with the hypothesis that N-terminal metabolites produce opposite effects to those of C-terminal metabolites of SP(1-11). The decreases in Glu, Asn, Gly, and Tau following SP(1-7) infusion were significantly reduced by i.p. or intradialysate naloxone. Systemic naloxone had no significant effects on the SP(5-11)-induced amino acid changes; however, it did inhibit the SP(1-11)-induced increase in Asp and Glu. Intradialysate naloxone had no effect on the SP(1-11)-induced increases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Hydrothermal circulation at Mount St. Helens determined by self-potential measurements

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bedrosian, P.A.; Unsworth, M.J.; Johnston, M.J.S.

2007-01-01

The distribution of hydrothermal circulation within active volcanoes is of importance in identifying regions of hydrothermal alteration which may in turn control explosivity, slope stability and sector collapse. Self-potential measurements, indicative of fluid circulation, were made within the crater of Mount St. Helens in 2000 and 2001. A strong dipolar anomaly in the self-potential field was detected on the north face of the 1980-86 lava dome. This anomaly reaches a value of negative one volt on the lower flanks of the dome and reverses sign toward the dome summit. The anomaly pattern is believed to result from a combination of thermoelectric, electrokinetic, and fluid disruption effects within and surrounding the dome. Heat supplied from a cooling dacite magma very likely drives a shallow hydrothermal convection cell within the dome. The temporal stability of the SP field, low surface recharge rate, and magmatic component to fumarole condensates and thermal waters suggest the hydrothermal system is maintained by water vapor exsolved from the magma and modulated on short time scales by surface recharge. ?? 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Progressive retinal atrophy in the Abyssinian cat: studies of the DC-recorded electroretinogram and the standing potential of the eye.

PubMed Central

Narfström, K L; Nilsson, S E; Andersson, B E

1985-01-01

DC-recorded electroretinography (ERG) and direct recordings of the standing potential (SP) were performed on a group of normal cats and Abyssinian cats affected by a hereditary retinal degenerative disease with similarities to human retinitis pigmentosa. A significant reduction of a- and b-wave amplitudes was found at an early stage of disease at a time when there were no major alterations in the c-wave and SP. At later stages both the c-wave and the SP oscillations were significantly reduced or absent. These findings indicate a primary photo-receptor disorder. Threshold studies for the scotopic b-wave showed a loss of retinal sensitivity early in the disease at a time when 30 Hz flicker responses were normal, which could indicate an earlier involvement of the rods than of the cones. There were no major alterations in the timing of the ERG in the affected animals tested. PMID:4016061

Substance P excites GABAergic neurons in the mouse central amygdala through neurokinin 1 receptor activation

PubMed Central

Sosulina, L.; Strippel, C.; Romo-Parra, H.; Walter, A. L.; Kanyshkova, T.; Sartori, S. B.; Lange, M. D.; Singewald, N.

2015-01-01

Substance P (SP) is implicated in stress regulation and affective and anxiety-related behavior. Particularly high expression has been found in the main output region of the amygdala complex, the central amygdala (CE). Here we investigated the cellular mechanisms of SP in CE in vitro, taking advantage of glutamic acid decarboxylase-green fluorescent protein (GAD67-GFP) knockin mice that yield a reliable labeling of GABAergic neurons, which comprise 95% of the neuronal population in the lateral section of CE (CEl). In GFP-positive neurons within CEl, SP caused a membrane depolarization and increase in input resistance, associated with an increase in action potential firing frequency. Under voltage-clamp conditions, the SP-specific membrane current reversed at −101.5 ± 2.8 mV and displayed inwardly rectifying properties indicative of a membrane K+ conductance. Moreover, SP responses were blocked by the neurokinin type 1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist L-822429 and mimicked by the NK1R agonist [Sar9,Met(O2)11]-SP. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed localization of NK1R in GFP-positive neurons in CEl, predominantly in PKCδ-negative neurons (80%) and in few PKCδ-positive neurons (17%). Differences in SP responses were not observed between the major types of CEl neurons (late firing, regular spiking, low-threshold bursting). In addition, SP increased the frequency and amplitude of GABAergic synaptic events in CEl neurons depending on upstream spike activity. These data indicate a NK1R-mediated increase in excitability and GABAergic activity in CEl neurons, which seems to mostly involve the PKCδ-negative subpopulation. This influence can be assumed to increase reciprocal interactions between CElon and CEloff pathways, thereby boosting the medial CE (CEm) output pathway and contributing to the anxiogenic-like action of SP in the amygdala. PMID:26334021

Substance P excites GABAergic neurons in the mouse central amygdala through neurokinin 1 receptor activation.

PubMed

Sosulina, L; Strippel, C; Romo-Parra, H; Walter, A L; Kanyshkova, T; Sartori, S B; Lange, M D; Singewald, N; Pape, H-C

2015-10-01

Substance P (SP) is implicated in stress regulation and affective and anxiety-related behavior. Particularly high expression has been found in the main output region of the amygdala complex, the central amygdala (CE). Here we investigated the cellular mechanisms of SP in CE in vitro, taking advantage of glutamic acid decarboxylase-green fluorescent protein (GAD67-GFP) knockin mice that yield a reliable labeling of GABAergic neurons, which comprise 95% of the neuronal population in the lateral section of CE (CEl). In GFP-positive neurons within CEl, SP caused a membrane depolarization and increase in input resistance, associated with an increase in action potential firing frequency. Under voltage-clamp conditions, the SP-specific membrane current reversed at -101.5 ± 2.8 mV and displayed inwardly rectifying properties indicative of a membrane K(+) conductance. Moreover, SP responses were blocked by the neurokinin type 1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist L-822429 and mimicked by the NK1R agonist [Sar(9),Met(O2)(11)]-SP. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed localization of NK1R in GFP-positive neurons in CEl, predominantly in PKCδ-negative neurons (80%) and in few PKCδ-positive neurons (17%). Differences in SP responses were not observed between the major types of CEl neurons (late firing, regular spiking, low-threshold bursting). In addition, SP increased the frequency and amplitude of GABAergic synaptic events in CEl neurons depending on upstream spike activity. These data indicate a NK1R-mediated increase in excitability and GABAergic activity in CEl neurons, which seems to mostly involve the PKCδ-negative subpopulation. This influence can be assumed to increase reciprocal interactions between CElon and CEloff pathways, thereby boosting the medial CE (CEm) output pathway and contributing to the anxiogenic-like action of SP in the amygdala. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Electrical Tomography for seismic hazard monitoring: state-of-the-art and future challenges.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lapenna, Vincenzo; Piscitelli, Sabatino

2010-05-01

The Self-Potential (passive) and DC resistivity (active) methods have been considered for a long period as ancillary and/or secondary tools in geophysical exploration, simplified procedures for data processing and purely qualitative techniques for data inversion were the main drawbacks. Recently, innovative algorithms for tomographic data inversion, new models for describing the electrokinetic phenomena associated to the subsurface fluid migration and modern technologies for the field surveying have rapidly transformed these geoelectrical methods in powerful tools for geo-hazard monitoring. These technological and methodological improvements disclose the way for a wide spectra of interesting and challenging applications: mapping of the water content in landslide bodies; identification of fluid and gas emissions in volcanic areas; search of earthquake precursors. In this work we briefly resume the current start-of-the-art and analyse the new applications of the Electrical Tomography in the seismic hazard monitoring. An overview of the more interesting results obtained in different worldwide areas (i.e. Mediterranean Basin, California, Japan) is presented and discussed. To-date, combining novel techniques for data inversion and new strategies for the field data acquisition is possible to obtain high-resolution electrical images of complex geological structures. One of the key challenges for the near-future will be the integration of active (DC resistivity) and passive (Self-Potential) measurements for obtaining 2D, 3D and 4D electrical tomographies able to follow the spatial and temporal dynamics of electrical parameters (i.e. resistivity, self-potential). This approach could reduce the ambiguities related to the interpretation of anomalous SP signals in seismic active areas and their applicability for short-term earthquake prediction. The resistivity imaging can be applied for illuminating the fault geometry, while the SP imaging is the key instrument for capturing the fingerprints of the electrokinetic phenomena potentially generated in focal regions.

Anisotropy Characterization of Fractured Crystalline Bedrock Using Asymmetric Azimuthal Geoelectric Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wishart, D. N.; Slater, L. D.

2007-05-01

We examined the potential for geophysical characterization of fractured rock anisotropy by combining asymmetric configurations of azimuthal self potential (ASP) and azimuthal resistivity surveys (ARS), as previously demonstrated in the laboratory, at four field sites in the New Jersey Highlands (NJH) Province. There is a striking correlation between ASP measurements and fracture strike orientations at three of four sites investigated. ARS (electrical) data suggest three sites are overall heterogeneous and the fourth is anisotropic. The characteristic anisotropicity at the fourth site is controlled by a master structure; the NE-SW trending Lake Inez Fault Zone (LIFZ) that strikes at N10ºE and parallels the Wanaque River to the east side of the site. Inferred groundwater flow directions are comparable to the (1) positive polarity (+ve) and magnitude of site-specific SP, (2) local surface drainage, and (3) also conformable with the regional northwest and northeast fracture trend of the NJH. The ASP is ineffective at one heterogeneous site where there is a lack of correlation between ASP and fracture strike data, probably due to poor drainage where there are no distinct paths of flow defined along fractures. Quantitative analysis of the magnitude of the energy observed in the odd and even coefficients of the power spectra of self potential (SP) datasets analyzed using a Fourier series was useful for characterizing anisotropic or heterogeneous flow in the fracture network. For anisotropic flow, the odd coefficients (harmonics) were close to zero, whereas heterogeneous flow resulted in significant energy in the odd coefficients. The employment of asymmetric geoelectric arrays has allowed this quantitative distinction between anisotropy and heterogeneity in fractured bedrock. The results of our study suggest the ability to quantify hydraulic anisotropy with azimuthal self potential and the distinction between electrically-anisotropic and electrically-heterogeneous in the subsurface. These results represent a significant advancement over the use of traditional resistivity arrays in site characterization of fracture- dominated systems.

``Recycling'' Geophysics: Monitoring and Isotopic Analysis of Engineered Biological Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doherty, R.; Singh, K. P.; Ogle, N.; Ntarlagiannis, D.

2010-12-01

The emerging sub discipline of biogeophysics has provoked debate on the mechanisms of microbial processes that may contribute to geophysical signatures. At field scales geophysical signatures are often non unique due to the many parameters (physical, chemical, and biological) that are involved. It may be easier to apply geophysical techniques such as electrodic potential (EP), self potential (SP) and induced polarization (IP) to engineered biological systems where there is a degree of control over the design of the physical and chemical domain. Here we present results of a column experiment that was designed to anaerobically biodegrade dissolved organic matter in landfill leachate. The column utilises a recycled porous media (concrete) to help sequester organic carbon. Electrodic potential, self potential and induced polarisation are used in conjunction with chemical and isotopic techniques to monitor the effectiveness of this approach. Preliminary carbon and oxygen isotopic analysis on concrete from the column in contact with leachate show isotopic enrichment suggesting abiotic precipitation of carbonates.

Cloning, expression and characterisation of P450-Hal1 (CYP116B62) from Halomonas sp. NCIMB 172: A self-sufficient P450 with high expression and diverse substrate scope.

PubMed

Porter, Joanne L; Sabatini, Selina; Manning, Jack; Tavanti, Michele; Galman, James L; Turner, Nicholas J; Flitsch, Sabine L

2018-06-01

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases are able to catalyse a range of synthetically challenging reactions ranging from hydroxylation and demethylation to sulfoxidation and epoxidation. As such they have great potential for biocatalytic applications but are underutilised due to often-poor expression, stability and solubility in recombinant bacterial hosts. The use of self-sufficient P450 s with fused haem and reductase domains has already contributed heavily to improving catalytic efficiency and simplifying an otherwise more complex multi-component system of P450 and redox partners. Herein, we present a new addition to the class VII family with the cloning, sequencing and characterisation of the self-sufficient CYP116B62 Hal1 from Halomonas sp. NCIMB 172, the genome of which has not yet been sequenced. Hal1 exhibits high levels of expression in a recombinant E. coli host and can be utilised from cell lysate or used in purified form. Hal1 favours NADPH as electron donor and displays a diverse range of activities including hydroxylation, demethylation and sulfoxidation. These properties make Hal1 suitable for future biocatalytic applications or as a template for optimisation through engineering. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Substance P induced preprotachykinin-a mRNA, neutral endopeptidase mRNA and substance P in cultured normal fibroblasts.

PubMed

Bae, Sang-Jae; Matsunaga, Yoshitaka; Takenaka, Motoi; Tanaka, Yoichi; Hamazaki, Yoichiro; Shimizu, Kazuhiro; Katayama, Ichiro

2002-04-01

In certain skin diseases, stress can modulate the induction and/or progression of cutaneous manifestations. However, little is known about the circuit in neuroendocrine and in the immune systems of the skin. To address this question, we have analyzed the regulatory mechanisms of autocrine induction of substance P (SP) by cultured normal human fibroblasts that compose the major population of the skin and might augment stress-induced skin inflammatory responses. In nonstimulated conditions, normal fibroblasts express a moderate amount of preprotachykinin-A (PPT-A), a precursor of SP mRNA, and exogenous SP significantly upregulated PPT-A mRNA expression. Maximum response of SP peptide and SP mRNA in fibroblasts was observed 1-3 h after stimulation with SP. In contrast, the expression of neutral endopeptidase (NEP), a cell surface peptide with hydrolyzing activity of SP, was increased in fibroblasts stimulated with SP after 24 h. The administration of NEP inhibitor (phosphoramidon) to the fibroblasts induced higher SP production. In addition, the neurokinin (NK) receptor antagonists (spantide, FK224 and FK888) and protein synthesis inhibitor (cycloheximide) inhibited SP production by 30-40% of control response. In immunostaining study, specific cytoplasmic staining of SP was observed in fibroblasts stimulated with SP. Finally, we confirmed that the nucleotide sequence of the PPT-A expressed in fibroblasts perfectly corresponded to the gene bank human PPT-A cDNA. This is the first report that SP mRNA, NEP mRNA and SP peptide can be induced by normal human skin fibroblasts in response to exogenous SP, and that fibroblast-derived SP might play an important role in the induction and acceleration of certain cutaneous diseases. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

Prevalence of spondyloarthritis in reference to HLA-B27 in the French population: results of the GAZEL cohort.

PubMed

Costantino, Félicie; Talpin, Alice; Said-Nahal, Roula; Goldberg, Marcel; Henny, Joseph; Chiocchia, Gilles; Garchon, Henri-Jean; Zins, Marie; Breban, Maxime

2015-04-01

To estimate the prevalence of spondyloarthritis (SpA) in reference to HLA-B27 in the French population. In 1989, 20 625 employees of the French national gas and electricity company aged 35-50 years were enrolled in the GAZEL cohort. In 2010, 18 757 still active participants were screened by a questionnaire validated for the detection of SpA. Responders with available DNA were retained for further studies. Pelvic radiograph and HLA-B27 typing were performed in all the self-reported cases of SpA or psoriatic arthritis. Self-reported diagnosis was verified by a qualified rheumatologist. HLA-B27 determination was also performed in subjects without any SpA feature. The target population consisted of 6556 responders with available DNA. Their male:female ratio was 3.6 and their mean age was 65.5±3.3 years. A diagnosis of SpA was confirmed in 32 of the 72 self-reported cases, 75% of them being HLA-B27 positive. Estimated SpA prevalence adjusted for sex was 0.43% (95% CI 0.26% to 0.70%). HLA-B27 positivity rate in 2466 healthy controls was 6.9% (95% CI 5.9% to 7.9%). The relative risk of SpA in HLA-B27 positive individuals was 39 (95% CI 17 to 86). We estimated the prevalence of SpA in the French population in 2010 to 0.43%. With an estimated prevalence of 75.0% in SpA and 6.9% in healthy controls, HLA-B27 increased the disease risk 39-fold, as compared with HLA-B27 negative subjects. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Quantification of Self Pollution from Two Diesel School Buses using Three Independent Methods.

PubMed

Liu, L-J Sally; Phuleria, Harish C; Webber, Whitney; Davey, Mark; Lawson, Douglas R; Ireson, Robert G; Zielinska, Barbara; Ondov, John M; Weaver, Christopher S; Lapin, Charles A; Easter, Michael; Hesterberg, Thomas W; Larson, Timothy

2010-09-01

We monitored two Seattle school buses to quantify the buses' self pollution using the dual tracers (DT), lead vehicle (LV), and chemical mass balance (CMB) methods. Each bus drove along a residential route simulating stops, with windows closed or open. Particulate matter (PM) and its constituents were monitored in the bus and from a LV. We collected source samples from the tailpipe and crankcase emissions using an on-board dilution tunnel. Concentrations of PM(1), ultrafine particle counts, elemental and organic carbon (EC/OC) were higher on the bus than the LV. The DT method estimated that the tailpipe and the crankcase emissions contributed 1.1 and 6.8 mug/m(3) of PM(2.5) inside the bus, respectively, with significantly higher crankcase self pollution (SP) when windows were closed. Approximately two-thirds of in-cabin PM(2.5) originated from background sources. Using the LV approach, SP estimates from the EC and the active personal DataRAM (pDR) measurements correlated well with the DT estimates for tailpipe and crankcase emissions, respectively, although both measurements need further calibration for accurate quantification. CMB results overestimated SP from the DT method but confirmed crankcase emissions as the major SP source. We confirmed buses' SP using three independent methods and quantified crankcase emissions as the dominant contributor.

Quantification of self pollution from two diesel school buses using three independent methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sally Liu, L.-J.; Phuleria, Harish C.; Webber, Whitney; Davey, Mark; Lawson, Douglas R.; Ireson, Robert G.; Zielinska, Barbara; Ondov, John M.; Weaver, Christopher S.; Lapin, Charles A.; Easter, Michael; Hesterberg, Thomas W.; Larson, Timothy

2010-09-01

We monitored two Seattle school buses to quantify the buses' self pollution using the dual tracers (DT), lead vehicle (LV), and chemical mass balance (CMB) methods. Each bus drove along a residential route simulating stops, with windows closed or open. Particulate matter (PM) and its constituents were monitored in the bus and from a LV. We collected source samples from the tailpipe and crankcase emissions using an on-board dilution tunnel. Concentrations of PM 1, ultrafine particle counts, elemental and organic carbon (EC/OC) were higher on the bus than the LV. The DT method estimated that the tailpipe and the crankcase emissions contributed 1.1 and 6.8 μg m -3 of PM 2.5 inside the bus, respectively, with significantly higher crankcase self pollution (SP) when windows were closed. Approximately two-thirds of in-cabin PM 2.5 originated from background sources. Using the LV approach, SP estimates from the EC and the active personal DataRAM (pDR) measurements correlated well with the DT estimates for tailpipe and crankcase emissions, respectively, although both measurements need further calibration for accurate quantification. CMB results overestimated SP from the DT method but confirmed crankcase emissions as the major SP source. We confirmed buses' SP using three independent methods and quantified crankcase emissions as the dominant contributor.

Descriptions of four kleptoparasitic spiders of the genus Mysmenopsis (Araneae, Mysmenidae) and their potential host spider species in the genus Linothele (Araneae, Dipluridae) from Ecuador.

PubMed

Dupérré, Nadine; Tapia, Elicio

2015-06-12

Four new species of the genus Mysmenopsis are described: M. onorei n. sp., M. otonga n. sp., M. fernandoi n. sp. and M. chiquita n. sp. All species were collected in diplurid webs and are therefore assumed to be kleptoparasitic. Five potential host species of the genus Linothele (Dipluridae) that were collected with the symbionts are also described: Linothele yanachanka n. sp., L. pukachumpi n. sp., L. zaia n. sp., L. tsachilas n. sp. and L. quori n. sp.

Interleukin(IL)-1 Regulates Ozone-enhanced Tracheal Smooth Muscle Responsiveness by Increasing Substance P (SP) Production in Intrinsic Airway Neurons of Ferret

PubMed Central

Wu, Z.-X.; Barker, J. S.; Batchelor, T. P.; Dey, R.D.

2008-01-01

Exposure to ozone induces airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) mediated partly by SP released from nerve terminals of intrinsic airway neurons. Our recent studies showed that IL-1, an important multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine, increases synthesis and release of SP from intrinsic airway neurons. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible involvement of endogenous IL-1 in modulating neural responses associated with ozone-enhanced airway responsiveness. Ferrets were exposed to 2 ppm ozone or filtered air for 3 hrs. IL-1 in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was significantly increased in ozone-exposed animals and responses of tracheal smooth muscle to methacholine (MCh) and electrical field stimulation (EFS) were elevated significantly. Both the SP nerve fiber density in tracheal smooth muscle and the number of SP-containing neurons in airway ganglia were significantly increased following ozone exposure. Pretreatment with IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 Ra) significantly diminished ozone-enhanced airway responses to EFS as well as ozone-increased SP in the airway. To selectively investigate intrinsic airway neurons, segments of ferret trachea were maintained in culture conditions for 24 hrs to eliminate extrinsic contributions from sensory nerves. The segments were then exposed to 2 ppm ozone in vitro for 3 hrs. The changes of ozone-induced airway responses to MCh and EFS, and the SP levels in airway neurons paralleled those observed with in vivo ozone exposure. The ozone-enhanced airway responses and neuronal SP levels were inhibited by pretreatment with IL-1 Ra. These findings show that IL-1 is released during ozone exposure enhances airway responsiveness by modulating SP expression in airway neurons. PMID:18718561

Broncho-Vaxom and spontaneous allergic autocytotoxicity (spACT) in bronchial asthma associated with food hypersensitivity.

PubMed

Podleski, W K

1986-01-01

Spontaneous allergic autocytotoxicity (spACT) of white blood cells (WBC) was assessed in six bronchial asthma patients and eighteen normal control individuals. The observed alterations of non-primed WBC membrane were revealed as an increased uptake of trypan blue exclusion dye, an indicator of death cells. The phenomenon of spACT might be associated with a lack of T suppressor cell intervention, increased refractoriness of WBC membrane leading to its increased permeability and enhanced releasability of chemical mediators of anaphylaxis, which probably bypasses IgE events. In six bronchial asthma patients, three were sensitive toward wheat, two had cow milk sensitivity, and one had corn sensitivity. When WBC of these patients were studied in the direct ACT assay, an additional augmentation of spACT effect by specific food antigens was observed. Surprisingly, Broncho-Vaxom (BX) did not inhibit or enhance spACT. However, BX has antagonistic activity toward direct ACT response in the dose-dependent concentration as previously reported. Our preliminary clinical experience leads us to believe that the spACT assay can serve as a useful clinical discriminator of potential responders versus non-responders to therapy with new agents, when WBC disintegration by autoinduction is involved.

Role of the NH2-terminus of substance P in the inhibition by capsaicin of behavioral sensitization to kainic acid-induced activity in the adult mouse.

PubMed

Larson, A A; Sun, X

1994-01-01

Activation of primary afferent C-fibers by repeated intrathecal injection of kainic acid (KA) in mice is inhibited after pretreatment with capsaicin. The increased behavioral response to multiple injections of KA is thought to be brought about by an action of the NH2-terminus of substance P (SP). In light of our recent observation that the antinociceptive effect of capsaicin may also involve an action of the NH2-terminus of SP, we tested the hypothesis that capsaicin inhibits behavioral sensitization to KA by a desensitization to the action of the NH2-terminus of SP. Using adult mice, pretreatment (24 hr) with either capsaicin (0.8 micrograms) or SP(1-7) (1 and 10 nmol) attenuated sensitization of the behavioral response to four injections of 25 pmol of KA at 2-min intervals. Pretreatment with 10 nmol of the COOH-terminal SP fragment, SP(5-11), had no effect. [D-Pro2,D-Phe7]-SP(1-7), a SP NH2-terminal antagonist, injected 5 min before capsaicin or SP(1-7), inhibited the effects of both capsaicin and SP(1-7) on KA sensitization whereas the COOH-terminal neurokinin antagonist, [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]-SP, did not. The similarities in behavioral responses after treatment with SP(1-7) or capsaicin, together with the sensitivity of these effects to D-SP(1-7), suggest that SP released in response to capsaicin may inhibit subsequent KA-induced activity 24 hr later. This action of SP appears to be brought about by its NH2-terminus and/or an accumulation of its NH2-terminal metabolites after capsaicin treatment.

Symmetrization in jellyfish: reorganization to regain function, and not lost parts.

PubMed

Abrams, Michael J; Goentoro, Lea

2016-02-01

We recently reported a previously unidentified strategy of self-repair in the moon jellyfish Aurelia aurita. Rather than regenerating lost parts, juvenile Aurelia reorganize remaining parts to regain essential body symmetry. This process that we called symmetrization is rapid and frequent, and is not driven by cell proliferation or cell death. Instead, the swimming machinery generates mechanical forces that drive symmetrization. We found evidence for symmetrization across three other species of jellyfish (Chrysaora pacifica, Mastigias sp., and Cotylorhiza tuberculata). We propose reorganization to regain function without recovery of initial morphology as a potentially broad class of self-repair strategy beyond radially symmetrical animals, and discuss the implications of this finding on the evolution of self-repair strategies in animals. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.

Activation of silent mechanoreceptive cat C and Aδ sensory neurons and their substance P expression following peripheral inflammation

PubMed Central

Xu, Guang-Yin; Huang, Li-Yen Mae; Zhao, Zhi-Qi

2000-01-01

The effect of inflammation on the excitability and the level of substance P (SP) in cat mechanoreceptive C and Aδ dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were studied in vivo using intracellular recording and immunocytochemical techniques. Following injections of carrageenan (Carg) into the cat hindpaw, the percentage of C neurons exhibiting spontaneous activity increased from 7.2 to 20.7 % and the percentage of Aδ neurons increased from 6.9 to 18.6 %. In contrast to most cells from normal cats, which fired regularly below 10 Hz, many cells from Carg-treated cats fired at higher frequencies or in bursts. Inflammation (Carg treatment) also depolarized membrane potentials, increased membrane input resistance, caused the disappearance of inward rectifying currents and lowered the mean current thresholds of tibial nerve-evoked responses in DRG neurons. With inflammation, the percentage of C or Aδ neurons responding to low threshold mechanoreceptive stimuli increased (C neurons: normal, 13 %; inflamed, 41 %; Aδ neurons: normal, 13 %; inflamed, 39 %), while the percentage of C or Aδ neurons responding to high threshold mechanoreceptive stimuli remained unchanged. Some receptive field (RF)-responsive cells were injected with Lucifer Yellow and their SP immunoreactivity was determined. Following Carg treatment, substantially higher percentages of RF-responsive cells were SP positive (C neurons: normal, 35.7 %; inflamed, 60 %; Aδ neurons: normal, 18.2 %; inflamed, 66.7 %). These combined increases in the excitability of DRG neurons and SP-containing RF-responsive neurons could lead to sensitization of sensory neurons, thus contributing to the development of hyperalgesia. PMID:11034623

Functional characterization of tachykinin NK1 receptors in the mouse uterus.

PubMed

Patak, Eva; Pennefather, Jocelyn N; Fleming, Anna; Story, Margot E

2002-12-01

1. Contractility studies were undertaken to determine the nature of the receptors mediating responses to tachykinins in uteri of oestrogen-treated mice. 2. In the presence of thiorphan (3 microM), captopril (10 microM), and bestatin (10 microM), substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB) produced concentration-related contractions of uterine preparations. The order of potency was SP > or =NKA>NKB. 3. Neither atropine (0.1 microM) nor l-NOLA (100 microM), nor indomethacin (10 microM) alone or in combination with either ranitidine (10 microM) or mepyramine (10 microM), affected responses to SP. These findings indicate that SP actions are not mediated or modulated through the release of acetylcholine, nitric oxide, prostanoids or histamine. 4. In the presence of peptidase inhibitors, the tachykinin NK(1) receptor-selective agonist [Sar(9)Met(O(2))(11)]SP, produced a concentration-dependent contractile effect. The tachykinin NK(2) and NK(3) receptor-selective agonists [Lys(5)MeLeu(9)Nle(10)]NKA(4-10) and [MePhe(7)]NKB were relatively inactive. The potencies of SP analogues in which Glu replaced Gln(5) and/or Gln(6) were similar to that of SP. 5. The tachykinin NK(1) receptor-selective antagonist, SR140333 (10 nM), alone or combined with the tachykinin NK(2) receptor-selective antagonist, SR48968 (10 nM), shifted log concentration curves to SP, NKA and NKB to the right. SR140333 (10 nM) reduced the effect of [Sar(9)Met(O(2))(11)]SP. SR48968 did not affect responses to SP or [Sar(9)Met(O(2))(11)]SP, but reduced the effect of higher concentrations of NKA and shifted the log concentration-response curve to NKB to the right. The tachykinin NK(3) receptor-selective antagonist, SR 142801 (0.3 microM), had little effect on responses to SP and NKB. 6. We conclude that the tachykinin NK(1) receptor mediates contractile effects of SP, NKA and NKB and [Sar(9)Met(O(2))(11)]SP in myometrium from the oestrogen-primed mouse. The tachykinin NK(2) receptor may also participate in the responses to NKA and NKB.

Influence of residual bone thickness on primary stability of hybrid self-tapping and cylindric non-self-tapping implants in vitro.

PubMed

Divac, Marija; Stawarczyk, Bogna; Sahrmann, Philipp; Attin, Thomas; Schmidlin, Patrick R

2013-01-01

To assess the primary stability of a hybrid self-tapping implant and a cylindric non-self-tapping implant in an in vitro test model using polyurethane foam. Eighty standardized blocks of cellular rigid polyurethane foam, 2 cm long and 1 cm wide, with different thicknesses of 2, 4, 6, and 9 mm (n = 10 per group) were cut. Two implant systems--a hybrid self-tapping (Tapered Effect [TE], Straumann) and a cylindric non-self-tapping (Standard Plus [SP] Wide Neck, Straumann) were placed in the block specimens. Subsequently, resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed. The RFA measurements were made in triplicate on four aspects of each implant (mesial, distal, buccal, and oral), and the mean RFA value was calculated. Subsequently, the tensile load of the implants was determined by pull-out tests. The data were analyzed using one-way and two-way analysis of variance followed by a post hoc Scheffe test and a t test (α = .05). Additionally, the simple linear correlation between the RFA and tensile load values was evaluated. No statistically significant differences were found between TE and SP in terms of RFA at different bone thicknesses. Starting from a bone thickness of 4 mm, TE implants showed significantly higher tensile load compared to SP implants (P = .016 to .040). A correlation was found between the RFA measurements and tensile load. Mechanically stable placement is possible with TE and SP implants in a trabecular bone model. RFA and tensile load increased with greater bone thickness.

Resident Ratings of Communication Skills Using the Kalamazoo Adapted Checklist.

PubMed

Porcerelli, John H; Brennan, Simone; Carty, Jennifer; Ziadni, Maisa; Markova, Tsveti

2015-09-01

The Kalamazoo Essential Elements Communication Checklist-Adapted (KEECC-A) is a well-regarded instrument for evaluating communication and interpersonal skills. To date, little research has been conducted that assesses the accuracy of resident self-ratings of their communication skills. To assess whether residents can accurately self-rate communication skills, using the KEECC-A, during an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). A group of 104 residents from 8 specialties completed a multistation OSCE as part of an institutional communication skills curriculum conducted at a single institution. Standardized patients (SPs) and observers were trained in rating communication skills using the KEECC-A. Standardized patient ratings and resident self-ratings were completed immediately following each OSCE encounter, and trained observers rated archived videotapes of the encounters. Resident self-ratings and SP ratings using the KEECC-A were significantly correlated (r104  = 0.238, P = .02), as were resident self-ratings and observer ratings (r104  = 0.284, P = .004). The correlation between the SP ratings and observer (r104  = 0.378, P = .001) ratings were larger in magnitude, but not significantly different (P > .05) from resident/SP or resident/observer correlations. The results suggest that residents, with a modicum of training using the KEECC-A, can accurately rate their own communication and interpersonal skills during an OSCE. Using trained observers to rate resident communication skills provides a unique opportunity for evaluating SP and resident self-ratings. Our findings also lend further support for the reliability and validity of the KEECC-A.

Altered scapula position in elite young cricketers with shoulder problems.

PubMed

Green, Rodney A; Taylor, Nicholas F; Watson, Lyn; Ardern, Clare

2013-01-01

Shoulder injuries associated with the throwing and fielding demands of the game are common in elite cricketers. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with shoulder injuries in an elite junior squad. Cross-sectional study. Sixty players aged 15-19 years, from the Cricket Victoria elite junior male squads completed questionnaires and 46 completed clinical assessments conducted by a physiotherapist that included shoulder strength, range of movement and scapula position. Participants were classified into two groups; players currently reporting shoulder problems (SP) and those not reporting shoulder problems (NSP) on the basis of their response to the question 'Have you had any problems with your shoulder in the last 12 months that have affected you training for or playing cricket?'. Fifteen percent (9 of 60) of participants reported shoulder problems (SP). The level of shoulder disability in participants with SP, classified on standard self-report scales, was mild to moderate. The major difference between groups was that the SP group displayed a significant downward rotation of the scapula in almost all shoulder positions. There were no differences between the two groups for training factors, range of motion, or in clinical test results. However, contrary to expectations the SP group exhibited greater strength than the NSP group on some variables. A consistently downwardly rotated scapula associated with young cricketers with SP may predispose these cricketers to ongoing injury through impingement and also through increased load on the rotator cuff muscles acting at the glenohumeral joint during throwing. Copyright © 2012 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transcription factor specificity protein 1 modulates TGFβ1/Smad signaling to negatively regulate SIGIRR expression by human M1 macrophages stimulated with substance P.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Rui; Sakamoto, Arisa; Yamaguchi, Reona; Haraguchi, Misa; Narahara, Shinji; Sugiuchi, Hiroyuki; Yamaguchi, Yasuo

2018-08-01

The stimuli inducing expression of single immunoglobulin IL-1-related receptor (SIGIRR) and the relevant regulatory mechanisms are not well defined. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) delays internalization of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) and subsequently enhances cellular signaling. This study investigated the effect of TGFβ1 on SIGIRR protein production by human M1 macrophages in response to stimulation with substance P (SP). SP caused upregulation of SIGIRR expression in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas aprepitant (an NK1R inhibitor) blunted this response. Silencing p38γMAPK or TAK-1 partially attenuated the response to SP stimulation, while TGFβ1/2/3 siRNA dramatically diminished it. SP induced much greater SIGIRR protein production than either lipopolysaccharide (a TLR4 agonist) or resiquimod (a TLR7/8 agonist). Unexpectedly, silencing of transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) led to significant upregulation of SIGIRR expression after SP stimulation, while KLF2 siRNA only partially enhanced it and Fli-1 siRNA reduced it. SP also upregulated TGFβ1 expression, along with a corresponding increase of SIGIRR protein, whereas silencing TGFβ1/2/3 blunted these responses. Sp1 siRNA or mithramycin (a gene-selective Sp1 inhibitor) significantly enhanced the expression of TGFβ1 and SIGIRR by macrophages after SP stimulation. Importantly, this effect of Sp1 siRNA on TGFβ1 and SIGIRR was blunted by siRNA for Smad2, Smad3, or Smad4, but not by TAK-1 siRNA. Next, we investigated the influence of transcription factor cross-talk on SIGIRR expression in response to SP. Co-transfection of macrophages with Sp1 siRNA and C/EBPβ or TIF1β siRNA attenuated the upregulation of SIGIRR by SP, while a combination of Sp1 siRNA and Fli-1 siRNA dramatically diminished it. In conclusion, TGFβ1 may be an intermediary between SP/NK1R activation and SIGIRR expression in Sp1 siRNA-transfected macrophages. In addition, Sp1 modulates TGFβ1/Smad signaling and negatively regulates SIGIRR protein production by macrophages after SP stimulation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

COX-2 Promotes Migration and Invasion by the Side Population of Cancer Stem Cell-Like Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

PubMed Central

Guo, Zhe; Jiang, Jing-Hang; Zhang, Jun; Yang, Hao-Jie; Yang, Fu-Quan; Qi, Ya-Peng; Zhong, Yan-Ping; Su, Jie; Yang, Ri-Rong; Li, Le-Qun; Xiang, Bang-De

2015-01-01

Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be responsible for tumor relapse and metastasis due to their abilities to self-renew, differentiate, and give rise to new tumors. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is highly expressed in several kinds of CSCs, and it helps promote stem cell renewal, proliferation, and radioresistance. Whether and how COX-2 contributes to CSC migration and invasion is unclear. In this study, COX-2 was overexpressed in the CSC-like side population (SP) of the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line HCCLM3. COX-2 overexpression significantly enhanced migration and invasion of SP cells, while reducing expression of metastasis-related proteins PDCD4 and PTEN. Treating SP cells with the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib down-regulated COX-2 and caused a dose-dependent reduction in cell migration and invasion, which was associated with up-regulation of PDCD4 and PTEN. These results suggest that COX-2 exerts pro-metastatic effects on SP cells, and that these effects are mediated at least partly through regulation of PDCD4 and PTEN expression. These results further suggest that celecoxib may be a promising anti-metastatic agent to reduce migration and invasion by hepatic CSCs. PMID:26554780

Neutral endopeptidase modulates substance P-induced activation of human neutrophils.

PubMed

Iwamoto, I; Kimura, A; Yamazaki, H; Nakagawa, N; Tomioka, H; Yoshida, S

1990-01-01

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP; EC 3.4.24.11) is well recognized as a regulatory peptidase for substance P (SP)-induced responses in various tissues. To determine whether NEP regulates SP-induced activation of human neutrophils, we examined the effect of the NEP inhibitor phosphoramidon on SP-induced superoxide generation and chemotaxis in human blood neutrophils. SP (10(-6)-10(-4) M) induced superoxide generation and chemotaxis in the neutrophils dose dependently. The NEP inhibitor enhanced the SP-induced responses. Thus, phosphoramidon (10(-6) M) shifted the dose-response curves of SP-induced superoxide generation and chemotaxis of the neutrophils to the left by 0.5-0.6 log. Phosphoramidon prevented the hydrolysis of SP by the neutrophils, the NEP activity of the neutrophils being assessed as 125 +/- 13 pmol of SP/min/10(6) cells. The N-terminal peptide SP (up to 3 x 10(-4) M), which was a major degrading product by NEP of the neutrophils, did not activate the neutrophils. We conclude that NEP modulates SP-induced activation of human neutrophils.

Adsorption of p-nitrophenols (PNP) on microalgal biochar: Analysis of high adsorption capacity and mechanism.

PubMed

Zheng, Heshan; Guo, Wanqian; Li, Shuo; Chen, Yidi; Wu, Qinglian; Feng, Xiaochi; Yin, Renli; Ho, Shih-Hsin; Ren, Nanqi; Chang, Jo-Shu

2017-11-01

Biochars derived from three microalgal strains (namely, Chlorella sp. Cha-01, Chlamydomonas sp. Tai-03 and Coelastrum sp. Pte-15) were evaluated for their capacity to adsorb p-nitrophenols (PNP) using raw microalgal biomass and powdered activated carbon (PAC) as the control. The results show that BC-Cha-01 (biochar from Chlorella sp. Cha-01) exhibited a high PNP adsorption capacity of 204.8mgg -1 , which is 250% and 140% higher than that of its raw biomass and PAC, respectively. The adsorption kinetics and equilibrium are well described with pseudo-second-order equation and Freundlich model, respectively. BC-Cha-01 was found to contain higher polarity moieties with more O-containing functional groups than PAC and other microalgae-derived biochars. The strong polarity of binding sites on BC-Cha-01 may be responsible for its superior adsorption capacity. The biochars from Chlorella sp. Cha-01 seem to have the potential to serve as a highly efficient PNP adsorbent for wastewater treatment or emergency water pollution control. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of the effects of neurokinins on canine antral muscle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koelbel, C.B.; Mayer, E.A.; Van Deventer, G.

1988-12-01

The excitation of longitudinal antral muscle by substance P (SP) involves both a myogenic and a cholinergic effect. To examine if these responses are mediated by different neurokinin receptors, the authors studied the mechanical response and the release of ({sup 3}H)acetylcholine from antral muscle strips in response to SP, substance P methylester (SPME), neurokinin A (NKA), neurokinin B (NKB), and several nonmammalian tachykinins. All peptides studied showed a dose-dependent inotropic and chronotropic effect on spontaneous phasic contractions. This ionotropic effect in longitudinal muscle was partially atropine sensitive for SPME, SP, and NKB but not for NKA, whereas neither atropine normore » tetrodotoxin had an effect in circular muscle. In longitudinal muscle, all three neurokinins were equipotent. In longitudinal muscle treated with atropine and in circular muscle, the rank order of potency for the inotropic response was NKA > NKB > SP > SPME. For the chronotropic response the rank order was SPME, SP > NKA > NKB. NKA, NKB, and SP caused a dose-dependent, tetrodotoxin-sensitive increase in ({sup 3}H)acetylcholine release from strips preincubated with ({sup 3}H)choline. NKA was significantly more potent to release ({sup 3}H)acetylcholine than either NKB or SP. The stimulated release was inhibited by (D-Ala{sup 2},D-Met{sup 5})methionine enkephalinamide and the SP antagonist, spantide. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that NKA is the natural ligand mediating the myogenic inotropic response in both muscle layers and the cholinergic response in longitudinal muscle.« less

Age-related respiratory responses to substance P in normal sheep.

PubMed

Corcoran, B M; Haigh, A L

1993-01-01

The in vivo effects of substance P (SP) on respiratory parameters in four different age groups of sheep were examined. Intravenous SP (10(-8) to 5 x 10(-6) mol kg-1 bodyweight) caused a dose-dependent reduction in dynamic compliance and increase in respiratory resistance in all four groups. The bronchoconstrictor response was age-related, with the greatest response occurring in the youngest age group (four to six months). In the oldest group (over four years) there was minimal bronchomotor response to SP, but a dose-dependent apnoea was present. These findings indicate that there is an age-related alteration in the respiratory response to SP in sheep.

The geothermal system of Caviahue-Copahue Volcanic Complex (Chile-Argentina): New insights from self-potential, soil CO2 degassing, temperature measurements and helium isotopes, with structural and fluid circulation implications.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roulleau, Emilie; Bravo, Francisco; Barde-Cabusson, Stephanie; Pizarro, Marcela; Muños, Carlos; Sanchez, Juan; Tardani, Daniele; Sano, Yuji; Takahata, Naoto; de Cal, Federico; Esteban, Carlos

2016-04-01

Geothermal systems represent natural heat transfer engines in a confined volume of rock which are strongly influenced by the regional volcano-tectonic setting controlling the formation of shallow magmatic reservoirs, and by the local faults/fracture network, that permits the development of hydrothermal circulation cells and promote the vertical migration of fluids and heat. In the Southern Volcanic Zone of Chile-Argentina, geothermal resources occur in close spatial relationship with active volcanism along the Cordillera which is primarily controlled by the 1000 km long, NNE Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault Zone (LOFZ), an intra-arc dextral strike-slip fault system, associated with second-order intra-arc anisotropy of overall NE-SW (extensional) and NW-SE orientation (compressional). However there is still a lack of information on how fault network (NE and WNW strinking faults) and lithology control the fluid circulation. In this study, we propose new data of dense self-potential (SP), soil CO2 emanation and temperature (T) measurements within the geothermal area from Caviahue-Copahue Volcanic Complex (CCVC), coupled with helium isotopes ratios measured in fumaroles and thermal springs. We observe that inside the geothermal system the NE-striking faults, characterized by a combination of SP-CO2 and T maxima with high 3He/4He ratios (7.86Ra), promote the formation of high vertical permeability pathways for fluid circulation. Whereas, the WNW-striking faults represent low permeability pathways for hydrothermal fluids ascent associated with moderate 3He/4He ratios (5.34Ra), promoting the infiltration of meteoric water at shallow depth. These active zones are interspersed by SP-CO2- T minima, which represent self-sealed zones (e.g. impermeable altered rocks) at depth, creating a barrier inhibiting fluids rise. The NE-striking faults seem to be associated with the upflow zones of the geothermal system, where the boiling process produces a high vapor-dominated zone close to the surface. The WNW-striking faults seems to limit to the south the Copahue geothermal area.

Controlled sp(2) Functionalization of Boron Doped Diamond as a Route for the Fabrication of Robust and Nernstian pH Electrodes.

PubMed

Ayres, Zoë J; Borrill, Alexandra J; Newland, Jonathan C; Newton, Mark E; Macpherson, Julie V

2016-01-05

The development of a voltammetric boron doped diamond (BDD) pH sensor is described. To obtain pH sensitivity, laser micromachining (ablation) is utilized to introduce controlled regions of sp(2) carbon into a high quality polycrystalline BDD electrode. The resulting sp(2) carbon is activated to produce electrochemically reducible quinone groups using a high temperature acid treatment, followed by anodic polarization. Once activated, no further treatment is required. The quinone groups show a linear (R(2) = 0.999) and Nernstian (59 mV/(pH unit)) pH-dependent reductive current-voltage response over a large analyzable pH range, from pH 2 to pH 12. Using the laser approach, it is possible to optimize sp(2) coverage on the BDD surface, such that a measurable pH response is recorded, while minimizing background currents arising from oxygen reduction reactions on sp(2) carbon in the potential region of interest. This enables the sensor to be used in aerated solutions, boding well for in situ analysis. The voltammetric response of the electrode is not compromised by the presence of excess metal ions such as Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+). Furthermore, the pH sensor is stable over a 3 month period (the current time period of testing), can be stored in air between measurements, requires no reactivation of the surface between measurements, and can be reproducibly fabricated using the proposed approach. The efficacy of this pH sensor in a real-world sample is demonstrated with pH measurements in U.K. seawater.

Cue-induced reinstatement of ethanol seeking in Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats.

PubMed

Maccioni, Paola; Orrú, Alessandro; Korkosz, Agnieszka; Gessa, Gian Luigi; Carai, Mauro A M; Colombo, Giancarlo; Bienkowski, Przemyslaw

2007-02-01

The purpose of the present study was to characterize cue-induced reinstatement of ethanol seeking in selectively bred Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats trained to lever press for ethanol in 30-min self-administration sessions. Four responses on an "active" lever led to presentation of 0.1 ml of 15% (vol/vol) ethanol by a liquid dipper and concurrent activation of a set of discrete light and auditory cues. In a 70-min extinction/reinstatement session, responding was first extinguished for 60 min. Subsequently, different stimuli were delivered in a noncontingent manner and reinstatement of nonreinforced responding was assessed. Fifteen presentations of the ethanol-predictive stimulus complex, including the dipper cup containing 5 or 15% ethanol, potently reinstated responding on the previously active lever. The magnitude of reinstatement increased with the number of stimulus presentations and concentration of ethanol presented by the dipper cup. Fifteen presentations of the ethanol-predictive stimulus complex, including the dipper cup filled with water (0% ethanol), did not produce any reinstatement. These results indicate that (1) noncontingent presentations of the ethanol-predictive stimulus complex may reinstate ethanol seeking in sP rats and (2) the orosensory properties of ethanol may play an important role in reinstatement of ethanol seeking in sP rats. The latter finding concurs with clinical observations that odor and taste of alcoholic beverages elicit immediate craving responses in abstinent alcoholics.

