bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclooxygenase‐2 is induced in the endothelial cells throughout the central nervous system during carrageenan‐induced hind paw inflammation; its possible role in hyperalgesia
Authors: Ibuki Takae , Matsumura Kiyoshi , Yamazaki Yasuo , Nozaki Taiki , Tanaka Yoshifumi , Kobayashi Shigeo 
Published: February 2004

AbstractInflammation is often accompanied with hyperalgesia. This hyperalgesia is mediated partly by prostaglandin(s) produced in the CNS through the cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) dependent pathway. However, it remains unclear where COX‐2 is induced in the CNS during inflammation, and how it is involved in hyperalgesia. We studied the precise site of COX‐2 induction in the CNS, the relation between the time course of COX‐2 induction and that of hyperalgesia, and the effect of COX‐2‐selective inhibitor by using a carrageenan model. Carrageenan injection induced expression of COX‐2‐like immunoreactivity in vascular endothelial cells throughout the CNS. This response became evident by 3 h, and was most prominent at 6 h after carrageenan injection. This COX‐2 induction was associated with an elevation of prostaglandin E2 in the cerebrospinal fluid, being evident at 3 h, larger at 6 h, and alleviated by a COX‐2‐selective inhibitor. Thermal hyperalgesia became evident at 1 h, further increased thereafter, and remained elevated until 6 h. Intrathecal administration of COX‐2‐selective inhibitor 2 h after the carrageenan injection exerted a prominent therapeutic effect on hyperalgesia. These results demonstrate that, during carrageenan‐induced inflammation, endothelial cells are the major source of prostaglandin(s) in the CNS, and this endothelial expression of COX‐2 is involved in the inflammation‐induced hyperalgesia.
Characterization of chronic low‐level proteasome inhibition on neural homeostasis
Authors: Ding Qunxing , Dimayuga Edgardo , Martin Sarah , Bruce‐Keller Annadora J. , Nukala Vidya , Cuervo Ana Maria , Keller Jeffrey N. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests that proteasome inhibition plays a causal role in promoting the neurodegeneration and neuron death observed in multiple disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The ability of severe and acute inhibition of proteasome function to induce neuron death and neuropathology similar to that observed in AD and PD is well documented. However, at present the effects of chronic low‐level proteasome inhibition on neural homeostasis has not been elucidated. In order to determine the effects of chronic low‐level proteasome inhibition on neural homeostasis, we conducted studies in individual colonies of neural SH‐SY5Y cells that were isolated following continual exposure to low concentrations (100 nm) of the proteasome inhibitor MG115. Clonal cell lines appeared morphologically similar to control cultures but exhibited significantly different rates of both proliferation and differentiation. Elevated levels of protein oxidation and protein insolubility were observed in clonal cell lines, with all clonal cell lines being more resistant to neural death induced by serum withdrawal and oxidative stress. Interestingly, clonal cell lines demonstrated evidence for increased macroautophagy, suggesting that chronic low‐level proteasome inhibition may cause an excessive activation of the lysosomal system. Taken together, these data indicate that chronic low‐level proteasome inhibition has multiple effects on neural homeostasis, and suggests that studying the effects of chronic low‐level proteasome inhibition may be useful in understanding the relationship between protein oxidation, protein insolubility, proteasome function, macroautophagy and neural viability in AD and PD.
Vapor Pressures of Tritium Oxide and Deuterium Oxide. Interpretation of the Isotope Effects
Authors: Jones Wesley M. 
Published: February 2004

Measurements are reported on the difference in vapor pressures of H2O and T2O ( − 9°-114°C) and of H2O and D2O (4°-114°C). The relative vapor pressures of the pure liquids are represented by ln (pH2O / pT2O) = ( − 103.87 ± 0.57) / T + (46 480 ± 210) / T2 and ln (pH2O / pD2O) = ( − 70.87 ± 0.43) / T + (33 630 ± 160) / T2. The normal boiling points of T2O and D2O are 101.51° and 101.42°C. Isotopic differences in heats of vaporization are given from 10° to 110°C. Triple-point temperatures and pressures are summarized. Vapor-pressure crossover temperatures are: D2O–T2O, 116.2° ± 0.5°C; H2O–T2O, 190 ± 10°C (estimated); H2O–D2O, 220.7° ± 0.1°C (literature).
