bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implantation of a Slow Release Corticosterone Pellet Induces Long‐Term Alterations in Serotonergic Neurochemistry in the Rat Brain
Authors: Bush V. L. , Middlemiss D. N. , Marsden C. A. , Fone K. C. F. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMany studies point to an involvement of deficits in the serotonergic nervous system and hyperactivity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis function with depression. Indeed early life stress, involving HPA axis activation, may predispose susceptible individuals to develop depression in later life. This study investigates the effects of elevating the neuroendocrine stress hormone, corticosterone, for 1 week in adolescent rats on markers of serotonergic neurone function at adulthood. Slow release corticosterone pellets were implanted for 7 days and various serotonergic parameters, as well as plasma corticosterone levels, were measured on day 7 or on day 28 (21 days following removal of the pellet). The corticosterone implant attenuated weight gain and reduced adrenal weights compared to that in control rats implanted with a cholesterol pellet. After 7 days, with the implant still in place, the diurnal variation in plasma corticosterone was reduced so that the level was approximately at that of the evening peak throughout the day. Twenty‐one days after removal of the implant, the diurnal variation in plasma corticosterone returned. Corticosterone treatment decreased [3H] 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino)tetralin binding to the 5‐hydroxytryptamine1A receptor in the cortex but not in the hippocampus. Corticosterone treatment also enhanced the circadian rhythm observed in 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid level and the ratio of 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid to the 5‐hydroxytryptamine in the frontal cortex. Despite corticosterone pellet removal 21 days earlier, there was a persistent decrease in whole body and adrenal weight, cortical 5‐hydroxytryptamine1A receptor binding and an alteration in the diurnal variation in the 5‐hydroxytryptamine ‘turnover’ in the frontal cortex.
Oestrogen‐Induced Vigorous Mounting in Female Rats Carrying Hypothalamic Knife Cuts
Authors: Ohnishi H. , Kondo Y. , Sakuma Y. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn ovariectomized Wistar rats, 1‐ or 2‐mm wide knife cuts were placed in a coronal plane from the surface of the cortex to the floor of the cranial cavity to interrupt posterior efferents of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN). Sham‐operated females had the same knife lowered to a depth of 7 mm. Ovariectomized nonoperated females were also used. After recovery, all rats received a single injection of 2 µg oestradiol benzoate, and were tested 48 h later for male and female sexual behaviour and partner preference. When placed with highly receptive stimulus females, the rats with the 2‐mm cut showed a significantly higher incidence of mounting with ejaculatory thrusts than any other groups. When placed with stud males, 1‐mm cut, as well as sham‐operated females, had increased lordosis quotients. Similarly, both 1‐mm and 2‐mm cuts and sham operation enhanced the incidence of ear wiggling. Despite the display of a transsexual behaviour (i.e. vigorous mounting), all females with the cut showed heterosexual partner preference. Thus, the cut in the present study removed the inhibitory neural effect on mounting, which presumably descends from the VMN. In the absence of this inhibition, minute amounts of oestrogen sufficed to induce vigorous mounting. Sham operation in the present study appeared to interfere with certain inhibitory neural circuitry for lordosis.
Short‐Term Effect of Oestradiol on Neurokinin B mRNA Expression in the Infundibular Nucleus of Ewes
Authors: Pillon D. , Caraty A. , Fabre‐Nys C. , Bruneau G. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn sheep, essentially all the neurokinin B (NKB) neurones of the infundibular nucleus express oestradiol receptor α, and analysis of female and male brains has revealed an exceptionally marked female‐dominant sex difference in the numbers of NKB neurones in the infundibular nucleus. This neuronal population is located in an oestradiol‐sensitive brain area involved in the control of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and oestrous behaviour, but its physiological role is poorly documented. The aim of the present study was to analyse NKB mRNA expression at a crucial time when the steroid has stimulated the pathways leading to the induction of these two events. After cloning a specific ovine NKB antisense riboprobe, we examined the effects of a short oestradiol treatment (4 h subcutaneously) on the expression of NKB mRNA in the caudal part of the infundibular nucleus of progesterone‐primed ovariectomized ewes. We demonstrated that oestradiol decreased both the level of NKB mRNA expression (34%) and the number of cells containing NKB mRNA (43%). Oestradiol acts strongly on these NKB cells in the short term. We suggest that this early change in NKB mRNA expression during the preovulatory period might be involved in the control of the induction of GnRH secretion or oestrous behaviour.
