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Miller KA, Cavallaro S, Hirsch A, Hudgins J, Levy J, Li J, Lipton G, Marchese A, Mannix RC, Monuteaux MC, Schutzman S, Miller AF. Alternative care sites and resident exposure in pediatric emergency medicine: Who, what, and where. AEM Educ Train 2023; 7:e10903. [PMID: 37600855 PMCID: PMC10436031 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Emergency medicine (EM) physicians and pediatricians who provide acute pediatric care depend on clinical exposure during residency to learn pediatric EM. Increasing volumes of pediatric patients, especially with behavioral health complaints, have stressed pediatric emergency departments (ED) and prompted clinical operations innovations including alternative care sites outside the main ED. We investigated the impact of these recent trends and resulting alternative care sites on the exposure of residents to core pediatric conditions. Methods This retrospective study reviewed patient encounters between July 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, at a pediatric ED that hosts one pediatric and three EM residencies. During the study, the hospital employed alternative care sites in response to increased and shifting patient populations. Median patients per resident per academic year were compared before and after the opening of alternative care sites, overall and stratified by patient factors (age, sex, Emergency Severity Index [ESI], and diagnostic category). The study also compared the percentage of residents who saw no patients with a given diagnosis between the two periods. Results Of 231,101 patient encounters, 199,947 were seen in the main ED and 31,154 in alternative care sites. The median number of patients seen by a single resident in a single academic year ranged from 82 to 136 for pediatric residents and from 128 to 183 for EM residents. The median number of patients per resident per year did not decrease for any age group, sex, ESI level, or diagnosis across the two periods. Residents saw a median of 19 more patients with psychiatric diagnoses (95% CI 15.4-22.7) in the more recent period. Seven diagnoses were not seen by at least 20% of residents during both periods. Conclusions Current pediatric ED capacity challenges can be addressed with alternative care sites without decreasing volume or variety of patients seen by residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A. Miller
- Division of Emergency MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sarah Cavallaro
- Division of Emergency MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Alexander Hirsch
- Division of Emergency MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Joel Hudgins
- Division of Emergency MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jason Levy
- Division of Emergency MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Joyce Li
- Division of Emergency MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Galina Lipton
- Division of Emergency MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Ashley Marchese
- Division of Emergency MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Rebekah C. Mannix
- Division of Emergency MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Sara Schutzman
- Division of Emergency MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Andrew F. Miller
- Division of Emergency MedicineBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Cavallaro S, Easter J. Updates in pediatric emergency medicine for 2022. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 68:73-83. [PMID: 36958093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As a relatively new field, there has been a recent explosion in evidence around the management of children in the emergency department (ED). This review highlights 10 articles published in the last year providing evidence that is germane to the care of children by emergency medicine (EM) physicians. There is a focus on high prevalence conditions, such as fever and trauma, as well as interventions that can improve mortality, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and massive transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cavallaro
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Boston, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
| | - Joshua Easter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia, 200 Jeanette Lancaster Way, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States of America.
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Cavallaro S, Antonucci P, Van Truong N, Giordano N, Bart JCJ. Pulse Flow Gas-Chromatographic Techniques in Heterogeneous Catalysis. Z PHYS CHEM 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/zpch-1981-262129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Paparone S, Severini C, Ciotti MT, D'Agata V, Calissano P, Cavallaro S. Transcriptional landscapes at the intersection of neuronal apoptosis and substance P-induced survival: exploring pathways and drug targets. Cell Death Discov 2016; 2:16050. [PMID: 27551538 PMCID: PMC4979452 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2016.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A change in the delicate equilibrium between apoptosis and survival regulates the neurons fate during the development of nervous system and its homeostasis in adulthood. Signaling pathways promoting or protecting from apoptosis are activated by multiple signals, including those elicited by neurotrophic factors, and depend upon specific transcriptional programs. To decipher the rescue program induced by substance P (SP) in cerebellar granule neurons, we analyzed their whole-genome expression profiles after induction of apoptosis and treatment with SP. Transcriptional pathways associated with the survival effect of SP included genes encoding for proteins that may act as pharmacological targets. Inhibition of one of these, the Myc pro-oncogene by treatment with 10058-F4, reverted in a dose-dependent manner the rescue effect of SP. In addition to elucidate the transcriptional mechanisms at the intersection of neuronal apoptosis and survival, our systems biology-based perspective paves the way towards an innovative pharmacology based on targets downstream of neurotrophic factor receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Paparone
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council , Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, Catania 95125, Italy
| | - C Severini
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Roma 00143, Italy; European Brain Research Institute, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Roma 00143, Italy
| | - M T Ciotti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Italian National Research Council , Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Roma 00143, Italy
| | - V D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania , Catania 95125, Italy
| | - P Calissano
- European Brain Research Institute , Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, Roma 00143, Italy
| | - S Cavallaro
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council , Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, Catania 95125, Italy
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Abstract
Neuronal apoptosis and survival are tightly controlled processes that regulate cell fate during the development of the central nervous system and its homeostasis throughout adulthood. A new study in primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons identified common transcriptional cascades during rescue from apoptosis by insulin-like growth factor-1 (Igf1) and pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide (Pacap), thus suggesting the existence of a high degree of conservation of cell survival pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cavallaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
