Ultrastructure of cells of the lateral field of the hypothalamus of the cat after exposure to electromagnetic radiation

Under the effect of electromagnetic radiation not any specific changes are revealed in the neural system unequivocally characterizing disturbances in its structure as a result of an excess absorption of electromagnetic energy. The ultrastructural changes revealed in the lateral fields of the cat hypothalamus are suitable for a well known scheme demonstrating the course of the pathological process, where three phases are distinguished: reactive, destructive and restorative. The pathological process develops gradually. The reactive changes in neurons and synapses, observed immediately after withdrawal of the electromagnetic action. increase during the following three months and result in coarse destructive disorders and in death of some neurons and synapses. In 6 months certain signs of restoration of the structures are observed. Under the effect of electromagnetic radiation water redistribution between the structures takes place, the sympathetic terminals loosing their fluid. Thus, certain conditions are produced for sticking together the synaptic vesicles. Possibly that deficiency of Ca++ ions contributes to it.     

Reaction of sensory neurons of the spinal ganglia to sectioning of their peripheral and central processes

Transversal ++semi-sectioning of the spinal ganglion (SG) is a good model for studying the reaction of the ganglional sensory neurons to sectioning of their peripheral and central processes. At sectioning the peripheral and central processes of the SG neurons degeneration of the neurons and their death take place. The degenerative processes are more pronounced in the neurons with the peripheral processes sectioned, and the restorative ones-with the central processes sectioned. The dynamics of the posttraumatic changes in absolute number of the neurons, profile areas of the body fields and neuronal nuclei, amount of neurons with certain signs of axonal reactions in the SG demonstrate a maximally pronounced reaction on the 7th day and beginning of restorative processes on the 15th day. They are not completed by the 180th day.     

A Computational Model for the Loss of Neuronal Organization in Microcolumns

A population of neurons in the cerebral cortex of humans and other mammals organize themselves into vertical microcolumns perpendicular to the pial surface. Anatomical changes to these microcolumns have been correlated with neurological diseases and normal aging; in particular, in area 46 of the rhesus monkey brain, the strength of microcolumns was shown to decrease with age. These changes can be caused by alterations in the spatial distribution of the neurons in microcolumns and/or neuronal loss. Using a three-dimensional computational model of neuronal arrangements derived from thin tissue sections and validated in brain tissue from rhesus monkeys, we show that neuronal loss is inconsistent with the findings in aged individuals. In contrast, a model of simple random neuronal displacements, constrained in magnitude by restorative harmonic forces, is consistent with observed changes and provides mechanistic insights into the age-induced loss of microcolumnar structure. Connection of the model to normal aging and disease are discussed.     

A Computational Model for the Loss of Neuronal Organization in Microcolumns

A population of neurons in the cerebral cortex of humans and other mammals organize themselves into vertical microcolumns perpendicular to the pial surface. Anatomical changes to these microcolumns have been correlated with neurological diseases and normal aging; in particular, in area 46 of the rhesus monkey brain, the strength of microcolumns was shown to decrease with age. These changes can be caused by alterations in the spatial distribution of the neurons in microcolumns and/or neuronal loss. Using a three-dimensional computational model of neuronal arrangements derived from thin tissue sections and validated in brain tissue from rhesus monkeys, we show that neuronal loss is inconsistent with the findings in aged individuals. In contrast, a model of simple random neuronal displacements, constrained in magnitude by restorative harmonic forces, is consistent with observed changes and provides mechanistic insights into the age-induced loss of microcolumnar structure. Connection of the model to normal aging and disease are discussed.     

