bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclodextrins sequester neuroactive steroids and differentiate mechanisms that rate limit steroid actions
Authors: Shu H‐J , Zeng C‐M , Wang C , Covey D F , Zorumski C F , Mennerick S 
Published: December 2006

Background and purpose:Neuroactive steroids are potent modulators of GABAAreceptors and are thus of interest for their sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and anaesthetic properties. Cyclodextrins may be useful tools to manipulate neuroactive effects of steroids on GABAAreceptors because cyclodextrins form inclusion complexes with at least some steroids that are active at the GABAAreceptor, such as (3α,5α)‐3‐hydroxypregnan‐20‐one (3α5αP, allopregnanolone).Experimental approach:To assess the versatility of cyclodextrins as steroid modulators, we investigated interactions between γ‐cyclodextrin and neuroactive steroids of different structural classes.Key results:Both a bioassay based on electrophysiological assessment of GABAAreceptor function and optical measurements of cellular accumulation of a fluorescent steroid analogue suggest that γ‐cyclodextrin sequesters steroids rather than directly influencing GABAAreceptor function. Neither a 5β‐reduced A/B ring fusion nor a sulphate group at carbon 3 affected the presumed inclusion complex formation between steroid and γ‐cyclodextrin. Apparent dissociation constants for interactions between natural steroids and γ‐cyclodexrin ranged from 10‐60 μM. Although γ‐cyclodextrin accommodates a range of natural and synthetic steroids, C11substitutions reduced inclusion complex formation. Using γ‐cyclodextrin to remove steroid not directly bound to GABAAreceptors, we found that cellular retention of receptor‐unbound steroid rate limits potentiation by 3α‐ hydroxysteroids but not inhibition by sulphated steroids.Conclusions and implications:We conclude that γ‐cyclodextrins can be useful, albeit non‐specific, tools for terminating the actions of multiple classes of naturally occurring neuroactive steroids.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 164–175. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706973
Differential regulation of human YY1 and caspase 7 promoters by prohibitin through E2F1 and p53 binding sites
Authors: Joshi B. , Rastogi S. , Morris M. , Carastro L. M. , Decook C. , Seto E. , Chellappan S. P. 
Published: December 2006

Prohibitin is a 30 kDa growth suppressive protein that has pleiotropic functions in the cell. Although prohibitin has been demonstrated to have potent transcriptional regulatory functions, it has also been proposed to facilitate protein folding in the mitochondria and promote cell migration in association with Raf-1. Our previous studies have shown that prohibitin physically interacts with the marked-box domain of E2F family members and represses their transcriptional activity; in contrast, prohibitin could bind to and enhance the transcriptional activity of p53. Here, we show that promoters of human YY1 (Yin and Yang 1) as well as caspase 7 genes are modulated by prohibitin. YY1 promoter activity was reduced upon overexpression of prohibitin, while it was enhanced when prohibitin was depleted by small interfering RNA techniques. The repressive effects of prohibitin on the YY1 promoter were mediated through E2F binding sites, as seen by mutational analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Further, depletion of E2F1 prevented prohibitin from repressing the YY1 promoter. In contrast with YY1, prohibitin overexpression led to enhanced levels of caspase 7, whereas depletion of prohibitin reduced it. Interestingly, the caspase 7 promoter was found to have p53-binding sites and prohibitin activated this promoter through p53. These studies show that prohibitin can have diverse effects on the expression of different genes and the activity of various cellular promoters is affected by prohibitin. Further, it appears very likely that prohibitin carries out many of its cellular functions by affecting the transcription of different genes.
Cardiac mitochondrial cGMP stimulates cytochrome c release
Authors: Seya Kazuhiko , Motomura Shigeru , Furukawa Ken-Ichi 
Published: December 2006