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6
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Ruggieri M, Polizzi A, Spalice A, Salpietro V, Caltabiano R, D'Orazi V, Pavone P, Pirrone C, Magro G, Platania N, Cavallaro S, Muglia M, Nicita F. The natural history of spinal neurofibromatosis: a critical review of clinical and genetic features. Clin Genet 2015; 87:401-10. [PMID: 25211147 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Spinal neurofibromatosis (SNF) is a related form of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), characterized by bilateral neurofibromas (histologically proven) of all spinal roots (and, eventually, of all the major peripheral nerve branches) with or without other manifestations of classical NF1. By rigorous application of these criteria to the 98 SNF cases published, we developed: (i) a cohort of 49 SNF patients (21 males and 28 females; aged 4-74 years]: 9 SNF families (21/49), 1 mixed SNF/NF1 family (1/49) and 27 of 49 sporadic SNF patients (including 5 unpublished patients in this report); and (ii) a group of 49 non-SNF patients including: (a) 32 patients with neurofibromas of multiple but not all spinal roots (MNFSR): 4 mixed SNF/MNFSR families (6/32); (b) 14 patients with NF1 manifestations without spinal neurofibromas, belonging to SNF (8/49) or MNFSR families (6/32); (c) 3 patients with neurofibromas in one spinal root. In addition to reduced incidence of café-au-lait spots (67% in SNF vs 56% in MNFSR), other NF1 manifestations were less frequent in either cohort. Molecular testing showed common NF1 gene abnormalities in both groups. The risk of developing SNF vs NF1 was increased for missense mutations [p = 0.0001; odds ratio (OR) = 6.16; confidence interval (CI) = 3.14-13.11], which were more frequent in SNF vs MNFSR (p = 0.0271).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ruggieri
- Department of Educational Sciences, Chair of Paediatrics, Catania, Italy; Centre for Neurocutaneous Disorders, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Abstract
CR-39 samples are commonly employed for fast neutron detection in fusion reactors and in inertial confinement fusion experiments. The literature reported efficiencies are strongly depending on experimental conditions and, in some cases, highly dispersed. The present note analyses the dependence of efficiency as a function of various parameters and experimental conditions in both the radiator-assisted and the stand-alone CR-39 configurations. Comparisons of literature experimental data with Monte Carlo calculations and optimized efficiency values are shown and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cavallaro
- Dipartimento di Fisica ed Astronomia,Università di Catania, Via S. Sofia 44, 95123 Catania, Italy and INFN-LNS, Via S. Sofia 42, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Torrisi L, Cutroneo M, Cavallaro S, Ullschmied J. D-D nuclear fusion processes induced in polyethylene foams by TW Laser-generated plasma. EPJ Web of Conferences 2015. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20159601032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Singh H, Quinlan M, Tõoke J, Pawelczak I, Henry E, Schröder J, Amorini F, Anzalone A, Maiolino C, Auditore L, Loria D, Trifirò A, Trimarchi M, Cardella G, De Filippo E, Pagano A, Papa M, Pirrone S, Verde G, Chatterjee M, Cavallaro S, Geraci E, Lo Nigro S, Politi G, Porto F, Rizzo F, Russotto P, Grzeszczuk A, Guazzoni P, Zetta L, La Guidara E, Lanzalone G, Vigilante M. Isoscaling in dissipative projectile breakup. EPJ Web of Conferences 2012. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20123100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Cavallaro S, Torrisi L, Cutroneo M, Amato A, Sarta F, Wen L. A very sensitive ion collection device for plasma-laser characterization. Rev Sci Instrum 2012; 83:063305. [PMID: 22755620 DOI: 10.1063/1.4730594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this paper a very sensitive ion collection device, for diagnostic of laser ablated-target plasma, is described. It allows for reducing down to few microvolts the signal threshold at digital scope input. A standard ion collector is coupled to a transimpedance amplifier, specially designed, which increases data acquisition sensitivity by a gain ≈1100 and does not introduce any significant distortion of input signal. By time integration of current intensity, an amount of charge as small as 2.7 × 10(-2) pC can be detected for photopeak events.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cavallaro
- Università degli Studi di Catania, Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Via S. Sofia, 64, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Torrisi L, Cavallaro S, Cutroneo M, Giuffrida L, Krasa J, Margarone D, Velyhan A, Kravarik J, Ullschmied J, Wolowski J, Szydlowski A, Rosinski M. Monoenergetic proton emission from nuclear reaction induced by high intensity laser-generated plasma. Rev Sci Instrum 2012; 83:02B111. [PMID: 22380268 DOI: 10.1063/1.3671741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A 10(16) W∕cm(2) Asterix laser pulse intensity, 1315 nm at the fundamental frequency, 300 ps pulse duration, was employed at PALS laboratory of Prague, to irradiate thick and thin primary CD(2) targets placed inside a high vacuum chamber. The laser irradiation produces non-equilibrium plasma with deutons and carbon ions emission with energy of up to about 4 MeV per charge state, as measured by time-of-flight (TOF) techniques by using ion collectors and silicon carbide detectors. Accelerated deutons may induce high D-D cross section for fusion processes generating 3 MeV protons and 2.5 MeV neutrons, as measured by TOF analyses. In order to increase the mono-energetic proton yield, secondary CD(2) targets can be employed to be irradiated by the plasma-accelerated deutons. Experiments demonstrated that high intensity laser pulses can be employed to promote nuclear reactions from which characteristic ion streams may be developed. Results open new scenario for applications of laser-generated plasma to the fields of ion sources and ion accelerators.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Torrisi
- INFN-LNS Via S. Sofia 44, 95123 Catania, Italy.
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12
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Torrisi L, Cavallaro S, Cutroneo M, Margarone D, Gammino S. Proton emission from a laser ion source. Rev Sci Instrum 2012; 83:02B310. [PMID: 22380289 DOI: 10.1063/1.3671740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
At intensities of the order of 10(10) W∕cm(2), ns pulsed lasers can be employed to ablate solid bulk targets in order to produce high emission of ions at different charge state and kinetic energy. A special interest is devoted to the production of protons with controllable energy and current from a roto-translating target irradiated in repetition rate at 1-10 Hz by a Nd:Yag pulsed laser beam. Different hydrogenated targets based on polymers and hydrates were irradiated in high vacuum. Special nanostrucutres can be embedded in the polymers in order to modify the laser absorption properties and the amount of protons to be accelerated in the plasma. For example, carbon nanotubes may increase the laser absorption and the hydrogen absorption to generate high proton yields from the plasma. Metallic nanostrucutres may increase the electron density of the plasma and the kinetic energy of the accelerated protons. Ion collectors, ion energy analyzer, and mass spectrometers, used in time-of-flight configuration, were employed to characterize the ion beam properties. A comparison with traditional proton ion source is presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Torrisi
- INFN-LNS Via S. Sofia 44, 95123 Catania, Italy.