[Antibacterial effect of self-etching adhesive systems on Streptococcus mutans].

PubMed

Zhang, Lu; Yuan, Chong-yang; Tian, Fu-cong; Wang, Xiao-yan; Gao, Xue-jun

2016-02-18

To investigate the antibacterial effect of different self-etching adhesive systems against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Six reagents Clearfil(TM) SE Bond primer (SP), Clearfil(TM) SE Bond adhesive (SA),Clearfil(TM) Protect Bond primer (PP), which contained antibacterial monomer methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide (MDPB), ClearfilTM Protect Bond adhesive (PA), positive control chlorhexidine acetate [CHX, 1% (mass fraction)], and negative control phosphate buffer solution (PBS) were selected. They were mixed with S. mutans for 30 s respectively, then colony-forming units (CFU) were counted after incubated for 48 h on brain heart infusion (BHI) agar medium. The 6 reagents were applied to the sterile paper discs, and distributed onto the BHI agar medium with S. mutans and incubated for 24 h, then the inhibition zones were observed. CHX, PBS, PP, and SP were added on the dentin with artificial caries induced by S. mutans and kept for 30 s, then confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) was used to observe the live and dead bacteria after staining. The ratio of live to dead bacteria was calculated. PP+PA and SP+SA were applied on the dentin according to the manual and light cured. S. mutans were incubated on the samples for 2 h, ultrasonically treated and incubated on BHI agar medium for 48 h, then CFU was counted. The data were analyzed by non-parametric analysis and one-way ANOVA. Compared with PBS, the PP, SP, PA, SA and CHX showed the antibacterial effect on free S. mutans (P<0.05); SP and PP showed stronger antibacterial effect than PA, SA and CHX (P<0.05). CHX, SP and PP presented inhibition zones, while PBS, SA and PA did not. Compared with PBS, the CHX, SP and PP could lower the ratio of the live to dead bacteria significantly (P<0.05). Cured self-etching adhesive systems did not show any antibacterial effect on the free S. mutans. The primer of self-etching adhesives Clearfil(TM) SE Bond and Clearfil(TM) Protect Bond showed significant antibacterial effect on free and attached S. mutans. The adhesive only showed antibacterial effect on free S. mutans before light-cured polymerization. After being cured, the self-etching adhesive systems did not show antibacterial effect anymore.

Do Surface Porosity and Pore Size Influence Mechanical Properties and Cellular Response to PEEK?

PubMed

Torstrick, F Brennan; Evans, Nathan T; Stevens, Hazel Y; Gall, Ken; Guldberg, Robert E

2016-11-01

Despite its widespread use in orthopaedic implants such as soft tissue fasteners and spinal intervertebral implants, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) often suffers from poor osseointegration. Introducing porosity can overcome this limitation by encouraging bone ingrowth; however, the corresponding decrease in implant strength can potentially reduce the implant's ability to bear physiologic loads. We have previously shown, using a single pore size, that limiting porosity to the surface of PEEK implants preserves strength while supporting in vivo osseointegration. However, additional work is needed to investigate the effect of pore size on both the mechanical properties and cellular response to PEEK. (1) Can surface porous PEEK (PEEK-SP) microstructure be reliably controlled? (2) What is the effect of pore size on the mechanical properties of PEEK-SP? (3) Do surface porosity and pore size influence the cellular response to PEEK? PEEK-SP was created by extruding PEEK through NaCl crystals of three controlled ranges: 200 to 312, 312 to 425, and 425 to 508 µm. Micro-CT was used to characterize the microstructure of PEEK-SP. Tensile, fatigue, and interfacial shear tests were performed to compare the mechanical properties of PEEK-SP with injection-molded PEEK (PEEK-IM). The cellular response to PEEK-SP, assessed by proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, vascular endothelial growth factor production, and calcium content of osteoblast, mesenchymal stem cell, and preosteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cultures, was compared with that of machined smooth PEEK and Ti6Al4V. Micro-CT analysis showed that PEEK-SP layers possessed pores that were 284 ± 35 µm, 341 ± 49 µm, and 416 ± 54 µm for each pore size group. Porosity and pore layer depth ranged from 61% to 69% and 303 to 391 µm, respectively. Mechanical testing revealed tensile strengths > 67 MPa and interfacial shear strengths > 20 MPa for all three pore size groups. All PEEK-SP groups exhibited > 50% decrease in ductility compared with PEEK-IM and demonstrated fatigue strength > 38 MPa at one million cycles. All PEEK-SP groups also supported greater proliferation and cell-mediated mineralization compared with smooth PEEK and Ti6Al4V. The PEEK-SP formulations evaluated in this study maintained favorable mechanical properties that merit further investigation into their use in load-bearing orthopaedic applications and supported greater in vitro osteogenic differentiation compared with smooth PEEK and Ti6Al4V. These results are independent of pore sizes ranging 200 µm to 508 µm. PEEK-SP may provide enhanced osseointegration compared with current implants while maintaining the structural integrity to be considered for several load-bearing orthopaedic applications such as spinal fusion or soft tissue repair.

Hypoxia and alkalinization inhibit endothelium-derived nitric oxide but not endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor responses in porcine coronary artery.

PubMed

Shimizu, S; Paul, R J

1999-10-01

We investigated the mechanisms by which hypoxia and alkalinization inhibit the endothelium-dependent relaxation to Substance P (SP) in porcine coronary artery. In a KCl contracture, the major component of the SP response is endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO), whereas with receptor-mediated 9,11-dideoxy-llalpha, 9alpha-epoxymethanoprostaglandin F(2alpha) (U46619) stimulation, the SP response is dependent on both EDNO and endothelium-derived hyperpolarization factor. Intracellular alkalinization by NH(4)Cl reduced the peak of SP responses when arteries were contracted with KCl, whereas with U46619 stimulation, the peak was little effected but the duration was shortened. In endothelial cell-denuded arteries, alkalinization with NH(4)Cl shifted the sodium nitroprusside concentration-relaxation relations rightward. The effects of NH(4)Cl in SP- and sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxations were attenuated by decreasing extracellular pH (pH(o)) from 7.4 to 7.2, which normalized intracellular pH (pH(i)) to control levels. In contrast, in U46619 contractures, the SP response in the presence of a NO synthase inhibitor was unaffected by NH(4)Cl. Moreover, hypoxia blunted but did not abolish the responses to SP for U46619 contractures; addition of KCl, however, abolished the SP response under hypoxia. Endothelial [Ca(2+)](i) was measured with fura-2 differentially loaded only into endothelial cells on intact arteries. Despite the attenuation of the SP response in KCl contractures by NH(4)Cl or hypoxia, endothelial [Ca(2+)](i) responses were unchanged. Our results suggest that hypoxia and alkalinization inhibit EDNO but not endothelium-derived hyperpolarization factor relaxations through a mechanism(s) not involving endothelial cell [Ca(2+)](i). Inhibition of EDNO relaxation by alkalinization with NH(4)Cl is likely to occur at the level of activation of guanylate cyclase and/or at a step downstream in smooth muscle.

Biosorption of Lead(II) by Arthrobacter sp. 25: Process Optimization and Mechanism.

PubMed

Jin, Yu; Wang, Xin; Zang, Tingting; Hu, Yang; Hu, Xiaojing; Ren, Guangming; Xu, Xiuhong; Qu, Juanjuan

2016-08-28

In the present work, Arthrobacter sp. 25, a lead-tolerant bacterium, was assayed to remove lead(II) from aqueous solution. The biosorption process was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken design. The relationships between dependent and independent variables were quantitatively determined by second-order polynomial equation and 3D response surface plots. The biosorption mechanism was explored by characterization of the biosorbent before and after biosorption using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of 9.6 mg/g was obtained at the initial lead ion concentration of 108.79 mg/l, pH value of 5.75, and biosorbent dosage of 9.9 g/l (fresh weight), which was close to the theoretically expected value of 9.88 mg/g. Arthrobacter sp. 25 is an ellipsoidalshaped bacterium covered with extracellular polymeric substances. The biosorption mechanism involved physical adsorption and microprecipitation as well as ion exchange, and functional groups such as phosphoryl, hydroxyl, amino, amide, carbonyl, and phosphate groups played vital roles in adsorption. The results indicate that Arthrobacter sp. 25 may be potentially used as a biosorbent for low-concentration lead(II) removal from wastewater.

Self-pressurized air-Q® intubating laryngeal airway versus the LMA® Classic™: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Ha, Sang Hee; Kim, Min-Soo; Suh, Jiwoo; Lee, Jong Seok

2018-05-01

The self-pressurized air-Q® (air-Q SP) intubating laryngeal airway is a relatively new supraglottic airway (SGA) device. The intracuff pressure of air-Q dynamically equilibrates with the airway pressure and adjusts to the patient's pharyngeal and periglottic anatomy, potentially providing improved airway fit and seal. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the clinical performance of air-Q to the LMA® Classic™ SGA. Adult patients requiring general anesthesia for elective surgery were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to either air-Q SP or the LMA Classic SGA. Oropharyngeal leak pressure (primary endpoint), success rate, insertion features (insertion time, ease of insertion, requirement for device manipulation), sealing function, gastric insufflation, bronchoscopic view, and oropharyngeal complications at device insertion and following its removal (sore throat, dysphagia, dysphonia) were compared. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) oropharyngeal leak pressure just after insertion was similar in the air-Q SP and LMA [16.8 (4.9) vs 18.6 (5.5) cm H 2 O, respectively; mean difference, 1.8 cm H 2 O; 95% CI, -0.5 to 4.2; P = 0.13] and did not differ at ten minutes following device insertion. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] peak inspiratory pressure just after insertion was lower in the air-Q SP (11.0 [10.0-13.0] vs 13.0 [11.0-14.0] cmH 2 O, median difference, 1.0 cm H 2 O; 95% CI, 0.0 to 2.0; P = 0.03) but no difference was observed at ten minutes. The median [IQR] insertion time was faster with the air-Q SP (15.9 [13.6-20.3] sec vs 24 [21.2-27.1] sec; median difference, 8.1 sec; 95% CI, 5.6 to 9.9; P < 0.001) and improved bronchoscopic viewing grade were seen with the air-Q SP immediately after insertion (P < 0.001). No differences between the groups were observed with respect to the rate of successful insertion at first attempt, overall insertion success rate, ease of insertion, and complications. The air-Q SP had similar leak pressures but a faster insertion time and superior bronchoscopic viewing grade when compared with the LMA Classic. The air-Q SP is a suitable alternative to the LMA Classic in adult patients and may be a superior conduit for tracheal intubation. www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02206438). Registered 1 August 2014.

75 FR 63870 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Notice of Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-18

.... The proposed rule would allow financial products such as securities index options, index futures, and options on index futures to be included along with the ETF in an equity option's net delta calculation. So... S&P 500 options, S&P 500 futures, options on S&P 500 futures or any other instrument that tracks the...

Ecological and evolutionary consequences of tri-trophic interactions: Spatial variation and effects of plant density.

PubMed

Abdala-Roberts, Luis; Parra-Tabla, Víctor; Moreira, Xoaquín; Ramos-Zapata, José

2017-02-01

The factors driving variation in species interactions are often unknown, and few studies have made a link between changes in interactions and the strength of selection. We report on spatial variation in functional responses by a seed predator (SP) and its parasitic wasps associated with the herb Ruellia nudiflora . We assessed the influence of plant density on consumer responses and determined whether density effects and spatial variation in functional responses altered natural selection by these consumers on the plant. We established common gardens at two sites in Yucatan, Mexico, and planted R. nudiflora at two densities in each garden. We recorded fruit output and SP and parasitoid attack; calculated relative fitness (seed number) under scenarios of three trophic levels (accounting for SP and parasitoid effects), two trophic levels (accounting for SP but not parasitoid effects), and one trophic level (no consumer effects); and compared selection strength on fruit number under these scenarios across sites and densities. There was spatial variation in SP recruitment, whereby the SP functional response was negatively density-dependent at one site but density-independent at the other; parasitoid responses were density-independent and invariant across sites. Site variation in SP attack led, in turn, to differences in SP selection on fruit output, and parasitoids did not alter SP selection. There were no significant effects of density at either site. Our results provide a link between consumer functional responses and consumer selection on plants, which deepens our understanding of geographic variation in the evolutionary outcomes of multitrophic interactions. © 2017 Botanical Society of America.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection and G and/or SH Protein Expression Contribute to Substance P, Which Mediates Inflammation and Enhanced Pulmonary Disease in BALB/c Mice

PubMed Central

Tripp, Ralph A.; Moore, Deborah; Winter, Jorn; Anderson, Larry J.

2000-01-01

A distinct clinical presentation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection of humans is bronchiolitis, which has clinical features similar to those of asthma. Substance P (SP), a tachykinin neuropeptide, has been associated with neurogenic inflammation and asthma; therefore, we chose to examine SP-induced inflammation with RSV infection. In this study, we examined the production of pulmonary SP associated with RSV infection of BALB/c mice and the effect of anti-SP F(ab)2 antibodies on the pulmonary inflammatory response. The peak production of pulmonary SP occurred between days 3 and 5 following primary RSV infection and day 1 after secondary infection. Treatment of RSV-infected mice with anti-SP F(ab)2 antibodies suggested that SP may alter the natural killer cell response to primary and secondary infection. In mice challenged after formalin-inactivated RSV vaccination, SP appears to markedly enhance pulmonary eosinophilia as well as increase polymorphonuclear cell trafficking to the lung. Based on studies with a strain of RSV that lacks the G and SH genes, the SP response to RSV infection appears to be associated with G and/or SH protein expression. These data suggest that SP may be an important contributor to the inflammatory response to RSV infection and that anti-SP F(ab)2 antibodies might be used to ameliorate RSV-associated disease. PMID:10644330

No effect of ablation of surfactant protein-D on acute cerebral infarction in mice.

PubMed

Lambertsen, Kate L; Østergaard, Kamilla; Clausen, Bettina H; Hansen, Søren; Stenvang, Jan; Thorsen, Stine B; Meldgaard, Michael; Kristensen, Bjarne W; Hansen, Pernille B; Sorensen, Grith L; Finsen, Bente

2014-07-19

Crosstalk between the immune system in the brain and the periphery may contribute to the long-term outcome both in experimental and clinical stroke. Although, the immune defense collectin surfactant protein-D (SP-D) is best known for its role in pulmonary innate immunity, SP-D is also known to be involved in extrapulmonary modulation of inflammation in mice. We investigated whether SP-D affected cerebral ischemic infarction and ischemia-induced inflammatory responses in mice. The effect of SP-D was studied by comparing the size of ischemic infarction and the inflammatory and astroglial responses in SP-D knock out (KO) and wild type (WT) mice subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. SP-D mRNA production was assessed in isolated cerebral arteries and in the whole brain by PCR, and SP-D protein in normal appearing and ischemic human brain by immunohistochemistry. Changes in plasma SP-D and TNF were assessed by ELISA and proximity ligation assay, respectively. Infarct volumetric analysis showed that ablation of SP-D had no effect on ischemic infarction one and five days after induction of ischemia. Further, ablation of SP-D had no effect on the ischemia-induced increase in TNF mRNA production one day after induction of ischemia; however the TNF response to the ischemic insult was affected at five days. SP-D mRNA was not detected in parenchymal brain cells in either naïve mice or in mice subjected to focal cerebral ischemia. However, SP-D mRNA was detected in middle cerebral artery cells in WT mice and SP-D protein in vascular cells both in normal appearing and ischemic human brain tissue. Measurements of the levels of SP-D and TNF in plasma in mice suggested that levels were unaffected by the ischemic insult. Microglial-leukocyte and astroglial responses were comparable in SP-D KO and WT mice. SP-D synthesis in middle cerebral artery cells is consistent with SP-D conceivably leaking into the infarcted area and affecting local cytokine production. However, there was no SP-D synthesis in parenchymal brain cells and ablation of SP-D had no effect on ischemic cerebral infarction.

Populational equilibrium through exosome-mediated Wnt signaling in tumor progression of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

PubMed

Koch, Raphael; Demant, Martin; Aung, Thiha; Diering, Nina; Cicholas, Anna; Chapuy, Bjoern; Wenzel, Dirk; Lahmann, Marlen; Güntsch, Annemarie; Kiecke, Christina; Becker, Sabrina; Hupfeld, Timo; Venkataramani, Vivek; Ziepert, Marita; Opitz, Lennart; Klapper, Wolfram; Trümper, Lorenz; Wulf, Gerald G

2014-04-03

Tumors are composed of phenotypically heterogeneous cell populations. The nongenomic mechanisms underlying transitions and interactions between cell populations are largely unknown. Here, we show that diffuse large B-cell lymphomas possess a self-organized infrastructure comprising side population (SP) and non-SP cells, where transitions between clonogenic states are modulated by exosome-mediated Wnt signaling. DNA methylation modulated SP-non-SP transitions and was correlated with the reciprocal expressions of Wnt signaling pathway agonist Wnt3a in SP cells and the antagonist secreted frizzled-related protein 4 in non-SP cells. Lymphoma SP cells exhibited autonomous clonogenicity and exported Wnt3a via exosomes to neighboring cells, thus modulating population equilibrium in the tumor.

Co-operative suppression of inflammatory responses in human dendritic cells by plant proanthocyanidins and products from the parasitic nematode Trichuris suis.

PubMed

Williams, Andrew R; Klaver, Elsenoor J; Laan, Lisa C; Ramsay, Aina; Fryganas, Christos; Difborg, Rolf; Kringel, Helene; Reed, Jess D; Mueller-Harvey, Irene; Skov, Søren; van Die, Irma; Thamsborg, Stig M

2017-03-01

Interactions between dendritic cells (DCs) and environmental, dietary and pathogen antigens play a key role in immune homeostasis and regulation of inflammation. Dietary polyphenols such as proanthocyanidins (PAC) may reduce inflammation, and we therefore hypothesized that PAC may suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced responses in human DCs and subsequent T helper type 1 (Th1) -type responses in naive T cells. Moreover, we proposed that, because DCs are likely to be exposed to multiple stimuli, the activity of PAC may synergise with other bioactive molecules that have anti-inflammatory activity, e.g. soluble products from the helminth parasite Trichuris suis (TsSP). We show that PAC are endocytosed by monocyte-derived DCs and selectively induce CD86 expression. Subsequently, PAC suppress the LPS-induced secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-12p70, while enhancing secretion of IL-10. Incubation of DCs with PAC did not affect lymphocyte proliferation; however, subsequent interferon-γ production was markedly suppressed, while IL-4 production was unaffected. The activity of PAC was confined to oligomers (degree of polymerization ≥ 4). Co-pulsing DCs with TsSP and PAC synergistically reduced secretion of tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-6 and IL-12p70 while increasing IL-10 secretion. Moreover, both TsSP and PAC alone induced Th2-associated OX40L expression in DCs, and together synergized to up-regulate OX40L. These data suggest that PAC induce an anti-inflammatory phenotype in human DCs that selectively down-regulates Th1 response in naive T cells, and that they also act cooperatively with TsSP. Our results indicate a novel interaction between dietary compounds and parasite products to influence immune function, and may suggest that combinations of PAC and TsSP can have therapeutic potential for inflammatory disorders. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Gold-Based Nanostructures for Ultrafast Dynamic Nanothermometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Hongtao

Nano-scale temperature measurements are of significance for fundamental understanding of functional applications and nanosystems, requiring ultimate miniaturization of thermometers with reduced size, maintained sensitivity, simplicity and accuracy of temperature reading. Particularly, grand challenges exist for scenarios of combustion or thermal shock where materials may be subjected to drastic temperature variations and extreme thermal flux, and dynamic thermal sensors with an ultrafast response (seconds to milliseconds) are yet to be developed. Targeting the developments of advanced nano-scale thermal sensors with a fast time response and rapid readout, this thesis reports innovative designs of high surface-to-volume ratio gold nanostructures including ultrathin gold island films on transparent quartz substrates and silica-gold core-shell (SiO2 Au) nanospheres as potential dynamic thermal sensors for accurate temperature determination. The sensing mechanism is based on strong temperature dependences of the thermally-dewetting-induced morphological self-reorganization and characteristic surface plasmon (SP) absorption of the gold nanostructures. The irreversible thermally-induced morphological and optical signatures behave as characteristic "fingerprints" for temperature recording, allowing the retrieval of thermal history ex-situ. The fundamental studies of thermal-induced dewetting process and its corresponding unique optical properties were extensively investigated by high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, which illustrate temperature and time dependent variations. As compared with current nanothermometer technologies such as metal-filled nanotubes, our thermo-sensor offers positively synergistic advantages of ultrafast time response, permanent recording and fast readout of thermal history, and ex-situ capability for effective temperature measurements. In addition, SiO2 Au nanospheres display simultaneously enhanced near bandgap edge (NBE) emissions and suppress defect level emission (DLE) of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), significantly improving the UV emission of the ZnO. Maximum emission enhancement by nearly 4 times was observed using SiO2 Au nanospheres with SP band at 554 nm. The enhanced UV emission is ascribed to the transfer of the energetic electrons excited by SP from gold nanoshells to the conduction band of ZnO. As a result of their superior tunability of surface plasmon resonance (SPR), the SiO2 Au core/shell nanospheres may be very useful in tuning the photoluminescence for a wide range of optoelectronic applications.

[Role of rostral ventrolateral medulla in the pressor response to intraventricular (4th) injection of substance P].

PubMed

Zhang, X H; Ni, H

1998-04-01

Experiments were done in rabbits anaesthetized with urethane and immobilized under artificial respiration. It was found that substance P (SP, 0.8 ng/kg dissolved in 100 microliters artificial cerebro-spinal fluid, CSF) injected into the 4th ventricle induced either a rise or a drop of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) with predominated pressor response. In addition, a rise in carotid arterial pressure (CAP) and reduction in heart rate (HR) were also observed, whereas no significant alteration in PAP, CAP and HR was observed. Microinjection of SP receptor antagonist [D-Pro2, D-Phe7, D-Trp9]--SP (5-10 ng dissolved in 0.5 microliter CSF) or phentolamine (2-3 micrograms dissolved in 0.5 microliter CSF) into the bilateral rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) prior to intraventricular injection of SP could block the SP-induced pressor responses in pulmonary and carotid arteries, while microinjection of SP receptor antagonist or phentolamine into bilateral caudal ventrolateral medulla (cVLM) at the same dosage had no effect. The results show that SP-induced pulmonary and carotid pressor responses may be mediated through SP-receptor and alpha-adrenergic receptors in the rostral ventro-lateral medulla (rVLM).

Novel selective agonists and antagonists confirm neurokinin NK1 receptors in guinea-pig vas deferens.

PubMed Central

Hall, J. M.; Morton, I. K.

1991-01-01

1. This study investigated the recognition characteristics of neurokinin receptors mediating potentiation of the contractile response to field stimulation in the guinea-pig vas deferens. 2. A predominant NK1 receptor population is strongly suggested by the relative activities of the common naturally-occurring tachykinin agonists, which fall within less than one order of magnitude. This conclusion is supported by the relative activities of the synthetic NK1 selective agonists substance P methyl ester, [Glp6,L-Pro9]-SP(6-11) and delta-aminovaleryl-[L-Pro9,N-MeLeu10]- SP(7-11) (GR73632) which were 0.78, 9.3 and 120 as active as substance P, respectively. Furthermore, the NK2 selective agonist [Lys3, Gly8,-R-gamma-lactam-Leu9]-NKA(3-10) (GR64349) was active only at the highest concentrations tested (greater than 10 microM), and the NK3 selective agonist, succ-[Asp6,N-MePhe8]-SP(6-11) (senktide) was essentially inactive (10 nM-32 microM). 3. [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]-SP(1-11) antagonized responses to neurokinin A, neurokinin B, physalaemin, eledoisin, [Glp6,D-Pro9]-SP(6-11), GR73632 and GR64349 (apparent pKB s 5.6-6.2), but was less potent in antagonizing responses to substance P, substance P methyl ester and [Glp6,L-Pro9]-SP(6-11) (apparent pKB s less than or equal to 5.0-5.0). 4. In contrast, the recently developed NK1-selective receptor antagonist [D-Pro9[Spiro-gamma-lactam]Leu10,Trp11]-SP(1-11) (GR71251) did not produce agonist-dependent pKB estimates. Schild plot analysis indicated a competitive interaction with a single receptor population where the antagonist had an estimated overall pKB of 7.58 +/- 0.13 for the four agonists of differing subtype selectivity tested (GR73632, GR64349, substance P methyl ester and neurokinin B).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:1707714

Water soluble polysaccharides from Spirulina platensis: extraction and in vitro anti-cancer activity.

PubMed

Kurd, Forouzan; Samavati, Vahid

2015-03-01

Polysaccharides from Spirulina platensis algae (SP) were extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction procedure. The optimal conditions for ultrasonic extraction of SP were determined by response surface methodology. The four parameters were, extraction time (X1), extraction temperature (X2), ultrasonic power (X3) and the ratio of water to raw material (X4), respectively. The experimental data obtained were fitted to a second-order polynomial equation. The optimum conditions were extraction time of 25 min, extraction temperature 85°C, ultrasonic power 90 W and ratio of water to raw material 20 mL/g. Under these optimal conditions, the experimental yield was 13.583±0.51%, well matched with the predicted models with the coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.9971. Then, we demonstrated that SP polysaccharides had strong scavenging activities in vitro on DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. Overall, SP may have potential applications in the medical and food industries. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantification of Self Pollution from Two Diesel School Buses using Three Independent Methods

PubMed Central

Liu, L.-J. Sally; Phuleria, Harish C.; Webber, Whitney; Davey, Mark; Lawson, Douglas R.; Ireson, Robert G.; Zielinska, Barbara; Ondov, John M.; Weaver, Christopher S.; Lapin, Charles A.; Easter, Michael; Hesterberg, Thomas W.; Larson, Timothy

2010-01-01

We monitored two Seattle school buses to quantify the buses’ self pollution using the dual tracers (DT), lead vehicle (LV), and chemical mass balance (CMB) methods. Each bus drove along a residential route simulating stops, with windows closed or open. Particulate matter (PM) and its constituents were monitored in the bus and from a LV. We collected source samples from the tailpipe and crankcase emissions using an on-board dilution tunnel. Concentrations of PM1, ultrafine particle counts, elemental and organic carbon (EC/OC) were higher on the bus than the LV. The DT method estimated that the tailpipe and the crankcase emissions contributed 1.1 and 6.8 μg/m3 of PM2.5 inside the bus, respectively, with significantly higher crankcase self pollution (SP) when windows were closed. Approximately two-thirds of in-cabin PM2.5 originated from background sources. Using the LV approach, SP estimates from the EC and the active personal DataRAM (pDR) measurements correlated well with the DT estimates for tailpipe and crankcase emissions, respectively, although both measurements need further calibration for accurate quantification. CMB results overestimated SP from the DT method but confirmed crankcase emissions as the major SP source. We confirmed buses’ SP using three independent methods and quantified crankcase emissions as the dominant contributor. PMID:20694046

The N-terminal domain of substance P is required for complete homologous desensitization but not phosphorylation of the rat neurokinin-1 receptor.

PubMed

Vigna, S R

2001-02-01

The agonist activity of substance P (SP) is a function of the C-terminal domain of the peptide. A C-terminal SP fragment (SP(6-11)) and analog (septide) and neurokinin A (NKA; a related tachykinin with a divergent N-terminal amino acid sequence) were found to be full neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) agonists, but were not able to desensitize the receptor maximally as much as SP. Substance P caused 95.6 +/- 0.9% maximal desensitization of the NK-1R whereas SP(6-11), septide, and NKA(only)caused 74 +/- 3.5, 50.6 +/- 8, and 71.5 +/- 4.4% maximal desensitization, respectively (mean +/- SEM; P < 0.001 vs SP). When a series of SP C-terminal fragment peptides were tested for their NK-1R desensitizing activity, it was found that SP(5-11)and SP(6-11)caused significantly less maximal NK-1R desensitization than SP. SP N-terminal fragment peptides had no effect on the ability of SP(6-11)to compete with(3)H-SP binding, generate an IP(3)response, or cause NK-1R desensitization when tested with or without SP(6-11). SP, SP(6-11), septide, and NKA all maximally stimulated 8-9-fold increases in NK-1R phosphorylation. When attached to the C-terminal domain of SP responsible for NK-1R binding and agonism, the N-terminus of SP is responsible for 25-50% of homologous desensitization and this may occur via a mechanism other than NK-1R phosphorylation. Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Primary stability of a hybrid self-tapping implant compared to a cylindrical non-self-tapping implant with respect to drilling protocols in an ex vivo model.

PubMed

Toyoshima, Takeshi; Wagner, Wilfried; Klein, Marcus Oliver; Stender, Elmar; Wieland, Marco; Al-Nawas, Bilal

2011-03-01

Modifications of implant design have been intending to improve primary stability. However, little is known about investigation of a hybrid self-tapping implant on primary stability. The aims of this study were to evaluate the primary stability of two hybrid self-tapping implants compared to one cylindrical non-self-tapping implant, and to elucidate the relevance of drilling protocols on primary stability in an ex vivo model. Two types of hybrid self-tapping implants (Straumann® Bone Level implant [BL], Straumann® Tapered Effect implant [TE]) and one type of cylindrical non-self-tapping implant (Straumann® Standard Plus implant [SP]) were investigated in the study. In porcine iliac cancellous bones, 10 implants each were inserted either using standard drilling or under-dimensioned drilling protocol. The evaluation of implant-bone interface stability was carried out by records of maximum insertion torque, the Periotest® (Siemens, Bensheim, Germany), the resonance frequency analysis (RFA), and the push-out test. In each drilling group, the maximum insertion torque values of BL and TE were significantly higher than SP (p=.014 and p=.047, respectively). In each group, the Periotest values of TE were significantly lower than SP (p=.036 and p=.033, respectively). The Periotest values of BL and TE were significantly lower in the group of under-dimensioned drilling than standard drilling (p=.002 and p=.02, respectively). In the RFA, no statistical significances were found in implants between two groups and between implants in each group. In each group, the push-out values of BL and TE were significantly higher than SP (p=.006 and p=.049, respectively). Hybrid self-tapping implants could achieve a high primary stability which predicts them for use in low-density bone. However, there is still a debate to clarify the influence of under-dimensioned drilling on primary stability. © 2009, Copyright the Authors. Journal Compilation © 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sp100 isoform-specific regulation of human adenovirus 5 gene expression.

PubMed

Berscheminski, Julia; Wimmer, Peter; Brun, Juliane; Ip, Wing Hang; Groitl, Peter; Horlacher, Tim; Jaffray, Ellis; Hay, Ron T; Dobner, Thomas; Schreiner, Sabrina

2014-06-01

Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) are nuclear structures that accumulate intrinsic host factors to restrict viral infections. To ensure viral replication, these must be limited by expression of viral early regulatory proteins that functionally inhibit PML-NB-associated antiviral effects. To benefit from the activating capabilities of Sp100A and simultaneously limit repression by Sp100B, -C, and -HMG, adenoviruses (Ads) employ several features to selectively and individually target these isoforms. Ads induce relocalization of Sp100B, -C, and -HMG from PML-NBs prior to association with viral replication centers. In contrast, Sp100A is kept at the PML tracks that surround the newly formed viral replication centers as designated sites of active transcription. We concluded that the host restriction factors Sp100B, -C, and -HMG are potentially inactivated by active displacement from these sites, whereas Sp100A is retained to amplify Ad gene expression. Ad-dependent loss of Sp100 SUMOylation is another crucial part of the virus repertoire to counteract intrinsic immunity by circumventing Sp100 association with HP1, therefore limiting chromatin condensation. We provide evidence that Ad selectively counteracts antiviral responses and, at the same time, benefits from PML-NB-associated components which support viral gene expression by actively recruiting them to PML track-like structures. Our findings provide insights into novel strategies for manipulating transcriptional regulation to either inactivate or amplify viral gene expression. We describe an adenoviral evasion strategy that involves isoform-specific and active manipulation of the PML-associated restriction factor Sp100. Recently, we reported that the adenoviral transactivator E1A targets PML-II to efficiently activate viral transcription. In contrast, the PML-associated proteins Daxx and ATRX are inhibited by early viral factors. We show that this concept is more intricate and significant than originally believed, since adenoviruses apparently take advantage of specific PML-NB-associated proteins and simultaneously inhibit antiviral measures to maintain the viral infectious program. Specifically, we observed Ad-induced relocalization of the Sp100 isoforms B, C, and HMG from PML-NBs juxtaposed with viral replication centers. In contrast, Sp100A is retained at Ad-induced PML tracks that surround the newly formed viral replication centers, acting as designated sites of active transcription. The host restriction factors Sp100B, -C, and -HMG are potentially inactivated by active displacement from these sites, whereas Sp100A is retained to amplify Ad gene expression.

Transcriptional activity of the homopurine-homopyrimidine repeat of the c-Ki-ras promoter is independent of its H-forming potential.

PubMed Central

Raghu, G; Tevosian, S; Anant, S; Subramanian, K N; George, D L; Mirkin, S M

1994-01-01

The mouse c-Ki-ras protooncogene promoter contains an unusual DNA element consisting of a 27 bp-long homopurine-homopyrimidine mirror repeat (H-motif) adjacent to a d(C-G)5 repeat. We have previously shown that in vitro these repeats may adopt H and Z conformations, respectively, causing nuclease and chemical hypersensitivity. Here we have studied the functional role of these DNA stretches using fine deletion analysis of the promoter and a transient transcription assay in vivo. We found that while the H-motif is responsible for approximately half of the promoter activity in both mouse and human cell lines, the Z-forming sequence exhibits little, if any, such activity. Mutational changes introduced within the homopurine-homopyrimidine stretch showed that its sequence integrity, rather than its H-forming potential, is responsible for its effect on transcription. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that the putative H-motif tightly binds several nuclear proteins, one of which is likely to be transcription factor Sp1, as determined by competition experiments. Southwestern hybridization studies detected two major proteins specifically binding to the H-motif: a 97 kD protein which presumably corresponds to Sp1 and another protein of 60 kD in human and 64 kD in mouse cells. We conclude that the homopurine-homopyrimidine stretch is required for full transcriptional activity of the c-Ki-ras promoter and at least two distinct factors, Sp1 and an unidentified protein, potentially contribute to the positive effect on transcription. Images PMID:8078760

[Comparison of the psychological effects of standard exercises with those of space exercises in autogenic training: from the perspective of passive concentration].

PubMed

Kondo, Ikuyo; Koshikawa, Fusako

2005-08-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the psychological effects of the heaviness and the warmth Standard Exercises (SE) with those of the first Space Exercises (SP) in Autogenic Training (AT) on college students. This study was conducted by the repeated practice of two experimental groups (SE, SP) and one control group (CT). The participants in the experimental groups practiced once a week, for three weeks. All the participants were assessed with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait Anxiety (STAI-T), Autogenic Training Clinical Effectiveness Scale (ATCES), and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. The results showed that the SE group showed more decreases in STAI-T and more increases in ATCES than the SP group, while the more neurotic, showed more increases in self-esteem in both the SE and SP groups. It is possible that non-clinical adults with high neuroticism might be able to enhance their STAI-T and ATCES in the SE group than in the SP group if their SE trainers respected their bodily abilities in readily responding to changes in sensations.

GT-094, a NO-NSAID, inhibits colon cancer cell growth by activation of a reactive oxygen species-microRNA-27a: ZBTB10-specificity protein pathway.

PubMed

Pathi, Satya S; Jutooru, Indira; Chadalapaka, Gayathri; Sreevalsan, Sandeep; Anand, S; Thatcher, Gregory Rj; Safe, Stephen

2011-02-01

Ethyl 2-((2,3-bis(nitrooxy)propyl)disulfanyl)benzoate (GT-094) is a novel nitric oxide (NO) chimera containing an nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and NO moieties and also a disulfide pharmacophore that in itself exhibits cancer chemopreventive activity. In this study, the effects and mechanism of action of GT-094 were investigated in RKO and SW480 colon cancer cells. GT-094 inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in both cell lines and this was accompanied by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and these responses were reversed after cotreatment with the antioxidant glutathione. GT-094 also downregulated genes associated with cell growth [cyclin D1, hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)], survival (bcl-2, survivin), and angiogenesis [VEGF and its receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2)]. Results of previous RNA interference studies in this laboratory has shown that these genes are regulated, in part, by specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 that are overexpressed in colon and other cancer cell lines and not surprisingly, GT-094 also decreased Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 in colon cancer cells. GT-094-mediated repression of Sp and Sp-regulated gene products was due to downregulation of microRNA-27a (miR-27a) and induction of ZBTB10, an Sp repressor that is regulated by miR-27a in colon cancer cells. Moreover, the effects of GT-094 on Sp1, Sp3, Sp4, miR-27a, and ZBTB10 were also inhibited by glutathione suggesting that the anticancer activity of GT-094 in colon cancer cells is due, in part, to activation of an ROS-miR-27a:ZBTB10-Sp transcription factor pathway.

75 FR 71773 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-24

... securities index options, index futures, and options on index futures to be included along with the ETF in an... hedged not only with SPY shares, but with S&P 500 options, S&P 500 futures, options on S&P 500 futures or... on a delta basis. \\9\\ ``Other units of trade'' would include, for example, options or futures...

Cardiovascular effects of spinal cord substance P: studies with a stable receptor agonist.

PubMed

Keeler, J R; Charlton, C G; Helke, C J

1985-06-01

The role of spinal cord substance P (SP) in regulating sympathetic outflow to the cardiovascular system was assessed with the stable active analog [pGlu5,MePhE8,MeGly9]-SP(5-11) (DiME-SP). The interaction of DiME-SP with spinal cord SP receptors was evaluated initially in binding studies. Saturable, high-affinity binding of [125I]Bolton-Hunter-SP to rat spinal cord membranes was dose-dependently inhibited by DiME-SP (IC50 = 1.5 microM). Intrathecal (i.t.) injections of DiME-SP (1.0-33 nmol) in anesthetized rats produced dose-dependent increases in blood pressure and heart rate that were accompanied by increases in plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine. Intravenous injections of the ganglionic blocker pentolinium blocked the cardiovascular and plasma catecholamine responses to i.t. injections of DiME-SP. Bulbospinal sympathoexcitatory pathways originating in the ventral medulla and their mediation by SP were also assessed. As demonstrated previously, application of bicuculline, the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor antagonist, to the ventral surface of the medulla produced sympathetic mediated increases in blood pressure and these effects were blocked by i.t. injection of the SP receptor antagonist [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]-SP. In this study, we studied the specificity of the SP antagonist for SP receptors by attempting to alter the actions of the SP antagonist with a SP agonist. Administration of DiME-SP (33 nmol i.t.) blocked the effects of [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]-SP (3.3 nmol i.t.). Specifically, the SP agonist countered the SP antagonist-mediated 1) hypotensive response and 2) inhibitory effect on bicuculline-induced sympathoexcitatory responses elicited from the ventral surface of the medulla. These data provide further evidence that SP transmits excitatory information to the cardiovascular system via spinal sympathetic pathways.

Making sense of all the conflict: a theoretical review and critique of conflict-related ERPs.

PubMed

Larson, Michael J; Clayson, Peter E; Clawson, Ann

2014-09-01

Cognitive control theory suggests that goal-directed behavior is governed by a dynamic interplay between areas of the prefrontal cortex. Critical to cognitive control is the detection and resolution of competing stimulus or response representations (i.e., conflict). Event-related potential (ERP) research provides a window into the nature and precise temporal sequence of conflict monitoring. We critically review the research on conflict-related ERPs, including the error-related negativity (ERN), Flanker N2, Stroop N450 and conflict slow potential (conflict SP or negative slow wave [NSW]), and provide an analysis of how these ERPs inform conflict monitoring theory. Overall, there is considerable evidence that amplitude of the ERN is sensitive to the degree of response conflict, consistent with a role in conflict monitoring. It remains unclear, however, to what degree contextual, individual, affective, and motivational factors influence ERN amplitudes and how ERN amplitudes are related to regulative changes in behavior. The Flanker N2, Stroop N450, and conflict SP ERPs represent distinct conflict-monitoring processes that reflect conflict detection (N2, N450) and conflict adjustment or resolution processes (N2, conflict SP). The investigation of conflict adaptation effects (i.e., sequence or sequential trial effects) shows that the N2 and conflict SP reflect post-conflict adjustments in cognitive control, but the N450 generally does not. Conflict-related ERP research provides a promising avenue for understanding the effects of individual differences on cognitive control processes in healthy, neurologic and psychiatric populations. Comparisons between the major conflict-related ERPs and suggestions for future studies to clarify the nature of conflict-related neural processes are provided. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impaired responsibility dimension of self-esteem of Brazilian adolescents with epilepsy.

PubMed

Siqueira, Nathália F; Oliveira, Fernando L B B; de Souza, Elisabete Abib Pedroso

2017-08-01

This study aimed to compare the self-esteem of Brazilian adolescents with epilepsy and Brazilian adolescents without this condition and the correlations between self-esteem of these adolescents with depression and anxiety symptoms. Study participants were 101 adolescents of both sexes, aged 10-19years old, from elementary and high school education. Fifty patients diagnosed with uncomplicated epilepsy attending the pediatric epilepsy clinic of University Hospital composed the case group. The other fifty-one adolescents without this diagnosis were attending public schools in Campinas-SP region. The instruments used were: identification card with demographics and epilepsy data, Multidimensional Self-Esteem Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Inventory of State-Trait Anxiety - IDATE. A statistically significant result was found in the Responsibility Self-esteem Dimension favoring the control group. Significant correlations between self-esteem scores and anxiety and depression symptoms were also found. The development of a chronic disease such as epilepsy leads to a change in the way the individual perceives himself and the social environment he is inserted, influencing his behavior. The way people with epilepsy experience their seizures is a subjective measure that will control his/her well-being. Childhood and adolescence form the basis for a healthy emotional development; thus, our results show the importance of studying how subjective variables relate to the physical aspects of a chronic disease in these life stages. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modulation of substance P signaling by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzymatic activity in human glioma cell lines.

PubMed

Busek, P; Stremenová, J; Krepela, E; Sedo, A

2008-01-01

Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV, CD26) is a serine protease almost ubiquitously expressed on cell surface and present in body fluids. DPP-IV has been suggested to proteolytically modify a number of biologically active peptides including substance P (SP) and the chemokine stromal cell derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha, CXCL12). SP and SDF-1alpha have been implicated in the regulation of multiple biological processes and also induce responses that may be relevant for glioma progression. Both SP and SDF-1alpha are signaling through cell surface receptors and use intracellular calcium as a second messenger. The effect of DPP-IV on intracellular calcium mobilization mediated by SP and SDF-1alpha was monitored in suspension of wild type U373 and DPP-IV transfected U373DPPIV glioma cells using indicator FURA-2. Nanomolar concentrations of SP triggered a transient dose dependent increase in intracellular calcium rendering the cells refractory to repeated stimulation, while SDF-1 had no measurable effect. SP signaling in DPP-IV overexpressing U373DPPIV cells was not substantially different from that in wild type cells. However, preincubation of SP with the DPP-IV overexpressing cells lead to the loss of its signaling potential, which could be prevented with DPP-IV inhibitors. Taken together, DPP-IV may proteolytically inactivate local mediators involved in gliomagenesis.

Modulation of gastric contractions in response to tachykinins and bethanechol by extrinsic nerves.

PubMed Central

Holzer-Petsche, U.

1991-01-01

1. Extrinsic reflexes elicited by changes in gastric wall tension play an important role in regulating gastric tone. The present study investigated whether such reflexes modulate gastric contractions induced by close arterially administered neurokinin A (NKA), substance P (SP), SP-methylester and bethancehol in anaesthetized rats. 2. Reflex pathways were acutely interrupted by either subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or prevertebral ganglionectomy. C-fibre afferent nerve activity was abolished by pretreating rats with capsaicin 10 to 16 days before the experiments. 3. The order of potency in inducing gastric contractions was NKA greater than SP greater than bethanechol. SP-methylester was markedly less effective than SP and its effects did not fit sigmoid dose-response curves (DRCs). The maximal responses to NKA, SP, and bethanechol were similar, whilst the DRC for SP was significantly flatter than those for NKA or bethanechol. Pretreatment of the rats with the peptidase inhibitors phosphoramidon or captopril did not increase the contractile response to SP. 4. Prevertebral ganglionectomy had no significant effect on the DRCs for SP and NKA, whereas vagotomy shifted the DRCs for all three test substances to the left. 5. Capsaicin pretreatment did not change the DRC for NKA in rats with intact vagus but shifted that for bethanechol to the left. The leftward of the DRC for NKA caused by vagotomy was prevented in capsaicin-pretreated rats whereas the vagotomy-induced shift of the DRC for bethanechol remained unaltered. The shift of the DRC for SP seen in response to vagotomy was only slightly reduced by capsaicin pretreatment. 6. These data may be interpreted as demonstrating two neuronal mechanisms for modulating drug-induced gastric contractions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:1717093

Efficient Expression of Maltohexaose-Forming α-Amylase from Bacillus stearothermophilus in Brevibacillus choshinensis SP3 and Its Use in Maltose Production

PubMed Central

Duan, Xuguo

2017-01-01

The maltohexaose-forming, Ca2+-independent α-amylase gene from Bacillus stearothermophilus (AmyMH) was efficiently expressed in Brevibacillus choshinensis SP3. To improve the production of AmyMH in B. choshinensis SP3, the temperature and initial pH of culture medium were optimized. In addition, single-factor and response surface methodologies were pursued to optimize culture medium. Addition of proline to the culture medium significantly improved the production of recombinant α-amylase in B. choshinensis SP3. This improvement may result from improved cellular integrity of recombinant B. choshinensis SP3 in existence of proline. Culture medium optimization resulted in an 8-fold improvement in α-amylase yield, which reached 1.72 × 104 U·mL−1. The recombinant α-amylase was applied to the production of maltose on a laboratory scale. A maltose content of 90.72%, which could be classified as an extremely high maltose syrup, could be achieved using 15% (m/v) corn starch as the substrate. This study demonstrated that the B. choshinensis SP3 expression system was able to produce substantial quantities of recombinant α-amylase that has potential application in the starch industry. PMID:29250543

Arsenic-induced genotoxicity in Nile tilapia (Orechromis niloticus); the role of Spirulina platensis extract.

