bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomised controlled trial of moxibustion for breech presentation
Authors: Cardini Francesco , Lombardo Pietro , Regalia Anna Laura , Regaldo Giuseppe , Zanini Alberto , Negri Maria Grazia , Panepuccia Lea , Todros Tullia 
Published: September 2006

Objectives  To evaluate the efficacy of moxibustion for the correction of fetal breech presentation in a non‐Chinese population.Design  Single‐blind randomised controlled trial (RCT).Setting  Six obstetric departments in Italy.Sample  Healthy non‐Chinese nulliparous pregnant women at 32–33 weeks + 3 days of gestational age with the fetus in breech presentation.Methods  Random assignment to treatment or observation. Treatment consisted of moxibustion (stimulation with heat from a stick of Artemisia vulgaris) at the BL 67 acupuncture point (Zhiyin) for one or two weeks. Two weeks after recruitment, each participant was subjected to an ultrasonic examination of the fetal presentation.Main outcome measure  Number of participants with cephalic presentation in the 35th week.Results  The study was interrupted when 123 participants had been recruited (46% of the planned sample). Intermediate data monitoring revealed a high number of treatment interruptions. At this point no difference was found in cephalic presentation in the 35th week (treatment group: 22/65, 34%; control group: 21/58, 36%; RR 0.95; 99% CI 0.59–1.5).Conclusions  The results underline the methodological problems evaluating of a traditional treatment transferred from a different cultural context. They do not support either the effectiveness or the ineffectiveness of moxibustion in correcting fetal breech presentation.
The protein phosphatase 1/2A inhibitor okadaic acid increases CREB and Elk‐1 phosphorylation and c‐fos expression in the rat striatum in vivo
Authors: Choe Eun Sang , Parelkar Nikhil K. , Kim Jong Yeon , Cho Hyun Wook , Kang Ho Sung , Mao Limin , Wang John Q. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractActivation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) up‐regulates transcription factor cyclic AMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) and Elk‐1 phosphorylation via extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in the striatum in vivo. Protein phosphatase 1/2A further regulates immediate early gene expression by inactivating (dephosphorylating) CREB. In this study, using semi‐quantitative immunohistochemical and western blot analyses and in situ hybridization histochemistry, we found that intrastriatal infusion of the protein phosphatase 1/2A inhibitor okadaic acid (0.005, 0.05 and 0.5 nmol) increased CREB and Elk‐1 phosphorylation and c‐Fos immunoreactivity in the injected dorsal striatum in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, okadaic acid (0.05 and 0.5 nm) increased c‐fos mRNA expression in the dorsal striatum in a dose‐dependent manner. Intrastriatal infusion of the group I agonist 3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) at 100 and 250 nm also increased CREB and Elk‐1 phosphorylation. Pre‐treatment of okadaic acid (0.05 nm) did not alter DHPG‐induced increases in the phosphorylation of the two transcription factors. These data suggest that protein phosphatase 1/2A in striatal neurons is tonically active in dephosphorylating CREB and Elk‐1 and thus suppressing constitutive c‐fos mRNA and protein expression. Inhibition of the phosphatase 1/2A may contribute to the group I mGluR‐regulated phosphorylation of these transcription factors and c‐fos expression.
Identification and characterization of a novel C2B splice variant of synaptotagmin I
Authors: Nakhost Arash , Houeland Gry , Blandford Vanessa E. , Castellucci Vincent F. , Sossin Wayne S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe have identified an alternatively spliced form of synaptotagmin I in Aplysia neurons. This isoform, synaptotagmin I C2B‐β, is generated by alternative exon usage in the C2B domain leading to nine amino acid changes in the C2B sequence from the previously characterized synaptotagmin I, now designated as synaptotagmin I C2B‐α. Quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that approximately 25% of mRNA encoding synaptotagmin I contained the C2B‐β exon in the nervous system. Synaptotagmin I C2B‐β showed greater resistance to digestion by chymotrypsin in the absence of calcium than did synaptotagmin I C2B‐α, although both isoforms required the same amount of calcium to resist chymotrypsin digestion. The source of these changes in C2B properties was mapped to a single amino acid (threonine 358). We have also cloned SNAP 25 in Aplysia and show that it binds synaptotagmin I C2B‐β with a higher affinity than synaptotagmin I C2B‐α. These results suggest that this splicing alters biochemical properties of the C2B domain, affecting a number of its important known interactions.
