bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MEK and ERK protect hypoxic cortical neurons via phosphorylation of Bad
Authors: Jin Kunlin , Mao Xiao Ou , Zhu Yonghua , Greenberg David A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe investigated the role of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in hypoxic neuronal injury using primary cultures from murine cerebral cortex. Hypoxia caused the death of ∼50% of neurons at 16 h and ∼65% of neurons at 24 h. This was associated with phospho‐activation of the MAPK/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) kinase MEK1/2 and its downstream target ERK1/2, but not p38 MAPK or c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), as detected by western blotting. The MEK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059, increased neuronal death in hypoxic cultures, suggesting that MEK1/2 promotes neuronal survival, whereas the p38 inhibitors, SB202190 and SB203580, had no effect. To identify downstream effects of ERK1/2 that might regulate hypoxic neuronal death, we measured hypoxia‐induced phosphorylation of three ERK1/2 targets: the 90‐kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (RSK), the transcription factor ELK1, and the pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family protein Bad. We observed increased abundance of inactivated (phospho‐)Bad, but no change in phospho‐RSK or phospho‐ELK1. Moreover, the MEK inhibitor PD98059 reduced phospho‐inactivation of Bad in hypoxic cultures. These findings suggest that a cell‐survival program involving phospho‐activation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 and inactivation of Bad is mobilized in hypoxic neurons, and may help to regulate neuronal fate following hypoxic‐ischemic injury.
Regulated trafficking of neurotransmitter transporters: common notes but different melodies
Authors: Robinson Michael B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe activity of biogenic amine and amino acid neurotransmitters is limited by presynaptic and astrocytic Na+‐dependent transport systems. Their functional importance is underscored by the observation that these transporters are the targets of broad classes of psychotherapeutic agents, including antidepressants and stimulants. Early studies suggested that the activity of these transporters can be fine tuned by a number of different signaling pathways. In the past five years, several groups have provided compelling evidence that changing the cell surface availability of these transporters contributes to this fine tuning. This regulated trafficking can result in rapid (within minutes) increases or decreases in the plasma membrane expression of these transporters and is independent of transcriptional or translational control mechanisms. Many of the same signaling molecules, including protein kinase C (PKC), tyrosine kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (P13‐K), and protein phosphatase, regulate the transporters for different neurotransmitters. In addition to these classical receptor activated pathways, transporter substrates also regulate activity and cell surface expression of these transporters. In fact, some of the transporters form complexes with signaling molecules. Given the functional and genetic similarities of these transporters, it is not surprising that the same signaling molecules regulate their trafficking, but except for the molecules, the actual effects on individual transporters are remarkably different. It␣is as if the same musical notes have been rearranged into several different melodies.
Neuronal storage of histamine in the brain and tele‐methylimidazoleacetic acid excretion in portocaval shunted rats
Authors: Fogel W. A. , Michelsen K. A. , Granerus G. , Sasiak K. , Andrzejewski W. , Panula P. , Maslinski C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractRats with portocaval anastomosis (PCA), an animal model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), have very high brain histamine concentrations. Our previous studies based on a biochemical approach indicated histamine accumulation in the neuronal compartment. In this study, immunohistochemical evidence is presented which further supports the amine localization in histaminergic neurons. These neurons become pathological in appearance with cisternae frequently seen along histaminergic fibres in many brain areas, including the hypothalamus, amygdala, substantia nigra and cerebral cortex. Such formations were not observed in sham‐operated animals. The neuronal deposition is predominant, and unique for histamine. It serves as a mechanism to counterbalance excessive brain neurotransmitter formation evoked by PCA. However, there are other mechanisms. The data provided here show that there is also a significant increase in histamine catabolism in the shunted rats, as reflected by both the higher brain N‐tele‐methylhistamine (t‐MeHA) concentration and urinary excretion of N‐tele‐methylimidazoleacetic acid (t‐MeImAA), a major brain histamine end product. The stomach, in addition to the brain, is a site of enhanced histamine synthesis in portocavally shunted subjects. After gastrectomy or food deprivation to eliminate the contribution of the stomach, shunted rats excrete significantly more t‐MeImAA, implying the role of the CNS. This last finding suggests that under strictly defined conditions, namely in parenterally fed HE patients with abnormal plasma l‐histidine, the measurement of urinary t‐MeImAA might provide valuable information concerning putative brain histaminergic activity.
