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Background: Vulvovaginitis is a common infection in prepubertal girls, which is partly caused by bacterial infection. According to the literature, Haemophilus influenzae is one of the most common bacterial causes of vulvovaginitis in children. However, few studies with large sample sizes have delved into this issue. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Haemophilus influenzae vulvovaginitis in prepubertal girls and detect the antimicrobial resistance of H. influenzae strains isolated from vulval specimens. Methods: The isolates of H. influenzae from the vulval swabs of prepubertal girls with vulvovaginitis were received from The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, during 2016 - 2019. The vulval specimens were inoculated on Haemophilus selective chocolate agar, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by the disk diffusion method. Moreover, β-lactamase was detected using Cefinase disc. Results: In this study, 4142 vulval specimens were received during four years, of which 649 H. influenzae isolates had been isolated from 642 girls aged 6 months-13 years, with a median of 5 years. The peaks of isolates were observed from April to July in the vulval isolates. In general, the ampicillin resistance rate was 39.1% (250/640), 33.2% of strains (211/636) were β-lactamase-positive isolates, and 6.6% strains (42/635) were β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant" (BLNAR)) isolates. The resistance rates of H. influenzae isolates to amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin-sulbactam, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, meropenem, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, azithromycin, and chloramphenicol were 26.4%, 21.8%, 24.8%, 1.7%, 1.0%, 0.2%, 0%, 47.7%, 10.2%, and 1.1%, respectively. MDR was noticed in 41 persons (6.4%) out of the 642 H. influenzae isolates, with the most prevalent MDR phenotype of ampicillin-sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim-azithromycin resistance. Conclusions: Clinicians should noticed that H. influenzae is a common bacterial cause of vulvovaginitis in children, and laboratories should routinely cover Haemophilus culture media for vulval specimens. The Ampicillin resistance of H. influenzae should also be considered in clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unstable copper active sites and diffusion limitations of the current Cu-based catalysts are the key issues for the industrial ethylene carbonate (EC) hydrogenation reaction. Monolithic Cu-based catalysts were synthesized with the Cu/SiO2 nanoarrays embedded in cordierite channels via an in situ hydrothermal process for catalytic EC hydrogenation to methanol (MeOH) and ethylene glycol (EG). The monolithic catalysts exhibited superb activity, with an EC conversion of 99% along with EG and MeOH selectivity of 97% and 50%, respectively. The characterization indicated that the high activities are attributed to the high dispersion of Cu species, appropriate proportion of surface Cu+ and Cu0, and negligible influence of inner diffusion, while the high stabilities are ascribed to the regular nanoarray geometric structure and strong interactions between Cu species and SiO2. The Cu/SiO2 nanoarray monolithic catalysts represent a new idea combining the properties of nanocatalysts and engineering of the practical industrial catalysts for EC hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that in Asian contexts, Western constructs of achievement motivation may not operate in the same way or generate the same effects as in Western learning settings due to the cultural differences. The focus of this research was placed on how Chinese students understood achievement goals in learning settings. 199 students from the English department in a Chinse public college participated. Six vignettes with each describing one type of achievement goal oriented student were used to assess participants' understanding of each type of achievement goal. The participants were offered a choice of the worksheet in the course with either novel problems or familiar problems. The students were asked: (a) Which worksheet do you think Student A would choose? and (b) Why do you think Student A would choose that worksheet? The explanations provided by the students were coded and analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA tests. Results showed that participants displayed a higher level of understanding of task-approach and other-approach goals than the rest types of goals, while their understanding of avoidance-oriented goals was surprisingly poor. The findings provided extra evidence to support the claim that avoidance goals are less prevalent in achievement situations in typical educational settings such as the classroom context. From a cultural perspective, Chinese students are typically always encouraged to strive for better performance due to the exam stress. The focus on knowledge gain and good results might greatly trigger and strengthen students' perceptions and experiences of learning in line with task- and other-approach goals. This, in turn, consolidates their understanding of these goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engagement in academic tasks is important. However, compared to the large body of research on task engagement, the number of studies on task disengagement is quite limited. The aim of this study is to examine the associations between the motivational (self-determination) and attitudinal antecedents (learning orientations) of task disengagement. The sample consisted of 347 fifth-graders in China. We tested two mediation models that incorporated self-determination (autonomous versus controlled), learning orientation (collaborative versus