bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ondansetron and tropisetron do not prevent intraspinal morphine‐ and fentanyl‐induced pruritus in elective cesarean delivery
Authors: Sarvela P. J. , Halonen P. M. , Soikkeli A. I. , Kainu J. P. , Korttila K. T.
Published: January 2006

Background:  Although intraspinal morphine has been shown to be effective in providing analgesia after cesarean delivery, pruritus as a side‐effect remains a common cause of dissatisfaction. The role of ondansetron has been studied in preventing pruritus but the results have been contradictory.

Methods:  We randomized 98 parturients undergoing elective cesarean section using combined spinal‐epidural anesthesia into a double‐blinded trial to receive tropisetron 5 mg (T group) or ondansetron 8 mg (O group) or placebo (NaCl group) after delivery, when intrathecal morphine 160 µg and fentanyl 15 µg were used for post‐operative pain control. The patients additionally received ketoprofen 300 mg per day. Post‐operative itching, nausea and vomiting, sedation and need for rescue analgesics were registered every 3 h up to 24 h, and all patients were interviewed on the first post‐operative day.

Results:  Seventy‐six percent of the parturients in the placebo group, 87% in the ondansetron, and 79% in the tropisetron group had itching. The incidence of post‐operative nausea and vomiting was 21%, 20% and 11% of the patients in the placebo, ondansetron and tropisetron groups, respectively. Medication for pruritus was needed by 31%, 23% and 39% of the patients in the placebo, ondansetron and tropisetron groups, respectively. In the post‐operative questionnaire, the patients reported less post‐operative nausea in the tropisetron group than in the placebo group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  Neither ondansetron nor tropisetron prevent itching caused by intrathecal morphine with fentanyl. However, tropisetron reduced post‐operative nausea.
Pyramidodinium atrofuscum gen. et sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a new marine sand‐dwelling coccoid dinoflagellate from tropical waters
Authors: Horiguchi Takeo , Sukigara Chisa
Published: January 2006

A new marine sand‐dwelling coccoid dinoflagellate Pyramidodinium atrofuscum Horiguchi et Sukigara gen. et sp. nov. is described from Jellyfish Lake, Republic of Palau. The dinoflagellate alternates a non‐motile vegetative stage with a motile gymnodinioid stage within its life cycle. The non‐motile stage is dominant in the life cycle and the dinoflagellate reproduces itself by means of the production of two motile cells. The released motile cell swims only for a short period and is directly transformed into the non‐motile cell. The non‐motile cell is sessile, pyramidal in shape, with a single longitudinal ridge and a double transverse ridge. The surface of the cell wall is covered with many processes. The motile cell has a Gymnodinium‐like morphology, but no apical groove is present. An ultrastructural study revealed that the dinoflagellate possesses typical dinoflagellate organelles. Based on the unique morphology of the vegetative non‐motile stage, we propose a new genus Pyramidodinium for this dinoflagellate, with the type species Pyramidodinium atrofuscum Horiguchi et Sukigara, gen. et sp. nov.
New records of Peyssonnelia armorica and Peyssonnelia harveyana (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales) from Japan
Authors: Kato Aki , Masuda Michio , Kawai Hiroshi
Published: January 2006

Two species of the crustose red algal genus Peyssonnelia (Gigartinales, Peyssonneliaceae) are reported from Japanese waters for the first time. These species share the following combination of vegetative and reproductive features: thalli with appressed margins, perithallial filaments arising from the whole upper surface of each hypothallial cell (the Peyssonnelia rubra‐type anatomy), unicellular rhizoids, hypobasal calcification and spermatangia that are produced in double chains (the Peyssonnelia harveyana‐type spermatangial filament). However, they differ obviously from each other in the hypothallus orientation as seen from below, the perithallus structure in relation to the consistency of the crust, the origin of gonimoblasts and the elevation of the nemathecia. Peyssonnelia armorica is characterized by: (i) hypothallial filaments comprising a polyflabellate layer; (ii) easily separable perithallial filaments in a gelatinous matrix; (iii) gonimoblasts originating exclusively from the auxiliary cell; and (iv) semi‐immersed (slightly elevated) nemathecia. Peyssonnelia harveyana is characterized by: (i) hypothallial filaments arranged in parallel rows; (ii) closely packed perithallial filaments in a firm matrix; (iii) gonimoblsts originating from both the auxiliary cell and the connecting filament; and (iv) conspicuously elevated nemathecia.
Lotharella vacuolata sp. nov., a new species of chlorarachniophyte algae, and time‐lapse video observations on its unique post‐cell division behavior
Authors: Ota Shuhei , Ueda Kunihiko , Ishida Ken‐ichiro
Published: January 2006

A new species of chlorarachniophyte alga, Lotharella vacuolata Ota et Ishida sp. nov., is described. This alga has been maintained as strain CCMP240 at the Provasoli‐Guillard National Center for Culture of Marine Phytoplankton at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. We examined in detail its morphology, ultrastructure and life cycle, using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and time‐lapse videomicroscopy. The dominant stage in the life cycle was represented by coccoid cells; however, amoeboid and flagellated stages were also observed. This alga showed unique post‐cell division behavior: one of the two daughter cells became amoeboid and escaped through a pore on the parental cell wall; the other daughter cell remained within the parental cell wall. Pyrenoid ultrastructure and nucleomorph location, which are used as the main generic criteria of chlorarachniophytes, confirmed that the strain CCMP240 is a member of Lotharella. This alga, however, was clearly distinguished from other known Lotharella species by the presence of large vacuoles, unusual post‐cell division behavior and some unique ultrastructural characters.
Morphology of Dictyopteris punctata (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Hasegawa Kazukiyo , Tanaka Jiro
Published: January 2006

