bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of tobacco vacuolar invertase regulated by patatin promoter in potato tuber resistance to cold sweetening
Authors: Shan-Han Cheng , Jun Liu , Cong-Hua Xie , Bo-Tao Song , Jing-Cai Li 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTo slow down the accumulation of reducing sugar in potato tubers exposed to low-temperature storage, an expression vector, pBICNI, including Nt-VIF (Nicotiana tabacum vacuolar inhibitor of beta fructosidase, a vacuolar invertase inhibitor from Nicotiana tabacum) gene regulated by potato tuber specific promoter class I patatin promoter (CIPP) was constructed and transformed into potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar E-potato 3 (E3). Detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Northern and Southern hybridizations indicated that the full-length Nt-VIF cDNA was transformed successfully into cv. E3. After storing potato tubers of 14 transgenic lines at 4 or 20°C for 30 days, their activities of vacuolar invertase (VI) and reducing sugar (RS) content were analysed. The results showed that there were no significant differences in RS content between transgenic and untransformed (control) tubers stored at 20°C. However, RS content of transgenic lines was obviously reduced at 4°C compared to the control, from 34.0% (line B-13) to 76.8% reduction (line B-1), implying that VI activity was inhibited by Nt-VIF cDNA expression and RS content was reduced. Further analysis revealed a positive linear relationship between VI activity and RS content (VI=0.308RS+0.067), and lines B-1, B-2, B-6, B-9 and B-14 could meet the requirements of potato chips in terms of their low RS content after cold storage.
Real-time quantitative PCR detection ofEscherichia coliO157:H7
Authors: Si Chen , Kun-Lun Huang , Wen-Tao Xu , Yuan Li , Yun-Bo Luo 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA rapid and accurate real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) method with SYBR Green I was established for detectingEscherichia coliO157:H7. A pair of primers were designed to amplify theeaegene. The dissociation curves showed that the amplification product was very specific. The optimal conditions and standard curve were established. The result indicated that real-time PCR was 1000 times more sensitive than ordinary PCR.
Establishment of real-time fluorescent PCR assay to detectStreptococcus suisserotype 2
Authors: Bao-Zheng Luo , Qing-Ru Bo , Jing-Fan Chen , Hai-Nie Xu , Su Yang , Jian-Yun Yang , Cai-Hua Sha , Xiu-Yun Liao 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was established to detectStreptococcus suisserotype 2. Primers and Taqman probe were designed according tocps2I(capsular polysaccharide 2I) gene using bio-software Primer Express2.0 and Oligo6.0. An 81 bp DNA fragment was amplified fromS. suisserotype 2 genomic DNA, and the PCR product was cloned into pMD18-T vector and confirmed by DNA sequencing. The real-time fluorescent PCR amplification curve on a Lightcycler® showed that the method is accurate and specific forS. suisserotype 2 amplification, whereas reference bacteriaS. suis,Escherichia coli,Salmonellasp.,Staphylococcus aureus,Shigellasp.,Listeria monocytogenesstrains and a blank control were all negative. Tenfold serial dilutions ofS. suisserotype 2 were used to measure the sensitivity of real-time fluorescent PCR: ten copies of bacteria could be detected in one PCR reaction and only 30 min were required for a single test. To examine the stability of the real-time fluorescent PCR, the positive control was detected at two different times. The threshold cycle (Ct) values showed no statistical differences (P>0.05). Thus, this method was stable and repeatable. These results indicate that this real-time fluorescent PCR technique could be applied for epidemic supervision in entry–exit inspection and quarantine.
Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA in plants
Authors: Xiao-Qin Guo , Hong-Zhi Zhang , De-Bao Li 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAlternative splicing is an important cellular mechanism that increases the diversity of gene products. The study of alternatively spliced genes reported so far in plants is far less documented than that in mammals, but considerable results have been reported, showing the role of these genes in regulating mechanisms, influencing factors, and specificities and function of alternative splicing in plants. This review summarizes briefly the major progress made on alternative splicing in plants.