The data were also fitted to extensions of the above equations which included correction terms based on Bigeleisen's formulation of the vapor-pressure isotope effect and a uniformist harmonic-oscillator model of water. Estimates of the coefficients of 1 / T and 1 / T2 for H2O–D2O from Raman spectra are in reasonable agreement with coefficients from this data fit. Ratios of corresponding coefficients for H2O–D2O and H2O–T2O agree with theory.
Shock-Tube Study of Nitrogen Dissociation using Vacuum-Ultraviolet Light Absorption
Authors: Appleton J. P. , Steinberg M. , Liquornik D. J. 
Published: February 2004

A shock-tube investigation of the dissociation of nitrogen diluted in argon is described which utilizes vacuum-ultraviolet absorption at 1176 Å to monitor the disappearance of molecular nitrogen. Measurements of the dissociation rate coefficients for the process kd(M)N2 + M→2N + M were obtained over the temperature range 8000° to 15 000°K where the collision partner, M, was Ar, N2, and N. The temperature dependence of the individual rate coefficients was found to be the same and was obtained with good precision. The magnitudes of the rate coefficients were generally lower than the currently accepted values obtained in previous shock-tube investigations, especially the value for kd(N) which, although it was found to be about 10 times greater than kd(Ar), was six times less than two previous measurements. The results of the investigation may be summarized by the following expressions for the dissociation rate coefficients: kd(Ar) = (2.3 ± 0.2) × 10−3T−1.6exp( − 1.132 × 105 / T) cm3sec−1, kd(N2) = (6.2 ± 1.6) × 10−3T−1.6exp( − 1.132 × 105 / T) cm3sec−1, kd(N) = (2.7 ± 1.0) × 10−2T−1.6exp(−1.132 × 105 / T) cm3sec−1.
Encouragingly good agreement between the recombination rate coefficients, kr(Ar), inferred from the measurements of kd(Ar), with predictions of kr(Ar) obtained from the theories of Benson and Fueno and Keck and Carrier, were obtained.
Fasting‐Induced Activation of Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinases (ERK/p38) in the Mouse Hypothalamus
Authors: Morikawa Y. , Ueyama E. , Senba E. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractActivity‐dependent changes in neuronal plasticity depend critically on gene regulation. To understand how fasting‐induced stimulation leads to gene regulation through intracellular signalling pathways, we investigated the effect of fasting on activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and the p38 MAPK (p38) in mouse hypothalamus. In the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, phosphorylation of ERK significantly increased during fasting, spatially coincident with phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), induction of c‐Fos, and expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY). In the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of fasted mice, activation of p38 in addition to ERK was also observed. In the arcuate nucleus of ob/ob mice, phosphorylations of ERK and CREB were decreased during fasting, whereas the expression of NPY was increased. In the PVN, increased activation of p38 was observed in spite of decreased activation of ERK. These results suggest that ERK and p38 are differentially activated by fasting in distinct regions of the hypothalamus depending on the condition of energy balance.
