bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dopamine‐related gene–gene interactions on working memory component processes
Authors: Stelzel Christine , Basten Ulrike , Montag Christian , Reuter Martin , Fiebach Christian J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDopamine modulates complex cognitive functions like working memory and cognitive control. It is widely accepted that an optimal level of prefrontal dopamine supports working memory performance. In the present study we used a molecular genetic approach to test whether the optimal activity of the dopamine system for different component processes of working memory is additionally related to the availability of dopamine D2 receptors. We sought evidence for this assumption by investigating the interaction effect (epistasis) of variations in two dopaminergic candidate genes: the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism, which has been shown to influence prefrontal dopamine concentration, and the DRD2/ANKK1‐Taq‐Ia polymorphism, which has been related to the density of D2 receptors. Our results show that COMT effects on working memory performance are modulated by the DRD2/ANKK1‐TAQ‐Ia polymorphism and the specific working memory component process under investigation. Val− participants – supposedly characterized by increased prefrontal dopamine concentrations – outperformed Val+ participants in the manipulation of working memory contents, but only when D2 receptor density could be considered to be high. No such effect was present for passive maintenance of working memory contents or for maintenance in the face of distracting information. This beneficial effect of a balance between prefrontal dopamine availability and D2 receptor density reveals the importance of considering epistasis effects and different working memory subprocesses in genetic association studies.
Phosphodiesterase type IV inhibition prevents sequestration of CREB binding protein, protects striatal parvalbumin interneurons and rescues motor deficits in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Giampà Carmela , Middei Silvia , Patassini Stefano , Borreca Antonella , Marullo Fabrizia , Laurenti Daunia , Bernardi Giorgio , Ammassari‐Teule Martine , Fusco Francesca R. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe phosphodiesterase type IV inhibitor rolipram increases cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and exerts neuroprotective effects in both the quinolinic acid rat model of Huntington’s disease (DeMarch et al., 2007) and the R6/2 mouse including sparing of striatal neurons, prevention of neuronal intranuclear inclusion formation and attenuation of microglial reaction (DeMarch et al., 2008). In this study, we sought to determine if rolipram has a beneficial role in the altered distribution of CREB binding protein in striatal spiny neurons and in the motor impairments shown by R6/2 mutants. Moreover, we investigated whether rolipram treatment altered the degeneration of parvalbuminergic interneurons typical of Huntington’s disease (Fusco et al., 1999). Transgenic mice and their wild‐type controls from a stable colony maintained in our laboratory were treated with rolipram (1.5 mg/kg) or saline daily starting from 4 weeks of age. The cellular distribution of CREB binding protein in striatal spiny neurons was assessed by immunofluorescence, whereas parvalbuminergic neuron degeneration was evaluated by cell counts of immunohistochemically labeled tissue. Motor coordination and motor activity were also examined. We found that rolipram was effective in preventing CREB binding protein sequestration into striatal neuronal intranuclear inclusions, sparing parvalbuminergic interneurons of R6/2 mice, and rescuing their motor coordination and motor activity deficits. Our findings demonstrate the possibility of reversing pharmacologically the behavioral and neuropathological abnormalities of symptomatic R6/2 mice and underline the potential therapeutic value of phosphodiesterase type IV inhibitors in Huntington’s disease.
Respiration‐gated formation of gamma and beta neural assemblies in the mammalian olfactory bulb
Authors: Cenier Tristan , David François , Litaudon Philippe , Garcia Samuel , Amat Corine , Buonviso Nathalie 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA growing body of data suggests that information coding can be achieved not only by varying neuronal firing rate, but also by varying spike timing relative to network oscillations. In the olfactory bulb (OB) of a freely breathing anaesthetized mammal, odorant stimulation induces prominent oscillatory local field potential (LFP) activity in the beta (10–35 Hz) and gamma (40–80 Hz) ranges, which alternate during a respiratory cycle. At the same time, mitral/tufted (M/T) cells display respiration‐modulated spiking patterns. Using simultaneous recordings of M/T unitary activities and LFP activity, we conducted an analysis of the temporal relationships between M/T cell spiking activity and both OB beta and gamma oscillations. We observed that M/T cells display a respiratory pattern that pre‐tunes instantaneous frequencies to a gamma or beta regime. Consequently, M/T cell spikes become phase‐locked to either gamma or beta LFP oscillations according to their frequency range and respiratory pattern. Our results suggest that slow respiratory dynamics pre‐tune M/T cells to a preferential fast rhythm (beta or gamma) such that a spike–LFP coupling might occur when units and oscillation frequencies are in a compatible range. This double‐coupling process might define two complementary beta‐ and gamma‐neuronal assemblies along the course of a respiratory cycle.
Gamma activity and reactivity in human thalamic local field potentials
Authors: Kempf Florian , Brücke Christof , Salih Farid , Trottenberg Thomas , Kupsch Andreas , Schneider Gerd‐Helge , Doyle Gaynor Louise M.F. , Hoffmann Karl‐Titus , Vesper Jan , Wöhrle Johannes , Altenmüller Dirk‐Matthias , Krauss Joachim K. , Mazzone Paolo , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo , Yelnik Jérôme , Kühn Andrea A. , Brown Peter 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDepth recordings in patients with Parkinson’s disease on dopaminergic therapy have revealed a tendency for oscillatory activity in the basal ganglia that is sharply tuned to frequencies of ∼70 Hz and increases with voluntary movement. It is unclear whether this activity is essentially physiological and whether it might be involved in arousal processes. Here we demonstrate an oscillatory activity with similar spectral characteristics and motor reactivity in the human thalamus. Depth signals were recorded in 29 patients in whom the ventral intermediate or centromedian nucleus were surgically targeted for deep brain