bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the functional role of the N‐glycans in the AMPA receptor ligand‐binding domain
Authors: Pasternack Arja , Coleman Sarah K. , Féthière James , Madden Dean R. , LeCaer Jean‐Pierre , Rossier Jean , Pasternack Michael , Keinänen Kari 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe ligand‐binding domains of AMPA receptor subunits carry two conserved N‐glycosylation sites. In order to gain insight into the functional role of the corresponding N‐glycans, we examined how the elimination of glycosylation at these sites (N407 and N414) affects the ligand‐binding characteristics, structural stability, cell‐surface expression, and channel properties of homomeric GluR‐D (GluR4) receptor and its soluble ligand‐binding domain (S1S2). GluR‐D S1S2 protein expressed as a secreted protein in insect cells was found to be glycosylated at N407 and N414. No major differences in the ligand‐binding properties were observed between the ‘wild‐type’ S1S2 and non‐glycosylated N407D/N414Q double mutant, or between S1S2 proteins expressed in the presence or absence of tunicamycin, an inhibitor of N‐glycosylation. Purified glycosylated and non‐glycosylated S1S2 proteins also showed similar thermostabilities as determined by CD spectroscopy. Full‐length homomeric GluR‐D receptor with N407D/N414Q mutation was expressed on the surface of HEK293 cells like the wild‐type GluR‐D. In outside‐out patches, GluR‐D and the N407D/N414Q mutant produced similar rapidly desensitizing current responses to glutamate and AMPA. We therefore report that the two conserved ligand‐binding domain glycans do not play any major role in receptor–ligand interactions, do not impart a stabilizing effect on the ligand‐binding domain, and are not critical for the formation and surface localization of homomeric GluR‐D AMPA receptors in HEK293 cells.
The apoptosis/necrosis transition in cerebellar granule cells depends on the mutual relationship of the antioxidant and the proteolytic systems which regulate ROS production and cytochrome c release en route to death
Authors: Atlante Anna , Bobba Antonella , Calissano Pietro , Passarella Salvatore , Marra Ersilia 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe investigate the death route induced by potassium depletion in cerebellar granule cells in 0–15 h time range and study whether and how mutual relationship occurs between the cell antioxidant and proteolytic system. To achieve this, we incubated cells in the absence or presence of inhibitors of the antioxidant system, including superoxide dismutase and catalase, and of the proteolytic system, consisting of proteasomes and caspases, and investigated whether and how (i) cell survival, (ii) reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and (iii) antioxidant enzyme and caspase‐3 activity change as a function of time after the apoptotic stimulus. The involvement of both antioxidant and proteolytic system on cytochrome c release was also investigated. Cell survival was found to increase in the presence of either proteasome or caspase inhibitors. On the contrary, as a result of the antioxidant system impairment, shift from apoptosis to necrosis occurs. We show that the antioxidant system, which exhibits a huge activity increase up to 3 h after apoptosis induction, is subjected to the proteasome‐dependent proteolysis and that the increase in the antioxidant system found in the absence of proteasome activity is accompanied by ROS production decrease. Consistently, the early ROS‐dependent release of cytochrome c was found to be prevented when the activity of the antioxidant system increased. Finally, caspase‐3 activation was prevented by the inhibitors of both antioxidant system and proteasome.
Molecular changes in fetal Down syndrome brain
Authors: Engidawork Ephrem , Lubec Gert 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTrisomy of human chromosome 21 is a major cause of mental retardation and other phenotypic abnormalities collectively known as Down syndrome. Down syndrome is associated with developmental failure followed by processes of neurodegeneration that are known to supervene later in life. Despite a widespread interest in Down syndrome, the cause of developmental failure is unclear. The brain of a child with Down syndrome develops differently from that of a normal one, although characteristic morphological differences have not been noted in prenatal life. On the other hand, a review of the existing literature indicates that there are a series of biochemical alterations occurring in fetal Down syndrome brain that could serve as substrate for morphological changes. We propose that these biochemical alterations represent and/or precede morphological changes. This review attempts to dissect these molecular changes and to explain how they may lead to mental retardation.
Serotonin catabolism depends upon location of release: characterization of sulfated and γ‐glutamylated serotonin metabolites in Aplysia californica
Authors: Stuart Jeffrey N. , Zhang Xin , Jakubowski Jennifer A. , Romanova Elena V. , Sweedler Jonathan V. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSerotonin is a vital neurotransmitter for the functioning of the nervous system in species throughout the animal phyla. Despite its ubiquitous nature, the metabolism of this molecule has yet to be completely elucidated in even the most basic of organisms. Two novel serotonin catabolites, serotonin‐O‐sulfate and γ‐glu‐serotonin‐O‐sulfate, are chemically characterized using capillary electrophoresis with wavelength‐resolved fluorescence detection and electrospray mass spectrometry, and the formation of γ‐glu‐serotonin in Aplysia californica is confirmed. These novel compounds appear to be synthesized enzymatically, and known mammalian enzymes exist for all serotonin transformations observed here. The pathway of serotonin inactivation depends upon the type of neuronal tissue subjected to neurotransmitter incubation, with assorted serotonin products observed in distinct locations. Initially demonstrated to be in the metacerebral cell (MCC) soma, the new serotonin metabolite serotonin‐O‐sulfate may contribute to important functions in the serotonergic system beyond simple serotonin inactivation.