competitive), and task disengagement among Chinese primary school students in learning English. Results showed collaborative learning orientation mediated the link between autonomous motivation and task disengagement. Collaborative learning orientation was also found to be negatively related to task disengagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic geometry environments (DGEs) provide computer-based environments to construct and manipulate geometric figures with great ease. Research has shown that DGEs has positive impact on student motivation, engagement, and achievement in mathematics learning. However, the adoption of DGEs by mathematics teachers varies substantially worldwide. This paper described Macau secondary schools teachers' intention to use DGEs within the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Using the structural equation modelling approach, results revealed that subjective norm and perceived behavioural control were significant positive predictors of intention, while attitude was not. Further, perceived behavioural control had a significant and positive influence on teachers' attitudes, whereas subjective norm did not. Implications for theory and practice were given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to access and process massive amounts of online information is required in many learning situations. In order to develop a better understanding of student online search process especially in academic contexts, an online tool ( SCOOP) is developed for tracking mouse behavior on the web to build a more extensive account of student web search processes. Over 100 university students' search activities with SCOOP were recorded as they searched for answers to assigned questions. The primary use of the SCOOP dataset is thus to provide the raw data for the development of online information search models. Further complications will arise because other personal and contextual factors affect the search process for different students with different personalities, learning styles or types of tasks. Hence, the dataset is also for testing the relationship between other factors and online search processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theselective response to glucose is possible by using a poly(phenylboronicacid) microgel under a rational design. Such a microgel is made ofgraphene covalently immobilized in a microgel of poly(4-vinylphenylboronicacid) cross-linked with N,N′-methylenebis(acrylamide).Unlike the microgels reported in previous arts that would undergovolume phase transition in response to both glucose and other monosaccharides,the proposed microgels shrink upon adding glucose, whereas keep unchangedin the size upon adding other monosaccharides (with fructose, galactose,and mannose as models). Although the polysaccharides/glycoproteins(with dextran and Ribonuclease B as models) that contain many glycosylresidues can slightly absorb on the microgel surface and lead to asmall impact on glucose-response, it can be addressed by further coatingthe microgel as a core with a thin nonglucose-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) gel shell. This selectively glucose-responsivevolume phase transition behavior enables “turn-on” photoluminescencedetection of glucose in blood serum (a model for complex biosystems). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates Chinese students' gender differences in their actual use of the web for online information seeking. One hundred and seven Chinese university students responded to questionnaires regarding their perceptions about the use of the web for learning purposes. Afterwards, all the participants were asked to search online to answer two questions about bees' decision for hive location. As they searched, the online system logged participants' search activities during the search, including the type of activities during search, the frequency of each activity and the time spent on each activity. Participants were compared by gender in terms of their web search efficacy, web search anxiety, frequency counts of different web search activities, time spent on each search activity and search task performance. Web search efficacy levels varied by gender but not by performance levels. Anxiety did not vary by gender or performance levels. The interaction effect between gender and performance level was found in several search process variables: significant gender differences were only found in medium-performing students wherein males were engaged in more search activities than females, as seen in the larger number of searches, search queries, and times male students updated the search queries. One factor that could explain the significant gender differences in the medium-level group was their web search efficacy. The more confident medium-performing male students were in web search, the less need they perceived to access information to solve the task. This pattern was reversed for medium-performing females. The high- and low-performing males did not differ much from females in their search activities. It appeared that students' perceptions of their web search ability did not contribute much to their search activities in these two groups. Implications of the findings were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional approaches of researching self-regulated learning (SRL) fail to capture how learners actually employ studying tactics, how tactics are strategically adapted to specific learning contexts, and how learners adapt tactics and interweave them to form an efficient strategy. Computer traces can capture SRL "on the fly," and enable researchers to track learning events in a nonlinear environment without disrupt-ing the learner's thinking or navigation through content. More importantly, data obtained