PubMed

Sayed, Alaa El-Din H; Elbaghdady, Heba Allah M; Zahran, Eman

2015-12-01

Arsenic (As) is one of the most relevant environmental global single substance toxicants that have long been regarded as a carcinogenic and genotoxic potential. In this respect, we evaluated the cytogenetic effect of arsenic exposure in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), in terms of erythrocyte alteration, apoptosis, and induction of micronuclei. Spirulina platensis (SP) is a filamentous cyanobacterium microalgae with potent dietary phytoantioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancerous properties supplementation. The protective role of Spirulina as supplementary feeds was studied in Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) against arsenic-induced cytogenotoxicity. Four groups were assigned as control group (no SP or As), As group (exposed to water-born As in the form of NaAsO2 at 7 ppm), SP1 (SP at 7.5% + As at the same level of exposure), and SP2 (SP at 10% + As at the same level of exposure). As-treated group had a significant increase in all cytogenetic analyses including erythrocyte alteration, apoptosis, and induction of micronuclei after 2 weeks with continuous increase in response after 3 weeks. The combined treatment of Spirulina at two different concentrations of 7.5 and 10% had significantly declined the induction of erythrocyte alteration, apoptosis, and micronuclei formation induced by arsenic intoxication.

Suppressing effect of COR659 on alcohol, sucrose, and chocolate self-administration in rats: involvement of the GABAB and cannabinoid CB1 receptors.

PubMed

Maccioni, Paola; Colombo, Giancarlo; Lorrai, Irene; Zaru, Alessandro; Carai, Mauro A M; Gessa, Gian Luigi; Brizzi, Antonella; Mugnaini, Claudia; Corelli, Federico

2017-09-01

COR659 [methyl2-(4-chlorophenylcarboxamido)-4-ethyl-5-methylthiophene-3-carboxylate] is a new, positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the GABA B receptor. This study evaluated whether COR659 shared with previously tested GABA B PAMs the capacity to reduce alcohol self-administration in rats. Treatment with non-sedative doses of COR659 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg; i.p.) suppressed lever-responding for alcohol (15% v/v) in Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats under the fixed ratio (FR) 4 (FR4) and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement; COR659 was more potent and effective than the reference GABA B PAM, GS39783. Treatment with COR659, but not GS39783, suppressed (a) lever-responding for a sucrose solution (1-3% w/v) in sP rats under the FR4 and PR schedules, (b) lever-responding for a chocolate solution [5% (w/v) Nesquik®] in Wistar rats under the FR10 and PR schedules, and (c) cue-induced reinstatement of chocolate seeking in Wistar rats. Treatment with COR659 was completely ineffective on lever-responding (FR10) for regular food pellets in food-deprived Wistar rats. Pretreatment with the GABA B receptor antagonist, SCH50911, partially blocked COR659-induced reduction of alcohol self-administration, being ineffective on reduction of chocolate self-administration. Pretreatment with the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor antagonist, AM4113, fully blocked COR659-induced reduction of chocolate self-administration, being ineffective on reduction of alcohol self-administration. COR659 might exert its behavioral effects via a composite mechanism: (i) positive allosteric modulation of the GABA B receptor, responsible for a large proportion of reduction of alcohol self-administration; (ii) an action at other receptor system(s), including the cannabinoid CB 1 receptor, through which COR659 affects seeking and consumption of highly palatable foods.

Monopodial and sympodial branching architecture in cotton is differentially regulated by the Gossypium hirsutum SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS and SELF-PRUNING orthologs.

PubMed

McGarry, Roisin C; Prewitt, Sarah F; Culpepper, Samantha; Eshed, Yuval; Lifschitz, Eliezer; Ayre, Brian G

2016-10-01

Domestication of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) converted it from a lanky photoperiodic perennial to a day-neutral annual row-crop. Residual perennial traits, however, complicate irrigation and crop management, and more determinate architectures are desired. Cotton simultaneously maintains robust monopodial indeterminate shoots and sympodial determinate shoots. We questioned if and how the FLOWERING LOCUS T/SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS (SFT)-like and TERMINAL FLOWER1/SELF-PRUNING (SP)-like genes control the balance of monopodial and sympodial growth in a woody perennial with complex growth habit. Virus-based manipulation of GhSP and GhSFT expression enabled unprecedented functional analysis of cotton development. GhSP maintains growth in all apices; in its absence, both monopodial and sympodial branch systems terminate precociously. GhSFT encodes a florigenic signal stimulating rapid onset of sympodial branching and flowering in side shoots of wild photoperiodic and modern day-neutral accessions. High florigen concentrations did not alter monopodial apices, implying that once a cotton apex is SP-determined, it cannot be reset by florigen. GhSP is also essential to establish and maintain cambial activity. Dynamic changes in GhSFT and GhSP levels navigate meristems between monopodial and sympodial programs in a single plant. SFT and SP influenced cotton domestication and are ideal targets for further agricultural optimization. © 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust.

Differential thermal response within inshore vs. offshore congeneric scleractinian coral species in Palau.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoadley, K. D.; Lewis, A.; Wham, D.; Pettay, D. T.; Kemp, D.; Warner, M.; Lajeunesse, T.

2016-02-01

The rock island reef habitats of Palau are an ideal location to study climate change effects to reefs, as corals there are exposed to average temperature and pCO2 conditions well above levels experienced at offshore reef locations. We examined the response of 6 coral species, Acropora muricata, Goniastrea sp, Porities rus, Cyphastrea sp, Porites cylindrical and Pachyseris sp, from both rock island and offshore habitats to high temperature (32 Celsius) for 15 days. With the exception of P. rus and P. cylindrica which harbored Symbiodinium C15 at both locations, other rock island corals harbored the thermally tolerant species Symbiodinium trenchii, whereas offshore colonies harbored clade C symbionts. A total of 15 separate host and symbiont physiological variables were utilized to assess thermal acclimation/stress response within each host/symbiont combination. Differences in photophysiology, algal cell volume and biochemical composition were observed for Symbiodinium trenchii within different host species, reflecting the importance of the host organism in mitigating the symbiont response. Similarly, the host thermal response was also dependent on symbiont type, with greater reductions in symbiont density occurring within the offshore colonies. Overall, prior exposure to warmer temperatures, elevated nutrient and pCO2 conditions, along with association with more robust symbionts allowed rock island corals to exhibit greater thermal tolerance toward high temperature. Importantly, the results herein for Symbiodinium trenchii physiological plasticity and thermal mitigation provides useful insight into the potential of scleractinian corals to acclimatize under future climate change scenarios.

Attachment styles in patients with avoidant personality disorder compared with social phobia.

PubMed

Eikenaes, Ingeborg; Pedersen, Geir; Wilberg, Theresa

2016-09-01

Avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) and social phobia (SP) are common, closely related conditions. Little is known about the underlying processes related to the social discomfort of subjects with AvPD and SP. Both disorders are associated with interpersonal problems. An attachment perspective may shed light on similarities and differences in close relationships between the disorders. The aim of the study was to compare self-reported attachment styles in patients with AvPD and SP. We expected that patients with AvPD would have more attachment anxiety and avoidance and more often a Fearful attachment style, compared with SP. This is a cross-sectional multisite study of 90 adult patients with AvPD and SP. Patients with AvPD with and without SP (AvPD group) were compared with patients with SP without AvPD (SP group). Patients were assessed using structured diagnostic interviews and self-reporting questionnaires, including Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR). The ECR dimensions, Anxiety and Avoidance, and the new described five factors of the ECR were used. The AvPD group had higher levels of attachment anxiety than the SP group, especially for the sub-factors Anxiety for abandonment and Separation frustration. The diagnostic groups did not differ in levels of avoidance. Anxiety for abandonment was still associated with AvPD after controlling for symptom disorders and the criteria of other personality disorders. A Fearful attachment style was more frequent among patients with AvPD. The results indicate AvPD is associated with more attachment anxiety than SP. Fear of abandonment may play a significant role in the AvPD pathology. This is the first study to compare attachment styles in patients with avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) and social phobia (SP). The AvPD group had higher attachment-related anxiety than the SP group, and anxiety was most pronounced for the fear of abandonment. Fear of abandonment may play an important role in the AvPD pathology. © 2015 The British Psychological Society.

Resistivity and self-potential tomography applied to groundwater remediation and contaminant plumes: Sandbox and field experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, D.; Revil, A.; Hort, R. D.; Munakata-Marr, J.; Atekwana, E. A.; Kulessa, B.

2015-11-01

Geophysical methods can be used to remotely characterize contaminated sites and monitor in situ enhanced remediation processes. We have conducted one sandbox experiment and one contaminated field investigation to show the robustness of electrical resistivity tomography and self-potential (SP) tomography for these applications. In the sandbox experiment, we injected permanganate in a trichloroethylene (TCE)-contaminated environment under a constant hydraulic gradient. Inverted resistivity tomograms are able to track the evolution of the permanganate plume in agreement with visual observations made on the side of the tank. Self-potential measurements were also performed at the surface of the sandbox using non-polarizing Ag-AgCl electrodes. These data were inverted to obtain the source density distribution with and without the resistivity information. A compact horizontal dipole source located at the front of the plume was obtained from the inversion of these self-potential data. This current dipole may be related to the redox reaction occurring between TCE and permanganate and the strong concentration gradient at the front of the plume. We demonstrate that time-lapse self-potential signals can be used to track the kinetics of an advecting oxidizer plume with acceptable accuracy and, if needed, in real time, but are unable to completely resolve the shape of the plume. In the field investigation, a 3D resistivity tomography is used to characterize an organic contaminant plume (resistive domain) and an overlying zone of solid waste materials (conductive domain). After removing the influence of the streaming potential, the identified source current density had a magnitude of 0.5 A m-2. The strong source current density may be attributed to charge movement between the neighboring zones that encourage abiotic and microbially enhanced reduction and oxidation reactions. In both cases, the self-potential source current density is located in the area of strong resistivity gradient.

Evidence that tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors mediate non-adrenergic non-cholinergic excitation and contraction in the circular muscle of guinea-pig duodenum.

PubMed Central

Zagorodnyuk, V.; Santicioli, P.; Maggi, C. A.; Giachetti, A.

1995-01-01

1. In the presence of atropine (1 microM), guanethidine (3 microM), indomethacin (3 microM), apamin (0.1 microM) and L-nitroarginine (L-NOARG, 30 microM), electrical field simulation (EFS) produced a nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) excitatory junctional potential (e.j.p.), action potentials and contraction of the circular muscle of the guinea-pig proximal duodenum, recorded by the single sucrose gap technique. 2. The selective tachykinin (TK) NK1 receptor antagonist, GR 82,334 (30 nM-3 microM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. and contraction. Similarly, the selective NK2 receptor antagonists, MEN 10,627 (30 nM-3 microM) and GR 94,800 (100 nM-10 microM), both produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the EFS-evoked NANC e.j.p. and contraction. GR 82,334 inhibited the electrical and mechanical NANC responses to EFS in an almost parallel manner, while MEN 10,627 and GR 94,800 were more effective in inhibiting the mechanical than the electrical response to EFS. 3. Activation of the NK1 or NK2 receptor by the selective agonists, [Sar9]substance P (SP) sulphone and [beta Ala8]neurokinin A (NKA) (4-10), respectively (0.3 microM each), produced depolarization, action potentials and contractions. GR 82,334 selectively inhibited the responses to [Sar9]SP sulphone, without affecting the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10). MEN 10,627 and GR 94,800 inhibited or abolished the responses to [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10), without affecting the responses to [Sar9]SP sulphone. 4. Nifedipine (1 microM) abolished the action potentials and contraction produced either by EFS or by the TK receptor agonists [Sar9]SP sulphone or [beta Ala8]NKA (4-10). 5. In the presence of nifedipine, the NANC e.j.p. produced by EFS was biphasic: in the majority of strips tested (21 out of 29) an early fast phase of depolarization was followed by a second slow component. The combined administration of GR 82,334 and GR 94,800 (3 microM each) reduced both components, the slow phase being inhibited to a greater extent than the fast phase. 6. The P2 purinoreceptor antagonist, suramin (100 microM) reduced the fast phase of the e.j.p. produced by EFS in the presence of nifedipine, without affecting the slow phase. The combined administration of suramin, GR 82,334 and GR 94,800 produced a nearly complete blockade of the e.j.p. produced by EFS in the presence of nifedipine. 7. When tested in the absence of apamin and L-NOARG, EFS induced a NANC inhibitory junction potential (i.j.p.) followed by an e.j.p., and the selective P2Y receptor agonist, adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (ADP beta S, 10 microM), produced membrane hyperpolarization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:7545517

Synthetic extreme environments: overlooked sources of potential biotechnologically relevant microorganisms.

PubMed

Sibanda, Timothy; Selvarajan, Ramganesh; Tekere, Memory

2017-05-01

Synthetic extreme environments like carwash effluent tanks and drains are potential sources of biotechnologically important microorganisms and molecules which have, however, remained unexplored. Using culture- and molecular-based methods, a total of 17 bacterial isolates belonging to the genera Shewanella, Proteus, Paenibacillus, Enterobacter and Citrobacter, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Pantoea were identified. Hydrocarbon utilization and enzyme production screening assays showed that Aeromonas sp. CAC11, Paenibacillus sp. CAC12 and Paenibacillus sp. CAC13 and Citrobacter sp. PCW7 were able to degrade benzanthracene, naphthalene and diesel oil, Paenibacillus sp. CAC12 and Paenibacillus sp. CAC13 could produce cellulase enzyme, while Proteus sp. BPS2, Pseudomonas sp. SAS8 and Proteus sp. CAL3 could produce lipase. GC-MS analysis of bacterial secondary metabolites resulted in identification of 107 different compounds produced by Proteus sp. BPS2, Paenibacillus sp. CAC12, Pseudomonas sp. SAS8, Proteus sp. CAL3 and Paenibacillus sp. CAC13. Most of the compounds identified by both GC-MS and LC-MS have previously been determined to have antibacterial, antifungal and/or anticancer properties. Further, microbial metabolites which have previously been known to be produced only by plants or microorganisms found in natural extreme environments were also identified in this study. This research has revealed the immense bioresource potential of microorganisms inhabiting synthetic extreme environments. © 2017 The Authors. Microbial Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Society for Applied Microbiology.

The potential of forgiveness as a response for coping with negative peer experiences.

PubMed

Flanagan, Kelly S; Vanden Hoek, Kristin K; Ranter, Jennifer M; Reich, Holly A

2012-10-01

Coping strategies employed by adolescents in response to negative peer experiences are related to their adjustment. This study examines the potential of forgiveness as a coping response for negative peer experiences in early adolescence. Participants were 616 6th through 8th grade students at a middle school (46% girls) who completed self-report measures of bullying and victimization experiences, general coping strategies in response to bullying, social anxiety, self-esteem, and a measure of forgiveness to a self-identified experience of being bullied or hurt by a peer. Forgiveness was positively associated with conflict resolution, advice and support seeking strategies, and negatively associated with revenge seeking. Forgiveness was also positively associated with concurrent self-esteem and negatively associated with social anxiety. Further, forgiveness was related to social anxiety and self-esteem after accounting for bullying behavior and victimization experiences, general coping responses, and gender. Developmental considerations of forgiveness and implications for this response are considered. Copyright © 2012 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. All rights reserved.

Non-human Primate and Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts show similar Extracellular Matrix-related and Cellular Adhesion Gene Responses to Substance P

PubMed Central

Meléndez, Giselle C.; Manteufel, Edward J.; Dehlin, Heather M.; Register, Thomas C.; Levick, Scott P.

2015-01-01

Background The sensory nerve neuropeptide substance P (SP) regulates cardiac fibrosis in rodents under pressure overload conditions. Interestingly, SP induces transient increase expression of specific genes in isolated rat cardiac fibroblasts, without resultant changes in cell function. This suggests that SP ‘primes’ fibroblasts, but does not directly activate them. We investigated whether these unusual findings are specific to rodent fibroblasts or are translatable to a larger animal model more closely related to humans. Methods We compared the effects of SP on genes associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation, cell-cell adhesion, cell-matrix adhesion and ECM in cardiac fibroblasts isolated from a non-human primate and Sprague-Dawley rats. Results We found that rodent and non-human primate cardiac fibroblasts showed similar ECM regulation and cell adhesion gene expression responses to SP. There were, however, large discrepancies in ECM genes which did not result in collagen or laminin synthesis in rat or non-human primate fibroblasts in response to SP. Conclusions This study further supports the notion that SP serves as a ‘primer’ for fibroblasts rather than initiating direct effects and suggests that rodent fibroblasts are a suitable model for studying gene and functional responses to SP in the absence of human or non-human primate fibroblasts. PMID:25550118

Use of NK1 receptor antagonists in the exploration of physiological functions of substance P and neurokinin A.

PubMed

Otsuka, M; Yoshioka, K; Yanagisawa, M; Suzuki, H; Zhao, F Y; Guo, J Z; Hosoki, R; Kurihara, T

1995-07-01

Tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists were used to explore the physiological functions of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA). Pharmacological profiles of three NK1 receptor antagonists, GR71251, GR82334, and RP 67580, were examined in the isolated spinal cord preparation of the neonatal rat. These tachykinin receptor antagonists exhibited considerable specificities and antagonized the actions of both SP and NKA to induce the depolarization of ventral roots. Electrical stimulation of the saphenous nerve with C-fiber strength evoked a depolarization lasting about 30 s of the ipsilateral L3 ventral root. This response, which is referred to as saphenous-nerve-evoked slow ventral root potential (VRP), was depressed by these NK1 receptor antagonists. In contrast, the saphenous-nerve-evoked slow VRP was potentiated by application of a mixture of peptidase inhibitors, including thiorphan, actinonin, and captopril in the presence of naloxone, but not after further addition of GR71251. Likewise, in the isolated coeliac ganglion of the guinea pig, electrical stimulation of the mesenteric nerves evoked in some ganglionic cells slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), which were depressed by GR71251 and potentiated by peptidase inhibitors. These results further support the notion that SP and NKA serve as neurotransmitters producing slow EPSPs in the neonatal rat spinal cord and guinea pig prevertebral ganglia.

Subcritical Water Technology for Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Chlorella sp. Microalgae and Assessment on Its Antioxidant Activity.

PubMed

Zakaria, Siti Maisurah; Kamal, Siti Mazlina Mustapa; Harun, Mohd Razif; Omar, Rozita; Siajam, Shamsul Izhar

2017-07-03

Chlorella sp . microalgae is a potential source of antioxidants and natural bioactive compounds used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, a subcritical water (SW) technology was applied to determine the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Chlorella sp . This study focused on maximizing the recovery of Chlorella sp. phenolic content and antioxidant activity measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay as a function of extraction temperature (100-250 °C), time (5-20 min) and microalgae concentration (5-20 wt. %) using response surface methodology. The optimal operating conditions for the extraction process were found to be 5 min at 163 °C with 20 wt. % microalgae concentration, which resulted in products with 58.73 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g phenolic content and 68.5% inhibition of the DPPH radical. Under optimized conditions, the experimental values were in close agreement with values predicted by the model. The phenolic content was highly correlated (R² = 0.935) with the antioxidant capacity. Results indicated that extraction by SW technology was effective and that Chlorella sp . could be a useful source of natural antioxidants.

Blue copper model complexes with distorted tetragonal geometry acting as effective electron-transfer mediators in dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Hattori, Shigeki; Wada, Yuji; Yanagida, Shozo; Fukuzumi, Shunichi

2005-07-06

The electron self-exchange rate constants of blue copper model complexes, [(-)-sparteine-N,N'](maleonitriledithiolato-S,S')copper ([Cu(SP)(mmt)])(0/)(-), bis(2,9-dimethy-1,10-phenanthroline)copper ([Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+)), and bis(1,10-phenanthroline)copper ([Cu(phen)(2)](2+/+)) have been determined from the rate constants of electron transfer from a homologous series of ferrocene derivatives to the copper(II) complexes in light of the Marcus theory of electron transfer. The resulting electron self-exchange rate constant increases in the order: [Cu(phen)(2)](2+/+) < [Cu(SP)(mmt)](0/)(-) < [Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+), in agreement with the order of the smaller structural change between the copper(II) and copper(I) complexes due to the distorted tetragonal geometry. The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) were constructed using the copper complexes as redox couples to compare the photoelectrochemical responses with those using the conventional I(3)(-)/I(-) couple. The light energy conversion efficiency (eta) values under illumination of simulated solar light irradiation (100 mW/cm(2)) of DSSCs using [Cu(phen)(2)](2+/+), [Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+), and [Cu(SP)(mmt)](0/)(-) were recorded as 0.1%, 1.4%, and 1.3%, respectively. The maximum eta value (2.2%) was obtained for a DSSC using the [Cu(dmp)(2)](2+/+) redox couple under the light irradiation of 20 mW/cm(2) intensity, where a higher open-circuit voltage of the cell was attained as compared to that of the conventional I(3)(-)/I(-) couple.

Novel insights into the algicidal bacterium DH77-1 killing the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense.

PubMed

Yang, Xiaoru; Li, Xinyi; Zhou, Yanyan; Zheng, Wei; Yu, Changping; Zheng, Tianling

2014-06-01

Algicidal bacteria may play a major role in controlling harmful algal blooms (HABs) dynamics. Bacterium DH77-1 was isolated with high algicidal activity against the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense and identified as Joostella sp. DH77-1. The results showed that DH77-1 exhibited algicidal activity through indirect attack, which excreted active substance into the filtrate. It had a relatively wide host range and the active substance of DH77-1 was relatively stable since temperature, pH and storage condition had no obvious effect on the algicidal activity. The algicidal compound from bacterium DH77-1 was isolated based on activity-guided bioassay and the molecular weight was determined to be 125.88 by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer, however further identification via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra is ongoing. The physiological responses of algal cells after exposure to the DH77-1 algicidal substances were as follows: the antioxidant system of A. tamarense responded positively in self-defense; total protein content decreased significantly as did the photosynthetic pigment content; superoxide dismutase, peroxidase enzyme and malondialdehyde content increased extraordinarily and algal cell nucleic acid leaked seriously ultimately inducing cell death. Furthermore, DH77-1 is the first record of a Joostella sp. bacterium being algicidal to the harmful dinoflagellate A. tamarense, and the bacterial culture and the active compounds might be potentially used as a bio-agent for controlling harmful algal blooms. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Administration of SIN-1 induces guinea pig airway hyperresponsiveness through inactivation of airway neutral endopeptidase.

PubMed

Kanazawa, H; Hirata, K; Yoshikawa, J

1999-12-01

Peroxynitrite plays an important role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation. We have already found that peroxynitrite may contribute to decreased beta(2)-adrenoceptor responses in airway smooth muscle. However, it is not known whether peroxynitrite can alter neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11; NEP) activity in the airways. This study was designed to determine whether peroxynitrite induces airway hyperresponsiveness to substance P (SP) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) through the inactivation of airway NEP. We examined whether the administration of S-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a compound that releases peroxynitrite, increased bronchoconstrictor responses to SP and ET-1 in anesthetized guinea pigs. In addition, we assayed NEP activity in the airways of SIN-1-exposed guinea pigs. Though SIN-1 (10(-7) M) alone had no effect on pulmonary resistance, pretreatment with SIN-1 significantly enhanced SP- and ET-1-induced bronchoconstriction. Pretreatment with phosphoramidon, an NEP inhibitor, also enhanced SP- and ET-1-induced bronchoconstriction. However, simultaneous administration of phosphoramidon and SIN-1 had no additive effect on SP- and ET-1-induced bronchoconstriction. Peroxynitrite formation by SIN-1 was completely inhibited by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH) in vitro, and pretreatment with NAC and GSH significantly reversed the potentiation by SIN-1 of SP-induced bronchoconstriction. In addition, the NEP activity of the trachea after SIN-1 exposure was significantly reduced compared to the level in control guinea pigs (solvent for SIN-1: 30.0+/-4.2 fmol.min(-1).mg tissue(-1); 10(-7) M SIN-1; 15.5+/-4.5 fmol.min(-1).mg tissue(-1), p<0.05). These findings suggest that peroxynitrite induces airway hyperresponsiveness to SP and ET-1 through the inactivation of airway NEP, and that peroxynitrite is an important mediator of the alterations in airway functions.

Substance P modulates localized calcium transients and membrane current responses in murine colonic myocytes

PubMed Central

Bayguinov, Orline; Hagen, Brian; Sanders, Kenton M

2003-01-01

Neurokinins contribute to the neural regulation of gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscles. We studied responses of murine colonic smooth muscle cells to substance P (SP) and NK1 and NK2 agonists using confocal microscopy and the patch clamp technique. Colonic myocytes generated localized Ca2+ transients that were coupled to spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs). SP (10−10 M) increased Ca2+ transients and STOCs. Higher concentrations of SP (10−6 M) increased basal Ca2+ and inhibited Ca2+ transients and STOCs. Effects of SP were due to increased Ca2+ entry via L-type Ca2+ channels, and were mediated by protein kinase C (PKC). Nifedipine (10−6 M) and the PKC inhibitor, GF 109203X (10−6 M) reduced L-type Ca2+ current and blocked the effects of SP. SP responses depended upon parallel stimulation of NK1 and NK2 receptors. NK1 agonist ([Sar9,Met(O2)11]-substance P; SSP) and NK2 agonists (neurokinin A (NKA) or GR-64349) did not mimic the effects of SP alone, but NK1 and NK2 agonists were effective when added in combination (10−10–10−6 M). Consistent with this, either an NK1-specific antagonist (GR-82334; 10−7 M) or an NK2-specific antagonist (MEN 10,627; 10−7 M) blocked responses to SP (10−6 M). Ryanodine (10−5 M) blocked the increase in Ca2+ transients and STOCs in response to SP (10−10 M). Our findings show that low concentrations of SP, via PKC-dependent enhancement of L-type Ca2+ current and recruitment of ryanodine receptors, stimulate Ca2+ transients. At higher concentrations of SP (10−6 M), basal Ca2+ increases and spontaneous Ca2+ transients and STOCs are inhibited. PMID:12711623

Modulation of gastric contractions in response to tachykinins and bethanechol by extrinsic nerves.

PubMed

Holzer-Petsche, U

1991-08-01

1. Extrinsic reflexes elicited by changes in gastric wall tension play an important role in regulating gastric tone. The present study investigated whether such reflexes modulate gastric contractions induced by close arterially administered neurokinin A (NKA), substance P (SP), SP-methylester and bethancehol in anaesthetized rats. 2. Reflex pathways were acutely interrupted by either subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or prevertebral ganglionectomy. C-fibre afferent nerve activity was abolished by pretreating rats with capsaicin 10 to 16 days before the experiments. 3. The order of potency in inducing gastric contractions was NKA greater than SP greater than bethanechol. SP-methylester was markedly less effective than SP and its effects did not fit sigmoid dose-response curves (DRCs). The maximal responses to NKA, SP, and bethanechol were similar, whilst the DRC for SP was significantly flatter than those for NKA or bethanechol. Pretreatment of the rats with the peptidase inhibitors phosphoramidon or captopril did not increase the contractile response to SP. 4. Prevertebral ganglionectomy had no significant effect on the DRCs for SP and NKA, whereas vagotomy shifted the DRCs for all three test substances to the left. 5. Capsaicin pretreatment did not change the DRC for NKA in rats with intact vagus but shifted that for bethanechol to the left. The leftward of the DRC for NKA caused by vagotomy was prevented in capsaicin-pretreated rats whereas the vagotomy-induced shift of the DRC for bethanechol remained unaltered. The shift of the DRC for SP seen in response to vagotomy was only slightly reduced by capsaicin pretreatment. 6. These data may be interpreted as demonstrating two neuronal mechanisms for modulating drug-induced gastric contractions. First, the contractions themselves activate a vago-vagal negative feedback involving capsaicin-sensitive afferents. Second, NKA, and to a lesser degree SP, seem to induce a nonvagal non-splanchnic mechanism which via capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurones reinforces tachykinininduced gastric contractions.

Does pressure cause liver cirrhosis? The sinusoidal pressure hypothesis.

PubMed

Mueller, Sebastian

2016-12-28

Independent of their etiology, all chronic liver diseases ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis, which is a major health problem worldwide. The underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood and no efficient treatment strategies are available. This paper introduces the sinusoidal pressure hypothesis (SPH), which identifies an elevated sinusoidal pressure (SP) as cause of fibrosis. SPH has been mainly derived from recent studies on liver stiffness. So far, pressure changes have been exclusively seen as a consequence of cirrhosis. According to the SPH, however, an elevated SP is the major upstream event that initiates fibrosis via biomechanic signaling by stretching of perisinusoidal cells such as hepatic stellate cells or fibroblasts (SPH part I: initiation). Fibrosis progression is determined by the degree and time of elevated SP. The SPH predicts that the degree of extracellular matrix eventually matches SP with critical thresholds > 12 mmHg and > 4 wk. Elevated arterial flow and final arterialization of the cirrhotic liver represents the self-perpetuating key event exposing the low-pressure-organ to pathologically high pressures (SPH part II: perpetuation). It also defines the "point of no return" where fibrosis progression becomes irreversible. The SPH is able to explain the macroscopic changes of cirrhotic livers and the uniform fibrotic response to various etiologies. It also opens up new views on the role of fat and disease mechanisms in other organs. The novel concept will hopefully stimulate the search for new treatment strategies.

Amino terminus of substance P potentiates kainic acid-induced activity in the mouse spinal cord.

PubMed

Larson, A A; Sun, X

1992-12-01

Sensitization to the behavioral effects produced by repeated injections of kainic acid (KA) into the mouse spinal cord area has been previously shown to be abolished by pretreatment with capsaicin, a neurotoxin of substance P (SP)-containing primary afferent C-fibers. While SP has a variety of well characterized biological actions that are mediated by interactions of its COOH terminus with neurokinin receptors, more recently we have characterized an amino-terminally directed SP binding site. The present studies were initiated to determine whether behavioral sensitization to repeated injections of intrathecally administered KA is mediated by the COOH or NH2 terminal of SP. In the present studies, pretreatment with SP(1-7), an NH2-terminal fragment of SP, but not SP(5-11), a COOH-terminal fragment, potentiated KA-induced behavioral activity in mice. Pretreatment with [D-Pro2,D-Phe7]SP(1-7), an inhibitor of SP NH2-terminal binding, blocked the potentiative effect of SP(1-7) as well as the sensitization to repeated injections of KA. In contrast, [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP, a neurokinin antagonist, had little effect on behavioral sensitization to KA. The present study suggests that SP has an important modulatory role on excitatory amino acid activity in the spinal cord that is mediated by an action of the NH2 terminal of SP at a non-neurokinin receptor.

Local oral immunization with synthetic peptides induces a dual mucosal IgG and salivary IgA antibody response and prevents colonization of Streptococcus mutans.

PubMed Central

Lehner, T; Haron, J; Bergmeier, L A; Mehlert, A; Beard, R; Dodd, M; Mielnik, B; Moore, S

1989-01-01

A small cell surface antigen of Streptococcus mutans was partially sequenced and the amino terminal peptides of 11, 15 and 20 amino acid residues and a dimer of the 15 and 20 residues peptides were synthesized. The synthetic peptides (SP) were used in topical oral immunization of the gingivomucosal epithelium of macaque monkeys. Sequential examination for antibodies over a period of up to 30 weeks revealed that six applications of the linear or cyclized SP11 and a random SP11 induced negligible or very low antibody levels. In contrast, the SP17 (SP15 with added cysteine at each terminus), SP21 (SP20 with one cysteine) and the dimer (SP35) induced significant anti-SP as well as anti-native streptococcal antibodies in the gingival fluid and in saliva. The functional significance of this immune response was examined by studying its effect on oral colonization of S. mutans following feeding of a carbohydrate-rich diet. Whereas control animals, sham-immunized with a random SP of 11 residues, showed increased colonization of the teeth by S. mutans, there was no colonization or a significant reduction in colonization of animals immunized with the cyclized SP17, linear SP21 or dimerized SP35. These experiments suggest that local immunization with SP derived from the sequences of a streptococcal cell surface antigen induce a dual local immune response of gingival IgG and salivary IgA antibodies against the SP and native SA. These antibodies may be involved in preventing colonization of S. mutans, which is the principal agent in the development of dental caries. PMID:2759661

Dark Adaptation at High Altitude: An Unexpected Pupillary Response to Chronic Hypoxia in Andean Highlanders.

PubMed

Healy, Katherine; Labrique, Alain B; Miranda, J Jaime; Gilman, Robert H; Danz, David; Davila-Roman, Victor G; Huicho, Luis; León-Velarde, Fabiola; Checkley, William

2016-09-01

Healy, Katherine, Alain B. Labrique, J. Jaime Miranda, Robert H. Gilman, David Danz, Victor G. Davila-Roman, Luis Huicho, Fabiola León-Velarde, and William Checkley. Dark adaptation at high altitude: an unexpected pupillary response to chronic hypoxia in Andean highlanders. High Alt Med Biol. 17:208-213, 2016.-Chronic mountain sickness is a maladaptive response to high altitude (>2500 m above sea level) and is characterized by excessive erythrocytosis and hypoxemia resulting from long-term hypobaric hypoxia. There is no known early predictor of chronic mountain sickness and the diagnosis is based on the presence of excessive erythrocytosis and clinical features. Impaired dark adaptation, or an inability to visually adjust from high- to low-light settings, occurs in response to mild hypoxia and may serve as an early predictor of hypoxemia and chronic mountain sickness. We aimed to evaluate the association between pupillary response assessed by dark adaptometry and daytime hypoxemia in resident Andean highlanders aged ≥35 years living in Puno, Peru. Oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO 2 ) was recorded using a handheld pulse oximeter. Dark adaptation was quantitatively assessed as the magnitude of pupillary contraction to light stimuli of varying intensities (-2.9 to 0.1 log-cd/m 2 ) using a portable dark adaptometer. Individual- and stimulus-specific multilevel analyses were conducted using mixed-effect models to elicit the relationship between SpO 2 and pupillary responsiveness. Among 93 participants, mean age was 54.9 ± 11.0 years, 48% were male, 44% were night blind, and mean SpO 2 was 89.3% ± 3.4%. The magnitude of pupillary contraction was greater with lower SpO 2 (p < 0.01), and this dose relationship remained significant in multiple variable analyses (p = 0.047). Pupillary responsiveness to light stimuli under dark-adapted conditions was exaggerated with hypoxemia and may serve as an early predictor of chronic mountain sickness. This unexpected association is potentially explained as an excessive and unregulated sympathetic response to hypoxemia at altitude.

Awareness and practice of safety precautions among healthcare workers in the laboratories of two public health facilities in Nigeria.

PubMed

Fadeyi, A; Fowotade, A; Abiodun, M O; Jimoh, A K; Nwabuisi, C; Desalu, O O

2011-06-01

To determine the level of awareness and practice of SP among laboratory workers at two tertiary public health facilities in Nigeria. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the awareness, attitude and adherence to SP among laboratory workers. Information on the availability of safety equipment was also sought. The laboratory safety practice of respondents was assessed based on self-reported observance of basic principles of universal precautions in clinical settings. Study participants were 130, mean age: 28.2 years (SD±6.6), number of years in hospital employment: 3.7 years (SD±2.4) and the male to female ratio was 1.8:1. Many (41.5%) were unaware and 25.4% do not observe SP. Participants attest to availability of various safety devices and equipment including hand gloves (86.2%), disinfectants (84.6%), HBV immunisation (46.2%) and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV and HBV (79.6%). Attitude to safety is unsatisfactory as 60.0% eat and drink in the laboratory, 50.8% recap needles and 56.9% use sharps box. Even though 83.1% are willing to take PEP, only 1.5% will present self following laboratory injury. This study shows the deficit in the awareness of SP among laboratory personnel and demonstrates that attitude and practice of safety rules are unsatisfactory. Training and re-training on SP is therefore desired. Counselling to induce a positive attitudinal change on HBV immunisation and PEP is similarly necessary.

Side population purified from hepatocellular carcinoma cells harbors cancer stem cell-like properties.

PubMed

Chiba, Tetsuhiro; Kita, Kaoru; Zheng, Yun-Wen; Yokosuka, Osamu; Saisho, Hiromitsu; Iwama, Atsushi; Nakauchi, Hiromitsu; Taniguchi, Hideki

2006-07-01

Recent advances in stem cell biology enable us to identify cancer stem cells in solid tumors as well as putative stem cells in normal solid organs. In this study, we applied side population (SP) cell analysis and sorting to established hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines to detect subpopulations that function as cancer stem cells and to elucidate their roles in tumorigenesis. Among four cell lines analyzed, SP cells were detected in Huh7 (0.25%) and PLC/PRF/5 cells (0.80%), but not in HepG2 and Huh6 cells. SP cells demonstrated high proliferative potential and anti-apoptotic properties compared with those of non-SP cells. Immunocytochemistry examination showed that SP fractions contain a large number of cells presenting characteristics of both hepatocyte and cholangiocyte lineages. Non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) xenograft transplant experiments showed that only 1 x 10(3) SP cells were sufficient for tumor formation, whereas an injection of 1 x 10(6) non-SP cells did not initiate tumors. Re-analysis of SP cell-derived tumors showed that SP cells generated both SP and non-SP cells and tumor-initiating potential was maintained only in SP cells in serial transplantation. Microarray analysis discriminated a differential gene expression profile between SP and non-SP cells, and several so-called "stemness genes" were upregulated in SP cells in HCC cells. In conclusion, we propose that a minority population, detected as SP cells in HCC cells, possess extreme tumorigenic potential and provide heterogeneity to the cancer stem cell system characterized by distinct hierarchy.

Sandbox experiments on Uraninite Ore: ERT and SP measurments.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, R. K.

2015-12-01

Nuclear energy, considering its own intrinsic merits, would be a leading source for meeting the energy requirement in present and future scenario. Concealed Uranium deposits under sedimentary cover, with poor surface indications calls for reorientation of survey with large inputs involving integrated geophysical approach. Sand Box experiments have been carried out over Uraninite ore. The tank is a glass fish tank (height 39 cm, length 75 cm, width 30 cm). It was filled with sand up to 35 cm high. The sand was saturated from below to minimize the entrapment of the gas bubbles. The average size for sand grains is ~ 0.295mm. The formation factor of the sand is 3.5, with a negligible surface conductivity because of the coarse nature of the sand grains. The dimension of considered Uraninite ore sample is 4cm x 4cm x 4cm. The depth of top of the ore sample is kept at 3cm. In this paper both resistivity and self-potential measurements were carried out for possible detection of Uraninite. The resistivity measurements were made with 64 non-polarizable electrodes using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) equipment of FlashRes Universal developed by ZZ Resistivity Imaging Pty. Ltd. We have used screws of length 3cm as electrodes. The separation between these electrodes are ~ 1cm. The resistivity tomography results clearly outlines the target Uraninite body. The resistivity tomography results also detects small heterogeneities associated with air bubbles possibly due to unsaturated pore spaces. SP measurements were made using two non-polarizing Pb/PbCl2 electrodes and a Fluke 289 voltmeter (sensitivity 0.001 mV, internal impedance 100 MOhm). The reference electrode was located on the corner of the sandbox. The other electrode was used to scan the electrical potential at the surface of the sand. SP measurements were made with a spacing of 3 cm over the same ERT profile. The SP results also shows a dip (or a low SP anomaly) over the target ore body sample. Thus, both SP and ERT results show the presence of Uraninite and could be used on the routine basis for possible detection of Uraninite.

Differential regulation of the human progesterone receptor gene through an estrogen response element half site and Sp1 sites.

PubMed

Petz, Larry N; Ziegler, Yvonne S; Schultz, Jennifer R; Kim, Hwajin; Kemper, J Kim; Nardulli, Ann M

2004-02-01

The progesterone receptor (PR) gene is regulated by estrogen in normal reproductive tissues and in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Although it is generally thought that estrogen responsiveness is mediated by interaction of the ligand-occupied estrogen receptor (ER) with estrogen response elements (EREs) in target genes, the human progesterone receptor (PR) gene lacks a palindromic ERE. Promoter A of the PR gene does, however, contain an ERE half site upstream of two adjacent Sp1 sites from +571 to +595, the +571 ERE/Sp1 site. We have examined the individual contributions of the ERE half site and the two Sp1 sites in regulating estrogen responsiveness. Transient transfection assays demonstrated that both Sp1 sites were critical for estrogen-mediated activation of the PR gene. Interestingly, rather than decreasing transcription, mutations in the ERE half site increased transcription substantially suggesting that this site plays a role in limiting transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that Sp1 was associated with the +571 ERE/Sp1 site in the endogenous PR gene in the absence and in the presence of estrogen, but that ERalpha was only associated with this region of the PR gene after MCF-7 cells had been treated with estrogen. Our studies provide evidence that effective regulation of transcription through the +571 ERE/Sp1 site requires the binding of ERalpha and Sp1 to their respective cis elements and the appropriate interaction of ERalpha and Sp1 with other coregulatory proteins and transcription factors.

Effect of vagotomy and vagal cooling on bronchoconstrictor response to substance P in sheep.

PubMed

Corcoran, B M; Haigh, A L

1995-10-01

The bronchoconstrictor effect of intravenous substance P can be antagonised by atropine pre-treatment in several species, and we have previously reported this finding in anaesthetised sheep. In the present study, we have assessed the effect of cooling the right vagus after sectioning the left vagus (n = 6), and bilateral vagotomy (n = 7) on the bronchoconstrictor response to a single intravenous dose of substance P (SP) (0.3-1.0 mumol/kg) in anaesthetized female sheep aged 6 to 12 months. Respiratory parameters including tidal volume, flow and transpulmonary pressure pressure were measured, from which pulmonary resistance (RL; cmH2O.1(-1).s) and dynamic compliance (CDyn; ml.cmH2O(-1) were calculated. Systemic arterial pressures were also measured. Vagal cooling significantly attenuated the bronchoconstrictor response to SP at 7 degrees C (RL P < 0.01; Cdyn P < 0.001). A further reduction in the response to SP occurred at 3 degrees C, but this was not statistically significantly different from the response at 7 degrees C. Vagotomy abolished the response to SP. SP caused mild, but statistically insignificant, hypotension (119.7 vs. 107.7 mmHg). These results suggest SP causes bronchoconstriction in the anaesthetised sheep by vagal reflex mechanisms, involving stimulation of myelinated nerve fibre endings.

The flowering hormone florigen functions as a general systemic regulator of growth and termination

PubMed Central

Shalit, Akiva; Rozman, Alexander; Goldshmidt, Alexander; Alvarez, John P.; Bowman, John L.; Eshed, Yuval; Lifschitz, Eliezer

2009-01-01

The florigen paradigm implies a universal flowering-inducing hormone that is common to all flowering plants. Recent work identified FT orthologues as originators of florigen and their polypeptides as the likely systemic agent. However, the developmental processes targeted by florigen remained unknown. Here we identify local balances between SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS (SFT), the tomato precursor of florigen, and SELF-PRUNING (SP), a potent SFT-dependent SFT inhibitor as prime targets of mobile florigen. The graft-transmissible impacts of florigen on organ-specific traits in perennial tomato show that in addition to import by shoot apical meristems, florigen is imported by organs in which SFT is already expressed. By modulating local SFT/SP balances, florigen confers differential flowering responses of primary and secondary apical meristems, regulates the reiterative growth and termination cycles typical of perennial plants, accelerates leaf maturation, and influences the complexity of compound leaves, the growth of stems and the formation of abscission zones. Florigen is thus established as a plant protein functioning as a general growth hormone. Developmental interactions and a phylogenetic analysis suggest that the SFT/SP regulatory hierarchy is a recent evolutionary innovation unique to flowering plants. PMID:19416824

Elimination of Cancer Stem-Like Cells and Potentiation of Temozolomide Sensitivity by Honokiol in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells

PubMed Central

Lai, I-Chun; Shih, Ping-Hsiao; Yao, Chih-Jung; Yeh, Chi-Tai; Wang-Peng, Jacqueline; Lui, Tai-Ngar; Chuang, Suang-En; Hu, Tsai-Shu; Lai, Tung-Yuan; Lai, Gi-Ming

2015-01-01

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common adult malignant glioma with poor prognosis due to the resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which might be critically involved in the repopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) after treatment. We had investigated the characteristics of cancer stem-like side population (SP) cells sorted from GBM cells, and studied the effect of Honokiol targeting on CSCs. GBM8401 SP cells possessed the stem cell markers, such as nestin, CD133 and Oct4, and the expressions of self-renewal related stemness genes, such as SMO, Notch3 and IHH (Indian Hedgehog). Honokiol inhibited the proliferation of both GBM8401 parental cells and SP cells in a dose-dependent manner, the IC50 were 5.3±0.72 and 11±1.1 μM, respectively. The proportions of SP in GBM8401 cells were diminished by Honokiol from 1.5±0.22% down to 0.3±0.02% and 0.2±0.01% at doses of 2.5 μM and 5 μM, respectively. The SP cells appeared to have higher expression of O 6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and be more resistant to Temozolomide (TMZ). The resistance to TMZ could be only slightly reversed by MGMT inhibitor O 6-benzylguanine (O 6-BG), but markedly further enhanced by Honokiol addition. Such significant enhancement was accompanied with the higher induction of apoptosis, greater down-regulation of Notch3 as well as its downstream Hes1 expressions in SP cells. Our data indicate that Honokiol might have clinical benefits for the GBM patients who are refractory to TMZ treatment. PMID:25763821

Surfactant proteins, SP-A and SP-D, in respiratory fungal infections: their role in the inflammatory response.

PubMed

Carreto-Binaghi, Laura Elena; Aliouat, El Moukhtar; Taylor, Maria Lucia

2016-06-01

Pulmonary surfactant is a complex fluid that comprises phospholipids and four proteins (SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D) with different biological functions. SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D are essential for the lungs' surface tension function and for the organization, stability and metabolism of lung parenchyma. SP-A and SP-D, which are also known as pulmonary collectins, have an important function in the host's lung immune response; they act as opsonins for different pathogens via a C-terminal carbohydrate recognition domain and enhance the attachment to phagocytic cells or show their own microbicidal activity by increasing the cellular membrane permeability. Interactions between the pulmonary collectins and bacteria or viruses have been extensively studied, but this is not the same for fungal pathogens. SP-A and SP-D bind glucan and mannose residues from fungal cell wall, but there is still a lack of information on their binding to other fungal carbohydrate residues. In addition, both their relation with immune cells for the clearance of these pathogens and the role of surfactant proteins' regulation during respiratory fungal infections remain unknown. Here we highlight the relevant findings associated with SP-A and SP-D in those respiratory mycoses where the fungal infective propagules reach the lungs by the airways.

