bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term plasticity of corticostriatal synapses is modulated by pathway‐specific co‐release of opioids through κ‐opioid receptors
Authors: Hawes Sarah L. , Salinas Armando G. , Lovinger David M. , Blackwell Kim T. 
Published: April 2017

Key points
Both endogenous opioids and opiate drugs of abuse modulate learning of habitual and goal‐directed actions, and can also modify long‐term plasticity of corticostriatal synapses.
Striatal projection neurons of the direct pathway co‐release the opioid neuropeptide dynorphin which can inhibit dopamine release via κ‐opioid receptors.
Theta‐burst stimulation of corticostriatal fibres produces long‐term potentiation (LTP) in striatal projection neurons when measured using whole‐cell patch recording.
Optogenetic activation of direct pathway striatal projection neurons inhibits LTP while reducing dopamine release.
Because the endogenous release of opioids is activity dependent, this modulation of synaptic plasticity represents a negative feedback mechanism that may limit runaway enhancement of striatal neuron activity in response to drugs of abuse.
AbstractSynaptic plasticity in the striatum adjusts behaviour adaptively during skill learning, or maladaptively in the case of addiction. Just as dopamine plays a critical role in synaptic plasticity underlying normal skill learning and addiction, endogenous and exogenous opiates also modulate learning and addiction‐related striatal plasticity. Though the role of opioid receptors in long‐term depression in striatum has been characterized, their effect on long‐term potentiation (LTP) remains unknown. In particular, direct pathway (dopamine D1 receptor‐containing; D1R‐) spiny projection neurons (SPNs) co‐release the opioid neuropeptide dynorphin, which acts at presynaptic κ‐opioid receptors (KORs) on dopaminergic afferents and can negatively regulate dopamine release. Therefore, we evaluated the interaction of co‐released dynorphin and KOR on striatal LTP. We optogenetically facilitate the release of endogenous dynorphin from D1R‐SPNs in brain slice while using whole‐cell patch recording to measure changes in the synaptic response of SPNs following theta‐burst stimulation (TBS) of cortical afferents. Our results demonstrate that TBS evokes corticostriatal LTP, and that optogenetic activation of D1R‐SPNs during induction impairs LTP. Additional experiments demonstrate that optogenetic activation of D1R‐SPNs reduces stimulation‐evoked dopamine release and that bath application of a KOR antagonist provides full rescue of both LTP induction and dopamine release during optogenetic activation of D1R‐SPNs. These results suggest that an increase in the opioid neuropeptide dynorphin is responsible for reduced TBS LTP and illustrate a physiological phenomenon whereby heightened D1R‐SPN activity can regulate corticostriatal plasticity. Our findings have important implications for learning in addictive states marked by elevated direct pathway activation.
Coxiella burnetii Circulation in a Naturally Infected Flock of Sheep: Individual Follow-Up of Antibodies in Serum and Milk
Authors: Joulié A. , Rousset E. , Gasqui P. , Lepetitcolin E. , Leblond A. , Sidi-Boumedine K. , Jourdain E. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

The control of Q fever, a zoonotic disease caused by the
Coxiella burnetii
bacterium, remains a scientific challenge. Domestic ruminants are considered the main reservoir, shedding
C. burnetii
essentially through parturition products during abortion or birth. Sheep are particularly frequently associated with human outbreaks, but there are insufficient field data to fully understand disease dynamics and to instigate efficient control measures. A longitudinal follow-up study of a naturally infected sheep flock was performed (i) to investigate relationships between seropositivity and bacterial shedding in the vaginal mucus, (ii) to describe the kinetics of antibodies, including responses to vaccination, (iii) to monitor maternal antibodies in ewe lambs, and (iv) to compare serological results for milk and serum samples. For 8 months, we collected blood samples every 3 weeks from 11 aborting and 26 nonaborting dairy ewes, 20 nonaborting suckler ewes, and 9 ewe lambs. Individual milk samples were also obtained from lactating females. All serum and milk samples were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas vaginal swabs were tested by quantitative PCR. We found that some dairy females did not seroconvert despite shedding
C. burnetii
in their vaginal mucus. Overall, antibody levels in adult females were found to remain stable over time, with exceptions during the mating and lambing periods. Maternal antibodies decreased during the first month after birth. Interestingly, antibody levels in milk were correlated with those in serum. This study provides valuable field data that will help improve Q fever surveillance and within-flock management measures.