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13
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Marolda R, Ciotti MT, Matrone C, Possenti R, Calissano P, Cavallaro S, Severini C. Substance P activates ADAM9 mRNA expression and induces α-secretase-mediated amyloid precursor protein cleavage. Neuropharmacology 2012; 62:1954-63. [PMID: 22244942 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Altered levels of Substance P (SP), a neuropeptide endowed with neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic properties, were found in brain areas and spinal fluid of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. One of the hallmarks of AD is the abnormal extracellular deposition of neurotoxic beta amyloid (Aβ) peptides, derived from the proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP). In the present study, we confirmed, the neurotrophic action of SP in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) and investigated its effects on APP metabolism. Incubation with low (5 mM) potassium induced apoptotic cell death of CGCs and amyloidogenic processing of APP, whereas treatment with SP (200 nM) reverted these effects via NK1 receptors. The non-amyloidogenic effect of SP consisted of reduction of Aβ(1-42), increase of sAPPα and enhanced α-secretase activity, without a significant change in steady-state levels of cellular APP. The intracellular mechanisms whereby SP alters APP metabolism were further investigated by measuring mRNA and/or steady-state protein levels of key enzymes involved with α-, β- and γ-secretase activity. Among them, Adam9, both at the mRNA and protein level, was the only enzyme to be significantly down-regulated following the induction of apoptosis (K5) and up-regulated after SP treatment. In addition to its neuroprotective properties, this study shows that SP is able to stimulate non-amyloidogenic APP processing, thereby reducing the possibility of generation of toxic Aβ peptides in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Marolda
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
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Russotto P, Acosta L, Adamczyk M, Al-Ajlan A, Al-Garawi M, Al-Homaidhi S, Amorini F, Auditore L, Aumann T, Ayyad Y, Baran V, Basrak Z, Benlliure J, Boiano C, Boisjoli C, Boretzky K, Brzychczyk J, Budzanowski A, Cardella G, Cammarata P, Cavallaro S, Chajecki Z, Chartier M, Chbihi A, Colonna M, Czech B, De Filippo E, Di Toro M, Famiano M, Le Fevre A, Gašsparić A, Geraci E, Grassi L, Greco V, Guazzoni C, Guazzoni P, Heil M, Heilborn L, Introzzi R, Isobe T, Kezzar K, Kiš M, Kupny S, Kurz N, La Guidara E, Lanzalone G, Lasko P, Leifels Y, Lemmon R, Li Q, Lombardo I, Loria D, Lukasik J, Lynch W, Marini P, Matthews Z, May L, Minniti T, Mostazo M, Pagano A, Papa M, Pawlowski P, Petrovici M, Pirrone S, Politi G, Porto F, Reifarth R, Reisdorf W, Riccio F, Rizzo F, Rosato E, Rossi D, Santoro S, Simon H, Skwirczynska I, Sosin Z, Trautmann W, Trifirò A, Trimarchi M, Tsang B, Veselsky M, Verde G, Vigilante M, Wieloch A, Wigg P, Wilczynski J, Wolter H, Wu P, Yennello S, Zambon P, Zetta L, Zoric M. ASY-EOS experiment at GSI. EPJ Web of Conferences 2012. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20123100012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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15
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Lombardo I, Acosta L, Agodi C, Amorini F, Anzalone A, Auditore L, Berceanu I, Buscemi M, Cardella G, Cavallaro S, Chatterjee MB, DeFilippo E, Giuliani G, Geraci E, Grassi L, Han J, LaGuidara E, Lanzalone G, Loria D, Maiolino C, Minniti T, Pagano A, Papa M, Pirrone S, Politi G, Porto F, Rizzo F, Rosato E, Russotto P, Santoro S, Trifirò A, Trimarchi M, Verde G, Vigilante M. N/Z effects on 40,48Ca+ 40,48Ca reactions at 25 MeV/nucleon. EPJ Web of Conferences 2012. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20123100016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Gucciardi E, Chiodo V, Freni S, Cavallaro S, Galvagno A, Bart JCJ. Ethanol and dimethyl ether steam reforming on Rh/Al2O3 catalysts for high-temperature fuel-cell feeds. Reac Kinet Mech Cat 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s11144-011-0335-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Banna GL, Lipari H, Buscarino C, Seca A, Basile A, Ippolito M, Novello G, Condorelli R, Cavallaro S, Squadrito G, D'Arrigo M, Gebbia V, Terminella A, Saita S. Induction chemotherapy with gemcitabine-carboplatin-paclitaxel (GEMCAP) in stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.7063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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18
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Lombardo I, Acosta L, Agodi C, Amorini F, Anzalone A, Auditore L, Berceanu I, Cardella G, Cavallaro S, Chatterjee M, DeFilippo E, Giuliani G, Geraci E, Grassi L, Han J, LaGuidara E, Lanzalone G, Loria D, Maiolino C, Minniti T, Pagano A, Papa M, Pirrone S, Politi G, Porto F, Rizzo F, Russotto P, Santoro S, Trifirò A, Trimarchi M, Verde G, Vigilante M. N/Z effects on evaporation residue emission near fragmentation threshold. EPJ Web of Conferences 2011. [DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20111716005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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19
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Tendi E, Cunsolo R, Bellia D, Messina R, Paratore S, Calissano P, Cavallaro S. Drug Target Identification for Neuronal Apoptosis Through a Genome Scale Screening. Curr Med Chem 2010; 17:2906-20. [DOI: 10.2174/092986710792065081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 08/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Gammino S, Torrisi L, Cavallaro S, Celona L, Giuffrida L, Margarone D, Mascali D, Miracoli R. Recent results of the laser ion source facility at INFN-LNS and applications to nuclear and applied research. Rev Sci Instrum 2010; 81:02A508. [PMID: 20192363 DOI: 10.1063/1.3267291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
A pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser ion source has been used as proton beams generator. The laser wavelength is 1064 nm, the pulse duration is 9 ns and the intensity reaches 10(10) W/cm(2). Laser irradiates hydrogenated polymers targets located in a chamber at 10(-7) mbar. The ions are post-accelerated in a suitable chamber by 30 kV of voltage between the target, positively biased, and the following ground electrode. The extracted beams is characterized through a time-of-flight technique. Possible applications to the field of nuclear physics, such as nuclear excitation and de-excitations, nuclear reactions and nuclear fusion, will be presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gammino
- Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, INFN, via S. Sofia 62, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Amorini F, Cardella G, Giuliani G, Papa M, Agodi C, Alba R, Anzalone A, Berceanu I, Cavallaro S, Chatterjee MB, Coniglione R, De Filippo E, Di Pietro A, Geraci E, Grassi L, Grzeszczuk A, Figuera P, La Guidara E, Lanzalone G, Le Neindre N, Lombardo I, Maiolino C, Pagano A, Pirrone S, Politi G, Pop A, Porto F, Rizzo F, Russotto P, Santonocito D, Sapienza P, Verde G. Isospin dependence of incomplete fusion reactions at 25 MeV/nucleon. Phys Rev Lett 2009; 102:112701. [PMID: 19392196 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.102.112701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2008] [Revised: 12/27/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