Role of Substance P in the Regulation of Glucose Metabolism via Insulin Signaling-Associated Pathways

PubMed Central

Bakirtzi, Kyriaki; Kokkotou, Efi; Stavrakis, Dimitris; Margolis, Kara Gross; Thomou, Thomas; Giorgadze, Nino; Kirkland, James L.

2011-01-01

Substance P (SP), encoded by the tachykinin 1 (Tac1) gene, is the most potent tachykinin ligand for the high-affinity neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). We previously reported that NK-1R-deficient mice show less weight gain and reduced circulating levels of leptin and insulin in response to a high-fat diet (HFD) and demonstrated the presence of functional NK-1R in isolated human preadipocytes. Here we assessed the effects of SP on weight gain in response to HFD and determined glucose metabolism in Tac1-deficient (Tac1−/−) mice. The effect of SP on the expression of molecules that may predispose to reduced glucose uptake was also determined in isolated human mesenteric, omental, and sc preadipocytes. We show that although weight accumulation in response to HFD was similar between Tac1−/− mice and wild-type littermates, Tac1−/− mice demonstrated lower glucose and leptin and increased adiponectin blood levels and showed improved responses to insulin challenge after HFD. SP stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, protein kinase Cθ, mammalian target of rapamycin, and inhibitory serine insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation in human preadipocytes in vitro. Preincubation of human mesenteric preadipocytes with the protein kinase Cθ pseudosubstrate inhibitor reduced insulin receptor substrate 1 phosphorylation in response to SP. Lastly, SP also induced insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation in mature human sc adipocytes. Our results demonstrate an important role for SP in adipose tissue responses and obesity-associated pathologies. These novel SP effects on molecules that enhance insulin resistance at the adipocyte level may reflect an important role for this peptide in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. PMID:22009727

Role of substance P in the regulation of glucose metabolism via insulin signaling-associated pathways.

PubMed

Karagiannides, Iordanes; Bakirtzi, Kyriaki; Kokkotou, Efi; Stavrakis, Dimitris; Margolis, Kara Gross; Thomou, Thomas; Giorgadze, Nino; Kirkland, James L; Pothoulakis, Charalabos

2011-12-01

Substance P (SP), encoded by the tachykinin 1 (Tac1) gene, is the most potent tachykinin ligand for the high-affinity neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). We previously reported that NK-1R-deficient mice show less weight gain and reduced circulating levels of leptin and insulin in response to a high-fat diet (HFD) and demonstrated the presence of functional NK-1R in isolated human preadipocytes. Here we assessed the effects of SP on weight gain in response to HFD and determined glucose metabolism in Tac1-deficient (Tac1(-/-)) mice. The effect of SP on the expression of molecules that may predispose to reduced glucose uptake was also determined in isolated human mesenteric, omental, and sc preadipocytes. We show that although weight accumulation in response to HFD was similar between Tac1(-/-) mice and wild-type littermates, Tac1(-/-) mice demonstrated lower glucose and leptin and increased adiponectin blood levels and showed improved responses to insulin challenge after HFD. SP stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, protein kinase C, mammalian target of rapamycin, and inhibitory serine insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation in human preadipocytes in vitro. Preincubation of human mesenteric preadipocytes with the protein kinase C pseudosubstrate inhibitor reduced insulin receptor substrate 1 phosphorylation in response to SP. Lastly, SP also induced insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation in mature human sc adipocytes. Our results demonstrate an important role for SP in adipose tissue responses and obesity-associated pathologies. These novel SP effects on molecules that enhance insulin resistance at the adipocyte level may reflect an important role for this peptide in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes.

Research on Group Learning and Cognitive Science: A Study of Motivation, Knowledge, and Self-Regulation in a Large Lecture College Algebra Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, David; Schraeder, Matthew

2015-01-01

At a research University near the east coast, researchers restructured a College Algebra course by formatting the course into two large lectures a week, an active recitation size laboratory class once a week, and an extra day devoted to active group work called Supplemental Practice (SP). SP was added as an extra day of class where the SP leader…

Tachykinin antagonists and capsaicin-induced contraction of the rat isolated urinary bladder: evidence for tachykinin-mediated cotransmission.

PubMed Central

Maggi, C. A.; Patacchini, R.; Santicioli, P.; Giuliani, S.

1991-01-01

1. The possible involvement of tachykinins (TKs) in the contraction produced by capsaicin in the rat isolated urinary bladder was addressed on the hypothesis that co-release of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) occurs from sensory nerve terminals. 2. A low concentration of SP (30 nM) produced a rapid contraction which faded to baseline within 10 min. A low concentration of NKA (10 nM) produced a slowly developing contraction which was still evident at 10 min. Capsaicin (1 microM) produced a rapid phasic response and a tonic response (late response to capsaicin). Co-administration of SP and NKA mimicked the response to capsaicin more than each TK alone. 3. Fading of the response to SP was not caused by receptor desensitization and was partially prevented by peptidase inhibitors. 4. Spantide (3 microM) selectively antagonized the SP-induced contraction while L-659,877 (3-10 microM) or MEN 10,376 (10-30 microM) which are NK2 receptor selective antagonists selectively blocked the response to NKA. Co-administration of spantide and L-659,877 inhibited the response to both SP and NKA by an amount not greater than that produced by each antagonist alone. 5. Spantide selectively reduced the peak response to capsaicin, while leaving the late response unaffected. L-659,877 (3 microM) and MEN 10,376 (10 microM) selectively inhibited the late response to capsaicin while, at higher concentrations, also reduced the peak response to capsaicin. Co-administration of spantide and L-659,877 reduced the peak response to capsaicin more than that produced by each antagonist alone. 6. Bombesin (10 nM) produced a tonic contraction similar to that induced by NKA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:1715797

Head and Neck Cancer Stem Cells: The Side Population

PubMed Central

Tabor, Mark H.; Clay, Matthew R.; Owen, John H.; Bradford, Carol R.; Carey, Thomas E.; Wolf, Gregory T.; Prince, Mark E.P.

2014-01-01

Background The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis concludes that a subpopulation of tumor cells can self-renew, causing tumor growth, treatment failure, and recurrence. Several tumor studies have identified cells able to efflux Hoechst 33342 dye; the side population (SP). SP cells and CSCs share many characteristics, suggesting the SP isolated from malignant tumors contains CSCs. Methods The SP was isolated from a head and neck cancer cell line and analyzed for CSC-like characteristics. Results The SP demonstrated the ability to reproduce both SP and non-side population (NSP) cells from as few as one cell. The SP had lower expression of active β-catenin and more resistance to 5-Fluorouracil; the SP also demonstrated greater expression of BMI-1 (4.3-fold) and ABCG2 (1.4-fold). SPs were identified in 2 primary human tumors. Conclusions The SP in head and neck cancer cell lines may serve as a valuable in-vitro model for CSCs leading to the development of novel treatment strategies. PMID:21344428

Effects of receptor-selective neurokinin agonists and a neurokinin antagonist on the electrical activity of spinal cord neurones in culture.

PubMed

Wienrich, M; Reuss, K; Harting, J

1989-11-01

1. Rat spinal cord neurones grown in tissue culture were used to examine the electrophysiological effects of the neurokin in (NK)-selective agonists (pGlu6, Pro9) substance P(6-11) (septide; NK1, 10(-6)M) and (pGlu5, MePhe8, MeGly9)SP(1-7) (DiMe-C7; NK3, 10(-6)M). In addition, the effect of the neurokinin antagonist (D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11)SP (10(-5)M) on the neurokinin-evoked responses was investigated. 2. Neurokinin-evoked responses consisted of an increase in neuronal activity with or without long-lasting (mean: 50s) depolarizations of the membrane potential of up to 25mV. The latter also occurred in the presence of tetrodotoxin (10(-7)M) (direct response). 3. In a number of spinal cord neurones (n = 17) only septide induced a membrane depolarization while DiMe-C7 elicited no response. On the other hand, in 2 neurones a response was exclusively evoked by DiMe-C7. 4. The neurokinin antagonist (D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11)SP had no effect of its own but blocked the septide- and DiMe-C7-induced depolarizations. It had no effect on the glutamate (10(-5)M)-evoked depolarization. 5. It is concluded that by the use of neurokinin receptor-selective agonists, subpopulations of spinal cord neurones in primary dissociated cell culture can be differentiated which express the NK1 or the NK3 receptor. Cells expressing only the NK1 receptor outnumber those expressing only the NK3 receptor subtype. Both receptors can be blocked by the neurokinin antagonist (D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11)SP.

Tachykinins Stimulate a Subset of Mouse Taste Cells

PubMed Central

Grant, Jeff

2012-01-01

The tachykinins substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) are present in nociceptive sensory fibers expressing transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV1). These fibers are found extensively in and around the taste buds of several species. Tachykinins are released from nociceptive fibers by irritants such as capsaicin, the active compound found in chili peppers commonly associated with the sensation of spiciness. Using real-time Ca2+-imaging on isolated taste cells, it was observed that SP induces Ca2+ -responses in a subset of taste cells at concentrations in the low nanomolar range. These responses were reversibly inhibited by blocking the SP receptor NK-1R. NKA also induced Ca2+-responses in a subset of taste cells, but only at concentrations in the high nanomolar range. These responses were only partially inhibited by blocking the NKA receptor NK-2R, and were also inhibited by blocking NK-1R indicating that NKA is only active in taste cells at concentrations that activate both receptors. In addition, it was determined that tachykinin signaling in taste cells requires Ca2+-release from endoplasmic reticulum stores. RT-PCR analysis further confirmed that mouse taste buds express NK-1R and NK-2R. Using Ca2+-imaging and single cell RT-PCR, it was determined that the majority of tachykinin-responsive taste cells were Type I (Glial-like) and umami-responsive Type II (Receptor) cells. Importantly, stimulating NK-1R had an additive effect on Ca2+ responses evoked by umami stimuli in Type II (Receptor) cells. This data indicates that tachykinin release from nociceptive sensory fibers in and around taste buds may enhance umami and other taste modalities, providing a possible mechanism for the increased palatability of spicy foods. PMID:22363709

Imperatorin inhibits HIV-1 replication through an Sp1-dependent pathway.

PubMed

Sancho, Rocío; Márquez, Nieves; Gómez-Gonzalo, Marta; Calzado, Marco A; Bettoni, Giorgio; Coiras, Maria Teresa; Alcamí, José; López-Cabrera, Manuel; Appendino, Giovanni; Muñoz, Eduardo

2004-09-03

Coumarins and structurally related compounds have been recently shown to present anti-human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1) activity. Among them, the dietary furanocoumarin imperatorin is present in citrus fruits, in culinary herbs, and in some medicinal plants. In this study we report that imperatorin inhibits either vesicular stomatitis virus-pseudotyped or gp160-enveloped recombinant HIV-1 infection in several T cell lines and in HeLa cells. These recombinant viruses express luciferase as a marker of viral replication. Imperatorin did not inhibit the reverse transcription nor the integration steps in the viral cell cycle. Using several 5' long terminal repeat-HIV-1 constructs where critical response elements were either deleted or mutated, we found that the transcription factor Sp1 is critical for the inhibitory activity of imperatorin induced by both phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and HIV-1 Tat. Moreover in transient transfections imperatorin specifically inhibited phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced transcriptional activity of the Gal4-Sp1 fusion protein. Since Sp1 is also implicated in cell cycle progression we further studied the effect of imperatorin on cyclin D1 gene transcription and protein expression and in HeLa cell cycle progression. We found that imperatorin strongly inhibited cyclin D1 expression and arrested the cells at the G(1) phase of the cell cycle. These results highlight the potential of Sp1 transcription factor as a target for natural anti-HIV-1 compounds such as furanocoumarins that might have a potential therapeutic role in the management of AIDS.

The reciprocal relationship between sickness presenteeism and psychological distress in response to job stressors: evidence from a three-wave cohort study.

PubMed

Oshio, Takashi; Tsutsumi, Akizumi; Inoue, Akiomi; Suzuki, Tomoko; Miyaki, Koichi

2017-11-25

Sickness presenteeism (SP) is postulated as workers' response to their general state of health; hence, SP is expected to affect workers' future health. In the present study, we examined the reciprocal relationship between SP and health in response to job stressors, with specific reference to psychological distress (PD) as workers' state of health. We conducted mediation analysis, using data from a three-wave cohort occupational survey conducted at 1-year intervals in Japan; it involved 1,853 employees (1,661 men and 192 women) of a manufacturing firm. We measured SP and PD, using the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire and Kessler 6 score, respectively. For job stressors, we considered job demands and control, effort and reward, and procedural and interactional justice. PD mediated 11.5%-36.2% of the impact of job control, reward, and procedural and interactional justice on SP, whereas SP mediated their impact on PD, albeit to a much lesser extent in the range of 3.4%-11.3%. Unlike in the cases of these job stressors related to job resources, neither SP nor PD mediated the impact of job demands or effort. Our results confirmed the reciprocal relationship between SP and PD in response to selected types of job stressors, emphasizing the need for more in-depth analysis of the dynamics of these associations.

Concordance between Self and Standardized Patient Ratings of Medical Students' Communication Skills.

PubMed

Je, Min Ji; Lee, Su Hyun; Lee, Chang Hyung; Kim, Sung Soo

2013-03-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the concordance between self and standardized patient (SP) ratings of medical students' communication skills. Forty-three students interviewed SPs. The students were asked to complete a communication skills questionnaire that comprised 2 measures (empathy and interpersonal communication) before the interview. After each student's interview with the SP, the latter completed the same questionnaire as the students. Based on Lin's concordance coefficient, there was strong disconcordance between students' self-ratings and the SPs' ratings. With regard to empathic communication, more than 50% of students who considered themselves higher than middle level were regarded by SP as low level. On interpersonal communication, 39% of students who assessed themselves as higher than middle level were scored low level by SPs. There was strong disconcordance between students' self-ratings and the SPs' ratings-students tended to overevaluate themselves regarding their communication skills. These differences might result in patient dissatisfaction and noncompliance. Further, it could become a serious hindrance to the development of a good doctor-patient relationship. Medical educators should make sincere efforts to reduce this gap by teaching medical students the importance of the patients' perception of his doctors' communication skills.

Dietary sodium propionate affects mucosal immune parameters, growth and appetite related genes expression: Insights from zebrafish model.

PubMed

Hoseinifar, Seyed Hossein; Safari, Roghieh; Dadar, Maryam

2017-03-01

Propionate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that improves physiological and pathophysiological properties. However, there is limited information available about the effects of SCFAs on mucosal immune parameters as well as growth and appetite related genes expression. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of sodium propionate (SP) intake on the mucosal immune parameters, growth and appetite related genes expression using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as model organism. Zebrafish fed control or diet supplemented with different levels (0.5, 1 and 2%) of SP for 8weeks. At the end of feeding trial, the expression of the key genes related to growth and appetite (GH, IGF1, MYSTN and Ghrl) was evaluated. Also, mucosal immune parameters (Total Ig, lysozyme and protease activity) were studied in skin mucus of zebrafish. The results showed that dietary administration of SP significantly (P<0.05) up-regulated the expression of GH, IGF1 and down-regulated MYSTN gene. Also, feeding zebrafish with SP supplemented diet significantly increased appetite related gene expression (P<0.05) with a more pronounced effect in higher inclusion levels. Compared with control group, the expression of appetite related gene (Ghrl) was remarkably (P<0.05) higher in SP fed zebrafish. Also, elevated mucosal immune parameters was observed in zebrafish fed SP supplemented diet. The present results revealed beneficial effects of dietary SP on mucosal immune response and growth and appetite related genes expression. These results also highlighted the potential use of SP as additive in human diets. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Antipsychotic-Induced Dopamine Supersensitivity Psychosis: Pharmacology, Criteria, and Therapy.

PubMed

Chouinard, Guy; Samaha, Anne-Noël; Chouinard, Virginie-Anne; Peretti, Charles-Siegfried; Kanahara, Nobuhisa; Takase, Masayuki; Iyo, Masaomi

2017-01-01

The first-line treatment for psychotic disorders remains antipsychotic drugs with receptor antagonist properties at D2-like dopamine receptors. However, long-term administration of antipsychotics can upregulate D2 receptors and produce receptor supersensitivity manifested by behavioral supersensitivity to dopamine stimulation in animals, and movement disorders and supersensitivity psychosis (SP) in patients. Antipsychotic-induced SP was first described as the emergence of psychotic symptoms with tardive dyskinesia (TD) and a fall in prolactin levels following drug discontinuation. In the era of first-generation antipsychotics, 4 clinical features characterized drug-induced SP: rapid relapse after drug discontinuation/dose reduction/switch of antipsychotics, tolerance to previously observed therapeutic effects, co-occurring TD, and psychotic exacerbation by life stressors. We review 3 recent studies on the prevalence rates of SP, and the link to treatment resistance and psychotic relapse in the era of second-generation antipsychotics (risperidone, paliperidone, perospirone, and long-acting injectable risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and aripiprazole). These studies show that the prevalence rates of SP remain high in schizophrenia (30%) and higher (70%) in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. We then present neurobehavioral findings on antipsychotic-induced supersensitivity to dopamine from animal studies. Next, we propose criteria for SP, which describe psychotic symptoms and co-occurring movement disorders more precisely. Detection of mild/borderline drug-induced movement disorders permits early recognition of overblockade of D2 receptors, responsible for SP and TD. Finally, we describe 3 antipsychotic withdrawal syndromes, similar to those seen with other CNS drugs, and we propose approaches to treat, potentially prevent, or temporarily manage SP. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Remission of Diabetes by Insulin Gene Therapy Using a Hepatocyte-specific and Glucose-responsive Synthetic Promoter

PubMed Central

Han, Jaeseok; McLane, Brienne; Kim, Eung-Hwi; Yoon, Ji-Won; Jun, Hee-Sook

2011-01-01

Efficient production of insulin in response to changes in glucose levels has been a major issue for insulin gene therapy to treat diabetes. To express target genes in response to glucose specifically in hepatocytes, we generated a synthetic promoter library containing hepatocyte nuclear factor-1, CAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) response element, and glucose-response element. Combinations of these three cis-elements in 3-, 6-, or 9-element configurations were screened for transcriptional activity and then glucose responsiveness in vitro. The most effective promoter (SP23137) was selected for further study. Intravenous administration of a recombinant adenovirus expressing furin-cleavable rat insulin under control of the SP23137 promoter into streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice resulted in normoglycemia, which was maintained for >30 days. Glucose tolerance tests showed that treated mice produced insulin in response to glucose and cleared exogenous glucose from the blood in a manner similar to nondiabetic control mice, although the clearance was somewhat delayed. Insulin expression was seen specifically in the liver and not in other organs. These observations indicate the potential of this synthetic, artificial promoter to regulate glucose-responsive insulin production and remit hyperglycemia, thus providing a new method of liver-directed insulin gene therapy for type 1 diabetes. PMID:21119621

Remission of diabetes by insulin gene therapy using a hepatocyte-specific and glucose-responsive synthetic promoter.

PubMed

Han, Jaeseok; McLane, Brienne; Kim, Eung-Hwi; Yoon, Ji-Won; Jun, Hee-Sook

2011-03-01

Efficient production of insulin in response to changes in glucose levels has been a major issue for insulin gene therapy to treat diabetes. To express target genes in response to glucose specifically in hepatocytes, we generated a synthetic promoter library containing hepatocyte nuclear factor-1, CAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) response element, and glucose-response element. Combinations of these three cis-elements in 3-, 6-, or 9-element configurations were screened for transcriptional activity and then glucose responsiveness in vitro. The most effective promoter (SP23137) was selected for further study. Intravenous administration of a recombinant adenovirus expressing furin-cleavable rat insulin under control of the SP23137 promoter into streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice resulted in normoglycemia, which was maintained for >30 days. Glucose tolerance tests showed that treated mice produced insulin in response to glucose and cleared exogenous glucose from the blood in a manner similar to nondiabetic control mice, although the clearance was somewhat delayed. Insulin expression was seen specifically in the liver and not in other organs. These observations indicate the potential of this synthetic, artificial promoter to regulate glucose-responsive insulin production and remit hyperglycemia, thus providing a new method of liver-directed insulin gene therapy for type 1 diabetes.

Analysis of Salmonella sp bacterial contamination on Vannamei Shrimp using binary logit model approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oktaviana, P. P.; Fithriasari, K.

2018-04-01

Mostly Indonesian citizen consume vannamei shrimp as their food. Vannamei shrimp also is one of Indonesian exports comodities mainstay. Vannamei shrimp in the ponds and markets could be contaminated by Salmonella sp bacteria. This bacteria will endanger human health. Salmonella sp bacterial contamination on vannamei shrimp could be affected by many factors. This study is intended to identify what factors that supposedly influence the Salmonella sp bacterial contamination on vannamei shrimp. The researchers used the testing result of Salmonella sp bacterial contamination on vannamei shrimp as response variable. This response variable has two categories: 0 = if testing result indicate that there is no Salmonella sp on vannamei shrimp; 1 = if testing result indicate that there is Salmonella sp on vannamei shrimp. There are four factors that supposedly influence the Salmonella sp bacterial contamination on vannamei shrimp, which are the testing result of Salmonella sp bacterial contamination on farmer hand swab; the subdistrict of vannamei shrimp ponds; the fish processing unit supplied by; and the pond are in hectare. This four factors used as predictor variables. The analysis used is Binary Logit Model Approach according to the response variable that has two categories. The analysis result indicates that the factors or predictor variables which is significantly affect the Salmonella sp bacterial contamination on vannamei shrimp are the testing result of Salmonella sp bacterial contamination on farmer hand swab and the subdistrict of vannamei shrimp ponds.

Estimation of effectiveness of interventions for malaria control in pregnancy using the screening method.

PubMed

Msyamboza, K; Senga, E; Tetteh-Ashong, E; Kazembe, P; Brabin, B J

2007-04-01

The evaluation of the effectiveness of antimalarial drugs and bed net use in pregnant women is an important aspect of monitoring and surveillance of malaria control in pregnancy. In principle the screening method for assessing vaccine efficacy can be applied in non-vaccine settings for assessing interventions for malaria control in pregnancy. In this analysis field data on the proportion of placental malaria cases treated with two doses of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and the uptake of two doses of SP in the antenatal clinic was used in a case-coverage method to assess the protective effectiveness (PE) of intermittent preventive treatment with SP for malaria control in pregnancy. PE was assessed using placental malaria, low birthweight and maternal anaemia at delivery as outcome variables. The method was also applied to an evaluation of the protective effectiveness of self-reported use of impregnated bed nets (ITNs). Effectiveness was highest for reduction of low birthweight in multigravidae (87.2%, 95% CI, 83.2-91.3%). PE was lower for placental malaria (61.6% primigravidae, 28.5% multigravidae), and maternal anaemia (Hb < 8.0 g/dl, 37.8% primigravidae, 29.6% multigravidae). Estimates for PE of self-reported use of ITNs gave values for all three outcome parameters that were much lower than for SP use. For women of all parties effectiveness estimates for reduction of low birthweight were 22% (95% CI, 17.7-26.4), prevention of placental malaria (all types) 7.1% (95% CI, 4.4-9.8), prevention of active placental infection 38.9% (95% CI, 27.4-50.4), and for maternal anaemia 8.8% (95% CI, 0-20.0). The case-coverage method could provide a useful and practical approach to routine monitoring and evaluation of drug interventions to control malaria in pregnancy and has potentially wide applications. Effectiveness estimates related to reported ITN use in pregnancy may be less reliable. The method should be further evaluated using currently available data sets.

Resisting rape: the effects of victim self-protection on rape completion and injury.

PubMed

Tark, Jongyeon; Kleck, Gary

2014-03-01

The impact of victim resistance on rape completion and injury was examined utilizing a large probability sample of sexual assault incidents, derived from the National Crime Victimization Survey (1992-2002), and taking into account whether harm to the victim followed or preceded self-protection (SP) actions. Additional injuries besides rape, particularly serious injuries, following victim resistance are rare. Results indicate that most SP actions, both forceful and nonforceful, reduce the risk of rape completion, and do not significantly affect the risk of additional injury.

Diversity of protists and bacteria determines predation performance and stability.

PubMed

Saleem, Muhammad; Fetzer, Ingo; Harms, Hauke; Chatzinotas, Antonis

2013-10-01

Predation influences prey diversity and productivity while it effectuates the flux and reallocation of organic nutrients into biomass at higher trophic levels. However, it is unknown how bacterivorous protists are influenced by the diversity of their bacterial prey. Using 456 microcosms, in which different bacterial mixtures with equal initial cell numbers were exposed to single or multiple predators (Tetrahymena sp., Poterioochromonas sp. and Acanthamoeba sp.), we showed that increasing prey richness enhanced production of single predators. The extent of the response depended, however, on predator identity. Bacterial prey richness had a stabilizing effect on predator performance in that it reduced variability in predator production. Further, prey richness tended to enhance predator evenness in the predation experiment including all three protists predators (multiple predation experiment). However, we also observed a negative relationship between prey richness and predator production in multiple predation experiments. Mathematical analysis of potential ecological mechanisms of positive predator diversity-functioning relationships revealed predator complementarity as a factor responsible for both enhanced predator production and prey reduction. We suggest that the diversity at both trophic levels interactively determines protistan performance and might have implications in microbial ecosystem processes and services.

Biaccumulation and tolerance of heavy metals on the tropical earthworm, Allobophora sp. after exposed to contaminated soil from oil mine waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suhendrayatna; Darusman; Raihannah; Nurmala, D.

2018-04-01

In this study, the impact of contaminated soil from oil mine waste on survival, behavior, tolerance, and bioaccumulation of heavy metals by the tropical earthworm, Allobophora sp. has been quantified. Earthworm was isolated from heavy metals-contaminated soil, cultured in laboratory condition, and exposed to contaminated soil from oil mine waste for a couple of months. The behavior and response of earthworms to contaminated soil was monitored for 28 days and evaluated by the response criteria was expressed in scale index (SI) referred to Langdon method. Resistance test of the earthworm (LC50) to heavy metals also conducted with variation soil concentrations of 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, and 6.25%, and 0% (Control). Results showed that contaminated soil extremely affected to the earthworm live, especially length and their body weight. The Lethal Concentration 50% (LC50) of earthworm against contaminated soil was 19.05% (w/w). When exposed to contaminated soil, earthworm accumulated chromium, barium, and manganese at the concentration of 88; 92.2; and 280 mg/kg-DW, respectively. Based on these results, earthworm Allobophora sp. has potential to reduce heavy metals from contaminated soil in the field of bioremediation process.

Identification of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells in the reactive stroma of a prostate cancer xenograft by side population analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Santamaria-Martinez, Albert; Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona; Barquinero, Jordi

2009-10-15

Cancer stem cells are a distinct cellular population that is believed to be responsible for tumor initiation and maintenance. Recent data suggest that solid tumors also contain another type of stem cells, the mesenchymal stem cells or multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which contribute to the formation of tumor-associated stroma. The Hoechst 33342 efflux assay has proved useful to identify a rare cellular fraction, named Side Population (SP), enriched in cells with stem-like properties. Using this assay, we identified SP cells in a prostate cancer xenograft containing human prostate cancer cells and mouse stromal cells. The SP isolation, subculture andmore » sequential sorting allowed the generation of single-cell-derived clones of murine origin that were recognized as MSC by their morphology, plastic adherence, proliferative potential, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation ability and immunophenotype (CD45{sup -}, CD81{sup +} and Sca-1{sup +}). We also demonstrated that SP clonal cells secrete transforming growth factor {beta}1 (TGF-{beta}1) and that their inhibition reduces proliferation and accelerates differentiation. These results reveal the existence of SP cells in the stroma of a cancer xenograft, and provide evidence supporting their MSC nature and the role of TGF-{beta}1 in maintaining their proliferation and undifferentiated status. Our data also reveal the usefulness of the SP assay to identify and isolate MSC cells from carcinomas.« less

Effect of neutral endopeptidase inhibition on substance-P-induced increase in short-circuit current of canine cultured tracheal epithelium.

PubMed

Tamaoki, J; Sakai, N; Isono, K; Kanemura, T; Chiyotani, A; Yamauchi, F; Takizawa, T; Konno, K

1991-01-01

We studied the effect of substance P (SP) on the electric properties of cultured canine tracheal epithelium and its possible modulation by neutral endopeptidase (NEP) by Ussing's short-circuited technique in vitro. Addition of SP (5 x 10(-6) M) to the mucosal side increased short-circuit current (SCC) from 5.1 +/- 0.9 to 10.3 +/- 2.2 microA/cm2 (mean +/- SE; p less than 0.01), which was accompanied by increases in transepithelial potential difference and conductance. The effect of the mucosal SP on SCC was dose-dependent, with the maximal increase from the baseline value being 5.8 +/- 1.0 microA/cm2 observed at 5 x 10(-5) M. The NEP inhibitor phosphoramidon (10(-5) M) did not affect these responses. On the other hand, SCC was not altered by the addition of SP to the submucosal side. However, it was increased dose-dependently in the presence of phosphoramidon (10(-5) M) but not in the presence of captopril, bestatin or leupeptin. This stimulatory effect of submucosal SP was abolished by furosemide, diphenylamine-2-carboxylate and Cl-free medium, but not by amiloride. These results suggest that SP may selectively stimulate Cl secretion across the airway epithelium and that this effect may be modulated by submucosal NEP.

Identification of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells in the reactive stroma of a prostate cancer xenograft by side population analysis.

PubMed

Santamaria-Martínez, Albert; Barquinero, Jordi; Barbosa-Desongles, Anna; Hurtado, Antoni; Pinós, Tomàs; Seoane, Joan; Poupon, Marie-France; Morote, Joan; Reventós, Jaume; Munell, Francina

2009-10-15

Cancer stem cells are a distinct cellular population that is believed to be responsible for tumor initiation and maintenance. Recent data suggest that solid tumors also contain another type of stem cells, the mesenchymal stem cells or multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which contribute to the formation of tumor-associated stroma. The Hoechst 33342 efflux assay has proved useful to identify a rare cellular fraction, named Side Population (SP), enriched in cells with stem-like properties. Using this assay, we identified SP cells in a prostate cancer xenograft containing human prostate cancer cells and mouse stromal cells. The SP isolation, subculture and sequential sorting allowed the generation of single-cell-derived clones of murine origin that were recognized as MSC by their morphology, plastic adherence, proliferative potential, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation ability and immunophenotype (CD45(-), CD81(+) and Sca-1(+)). We also demonstrated that SP clonal cells secrete transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and that their inhibition reduces proliferation and accelerates differentiation. These results reveal the existence of SP cells in the stroma of a cancer xenograft, and provide evidence supporting their MSC nature and the role of TGF-beta1 in maintaining their proliferation and undifferentiated status. Our data also reveal the usefulness of the SP assay to identify and isolate MSC cells from carcinomas.

Behavioural effects of tachykinins and related peptides.

PubMed

Elliott, P J; Iversen, S D

1986-08-27

Substance P (SP) and related tachykinins administered either intracerebroventricularly or directly into the ventral tegmental area of the mesencephalon of rat brain caused increased locomotor activity, grooming behaviour and wet dog shakes. Kassinin, eledoisin, neurokinin A and DiMe-C7, agonists with some selectivity for the SP-E-receptor elicited the greatest locomotor activity and wet dog shake responses, whereas SP and physalaemin which are more selective for the SP-P-receptor were most effective in eliciting the grooming response.

Endotracheal Suctioning in Preterm Infants Using Four-Handed versus Routine Care

PubMed Central

Cone, Sharon; Pickler, Rita H.; Grap, Mary Jo; McGrath, Jacqueline; Wiley, Paul M.

2013-01-01

Objective To evaluate the effect of four-handed care on preterm infants’ physiologic and behavioral responses to and recovery from endotracheal suctioning versus routine endotracheal (ETT) suctioning. Design Randomized crossover design with infants as their own controls. Setting Single-family-room newborn intensive care unit in an academic health center. Participants Ten intubated infants on conventional ventilation with inline suctioning who were fewer than 37 weeks gestation at birth, and less than one week of age. Methods Each infant was observed twice on a single day. One observation involved routine ETT suctioning and one involved four-handed care. Physiologic and behavioral response data were collected. Results No differences were noted when comparing baseline heart rate (HR) or oxygen saturation (SpO2) data to those obtained during and after suctioning while in the routine care condition. In the four-handed care condition, mean SpO2 increased from preobservation 95.49 to during observation saturation 97.75 (p = .001). Salivary cortisol levels did not differ between groups at baseline or postsuctioning. No significant difference in behavior state was observed between the two conditions. More stress and defense behaviors occurred postsuctioning when infants received routine care as opposed to four-handed care (p = .001) and more self-regulatory behaviors were exhibited by infants during (p = .019) and after suctioning (p = .016) when receiving four-handed care. No statistical difference was found in the number of monitor call-backs postsuctioning. Conclusions Four-handed care during suctioning was associated with a decrease in stress and defense behaviors and an increase in self-regulatory behaviors. PMID:23316894

Mechanisms mediating substance P-induced contraction in the rat iris in vitro.

PubMed

Grumann-Júnior, A; Dias, M A; Alves, R V; Boteon, J E; Calixto, J B

2000-06-01

To determine some of the mechanisms by which substance P (SP) induces contraction in the isolated rat iris. Rings of rat iris were mounted in a 5-ml organ chamber containing Krebs solution at 37 degrees C under basal tension of 75 mg, and isometric tension was recorded. Substance P produced graded contraction in the rat iris, being approximately 40-fold more potent than carbachol. Peptidase inhibitors (captopril, phosphoramidon, thiorphan) did not affect the SP response. The SP contraction was dependent on external Ca2+ by a mechanism resistant to both nifedipine and omega-conotoxin GVIA. Atropine and tetrodotoxin significantly shifted the SP response to the right (three- and fivefold, respectively). Neither phorbol nor genistein altered the SP-induced contraction, whereas staurosporine caused a weak inhibition. Indomethacin, pyrilamine, guanethidine, 8-37 calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) fragment, and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester had no effect on SP response. All the natural tachykinin agonists caused concentration-dependent contraction in rat iris with similar maximal responses. The NK3 selective agonist senktide caused graded contraction, being approximately 150-fold more active than the NK2 selective agonist [beta-ala] NKA. The NK1 selective agonist SP methyl ester induced a small contraction. The NK3 and NK2 antagonists SR 142801 and SR 48968 shifted the SP response to the right. Schilds plots gave pA2 (negative logarithm of the molar concentration of antagonist causing a twofold rightward displacement of the concentration response curves) values of 9.37 and 7.97 and slopes of 0.70 and 1.02, respectively. Substance P produces a potent contraction in the isolated rat iris that seems to depend on the neural release of acetylcholine by tetrodotoxin-sensitive mechanisms. Its response relies largely on external Ca2+, through mechanisms independent of activation of L- or N-type Ca2+ channels, and is probably mediated via activation of NK3 and NK2 receptors.

Enhancement of ovalbumin-specific Th1, Th2, and Th17 immune responses by amorphous silica nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Toda, Tsuguto; Yoshino, Shin

2016-01-01

Nanomaterials present in cosmetics and food additives are used for industrial applications. However, their safety profile is unclear. Amorphous silica nanoparticles (nSPs) are a widely used nanomaterial and have been shown to induce inflammatory cytokines following intratracheal administration in mice. The current study investigated the adjuvant effect of nSP30 (nSP with a diameter of 33 nm) on T helper (Th)1, Th2, and Th17 immune responses as well as immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in mice. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally administered ovalbumin (OVA) with or without varying doses and varying sizes of nSPs. The adjuvant effect of nSPs was investigated by measuring OVA-specific IgG antibodies in sera, OVA-specific proliferative responses of splenocytes, and the production of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines. Aluminum hydroxide was used as a positive adjuvant control. Anti-OVA IgG production, splenocyte proliferative responses, and secretion of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-17 were increased significantly in mice receiving a combined injection of nSP30 (30 or 300 µg) with OVA compared with OVA alone or a combined injection with nSP30 (3 µg). The responses were nSP30 dose-dependent. When different sized nSPs were used (with 30, 100, and 1000 nm diameters), the responses to OVA were enhanced and were size-dependent. The smaller sized nSP particles had a greater adjuvant effect. nSPs appear to exert a size-dependent adjuvant effect for Th1, Th2, and Th17 immune responses. Understanding the mechanisms of nSP adjuvanticity might lead to the development of novel vaccine adjuvants and therapies for allergic diseases caused by environmental factors. PMID:27343242

Substance-P alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced intestinal damage by suppressing inflammation through enrichment of M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells.

PubMed

Hong, Hyun Sook; Hwang, Dae Yeon; Park, Ju Hyeong; Kim, Suna; Seo, Eun Jung; Son, Youngsook

2017-02-01

Intestinal inflammation alters immune responses in the mucosa and destroys colon architecture, leading to serious diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Thus, regulation of inflammation is regarded as the ultimate therapy for intestinal disease. Substance-P (SP) is known to mediate proliferation, migration, and cellular senescence in a variety of cells. SP was found to mobilize stem cells from bone marrow to the site of injury and to suppress inflammatory responses by inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2 macrophages. In this study, we explored the effects of SP in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced intestine damage model. The effects of SP were evaluated by analyzing crypt structures, proliferating cells within the colon, cytokine secretion profiles, and immune cells population in the spleen/mesenteric lymph nodes in vivo. DSS treatment provoked an inflammatory response with loss of crypts in the intestines of experimental mice. This response was associated with high levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-17, and low levels of Tregs and M2 macrophages, leading to severely damaged tissue structure. However, SP treatment inhibited inflammatory responses by modulating cytokine production as well as the balance of Tregs/Th 17 cells and the M1/M2 transition in lymphoid organs, leading to accelerated tissue repair. Collectively, our data indicate that SP can promote the regeneration of tissue following damage by DSS treatment, possibly by modulating immune response. Our results propose SP as a candidate therapeutic for intestine-related inflammatory diseases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Self-compassion training modulates alpha-amylase, heart rate variability, and subjective responses to social evaluative threat in women

PubMed Central

Arch, Joanna J.; Brown, Kirk Warren; Dean, Derek J.; Landy, Lauren N.; Brown, Kimberley; Laudenslager, Mark L.

2014-01-01

A growing body of research has revealed that social evaluative stressors trigger biological and psychological responses that in chronic forms have been linked to aging and disease. Recent research suggests that self-compassion may protect the self from typical defensive responses to evaluation. We investigated whether brief training in self-compassion moderated biopsychological responses to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) in women. Compared to attention (placebo) and no-training control conditions, brief self-compassion training diminished sympathetic (salivary alpha-amylase), cardiac parasympathetic, and subjective anxiety responses, though not HPA-axis (salivary cortisol) responses to the TSST. Self-compassion training also led to greater self-compassion under threat relative to the control groups. In that social stress pervades modern life, self-compassion represents a promising approach to diminishing its potentially negative psychological and biological effects. PMID:24636501

Formulation of a minimal nutritional medium for enhanced lipid productivity in Chlorella sp. and Botryococcus sp. using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Vishwakarma, Rashi; Dhar, Dolly Wattal; Pabbi, Sunil

2018-03-01

Chlorella sp. MCC 7 and Botryococcus sp. MCC 31 were investigated to enable large-scale biodiesel production from minimal constituents in the growth medium. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to maximise the biomass productivity and lipid yield using only nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) as urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash. The optimum values were 0.42 g/L nitrogen; 0.14 g/L phosphorus and 0.22 g/L potassium for Chlorella sp.; and 0.46 g/L; 0.14 g/L and 0.25 g/L for Botryococcus sp. Lipid yield of 42% for Chlorella sp. and 52% in Botryococcus sp. was observed. An enhancement in lipid yield by approximately 55% for Chlorella sp. and 73% for Botryococcus sp. was registered as compared to original nutrient medium. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of extracted lipids revealed characteristic bands for triglycerides. This study provided utilisation of a practicable nutrient recipe in the form of N, P, K input for enhanced lipid yield from the selected microalgal strains.

Overexpression of Transcription Factor Sp1 Leads to Gene Expression Perturbations and Cell Cycle Inhibition

PubMed Central

Deniaud, Emmanuelle; Baguet, Joël; Chalard, Roxane; Blanquier, Bariza; Brinza, Lilia; Meunier, Julien; Michallet, Marie-Cécile; Laugraud, Aurélie; Ah-Soon, Claudette; Wierinckx, Anne; Castellazzi, Marc; Lachuer, Joël; Gautier, Christian

2009-01-01

Background The ubiquitous transcription factor Sp1 regulates the expression of a vast number of genes involved in many cellular functions ranging from differentiation to proliferation and apoptosis. Sp1 expression levels show a dramatic increase during transformation and this could play a critical role for tumour development or maintenance. Although Sp1 deregulation might be beneficial for tumour cells, its overexpression induces apoptosis of untransformed cells. Here we further characterised the functional and transcriptional responses of untransformed cells following Sp1 overexpression. Methodology and Principal Findings We made use of wild-type and DNA-binding-deficient Sp1 to demonstrate that the induction of apoptosis by Sp1 is dependent on its capacity to bind DNA. Genome-wide expression profiling identified genes involved in cancer, cell death and cell cycle as being enriched among differentially expressed genes following Sp1 overexpression. In silico search to determine the presence of Sp1 binding sites in the promoter region of modulated genes was conducted. Genes that contained Sp1 binding sites in their promoters were enriched among down-regulated genes. The endogenous sp1 gene is one of the most down-regulated suggesting a negative feedback loop induced by overexpressed Sp1. In contrast, genes containing Sp1 binding sites in their promoters were not enriched among up-regulated genes. These results suggest that the transcriptional response involves both direct Sp1-driven transcription and indirect mechanisms. Finally, we show that Sp1 overexpression led to a modified expression of G1/S transition regulatory genes such as the down-regulation of cyclin D2 and the up-regulation of cyclin G2 and cdkn2c/p18 expression. The biological significance of these modifications was confirmed by showing that the cells accumulated in the G1 phase of the cell cycle before the onset of apoptosis. Conclusion This study shows that the binding to DNA of overexpressed Sp1 induces an inhibition of cell cycle progression that precedes apoptosis and a transcriptional response targeting genes containing Sp1 binding sites in their promoter or not suggesting both direct Sp1-driven transcription and indirect mechanisms. PMID:19753117

Listener Responses According to Stuttering Self-Acknowledgment and Modification

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Kyungjae; Manning, Walter H.

2010-01-01

Given the well-documented understanding that stuttering behavior elicits stereotypically negative responses from listeners, two experiments explored the equivocal results of earlier investigations concerning the potential for self-acknowledgment and modification of stuttering to elicit positive responses from naive (unfamiliar with stuttering)…

The Design, Usability, and Feasibility of a Family-Focused Diabetes Self-Care Support mHealth Intervention for Diverse, Low-Income Adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Mayberry, Lindsay Satterwhite; Berg, Cynthia A; Harper, Kryseana J; Osborn, Chandra Y

2016-01-01

Family members' helpful and harmful actions affect adherence to self-care and glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and low socioeconomic status. Few family interventions for adults with T2D address harmful actions or use text messages to reach family members. Through user-centered design and iterative usability/feasibility testing, we developed a mHealth intervention for disadvantaged adults with T2D called FAMS. FAMS delivers phone coaching to set self-care goals and improve patient participant's (PP) ability to identify and address family actions that support/impede self-care. PPs receive text message support and can choose to invite a support person (SP) to receive text messages. We recruited 19 adults with T2D from three Federally Qualified Health Centers to use FAMS for two weeks and complete a feedback interview. Coach-reported data captured coaching success, technical data captured user engagement, and PP/SP interviews captured the FAMS experience. PPs were predominantly African American, 83% had incomes <$35,000, and 26% were married. Most SPs ( n = 7) were spouses/partners or adult children. PPs reported FAMS increased self-care and both PPs and SPs reported FAMS improved support for and communication about diabetes. FAMS is usable and feasible and appears to help patients manage self-care support, although some PPs may not have a SP.

The Design, Usability, and Feasibility of a Family-Focused Diabetes Self-Care Support mHealth Intervention for Diverse, Low-Income Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Berg, Cynthia A.; Harper, Kryseana J.; Osborn, Chandra Y.

2016-01-01

Family members' helpful and harmful actions affect adherence to self-care and glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and low socioeconomic status. Few family interventions for adults with T2D address harmful actions or use text messages to reach family members. Through user-centered design and iterative usability/feasibility testing, we developed a mHealth intervention for disadvantaged adults with T2D called FAMS. FAMS delivers phone coaching to set self-care goals and improve patient participant's (PP) ability to identify and address family actions that support/impede self-care. PPs receive text message support and can choose to invite a support person (SP) to receive text messages. We recruited 19 adults with T2D from three Federally Qualified Health Centers to use FAMS for two weeks and complete a feedback interview. Coach-reported data captured coaching success, technical data captured user engagement, and PP/SP interviews captured the FAMS experience. PPs were predominantly African American, 83% had incomes <$35,000, and 26% were married. Most SPs (n = 7) were spouses/partners or adult children. PPs reported FAMS increased self-care and both PPs and SPs reported FAMS improved support for and communication about diabetes. FAMS is usable and feasible and appears to help patients manage self-care support, although some PPs may not have a SP. PMID:27891524

Effect of tachykinins in small human airways.

PubMed

Frossard, N; Barnes, J

1991-07-01

We have compared the contractile responses of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) to that of the non degradable muscarinic agonist, carbachol, in small and large human airways in vitro. We have also investigated the effects of the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor, thiorphan (100 microM) on these responses. NKA contracted large and small airways to a different extent (56% vs 92% of carbachol maximal contraction, respectively). NKA was significantly less potent in large vs small bronchi (EC50 = 150 +/- 15 vs 12 +/- 5 nM respectively, p less than 0.05). SP had a lower contractile effect in large (26% carbachol maximum) and small airways (59%) with EC50 values higher than 0.5 microM. The enkephalinase inhibitor thiorphan shifted the concentration-response curve to NKA to the left in large (EC50 = 35.2 +/- 8.2 nM) and small bronchi (EC50 = 2.8 +/- 1.3 nM, p less than 0.02). This shift was associated with an increase in the maximal contraction to NKA (75% in large vs 123% in small bronchi). The amplitude of contraction to SP was also potentiated in large (45%) and in smaller bronchi (101%). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that NKA has a significantly greater constrictor effect than a cholinergic agent in more peripheral human airways in vitro. This suggests that non cholinergic constrictor pathways are more likely to be important in more peripheral airways.

Improvement of the Uranium Sequestration Ability of a Chlamydomonas sp. (ChlSP Strain) Isolated From Extreme Uranium Mine Tailings Through Selection for Potential Bioremediation Application.

