bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of int (integrase), xis (excisionase) and chromosomal attachment sites of the integrative and conjugative element ICEBs1 of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Lee Catherine A. , Auchtung Jennifer M. , Monson Rita E. , Grossman Alan D. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryICEBs1 is an integrative and conjugative element (conjugative transposon) integrated into trnS‐leu2 in Bacillus subtilis. In response to DNA damage or high concentrations of potential mating partners, ICEBs1 can excise and transfer to various recipients, including other species. We found that excision of ICEBs1 occurs by site‐specific recombination within 60 bp direct repeats that mark the junctions between ICEBs1 and chromosomal DNA. Excision required two ICEBs1 genes, int (integrase, ydcL), predicted to encode a tyrosine recombinase similar to that of phage lambda, and xis (excisionase, sacV). Ectopic expression of xis was sufficient to induce excision of ICEBs1, indicating that regulation of xis transcription by DNA damage and peptide signalling normally controls excision. Int, but not Xis, was needed for site‐specific integration. We found that in the absence of the primary bacterial attachment site (attB) in trnS‐leu2, ICEBs1 integrated in secondary attachment sites that are similar to a 17 bp sequence in attB. In the absence of int, ICEBs1 could recombine into the chromosome by RecA‐dependent homologous recombination, provided ICEBs1 contained a region of sequence identity to a chromosomal locus.
Detection of a novel papillomavirus in pigmented plaques of four pugs
Authors: Tobler K. , Lange C. , Carlotti D. N. , Ackermann M. , Favrot C. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractPugs are predisposed to the development of deeply pigmented, slightly elevated hyperkeratotic noncancerous plaques. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of a papillomavirus (PV)‐like DNA fragment from such lesions suggested that PV may be responsible for them, although the predicted virus has not yet been identified. The goal of the present study was to make use of pigmented plaques from four pugs to identify and sequence the predicted virus. Taking advantage of the circular nature of PV DNA, the entire viral genome was amplified by rolling circle amplification and restriction enzyme analysis disclosed the same pattern in all four cases. Sequencing of one of the amplificates revealed a novel canine PV, termed CPV4, related to the recently described CPV3 but clearly distinct from canine oral PV and CPV2. Thus, a novel canine PV and a method for its future diagnosis are described.
Intraepidermal adenocarcinoma in the perianal skin of two cats, a condition resembling human extramammary Paget's disease
Authors: Hargis Ann M. , Baldessari Audrey E. , Walder Emily J. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn humans, mammary and extramammary Paget's disease is an uncommon to rare manifestation of intraepidermal adenocarcinoma arising from simple epithelium, usually glandular in origin. This report describes two cats with lesions in perianal skin consisting of atypical intraepidermal neoplastic cells. Differential diagnoses included intraepidermal adenocarcinoma, in situ squamous or basal cell carcinoma, junctional amelanotic melanoma, and epitheliotropic tumours of histiocytic or lymphocytic origin. The atypical intraepidermal cells in the cats were immunohistochemically positive for cytokeratin 8/18 (CK8/18), which stains simple (glandular) epithelium. The keratinocytes and basal cells were negative for CK8/18. In addition, the atypical intraepidermal cells were immunohistochemically negative for melanocytic, lymphocytic, and histiocytic markers. The staining results confirmed the atypical intraepidermal cells to be of simple glandular origin, and ruled out other causes of intraepidermal malignancy. In one cat the clinical lesions consisted of a pruritic erythematous eruption surrounding the anus. Another cat presented clinically for an area of irregular anal thickening; this cat had well‐regulated diabetes mellitus. The cats were otherwise clinically healthy. The clinical features, histological appearance, and immunohistochemical staining of the skin lesions were consistent with those described for human perianal extramammary Paget's disease. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of an intraepidermal adenocarcinoma in a cat or other animal species.