in real time allow "virtual" re-creation of learners' actions during study-ing. There were 107 Chinese university students' traces collected while they solved assigned problems through searching the web. By linking their regulatory activities during online search to their goal profiles, results showed that mastery-approach-dominant students were most strategic, whereas performance-avoidance-dominant students were least. Moderately motivated students showed a mixed pattern of deep and surface study strategies. Implications of the findings were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leukemia is the second most malignant tumor in children. The chemotherapy induced anemia (CIA) and hemorrhage are the most popular side-effects due to the myelosuppression of chemotherapy. So far, multitransfusion is still the timely and effective measure in curing these complications. The acquisition of HIV infection and subsequent development of AIDS by component transfusion from donors at risk is well known, and prognosis of HIV infection is particularly severe in patients with leukemia. Case Presentation: We report two leukemic cases that were infected with HIV through transfusion. The first patient was totally transfused with 16 U RBC, 20 U platelets and 820 ml fresh frozen plasma, and later test showed that his first used FFP carried the HIV. For the second 2 U RBC, 5 U platelets and 1500 ml fresh frozen plasma were transfused to her. Late test of her used blood products showed that the fourth RBC carried the HIV. Both results were confirmed by the local Center for Disease Control (CDC). They were not transfused before the diagnosis of leukemia. Their parents were healthy with negative HIV-Ab Conclusion: Since the two leukemic patients suffered transfusion-associated HIV with poor prognosis, we must take more efforts to utilize blood products judiciously, manage blood donors, test blood samples etiologically, shorten HIV testing 'window periods' and develop preventive vaccination against HIV to reduce the incidence as low as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leukemia is the second most malignant tumor in children. The chemotherapy induced anemia (CIA) and hemorrhage are the most popular side-effects due to the myelosuppression of chemotherapy. So far, multitransfusion is still the timely and effective measure in curing these complications. The acquisition of HIV infection and subsequent development of AIDS by component transfusion from donors at risk is well known, and prognosis of HIV infection is particularly severe in patients with leukemia. Case Presentation: We report two leukemic cases that were infected with HIV through transfusion. The first patient was totally transfused with 16 U RBC, 20 U platelets and 820 ml fresh frozen plasma, and later test showed that his first used FFP carried the HIV. For the second 2 U RBC, 5 U platelets and 1500 ml fresh frozen plasma were transfused to her. Late test of her used blood products showed that the fourth RBC carried the HIV. Both results were confirmed by the local Center for Disease Control (CDC). They were not transfused before the diagnosis of leukemia. Their parents were healthy with negative HIV-Ab Conclusion: Since the two leukemic patients suffered transfusion-associated HIV with poor prognosis, we must take more efforts to utilize blood products judiciously, manage blood donors, test blood samples etiologically, shorten HIV testing "window periods" and develop preventive vaccination against HIV to reduce the incidence as low as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether distinct profiles of Chinese undergraduates' choice of academic majors could be created and whether such profiles linked to self-reported motivation in learning, learning strategy use, and academic performance. Data were collected from 83 Chinese university students (71% female). They were asked to describe the reasons for their choices of majors and completed surveys on learning during the semester. Their final exam scores were collected as indicators of their academic success. Three distinct groups were first established by coding their reasons for choosing their major using self-determination theory. ANOVA analyses revealed that students who made the choice out of their own will and interest reported higher level of learning motivation, strategy use and better achievement, whereas feeling forced to study in a subject area impairs their motivation and outcomes. The study offers further evidence for the impact of feeling of autonomy on learning processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dopamine neurotransmission controls motor and perseverative behavior, is mediated by protein phosphorylation, and may be perturbed in disorders of attention and hyperactivity. To assess the role of casein kinase I (CK1) in the regulation of dopamine signaling, we generated a genetically modified mouse line that overexpresses CK1δ (CKTδOE) specifically in the forebrain. Overexpression was confirmed both at the mRNA and at the protein levels. Under basal conditions, CK1δ OE mice exhibited horizontal and vertical hyperactivity, reduced anxiety, and nesting behavior deficiencies. The CK1δ OE mice also presented paradoxical responses to dopamine receptor stimulation, showing hypoactivity following injection of d-amphetamine or methylphenidate, indicating that CK1 activity has a profound effect on dopamine signaling in vivo. Interestingly, CK1ö overexpression led to significantly reduced DiR and D2R dopamine receptor levels. All together, under basal conditions and in response to drug stimulation, the behavioral phenotype of CK1δ OE mice is reminiscent of the symptoms and drug responses observed in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and therefore the CK1δ OE