bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The light-induced reduction of horizontal cell receptive field size in the goldfish retina involves nitric oxide
Authors: DANIELS BRYAN A. , BALDRIDGE WILLIAM H. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractHorizontal cells of the vertebrate retina have large receptive fields as a result of extensive gap junction coupling. Increased ambient illumination reduces horizontal cell receptive field size. Using the isolated goldfish retina, we have assessed the contribution of nitric oxide to the light-dependent reduction of horizontal cell receptive field size. Horizontal cell receptive field size was assessed by comparing the responses to centered spot and annulus stimuli and from the responses to translated slit stimuli. A period of steady illumination decreased the receptive field size of horizontal cells, as did treatment with the nitric oxide donor (Z)-1-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (100μM). Blocking the endogenous production of nitric oxide with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (1 mM), decreased the light-induced reduction of horizontal cell receptive field size. These findings suggest that nitric oxide is involved in light-induced reduction of horizontal cell receptive field size.
Organization of the cerebellum: Correlating zebrin immunochemistry with optic flow zones in the pigeon flocculus
Authors: PAKAN JANELLE M.P. , GRAHAM DAVID J. , GUTIÉRREZ-IBÁÑEZ CRISTIÁN , WYLIE DOUGLAS R. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe cerebellar cortex has a fundamental parasagittal organization that is apparent in the physiological response properties of Purkinje cells (PCs) and the expression of several molecular markers such as zebrin II (ZII). ZII is heterogeneously expressed in PCs such that there are sagittal stripes of high expression [ZII immunopositive (ZII+)] interdigitated with stripes of little or no expression [ZII immunonegative (ZII−)]. Several studies in rodents have suggested that climbing fiber (CF) afferents from an individual subnucleus in the inferior olive project to either ZII+ or ZII− stripes but not both. In this report, we show that this is not the case in the pigeon flocculus. The flocculus (the lateral half of folia IXcd and X) receives visual-optokinetic information and is important for generating compensatory eye movements to facilitate gaze stabilization. Previous electrophysiological studies from our lab have shown that the pigeon flocculus consists of four parasagittal zones: 0, 1, 2, and 3. PC complex spike activity (CSA), which reflects CF input, in zones 0 and 2 responds best to rotational optokinetic stimuli about the vertical axis (VA zones), whereas CSA in zones 1 and 3 responds best to rotational optokinetic stimuli about the horizontal axis (HA zones). In addition, folium IXcd consists of seven pairs of ZII+/− stripes. Here, we recorded CSA of floccular PCs to optokinetic stimuli, marked recording locations, and subsequently visualized ZII expression in the flocculus. VA neurons were localized to the P4+/− and P6+/− stripes and HA neurons were localized to the P5+/− and P7− stripes. This is the first study showing that a series of adjacent ZII+/− stripes are tied to specific physiological functions as measured in the responses of PCs to natural stimulation. Moreover, this study shows that the functional zone in the pigeon flocculus spans a ZII+/− stripe pair, which is contrary to the scheme proposed from rodent research.
Genomics and synthetic biology as a viable option to intensify sustainable use of biodiversity
Authors: Rech Elibio 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe Amazon basin is an area of mega-biodiversity. Different models have been proposed^1-8^ for the establishment of an effective conservation policy, increasing sustainability and adding value for biodiversity. Currently, a broad spectrum of technologies from genomics to synthetic biology is available, and these permit the collection, manipulation and effective evaluation of countless organisms, metabolic pathways and molecules that exist as potential products of a large, biodiverse ecosystem. The use of Genomics and synthetic biology may constitute an important tool and be a viable option for the prospection, evaluation and manipulation of biodiversity as advocated as well as be useful for developing methods for sustainable use and the production of novel molecules.