Frequency of risk factors for foot ulceration in individuals with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Freeman A. , May K. , Frescos N. , Wraight P. R. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground:  Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with foot ulceration, the pathological pathway involved remains unclear. This pilot study was designed to investigate the risk factors for foot ulceration in individuals with CKD who do not have diabetes. The aims of this study were to establish the risk status for foot ulceration in individuals with CKD and to identify the particular foot ulcer risk factors most prevalent in this group.Methods:  One hundred outpatients were recruited from a metropolitan hospital and allocated into one of four groups: (i) control: neither diabetes nor CKD, (ii) diabetes alone, (iii) coexisting CKD and diabetes and (iv) CKD alone. All participants were assessed for past/current foot ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, vascular insufficiency, structural deformity and skin pathology. Comparisons were made between the groups regarding the prevalence of these factors.Results:  Participants with CKD who did not have diabetes displayed no significant differences in risk factor presentation from those with diabetes alone. Of the participants with CKD and no diabetes, 36% had peripheral neuropathy, 20% had vascular insufficiency and 24% had the copresentation of peripheral neuropathy and structural deformity. Overall, participants with both CKD and diabetes had the highest presentation of past/current foot ulcers, peripheral neuropathy and vascular insufficiency, all significantly more frequent in this group than in controls (P < 0.05). Eight of the total 10 participants found to have a past/current foot ulcer were in end‐stage kidney failure.Conclusion:  Individuals with CKD frequently display risk factors for foot ulceration. Risk factors are more prevalent in individuals who also have diabetes and foot ulcers become more frequent with progression to end‐stage kidney failure. Risk assessment and patient awareness strategies should therefore be extended to include all patients with CKD so as to reduce future foot ulcer development.
Prevalence and associated factors of overweight and obesity in older rural Chinese
Authors: Zhang X. , Sun Z. , Zhang X. , Zheng L. , Liu S. , Xu C. , Li J. , Zhao F. , Li J. , Hu D. , Sun Y. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground:  The elderly obese are at increased risk of mortality and morbidity of many obesity‐related chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes and coronary heart disease. This study was designed to investigate the epidemiological features of overweight and obesity in older rural Chinese.Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted during 2004–2005, which undertook multistage cluster sampling method to select a representative sample in Fuxin county, Liaoning province, China. A total of 6643 elderly persons with age ≥60 years was examined. At baseline, lifestyle and other factors were obtained. Overweight and obesity were defined according to the World Health Organization classification and Chinese criteria, respectively.Results:  Overall, using World Health Organization criteria, the prevalence of overweight and obesity were 13.8 and 1.7%, respectively. Using Chinese criteria, the corresponding figures were 21.2 and 4.0%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that women, Mongolian nationality, high levels of education and current drinking status were risk factors for overweight or obese participants. Increasing age, high levels of physical activity and current smoking status were shown as protective factors. A positive association was also observed between body mass index and female sex, Mongolian nationality, education levels and current drinking status. However, there was an inverse association between body mass index and age, physical activity levels and current smoking status.Conclusion:  Although the prevalence of obesity was low, the prevalence of overweight was relatively high in older rural Chinese, especially in female adults. Unfavourable lifestyles, gender, age, ethnicity, education levels and physical activity were associated with the prevalence of these health conditions.
Alpha‐synuclein in the nucleus accumbens induces changes in cocaine behaviour in rats
Authors: Boyer Frederic , Dreyer Jean‐Luc 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe mesolimbic dopaminergic system is widely recognized to be critical to the neurobiology of cocaine reward and addiction. The neuronal protein, α‐synuclein, is an important regulator in dopaminergic transmission. It interacts with the dopamine transporter, and regulates dopaminergic content, neurotransmission and synaptic strength of dopaminergic neurons. Alpha‐synuclein levels are elevated in midbrain dopamine neurons of chronic cocaine abusers, and its expression is increased in psychostimulant‐treated animals [M.S. Brenz‐Verca et al. (2003) J. Neurosci., 18, 1923–1938]. This suggests a role for α‐synuclein in psychostimulant‐induced behavioural effects. To investigate this hypothesis, we tested the effect of stimulation and silencing of α‐synuclein expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) on two cocaine‐induced behavioural effects in the rat. For this purpose, animals were administered with lentiviruses driving α‐synuclein overexpression under the control of a doxycycline regulatable promoter and/or with three lentiviruses expressing target‐specific siRNAs, aimed at silencing α‐synuclein mRNA expression. Animals were then tested for cocaine‐induced locomotion (15 mg/kg i.p.) or cocaine‐induced intravenous self‐administration (SA; 0.7 mg/kg, 1 h/day). Overexpression of α‐synuclein in the NAcc induced a 45% increase in locomotor activity and a 1.9‐fold increase of cocaine SA, which could be abolished when the same animal was fed doxycycline. Furthermore, local inhibition of α‐synuclein in the NAcc resulted in significant hypolocomotion activity and a decrease in SA. Our results demonstrate that α‐synuclein is able to modulate cocaine‐induced behavioural effects. This suggests that targeting α‐synuclein function could provide new therapeutic strategies to treat cocaine abuse, for which there is no available treatment.