A role for CO2 and bicarbonate transporters in metabolic exchanges in the brain
Authors: Deitmer Joachim W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAcid‐base transporters are linked to the energy metabolism via the end product of oxidative metabolism, carbon dioxide, together with carbonic anhydrase activity. In a tissue such as the brain, where some cells (neurones) are high‐energy consumers when active, and other cells (astroglial cells) are destined for homeostatic and trophic tasks, transport systems may complement each other and cooperate in order to maintain physiological functions. Here, some aspects of the coupling of metabolite shuttling and acid/base‐dependent transport in neurones and glial cells are discussed.
Differential expression and localization of calmodulin‐dependent phosphodiesterase genes during ontogenesis of chick dorsal root ganglion
Authors: Giorgi Mauro , Giordano Daniela , Rosati Jessica , Tata Ada Maria , Augusti‐Tocco Gabriella 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe level and characteristics of 3′−5′‐cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity in chick dorsal root ganglion (DRG) extracts of 5‐day posthatching chicken (P5) and E10 and E18 embryos were studied. At all stages, PDE activity is stimulated by calcium and calmodulin. A 5‐fold increase in basal cAMP and cGMP PDE activity is evident from E10 to E18, while from E18 to P5 basal PDE activity remains constant. Ion exchange chromatography elution profile indicates that PDE1 isoforms represent the bulk of the PDE activity present. Inhibition studies were performed in order to distinguish the activity due to PDE1A, B and C. Western blot analysis using anti‐mammalian PDE1A, B and C specific antibodies was also performed. Densitometric analysis of the stained bands reveals that PDE1B and PDE1C display a prominent increase between day 10 and day 18 of development (eight‐ and 3.6 fold, respectively) while a more limited increase (1.6‐ and 1.5‐fold) is observed between E18 and P5; on the other hand PDE1A shows continuously increasing levels throughout development. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with isoform specific antibodies used for western blot analysis. PDE1A immunoreactivity is found in the cytoplasm and fibers of several neurons differing in size and distributed throughout the ganglion. PDE1B staining is evident on all neurons, however, fibers appear very faintly labelled. All neurons appear stained by PDE1C antibody, although the intensity of immunostaining is always heterogeneous in different neuronal populations: no staining was evident on fibers or in non‐neural cells. The distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns of PDE1 isoforms may indicate their different physiological roles in developing and mature chick DRG.
Characterization of the human ABO gene promoter in erythroid cell lineage
Authors: Hata Y. , Kominato Y. , Yamamoto F.‐I. , Takizawa H. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe human ABO blood group system is important in transfusion and organ transplantation. Although the molecular basis of the ABO gene has been established, recent studies have begun to characterize the mechanism of the ABO gene expression.Materials and MethodsTransient transfection assays were carried out in human erythroleukaemia HEL cells and human gastric cancer KATOIII cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays were performed using nuclear extracts derived from both cells.ResultsOur characterization of the 5′‐upstream sequence of the ABO genes indicated that the region between −117 and +31 is essential to direct expression of a reporter gene in erythroid cells. We show that a sequence located between positions −22 and −14 of the ABO promoter binds a ubiquitous transcription factor Sp1 or Sp1‐like protein(s). Mutation of this site abrogates binding of those factors and reduces the ability of the ABO promoter to function in erythroleukaemia cells and gastric cancer cells.ConclusionThe expression of the ABO promoter appears to be influenced by the binding of Sp1 or Sp1‐like protein(s) in both erythroid and epithelial cell lineages.