Pediatric allergy and immunology in Italy
Authors: Tozzi Alberto E. , Armenio Lucio , Bernardini Roberto , Boner Attilio , Calvani Mauro , Cardinale Fabio , Cavagni Giovanni , Dondi Arianna , Duse Marzia , Fiocchi Alessandro , Marseglia Gian L. , Miraglia del Giudice Michele , Muraro Antonella , Pajno Giovanni B. , Paravati Francesco , Peroni Diego , Tripodi Salvatore , Ugazio Alberto G. , Indinnimeo Luciana 
Published: April 2011

To cite this article: Tozzi AE, Armenio L, Bernardini R, Boner A, Calvani M, Cardinale F, Cavagni G, Dondi A, Duse M, Fiocchi A, Marseglia GL, Miraglia del Giudice M, Muraro A, Pajno GB, Paravati F, Peroni D, Tripodi S, Ugazio AG, Indinnimeo L. Pediatric allergy and immunology in Italy. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2011; 22: 267–276.AbstractIn Italy, according to the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood study, the prevalence of current asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and atopic eczema in 2006 was 7.9%, 6.5%, and 10.1% among children aged 6–7 and 8.4%, 15.5%, and 7.75% among children aged 13–14 yr. University education in this field is provided by the Postgraduate Schools of Pediatrics and those of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, as well as several annual Master courses. The Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP) was founded in 1996 and counts about 1000 members. SIAIP promotes evidence‐based management of allergic children and disseminates information to patients and their families through a quite innovative website and the National Journal ‘Rivista Italiana di Allergologia Pediatrica’. In the last decade, four major regional, inter‐regional, and national web‐based networks have been created to link pediatric allergy centers and to share their clinical protocols and epidemiologic data. In addition, National Registers of Primary Immune‐deficiencies and on Pediatric HIV link all clinical excellence centers. Research projects in the field of pediatric allergy and immunology are founded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) and by the National Research Council (CNR), but the overall investments in this research area are quite low. Only a handful Italian excellence centers participate in European Projects on Pediatric Allergy and Immunology within the 7th Framework Program. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology currently hosts two Italians in its Executive Committee (EC) and one in the EC of the Pediatric Section; moreover, major European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology meetings and courses in the area of pediatrics (e.g., PAAM, Venice, 2009) have been held in Italy in the last 3 yr. Italian hallmarks in the management of allergic diseases in childhood are a quite alive and spread interest in Molecular Allergology and a remarkable predominance of sublingual (SLIT) compared to the subcutaneous (SCIT) immunotherapy.
Early recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy: Correlation with vesico‐urethral anastomosis location in the pelvic cavity measured by postoperative cystography
Authors: Jeong Seong Jin , Yi Junseok , Chung Min Soo , Kim Dae Sung , Lee Won Ki , Park Hongzoo , Yoon Cheol Yong , Hong Sung Kyu , Byun Seok‐Soo , Lee Sang Eun 
Published: April 2011

Objectives:  To determine the association of vesico‐urethral anastomosis location (VUAL) with early recovery of urinary continence (UC) after radical prostatectomy (RP).Methods:  A retrospective analysis of 678 patients who underwent RP was carried out. Patients were divided into three groups based on the VUAL as determined by postoperative cystography: group I – VUAL above the upper margin of the symphysis pubis (SP), group II – between the upper margin and the middle of the SP, and group III – below the middle of the SP. Early recovery of UC was defined as using no pads or an occasional security pad within 3 months. Recovery rates were compared between the groups and factors predicting an early recovery of UC were investigated.Results:  Among all patients, 62.2% achieved an early recovery of UC. Patients in group I were younger, with a longer membranous urethra, greater percent of nerve sparing and shorter time to continence than those in groups II or III. Early recovery rates were 89.5%, 69.8% and 40.7% in group I, II and III, respectively (P < 0.001). VUAL remained an independent predictor of early recovery of UC (OR 3.2 for group I vs II and 10.8 for group I vs III [P < 0.001]) when adjusted for age, operative time, membranous urethral length and operation by surgeon with high surgical volume.Conclusion:  VUAL represents an independent predictor of recovery of UC after RP. A higher VUAL is associated with a higher rate of early recovery of UC.
The ketogenic diet for Dravet syndrome and other epileptic encephalopathies: An Italian consensus
Authors: Veggiotti Pierangelo , Burlina Alberto , Coppola Giangennaro , Cusmai Raffaella , De Giorgis Valentina , Guerrini Renzo , Tagliabue Anna , Bernardina Bernardo Dalla 
Published: April 2011

SummaryKetogenic diet is a nonpharmacologic treatment for childhood epilepsy not amenable to drugs. At the present time, two works based on national research, one in Germany and one in the United States provide international guidelines to ensure a correct management of the ketogenic diet. Our Italian collaborative study group was set up in order to formulate a consensus statement regarding the clinical management of the ketogenic diet, patient selection, pre–ketogenic diet, counseling, setting and enforcement of dietary induction of ketosis, follow‐up management, and eventual discontinuation of the diet.
RESISTANCE PATTERNS TO VARIOUS ORGANOPHOS‐PHORUS INSECTICIDES IN SOME STRAINS OF HOUSEFLIES
Authors: OPPENOORTH F. J. 