Response of plant functional traits during the restoration of calcareous grasslands from forest stands

In this survey, we studied the response of plant functional traits to calcareous grassland restoration in the Calestienne region, Southern Belgium (restoration protocol: forest clear-cutting followed by grazing at all sites). We considered traits related to dispersal, establishment, and persistence that integrate the main challenges of plants to re-establish and survive in restored areas. Functional traits were compiled from databases and compared among (i) pre-restoration and young restoration forests; (ii) restoration areas of different ages; and (iii) old restorations and reference grasslands. The following questions were addressed: (i) What is the early response (2–4 years) in terms of plant functional trait following one restorative clear-cut event? (ii) What plants functional trait responses occur from restorative management (i.e., sheep and goat grazing)? (iii) Which differences still persist between the oldest restored parcels (10–15 years), and the historical reference grasslands? Forest clear-cuts induced several changes among functional traits, including decreased mean seed mass and certain vegetative traits (i.e., decreased phanerophytes, branching species; and increased short lifespan species i.e., annuals and biennials). During restorative management, clonal, epizoochorous and autumn germinating species were favored. Despite numerous other changes during this phase, many differences remained compared to reference grasslands. In particular, geophytes, mycorrhizal and evergreen species abundance were not approaching reference grassland values. The observed pattern helped to draw inferences on the possible mechanisms operating under vegetation recovery following restorative forest clear-cut and subsequent management were identified and described in this study. Results indicated grazing was an important factor, which increased epizoochorous species, and autumn germinating taxa that filled niches in vegetation opened by summer grazing animals. Finally, differences between old restoration and reference grasslands emphasized that management should focus on reduction in soil fertility, and geophyte rhizomatous grasses. Long-term monitoring is vital to assess if management plans are effective in the complete restoration of species functional trait assemblages.     

Multilevel modeling of chronotype and weekdays versus weekends to predict nonrestorative sleep

Nonrestorative sleep, a form of subjective sleep disturbance that has been largely neglected in the literature, is newly accessible to researchers via the validated restorative sleep questionnaire (RSQ). The daily version of the RSQ allows for analysis of within-subjects variation in restorative sleep across repeated samplings, and such day-to-day regularity in sleep variables has been highlighted as an important new direction for research. The present study used a sophisticated statistical approach, multilevel modeling, to examine the contributions of circadian chronotype, calendar day of questionnaire completion (weekends versus weekdays), and their interaction in explaining both interindividual and intraindividual variance in restorative sleep. Analyses were conducted using an archival dataset of college undergraduates who continuously completed daily RSQs over a 14-day sampling period. In the final multilevel model, possessing an evening type predicted lower restorative sleep between subjects, while sampling on weekdays predicted lower restorative sleep within subjects. Furthermore, a cross-level interaction was observed, such that the difference in restorative sleep on weekends versus weekdays was more pronounced among those with greater evening circadian preference. All of the effects were maintained after accounting for the significant influence of gender (women had less restorative sleep than men). These results are theoretically consistent with findings that evening types display stronger disparities in sleep schedules across free and workdays (i.e., social jet lag), and attest to the usefulness of multilevel models for statistically investigating how stable traits interact with factors that vary day to day (e.g., work or school schedules) in influencing sleep outcomes.     

Effect of alloxan-diabetes and subsequent treatment with insulin on kinetic properties of succinate oxidase activity from rat liver mitochondria

We evaluated early and late effects of alloxan-diabetes and subsequent insulin treatment on the kinetic properties of succinate oxidase (SO) in rat liver mitochondria. Diabetic state lowered the SO activity; insulin treatment was effective in restoring the activity only in one-week diabetic rats. The energies of activation in low and high temperature ranges (EH and EL) decreased significantly in diabetic animals; once again insulin treatment was partially effective only in the one-week diabetic group. The total phospholipids (TPL) and cholesterol (CHL) contents did not change in one-week groups. In one-month diabetic animals TPL decreased while CHL increased; insulin treatment induced further changes without restoring normality. The lysophospholipid (Lyso), sphingomyelin (SPM), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS) content increased in the diabetic state while phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) decreased. Insulin treatment had a partial restorative effect. The changes in EH correlated negatively with SPM. The phase transition temperature, Tt, decreased in diabetic and insulin-treated groups. These changes correlated positively with the ratios of TPL/PI and TPL/PS. The membrane fluidity decreased in the diabetic state; insulin had a restorative effect only in the one-week group.     