stimulation. Thirteen patients with four different pathologies showed sharply tuned activity centred at ∼70 Hz in spectra of thalamic local field potential (LFP) recordings. This activity was modulated by movement and, critically, varied over the sleep–wake cycle, being suppressed during slow wave sleep and re‐emergent during rapid eye movement sleep, which physiologically bears strong similarities with the waking state. It was enhanced by startle‐eliciting stimuli, also consistent with modulation by arousal state. The link between this pattern of thalamic activity and that of similar frequency in the basal ganglia was strengthened by the finding that fast thalamic oscillations were lost in untreated parkinsonian patients, paralleling the behaviour of this activity in the basal ganglia. Furthermore, there was sharply tuned coherence between thalamic and pallidal LFP activity at ∼70 Hz in eight out of the 11 patients in whom globus pallidus and thalamus were simultaneously implanted. Subcortical oscillatory activity at ∼70 Hz may be involved in movement and arousal.
Synchronous GABAA‐receptor‐dependent potentials in limbic areas of thein‐vitroisolated adult guinea pig brain
Authors: Uva Laura , Avoli Massimo , De Curtis Marco 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEpileptiform discharges are known to reflect the hypersynchronous glutamatergic activation of cortical neurons. However, experimental evidence has revealed that epileptiform synchronization is also contributed to by population events mediated by GABAAreceptors. Here, we analysed the spatial distribution of GABAA‐receptor‐dependent interictal events in the hippocampal/parahippocampal region of the adult guinea pig brain isolatedin vitro. We found that arterial perfusion of this preparation with 4‐aminopyridine caused the appearance of glutamatergic‐independent interictal potentials that were reversibly abolished by GABAAreceptor antagonism. Laminar profiles and current source density analysis performed in different limbic areas demonstrated that these GABAA‐receptor‐mediated events were independently generated in different areas of the hippocampal/parahippocampal formation (most often in the medial entorhinal cortex) and propagated between interconnected limbic structures of both hemispheres. Finally, intracellular recordings from principal neurons of the medial entorhinal cortex demonstrated that the GABAergic field potential correlated to inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (membrane potential reversal, −68.12 ± 8.01 mV,n = 5) that were interrupted by ectopic spiking. Our findings demonstrate that, in an acute seizure model developed in the adult guinea pig brain, hypersynchronous GABAA‐receptor‐mediated interictal events are generated from independent sources and propagate within limbic cortices in the absence of excitatory synaptic transmission. As spared or enhanced inhibition was reported in models of epilepsy, our data may support a role of GABA‐mediated signaling in ictogenesis and epileptogenesis.
Occurrence and diversity of naphthalene dioxygenase genes in soil microbial communities from the Maritime Antarctic
Authors: Flocco Cecilia G. , Gomes Newton C. M. , Mac Cormack Walter , Smalla Kornelia 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe diversity of naphthalene dioxygenase genes (ndo) in soil environments from the Maritime Antarctic was assessed, dissecting as well the influence of the two vascular plants that grow in the Antarctic: Deschampsia antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis. Total community DNA was extracted from bulk and rhizosphere soil samples from Jubany station and Potter Peninsula, South Shetland Islands. ndo genes were amplified by a nested PCR and analysed by denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis approach (PCR‐DGGE) and cloning and sequencing. The ndo‐DGGE fingerprints of oil‐contaminated soil samples showed even and reproducible patterns, composed of four dominant bands. The presence of vascular plants did not change the relative abundance of ndo genotypes compared with bulk soil. For non‐contaminated sites, amplicons were not obtained for all replicates and the variability among the fingerprints was comparatively higher, likely reflecting a lower abundance of ndo genes. The phylogenetic analyses showed that all sequences were affiliated to the nahAc genes closely related to those described for Pseudomonas species and related mobile genetic elements. This study revealed that a microdiversity of nahAc‐like genes exists in microbial communities of Antarctic soils and quantitative PCR indicated that their relative abundance was increased in response to anthropogenic sources of pollution.
Is the body mass index a predictor of adverse outcome in prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy in a mid‐European study population?
Authors: Pfitzenmaier Jesco , Pritsch Maria , Haferkamp Axel , Jakobi Hildegard , Fritsch Frederik , Gilfrich Christian , Djakovic Nenad , Buse Stephan , Pahernik Sascha , Hohenfellner Markus 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the histopathological and clinical outcome in prostate cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a prospective urological cancer database, 620 patients with prostate cancer had a radical prostatectomy (RP) as a curative treatment. The patients were categorized into three groups of BMI (kg/m2); ≤25.0 (190, ‘normal weight’), >25.0–30.0 (343, ‘overweight’) and >30.0 (87, ‘obese’). We evaluated the histopathological features and the clinical follow‐up after RP. The median (range) age of the men was 64.4 (41.1–80.1) years and the median follow‐up 5.5 (0.1–15.1) years. The preoperative median prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels for normal, overweight and obese patients were 9.0 (0.3–133.0), 8.9 (0.4–230.0) and 9.2 (0.5–194.0) ng/mL, respectively.RESULTSSerum PSA levels were no different among the three groups (P = 0.92). The normal, overweight and obese patients had organ‐confined prostate cancer in 53.7%, 57.1% and 58.6%, respectively (P = 0.34) and had lymph node metastases in 7.9%, 7.6% and 4.6% (P = 0.58). Tumour grading was no different for the three groups (P = 0.25). The PSA recurrence‐free, prostate cancer‐specific and overall survival for the three BMI groups did not differ significantly (each P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe BMI cannot be shown to be a predictor of adverse prognosis either for histopathological features or for the clinical outcome, e.g. PSA‐free, prostate cancer‐specific and overall survival, in a mid‐European study population after RP.
Gender Development, Institutions, and Level of Economic Development
Authors: Self Sharmistha , Grabowski Richard 
Published: March 2009