PubMed

Baselga-Cervera, Beatriz; Romero-López, Julia; García-Balboa, Camino; Costas, Eduardo; López-Rodas, Victoria

2018-01-01

The extraction and processing of uranium (U) have polluted large areas worldwide, rendering anthropogenic extreme environments inhospitable to most species. Noticeably, these sites are of great interest for taxonomical and applied bioprospection of extremotolerant species successfully adapted to U tailings contamination. As an example, in this work we have studied a microalgae species that inhabits extreme U tailings ponds at the Saelices mining site (Salamanca, Spain), characterized as acidic (pH between 3 and 4), radioactive (around 4 μSv h -1 ) and contaminated with metals, mainly U (from 25 to 48 mg L -1 ) and zinc (from 17 to 87 mg L -1 ). After isolation of the extremotolerant ChlSP strain, morphological characterization and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-5.8S gene sequences placed it in the Chlamydomonadaceae , but BLAST analyses identity values, against the nucleotide datasets at the NCBI database, were very low (<92%). We subjected the ChlSP strain to an artificial selection protocol to increase the U uptake and investigated its response to selection. The ancestral strain ChlSP showed a U-uptake capacity of ≈4.30 mg U g -1 of dry biomass (DB). However, the artificially selected strain ChlSG was able to take up a total of ≈6.34 mg U g -1 DB, close to the theoretical maximum response (≈7.9 mg U g -1 DB). The selected ChlSG strain showed two possible U-uptake mechanisms: the greatest proportion by biosorption onto cell walls (ca. 90%), and only a very small quantity, ~0.46 mg g -1 DB, irreversibly bound by bioaccumulation. Additionally, the kinetics of the U-uptake process were characterized during a microalgae growth curve; ChlSG cells removed close to 4 mg L -1 of U in 24 days. These findings open up promising prospects for sustainable management of U tailings waters based on newly evolved extremotolerants and outline the potential of artificial selection in the improvement of desired features in microalgae by experimental adaptation and selection.

Improvement of the Uranium Sequestration Ability of a Chlamydomonas sp. (ChlSP Strain) Isolated From Extreme Uranium Mine Tailings Through Selection for Potential Bioremediation Application

PubMed Central

Baselga-Cervera, Beatriz; Romero-López, Julia; García-Balboa, Camino; Costas, Eduardo; López-Rodas, Victoria

2018-01-01

The extraction and processing of uranium (U) have polluted large areas worldwide, rendering anthropogenic extreme environments inhospitable to most species. Noticeably, these sites are of great interest for taxonomical and applied bioprospection of extremotolerant species successfully adapted to U tailings contamination. As an example, in this work we have studied a microalgae species that inhabits extreme U tailings ponds at the Saelices mining site (Salamanca, Spain), characterized as acidic (pH between 3 and 4), radioactive (around 4 μSv h−1) and contaminated with metals, mainly U (from 25 to 48 mg L−1) and zinc (from 17 to 87 mg L−1). After isolation of the extremotolerant ChlSP strain, morphological characterization and internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-5.8S gene sequences placed it in the Chlamydomonadaceae, but BLAST analyses identity values, against the nucleotide datasets at the NCBI database, were very low (<92%). We subjected the ChlSP strain to an artificial selection protocol to increase the U uptake and investigated its response to selection. The ancestral strain ChlSP showed a U-uptake capacity of ≈4.30 mg U g−1 of dry biomass (DB). However, the artificially selected strain ChlSG was able to take up a total of ≈6.34 mg U g−1 DB, close to the theoretical maximum response (≈7.9 mg U g−1 DB). The selected ChlSG strain showed two possible U-uptake mechanisms: the greatest proportion by biosorption onto cell walls (ca. 90%), and only a very small quantity, ~0.46 mg g−1 DB, irreversibly bound by bioaccumulation. Additionally, the kinetics of the U-uptake process were characterized during a microalgae growth curve; ChlSG cells removed close to 4 mg L−1 of U in 24 days. These findings open up promising prospects for sustainable management of U tailings waters based on newly evolved extremotolerants and outline the potential of artificial selection in the improvement of desired features in microalgae by experimental adaptation and selection. PMID:29662476

The reciprocal relationship between sickness presenteeism and psychological distress in response to job stressors: evidence from a three-wave cohort study

PubMed Central

Oshio, Takashi; Tsutsumi, Akizumi; Inoue, Akiomi; Suzuki, Tomoko; Miyaki, Koichi

2017-01-01

Objectives: Sickness presenteeism (SP) is postulated as workers' response to their general state of health; hence, SP is expected to affect workers' future health. In the present study, we examined the reciprocal relationship between SP and health in response to job stressors, with specific reference to psychological distress (PD) as workers' state of health. Methods: We conducted mediation analysis, using data from a three-wave cohort occupational survey conducted at 1-year intervals in Japan; it involved 1,853 employees (1,661 men and 192 women) of a manufacturing firm. We measured SP and PD, using the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire and Kessler 6 score, respectively. For job stressors, we considered job demands and control, effort and reward, and procedural and interactional justice. Results: PD mediated 11.5%-36.2% of the impact of job control, reward, and procedural and interactional justice on SP, whereas SP mediated their impact on PD, albeit to a much lesser extent in the range of 3.4%-11.3%. Unlike in the cases of these job stressors related to job resources, neither SP nor PD mediated the impact of job demands or effort. Conclusions: Our results confirmed the reciprocal relationship between SP and PD in response to selected types of job stressors, emphasizing the need for more in-depth analysis of the dynamics of these associations. PMID:28993575

Substance P Promotes Wound Healing in Diabetes by Modulating Inflammation and Macrophage Phenotype

PubMed Central

Leal, Ermelindo C.; Carvalho, Eugénia; Tellechea, Ana; Kafanas, Antonios; Tecilazich, Francesco; Kearney, Cathal; Kuchibhotla, Sarada; Auster, Michael E.; Kokkotou, Efi; Mooney, David J.; LoGerfo, Frank W.; Pradhan-Nabzdyk, Leena; Veves, Aristidis

2016-01-01

Diabetic foot ulceration is a major complication of diabetes. Substance P (SP) is involved in wound healing, but its effect in diabetic skin wounds is unclear. We examined the effect of exogenous SP delivery on diabetic mouse and rabbit wounds. We also studied the impact of deficiency in SP or its receptor, neurokinin-1 receptor, on wound healing in mouse models. SP treatment improved wound healing in mice and rabbits, whereas the absence of SP or its receptor impaired wound progression in mice. Moreover, SP bioavailability in diabetic skin was reduced as SP gene expression was decreased, whereas the gene expression and protein levels of the enzyme that degrades SP, neutral endopeptidase, were increased. Diabetes and SP deficiency were associated with absence of an acute inflammatory response important for wound healing progression and instead revealed a persistent inflammation throughout the healing process. SP treatment induced an acute inflammatory response, which enabled the progression to the proliferative phase and modulated macrophage activation toward the M2 phenotype that promotes wound healing. In conclusion, SP treatment reverses the chronic proinflammatory state in diabetic skin and promotes healing of diabetic wounds. PMID:25871534

Standardized patient assessment of medical student empathy: ethnicity and gender effects in a multi-institutional study.

PubMed

Berg, Katherine; Blatt, Benjamin; Lopreiato, Joseph; Jung, Julianna; Schaeffer, Arielle; Heil, Daniel; Owens, Tamara; Carter-Nolan, Pamela L; Berg, Dale; Veloski, Jon; Darby, Elizabeth; Hojat, Mohammadreza

2015-01-01

To examine, primarily, the effects of ethnicity and gender, which could introduce bias into scoring, on standardized patient (SP) assessments of medical students and, secondarily, to examine medical students' self-reported empathy for ethnicity and gender effects so as to compare self-perception with the perceptions of SPs. Participants were 577 students from four medical schools in 2012: 373 (65%) were white, 79 (14%) black/African American, and 125 (22%) Asian/Pacific Islander. These students were assessed by 84 SPs: 62 (74%) were white and 22 (26%) were black/African American. SPs completed the Jefferson Scale of Patient Perceptions of Physician Empathy (JSPPPE) and the Global Ratings of Empathy tool. Students completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy and two Interpersonal Reactivity Index subscales. The investigators used 2,882 student-SP encounters in their analyses. Analyses of SPs' assessments of students' empathy indicated significant interaction effects of gender and ethnicity. Female students, regardless of ethnicity, obtained significantly higher mean JSPPPE scores than men. Female black/African American, female white, and female Asian/Pacific Islander students scored significantly higher on the JSPPPE than their respective male counterparts. Male black/African American students obtained the lowest SP assessment scores of empathy regardless of SP ethnicity. Black/African American students obtained the highest mean scores on self-reported empathy. The significant interaction effects of ethnicity and gender in clinical encounters, plus the inconsistencies observed between SPs' assessments of students' empathy and students' self-reported empathy, raise questions about possible ethnicity and gender biases in the SPs' assessments of medical students' clinical skills.

Role of substance P in cough.

PubMed

Sekizawa, K; Jia, Y X; Ebihara, T; Hirose, Y; Hirayama, Y; Sasaki, H

1996-01-01

The sensory neuropeptide, substance P (SP), is present in human airway nerves, beneath and within the epithelium where the condensed localization of neutral endopeptidase (NEP), the major enzyme degrading SP, is observed. To test the hypothesis whether SP stimulates the cough reflex and NEP modifies the cough reflex, we studied the cough response to various stimuli in awake guinea-pigs. Inhibition of NEP with phosphoramidon caused cough, which was inhibited by systemic capsaicin treatment and by aerosols of a specific NK1 receptor antagonist FK 888. Aerosols of FK 888 also inhibited cough induced by bronchoconstricting agents such as acetylcholine and histamine in non-sensitized animals and by ovalbumin antigen in animals sensitized to ovalbumin. The number of coughs induced by histamine aerosols was inhibited by systemic capsaicin treatment and enhanced by pretreatment with a NEP inhibitor phosphoramidon. Likewise, FK 888 inhibited the augmented cough response to aerosolized capsaicin in female guinea-pigs treated with a long-term medication of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, cilazapril. In humans, aerosols of SP did not cause cough in normal subjects, whereas it did in patients with common colds. The SP fragment a major metabolite of SP produced by NEP, was less effective compared with SP in these patients, suggesting that damaged epithelium may facilitate the penetration of SP. These findings suggest that SP released from sensory nerves in response to stimuli may mediate cough and NEP may have a role in modulating SP-induced effects.

Potential role of eNOS in the therapeutic control of myocardial oxygen consumption by ACE inhibitors and amlodipine.

PubMed

Loke, K E; Messina, E J; Shesely, E G; Kaley, G; Hintze, T H

2001-01-01

Our aim was to investigate the potential therapeutic role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the modulation of cardiac O(2) consumption induced by the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor ramiprilat and amlodipine. Three different groups of mice were used; wild type, wild type in the presence of N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10(-4) mol/l) or genetically altered mice lacking the eNOS gene (eNOS -/-). Myocardial O(2) consumption was measured using a Clark-type O(2) electrode in an air-tight stirred bath. Concentration-response curves to ramiprilat (RAM), amlodipine (AMLO), diltiazem (DIL), carbachol (CCL), substance P (SP) and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) were performed. The rate of decrease in O(2) concentration was expressed as a percentage of the baseline. Baseline O(2) consumption was not different between the three groups of mice. In tissues from wild type mice, RAM (10(-5) mol/l), AMLO (10(-5) mol/l), DIL (10(-4) mol/l), CCL (10(-4) mol/l), SP (10(-7) mol/l) and SNAP (10(-4) mol/l) reduced myocardial O(2) consumption by -32+/-4, -27+/-10, -20+/-6, -25+/-2, -22+/-4 and -42+/-4%, respectively. The responses to RAM, AMLO, CCL and SP were absent in tissues taken from eNOS -/- mice (-7.1+/-4.3, -5.0+/-6.0, -5.2+/-5.1 and -0.4+/-0.2%, respectively). In addition, L-NAME significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the reduction in O(2) consumption induced by RAM (-9.8+/-4.4%), AMLO (-1.0+/-6.0%), CCL (-8.8+/-3.7%) and SP (-6.6+/-4.9%) in cardiac tissues from wild type mice. In contrast, NO-independent responses to the calcium channel antagonist, DIL, and responses to the NO donor, SNAP, were not affected in cardiac tissues taken from eNOS -/- (DIL: -20+/-4%; SNAP: -46+/-6%) or L-NAME-treated (DIL: -17+/-2%; SNAP: -33+/-5%) mice. These results suggest that endogenous endothelial NO synthase derived NO serves an important role in the regulation of myocardial O(2) consumption. This action may contribute to the therapeutic action of ACE inhibitors and amlodipine.

The Inhibitory Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Rat Pyloric Smooth Muscle Contractile Response to Substance P In Vitro

PubMed Central

Shao, Yu-Feng; Xie, Jun-Fan; Ren, Yin-Xiang; Wang, Can; Kong, Xiang-Pan; Zong, Xiao-Jian; Fan, Lin-Lan; Hou, Yi-Ping

2015-01-01

A decrease in pyloric myoelectrical activity and pyloric substance P (SP) content following intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in free move rats have been demonstrated in our previous studies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of BTX-A on rat pyloric muscle contractile response to SP in vitro and the distributions of SP and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) immunoreactive (IR) cells and fibers within pylorus. After treatment with atropine, BTX-A (10 U/mL), similar to [D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]-SP (APTL-SP, 1 μmol/L) which is an NK1R antagonist, decreased electric field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractile tension and frequency, whereas, subsequent administration of APTL-SP did not act on contractility. Incubation with BTX-A at 4 and 10 U/mL for 4 h respectively decreased SP (1 μmol/L)-induced contractions by 26.64% ± 5.12% and 74.92% ± 3.62%. SP-IR fibers and NK1R-IR cells both located within pylorus including mucosa and circular muscle layer. However, fewer SP-fibers were observed in pylorus treated with BTX-A (10 U/mL). In conclusion, BTX-A inhibits SP release from enteric terminals in pylorus and EFS-induced contractile responses when muscarinic cholinergic receptors are blocked by atropine. In addition, BTX-A concentration- and time-dependently directly inhibits SP-induced pyloric smooth muscle contractility. PMID:26501321

Interactions between neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) and the substance P (NK1) receptor expressed in mammalian cells.

PubMed

Okamoto, A; Lovett, M; Payan, D G; Bunnett, N W

1994-05-01

Interactions between neutral endopeptidase-24.11 (NEP) and the substance P receptor (SPR; NK1) were investigated by examining substance P (SP) degradation, SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization in epithelial cells transfected with cDNA encoding the rat SPR and rat NEP. Expression of NEP accelerated the degradation of SP by intact epithelial cells and by membrane preparations, and degradation was reduced by the NEP inhibitor thiorphan. In cells expressing SPR alone, specific 125I-SP binding after 20 min incubation at 37 degrees C was 92.2 +/- 3.1% of maximal binding and was unaffected by thiorphan. Coexpression of NEP in the same cells as the SPR markedly reduced SP binding to 13.9 +/- 0.5% of maximal, and binding was increased to 82.7 +/- 2.4% of maximal with thiorphan. Coexpression of NEP in the same cells as the SPR also reduced to undetectable the increase in intracellular Ca2+ in response to low concentrations of SP (0.3 and 0.5 nM), and significantly reduced the response to higher concentrations (1 and 3 nM). The Ca2+ response was restored to control values by inhibition of NEP with thiorphan. In contrast, SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization were only slightly reduced when cells expressing SPR alone were mixed with a 3- to 24-fold excess of cells expressing NEP alone. Therefore, in this system, NEP markedly down-regulates SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization only when coexpressed in the same cells as the SPR.

The Inhibitory Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Rat Pyloric Smooth Muscle Contractile Response to Substance P In Vitro.

PubMed

Shao, Yu-Feng; Xie, Jun-Fan; Ren, Yin-Xiang; Wang, Can; Kong, Xiang-Pan; Zong, Xiao-Jian; Fan, Lin-Lan; Hou, Yi-Ping

2015-10-15

A decrease in pyloric myoelectrical activity and pyloric substance P (SP) content following intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in free move rats have been demonstrated in our previous studies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of BTX-A on rat pyloric muscle contractile response to SP in vitro and the distributions of SP and neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) immunoreactive (IR) cells and fibers within pylorus. After treatment with atropine, BTX-A (10 U/mL), similar to [D-Arg¹, D-Phe⁵, D-Trp(7,9), Leu(11)]-SP (APTL-SP, 1 μmol/L) which is an NK1R antagonist, decreased electric field stimulation (EFS)-induced contractile tension and frequency, whereas, subsequent administration of APTL-SP did not act on contractility. Incubation with BTX-A at 4 and 10 U/mL for 4 h respectively decreased SP (1 μmol/L)-induced contractions by 26.64% ± 5.12% and 74.92% ± 3.62%. SP-IR fibers and NK1R-IR cells both located within pylorus including mucosa and circular muscle layer. However, fewer SP-fibers were observed in pylorus treated with BTX-A (10 U/mL). In conclusion, BTX-A inhibits SP release from enteric terminals in pylorus and EFS-induced contractile responses when muscarinic cholinergic receptors are blocked by atropine. In addition, BTX-A concentration- and time-dependently directly inhibits SP-induced pyloric smooth muscle contractility.

Dexmedetomidine-induced Contraction Involves Phosphorylation of Caldesmon by JNK in Endothelium-denuded Rat Aortas

PubMed Central

Baik, Jiseok; Ok, Seong-Ho; Cho, Hyunhoo; Yu, Jongsun; Kim, Woochan; Nam, In-Koo; Choi, Mun-Jeoung; Lee, Heon-Keun; Sohn, Ju-Tae

2014-01-01

Caldesmon, an inhibitory actin binding protein, binds to actin and inhibits actin-myosin interactions, whereas caldesmon phosphorylation reverses the inhibitory effect of caldesmon on actin-myosin interactions, potentially leading to enhanced contraction. The goal of this study was to investigate the cellular signaling pathway responsible for caldesmon phosphorylation, which is involved in the regulation of the contraction induced by dexmedetomidine (DMT), an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, in endothelium-denuded rat aortas. SP600125 (a c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase [JNK] inhibitor) dose-response curves were generated in aortas that were pre-contracted with DMT or phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator. Dose-response curves to the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine were generated in rat aortas pre-contracted with DMT. The effects of SP600125 and rauwolscine (an alpha-2 adrenoceptor inhibitor) on DMT-induced caldesmon phosphorylation in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were investigated by western blot analysis. PDBu-induced caldesmon and DMT-induced PKC phosphorylation in rat aortic VSMCs was investigated by western blot analysis. The effects of GF109203X (a PKC inhibitor) on DMT- or PDBu-induced JNK phosphorylation in VSMCs were assessed. SP600125 resulted in the relaxation of aortas that were pre-contracted with DMT or PDBu, whereas rauwolscine attenuated DMT-induced contraction. Chelerythrine resulted in the vasodilation of aortas pre-contracted with DMT. SP600125 and rauwolscine inhibited DMT-induced caldesmon phosphorylation. Additionally, PDBu induced caldesmon phosphorylation, and GF109203X attenuated the JNK phosphorylation induced by DMT or PDBu. DMT induced PKC phosphorylation in rat aortic VSMCs. These results suggest that alpha-2 adrenoceptor-mediated, DMT-induced contraction involves caldesmon phosphorylation that is mediated by JNK phosphorylation by PKC. PMID:25332685

Surfactant Protein-D Is Essential for Immunity to Helminth Infection

PubMed Central

Schnoeller, Corinna; Chetty, Alisha; Smith, Katherine; Darby, Matthew; Roberts, Luke; Mackay, Rosie-Marie; Whitwell, Harry J.; Timms, John F.; Madsen, Jens; Selkirk, Murray E.; Brombacher, Frank; Clark, Howard William; Horsnell, William G. C.

2016-01-01

Pulmonary epithelial cell responses can enhance type 2 immunity and contribute to control of nematode infections. An important epithelial product is the collectin Surfactant Protein D (SP-D). We found that SP-D concentrations increased in the lung following Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection; this increase was dependent on key components of the type 2 immune response. We carried out loss and gain of function studies of SP-D to establish if SP-D was required for optimal immunity to the parasite. N. brasiliensis infection of SP-D-/- mice resulted in profound impairment of host innate immunity and ability to resolve infection. Raising pulmonary SP-D levels prior to infection enhanced parasite expulsion and type 2 immune responses, including increased numbers of IL-13 producing type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), elevated expression of markers of alternative activation by alveolar macrophages (alvM) and increased production of the type 2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. Adoptive transfer of alvM from SP-D-treated parasite infected mice into naïve recipients enhanced immunity to N. brasiliensis. Protection was associated with selective binding by the SP-D carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) to L4 parasites to enhance their killing by alvM. These findings are the first demonstration that the collectin SP-D is an essential component of host innate immunity to helminths. PMID:26900854

Development of acute and chronic sediment bioassays with the harpacticoid copepod Quinquelaophonte sp.

PubMed

Stringer, Tristan J; Glover, Chris N; Keesing, Vaughan; Northcott, Grant L; Gaw, Sally; Tremblay, Louis A

2014-01-01

Reliable environmentally realistic bioassay methodologies are increasingly needed to assess the effects of environmental pollution. This study describes two estuarine sediment bioassays, one acute (96 h) and one chronic (14 d), with the New Zealand harpacticoid copepod Quinquelaophonte sp. utilising behavioural and reproductive endpoints. Spiked sediments were used to expose Quinquelaophonte sp. to three reference compounds representing important categories of estuarine chemical stressors: zinc (a metal), atrazine (a pesticide), and phenanthrene (a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon). Acute-to-chronic ratios (ACR) were used to further characterise species responses. Acute sediment (sandy and low total organic content) 96 h EC50 values for the sublethal inhibition of mobility for zinc, atrazine and phenanthrene were 137, 5.4, and 2.6 µg/g, respectively. The chronic EC50 values for inhibition of reproduction (total offspring) were 54.5, 0.0083, and 0.067 µg/g for zinc, atrazine, and phenanthrene, respectively. For phenanthrene, a potentially novel mode of action was identified on reproduction. Quinquelaophonte sp. was found to be more sensitive than several other estuarine species indicating choice of test organism is important to characterising the effects of environmentally relevant levels of contamination. The bioassay sediment results demonstrate the sensitivity and suitability of Quinquelaophonte sp. as a tool for the assessment use of estuarine health. © 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.

UV/vis and NIR light-responsive spiropyran self-assembled monolayers.

PubMed

Ivashenko, Oleksii; van Herpt, Jochem T; Feringa, Ben L; Rudolf, Petra; Browne, Wesley R

2013-04-02

Self-assembled monolayers of a 6-nitro BIPS spiropyran (SP) modified with a disulfide-terminated aliphatic chain were prepared on polycrystalline gold surfaces and characterized by UV/vis absorption, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS). The SAMs obtained are composed of the ring-closed form (i.e., spiropyran) only. Irradiation with UV light results in conversion of the monolayer to the merocyanine form (MC), manifested in the appearance of an N(+) contribution in the N 1s region of the XPS spectrum of the SAMs, the characteristic absorption band of the MC form in the visible region at 555 nm, and the C-O stretching band in the SERS spectrum. Recovery of the initial state of the monolayer was observed both thermally and after irradiation with visible light. Several switching cycles were performed and monitored by SERS spectroscopy, demonstrating the stability of the SAMs during repeated switching between SP and MC states. A key finding in the present study is that ring-opening of the surface-immobilized spiropyrans can be induced by irradiation with continuous wave NIR (785 nm) light as well as by irradiation with UV light. We demonstrate that ring-opening by irradiation at 785 nm proceeds by a two-photon absorption pathway both in the SAMs and in the solid state. Hence, spiropyran SAMs on gold can undergo reversible photochemical switching from the SP to the MC form with both UV and NIR and the reverse reaction induced by irradiation with visible light or heating. Furthermore, the observation of NIR-induced switching with a continuous wave source holds important consequences in the study of photochromic switches on surfaces using SERS and emphasizes the importance of the use of multiple complementary techniques in characterizing photoresponsive SAMs.

Selective Mutism: The Fraternal Twin of Childhood Social Phobia.

PubMed

Gensthaler, Angelika; Maichrowitz, Verena; Kaess, Michael; Ligges, Marc; Freitag, Christine M; Schwenck, Christina

Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder with a close link to childhood social phobia (SP). Our studies compare behavioral problem profiles in children and adolescents with SM and SP and control groups and assess the comorbidity patterns of SM and SP. Participants aged 3-18 years with SM (n = 95), SP (n = 74) and internalizing disorders (INT, n = 46) and a typically developing control group (CG, n = 119) were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL); adolescents were additionally assessed with the Youth Self-Report (YSR). Comorbidity was assessed in SM and SP participants with a diagnostic interview. SP was detected in 94% of children with SM. SM participants showed different behavioral and psychiatric symptoms than SP: they were more frequently affected by lifetime separation anxiety disorder (SM: 45%, SP: 26%) and oppositional defiant disorder (SM: 22%, SP: 5%), and less by generalized anxiety disorder (SM: 6%, SP: 20%) and major depression (SM: 12%, SP: 26%). Adolescents with SM showed high rates of agoraphobia (SM 27%; SP 10%) and more social problems (YSR), and were more withdrawn (CBCL, YSR) than those with SP alone. Specific behavioral problems of SM and SP compared to INT and CG were observed. SM and SP represent separate but closely related disorders, distinct from other INT and CG, with specific patterns of lifetime comorbidities. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Suicide Risk Response: Enhancing Patient Safety Through Development of Effective Institutional Policies

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-01-01

potentially lethal self harm ). The CWG recognized the importance of having well-defined policies for response to suicidal TIDES and WAVES patients, and...calculates responses and automatically triggers the suicidality protocol 3.1 3 Spontaneous mention of suicide, self - harm , or persistent thoughts

Feast or flee: bioelectrical regulation of feeding and predator evasion behaviors in the planktonic alveolate Favella sp. (Spirotrichia).

PubMed

Echevarria, Michael L; Wolfe, Gordon V; Taylor, Alison R

2016-02-01

Alveolate (ciliates and dinoflagellates) grazers are integral components of the marine food web and must therefore be able to sense a range of mechanical and chemical signals produced by prey and predators, integrating them via signal transduction mechanisms to respond with effective prey capture and predator evasion behaviors. However, the sensory biology of alveolate grazers is poorly understood. Using novel techniques that combine electrophysiological measurements and high-speed videomicroscopy, we investigated the sensory biology of Favella sp., a model alveolate grazer, in the context of its trophic ecology. Favella sp. produced frequent rhythmic depolarizations (∼500 ms long) that caused backward swimming and are responsible for endogenous swimming patterns relevant to foraging. Contact of both prey cells and non-prey polystyrene microspheres at the cilia produced immediate mechanostimulated depolarizations (∼500 ms long) that caused backward swimming, and likely underlie aggregative swimming patterns of Favella sp. in response to patches of prey. Contact of particles at the peristomal cavity that were not suitable for ingestion resulted in depolarizations after a lag of ∼600 ms, allowing time for particles to be processed before rejection. Ingestion of preferred prey particles was accompanied by transient hyperpolarizations (∼1 s) that likely regulate this step of the feeding process. Predation attempts by the copepod Acartia tonsa elicited fast (∼20 ms) animal-like action potentials accompanied by rapid contraction of the cell to avoid predation. We have shown that the sensory mechanisms of Favella sp. are finely tuned to the type, location, and intensity of stimuli from prey and predators. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

[The effect of substance P on functional proteins in human neutrophil].

PubMed

Yang, Lin; Fa, Xiang-guang

2002-02-01

To explore the effect of substance P (SP) on the functional proteins on plasma membrane of neutrophil (Np). The response of Np to SP was examined by measuring the level of respiratory burst, the activities of ACP and ALP, the fluoroscopy intensity of CR3, CD45 and FM-LP. It was found that SP could increase respiratory burst of Np, decrease the activity of acid phosphatase (ACP), but had no effect on alkaline phosphatase (ALP). SP could also promote the amount of CD45, complement receptor type 3 (CR3) and N-Formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP) receptors. The results showed that the effects of SP on functional proteins in human Np membrane were universality and diversity. It implied that SP could affect various inflammation responses in Np.

Does pressure cause liver cirrhosis? The sinusoidal pressure hypothesis

PubMed Central

Mueller, Sebastian

2016-01-01

Independent of their etiology, all chronic liver diseases ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis, which is a major health problem worldwide. The underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood and no efficient treatment strategies are available. This paper introduces the sinusoidal pressure hypothesis (SPH), which identifies an elevated sinusoidal pressure (SP) as cause of fibrosis. SPH has been mainly derived from recent studies on liver stiffness. So far, pressure changes have been exclusively seen as a consequence of cirrhosis. According to the SPH, however, an elevated SP is the major upstream event that initiates fibrosis via biomechanic signaling by stretching of perisinusoidal cells such as hepatic stellate cells or fibroblasts (SPH part I: initiation). Fibrosis progression is determined by the degree and time of elevated SP. The SPH predicts that the degree of extracellular matrix eventually matches SP with critical thresholds > 12 mmHg and > 4 wk. Elevated arterial flow and final arterialization of the cirrhotic liver represents the self-perpetuating key event exposing the low-pressure-organ to pathologically high pressures (SPH part II: perpetuation). It also defines the “point of no return” where fibrosis progression becomes irreversible. The SPH is able to explain the macroscopic changes of cirrhotic livers and the uniform fibrotic response to various etiologies. It also opens up new views on the role of fat and disease mechanisms in other organs. The novel concept will hopefully stimulate the search for new treatment strategies. PMID:28082801

Detection of biosynthetic gene and phytohormone production by endophytic actinobacteria associated with Solanum lycopersicum and their plant-growth-promoting effect.

PubMed

Passari, Ajit Kumar; Chandra, Preeti; Zothanpuia; Mishra, Vineet Kumar; Leo, Vincent Vineeth; Gupta, Vijai Kumar; Kumar, Brijesh; Singh, Bhim Pratap

2016-10-01

In the present study, fifteen endophytic actinobacterial isolates recovered from Solanum lycopersicum were studied for their antagonistic potential and plant-growth-promoting (PGP) traits. Among them, eight isolates showed significant antagonistic and PGP traits, identified by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. Isolate number DBT204, identified as Streptomyces sp., showed multiple PGP traits tested in planta and improved a range of growth parameters in seedlings of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) and tomato (S. lycopersicum L.). Further, genes of indole acetic acid (iaaM) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase (acdS) were successively amplified from five strains. Six antibiotics (trimethoprim, fluconazole, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, rifampicin and streptomycin) and two phytohormones [indole acetic acid (IAA) and kinetin (KI)] were detected and quantified in Streptomyces sp. strain DBT204 using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The study indicates the potential of these PGP strains for production of phytohormones and shows the presence of biosynthetic genes responsible for production of secondary metabolites. It is the first report showing production of phytohormones (IAA and KI) by endophytic actinobacteria having PGP and biosynthetic potential. We propose Streptomyces sp. strain DBT204 for inoculums production and development of biofertilizers for enhancing growth of chili and tomato seedlings. Copyright © 2016 Institut Pasteur. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Effects on intestinal microbiota and immune genes of Solea senegalensis after suspension of the administration of Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11.

PubMed

Vidal, Sara; Tapia-Paniagua, Silvana Teresa; Moriñigo, Jesús Miguel; Lobo, Carmen; García de la Banda, Inés; Balebona, María Del Carmen; Moriñigo, Miguel Ángel

2016-11-01

The interaction host-intestinal microbiota is essential for the immunological homeostasis of the host. Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics are promising tools for the manipulation of the intestinal microbiota towards beneficial effects to the host. The objective of this study was to evaluate the modulation effect on the intestinal microbiota and the transcription of genes involved in the immune response in head kidney of Solea senegalensis after administration of diet supplemented with the prebiotic alginate and the probiotic Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 CECT 7627 (SpPdp11). The results showed higher adaptability to dietary changes in the intestinal microbiota of fish fed diet with alginate and SpPdp11 together compared to those fish that received an alginate-supplemented diet. The alginate-supplemented diet produced up-regulation of genes encoding proteins involved in immunological responses, such as complement, lysozyme G and transferrin, and oxidative stress, such as NADPH oxidase and glutation peroxidase. On the other hand, the administration of alginate combined with SpPdp11 resulted in a significant increase of the transcription of genes encoding for glutation peroxidase and HSP70, indicating a potential protective effect of SpPdp11 against oxidative stress. In addition, these effects were maintained after the suspension of the probiotic treatment. The relationship between the modulation of the intestinal microbiota and the expression of genes with protective effect against the oxidative stress was demonstrated by the Principal Components Analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

76 FR 27687 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Proposed...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-12

... extraordinary market volatility (``Trading Pause'') in all stocks included in the S&P 500 Index (``S&P 500... mechanism to address extraordinary market volatility, if adopted, applies to the Circuit Breaker Stocks. See... a limit up-limit down mechanism to address extraordinary market volatility, if adopted, applies to...

Recognition of sleep paralysis among normal adults in Canada and in Japan.

PubMed

Fukuda, K; Ogilvie, R D; Takeuchi, T

2000-06-01

There were no differences between Canada and Japan in the prevalence and symptoms of sleep paralysis (SP), but many more Canadians considered SP to be a dream. The difference was considered to be derived from the fact that there is a common expression for SP in Japan but there is not one in Canada. Then, we investigated why there are individuals who consider SP to be a dream and others who do not, and found that many Japanese who regarded it as a dream did not report the symptom of 'unable to move', while in Canada, self-evaluation of spirituality was different between the two groups.

Effects of aerosolised substance P on lung resistance in guinea-pigs: a comparison between inhibition of neutral endopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme.

PubMed

Lötvall, J O; Skoogh, B E; Barnes, P J; Chung, K F

1990-05-01

1. We have examined in guinea-pigs, in vivo, the effects of inhibition of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) on the airway response to aerosolised substance P (SP). We aerosolised captopril (4.6 mM, 60 breaths; 210 nmol) to inhibit ACE and acetorphan (0.3, 1 and 3 mM, 60 breaths; 9 nmol, 33 nmol and 110 nmol respectively) to inhibit NEP. We also examined the effect of the highest dose of acetorphan (110 nmol) on the response to aerosolised acetylcholine (ACh). 2. Responsiveness to SP (or ACh) was measured as the change in lung resistance (RL) induced by nebulisation of increasing concentrations of SP (or ACh) before and after treatment with the inhibitor. PC200, defined as the provocative concentration inducing an increase in RL of 200% above baseline was calculated for each challenge. 3. Administration of acetorphan before the second SP-challenge induced a dose-dependent decrease in PC200 for SP amounting to 1.8 (+/- 0.3) log units after treatment with 11 nmol acetorphan. Treatment with vehicle before the second SP-challenge or with 3 mM acetorphan before the second ACh-challenge had no significant effect on PC200. 4. Treatment with captopril (21 nmol) induced only a small, nonsignificant leftward shift of PC200 to SP (0.3 +/- 0.2 log units). 5. We conclude that a NEP-like enzyme, but not ACE, regulates the response to aerosolised SP. We suggest that the same is true for SP released endogenously from sensory nerve endings in the airway epithelial layer.

Effects of aerosolised substance P on lung resistance in guinea-pigs: a comparison between inhibition of neutral endopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme.

PubMed Central

Lötvall, J. O.; Skoogh, B. E.; Barnes, P. J.; Chung, K. F.

1990-01-01

1. We have examined in guinea-pigs, in vivo, the effects of inhibition of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) on the airway response to aerosolised substance P (SP). We aerosolised captopril (4.6 mM, 60 breaths; 210 nmol) to inhibit ACE and acetorphan (0.3, 1 and 3 mM, 60 breaths; 9 nmol, 33 nmol and 110 nmol respectively) to inhibit NEP. We also examined the effect of the highest dose of acetorphan (110 nmol) on the response to aerosolised acetylcholine (ACh). 2. Responsiveness to SP (or ACh) was measured as the change in lung resistance (RL) induced by nebulisation of increasing concentrations of SP (or ACh) before and after treatment with the inhibitor. PC200, defined as the provocative concentration inducing an increase in RL of 200% above baseline was calculated for each challenge. 3. Administration of acetorphan before the second SP-challenge induced a dose-dependent decrease in PC200 for SP amounting to 1.8 (+/- 0.3) log units after treatment with 11 nmol acetorphan. Treatment with vehicle before the second SP-challenge or with 3 mM acetorphan before the second ACh-challenge had no significant effect on PC200. 4. Treatment with captopril (21 nmol) induced only a small, nonsignificant leftward shift of PC200 to SP (0.3 +/- 0.2 log units). 5. We conclude that a NEP-like enzyme, but not ACE, regulates the response to aerosolised SP. We suggest that the same is true for SP released endogenously from sensory nerve endings in the airway epithelial layer. PMID:1695534

Single sea urchin phagocytes express messages of a single sequence from the diverse Sp185/333 gene family in response to bacterial challenge.

PubMed

Majeske, Audrey J; Oren, Matan; Sacchi, Sandro; Smith, L Courtney

2014-12-01

Immune systems in animals rely on fast and efficient responses to a wide variety of pathogens. The Sp185/333 gene family in the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, consists of an estimated 50 (±10) members per genome that share a basic gene structure but show high sequence diversity, primarily due to the mosaic appearance of short blocks of sequence called elements. The genes show significantly elevated expression in three subpopulations of phagocytes responding to marine bacteria. The encoded Sp185/333 proteins are highly diverse and have central effector functions in the immune system. In this study we report the Sp185/333 gene expression in single sea urchin phagocytes. Sea urchins challenged with heat-killed marine bacteria resulted in a typical increase in coelomocyte concentration within 24 h, which included an increased proportion of phagocytes expressing Sp185/333 proteins. Phagocyte fractions enriched from coelomocytes were used in limiting dilutions to obtain samples of single cells that were evaluated for Sp185/333 gene expression by nested RT-PCR. Amplicon sequences showed identical or nearly identical Sp185/333 amplicon sequences in single phagocytes with matches to six known Sp185/333 element patterns, including both common and rare element patterns. This suggested that single phagocytes show restricted expression from the Sp185/333 gene family and infers a diverse, flexible, and efficient response to pathogens. This type of expression pattern from a family of immune response genes in single cells has not been identified previously in other invertebrates. Copyright © 2014 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Inhibition of integrin-linked kinase expression by emodin through crosstalk of AMPKα and ERK1/2 signaling and reciprocal interplay of Sp1 and c-Jun.

PubMed

Tang, Qing; Zhao, Shunyu; Wu, Jingjing; Zheng, Fang; Yang, LiJun; Hu, JingHeng; Hann, Swei Sunny

2015-07-01

Despite the anti-cancer effect of emodin observed in several cancers, the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be elucidated. In this study, we showed that emodin-inhibited NSCLC cell growth and increased phosphorylation of AMPKα and ERK1/2. In addition, emodin-inhibited ILK protein expression. The overexpression of ILK reversed the effect of emodin on cell growth inhibition. Furthermore, the blockade of AMPK by compound C abrogated, while metformin, an activator of AMPK, strengthened the effect of emodin on the inhibition of ILK expression. Interestingly, the inhibitor of MAPK extracellular signaling-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)/ERK1/2 (PD98059) attenuated emodin-induced phosphorylation of AMPKα. Moreover, emodin reduced the protein expression of Sp1 and AP-1 subunit c-Jun. Exogenous expression of Sp1 and c-Jun diminished emodin-reduced ILK protein expression. Emodin suppressed ILK promoter activity, which was not observed in cells overexpression of Sp1 and treated with compound C. Intriguingly, exogenous expression of c-Jun overcame the emodin-inhibited Sp1 protein expression. Collectively, our results demonstrate that emodin inhibits ILK expression through AMPKα-mediated reduction of Sp1 and c-Jun. Metformin enhances the effects of emodin. Exogenous expression of Sp1 and c-Jun resists emodin-inhibited ILK promoter activity and protein expression. In addition, the overexpression of c-Jun diminishes emodin-induced AMPKα signaling. Thus, the crosstalk of AMPKα and MEK/ERK1/2 signaling and the reciprocal interaction between Sp1 and c-Jun proteins contribute to the overall responses of emodin. This novel signaling axis may be a therapeutic potential for prevention and treatment of NSCLC. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cloning and characterisation of the SpToll gene from green mud crab, Scylla paramamosain.

PubMed

Lin, Zhongyang; Qiao, Jie; Zhang, Yueling; Guo, Lingling; Huang, He; Yan, Fang; Li, Yuanyou; Wang, Xiuying

2012-05-01

Toll/Toll-like receptors (TLRs), one of the most important pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), play a crucial role in innate immune responses in both invertebrates and vertebrates. In this study, we cloned and characterised a Toll gene from Scylla paramamosain (SpToll). Bioinformatic analysis predicted that SpToll contained one open reading frame of 3018bp and encoded a single-pass transmembrane domain protein of 1005 amino acids. Further, SpToll could be clustered into one branch along with other arthropod Tolls in a phylogenetic tree. SpToll transcripts could be detected by RT-PCR from all tissues examined including the heart, gill, hepatopancreas, stomach, intestine, muscle, eyestalk and hemocytes. Infection by Vibrio parahemolyticus up-regulated SpToll mRNA expression in hemocytes after 48h. The profile of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) domain of SpToll in three healthy crabs was then evaluated. Two hundred and twenty SNPs with a frequency of about 1.0-4.0% were identified in hemocyte DNA/cDNA. Surprisingly, the adenine to guanine transition at position 1372 (c.1372A>G) had a frequency of about 50%. Finally, the results showed that challenge with V. parahemolyticus stimulated the appearance of two sets of SNPs in crabs. More importantly, the c.1372A>G mutation could contribute to a low mortality after V. parahemolyticus infection and introduce variation of charge and secondary structure into the SpToll polypeptide. In summary, these studies suggested a novel Toll homologue in crab and identified a SNP with potential pathogen-resistant activities. The result will be important for the investigation of crab immune defense mechanisms. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Receptors mediating the effects of substance P and neurokinin A on mucus secretion and smooth muscle tone of the ferret trachea: potentiation by an enkephalinase inhibitor.

PubMed Central

Webber, S. E.

1989-01-01

1. The effects of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) were examined on tracheal smooth muscle tone, mucus volume output, lysozyme output and albumin transport across the ferret in vitro whole trachea in the presence and absence of the enkephalinase inhibitor, thiorphan. 2. SP (0.001-3 microM) and NKA (0.01-10 microM) contracted the tracheal smooth muscle and increased mucus volume, lysozyme and albumin outputs into the tracheal lumen. The EC50 values for SP and NKA for all of the variables measured were significantly reduced, and all of the maximum responses were significantly enhanced by thiorphan (10 microM). 3. In the presence of thiorphan, SP (1 microM) and NKA (10 microM) produced albumin concentrations in the secreted mucus (8.9 and 7.2 micrograms microliters-1) which were greater than those in the submucosal buffer (4.2 micrograms microliters-1). 4. In the presence of thiorphan, NKA was approximately 5 times more potent than SP at contracting the tracheal smooth muscle. Conversely SP was 23, 15 and 22 times more potent than NKA at stimulating mucus volume, lysozyme and albumin outputs respectively. 5. Thus, there is neutral endopeptidase in the ferret trachea in vitro which cleaves exogenously applied SP and NKA, thereby reducing the magnitude and potency of their actions. SP and NKA contract the ferret tracheal muscle probably by an action at NK2 (or NK3)-receptors but stimulate mucus volume output, lysozyme output and albumin transport across the tracheal wall probably by an action on NK1 receptors. PMID:2482101

Receptors mediating the effects of substance P and neurokinin A on mucus secretion and smooth muscle tone of the ferret trachea: potentiation by an enkephalinase inhibitor.

PubMed

Webber, S E

1989-12-01

1. The effects of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) were examined on tracheal smooth muscle tone, mucus volume output, lysozyme output and albumin transport across the ferret in vitro whole trachea in the presence and absence of the enkephalinase inhibitor, thiorphan. 2. SP (0.001-3 microM) and NKA (0.01-10 microM) contracted the tracheal smooth muscle and increased mucus volume, lysozyme and albumin outputs into the tracheal lumen. The EC50 values for SP and NKA for all of the variables measured were significantly reduced, and all of the maximum responses were significantly enhanced by thiorphan (10 microM). 3. In the presence of thiorphan, SP (1 microM) and NKA (10 microM) produced albumin concentrations in the secreted mucus (8.9 and 7.2 micrograms microliters-1) which were greater than those in the submucosal buffer (4.2 micrograms microliters-1). 4. In the presence of thiorphan, NKA was approximately 5 times more potent than SP at contracting the tracheal smooth muscle. Conversely SP was 23, 15 and 22 times more potent than NKA at stimulating mucus volume, lysozyme and albumin outputs respectively. 5. Thus, there is neutral endopeptidase in the ferret trachea in vitro which cleaves exogenously applied SP and NKA, thereby reducing the magnitude and potency of their actions. SP and NKA contract the ferret tracheal muscle probably by an action at NK2 (or NK3)-receptors but stimulate mucus volume output, lysozyme output and albumin transport across the tracheal wall probably by an action on NK1 receptors.

Potential or Problem? An Investigation of Secondary School Teachers' Attributions of the Educational Outcomes of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woodcock, Stuart; Hitches, Elizabeth

2017-01-01

Despite strong support for inclusive education in principle, many teachers and administrators still demonstrate mixed responses to the inclusion of certain students in their classrooms. Students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) form a large group of students in inclusive classrooms yet some provincial, state and national jurisdictions…

Geoelectrical Methods and Monitoring for Dam Safety Assessment, Republic of Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, S. K.; Oldenburg, D.; Kang, S.; Song, S. H.

2016-12-01

Geoelectrical methods and monitoring to detect the seepage and internal erosion are essential for the safety assessment of earth dams. This work aims to develop improved methodologies to analyze the observed data and to monitor changes in seepage flow using direct current (DC) and self-potential (SP) methods. The seasonal variation of water level at dams causes a change in seepage and water saturation and hence alters the resistivity of the dam material. DC data are sensitive to water saturation and hence changes in saturation can be obtained by repeatedly measuring DC data. However, a more diagnostic parameter for safety assessment is fluid flow, and resistivity is only weakly coupled to that. Fortunately SP signals are directly related to fluid flow, and thus an SP survey has the potential to characterize fluid flow through the earth matrix. In Korea, the safety assessment of earth fill dams has been dealt by Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC). Most of the dams are relatively old ( >50 years), hence assessing deterioration and corresponding seepage of those dams are crucial. In order to evaluate the engineering geological properties of the soil at earth dams in Korea, two boreholes in each dam were drilled to a bedrock depth that exceeds the height of the dam. A large set of field tests, including standard penetration tests (SPT) and in-situ permeability tests, were carried out along the boreholes. However, seepage paths in the dam is complex hence those limited measurements at a few points is not sufficient to delineate the zone of preferential seepage flow. For this, KRC developed permanent DC monitoring systems at a number of agricultural dams in Korea. The data were automatically collected every 6 hours. During the monitoring, the measurements of the water level at two boreholes were gathered at the same time. In this presentation we select an agricultural dam and delineate an anomalous leakage zone by inverting and interpreting time-lapse DC resistivity data acquired under conditions of variable water level. We use these results to simulate SP signals and investigate their potential in monitoring seepage. Our results lay the foundation for developing an automated analysis of DC and SP data to recognize normal and abnormal conditions and to provide an alert when variations beyond a specified threshold are detected.

