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A transmission electron microscope study using vitrified ice sections of predentin: structural changes in the dentin collagenous matrix prior to mineralization.

The assembly of the collagenous organic matrix prior to mineralization is a key step in the formation of bones and teeth. This process was studied in the predentin of continuously forming rat incisors, using unstained vitrified ice sections examined in the transmission electron microscope. Progressing from the odontoblast surface to the mineralization front, the collagen fibrils thicken to ultimately form a dense network, and their repeat D-spacings and banding patterns vary. Using immunolocalization, the most abundant noncollagenous protein in dentin, phosphophoryn, was mapped to the boundaries between the gap and overlap zones along the fibrils nearest the mineralization front. It thus appears that the premineralized collagen matrix undergoes dynamic changes in its structure. These may be mediated by the addition and interaction with the highly anionic noncollagenous proteins associated with collagen. These changes presumably create a collagenous framework that is able to mineralize.

Animals↗

Single-molecule detection of structural changes during Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain activation.

The Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain is a ubiquitous protein module with a common three-dimensional fold involved in a wide range of regulatory and sensory functions in all domains of life. The activation of these functions is thought to involve partial unfolding of N- or C-terminal helices attached to the PAS domain. Here we use atomic force microscopy to probe receptor activation in single molecules of photoactive yellow protein (PYP), a prototype of the PAS domain family. Mechanical unfolding of Cys-linked PYP multimers in the presence and absence of illumination reveals that, in contrast to previous studies, the PAS domain itself is extended by approximately 3 nm (at the 10-pN detection limit of the measurement) and destabilized by approximately 30% in the light-activated state of PYP. Comparative measurements and steered molecular dynamics simulations of two double-Cys PYP mutants that probe different regions of the PAS domain quantify the anisotropy in stability and changes in local structure, thereby demonstrating the partial unfolding of their PAS domain upon activation. These results establish a generally applicable single-molecule approach for mapping functional conformational changes to selected regions of a protein. In addition, the results have profound implications for the molecular mechanism of PAS domain activation and indicate that stimulus-induced partial protein unfolding can be used as a signaling mechanism.

Anisotropy↗

Study of occlusal-maxillo-facial 3-dimentional structural change of orthodontic therapy of crossbite malocclusion by modified ACTIVATOR appliance.

Occlusal-maxillo-facial structural change of crossbite malocclusion after orthodontic therapy by modified ACTIVATOR appliance was investigated. Eighty crossbite cases of deciduous dentition and mixed dentition were treated by modified ACTIVATOR. Through pre- and post-treatment analysis of stone model, Schuller's position X-ray and craniofaciometrics, the change in craniofacial length, width and height in early-phase crossbite malocclusion was studied. The results showed that there was no significant change in the width of maxillary and mandibular dental arch. Maxillary length and protrusion was increased significantly, upper incisors slopped labially. The lower incisors slopped lingually, mental angle decreased more severely. The lower and posterior facial height was increased to normal level.

Cephalometry↗

Structural changes in the developing retina maintained in vitro.

The present study examined the emergence of structural remodeling in explanted neonatal rat retina. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated signs of glial and neuronal remodeling after 11 days in vitro and included the activation of Müller cells, the formation of ectopic neuropil areas and sprouting of photoreceptor terminals. We also observed that cholinergic and GABA-ergic amacrine cells displayed signs of disorganized laminations. These results demonstrate that retinal culturing initiates structural changes that show morphological similarities to glial and neuronal remodeling identified in retinitis pigmentosa retinas and experimentally detached retinas.

Amacrine Cells↗

Kinetics of strain-induced structural changes under high pressure.