Taxonomic re‐examination of Dictyopteris punctata Noda revealed vegetative and reproductive characters that were not described in the original description. The outer one‐fifth to two‐fifths of the blade margin was monostromatic. Reproductive organs of female and male gametophytes were observed for the first time. All reproductive organs (sporangia, oogonia, antheridia) were formed on middle to upper parts of thalli and between the midrib and distromatic area of the blades, and never produced on the monostromatic areas. Maturation starts earlier at the lower part. Sporangia were solitary and scattered. Oogonia were scattered singly or in small groups and more densely distributed than sporangia. Antheridial sori were scattered around a midrib, and raised above the wing surfaces. Antheridia were taller around the midrib than in the middle part of a wing. The monostromatic wings and lack of distinct oogonial sori are new taxonomic characters of Dictyopteris punctata and further define this species with scattered sporangia, the taxonomic character hitherto used.
Confirmation of cultivated Porphyra tenera (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses of the plastid and nuclear DNA
Authors: Niwa Kyosuke , Kobiyama Atsushi , Aruga Yusho
Published: January 2006

Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis of the plastid ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBisCo) spacer region was developed for a more reliable and rapid species identification of cultivated Porphyra in combination with PCR‐RFLP analysis of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. From the PCR‐RFLP analyses of the plastid and nuclear DNA, we examined seven strains of conchocelis that were used for cultivation as Porphyra tenera Kjellman but without strict species identification. The PCR‐RFLP analyses suggested that two strains, C‐32 and 90‐02, were cultivated P. tenera and that the other five strains, C‐24, C‐28, C‐29, C‐30 and M‐1, were Porphyra yezoensis f. narawaensis Miura. To identify species more accurately and to reveal additional genetic variation, the two strains C‐32 and 90‐02 were further studied by sequencing their RuBisCo spacer and ITS‐1 regions. Although RuBisCo spacer sequences of the two strains were identical to each other, each of their ITS‐1 sequences showed a single substitution. The sequence data again confirmed that the two strains (C‐32 and 90‐02) were cultivated P. tenera, and suggested that the two strains showed some genetic variation. We concluded that PCR‐RFLP analysis of the plastid and nuclear DNA is a powerful tool for reliable and rapid species identification of many strains of cultivated Porphyra in Japan and for the collection of genetically variable breeding material of Porphyra.
Stimulation of D1‐like or D2 dopamine receptors in the shell, but not the core, of the nucleus accumbens reinstates cocaine‐seeking behaviour in the rat
Authors: Schmidt Heath D. , Anderson Sharon M. , Pierce R. Christopher
Published: January 2006

Although increases in dopamine transmission in the brain are clearly involved in the reinstatement of cocaine seeking, the role of nucleus accumbens dopamine in cocaine priming‐induced reinstatement remains controversial. The goal of these experiments was to evaluate the relative contributions of D1‐like and D2‐like dopamine receptors in the nucleus accumbens core and shell in the reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking behaviour. Initially, rats were trained to press a lever for cocaine (0.25 mg, i.v.) using a fixed‐ratio 5 (FR5) schedule of reinforcement. Responding was then extinguished by substituting saline for cocaine. During the reinstatement phase, subtype‐specific dopamine receptor agonists were microinjected into the nucleus accumbens core or medial shell in order to assess their ability to induce cocaine seeking. Administration of the D1/D5 dopamine receptor agonist SKF‐81297 (1.0 µg) into the nucleus accumbens shell, but not core, reinstated drug‐seeking behaviour. Similarly, microinjection of quinpirole (3.0 µg), a D2/D3 dopamine receptor agonist, into the nucleus accumbens shell and not core reinstated drug‐seeking behaviour. In contrast, administration of the D3‐ or D4‐preferring dopamine receptor agonists PD 128,907 (1.5 and 3.0 µg) and PD 168,077 (0.3 and 3.0 µg), respectively, did not promote reinstatement when administered into either the core or the shell. Taken together, these results indicate that activation of D1/D5 or D2 dopamine receptors, in the limbic shell subregion of the nucleus accumbens but not the basal ganglia‐orientated accumbens core, promotes the reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking behaviour.
Spatial discrimination of visually similar environments by hippocampal place cells in the presence of remote recalibrating landmarks
Authors: Paz‐Villagrán V. , Save E. , Poucet B.
Published: January 2006

Place cells in the rat hippocampus commonly show place‐related firing activity in the animal's current environment. Here, we evaluated the capability of the place cell system to discriminate visually identical environments. Place cell activity was first recorded while rats moved freely in a cylinder divided into three connected sectors. Two sectors were visually identical whereas the third sector was made distinctive by the addition of visual and tactile cues. When in a given sector, the rats could not perceive the cues present in the other two sectors. Most cells had distinctive place fields in each sector, including the two identical sectors. To rule out the influence of non‐controlled cues, rotations of the cylinder (± 120 °) were conducted. When successful, cylinder rotations resulted in equivalent field rotation for all cells. These results suggest that the place cell system is able to form a specific spatial representation for all sectors, so that the rat knows, at any time, in which sector it is currently located. Presumably, such discrimination relies on angular path integration in which the computational errors stemming from self‐motion cues would be corrected by environmental landmarks provided by the distinctive sector.
Plasticity‐related regulation of the hippocampal proteome
Authors: McNair Kara , Davies Ceri H. , Cobb Stuart R.
Published: January 2006