Carnosine uptake in rat choroid plexus primary cell cultures and choroid plexus whole tissue from PEPT2 null mice
Authors: Teuscher Nathan S. , Shen Hong , Shu Cathaleen , Xiang Jianming , Keep Richard F. , Smith David E. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPEPT2 is functionally active and localized to the apical membrane of rat choroid plexus epithelial cells. However, little is known about the transport mechanisms of endogenous neuropeptides in choroid plexus, and the role of PEPT2 in this process. In the present study, we examined the uptake kinetics of carnosine in rat choroid plexus primary cell cultures and choroid plexus whole tissue from wild‐type (PEPT2+/+) and null (PEPT2–/–) mice. Our results indicate that carnosine is preferentially taken up from the apical as opposed to basolateral membrane of cell monolayers, and that basolateral efflux in limited. Transepithelial flux of carnosine was not distinguishable from that of paracellular diffusion. The apical uptake of carnosine was characterized by a high affinity (Km = 34 μm), low capacity (Vmax = 73 pmol/mg protein/min) process, consistent with that of PEPT2. The non‐saturable component was small (Kd = 0.063 μL/mg protein/min) and, under linear conditions, was only 3% of the total uptake. Studies in transgenic mice clearly demonstrated that PEPT2 was responsible for over 90% of carnosine's uptake in choroid plexus whole tissue. These findings elucidate the unique role of PEPT2 in regulating neuropeptide homeostasis at the blood–cerebrospinal fluid interface.
Selective stimulation of serotonin2Creceptors blocks the enhancement of striatal and accumbal dopamine release induced by nicotine administration
Authors: Di Matteo Vincenzo , Pierucci Massimo , Esposito Ennio 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe effects of acute and repeated nicotine administration on the extracellular levels of dopamine (DA) in the corpus striatum and the nucleus accumbens were studied in conscious, freely moving rats byin vivomicrodialysis. Acute intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of nicotine (1 mg/kg) increased DA outflow both in the corpus striatum and the nucleus accumbens. Repeated daily injection of nicotine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) for 10 consecutive days caused a significant increase in basal DA outflow both in the corpus striatum and the nucleus accumbens. Acute challenge with nicotine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) in animals treated repeatedly with this drug enhanced DA extracellular levels in both brain areas. However, the effect of nicotine was potentiated in the nucleus accumbens, but not in the corpus striatum. To test the hypothesis that stimulation of 5‐HT (5‐hydroxytryptamine, serotonin)2Creceptors could affect nicotine‐induced DA release, the selective 5‐HT2Creceptor agonist RO 60–0175 was used. Pretreatment with RO 60–0175 (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.p.) dose‐dependently prevented the enhancement in DA release elicited by acute nicotine in the corpus striatum, but was devoid of any significant effect in the nucleus accumbens. RO 60–0175 (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.p.) dose‐dependently reduced the stimulatory effect on striatal and accumbal DA release induced by an acute challenge with nicotine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats treated repeatedly with this alkaloid. However, only the effect of 3 mg/kg RO 60–0175 reached statistical significance. The inhibitory effect of RO 60–0175 on DA release induced by nicotine in the corpus striatum and the nucleus accumbens was completely prevented by SB 242084 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and SB 243213 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), two selective antagonists of 5‐HT2Creceptors. It is concluded that selective activation of 5‐HT2Creceptors can block the stimulatory action of nicotine on central DA function, an effect that might be relevant for the reported antiaddictive properties of RO 60–0175.