40Ca+;{40,48}Ca,46Ti reactions at 25 MeV/nucleon have been studied using the 4pi CHIMERA detector. An isospin effect on the competition between fusionlike and binarylike reaction mechanisms has been observed. The probability of producing a heavy residue is lower in the case of N approximately Z colliding systems as compared to the case of reactions induced on the neutron rich 48Ca target. Predictions based on constrained molecular dynamics II calculations show that the competition between fusionlike and binary reactions in the selected centrality bins can constrain the parametrization of the symmetry energy and its density dependence in the nuclear equation of state.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Amorini
- INFN Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, via Santa Sofia 44, Catania, Italy
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Skwira-Chalot I, Siwek-Wilczyńiska K, Wilczyński J, Amorini F, Anzalone A, Auditore L, Baran V, Brzychczyk J, Cardella G, Cavallaro S, Chatterjee MB, Colonna M, De Filippo E, Di Toro M, Gawlikowicz W, Geraci E, Grzeszczuk A, Guazzoni P, Kowalski S, La Guidara E, Lanzalone G, Lanzanò G, Łukasik J, Maiolino C, Majka Z, Nicolis NG, Pagano A, Piasecki E, Pirrone S, Płaneta R, Politi G, Porto F, Rizzo F, Russotto P, Schmidt K, Sochocka A, Swiderski Ł, Trifirò A, Trimarchi M, Wieleczko JP, Zetta L, Zipper W. Fast ternary and quaternary breakup of the 197Au + 197Au system in collisions at 15 MeV/nucleon. Phys Rev Lett 2008; 101:262701. [PMID: 19437637 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.101.262701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A new reaction mechanism of violent reseparation of a heavy nucleus-nucleus system, 197Au + 197Au, into three or four massive fragments in collisions at 15 MeV/nucleon has been observed. After reseparation, the fragments are almost exactly aligned, thus showing a very short time scale of the reseparation process, of about 70-80 fm/c.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Skwira-Chalot
- Institute of Experimental Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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23
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Paratore S, Parenti R, Cavallaro S. Distribution of ADP-ribosylation factor-related protein 1 in mouse brain. Arch Ital Biol 2008; 146:53-61. [PMID: 18666447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf)-related protein 1 (ARFRP1) is a membrane-associated GTPase, which inhibits the Arf/Sec7-dependent activation of phospholipase D and belongs to the Arf-like (Arl) GTPases. Although ARFRP1 is involved in post-Golgi membrane trafficking and its lack leads to embryonic lethality, little is known about its possible function in the central nervous system. To obtain more knowledge about ARFRP1, we have characterized its mRNA distribution in adult mouse brain by in situ hybridization and real-time PCR. We observed a widespread distribution of ARFRP1-mRNA, with the highest levels in cerebral cortex, thalamic nuclei, colliculus, substantia nigra and granule cell layer of cerebellum. Moderate levels were observed in some amygdaloid nuclei, CA2 area and dentate gyrus of hippocampus, endopiriform nuclei, globus pallidus, striatum, molecular layer of cerebellum, and locus coeruleus, whereas no expression was detected in hypothalamic nuclei, CA1 and CA3 areas of hippocampus, zona incerta. A significant decrease of ARFRP1-mRNA was observed in cerebral cortex following sleep deprivation, whereas no change was observed in cerebellar cortex, locus courelus, brainstem, hippocampus and pontine nuclei. This study provides the first detailed analysis of the regional distribution of ARFRP1 in the mouse brain and a quantitative view of its changes following sleep deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Paratore
- Functional Genomics Center, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Catalania, Italy
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24
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Abstract
The characterization of the molecular mechanisms whereby our brain codes, stores and retrieves memories remains a fundamental puzzle in neuroscience. Despite the knowledge that memory storage involves gene induction, the identification and characterization of the effector genes has remained elusive. The completion of the Human Genome Project and a variety of new technologies are revolutionizing the way these mechanisms can be explored. This review will examine how a genomic approach can be used to dissect and analyze the complex dynamic interactions involved in gene regulation during learning and memory. This innovative approach is providing information on a new class of genes associated with learning and memory in health and disease and is elucidating new molecular targets and pathways whose pharmacological modulation may allow new therapeutic approaches for improving cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Paratore
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Catania, Italy
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25
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Abstract
Gene expression profiles are unveiling a wealth of new potential drug targets for a wide range of diseases, offering new opportunities for drug discoveries. The emerging challenge, however, is the effective selection of the myriad of targets to identify those with the most therapeutic utility. Numerical clustering has became a commonly used method to investigate and interpret gene expression data sets but it is often inadequate to infer the genes' and proteins' role and point to candidate genes for drug development. This review illustrates how clustering methods based on semantic characteristics, such as gene ontologies, could be used to extract more knowledge from genomic data and improve drug target and discovery processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Manganaro
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, 95123 Catania, Italy
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26
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Zohar O, Pick CG, Cavallaro S, Chapman J, Katzav A, Milman A, Alkon DL. Age-dependent differential expression of BACE splice variants in brain regions of tg2576 mice. Neurobiol Aging 2005; 26:1167-75. [PMID: 15917100 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2004.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2004] [Revised: 09/20/2004] [Accepted: 10/05/2004] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Plaques found in the brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) mainly consist of beta-amyloid (Abeta), which is produced by sequential cleaving of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by two proteolytic enzymes, beta- and gamma-secretases. Any change in the fine balance between these enzymes and their substrate may contribute to the etio-pathogenesis of AD. Indeed, the protein level and enzymatic activity of beta-secretase (BACE), but not its mRNA level, were found elevated in brain areas of AD patients who suffer a high load of Abeta plaque formation. Similarly, increased BACE activity but no mRNA change was observed in a transgenic mouse model of AD, tg2576, in which over expression of the Swedish mutated human APP leads to Abeta plaque formation and learning deficits. Based on the recent demonstration of four BACE splice variants with different enzymatic activity, the discrepancy between BACE activity and mRNA expression may be explained by the altered BACE alternative splicing. To test this hypothesis, we studied the expression of all BACE splice variants in different brain areas of tg2576 mice at age of 4 months and 1 year old. We found developmental and regional differences between wild-type and tg2576 mice. Our results indicate that over expression of APP in tg2576 mice leads to the altered alternative splicing of BACE and the increase of its enzymatically more active splice variant (I-501).
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Affiliation(s)
- O Zohar
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, Johns Hopkins University Academic and Research Building, MD 20850, USA.