A case‐control study of risk factors associated with human T‐cell lymphotrophic virus type‐I seropositivity in blood donors from Guadeloupe, French West Indies
Authors: Rouet F. , Herrmann‐Storck C. , Courouble G. , Deloumeaux J. , Madani D. , Strobel M. 
Published: March 2003

Background and objectives An age‐ and gender‐specific distribution characterizes human T‐cell lymphotrophic virus type‐I (HTLV‐I) seropositivity in Guadeloupe (French West Indies). Further epidemiological studies are required to identify other possible risk factors associated with this retroviral infection.Materials and methods A nested case‐control study was conducted between 1997 and 1999 among blood donors. A total of 102 HTLV‐I‐positive subjects were matched (at a ratio of 1 : 3) by gender, age (±5 years) and donor status (new or regular) to 306 HTLV‐I‐negative controls. Information was obtained through a questionnaire assessing both environmental and behavioural variables.Results Factors independently associated with HTLV‐I infection included a low level of education [odds ratio (OR) 6·61, confidence interval (CI) 2·89–15·15], black ethnicity (OR 3·28, CI 1·01–10·65), two or more sex partners in the previous 3 years (OR 2·43, CI 1·16–5·10), early age at first sexual intercourse (0·84 risk reduction per additional year, CI 0·76–0·93), a history of sexually transmitted diseases (OR 2·29, CI 1·0–5·34) and positive Chlamydia serology (OR 1·95, CI 1·03–3·68).Conclusion These data provide a wide spectrum of features associated with HTLV‐I seropositivity, especially sexual risk factors. It strongly suggests that heterosexual intercourse is an important route of HTLV‐I transmission in Guadeloupe, even among low‐risk populations such as blood donors.
Current usage of nomenclature for parasitic diseases, with special reference to those involving arthropods
Authors: Ashford R. W. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract.Terminological confusion has been aggravated by efforts to develop a standardized nomenclature for parasitic diseases (SNOPAD) arising from the proposal byKassaiet al., 1988) for a standardized nomenclature of animal diseases (SNOAPAD). To restabilize international nomenclature of parasitic diseases it is recommended that, whenever appropriate, names should follow the ‘International Nomenclature of Diseases’ (IND) compiled by the Council for International Organizations for Medical Sciences (CIOMS/WHO, 1987). For diseases not included in IND, familiarity should guide the choice of name: traditional English language names of diseases should be preferred, e.g. ‘malaria’, ‘scabies’ or, for parasitic diseases having no traditional name, the taxonomic name of the causative organism should be applied, e.g. ‘Brugia timorimicrofilaraemia’; ‘Plasmodium malariaeinfection’; ‘Simuliumallergy’ − instead of the generic derivatives proposed by SNOPAD, i.e. brugiosis, plasmodiosis and simuliidosis, respectively. For names of new diseases or those rarely mentioned, the suffix ‐osis would normally take precedence. Generally, the name of choice for any disease in any language should be the vernacular term, with commonest English usage preferred for international communication, and publications should include synonyms in the list of keywords.
A new method to measure in vivo human skin hydrophobia
Authors: Elkhyat A. , Agache P. , Zahouani H. , Humbert Ph. 
Published: March 2003

SynopsisUntil now, the wettability of the skin has been only estimated through the measurement of its critical surface tension (Zisman), or surface free energy. These methods give information on the behaviour of the surface with water, but cannot quantify its behaviour with other polar liquids.In this paper we propose to express both the hydrophilia of the skin (Hi) by the ratio of its critical surface tension (γc) to the water surface tension (γH2O), and its hydrophobia (Ho) by the ratio of the difference between the critical surface tension (γc), and the value of the water surface tension (γH2O) normalized by the latter. By using this proposed parameter, it should be possible to classify skin surfaces according to their affinities to water, which is of major importance in Cosmetology as well as in biology. We also discuss the relationship between surface hydrophilia (Hi) and polarity (P) as defined by Wu, and water adhesion tension (τo) as described by Vogler.The γc of untreated skin was 27.3 ± 3.6 mJ m−2, confirming previous data, and consequently basal Hi was 38%. Either cleaning with ether or hydration by occlusion induced a diminution of the wetting capacity of the surface and consequently a decrease of Hi to 29% and 33%, respectively. In contrast, washing the skin surface with soap and water increased surface Hi to 43%.