Plasticity of glutamatergic synapses is considered to be a pivotal mechanism underlying the ability of the CNS to reconfigure its neural circuits. A large number of studies have focused on investigating how individual proteins, biochemical pathways and structural processes alter both the induction and maintenance of synaptic plasticity. However, it is likely that synaptic plasticity involves temporally and spatially coordinated regulation of multiple protein complexes within the activated neural circuit. By using a global proteomics‐based approach we have now been able to reveal that highly diverse protein classes exhibit altered expression in response to both the activation of glutamate receptors and the induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP) of glutamatergic synaptic strength in the hippocampus; a brain area where plastic synaptic modification is believed to be key to cognitive processes, such as spatial learning. Of the 2946 resolvable protein spots detected in this study, 79 (2.7%) were significantly altered in abundance in response to 100 µm glutamate application (all P < 0.05). The majority (56 out of 79) of these changes were due to the activation of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor. Likewise, the induction of LTP was associated with an altered abundance of 2.4% of the detectable proteome during the early (10 min) phase and 1.7% during the late (4 h) phase of its development. Observed changes in temporal and protein class‐specific patterns of expression depict a widespread shift from metabolic to structural protein alteration as the plasticity process matures.
Anti‐apoptotic effects of allopregnanolone on P19 neurons
Authors: Xilouri Maria , Papazafiri Panagiota
Published: January 2006

Progesterone and its metabolites are potent allosteric modulators of GABAAreceptor function, through a direct, non‐genomic interaction with specific receptor subtypes. In addition, fluctuations in the concentration of progesterone, and allopregnanolone in particular, have been shown to modulate GABAAreceptor gene expression and activity. In this study, mouse P19 cells were induced to differentiate into post‐mitotic neurons which express specific neuronal markers, including GABAAandN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Apoptotic cell death, induced in the presence of NMDA, was efficiently prevented by allopregnanolone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) but not DHEA sulfate. Apoptosis was accompanied by cytochromecrelease to the cytoplasm and Bax translocation to the mitochondria, while the levels of the anti‐apoptotic proteins Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL remained unchanged. In the presence of the most potent neurosteroid, allopregnanolone, DNA fragmentation as well as cytochromecand Bax translocation were prevented. On the other hand, short‐term exposure (1–20 µm, 24 h) of P19‐derived neurons to allopregnanolone and DHEA significantly increased the levels of α1 and β2 mRNAs of GABAAreceptor, while the levels of NR1 mRNA of NMDA receptor were not altered. These results suggest that neurosteroids, interfering with the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, are able to act as survival factors in neuronal cells, while they contribute to GABAAreceptor plasticity modulating the expression of its subunits.
Characterization of the glycinergic input to bipolar cells of the mouse retina
Authors: Ivanova Elena , Müller Ulrike , Wässle Heinz
Published: January 2006

Glycine and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) are the major inhibitory transmitters of the mammalian retina, and bipolar cells receive GABAergic and glycinergic inhibition from multiple amacrine cell types. Here we evaluated the functional properties and subunit composition of glycine receptors (GlyRs) in bipolar cells. Patch‐clamp recordings were performed from retinal slices of wild‐type, GlyRα1‐deficient (Glra1spd‐ot) and GlyRα3‐deficient (Glra3–/–) mice. Whole‐cell currents following glycine application and spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were analysed. During the recordings the cells were filled with Alexa 488 and, thus, unequivocally identified. Glycine‐induced currents of bipolar cells were picrotoxinin‐insensitive and thus represent heteromeric channels composed of α and β subunits. Glycine‐induced currents and IPSCs were absent from all bipolar cells of Glra1spd‐ot mice, indicating that GlyRα1 is an essential subunit of bipolar cell GlyRs. By comparing IPSCs of bipolar cells in wild‐type and Glra3–/– mice, no statistically significant differences were found. OFF‐cone bipolar (CB) cells receive a strong glycinergic input from AII amacrine cells, that is preferentially based on the fast α1β‐containing channels (mean decay time constant τ = 5.9 ± 1.4 ms). We did not observe glycinergic IPSCs in ON‐CB cells and could elicit only small, if any, glycinergic currents. Rod bipolar cells receive a prominent glycinergic input that is mainly mediated by α1β‐containing channels (τ = 5.5 ± 1.6 ms). Slow IPSCs, the characteristic of GlyRs containing the α2 subunit, were not observed in bipolar cells. Thus, different bipolar cell types receive kinetically fast glycinergic inputs, preferentially mediated by GlyRs composed of α1 and β subunits.
Activation of α7 acetylcholine receptors augments stimulation‐induced hippocampal theta oscillation
Authors: Siok C. J. , Rogers J. A. , Kocsis B. , Hajós M.
Published: January 2006