Rescue of H5N1 subtypeavian influenza A viruslethal to mice
Authors: Wei-Qi Pan , Ming Liu , Yun Zhang , Chun-Guo Liu , Tao Yang , Jing-Peng Li 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAvian influenza virus is acquiring the ability to cross the species barrier between birds and mammals. However, the genetic mechanism of this ability is not well known. We successfully rescued aninfluenza A virusA/Chicken/Guangdong/03 (H5N1), which is highly pathogenic to both SPF chickens and BALB/c mice, by plasmid-based reverse genetics. The rescued virus, R-A/Chicken/Guangdong/03 (R-CG), and the wild-type A/Chicken/Guangdong/03 (W-CG) were found to share similar biological properties, such as in titres of 50% egg infectious dose (EID50), 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) and intravenous pathogenicity index (IPVI). R-CG, like W-CG, is highly pathogenic in mice following natural route infection. Both R-CG and W-CG viruses can be isolated from many organs of mice such as brain, lung, kidney and spleen. As a result, the constructed R-CG reverse genetic system can be used as a tool in the investigation of the molecular mechanism of infection of the mammalian host by avian influenza virus.
Reading the Neural Code: What do Spikes Mean for Behavior?
Authors: Aur Dorian , Jog Mandar 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe present study reveals the existence of an intrinsic spatial code within neuronal spikes that predicts behavior. As rats learnt a T-maze procedural task, simultaneous changes in temporal occurrence of spikes and spike directivity are evidenced in “expert” neurons. While the number of spikes between the tone delivery and the beginning of turn phase reduced with learning, the generated spikes between these two events acquired behavioral meaning that is of highest value for action selection. Spike directivity is thus a hidden feature that reveals the semantics of each spike and in the current experiment, predicts the correct turn that the animal would subsequently make to obtain reward. Semantic representation of behavior can then be revealed as modulations in spike directivity during the time. This predictability of observed behavior based on subtle changes in spike directivity represents an important step towards reading and understanding the underlying neural code.
Molecular characterisation of the interactions between olmesartan and telmisartan and the human angiotensin II AT1receptor
Authors: Le M T , Pugsley M K , Vauquelin G , Van Liefde I 
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:Whereas some angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) produce surmountable antagonism of AT1receptors, others such as olmesartan and telmisartan display varying degrees of insurmountability. This study compared the molecular interactions of olmesartan and telmisartan with the human AT1receptor, using well characterisedin vitromethods and model systems.Experimental approach:CHO‐K1 cells that stably express human AT1receptors (CHO‐hAT1cells) were used in several pharmacological studies of olmesartan and telmisartan, including direct radioligand binding and inhibition of Ang II‐induced inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation.Key results:Both ARBs were found to be competitive antagonists that displayed high affinity, slow dissociation, and a high degree of insurmountability for the AT1receptor (the latter greater with olmesartan). Their receptor interactions could be described by a two‐step process with the initial formation of a loose complex (IR) and subsequent transformation into a tight binding complex (IR*). In washout experiments, [3H] telmisartan dissociated from the receptor with a half‐life of 29 min and the Ang II‐mediated IP accumulation response was 50% maximally restored within 24 min, whereas values for [3H] olmesartan were 72 min and 76 min, respectively.Conclusions and implications:The high degree of insurmountability, slow dissociation, and high affinity of olmesartan for its receptor may relate to its ability to stabilise IR* via the carboxyl group of its imidazole core. In comparison, telmisartan displays a less potent interaction with the receptor.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 952–962; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707323
Chronic endothelin‐A receptor antagonism is as protective as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition against cardiac dysfunction in diabetic rats
Authors: Wölkart G , Pang X , Stessel H , Kirchengast M , Brunner F 
