bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Defines Ethanol‐Induced Brain Abnormalities in Prenatal Mice: Effects of Acute Insult on Gestational Day 7
Authors: Godin Elizabeth A. , O’Leary‐Moore Shonagh K. , Khan Amber A. , Parnell Scott E. , Ament Jacob J. , Dehart Deborah B. , Johnson Brice W. , Allan Johnson G. , Styner Martin A. , Sulik Kathleen K. 
Published: October 2009

Background:  This magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM)‐based report is the second in a series designed to illustrate the spectrum of craniofacial and central nervous system (CNS) dysmorphia resulting from single‐ and multiple‐day maternal ethanol treatment. The study described in this report examined the consequences of ethanol exposure on gestational day (GD) 7 in mice, a time in development when gastrulation and neural plate development begins; corresponding to the mid‐ to late third week postfertilization in humans. Acute GD 7 ethanol exposure in mice has previously been shown to result in CNS defects consistent with holoprosencephaly (HPE) and craniofacial anomalies typical of those in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). MRM has facilitated further definition of the range of GD 7 ethanol‐induced defects.Methods:  C57Bl/6J female mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered vehicle or 2 injections of 2.9 g/kg ethanol on day 7 of pregnancy. Stage‐matched control and ethanol‐exposed GD 17 fetuses selected for imaging were immersion fixed in a Bouins/Prohance solution. MRM was conducted at either 7.0 Tesla (T) or 9.4 T. Resulting 29 μm isotropic spatial resolution scans were segmented and reconstructed to provide 3D images. Linear and volumetric brain measures, as well as morphological features, were compared for control and ethanol‐exposed fetuses. Following MRM, selected specimens were processed for routine histology and light microscopic examination.Results:  Gestational day 7 ethanol exposure resulted in a spectrum of median facial and forebrain deficiencies, as expected. This range of abnormalities falls within the HPE spectrum; a spectrum for which facial dysmorphology is consistent with and typically is predictive of that of the forebrain. In addition, other defects including median facial cleft, cleft palate, micrognathia, pituitary agenesis, and third ventricular dilatation were identified. MRM analyses also revealed cerebral cortical dysplasia/heterotopias resulting from this acute, early insult and facilitated a subsequent focused histological investigation of these defects.Conclusions:  Individual MRM scans and 3D reconstructions of fetal mouse brains have facilitated demonstration of a broad range of GD 7 ethanol‐induced morphological abnormality. These results, including the discovery of cerebral cortical heterotopias, elucidate the teratogenic potential of ethanol insult during the third week of human prenatal development.
Initial Evidence of an Association Between OPRM1 and Adolescent Alcohol Misuse
Authors: Miranda Robert , Ray Lara , Justus Alicia , Meyerson Lori A. , Knopik Valerie S. , McGeary John , Monti Peter M. 
Published: October 2009

Background:  Considerable research efforts have attempted to identify genes associated with alcoholism among adults, yet few studies have examined adolescents. Identifying genes associated with alcohol misuse in youth is important given that the relative contribution of genetic and environmental influences on alcoholism varies across development. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between a polymorphism of the μ‐opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) and alcohol misuse in a sample of youth and to test whether heightened sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of alcohol mediated this relationship.Methods:  Adolescents (n = 187; mean age = 15.4 years; 47.6% female) were genotyped for A118G (rs1799971), a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the OPRM1 gene, and assessed for alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnoses and other psychopathology. Alcohol misuse was also measured continuously to maximize detection of drinking problems in youth. Drinking motives were used to capture the extent to which youth consumed alcohol to enhance positive affect.Results:  AUD groups differed significantly in terms of allelic distributions of the A118G SNP, such that 51.9% of youth with an AUD carried at least one copy of the G allele compared to 16.3% of non‐AUD controls. Those who carried the G allele endorsed drinking to enhance positive affect more strongly than those who were homozygous for the A allele and drinking to enhance positive affect mediated the association between OPRM1 and alcohol‐related problems.Conclusions:  These data build on findings from adult studies and provide the first evidence that a polymorphism of the OPRM1 receptor gene is associated with the development of early‐onset alcohol‐related problems during adolescence, in part, by heightening sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of alcohol.