Responses of Cells in the Rat Supraoptic Nucleus In Vivo to Stimulation of Afferent Pathways are Different at Different Times of the Light/Dark Cycle
Authors: Saeb‐Parsy K. , Dyball R. E. J. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractTo determine whether the daily rhythms of spike activity in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) were accompanied by changes in the behaviour of its inputs, we used conventional extracellular single cell recordings from cells in the SON of anaesthetized rats while stimulating the contralateral optic nerve and the ipsilateral suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Neurones in the SON region were identified by antidromic activation and classified as oxytocin or vasopressin cells, on the basis of their spontaneous firing patterns. Approximately 27% of both oxytocin (29/108) and vasopressin (39/147) neurones were excited by stimulation of the optic nerve, and the majority of responses had a long latency (>20 ms). Very few oxytocin (3/108) and vasopressin cells (2/147) were inhibited by stimulation of the optic nerve. The pattern of the responses (excitatory, inhibitory or nonresponsive) of oxytocin and vasopressin cells to stimulation of the optic nerve was significantly related to the time of day (chi‐square test; P = 0.012, oxytocin cells; P = 0.006, vasopressin cells). The proportion of oxytocin cells excited by stimulation of the optic nerve was highest at ZT 4–8 and lowest at ZT 20–24. For vasopressin cells, it was highest at ZT 12–16 and lowest at ZT 20–24. The proportion of excitatory, inhibitory and complex responses seen in oxytocin and vasopressin cells following stimulation of the SCN also changed and was significantly different at different times of day (oxytocin cells: highest proportion of excitatory responses at ZT 12–16, P = 0.029; chi‐square test; vasopressin cells: highest proportion of excitatory responses at ZT 0–4, P = 0.005; chi‐square test). Thus, inputs to oxytocin and vasopressin neurones from the optic nerve and some outputs from the SCN changed during the light/dark cycle. Such changes may contribute to the generation of 24‐h rhythms in activity of oxytocin and vasopressin neurones and release of the peptides.
Effects of Ovariectomy on the Neuroendocrine Axes Regulating Reproduction and Energy Balance in Young Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Sandoval‐Guzmán T. , Stalcup S. T. , Krajewski S. J. , Voytko M. L. , Rance N. E. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractDegeneration of the ovary in middle‐aged women results in castrate levels of ovarian steroids and increased gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary gland. Ageing in women is also accompanied by significant changes in energy homeostasis. We have observed alterations in hypothalamic morphology and gene expression in older women, including hypertrophy and increased gene expression of neurokinin B (NKB) neurones, elevated levels of gonadotropin releasing‐hormone (GnRH) mRNA and decreased numbers of neurones expressing pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA. To determine if loss of ovarian steroids could produce comparable changes in gene expression in young primates, we measured the effects of ovariectomy on NKB, GnRH and POMC gene expression in young cynomolgus monkeys. We also measured serum leptin and body weight to examine the consequences of ovariectomy on energy balance. NKB neurones in the infundibular nucleus of ovariectomized monkeys were larger, more numerous and displayed increased levels of NKB mRNA compared to those of intact controls. Moreover, ovariectomy increased the number of neurones expressing GnRH gene transcripts and elevated serum luteinizing hormone. By contrast, several parameters related to energy balance, including POMC gene expression, serum leptin and body weights, were unchanged by ovariectomy. Thus, the rise in NKB and GnRH gene expression in older women was simulated by ovariectomy in monkeys, but the changes in POMC gene expression and energy balance were not. This study provides strong support for the hypothesis that ovarian failure contributes to the increased NKB and GnRH gene expression observed in postmenopausal women.
Single Chain Variants of the Glycoprotein Hormones and Their Receptors as Tools to Study Receptor Activation and for Analogue Design
Authors: Ben‐Menahem D. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractOne of the crucial steps in the biosynthesis of multisubunit proteins is their assembly. The glycoprotein hormone, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, and the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and chorionic gonadotropin, are noncovalent heterodimers. Their assembly is critical for bioactivity because the heterodimers, but not the monomeric subunits, efficiently bind to and activate the cognate heptahelical receptor. Occasionally, mutated subunits cannot combine into a functional hormone, or the bioactivity of the assembled, yet modified, heterodimer is suboptimal.