Acetaldehyde mediates alcohol activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system
Authors: Melis M. , Enrico P. , Peana A. T. , Diana M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractEthanol (EtOH), the main psychoactive ingredient of alcoholic drinks, is widely considered to be responsible for alcohol abuse and alcoholism through its positive motivational properties, which depend, at least partially, on the activation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. However, acetaldehyde (ACD), the first metabolite of EtOH, has been classically considered to be aversive and useful in the pharmacological therapy of alcoholics. Here we show that EtOH‐derived ACD is necessary for EtOH‐induced place preference, a pre‐clinical test with high predictive validity for reward liability. We also found that ACD is essential for EtOH‐increased microdialysate dopamine (DA) levels in the rat nucleus accumbens and that this effect is mimicked by intra‐ventral tegmental area (VTA) ACD administration. Furthermore, in vitro, ACD enhances VTA DA neuronal firing through action on two ionic currents: reduction of the A‐type K+ current and activation of the hyperpolarization‐activated inward current. EtOH‐stimulating properties on DA neurons are prevented by pharmacological blockade of local catalase, the main metabolic step for biotransformation of EtOH into ACD in the central nervous system. These results provide in‐vivo and in‐vitro evidence for a key role of ACD in the motivational properties of EtOH and its activation of the mesolimbic DA system. Additionally, these observations suggest that ACD, by increasing VTA DA neuronal activity, would oppose its well‐known peripherally originating aversive properties. Careful consideration of these findings could help in devising new effective pharmacological therapies aimed at reducing EtOH intake in alcoholics.
Respiratory and metabolic acidosis differentially affect the respiratory neuronal network in the ventral medulla of neonatal rats
Authors: Okada Yasumasa , Masumiya Haruko , Tamura Yoshiyasu , Oku Yoshitaka 
Published: November 2007

AbstractTwo respiratory‐related areas, the para‐facial respiratory group/retrotrapezoid nucleus (pFRG/RTN) and the pre‐Bötzinger complex/ventral respiratory group (preBötC/VRG), are thought to play key roles in respiratory rhythm. Because respiratory output patterns in response to respiratory and metabolic acidosis differ, we hypothesized that the responses of the medullary respiratory neuronal network to respiratory and metabolic acidosis are different. To test these hypotheses, we analysed respiratory‐related activity in the pFRG/RTN and preBötC/VRG of the neonatal rat brainstem–spinal cord in vitro by optical imaging using a voltage‐sensitive dye, and compared the effects of respiratory and metabolic acidosis on these two populations. We found that the spatiotemporal responses of respiratory‐related regional activities to respiratory and metabolic acidosis are fundamentally different, although both acidosis similarly augmented respiratory output by increasing respiratory frequency. PreBötC/VRG activity, which is mainly inspiratory, was augmented by respiratory acidosis. Respiratory‐modulated pixels increased in the preBötC/VRG area in response to respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis shifted the respiratory phase in the pFRG/RTN; the pre‐inspiratory dominant pattern shifted to inspiratory dominant. The responses of the pFRG/RTN activity to respiratory and metabolic acidosis are complex, and involve either augmentation or reduction in the size of respiratory‐related areas. Furthermore, the activation pattern in the pFRG/RTN switched bi‐directionally between pre‐inspiratory/inspiratory and post‐inspiratory. Electrophysiological study supported the results of our optical imaging study. We conclude that respiratory and metabolic acidosis differentially affect activities of the pFRG/RTN and preBötC/VRG, inducing switching and shifts of the respiratory phase. We suggest that they differently influence the coupling states between the pFRG/RTN and preBötC/VRG.