Polymorphisms of Alcohol Metabolizing Enzymes in Indigenous Mexican Population: Unusual High Frequency of CYP2E1*c2 Allele
Authors: Gordillo‐Bastidas Elizabeth , Panduro Arturo , Gordillo‐Bastidas Daniela , Zepeda‐Carrillo Eloy A. , García‐Bañuelos Jesús J. , Muñoz‐Valle José F. , Bastidas‐Ramírez Blanca E. 
Published: October 2009

Background:  Alcohol abuse represents the major identified etiological factor of cirrhosis in México. ADH1B, ALDH2, and CYP2E1 have been considered candidate genes in alcohol‐related diseases. Controversial results probably due to ethnic differences, among other factors, have been reported. Mexican Mestizos (MES) derive from the combination of indigenous, Spaniard, and African genes. Huichols (HUI) constitute an indigenous group from western Mexico with no racial admixture. We determined ADH1B*2, ALDH2*2, and CYP2E1*c2 allele frequencies in healthy HUI and MES from western Mexico. Lipid and hepatic profile were also carried out.Methods:  One hundred and one HUI and 331 MES subjects were studied. Genotype and allele frequency were assessed through polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism after DNA isolation from peripheral leukocytes. Commercial kits for lipid and hepatic determinations were used.Results:  Polymorphic allele distribution in HUI was: 0%ADH1B*2, 0.5%ALDH2*2, 51.5%CYP2E1*c2; in MES: 3.4%ADH1B*2, 0%ALDH2*2, 16.1%CYP2E1*c2. Frequency of ADH1B*2 was statistically (p < 0.001) lower in HUI than MES. CYP2E1*c2 polymorphic allele was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in HUI than MES. Hepatic profile was normal in both groups. HUI showed a better lipid profile than MES independently of genotype.Conclusions:  Huichols exhibited the highest CYP2E1*c2 allele frequency of the world documented up to this date; meanwhile, ADH1B*2 and ALDH2*2 were practically absent. This feature could be useful in the understanding of Mexican population gene composition, alcohol metabolism, and alcoholic liver disease development. However, further association studies are necessary. The heterogeneity of Mexican population was evidenced by the significantly different distribution of CYP2E1*c2 allele observed among different regions of the country. Lipid and hepatic values were not associated to genotype. This report constitutes the first study dealing with gene polymorphisms of alcohol metabolizing enzymes conducted in HUI.
Systemic Administration of Arecoline Reduces Ethanol‐Induced Sleeping Through Activation of Central Muscarinic Receptor in Mice
Authors: Sun Yan‐Ping , Liu Qing , Luo Juan , Guo Ping , Chen Feng , Lawrence Andrew J. , Liang Jian‐Hui 
Published: October 2009

Background: Epidemiological evidence of co‐use of alcohol and areca nuts suggests a potential central interaction between arecoline, a major alkaloid of areca and a muscarinic receptor agonist, and ethanol. Moreover, the central cholinergic system plays an important role in the depressant action of ethanol and barbiturates. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of arecoline on pentobarbital‐ and ethanol‐induced hypnosis in mice.Methods: Male ICR mice were tested for locomotor activity following acute systemic administration of ethanol alone, arecoline alone, or ethanol plus arecoline. For the loss of the righting reflex (LORR) induced by pentobarbital and ethanol, sleep latency and sleeping duration were evaluated in mice treated with arecoline alone or the combination of arecoline and scopolamine or methscopolamine.Results: Ethanol (1.0 to 3.0 g/kg, i.p.) reduced locomotor activity significantly and a declining trend was observed after treatment with arecoline (0.25 to 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.), but there were no synergistic effects of ethanol and arecoline on locomotor activity. The experiments on LORR demonstrated that arecoline (0.125 to 1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) shortened the duration of sleeping induced by ethanol (4.0 g/kg, i.p.), but not pentobarbital (45 mg/kg, i.p.). In addition, alterations of sleep latency were not obvious in both pentobarbital‐ and ethanol‐induced LORR. Statistical analyses revealed that scopolamine (centrally acting), but not methscopolamine (peripherally acting), could antagonize the effect of arecoline on the duration of ethanol‐induced LORR in mice.Conclusions: These results suggest that central muscarinic receptor is a pharmacological target for the action of arecoline to modulate ethanol‐induced hypnosis.