Nerve elements of the heart of the rat after right-sided vagotomy

A quantitative electron microscopical investigation of the sinus node of the atrioventricular His' bundle and of the perinodal working myocardium in intact rats and 7, 15 and 30 days after right-sided vagotomy has revealed variable character of changes in the neural elements of the zones mentioned. Certain ultrastructural rearrangements in the neural apparatus are described; they reflect a combination of destructive and regenerative processes in the heart under vagotomy. Thirty days after the operation, regeneration of the neural elements in the sinoauricular area is of restorative and in the atrioventricular area--of excess character. The data are presented on dynamics of changes in the diameter of the amyelinated neural fibers in the cardiac areas investigated. Participation of both nervi vagi in innervation of the main and additional pacemakers of the organ is discussed.     

Functional roles of Phe of deacetyl-thymosin beta4 in the impaired blastogenic response of uraemic T-lymphocytes

Phe(12) of deacetyl-thymosin beta(4) is one of the structural essentials for restorative effect on the impaired blastogenic response of uraemic T-lymphocytes. In order to evaluate the functional roles of this phenyl group in the restorative effect on impaired T-lymphocytes, two analogues, [1- Nal(12)]deacetyl-thymosin beta(4) and [Cha(12)]deacetyl4 thymosin beta(4), were synthesized by a solid-phase method and evaluated for restorative effect on the impaired blastogenic response of uraemic T-lymphocytes. The results indicated that [1-Nal(12)]deacetyl-thymosin beta(4) which had a bulky naphthyl ring showed a stronger restorative effect than that of deacetyl-thymosin beta(4), but it was slightly weaker than that of [Phe(4F)(12)]deacetyl-thymosin beta(4). However, [Cha(12)]deacetyl-thymosin beta(4) showed no restorative effect on the impaired blastogenic response of uraemic T-lymphocytes.     

Surface characterization and biocompatibility of restorative resin containing nanoparticles

Composite resins that are used to restore hard tissues have several drawbacks including the accumulation of biofilm on teeth and restorations. Recently, quaternary ammonium poly(ethylene imine) (QA-PEI) nanoparticles were developed for additional antibacterial activity of restorative composite resins. QA-PEI nanoparticles were synthesized from cross-linked poly(ethylene imine) that was N-alkylated with octyl halide, followed by quaternary methylation with methyl iodide. QA-PEI particles that were embedded in restorative composite resin at 1% w/w resulted in the complete growth inhibition of Streptococcus mutans. Moreover, the antibacterial activity was retained for at least 3 months. The active substances on the surface of the restorative composite resin that were incorporated with QA-PEI particles were detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and confocal microscopy measurements. The in vitro cytotoxicity tests showed a similar effect on the viability of the cell line that was tested with composites including modified and unmodified dental composite resins. In vivo toxicity studies, which were assessed on Wistar rats by the implantation of modified composite specimens, revealed no inflammation response 1 week after the implantation of restorative composite resin that was embedded with up to 2% w/w QA-PEI.     

变形链球菌对不同牙科充填材料的粘附及早期生物膜的形成

目的探讨变形链球菌对不同牙科充填材料的粘附和早期生物膜的形成.方法比较经放射性同位素3H-TDR(3H-胸腺嘧啶核苷)标记的变形链球菌对3种唾液包被的充填材料的粘附.采用蛋白质测量试剂盒定量分析其对唾液蛋白的吸附量;采用凝胶电泳和图像分析系统定量分析其对唾液白蛋白和α-淀粉酶的吸收率.结果各种材料对变形链球菌的粘附能力,对唾液蛋白的吸附能力均随着材料的不同而不同.Fuji IX对细菌的粘附量很高,但是对蛋白的吸附量却很低;而F2000对细菌的粘附量很低,对蛋白的吸附量却很高.结论在不同充填材料表面形成的生物膜是不同的,提示早期生物膜的形成具有一定的特异性.这种生物膜的差异对口腔微生态环境及龋病和/或牙周病的发展具有重要意义.     