In the septohippocampal formation α7 nicotinic receptors (α7 nAChRs) are predominantly expressed by neurons well positioned to modulate hippocampal theta oscillation, such as GABAergic interneurons in the hippocampus, and by both GABAergic and cholinergic septal neurons. In the present experiments, we evaluated the efficacy of the recently developed selective α7 nAChR agonist PNU‐282987 on hippocampal theta oscillation in anaesthetized rats. This compound shows high affinity for the rat α7 nAChRs (Ki = 26 nm) but a negligible activity at other nAChRs. Systemic administration of PNU‐282987 significantly enhanced the power (by 40%) of hippocampal theta oscillation induced by electrical stimulation of the brainstem reticular formation. In contrast, the amnesic and muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine significantly decreased the power (by 68%) of the stimulation‐induced theta oscillation. Given the connection between hippocampal theta oscillation and cognitive processes, it is proposed that precognitive actions of α7 nAChR agonists could be mediated, at least in part, by modulation of hippocampal oscillatory activity.
A novel role for calcium‐independent phospholipase A2 in α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐propionate receptor regulation during long‐term potentiation
Authors: Martel Marc‐André , Patenaude Christian , Ménard Caroline , Alaux Stéphanie , Cummings Brian S. , Massicotte Guy
Published: January 2006

A considerable body of evidence indicates that phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes participate in long‐term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory synaptic transmission. In the present study, we have undertaken experiments to identify which calcium‐independent isoform of PLA2 is involved in synaptic plasticity and to determine whether calcium‐independent PLA2 (iPLA2) contributes to post‐synaptic processes of LTP. Using field recordings from rat CA1 hippocampal slices, we found that theta‐burst stimulation (TBS)‐induced LTP of field excitatory post‐synaptic potentials (fEPSPs) was abolished by the iPLA2 inhibitor bromoenol lactone (BEL) but not by the Ca2+‐dependent PLA2 inhibitor arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3). The ionic currents generated during TBS were not affected during iPLA2 inhibition as BEL by itself had no effect on the magnitude of facilitation during burst responses. In addition, (R)‐BEL, an enantioselective inhibitor of iPLA2γ, precluded TBS‐induced LTP, an action that was not replicated by the iPLA2β inhibitors (S)‐BEL and methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate. (R)‐BEL was, however, ineffective on pre‐established LTP. Finally, BEL also prevented the potentiation of fEPSPs elicited by brief exposure to 50 µmN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate, as well as the associated up‐regulation of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐propionate (AMPA) receptor GluR1 subunit levels and the increase of 3H‐AMPA binding in crude synaptic fractions. Collectively, these results unravel a new role for iPLA2γ in LTP, which appears to favor the insertion of AMPA receptors at post‐synaptic membranes.
Extracellular matrix molecules and synaptic plasticity: immunomapping of intracellular and secreted Reelin in the adult rat brain
Authors: Ramos‐Moreno Tania , Galazo Maria J. , Porrero Cesar , Martínez‐Cerdeño Verónica , Clascá Francisco
Published: January 2006

Reelin, a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein, is secreted by several neuron populations in the developing and adult rodent brain. Secreted Reelin triggers a complex signaling pathway by binding lipoprotein and integrin membrane receptors in target cells. Reelin signaling regulates migration and dendritic growth in developing neurons, while it can modulate synaptic plasticity in adult neurons. To identify which adult neural circuits can be modulated by Reelin‐mediated signaling, we systematically mapped the distribution of Reelin in adult rat brain using sensitive immunolabeling techniques. Results show that the distribution of intracellular and secreted Reelin is both very widespread and specific. Some interneuron and projection neuron populations in the cerebral cortex contain Reelin. Numerous striatal neurons are weakly immunoreactive for Reelin and these cells are preferentially located in striosomes. Some thalamic nuclei contain Reelin‐immunoreactive cells. Double‐immunolabeling for GABA and Reelin reveals that the Reelin‐immunoreactive cells in the visual thalamus are the intrinsic thalamic interneurons. High local concentrations of extracellular Reelin selectively outline several dendrite spine‐rich neuropils. Together with previous mRNA data, our observations suggest abundant axoplasmic transport and secretion in pathways such as the retino‐collicular tract, the entorhino‐hippocampal (‘perforant’) path, the lateral olfactory tract or the parallel fiber system of the cerebellum. A preferential secretion of Reelin in these neuropils is consistent with reports of rapid, activity‐induced structural changes in adult brain circuits.
ATF3 expression in L4 dorsal root ganglion neurons after L5 spinal nerve transection
Authors: Shortland Peter J. , Baytug Beki , Krzyzanowska Agnieszka , McMahon Stephen B. , Priestley John V. , Averill Sharon
Published: January 2006

Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is a widely used marker of damaged primary sensory neurons that is induced in essentially all dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons by spinal nerve axotomy. Whether such injuries induce its expression in neurons of adjacent DRGs remains unknown. Following L5 spinal nerve ligation, experimental but not sham‐operated rats develop thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity. In the L4 DRG, 11–12% of neurons were ATF3 positive by 1 day post‐surgery, and numbers remain unchanged at 2 weeks. Importantly, sham exposure of the L5 spinal nerve produced a nearly identical number of ATF3‐positive neurons in the L4 DRG and also a substantial increase in the L5 DRG, with a similar time‐course to experimental animals. There was no correlation between behaviour and magnitude of ATF3 expression. Co‐localization studies with the DRG injury markers galanin, neuropeptide Y and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) showed that approximately 75, 50 and 25%, respectively, of L4 ATF3‐positive neurons co‐expressed these markers after L5 transection or sham surgery. Additionally, increases in galanin and NOS were seen in ATF3‐negative neurons in L4. Our results strongly suggest that the surgical exposure of spinal nerves induces ATF3 in the L4–5 DRG, irrespective of whether the L5 nerve is subsequently cut. This probably reflects minor damage to the neurons or their axons but nevertheless is sufficient to induce phenotypic plasticity. Caution is therefore warranted when interpreting the phenotypic plasticity of DRG neurons in adjacent ganglia in the absence of positive evidence that they are not damaged.
Localization and function of pre‐ and postsynaptic kainate receptors in the rat globus pallidus
Authors: Jin Xiao‐Tao , Paré Jean‐Francois , Raju Dinesh V. , Smith Yoland
Published: January 2006

Kainate receptors (KARs) are widely expressed the basal ganglia. In this study, we used electron microscopic immunocytochemistry and whole‐cell recording techniques to examine the localization and function of KARs in the rat globus pallidus (GP). Dendrites were the most common immunoreactive elements, while terminals forming symmetric or asymmetric synapses and unmyelinated axons comprised most of the presynaptic labeling. To determine whether synaptically released glutamate activates KARs, we recorded excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in the GP following single‐pulse stimulation of the internal capsule. 4‐(8‐Methyl‐9H‐1,3‐dioxolo[4,5 h]{2,3}benzodiazepine‐5‐yl)‐benzenamine hydrochloride (GYKI 52466, 100 µm), an α‐amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist, reduced but did not completely block evoked EPSCs. The remaining EPSC component was mediated through activation of KARs because it was abolished by 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2, 3‐dione (CNQX), an AMPA/KAR antagonist. The rise time (10–90%) and decay time constant (τ) for those EPSCs were longer than those of AMPA‐mediated EPSCs recorded before GYKI 52466 application. KAR activation inhibited EPSCs. This inhibition was associated with a significant increase in paired‐pulse facilitation ratio, suggesting a presynaptic action of KAR. KAR inhibition of EPSCs was blocked by the G‐protein inhibitor, N‐ethylmaleimide (NEM), or the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor calphostin C. Our results demonstrate that KAR activation has dual effects on glutamatergic transmission in the rat GP: (1) it mediates small‐amplitude EPSCs; and (2) it reduces glutamatergic synaptic transmission through a presynaptic G‐protein coupled, PKC‐dependent, metabotropic mechanism. These findings provide evidence for the multifarious functions of KARs in regulating synaptic transmission, and open up the possibility for the development of pharmacotherapies to reduce the hyperactive subthalamofugal projection in Parkinson's disease.
Depression of retinogeniculate synaptic transmission by presynaptic D2‐like dopamine receptors in rat lateral geniculate nucleus
Authors: Govindaiah G. , Cox Charles L.
Published: January 2006

Extraretinal projections onto neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) play an important role in modifying sensory information as it is relayed from the visual thalamus to neocortex. The dLGN receives dopaminergic innervation from the ventral tegmental area; however, the role of dopamine in synaptic transmission in dLGN has not been explored. In the present study, whole cell recordings were obtained to examine the actions of dopamine on glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Dopamine (2–100 µm) strongly suppressed excitatory synaptic transmission in dLGN relay neurons that was evoked by optic tract stimulation and mediated by both N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate and non‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate glutamate receptors. In contrast, dopamine did not alter inhibitory synaptic transmission arising from either dLGN interneurons or thalamic reticular nucleus neurons. The suppressive action of dopamine on excitatory synaptic transmission was mimicked by the D2‐like dopamine receptor agonist bromocriptine (2–25 µm) but not by the D1‐like receptor agonist SKF38393 (10–25 µm). In addition, the dopamine‐mediated suppression was antagonized by the D2‐like receptor antagonist sulpiride (10–20 µm) but not by the D1‐like receptor antagonist SCH23390 (5–25 µm). The dopamine‐mediated decrease in evoked excitatory postsynaptic current amplitude was accompanied by an increase in the magnitude of paired‐pulse depression. Furthermore, dopamine also reduced the frequency but not the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents. Taken together, these data suggest that dopamine may act presynaptically to regulate the release of glutamate at the retinogeniculate synapse and modify transmission of visual information in the dLGN.
Slow oscillatory activity of rat globus pallidus neurons in vitro
Authors: Hashimoto Kenji , Kita Hitoshi
Published: January 2006