Carboxypeptidase-mediated metabolism of calcitonin gene-related peptide in human gingival crevicular fluid--a rôle in periodontal inflammation?

PubMed

Lundy, F T; Salmon, A L; Lamey, P J; Shaw, C; Linden, G J

2000-07-01

Metabolism by peptidases plays an important rôle in modulating the levels of biologically-active neuropeptides. The metabolism of the anti-inflammatory neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (GCRP), but not the pro-inflammatory neuropeptides substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) by components of the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), could potentiate the inflammatory process in periodontitis. To characterise the extracellular hydrolysis of CGRP as a mechanism for the selective inactivation of this neuropeptide in GCF from periodontitis sites. Samples of GCF from periodontitis patients and periodontally-healthy subjects were incubated with synthetic human SP, NKA or CGRP. Reaction between the GCF constituents and synthetic peptides was allowed to progress from 0-180 min. Results of neuropeptide metabolism at each time were analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry. There was no evidence of metabolism of SP, NKA or CGRP by constituents of healthy GCF. Metabolism of synthetic SP and NKA was minimal even after extensive incubation with periodontitis GCF. However, loss of carboxy-terminal amino acids was evident after only 1 min incubation with periodontitis GCF. The pattern of CGRP metabolism, which proceeded from the C-terminus, indicated that the neuropeptide was degraded by a carboxypeptidase. After 180 min, there was extensive carboxypeptidase degradation of CGRP to an 11 amino acid peptide. It is concluded that carboxypeptidase activity in GCF from periodontitis patients is responsible for rapid breakdown of CGRP but not SP or NKA. The rapid action of this carboxypeptidase on the anti-inflammatory neuropeptide CGRP is suggestive of a pathophysiological rôle for the enzyme in selectively degrading CGRP, thereby potentiating periodontal inflammation.

In vitro activities of kappa-carrageenan isolated from red marine alga Hypnea musciformis: Antimicrobial, anticancer and neuroprotective potential.

PubMed

Souza, Ricardo Basto; Frota, Annyta Fernandes; Silva, Joana; Alves, Celso; Neugebauer, Agnieszka Zofia; Pinteus, Susete; Rodrigues, José Ariévilo Gurgel; Cordeiro, Edna Maria Silva; de Almeida, Raimundo Rafael; Pedrosa, Rui; Benevides, Norma Maria Barros

2018-06-01

This study assessed the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and neuroprotective activities of the kappa(k)-carrageenan isolated from the red alga Hypnea musciformis (Hm-SP). The chemical spectrum of the k-carrageenan from Hm-SP was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Hm-SP revealed an antibacterial and antifungal action against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, respectively. Hm-SP did not promoted cytotoxic effects against Human breast cancer (MCF-7) and Human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell-lines. However, it was observed a significant reduction of the cellular proliferation capacity in these cancer cells in presence of the Hm-SP. Furthermore, Hm-SP showed neuroprotective activity in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity on SH-SY5Y cells by modulation of the mitochondria transmembrane potential and reducing Caspase 3 activity. In addition, Hm-SP demonstrates low antioxidant potential and did not induce significant cytotoxic effects or changes in the cell proliferation on Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell-line. In summary, our data suggest that Hm-SP shows antimicrobial, anticancer and neuprotective activities. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Response to copper and sodium chloride excess in Spirulina sp. (cyanobacteria).

PubMed

Deniz, F; Saygideger, S D; Karaman, S

2011-07-01

Physiological responses of the cyanobacterium, Spirulina sp., were evaluated following exposure to copper (0.1 and 1.0 mg/L) and sodium chloride (0.2 and 0.4 mol/L) for 7 days. Growth and chlorophyll a content exhibited decreases at most exposure levels, while increases occurred for malondialdehyde at all exposure levels. Proline content was increased at the higher exposure levels. Carotenoid levels of Spirulina sp. were not significantly changed. Increased amounts of malondialdehyde were indicative of free radical formation in Spirulina sp. under the stress, while increasing levels of proline pointed to the occurrence of a scavenging mechanism. Concentrations of copper in Spirulina sp. decreased with increasing concentrations of NaCl.

Unconventional molecule-resolved current rectification in diamondoid–fullerene hybrids

PubMed Central

Randel, Jason C.; Niestemski, Francis C.; Botello-Mendez, Andrés R.; Mar, Warren; Ndabashimiye, Georges; Melinte, Sorin; Dahl, Jeremy E. P.; Carlson, Robert M. K.; Butova, Ekaterina D.; Fokin, Andrey A.; Schreiner, Peter R.; Charlier, Jean-Christophe; Manoharan, Hari C.

2014-01-01

The unimolecular rectifier is a fundamental building block of molecular electronics. Rectification in single molecules can arise from electron transfer between molecular orbitals displaying asymmetric spatial charge distributions, akin to p–n junction diodes in semiconductors. Here we report a novel all-hydrocarbon molecular rectifier consisting of a diamantane–C60 conjugate. By linking both sp3 (diamondoid) and sp2 (fullerene) carbon allotropes, this hybrid molecule opposingly pairs negative and positive electron affinities. The single-molecule conductances of self-assembled domains on Au(111), probed by low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy, reveal a large rectifying response of the molecular constructs. This specific electronic behaviour is postulated to originate from the electrostatic repulsion of diamantane–C60 molecules due to positively charged terminal hydrogen atoms on the diamondoid interacting with the top electrode (scanning tip) at various bias voltages. Density functional theory computations scrutinize the electronic and vibrational spectroscopic fingerprints of this unique molecular structure and corroborate the unconventional rectification mechanism. PMID:25202942

A comparative experimental approach to ecotoxicology in shallow-water and deep-sea holothurians suggests similar behavioural responses.

PubMed

Brown, Alastair; Wright, Roseanna; Mevenkamp, Lisa; Hauton, Chris

2017-10-01

Exploration of deep-sea mineral resources is burgeoning, raising concerns regarding ecotoxicological impacts on deep-sea fauna. Assessing toxicity in deep-sea species is technologically challenging, which promotes interest in establishing shallow-water ecotoxicological proxy species. However, the effects of temperature and hydrostatic pressure on toxicity, and how adaptation to deep-sea environmental conditions might moderate these effects, are unknown. To address these uncertainties we assessed behavioural and physiological (antioxidant enzyme activity) responses to exposure to copper-spiked artificial sediments in a laboratory experiment using a shallow-water holothurian (Holothuria forskali), and in an in situ experiment using a deep-sea holothurian (Amperima sp.). Both species demonstrated sustained avoidance behaviour, evading contact with contaminated artificial sediment. However, A. sp. demonstrated sustained avoidance of 5mgl -1 copper-contaminated artificial sediment whereas H. forskali demonstrated only temporary avoidance of 5mgl -1 copper-contaminated artificial sediment, suggesting that H. forskali may be more tolerant of metal exposure over 96h. Nonetheless, the acute behavioural response appears consistent between the shallow-water species and the deep-sea species, suggesting that H. forskali may be a suitable ecotoxicological proxy for A. sp. in acute (≤24h) exposures, which may be representative of deep-sea mining impacts. No antioxidant response was observed in either species, which was interpreted to be the consequence of avoiding copper exposure. Although these data suggest that shallow-water taxa may be suitable ecotoxicological proxies for deep-sea taxa, differences in methodological and analytical approaches, and in sex and reproductive stage of experimental subjects, require caution in assessing the suitability of H. forskali as an ecotoxicological proxy for A. sp. Nonetheless, avoidance behaviour may have bioenergetic consequences that affect growth and/or reproductive output, potentially impacting fecundity and/or offspring fitness, and thus influencing source-sink dynamics and persistence of wider deep-sea populations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Petroleum degradation by Pseudomonas sp. ZS1 is impeded in the presence of antagonist Alcaligenes sp. CT10.

PubMed

Liang, Jibei; Cheng, Tao; Huang, Yi; Liu, Jianhua

2018-05-28

Enhanced bioremediation is a favorable approach for petroleum pollutant cleanup, which depends on the growth of oil-eating microorganisms. In this study, we show that, by using the modified T-RFLP (mT-RFLP) methodology, one of the four major microbial populations derived from oil sludge has failed to propagate in MS medium supplemented with 2% yeast extract (YE). rDNA sequence-based analysis indicated that the four populations were Donghicola sp. CT5, Bacillus sp. CT6, Alcaligenes sp. CT10, and Pseudomonas sp. ZS1. Four purified strains grow well individually in MS medium supplemented with 2% YE, suggesting that ZS1 growth is antagonized by other strains. Co-growth analysis using mT-RFLP methodology and plate inhibitory assay indicated that ZS1 exhibited antagonistic effect against CT5 and CT6. On the other hand, co-growth analysis and plate inhibition assay showed that CT10 antagonized against ZS1. To investigate the potential compounds responsible for the antagonism, supernatant of CT10 culture was subjected to GC-MS analysis. Analysis indicated that CT10 produced a number of antimicrobial compounds including cyclodipeptide c-(L-Pro-L-Phe), which was known to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas sp. Growth test using the purified c-(L-Pro-L-Phe) from CT10 confirmed its inhibitory activity. We further showed that, using both gravimetric and GC analysis, CT10 antagonism against the oil-eating ZS1 led to the diminishing of crude oil degradation. Together, our results indicate that bioremediation can be affected by environmental antagonists.

Optimization of Culture Medium for the Growth of Candida sp. and Blastobotrys sp. as Starter Culture in Fermentation of Cocoa Beans (Theobroma cacao) Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).

PubMed

Mahazar, N H; Zakuan, Z; Norhayati, H; MeorHussin, A S; Rukayadi, Y

2017-01-01

Inoculation of starter culture in cocoa bean fermentation produces consistent, predictable and high quality of fermented cocoa beans. It is important to produce healthy inoculum in cocoa bean fermentation for better fermented products. Inoculum could minimize the length of the lag phase in fermentation. The purpose of this study was to optimize the component of culture medium for the maximum cultivation of Candida sp. and Blastobotrys sp. Molasses and yeast extract were chosen as medium composition and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was then employed to optimize the molasses and yeast extract. Maximum growth of Candida sp. (7.63 log CFU mL-1) and Blastobotrys sp. (8.30 log CFU mL-1) were obtained from the fermentation. Optimum culture media for the growth of Candida sp., consist of 10% (w/v) molasses and 2% (w/v) yeast extract, while for Blastobotrys sp., were 1.94% (w/v) molasses and 2% (w/v) yeast extract. This study shows that culture medium consists of molasses and yeast extract were able to produce maximum growth of Candida sp. and Blastobotrys sp., as a starter culture for cocoa bean fermentation.

Clinical significance of the summating potential-action potential ratio and the action potential latency difference for condensation and rarefaction clicks in Meniere's disease.

PubMed

Ohashi, Toru; Nishino, Hirohito; Arai, Yoko; Hyodo, Makoto; Takatsu, Mitsuharu

2009-04-01

This study was aimed to elucidate the diagnostic significance of the summating potential (SP)-action potential (AP) ratio and the AP latency difference between condensation and rarefaction clicks (AP con-rar difference) in Meniere's disease. The AP and SP were recorded transtympanically in 67 patients with definite Meniere's disease. The SP/AP ratio and the AP con-rar difference were assessed in terms of 1) their interrelationship, 2) their relationship to hearing level, and 3) the rate of occurrence of abnormal values according to the stages of Meniere's disease. No correlation was found between the SP/AP ratio and the AP con-rar difference. Neither the SP/AP ratio in general nor the AP con-rar difference was correlated with the hearing level. However, enhanced values of the SP/AP ratio (0.35 or higher) were moderately correlated with the hearing level (r = 0.51), and their occurrence rate was 55.2%. An increased AP con-rar difference (0.13 ms or longer) was not correlated with the hearing level, and its occurrence rate was 50.2%; it appeared most frequently at stage 3 (p <0.05). An enhanced SP/AP ratio might not always indicate the presence of endolymphatic hydrops associated with an increase in endolymphatic pressure. An increased AP con-rar difference might reflect the presence of a biased basilar membrane resulting from an increased endolymphatic pressure, and hence it is diagnostically essential to simultaneously evaluate the SP/AP ratio and the AP con-rar difference.

Spanish version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-Sp).

PubMed

Lopez, Rodrigo; Baelum, Vibeke

2006-07-07

The need for appraisal of oral health-related quality of life has been increasingly recognized over the last decades. The aims of this study were to develop a Spanish version (OHIP-Sp) of the Oral Health Impact Profile and to evaluate its convergent and discriminative validity, and its internal consistency. The original 49-items OHIP was translated to Spanish, revised for understanding and semantics by two independent dentists, and then translated back to English by an independent bilingual dentist. The data originated in a cross sectional study conducted among high school students from the Province of Santiago, Chile. The study group was sampled using a multistage random cluster procedure yielding 9,203 students aged 12-21 years. All selected students were invited to participate and all filled a questionnaire with information on socio-demographic factors; oral health related behaviors; and self-reported oral health status (good, fair or poor). From this group, 9,163 students also accepted to fill a detailed questionnaire on socio-economic indicators and to receive a clinical examination comprising direct recordings of clinical attachment levels (CAL) in molars and incisors, tooth loss, and the presence of necrotizing ulcerative gingival lesions. The participation rate and the questionnaire completeness were high with OHIP-Sp total scores being computed for 9,133 subjects. Self-perceived oral health status was associated with the total OHIP-Sp score and all its domains (Spearman rank correlation). The OHIP-Sp total score was also directly associated with the 4 dental outcomes investigated (Mann-Whitney test) and the largest impact was found for the outcomes, 'tooth loss' with a mean OHIP-Sp score = 13.5 and 'CAL > or = 3 mm' with a mean OHIP-Sp score = 13.0. The OHIP-Sp revealed suitable convergent and discriminative validity and appropriate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha). Further studies on OHIP-Sp warrant the inclusion of populations with a higher disease burden; and the use of test-retest reliability exercises to evaluate the stability of the test.

Normobaric hypoxia inhalation test vs. response to airline flight in healthy passengers.

PubMed

Kelly, Paul T; Swanney, Maureen P; Frampton, Chris; Seccombe, Leigh M; Peters, Matthew J; Beckert, Lutz E

2006-11-01

There is little data available to determine the normal response to normobaric hypoxia inhalation testing (NHIT) and air travel. Quantifying a healthy response may assist in the evaluation of passengers considered at risk for air travel. The aims of this study were: (1) to quantify the degree of desaturation in healthy subjects during a NHIT and air travel; and (2) assess the validity of the NHIT when compared with actual in-flight responses. There were 15 healthy adults (age 23-57; 10 women) who volunteered for this study. Preflight tests included lung function, arterial blood gas, pulse oximetry (SpO2), and NHIT (inspired oxygen 15%). SpO2 and cabin pressure were measured continuously on each subject during a commercial air flight (mean cabin altitude 2178 m; range 1719-2426 m). In-flight oxygenation was compared with the preflight NHIT. Lung function testing results were normal. There was significant desaturation (SpO2) during the NHIT (pre: 98 +/- 2%; post: 92 +/- 2%) and at cruising altitude (pre: 97 +/- 1%; cruise: 92 +/- 2%). There was no difference between the final NHIT SpO2 and the mean in-flight SpO2. There was a significant difference between the lowest in-flight SpO2 (88 +/- 2%) vs. the lowest NHIT SpO2, (90 +/- 2%). Oxygen saturation decreases significantly during air travel in normal individuals. In this group of healthy passengers the NHIT approximates some, but not all, aspects of in-flight oxygenation. These results can be used to describe a normal response to the NHIT and air-travel.

Substance P released from intrinsic airway neurons contributes to ozone-enhanced airway hyperresponsiveness in ferret trachea.

PubMed

Wu, Zhong-Xin; Satterfield, Brian E; Dey, Richard D

2003-08-01

Exposure to ozone (O3) induces airway hyperresponsiveness mediated partly through the release of substance P (SP) from nerve terminals in the airway wall. Although substantial evidence suggests that SP is released by sensory nerves, SP is also present in neurons of airway ganglia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of intrinsic airway neurons in O3-enhanced airway responsiveness in ferret trachea. To remove the effects of sensory innervation, segments of ferret trachea were maintained in culture conditions for 24 h before in vitro exposure to 2 parts/million of O3 or air for 1 h. Sensory nerve depletion was confirmed by showing that capsaicin did not affect tracheal smooth muscle responsiveness to cholinergic agonist or contractility responses to electrical field stimulation (EFS). Contractions of isolated tracheal smooth muscle to EFS were significantly increased after in vitro O3 exposure, but the constrictor response to cholinergic agonist was not altered. Pretreatment with CP-99994, an antagonist of the neurokinin 1 receptor, attenuated the increased contraction to EFS after O3 exposure but had no effect in the air exposure group. The number of SP-positive neurons in longitudinal trunk ganglia, the extent of SP innervation to superficial muscular plexus nerve cell bodies, and SP nerve fiber density in tracheal smooth muscle all increased significantly after O3 exposure. The results show that release of SP from intrinsic airway neurons contributes to O3-enhanced tracheal smooth muscle responsiveness by facilitating acetylcholine release from cholinergic nerve terminals.

Substance P stimulates the opossum sphincter of Oddi in vitro.

PubMed

Parodi, J E; Cho, N; Zenilman, M E; Barteau, J A; Soper, N J; Becker, J M

1990-09-01

We have previously shown that substance P (SP) regulates sphincter of Oddi (SO) motility in vivo. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Our aim was to develop an in vitro model to measure spikeburst (SB) an contractile frequency (CMC) of the SO and to characterize further SP effects. In 16 opossums, SO rings were excised, mounted within a Kreb's tissue bath with bipolar electrodes and force transducers, allowed to equilibrate, and exposed to increasing SP concentrations with washout between each test solution. Spikeburst and CMC frequencies were recorded on a polygraph, quantitated, expressed as differences before and during SP, and statistically analyzed with Student's test. Although SP induced a significant concentration-dependent increase in phasic SB frequency and CMC, the amplitude of concentrations was not affected by SP. A close correlation was found between basal and SP-stimulated SB and CMC, suggesting myoelectric and mechanical coupling. Previous exposure of SO to SP antagonist [D-Arg1, D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9, Leu11]-SP significantly decreased the response to SP. Tetrodotoxin (TTX), did not affect the delta CMC response to SP. In conclusion an in vitro preparation was developed to study the effect of SP on the SO. Substance P increased SB and CMC of the SO in a concentration-dependent fashion, thus acting as a stimulatory peptide. Perfusion of SO rings with SP antagonist had no effect on basal CMC but significantly inhibited the action of SP in a competitive manner. The effect of SP was not altered by TTX. These data suggest that the action of SP on the SO is primarily myogenic.

Integrated metabonomics analysis of the size-response relationship of silica nanoparticles-induced toxicity in mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Xiaoyan; Tian, Yu; Zhao, Qinqin; Jin, Tingting; Xiao, Shun; Fan, Xiaohui

2011-02-01

Understanding the underlying properties-dependent interactions of nanostructures with biological systems is essential to nanotoxicological research. This study investigates the relationship between particle size and toxicity, and further reveals the mechanism of injury, using silica particles (SP) with diameters of 30, 70, and 300 nm (SP30, SP70, and SP300) as model materials. The biochemical compositions of liver tissues and serum of mice treated with SP30, SP70, and SP300 were analyzed by integrated metabonomics analysis based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and in combination with pattern recognition approaches. Histopathological examinations and serum biochemical analysis were simultaneously performed. The toxicity induced by three different sizes of SP mainly involved hepatocytic necrosis, increased serum aminotransferase, and inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the toxic effects of SP were dose-dependent for each particle size. The doses of SP30, SP70, and SP300 that were toxic to the liver were 10, 40, and 200 mg kg - 1, respectively. In this study, surface area has a greater effect than particle number on the toxicity of SP30, SP70, and SP300 in the liver. The disturbances in energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism may be attributable to the hepatotoxicity induced by SP. In addition, no major differences were found in the response of biological systems caused by the different SP sizes among the metabolite profiles. The results suggest that not only nano-sized but also submicro-sized SP can cause similar extents of liver injury, which is dependent on the exposure dose, and the mechanism of toxicity may be almost the same.

Polymorphisms of SP110 Are Associated with both Pulmonary and Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis among the Vietnamese

PubMed Central

Fox, Gregory J.; Sy, Dinh Ngoc; Nhung, Nguyen Viet; Yu, Bing; Ellis, Magda K.; Van Hung, Nguyen; Cuong, Nguyen Kim; Thi Lien, Luu; Marks, Guy B.; Saunders, Bernadette M.; Britton, Warwick J.

2014-01-01

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet the reasons why only 10% of people infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis go on to develop clinical disease are poorly understood. Genetically determined variation in the host immune response is one factor influencing the response to M. tuberculosis. SP110 is an interferon-responsive nuclear body protein with critical roles in cell cycling, apoptosis and immunity to infection. However association studies of the gene with clinical TB in different populations have produced conflicting results. Methods To examine the importance of the SP110 gene in immunity to TB in the Vietnamese we conducted a case-control genetic association study of 24 SP110 variants, in 663 patients with microbiologically proven TB and 566 unaffected control subjects from three tertiary hospitals in northern Vietnam. Results Five SNPs within SP110 were associated with all forms of TB, including four SNPs at the C terminus (rs10208770, rs10498244, rs16826860, rs11678451) under a dominant model and one SNP under a recessive model, rs7601176. Two of these SNPs were associated with pulmonary TB (rs10208770 and rs16826860) and one with extra-pulmonary TB (rs10498244). Conclusion SP110 variants were associated with increased susceptibility to both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB in the Vietnamese. Genetic variants in SP110 may influence macrophage signaling responses and apoptosis during M. tuberculosis infection, however further research is required to establish the mechanism by which SP110 influences immunity to tuberculosis infection. PMID:25006821

Polymorphisms of SP110 are associated with both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis among the Vietnamese.

PubMed

Fox, Gregory J; Sy, Dinh Ngoc; Nhung, Nguyen Viet; Yu, Bing; Ellis, Magda K; Van Hung, Nguyen; Cuong, Nguyen Kim; Thi Lien, Luu; Marks, Guy B; Saunders, Bernadette M; Britton, Warwick J

2014-01-01

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet the reasons why only 10% of people infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis go on to develop clinical disease are poorly understood. Genetically determined variation in the host immune response is one factor influencing the response to M. tuberculosis. SP110 is an interferon-responsive nuclear body protein with critical roles in cell cycling, apoptosis and immunity to infection. However association studies of the gene with clinical TB in different populations have produced conflicting results. To examine the importance of the SP110 gene in immunity to TB in the Vietnamese we conducted a case-control genetic association study of 24 SP110 variants, in 663 patients with microbiologically proven TB and 566 unaffected control subjects from three tertiary hospitals in northern Vietnam. Five SNPs within SP110 were associated with all forms of TB, including four SNPs at the C terminus (rs10208770, rs10498244, rs16826860, rs11678451) under a dominant model and one SNP under a recessive model, rs7601176. Two of these SNPs were associated with pulmonary TB (rs10208770 and rs16826860) and one with extra-pulmonary TB (rs10498244). SP110 variants were associated with increased susceptibility to both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB in the Vietnamese. Genetic variants in SP110 may influence macrophage signaling responses and apoptosis during M. tuberculosis infection, however further research is required to establish the mechanism by which SP110 influences immunity to tuberculosis infection.

Interactions between neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) and the substance P (NK1) receptor expressed in mammalian cells.

PubMed Central

Okamoto, A; Lovett, M; Payan, D G; Bunnett, N W

1994-01-01

Interactions between neutral endopeptidase-24.11 (NEP) and the substance P receptor (SPR; NK1) were investigated by examining substance P (SP) degradation, SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization in epithelial cells transfected with cDNA encoding the rat SPR and rat NEP. Expression of NEP accelerated the degradation of SP by intact epithelial cells and by membrane preparations, and degradation was reduced by the NEP inhibitor thiorphan. In cells expressing SPR alone, specific 125I-SP binding after 20 min incubation at 37 degrees C was 92.2 +/- 3.1% of maximal binding and was unaffected by thiorphan. Coexpression of NEP in the same cells as the SPR markedly reduced SP binding to 13.9 +/- 0.5% of maximal, and binding was increased to 82.7 +/- 2.4% of maximal with thiorphan. Coexpression of NEP in the same cells as the SPR also reduced to undetectable the increase in intracellular Ca2+ in response to low concentrations of SP (0.3 and 0.5 nM), and significantly reduced the response to higher concentrations (1 and 3 nM). The Ca2+ response was restored to control values by inhibition of NEP with thiorphan. In contrast, SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization were only slightly reduced when cells expressing SPR alone were mixed with a 3- to 24-fold excess of cells expressing NEP alone. Therefore, in this system, NEP markedly down-regulates SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization only when coexpressed in the same cells as the SPR. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:7514869

Spiritual well-being in long-term colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies.

PubMed

Bulkley, Joanna; McMullen, Carmit K; Hornbrook, Mark C; Grant, Marcia; Altschuler, Andrea; Wendel, Christopher S; Krouse, Robert S

2013-11-01

Spiritual well-being (SpWB) is integral to health-related quality of life. The challenges of colorectal cancer (CRC) and subsequent bodily changes can affect SpWB. We analyzed the SpWB of CRC survivors with ostomies. Two-hundred-eighty-three long-term (≥ 5 years) CRC survivors with permanent ostomies completed the modified City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy (mCOH-QOL-O) questionnaire. An open-ended question elicited respondents' greatest challenge in living with an ostomy. We used content analysis to identify SpWB responses and develop themes. We analyzed responses on the three-item SpWB sub-scale. Open-ended responses from 52% of participants contained SpWB content. Fifteen unique SpWB themes were identified. Sixty percent of individuals expressed positive themes such as "positive attitude", "I am fortunate", "appreciate life more", and "strength through religious faith". Negative themes, expressed by only 29% of respondents, included "struggling to cope", "not feeling 'normal' ", and "loss". Fifty-five percent of respondents expressed ambivalent themes including "learning acceptance", "an ostomy is the price for survival", "reason to be around despite suffering", and "continuing to cope despite challenges". The majority (64%) had a high SpWB sub-scale score. Although CRC survivors with ostomies infrequently mentioned negative SpWB themes as a major challenge, ambivalent themes were common. SpWB themes were often mentioned as a source of resilience or part of the struggle to adapt to an altered body after cancer surgery. Interventions to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors should contain program elements designed to address SpWB that support personal meaning, inner peace, inter connectedness, and belonging. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING IN LONG-TERM COLORECTAL CANCER SURVIVORS WITH OSTOMIES

PubMed Central

Bulkley, Joanna; McMullen, Carmit K.; Hornbrook, Mark C.; Grant, Marcia; Altschuler, Andrea; Wendel, Christopher S.; Krouse, Robert S.

2014-01-01

Objective Spiritual well-being (SpWB) is integral to health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The challenges of colorectal cancer (CRC) and subsequent bodily changes can affect SpWB. We analyzed the SpWB of CRC survivors with ostomies. Methods Two-hundred-eight-three long-term (≥5 years) CRC survivors with permanent ostomies completed the modified City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy (mCOH-QOL-O) questionnaire. An open-ended question elicited respondents’ greatest challenge in living with an ostomy. We used content analysis to identify SpWB responses and develop themes. We analyzed responses on the 3-item SpWB sub-scale. Results Open-ended responses from 52% of participants contained SpWB content. Fifteen unique SpWB themes were identified. Sixty percent of individuals expressed positive themes such as “positive attitude”, “I am fortunate”, “appreciate life more”, and “strength through religious faith”. Negative themes, expressed by only 29% of respondents, included “struggling to cope”, “not feeling ‘normal’”, and “loss”. Fifty-five percent of respondents expressed ambivalent themes including “learning acceptance”, “an ostomy is the price for survival”, “reason to be around despite suffering”, and “continuing to cope despite challenges”. The majority (64%) had a high SpWB sub-scale score. Conclusions While CRC survivors with ostomies infrequently mentioned negative SpWB themes as a major challenge, ambivalent themes were common. SpWB themes often were mentioned as a source of resilience or part of the struggle to adapt to an altered body after cancer surgery. Interventions to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors should contain program elements designed to address SpWB that support personal meaning, inner peace, inter-connectedness, and belonging. PMID:23749460

Bioreactor performance and functional gene analysis of microbial community in a limited-oxygen fed bioreactor for co-reduction of sulfate and nitrate with high organic input.

PubMed

Xu, Xi-jun; Chen, Chuan; Wang, Ai-jie; Yu, Hao; Zhou, Xu; Guo, Hong-liang; Yuan, Ye; Lee, Duu-jong; Zhou, Jizhong; Ren, Nan-qi

2014-08-15

Limited-oxygen mediated synergistic relationships between sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), nitrate-reducing bacteria (NRB) and sulfide-oxidizing bacteria (SOB, including nitrate-reducing, sulfide-oxidizing bacteria NR-SOB) were predicted to simultaneously remove contaminants of nitrate, sulfate and high COD, and eliminate sulfide generation. A lab-scale experiment was conducted to examine the impact of limited oxygen on these oxy-anions degradation, sulfide oxidation and associated microbial functional responses. In all scenarios tested, the reduction of both nitrate and sulfate was almost complete. When limited-oxygen was fed into bioreactors, S(0) formation was significantly improved up to ∼ 70%. GeoChip 4.0, a functional gene microarray, was used to determine the microbial gene diversity and functional potential for nitrate and sulfate reduction, and sulfide oxidation. The diversity of the microbial community in bioreactors was increased with the feeding of limited oxygen. Whereas the intensities of the functional genes involved in sulfate reduction did not show a significant difference, the abundance of the detected denitrification genes decreased in limited oxygen samples. More importantly, sulfide-oxidizing bacteria may alter their populations/genes in response to limited oxygen potentially to function more effectively in sulfide oxidation, especially to elemental sulfur. The genes fccA/fccB from nitrate-reducing, sulfide-oxidizing bacteria (NR-SOB), such as Paracoccus denitrificans, Thiobacillus denitrificans, Beggiatoa sp., Thiomicrospira sp., and Thioalkalivibrio sp., were more abundant under limited-oxygen condition. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Substance P promotes wound healing in diabetes by modulating inflammation and macrophage phenotype.

PubMed

Leal, Ermelindo C; Carvalho, Eugénia; Tellechea, Ana; Kafanas, Antonios; Tecilazich, Francesco; Kearney, Cathal; Kuchibhotla, Sarada; Auster, Michael E; Kokkotou, Efi; Mooney, David J; LoGerfo, Frank W; Pradhan-Nabzdyk, Leena; Veves, Aristidis

2015-06-01

Diabetic foot ulceration is a major complication of diabetes. Substance P (SP) is involved in wound healing, but its effect in diabetic skin wounds is unclear. We examined the effect of exogenous SP delivery on diabetic mouse and rabbit wounds. We also studied the impact of deficiency in SP or its receptor, neurokinin-1 receptor, on wound healing in mouse models. SP treatment improved wound healing in mice and rabbits, whereas the absence of SP or its receptor impaired wound progression in mice. Moreover, SP bioavailability in diabetic skin was reduced as SP gene expression was decreased, whereas the gene expression and protein levels of the enzyme that degrades SP, neutral endopeptidase, were increased. Diabetes and SP deficiency were associated with absence of an acute inflammatory response important for wound healing progression and instead revealed a persistent inflammation throughout the healing process. SP treatment induced an acute inflammatory response, which enabled the progression to the proliferative phase and modulated macrophage activation toward the M2 phenotype that promotes wound healing. In conclusion, SP treatment reverses the chronic proinflammatory state in diabetic skin and promotes healing of diabetic wounds. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Infusion of the substance P analogue, DiMe-C7, into the ventral tegmental area induces reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour in rats.

PubMed

Placenza, Franca M; Fletcher, Paul J; Rotzinger, Susan; Vaccarino, Franco J

2004-12-01

The mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system is critically involved in mediating reinstatement of drug-seeking behaviour. Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide that significantly interacts with the mesocorticolimbic system, therefore suggesting a possible role for the SP system in the mediation of relapse. This study examined the effects of injections of the SP analogue, DiMe-C7, into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) on reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour, as well as on locomotor activity in rats. Additionally, this study examined whether these effects are DA-dependent. Rats were trained to self-administer cocaine for 15 days followed by 15 days of extinction. Reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour was then measured in response to bilateral intra-VTA microinjections of DiMe-C7 (0, 0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 microg). In a separate group of rats, locomotor activity was measured in response to intra-VTA injections of DiMe-C7 (0, 0.5, 1.5 and 3 microg). The effects of pre-treatment with DA receptor antagonists on DiMe-C7-induced reinstatement and locomotor activity were also examined. Animals were pre-treated with the D(1) and D(2) receptor antagonists, SCH23390 and haloperidol (0, 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg, IP), respectively, prior to receiving intra-VTA injections of DiMe-C7 (0 and 2.5 microg). Infusion of DiMe-C7 into the VTA increased locomotor activity and induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour. Both SCH23390 and haloperidol blocked intra-VTA DiMe-C7-induced locomotor activation. In addition, SCH23390 attenuated DiMe-C7-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour, while haloperidol had no effect. These results suggest that interactions between SP and the mesocorticolimbic DA system may play a role in mediating reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour and that the involvement of these interactions in reinstatement are dependent upon D(1) receptor mechanisms.

Detection of race-specific resistance against Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae in Brachypodium species.

PubMed

Omidvar, Vahid; Dugyala, Sheshanka; Li, Feng; Rottschaefer, Susan; Miller, Marisa; Ayliffe, Michael; Moscou, Matthew James; Kianian, Shahryar F; Figueroa, Melania

2018-06-20

Oat crown rust caused by Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae is the most destructive foliar disease of cultivated oat. Characterization of genetic factors controlling resistance responses to Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae in non-host species could provide new resources for developing disease protection strategies in oat. We examined symptom development and fungal colonization levels of a collection of Brachypodium distachyon and B. hybridum accessions infected with three North American P. coronata f. sp. avenae isolates. Our results demonstrated that colonization phenotypes are dependent on both host and pathogen genotypes, indicating a role for race-specific responses in these interactions. These responses were independent of the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Expression analysis of several defense-related genes suggested that salicylic acid and ethylene-mediated signaling, but not jasmonic acid are components of resistance reaction to P. coronata f. sp. avenae. Our findings provide the basis to conduct a genetic inheritance study to examine if effector-triggered immunity contributes to non-host resistance to P. coronata f. sp. avenae in Brachypodium species.

Motivational processes associated with unhealthy body change attitudes and behaviours.

PubMed

Mussap, Alexander J

2007-08-01

The relationship between approach-avoidance motivational processes and unhealthy body change attitudes and behaviours was investigated. Self-reported sensitivity to rewards (SR) and sensitivity to punishments (SP) were measured for a convenience sample of 130 women, aged 18 to 40 years, along with measures of disordered eating symptomatology and exercise dependence. Together, SR and SP significantly predicted variance in drive for thinness (21%), bulimia (17%), and obligatory exercise (7%). These relationships were partly mediated by internalization of the thin ideal, body comparison, and subjective importance of achieving one's 'ideal' body and of avoiding one's 'worst possible' body. Interestingly, body dissatisfaction partly mediated the relationships involving SP but not SR. The results suggest that an underlying sensitivity to punishments, but not rewards, can manifest as a 'fear of fatness'. Both of these motivational traits can increase the salience of self evaluations, and thus indirectly contribute to unhealthy body change attitudes and behaviours.

Biochemical synthesis of novel, self-assembling glycolipids from ricinoleic acid by a recombinant α-glucosidase from Geobacillus sp.

PubMed

Konishi, Masa-aki; Fukuoka, Tokuma; Shimane, Yasuhiro; Mori, Kozue; Nagano, Yuriko; Ohta, Yukari; Kitamoto, Dai; Hatada, Yuji

2011-01-01

To explore a novel glycolipid, we performed biochemical reactions using a recombinant α-glucosidase from Geobacillus sp. which shows excellent transglycosylation reaction to hydroxyl groups in a variety of compounds. Two different glycolipids (GL-1 and GL-2) were prepared from ricinoleic acid using a recombinant α-glucosidase from Geobacillus sp. The molecular structure of GL-1 was confirmed as 12-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-9-hexadecenoic acid by 1D and 2D NMR analyses. According to MALDI-TOF/MS, GL-1 and GL-2 showed single major peaks at m/z 483.82 and 645.97, respectively. The peaks corresponded to the [M + Na](+) ions of the glycolipids. GL-2 was estimated as 12-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(4'-O-α-glucopyranosyl)-9-hexadecenoic acid. Light polarization microscopy revealed that GL-2 easily formed self-assembled vesicles in aqueous solution.

Surfactant Protein A (SP-A)-mediated Clearance of Staphylococcus aureus Involves Binding of SP-A to the Staphylococcal Adhesin Eap and the Macrophage Receptors SP-A Receptor 210 and Scavenger Receptor Class A*

PubMed Central

Sever-Chroneos, Zvjezdana; Krupa, Agnieszka; Davis, Jeremy; Hasan, Misbah; Yang, Ching-Hui; Szeliga, Jacek; Herrmann, Mathias; Hussain, Muzafar; Geisbrecht, Brian V.; Kobzik, Lester; Chroneos, Zissis C.

2011-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus causes life-threatening pneumonia in hospitals and deadly superinfection during viral influenza. The current study investigated the role of surfactant protein A (SP-A) in opsonization and clearance of S. aureus. Previous studies showed that SP-A mediates phagocytosis via the SP-A receptor 210 (SP-R210). Here, we show that SP-R210 mediates binding and control of SP-A-opsonized S. aureus by macrophages. We determined that SP-A binds S. aureus through the extracellular adhesin Eap. Consequently, SP-A enhanced macrophage uptake of Eap-expressing (Eap+) but not Eap-deficient (Eap−) S. aureus. In a reciprocal fashion, SP-A failed to enhance uptake of Eap+ S. aureus in peritoneal Raw264.7 macrophages with a dominant negative mutation (SP-R210(DN)) blocking surface expression of SP-R210. Accordingly, WT mice cleared infection with Eap+ but succumbed to sublethal infection with Eap- S. aureus. However, SP-R210(DN) cells compensated by increasing non-opsonic phagocytosis of Eap+ S. aureus via the scavenger receptor scavenger receptor class A (SR-A), while non-opsonic uptake of Eap− S. aureus was impaired. Macrophages express two isoforms: SP-R210L and SP-R210S. The results show that WT alveolar macrophages are distinguished by expression of SP-R210L, whereas SR-A−/− alveolar macrophages are deficient in SP-R210L expressing only SP-R210S. Accordingly, SR-A−/− mice were highly susceptible to both Eap+ and Eap− S. aureus. The lungs of susceptible mice generated abnormal inflammatory responses that were associated with impaired killing and persistence of S. aureus infection in the lung. In conclusion, alveolar macrophage SP-R210L mediates recognition and killing of SP-A-opsonized S. aureus in vivo, coordinating inflammatory responses and resolution of S. aureus pneumonia through interaction with SR-A. PMID:21123169

Surfactant protein A (SP-A)-mediated clearance of Staphylococcus aureus involves binding of SP-A to the staphylococcal adhesin eap and the macrophage receptors SP-A receptor 210 and scavenger receptor class A.

PubMed

Sever-Chroneos, Zvjezdana; Krupa, Agnieszka; Davis, Jeremy; Hasan, Misbah; Yang, Ching-Hui; Szeliga, Jacek; Herrmann, Mathias; Hussain, Muzafar; Geisbrecht, Brian V; Kobzik, Lester; Chroneos, Zissis C

2011-02-11

Staphylococcus aureus causes life-threatening pneumonia in hospitals and deadly superinfection during viral influenza. The current study investigated the role of surfactant protein A (SP-A) in opsonization and clearance of S. aureus. Previous studies showed that SP-A mediates phagocytosis via the SP-A receptor 210 (SP-R210). Here, we show that SP-R210 mediates binding and control of SP-A-opsonized S. aureus by macrophages. We determined that SP-A binds S. aureus through the extracellular adhesin Eap. Consequently, SP-A enhanced macrophage uptake of Eap-expressing (Eap(+)) but not Eap-deficient (Eap(-)) S. aureus. In a reciprocal fashion, SP-A failed to enhance uptake of Eap(+) S. aureus in peritoneal Raw264.7 macrophages with a dominant negative mutation (SP-R210(DN)) blocking surface expression of SP-R210. Accordingly, WT mice cleared infection with Eap(+) but succumbed to sublethal infection with Eap- S. aureus. However, SP-R210(DN) cells compensated by increasing non-opsonic phagocytosis of Eap(+) S. aureus via the scavenger receptor scavenger receptor class A (SR-A), while non-opsonic uptake of Eap(-) S. aureus was impaired. Macrophages express two isoforms: SP-R210(L) and SP-R210(S). The results show that WT alveolar macrophages are distinguished by expression of SP-R210(L), whereas SR-A(-/-) alveolar macrophages are deficient in SP-R210(L) expressing only SP-R210(S). Accordingly, SR-A(-/-) mice were highly susceptible to both Eap(+) and Eap(-) S. aureus. The lungs of susceptible mice generated abnormal inflammatory responses that were associated with impaired killing and persistence of S. aureus infection in the lung. In conclusion, alveolar macrophage SP-R210(L) mediates recognition and killing of SP-A-opsonized S. aureus in vivo, coordinating inflammatory responses and resolution of S. aureus pneumonia through interaction with SR-A.

Psychometric Properties of Spanish Version of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 (Tfeq-Sp) and Its Relationship with Some Eating- and Body Image-Related Variables

PubMed Central

Jáuregui-Lobera, Ignacio; García-Cruz, Patricia; Carbonero-Carreño, Rocío; Magallares, Alejandro; Ruiz-Prieto, Inmaculada

2014-01-01

The aims of this study were to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 (TFEQ-SP), as well as determine its validity by evaluating the relationship of the TFEQ-SP with different parameters related to body mass index, weight perception, perception of physical fitness, self-esteem, and food intake, as well as with weight control-related variables. A total of 281 participants (aged 18.38 ± 6.31) were studied. The factor analysis yielded three factors: cognitive restraint (CR), uncontrolled eating (UE), and emotional eating (EE). The internal consistency of the TFEQ-SP was determined by means of Cronbach’s α coefficient, with values ranging between 0.75 and 0.87. Higher scores on CR were found in women (p < 0.5), overweight/obese participants (p < 0.001), participants with lower self-esteem (p < 0.05), participants who overestimated their weight (p < 0.001), participants who weighed themselves frequently (p < 0.001) and those who were about to go on a diet (p < 0.001). Higher EE scores were found in participants with lower self-esteem scores (p < 0.05), among participants with a poorer perception of their physical fitness (p < 0.01) and when participants were about to diet (p < 0.05). Higher scores on UE were observed in case of poorer perception of physical fitness (p < 0.05). The validation study of the TFEQ-SP meets the requirements for measuring the three different facets of eating behavior: CR, UE, and EE. PMID:25486370

Work productivity in a population-based cohort of patients with spondyloarthritis.

PubMed

Haglund, Emma; Bremander, Ann; Bergman, Stefan; Jacobsson, Lennart T H; Petersson, Ingemar F

2013-09-01

To assess work productivity and associated factors in patients with SpA. This cross-sectional postal survey included 1773 patients with SpA identified in a regional health care register. Items on presenteeism (reduced productivity at work, 0-100%, 0 = no reduction) were answered by 1447 individuals. Absenteeism was defined as register-based sick leave using data from a national register. Disease duration, disease activity (BASDAI), physical function (BASFI), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), anxiety (HAD-a), depression (HAD-d), self-efficacy [Arthritis Self-efficacy Scale (ASES) pain and symptom], physical activity and education were also measured. Forty-five per cent reported reduced productivity at work with a mean reduction of 20% (95% CI 18, 21) and women reported a higher mean reduction than men (mean 23% vs 17%, P < 0.001). Worse quality of life, disease activity, physical function and anxiety all correlated with reduced productivity (r = 0.52-0.66, P < 0.001), while sick leave did not. Worse outcomes on the EQ-5D (β-est -9.6, P < 0.001), BASDAI (β-est 7.8, P < 0.001), BASFI (β-est 7.3, P < 0.001), ASES pain (β-est -0.5, P < 0.001) and HAD-d (β-est 3.4, P < 0.001) were associated with reduced productivity at work in patients with SpA regardless of age, gender and disease subgroup. ASES symptoms, HAD-a and education level <12 years were associated with reduced productivity but were not significant in all strata for age, gender and disease subgroup. Work productivity was reduced in patients with SpA and more so in women. Worse quality of life, disease activity, physical function, self-efficacy and depression were all associated with reduced productivity at work in patients with SpA.

The effects of substance P on histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine release in the rat

PubMed Central

Fewtrell, C. M. S.; Foreman, J. C.; Jordan, C. C.; Oehme, P.; Renner, H.; Stewart, J. M.

1982-01-01

1. Substance P (SP) induces histamine release from isolated rat peritoneal mast cells at concentrations of 0·1-10 μM. 2. Inhibitors of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation prevent the release of histamine induced by SP. 3. Cells heated to 47 °C for 20 min release histamine when treated with an agent causing cell lysis but fail to release in response to SP. 4. SP does not release histamine by interacting with cell-bound IgE. 5. Histamine release by SP is rapid, with more than 90% of the response occurring within 1 min of the addition of the peptide to mast cells at 37 °C. 6. Substance P, unlike antigen—antibody or compound 48/80, does not show enhanced release of histamine when calcium (0·1-1 mM) is present in the extracellular medium but calcium increases the response to SP when the ion is added after the peptide. Extracellular calcium (0·1-1 mM), magnesium (1-10 mM) and cobalt (0·01-0·1 mM) all inhibit SP-induced histamine release when added before the peptide. Pre-treatment of the cells with EDTA (10 mM) and washing in calcium-free medium inhibits the histamine release induced by SP. 7. Histamine release induced by SP was optimum at an extracellular pH of 7·2. 8. A number of peptides structurally related to SP were examined for histamine-releasing activity. At the concentrations tested, the N-terminal dipeptides Lys-Pro and Arg-Pro, tuftsin, physalaemin, eledoisin, SP3-11, SP4-11 and [p-Glu6, p-amino Phe7]-SP6-11 were all found to be inactive. The relative activities of the other peptides were: [Formula: see text] 9. Rat basophilic leukaemia cells (RBL-2H3) fail to respond to SP at concentrations which activate rat mast cells. Release of 5-hydroxytryptamine by immunological activation of RBL cells is not changed by the presence of SP. 10. The mechanism of action of SP on mast cells and the nature of the SP receptor on mast cells is discussed in relation to SP receptors in other cell types. PMID:6184468

Helminths and lipid peroxidation in Astyanax aeneus (Pisces: Characidae) from a river in the humid subtropics of southeastern Mexico.