IMPORTANCE
Field data are necessary to improve the surveillance, diagnosis, and sanitary management of Q fever in livestock. Here, we provide extensive serological data obtained from serum and milk samples from infected and vaccinated ewes belonging to a naturally infected flock of sheep. We show that antibody levels are stable over time and seropositivity and vaginal shedding are not clearly correlated, whereas antibody levels in milk are strongly correlated with those in serum. Accordingly, we find that antibody levels in bulk tank milk are consistent with the variations observed in the serum of dairy females over time. We report the existence of maternal antibody transmission to ewe lambs and we show that the presence of maternal antibodies at birth does not prevent the development of a serological response to vaccination at the age of 4 months. Finally, we report that adult ewes generally seroconvert after vaccination, including during pregnancy.
Approaches for Reverse Line Blot-Based Detection of Microbial Pathogens in Ixodes ricinus Ticks Collected in Austria and Impact of the Chosen Method
Authors: Schötta Anna-Margarita , Wijnveld Michiel , Stockinger Hannes , Stanek Gerold 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Ticks transmit a large number of pathogens capable of causing human disease. In this study, the PCR-reverse line blot (RLB) method was used to screen for pathogens in a total of 554
Ixodes ricinus
ticks collected from all provinces of Austria. These pathogens belong to the genera
Borrelia
,
Rickettsiae
,
Anaplasma
/
Ehrlichia
(including “
Candidatus
Neoehrlichia”),
Babesia
, and
Coxiella
. The pathogens with the highest detected prevalence were spirochetes of the
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato
complex, in 142 ticks (25.6%).
Borrelia afzelii
(80/142) was the most frequently detected species, followed by
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu stricto
(38/142) and
Borrelia valaisiana
(36/142).
Borrelia garinii/Borrelia bavariensis
,
Borrelia lusitaniae
, and
Borrelia spielmanii
were found in 28 ticks, 5 ticks, and 1 tick, respectively.
Rickettsia
spp. were detected in 93 ticks (16.8%):
R. helvetica
(39/93),
R. raoultii
(38/93),
R. monacensis
(2/93), and
R. slovaca
(1/93). Thirteen
Rickettsia
samples remain uncharacterized. “
Candidatus
Neoehrlichia mikurensis,”
Babesia
spp. (
B. venatorum
,
B. divergens
,
B. microti
), and
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
were found in 4.5%, 2.7%, and 0.7%, respectively.
Coxiella burnetii
was not detected. Multiple microorganisms were detected in 40 ticks (7.2%), and the cooccurrence of
Babesia
spp. and “
Candidatus
Neoehrlichia mikurensis” showed a significant positive correlation. We also compared different PCR-RLBs for detection of
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato
and
Rickettsia
spp. and showed that different detection approaches provide highly diverse results, indicating that analysis of environmental samples remains challenging.

IMPORTANCE
This study determined the wide spectrum of tick-borne bacterial and protozoal pathogens that can be encountered in Austria. Surveillance of (putative) pathogenic microorganisms occurring in the environment is of medical importance, especially when those agents can be transmitted by ticks and cause disease. The observation of significant coinfections of certain microorganisms in field-collected ticks is an initial step to an improved understanding of microbial interactions in ticks. In addition, we show that variations in molecular detection methods, such as in primer pairs and target genes, can considerably influence the final results. For instance, detection of certain genospecies of borreliae may be better or worse by one method or the other, a fact of great importance for future screening studies.
Regulation of Botulinum Neurotoxin Synthesis and Toxin Complex Formation by Arginine and Glucose in Clostridium botulinum ATCC 3502
Authors: Fredrick Chase M. , Lin Guangyun , Johnson Eric A. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), produced by neurotoxigenic clostridia, is the most potent biological toxin known and the causative agent of the paralytic disease botulism. The nutritional, environmental, and genetic regulation of BoNT synthesis, activation, stability, and toxin complex (TC) formation is not well studied. Previous studies indicated that growth and BoNT formation were affected by arginine and glucose in
Clostridium botulinum
types A and B. In the present study,
C. botulinum
ATCC 3502 was grown in toxin production medium (TPM) with different levels of arginine and glucose and of three products of arginine metabolism, citrulline, proline, and ornithine. Cultures were analyzed for growth (optical density at 600 nm [OD
600
]), spore formation, and BoNT and TC formation by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation and for BoNT activity by mouse bioassay. A high level of arginine (20 g/liter) repressed BoNT production approximately 1,000-fold, enhanced growth, slowed lysis, and reduced endospore production by greater than 1,000-fold. Similar effects on toxin production were seen with equivalent levels of citrulline but not ornithine or proline. In TPM lacking glucose, levels of formation of BoNT/A1 and TC were significantly decreased, and extracellular BoNT and TC proteins were partially inactivated after the first day of culture. An understanding of the regulation of
C. botulinum
growth and BoNT and TC formation should be valuable in defining requirements for BoNT formation in foods and clinical samples, improving the quality of BoNT for pharmaceutical preparations, and elucidating the biological functions of BoNTs for the bacterium.