A mechanism-based microscale kinetic theory for strain-induced structural changes (SCs) (that includes phase transformations (PTs) and chemical reactions (CRs)) is developed. Time is not an independent parameter in this theory; instead, plastic strain is a time-like parameter. Kinetics depends essentially on the ratio of the yield strengths of phases. Stationary and nonstationary solutions of the kinetic equations are analyzed for various cases, including SCs between two phases in an inert matrix and between three phases in silicon and germanium. A number of experimental phenomena are explained, and material parameters controlling the kinetics of strain-induced SCs are determined. This includes the possibility of intensification (or suppression) of SCs at the initial stage of straining by adding a stronger (or weaker) inert phase, zero pressure hysteresis that however has nothing to do with phase equilibrium pressure, the possibility of obtaining some phases (that cannot be obtained under hydrostatic loading) under strains, and the possibility to obtain some phases under relatively small shear, which disappear under larger shear.

Journal Article↗

An investigation of the structural changes occurring in a cetostearyl alcohol/cetrimide/water gel after prolonged low temperature (4 degrees C) storage.

Structural changes in a ternary gel prepared using the mixed emulsifier system of cetrimide and cetostearyl alcohol after prolonged low temperature (4 degrees C) storage have been studied using freeze-etch transmission electron microscopy and other techniques. The system changed from an opaque smooth gel of high viscosity, low conductivity and low free water, to a pearlescent milky lotion of low viscosity, high conductivity and high free water. Subsequent equilibration of the thinned system to room temperature (25 degrees C) over 48 h produced an opaque granular gel of similar consistency, but slightly higher conductivity and higher free water than the initial sample. Microscopical examination by both differential interference contrast and freeze-etch electron microscopy showed the system changed from one consisting of a liquid crystalline network localized around cetostearyl alcohol particles, to a system consisting of large waxy plates coexisting with some residual liquid crystalline network. A supportive mechanism for the thinning of the ternary gel at prolonged low temperature storage has been inferred by comparing data with that produced by other workers studying the fusion of phospholipid membranes considered to be morphologically similar to the liquid crystalline network observed in this ternary gel.

Cetrimonium↗

Structural changes in Stigmatella aurantiaca during myxospore induction.

Suspension cultures of Stigmatella aurantiaca (Chondromyces aurantiacus) were induced to form myxospores by addition of glycerol to the growing culture. The cells were fixed at various stages during conversion, thin sections were prepared, and changes in fine structure were studied. Vegetative cells are quite similar in their ultrastructure to Myxococcus xanthus. During transformation into myxospores, three important cytological changes were observed. Granules of storage material, probably polysaccharide and polyphosphate, accumulated; a 200 to 300-mum thick capsule was laid down, and the outer triple layer of the cell wall became locally folded. These cell wall folds were often densely packed and lay in pockets formed by the cytoplasmic membrane. We have suggested the possibility that the cell may store in these folds wall material which has become superfluous by the decrease in surface area during conversion.

Bacteria↗

Structural changes in the granulosa lutein cells of pregnant cows between 60 and 245 days.

The structural changes in the granulosa lutein cells in the pregnant cows between 60 and 245 days, were observed. The polyhedral or pump cells has an acidophilic cytoplasm around the spherical nucleus. The glycogen granules increased in number up to 230 days of pregnancy. The lipid globules increased in size and amount during advanced pregnancy. The mitochondria showed a wide range of variations in shape and size. The matrix of many mitochondria contained dense inclusions which replaced the entire matrix in late pregnancy. The endoplasmic reticulum was chiefly of smooth type but a few stacks of the rough variety could be seen in the early days of pregnancy. Sometimes, whorls of smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum enclosing mitochondria were seen. The Golgi complex was fully developed in the granulosa cells of all cases studied. The dense granules and lipid globules increased in size and number in the older corpora lutea. The cell surface showed numerous infolding of the plasma membrane.

Animals↗

Structural changes in silicon rubber peritoneal dialysis catheters in patients using mupirocin at the exit site.