Apolipoprotein E enhances uptake of soluble but not aggregated amyloid‐β protein into synaptic terminals
Authors: Gylys Karen H. , Fein Jeffrey A. , Tan Aiko M. , Cole Gregory M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe cellular mechanism by which apolipoprotein E (apoE) affects the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not understood. We have examined the effect of apolipoprotein E on the internalization of exogenous amyloid‐β 1–40 (Aβ40) into a rat brain crude synaptosomal preparation. Aβ40 peptide in soluble (within 1 h of dilution in buffer) or aggregated (aged 4 days before dilution in buffer) form was pre‐incubated with lipidated apoE then added to synaptosomes; intraterminal amyloid‐β labeling was quantified using flow cytometry following immunolabeling with the anti‐Aβ (10G4) antibody. The number of Aβ‐positive synaptosomes was increased (∼50%) by treatment with a soluble Aβ/apoE mixture compared with treatment with soluble Aβ40 alone. However, when the Aβ was aggregated, less sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)‐stable Aβ/apoE complex was formed and the addition of apoE decreased the number of Aβ‐positive terminals. The addition of the lipoprotein‐receptor related protein (LRP) antagonist receptor‐associated protein (RAP) inhibited the apoE‐induced increase in synaptosomal Aβ, and controls treated with trypsin and heparinase confirm intraterminal localization of the majority of the soluble Aβ. The apoE‐mediated increase in Aβ labeling was confirmed in intact cells by immunocytochemistry of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. These results suggest that complex formation with apoE enhances internalization of soluble Aβ uptake into terminals.
Caring dynamics as perceived by staff supporting daily occupations for developmentally disabled adults
Authors: Dychawy‐Rosner Irena , Eklund Mona , Isacsson Åke 
Published: March 2003

Caring dynamics as perceived by staff supporting daily occupations for developmentally disabled adults This study addresses caring staff experiences of hindrances and help in the support of daily occupations among people with developmental disabilities. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire consisting of open‐ended questions about the staff perceptions of their work experiences. The respondents (n=81), corresponding to 94.1% of all care staff employed in a geographically defined care area in southern Sweden, worked in various day activity units supporting the daily occupations of their clients. A constant comparative method of data analysis was used. Staff expressions were classified in two main categories of caring dynamics: an operational level and a managerial level. Four areas were identified at the operational level: encountering realities of practice, attitudes to the clients and work demand, using the potential of knowledge and strategies and applying helping actions to the client. The managerial level included two areas, generalized work strategy and individualized work strategy. It is suggested that to develop the quality of interventions for supporting daily activities among persons with developmental disabilities, efforts should be made to identify caring dynamics as experienced by the caring staff.
Physical and psychological health and social relations in patients with prolonged musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Malmgren‐Olsson Eva‐Britt , Armelius Bengt‐Åke 
Published: March 2003

Physical and psychological health and social relations in patients with prolonged musculoskeletal disorders The purpose of this study was to describe and analyse the relationship between physical and psychological health and social relations in patients with prolonged musculoskeletal disorders in primary care. Seventy‐eight patients –64 women and 14 men – were included in the study. Data from a semi‐structured interview called addiction severity index (ASI), frequently used in psychiatric and drug abuse research and a visual analogue scale (VAS) symptom list as well were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA). The analysis gave a two‐dimensional model with four poles of related variables characterizing the whole group. The first dimension consisted of one pole characterized by present psychiatric symptoms and many somatic symptoms. The second pole on this dimension was characterized by well‐being, having work and feeling satisfaction with life. One pole on the second dimension was characterized by severe physical problems, related to sick leave and disability pension. The opposite pole on this dimension was characterized by severe psychiatric symptoms earlier in life and present relationship problems with family and other people. The ASI‐instrument was considered to be relevant for describing important problem areas in patients with prolonged musculoskeletal disorders.