Age‐Related Gray Matter Shrinkage in a Treatment Naïve Actively Drinking Alcohol‐Dependent Sample
Authors: Fein George , Shimotsu Ryan , Barakos Jerome 
Published: October 2009

Background:  We previously demonstrated, in a small sample, steeper age‐related gray matter shrinkage in treatment naïve alcohol‐dependent (TxN) men compared to nonalcoholic controls, but could not separate out the contributions of age and lifetime duration of alcohol use (which were highly correlated) to this effect. In the current study, we have quadrupled the sample size and expanded it to include both men and women to try to replicate and extend the previous findings and to separate the contributions of age and alcohol use to the phenomenon.Methods:  In the current study, we examine cortical gray matter volumes in 18‐ to 50‐year‐old TxN (n = 84) versus age and gender comparable controls (n = 67). We used a new Region of Interest Analysis method which accounts for differences in sulcal and gyral enfolding between individuals (Fein et al., 2009a).Results:  We found greater age‐related gray matter shrinkage in TxN than in controls. Partial correlation analysis showed that the effect was a function of age and not lifetime alcohol burden.Conclusions:  Implications of the findings are discussed in terms of their contribution toward our knowledge of differences between different subpopulations of alcoholics and in terms of their implications for the morbidity of alcohol dependence in an aging national population.
Periodontal bacteremia and various vascular diseases
Authors: Iwai T. 
Published: October 2009

Background and Objective:  Weak oral bacteria, such as periodontal bacteria, have been found in various vascular lesions, including atheroma, the thrombus of the occluded artery of Buerger’s disease, the abdominal aortic aneurismal wall and varicose veins. Serum titer levels of each bacterium are now available and have shown a significant relationship between severity and individual differences.Material and Methods:  The Medline and Tokyo Medical and Dental University databases were searched to identify the literature currently available on oral bacteria and vascular diseases.Results:  It is estimated that lymph vessel openings trap bacteria en route from the mouth to the bloodstream and then carry them to the vein of the venous angle near the supraclavicular area. In the case of periodontal bacteria, a typical bacterium, such as Porphyromonasgingivalis, strongly activates platelets and makes them mass, including the bacteria without phagocytosis. Simultaneously, cytokines and serotonin are discharged. Platelet engulfment was clearly demonstrated by electron microscopy analysis. An animal study using rats showed the formation of a small arterial thrombus after continuous intravenous infusion of P. gingivalis for 2–4 wk.Conclusion:  Weak oral bacteria, such as periodontal bacteria, may play an important role in the development of various vascular diseases, such as Buerger’s disease, atherosclerosis and varicose veins, through bacteremia.
p28, A Novel ERGIC/cisGolgi Protein, Required for Golgi Ribbon Formation
Authors: Koegler Eva , Bonnon Carine , Waldmeier Lorenz , Mitrovic Sandra , Halbeisen Regula , Hauri Hans‐Peter 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe mammalian Golgi apparatus consists of individual cisternae that are stacked in a polarized manner to form the compact zones of the Golgi. Several stacks are linked to form a ribbon via dynamic lateral bridges. The determinants required for maintaining the characteristic Golgi structure are incompletely understood. Here, we have characterized p28, a new γ‐subfamily member of p24 membrane proteins. p28 localized to endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) andcisGolgi and accumulated in the ERGIC upon Brefeldin A treatment, typical for a protein cycling in the early secretory pathway. p28 interacted with a subset of p24 proteins. Its depletion by small interfering RNA (siRNA) led to fragmentation of the Golgi without affecting the overall organization of microtubules but considerably reducing the amount of acetylated tubulin. The distribution of COPI and tethers, including GM130, was not affected. At the ultrastructural level, the Golgi fragments appeared as mini‐stacks with apparently unchangedcis‐transtopology. Golgi fragmentation did not impair anterograde or retrograde traffic. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments revealed that silencing p28 prevents protein exchange between Golgi stacks during reassembly after Brefeldin A‐induced Golgi breakdown. These results show that the formation of a Golgi ribbon requires the structural membrane protein p28 in addition to previously identified SNAREs, coat proteins and tethers.