大枣对杜仲风味修饰与功效增强作用的研究

通过大枣与杜仲配伍的研究,发现大枣对杜仲有风味修饰和增强杜仲功效的作用,两者配伍后,不仅具有杜仲补肝肾的功能,还具有大枣补脾胃的作用,达到了既补肝肾、又调脾胃的特异效果。     

Modeling Ecological Restoration Effects on Ponderosa Pine Forest Structure

FIRESUM, an ecological process model incorporating surface fire disturbance, was modified for use in southwestern ponderosa pine ecosystems. The model was used to determine changes in forest structure over time and then applied to simulate changes in aboveground biomass and nitrogen storage since exclusion of the natural frequent fire regime in an unharvested Arizona forest. Dendroecological reconstruction of forest structure in 1876, prior to Euro‐American settlement, was used to initialize the model; projections were validated with forest measurements in 1992. Biomass allocations shifted from herbaceous plants to trees, and nitrogen was increasingly retained in living and dead tree biomass over the 116‐year period (1876–1992). Forest conditions in 1992 were substantially degraded compared to reference presettlement conditions: old‐growth trees were dying at accelerated rates, herbaceous production was reduced nearly 90%, and the entire stand was highly susceptible to high‐intensity wildfire. Following an experiment initiated in 1993 to test ecological restoration treatments, future changes were modeled for the next century. Future forest structure remained within the natural presettlement range of variability under the full restoration treatment, in which forest biomass structure was thinned to emulate presettlement conditions and repeated low‐intensity fire was reintroduced. Simulation of the control treatment indicated continuation of exceptionally high tree density, probably culminating in stand‐replacing ecosystem change through high‐intensity wildfire or tree mortality from pathogens. Intermediate results were observed in the partial restoration treatment (tree thinning only); the open forest structure and high herbaceous productivity found immediately after treatment were gradually degraded as dense tree cover reestablished in the absence of fire. Modeling results support comprehensive restorative management as a long‐term approach to conservation of key indigenous ecosystem characteristics.     

Morphofunctional characteristics of the myocardium and regional lymph nodes of the heart in experimental myocardial ischemia under the effect of radon water on the body

A positive effect of radon baths (health resort "Belokurikha") has been stated on the course of restorative processes in the myocardium and regional lymph nodes of the heart at ischemic disease. An enhanced drainage activity of the lymph nodes revealed facilitates to a quick outflow of toxic lymph from the ischemic zone and, accordingly, to its biological treatment in the lymph nodes and contributes to a more complete restoration of the structure in the ischemia-damaged area of the myocardium.     

Effects of hyperosmolarity and furosemide on resting membrane potentials and skeletal muscle fiber volume in rats

The changes of the muscle fibres volume and resting membrane potential (RMP) were studied following treatment with hypertonic medium and furosemide. The volume changes in hypertonic medium began with cell shrinkage and later have been followed by the volume increase up to normal level during 30-40 minutes. At the same time the medium hypertonicity caused muscle fibres depolarisation. The hypertonic-induced decrease of the RMP was delayed in the furosemide-treated muscle. Besides, furosemide abolished the muscle fibres volume restorative properties in hypertonic medium. It is suggested that the membrane depolarisation and cell volume restoration in hypertonic medium are the resultant effects of intracellular chloride ions level elevation which, in turn, have been evoked by activation of furosemide-sensitive Cl(-)-influx system.     

Reactive changes in the capillaries of the mammillary bodies of the brains of aging animals

As electron microscopic investigation of the capillary wall in the mammillary bodies has demonstrated, in old animals the number of organells in the endothelial cells decreases; discomplexion and reduction of mitochondrial crists occur, their matrix becomes cleared; myelin-like structures are formed. In pericytes pigment inclusions are accumulating. Noncellular component of the basal layer loses its regular structure and foci of hydratation appear in it. When pharmacological loadings (adrenaline, aminazine) are applied to old animals, distrophic processes in the vascular wall increase; that results in disturbance of permeability, sharp hydratation of the basal layer, edema of the tissue elements around the brain and, hence, in a more prolonged restorative period.     