Self‐reported sleep quality, strain and health in relation to perceived working conditions in females
Authors: Edéll‐Gustafsson Ulla M. , Kritz Eivor I. K. , Bogren I. Kristina 
Published: March 2003

Self‐reported sleep quality, strain and health in relation to perceived working conditions in females The aims of this study were to examine self‐reported sleep quality, perceived strain and health in relation to working conditions; the prevalence and severity of sleep disturbances and daytime distress arising from poor sleep in women on different work shifts. Furthermore, to see whether females with gastrointestinal symptoms, joint‐, back‐ or muscle‐pain and who are dissatisfied with working hours differ with regard to the above aspects. Finally, degree of strain‐related symptoms and sleep difficulties were tested as predictors of sleep quality and general health outcome. Important research questions are whether registered nurses and those on rotating work shifts have greater sleep problems than others. A total of 156 females, aged 20–59 years, working at three different casualty departments, answered structured questionnaires. The results showed a persistently high rate of psycho‐physiological long‐term effects of stress related to working conditions.Thirty‐four per cent were dissatisfied with their working hours, and exhibited significantly more mental strain, fatigue/excessive tiredness and inability to relax after work because of involuntary thoughts, in relation to working conditions than others did.Sixty‐two females (39.7%) complained of insufficient sleep. The sleep quality outcome was significantly predicted by difficulty falling asleep (odds ratio 8.4), difficulty in falling asleep after nocturnal awakening (odds ratio 3.4) and perceived exhaustion (odds ratio 2.6). Females suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms and joint‐, back‐ and muscle symptoms for several days in a week or even everyday were especially sensitive to worse sleep quality. Independent of work shifts, registered nurses exhibited a higher degree of mental strain and prolonged recovery in comparison with others. In conclusions, sleep initiation difficulties, troubled sleep and exhaustion significantly predicted reduced sleep quality outcome with decreased resilience to stress and vulnerability to psycho‐physiological disorders in females working within the health care system.
Measuring the experiences of health care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD): development of the Picker MSD questionnaire
Authors: Jenkinson Crispin , Coulter Angela , Gyll Robert , Lindström Pål , Avner Linda , Höglund Elisabeth 
Published: March 2003

Measuring the experiences of health care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD): development of the Picker MSD questionnaire Analysis of data from a survey of patients with musculoskeletal problems (mainly back and neck pain) to develop a core measure of patients' experiences of health care. A secondary purpose was to determine whether a single summary index figure could be generated from the instrument. The data reported here comes from a postal survey of patients attending a spine clinic in Stockholm, Sweden. After attending the clinic patients were mailed a questionnaire. Up to two reminders were sent to nonresponders. Questionnaires were sent to 342 patients. Totally 173 (51%) questionnaires were returned, of which 38.1% respondents were male and 61.2% female. The mean age of patients was 54 years (SD 13.84), ranging from 16 to 88. Sixteen items on the questionnaire were found to constitute a reliable index of patient experience and which seem to be tapping the most important aspects of patient experience. The index score was found to have high construct validity. The instrument provides a core set of issues that should be covered when assessing the quality of care patients attending clinics for musculoskeletal disorders.
Significant others' experience of suffering when living with women with breast cancer
Authors: Lindholm Lisbet , Rehnsfeldt Arne , Arman Maria , Hamrin Elisabeth 
Published: March 2003

Significant others' experience of suffering when living with women with breast cancerThis is an inquiry into how significant others experience being close to a woman suffering from breast cancer. In order to find this out, theme interviews were arranged with 17 women and 16 significant others from four different caring cultures in Sweden and Finland. A phenomenological case study methodology was adopted and in the analysis of the data a scientific teamwork model was employed, based on ideas developed at the Vancouver School of Doing Phenomenology. The findings show that the significant others experience deep often unrelieved suffering. They consider themselves prisoners of a situation of uncertainty and powerlessness when standing by the woman. They are torn between their own suffering and their desire to alleviate the woman's suffering. A vicious circle of mutual protection intensifies the suffering of the significant other, while actively sharing the suffering brings relief. The gravity of the situation creates an ethical urge in the significant other to assume responsibility for life in common with the woman.
Microsatellite markers for the fungal banana pathogen Mycosphaerella musicola
Authors: Molina C. , Kaemmer D. , Aponte S. , Weising K. , Kahl G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractYellow Sigatoka caused by the ascomycete Mycosphaerella musicola Leach, is one of the most severe banana diseases worldwide, which spread in most banana growing areas, until Black Sigatoka, a more aggressive disease caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis, appeared. Because of the highly devastating nature of the latter pathogen, recent research almost exclusively focused on M. fijiensis. To close the gap of knowledge and to study the population structure of M. musicola in Yellow Sigatoka‐infested areas, we cloned and characterized a versatile set of 26 polymorphic locus‐specific microsatellite markers.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus), and their applicability to other marsupial species
Authors: Zenger K. R. , Johnston P. G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) was once widely distributed throughout coastal regions of Australia, however, populations have now become fragmented and the number of individuals are declining rapidly. As a result, this species is now classified as endangered in New South Wales and requires management. We have developed eight microsatellite markers to investigate levels of genetic variation and subdivision among these isolated populations. These microsatellite markers show levels of variability ranging from four to eight alleles and observed heterozygosities of 0.353–0.938. These microsatellite markers are also suitable for similar population studies on other related marsupials.