Although the existence of cardiac mitochondrial cGMP has been reported previously [Kimura and Murad (1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 6910–6916], the physiological and pathophysiological properties of cGMP in cardiac mitochondria have remained unknown. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether cardiac mitochondrial cGMP regulates the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. In the presence of GTP, the NO donors SNAP (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine; 1 mmol/l) and SNP (sodium nitroprusside; 1 mmol/l) each markedly increased the cGMP level in a highly purified mitochondrial protein fraction prepared from left ventricular myocytes of male Wistar rats, and these increases were inhibited by 1 μmol/l ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one), an inhibitor of NO-sensitive guanylate cyclase. In purified mitochondria, both SNAP (1 mmol/l) and the membrane-permeant cGMP analogue 8-Br-cGMP (8-bromo-cGMP; 1 mmol/l), but not cGMP (1 mmol/l), increased cytochrome c release from succinate-energized mitochondria without inducing mitochondrial swelling and depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane as factors of activation of MPT (mitochondrial permeability transition). The cytochrome c release mediated by SNAP was inhibited in the presence of 1 μmol/l ODQ. On the other hand, 1 mmol/l SNAP induced apoptosis in primary cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes in a time-dependent manner, and this induction was significantly inhibited in the presence of ODQ. Furthermore, apoptosis induced in primary cultured cardiomyocytes by hypoxia/re-oxygenation was also inhibited by ODQ. These results suggest that the acceleration of cGMP production in cardiac mitochondria stimulates cytochrome c release from mitochondria in an MPT-independent manner, resulting in apoptosis.
World Bank & Heavenly Bank in Poverty & Prosperity: The Case of Tanzanian Faith Gospel1
Authors: Hasu Päivi 
Published: December 2006

This article discusses the articulation of religious rhetoric with neoliberal principles of the market economy in Tanzania, looking specifically at Pentecostal-charismatic Christianity. Religion is interpreted here as a reflection of and model for a lived reality. On the one hand, a lived reality generates and shapes religious beliefs and ideas. On the other, religious beliefs and ideas inform the ways that economic circumstances are perceived, interpreted and acted upon in specific social and historical contexts. This is a discussion of charismatic Christian perceptions and of the perceived spiritual and economic changes in Tanzania ahead of the general election of 2005. These Biblical allegories, as well as the gospel of prosperity, are brought together through an account of the activities of one particular charismatic ministry. The rhetoric and logic of prosperity through giving are discussed within the anthropological notion of gift exchange as well as with some born-again understandings of the significance of offerings to God as a means to prosperity and accumulation.
This paper draws upon research that was conducted in Tanzania in 2003 and 2004 and funded by the Nordic Africa Institute. An earlier version was presented in a panel organized by Paul Gifford at the AEGIS conference in London 2005.
Effectiveness of nursing‐led inpatient care for patients with post‐acute health care needs: secondary data analysis from a programme of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Harris Ruth , Wilson‐Barnett Jenifer , Griffiths Peter 
Published: December 2006

AbstractObjectives  To determine whether transfer to a nursing‐led inpatient unit (NLIU) prior to discharge from hospital can improve clinical outcome and reduce length of stay and readmission rate for medically stable post‐acute patients assessed as requiring inpatient care.Method  Retrospective secondary data analysis of individual patient data (n = 471) from a programme of three, purposefully replicated, pragmatic randomized controlled trials. Patients were referred to the NLIU by their consultant (attending doctor/surgeon) for nursing‐led subacute/post‐acute care and randomly allocated to a treatment group for planned transfer to the NLIU for the remainder of their hospital stay or to a control group for traditional consultant‐led care in acute wards. Outcome measures were physical function (Barthel Index), length of stay, discharge destination, mortality, psychological well‐being (General Health Questionnaire‐12), health‐related distress (Nottingham Health Profile Distress Index), incidence of complications and readmission within 7, 28, 90 and 180 days.Results  Patients allocated to the NLIU showed greater improvement in physical function (P < 0.001) and were more likely to be discharged to live independently in the community than controls [odds ratio (OR) = 0.42, P = 0.001] although they spent longer in hospital (P = 0.003). They showed greater improvement in psychological well‐being (P = 0.001) and health‐related distress (P = 0.025) and a lower incidence of pressure ulcers (OR = 0.33, P = 0.011).Conclusion  Transfer to a NLIU can have a beneficial effect on outcomes of care for post‐acute patients with complex health and social needs although length of stay is longer. This study strengthens the evidence of effectiveness of the NLIU model of care and provides evidence of effectiveness of post‐acute and subacute models of care.
Use of hair tubes to survey for shrews: new methods for identification and quantification of abundance
Authors: POCOCK MICHAEL J. O. , JENNINGS NANCY 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Accurate and sensitive survey and monitoring methods are needed for shrews. We present a new design of hair tube and a new, simple method of species identification from multivariate analysis of four parameters measured from shrew guard hairs using a binocular microscope with incident light.
Multivariate analysis of these parameters measured from hairs of known identity showed that they can be used to identify hair to the species level with 85% accuracy.
We compared our indices of abundance from hair tubes (the hair tube index) with those from live trapping in 40 field margins. Capture‐mark‐recapture methods showed that capture rate did not vary systematically across sites, so that number of individuals captured was used as an index of abundance.
The hair tube index showed a significant association with the number of individuals captured for Sorex araneus and Neomys fodiens. The lack of a significant association for Sorex minutus may be because hair tubes are more sensitive in detecting this species than live trapping.
Hair tubes have additional advantages over live trapping, since they do not require frequent checking, are much lighter and cheaper than live traps, and no licence is required for their use in the UK. We therefore recommend consideration of their use in future surveys and monitoring studies of shrews. We provide an equation so that other researchers can use our multivariate method.
Volunteer surveys as a means of inferring trends in garden mammal populations
Authors: TOMS MICHAEL P. , NEWSON STUART E. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT

Habitats associated with humans, and gardens in particular, may prove to be important for populations of certain mammal species. However, means for measuring change in these populations are lacking.
This paper uses power analyses to examine the potential for mammal observation data, gathered through an extensive volunteer‐based survey of garden birds, to provide measures of population change within garden habitats at both national and regional levels.
Analyses show that this survey protocol has sufficient power to detect a decline in presence of between 5% and 40% at the national level for 20 of the 24 species included in this study. These results demonstrate that data from volunteer surveys allow the annual monitoring of garden use by a range of mammal species within Britain, and highlight the wider potential of such schemes worldwide.
Downregulation of high‐isoelectric‐point extracellular superoxide dismutase mediates alterations in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species and developmental disturbances in hybrid aspen
Authors: Srivastava Vaibhav , Schinkel Helga , Witzell Johanna , Hertzberg Magnus , Torp Mikaela , Srivastava Manoj Kumar , Karpinska Barbara , Melzer Michael , Wingsle Gunnar 
Published: December 2006

SummaryTransgenic hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. × P. tremuloides Michx.) plants expressing a high‐isoelectric‐point superoxide dismutase (hipI‐SOD) gene in antisense orientation were generated to investigate its function. Immunolocalization studies showed the enzyme to be localized extracellularly, in the secondary cell wall of xylem vessels and phloem fibers. The antisense lines of hipI‐SOD exhibited a distinct phenotype; growth rate was reduced, stems were thinner and leaves smaller than in wild‐type (WT) plants. The abundance of hipI‐SOD was reduced in the bark and xylem of plants from these antisense lines. The vascular tissue of transgenic lines became lignified earlier than in WT plants and also showed an increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Xylem fibers and vessels were shorter and thinner in the transgenic lines than in WT plants. The total phenolic content was enhanced in the antisense lines. Furthermore, microarray analysis indicated that several enzymes involved in cell signaling, lignin biosynthesis and stress responses were upregulated in apical vascular tissues of transgenic plants. The upregulation of selected genes involved in lignin biosynthesis was also verified by real‐time PCR. The results suggest that, in the transgenic plants, a premature transition into maturation occurs and the process is discussed in terms of the effects of increased accumulation of ROS due to reduced expression of hipI‐SOD during development and differentiation.
Anticandidial activity of some essential oils of a mega biodiversity hotspot in India
Authors: Dutta B. K. , Karmakar S. , Naglot A. , Aich J. C. , Begam M. 
Published: December 2006

SummarySix essential oils viz. Eucalyptus citriodora, Cymbopogon citratus, Callistemon lanceolatus, Cinnamomum camphora, Citrus limon, Tagetes petula, as well as two standard antibiotics, miconazole and clotrimazole, were tested in vitro for their anticandidial activity. All these essential oils exhibited higher activity than the two synthetic antibiotics. Highest zone of inhibition was recorded in E. citriodora (8.50 mm μl−1) followed by C. lanceolatus (5.63 mm μl−1) establishing their promising anticandidial potential.
Amphotericin B deoxycholate (d‐AMB) use in cases with febrile neutropenia and fungal infections: lower toxicity with suitable premedication
Authors: Oto Ozgur Akin , Paydas Semra , Disel Umut , Yavuz Sinan , Seydaoglu Gulsah 
Published: December 2006