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:Diabetes mellitus is associated with a specific cardiomyopathy. We compared the cardioprotective effects of an endothelin‐A receptor blocker (ETA‐RB) with those of an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE‐I) in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes.Experimental approach:Diabetic rats were left untreated or received either the ETA‐RB atrasentan or the ACE‐I ramipril (each 3 mg kg−1per day) orally for 8 weeks. Isolated isovolumic heart function was studied during normoxia and in response to ischaemia‐reperfusion. Cardiac fibrosis, tissue oxidative stress and tissue nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity were determined.Key results:Basal left ventricular systolic contractility was lower in diabetic compared to nondiabetic hearts and ETA‐RB or ACE‐I treatment significantly antagonised the decline. Following 15 min of no‐flow ischaemia, reperfusion systolic function was depressed and left‐ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was elevated in diabetic hearts. ETA‐RB or ACE‐I treatment significantly improved recovery of reperfusion systolic and diastolic function, without differences between groups. Hydroxyproline (an index of tissue fibrosis) and malondialdehyde (a measure of tissue oxidative stress) were elevated at the end of reperfusion in diabetic, compared to nondiabetic hearts. Either treatment reduced hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde to control level. Constitutive NOS activity was similar in nondiabetic and diabetic hearts and unaffected by ETA‐RB or ACE‐I treatment.Conclusions and implications:These results suggest that in experimental type 1 diabetes ETA‐RB is as effective as an ACE‐I in ameliorating myocardial functions during normoxia and ischaemia‐reperfusion. Combining the two treatments neither afforded additive effects, nor diminished any protection effect seen with either drug.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 1187–1197; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707325
Region‐dependent attenuation of μ opioid receptor‐mediated G‐protein activation in mouse CNS as a function of morphine tolerance
Authors: Sim‐Selley L J , Scoggins K L , Cassidy M P , Smith L A , Dewey W L , Smith F L , Selley D E 
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:Chronic morphine administration produces tolerance in vivo and attenuation of μ opioid receptor (MOR)‐mediated G‐protein activation measured in vitro, but the relationship between these adaptations is not clear. The present study examined MOR‐mediated G‐protein activation in the CNS of mice with different levels of morphine tolerance.Experimental approach:Mice were implanted with morphine pellets, with or without supplemental morphine injections, to induce differing levels of tolerance as determined by a range of MOR‐mediated behaviours. MOR function was measured using agonist‐stimulated [35S]guanylyl‐5′‐O‐(γ‐thio)‐triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) and receptor binding throughout the CNS.Key results:Morphine pellet implantation produced 6‐12‐fold tolerance in antinociceptive assays, hypothermia and Straub tail, as measured by the ratio of morphine ED50 values between morphine‐treated and control groups. Pellet implantation plus supplemental injections produced 25‐50‐fold tolerance in these tests. In morphine pellet‐implanted mice, MOR‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was significantly reduced only in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and spinal cord dorsal horn in tissue sections from morphine pellet‐implanted mice. In contrast, MOR‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was significantly decreased in most regions examined in morphine pellet+morphine injected mice, including nucleus accumbens, caudate‐putamen, periaqueductal gray, parabrachial nucleus, NTS and spinal cord.Conclusions and implications:Tolerance and the regional pattern of apparent MOR desensitization were influenced positively by the level of morphine exposure. These results indicate that desensitization of MOR‐mediated G‐protein activity is more regionally widespread upon induction of high levels of tolerance, suggesting that this response contributes more to high than low levels of tolerance to CNS‐mediated effects of morphine.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 1324–1333; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707328
Activation of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors suppresses neuropathic nociception evoked by the chemotherapeutic agent vincristine in rats
Authors: Rahn E J , Makriyannis A , Hohmann A G 