Published: April 2011

The susceptibility of one susceptible and six resistant strains of houseflies to 13 organo‐phosphorus compounds was measured with a contact method. Five of the strains bad been selected, both in the field and in the laboratory, with diazinon, parathion or malathion. One strain had been strongly selected with γ‐BHC. The susceptibility of the strains is shown in Fig. 1. The BHC selected strain had only a low level of resistance to organophosphates. Higher levels were present in all organophosphate selected strains, each of which exhibited its own characteristic resistance pattern. This indicates that a relatively large number of resistance mechanisms may be present.As resistance to the thiophosphates is of the same order of magnitude as that to their oxygen analogues, it follows that the resistance mechanism is not a slower conversion of the thiophosphatcs into the phosphates. Resistance to a number of dimethyl compounds is low, and little difference is present between the resistant strains. This resistance is probably brought about mainly by less specific factors. The genetical basis of the low all‐esterase content of the phosphate resistant strains is discussed.ZusammenfassungFORMEN DER RESISTENZ GEGENÜBER ORGANISCHEN PHOSPHORVERBINDUNGEN BEI EINIGEN STUBENFLIEGEN‐STÄMMENDie Empfindlichkeit eines normal‐sensiblen und von sechs resistenten Stubenfliegen‐Stämmen gegenüber 13 organischen Phosphorverbindungen wurde mit Hilfe einer Kontakt‐Methode gemessen. Fünf dieser Stämme waren sowohl im Freiem wie auch im Labor, mit Diazinon, Parathion oder Malathion selektiert worden. Ein Stamm war stark mit γ‐BHC selektiert worden. Die Empfindlichkeit der Stämme ist in Fig. 1 dargestellt. Der mit γ‐BHC selektierte Stamm wies nur eine niedrige Resistenz gegenüber den organischen Phosphorverbindungen auf. Höhere Resistenz wurde in den mit organischen Phosphorverbindungen selektierten Stämmen gefunden; jeder dieser Stämmen zeigte eine eigene, charakteristische Form der Resistenz. Dies deutet darauf hin, daß eine relativ grössere Zahl von Resistenz‐mechanismen vorhanden ist.Aus der Tatsache, daß Resistenz gegen die Thioverbindungen und ihre entsprechenden Sauerstoff‐Analoge ungefähr gleich groß ist, wird geschlossen, daß eine langsamere Umwandlung in die Phosphate als Resistenz‐mechanismus nicht in Betracht kommen kann.Die Resistenz gegenüber einigen Methyl‐verbindungen ist gering, und in den einzelnen Stämmen nur wenig verschieden. Diese Resistenz wird wahrscheinlich durch weniger spezifisische Faktoren verursacht. Die genetische Grundlage des niedrigen All‐esterasen‐gehalts in den Phosphat‐resistenten Stämmen wird diskutiert.
BIMOLECULAR RATE CONSTANTS FOR ORGANOPHOSPHORUS INHIBITORS OF FLY HEAD CHOLINESTERASE
Authors: KRYSAN J. L. , CHADWICK L. E. 
Published: April 2011

The bimolecuiar rate constant for the reaction of SD 3562 (α‐isomer of 3‐(dimethoxyphos‐phinyloxy)‐N,N‐dirnethylcrotonamide) with fly head Cholinesterase (ChE) was determined as 2.024 × 104 liters mole−1min.−1; and for TEPP (tetraethylpyrophosphate) as 1.022 × 108 liters mole−1min.−1. Bimolecuiar rate constants for 11 other organophosphorus inhibitors of fly head ChE are cited from the literature. When similar indices are available for a greater variety of inhibitors, it should be possible to assess the relationship between chemical structure and inhibitory potency and to make useful deductions as to the configuration and properties of the enzyme.ZusammenfassungDIE REAKTIONSGESCHWINDIGKEIT ALS MASS DER HEMMUNG DER CHOLINESTERASE DES STUBENFLIEGENKOPFES DURCH ORGANISCHE PHOSPHORV ERBINDUNGENDie Reaktionsgeschwindigkeitskonstante bietet ein genaues Mass für die Hemmung der Cholinesterase durch organische Phosphorverbindingen. Für zwei weitere solcher Stoffe sind hier die Konstanten bestimmt worden:SD‐3562 (α‐isomer von 3‐(dimerhoxyphosphinyloxy)‐N, N‐dimethylcxotonamid) 2.024 × 104 liter rnol−1min−1; undTEPP (tetraäthylpyrophosphat)1.022 × 108 liter mol−1min−1.Verbindungen, die infolge starker Hemmungsfähigkeit nur in sehr niedriger Konzentration untersucht werden können, erleiden dabei durch Nebenreaktionen unverhältnismässig grosse Verluste. Dies erschwert die Schätzung, doch lässt sieh trotzdem die Konstante öfter annäherungsweise bestimmen. Die obigen Angaben über TEPP geben ein Beispiel dafür.Bisher ist die Reaktionsgeschwindigkeitskonstante für nur 13 Hemmstoffe der Insektencholinesterase ermittelt worden, eine Zahl, die noch nicht ausreicht, um etwaige Beziehungen zwischen Bau und Hemmungsfähigkeit der Verbindungen klarzulegen. Zu diesem Ziel, wie auch zur Abschätzung der Eigenschaften des Enzyms selbst, ist eine viel grössere Menge solcher Bestimmungen erwünscht.