SummaryIn spite of the development of new antifungal drugs, amphotericin B deoxycholate (d‐AMB) remains the gold standard in the treatment of severe fungal infections in immunosuppressed hosts. However, d‐AMB is a toxic drug, the most important dose‐limiting toxicities being nephrotoxicity and infusion‐related allergic reactions. Lipid and liposomal formulations of d‐AMB have relatively lower toxicity and are considered alternative choices. However, the routine use of these formulations is limited by their higher cost. Using retrospective analysis, we explored the incidence of nephrotoxicity and allergic reactions requiring the cessation of conventional d‐AMB in 113 cases treated with the drug. In contrast to knowledge in the relevant literature, we did not detect significant toxicity, which would have required discontinuation of the d‐AMB treatment. Mean serum creatinine levels were 0.72 ± 0.25 and 0.84 ± 0.31 mg dl−1 before and after therapy, respectively. Although the difference between creatinine levels before and after d‐AMB is statistically significant, the creatinine level increased twofold in only eight cases. Mean serum potassium levels were 3.8 ± 0.54 and 3.6 ± 0.7 mmol l−1 before and after d‐AMB respectively. Potassium levels below 3 mmol l−1 were found in 7 and 17 cases before and after d‐AMB respectively. Potassium levels were statistically lower in cases with fungal mucositis. Severe infusion‐related allergic reactions were observed in three cases. Antihistamine and corticosteroid were added to the treatment in these cases. With these findings, we can conclude that d‐AMB is a tolerable, low cost drug which can be safely used provided there is suitable premedication and monitoring of blood urea nitrogen, serum potassium and magnesium levels.
Serial neurochemical measurement of cerebrospinal fluid during the human sexual response cycle
Authors: Krüger Tillmann H. C. , Schiffer Boris , Eikermann Matthias , Haake Philip , Gizewski Elke , Schedlowski Manfred 
Published: December 2006

AbstractRecent studies examining the neuroendocrine response pattern underlying the human sexual response cycle revealed transient activation of the sympathoadrenal system and a substantial, long‐lasting increase in plasma prolactin concentrations following orgasm in men and women. Prolactin has been discussed as being part of a feedback mechanism that signals centers in the central nervous system, such as the dopaminergic system controlling sexual arousal. To further elucidate the central role of neuropeptides, biogenic monoamines and neurotransmitters in human sexual behavior, a serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)‐sampling technique was implemented using a previously established experimental paradigm for sexual activity in a laboratory setting. In parallel with peripheral endocrine measures, lumbar CSF was drawn via an indwelling spinal catheter during the sexual response cycle in 10 healthy males and 10 age‐matched controls, and analysed for prolactin, oxytocin, biogenic monoamines and/or their metabolites as well as inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitter concentrations. Parallel to raised peripheral sympathetic activity, norepinephrine also increased in CSF during audiovisual, masturbation‐induced sexual arousal and orgasm, and remained elevated for the remainder of the session (F4,72 = 8.79, P = 0.000). In contrast, none of the other measures, in particular prolactin and dopamine or its metabolites, reflected significant alteration. In conclusion, the human sexual response cycle is characterized by an increase in sympathetic activity in plasma and CSF, and by pronounced secretion of plasma prolactin after orgasm. However, alterations in dopaminergic or peptidergic activity are not found in lumbar CSF, possibly due to local and restricted release in diencephalic and mesencephalic brain regions.
Calprotectin in microglia from frontal cortex is up‐regulated in schizophrenia: evidence for an inflammatory process?
Authors: Foster Russell , Kandanearatchi Apsara , Beasley Claire , Williams Brenda , Khan Nadeem , Fagerhol Magne K. , Everall Ian P. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSchizophrenia is associated with a number of pathological changes, including alterations in levels of specific proteins. Calprotectin is a novel 36 kDa calcium‐binding protein of the S100 family and appears to be a nonspecific marker of inflammation. Calprotectin has not previously been investigated in brain tissue. Samples of post‐mortem brain tissue from Brodmann area 9 were obtained from prefrontal cortex from subjects with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, major depression, and from controls. Calprotectin levels were determined by ELISA. To determine cellular localization, immunocytochemical and fluorescent double‐labelling analyses were performed. Exogenous calprotectin was added to retinoic acid‐differentiated human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cell cultures in order to investigate mechanisms of action of calprotectin. Calprotectin was detectable in all samples, and mean levels were noted to be highest in schizophrenic brains (P < 0.05) and lowest in controls. Levels were intermediate in bipolar affective disorder and major depression. Exogenous calprotectin appeared to induce dendritic extension in SH‐SY5Y cell culture in a dose‐dependent manner. Calprotectin was found to be localized to microglia. These findings suggest that increased levels of calprotecitn in the brain may reflect inflammatory processes, which play a role in the pathogenesis of major psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, calprotectin may influence dendritic plasticity.
Role of the calcium modulated cyclases in the development of the retinal projections
Authors: Nicol Xavier , Bennis Mohammed , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Chan Guy C.‐K. , Repérant Jacques , Storm Daniel R. , Gaspar Patricia 
Published: December 2006