Microsatellite loci from the house wren (Troglodytes aedon)
Authors: Cabe Paul R. , Marshall Kriste E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe cloned seven microsatellite loci from house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) using a biotin enrichment protocol. Starting with fragments generated using DOP–PCR, fragments containing microsatellite motifs AC and AAC were captured using biotinylated probes and streptavidin coated magnetic particles. Captured fragments were cloned into plasmids; prior to sequencing, the plasmids were screened for microsatellites using a simple PCR approach. Five of the loci showed variation in a sample of nine individuals.
Development of microsatellite markers in polyploid Salix reinii
Authors: Lian C. , Nara K. , Nakaya H. , Zhou Z. , Wu B. , Miyashita N. , Hogetsu T. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Salix reinii Franch. et Savat., a crawl shrub, is one of the most dominant pioneer trees on the southeastern slope of Mt. Fuji, on which an early stage of the volcanic desert succession has been underway since the last eruption in 1707. To investigate the population genetic structure within and among patches of S. reinii, seven polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed by an enrichment procedure. The multiple banding patterns amplified by developed microsatellite markers showed the polyploidy in S. reinii growing on the southeastern slope of Mt. Fuji.
Characterization of microsatellite loci for the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, and their potential for analysis of colony structure in invading Hawaiian populations
Authors: Ingram Krista K. , Palumbi Stephen R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe developed primers for five polymorphic microsatellite loci to analyse the genetic structure of colonies in an invading Argentine ant population located in Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Microsatellite loci were isolated using both a polymerase chain reaction‐based and a cloning‐based method. With a range of 3–18 alleles and expected levels of heterozygosity of 0.46–0.77, these loci provide useful markers for the detection of colony and population structure in new or expanding populations of this species.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in the aphid species Metopeurum fuscoviride (Homoptera, Aphididae)
Authors: Massonnet Blandine , Leterme Nathalie , Simon Jean‐Christophe , Weisser Wolfgang W. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSmall distance movements are of great importance for the dynamics of local populations of insects and can indirectly be assessed using molecular markers. We isolated six polymorphic microsatellite loci in the aphid species Metopeurum fuscoviride Stroyan, monophagous on the common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.). Twenty‐five to 30 aphids from seven populations were analysed. Between three and 17 alleles were found per locus and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.14 to 0.79. In total, 114 multilocus genotypes were found in 192 parthenogenetic aphids analysed, indicating that the resolution will be high enough to study differentiation on a small spatial scale.
Characterization of seven microsatellite marker loci in a genus of Malagasy lemurs (Propithecus)
Authors: Mayor M. I. , Sommer J. A. , Huebinger R. M. , Barber R. C. , Louis E. E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe sifakas (genus Propithecus) are large, diurnal, lemurs endemic to the island of Madagascar. Throughout the island, lemur species are particularly vulnerable to extinction due to relatively small geographical ranges (Martin 2000). Thus, understanding the taxonomy of these highly endangered primates is essential for taking appropriate conservation action. For this study we collected tissue samples from 68 wild sifakas representing various Propithecus species. Genomic DNA was isolated and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was carried out. We describe seven microsatellites found to be polymorphic and useful for analysis of the population genetics of sifakas.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in the tropical tree species Dicorynia guianensis (Caesalpinaceae)
Authors: Latouche‐Hallé C. , Ramboer A. , Bandou E. , Caron H. , Decroocq S. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Dicorynia guianensis is a canopy tree endemic to French Guyana and the first to be exploited as timber wood. To investigate levels of diversity and dynamics of gene flow in a 40‐ha study plot, highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed. An enriched microsatellite library was constructed and seven microsatellite primer pairs were developed. Total genomic DNA was extracted and amplified from cambium tissue from 172 adult individuals. The level of genetic diversity was found to be low. A large heterozygote deficiency was found at one locus. This was resolved by redesigning the primer set.
New anonymous nuclear DNA markers for the pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera and other Pinctada species
Authors: Arnaud‐Haond S. , Boudry P. , Saulnier D. , Seaman T. , Vonau V. , Bonhomme F. , Goyard E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe black‐lipped oyster Pinctada margaritifera is highly exploited in French Polynesia where the pearl industry relies mostly on spat collection, and therefore on resources available in the wild. Little is known of these resources, and population genetic studies would be useful to improve management. We used two methods, direct amplification of length polymorphism (DALP) and exon primed intron crossing (EPIC) to develop five new nuclear markers presenting length polymorphism. Although these markers remained anonymous after using blast on GenBank, they are codominant and follow Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Tests on related species or subspecies of Pinctada gave encouraging results.