Magnetization transfer contrast MRI in GFP‑tagged live bacteria.

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a widely utilized molecular reporter of gene expression. However, its use in in vivo imaging has been restricted to transparent tissue mainly due to the tissue penetrance limitation of optical imaging. Magnetization transfer contrast (MTC) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methodology currently utilized to detect macromolecule changes such as decrease in myelin and increase in collagen content.

High Yield Overexpression, Refolding, Purification and Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type B-Flagellin: An Improved Method Without Sonication.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an opportunistic pathogen is a significant cause of acute and chronic infections in patients with compromised defenses. This bacterium is motile via a single polar flagellum made of polymerized flagellin subunits differentiated into two major serotypes: A and B. flagellin plays an important role as a virulence factor in the adhesion, colonization and invasion of P.

In vivo high-resolution magic angle spinning magnetic and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis of mitochondria-targeted peptide in Drosophila melanogaster with trauma-induced thoracic injury.

Trauma is the most common cause of mortality among individuals aged between 1 and 44 years and the third leading cause of mortality overall in the US. In this study, we examined the effects of trauma on the expression of genes in Drosophila melanogaster, a useful model for investigating genetics and physiology. After trauma was induced by a non-lethal needle puncture of the thorax, we observed the differential expression of genes encoding for mitochondrial uncoupling proteins, as well as those encoding for apoptosis-related and insulin signaling-related proteins, thus indicating muscle functional dysregulation.

In vivo high-resolution magic angle spinning proton NMR spectroscopy of Drosophila melanogaster flies as a model system to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction in Drosophila GST2 mutants.

In vivo nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), a non-destructive biochemical tool used for investigating live organisms, has recently been performed in studies of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, a useful model organism for investigating genetics and physiology. We used a novel high-resolution magic angle-spinning (HRMAS) NMR method to investigate live Drosophila GST2 mutants using a conventional 14.1-T NMR spectrometer equipped with an HRMAS probe.

Lead-induced effects on learning/memory and fear/anxiety are correlated with disturbances in specific cholinesterase isoform activity and redox imbalance in adult brain.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the underlying mechanism of lead (Pb)-induced effects on learning/memory and fear/anxiety behavior involves changes either on AChE G4 (most abundant in brain) or on G1 isoform activity, and/or to a putative local disruption of oxidant/antioxidant balance. Adult male mice were randomly divided into two groups (18 animals/group): a vehicle group [500ppm (mg/L) CH3COONa/day for 4weeks in their drinking water] and a Pb-treated group [500ppm Pb(CH3COO)2/day for 4weeks in their drinking water]. At the end of the treatment period, mice were subjected to the behavioral tasks.

Live-cell high resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy for analysis of metabolomics.

(PA) is a pathogenic gram-negative bacterium that is widespread in nature, inhabiting soil, water, plants and animals. PA is a prevalent cause of deleterious human infections, particularly in patients whose host defense mechanisms have been compromised. Metabolomics is an important tool used to study host-pathogen interactions and to identify novel therapeutic targets and corresponding compounds.

Fluid Balance During Training in Elite Young Athletes of Different Sports.

Although there are many studies demonstrating a high percentage of adult athletes who start exercise in suboptimal hydration state, limited data concerning hydration levels in athletic youth exist. The purpose of this study was to identify the hydration status of elite young athletes of different sports, during a typical day of training. Fifty-nine young elite male athletes from different sports (basketball, gymnastics, swimming, running, and canoeing) participated in the study (age: 15.

Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant promotes recovery of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function after burn trauma assessed by in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Burn injury causes a major systemic catabolic response that is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle. We investigated the effects of the mitochondria-targeted peptide antioxidant Szeto-Schiller 31 (SS-31) on skeletal muscle in a mouse burn model using in vivo phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance ((31)P NMR) spectroscopy to noninvasively measure high-energy phosphate levels; mitochondrial aconitase activity measurements that directly correlate with TCA cycle flux, as measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS); and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to assess oxidative stress. At 6 h postburn, the oxidative ATP synthesis rate was increased 5-fold in burned mice given a single dose of SS-31 relative to untreated burned mice (P=0.

Imaging C-Fos Gene Expression in Burns Using Lipid Coated Spion Nanoparticles.

MR imaging of gene transcription is important as it should enable the non-invasive detection of mRNA alterations in disease. A range of MRI methods have been proposed for molecular imaging of cells based on the use of ultra-small super-paramagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles and related susceptibility weighted imaging methods. Although immunohistochemistry can robustly differentiate the expression of protein variants, there is currently no direct gene assay technique that is capable of differentiating established to differentiate the induction profiles of c-Fos mRNA .

Effects of energy balance on postprandial triacylglycerol metabolism.

Purpose Of Review: To present the effect of negative energy balance on postprandial triacylglycerol concentrations (pTAG), an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease.

Recent Findings: Aerobic exercise reduces pTAG; however, recent findings confirm that this effect is only evident with an accompanying energy deficit. Moreover, a recent study showed that acute diet-induced energy deficit also reduces pTAG.

Intracellular cytokines.

The principal technique described in this unit was developed for detecting cytokines produced by T cells, specifically interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin 4 (IL-4). In addition to providing information about which cytokines are being produced, it also helps to phenotypically identify the specific cells producing them. For example, CD4(+) or CD8(+) cells can be subdivided into T(H)1/T(H)2 helper cells or T(C)1/T(C)2 suppressor cells, respectively.