Analysis of consumers' preferences and behavior with regard to horse meat using a structured survey questionnaire
Authors: OH Woon Yong , LEE Ji Woong , LEE Chong Eon , KO Moon Seok , JEONG Jae Hong 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTIn this study, a structured survey questionnaire was used to determine consumers' preferences and behavior with regard to horse meat at a horse meat restaurant located in Jeju, Korea, from October 1 to December 24, 2005. The questionnaire employed in this study consisted of 20 questions designed to characterize six general attributes: horse meat sensory property, physical appearance, health condition, origin, price, and other attributes. Of the 1370 questionnaires distributed, 1126 completed questionnaires were retained based on the completeness of the answers, representing an 82.2% response rate. Two issues were investigated that might facilitate the search for ways to improve horse meat production and marketing programs in Korea. The first step was to determine certain important factors, called principal components, which enabled the researchers to understand the needs of horse meat consumers via principal component analysis. The second step was to define consumer segments with regard to their preferences for horse meat, which was accomplished via cluster analysis. The results of the current study showed that health condition, price, origin, and leanness were the most critical physical attributes affecting the preferences of horse meat consumers. Four segments of consumers, with different demands for horse meat attributes, were identified: origin‐sensitive consumers, price‐sensitive consumers, quality and safety‐sensitive consumers, and non‐specific consumers. Significant differences existed among segments of consumers in terms of age, nature of work, frequency of consumption, and general level of acceptability of horse meat.
Lyα blobs like company: the discovery of a candidate 100 kpc Lyα blob near to a radio galaxy with a giant Lyα halo B3 J2330+3927 at z = 3.1
Authors: Matsuda Y. , Nakamura Y. , Morimoto N. , Smail Ian , De Breuck C. , Ohta K. , Kodama T. , Inoue A. K. , Hayashino T. , Kousai K. , Nakamura E. , Horie M. , Yamada T. , Kitamura M. , Saito T. , Taniguchi Y. , Tanaka I. , Hibon P. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
We present the discovery of a candidate of giant radio-quiet Lyα blob (RQLAB) in a large-scale structure around a high-redshift radio galaxy (HzRG) lying in a giant Lyα halo B3 J2330+3927 at redshift z= 3.087. We obtained narrow- and broad-band imaging around B3 J2330+3927 with Subaru/Suprime-Cam to search for Lyα emitters (LAEs) and absorbers (LAAs) at redshift z= 3.09 ± 0.03. We detected candidate 127 LAEs and 26 LAAs in the field of view of 31 × 24 arcmin2 (58 × 44 comoving Mpc). We found that B3 J2330+3927 is surrounded by a 130 kpc Lyα halo and a large-scale (∼60 × 20 comoving Mpc) filamentary structure. The large-scale structure contains one prominent local density peak with an overdensity of greater than 5, which is 8 arcmin (15 comoving Mpc) away from B3 J2330+3927. In this peak, we discovered a candidate 100 kpc RQLAB. The existence of both types of Lyα nebulae in the same large-scale structure suggests that giant Lyα nebulae need special large-scale environments to form. On smaller scales, however, the location of B3 J2330+3927 is not a significant local density peak in this structure, in contrast to the RQLAB. There are two possible interpretations of the difference of the local environments of these two Lyα nebulae. First, RQLAB may need a prominent (δ∼ 5) density peak of galaxies to form through intense starbursts due to frequent galaxy interactions/mergers and/or continuous gas accretion in an overdense environment. On the other hand, Lyα halo around HzRG may not always need a prominent density peak to form if the surrounding Lyα halo is mainly powered by its radio and active galactic nucleus activities. Alternatively, both RQLAB and Lyα halo around HzRG may need prominent density peaks to form but we could not completely trace the density of galaxies because we missed evolved and dusty galaxies in this survey.
A practical guide to methods of parentage analysis
Authors: JONES ADAM G. , SMALL CLAYTON M. , PACZOLT KIMBERLY A. , RATTERMAN NICHOLAS L. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe use of molecular techniques for parentage analysis has been a booming science for over a decade. The most important technological breakthrough was the introduction of microsatellite markers to molecular ecology, an advance that was accompanied by a proliferation and refinement of statistical techniques for the analysis of parentage data. Over the last several years, we have seen steady progress in a number of areas related to parentage analysis, and the prospects for successful studies continue to improve. Here, we provide an updated guide for scientists interested in embarking on parentage analysis in natural or artificial populations of organisms, with a particular focus on computer software packages that implement various methods of analysis. Our survey of the literature shows that there are a few established methods that perform extremely well in the analysis of most types of parentage studies. However, particular experimental designs or study systems can benefit from some of the less well‐known computer packages available. Overall, we find that parentage analysis is feasible and satisfying in most systems, and we try to provide a simple roadmap to help other scientists navigate the confusing topography of statistical techniques.
