The influence of high-fat diet on nicotine vapor self-administration, neuronal excitability, and leptin levels in adult mice.

With the rise in fast-food culture and the continued high numbers of tobacco-related deaths, there has been a great deal of interest in understanding the relationship between high-fat diet (HFD) and nicotine use behaviors. Using adult mice and a patch-clamp electrophysiology assay, we investigated the influence of HFD on the excitability of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons and pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) given their role in modulating the reinforcing effects of nicotine and natural rewards. We then examined whether HFD-induced changes in peripheral markers were associated with nicotine use behaviors.

Age-dependent effects of vaping on the prefrontal cortex, ventral tegmental area, and nucleus accumbens.

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are unique from combustible cigarettes due to the availability of flavor options which make these devices popular among adolescents. However, there are no preclinical investigations into the impact of vaporized nicotine on late-developing brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex. Here, we investigated how neuronal function and drug self-administration differed between adult-exposed and adolescent-exposed mice.

Novel antibodies detect nucleocytoplasmic O-fucose in protist pathogens, cellular slime molds, and plants.

Cellular adaptations to change often involve post-translational modifications of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. An example found in protists and plants is the modification of serine and threonine residues of dozens to hundreds of nucleocytoplasmic proteins with a single fucose (O-Fuc). A nucleocytoplasmic O-fucosyltransferase (OFT) occurs in the pathogen , the social amoeba , and higher plants, where it is called Spy because mutants have a spindly appearance.

Factors Associated With Infection in Patients With Combined Pelvic Ring and Bladder Injuries.

Objectives: To identify the infection rate in patients with combined pelvic ring and bladder injuries. Secondary aims included identifying treatment and injury factors associated with infection.

Design: Retrospective review.

-expressed SECRET AGENT -GlcNAc modifies threonine 829 of GIGANTEA.

The glycosyl transferases SPINDLY (SPY) and SECRET AGENT (SEC) modify nuclear and cytosolic proteins with -linked fucose or -linked -acetylglucosamine (-GlcNAc), respectively. -fucose and -GlcNAc modifications can occur at the same sites. SPY interacts physically and genetically with GIGANTEA (GI), suggesting that it could be modified by both enzymes.