Lysozyme expression in microscopic colitis
Authors: Rubio Carlos A 
Published: April 2011

AimsTo audit the cellular expression of the innate antibacterial enzyme lysozyme in colonic biopsies from a cohort of patients having microscopic colitis (MC—collagenous colitis (CC) or lymphocytic colitis (LC)). Results were compared with those recorded in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of the colon (ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's colitis).MethodsFifty-five consecutive cases having biopsies from the left colon were investigated: 27 MC (14 CC and 13 LC) and 28 IBD (14 UC and 14 Crohn's colitis). Sections were stained with antilysozyme antibody. Twelve cases (3 CC, 3 LC, 3 UC and 3 Crohn's colitis) were challenged with the macrophage marker CD68 (clone PG-M1).ResultsIn MC, marked lysozyme expression in the colonic crypts was recorded in CC (p<0.05). The number of cases with metaplastic Paneth cells was higher in CC than in LC (p<0.05). In IBD, only active Crohn's colitis displayed marked lysozyme expression in the colonic crypts. Marked lysozyme immune-reactivity in subepitheliallamina propria mucosa (lpm)macrophages was found in LC (LC vs CC p<0.05).ConclusionsThe increased production of the antibacterial enzyme lysozyme in CC and LC supports a bacterial aetiology for these two diseases. Lysozyme upregulation in different cell types (epithelial vs macrophages) supports the notion that CC and LC might be two different maladies.
Exposure and genetics increase risk of beryllium sensitisation and chronic beryllium disease in the nuclear weapons industry
Authors: Van Dyke Michael V , Martyny John W , Mroz Margaret M , Silveira Lori J , Strand Matt , Cragle Donna L , Tankersley William G , Wells Susan M , Newman Lee S , Maier Lisa A 
Published: April 2011

ObjectivesBeryllium sensitisation (BeS) and chronic beryllium disease (CBD) are caused by exposure to beryllium with susceptibility affected by at least one well-studied genetic host factor, a glutamic acid residue at position 69 (E69) of the HLA-DPβ chain (DPβE69). However, the nature of the relationship between exposure and carriage of the DPβE69 genotype has not been well studied. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between DPβE69 and exposure in BeS and CBD.MethodsCurrent and former workers (n=181) from a US nuclear weapons production facility, the Y-12 National Security Complex (Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA), were enrolled in a case–control study including 35 individuals with BeS and 19 with CBD. HLA-DPB1 genotypes were determined by PCR-SSP. Beryllium exposures were assessed through worker interviews and industrial hygiene assessment of work tasks.ResultsAfter removing the confounding effect of potential beryllium exposure at another facility, multivariate models showed a sixfold (OR 6.06, 95% CI 1.96 to 18.7) increased odds for BeS and CBD combined among DPβE69 carriers and a fourfold (OR 3.98, 95% CI 1.43 to 11.0) increased odds for those exposed over an assigned lifetime-weighted average exposure of 0.1 μg/m3. Those with both risk factors had higher increased odds (OR 24.1, 95% CI 4.77 to 122).ConclusionDPβE69 carriage and high exposure to beryllium appear to contribute individually to the development of BeS and CBD. Among workers at a beryllium-using facility, the magnitude of risk associated with either elevated beryllium exposure or carriage of DPβE69 alone appears to be similar.
A Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies a Locus on Chromosome 14q21 as a Predictor of Leukocyte Telomere Length and as a Marker of Susceptibility for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Gu Jian , Chen Meng , Shete Sanjay , Amos Christopher I. , Kamat Ashish , Ye Yuanqing , Lin Jie , Dinney Colin P. , Wu Xifeng 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Telomeres play a critical role in maintaining genome integrity. Telomere shortening is associated with the risk of many aging-related diseases. Classic twin studies have shown that genetic components may contribute up to 80% of the heritability of telomere length. In the study we report here that we used a multistage genome-wide association study to identify genetic determinants of telomere length. The mean telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. We first analyzed 300,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 459 healthy controls, finding 15,120 SNPs associated with telomere length at P &lt; 0.05. We then validated these SNPs in two independent populations comprising 890 and 270 healthy controls, respectively. Four SNPs, including rs398652 on 14q21, were associated with telomere length across all three populations (pooled P values of &lt;10−5). The variant alleles of these SNPs were associated with longer telomere length. We then analyzed the association of these SNPs with the risk of bladder cancer in a large case–control study. The variant allele of rs398652 was associated with a significantly reduced risk of bladder cancer (odds ratio = 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.97; P = 0.025), consistent with the correlation of this variant allele with longer telomeres. We then conducted a mediation analysis to examine whether the association between rs398652 and reduced bladder cancer risk is mediated by telomere length, finding that telomere length was a significant mediator of the relationship between rs398652 and bladder cancer (P = 0.013), explaining 14% of the effect. In conclusion, we found that the SNP rs398652 on 14q21 was associated with longer telomere length and a reduced risk of bladder cancer and that a portion of the effect of this SNP on bladder cancer risk was mediated by telomere length. Cancer Prev Res; 4(4); 514–21. ©2011 AACR.
Walking the Walk from Genes through Telomere Maintenance to Cancer Risk
Authors: Blackburn Elizabeth H. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Recent studies have shown associations between human population single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and white blood cell telomere shortness; independently, telomere shortness has been associated with higher risks of various cancers. However, no single previous study simultaneously linked a given SNP both with telomere length and reduced risk of cancer. In this issue of the journal (beginning on page 514), Gu and colleagues report four new SNPs associated, in three cohorts, with telomere length. One of these SNPs predicted risk for bladder cancer, an effect partially mediated by telomere length. Interventions that could forestall telomere shortening should be explored for their potential to reduce cancer risks. Cancer Prev Res; 4(4); 473–5. ©2011 AACR.
The Augustinian Type of Theodicy: Is It Outdated?
Authors: Vorster Nico 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn his famous work ‘Evil and the God of love,’ John Hick suggests that the ‘Augustinian’ type of theodicy is based on an outdated worldview and ought to be replaced by what he calls an ‘Irenaean’ type of theodicy. This article examines Hick’s claim by analyzing the views of the three main theological exponents of the Augustinian paradigm on evil namely Augustine, John Calvin and Karl Barth. It suggests that Reformed theology rethinks its linear concept of time and considers the possibility that the Fall could be an event in time with an eternal significance that works both ‘backwards’ and ‘forwards’. The article concludes that weaknesses in the Augustinian paradigm can be resolved from within, and that no need exists for Reformed theologians to replace the Augustinian paradigm with an alternative Ireneaen paradigm that reject key Scriptural teachings on creation and sin.
Insufficient control of exercise intensity by heart rate monitoring in cardiac patients
Authors: Frese Falko , Seipp Philipp , Hupfer Susanne , Bärtsch Peter , Friedmann-Bette Birgit 
Published: April 2011

Objectives: To test the reliability of heart rate (HR) recommendations for cardiac rehabilitation training obtained from different treadmill tests. Background: For training in cardiac rehabilitation, HR recommendations are derived from cardio-pulmonary tests. Exercise intensity is often controlled through self-monitoring HR by the cardiac patients. Design: Non-randomized clinical trial. Methods: 25 patients of a cardiac sports group (six women, 19 men, age 68.3 ± 5 years, height 171 ± 10 cm, weight 82 ± 12.8 kg) performed a stepwise increasing treadmill test according to a modified Stanford protocol (S) and a ramp treadmill test according to the Balke–Ware protocol (B) until volitional exhaustion. In 16 patients, HR was assessed with a HR monitor and compared with HR obtained by self-monitoring through pulse palpation during three training sessions. Results: Similar peak cardiopulmonary responses were obtained with the two exercise protocols of significantly ( p < 0.001) different duration (S 22:05 ± 7:11 min, B 13:31 ± 4:20 min). During the training sessions, HR exceeded the upper HR limit set at 85% HRpeak in 15 patients and in nine patients, higher HRpeak than in the exercise tests was observed. Five participants did not accurately measure their HR by pulse palpation. Conclusions: All but one patient of the cardiac sports group did not adhere to the HR recommendations derived from incremental treadmill testing, most likely because volitional exhaustion occurred in both treadmill tests before maximal cardiopulmonary responses were reached. In about 30% of the patients, training intensity could not be controlled by self-monitoring because of inaccurate pulse palpation.