bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Voltage‐dependence of the human dopamine D2 receptor
Authors: Sahlholm Kristoffer , Nilsson Johanna , Marcellino Daniel , Fuxe Kjell , Århem Peter 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe dopamine D2 receptor plays a critical role in activity‐dependent synaptic plasticity in the striatum, and regulates the transitions between different states of electrical activity. The D2 receptor is the main target for antipsychotics, and its affinity towards dopamine has been shown to be increased in psychotic patients. Recently, voltage‐sensitivity has been reported for the ligand binding and G protein‐coupling properties of some neurotransmitter receptors, raising the question whether the D2 receptor is also regulated by voltage. Our present electrophysiology data from Xenopus oocytes indicate that the D2 receptor is indeed voltage‐sensitive. Comparing concentration–response relationships for the activation of G protein‐coupled inward rectifier potassium (GIRK) channels via D2 receptor stimulation by quinpirole or dopamine at −80 and at +40 mV revealed rightward shifts upon depolarisation of nearly tenfold, for both agonists. Our results are likely to bear relevance to the function of the D2 receptor in gating synaptic input and in regulating plasticity. Synapse 62:476–480, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How should we construct psychiatric family history scores? A comparison of alternative approaches from the Dunedin Family Health History Study
Authors: Milne B. J. , Moffitt T. E. , Crump R. , Poulton R. , Rutter M. , Sears M. R. , Taylor A. , Caspi A. 
Published: March 2008

BackgroundThere is increased interest in assessing the family history of psychiatric disorders for both genetic research and public health screening. It is unclear how best to combine family history reports into an overall score. We compare the predictive validity of different family history scores.MethodProbands from the Dunedin Study (n=981, 51% male) had their family history assessed for nine different conditions. We computed four family history scores for each disorder: (1) a simple dichotomous categorization of whether or not probands had any disordered first-degree relatives; (2) the observed number of disordered first-degree relatives; (3) the proportion of first-degree relatives who are disordered; and (4) Reed's score, which expressed the observed number of disordered first-degree relatives in terms of the number expected given the age and sex of each relative. We compared the strength of association between each family history score and probands' disorder outcome.ResultsEach score produced significant family history associations for all disorders. The scores that took account of the number of disordered relatives within families (i.e. the observed, proportion, and Reed's scores) produced significantly stronger associations than the dichotomous score for conduct disorder, alcohol dependence and smoking. Taking account of family size (i.e. using the proportion or Reed's score) produced stronger family history associations depending on the prevalence of the disorder among family members.ConclusionsDichotomous family history scores can be improved upon by considering the number of disordered relatives in a family and the population prevalence of the disorder.
Ansätze zur regionalen Quantifizierung von Methan aus Pflanzen
Authors: Draxler Susanne , Keppler Frank 
Published: March 2008

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund
Methan hat als klimawirksames Gas bei der Ermittlung der Reduktionslasten nach dem Kyoto-Protokoll eine große Bedeutung. Je genauer regionale anthropogene und biogene Vorkommen ermittelt werden können, desto zielstrebiger können Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung gesetzt werden. Direkte Emissionen von Methan aus Pflanzen dürften einen nicht zu vernachlässigenden Beitrag zur Gesamtemission leisten, der bislang in Emissionsbilanzen nicht berücksichtigt wurde.

Methoden
Hier soll der Versuch vorgestellt werden, mit Hilfe der ersten Messergebnisse ein Berechnungsmodell der aeroben Methanemissionen für einen abgegrenzten Zeitraum in regionaler Auflösung am Beispiel Niederösterreichs aufzustellen und die Ergebnisse in Relation zu bekannten Quellen zu setzen.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion
Erste Resultate aus dem Berechnungsmodell zeigen die Bedeutung der freigesetzten Methan-Mengen aus Pflanzen in Bezug auf die Emissionsmengen bereits bekannter Quellen.