Features of plant succession in landscapes disturbed by anthropogenic activity (by example of southeastern Belarus)

The features of the restorative successions in landscapes with different degree of anthropogenic disturbance are considered (southeastern Belarus). The comparative analysis for succession characteristics of weakly and strongly disturbed landscapes is conducted. It is established that restorative succession in a strongly disturbed landscape is characterized by a lower plant succession rate, significant delay at the nonforest stages (including pioneering stage), high degree of synanthropization, and significant level of plant adventization at all stages.     

Avian translocations restore dual interaction networks in an island ecosystem

Many island bird species have been driven to extinction by introduced predators. Although poorly understood, these extinctions could have a 2-fold impact on bird–plant mutualisms, because island bird species can serve as both pollinators and seed dispersers. We investigated how avian translocations into a mammal-free reserve in New Zealand affected the structure of bird–flower and bird–fruit interactions. We observed bird–fruit and bird–flower interactions over a 9-year period to establish (1) the extent to which native birds are both nectivorous and frugivorous (i.e. “dual mutualists”) and (2) how avian translocations and conservation reestablished nectivory and frugivory networks. Results showed that all but one native bird species were dual mutualists. Pairwise species interaction frequencies were positively correlated between networks. However, overall levels of nectivory by each bird species were unrelated to levels of frugivory. Interaction specialization and species strength also did not differ between networks. The reintroduction of threatened and endangered bird species appeared to have restored both interaction networks, and the sequence of species recovery accelerated restorative changes. Overall results indicate that not only does the extinction of dual mutualists have a 2-fold, negative effect on mutualistic interactions with plants, they can also accelerate the recovery of ecosystem services following restoration efforts.     

Successful reintroduction of species: improving on windows of opportunity for biodiversity repair

To overcome resistance of degraded ecological communities to restorative interventions, we need to understand windows of opportunity—limited time frames when species reintroduction attempts are still successful. More specifically, we need to understand what makes these windows close, as this may enable us to stretch or reopen them. We investigated this using models of simple food web modules. We show how joint changes of bottom–up and top–down control may be applied to change windows of opportunity and increase reintroduction success. Which reintroduction densities were most effective seemed system-specific. A more general result is that reintroduction success was strongly enhanced by low to intermediate carrying capacities of basal species (e.g. periphyton and other algae in streams). This can be seen as equivalent to low to intermediate nutrient levels. When these were too high, almost any combination of restorative measures was rendered ineffective. Interestingly, reintroducing primarily and secondarily lost species at the same time was more effective than sequential reintroductions that first attempted to fix secondary extinctions. We could further enhance the success of species reintroductions by reducing the carrying capacities of basal species before the reintroduction of primarily and secondarily lost species. We discuss our results in the light of empirical work on macro-invertebrates in streams. This serves to exemplify how our results can be applied in the practice of ecological restoration.     

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the composite and compomer onlays in primary molars

Resin onlay restoration is an esthetic alternative technique used for restoring extensively damaged primary molars. Understanding the behavior of materials under repeated functional stress and how the stress is transmitted to the remaining tooth structure is important. The aim of this study was to compare stresses in primary molars restored with indirect composite and compomer onlay. 3D frame models of the right mandibular and maxillary primary molars and the alveolar bone were created using computerized tomography images of a six-year-old girl. The enamel and dentine layers above the cement layer were unified to generate onlay restoration, and composite and compomer were used as restorative materials. The vertical occlusal load (100?N) was applied to the teeth in the occlusal contact areas. The von Mises stress distributions and normal stress distributions of the y-axis (parallel to the long axis of tooth) were evaluated. The occlusal stress is transmitted to the cervical part of healthy teeth by spreading it through the enamel layer. The composite and compomer restorative materials exhibited similar stress distribution patterns. An indirect technique creates a structure similar to the original morphological form, and it allows restorations to distribute high occlusal stresses and to minimize possible breakages.