bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II activity is required for maintaining learning‐induced enhancement of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor‐mediated synaptic excitation
Authors: Ghosh Sourav , Reuveni Iris , Barkai Edi , Lamprecht Raphael 
Published: December 2015

AbstractLearning leads to changes in α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)‐mediated synaptic excitation. The mechanisms for maintaining such alterations needed for memory persistence remain to be clarified. Here, we report a novel molecular mechanism for maintaining learning‐induced AMPAR‐mediated enhancement of synaptic excitation. We show that training rats in a complex olfactory discrimination task, such that requires rule learning, leads to the enhancement of averaged amplitude of AMPAR‐mediated miniature excitatory post‐synaptic currents (mEPSCs) in piriform cortex pyramidal neurons for days after learning. Inhibiting calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) using KN93 or tatCN21 days after learning, reduced the averaged mEPSC amplitude in neurons in piriform cortex of trained rats to the level where they are not significantly different from mEPSC of control animals. CaMKII inhibition leads to a decrease in single channel conductance and not to changes in the number of synaptic‐activated channels. We conclude that the maintenance of learning‐induced enhancement of AMPAR‐mediated synaptic excitation requires the activity of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II.
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We show that training rats in a complex olfactory discrimination task leads to the enhancement of averaged amplitude of AMPA receptor‐mediated miniature excitatory post‐synaptic currents (mEPSCs) in piriform cortex pyramidal neurons for days after learning. Inhibiting calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) using KN93 or tatCN21 days after learning, reduced the averaged mEPSC amplitude in neurons in piriform cortex of trained rats to the level where they are not significantly different from mEPSC of control animals. CaMKII inhibition leads to a decrease in AMPAR single channel conductance. We conclude that the maintenance of learning‐induced enhancement of AMPAR‐mediated synaptic excitation requires the activity of CaMKII.
miR‐186 is decreased in aged brain and suppresses BACE1 expression
Authors: Kim Jaekwang , Yoon Hyejin , Chung Dah‐eun , Brown Jennifer L. , Belmonte Krystal C , Kim Jungsu 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAccumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain is a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Because aging is the most prominent risk factor for AD, understanding the molecular changes during aging is likely to provide critical insights into AD pathogenesis. However, studies on the role of miRNAs in aging and AD pathogenesis have only recently been initiated. Identifying miRNAs dysregulated by the aging process in the brain may lead to novel understanding of molecular mechanisms of AD pathogenesis. Here, we identified that miR‐186 levels are gradually decreased in cortices of mouse brains during aging. In addition, we demonstrated that miR‐186 suppresses β‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression by directly targeting the 3′UTR of Bace1 mRNA in neuronal cells. In contrast, inhibition of endogenous miR‐186 significantly increased BACE1 levels in neuronal cells. Importantly, miR‐186 over‐expression significantly decreased Aβ level by suppressing BACE1 expression in cells expressing human pathogenic mutant amyloid precursor protein. Taken together, our data demonstrate that miR‐186 is a potent negative regulator of BACE1 in neuronal cells and it may be one of the molecular links between brain aging and the increased risk for AD during aging.
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We identified that miR‐186 levels are gradually decreased in mouse cortices during aging. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR‐186 is a novel negative regulator of beta‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression in neuronal cells. Therefore, we proposed that reduction in miR‐186 levels during aging may lead to the up‐regulation of BACE1 in the brain, thereby increasing a risk for Alzheimer's disease in aged individuals.
Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 308.
Adenosine A1 receptors control the metabolic recovery after hypoxia in rat hippocampal slices
Authors: Duarte João M. N. , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Carvalho Rui A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAdenosine is a neuromodulator that protects neurons from hypoxia. This effect is attributed to the ability of adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) to inhibit excitatory synaptic transmission. However, A1R activation also protects non‐brain tissues from hypoxic insults by controlling metabolism. Thus, we now tested the hypothesis that A1R‐mediated neuroprotection after a hypoxic insult in superfused hippocampal slices also involves the control of neuronal and astrocytic metabolism. A 90‐min hypoxia insult increased lactate, alanine, and pyruvate levels and decreased energy charge (EC), phosphocreatine/creatine ratio, and glutamine content. These metabolic