mice appear to be a model for this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The psychometric properties of scores from the Achievement Goal Questionnaire were examined in samples of Japanese (N =326) and Canadian (N =307) postsecondary students. Previous research found evidence of a four-factor structure of achievement goals in U.S. samples. Using confirmatory factor-analytic techniques, the authors found strong evidence for the four-factor structure of achievement goals in both the Canadian and Japanese populations. Subsequent multigroup structural equation modeling indicated the metric invariance of this four-factor structure across the two populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] neurotransmission in the central nervous system modulates depression and anxiety-related behaviors in humans and rodents, but the responsible downstream receptors remain poorly understood. We demonstrate that global disruption of 5-HT2A receptor (5HT2AR) signaling in mice reduces inhibition in conflict anxiety paradigms without affecting fear-conditioned and depression-related behaviors. Selective restoration of 5HT2AR signaling to the cortex normalized conflict anxiety behaviors. These findings indicate a specific role for cortical 5HT2AR function in the modulation of conflict anxiety consistent with models of cortical, ‘top-down’ influences on risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various cross-cultural researchers state that autonomy is not valued in Eastern cultures and, hence, is unlikely to predict optimal study functioning and well-being. In contrast, self-determination theory (SDT; R. M. Ryan & E. L. Deci, 2000) maintains that autonomous or volitional study motivation is universally important and should predict better learning and higher well-being, even among Chinese students. Two studies were conducted to shed light on this controversial issue. Findings from both studies indicated that autonomous study motivation positively predicts adaptive learning attitudes, academic success, and personal well-being, whereas controlled motivation was associated with higher drop-out rates, maladaptive learning attitudes, and ill-being. In addition, Study 2 revealed that parental autonomy support versus psychological control is related to more adaptive learning strategies and higher well-being and that these effects were mediated by students' relative autonomy for studying. The importance of defining autonomy as an intraindividual, phenomenological experience versus an interpersonal, culturally bounded value is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the functions of 5-HT[sub4] receptors, a null mutation was engineered in the corresponding gene. 5-HT[sub4] receptor knock-out mice displayed normal feeding and motor behaviors in baseline conditions but abnormal feeding and locomotor behavior in response, to stress and novelty. Specifically, stress-induced hypophagia and novelty-induced exploratory activity were attenuated in the knock-out mice. In addition, pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsive responses were enhanced in the knock-out mice, suggesting an increase in neuronal network excitability. These results provide the first example of a genetic deficit that disrupts the ability of stress to reduce feeding and body weight and suggest that 5-HT[sub4] receptors may be involved in stress-induced anorexia and seizure susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to result in a change in the incidence of respiratory tract infection 1-3. It is unknown whether the pandemic has the same impact on vulvovaginitis among girls and adolescents. This study aims to explore the potential changes in the epidemiology, pathogenic pattern, and drug susceptibility of girls with vulvovaginitis before and during COVID-19 pandemic in China. A retrospective study of prepubertal and adolescent girls (below 18 years old) diagnosed with vulvovaginitis between 2018 and 2021. The study was approved by the Human Subjects Committees of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (approval number 2019-IBR-103). Out-patient clinic, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG) in the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) patients who were clinically diagnosed with genital inflammation at their first clinical visit; 2) patients with abnormal vaginal discharge which was collected for microbiological investigation and drug sensitivity test. Demographic data, clinical features and laboratory study findings were analyzed. A total of 4644 cases of vulvovaginitis were identified during the study period, including 2427 cases in 2018-2019 before COVID-19 pandemic, and 2217 cases in 2020-2021 during COVID-19 pandemic. The average age was 7.55± 3.20 years and 8.24±3.33 years, respectively. The proportion of vulvovaginitis in the age group of 0-6 years significantly decreased from 40.23% (971/2427) in 2018-2019 to 31.30% (694/2217) in 2020-2021 (χ2=38.52, p <.001). The proportion of vulvovaginitis in the age group of 10-18 years increased from 30.09% (727/2427) in 2018-2019 to 39.60% (878/2217) in 2020-2021 (χ2=47.69, p <.001). Compared with 2018-2019, the major causative pathogens were similar in 2020-2021. The detection rates of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pyogene and Streptococcus pneumoniae in 2020-2021 were decreased (118/709 vs 268/648, 144/709 vs 277/648, 5/709 vs 20/648). The detection rates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida Albicans were increased (96/709 vs 37/648, 19/709 vs 7/648, 206/709 vs 112/648). Concerning the drug susceptibility test of Haemophilus influenzae, the sensitivity to ampicillin/sulbactam and amoxicillin/clavulanate increased after the pandemic by 5.55% (χ2=7.44, P < 0.05) and 13.39% (χ2=12.18, P < 0.05) respectively. The COVID-19 has been found to result in similar changes in the epidemiology of vulvovaginitis in terms of the age distribution, and proportion of causative pathogens. There was no significant difference between drug susceptibility tests for most strains except Haemophilus influenzae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-translational modifications have been identified to be of great importance in cancers and lysine acetylation, which can attract the multifunctional transcription factor BRD4, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target. In this paper, we identify that BRD4 has an important role in colorectal cancer; and that its inhibition substantially wipes out tumor cells. Treatment with inhibitor MS417 potently affects cancer cells, although such effects were not always outright necrosis or apoptosis. We report that BRD4 inhibition also limits distal metastasis by regulating several key proteins in the progression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This effect of BRD4 inhibitor is demonstrated via liver metastasis in animal model as well as migration and invasion experiments in vitro. Together, our results demonstrate a new application of BRD4 inhibitor that may be of clinical use by virtue of its ability to limit metastasis while also being tumorcidal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism of yield decline in ratoon sugarcane using soil metaproteomics combined with community level physiological profiles (CLPP) analysis. Results: The available stalk number, stalk diameter, single stalk weight and theoretical yield of ratoon cane (RS) were found to be significantly lower than those of plant cane (NS). The activities of several carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus processing enzymes, including invertase, peroxidase, urease and phosphomonoesterase were found to be significantly lower in RS soil than in NS soil. BIOLOG analysis indicated a significant decline in average well-color development (AWCD), Shannon's diversity and evenness indices in RS soil as compared to NS soil. To profile the rhizospheric metaproteome, 109 soil protein spots with high resolution and repeatability were successfully identified. These proteins were found to be involved in carbohydrate/energy, amino acid, protein, nucleotide, auxin and secondary metabolisms, membrane transport, signal transduction and resistance, etc. Comparative metaproteomics analysis revealed that 38 proteins were differentially expressed in the RS soil as compared to the control soil or NS soil. Among these, most of the plant proteins related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and stress response were up-regulated in RS soil. Furthermore, several microbial proteins related to membrane transport and signal transduction were up-regulated in RS soil. These proteins were speculated to function in root colonization by microbes. Conclusions: Our experiments revealed that sugarcane ratooning practice induced significant changes in the soil enzyme activities, the catabolic diversity of microbial community, and the expression level of soil proteins. They influenced the biochemical processes in the rhizosphere ecosystem and mediated the interactions between plants and soil microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin, a key hormone in regulating energy homeostasis, is mainly produced by adipocytes. Cogent evidence indicates a unique role of leptin in the promotion of liver fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a pivotal step in the process of liver fibrosis. Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c, a critical transcription factor for lipid synthesis and adipocyte differentiation, functions as a key transcription factor in inhibition of HSC activation. SREBP-1c is highly expressed in quiescent HSCs and downregulated upon HSC activation. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of leptin on SREBP-1c gene expression in HSCs in vitro and in vivo and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The results of the present study demonstrated that leptin strongly inhibited SREBP-1c expression in HSCs in vivo and in vitro. p38 MAPK was involved in leptin regulation of SREBP-1c expression in cultured HSCs. Leptin-induced activation of p38 MAPK led to the decreases in liver X receptor (LXR)-α protein level, activity and its binding to the SREBP-1c promoter, which caused the downregulation of SREBP-1c expression. Moreover, leptin inhibition of SREBP- 1c expression via p38 MAPK increased the expression of alpha1(I) collagen in HSCs. Our results might provide new insights into the mechanisms of the unique role of leptin in the development of liver fibrosis and might have potential implications for clarifying the molecular mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis in diseases in which circulating leptin levels are elevated such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus and alcoholic cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of multidrug resistance is a major problem in the treatment of pathogenic microorganisms by distinct antimicrobial agents. Characterizing the genetic variation among plasmids from different bacterial species or strains is a key step towards understanding the mechanism of virulence and their evolution. Results: We applied a deep sequencing approach to 206 clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae collected from 2002 to 2008 to understand the genetic variation of multidrug resistance plasmids, and to reveal the dynamic change of drug resistance over time. First, we sequenced three plasmids (70 Kb, 94 Kb, and 147 Kb) from a clonal strain of K. pneumoniae using Sanger sequencing. Using the Illumina sequencing technology, we obtained more than 