Early diagnosis of herpes zoster by polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Lilie HM , Wassilew SW , Wolff MH 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground Herpes zoster is a common disease caused by the varicella‐zoster virus. The use of virostatic agents as early as possible is necessary in shortening zoster‐associated pain.Objectives Rapid diagnosis is necessary for the optimal efficacy of antiviral therapy. The diagnosis in the early stage of infection is often difficult.MethodsIn the present study skin biopsies of patients with herpes zoster and unclear skin changes were analysed by detecting viral DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in order to amplify open reading frames (ORF) 14, 29 and 63.Results Varicella‐zoster virus DNA could be detected with PCR of all three ORF not only from blisters but also from erythematous skin.Conclusions PCR is the method of choice for the viral diagnosis in herpes zoster before blister eruption.
Double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over pilot study on the efficacy of zileuton for canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Crow Dennis W. , Marsella Rosanna , Nicklin Constance F. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNine dogs meeting the diagnostic criteria for canine atopic dermatitis were enrolled in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over clinical trial. In this pilot study, zileuton (a 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor) given orally at 2 mg kg−1three times daily for 4 weeks significantly decreased erythema in dogs with atopic dermatitis but had no effect on pruritus. Zileuton was well tolerated and no adverse clinical signs were noted. However, one dog developed mild alanine aminotransaminase elevation, which resolved within 1 week of discontinuation of therapy. Monitoring of alanine aminotransaminase may be necessary in dogs receiving zileuton. Further studies with larger number of dogs are needed to evaluate the efficacy of zileuton as treatment for canine atopic dermatitis.
Serum antibodies toMalasseziayeasts in canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Nuttall Timothy J. , Halliwell Richard E. W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSignificant numbers of humans with atopic dermatitis developMalassezia‐specific IgE. Immediate skin‐test reactivity toMalasseziahas been demonstrated in atopic dogs. The aim of this study was to compare the serum IgG and IgE response toMalasseziain atopic dogs with and without clinical evidence ofMalasseziadermatitis and/or otitis, nonatopic dogs with clinical evidence ofMalasseziadermatitis and/or otitis and healthy dogs. Cytology was used to diagnose clinically significantMalasseziadermatitis and otitis. Contact plate cultures confirmed the validity of this technique. Reproducible enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assays forMalassezia‐specific IgG and IgE in canine serum were established. Atopic dogs had significantly higher serum IgG and IgE levels than either healthy dogs or nonatopic dogs with clinical evidence ofMalasseziadermatitis and/or otitis. There was no significant difference in IgG and IgE levels between atopic dogs with and without clinical evidence ofMalasseziadermatitis and/or otitis. The implications of these findings in the pathogenesis and management of canine atopic dermatitis are discussed.
Spongiotic vesicular dermatitis as a cutaneous reaction pattern in seven horses
Authors: Hargis Ann M. , Clark Edward G. , Duclos David D. , Leclerc Suzette , West Keith 
Published: March 2003

AbstractOver a 6‐year period seven adult horses of different breeds and genders developed multifocal, exudative, oozing dermatitis characterized histologically by epidermal spongiotic vesicles and perivascular eosinophilic, neutrophilic and mixed mononuclear inflammation. Three horses were pruritic. Systemic disease was not noted. Two horses had a history of recurrent urticaria (hives) and one horse had nodules or welt‐type lesions that progressed to exudative, oozing lesions. Interepithelial immunoglobulin (Ig)G was detected by avidin–biotin complex–peroxidase staining, but the pattern of staining was more consistent with epithelial oedema than specific IgG deposition associated with pemphigus. The exudative oozing lesions developed under circumstances suggesting that dermal oedema progressed to intracellular and intercellular epidermal oedema, which in turn progressed to the spongiotic vesicular epidermal lesions.