The Hypothalamic Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Receptor and Its Relationship to Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormones Neurones During Postnatal Development
Authors: Daftary S. S. , Gore A. C. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractReproduction in vertebrates is controlled by hypophysiotropic gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones. Pulsatile GnRH release increases during reproductive development, resulting in the onset and progression of puberty and, ultimately, the acquisition and maintenance of adult reproductive function. These changes in GnRH release are largely due to inputs to GnRH cells from other factors, including the neurotrophic factor, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1). Here, molecular studies were undertaken to quantify expression of IGF‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) mRNA in the preoptic area‐anterior hypothalamus (POA‐AH) and mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH)‐median eminence (ME), the sites of GnRH perikarya and neuroterminals, respectively. Immunocytochemical studies were also carried out to study the anatomical relationship between the IGF‐1R and GnRH neurones. Experiments were performed in a developmental context using neonatal (P5), peripubertal (∼P30) and adult (P60) male and female mice. We found that IGF‐1R mRNA levels in the POA‐AH were significantly different among all age groups, with levels higher at P60 then P5 or ∼P30. Levels of IGF‐1R mRNA in the MBH‐ME were lower at P5 than ∼P30 or P60. Qualitative observations suggested that IGF‐1R immunoreactivity in POA‐AH increased from P5 through P60. Quantitative double‐label immunocytochemistry studies showed that GnRH perikarya expressed IGF‐1R. Taken together, the results demonstrate expression of, and developmental changes in, IGF‐1R gene and protein in brain regions containing GnRH and other neuroendocrine cells. Moreover, the novel finding that the IGF‐1R is expressed on GnRH perikarya in vivo suggests a potential direct anatomical locus where IGF‐1 can regulate reproductive development and function.
Information needs and the related variables of Japanese family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Fukui Sakiko 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe present study examined the information needs of family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients. Data were obtained by a structured interview from 66 Japanese caregivers of cancer patients institutionalized in a palliative care unit. Needs for disease‐related information (the disease, treatment and prognosis) and care‐related information (the care for the patient and family members) were investigated, and demographic and situational characteristics related to individual information needs were assessed. More than 60% of family caregivers wanted disease‐related information, and approximately half of these wanted patient and family care‐related information. These information needs had significant correlations with the family caregiver's age and with such patient‐dependent situational variables as time since diagnosis, care site before enrolling in a palliative care unit, and presence or absence of other family caregivers. The results may help health care professionals to better inform terminally ill cancer patients and their family caregivers.
Dorsal tunica albuginea plication to correct congenital and acquired penile curvature: a long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Chertin B. , Koulikov D. , Fridmans A. , Farkas A. 
Published: February 2004

Authors from Jerusalem evaluated the long‐term efficacy of a tunica albuginea dorsal plication technique in the treatment of congenital and acquired curvature of the penis. They assessed their experience in 83 patients aged 1‐8 years who underwent this procedure over a 10‐year period. They found it to be a simple technique with considerable long‐term efficacy.OBJECTIVETo evaluate the long‐term efficacy of a tunica albuginea dorsal plication technique for treating congenital and acquired penile curvature.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively evaluated 83 patients (median age 1.8 years) who had their penile curvature corrected surgically using dorsal tunica albuginea plication between 1992 and 2002. The results were evaluated objectively using a pharmacological erection test or subsequently based either on the parents’ reports or patients’ self‐assessment. The median (range) follow‐up was 6 (0.7–10) years.RESULTSSeventy (84%) patients had penile plication as an integral part of hypospadias repair, while the remaining 13 (16%) with a normal urethra had dorsal plication only. Twenty‐eight (34%) of the 83 patients had an erection test during a repeat hypospadias repair or closure of a urethrocutaneous fistula; 22 of these had a straight penis, while the remaining six required additional plication for a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. Parents of 45 (54%) children reported that their child had a normal erection with no chordee during the follow‐up. Ten (12%) adult patients reported straight erections enabling satisfactory penetration and sensation during sexual intercourse. None of the patients reported penile shortening or erectile dysfunction after surgery, and none had recurrent curvature during the follow‐up. There was no difference in the results between patients with congenital or acquired penile curvature.CONCLUSIONSDorsal plication of the tunica albuginea is a simple and effective method in the long term for correcting congenital and acquired penile curvature.
A low incidence of positive surgical margins in prostate cancer at high risk of extracapsular extension after a modified anterograde radical prostatectomy
Authors: Serni S. , Masieri L. , Lapini A. , Nesi G. , Carini M. 