Ausblick
Die Unsicherheiten in Bezug auf Messergebnisse und Quantifizierung werden durch weitere Studien minimiert werden müssen.
Factors Associated With Acquisition of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) in Roommate Contacts of Patients Colonized or Infected with VRE in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Zhou Qian , Moore Christine , Eden Sarah , Tong Agnes , McGeer Allison ,   Mount Sinai Hospital Infection Control Team
Published: March 2008

Objective.Most nosocomial acquistion of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is due to cross-transmission. We sought to identify risk factors for acquisition of VRE by roommates of patients colonized or infected with VRE.Design.Retrospective cohort study.Setting.A 472-bed tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods.All patients who shared a room with a patient colonized or infected with VRE at our hospital between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2006 were identified. These roommates of VRE-positive patients were screened by rectal swab culture on days 2, 5, and 7 after the last exposure to the index patient. Chart reviews were performed to identify risk factors for VRE colonization in these roommates.Results.Eighty-eight roommates of patients colonized or infected with VRE were identified. Of the 38 roommates with complete follow-up, 8 (21%) became colonized with VRE. These 8 roommates were older (median, 87.5 vs 62.5 years of age; P = .001), had longer duration of room exposure (median, 8.5 vs 4 days; P = .002), and were more likely to have a urinary catheter (odds ratio [OR], 16 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.7-152]; P = .005), an elevated serum creatinine level (OR, 17 [95% CI, 1.4-196]; P = .02), low serum albumin level (OR, 9.9 [95% CI, 1.3-113]; P = .01), and recent third-generation cephalosporin use (OR, 8.3 [95% CI, 1.5-47]; P = .02).Conclusion.Roommates of patients identified as colonized or infected with VRE are at substantial risk of becoming colonized, with the degree of risk increasing in older and more frail patients. VRE control programs should pay particular attention to such patients.
Rad3 and Sty1 function in Schizosaccharomyces pombe: an integrated response to DNA damage and environmental stress?
Authors: Alao John P. , Sunnerhagen Per 
Published: March 2008

SummaryIn Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the Ataxia Telangiectasia‐mutated (Atm)/Atm and Rad 3 Related (Atr) homologue Rad3 is an essential regulator of the response to DNA damage and stalled replication forks. Rad3 activates the downstream kinases Chk1 and Cds1. These kinases in turn inhibit cell cycle progression by mediating Cdc2 phosphorylation. Studies in both yeast and mammalian cells suggest additional roles for Rad3 in regulating cellular responses to environmental stress. In S. pombe, cellular responses to various environmental stresses are regulated primarily through the stress‐activated MAP kinase p38 homologue Sty1. An important function of Sty1 is to drive cells rapidly through mitosis by facilitating the accumulation of Cdc25. Interestingly, Sty1 is activated simultaneously with Rad3 following exposure to UV radiation or ionizing radiation (IR). Similarly, exposure to environmental stresses induces the expression of rad3+, cds1+ and other checkpoint regulator genes. It is currently unclear how the pathways regulated by Sty1 and Rad3 and their opposing effects on mitosis are integrated. Recent studies suggest that Sty1 and Rad3 function together to regulate the expression of several stress response genes following exposure to IR. In this review, we discuss current knowledge on the interaction of Rad3/Atm and Sty1/p38 in regulating cellular responses to environmental stress and DNA damage.
PCR‐based identification of Pythium spp. causing cavity spot in carrots and sensitive detection in soil samples
Authors: Klemsdal S. S. , Herrero M. L. , Wanner L. A. , Lund G. , Hermansen A. 
Published: March 2008

On the basis of ITS sequences PCR primers were designed for the identification of the five Pythium species found to be most important for the development of carrot cavity spot in Norway: P. intermedium, P. sulcatum, P. sylvaticum, P. violae and P. ‘vipa’. The P. ‘vipa’ isolates had a unique ITS sequence, differed morphologically from all other Pythium isolates, and thus probably represent a new species. The PCR primers were species‐specific with no cross‐reaction to other Pythium species or to fungal isolates from carrot tested. The detection limits varied for the different primer pairs. The two most sensitive assays allowed detection of as little as 5 fg DNA. All five Pythium species could be detected in lesions from diseased carrots. Weak positive signals were obtained from some carrot samples without symptoms. PCR assays allowed detection of pathogens in soil. In samples of soil known to produce cavity spots on cropped carrots, strong signals were obtained. In several soil samples more than one of the five Pythium species could be detected. The utilization of this diagnostic PCR assay in analysis of field soil and carrot tissue might in the future be exploited to reduce the incidence of this serious carrot disease.
Thermochronological evidence for Mio‐Pliocene late orogenic extension in the north‐eastern Albanides (Albania)
Authors: Muceku Bardhyl , Van Der Beek Peter , Bernet Matthias , Reiners Peter , Mascle Georges , Tashko Artan 
Published: March 2008