Structural damage to polyurethane PD (peritoneal dialysis) catheters in patients using mupirocin ointment is widely appreciated, but damage to silicon rubber PD catheters is less well described. Ten catheters (6.6%) out of 152 were found to have structural alterations such as opacification, ballooning, thinning, and rupture. The duration of PD in these 10 patients ranged from 23 months to 80 months (mean duration 51.1 months). The frequency of mupirocin application varied from daily (2 cases) to 2-3 times per week (7 cases). In eight catheters opacification occurred at the exit site whereas one catheter showed opacification midway between the exit site and the titanium adaptor. One catheter showed opacification, ballooning, and thinning at the exit site ruptured in the form of two slit-like openings. In conclusion, various structural changes such as opacification, ballooning or thinning were seen in 6.6% of silicon rubber PD catheters in patients using mupirocin at the exit site. Although the mechanism remains elusive, mupirocin or the antiseptic solution alone or in combination may be contributory. We believe that this is an under-reported complication and encourage other health care givers to incorporate a search for such changes during clinic visits.

Adult↗

Structural change in lipid bilayers and water penetration induced by shock waves: molecular dynamics simulations.

The structural change of a phospholipid bilayer in water under the action of a shock wave is numerically studied with unsteady nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The action of shock waves is modeled by the momentum change of water molecules, and thereby we demonstrate that the resulting collapse and rebound of the bilayer are followed by the penetration of water molecules into the hydrophobic region of the bilayer. The high-speed phenomenon that occurs during the collapse and rebound of the bilayer is analyzed in detail, particularly focusing on the change of bilayer thickness, the acyl chain bend angles, the lateral fluidity of lipid molecules, and the penetration rate of water molecules. The result shows that the high-speed phenomenon can be divided into two stages: in the first stage the thickness of bilayer and the order parameter are rapidly reduced, and then in the second stage they are recovered relatively slowly. It is in the second stage that water molecules are steadily introduced into the hydrophobic region. The penetration of water molecules is enhanced by the shock wave impulse and this qualitatively agrees with a recent experimental result.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗

[Structural changes in the small intestine wall and its lymphatic bed after gastrectomy].

Morphologically and histochemically structural changes of the small intestine wall and its lymphatic bed have been studied in 104 dogs after the stomach resection. After the operation an increase in the diameter of the lymphatic capillaries and vessels takes place. Lateral dilatations and protrusions in the capillary walls appear, new anastomoses in all the membranes are formed, they are mostly manifested in the mucous membrane. Histopathological rearrangement in the small intestine wall is demonstrated as edema of the mucous membrane, as plethora of the vessels, as lymphoid infiltration and as changes of the villi forms.

Animals↗

[Analysis of cytoskeleton structural changes in the granular cells of the frog bladder during the stimulation of water transport].

Structural changes of the cytoskeleton of the frog urinary bladder granular cells were examined during low and high water permeability of the epithelium. A tight connection of the microfilaments and microtubules with vacuolar membranes and a great increase in the number of microtubules during a stimulated water flow was shown using different electron microscopic methods. Two populations of microtubules were discovered, respectively, with different diameter and different rate of stability. It is suggested that the thicker microtubules while interacting with actin microfilaments through associated electron dense globules may fulfil the transport function in the cell.

Animals↗

Irreversible structural changes in thylakoid membranes at high temperatures. Detection by luminescence and EPR.

The character of structural changes in thylakoid membranes caused by temperature variation was investigated. Experiments were performed on maize leaf segments in vivo and in a closed temperature cycle 24-50-24 degrees C. Two biophysical methods were used for detection: luminescence and EPR. Arrhenius plots of delayed fluorescence (DF) versus reciprocal temperature revealed two break points, T1 and T2. The MeFASL (10.3) spin probe monitoring properties close to membrane surface detected only T2 transition temperature. The results were interpreted in terms of a fluidity change which starts in a membrane centre at T1 and gradually displaces toward the surface at T2. The T1 and T2 transition temperatures are sensitive to pretreatment history of plants indicating that high temperature and drought-induced membrane alterations are irreversible. Activation energies E1, E2 and E3 were determined for temperature regions below T1 between T1 and T2, and above T2, respectively. The E1 and E3 activation energies showed greater sensitivity to stress than did E2. There are some indications that the DF method could be used to screen temperature sensitive and temperature resistant genotypes.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

[Structural changes in the walls of the intraorganic vessels of the kidney in experimental aortic coarctation].