modifications were fully recovered after reoxygenation for 3 h. The presence of the A1R‐selective antagonist 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐cyclopentylxanthine stimulated glycolysis, prevented the hypoxia‐induced decrease of EC, and increased the levels of GABA. A1R blockade further blunted the recovery of metabolism on reoxygenation after hypoxia, as typified by a sustained decreased EC and an increased mitochondrial metabolism, as confirmed by a greater [U‐13C]glucose oxidation through the tricarboxylic acid cycle. These results demonstrate that A1R blockade prevents the recovery of hypoxia‐induced metabolic alterations during reoxygenation, which indicates that the ability of A1R to control primary metabolism in the brain tissue may be a hitherto unrecognized mechanism of A1R‐mediated neuroprotection.
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This study demonstrates that tonic activation of adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) plays an important role in the reoxygenation recovery of the metabolic alterations caused by transient hypoxia in rat hippocampal slices. This ability of A1R to inhibit neuronal metabolism may be a key mechanism by which adenosine affords neuroprotection upon acute hypoxia, thus preventing the long‐term impairment of neuronal circuits.
Region‐specific rapid regulation of aromatase activity in zebra finch brain
Authors: Comito Devon , Pradhan Devaleena S. , Karleen Branden J. , Schlinger Barney A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractRecent studies demonstrate that rapid modulation of the estrogen synthetic enzyme aromatase, regulates hypothalamic (HYP) estrogen production, and subsequent neurophysiology and reproductive behavior. In songbirds, in addition to expression in the HYP, aromatase is expressed at high levels in several brain regions notably in the hippocampus (HP) and caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), where estrogens affect learning and memory and auditory processing, respectively. Previous studies, largely in quail HYP, show that aromatase activity is acutely down‐regulated by Ca2+‐dependent phosphorylation. Here, using zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), we ask if similar mechanisms are at work in the songbird HYP and if there are sex as well as regional differences in aromatase modulation. Using in vitro assays to measure activity in homogenates or in partially purified supernatants containing microsomes and synaptosomes of the HP, HYP, and NCM, we examined effects of Ca2+, Mg2+, ATP, NADPH, and an inhibitor of kinase activity. We report a rapid down‐regulation of aromatase activity in the presence of phosphorylating conditions across all three brain regions and both sexes. However, regional differences were seen in response to some phosphorylating factors, some of which were improved by partial purification of the homogenates. Furthermore, while low concentrations of ATP inhibited aromatase activity, unexpectedly, inhibition was no longer seen with high ATP concentrations. These results provide evidence for a regional and temporal specificity in the rapid modulation of aromatase activity that may bear on local neuroendocrine function.
imageAromatase activity in male and female zebra finch hippocampus, hypothalamus, and caudomedial nidopallium is rapidly regulated by Ca2+‐dependent phosphorylation. Low ATP and Mg2+ decrease activity, whereas nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), high ATP, and inhibition of protein kinase C increase activity. Evidence suggests this may occur at the synapse. These results provide a mechanism for rapid regulation of behavior via brain estrogen synthesis.
TAXATION AND THE USER COST OF CAPITAL
Authors: Creedy John , Gemmell Norman 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis paper provides a review of the concept of user cost and its determinants. Particular attention is given to the influence of taxation. The concept of user cost relates to the rental, the rate of return to capital, that arises in a profit maximizing situation in which further investment in capital produces no additional profit. This paper sets out in some detail the range of assumptions involved in obtaining alternative expressions for the user cost. The user cost refers to a before‐tax capital rental, the rate of return that ensures that the (after‐tax) cost of capital is equal to the post‐tax returns over its life. Hence, associated with the user cost measure is an effective marginal tax rate. This can differ substantially from the statutory marginal rate applicable to the investor. A related effective average tax rate is also defined.
CRN13 candidate effectors from plant and animal eukaryotic pathogens are DNA‐binding proteins which trigger host DNA damage response
Authors: Ramirez‐Garcés Diana , Camborde Laurent , Pel Michiel J. C. , Jauneau Alain , Martinez Yves , Néant Isabelle , Leclerc Catherine , Moreau Marc , Dumas Bernard , Gaulin Elodie 
Published: December 2015

Summary

To successfully colonize their host, pathogens produce effectors that can interfere with host cellular processes. Here we investigated the function of CRN13 candidate effectors produced by plant pathogenic oomycetes and detected in the genome of the amphibian pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (BdCRN13).