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27
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Frusteri F, Freni S, Spadaro L, Chiodo V, Bonura G, Donato S, Cavallaro S. H2 production for MC fuel cell by steam reforming of ethanol over MgO supported Pd, Rh, Ni and Co catalysts. CATAL COMMUN 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.catcom.2004.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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28
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D'Agata V, Schreurs BG, Pascale A, Zohar O, Cavallaro S. Down regulation of cerebellar memory related gene-1 following classical conditioning. Genes Brain Behav 2003; 2:231-7. [PMID: 12953789 DOI: 10.1034/j.1601-183x.2003.00029.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We have isolated and characterized the mRNA of a mouse gene named cerebellar memory related gene-1, previously found by microarray analysis to be differentially expressed following classical conditioning of the rabbit nictitating membrane response. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed a significant reduction in mRNA expression in cerebellar lobule HVI but not in the hippocampus of rabbits that received classical conditioning compared to control rabbits that received either unpaired stimulus presentations or were simply restrained. The mouse mRNA encodes a protein of 485 amino acids that includes different potential post-translational modification sites and five copies of the WD-repeat suggesting involvement in protein-protein interaction and regulatory function. In-situ hybridization experiments show highly localized expression of the transcript in mouse brain with the highest expression levels located in the cerebellum, hippocampus and cortex. Taken together, our results reveal a novel gene encoding a WD-repeat protein that is down-regulated in cerebellar lobule HVI as a result of learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- V D'Agata
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Catania, Italy
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29
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Freni S, Cavallaro S, Mondello N, Spadaro L, Frusteri F. Production of hydrogen for MC fuel cell by steam reforming of ethanol over MgO supported Ni and Co catalysts. CATAL COMMUN 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s1566-7367(03)00051-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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30
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Di Mauro M, Cavallaro S, Ciranna L. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide modifies the electrical activity of CA1 hippocampal neurons in the rat. Neurosci Lett 2003; 337:97-100. [PMID: 12527397 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(02)01316-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) on neuronal excitability in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus were studied using in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological techniques. Extracellularly recorded spontaneous firing of CA1 neurons was transiently (2-7 min) increased by PACAP (106+/-32% enhancement, mean+/-SEM, n=11). Using whole-cell patch clamp, PACAP was tested on the resting membrane current of CA1 pyramidal neurons: PACAP activated a slow-onset (20-30 s) and long-lasting (over 20 min) inward current with a mean amplitude of 99+/-34 pA (mean+/-SD, n=8). These results indicate that PACAP induces depolarizing effects on CA1 hippocampal neurons. PACAP-induced long-lasting facilitation in the CA1 region might modify neuronal excitability and/or modulate the effect of other neurotransmitters.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Di Mauro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiologiche, Università di Catania, Italy
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31
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Moroni A, Abbondanno U, Agodi C, Alba R, Ballarini F, Bellia G, Biaggi M, Bruno M, Casini G, Cavallaro S, Cherubini R, Chiari M, Colonna N, Coniglione R, D'Agostino M, Del Zoppo A, Giussani A, Gramegna F, Maiolino C, Margagliotti GV, Mastinu PF, Migneco E, Milazzo PM, Nannini A, Ordine A, Ottolenghi A, Piattelli P, Santonocito D, Sapienza P, Vannini G, Vannucci L, Vardaci E. Nuclear detecting systems at LNL and LNS: foreseen experiments to provide basic data for heavy-ion risk assessment. Phys Med 2002; 17 Suppl 1:124-7. [PMID: 11770527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of existing detecting systems developed for nuclear physics studies allows collecting data on particle and ion production cross-sections in reactions induced by Oxygen and Carbon beams, of interest for hadrontherapy and heavy-ion risk assessment. The MULTICS and GARFIELD apparatus, together with the foreseen experiments, are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Moroni
- INFN and Dipartimento di Fisica, Milano, Italy
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32
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Abstract
Changes in gene expression have been postulated to occur during long-term memory (LTM). We used high-density cDNA microarrays to assess changes in gene expression 24 h after rabbit eye blink conditioning. Paired animals were presented with a 400 ms, 1000 Hz, 82 dB tone conditioned stimulus that coterminated with a 100 ms, 60 Hz, 2 mA electrical pulse unconditioned stimulus. Unpaired animals received the same conditioned and unconditioned stimuli but presented in an explicitly unpaired manner. Differences in expression levels between paired and unpaired animals in the hippocampus and cerebellar lobule HVI, two regions activated during eye blink conditioning, indicated the involvement of novel genes as well as the participation of previously implicated genes. Patterns of gene expression were validated by in situ hybridization. Surprisingly, the data suggest that an underlying mechanism of LTM involves widespread decreased, rather than increased, gene expression. These results demonstrate the feasibility and utility of a cDNA microarray system as a tool for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of associative memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cavallaro
- Laboratory of Adaptive Systems, NINDS, NIH, Bethhesda, MD 20892, USA.
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33
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Ghetti R, Helgesson J, Colonna N, Jakobsson B, Anzalone A, Bellini V, Carlèn L, Cavallaro S, Celano L, De Filippo E, D'Erasmo G, Di Santo D, Fiore EM, Fokin A, Geraci M, Giustolisi F, Kuznetsov A, Lanzanò G, Mahboub D, Marrone S, Mårtensson J, Palomba M, Pantaleo A, Paticchio V, Riera G, Sperduto ML, Sutera C, Tagliente G, Urrata M. Possibility to deduce the emission time sequence of neutrons and protons from the neutron-proton correlation function. Phys Rev Lett 2001; 87:102701. [PMID: 11531477 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.87.102701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2001] [Revised: 06/12/2001] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Experimental information has been derived from the neutron-proton correlation function in order to deduce the time sequence of neutrons and protons emitted at 45 degrees in the E/A = 45 MeV 58Ni + 27Al reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ghetti
- Department of Physics, Lund University, Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
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34
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Nola A, Cattaneo G, Maiocchi A, Gariboldi C, Rocchi R, Cavallaro S, Loreto B, Lanfredini L, Bassino P. [Occupational accidents in temporary work]. Med Lav 2001; 92:281-5. [PMID: 11676190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
In 2000 in Italy about 470,000 workers found jobs provided by Temporary Work Agencies, i.e., more than twice the number in 1999. Temporary Work is an expanding phenomenon since it well suits the flexibility requirements of business: 77% of Temporary Work is in the manufacturing industry, involving mostly unskilled workers. The young age, low level of qualification, poor training, and lack of knowledge of the working environment are factors that can favour occupational accidents. There are studies that relate the frequency of labour accidents to the level of training and job experience. There are no data in the literature about occupational accidents during temporary work. Our study concerns sixteen temporary work Agencies that employed more than 250,000 manual workers in 2000. From the occupational accident registers of these agencies, we analysed all accidents concerning manual workers employed during 2000, with reference to: the number of accidents with up to three days prognosis, age, sex, nationality, prognosis pattern and cause. The agencies supplied data regarding the number of hours worked during 2000. We considered 5259 accidents: the overall frequency index (FI) was 92.1, with a considerable difference between the three main agencies (87.5) and the others. The mean age accident was 27.8 years, mean duration of sick leave 13.7 days, and the main causes were work tools (51.5%); 76% of the accidents concerned unskilled manual workers. The above indexes are definitely higher than those provided by INAIL (italian compulsory insurances) for the metalworking (38.1), construction (47.7) and mining (58.8) sectors during 1997. There is evidence that temporary work is related to an increased risk of occupational accidents. Further studies are required to confirm this evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nola
- Servizio P.S.A.L., U.O. Distretto 1, A.S.L. Città di Milano
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35