AbstractNew apatite and zircon (U–Th)/He and apatite fission‐track (FT) data allow constraining the timing of Miocene–Pliocene extensional exhumation that affected the central part of the Dinarides‐Albanides‐Hellenides orogen. Apatite (U–Th)/He ages in the northern and western Internal Albanides range from 57 to 17 Ma, contrasting to younger ages of 5.2–9.3 Ma in the eastern Internal Albanides. Eastward younging is also reflected in zircon (U–Th)/He ages varying from 101 Ma in the north‐western Internal Albanides to 19–50 Ma in the east, as well as in recently published apatite FT ages. Thermal history predictions with the new data point to a phase of rapid exhumation of the eastern Internal Albanides around 6–4 Ma, while the western Internal Albanides record slower continuous exhumation since the Eocene. This asymmetric exhumation pattern is most likely linked to extensional reactivation of NE–SW‐trending thrusts east of the Mirdita zone and within the Korabi zone of the eastern Internal Albanides.
Sexual Performance of Rams Sequentially Exposed to Short‐tailed and Fat‐tailed Ewes
Authors: Kridli RT , Abdullah AY , Momani Shaker M , Mahmoud KZ 
Published: March 2008

ContentsThe objective of the study was to compare sexual performance of pure and crossbred rams, and to evaluate whether prior exposure of rams to short‐tailed females would enhance their mating ability when later exposed to fat‐tailed females. Twenty‐two virgin, yearling Awassi (A; n = 7), F1 Charollais × Awassi (CA; n = 7) and F1 Romanov × Awassi (RA; n = 8) rams were subjected to sexual performance tests on six 20‐min occasions. Each ram was individually exposed to two short‐tailed oestrous ewes for three 20‐min occasions on three consecutive days. Following 1 day of rest, the same 3‐day procedure was repeated for each ram with fat‐tailed ewes. Leg kicking bout frequency increased in CA and RA rams and decreased in A rams, when they were exposed to fat‐tailed compared with short‐tailed ewes. No differences in anogenital sniffing were observed among rams exposed to either short‐tailed or fat‐tailed ewes. However, greater (p < 0.001) anogenital sniffing bouts were recorded, when rams were exposed to short‐tailed females. Upon exposure to fat‐tailed ewes, CA and RA rams experienced a marked increase in mounting frequency compared with a slight increase in mounting of A rams (p < 0.001). The ability of Awassi rams to raise the fat tail of Awassi ewes was greater (p < 0.001) than CA and RA rams. Mating was improved in A while declining in CA and RA, when they were exposed to fat‐tailed compared with short‐tailed ewes (p < 0.001). Based on the results of the current study, it seems that all yearling rams were capable of mating with short‐tailed ewes, whereas only Awassi rams managed to mate with fat‐tailed ewes. It appears that brief exposures of yearling crossbred rams to short‐tailed ewes do not improve their mating ability when later exposed to fat‐tailed ewes.
GPR30 estrogen receptor agonists induce mechanical hyperalgesia in the rat
Authors: Kuhn Julia , Dina Olayinka A. , Goswami Chandan , Suckow Vanessa , Levine Jon D. , Hucho Tim 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe evaluated the signalling pathway by which estrogen acts in peripheral tissue to produce protein kinase Cɛ (PKCɛ)‐dependent mechanical hyperalgesia. Specific agonists for the classical estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and ERβ, did not result in activation of PKCɛ in neurons of dissociated rat dorsal root ganglia. In contrast, G‐1, a specific agonist of the recently identified G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptor, GPR30, induced PKCɛ translocation. Involvement of GPR30 and independence of ERα and ERβ was confirmed using the GPR30 agonist and simultaneous ERα and ERβ antagonist ICI 182,780 (fulvestrant). The GPR30 transcript could be amplified from dorsal root ganglia tissue. We found estrogen‐induced as well as GPR30‐agonist‐induced PKCɛ translocation to be restricted to the subgroup of nociceptive neurons positive for isolectin IB4 from Bandeiraea simplicifolia. Corroborating the cellular results, both GPR30 agonists, G‐1 as well as ICI 182,780, resulted in the onset of PKCɛ‐dependent mechanical hyperalgesia if injected into paws of adult rats. We therefore suggest that estrogen acts acutely at GPR30 in nociceptors to produce mechanical hyperalgesia.