The neurons in the external segment of the pallidum in the primate develop a characteristic firing pattern consisting of alternately occurring long, 2–20 s, strongly active phases and long completely silent phases when the subthalamo‐pallidal excitatory inputs are blocked. The induction of the activity might be a factor in the development of dyskinesias after the loss of subthalamic output. In this study, we used globus pallidus (GPe) slice preparations obtained from juvenile rats to examined the conditions that support the alternatively occurring long depolarized and hyperpolarized phases which we refer to as the slow oscillation (SO). SO was not induced by the blockade of glutamatergic inputs but was induced by treatments that depolarized dendrites and, at the same time, hyperpolarized the somata with current injections. The treatments included elevation of extracellular K+, application of K‐current blockers and the lowering of extracellular Ca2+. Application of TTX or intracellular BAPTA injection blocked the SO, while the SO could be maintained in hyperpolarization‐activated inward current blockers, organic Ca‐current blockers and up to 200 µm CdCl2. These results suggest that Na currents play a major role in the generation of SO in vitro. It can be speculated that Na currents are involved in the development of active phases observed in the GPe after blockade of the glutamatergic inputs in vivo and that the unique property of GPe neurons in maintaining strong activity after the elimination of the glutamatergic driving force contributes to the development of motor disorders such as dyskinesia.
Shaping Self‐Concept: The Elusive Importance Effect
Authors: Hardy Lew , Moriarty Tom
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT
This study examined the hypothesis that the contributions of specific domains of self‐concept to global self‐concept are dependent upon their perceived importance. The Self Description Questionnaire III was administered to a sample of 506 male and female participants. Analysis of the data using Marsh's original individually weighted multiple regression model confirmed previous findings of no support for the importance hypothesis. In contrast, the results from alternative individually weighted regression models provided strong support for the importance hypothesis. These alternative models utilized idiographically determined as opposed to nomothetically determined relative importance. The data also showed evidence of strong discounting for certain domains, moderate discounting for other domains, and no discounting for still others. The findings challenge previous thinking on the limited role of the importance hypothesis.
Monitoring: A Dual‐Function Coping Style
Authors: Shiloh Shoshana , Orgler‐Shoob Michal
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT
Monitoring (Miller, 1991) is defined as a cognitive coping style characterized by the tendency to seek information about threats. This study found that information seeking in stressful situations is perceived by individuals as related to the emotion‐focused more than the problem‐focused function of coping and that there is considerable variance among individuals in the perceived functions of information seeking and the relationships among information‐seeking reactions and their perceived functions. Information‐seeking preferences in a natural stressful situation (a final course examination) were predicted by individual differences in perceived functions of information seeking rather than by generalized behavioral coping styles (monitoring). The results were interpreted in relation to the cognitive‐affective system theory (Mischel & Shoda, 1995), and implications for the measurement of coping dispositions were discussed.
A prospective, 96‐week study of the impact of Trizivir®, Combivir®/nelfinavir, and lamivudine/stavudine/nelfinavir on lipids, metabolic parameters and efficacy in antiretroviral‐naive patients: effect of sex and ethnicity
Authors: Kumar PN , Rodriguez‐French A , Thompson MA , Tashima KT , Averitt D , Wannamaker PG , Williams VC , Shaefer MS , Pakes GE , Pappa KA ,   on behalf of the ESS40002 study team
Published: January 2006

Objectives

To compare the lipid and metabolic effects, efficacy, and safety of twice‐daily regimens of Trizivir® (abacavir 300 mg/lamivudine 150 mg/zidovudine 300 mg triple nucleoside tablet; TZV), Combivir® (lamivudine 150 mg/zidovudine 300 mg combination tablet; COM)+nelfinavir (NFV), and stavudine (d4 T)+lamivudine (3TC)+NFV.

Study design

An international, phase 4, open‐label, parallel‐group, 34‐centre study was conducted in 254 non‐diabetic, antiretroviral‐naive, HIV‐infected out‐patients with an HIV‐1 RNA level of >1000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL and ≤200 000 copies/mL and a CD4 cell count of >50 cells/μL.

Methods

Patients were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to TZV twice daily (n=85), COM/NFV 1250 mg twice daily (n=88), or d4T 40 mg+3TC 150 mg+NFV 1250 mg twice daily (n=81) for 96 weeks. Treatments were compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with regard to changes from baseline in fasting lipids in the total population and in sex and ethnic subgroups. The proportions of patients achieving HIV‐1 RNA <50 and <400 copies/mL were compared using a 95% confidence interval (CI) on the difference between proportions.

Results

The study population was diverse (50% female, 40% black and 37% Hispanic). Mean baseline low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was 99 mg/dL, HIV‐1 RNA was 4.43 log10 copies/mL and CD4 cell count was 355 cells/μL. At week 96, fasting LDL cholesterol changed minimally in the TZV group [least square mean (LSM) change from baseline, −8 mg/dL], but increased with d4T/3TC/NFV and COM/NFV (+29 and +19 mg/dL, respectively; P<0.001 versus TZV). Week 96 LDL‐cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the TZV group than in the other two treatment groups in women and men and lower than in the d4T/3TC/NFV group in Hispanic and black patients. In black patients, the week‐96 LSM change from baseline in LDL cholesterol was significantly less with TZV than with d4T/3TC/NFV (+1 vs+39 mg/dL; P=0.003). Total cholesterol>200 mg/dL occurred in a smaller proportion of patients receiving TZV (30%) compared with COM/NFV (50%) or d4T/3TC/NFV (60%; P=0.005 vs TZV). High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol did not change markedly with any treatment. Although triglycerides increased, they changed least in women and Hispanic patients receiving TZV. Virological and CD4 responses to the treatments were similar in the total population and in the subgroups. Diarrhoea was reported more often in the NFV arms and nausea in the ZDV arms.