PubMed

Espinal-Carrión, Tania; López-López, Eugenia

2010-02-17

Xenobiotic mixtures in aquatic ecosystems may compromise fish health by inducing oxidative stress, decreasing resistance, and fostering susceptibility to pathogens such as helminths. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is one of the most commonly used methods to evaluate oxidative stress. The present study examines the potential correlations between LPO in liver, muscle, and gill and the presence of helminths in Astyanax aeneus from a subtropical river in Mexico. Five helminth species were identified: the trematodes Uvulifer ambloplitis, a subdermal larval parasite, and Clinostomum complanatum, which infected the base of the gills; the nematodes Contracaecum sp. and Spiroxys sp.; and the acanthocephalan Polymorphus sp. The latter 3 species occurred in the posterior half of the intestine. Total helminth abundance was highest in April and July. Helminth species richness increased along a gradient from the headwaters to the middle reaches of the river. An integrated biomarker response for LPO (IBR-LPO) was assessed in the 3 tissues analyzed. IBR-LPO peaked in July. A direct correlation was found between gill and muscle LPO and mean abundance of Clinostomum complanatum, Contracaecum sp., and orthophosphate values, as well as between liver LPO and mean abundance of Polymorphus sp., whereas no relationship was found between LPO and U. ambloplitis or Spiroxys sp. This research revealed an association of both orthophosphate values and the presence or abundance of parasites with oxidative stress levels in A. aeneus, without any causal association, but rather as a result of synergistic processes associated with these variables.

Zinc Finger Independent Genome-Wide Binding of Sp2 Potentiates Recruitment of Histone-Fold Protein Nf-y Distinguishing It from Sp1 and Sp3

PubMed Central

Finkernagel, Florian; Stiewe, Thorsten; Nist, Andrea; Suske, Guntram

2015-01-01

Transcription factors are grouped into families based on sequence similarity within functional domains, particularly DNA-binding domains. The Specificity proteins Sp1, Sp2 and Sp3 are paradigmatic of closely related transcription factors. They share amino-terminal glutamine-rich regions and a conserved carboxy-terminal zinc finger domain that can bind to GC rich motifs in vitro. All three Sp proteins are ubiquitously expressed; yet they carry out unique functions in vivo raising the question of how specificity is achieved. Crucially, it is unknown whether they bind to distinct genomic sites and, if so, how binding site selection is accomplished. In this study, we have examined the genomic binding patterns of Sp1, Sp2 and Sp3 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts by ChIP-seq. Sp1 and Sp3 essentially occupy the same promoters and localize to GC boxes. The genomic binding pattern of Sp2 is different; Sp2 primarily localizes at CCAAT motifs. Consistently, re-expression of Sp2 and Sp3 mutants in corresponding knockout MEFs revealed strikingly different modes of genomic binding site selection. Most significantly, while the zinc fingers dictate genomic binding of Sp3, they are completely dispensable for binding of Sp2. Instead, the glutamine-rich amino-terminal region is sufficient for recruitment of Sp2 to its target promoters in vivo. We have identified the trimeric histone-fold CCAAT box binding transcription factor Nf-y as the major partner for Sp2-chromatin interaction. Nf-y is critical for recruitment of Sp2 to co-occupied regulatory elements. Equally, Sp2 potentiates binding of Nf-y to shared sites indicating the existence of an extensive Sp2-Nf-y interaction network. Our results unveil strikingly different recruitment mechanisms of Sp1/Sp2/Sp3 transcription factor members uncovering an unexpected layer of complexity in their binding to chromatin in vivo. PMID:25793500

PS1-10: Spiritual Well-being and the Challenges of Living With an Ostomy: Resilience, Adaptation and Loss Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors

PubMed Central

Bulkley, Joanna; McMullen, Carmit; Hornbrook, Mark; Altschuler, Andrea; Grant, Marcia; Herrinton, Lisa; Krouse, Robert

2012-01-01

Background Spiritual well-being (SpWB), defined as hopefulness, inner peace, and sensing a reason to be alive, is integral to health related quality of life (HRQOL). It is only partially related to spirituality and religiosity. The challenges of colorectal cancer (CRC) and subsequent bodily changes can affect SpWB. We explored expressions of SpWB reported by CRC survivors with ostomies. Methods We recruited all adult CRC survivors (>=5 years) with permanent ostomies who were members of Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Northern California, or Hawai‘i during 2000–2006 to complete a mailed survey (n=283). We asked participants to respond to an open-ended question about the greatest challenge they encountered in having an ostomy. Responses from the 62% (176 of 283) of patients who answered this question were analyzed based on the City of Hope HRQOL model for content related to SpWB, and to identify and categorize the SpWB themes found. Results The responses of 51% (90 of 176) of participants contained SpWB content. Seventeen SpWB themes were identified, reflecting positive, negative, and ambivalent dimensions. Some responses contained multiple themes but each theme was coded only once for each person. Fifty-three of 90 people (59%) expressed positive themes which included “positive attitude” “appreciate life more” “helping others helps me” “strength through religious faith” “leading an active life” and “I am fortunate.” Negative themes included “struggling to cope” “not feeling ‘normal’” and “loss” and were least common, expressed by only 28 of 90 people (31%). Ambivalent themes were most common (67%; 60 of 90 individuals) and included “learning acceptance” “ostomy is the price for survival” “reason to be around despite suffering” and “continuing to cope and function despite challenges.” Discussion These CRC survivors with ostomies infrequently cited negative SpWB as a major challenge, though the greatest number of SpWB responses were ambivalent. More commonly, SpWB themes were mentioned as a source of resilience or part of the struggle to adapt to their altered body after cancer surgery. SpWB interventions should be broadly constructed to include the many types of SpWB, as opposed to narrowly defining SpWB only in terms of spirituality or religiosity.

78 FR 17952 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NASDAQ OMX BX, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-25

... believes that, because SPX, SPXPM, and SPY options are ultimately derivative of the same benchmark--the S&P..., investors utilize SPX, SPXPM, and SPY options and their respective underlying instruments and futures to... Exchange proposes to eliminate position limits for options on the SPDR[supreg] S&P 500[supreg] exchange...

A Description of a Student-Staffed, Competency-Based Laboratory for the Assessment of Interpersonal Communication Skills.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ratliffe, Sharon A.; Hudson, David D.

A competency-based skill development and assessment procedure is used in an interpersonal communication course (SpCom 100) at Golden West College in California. SpCom 100, which offers 18 to 24 sections each semester, includes eight units: the interpersonal process, conversation, self-concept and disclosure, perception, verbal language, nonverbal…

Microalgal-biochar immobilized complex: A novel efficient biosorbent for cadmium removal from aqueous solution.

PubMed

Shen, Ying; Li, Huan; Zhu, Wenzhe; Ho, Shih-Hsin; Yuan, Wenqiao; Chen, Jianfeng; Xie, Youping

2017-11-01

The feasibility of the bioremediation of cadmium (Cd) using microalgal-biochar immobilized complex (MBIC) was investigated. Major operating parameters (e.g., pH, biosorbent dosage, initial Cd(II) concentration and microalgal-biochar ratio) were varied to compare the treatability of viable algae (Chlorella sp.), biochar and MBIC. The biosorption isotherms obtained by using algae or biochar were found to have satisfactory Langmuir predictions, while the best fitting adsorption isotherm model for MBIC was the Sips model. The maximum Cd(II) adsorption capacity of MBIC with a Chlorella sp.: biochar ratio of 2:3 (217.41mgg -1 ) was higher than that of Chlorella sp. (169.92mgg -1 ) or biochar (95.82mgg -1 ) alone. The pseudo-second-order model fitted the biosorption process of MBIC well (R 2 >0.999). Moreover, zeta potential, SEM and FTIR studies revealed that electrostatic attraction, ion exchange and surface complexation were the main mechanisms responsible for Cd removal when using MBIC. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Formalin produces depolarizations in human airway smooth muscle in vitro.

PubMed

Richards, Ira S; DeHate, Robin B

2006-03-01

Respiratory irritants may result in airway smooth muscle (ASM) depolarization and bronchoconstriction. We examined the effect of formalin on membrane potentials in human ASM in two types of in vitro preparations: strip preparations, which contain functional sensory and motor nerve endings and cultured cells, which lack these nerve endings due to the tissue dissociation process. Depolarizations occurred in atropine-treated strip preparations in response to formalin exposures, but not in similarly-treated cultured cells, suggesting a role for non-cholinergic mediators in formalin-induced depolarization. It is suggested that formalin may act as an irritant to produce bronchoconstriction that is mediated by the release of endogenous substance P (SP) from peripheral sensory nerve endings. This is supported by our observation that exogenous SP produced depolarizations of a magnitude similar to those produced by formalin in both strip preparations and cultured cells. In addition, capsaicin, which releases endogenous SP from nerve endings, produced depolarizations of a magnitude similar to formalin in strip preparations, but was without effect in cultured cells.

Sensory Processing and Its Relationship with Children's Daily Life Participation.

PubMed

Chien, Chi-Wen; Rodger, Sylvia; Copley, Jodie; Branjerdporn, Grace; Taggart, Caitlin

2016-01-01

To investigate whether children with probable or definite differences in sensory processing (SP) had participation restrictions, and the relationship between Short Sensory Profile (SSP) scores and children's participation. The participants were parents of 64 children (mean age 8 years 1 month); 36 with potential impairments in regulating sensory input and filtering out unnecessary stimuli (29 boys, 7 girls) and 28 with typical SP abilities (25 boys, 3 girls). Parents' completed the SSP and Participation in Childhood Occupations Questionnaire (PICO-Q). The SSP score was used to categorize children as potential SP impairment group and typical SP ability group. Children categorized as having probable or definite differences in SP exhibited significantly lower participation levels and enjoyment than children categorized as having typical SP abilities. However, participation frequency between both groups was similar. Six out of the seven SP impairment types had small to moderate correlations with children's participation (r = 0.25-0.48, p < 0.05). Multiple regression analyses indicated that only three impairment types (Underresponsive/Seeks Sensation, Low Energy/Weak, and Visual/Auditory Sensitivity) were significant predictors of PICO-Q participation domains. The results suggest that children with potential SP impairments have restrictions in the degree of participation and enjoyment. Three SP types were related to specific participation domains, but they explained a small amount of variance or none in some participation domains. Other variables should be considered to identify determinants of children's participation.

Application of Glomus sp. and Pseudomonas diminuta Reduce the Use of Chemical Fertilizers in Production of Potato Grown on Different Soil Types

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurbaity, A.; Sofyan, E. T.; Hamdani, J. S.

2016-08-01

The use of high chemical fertilizer rates in potato production has been applied on the farm in Indonesia. Application of biofertilizer consists of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi has been tested to reduce the use of NPK rates in production of potato and to determine whether different soil types will have different response to this biofertilizer. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using mixtures of spores of Glomus sp. and inoculant of mycorrhizal helper bacteria Pseudomonas diminuta, applied at different rates of NPK fertilizer (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended rates) and different soil types (Andisols and Inceptisols). Results of experiment showed that application of Glomus sp. and P. diminuta reduced the use of NPK up to 50%, where the growth (plant height and tuber number), N,P,K uptake and tuber yields of potato had similar effect to the highest recommendation rate of NPK fertilizer. Inceptisols in general had better response to the biofertiliser compared to Andisols. Findings from this experiment confirmed the evidences that biofertilizer could reduce the use of chemical fertilizer, and the widely distributed soil in Indonesia such as Inceptisols, is potential to be used as a medium for potato production.

Studies on the vascular permeability induced by intrathecal substance P and bradykinin in the rat.

PubMed

Jacques, L; Couture, R

1990-08-02

The effects of substance P (SP), SP fragments, neurokinin A (NKA), neurokinin B (NKB) and selective agonists for neurokinin receptors were assessed on cutaneous vascular permeability after intrathecal (i.t.) administration in rats. Dose-dependent increases in plasma extravasation were observed with the following rank orders of potency ([p-Glu6]SP-(6-11) greater than SP greater than or equal to SP-(4-11) greater than [p-Glu5,MePhe8,Sar9]SP-(5-11) = [p-Glu5]SP-(5-11) greater than SP-(7-11) and SP greater than NKA greater than NKB). The N-terminal fragments SP-(1-4), SP-(1-7) and SP-(1-9) were inactive up to 65 nmol. The NK-1 receptor selective agonists [( beta-Ala4,Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP-(4-11) and [Pro9,Met(O2)11]SP) were more potent than the NK-2 ([Nle10]NKA-(4-10] and NK-3 ([beta-Asp4,MePhe7]NKB-(4-10) and [MePhe7]NKB) receptor-selective agonists. Plasma extravasation was also increased by i.t. bradykinin (BK, 8.1 nmol) while the fragment BK-(1-8), a potent B1-receptor-selective agonist, produced only a slight effect at 81 nmol. When BK was given after prior i.t. administration of 6.1 nmol of [Thi5.8,D-Phe7]BK, an antagonist of BK at the B2-receptor, the increase in vascular permeability was significantly attenuated. The analogue [Leu8]BK-(1-8) (10.3 nmol), an antagonist of BK at the B1-receptor, failed to modify the BK-induced plasma extravasation. Plasma extravasation induced by SP (6.5 nmol) and BK (8.1 nmol) was abolished in cervically vagotomized rats, and significantly reduced in both spinal rats and in capsaicin-treated animals. Conversely, bilateral adrenalectomy (48 h earlier) and intercollicular decerebration (30 min earlier) had no major effect on the response elicited either by SP or BK. The response to SP remained unaffected by methysergide and hexamethonium but was significantly reduced by methylnitrate atropine and diphenhydramine. Indomethacin significantly enhanced the plasma extravasation induced by SP. These results suggest that SP and BK may play a role as spinal mediators in peripheral vascular permeability through a sensory and cholinergic vagal mechanism involving a spinobulbar pathway. The receptors mediating the response to SP and BK in the spinal cord are of the NK-1 and B2 subtypes, respectively.

Role of various microorganisms on Tc behavior in sediments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pignolet, L.; Auvray, F.; Fonsny, K.

1989-11-01

Marine bacteria (Moraxella sp., Planococcus sp. and a mixed population of anaerobes) from a coastal sediment were found to concentrate Tc. Maximum concentration of this element occurred during the stationary phase of growth of the bacteria, at low redox potential. A metabolic process seems responsible for Tc concentration by bacteria, in which it binds to high molecular weight cellular constituents. Polysaccharidic polymers, which were visualized around the bacterial cells with the scanning electron microscope, might bind Tc, but direct experimental evidence in favor of this hypothesis was not yet obtained. The role of sedimentary bacteria in the behavior of Tcmore » in the marine environment is briefly discussed. The action of sulfate-reducing microorganisms is considered.« less

Screening and evaluation of antiparasitic and in vitro anticancer activities of Panamanian endophytic fungi.

PubMed

Martínez-Luis, Sergio; Cherigo, Lilia; Higginbotham, Sarah; Arnold, Elizabeth; Spadafora, Carmenza; Ibañez, Alicia; Gerwick, William H; Cubilla-Rios, Luis

2011-06-01

Many compounds produced by fungi have relevant pharmaceutical applications. The purpose of this study was to collect and isolate endophytic fungi from different regions of Panama and then to test their potential therapeutic activities against Leishmania donovani, Plasmodium falciparum, and Trypanosoma cruzi as well as their anticancer activities in MCF-7 cells. Of the 25 fungal isolates obtained, ten of them had good anti-parasitic potential, showing selective activity against L. donovani; four had significant anti-malarial activity; and three inhibited the growth of T. cruzi. Anticancer activity was demonstrated in four isolates. Of the active isolates, Edenia sp. strain F0755, Xylaria sp. strain F1220, Aspergillus sp. strain F1544, Mycoleptodiscus sp. strain F0194, Phomopsis sp. strain F1566, Pycnoporus sp. strain F0305, and Diaporthe sp. strain F1647 showed the most promise based on their selective bioactivity and lack of toxicity in the assays.

Toxicogenomic analysis of the particle dose- and size-response relationship of silica particles-induced toxicity in mice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Xiaoyan; Jin, Tingting; Jin, Yachao; Wu, Leihong; Hu, Bin; Tian, Yu; Fan, Xiaohui

2013-01-01

This study investigated the relationship between particle size and toxicity of silica particles (SP) with diameters of 30, 70, and 300 nm, which is essential to the safe design and application of SP. Data obtained from histopathological examinations suggested that SP of these sizes can all induce acute inflammation in the liver. In vivo imaging showed that intravenously administrated SP are mainly present in the liver, spleen and intestinal tract. Interestingly, in gene expression analysis, the cellular response pathways activated in the liver are predominantly conserved independently of particle dose when the same size SP are administered or are conserved independently of particle size, surface area and particle number when nano- or submicro-sized SP are administered at their toxic doses. Meanwhile, integrated analysis of transcriptomics, previous metabonomics and conventional toxicological results support the view that SP can result in inflammatory and oxidative stress, generate mitochondrial dysfunction, and eventually cause hepatocyte necrosis by neutrophil-mediated liver injury.

Lead biotransformation potential of allochthonous Bacillus sp. SKK11 with sesame oil cake in mine soil

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study was aimed at assessing the potential of allochthonous Bacillus sp. SKK11 and sesame oil cake extract for transformation of Pb in mine soil. The bacteria were isolated from a brackish environment and identified as Bacillus sp. based on partial 16S rDNA sequences. The isolate SKK11 exhibite...

Intestinal protozoan parasites with zoonotic potential in birds.

PubMed

Marietto-Gonçalves, G A; Fernandes, T M; Silva, R J; Lopes, R S; Andreatti Filho, R L

2008-10-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of potentially zoonotic intestinal protozoan infections in exotic and wildlife Brazilian birds. Fecal samples from 207 birds of 45 species were examined. Infections by Balantidium sp., Entamoeba sp., and Blastocystis sp. were observed in 17 individuals (8.2%) of Gnorimopsar chopi, Oryzoborus angolensis, Sporophila caerulescens, Ramphastos toco, Aratinga leucophtalmus, and Pavo cristatus.

Relationship Between Psychiatric Status, Self-Reported Outcome Measures, and Clinical Parameters in Axial Spondyloarthritis

PubMed Central

Kilic, Gamze; Kilic, Erkan; Ozgocmen, Salih

2014-01-01

Abstract This article aims to compare the risks of depression and anxiety in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and investigate the relationship among self-reported outcome measures, clinical parameters, and physical variables of patients with axSpA. Patients with axSpA were recruited from Erciyes Spondyloarthritis Cohort. The patients met Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society classification criteria for axial SpA and were assessed in a cross-sectional study design for visual analog scale (VAS) pain, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life questionnaire (ASQoL), and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score–C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP). Psychological status was evaluated using the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the associations between psychological variables and clinical parameters after adjusting for confounding variables. Of the 316 patients (142 nr-axSpA, 174 AS), 139 (44%) had high risk for depression (HADS-D score ≥7) and 71 (22.5%) for anxiety (HADS-A score ≥10). HADS-D and HADS-A scores were similar between patients with AS and nr-axSpA. Patients with high risk for depression and anxiety had higher scores in BASDAI, BASFI, and ASDAS-CRP, and also poorer scores in VAS pain and ASQoL. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the ASDAS-CRP, ASQoL, BASDAI, as well as educational level were factors associated with the risk of depression whereas the ASQoL and educational level were factors associated with the risk of anxiety. Patients with nr-axSpA and AS have similar burden of psychological distress. The quality of life (ASQoL) and educational level were factors associated with the risk of both depression and anxiety whereas disease activity (BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP) was the independent risk factor associated with depression but not anxiety in axSpA. These findings suggest that psychological status should be examined while assessing patients with axSpA including AS and nr-axSpA. PMID:25546683

Stimulation of angiogenesis, neurogenesis and regeneration by side population cells from dental pulp.

PubMed

Ishizaka, Ryo; Hayashi, Yuki; Iohara, Koichiro; Sugiyama, Masahiko; Murakami, Masashi; Yamamoto, Tsubasa; Fukuta, Osamu; Nakashima, Misako

2013-03-01

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used for cell therapy in various experimental disease models. However, the regenerative potential of MSCs from different tissue sources and the influence of the tissue niche have not been investigated. In this study, we compared the regenerative potential of dental pulp, bone marrow and adipose tissue-derived CD31(-) side population (SP) cells isolated from an individual porcine source. Pulp CD31(-) SP cells expressed the highest levels of angiogenic/neurotrophic factors and had the highest migration activity. Conditioned medium from pulp CD31(-) SP cells produced potent anti-apoptotic activity and neurite outgrowth, compared to those from bone marrow and adipose CD31(-) SP cells. Transplantation of pulp CD31(-) SP cells in a mouse hindlimb ischemia model produced higher blood flow and capillary density than transplantation of bone marrow and adipose CD31(-) SP cells. Motor function recovery and infarct size reduction were greater with pulp CD31(-) SP cells. Pulp CD31(-) SP cells induced maximal angiogenesis, neurogenesis and pulp regeneration in ectopic transplantation models compared to other tissue sources. These results demonstrate that pulp stem cells have higher angiogenic, neurogenic and regenerative potential and may therefore be superior to bone marrow and adipose stem cells for cell therapy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanism for substance P-induced relaxation of precontracted airway smooth muscle during development.

PubMed

Mhanna, M J; Dreshaj, I A; Haxhiu, M A; Martin, R J

1999-01-01

Release of substance P (SP) from sensory nerve endings of the tracheobronchial system modulates airway smooth muscle contraction and may cause relaxation of precontracted airways. We sought to elucidate the effect of postnatal maturation on SP-induced relaxation of precontracted airways and determine the roles of endogenously generated nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs). Cylindrical airway segments were isolated from the midtrachea of rats at four different ages, 1, 2, and 4 wk and 3 mo, and contracted to 50-75% of the maximum response induced by bethanechol. SP was then administered in the absence and presence of the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), the PG inhibitor indomethacin, or both. Relaxation of airways with SP decreased significantly with advancing postnatal age. SP-induced tracheal relaxation was consistently attenuated by pretreatment with L-NAME, indomethacin, or both. In a different group of animals, L-NAME significantly attenuated the relaxant response of airways to PGE2 exposure, but indomethacin had no significant effect on the relaxant response to exogenous NO. We conclude that SP induces a relaxant effect on precontracted airway smooth muscle, which decreases with advancing age and is mediated via SP-induced release of NO and/or PG.

Functional heterogeneity of side population cells in skeletal muscle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Uezumi, Akiyoshi; Ojima, Koichi; Fukada, So-ichiro

2006-03-17

Skeletal muscle regeneration has been exclusively attributed to myogenic precursors, satellite cells. A stem cell-rich fraction referred to as side population (SP) cells also resides in skeletal muscle, but its roles in muscle regeneration remain unclear. We found that muscle SP cells could be subdivided into three sub-fractions using CD31 and CD45 markers. The majority of SP cells in normal non-regenerating muscle expressed CD31 and had endothelial characteristics. However, CD31{sup -}CD45{sup -} SP cells, which are a minor subpopulation in normal muscle, actively proliferated upon muscle injury and expressed not only several regulatory genes for muscle regeneration but also somemore » mesenchymal lineage markers. CD31{sup -}CD45{sup -} SP cells showed the greatest myogenic potential among three SP sub-fractions, but indeed revealed mesenchymal potentials in vitro. These SP cells preferentially differentiated into myofibers after intramuscular transplantation in vivo. Our results revealed the heterogeneity of muscle SP cells and suggest that CD31{sup -}CD45{sup -} SP cells participate in muscle regeneration.« less

Autologous cellular vaccine overcomes cancer immunoediting in a mouse model of myeloma.

PubMed

Mazzocco, Marta; Martini, Matteo; Rosato, Antonio; Stefani, Elisabetta; Matucci, Andrea; Dalla Santa, Silvia; De Sanctis, Francesco; Ugel, Stefano; Sandri, Sara; Ferrarini, Giovanna; Cestari, Tiziana; Ferrari, Sergio; Zanovello, Paola; Bronte, Vincenzo; Sartoris, Silvia

2015-09-01

In the Sp6 mouse plasmacytoma model, a whole-cell vaccination with Sp6 cells expressing de novo B7-1 (Sp6/B7) induced anatomically localized and cytotoxic T cell (CTL)-mediated protection against wild-type (WT) Sp6. Both WT Sp6 and Sp6/B7 showed down-regulated expression of MHC H-2 L(d). Increase of H-2 L(d) expression by cDNA transfection (Sp6/B7/L(d)) raised tumour immune protection and shifted most CTL responses towards H-2 L(d)-restricted antigenic epitopes. The tumour-protective responses were not specific for the H-2 L(d)-restricted immunodominant AH1 epitope of the gp70 common mouse tumour antigen, although WT Sp6 and transfectants were able to present it to specific T cells in vitro. Gp70 transcripts, absent in secondary lymphoid organs of naive mice, were detected in immunized mice as well as in splenocytes from naive mice incubated in vitro with supernatants of CTL-lysed Sp6 cell cultures, containing damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). It has been shown that Toll-like receptor triggering induces gp70 expression. Damage-associated molecular patterns are released by CTL-mediated killing of Sp6/B7-Sp6/B7/L(d) cells migrated to draining lymph nodes during immunization and may activate gp70 expression and presentation in most resident antigen-presenting cells. The same could also apply for Mus musculus endogenous ecotropic murine leukaemia virus 1 particles present in Sp6-cytosol, discharged by dying cells and superinfecting antigen-presenting cells. The outcome of such a massive gp70 cross-presentation would probably be tolerogenic for the high-affinity AH1-gp70-specific CTL clones. In this scenario, autologous whole-tumour-cell vaccines rescue tumour-specific immunoprotection by amplification of subdominant tumour antigen responses when those against the immune dominant antigens are lost. © 2015 The Authors. Immunology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Autologous cellular vaccine overcomes cancer immunoediting in a mouse model of myeloma

PubMed Central

Mazzocco, Marta; Martini, Matteo; Rosato, Antonio; Stefani, Elisabetta; Matucci, Andrea; Dalla Santa, Silvia; De Sanctis, Francesco; Ugel, Stefano; Sandri, Sara; Ferrarini, Giovanna; Cestari, Tiziana; Ferrari, Sergio; Zanovello, Paola; Bronte, Vincenzo; Sartoris, Silvia

2015-01-01

In the Sp6 mouse plasmacytoma model, a whole-cell vaccination with Sp6 cells expressing de novo B7-1 (Sp6/B7) induced anatomically localized and cytotoxic T cell (CTL) -mediated protection against wild-type (WT) Sp6. Both WT Sp6 and Sp6/B7 showed down-regulated expression of MHC H-2 Ld. Increase of H-2 Ld expression by cDNA transfection (Sp6/B7/Ld) raised tumour immune protection and shifted most CTL responses towards H-2 Ld-restricted antigenic epitopes. The tumour-protective responses were not specific for the H-2 Ld-restricted immunodominant AH1 epitope of the gp70 common mouse tumour antigen, although WT Sp6 and transfectants were able to present it to specific T cells in vitro. Gp70 transcripts, absent in secondary lymphoid organs of naive mice, were detected in immunized mice as well as in splenocytes from naive mice incubated in vitro with supernatants of CTL-lysed Sp6 cell cultures, containing damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). It has been shown that Toll-like receptor triggering induces gp70 expression. Damage-associated molecular patterns are released by CTL-mediated killing of Sp6/B7-Sp6/B7/Ld cells migrated to draining lymph nodes during immunization and may activate gp70 expression and presentation in most resident antigen-presenting cells. The same could also apply for Mus musculus endogenous ecotropic murine leukaemia virus 1 particles present in Sp6-cytosol, discharged by dying cells and superinfecting antigen-presenting cells. The outcome of such a massive gp70 cross-presentation would probably be tolerogenic for the high-affinity AH1-gp70-specific CTL clones. In this scenario, autologous whole-tumour-cell vaccines rescue tumour-specific immunoprotection by amplification of subdominant tumour antigen responses when those against the immune dominant antigens are lost. PMID:25959091

Substance P antagonists and the role of tachykinins in non-cholinergic bronchoconstriction.

PubMed

Karlsson, J A; Finney, M J; Persson, C G; Post, C

1984-12-24

Electrical field stimulation of guinea-pig isolated hilus bronchi induced tetrodotoxin-sensitive contractions of which only a minor part could be inhibited by atropine. The remaining non-cholinergic bronchoconstriction was antagonized by a heptapeptide and an undecapeptide substance P (SP) analogue (Arg5, D-Trp7,9) SP5-11, IC50 = 24.0 microM and (D-Pro2, D-Trp 7,9) SP, IC50 = 10.0 microM. Of the exogenously added tachykinins, both eledoisin (8 times) and physalaemin (3 times) were more potent bronchoconstrictors than SP. Pretreatment with the SP-analogues shifted concentration-response curves to the tachykinins to the right, eledoisin being most readily antagonized. (Arg5, D-Trp 7,9) SP 5-11 also antagonized the neural response more readily than that of SP. In addition, in the frog isolated sciatic nerve preparation the two SP-analogues were found to possess potent lidocaine-like neurodepressant actions which further complicated the interpretation of the neural inhibitory effects of these compounds. It is concluded that if a tachykinin contributes to non-cholinergic bronchoconstriction, an eledoisin-like peptide is a more likely candidate than SP itself. Since SP-antagonists may have local anaesthetic properties their value as tools in neurophysiology seems limited. Inferentially, the non-cholinergic bronchoconstrictive neurotransmitter remains to be identified.

Temporal distribution of genetically homogenous ‘free-living’ Hematodinium sp. in a Delmarva coastal ecosystem

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Significant damage to crustacean fisheries worldwide has been associated with Hematodinium sp. It has been postulated that Hematodinium sp. requires passage through the water column and/or intermediate hosts to complete its life cycle. Thus, an understanding of the prevalence and seasonality of Hematodinium sp. within environmentally-derived samples should yield insight into potential modes of disease transmission, and how these relate to infection cycles in hosts. Results We conducted a two year survey, from 2010–2011, in which 48 of 546 (8.8%) of environmental samples from the Maryland and Virginia coastal bays were positive for Hematodinium sp. between April and November, as based upon endpoint PCR analysis specific to blue crab isolates. Detection in both water and sediment was roughly equivalent, and there were no obvious seasonal patterns. However, there was a high detection in April water samples, which was unanticipated owing to the fact that crabs infected with Hematodinium sp. have not been observed in this early month of the seasonal disease cycle. Focusing on three sites of high prevalence (Sinnickson, VA; Tom’s Cove, VA; and Newport Bay, MD) Hematodinium sp. population diversity was analyzed using standard cloning methods. Of 131 clones, 109 (83.2%) were identical, 19 displayed a single nucleotide substitution, and 4 contain two nucleotide substitutions. Conclusions Our data suggests a continuous presence of Hematodinium sp. in both water and sediment of a combined Maryland and Virginia coastal bay ecosystem. The detection of Hematodinium sp. in the water column in April is an earlier manifestation of the parasite than predicted, pointing to an as yet unknown stage in its development prior to infection. That the population is relatively homogenous ranging from April to November, at three distinct sites, supports a hypothesis that one species of Hematodinium is responsible for infections within the ecosystem. PMID:22828185

Can Autism Spectrum Disorders and Social Anxiety Disorders Be Differentiated by the Social Responsiveness Scale in Children and Adolescents?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cholemkery, Hannah; Mojica, Laura; Rohrmann, Sonja; Gensthaler, Angelika; Freitag, Christine M.

2014-01-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as social phobia (SP), and selective mutism (SM) are characterised by impaired social interaction. We assessed the validity of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) to differentiate between ASD, and SP/SM. Raw scores were compared in 6-18 year old individuals with ASD (N = 60), SP (N = 38), SM (N = 43), and…

Anomalous electrical signals associated with microbial activity: Results from Iron and Nitrate-Reducing Columns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aaron, R. B.; Zheng, Q.; Flynn, P.; Singha, K.; Brantley, S.

2008-12-01

Three flow-through columns outfitted with Ag/AgCl electrodes were constructed to test the effects of different microbial processes on the geophysical measurements of self potential (SP), bulk electrical conductivity (σ b), and induced polarization (IP). The columns were filled with sieved, Fe-bearing subsurface sediment from the Delmarva Peninsula near Oyster, VA, inoculated (9:1 ratio) with a freshly-collected, shallow subsurface sediment from a wetland floodplain (Dorn Creek) near Madison, WI. Each of the columns was fed anoxic and sterile PIPES buffered artificial groundwater (PBAGW) containing different concentrations of acetate and nitrate. The medium fed to Column 1 (nitrate-reducing) was amended with 100 μM acetate and 2 mM nitrate. Column 2 (iron-reducing) was run with PBAGW containing 1.0 mM acetate and 0 mM nitrate. Column 3 (alternating redox state) was operated under conditions designed to alternately stimulate nitrate-reducing and iron-reducing populations to provide conditions, i.e., the presence of both nitrate and microbially-produced Fe(II), that would allow growth of nitrate-dependent Fe(II)-oxidizing populations. We operated Column 3 with a cycling strategy of 14-18 days of high C medium (1 mM acetate and 100 μ M nitrate) followed by 14-18 days of low C medium (100 μ M acetate and 2 mM nitrate). Effluent chemistry (NO3-, NO2-, NH4+, acetate, and Fe2+) was sampled daily for four months so as to be concurrent with the electrical measurements. We observed chemical evidence of iron reduction (dissolved [Fe(II)] = 0.2mM) in the effluent from the iron reduction and alternating redox columns. Chemical depletion of NO3- ([NO3-] ranged from 1 to 0.02mM), the production of NO2-, and possible production of NH4+ (0.2 mM) was observed in the nitrate reducing column as well as the alternating redox column. All three columns displayed loss of acetate as microbial activity progressed. σ b remained constant in the alternating redox column (~0.15 S/m), increased in the iron reducing column (0.2 S/m to 0.8 S/m) and increased markedly in the nitrate reducing column (0.3 S/m to 1.2 S/m). This runs counter to our expectations. We expected to see an increase in σ b as [Fe(II)] increased and a decrease in σ b as nitrate was removed from the columns. All three columns showed little or no IP response at the outset and developed negative chargeabilities over the course of the experiment (as great as -20 mV/V). These values are anomalous and difficult to interpret. SP signals show the most variable response. Initially all three columns had SP values at or very near 0 mV. SP for the nitrate reducing column remained constant around 0mV. The iron reducing column displayed an increasingly negative SP response for the first two months that became constant at about -200mV for the remainder of the experiment. The alternating redox column displayed an oscillating signal recording large positive values (~475 mV) when nitrate concentrations were low and returning to a baseline value (~160mV) when nitrate was introduced to the column. The results of these column experiments indicate that there is a link between microbial activity and geophysical signals and that further research is needed to better quantify these signals.

Transcriptional activation of transforming growth factor alpha by estradiol: requirement for both a GC-rich site and an estrogen response element half-site.

PubMed

Vyhlidal, C; Samudio, I; Kladde, M P; Safe, S

2000-06-01

17beta-Estradiol (E2) induces transforming growth factor alpha (TGFalpha) gene expression in MCF-7 cells and previous studies have identified a 53 bp (-252 to -200) sequence containing two imperfect estrogen responsive elements (EREs) that contribute to E2 responsiveness. Deletion analysis of the TGFalpha gene promoter in this study identified a second upstream region of the promoter (-623 to -549) that is also E2 responsive. This sequence contains three GC-rich sites and an imperfect ERE half-site, and the specific cis-elements and trans-acting factors were determined by promoter analysis in transient transfection experiments, gel mobility shift assays and in vitro DNA footprinting. The results are consistent with an estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)/Sp1 complex interacting with an Sp1(N)(30) ERE half-site ((1/2)) motif in which both ERalpha and Sp1 bind promoter DNA. The ER/Sp1-DNA complex is formed using nuclear extracts from MCF-7 cells but not with recombinant human ERalpha or Sp1 proteins, suggesting that other nuclear factor(s) are required for complex stabilization. The E2-responsive Sp1(N)(x)ERE(1/2) motif identified in the TGFalpha gene promoter has also been characterized in the cathepsin D and heat shock protein 27 gene promoters; however, in the latter two promoters the numbers of intervening nucleotides are 23 and 10 respectively.

Post-junctional facilitation of substance P signaling in a tibia fracture rat model of complex regional pain syndrome type I

PubMed Central

Wei, Tzuping; Li, Wen-wu; Guo, Tian-Zhi; Zhao, Rong; Wang, Liping; Clark, David J; Oaklander, Ann Louise; Schmelz, Martin; Kingery, Wade S.

2009-01-01

Tibia fracture in rats evokes nociceptive, vascular, and bone changes resembling complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Substance P (SP) signaling contributes to the hindpaw warmth, increased vascular permeability, and edema observed in this model, suggesting that neurogenic inflammatory responses could be enhanced after fracture. Four weeks after tibia fracture we measured SP and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) protein levels in the sciatic nerve and serum. Hindpaw skin extravasation responses and SP receptor (NK1), CGRP receptor (calcitonin receptor-like receptor, CRLR) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) protein levels were also determined. Gene expression levels of these peptides, receptors, and peptidase were examined in the DRG and skin. Spontaneous and intravenous SP-evoked extravasation responses were increased ipsilateral, but not contralateral to the fracture. Fracture increased SP and CGRP gene expression in the ipsilateral L4,L5 DRG and neuropeptide protein levels in the sciatic nerve and in serum, but had no effect on electrically-evoked SP and CGRP release. NK1 receptor expression was increased in the ipsilateral hindpaw skin keratinocytes and endothelial cells after injury, but CRLR and NEP expression were unchanged. Fracture also increased epidermal thickness, but had no effect on epidermal skin neurite counts. These results demonstrate that spontaneous and intravenous SP-evoked extravasation responses are enhanced in the ipsilateral hindlimb after fracture and that fracture chronically increases the expression of endothelial and keratinocyte NK1 receptors in the injured limb. We postulate that SP activation of these up-regulated NK1 receptors results in skin warmth, protein leakage, edema, and keratinocyte proliferation in the injured limb. PMID:19464118

Post-junctional facilitation of Substance P signaling in a tibia fracture rat model of complex regional pain syndrome type I.

PubMed

Wei, Tzuping; Li, Wen-Wu; Guo, Tian-Zhi; Zhao, Rong; Wang, Liping; Clark, David J; Oaklander, Anne Louise; Schmelz, Martin; Kingery, Wade S

2009-08-01

Tibia fracture in rats evokes nociceptive, vascular, and bone changes resembling complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Substance P (SP) signaling contributes to the hindpaw warmth, increased vascular permeability, and edema observed in this model, suggesting that neurogenic inflammatory responses could be enhanced after fracture. Four weeks after tibia fracture we measured SP and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) protein levels in the sciatic nerve and serum. Hindpaw skin extravasation responses and SP receptor (NK1), CGRP receptor (calcitonin receptor-like receptor, CRLR) and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) protein levels were also determined. Gene expression levels of these peptides, receptors, and peptidase were examined in the DRG and skin. Spontaneous and intravenous SP-evoked extravasation responses were increased ipsilateral, but not contralateral to the fracture. Fracture increased SP and CGRP gene expression in the ipsilateral L4,L5 DRG and neuropeptide protein levels in the sciatic nerve and in serum, but had no effect on electrically evoked SP and CGRP release. NK1 receptor expression was increased in the ipsilateral hindpaw skin keratinocytes and endothelial cells after injury, but CRLR and NEP expression were unchanged. Fracture also increased epidermal thickness, but had no effect on epidermal skin neurite counts. These results demonstrate that spontaneous and intravenous SP-evoked extravasation responses are enhanced in the ipsilateral hindlimb after fracture and that fracture chronically increases the expression of endothelial and keratinocyte NK1 receptors in the injured limb. We postulate that SP activation of these up-regulated NK1 receptors results in skin warmth, protein leakage, edema, and keratinocyte proliferation in the injured limb.

Substance P promotes expansion of human mesenteric preadipocytes through proliferative and antiapoptotic pathways.

PubMed

Gross, Kara; Karagiannides, Iordanes; Thomou, Thomas; Koon, Hon Wai; Bowe, Collin; Kim, Ho; Giorgadze, Nino; Tchkonia, Tamara; Pirtskhalava, Tamara; Kirkland, James L; Pothoulakis, Charalabos

2009-05-01

White adipose tissue is intimately involved in the regulation of immunity and inflammation. We reported that human mesenteric preadipocytes express the substance P (SP)-mediated neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), which signals proinflammatory responses. Here we tested the hypothesis that SP promotes proliferation and survival of human mesenteric preadipocytes and investigated responsible mechanism(s). Preadipocytes were isolated from mesenteric fat biopsies during gastric bypass surgery. Proliferative and antiapoptotic responses were delineated in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS), bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), caspase-3, and TUNEL assays, as well as Western immunoanalysis. SP (10(-7) M) increased MTS and proliferation (BrdU) and time dependently (15-30 min) induced Akt, EGF receptor, IGF receptor, integrin alphaVbeta3, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and PKC-theta phosphorylation. Furthermore, pharmacological antagonism of Akt and PKC-theta activation significantly attenuated SP-induced preadipocyte proliferation. Exposure of preadipocytes to the proapoptotic Fas ligand (FasL, 100 microM) resulted in nuclear DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay), as well as increased cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, cleaved caspase-7, and caspase-3 expression. Cotreatment with SP almost completely abolished these responses in a NK-1R-dependent fashion. SP (10(-7) M) also time dependently stimulated expression 4E binding protein 1 and phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase, which increased protein translation efficiency. SP increases preadipocyte viability, reduces apoptosis, and stimulates proliferation, possibly via cell cycle upregulation and increased protein translation efficiency. SP-induced proliferative and antiapoptotic pathways in fat depots may contribute to development of the creeping fat and inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease.

Investigation of self-help oil-spill response techniques and equipment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Enderlin, W I; Downing, J P; Enderlin, C W

1992-06-01

The US Coast Guard commissioned Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) to conduct this study of 45 self-help oil-spill response techniques and equipment for oceangoing tankers and inland tank barges to assess the potential effectiveness of the proposed countermeasure categories. This study considers the hypothetical outflow of oil in the case of side damage and bottom damage to single-hull designs. The results will be considered by the Coast Guard in drafting regulations pertaining to the requirement for tanker vessels to carry oil pollution response equipment (i.e., in response to the oil Pollution Act of 1990). PNL's approach to this investigation included: assessingmore » time-dependent oil outflow in the cases of collision and grounding of both tankers and barges; identifying environmental constraints on self-help countermeasure operation; identifying human factor issues, such as crew performance, safety, and training requirements for the self-help countermeasures considered; and assessing each self-help countermeasure with respect to its potential for minimizing oil loss to the environment. Results from the time-dependent oil outflow, environmental limitations, and human factors requirements were input into a simulation model.« less

Altered respiratory response to substance P and reduced NK1 receptor binding in the nucleus of the solitary tract of aged rats.

PubMed

Mazzone, S B; Geraghty, D P

1999-04-24

The respiratory response to microinjection of substance P (SP) into the commissural nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS) and binding of [125I]-Bolton-Hunter SP ([125I]-BHSP) to brain stem NK1 receptors were compared in young and aged rats. Injection of SP (750 pmol) into the cNTS of young rats (2 months) increased tidal volume (VT) but had no effect on respiratory rate (f). In aged rats (19-21 months), injection of SP had no significant effect on f or VT. The NTS of aged rats displayed significantly lower specific [125I]-BHSP binding than young rats, indicating a reduction in the number in NK1 receptors. These findings show that the respiratory response to microinjection of SP into the cNTS of aged rats is severely blunted and that this phenomenon may be due to a decrease in the number of NK1 receptors in the NTS. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.

Forward to the past

PubMed Central

Carlini, Alessandro; Actis-Grosso, Rossana; Stucchi, Natale; Pozzo, Thierry

2012-01-01

Our daily experience shows that the CNS is a highly efficient machine to predict the effect of actions into the future; are we so efficient also in reconstructing the past of an action? Previous studies demonstrated we are more effective in extrapolating the final position of a stimulus moving according to biological kinematic laws. Here we address the complementary question: are we more effective in extrapolating the starting position (SP) of a motion following a biological velocity profile? We presented a dot moving upward and corresponding to vertical arm movements that were masked in the first part of the trajectory. The stimulus could either move according to biological or non-biological kinematic laws of motion. Results show a better efficacy in reconstructing the SP of a natural motion: participants demonstrate to reconstruct coherently only the SP of the biological condition. When the motion violates the biological kinematic law, responses are scattered and show a tendency toward larger errors. Instead, in a control experiment where the full motions were displayed, no-difference between biological and non-biological motions is found. Results are discussed in light of potential mechanisms involved in visual inference. We propose that as soon as the target appears the cortical motor area would generate an internal representation of reaching movement. When the visual input and the stored kinematic template match, the SP is traced back on the basis of this memory template, making more effective the SP reconstruction. PMID:22712012

Ethylene emission and PR protein synthesis in ACC deaminase producing Methylobacterium spp. inoculated tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) challenged with Ralstonia solanacearum under greenhouse conditions.

PubMed

Yim, Woojong; Seshadri, Sundaram; Kim, Kiyoon; Lee, Gillseung; Sa, Tongmin

2013-06-01

Bacteria of genus Methylobacterium have been found to promote plant growth and regulate the level of ethylene in crop plants. This work is aimed to test the induction of defense responses in tomato against bacterial wilt by stress ethylene level reduction mediated by the ACC deaminase activity of Methylobacterium strains. Under greenhouse conditions, the disease index value in Methylobacterium sp. inoculated tomato plants was lower than control plants. Plants treated with Methylobacterium sp. challenge inoculated with Ralstonia solanacearum (RS) showed significantly reduced disease symptoms and lowered ethylene emission under greenhouse condition. The ACC and ACO (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase) accumulation in tomato leaves were significantly reduced with Methylobacterium strains inoculation. While ACC oxidase gene expression was found higher in plants treated with R. solanacearum than Methylobacterium sp. treatment, PR proteins related to induced systemic resistance like β-1,3-glucanase, PAL, PO and PPO were increased in Methylobacterium sp. inoculated plants. A significant increase in β-1,3-glucanase and PAL gene expression was found in all the Methylobacterium spp. treatments compared to the R. solanacearum treatment. This study confirms the activity of Methylobacterium sp. in increasing the defense enzymes by modulating the ethylene biosynthesis pathway and suggests the use of methylotrophic bacteria as potential biocontrol agents in tomato cultivation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Anaerobic co-digestion of chicken manure and microalgae Chlorella sp.: Methane potential, microbial diversity and synergistic impact evaluation.