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Astrocytes/drug effects
- Astrocytes/metabolism
- Calcium/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Cerebral Cortex/cytology
- Cerebral Cortex/drug effects
- Cerebral Cortex/metabolism
- Cyclic AMP/metabolism
- Genetic Variation
- Inositol Phosphates/metabolism
- Neurons/drug effects
- Neurons/metabolism
- Neuropeptides/pharmacology
- Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide
- Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide, Type I
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/metabolism
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/metabolism
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Type II
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide, Type I
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grimaldi
- Laboratory of Adaptive Systems, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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36
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Abstract
A mutation in the parkin gene has been identified as the cause for an autosomal recessively inherited form of early onset Parkinson's disease. We have recently isolated the mRNA coding for the rat homologue of parkin and showed its widespread expression in the central nervous system (CNS) by in situ hybridization. In the present study we investigated the distribution of parkin in the rat cerebral cortex with a polyclonal antibody that reacts with a single approximately 52-kDa protein, corresponding to the predicted molecular mass of parkin. Conventional light microscopic studies revealed intense parkin immunoreactivity (IR) throughout the cortex. Examination of mixed cortical neuro-glial cultures by indirect immunofluorescence technique coupled to traditional epifluorescence and confocal microscopy analysis demonstrated the expression of parkin in the cytoplasm and neurites of neurons, and its absence in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes. The predominant neuronal parkin-IR and -mRNA expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively, performed on highly enriched neuronal and type I astrocytes cultures. The information gathered in our study about the cellular and subcellular distribution of parkin should facilitate further research on its physiological role in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- V D'Agata
- Institute of Bioimaging and Pathophysiology of the Central Nervous System, Italian National Research Council, 95123 Catania, Italy
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37
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Zhao W, Cavallaro S, Gusev P, Alkon DL. Nonreceptor tyrosine protein kinase pp60c-src in spatial learning: synapse-specific changes in its gene expression, tyrosine phosphorylation, and protein-protein interactions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2000; 97:8098-103. [PMID: 10884433 PMCID: PMC16676 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.97.14.8098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
c-src is a nonreceptor tyrosine protein kinase that is highly concentrated in synaptic regions, including synaptic vesicles and growth cones. Here, we report that the mRNA signal of pp60c-src is widely distributed in the rat brain with particularly high concentrations in the hippocampus. After spatial maze learning, up-regulation of c-src mRNA was observed in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, which was accompanied by increases in pp60c-src protein in hippocampal synaptosomal preparations. Training also triggered an increase in c-src protein tyrosine kinase activity that was correlated with its tyrosine dephosphorylation in the synaptic membrane fraction. After training, pp60c-src from hippocampus showed enhanced interactions with synaptic proteins such as synapsin I, synaptophysin, and the type 2 N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, as well as the cytoskeletal protein actin. The association of pp60c-src with insulin receptor in the synaptic membrane fraction, however, was temporally decreased after training. Furthermore, in vitro results showed that Ca(2+) and protein kinase C might be involved in the regulation of protein-protein interactions of pp60c-src. These results suggest, therefore, that pp60c-src participates in the regulation of hippocampal synaptic activity during learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Zhao
- Laboratory of Adaptive Systems, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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38
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Abstract
We have isolated by RT-PCR and sequenced a partial cDNA coding for the rat homolog of parkin, a gene mutated in autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism. The 1.46 kb rat cDNA clone contains a 1376 bp coding sequence that shares strong similarity with the human parkin cDNA. RT-PCR and in situ hybridization revealed widespread expression of parkin in the rat brain and the periphery. The availability of the rat parkin cDNA and the initial elucidation of its distribution should facilitate further research on the pathophysiological role of parkin in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- V D'Agata
- Institute of Bioimaging and Pathophysiology of the Central Nervous System, Italian National Research Council, 95123 Catania, Italy
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39
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Zhao W, Meiri N, Xu H, Cavallaro S, Quattrone A, Zhang L, Alkon DL. Spatial learning induced changes in expression of the ryanodine type II receptor in the rat hippocampus. FASEB J 2000; 14:290-300. [PMID: 10657985 DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.14.2.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Calcium signaling critical to neural functions is mediated through Ca(2+) channels localized on both the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum. Whereas Ca(2+) influx occurs via the voltage- or/and ligand-sensitive Ca(2+) channels, Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores that amplifies further the Ca(2+) signal is thought to be involved in more profound and lasting changes in neurons. The ryanodine receptor, one of the two major intracellular Ca(2+) channels, has been an important target for studying Ca(2+) signaling in brain functions, including learning and memory, due to its characteristic Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release. In this study, we report regional and cellular distributions of the type-2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) mRNA in the rat brain, and effects of spatial learning on RyR2 gene expression at mRNA and protein levels in the rat hippocampus. Using in situ hybridization, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and ribonuclease protection assays, significant increases in RyR2 mRNA were found in the hippocampus of rats trained in an intensive water maze task. With immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting, protein levels of RyR2 were also demonstrated to be increased in the microsomal fractions prepared from hippocampi of trained rats. These results suggest that RyR2, and hence the RyR2-mediated Ca(2+) signals, may be involved in memory processing after spatial learning. The increases in RyR2 mRNA and protein at 12 and 24 h after training could contribute to more permanent changes such as structural modifications during long-term memory storage. Zhao, W., Meiri, N., Xu, H., Cavallaro, S., Quattrone, A., Zhang, L., Alkon, D. A. Spatial learning induced changes in expression of the ryanodine type II receptor in the rat hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Zhao
- Laboratory of Adaptive Systems, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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40
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Borboni P, Porzio O, Pierucci D, Cicconi S, Magnaterra R, Federici M, Sesti G, Lauro D, D'Agata V, Cavallaro S, Marlier LN. Molecular and functional characterization of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP-38)/vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptors in pancreatic beta-cells and effects of PACAP-38 on components of the insulin secretory system. Endocrinology 1999; 140:5530-7. [PMID: 10579316 DOI: 10.1210/endo.140.12.7208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
It has been previously demonstrated that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) regulates insulin secretion. PACAP exerts its biological action by binding to at least three different receptor subtypes coupled to different signal transduction mechanisms. The signaling pathways underlying the insulinotropic effect of PACAP involve mainly the activation of adenylate cyclase to form cAMP, which directly and indirectly, through increased intracellular Ca2+, stimulates insulin exocytosis. In the present study we have characterized the functional and molecular expression of PACAP/vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptors isoforms and subtypes and its isoforms in a beta-cell line and in isolated rat pancreatic islets. Although insulinoma cells express the messenger RNA encoding PAC1 (-R and -hop variants), VPAC1 and VPAC2, binding experiments indicate the preponderance of PAC1 over VPAC 1-2 receptors. We have also shown that the main signaling pathway of PACAP in beta-cells is mediated by adenylate cyclase, whereas the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate pathway is almost inactive. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that PACAP exerts long-term effects on beta-cells, such as transcriptional regulation of the insulin gene and genes of the glucose-sensing system (GLUT1 and hexokinase 1).