ZmES genes encode peptides with structural homology to defensins and are specifically expressed in the female gametophyte of maize
Authors: Cordts Simone , Bantin Jörg , Wittich Peter E. , Kranz Erhard , Lörz Horst , Dresselhaus T. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryAll four members of a gene family, which are highly expressed in the cells of the female gametophyte (ZmES1–4: Zea mays embryo sac), were isolated from a cDNA library of maize egg cells. High expression of ZmES genes in the synergids around the micropylar region was detected in thin sections of maize ovaries. Single‐cell RT–PCR analyses with the various cells of the female gametophyte confirmed the expression in synergids and also showed expression in the egg cell and central cell, and low expression in the antipodals. The expression of the whole gene family is suppressed after fertilization of the embryo sac, and expression in two‐cell or later embryo stages or other tissues of maize could not be detected. In order to investigate ZmES mRNA gradients in the highly polarized and vacuolized cells of the maize embryo sac, a whole‐mount in situ protocol with isolated single cells was developed: as for total RNA, ZmES transcripts are uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm of egg cell, synergids and central cell. ZmES genes encode small, cysteine‐rich proteins with an N‐terminal signal peptide, probably for translocation into the embryo sac cell wall. The four ZmES proteins display high sequence identity with each other, and the proposed tertiary structure of the mature peptides is similar to that of plant and animal defensins. The function of ZmES1–4 during the fertilization process is discussed.
Microleakage of three sealants following conventional, bur, and air‐abrasion preparation of pits and fissures
Authors: Hatibovic‐Kofman S. , Butler S. A. , Sadek H. 
Published: March 2003

Summary.Objectives.The aim of this study was to compare the microleakage of a filled sealant with a drying agent (UltraSeal XT plus), a filled sealant (Prismashield) and an unfilled sealant (Delton), after conventional, bur, and air‐abrasion tooth preparation techniques.Setting.The study was completed in a clinical setting at the Simulated Practice Environment Clinic, School of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.Sample and methods.One hundred and eighty extracted teeth were cleaned and divided randomly into three groups. Group 1 was prepared using acid etch only. Group 2 was prepared with a 1/4 round bur in a low‐speed handpiece followed by acid etching. Group 3 was prepared with high speed (120PSI) microabrasion using 27 µm α‐alumina particles in a Midwest Airtouch™ unit. The teeth in each group were randomly assigned to one of the three subgroups according to the sealant applied. Subgroup A was sealed with a filled sealant with drying agent, B with a filled sealant only, and C with an unfilled sealant. All teeth were stored in artificial saliva for 7 days at 37 °C. After this, the teeth were coated with nail varnish 1 mm from the sealant and immersed in 1% methylene blue dye for 48 h at 37 °C. Each tooth was sectioned at four locations buccolingually and a total of 665 sections were ranked (0–3) for microleakage. Statistical analysis was completed using the Chi‐squared test and Fisher’s exact test.Results.UltraSeal XT plus, the filled sealant with drying agent, showed significantly less microleakage than the other two sealants (P < 0.05). Delton, the unfilled sealant, showed significantly less microleakage than Prismashield, the filled sealant (P < 0.05). Air abrasion with acid etch showed significantly less microleakage than either bur with acid etch or acid etch alone. There was however, no significant difference between the bur and acid etch tooth preparations (P < 0.05).Conclusions.UltraSeal XT plus was the most effective sealant for preventing microleakage in this study. The most successful method of preparation was air abrasion with acid etch.