Conclusions

Over 96 weeks, TZV twice daily has significantly less effect on LDL cholesterol than COM/NFV or d4T/3TC/NFV twice daily, especially in women and black patients, and is associated with similar virological and CD4 responses.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci for Diaprepes root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus L.)
Authors: ERNST J. A. , ASCUNCE M. S. , CLARK A. M. , NIGG H. N.
Published: January 2006

Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) is an insect pest of the US agriculture that originated from the Caribbean islands. Larvae are of economic importance in both nursery and commercial citrus plantings due to root feeding. Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from a (CA)n‐enriched genomic library of Diaprepes root weevil. Three to eight alleles were observed for each locus during screening of 17 to 25 individuals. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.182 to 0.864 and 0.587 to 0.835, respectively. These markers will be useful to characterize the genetic variability and track the migration patterns of populations of D. abbreviatus (L.).
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in two tropical butterflies, Drupadia theda and Arhopala epimuta (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
Authors: FAUVELOT CÉCILE
Published: January 2006

Little is known about the effect of El Niño Southern Oscillation‐induced fires on the genetic diversity of tropical rainforest species. Here, I report on the isolation and characterization of 10 microsatellite loci, five loci each, for two lycaenid butterfly species in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, namely Drupadia theda and Arhopala epimuta, which will be used to specifically study the impact of disturbance on genetic diversity. Microsatellite enrichment was carried out using streptavidin‐coated magnetic beads. Positive colonies were identified with the three‐primer polymerase chain reaction (PIMA). Cross‐species amplifications conducted both within and between genera were successful in 16 out of 20 tests.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Psidium guajava L.
Authors: RISTERUCCI A. M. , DUVAL M. F. , ROHDE W. , BILLOTTE N.
Published: January 2006

A (GA)n and (GT)n microsatellite‐enriched library was constructed and 23 nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were characterized in the guava species (Psidium guajava L.). All SSR loci were found to be polymorphic after screening for diversity in different cultivars, and across‐taxa amplification tests showed the potential transferability of most SSR markers in three other Psidium species. First to be published for P. guajava, this new SSR resource will be a powerful tool for genetic studies of guava, including cultivars identification and linkage mapping, as well as potentially for interspecific genetic studies within the genus Psidium.
Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the streak‐necked flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis
Authors: BARDELEBEN CAROLYNE , GRAY MELISSA M.
Published: January 2006

We have isolated 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the streak‐necked flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis from genomic libraries enriched for either (AACC)n, (AAGG)n or (AAAG)n repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranged from four to 14 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.38 to 1.00. These markers will be useful for analysis of questions concerning population genetic structure and models of speciation.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in a marine food fish species, golden trevally Gnathanodon specious
Authors: FENG F. , LO L. C. , LIN G. , ZHU Z. Y. , YUE G. H.
Published: January 2006

The first set of six polymorphic microsatellites was isolated from a partial genomic DNA library of an important marine food fish Gnathanodon specious, and was characterized in 28 unrelated individuals. The allele number ranged from three to 12 with an average of seven/locus; average expected heterozygosity was 0.57 ranging from 0.10 to 0.87, whereas the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.11 to 0.96 (average: 0.57). All six markers conform to Hardy–Weinberg and linkage equilibria. These markers will be useful for accessing genetic population structure of wild populations and for selective breeding program in fish farms.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from mother‐of‐millions, Bryophyllum delagoense (Crassulaceae), and its hybrid with Bryophyllum daigremontianum, ‘Houghton's hybrid’
Authors: HANNAN‐JONES M. A. , LOWE A. J. , SCOTT K. D. , GRAHAM G. C. , PLAYFORD J. P. , ZALUCKI M. P.
Published: January 2006

Nine microsatellite loci were developed, and are transferable, across the Madagascan succulents Bryophyllum daigremontianum, Bryophyllum delagoense (mother‐of‐millions) and their horticultural hybrid (Houghton's), from enriched libraries of the later two species. For B. delagoense, a tetraploid, three to 13 alleles per locus were found for native Madagascan (HO = 0.4–1.0), and one to nine in invasive Australian (HO = 0.0–1.0) samples. In addition for 91 Australian samples, only five multilocus genotypes were found (95% of individuals were of two genotypes), suggesting extensive clonality in its introduced range. These loci will be used to examine genetic diversity, hybrid origin and mating system in natural and introduced populations.
Development and cross‐amplification of nine polymorphic microsatellite markers in the deep‐sea hydrothermal vent polychaete Branchipolynoe seepensis
Authors: DAGUIN CLAIRE , JOLLIVET DIDIER
Published: January 2006

The hydrothermal vent polychaete Branchipolynoe seepensis lives commensally inside the mantel cavity of the bivalves Bathymodiolus azoricus and Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis that form dense mussel beds around hydrothermal vents on the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge. In order to study its dispersal capabilities and the way individuals develop and reproduce, nine microsatellite polymorphic markers were developed. Polymorphism was tested from three well‐separated populations ranging from 14°N to 35°N along the ridge and showed significant levels of genetic differentiation. Cross‐amplification tests in other polynoid species revealed that most loci could also be useful to study closely related species from both Atlantic and Pacific sites.
Ten microsatellite loci for the small red‐eyed damselfly Erythromma viridulum (Charpentier)
Authors: KEAT SIMON , THOMPSON DAVID J. , KEMP STEPHEN J. , WATTS PHILLIP C.
Published: January 2006