AbstractTransmembrane isoforms of adenylate cyclases (AC) integrate a wide variety of extracellular signals from neurotransmitters to morphogens and can also regulate cAMP production in response to calcium entry. Based on observations in the barrelless mouse strain, the Adcy1 gene (AC1) was involved in the segregation of binocular retinal inputs. To determine the potential role of other AC isoforms we localized the Adcy genes in the visual centres during development, using in situ hybridization. Six different AC subtypes were found in the developing retinal ganglion cell layer (RGC; AC1, AC2, AC3, AC5, AC8, and AC9), and three AC subtypes were expressed in the central brain targets, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (AC1 and AC8), the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (AC2 and AC8) and the superior colliculus (AC1, AC2, AC8). Using a genetic approach we tested the role of the calcium modulated cyclases AC1, AC5 and AC8 for the segregation retinal fibres. Ipsilateral retinal axons remained exuberant in the AC1–/– mice, with overlapping retinal projections from both eyes in the superior colliculus and the visual thalamus. These abnormalities were similar to those of barrelless mouse mutants. No abnormalities were detectable in the AC5–/– or the AC8–/– mice. Similar abnormalities were noted in the single AC1–/– and the AC1/AC8 double‐knockout mice (DKO). Thus, only AC1 is required for the maturation of the retinal axon terminals whereas AC5 and AC8 are not needed. The specificity of AC1′s action is linked to its cellular localization in the RGCs and to its distinctive functional profile, compared with the other cyclases expressed in the same cells.
Homeostatic plasticity during alcohol exposure promotes enlargement of dendritic spines
Authors: Carpenter‐Hyland Ezekiel P. , Chandler L. Judson 
Published: December 2006

AbstractModifications of the size, shape and number of dendritic spines is thought to be an important component of activity‐dependent changes of neuronal circuits, and may play an important role in the plasticity of drug addiction. The present study examined whether homeostatic increases in synaptic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in response to chronic ethanol exposure is associated with corresponding morphological changes in dendritic spines. Prolonged exposure of rat hippocampal cultures to either the NMDA receptor antagonist d(–)‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphono‐pentanoic acid or to ethanol increased punctate staining of F‐actin and the postsynaptic density protein‐95 (PSD‐95). The increase in dendritic F‐actin occurred only with clusters that co‐localized with PSD‐95 clusters, indicating that these actin structures likely represent dendritic spines. The ethanol‐induced increases in PSD‐95 and F‐actin clusters were activity‐dependent and reversible. Finally, inhibition of protein palmitoylation prevented ethanol‐induced increases in synaptic NMDA receptor clustering and F‐actin without altering the basal clustering of either F‐actin or PSD‐95. These observations support a model in which chronic ethanol exposure induces homeostatic increases of NR2B‐containing NMDA receptors and PSD‐95 to the postsynaptic density. This in turn may provide a scaffolding platform for the subsequent recruitment of actin signaling cascades that alter actin cycling and promote spine enlargement.