P2Y12receptor stimulation inhibits β‐adrenergic receptor‐induced differentiation by reversing the cyclic AMP‐dependent inhibition of protein kinase B
Authors: Van Kolen Kristof , Slegers Herman 
Published: September 2006

AbstractCyclic AMP‐dependent induction of differentiation by activation of the β‐adrenergic receptor is correlated with inhibition of protein kinase B activity concomitant with growth arrest and increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) synthesis in rat C6 glioma cells. Costimulation of the β‐adrenergic receptor with purinergic receptors activated by 2‐methylthio‐adenosine‐5′‐diphosphate (2MeSADP) increased protein kinase B (PKB) phosphorylation above the level measured in non‐stimulated cells and abolished cAMP‐dependent differentiation. Transfection of cells with constitutively active PKB confirmed that reactivation of PKB is involved in the 2MeSADP‐dependent inhibition of GFAP synthesis. The P2Y12and P2Y13receptor antagonist AR‐C69931MX [N6‐(2‐methylthioethyl)‐2‐(3,3,3‐trifluoropropylthio)‐β,γ‐dichloro‐methylene ATP] decreased PKB phosphorylation to the level in non‐stimulated cells, whereas the P2Y13antagonists pyridoxalphosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulfonic acid (PPADS) andP1,P3‐di(adenosine‐5′) tetraphosphate (Ap4A) did not alter the 2MeSADP‐induced phosphorylation of PKB, showing that enhanced PKB activity and subsequent phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 is due to stimulation of the P2Y12receptor. In addition, experiments in the presence of pertussis toxin and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI 3‐K) activity assays demonstrated that the P2Y12receptor‐mediated increase in PKB phosphorylation is Giprotein‐ and PI 3‐K‐dependent. The presented data demonstrated that a cAMP‐dependent inhibition of PKB induces differentiation of C6 glioma cells and that inhibition of adenylate cyclase and reactivation of the PI 3‐K/PKB pathway by the P2Y12receptor reverses differentiation into enhanced proliferation.
A pericyte‐derived angiopoietin‐1 multimeric complex induces occludin gene expression in brain capillary endothelial cells through Tie‐2 activation in vitro
Authors: Hori Satoko , Ohtsuki Sumio , Hosoya Ken‐ichi , Nakashima Emi , Terasaki Tetsuya 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAlthough tight‐junctions (TJs) at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) are important to prevent non‐specific entry of compounds into the CNS, molecular mechanisms regulating TJ maintenance remain still unclear. The purpose of this study was therefore to identify molecules, which regulate occludin expression, derived from astrocytes and pericytes that ensheathe brain microvessels by using conditionally immortalized adult rat brain capillary endothelial (TR‐BBB13), type II astrocyte (TR‐AST4) and brain pericyte (TR‐PCT1) cell lines. Transfilter co‐culture with TR‐AST4 cells, and exposure to conditioned medium of TR‐AST4 cells (AST‐CM) or TR‐PCT1 cells (PCT‐CM) increased occludin mRNA in TR‐BBB13 cells. PCT‐CM‐induced occludin up‐regulation was significantly inhibited by an angiopoietin‐1‐neutralizing antibody, whereas the up‐regulation by AST‐CM was not. Immunoprecipitation and western blot analyses confirmed that multimeric angiopoietin‐1 is secreted from TR‐PCT1 cells, and induces occludin mRNA, acting through tyrosine phosphorylation of Tie‐2 in TR‐BBB13 cells. A fractionated AST‐CM study revealed that factors in the molecular weight range of 30–100 kDa led to occludin induction. Conversely, occludin mRNA was reduced by transforming growth factor β1, the mRNA of which was up‐regulated in TR‐AST4 cells following hypoxic treatment. In conclusion, in vitro BBB model studies revealed that the pericyte‐derived multimeric angiopoietin‐1/Tie‐2 pathway induces occludin expression.
Astrocytic production of nerve growth factor in motor neuron apoptosis: implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Pehar Mariana , Cassina Patricia , Vargas Marcelo R. , Castellanos Raquel , Viera Liliana , Beckman Joseph S. , Estévez Alvaro G. , Barbeito Luis 
Published: September 2006

AbstractReactive astrocytes frequently surround degenerating motor neurons in patients and transgenic animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We report here that reactive astrocytes in the ventral spinal cord of transgenic ALS‐mutant G93A superoxide dismutase (SOD) mice expressed nerve growth factor (NGF) in regions where degenerating motor neurons expressed p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and were immunoreactive for nitrotyrosine. Cultured spinal cord astrocytes incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or peroxynitrite became reactive and accumulated NGF in the culture medium. Reactive astrocytes caused apoptosis of embryonic rat motor neurons plated on the top of the monolayer. Such motor neuron apoptosis could be prevented when either NGF or p75NTR was inhibited with blocking antibodies. In addition, nitric oxide synthase inhibitors were also protective. Exogenous NGF stimulated motor neuron apoptosis only in the presence of a low steady state concentration of nitric oxide. NGF induced apoptosis in motor neurons from p75NTR +/+ mouse embryos but had no effect in p75NTR –/– knockout embryos. Culture media from reactive astrocytes as well as spinal cord lysates from symptomatic G93A SOD mice‐stimulated motor neuron apoptosis, but only when incubated with exogenous nitric oxide. This effect was prevented by either NGF or p75NTR blocking‐antibodies suggesting that it might be mediated by NGF and/or its precursor forms. Our findings show that NGF secreted by reactive astrocytes induce the death of p75‐expressing motor neurons by a mechanism involving nitric oxide and peroxynitrite formation. Thus, reactive astrocytes might contribute to the progressive motor neuron degeneration characterizing ALS.