Presynaptic Noradrenergic Regulation of Glutamate Inputs to Hypothalamic Magnocellular Neurones
Authors: Boudaba C. , Di S. , Tasker J. G. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractGlutamate and norepinephrine transmitter systems play critical roles in the synaptic control of hypothalamic magnocellular neurones. We recently reported on a norepinephrine‐sensitive glutamate circuit within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) that projects to magnocellular neurones. Here, we present evidence for norepinephrine regulation of glutamate release in the PVN and supraoptic nucleus (SON) via actions on presynaptic terminals. Whole‐cell synaptic currents were recorded in magnocellular neurones of the SON and PVN in an acute slice preparation. Bath application of norepinephrine (100 µm) caused a robust, reversible increase in the frequency of spontaneous glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents in 100% of SON neurones (246%) and in 88% of PVN magnocellular neurones (259%). The norepinephrine‐induced increase in glutamate release was mediated by activation of both presynaptic α1 receptors and α2 receptors, but the α1‐receptor component was the predominant component of the response. The presynaptic actions of norepinephrine were predominantly, although not completely, resistant to blockade of Na‐dependent spikes, implicating a presynaptic terminal locus of action. Interestingly, the spike‐dependent component of the response was greater in PVN than in SON magnocellular neurones. This robust presynaptic facilitation of glutamate release by norepinephrine, combined with the known excitatory postsynaptic actions of norepinephrine, activational effects on local glutamate circuits, and inhibitory effects on γ‐aminobutyric acid release, indicate a strong excitatory role of norepinephrine in the regulation of oxytocin and vasopressin release during physiological stimulation.
Long‐Chain os‐Isoprenyltransferase Activity Is Induced Early in the Developmental Program for Protein N‐Glycosylation in Embryonic Rat Brain Cells
Authors: Crick Dean C. , Waechter Charles J. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract:A large developmental increase in Glc3Man9‐ GlcNAc2‐P‐P‐dolichol (Oligo‐P‐P‐Dol) synthesis and protein W‐glycosylation in primary cultures of embryonic rat brain cells has been reported previously. In vitro enzyme studies and metabolic labeling experiments now show that there is a coordinate induction of long‐chain c/s‐iso‐ prenyltransferase (IPTase) activity, an activity required for the chain‐elongation stage of dolichyl monophosphate (Dol‐P) biosynthesis de novo, and Oligo‐P‐P‐Dol biosynthesis in embryonic rat brain. Different developmental patterns were observed for IPTase and |8‐hydroxy‐/3‐methyl‐ glutaryl‐CoA (HMG‐CoA) reductase activity as well as Dol‐ P and cholesterol biosynthesis, indicating that these pathways are regulated independently in rat brain. Three separate experimental approaches provide evidence that the amount of Dol‐P available in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is a rate‐limiting factor in the expression of the lipid intermediate pathway. First, metabolic labeling experiments show that the biosynthesis of Dol‐P is induced at the same time or just prior to the induction of Oligo‐P‐P‐Dol biosynthesis. Second, the time of induction and rate of Oligo‐P‐P‐Dol synthesis are accelerated when Dol‐P is supplemented in the culture medium. Third, in vitro assays of mannosylphosphoryldolichol synthase and A/‐acetylglucosaminylpyrophosphoryldolichol synthase indicate that there are only minor increases in the levels of these enzymes during development, but the amount of endogenous Dol‐P in the RER that is accessible to the glycosyltransferases increases when IPTase activity is induced. In summary, the current studies with embryonic rat brain cells document the coordinate induction of IPTase activity and Oligo‐P‐P‐Dol synthesis, support the hypothesis that the availability of Dol‐P in the RER is one rate‐limiting factor in Oligo‐P‐P‐Dol synthesis, and strongly suggest that increases in IPTase activity and the rate of de novo Dol‐P biosynthesis enhance the capacity of embryonic rat brain cells for lipid intermediate synthesis early in the developmental program for N‐linked glycoprotein biosynthesis.