Tomato ASR1 abrogates the response to abscisic acid and glucose in Arabidopsis by competing with ABI4 for DNA binding
Authors: Shkolnik Doron , Bar‐Zvi Dudy 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe manipulation of transacting factors is commonly used to achieve a wide change in the expression of a large number of genes in transgenic plants as a result of a change in the expression of a single gene product. This is mostly achieved by the overexpression of transactivator or repressor proteins. In this study, it is demonstrated that the overexpression of an exogenous DNA‐binding protein can be used to compete with the expression of an endogenous transcription factor sharing the same DNA‐binding sequence. Arabidopsis was transformed with cDNA encoding tomato abscisic acid stress ripening 1 (ASR1), a sequence‐specific DNA protein that has no orthologues in the Arabidopsis genome. ASR1‐overexpressing (ASR1‐OE) plants display an abscisic acid‐insensitive 4 (abi4) phenotype: seed germination is not sensitive to inhibition by abscisic acid (ABA), glucose, NaCl and paclobutrazol. ASR1 binds coupling element 1 (CE1), a cis‐acting element bound by the ABI4 transcription factor, located in the ABI4‐regulated promoters, including that of the ABI4 gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrates that ASR1 is bound in vivo to the promoter of the ABI4 gene in ASR1‐OE plants, but not to promoters of genes known to be regulated by the transcription factors ABI3 or ABI5. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis confirmed that the expression of ABI4 and ABI4‐regulated genes is markedly reduced in ASR1‐OE plants. Therefore, it is concluded that the abi4 phenotype of ASR1‐OE plants is the result of competition between the foreign ASR1 and the endogenous ABI4 on specific promoter DNA sequences. The biotechnological advantage of using this approach in crop plants from the Brassicaceae family to reduce the transactivation activity of ABI4 is discussed.
Comparison of different methodologies for CD4 estimation in a clinical setting
Authors: Jeganathan S , Bansal M , Smith DE , Gold J 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo compare flow cytometry assays, using traditional dual platform (DP) or newer single platform (SP) for CD4 enumeration.MethodRecords of subjects enrolled in four separate clinical trials using the same central laboratory [SP methodology (Trucount)] were reviewed retrospectively. Eighteen subjects had 60 matching contemporaneous samples at multiple timepoints.ResultsDP flow cytometry yielded higher CD4 counts in 50/60 assays (83%). CD4 count and percentage by the two methods showed strong correlation for the counts (r=0.965, P<0.0001) and percentages (r=0.959, P<0.0001). Bland–Altman plot analysis showed that the limits of variation were within agreeable limits of ±2SD in 56/60 (93.3%) samples tested. Twenty‐five (42%) samples had a difference of >50 cells/μL. Of these six (24%) exceeded 100 cells.ConclusionThis study is in agreement with previous reports of strong correlation between DP and SP flow cytometry. This review found differences in CD4 counts in a high proportion of samples tested highlighting the importance for clinicians to be aware of such differences when interpreting results from the two methods.
Perturbation of wild‐type lamin A metabolism results in a progeroid phenotype
Authors: Candelario Jose , Sudhakar Sivasubramaniam , Navarro Sonia , Reddy Sita , Comai Lucio 
Published: March 2008