AbstractGender inequality and the lack of gender development are major problems in developing countries. Neoclassical economics has generally argued that economic development will greatly enhance gender development. However, more recent work has emphasized the role of institutions. In this paper, a distinction is made between malleable institutions and those that change only over long periods of time. Empirical estimations of the impacts of economic development, malleable institutions, and hard‐to‐change institutions on gender development are carried out. The results indicate that both economic development and reform of malleable institutions are important determinants of relative gender performance. However, non‐malleable institutions and cultural practices limit the impact that reform and economic development can have on relative gender performance.
Why the United Kingdom Should Join the Eurozone
Authors: Buiter Willem H. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe message of this paper is that the global financial crisis that started in August 2007 provides another powerful and sufficient argument for the United Kingdom to join the EMU and adopt the euro as soon as technically possible. This new financial stability argument for UK membership in the EMU is separate from and in addition to the conventional optimal currency arguments for joining, which have also become more persuasive in the past few years.
People with a learning disability as trainers: evaluation of a values based pilot training programme
Authors: Black Lesley‐Ann , Roberts Paul 
Published: March 2009

Accessible summaryWe wanted to find out about a training programme for staff working in learning disability services. This training was carried out by people with a learning disability and was about their needs for choice, rights and respect. We also wanted to find out about the training they had to become trainers.

Seven people with a learning disability were asked to become trainers to staff.
This article will tell you how the trainers were trained and what they thought about it.
One hundred and nineteen staff who attended the training were asked what they thought about it. Staff said they found it very useful because the trainers themselves had a learning disability.
We also asked the trainers what they thought about being a trainer and they told us they have all learnt new skills.
We want to tell people about the importance of training like this so that more people with a learning disability are helped to become trainers, and because staff and the public can learn a lot from them.