Effects of 7‐methylxanthine on the sclera in form deprivation myopia in guinea pigs
Authors: Cui Dongmei , Trier Klaus , Zeng Junwen , Wu Kaili , Yu Minbin , Hu Jianmin , Chen Xiang , Ge Jian 
Published: October 2009

Abstract.Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the adenosine receptor antagonist 7‐methylxanthine (7‐MX) on form deprivation myopia in 3‐week‐old guinea pigs.Methods: Two groups of 3‐week‐old guinea pigs were subjected to monocular deprivation (MD) using a diffuser and fed either 7‐MX (300 mg/kg body weight;n = 7) or vehicle control (saline at an equal volume to 7‐MX;n = 7). A control group (n = 6) was not subjected to form deprivation. Ocular refraction, axial length and body weight were measured at the start and after 21 days. The thickness of the posterior sclera was measured by light microscopy and the collagen fibril diameter in the inner, middle and outer layers of the sclera was measured by electron microscopy.Results: In the vehicle control group, 21 days of MD produced significant amounts of myopia, axial elongation, thinning of the posterior sclera and thinning of the median collagen fibril diameter in the posterior sclera relative to the contralateral eyes. In the guinea pigs fed with 7‐MX, however, form deprivation produced significantly less myopia and axial elongation compared with vehicle control animals. The 7‐MX‐treated animals exhibited a thickening of the posterior sclera in both the MD eye and the contralateral eye. In the 7‐MX‐treated animals, the median collagen fibril diameter in the posterior sclera was not reduced by form deprivation.Conclusions: Treatment with 7‐MX appears to not only decrease the amount of myopia by around 50% and eliminate the eye elongation induced by form deprivation in guinea pigs, but also to prevent form deprivation myopia‐related scleral changes, such as thinning of the sclera and thinning of the collagen fibril diameter in the posterior sclera.
TetR-Type Transcriptional Regulator VtpR Functions as a Global Regulator in
Vibrio tubiashii
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroaki , Häse Claudia C. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

Vibrio tubiashii
, a causative agent of severe shellfish larval disease, produces multiple extracellular proteins, including a metalloprotease (VtpA), as potential virulence factors. We previously reported that VtpA is toxic for Pacific oyster (
Crassostrea gigas
) larvae. In this study, we show that extracellular protease production by
V. tubiashii
was much reduced by elevated salt concentrations, as well as by elevated temperatures. In addition,
V. tubiashii
produced dramatically less protease in minimal salts medium supplemented with glucose or sucrose as the sole carbon source than with succinate. We identified a protein that belongs to the TetR family of transcriptional regulators, VtpR, which showed high homology with
V. cholerae
HapR. We conclude that VtpR activates VtpA production based on the following: (i) a VtpR-deficient
V. tubiashii
mutant did not produce extracellular proteases, (ii) the mutant showed reduced expression of a
vtpA-lacZ
fusion, and (iii) VtpR activated
vtpA-lacZ
in a
V. cholerae
heterologous background. Moreover, we show that VtpR activated the expression of an additional metalloprotease gene (
vtpB
). The deduced VtpB sequence showed high homology with a metalloprotease, VhpA, from
V. harveyi
. Furthermore, the
vtpR
mutant strain produced reduced levels of extracellular hemolysin, which is attributed to the lower expression of the
V. tubiashii
hemolysin genes (
vthAB
). The VtpR-deficient mutant also had negative effects on bacterial motility and did not demonstrate toxicity to oyster larvae. Together, these findings establish that the
V. tubiashii
VtpR protein functions as a global regulator controlling an array of potential virulence factors.
Temporal and Spatial Diversity of the Tap Water Microbiota in a Norwegian Hospital
Authors: Rudi Knut , Tannæs Tone , Vatn Morten 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT
We analyzed the temporal and spatial diversity of the microbiota in a low-usage and a high-usage hospital tap. We identified a tap-specific colonization pattern, with potential human pathogens being overrepresented in the low-usage tap. We propose that founder effects and local adaptation caused the tap-specific colonization patterns. Our conclusion is that tap-specific colonization represents a potential challenge for water safety.