Effect of dietary ribonucleic acid on bacterial translocationand survival following blood transfusion and thermal injury.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) has been shown to have a key role in the maintenance of normal cellular function and host resistance to infection. The effect of experimental diets containing RNA on microbial translocation, killing of translocated bacteria and the survival rate of the host was studied in a burn animal model which included immunosuppression. Balb/c mice were fed for 10 days with an RNA supplemented diet (AIN/76A).

Mutation analysis of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa mvfR and pqsABCDE gene promoters demonstrates complex quorum-sensing circuitry.

The LysR-type transcriptional regulator MvfR (PqsR) (multiple virulence factor regulator) plays a critical role in Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenicity via the transcriptional regulation of multiple quorum-sensing (QS)-regulated virulence factors. LasR activates full mvfR transcription, and MvfR subsequently activates pqsA-E expression. This study identifies and characterizes the key cis-regulatory elements through which mvfR and pqsA-E transcription is regulated in the highly virulent P.

alpha-Melanocortin and endothelin-1 activate antiapoptotic pathways and reduce DNA damage in human melanocytes.

UV radiation is an important etiologic factor for skin cancer, including melanoma. Constitutive pigmentation and the ability to tan are considered the main photoprotective mechanism against sun-induced carcinogenesis. Pigmentation in the skin is conferred by epidermal melanocytes that synthesize and transfer melanin to keratinocytes.

Analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines (HAQs) reveals a role for 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline in cell-to-cell communication.

Bacterial communities use "quorum sensing" (QS) to coordinate their population behavior through the action of extracellular signal molecules, such as the N-acyl-l-homoserine lactones (AHLs). The versatile and ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a well-studied model for AHL-mediated QS. This species also produces an intercellular signal distinct from AHLs, 3,4-dihydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (PQS), which belongs to a family of poorly characterized 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines (HAQs) previously identified for their antimicrobial activity.

The Drosophila melanogaster toll pathway participates in resistance to infection by the gram-negative human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative pathogen that infects immunocompromised and cystic fibrosis patients. The molecular basis of the host-P. aeruginosa interaction and the effect of specific P.

Multiparametric MR assessment of pediatric brain tumors.

MR assessment of pediatric brain tumors has expanded to include physiologic information related to cellular metabolites, hemodynamic and diffusion parameters. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between MR and proton MR spectroscopic imaging in children with primary brain tumors. Twenty-one patients (mean age 9 years) with histologically verified brain tumors underwent conventional MR imaging, hemodynamic MR imaging (HMRI) and proton MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI).

Biochemical characterization of pediatric brain tumors by using in vivo and ex vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Object: Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy provides biochemical information about tumors. The authors sought to determine the relationship between in vivo and ex vivo biochemical characterization of pediatric brain tumors by using MR spectroscopy. Their hypothesis was that ex vivo MR spectroscopy provides a link between in vivo MR spectroscopy and neuropathological analysis.

Resuscitation of severe thermal injury with hypertonic saline dextran: effects on peripheral and visceral edema in sheep.

Background: Edema of tissue not directly injured by heat is a common complication after resuscitation of burn shock. Hypertonic 7.5% NaCl 6% dextran (HSD) infusion reduces early fluid requirements in burn shock, but the effects of HSD on peripheral and visceral tissue edema are not well-defined.

Localization of endotoxin in the rat intestinal epithelium.

High levels of circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) cause intestinal inflammation and increased permeability to bacteria and toxins. To better understand the effects of LPS on the gut, confocal microscopy and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine the distribution of LPS in the rat intestine after intravenous or enteral administration. LPS was localized in macrophages in the lamina propria from 1 h to >28 days after intravenous injection.

beta-adrenergic desensitization after burn excision not affected by the use of epinephrine to limit blood loss.

Background: Burn patients have impaired myocardial function and decreased beta-adrenergic responsiveness. Further beta-adrenergic dysfunction from systemic absorption of topically administered epinephrine that is given to limit blood loss during burn excision could affect perioperative management. The authors evaluated the effect of topical epinephrine administration to patients during burn excision on the lymphocytic beta-adrenergic response.

Effects of an L-selectin antibody on the pulmonary and systemic manifestations of severe smoke inhalation injuries in sheep.

Sheep were treated with either lymphocyte adhesion molecule (LAM)1-3, an antibody against L-selectin, (40 mg 1 hour before smoke inhalation and 35 mg 24 hours after smoke inhalation; n = 6) or equivalent volumes of 0.9% saline solution (n = 6). After the smoke inhalation injuries, the PaO2/FIO2 ratio declined in both groups until 40 hours after the injuries, when a trend toward improvement was noted in the group that received LAM1-3.

New clinically relevant sheep model of severe respiratory failure secondary to combined smoke inhalation/cutaneous flame burn injury.

Objectives: To develop a predictable, dose-dependent, clinically relevant model of severe respiratory failure associated with a 40% total body surface area, full-thickness (third-degree) cutaneous flame burn and smoke inhalation injury in adult sheep.

Design: Model development.

Setting: Research laboratory.

Neuromuscular effects of mivacurium in 2- to 12-yr-old children with burn injury.

Background: Burned patients are usually resistant to the neuromuscular effects of nondepolarizing relaxants, mostly because of receptor changes. The magnitude of the resistance is related to burn size and time after burn. Mivacurium is a muscle relaxant, degraded by plasma cholinesterase, whose enzyme activity is decreased in burns.