Acute and long‐term effects of MK‐801 on direct cortical input evoked homosynaptic and heterosynaptic plasticity in the CA1 region of the female rat
Authors: Wöhrl Robert , Eisenach Sven , Manahan‐Vaughan Denise , Heinemann Uwe , Von Haebler Dorothea 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe analysed acute and long‐term effects of theN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist MK‐801 on long‐term heterosynaptic population spike depression (LTHPSD) evoked by high‐frequency stimulation of the direct cortical input in female rat hippocampal slices to understand disturbances in cognitive functions associated with an acute phencyclidine‐induced psychosis. High‐frequency stimulation (HFS) of the direct cortical input (dCI) to cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1) induced homosynaptic long‐term potentiation (LTP) while simultaneously evoking LTHPSD at the Schaffer collateral input. Animals treated with a single intraperitoneal application of MK‐801 (5 mg/kg body weight) showed severe behavioural alterations for 24 h, although histological examination of CA1 did not reveal any morphological changes. However, after application of MK‐801, homosynaptic LTP of the dCI was suppressed for up to 7 days and recovered within 4 weeks. Likewise, LTHPSD in response to HFS of the dCI to CA1 was abolished for at least 1 week post‐treatment, with partial recovery occurring after 4 weeks. Homosynaptic LTP, induced by HFS of Schaffer collaterals, was also disturbed for at least 24 h, with recovery after 7 days. Remarkably, bath application of MK‐801 (50 µm) converted LTHPSD, induced by dCI HFS, into persistent heterosynaptic long‐term enhancement of stratum radiatum‐evoked responses. The acute effects of MK‐801 on synaptic plasticity seen in this study may contribute to the observed severe behavioural alterations and long‐term effects and may explain some of the long‐lasting symptoms remaining after an acute psychotic episode in humans.
Novel CaV2.1 clone replicates many properties of Purkinje cell CaV2.1 current
Authors: Richards Kathryn S. , Swensen Andrew M. , Lipscombe Diane , Bommert Kurt 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe P‐type calcium current is mediated by a voltage‐sensing CaV2.1 α subunit in combination with modulatory auxiliary subunits. In Purkinje neurones, this current has distinctively slow inactivation kinetics that may depend on alternative splicing of the α subunit and/or association with different CaVβ subunits. To better understand the molecular components of P‐type calcium current, we cloned a CaV2.1 cDNA from total mouse brain. The full‐length CaV2.1 isoform that we isolated (GenBank AY714490) contains sequences recently shown to be present in Purkinje neurones. In agreement with previously published work, the alternatively spliced amino acid V421, implicated in slow inactivation, was not encoded in AY714490 and was absent from reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction products generated from single Purkinje cells. Next, we studied the expression of the four known mouse auxiliary CaVβ2 isoforms in Purkinje neurones. Confirmation of the presence of CaVβ2a in Purkinje cells, previously shown by others to slow CaV2.1 kinetics, led us to characterize its influence on current dynamics. We studied currents generated by the clone AY714490 coexpressed in tsA201 cells with four different CaVβ subunits. In addition to the well‐documented slowing of open‐state inactivation kinetics, coexpression with the CaVβ2a subunit also protected CaV2.1 channels from closed‐state inactivation and prevented the channel from inactivating during physiological trains of action potential‐like stimuli. This strong resistance to inactivation parallels the property of Purkinje neurone P‐type currents and is suggestive of a role for CaVβ2a in modulating the inactivation properties of P‐type calcium currents in Purkinje neurones.
Induction of autophagy in neurite degeneration of mouse superior cervical ganglion neurons
Authors: Yang Yi , Fukui Koji , Koike Tatsuro , Zheng Xiaoxiang 
Published: November 2007

AbstractEmerging lines of evidence show that the mechanisms of neurite degeneration are convergent, with poor neuritic transport, mitochondrial dysfunction and an increase in intra‐axonal calcium being the principal convergence points. Nevertheless, the details are unclear. Here, we revealed the induction of autophagy in degenerating neurites of sympathetic neuron initiated by three different experimental paradigms. Autophagosomes were colocalized with collapsed cytoskeletal proteins in neuritic beadings during degeneration. Accumulation of microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3‐II, which is the most reliable marker for autophagy, was observed in the early stage of neurite degeneration. The autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine efficiently suppressed neurite degeneration by protecting neurites from the loss of viability and mitochondrial function. Furthermore, knocking down the key autophagy‐related genes Atg7 and Beclin1 significantly delayed axonal and dendritic degeneration after nerve growth factor deprivation. Reduced expression of Atg7 also suppressed neurite fragmentation after transection. Therefore, our present data suggest the critical role of autophagy in neurite degeneration and may provide a valuable clue in understanding the mechanism of axonal and dendritic degeneration.