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:The ability of cannabinoids to suppress mechanical hypersensitivity (mechanical allodynia) induced by treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent vincristine was evaluated in rats. Sites of action were subsequently identified.Experimental approach:Mechanical hypersensitivity developed over the course of ten daily injections of vincristine relative to groups receiving saline at the same times. Effects of the CB1/CB2 receptor agonist WIN55,212‐2, the receptor‐inactive enantiomer WIN55,212‐3, the CB2‐selective agonist (R,S)‐AM1241, the opiate agonist morphine and vehicle on chemotherapy‐induced neuropathy were evaluated. WIN55,212‐2 was administered intrathecally (i.t.) or locally in the hindpaw to identify sites of action. Pharmacological specificity was established using competitive antagonists for CB1 (SR141716) or CB2 receptors (SR144528).Key results:Systemic administration of WIN55,212‐2, but not WIN55,212‐3, suppressed vincristine‐evoked mechanical allodynia. A leftward shift in the dose‐response curve was observed following WIN55,212‐2 relative to morphine treatment. The CB1 (SR141716) and CB2 (SR144528) antagonists blocked the anti‐allodynic effects of WIN55,212‐2. (R,S)‐AM1241 suppressed vincristine‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity through a CB2 mechanism. Both cannabinoid agonists suppressed vincristine‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity without inducing catalepsy. Spinal sites of action are implicated in cannabinoid modulation of chemotherapy‐induced neuropathy. WIN55,212‐2, but not WIN55,212‐3, administered i.t. suppressed vincristine‐evoked mechanical hypersensitivity at doses that were inactive following local hindpaw administration. Spinal coadministration of both the CB1 and CB2 antagonists blocked the anti‐allodynic effects of WIN55,212‐2.Conclusions and implications:Cannabinoids suppress the maintenance of vincristine‐induced mechanical allodynia through activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors. These anti‐allodynic effects are mediated, at least in part, at the level of the spinal cord.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 765–777; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707333; published online 18 June 2007
Cholecystokinin CCK2receptors mediate the peptide's inhibitory actions on the contractile activity of human distal colon via the nitric oxide pathway
Authors: Fornai M , Colucci R , Antonioli L , Crema F , Buccianti P , Chiarugi M , Baschiera F , Ghisu N , Tuccori M , Blandizzi C , Del Tacca M 
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:Cholecystokinin is known to exert stimulant actions on intestinal motility via activation of type 1 cholecystokinin receptors (CCK1). However, the role played by cholecystokinin 2 (CCK2) receptors in the regulation of gut motility remains undetermined. This study was designed to examine the influence of CCK2receptors on the contractile activity of human distal colon.Experimental approach:The effects of compounds acting on CCK2receptors were assessedin vitroon motor activity of longitudinal smooth muscle, under basal conditions as well as in the presence of KCl‐induced contractions or transmural electrical stimulation.Key results:Cholecystokinin octapeptide sulphate induced concentration‐dependent contractions which were enhanced by GV150013 (CCK2receptor antagonist; +57% at 0.01 μM). These effects were unaffected by tetrodotoxin. The enhancing actions of GV150013 on contractions evoked by cholecystokinin octapeptide sulphate were unaffected by Nω‐propyl‐L‐arginine (NPA, neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), while they were prevented by Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methylester (L‐NAME, non‐selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor). In the presence of KCl‐induced contractions, cholecystokinin octapeptide sulphate elicited concentration‐dependent relaxations (‐36%), which were unaffected by NPA, but were counteracted by GV150013 or L‐NAME. The application of electrical stimuli evoked phasic contractions which were enhanced by GV150013 (+41 % at 0.01 μM).Conclusions and implications:CCK2receptors mediate inhibitory actions of cholecystokinin on motor activity of human distal colon. It is suggested that CCK2receptors exert their modulating actions through a nitric oxide pathway, independent of the activity of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase isoform.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 1246–1253; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707339
Verrucotoxin, a stonefish venom, modulates calcium channel activity in guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes
Authors: Yazawa K , Wang J‐W , Hao L‐Y , Onoue Y , Kameyama M 