Structural changes of renal arteries and glomeruli were studied in 25 dogs with hemodynamic model of coarctation of the aorta in different terms of experiment by of histochemical, histoenzymological and morphometric methods also using 10 control animals. Dystrophic processes were established to develop in media of renal arteries and myocytes within the first week of the disease induction. In later stages of the experiment a number of adaptive, compensatory and pathobiological changes associated with the decrease of renal basin blood supply appear in renal vessels. First lie in atrophia of the muscular coat circular layer in renal arteries and arterioles, second--in reorganization of part of them and third--in sclerosis and hyalinosis of arteriolar branches and glomeruli.

Animals↗

[Structural changes to the skin in the area of gunshot wounds].

Microscopic changes in skin structures around gunshot and stabbed wounds, which may be used as features characterizing injury volume were studied. Factors influencing the significance of these changes were presented and mechanisms of their occurrence is discussed.

Cadaver↗

IR spectral and structural changes caused by the conversion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (vanillin) into the oxyanion.

The spectral and structural changes, caused by the conversion of the vanillin molecule into the corresponding oxyanion have been studied by IR spectra and normal coordinate calculations within the Onsager self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) model, using a density functional theory (DFT) method at the Becke3LYP/6-31+G** level. Structures of all conformational isomers of vanillin and of its anion have been located, as well as their total and relative energies have been determined. The conversion leads to geometry changes in the whole species, due to the strong O-/acceptor polar resonance through the para phenylene ring. The conversion causes a 41 cm(-1) decrease in the frequency of the carbonyl stretching band nu(C=O), strong intensity increases (1.6 - 7.2-fold) of the aromatic skeletal nu8 and nu19 as well as formyl nu(CH) bands. According to the calculations the oxyanionic charge is delocalized over aldehyde group (0.25 e-), phenylene ring (0.13 e-), methoxy group (0.07 e-) and oxyanyonic center (0.55 e-).

Anions↗

[Structural changes of lipid and thyroxine-binding protein zones of lipoprotein particles, containing human apolipoprotein A-1].

The relationship between temperature-induced structural changes in the lipid and protein thyroxine-binding zones of lipoprotein particles containing human apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) as a sole protein component was studied using ESR with probes of two types--spin-labeled thyroxine and 5- or 16-doxylstearic acids. A structural rearrangement in the protein active site at 23-24 degrees was found. In the same temperature range, a dramatic change in the monolayer phospholipid ordered structure was observed. Based on these data, the localization of the apoA-1 thyroxine-binding site in the lipid phase as well as the possibility of regulation of the hormone binding process by changes in the protein-lipid interaction in lipoprotein particles are discussed.

Apolipoprotein A-I↗

Three-dimensional confocal morphometry reveals structural changes in astrocyte morphology in situ.

Neuronal activity and many pathological states in the CNS are accompanied by transient astrocytic swelling, which affects excitability, extrasynaptic transmission, and neuron-glia interactions. By using three-dimensional confocal morphometry (3DCM), we quantified the morphometric parameters of astrocytes in intact tissue. In experiments performed in brain cortex slices from transgenic GFAP/EGFP mice, we applied 3DCM to study the dynamic changes in astrocyte morphology during hypotonic stress. Our morphometric analysis showed that the effect of a 10-min application of hypotonic solution (200 mmol/kg) on the swelling of different cell compartments was dependent on the extent of the swelling of the total astrocyte volume. If the swelling of the whole cell, i.e., soma and processes, was less than approximately 10%, there were no differences between the swelling of the soma and the processes. However, if the swelling of the total cell volume was greater than 10%, the swelling of the processes was greater than the swelling of the soma. Analyzing the effect of hypotonic solution on the morphology of these astrocytes revealed that the total cell volume increased; however, certain cell compartments were distinguished in which the volume increased, whereas in other compartments cell volume decreased or apparently did not change, and the structure of some compartments was altered. Our data show that astrocytes in brain slices undergoing hypotonic stress display cell volume regulation as well as transient changes in morphology.

Animals↗