IMPORTANCE
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is a major food safety and bioterrorism concern and is also an important pharmaceutical, and yet the regulation of its synthesis, activation, and stability in culture media, foods, and clinical samples is not well understood. This paper provides insights into the effects of critical nutrients on growth, lysis, spore formation, BoNT and TC production, and stability of BoNTs of
C. botulinum
. We show that for
C. botulinum
ATCC 3502 cultured in a complex medium, a high level of arginine repressed BoNT expression by ca. 1,000-fold and also strongly reduced sporulation. Arginine stimulated growth and compensated for a lack of glucose. BoNT and toxin complex proteins were partially inactivated in a complex medium lacking glucose. This work should aid in optimizing BoNT production for pharmaceutical uses, and furthermore, an understanding of the nutritional regulation of growth and BoNT formation may provide insights into growth and BoNT formation in foods and clinical samples and into the enigmatic function of BoNTs in nature.
Draft Genome Sequences of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Typhimurium Strains Isolated from Chicken and Swine Carcasses in Two Distinct Geographical Regions from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Authors: Panzenhagen Pedro Henrique N. , Cabral Claudius C. , Suffys Philip N. , Aquino Maria Helena C. , Franco Robson M. , Pereira Virgínia L. A. , Rodrigues Dalia P. , Conte-Junior Carlos A. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Typhimurium is a surveyed worldwide serotype with well-characterized genomes for several different strains. In Brazil, very few studies have submitted whole-genome sequences to GenBank. This genome may be useful to analyze the genetic mechanisms comparable to those of other related studies conducted in Brazil and globally.
Forensic Approaches to Detect Possible Agents of Bioterror
Authors: González Alfredo A. , Rivera-Pérez Jessica I. , Toranzos Gary A. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT
Many biological agents have been strategic pathogenic agents throughout history. Some have even changed history as a consequence of early discoveries of their use as weapons of war. Many of these bioagents can be easily isolated from the environment, and some have recently been genetically manipulated to become more pathogenic for biowarfare. However, it is difficult to determine accidental outbreaks of disease from intentional exposures. In this review, we examine how molecular tools have been used in combination with forensic research to resolve cases of unusual outbreaks and trace the source of the biocrime. New technologies are also discussed in terms of their crucial role impacting forensic science. The anthrax event of 2001 serves as an example of the real threat of bioterrorism and the employment of bioagents as weapons against a population. The Amerithrax investigation has given us lessons of the highest resolution possible with new technologies capable of distinguishing isolates at the base-pair level of sensitivity. In addition, we discuss the implications of proper sanitation to avoid waterborne diseases. The use of new methods in forensic science and health-related surveillance will be invaluable in determining the source of any new disease outbreak, and these data will allow for a quick response to any type of public health threat, whether accidental or purposely initiated.
What is the difference in concussion management in children as compared with adults? A systematic review
Authors: Davis Gavin A , Anderson Vicki , Babl Franz E , Gioia Gerard A , Giza Christopher C , Meehan William , Moser Rosemarie Scolaro , Purcell Laura , Schatz Philip , Schneider Kathryn J , Takagi Michael , Yeates Keith Owen , Zemek Roger 
Published: April 2017

AimTo evaluate the evidence regarding the management of sport-related concussion (SRC) in children and adolescents. The eight subquestions included the effects of age on symptoms and outcome, normal and prolonged duration, the role of computerised neuropsychological tests (CNTs), the role of rest, and strategies for return to school and return to sport (RTSp).DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesMEDLINE (OVID), Embase (OVID) and PsycInfo (OVID).Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesStudies were included if they were original research on SRC in children aged 5 years to 18 years, and excluded if they were review articles, or did not focus on childhood SRC.ResultsA total of 5853 articles were identified, and 134 articles met the inclusion criteria. Some articles were common to multiple subquestions. Very few studies examined SRC in young children, aged 5–12 years.Summary/conclusionsThis systematic review recommends that in children: child and adolescent age-specific paradigms should be applied; child-validated symptom rating scales should be used; the widespread routine use of baseline CNT is not recommended; the expected duration of symptoms associated with SRC is less than 4 weeks; prolonged recovery be defined as symptomatic for greater than 4 weeks; a brief period of cognitive and physical rest should be followed with gradual symptom-limited physical and cognitive activity; all schools be encouraged to have a concussion policy and should offer appropriate academic accommodations and support to students recovering from SRC; and children and adolescents should not RTSp until they have successfully returned to school, however early introduction of symptom-limited physical activity is appropriate.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO 2016:CRD42016039184
A systematic review of potential long-term effects of sport-related concussion