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:Stonefish (Synanceia genus) are commonly found in shallow waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The venom of stonefish is stored in the dorsal fine spines and contains a proteinaceous toxin, verrucotoxin (VTX). The stings produced by the spines induce intense pain, respiratory weakness, damage to the cardiovascular system, convulsions and paralysis, sometimes leading to death. Although there are many studies on VTX, the mechanism(s) underlying the VTX‐mediated cardiotoxicity is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulation of ion channels in cardiac tissue by VTX.Experimental approach:The effects of VTX on changes in the voltage or current in guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes were investigated using a patch clamp method.Key results:VTX (10 μg ml−1) prolonged the action potential duration by 2.5‐fold. VTX increased L‐type Ca2+currents (ICa(L)) in a concentration‐dependent manner with a EC50value of 7 μg ml−1and a maximum increase of 3.1‐fold. The non‐selective β‐adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol (1 μM) and the selective β1‐adrenoceptor antagonist, CGP20712A (10 μM) each abolished the effect of VTX (100 μg ml−1) onICa(L). Furthermore, the protein kinase A (PKA) antagonists H‐89 (10 μM) and Rp‐8‐Br‐cAMPS (30 μM) inhibited the effect of VTX onICa(L).Conclusions and implications:VTX modulates Ca2+channel activity through the β‐adrenoceptor‐cAMP‐PKA pathway.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 1198–1203; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707340
A cellular and molecular investigation of the action of PMX464, a putative thioredoxin inhibitor, in normal and colorectal cancer cell lines
Authors: Mukherjee A , Huber K , Evans H , Lakhani N , Martin S 
Published: June 2007

Background and Purpose:PMX464 is a novel benzothiazole substituted cyclohexadienone reportedly targeting the thioredoxin (Trx1)/thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1) system. We have previously shown that PMX464 has enhanced hypoxic anti‐proliferative effects in colorectal tumour cells, with some non‐tumour cells (quiescent endothelium and fibroblasts) being relatively resistant. The current study aimed to validate the Trx1 system as a molecular target of PMX464 in tumour cells and to investigate the differential sensitivities of normal cells at the molecular level.Experimental Approach:Proliferation, clonogenic survival, protein expression and function, cell cycle and apoptosis assays were conducted using colorectal tumour (HT29), endothelial (HUVEC) and fibroblast (MRCV) cells treated with PMX464 under normoxic and hypoxic (1% O2) conditions.Key Results:Protein and enzyme assays showed that PMX464, in HT29, inhibited Trx1 function without altering expression and that inhibition correlated with decreased proliferation and survival, and was more marked under hypoxia. In contrast, although hypoxic HUVEC were sensitive, in terms of proliferation and survival, inhibition of Trx1 function was not observed. Quiescent HUVEC and MRCVs (that have undetectable Trx1 protein) were relatively resistant. The effect on HT29 cells was essentially due to cell cycle inhibition, as apoptosis was modest. Anti‐proliferative effects were lost after a lag period, suggesting a reversible phenomenon.Conclusions and Implications:The Trx1 system is an important target in tumour cells and can be inhibited by PMX464. Quiescent HUVEC and fibroblasts are relatively resistant conferring a therapeutic benefit when targeting Trx1.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 1167–1175; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707342
Association of ICAM3 Genetic Variant with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Authors: Chan Kelvin Y. K. , Ching Johannes C. Y. , Xu M. S. , Cheung Annie N. Y. , Yip Shea-Ping , Yam Loretta Y. C. , Lai Sik-To , Chu Chung-Ming , Wong Andrew T. Y. , Song You-Qiang , Huang Fang-Ping , Liu Wei , Chung P. H. , Leung G. M. , Chow Eudora Y. D. , Chan Eric Y. T. , Chan Jane C. K. , Ngan Hextan , Tam Paul , Chan Li-Chong , Sham Pak , Chan Vera S. F. , Peiris Malik , Lin Steve C. L. , Khoo Ui-Soon 
Published: June 2007

AbstractGenetic polymorphisms have been demonstrated to be associated with vulnerability to human infection. ICAM3, an intercellular adhesion molecule important for T cell activation, and FCER2 (CD23), an immune response gene, both located on chromosome 19p13.3 were investigated for host genetic susceptibility and association with clinical outcome. A case-control study based on 817 patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), 307 health care worker control subjects, 290 outpatient control subjects, and 309 household control subjects unaffected by SARS from Hong Kong was conducted to test for genetic association. No significant association to susceptibility to SARS-CoV infection was found for the FCER2 and the ICAM3 single nucleotide polymorphisms. However, patients with SARS homozygous for ICAM3 Gly143 showed significant association with higher lactate dehydrogenase levels (P=.0067; odds ratio [OR], 4.31 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37–13.56]) and lower total white blood cell counts (P=.022; OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.10–0.89]) on admission. These findings support the role of ICAM3 in the immunopathogenesis of SARS.