When expressed in Nicotiana, AeCRN13, from the legume root pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches, increases the susceptibility of the leaves to the oomycete Phytophthora capsici. When transiently expressed in amphibians or plant cells, AeCRN13 and BdCRN13 localize to the cell nuclei, triggering aberrant cell development and eventually causing cell death.

Using Förster resonance energy transfer experiments in plant cells, we showed that both CRN13s interact with nuclear DNA and trigger plant DNA damage response (DDR). Mutating key amino acid residues in a predicted HNH‐like endonuclease motif abolished the interaction of AeCRN13 with DNA, the induction of DDR and the enhancement of Nicotiana susceptibility to P. capsici. Finally, H2AX phosphorylation, a marker of DNA damage, and enhanced expression of genes involved in the DDR were observed in A. euteiches‐infected Medicago truncatula roots.

These results show that CRN13 from plant and animal eukaryotic pathogens promotes host susceptibility by targeting nuclear DNA and inducing DDR.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate on Sow Performance and mRNA Expression of Myogenic Markers in Skeletal Muscle of Neonatal Piglets
Authors: Wan HF , Zhu JT , Shen Y , Xiang X , Yin HJ , Fang ZF , Che LQ , Lin Y , Xu SY , Feng B , Wu D 
Published: December 2015

ContentsThe effects of dietary β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation during gestation on reproductive performance of sows and the mRNA expression of myogenic markers in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs were determined. At day 35 of gestation, a total of 20 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire, at third parity) were randomly assigned to two groups, with each group receiving either a basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 4 g/day β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate calcium (HMB‐Ca) until parturition. At parturition, the total and live litter size were not markedly different between treatments, however, the sows fed HMB diet had a decreased rate of stillborn piglets compared with the sows fed the control (CON) diets (p < 0.05). In addition, piglets from the sows fed HMB diet tended to have an increased birth weight (p = 0.08), and a reduced rate of low birth weight piglets (p = 0.05) compared with piglets from the CON sows. Nevertheless, lower feed intake during lactation was observed in the sows fed the HMB diet compared with those on the CON diet (p < 0.01). The relative weights of the longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscle were higher (p < 0.05) in neonatal pigs from the HMB than the CON sows. Furthermore, maternal HMB treatment increased the mRNA levels of the myogenic genes, including muscle regulatory factor‐4 (MRF4, p < 0.05), myogenic differentiation factor (MyoD) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1, p < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary HMB supplementation to sows at 4 g/day from day 35 of gestation to term significantly improves pregnancy outcomes and increases the expression of myogenic genes in skeletal muscle of neonatal piglets, but reduces feed intake of sows during lactation.
Involvement of Protein cAMP‐dependent Kinase, Phospholipase A2 and Phospholipase C in Sperm Acrosome Reaction of Chinchilla lanigera
Authors: Gramajo‐Bühler MC , Zelarayán L , Sánchez‐Toranzo G 
Published: December 2015