Authors: Manley Geoff , Gardner Andrew J , Schneider Kathryn J , Guskiewicz Kevin M , Bailes Julian , Cantu Robert C , Castellani Rudolph J , Turner Michael , Jordan Barry D , Randolph Christopher , Dvořák Jiří , Hayden K. Alix , Tator Charles H , McCrory Paul , Iverson Grant L 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveSystematic review of possible long-term effects of sports-related concussion in retired athletes.Data sourcesTen electronic databases.Study selectionOriginal research; incidence, risk factors or causation related to long-term mental health or neurological problems; individuals who have suffered a concussion; retired athletes as the subjects and possible long-term sequelae defined as>10 years after the injury.Data extractionStudy population, exposure/outcome measures, clinical data, neurological examination findings, cognitive assessment, neuroimaging findings and neuropathology results. Risk of bias and level of evidence were evaluated by two authors.ResultsFollowing review of 3819 studies, 47 met inclusion criteria. Some former athletes have depression and cognitive deficits later in life, and there is an association between these deficits and multiple prior concussions. Former athletes are not at increased risk for death by suicide (two studies). Former high school American football players do not appear to be at increased risk for later life neurodegenerative diseases (two studies). Some retired professional American football players may be at increased risk for diminishment in cognitive functioning or mild cognitive impairment (several studies), and neurodegenerative diseases (one study). Neuroimaging studies show modest evidence of macrostructural, microstructural, functional and neurochemical changes in some athletes.ConclusionMultiple concussions appear to be a risk factor for cognitive impairment and mental health problems in some individuals. More research is needed to better understand the prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and other neurological conditions and diseases, and the extent to which they are related to concussions and/or repetitive neurotrauma sustained in sports.
Can care staff accurately assess health-related quality of life of care home residents? A secondary analysis of data from the OPERA trial
Authors: Parker Ben , Petrou Stavros , Underwood Martin , Madan Jason 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesTo compare assessments of health-related quality of life outcomes of care home residents reported by residents and care staff acting as proxies.DesignLinear regression and bivariate modelling of paired assessments from care home residents and care staff.Setting78 care homes in 2 regions in England.Participants556 care home residents aged 65 years or older and care staff.Main outcome measuresEQ-5D utility scores and responses to individual EQ-5D dimensions.ResultsThe depression status, cognitive function, physical function, activities of daily living, social engagement, pain and dementia diagnosis of care home residents all predicted discrepancies in EQ-5D reporting. For residents with no depressive symptoms, care staff underestimated residents' mean EQ-5D utility score by 0.134 (95% CI 0.097 to 0.171) and for those with severe depressive symptoms they overstated mean utility scores by 0.222 (95% CI 0.104 to 0.339). With increasing levels of pain in residents the care staff progressively estimated EQ-5D utilities above self-reported values; by 0.236 (95% CI 0.003 to 0.469) in those with the second highest pain scores. For those with no cognitive impairment, proxies overstated mean utility scores by 0.097 (95% CI 0.049 to 0.146), while for those with severe cognitive impairment they underestimated mean utility scores by 0.192 (95% CI 0.143 to 0.241).ConclusionsCare home residents and staff appear to differ fundamentally in their assessment of the health-related quality of life, as measured by the EQ-5D, of residents with different levels of depression, pain and/or cognitive impairment. This could lead to interventions evaluated using proxy-based quality-adjusted life year estimates being wrongly rejected on cost-effectiveness grounds and may also make it difficult for carers to act as advocates with health and social care professionals for certain groups of residents. A more resident-focussed approach to assessment of health-related quality of life is needed.
Accuracy of testing for anti-Helicobacter pyloriIgG in urine forH. pyloriinfection diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gong Yuehua , Li Qiuping , Yuan Yuan 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesThis meta-analysis aims to systematically measure the potential diagnostic value of anti-Helicobacter pyloriIgG in urine for infection diagnosis, using all eligible studies published in English and Chinese languages.DesignThe random effect model was used to analyse the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative LR (NLR), diagnostic OR (DOR), together with the summary receiver operator characteristic curve.SettingLiterature searches of databases including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases were performed to retrieve studies evaluating the diagnostic value of urine IgG antibody forH.pyloriinfection.Primary outcome measureTwenty-three studies with 4963 subjects were included in the current meta-analysis.ResultsThe pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR and area under the curve (AUC) were 0.83 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.85), 0.89 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.90), 8.81 (95% CI 6.37 to 12.2), 0.13 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.2), 73 (95% CI 46.45 to 114.74) and 0.9551, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that diagnostic accuracy of the urine IgG assay was no different in age, region, study population and assay method.ConclusionsAnti-H. pyloriantibody in urine might serve as a good marker in diagnosingH. pyloriinfection. However, further validation based on a larger sample is still required.