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Affiliation(s)
- P Borboni
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
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41
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Abstract
In the present study we determined the mRNA-expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP)/vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons and type I astrocytes, and investigated the effects of PACAP38 on adenylyl cyclase, inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and intracellular calcium homeostasis. PACAP38 elicited a concentration-dependent (1 nM-100 nM) increase in inositol phosphate levels and [Ca2+]i in neurons but not in type I astrocytes. The PACAP-induced increase of intracellular calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i, was characterized by a spike, compatible with inositol trisphosphate (IP3) -induced calcium mobilization from intracellular stores, and a plateau phase, sustained by activation of capacitative calcium entry triggered by depletion of IP3-sensitive calcium stores. In the absence of extracellular calcium, only the spike phase was present while the plateau phase was clearly reduced. In addition, thapsigargin pretreatment abolished the PACAP38-induced [Ca2+]i rise. Treatment with 1 microM VIP did not affect [Ca2+]i in either neurons or type I astrocytes, clearly indicating the coupling of PAC1-HOP subtype to phospholipase-C in neurons. In addition, as previously reported, PACAP38 stimulated cAMP formation in both neurons and type I astrocytes. Using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we found mRNA-expression of PAC1 (PACAP - HOP variant) and VPAC2 in neurons, PAC1 (PACAP - R variant), VPAC1 and VPAC2 in astrocytes. These data indicate both a functional and molecular diversity of PACAP and VIP receptors in these cell types and support the view that the PAC1-HOP variant may be responsible for phospholipase-C activation and [Ca2+]i elevation in cortical neurons.
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MESH Headings
- Adenylyl Cyclases/metabolism
- Animals
- Astrocytes/metabolism
- Calcium/metabolism
- Cerebral Cortex/cytology
- Cerebral Cortex/metabolism
- Genetic Variation
- Intracellular Membranes/metabolism
- Neurons/metabolism
- Neuropeptides/pharmacology
- Osmolar Concentration
- Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide
- Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide, Type I
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/metabolism
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/metabolism
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Type II
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide, Type I
- Type C Phospholipases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- M Grimaldi
- Laboratory of Adaptive Systems, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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42
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Abstract
We used RNA fingerprinting by arbitrary primed PCR to identify genes whose expression is up-regulated in the brain of hamsters affected by prion disease. One gene implicated by RNA fingerprinting encoded the hamster homologue of protein nexin-I (PN-I), a serine proteinase inhibitor, and was further investigated by Northern blot analysis. PN-I mRNA levels were increased at pre-clinical stages (19 days after inoculation) and remained elevated when the spongiform encephalopathy was anatomopathologically and clinically evident (at 50 and 80 days). Future RNA screening conducted as illustrated may help to reveal a spectrum of genes relevant for the etiopathogenesis and/or diagnosis of prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cavallaro
- Istituto di Bioimmagini e Fisiopatologia del Sistema Nervoso Centrale, CNR, Catania, Italy
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43
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Lerut JP, Claeys N, Laterre PF, Lavenne-Pardonge E, Ciccarelli O, Cavallaro S, Palazzo U, Renda D, Rigano P, Maggio A. Hepatic sickling: an unusual cause of liver allograft dysfunction. Transplantation 1999; 67:65-8. [PMID: 9921797 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199901150-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Orthotopic liver transplantation can be performed successfully in thalassemia. In this article, we describe a case of liver transplantation in a patient with sickle cell/beta-thalassemia complicated by liver sickling. Intrahepatic sickling must be considered in case of allograft dysfunction. This condition can easily be diagnosed by biochemical investigation and liver ultrasonography.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Lerut
- Department of Digestive Surgery, University Hospitals St-Luc, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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44
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Alkon DL, Nelson TJ, Zhao W, Cavallaro S. Time domains of neuronal Ca2+ signaling and associative memory: steps through a calexcitin, ryanodine receptor, K+ channel cascade. Trends Neurosci 1998; 21:529-37. [PMID: 9881851 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-2236(98)01277-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic changes that underlie associative learning and memory begin with temporally related activity of two or more independent synaptic inputs to common postsynaptic targets. In turn, temporally related molecular events regulate cytosolic Ca2+ during progressively longer-lasting time domains. Associative learning behaviors of living animals have been correlated with changes of neuronal voltage-dependent K+ currents, protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation and synthesis of the Ca2+ and GTP-binding protein, calexcitin (CE),and increased expression of the Ca2+-releasing ryanodine receptor (type II). These molecular events, some of which have been found to be dysfunctional in Alzheimer's disease, provide means of altering dendritic excitability and thus synaptic efficacy during induction, consolidation and storage of associative memory. Apparently, such stages of behavioral learning correspond to sequential differences of Ca2+ signaling that could occur in spatially segregated dendritic compartments distributed across brain structures, such as the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Alkon
- Laboratory of Adaptive Systems, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892-4012, USA
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45
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Cormaci OF, Carrà G, Sangrigoli V, Lazzara N, Zari C, Mattisi G, Cavallaro S. [Venous thrombosis. Experience in treatment, problems and perspectives]. Minerva Cardioangiol 1998; 46:57-61. [PMID: 9677798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolic disease is a recurring reason for death, it is often well-known but sometimes misunderstood. The right treatment for this pathology should not follow one approach only, but several strategies with respect to the seriousness and extension of the several clinical pictures. In particular the pharmacological therapy tries to find the balance between risks and benefits. It is well-known that a weak treatment may cause an increase in the risk of the pathology extension or of recurrence; on the other hand, a therapy exceeding the well known ranges exposes to important hemorrhagic risk. METHODS This work presents the personal seven years' experience in patients affected by limb venous thrombosis, in some cases combined with pulmonary embolism. For all patients the pathology seriousness has been assessed by echoduplex scanner and angio-CT, and routine serum electrolite and enzymes analysis and blood counts have been carried out. Different therapies have been investigated, their evolution over the years (on the basis of international and personal experience) and the follow-ups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The foudamental implications of this experience are: the more remarkable use of vena cava filters do not improve clinical findings' follow-up. On the contrary, it can cause the extension of pathology; heparin therapy must start early and the therapeutic range must be reached as soon as possible. Any delay, together with immobilization, can cause the extension of the pathology; diagnosis research cannot stop at the acuity moment but it should study also the etiopathogenetic picture. This affects the future therapeutic strategy in the follow-up; fibrinolitic therapy, once recommended for extended femoral-iliac thrombosis, should be used for serious levels of the same pathology and only for patients with low haemorrhage risk, or for patients affected by periodic pulmonary thromboembolism which may compromise haemodynamic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- O F Cormaci