The small red‐eyed damselfly, Erythromma viridulum (Charpentier), is the first recorded example of a migrant damselfly establishing colonies in the British Isles. To examine the population genetic structure of E. viridulum, a partial genomic library enriched for CA microsatellite loci was constructed. Of the 42 loci tested, 19 amplified spurious bands and 13 were monomorphic, leaving 10 polymorphic loci that resolved distinct alleles within the expected size range. The number of alleles ranged between two (LIST14‐021, LIST14‐40) and eight (LIST14‐002). Observed and expected heterozygosities varied between 0.000–0.698 and 0.045–0.688, respectively.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in the solitary hunting wasp Ancistrocerus adiabatus (Vespidae: Eumeninae) and their cross utility in other species of Ancistrocerus
Authors: BUSHROW ERIC S. , COWAN DAVID P.
Published: January 2006

We have developed seven microsatellite primers for the solitary wasp Ancistrocerus adiabatus. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 14. The markers were developed to study population structure, inbreeding and sex determination of A. adiabatus. For each locus, we genotyped 30 female wasps collected from Southwest Michigan. The observed heterozygosity ranges from 0.067 to 0.933. We have also determined that primers for these microsatellite loci amplify in three other species in the genus: Ancistrocerus antilope, Ancistrocerus catskill, and Ancistrocerus campesterus.
Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci in the giant scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis)
Authors: AN H. S. , PARK J. Y. , LEE Y. G. , LEE D. S. , LEE C.
Published: January 2006

Ten novel microsatellite loci were isolated from giant scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis, and the polymorphisms were examined to estimate genetic variability. The genetic variabilities varied depending on the locus. The number of alleles ranged from two to 17, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.17 to 0.99 and 0.33 to 0.90, respectively. Six loci showed significant Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium. The high variabilities revealed in this study suggest that microsatellites should prove useful for various genetic investigations.
Successful retrieval of mRNA from hair follicles stored at room temperature: implications for studying gene expression in wild mammals
Authors: BRADLEY BRENDA J. , PASTORINI JENNIFER , MUNDY NICHOLAS I.
Published: January 2006

We evaluated some products and protocols designed for reliable RNA extraction from minute tissue samples and safe tissue storage at room temperature without RNA degradation. Success of RNA retrieval was compared for varying amounts of tissue (3, 5, 10 hair follicles), stored at different temperatures (room temperature, −20 °C) for variable durations (1, 3, 6, 12 weeks). We also compared two RNA isolation kits specialized for small samples. RNA was successfully retrieved from as few as 3 hairs stored at room temperature for up to 6 weeks, suggesting the potential for gene expression analyses on minimally invasive samples from natural populations.
Characterization of 29 polymorphic artiodactyl microsatellite markers for the mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus)
Authors: MAINGUY JULIEN , LLEWELLYN AMY S. , WORLEY KIRSTY , CÔTÉ STEEVE D. , COLTMAN DAVID W.
Published: January 2006

We report the results of a cross‐species amplification test of 156 bovine, ovine and cervid microsatellite markers in a wild population of mountain goats,Oreamnos americanus, inhabiting Caw Ridge, Alberta, Canada. Twenty‐nine markers were found to be low to moderately polymorphic with between two to nine alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.14 to 0.85 for a sample of 215 mountain goats. This set of markers will be used in parentage analyses to construct the pedigree of the long‐term studied population and to investigate the effects of individual genetic variability on life‐history traits.
Microsatellites for eastern Australian Banksia species
Authors: USHER A. V. , AYRE D. J. , WHELAN R. J.
Published: January 2006

We developed eight primer pairs for Banksia microsatellite markers (five using DNA from Banksia oblongifolia and three from Banksia robur) in order to study the processes of speciation within hybridizing B. oblongifolia, B. robur and Banksia paludosa complex. We genotyped four populations of B. oblongifolia and B. robur, and three of B. paludosa. Numbers of alleles ranged from 1 to 13 across the three species and observed average heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.833. At least four loci completely discriminated B. robur from B. oblongifolia and three discriminated B. paludosa from B. oblongifolia. Seven of these primers amplified DNA from at least two of three other local species.
Characterization of microsatellite loci for the detection of temporal genetic shifts within a single cohort of the brown demoiselle, Neopomacentrus filamentosus
Authors: JONES M. ELIZABETH , BARBER PAUL H.
Published: January 2006

Neopomacentrus filamentosus, a common damselfish on the Indo–Australian archipelago, undergoes significant shifts in size and mitochondrial genetic structure upon larval settlement and metamorphosis to juvenile stages. We characterized five polymorphic microsatellite loci in order to study temporal genetic shifts within a single generation of N. filamentosus sampled first as larval settlers then again as demersal juvenile recruits. All loci were extremely polymorphic and exhibited high levels of heterozygosity. While all loci from the larval samples conformed to Hardy – Weinberg expectations, significant heterozygote deficiencies were seen in two loci in the juvenile samples, likely due to extreme size‐selective mortality imposed post‐settlement.
Chloroplast microsatellites in Prunus, Rosaceae
Authors: OHTA S. , NISHITANI C. , YAMAMOTO T.
Published: January 2006

Ten chloroplast microsatellite markers were developed from Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) based on nucleotide sequences of c. 4300 bp from six chloroplast regions. Out of 10 microsatellites, seven markers contained mononucleotide repeats. Almost all microsatellites displayed discrete amplified fragments for 17 species in Prunus. The microsatellites generated 46 different fragment types and differentiated all used species. Polymorphism was also observed within species for all microsatellites.