PubMed

Li, Ruirui; Duan, Na; Zhang, Yuanhui; Liu, Zhidan; Li, Baoming; Zhang, Dongming; Dong, Taili

2017-10-01

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising alternative for livestock manure management. This paper presents the experimental results obtained through a batch experiment by using chicken manure (CM) and microalgae Chlorella sp. as co-substrates. The effect of co-digestion was evaluated by varying CM to Chlorella sp. ratios (0:10, 2:8, 4:6, 6:4, 8:2, 10: 0 based on the volatile solids (VS)). The major objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and synergistic impact of co-digestion of CM and Chlorella sp. Enhanced 14.20% and 76.86% methane production than CM and Chlorella sp. mono-digestion respectively was achieved in co-digestion at the ratio 8:2. In addition, the co-digestion at the ratio 8:2 showed significantly higher methane yield than the weighted average of the individual substrates' specific methane yield (WSMY), indicating strong synergy effect. The Illumina Miseq sequencing analysis showed that the AD process suppressed the acetoclastic methanogenesis Methanosaeta content; but partly enhanced hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis Methanosarcina, Methanospirillum and Methanobacterium, which was responsible for the methane production. The pre-treated microalgae was then introduced at the optimal ratio 8:2 to estimate the effect of pre-treatment of microalgae on AD process. However, the pre-treatment exhibited no positive effect. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evolution of sp{sup 2} networks with substrate temperature in amorphous carbon films: Experiment and theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gago, R.; Centro de Micro-Analisis de Materiales, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid; Vinnichenko, M.

2005-07-01

The evolution of sp{sup 2} hybrids in amorphous carbon (a-C) films deposited at different substrate temperatures was studied experimentally and theoretically. The bonding structure of a-C films prepared by filtered cathodic vacuum arc was assessed by the combination of visible Raman spectroscopy, x-ray absorption, and spectroscopic ellipsometry, while a-C structures were generated by molecular-dynamics deposition simulations with the Brenner interatomic potential to determine theoretical sp{sup 2} site distributions. The experimental results show a transition from tetrahedral a-C (ta-C) to sp{sup 2}-rich structures at {approx}500 K. The sp{sup 2} hybrids are mainly arranged in chains or pairs whereas graphitic structures aremore » only promoted for sp{sup 2} fractions above 80%. The theoretical analysis confirms the preferred pairing of isolated sp{sup 2} sites in ta-C, the coalescence of sp{sup 2} clusters for medium sp{sup 2} fractions, and the pronounced formation of rings for sp{sup 2} fractions >80%. However, the dominance of sixfold rings is not reproduced theoretically, probably related to the functional form of the interatomic potential used.« less

The body unbound: vestibular-motor hallucinations and out-of-body experiences.

PubMed

Cheyne, J Allan; Girard, Todd A

2009-02-01

Among the varied hallucinations associated with sleep paralysis (SP), out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and vestibular-motor (V-M) sensations represent a distinct factor. Recent studies of direct stimulation of vestibular cortex report a virtually identical set of bodily-self hallucinations. Both programs of research agree on numerous details of OBEs and V-M experiences and suggest similar hypotheses concerning their association. In the present study, self-report data from two on-line surveys of SP-related experiences were employed to assess hypotheses concerning the causal structure of relations among V-M experiences and OBEs during SP episodes. The results complement neurophysiological evidence and are consistent with the hypothesis that OBEs represent a breakdown in the normal binding of bodily-self sensations and suggest that out-of-body feelings (OBFs) are consequences of anomalous V-M experiences and precursors to a particular form of autoscopic experience, out-of-body autoscopy (OBA). An additional finding was that vestibular and motor experiences make relatively independent contributions to OBE variance. Although OBEs are superficially consistent with universal dualistic and supernatural intuitions about the nature of the soul and its relation to the body, recent research increasingly offers plausible alternative naturalistic explanations of the relevant phenomenology.

Effects of seminal plasma and flash-freezing on DNA structure of stallion epididymal sperm exposed to different potentiators of DNA damage.

PubMed

Serafini, R; Varner, D D; Blanchard, T L; Teague, S R; LaCaze, K; Love, C C

2018-05-24

The tolerance of sperm DNA structure to seminal plasma and freezing conditions has both clinical and basic biologic relevance. In this study, fresh (FS) or flash-frozen (FZ) stallion epididymal sperm were exposed (SP + ) or unexposed (SP - ) to seminal plasma. Sperm were then evaluated to monitor the degree of change in DNA structure following challenge with chemical (dithiothreitol-DTT), oxidative (iron sulfate; FeSO 4 ) or enzymatic (DNase I) potentiators of DNA damage. For sperm not treated with potentiators (controls), there was no effect of SP treatment (SP - vs. SP + ) or freezing treatment (FS vs. FZ; non-significant) on measures of any DNA assays (i.e., 8-hydroxy, 2'deoxyguanosine [8OHdG], TUNEL, or sperm chromatin structure [SCSA] assays). Group FZ was more susceptible than Group FS to potentiators of DNA damage. Percent 8OHdG-positive sperm was higher in Group FZ/SP - treated with FeSO 4 than all other groups (P < 0.05). Percent TUNEL-positive sperm was similar among FZ/SP - groups treated with DTT, FeSO 4 , or DNase (non-significant) and was higher in these groups than all other treatments (P < 0.05). Percent COMP-α t was higher following treatment with DNase or DTT, as compared to their respective controls, regardless of prior exposure to SP (P < 0.05). Overall, sperm DNA structure was unaffected by seminal plasma or freezing treatment when samples were not exposed to potentiators of sperm DNA damage; however, marked differences were identified in DNA structure when sperm were challenged with chemical, oxidative or enzymatic treatments. These results highlight the importance of challenging DNA structure prior to analysis. The use of potentiators of DNA damage provided a model to evaluate sperm DNA structure following exposure of sperm to various experimental treatments. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Direct numerical simulations of two-phase laminar jet flows with different cross-section injection geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdel-Hameed, H.; Bellan, J.

2002-10-01

Direct numerical simulations are performed of spatial, three-dimensional, laminar jets of different inlet geometric configurations for the purpose of quantifying the characteristics of the flows; both single-phase (SP) and two-phase (TP) free jets are considered. The TP jets consist of gas laden with liquid drops randomly injected at the inlet. Drop evaporation ensues both due to the gaseous flow being initially unvitiated by the vapor species corresponding to the liquid drops, and to drop heating as the initial drop temperature is lower than that of the carrier gas. The conservation equations for the TP flow include complete couplings of mass, momentum, and energy based on thermodynamically self-consistent specification of the vapor enthalpy, internal energy, and latent heat of vaporization. Inlet geometries investigated are circular, elliptic, rectangular, square, and triangular. The results focus both on the different spreading achieved according to the inlet geometry, as well as on the considerable change in the flow field due to the presence of the drops. The most important consequence of the drop interaction with the flow is the production of streamwise vorticity that alters entrainment and species mixing according to the inlet geometry. Similar to their SP equivalent, TP jets are shown to reach steady-state entrainment; examination of the flows at this time station shows that the potential cores of TP jets are shorter by an order of magnitude than their SP counterpart. Moreover, whereas the TP circular jet exhibits a symmetric entrainment pattern well past the streamwise location of the potential core, noncircular jets display at the same location strong departures from symmetry. Furthermore, the SP-jet phenomenon of axis switching is no longer present in TP jets. The distributions of drop-number density, liquid mass, and evaporated species are compared for different inlet cross sections and recommendations are made regarding the optimal choice for different applications.

A Recombinant Fragment of Human Surfactant Protein D Suppresses Basophil Activation and T-Helper Type 2 and B-Cell Responses in Grass Pollen-induced Allergic Inflammation.

PubMed

Qaseem, Asif S; Singh, Iesha; Pathan, Ansar A; Layhadi, Janice A; Parkin, Rebecca; Alexandra, Fedina; Durham, Stephen R; Kishore, Uday; Shamji, Mohamed H

2017-12-15

Recombinant fragment of human surfactant protein D (rfhSP-D) has been shown to suppress house dust mite- and Aspergillus fumigatus-induced allergic inflammation in murine models. We sought to elucidate the effect of rfhSP-D on high-affinity IgE receptor- and CD23-mediated, grass pollen-induced allergic inflammatory responses. rfhSP-D, containing homotrimeric neck and lectin domains, was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(λDE3)pLysS cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and sera were obtained from individuals with grass pollen allergy (n = 27). The effect of rfhSP-D on basophil activation and histamine release was measured by flow cytometry. IgE-facilitated allergen binding and presentation were assessed by flow cytometry. T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokines were measured in cell culture supernatants. The effect of rfhSP-D on IgE production by B cells when stimulated with CD40L, IL-4, and IL-21 was also determined. rfhSP-D bound to Phleum pratense in a dose- and calcium-dependent manner. Allergen-induced basophil responsiveness and histamine release were inhibited in the presence of rfhSP-D, as measured by CD63, CD203c (P = 0.0086, P = 0.04205), and intracellularly labeled diamine oxidase (P = 0.0003, P = 0.0148). The binding of allergen-IgE complexes to B cells was reduced by 51% (P = 0.002) in the presence of rfhSP-D. This decrease was concomitant with reduction in CD23 expression on B cells (P < 0.001). rfhSP-D suppressed allergen-driven CD27 - CD4 + CRTh2 + T-cell proliferation (P < 0.01), IL-4, and IL-5 levels (all P < 0.01). Moreover, rfhSP-D inhibited CD40L/IL-4- and IL-21-mediated IgE production (77.12%; P = 0.02) by B cells. For the first time, to our knowledge, we show that rfhSP-D inhibited allergen-induced basophil responses at a single-cell level and suppressed CD23-mediated facilitated allergen presentation and Th2 cytokine production. In addition, rfhSP-D inhibited IgE synthesis by B cells, which is also a novel observation.

Up-regulation of Hsp27 by ERα/Sp1 facilitates proliferation and confers resistance to apoptosis in human papillary thyroid cancer cells.

PubMed

Mo, Xiao-Mei; Li, Li; Zhu, Ping; Dai, Yu-Jie; Zhao, Ting-Ting; Liao, Ling-Yao; Chen, George G; Liu, Zhi-Min

2016-08-15

17β-estradiol (E2) has been suggested to play a role in the development and progression of papillary thyroid cancer. Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) is a member of the Hsp family that is responsible for cell survival under stressful conditions. Previous studies have shown that the 5'-promoter region of Hsp27 gene contains a specificity protein-1 (Spl) and estrogen response element half-site (ERE-half), which contributes to Hsp27 induction by E2 in breast cancer cells. However, it is unclear whether Hsp27 can be up-regulated by E2 and which estrogen receptor (ER) isoform and tethered transcription factor are involved in this regulation in papillary thyroid cancer cells. In the present study, we demonstrated that Hsp27 can be effectively up-regulated by E2 at mRNA and protein levels in human K1 and BCPAP papillary thyroid cancer cells which have more than two times higher level of ERα than that of ERβ. The up-regulation of Hsp27 by E2 is mediated by ERα/Sp1 and ERβ has repressive effect on this ERα/Sp1-mediated up-regulation of Hsp27. Moreover, we showed that the up-regulation of Hsp27 by ERα/Sp1 facilitates proliferation and confers resistance to apoptosis through interaction with procaspase-3. Targeting this pathway may be a potential strategy for therapy of papillary thyroid cancer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Virulence and SSR marker segregation in a Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici population produced by selfing a Chinese isolate on Berberis shensiana

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), the causal agent of wheat stripe rust, is highly variable. The fungal pathogen produces new races overcoming resistance in wheat cultivars. A recently identified race, V26 with virulence to Yr26 and many other stripe rust resistance genes, has a high potent...

77 FR 60491 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Options Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-03

... options are ultimately derivative of the same benchmark--the S&P 500 Index--they should be treated equally...-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Options Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Eliminate Position Limits for Options on the SPDR[supreg] S&P 500[supreg] Exchange-Traded Fund,\\1\\ Which List and...

77 FR 50750 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Amex LLC; Notice of Filing of Amendment No. 1 and Order...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-22

... contends that, because SPX, SPXPM, and SPY options are ultimately derivative of the same benchmark--the S&P... SPY options and their respective underlying instruments and futures to gain exposure to the same... proposal. The Exchange argues that SPY options are ultimately derivative of the S&P 500 Index, and should...

77 FR 62277 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-12

... closing rotation procedures to determine the month-end closing price for each series of S&P 500 Index options based on the theoretical fair value of such series. The text of the proposed rule change is... month-end, the closing price of each series of S&P 500 Index (``SPX'') options are aligned with the...

78 FR 73911 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Options Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-09

... 3120 To Extend the Pilot Program That Eliminated the Position Limits for Options on SPDR S&P 500 ETF... extend the pilot program that eliminated the position limits for options on SPDR S&P 500 ETF (``SPY...- regulatory organizations (``SROs'') have adopted similar rules eliminating position limits on SPY and market...

75 FR 33374 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-11

... proposes to amend its Fees Schedule to establish fees for transactions in all S&P 500 Dividend Index... transactions in DVS options to all options on the S&P 500 Dividend Index, regardless of the specified accrual period.\\6\\ Currently the established transaction fees for DVS options are as follows: \\6\\ See Securities...

An Online Self-Administered Social Skills Training for Young Adults: Results from a Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lehenbauer, Mario; Kothgassner, Oswald D.; Kryspin-Exner, Ilse; Stetina, Birgit U.

2013-01-01

Up to 95% of teens and young adults in western societies are online, and research shows striking evidence that users suffering from social fears use the Internet more frequently. Social phobia (SP) is one of the most common anxiety disorders, characterized by early onset and more frequent histories of childhood and adolescent shyness. SP is often…

76 FR 805 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE Arca, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change Relating...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-06

... Trading Shares of the SPDR Nuveen S&P High Yield Municipal Bond ETF December 30, 2010. Pursuant to Section... Change The Exchange proposes to list and trade shares of the SPDR Nuveen S&P High Yield Municipal Bond... for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to list and trade shares (``Shares...

Associations between Peer Victimization, Self-Reported Depression and Social Phobia among Adolescents: The Role of Comorbidity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ranta, Klaus; Kaltiala-Heino, Riittakerttu; Pelkonen, Mirjami; Marttunen, Mauri

2009-01-01

Associations of peer victimization with adolescent depression and social phobia (SP), while controlling for comorbidity between them, have not been sufficiently explored in earlier research. A total of 3156 Finnish adolescents aged 15-16 years participated in a survey study. Self-reported peer victimization, as well as self-reported depression…

Potential of pin-by-pin SPN calculations as an industrial reference

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fliscounakis, M.; Girardi, E.; Courau, T.

2012-07-01

This paper aims at analysing the potential of pin-by-pin SP{sub n} calculations to compute the neutronic flux in PWR cores as an alternative to the diffusion approximation. As far as pin-by-pin calculations are concerned, a SPH equivalence is used to preserve the reactions rates. The use of SPH equivalence is a common practice in core diffusion calculations. In this paper, a methodology to generalize the equivalence procedure in the SP{sub n} equations context is presented. In order to verify and validate the equivalence procedure, SP{sub n} calculations are compared to 2D transport reference results obtained with the APOLL02 code. Themore » validation cases consist in 3x3 analytical assembly color sets involving burn-up heterogeneities, UOX/MOX interfaces, and control rods. Considering various energy discretizations (up to 26 groups) and flux development orders (up to 7) for the SP{sub n} equations, results show that 26-group SP{sub 3} calculations are very close to the transport reference (with pin production rates discrepancies < 1%). This proves the high interest of pin-by-pin SP{sub n} calculations as an industrial reference when relying on 26 energy groups combined with SP{sub 3} flux development order. Additionally, the SP{sub n} results are compared to diffusion pin-by-pin calculations, in order to evaluate the potential benefit of using a SP{sub n} solver as an alternative to diffusion. Discrepancies on pin-production rates are less than 1.6% for 6-group SP{sub 3} calculations against 3.2% for 2-group diffusion calculations. This shows that SP{sub n} solvers may be considered as an alternative to multigroup diffusion. (authors)« less

Tachykinin antagonists and capsaicin-induced contraction of the rat isolated urinary bladder: evidence for tachykinin-mediated cotransmission.

PubMed

Maggi, C A; Patacchini, R; Santicioli, P; Giuliani, S

1991-06-01

1. The possible involvement of tachykinins (TKs) in the contraction produced by capsaicin in the rat isolated urinary bladder was addressed on the hypothesis that co-release of substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) occurs from sensory nerve terminals. 2. A low concentration of SP (30 nM) produced a rapid contraction which faded to baseline within 10 min. A low concentration of NKA (10 nM) produced a slowly developing contraction which was still evident at 10 min. Capsaicin (1 microM) produced a rapid phasic response and a tonic response (late response to capsaicin). Co-administration of SP and NKA mimicked the response to capsaicin more than each TK alone. 3. Fading of the response to SP was not caused by receptor desensitization and was partially prevented by peptidase inhibitors. 4. Spantide (3 microM) selectively antagonized the SP-induced contraction while L-659,877 (3-10 microM) or MEN 10,376 (10-30 microM) which are NK2 receptor selective antagonists selectively blocked the response to NKA. Co-administration of spantide and L-659,877 inhibited the response to both SP and NKA by an amount not greater than that produced by each antagonist alone. 5. Spantide selectively reduced the peak response to capsaicin, while leaving the late response unaffected. L-659,877 (3 microM) and MEN 10,376 (10 microM) selectively inhibited the late response to capsaicin while, at higher concentrations, also reduced the peak response to capsaicin. Co-administration of spantide and L-659,877 reduced the peak response to capsaicin more than that produced by each antagonist alone. 6. Bombesin (10 nM) produced a tonic contraction similar to that induced by NKA. The response to bombesin was not affected by spantide, L-659,877 or MEN 10,376. 7 P2. purinoceptor desensitization by repeated administration of alpha,betal-methylene ATP depressed the twitch response to electrical stimulation of postganglionic nerves but did not affect the peak or the late response to capsaicin. 8. We conclude that multiple TKs are coreleased by capsaicin in the rat bladder and mediate the capsaicin-induced contraction by activating both NKI and NK2 receptors. Endogenous TK with preferential affinity for the NK, receptor (putatively SP) are selectively involved in the peak response to capsaicin while endogenous TK with preferential affinity for the NK2 receptor (putatively NKA) are selectively involved in the late response to capsaicin and partly contribute to the peak response. These findings provide pharmacological evidence for tachykinin-mediated cotransmission in the rat urinary bladder. ATP is unlikely to be involved in the efferent function of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves in the rat bladder.

A micro-sized bio-solar cell for self-sustaining power generation.

PubMed

Lee, Hankeun; Choi, Seokheun

2015-01-21

Self-sustainable energy sources are essential for a wide array of wireless applications deployed in remote field locations. Due to their self-assembling and self-repairing properties, "biological solar (bio-solar) cells" are recently gaining attention for those applications. The bio-solar cell can continuously generate electricity from microbial photosynthetic and respiratory activities under day-night cycles. Despite the vast potential and promise of bio-solar cells, they, however, have not yet successfully been translated into commercial applications, as they possess persistent performance limitations and scale-up bottlenecks. Here, we report an entirely self-sustainable and scalable microliter-sized bio-solar cell with significant power enhancement by maximizing solar energy capture, bacterial attachment, and air bubble volume in well-controlled microchambers. The bio-solar cell has a ~300 μL single chamber defined by laser-machined poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates and it uses an air cathode to allow freely available oxygen to act as an electron acceptor. We generated a maximum power density of 0.9 mW m(-2) through photosynthetic reactions of cyanobacteria, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, which is the highest power density among all micro-sized bio-solar cells.

Neural Manifestations of Implicit Self-Esteem: An ERP Study

PubMed Central

Wu, Lili; Cai, Huajian; Gu, Ruolei; Luo, Yu L. L.; Zhang, Jianxin; Yang, Jing; Shi, Yuanyuan; Ding, Lei

2014-01-01

Behavioral research has established that humans implicitly tend to hold a positive view toward themselves. In this study, we employed the event-related potential (ERP) technique to explore neural manifestations of positive implicit self-esteem using the Go/Nogo association task (GNAT). Participants generated a response (Go) or withheld a response (Nogo) to self or others words and good or bad attributes. Behavioral data showed that participants responded faster to the self paired with good than the self paired with bad, whereas the opposite proved true for others, reflecting the positive nature of implicit self-esteem. ERP results showed an augmented N200 over the frontal areas in Nogo responses relative to Go responses. Moreover, the positive implicit self-positivity bias delayed the onset time of the N200 wave difference between Nogo and Go trials, suggesting that positive implicit self-esteem is manifested on neural activity about 270 ms after the presentation of self-relevant stimuli. These findings provide neural evidence for the positivity and automaticity of implicit self-esteem. PMID:25006966

Proteomic analysis reveals contrasting stress response to uranium in two nitrogen-fixing Anabaena strains, differentially tolerant to uranium.

PubMed

Panda, Bandita; Basu, Bhakti; Acharya, Celin; Rajaram, Hema; Apte, Shree Kumar

2017-01-01

Two strains of the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena, native to Indian paddy fields, displayed differential sensitivity to exposure to uranyl carbonate at neutral pH. Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 and Anabaena sp. strain L-31 displayed 50% reduction in survival (LD 50 dose), following 3h exposure to 75μM and 200μM uranyl carbonate, respectively. Uranium responsive proteome alterations were visualized by 2D gel electrophoresis, followed by protein identification by MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry. The two strains displayed significant differences in levels of proteins associated with photosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and oxidative stress alleviation, commensurate with their uranium tolerance. Higher uranium tolerance of Anabaena sp. strain L-31 could be attributed to sustained photosynthesis and carbon metabolism and superior oxidative stress defense, as compared to the uranium sensitive Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. Uranium responsive proteome modulations in two nitrogen-fixing strains of Anabaena, native to Indian paddy fields, revealed that rapid adaptation to better oxidative stress management, and maintenance of metabolic and energy homeostasis underlies superior uranium tolerance of Anabaena sp. strain L-31 compared to Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recording medical students' encounters with standardized patients using Google Glass: providing end-of-life clinical education.

PubMed

Tully, Jeffrey; Dameff, Christian; Kaib, Susan; Moffitt, Maricela

2015-03-01

Medical education today frequently includes standardized patient (SP) encounters to teach history-taking, physical exam, and communication skills. However, traditional wall-mounted cameras, used to record video for faculty and student feedback and evaluation, provide a limited view of key nonverbal communication behaviors during clinical encounters. In 2013, 30 second-year medical students participated in an end-of-life module that included SP encounters in which the SPs used Google Glass to record their first-person perspective. Students reviewed the Google Glass video and traditional videos and then completed a postencounter, self-evaluation survey and a follow-up survey about the experience. Google Glass was used successfully to record 30 student/SP encounters. One temporary Google Glass hardware failure was observed. Of the 30 students, 7 (23%) reported a "positive, nondistracting experience"; 11 (37%) a "positive, initially distracting experience"; 5 (17%) a "neutral experience"; and 3 (10%) a "negative experience." Four students (13%) opted to withhold judgment until they reviewed the videos but reported Google Glass as "distracting." According to follow-up survey responses, 16 students (of 23; 70%) found Google Glass "worth including in the [clinical skills program]," whereas 7 (30%) did not. Google Glass can be used to video record students during SP encounters and provides a novel perspective for the analysis and evaluation of their interpersonal communication skills and nonverbal behaviors. Next steps include a larger, more rigorous comparison of Google Glass versus traditional videos and expanded use of this technology in other aspects of the clinical skills training program.

Performance of the measures of processes of care for adults and service providers in rehabilitation settings.

PubMed

Bamm, Elena L; Rosenbaum, Peter; Wilkins, Seanne; Stratford, Paul

2015-01-01

In recent years, client-centered care has been embraced as a new philosophy of care by many organizations around the world. Clinicians and researchers have identified the need for valid and reliable outcome measures that are easy to use to evaluate success of implementation of new concepts. The current study was developed to complete adaptation and field testing of the companion patient-reported measures of processes of care for adults (MPOC-A) and the service provider self-reflection measure of processes of care for service providers working with adult clients (MPOC-SP(A)). A validation study. In-patient rehabilitation facilities. MPOC-A and measure of processes of care for service providers working with adult clients (MPOC-SP(A)). Three hundred and eighty-four health care providers, 61 patients, and 16 family members completed the questionnaires. Good to excellent internal consistency (0.71-0.88 for health care professionals, 0.82-0.90 for patients, and 0.87-0.94 for family members), as well as moderate to good correlations between domains (0.40-0.78 for health care professionals and 0.52-0.84 for clients) supported internal reliability of the tools. Exploratory factor analysis of the MPOC-SP(A) responses supported the multidimensionality of the questionnaire. MPOC-A and MPOC-SP(A) are valid and reliable tools to assess patient and service-provider accounts, respectively, of the extent to which they experience, or are able to provide, client-centered service. Research should now be undertaken to explore in more detail the relationships between client experience and provider reports of their own behavior.

Detection of Coal Fires: A Case Study Conducted on Indian Coal Seams Using Neural Network and Particle Swarm Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, B. B.

2016-12-01

India produces majority of its electricity from coal but a huge quantity of coal burns every day due to coal fires and also poses a threat to the environment as severe pollutants. In the present study we had demonstrated the usage of Neural Network based approach with an integrated Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) inversion technique. The Self Potential (SP) data set is used for the early detection of coal fires. The study was conducted over the East Basuria colliery, Jharia Coal Field, Jharkhand, India. The causative source was modelled as an inclined sheet like anomaly and the synthetic data was generated. Neural Network scheme consists of an input layer, hidden layers and an output layer. The input layer corresponds to the SP data and the output layer is the estimated depth of the coal fire. A synthetic dataset was modelled with some of the known parameters such as depth, conductivity, inclination angle, half width etc. associated with causative body and gives a very low misfit error of 0.0032%. Therefore, the method was found accurate in predicting the depth of the source body. The technique was applied to the real data set and the model was trained until a very good correlation of determination `R2' value of 0.98 is obtained. The depth of the source body was found to be 12.34m with a misfit error percentage of 0.242%. The inversion results were compared with the lithologs obtained from a nearby well which corresponds to the L3 coal seam. The depth of the coal fire had exactly matched with the half width of the anomaly which suggests that the fire is widely spread. The inclination angle of the anomaly was 135.510 which resembles the development of the geometrically complex fracture planes. These fractures may be developed due to anisotropic weakness of the ground which acts as passage for the air. As a result coal fires spreads along these fracture planes. The results obtained from the Neural Network was compared with PSO inversion results and were found in complete agreement. PSO technique had already been found a well-established technique to model SP anomalies. Therefore for successful control and mitigation, SP surveys coupled with Neural Network and PSO technique proves to be novel and economical approach along with other existing geophysical techniques. Keywords: PSO, Coal fire, Self-Potential, Inversion, Neural Network

High work-function hole transport layers by self-assembly using a fluorinated additive

DOE PAGES

Mauger, Scott A.; Li, Jun; Özmen, Özge Tüzün; ...

2013-10-30

The hole transport polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) derives many of its favorable properties from a PSS-rich interfacial layer that forms spontaneously during coating. Since PEDOT:PSS is only usable as a blend it is not possible to study PEDOT:PSS without this interfacial layer. Through the use of the self-doped polymer sulfonated poly(thiophene-3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethoxy]-2,5-diyl) (S-P3MEET) and a polyfluorinated ionomer (PFI) it is possible to compare transparent conducting organic films with and without interfacial layers and to understand their function. Using neutron reflectometry, we show that PFI preferentially segregates at the top surface of the film during coating and forms a thermally stable surfacemore » layer. Because of this distribution we find that even small amounts of PFI increase the electron work function of the HTL. We also find that annealing at 150°C and above reduces the work function compared to samples heated at lower temperatures. Using near edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and gas chromatography we show that this reduction in work function is due to S-P3MEET being doped by PFI. Organic photovoltaic devices with S-P3MEET/PFI hole transport layers yield higher power conversion efficiency than devices with pure S-P3MEET or PEDOT:PSS hole transport layers. Additionally, devices with a doped interface layer of S-P3MEET/PFI show superior performance to those with un-doped S-P3MEET.« less

The effect of proximity on open-loop accommodation responses measured with pinholes.

PubMed

Morrison, K A; Seidel, D; Strang, N C; Gray, L S

2010-07-01

Open-loop accommodation levels were measured in 41 healthy, young subjects using a Shin-Nippon SRW-5000 autorefractor in the three viewing conditions: a small physical pinhole pupil (SP), an optically projected pinhole in Maxwellian view (MV) and in the dark (DF). The target viewed through the pinholes was a high-contrast letter presented at 0 D vergence in a +5 D Badal lens system. Overall, results showed that SP open-loop accommodation levels were significantly higher than MV and DF levels. Subjects could be divided into two distinct subgroups according to their response behaviour: responders to the proximal effect of the small physical pinhole (SP accommodation > MV accommodation) and non-responders to the proximal effect of the small physical pinhole (SP accommodation approximately MV accommodation). Correlation analysis demonstrated that open-loop accommodation for both pinhole conditions was correlated with DF for the responders, while for the non-responders SP and MV accommodation were correlated, but were not related to DF accommodation. This suggests that under open-loop conditions some individuals' accommodation levels are mainly affected by proximal and cognitive factors (responders) while others are guided primarily by the presence of the more distal target (non-responders). In conclusion, MV reduces the proximal effect of the physical pinhole and produces open-loop accommodation responses which are more consistent than SP and DF responses.

Hypoxia attenuates the respiratory response to injection of substance P into the nucleus of the solitary tract of the rat.

PubMed

Mazzone, S B; Hinrichsen, C F; Geraghty, D P

1998-10-30

Prolonged or repetitive bouts of hypoxia may desensitize the brain stem respiratory centres leading to reduced stimulation of ventilation. We investigated the possible involvement of changes in the sensitivity of the commissural nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS) to the tachykinin peptide, substance P (SP). Urethane-anaesthetised rats were allowed to breath room air (normoxic) or subjected to four, 30 s bouts of hypoxia (10% O2/90% N2) prior to the injection of SP (750 pmol) into the cNTS. In normoxic rats (n = 5), SP produced a fall in frequency (f, 88+/-4% control) after 4 min and a maximum rise in tidal volume (VT) after 6 min (138+/-10% control) leading to an overall increase in minute ventilation (VE, maximum, 127+/-12% control after 2 min). In rats (n = 5) exposed to four bouts of hypoxia and allowed to recover for 10 min, injection of SP produced a similar fall in f but a delayed and significantly (P < 0.001) reduced VT (maximum after 10 min, 110+/-1% control) and hence, VE response (104+/-3% control). Sixty min after hypoxia, the f, VT and VE responses to SP were identical to those of normoxic rats. These data suggest that hypoxia desensitizes SP receptors in the cNTS and this may partly explain why the respiratory response to hypoxia declines over time.

Serotonin modulates substance P-induced plasma extravasation and vasodilatation in rat skin by an action through capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent nerves.

PubMed

Khalil, Z; Helme, R D

1990-09-17

Using a blister model of inflammation in the rat hind footpad, the present study was undertaken to examine the ability of serotonin (5-HT) to modulate an inflammatory reaction manifested as plasma extravasation and vasodilatation induced by the neuropeptide substance P (SP). In addition, the role of primary afferent sensory nerve fibres in these modulatory effects was studied in capsaicin pretreated rats. Using a protocol of simultaneous perfusion of amine and peptide over the blister base, no major modulatory effect was observed. On the other hand, using a protocol of sequential perfusion, 5-HT was found to extend the plasma extravasation and vasodilatation responses to SP. 5-HT maintained the plasma extravasation response to SP after cessation of stimulation (during the post-stimulation period). On the other hand, it extended the vasodilatation response to SP during the actual stimulation period by preventing the occurrence of tachyphylaxis. These modulatory effects were absent in capsacin-pretreated rats. The present study provides evidence for the first time in vivo to suggest that serotonin can modulate an inflammatory response to SP via a mechanism that involves capsaicin-sensitive sensory fibres.

Integrative taxonomy of Metrichia Ross (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae: Ochrotrichiinae) microcaddisflies from Brazil: descriptions of twenty new species

PubMed Central

Takiya, Daniela M.; Nessimian, Jorge L.

2016-01-01

Metrichia is assigned to the Ochrotrichiinae, a group of almost exclusively Neotropical microcaddisflies. Metrichia comprises over 100 described species and, despite its diversity, only one species has been described from Brazil so far. In this paper, we provide descriptions for 20 new species from 8 Brazilian states: M. acuminata sp. nov., M. azul sp. nov., M. bonita sp. nov., M. bracui sp. nov., M. caraca sp. nov., M. circuliforme sp. nov., M. curta sp. nov., M. farofa sp. nov., M. forceps sp. nov., M. formosinha sp. nov., M. goiana sp. nov., M. itabaiana sp. nov., M. longissima sp. nov., M. peluda sp. nov., M. rafaeli sp. nov., M. simples sp. nov., M. talhada sp. nov., M. tere sp. nov., M. ubajara sp. nov., and M. vulgaris sp. nov. DNA barcode sequences (577 bp of the mitochondrial gene COI) were generated for 13 of the new species and two previously known species of Metrichia resulting in 64 sequences. In addition, COI sequences were obtained for other genera of Ochrotrichiinae (Angrisanoia, Nothotrichia, Ochrotrichia, Ragatrichia, and Rhyacopsyche). DNA sequences and morphological data were integrated to evaluate species delimitations. K2P pairwise distances were calculated to generate a neighbor-joining tree. COI sequences also were submitted to ABGD and GMYC methods to assess ‘potential species’ delimitation. Analyses showed a conspicuous barcoding gap among Metrichia sequences (highest intraspecific divergence: 4.8%; lowest interspecific divergence: 12.6%). Molecular analyses also allowed the association of larvae and adults of Metrichia bonita sp. nov. from Mato Grosso do Sul, representing the first record of microcaddisfly larvae occurring in calcareous tufa (or travertine). ABGD results agreed with the morphological delimitation of Metrichia species, while GMYC estimated a slightly higher number of species, suggesting the division of two morphological species, each one into two potential species. Because this could be due to unbalanced sampling and the lack of morphological diagnostic characters, we have maintained these two species as undivided. PMID:27169001

Comparison of tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum and proximal colon.

PubMed Central

Maggi, C. A.; Patacchini, R.; Meini, S.; Quartara, L.; Sisto, A.; Potier, E.; Giuliani, S.; Giachetti, A.

1994-01-01

1. The aim of this study was the pharmacological characterization of tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors mediating contraction in the circular muscle of the guinea-pig ileum and proximal colon. The action of substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and of the synthetic agonists [Sar9]SP sulphone, [Glp6,Pro9]SP(6-11) (septide) and [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10) was investigated. The affinities of various peptide and nonpeptide antagonists for the NK1 and NK2 receptor was estimated by use of receptor selective agonists. 2. The natural agonists, SP and NKA, produced concentration-dependent contraction in both preparations. EC50 values were 100 pM and 5 nM for SP, 1.2 nM and 19 nM for NKA in the ileum and colon, respectively. The action of SP and NKA was not significantly modified by peptidase inhibitors (bestatin, captopril and thiorphan, 1 microM each). 3. Synthetic NK1 and NK2 receptor agonists produced concentration-dependent contraction of the circular muscle of the ileum and proximal colon. EC50 values were 83 pM, 36 pM and 10 nM in the ileum, 8 nM, 0.7 nM and 12 nM in the colon for [Sar9]SP sulphone, septide and [beta Ala8]NKA-(4-10), respectively. The pseudopeptide derivative of NKA(4-10), MDL 28,564 behaved as a full or near-to-full agonist in both preparations, its EC50s being 474 nM and 55 nM in the ileum and colon, respectively. 4. Nifedipine (1 microM) abolished the response to septide and [Sar9]SP sulphone in the ileum and produced a rightward shift and large depression of the response in the colon. The response to [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10) was abolished in the ileum and largely unaffected in the colon. 5. The NK1 receptor antagonists, (+/-)-CP 96,34, FK 888 and GR 82,334 competitively antagonized the response to septide and [Sar9]SP sulphone in both preparations without affecting that to [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10). In general, the NK1 receptor antagonists were significantly more potent toward septide than [Sar9]SP sulphone in both preparations. 6. The NK2 receptor antagonists, GR 94,800 and SR 48,968 selectively antagonized the response to [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10) without affecting that to [Sar9]SP sulphone or septide in the ileum and colon. SR 48,968 produced noncompetitive antagonism of the response to the NK2 receptor agonist in the ileum and competitive antagonism in the colon. 7. MEN 10,376 and the cyclic pseudopeptide MEN 10,573 antagonized in a competitive manner the response to [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10) in the ileum and colon.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:7518302

Inhibitory effects of spirulina platensis on carcinogen-activating cytochrome P450 isozymes and potential for drug interactions.

PubMed

Savranoglu, Seda; Tumer, Tugba Boyunegmez

2013-01-01

Spirulina platensis (SP) has been considered as potential food source of 21st century due to its remarkable nutrient profile and therapeutic benefits. However, the cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated drug/chemical interaction potential of SP has not yet been pursued. We investigated the effects of SP on the expressions and enzymatic activities of main CYP isozymes. After the rats were orally administered with SP daily for 5 consecutive weeks, there were significant downregulations in hepatic expression levels and inhibition in enzymatic activities of CYP1A2 and CYP2E1 compared to controls. In addition, a significant decrease was observed in CYP2C6-associated enzyme activity with no remarkable changes in messenger RNA (mRNA)/protein levels. The SP application resulted in significant increases in mRNA/protein levels of both CYP2B1 and CYP3A1 without a significant change in enzyme activities. These findings partly explain the chemopreventive properties of SP toward various organ toxicities, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis; however, its coadministration with some CYP substrates may lead to undesirable drug interactions.

The association of sibling relationship and abuse with later psychological adjustment.

PubMed

Mackey, Amber L; Fromuth, Mary Ellen; Kelly, David B

2010-06-01

This study of 59 undergraduate men and 85 undergraduate women explored how defining emotional and physical sibling abuse affected the frequency of reported sibling abuse. In addition, the current study examined how the emotional context of the sibling relationship (i.e., rivalry and conflict) moderated the relationship between sibling abuse and later psychological adjustment (i.e., depression and anxiety). Respondents completed self-report questionnaires of sibling abuse (CTS2-SP), self-labeling of sibling abuse, quality of sibling relationships (SRQ), depression (CES-D), and anxiety (ZAS). Results indicated differences in frequency of reported abuse depending on how sibling abuse was defined. Also, there were no statistically significant correlations between the CTS2-SP and measures of psychological adjustment. Although self-labeling as emotionally abused correlated with later anxiety, the emotional context of the sibling relationship did not moderate this relationship.

Effect of active sensitization on the bronchopulmonary responses to tachykinins in the guinea pig. Modulation by peptidase inhibitors.

PubMed

Capaz, F R; Ruffié, C; Lefort, J; Manzini, S; Vargaftig, B B; Pretolani, M

1993-08-01

The i.v. administration of substance P (SP, 0.25-16 micrograms/kg) or of the selective metabolic stable NK-1 agonist, [Glp6,Pro9]SP-(6-11) (septide, 0.03-0.25 microgram) to atropine-treated guinea pigs or to isolated perfused lungs triggered a dose-dependent bronchoconstriction, which was enhanced in animals actively sensitized to ovalbumin. In vivo, bronchial hyper-responsiveness was restricted to SP and to septide, inasmuch as neurokinin A (0.06-1 microgram/kg)- or capsaicin (0.5-32 micrograms/kg)-induced bronchoconstriction were not modified. In contrast, isolated lungs from sensitized guinea pigs exhibited an increased bronchoconstriction also in response to capsaicin (0.01-10 micrograms), which was inhibited by atropine in the medium. Pretreatment of actively sensitized guinea pigs either with indomethacin plus mepyramine, the lipoxygenase inhibitor BW A4C or with the platelet-activating factor antagonist SR 27417, did not modify bronchial hyper-reactivity to SP. Captopril (5 mg/kg i.v.), but not thiorphan (0.8 mg/kg i.v.), increased the SP-induced bronchoconstriction in actively sensitized animals, whereas both inhibitors were equally effective in nonsensitized guinea pigs. Thiorphan, however, did not modify the in vivo response to septide. Our results demonstrate that guinea pigs sensitized to ovalbumin exhibit bronchial hyperreactivity to SP, but not to neurokinin A, as compared to nonsensitized animals, suggesting a decrease in the neutral endopeptidase activity in the airways brought by the immunization. However, the results obtained by using septide indicate that other mechanisms may be involved in the bronchial hyper-reactivity to SP.

Clinical characteristics of importance to outcome in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: protocol for a prospective descriptive and exploratory cohort study.

PubMed

Andreasen, Rikke Asmussen; Kristensen, Lars Erik; Ellingsen, Torkell; Christensen, Robin; Baraliakos, Xenofon; Wied, Jimmi; Aalykke, Claus; Ulstrup, Thomas; Schiøttz-Christensen, Berit; Horn, Hans Christian; Emamifar, Amir; Duerlund, Bent; Fischer, Lars; Hansen, Inger Marie Jensen

2017-07-10

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a heterogeneous spectrum of rheumatic diseases with either predominantly axial inflammatory symptoms of the spine and sacroiliac joints or predominantly peripheral arthritis. The two main entities of axial SpA (axSpA) are ankylosing spondylitis or non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA). Tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitors have revolutionised the treatment of patients with axSpA who failed to respond to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. Chronic pain is common in patients with SpA and may still persist despite the lack of signs of inflammation. This has led researchers to hypothesise that central pain sensitisation may play a role in the generation of chronic pain in SpA. The painDETECT Questionnaire (PDQ) is a screening tool developed to detect neuropathic pain components. The primary objective is to explore the prognostic value of the PDQ regarding treatment response in patients with axSpA 3 months after initiating a biological agent. Secondary aim is to evaluate the impact of extra-articular manifestations, comorbidities and patient-reported outcomes and elucidate if these factors influence treatment response. We will include 60 participants (≥18 years of age) diagnosed with axSpA independent of main entity, who initiate or switch treatment of a biologic. Data will be collected at baseline and at endpoint following Danish clinical practice (≥3 months) of treatment with biologics. We will explore whether the PDQ and other phenotypical patient characteristics are prognostically important for response to biological therapy according to established response criteria like 50% improvement in the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (50%) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score. The study is approved by the Region of Southern Denmark's Ethics committee (S-20160094) and has been designed in cooperation with patient representatives. The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02948608, pre-results). Dissemination will occur through publication(s) in international peer-reviewed journal(s). © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Association Between Social Participation and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

PubMed Central

Tomioka, Kimiko; Kurumatani, Norio; Hosoi, Hiroshi

2016-01-01

Background Population-based data examining the relationship between social participation (SP) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are scarce. This study examined the cross-sectional relationship between SP and IADL in community-dwelling elderly persons. Methods Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 23 710 residents aged ≥65 years in Nara, Japan (response rate: 74.2%). Data from 14 956 respondents (6935 males and 8021 females) without dependency in basic activities of daily living (ADL) were analyzed. The number, type, and frequency of participation in social groups (SGs) were used to measure SP. SGs included volunteer groups, sports groups, hobby groups, senior citizens’ clubs, neighborhood community associations, and cultural groups. IADL was evaluated using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence. Logistic regression models stratified by gender were used. Results After adjustment for putative confounding factors, including demographics, health status, life-style habits, ADL, depression, cognitive function, social networks, social support, and social roles, participation in various SGs among both genders was inversely associated with poor IADL, showing a significant dose-response relationship between an increasing number of SGs and a lower proportion of those with poor IADL (P for trend <0.001). A significant inverse association between frequent participation and poor IADL was observed for all types of SGs among females, whereas the association was limited to sports groups and senior citizens’ clubs among males. Conclusions Our results show that participation in a variety of SGs is associated with independent IADL among the community-dwelling elderly, regardless of gender. However, the beneficial effects of frequent participation on IADL may be stronger for females than for males. PMID:27180933

Association Between Social Participation and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

PubMed

Tomioka, Kimiko; Kurumatani, Norio; Hosoi, Hiroshi

2016-10-05

Population-based data examining the relationship between social participation (SP) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are scarce. This study examined the cross-sectional relationship between SP and IADL in community-dwelling elderly persons. Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 23 710 residents aged ≥65 years in Nara, Japan (response rate: 74.2%). Data from 14 956 respondents (6935 males and 8021 females) without dependency in basic activities of daily living (ADL) were analyzed. The number, type, and frequency of participation in social groups (SGs) were used to measure SP. SGs included volunteer groups, sports groups, hobby groups, senior citizens' clubs, neighborhood community associations, and cultural groups. IADL was evaluated using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence. Logistic regression models stratified by gender were used. After adjustment for putative confounding factors, including demographics, health status, life-style habits, ADL, depression, cognitive function, social networks, social support, and social roles, participation in various SGs among both genders was inversely associated with poor IADL, showing a significant dose-response relationship between an increasing number of SGs and a lower proportion of those with poor IADL (P for trend <0.001). A significant inverse association between frequent participation and poor IADL was observed for all types of SGs among females, whereas the association was limited to sports groups and senior citizens' clubs among males. Our results show that participation in a variety of SGs is associated with independent IADL among the community-dwelling elderly, regardless of gender. However, the beneficial effects of frequent participation on IADL may be stronger for females than for males.

Neuroimaging investigations of dorsal stream processing and effects of stimulus synchrony in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Sanfratello, Lori; Aine, Cheryl; Stephen, Julia

2018-05-25

Impairments in auditory and visual processing are common in schizophrenia (SP). In the unisensory realm visual deficits are primarily noted for the dorsal visual stream. In addition, insensitivity to timing offsets between stimuli are widely reported for SP. The aim of the present study was to test at the physiological level differences in dorsal/ventral stream visual processing and timing sensitivity between SP and healthy controls (HC) using MEG and a simple auditory/visual task utilizing a variety of multisensory conditions. The paradigm included all combinations of synchronous/asynchronous and central/peripheral stimuli, yielding 4 task conditions. Both HC and SP groups showed activation in parietal areas (dorsal visual stream) during all multisensory conditions, with parietal areas showing decreased activation for SP relative to HC, and a significantly delayed peak of activation for SP in intraparietal sulcus (IPS). We also observed a differential effect of stimulus synchrony on HC and SP parietal response. Furthermore, a (negative) correlation was found between SP positive symptoms and activity in IPS. Taken together, our results provide evidence of impairment of the dorsal visual stream in SP during a multisensory task, along with an altered response to timing offsets between presented multisensory stimuli. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.