- Divisione di Chirurgia Vascolare, Azienda Ospedaliera Garibaldi, Catania
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46
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Abstract
The Bcl-2 family of proteins consists of both antagonists (e.g. Bcl-2) and agonists (e.g. Bax) that regulate apoptosis and compete through dimerization. In the present study we cloned the cDNA encoding the rat brain BAD, a distant member of the Bcl-2 family that was shown to promote cell death. The cloned cDNA encoded a protein of 205 amino acids, containing three putative Bcl-2 homology domains (BH1, BH2 and BH3) and no C-terminal signal-anchor sequence. The predicted amino acid sequence was identical to the Bad-cDNA recently cloned from the rat ovary with the exception of a stretch of six amino acids, thus indicating the existence of two Bad alternative splice variants or a sequence artifact in the rat ovary Bad-cDNA. Immunohistochemical analysis in the rat brain revealed the exclusive expression of Bad in the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus, a result which is consistent with a very specialized function of Bad in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- V D'Agata
- Istituto di Bioimmagini e Fisiopatologia del Sistema Nervoso Centrale, Italian National Research Council, Catania
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47
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Abstract
Receptor binding sites for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), positively coupled to adenylate cyclase, have been previously described in the retina of different mammalian species. In the present study, we determined the mRNA expression of PACAP/VIP receptor variants in the rat retina and investigated their coupling to phospholipase C in addition to adenylate cyclase. The two forms of PACAP, PACAP27 and PACAP38, induced a dose-dependent (1-100 nM) increase of cAMP and [3H]inositol monophosphate levels, whereas VIP stimulated, with lower potency and efficacy, cAMP formation only. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis in the rat retina detected both type-I (PACAP-R and PACAP-HOP splice variants) and type-II (VIP-I and -2) receptor-mRNAs. These data indicate that PACAP and VIP may interact with multiple receptor subtypes and activate one (VIP) or two (PACAP) signal transduction mechanisms in the rat retina.
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MESH Headings
- Adenylyl Cyclases/metabolism
- Animals
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide
- Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide, Type I
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone/physiology
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/physiology
- Retina/metabolism
- Type C Phospholipases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- V D'Agata
- Istituto di Bioimmagini e Fisiopatologia del Sistema Nervoso Centrale, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Catania, Italy
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48
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Averna M, Paravizzini G, Marino G, Lanteri E, Cavera G, Barbagallo CM, Petralia S, Cavallaro S, Magro G, Grasso S, Notarbartolo A, Travali S. Liver is not the unique site of synthesis of beta 2-glycoprotein I (apolipoprotein H): evidence for an intestinal localization. Int J Clin Lab Res 1997; 27:207-12. [PMID: 9352386 DOI: 10.1007/bf02912460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Apolipoprotein H is a protein of about 50 kilodaltons, structurally related to the regulators of the complement activation family. Its physiological function is poorly understood but it has been implicated in lipid metabolism and coagulative pathways. The major site of synthesis is thought to be the liver. Several reports indicate that apolipoprotein H is the antigen of the antiphospholipid antibodies and also behaves as an acute-phase reactant. Moreover, 40% of plasma apolipoprotein H is associated with very low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and postprandial chylomicrons. In this study we investigated other sites of synthesis by reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction and we found apolipoprotein H mRNA expression in intestinal cell lines and tissues. Immunohistochemistry was performed on various fresh and paraffin-embedded tissues and apolipoprotein H was immunolocalized in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and epithelial cells from colon and jejunum. This study indicates that apolipoprotein H is expressed at both mRNA and protein levels in enterocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Averna
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, University of Catania, Italy
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49
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Cavallaro S, Meiri N, Yi CL, Musco S, Ma W, Goldberg J, Alkon DL. Late memory-related genes in the hippocampus revealed by RNA fingerprinting. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997; 94:9669-73. [PMID: 9275181 PMCID: PMC23247 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.94.18.9669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although long-term memory is thought to require a cellular program of gene expression and increased protein synthesis, the identity of proteins critical for associative memory is largely unknown. We used RNA fingerprinting to identify candidate memory-related genes (MRGs), which were up-regulated in the hippocampus of water maze-trained rats, a brain area that is critically involved in spatial learning. Two of the original 10 candidate genes implicated by RNA fingerprinting, the rat homolog of the ryanodine receptor type-2 and glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.3), were further investigated by Northern blot analysis, reverse transcription-PCR, and in situ hybridization and confirmed as MRGs with distinct temporal and regional expression. Successive RNA screening as illustrated here may help to reveal a spectrum of MRGs as they appear in distinct domains of memory storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cavallaro
- Laboratory of Adaptive Systems, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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50
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Meiri N, Ghelardini C, Tesco G, Galeotti N, Dahl D, Tomsic D, Cavallaro S, Quattrone A, Capaccioli S, Bartolini A, Alkon DL. Reversible antisense inhibition of Shaker-like Kv1.1 potassium channel expression impairs associative memory in mouse and rat. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997; 94:4430-4. [PMID: 9114006 PMCID: PMC20739 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.94.9.4430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term memory is thought to be subserved by functional remodeling of neuronal circuits. Changes in the weights of existing synapses in networks might depend on voltage-gated potassium currents. We therefore studied the physiological role of potassium channels in memory, concentrating on the Shaker-like Kv1.1, a late rectifying potassium channel that is highly localized within dendrites of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal and dentate gyrus granular cells. Repeated intracerebroventricular injection of antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide to Kv1.1 reduces expression of its particular intracellular mRNA target, decreases late rectifying K+ current(s) in dentate granule cells, and impairs memory but not other motor or sensory behaviors, in two different learning paradigms, mouse passive avoidance and rat spatial memory. The latter, hippocampal-dependent memory loss occurred in the absence of long-term potentiation changes recorded both from the dentate gyrus or CA1. The specificity of the reversible antisense targeting of mRNA in adult animal brains may avoid irreversible developmental and genetic background effects that accompany transgenic "knockouts".
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Affiliation(s)
- N Meiri
- Laboratory of Adaptive Systems, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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