17 million of short reads from two pooled plasmid samples. We mapped these short reads to the three reference plasmid sequences, and identified a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these pooled plasmids. Many of these SNPs are present in drug-resistance genes. We also found that a significant fraction of short reads could not be mapped to the reference sequences, indicating a high degree of genetic variation among the collection of K. pneumoniae isolates. Moreover, we identified that plasmid conjugative transfer genes and antibiotic resistance genes are more likely to suffer from positive selection, as indicated by the elevated rates of nonsynonymous substitution. Conclusion: These data represent the first large-scale study of genetic variation in multidrug resistance plasmids and provide insight into the mechanisms of plasmid diversification and the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a clinically significant species of bacterium which causes a variety of diseases. Clinical treatment of this bacterial infection is greatly hindered by the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. The resistance is largely due to the acquisition of plasmids carrying drug-resistant as well as pathogenic genes, and its conjugal transfer facilitates the spread of resistant phenotypes. Methodology/Principal Findings: The 70,057 bp plasmid pKF3-70, commonly found in Klebsiella pneumoniae, is composed of five main functional modules, including regions involved in replication, partition, conjugation, transfer leading, and variable regions. This plasmid is more similar to several Escherichia coli plasmids than any previously reported K. pneumoniae plasmids and pKF3-70 like plasmids share a common and conserved backbone sequence. The replication system of the pKF3-70 is 100% identical to that of RepFII plasmid R100 from E. coli. A beta-lactamase gene ctx-m-14 with its surrounding insertion elements (ISEcp1, truncated IS903 and a 20 bp inverted repeat sequence) may compose an active transposon which is directly bordered by two putative target repeats ''ATTAC.'' Conclusions/Significance: The K. pneumoniae plasmid pKF3-70 carries an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase gene, ctx-m- 14. The conjugative characteristic makes it a widespread plasmid among genetically relevant genera which poses significant threat to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The psychosis associated with schizophrenia is characterized by alterations in sensory processing and perception. Some antipsychotic drugs were identified by their high affinity for serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (2AR). Drugs that interact with metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) also have potential for the treatment of schizophrenia. The effects of hallucinogenic drugs, such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide, require the 2AR and resemble some of the core symptoms of schizophrenia. Here we show that the mGluR2 interacts through specific transmembrane helix domains with the 2AR, a member of an unrelated G-protein-coupled receptor family, to form functional complexes in brain cortex. The 2AR–mGluR2 complex triggers unique cellular responses when targeted by hallucinogenic drugs, and activation of mGluR2 abolishes hallucinogen-specific signalling and behavioural responses. In post-mortem human brain from untreated schizophrenic subjects, the 2AR is upregulated and the mGluR2 is downregulated, a pattern that could predispose to psychosis. These regulatory changes indicate that the 2AR–mGluR2 complex may be involved in the altered cortical processes of schizophrenia, and this complex is therefore a promising new target for the treatment of psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most neuropharmacological agents and many drugs of abuse modulate the activity of heptahelical G-protein-coupled receptors. Although the effects of these ligands result from changes in cellular signaling, their neurobehavioral activity may not correlate with results of in vitro signal transduction assays. 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) partial agonists that have similar pharmacological profiles differ in the behavioral responses they elicit. In vitro studies suggest that different agonists acting at the same receptor may establish distinct patterns of signal transduction. Testing this hypothesis in the brain requires a global signal transduction assay that is applicable in vivo. To distinguish the cellular effects of the different 5-HT2AR agonists, we developed an assay for global signal transduction on the basis of high throughput quantification of rapidly modulated transcripts. Study of the responses to agonists in human embryonic kidney 293 cells stably expressing 5-HT2ARs demonstrated that each agonist elicits a distinct transcriptome fingerprint. We therefore studied behavioral and cortical signal transduction responses in wild-type and 5-HT2AR null-mutant mice. The hallucinogenic chemicals (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) stimulated a head-twitch behavioral response that was not observed with the nonhallucinogenic lisuride hydrogen maleate (LHM) and was absent in receptor null-mutant mice. We also found that DOI, LSD, and LHM each induced distinct transcriptome fingerprints in somatosensory cortex that were absent in 5-HT2AR null-mutants. Moreover, DOI and LSD showed similarities in the transcriptome fingerprints obtained that were not observed with the behaviorally inactive drug LHM. Our results demonstrate that chemicals acting at the 5-HT2AR induce specific cellular response patterns in vivo that are reflected in unique changes in the somatosensory cortex transcriptome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]