Arabidopsis Plants Acclimate to Water Deficit at Low Cost through Changes of Carbon Usage: An Integrated Perspective Using Growth, Metabolite, Enzyme, and Gene Expression Analysis
Authors: Hummel Irène , Pantin Florent , Sulpice Ronan , Piques Maria , Rolland Gaëlle , Dauzat Myriam , Christophe Angélique , Pervent Marjorie , Bouteillé Marie , Stitt Mark , Gibon Yves , Muller Bertrand 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Growth and carbon (C) fluxes are severely altered in plants exposed to soil water deficit. Correspondingly, it has been suggested that plants under water deficit suffer from C shortage. In this study, we test this hypothesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) by providing an overview of the responses of growth, C balance, metabolites, enzymes of the central metabolism, and a set of sugar-responsive genes to a sustained soil water deficit. The results show that under drought, rosette relative expansion rate is decreased more than photosynthesis, leading to a more positive C balance, while root growth is promoted. Several soluble metabolites accumulate in response to soil water deficit, with K+ and organic acids as the main contributors to osmotic adjustment. Osmotic adjustment costs only a small percentage of the daily photosynthetic C fixation. All C metabolites measured (not only starch and sugars but also organic acids and amino acids) show a diurnal turnover that often increased under water deficit, suggesting that these metabolites are readily available for being metabolized in situ or exported to roots. On the basis of 30 enzyme activities, no in-depth reprogramming of C metabolism was observed. Water deficit induces a shift of the expression level of a set of sugar-responsive genes that is indicative of increased, rather than decreased, C availability. These results converge to show that the differential impact of soil water deficit on photosynthesis and rosette expansion results in an increased availability of C for the roots, an increased turnover of C metabolites, and a low-cost C-based osmotic adjustment, and these responses are performed without major reformatting of the primary metabolism machinery.
An Atlas of Type I MADS Box Gene Expression during Female Gametophyte and Seed Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bemer Marian , Heijmans Klaas , Airoldi Chiara , Davies Brendan , Angenent Gerco C. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMembers of the plant type I MADS domain subfamily have been reported to be involved in reproductive development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). However, from the 61 type I genes in the Arabidopsis genome, only PHERES1, AGAMOUS-LIKE80 (AGL80), DIANA, AGL62, and AGL23 have been functionally characterized, which revealed important roles for these genes during female gametophyte and early seed development. The functions of the other genes are still unknown, despite the fact that the available single T-DNA insertion mutants have been largely investigated. The lack of mutant phenotypes is likely due to a considerable number of recent intrachromosomal duplications in the type I subfamily, resulting in nonfunctional genes in addition to a high level of redundancy. To enable a breakthrough in type I MADS box gene characterization, a framework needs to be established that allows the prediction of the functionality and redundancy of the type I genes. Here, we present a complete atlas of their expression patterns during female gametophyte and seed development in Arabidopsis, deduced from reporter lines containing translational fusions of the genes to green fluorescent protein and β-glucuronidase. All the expressed genes were revealed to be active in the female gametophyte or developing seed, indicating that the entire type I subfamily is involved in reproductive development in Arabidopsis. Interestingly, expression was predominantly observed in the central cell, antipodal cells, and chalazal endosperm. The combination of our expression results with phylogenetic and protein interaction data allows a better identification of putative redundantly acting genes and provides a useful tool for the functional characterization of the type I MADS box genes in Arabidopsis.