SummaryMutations in the lamin A/C gene cause the rare genetic disorder Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). The prevalent mutation results in the production of a mutant lamin A protein with an internal 50 amino acid deletion which causes a cellular aging phenotype characterized by growth defects, limited replicative lifespan, and nuclear membrane abnormalities. However, the relevance of these findings to normal human aging is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that increased levels of wild‐type lamin A in normal human cells result in decreased replicative lifespan and nuclear membrane abnormalities that lead to apoptotic cell death and senescence in a manner that is strongly reminiscent of the phenotype shown by HGPS cells. In contrast to the accelerated aging defects observed in HGPS cells, the progeroid phenotype resulting from increased expression of wild‐type lamin A can be rescued by overexpression of ZMPSTE24, the metalloproteinase responsible for the removal of the farnesylated carboxyl terminal region of lamin A. Furthermore, farnesyltransferase inhibitors also serve to reverse the progeroid phenotype resulting from increased lamin A expression. Significantly, cells expressing elevated levels of lamin A display abnormal lamin A localization and similar alterations in the nuclear distribution of lamin A are also observed in cells from old‐age individuals. These data demonstrate that the metabolism of wild‐type lamin A is delicately poised and even in the absence of disease‐linked mutations small perturbations in this system are sufficient to cause prominent nuclear defects and result in a progeroid phenotype.
Public knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy in Kuwait
Authors: Awad Abdelmoneim , Sarkhoo Fatma 
Published: March 2008

Summary
Purpose: The study was conducted to determine the familiarity with, knowledge of, misunderstandings, and attitudes toward epilepsy among the Kuwaiti population.
Methods: A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 784 Kuwaiti individuals, selected from five governorates in Kuwait using a multistage stratified clustered sampling.
Results: Seven hundred fifty‐five subjects were interviewed, and 97.6% reported their awareness about epilepsy. Of these, 51.8% knew someone who had epilepsy, 56.4% had witnessed an epileptic seizure, 45.9% believed that epilepsy is a hereditary disease, 60.4% reported that “all epileptic fits manifest symptoms of generalized tonic–clonic seizure,” 88.3% indicated that putting an object into the patient's mouth to prevent tongue biting during a seizure is appropriate, and 57.1% stated that drug therapy was the only treatment available for epilepsy. Objections to shake hands with, working with, marrying, and employing epileptic patients were reported by 16.0%, 24.8%, 71.6%, and 45.2%, respectively. Childbirth by epileptic women and allowing children to play with an epileptic child were opposed by 56.3% and 27.7%, respectively. A total of 370 (50.2%) agreed that epilepsy is equivalent to psychiatric disorder.
Discussion: The present findings have demonstrated that epilepsy is a well‐known disease in Kuwait, and that negative attitudes toward epilepsy do prevail in Kuwait. The majority of the negative attitudes were significantly associated with the misunderstanding of epilepsy. Continuing effective educational interventions would be needed in order to improve the appropriate understanding of epilepsy, and to ameliorate the social discrimination and misconceptions against epileptic patients.
Absence status epilepsy: Delineation of a distinct idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndrome
Authors: Genton Pierre , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Thomas Pierre 
Published: March 2008

SummaryPurpose: Absence status epilepticus (AS) is a prolonged, generalized, and nonconvulsive seizure that may occur in various circumstances. We report a series of patients in whom recurrent, unprovoked, typical AS was the main clinical feature.Method: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients referred to our epileptic centers, on the following criteria: (1) recurrent, unprovoked episodes of typical AS representing the unique or the predominant seizure type, (2) at least one episode of AS recorded by video‐EEG or by EEG only, and (3) clinical and EEG features fulfilling the criteria of idiopathic epilepsy. We excluded patients with situation‐related AS.Results: We found 11 such cases (5F, 6M). The onset of AS was after puberty or in early adulthood in most; no clear triggering factor could account for the recurrence of AS episodes; infrequent generalized tonic–clonic seizures, and, rarely, absences, could also occur. These patients had no family history of epilepsy, normal neurological evaluation, normal neuroimaging, interictal EEG showing generalized spike‐ and polyspike‐wave discharges on a normal background, no photoparoxysmal response, variable response of AS to intravenous benzodiazepines, and usually good seizure control with valproate. This peculiar condition was misdiagnosed in most because of the unusual clinical presentation and of some atypical interictal EEG findings, often leading to the use of inappropriate drugs.Conclusion: Although there is some overlap with previously described epilepsy syndromes, specific and shared features point to the existence of a distinct epilepsy entity that we propose to name “absence status epilepsy.” This syndrome expands the spectrum of idiopathic generalized epilepsies.