ContentsThe mechanisms involved in fertilization are the centre of attention in order to determine the conditions required to reproduce in vitro the events that take place in vivo, with special interest in endangered species. Previous data from mouse sperm, where acrosome reaction (AR) occurs more often in the interstitium of the cumulus oophorus, contribute to strengthen the use of progesterone as a physiological inducer of this process. We studied the participation of protein kinase A (PKA), phospholipases A2 and C (PLA2, PLC) in the AR induced by progesterone from Chinchilla epididymal spermatozoa. The addition of db‐cAMP to the incubation medium caused an increase of 58% in the AR, while the use of H89 (30 μm), a PKA inhibitor, reflected a decrease of 40% in the percentage of reacted gametes. The assays conducted with arachidonic acid showed a maximum increase of 23% in the AR. When gametes were pre‐incubated with PLA2 inhibitors, a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect was observed. The addition of phorbol12‐myristate13‐acetate (10 μm) revealed higher percentages of AR induction (60%). When PLC was inhibited with neomycin and U73122, a dose‐dependent decrease in AR percentages was observed. Combined inhibition of PKA, PLA2 and PLC, AR values similar to control were obtained. This work shows evidence, for the first time in Chinchilla, that progesterone activates the AC/cAMP/PKA system as well as sperm phospholipases and that these signalling pathways participate jointly and cooperatively in AR. These results contribute to the understanding of the complex regulation that is triggered in sperm after the effect of progesterone.
Effects of Temperature on In Vitro Short‐Term Storage of Sterlet Sturgeon (Acipenser Ruthenus) Ova
Authors: Linhart O , Shelton WL , Tučková V , Rodina M , Siddique MAM 
Published: December 2015