Identification and Characterization of Proteins Involved in Rice Urea and Arginine Catabolism
Authors: Cao Feng-Qiu , Werner Andrea K. , Dahncke Kathleen , Romeis Tina , Liu Lai-Hua , Witte Claus-Peter 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Rice (Oryza sativa) production relies strongly on nitrogen (N) fertilization with urea, but the proteins involved in rice urea metabolism have not yet been characterized. Coding sequences for rice arginase, urease, and the urease accessory proteins D (UreD), F (UreF), and G (UreG) involved in urease activation were identified and cloned. The functionality of urease and the urease accessory proteins was demonstrated by complementing corresponding Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants and by multiple transient coexpression of the rice proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana. Secondary structure models of rice (plant) UreD and UreF proteins revealed a possible functional conservation to bacterial orthologs, especially for UreF. Using amino-terminally StrepII-tagged urease accessory proteins, an interaction between rice UreD and urease could be shown. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic urease activation complexes seem conserved despite limited protein sequence conservation for UreF and UreD. In plant metabolism, urea is generated by the arginase reaction. Rice arginase was transiently expressed as a carboxyl-terminally StrepII-tagged fusion protein in N. benthamiana, purified, and biochemically characterized (K m = 67 mm, k cat = 490 s−1). The activity depended on the presence of manganese (K d = 1.3 μm). In physiological experiments, urease and arginase activities were not influenced by the external N source, but sole urea nutrition imbalanced the plant amino acid profile, leading to the accumulation of asparagine and glutamine in the roots. Our data indicate that reduced plant performance with urea as N source is not a direct result of insufficient urea metabolism but may in part be caused by an imbalance of N distribution.
Drug‐induced hepatic injury in children: a case/non‐case study of suspected adverse drug reactions in VigiBase
Authors: Ferrajolo Carmen , Capuano Annalisa , Verhamme Katia M. C. , Schuemie Martijn , Rossi Francesco , Stricker Bruno H. , Sturkenboom Miriam C. J. M. 
Published: July 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Drug‐induced hepatic injury is one of the most important reasons for drug withdrawal in adults.• Very little is known about drug‐induced hepatic injury in children and adolescents. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • The rate of hepatic injury as suspected adverse drug reactions in the paediatric population is low.• Drugs associated with hepatotoxicity in children and adolescents were mostly known to be associated with hepatotoxicity in adults as well.AIMTo identify which drugs are associated with reports of suspected hepatic injury in children and adolescents.METHODSUsing a worldwide pharmacovigilance database, VigiBase, we conducted a case/non‐case study on suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurring in the population <18 years old. Cases were all the records with hepatic ADRs and non‐cases were all the other ADR records. Records regarding topically administered drugs were excluded from both groups. The association between drug and suspected hepatic ADRs was calculated using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) as a measure of disproportionality while adjusting for gender, country, reporter and calendar year. Sub‐analyses were performed within therapeutic class and by excluding vaccination‐related reports to reduce confounding.RESULTSOverall, 6595 (1%) out of 624 673 ADR records in children and adolescents concerned hepatic injury. Most of the reported hepatic injuries concerned children 12–17 years of age. Drugs that were most frequently reported as suspected cause and were associated with hepatic injury comprised paracetamol, valproic acid, carbamazepine, methotrexate, minocycline, zidovudine, pemoline, ceftriaxone, bosentan, ciclosporin, atomoxetine, olanzapine, basiliximab, erythromycin and voriconazole. The association between hepatotoxicity and all these drugs, except for basiliximab, is already known.CONCLUSIONSDrug‐induced hepatic injury is infrequently reported (only 1% of total) as a suspected ADR in children and adolescents. The drugs associated with reported hepatotoxicity (paracetamol, antiepileptic and anti‐tuberculosis agents) are known to be hepatotoxic in adults as well, but age related changes in associations were observed. VigiBase is useful as a start to plan further drug safety studies in children.