Published: February 2004

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the incidence of positive surgical margins (and associated risk factors) in patients with localized prostate cancer at high preoperative risk of extracapsular disease treated using a modified anterograde radical retropubic prostatectomy technique. Positive surgical margins are an important risk factor for disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy, particularly in patients with extracapsular disease.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn total, 84 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and a preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level > 10 ng/mL and/or a biopsy Gleason score ≥ 7 were evaluated. The surgical technique allows easy, wide resection of the posterolateral prostatic pedicles, and good mobilization and exposure of the apex before the urethra transection. Prostatectomy specimens were examined for extracapsular tumour spread and positive surgical margins. Differences in putative risk factors (Gleason score, preoperative PSA level, prostate weight) between the positive‐ and negative‐margin groups were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney test.RESULTSOverall, 11 of the 84 (13%) patients had positive surgical margins and of these a single site was involved in six. In total, 15 positive‐margin sites were identified (five apical, four basal, three posterolateral, two anterior and one posterior). All patients with positive margins had histological extracapsular disease. The preoperative PSA level and Gleason score were significantly higher in the positive‐ than in the negative‐margin group (P = 0.025 and 0.035, respectively).CONCLUSIONSThe anterograde radical prostatectomy minimizes the incidence of positive surgical margins in patients at high risk of extracapsular disease.
Assembly of Multiple CotC Forms into the
Bacillus subtilis
Spore Coat
Authors: Isticato Rachele , Esposito Giovanni , Zilhão Rita , Nolasco Sofia , Cangiano Giuseppina , De Felice Maurilio , Henriques Adriano O. , Ricca Ezio 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

We report evidence that the CotC polypeptide, a previously identified component of the
Bacillus subtilis
spore coat, is assembled into at least four distinct forms. Two of these, having molecular masses of 12 and 21 kDa, appeared 8 h after the onset of sporulation and were probably assembled on the forming spore immediately after their synthesis, since no accumulation of either of them was detected in the mother cell compartment, where their synthesis occurs. The other two components, 12.5 and 30 kDa, were generated 2 h later and were probably the products of posttranslational modifications of the two early forms occurring directly on the coat surface during spore maturation. None of the CotC forms was found either on the spore coat or in the mother cell compartment of a
cotH
mutant. This indicates that CotH serves a dual role of stabilizing the early forms of CotC and promoting the assembly of both early and late forms on the spore surface.
The
Bacillus subtilis
Extracytoplasmic-Function σ
X
Factor Regulates Modification of the Cell Envelope and Resistance to Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Cao Min , Helmann John D. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Bacillus subtilis
contains seven extracytoplasmic-function σ factors that activate partially overlapping regulons. We here identify four additional members of the σ
X
regulon,
pbpX
(penicillin-binding protein),
ywnJ
, the
dlt
operon (
d
-alanylation of teichoic acids), and the
pss ybfM psd
operon (phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis). Modification of teichoic acids by esterification with
d
-alanine and incorporation of phosphatidylethanolamine into the cell membrane have a common consequence: in both cases positively charged amino groups are introduced into the cell envelope. The resulting reduction in the net negative charge of the cell envelope has been previously implicated as a resistance mechanism specific for cationic antimicrobial peptides. Consistent with this notion, we find that both
sigX
and
dltA
mutants are more sensitive to nisin than wild-type cells. We conclude that activation of the σ
X
regulon serves to alter cell surface properties to provide protection against antimicrobial peptides.
Physical and Enzymological Interaction of
Bacillus subtilis
Proteins Required for De Novo Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate Biosynthesis
Authors: Belitsky Boris R. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACT

Bacillus subtilis
synthesizes pyridoxal 5′-phosphate, the active form of vitamin B
6
, by a poorly characterized pathway involving the
yaaD
and
yaaE
genes. The
pdxS
(
yaaD
) mutant was confirmed to be a strict B
6
auxotroph, but the
pdxT
(
yaaE
) mutant turned out to be a conditional auxotroph depending on the availability of ammonium in the growth medium. The PdxS and PdxT proteins copurified during affinity chromatography and apparently form a complex that has glutaminase activity. PdxS and PdxT appear to encode the synthase and glutaminase subunits, respectively, of a glutamine amidotransferase of as-yet-unknown specificity essential for B
6
biosynthesis.