ContentsArtificial propagation of sturgeons is becoming increasingly important for recovery efforts as well as for commercial production. Sterlet Acipenser ruthenus is a common Eurasian sturgeon with a small body size and one of the fastest reproductive cycles among the sturgeons. The practical question being addressed in this study was how long fertilization of ovulated eggs can be delayed without substantially reducing the hatching rate, and an ancillary question is under what' temperature conditions do eggs retain good quality. Broodstock were injected with homogenized carp pituitary extract (CPE); ovulated eggs from three females were allocated to various treatment groups for temperature storage (control, 7°C, 11°C, 15°C and 19°C) until fertilized. Storage times at the regulated temperatures prior to fertilization were for 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 h. After the selected storage times in ovarian fluid, eggs were fertilized and transferred to incubation cages and then they were counted. Three replicates were allocated to each storage period and temperature. Hatched larvae were counted at 7‐day post‐fertilization. We found that sterlet eggs do not need to be fertilized immediately after collection. Reasonably good quality was retained for several hours if temperature conditions are fairly cool and stable. Eggs retained good quality when stored at 7°C and 11°C for up to 10 h with 54.1 ± 2.9 to 69.9 ± 7.9% hatching success, but egg quality was significantly reduced after 5‐h storage at 19°C (p < 0.01) and 7.5‐h storage at 15°C (p < 0.05) compared to cooler temperatures. Uniform temperatures between 7°C and 11°C can be considered as appropriate for storage of eggs in ovarian fluid for up to 10 h. This information can have practical application to routine hatchery practice for acipenserids, as well as for certain research protocols.
Increased Levels of Interferon‐Inducible Protein 10 (IP‐10) in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Aresvik D. M. , Lima K. , Øverland T. , Mollnes T. E. , Abrahamsen T. G. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2 DS), also known as DiGeorge syndrome, is a genetic disorder with an estimated incidence of 1:4000 births. These patients may suffer from affection of many organ systems with cardiac malformations, thymic hypoplasia or aplasia, hypoparathyroidism, palate anomalies and psychiatric disorders being the most frequent. The incidence of autoimmune diseases is increased in older patients. The aim of the present study was to examine a cytokine profile in patients with 22q11.2 DS by measuring a broad spectrum of serum cytokines. Patients with a proven deletion of chromosome 22q11.2 (n = 55) and healthy individuals (n = 54) recruited from an age‐ and sex‐comparable group were included in the study. Serum levels of 27 cytokines, including chemokines and growth factors, were analysed using multiplex technology. Interferon‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10) was also measured by ELISA to confirm the multiplex results. The 22q11.2 DS patients had distinctly and significantly raised levels of pro‐inflammatory and angiostatic chemokine IP‐10 (P < 0.001) compared to controls. The patients with congenital heart defects (n = 31) had significantly (P = 0.018) raised serum levels of IP‐10 compared to patients born without heart defects (n = 24). The other cytokines investigated were either not detectable or did not differ between patients and controls.
Sebaceous adenitis and mural folliculitis in a cat responsive to topical fatty acid supplementation
Authors: Glos Katharina , von Bomhard Wolf , Bettenay Sonya , Mueller Ralf S. 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo describe a case of feline sebaceous adenitis and mural folliculitis, and its successful treatment with topical fatty acids.AnimalA 5‐year‐old, male castrated Norwegian Forest cat was presented with a progressive seborrhoeic dermatitis.MethodsClinical examination and histopathological examination of skin biopsies.ResultsThere was severe, multifocal, lymphocytic mural folliculitis and perifollicular dermatitis, moderate hyperkeratosis and sebaceous adenitis on histopathology. Sebaceous glands were either absent or almost completely effaced by a dense lymphocytic infiltrate. Clinical signs began in spring on the face and neck and progressed over an 18 month period to involve the legs. Initially, topical and systemic antibacterial therapy for a mild bacterial overgrowth resulted in partial clinical response. There was no improvement with oral omega 6 fatty acids and surface cleaning. Treatment with a spot‐on product containing essential oils, smoothing agents and vitamin E as the sole therapy was associated with a good – but incomplete ‐ clinical response over a 6 month period, with hair regrowth and a marked decrease in seborrhoeic dermatitis. This improvement was sustained until 12 months later when a severe deep pyoderma with associated anorexia and depression occurred. This was symptomatically treated and the cat remained clinically stable for a further 18 months. Periocular and perinasal seborrhoea was a persistent feature.Conclusion and clinical importanceTopical essential fatty acid therapy may offer a viable alternative to ciclosporin, which has been reported for the successful treatment of this rare disease in cats.
Ultrasound biomicroscopic study of the effects of topical latanoprost on the anterior segment and ciliary body thickness in dogs
Authors: Park Sangwan , Kang Seonmi , Lee Euiri , Kwak Jiyoon , Park Eunjin , Lim Jaegook , Seo Kangmoon 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of topical latanoprost on the anterior segment and ciliary body using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in dogs.Animals studiedThis study included six eyes of six clinically normal beagles.ProceduresUBM scans were performed on six sedated dogs before and 2 h after topical latanoprost instillation. From the next day on, latanoprost was topically applied twice daily for 7 days. After 1 week of instillation, the UBM scans were repeated. The ciliary body thickness (CBT) and the anterior segment parameters, including the iridocorneal angle (ICA), the width of the ciliary cleft (CC) entry, the length of the CC, and the width of the mid‐CC, were measured.ResultsThe topical latanoprost decreased the ICA and CC entry width and increased the mid‐CC width without any significant alterations in the CC length. There were time‐dependent alterations in the CBT: a reduction in the CBT after 2 h of instillation and rebound thickening after 1 week of instillation.ConclusionsThe topical latanoprost widened the ciliary cleft despite the narrowing of the ICA and CC entry. Time‐dependent alterations in the CBT were demonstrated by the UBM and might be a reflection of the mechanism of the uveoscleral outflow enhancement induced by the topical latanoprost.
Public Perceptions of Pathogen Reduction Technology in the Canadian Donor Blood Supply
Authors: Gray N. , Newbold K. B. , Lane S. J. , Heddle N. M. , Webert K. , Eyles J. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundThe safety of the donor blood supply has been a major public health concern to the Canadian public in the past. Multiple safety measures are in place to ensure its continued safety, including a risk‐based decision‐making process associated with blood‐borne pathogen transmission. Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) may provide such an approach by inactivating pathogens in donated blood to prevent spread to a blood transfusion recipient. To date, no research has assessed the Canadian public's opinions of PRT, which can aid in policy development and implementation strategies.Study Design and MethodsThis paper details the results of an email survey that was developed around awareness of blood system practices in Canada, opinions of PRT and health risk perceptions to the Canadian public. 1008 individuals from Ontario and Québec responded to the survey.ResultsResults indicated that there is a generally low reported knowledge of PRT amongst the Canadian public. Regression analysis revealed that education, employment and prior blood donation have an effect on awareness of PRT.ConclusionsPRT is often met with mixed opinions. The majority of those surveyed agree with its use, yet many were hesitant about the chemical aspect. This also indicates minimal knowledge about PRT and may additionally be a result of the low perceived risk of blood transfusions to the Canadian public. An increase in public awareness around PRT risk may be beneficial in the future if this technology is to be implemented.