Does what happens in group care stay in group care? The relationship between problem behaviour trajectories during care and post‐placement functioning
Authors: Lee Bethany R. , Chmelka M. Beth , Thompson Ron 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTResidential programmes for youth may improve youth behaviour during placement, but it is not clear whether there is an association between a youth's behaviour pattern during placement and post‐placement outcomes. Life course perspective has been used to understand longitudinal patterns and pathways, and new statistical methods have been developed to identify latent trajectory groups. This study used administrative data from a family‐style group care programme to assess whether a youth's externalizing behaviour trajectory while in placement can significantly predict delinquency and adjustment outcomes at discharge and 6‐month follow‐up. Findings from multinomial logistic regression revealed a statistically significant relationship between a youth's behaviour trajectory class and outcomes. Behaviour pattern during care was a stronger predictor of outcome than cross‐sectional measures such as other demographic factors, placement history or mental‐health need indicators.
‘It's just like another home, just another family, so it's nae different’ Children's voices in kinship care: a research study about the experience of children in kinship care in Scotland
Authors: Burgess Cheryl , Rossvoll Froya , Wallace Bruce , Daniel Brigid 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTGrowing acknowledgement of the importance of the role of kinship carers in caring and supporting children and young people in Scotland has led to a burgeoning of research on this topic. However, most research has tended to focus on the role of kinship carers. A significant gap has been direct studies into the views and experiences of children and young people living with relatives or friends. This paper seeks to address this by drawing on the findings from a small‐scale qualitative collaborative research project with 12 children and young people living in informal and formal kinship care in the Northeast of Scotland. The literature on foster and kinship care is reviewed and key themes identified. The qualitative research data is outlined employing a thematic analysis approach. The key findings are analysed with a view to the potential implications for policy and practice. The paper concludes with proposals for potential future research.
Learning difficulties and academic competence among children in contact with the child welfare system
Authors: Iversen Anette C. , Hetland Hilde , Havik Toril , Stormark Kjell M. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTChildren who have been in the welfare system tend to have poor social and health outcomes as adults. The aim of this study was to examine learning difficulties, as well as academic competence, among children in contact with child welfare service, and to compare this group to their same‐age peers. The material consisted of 4114 children in fifth to seventh grade, of which 101 were in contact with child welfare services. Information on learning difficulties and academic competence was obtained through questionnaires to teacher and parent/caregivers. As expected, there were significantly more children with learning difficulties in the child welfare group than the peer group; 12% of child welfare clients had general learning difficulties compared to only 0.4% of their peers, and 31% had specific learning difficulties in relation to mathematics and/or reading and writing, compared to 10% of their peers. The majority of child welfare children received assistance from pedagogical–psychological services. While more than every second child welfare client without general learning disability had low academic competence, there were also 15% who had high academic competence. The results show that although many of the children in contact with child welfare service have learning difficulties, there is also heterogeneity and potential for academic achievement.
A new approach to care proceedings
Authors: Masson Judith 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTA new approach to care proceedings, introduced in April 2008 with revised Children Act 1989 Guidance Volume 1 and the Public Law Outline (PLO), a procedural guide for the courts, adds a semi‐formal pre‐proceedings stage. This paper critiques the aims and objectives of the pre‐proceedings process in the light of what is known about the families who become subject to care proceedings. Drawing on the Care Profiling Study, the analysis of a random sample of 386 court files for care proceedings brought in 2004 and the Ministry of Justice's preliminary study of the operation of care proceedings under the PLO, it questions whether formalizing communication between the local authority and the parents immediately before proceedings can produce the intended benefits of diverting cases from the courts and improving the preparation of court applications. It considers how the new processes fit with existing safeguarding and planning procedures, the impact on workers and families, and whether the procedures will help produce good, long‐term arrangements for children at risk of significant harm more quickly.