SummaryThis article presents the findings of an independent evaluation of a pilot project in Northern Ireland called ‘Telling it like it is!’ (TILII) conducted over a 2 year timeframe (2005–2007). Seven people with a learning disability were recruited and trained as TILII trainers. With the help of a project facilitator, they designed and presented a values based training programme for staff working in learning disability services. For the purposes of this evaluation, 12 training sessions were evaluated by 119 course recipients who completed feedback forms at the end of the training session they attended. Comments were documented qualitatively and responses were thematically categorised. In addition, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the TILII trainers. Eight course participants also participated in semi‐structured interviews. Findings clearly demonstrate that the trainer role has had a positive impact on the trainers; empowering them to become self‐advocates and increasing their confidence and interpersonal skills. Course recipients reported that the training was an effective tool for gaining a better understanding of people with learning disability’s perspective of their own needs and wishes, and highlighted the values that staff should demonstrate in their work. Additional follow‐up evaluation to assess the long‐term impact of this training in practice is needed, however it is hoped that more projects of this nature will be adopted in the future.
Cross dressing and gender dysphoria in people with learning disabilities: a descriptive study
Authors: Parkes Georgina , Hall Ian , Wilson Daniel 
Published: March 2009

Accessible summary

Some men with learning disability like to dress in women’s clothes and some men want to be women. Some women with learning disability like to dress in men’s clothes or want to be men.
We found that many people like this had mental health problems. Some people were abused when they were children. Some people were gay. They were not happy about this.
Many people could decide for themselves what support and treatment was best for them, but some people couldn’t.

SummaryWe aimed to determine the characteristics of people with learning disability who cross‐dress or who have gender dysphoria. Using a retrospective review of anonymised data from clinical records about people referred to a specialist service. All 13 participants cross‐dressed and 12 were biological males. Only one person was in a core transsexual group which may do better from sex reassignment surgery. There was a high level of mental health problems and high levels of reported childhood abuse. Three people were unhappy about their homosexual feelings, and two people had capacity issues. People with learning disabilities experience a wide range of gender identity issues similar to those seen in the non‐learning disabled population. They would benefit from a more person centred understanding. People with learning disability may need longer assessments and more psychotherapeutic exploration and intervention prior to thinking about hormone and surgical interventions. Deciding treatment in someone’s best interests for those lacking capacity presents complex ethical dilemmas.
Is the historical war against wildlife over in southern Europe?
Authors: Martínez‐Abraín A. , Crespo J. , Jiménez J. , Gómez J. A. , Oro D. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMost southern European regions have experienced a rapid economical change during the last decades, moving from a historical economy based on agriculture to a society based on industry and technology. We test here whether causes of admission of birds admitted to a large southern European rehabilitation centre, during a 14‐year period (1994–2007), reflect these socio‐economical changes. Specifically, we estimated the trends in the number of birds admitted to the centre by shooting (S) over the number of birds admitted due to impacts caused by infrastructures (I), for the 10 most commonly admitted species with complete time series available. Species were grouped in three groups following ecological traits: raptors (diurnal and nocturnal) and aquatic birds. Trends were estimated by means of the slope of a linear regression of the log‐transformed S/I ratio over time, which provided the finite population growth rate (λ) and its 95% confidence intervals. We used the ratio to prevent possible biases caused by changes in wild population densities over the years. We conclude that the overall trend in the S/I ratio, as well as the trends for all three bird groups considered, were negative, and indicated a c. 10% annual reduction in the number of birds admitted by shooting in relation to those admitted by infrastructure‐related injuries. Causal relationships were analysed by means of Poisson regressions on absolute numbers. Importantly we show that despite the direct historical war against wildlife seems to be coming to an end in southern Europe, impact to wildlife continues in an indirect way, as collateral damages caused by our post‐industrial way of life. So the overall scenario is most likely not one of improved conservation status in southern Europe, but rather one of shifting ways of impacting wildlife in parallel with socio‐economic changes.
Infant sex, obstetric risk factors, and 2‐year neurodevelopmental outcome among preterm infants
Authors: SPINILLO ARSENIO , MONTANARI LAURA , GARDELLA BARBARA , ROCCIO MARIANNA , STRONATI MAURO , FAZZI ELISA 
Published: March 2009

Aim  To evaluate the effect of the interaction between fetal sex and obstetric variables on the risk of neurodevelopmental impairment among preterm infants.Method  A cohort study of 394 male and 360 female surviving infants born at 24 to 33 completed weeks of gestational age. Neurological examination and cognitive assessment of the infants (Bayley Scales of Infant Development) were performed at 2 years corrected age.Results  Mean gestational age was 30.4 weeks (SD 2.4). Rates of mild and moderate‐to‐severe neurodevelopmental impairment were 14.6% (110/754) and 7% (53/754) respectively. In logistic analysis, male sex was associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (odds ratio 1.8, 95% confidence interval 1.21–2.68) compared with females. The excess risk of neurodevelopmental impairment associated with male sex was higher among preeclamptic than normotensive pregnancies (p for interaction=0.004), among infants who were either small for gestational age or delivered to a mother with preeclampsia (p for interaction=0.001) and in iatrogenic as opposed to spontaneous preterm birth or preterm premature rupture of membranes (p for interaction=0.035).Interpretation  The excess risk of neurodevelopmental impairment associated with male sex among preterm infants is modulated by obstetric risk factors.