Diabetes insipidus and, partially, low anxiety‐related behaviour are linked to a SNP‐associated vasopressin deficit in LAB mice
Authors: Keßler Melanie S. , Murgatroyd Chris , Bunck Mirjam , Czibere Ludwig , Frank Elisabeth , Jacob Wolfgang , Horvath Charlotte , Muigg Patrik , Holsboer Florian , Singewald Nicolas , Spengler Dietmar , Landgraf Rainer 
Published: November 2007

AbstractFollowing secretion from the posterior pituitary, the neuropeptide vasopressin (AVP) stimulates the kidney to retain water, and when released centrally it can contribute to anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviours. We hypothesized that CD1 mice bred for low trait anxiety (LAB) suffer from a deficit in AVP. Both osmotically stimulated peripheral secretion and intra‐paraventricular nucleus (PVN) release of AVP were found decreased in LAB animals compared with normal anxiety (NAB) or high anxiety (HAB) controls. Consequently, in addition to their extreme non‐anxiety, LAB mice showed signs of central diabetes insipidus (cDI), including increased fluid intake and reduced urine osmolality, as well as a pathological increase in plasma osmolality upon water deprivation. These cDI symptoms were attenuated by administration of a selective AVP V2 receptor agonist. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 1 (C(+ 40)T) of the Avp gene of LAB animals causes an amino acid substitution in the signal peptide of the AVP precursor, and is likely to impair processing and trafficking of the precursor, as suggested by reduced axonal transport of AVP from the hypothalamic PVN, finally contributing to cDI symptoms and low trait anxiety. In an F2 panel, this SNP co‐segregated with fluid intake and showed a partial contribution to low anxiety‐related behaviour, indicated by its co‐segregation with time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus‐maze in a subset of F2 mice. Thus, the SNP‐associated deficit in plasma and central AVP contributes to signs of cDI and, at least partially, to low trait anxiety, both features being typical of LAB animals.
FK506‐binding protein localizations in human penile innervation
Authors: Lagoda Gwen , Sezen Sena F. , Liu Tongyun , Höke Ahmet , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVETo determine if FK506‐binding proteins (FKBPs) are localized to the autonomic nerve supply of the human penis because FK506 (an immunosuppressant drug) has been linked to enhanced nerve regeneration after nerve injury and neurodegenerative diseases by binding to FKBPs, a select group of immunophilins.MATERIALS AND METHODSHuman lower genitourinary tract specimens were obtained and embedded in paraffin wax. The tissue was sectioned (10 µm) and processed for immunohistochemistry using antibodies for FKBPs 12, 38, 52, 65, 135 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). To confirm specificity of the antibody, we processed some tissue in the absence of primary antibody, with mouse or rabbit IgG, and with a blocking peptide for FKBP12.RESULTSIn the pelvis, immunoreactivity for all the FKBPs and nNOS was localized to the periprostatic ganglia although FKBP12 was the only FKBP localized to nerve bundles in this location. In penile tissue, immunoreactivity for all five FKBPs and nNOS was localized to nerves, although immunoreactivity for FKBP38 was minimal. The FKBPs were also evident in epithelial, endothelial and smooth muscle cells of the prostate and penis. Negative controls did not produce staining.CONCLUSIONSIdentification and localization of immunophilins to nerves coursing in prostate and penile tissue suggest a likely molecular basis to apply immunophilin ligand therapy to protect or regenerate cavernosal nerves. Our findings support the hypothesis that immunosuppressant drugs such as FK506, working via specific receptor mechanisms, are potentially useful to sustain erectile function in men after radical prostatectomy.