Neuropeptides: implications for alcoholism
Authors: Cowen Michael S. , Chen Feng , Lawrence Andrew J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe role of neuromodulatory peptides in the aetiology of alcoholism has been relatively under‐explored; however, the development of selective ligands for neuropeptide receptors, the characterization and cloning of receptors, and the development of transgenic mouse models have greatly facilitated this analysis. The present review considers the most recent preclinical evidence obtained from animal models for the role of two of the opioid peptides, namely b‐endorphin and enkephalin; corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), urocortin I and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in deleterious and excessive alcohol consumption, focussing on specific brain regions, in particular the central nucleus of the amygdala, that appear to be implicated in the pathophysiology of alcoholism. The review also outlines potential directions for further research to clarify neuropeptide involvement in neuromodulation within discrete brain nuclei pertinent to behavioural patterns.
Spinal cord injury triggers systemic autoimmunity: evidence for chronic B lymphocyte activation and lupus‐like autoantibody synthesis
Authors: Ankeny Daniel P. , Lucin Kurt M. , Sanders Virginia M. , McGaughy Violeta M. , Popovich Phillip G. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractClinical and experimental data indicate that spinal cord injury (SCI) elicits pathological T‐cell responses. Implicit in these data, but poorly understood, is that B lymphocytes (B cells) also contribute to the delayed pathophysiology of spinal trauma. Here, for the first time, we show that experimental spinal contusion injury elicits chronic systemic and intraspinal B cell activation with the emergence of a B cell‐dependent organ‐specific and systemic autoimmune response. Specifically, using sera from spinal cord injured mice, immunoblots reveal oligoclonal IgG reactivity against multiple CNS proteins. We also show SCI‐induced synthesis of autoantibodies that bind nuclear antigens including DNA and RNA. Elevated levels of anti‐DNA antibodies are a distinguishing feature of systemic lupus erythematosus and, via their ability to cross‐react with neuronal antigens, can cause neuropathology. We show a similar pathologic potential for the autoantibodies produced after SCI. Thus, mammalian SCI produces marked dysregulation of B cell function (i.e. autoimmunity) with pathological potential.
Identification of 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Príncipe seedeater (Serinus rufobrunneus) and assessment of their utility in nine other Serinus species (Fringillidae, Aves)
Authors: MELO MARTIM , HANSSON BENGT 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe tested 74 passerine microsatellite loci for cross‐amplification in the Príncipe seedeater (Serinus rufobrunneus), and identified 15 loci that were both polymorphic and easy to score. In a sample of 113 individuals, the number of alleles ranged between three and 71. Three loci deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after correcting for multiple tests, and one locus had high estimated null allele frequency. These 15 loci were highly successful in amplifying polymorphic products also in nine other Serinus species.
Development and evaluation of specific 16S rDNA primers for marine Cytophaga–Flavobacteria cluster
Authors: CHEN XIHAN , ZENG YONGHUI , JIAO NIANZHI 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThrough multiple alignment analysis of 16S rDNA sequences from all known genera of Cytophaga–Flavobacteria (CF) cluster, a new primer pair specifically targeting this cluster was developed, greatly facilitating their diversity and function's exploration in marine ecosystems. Compared with previously reported primers, the new primer pair could theoretically retrieve broader CF diversity without decreasing specificity. The effectiveness for field samples was further evaluated by testing the community DNA samples from various marine environments using the optimal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions established in this work. The results showed its robustness and high specificity for amplifying CF cluster's 16S rDNA fragments from complex marine environments.
Nine new tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the fire‐bellied toad (Bombina bombina)
Authors: HAUSWALDT* J. S. , SCHRÖDER C. , TIEDEMANN R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe describe nine new polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci isolated from the fire‐bellied toad (Bombina bombina). The relative yield of new loci was higher than described in previous studies in amphibians: out of 12 loci initially evaluated, nine were polymorphic and amplifying reliably. Number of alleles ranged from four to 10 and observed heterozygosities from 0.47 to 0.91. Seven loci were polymorphic also in Bombina variegata and five in Bombina orientalis. Enrichment protocols yielding long flanking regions potentially overcome difficulties (i.e, low yield of reliable loci relative to number of clones screened) which have been reported in microsatellite development in anurans.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in a cooperatively breeding corvid, the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Authors: SCHOENLE L. A. , TOWNSEND A. K. , LOVETTE I. J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe describe 11 microsatellite loci isolated from the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), the most wide‐spread cooperatively breeding bird in North America. Polymorphism at these loci ranged from four to 43 alleles, and observed heterozygosities from 0.53 to 0.92. Genetic parentage analyses using these markers will allow us to describe the mating system of this common but socially complex species, and to interpret their behavioural interactions in light of relatedness.
Isolation of 23 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Neotropical palm Oenocarpus bataua Martius (Arecaceae)
Authors: MONTUFAR R. , MARIAC C. , PHAM J‐L. , PINTAUD J‐C. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe report the isolation of 23 microsatellite loci obtained from a (GA)n‐enriched genomic library of Oenocarpus bataua var. bataua. The average number of alleles per locus, the mean observed and expected heterozygosities for these microsatellite loci revealed a high level of variability. The transferability of the developed markers to other Oenocarpus species and other genera within the Euterpeae tribe was high, except for the Hyospathe genus.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for studies of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), the vector of dengue and yellow fever
Authors: SLOTMAN M. A. , KELLY N. B. , HARRINGTON L. C. , KITTHAWEE S. , JONES J. W. , SCOTT T. W. , CACCONE A. , POWELL J. R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA significant challenge to population genetic studies of the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti, has been the lack of polymorphic microsatellite loci. In an effort to develop useful markers, we evaluated the genetic variation at 17 microsatellite loci identified in the A. aegypti genome. Nine loci with at least five alleles were identified in field‐collected specimens from Thailand. An additional two loci carried five alleles if samples from an A. aegypti laboratory colony were included. Our results greatly increase the number of highly variable markers available for the study of the genetics and the population structure of this medically important species.
Genetically diversified populations in the loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus inferred from newly developed microsatellite markers
Authors: ARIAS‐RODRIGUEZ L. , MORISHIMA K. , ARAI K. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus is a freshwater fish which include natural polyploids and clones besides most bisexually reproducing diploids. Recent genetic studies using allozymes differentiated the populations in northern region of Hokkaido from other populations in Japan. Here, we developed 23 new sets of polymerase chain reaction primers to detect polymorphic microsatellites loci and tested them in 20 individuals from Memanbetsu town (northern Hokkaido) and Kita village (southern Hokkaido). These markers can be potentially diagnostic for identification of two populations.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Caribbean seagrassThalassia testudinumBanks ex König
Authors: VAN DIJK JENT KORNELIS , WAYCOTT MICHELLE , VAN TUSSENBROEK BRIGITTA I. , OUBORG JOOP 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe isolated 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the western Atlantic tropical seagrass,Thalassia testudinum,using two different enrichment procedures. Polymorphism was screened among samples from Mexico and Panama. Allelic diversity varied between three and 17 alleles per locus, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.271 to 0.859.
Characterization of novel microsatellite markers from the Yesso scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis
Authors: SUN CHANGSEN , ZHAN AIBIN , HUI MIN , LU WEI , HU XIAOLI , HU JINGJIE , BAO ZHENMIN 
Published: September 2006

AbstractTwelve polymorphic and informative microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized for the Yesso scallop, Mizuhopecten yessoensis. We characterized these loci by genotyping 48 individuals; the number of alleles ranged from two to eight, and the values of observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity varied from 0 to 0.8333 and from 0.2546 to 0.8231, respectively. No significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was found and three loci showed significant heterozygote deficiency from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These markers are potential for studies of the population structure, individual or hybrid identification of the species.