bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Carry a Higher Risk of Sexual Dysfunctions?
Authors: Arbanas Goran
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction. However, such studies have not examined the influence of traumatic experience on sexual dysfunction.

Aim

This study was conducted to compare various components of sexual functioning among five groups of males: (i) untreated patients with PTSD; (ii) patients with PTSD treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); (iii) untreated patients with subthreshold PTSD symptoms; (iv) patients with subthreshold PTSD symptoms treated with SSRIs; and (v) subjects who had suffered a traumatic experience but presented no mental disorder.

Methods

All participants were evaluated using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the Structured Clinical Interview, and the International Index of Erectile Function.

Main Outcome Measures

Results on individual subscales of the International Index of Erectile Function in men with PTSD symptoms and subthreshold PTSD symptoms, treated and untreated.

Results

Patients with PTSD did not differ from patients with subthreshold PTSD symptoms in any of the domains of sexual functioning. Differences were found between this group and subjects with no mental disorder only in the domain of sexual desire. Patients with subthreshold PTSD symptoms treated with SSRIs showed better results in all domains of sexual functioning in comparison with those treated with PTSD.

Conclusions

The results show that patients who suffered a traumatic experience have the same level of sexual functioning (or the same incidence of sexual dysfunction) regardless of the severity of PTSD. Treatment with SSRIs helps reduce sexual problems in patients with subthreshold PTSD symptoms.
Use of Tissue Engineering in Treatment of the Male Genitourinary Tract Abnormalities
Authors: Fu Qiang , Cao Yi-lin
Published: February 2010

Introduction

A variety of congenital and acquired male genitourinary tract abnormalities can lead to organ damage or tissue loss that requires surgical reconstruction. Traditional reconstructive methods do not produce consistent satisfactory structural or functional replacement and may damage the genitourinary tract. Tissue engineering provides a promising alternative for the treatment of these disorders.

Aim

The aim of this article is to provide an update on clinical and experimental evidence concerning the application of tissue engineering to treatment of abnormalities in the male genitourinary tract system.

Methods

A PubMed search was performed to retrieve relevant clinical and basic literature.

Main Outcome Measures

The topics discussed in this review include the experimental and clinical application of tissue engineering for reconstruction of the urethra, penis, testis, and prostate.

Results

Tissue engineering techniques can provide a plentiful source of healthy tissue for reconstructive purposes. Acellular matrix scaffold and seed cells are two key elements in tissue engineering. Proper employment of seed cells and scaffold material may result in synergistic effects. Moreover, new tissue engineering technologies are being transferred from the laboratory to clinical practice.

Conclusions

Tissue engineering provides biological substitutes that can restore and maintain normal function in diseased and injured tissues, thus providing an effective technique for regeneration of the male genitourinary tract.
SEXUAL MEDICINE: Sexual Selection and Genital Evolution: An Overview
Authors: Shamloul Rany , El-Sakka Ahmed , Bella Anthony J.
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Genital morphology (especially male) among the animal kingdom is characterized by extensive differences that even members of closely related species with similar general morphology may have remarkably diverse genitalia.

Aim

To present the sexual medicine specialist with a basic understanding of the current hypotheses on genital evolution with an emphasis on the sexual selection theories.

Methods

A review of current literature on the theories of genital evolution.

Main Outcome Measures

Analysis of the supporting evidence for the sexual selection theories of genital evolution.

Results

Several theories have been proposed to explain genital evolution. Currently, the sexual selection theories are being considered to present valid and solid evidence explaining genital evolution. However, other theories, including sexual conflict, are still being investigated. All theories of genital evolution have their own weaknesses and strengths.

Conclusions

Given that many complex biological mechanisms, mostly unknown yet, are involved in the process of genital evolution, it is thus reasonable to conclude that not one theory can independently explain genital evolution. It is likely that these mechanisms may prove to have synergistic rather than exclusive effects.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Erectile Dysfunction in Men with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Giugliano Francesco , Maiorino Maria Ida , Bellastella Giuseppe , Autorino Riccardo , De Sio Marco , Giugliano Dario , Esposito Katherine
Published: February 2010

Introduction

There are no reported studies assessing the relation between diet and erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with diabetes.

Aim

In the present study, we explored the relation between consumption of a Mediterranean-type diet and ED in a population of type 2 diabetic men.

Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled if they had a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes for at least six months but less than 10 years, age 35–70 years, body mass index (BMI) of 24 or higher, HbA1c of 6.5% or higher, treatment with diet or oral drugs. All diabetic patients were invited to complete a food-frequency questionnaire and self-report measures of sexual function. A total of 555 (90.8%) of the 611 diabetic men completed both questionnaires and were analyzed in the present study.

Main Outcome Measures

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet was assessed by a 9-point scale that incorporated the salient characteristics of this diet (range of scores, 0–9, with higher scores indicating greater adherence). ED was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function-5.

Results

Diabetic men with the highest scores (6–9) had lower BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio, a lower prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, a higher level of physical activity, and better glucose and lipid profiles than the diabetic men who scored <3 points on the scale. The proportion of sexually active men showed a significant increase across tertiles of adherence to Mediterranean diet (from 65.1% to 74.4%, P = 0.01). Moreover, men with the highest score of adherence were more likely to have a lower prevalence of global ED (51.9% vs. 62%, P = 0.01) and severe ED (16.5% vs. 26.4%, P = 0.01) as compared with low adherers.

Conclusions

In men with type 2 diabetes, greater adherence to Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower prevalence of ED.
Sexual Behavior in Pregnancy: Comparing between Sexual Education Group and Nonsexual Education Group
Authors: Wannakosit Salakjit , Phupong Vorapong
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Sexuality usually decreases during pregnancy.

Aims

To evaluate sexual behavior during pregnancy, comparing two groups. One had sexual education and the other had none.

Methods

After randomizing two groups of pregnant women, they completed self-administered questionnaires regarding attitudes and sexual behavior before and during pregnancy. Sexual education was provided in one group and a second self-administered questionnaire was completed 12 weeks later. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics. Comparison of change of sexual behavior between two groups was analyzed using chi-square and student t-tests.

Main Outcome Measures

The change in frequency of coitus during pregnancy was compared between the sexual education group and the noneducation group.

Results

There was no statistically difference in changes of sexual behavior between the two groups. There was a reduction in frequency of coitus (90.6% vs. 94.9%, P > 0.05) between the nonsexual education group and the sexual education group and no statistically significant change in mean reduction of sexual desire (8.9 vs. 4.4, P > 0.05), sexual arousal (14.3 vs. 13.1, P > 0.05), satisfaction from coitus (15.4 vs. 7.2, P > 0.05), and orgasm from coitus (12.3 vs. 12.3, P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The change of sexual behavior during pregnancy in the sexual education group was not different from that in the nonsexual education group.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—PSYCHOLOGY: Sexual Desire in Women: An Integrative Approach Regarding Psychological, Medical, and Relationship Dimensions
Authors: Carvalho Joana , Nobre Pedro
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Sexual desire depends on the balance between biologic, psychological, and cultural values. Therefore, conceptualizations of female sexual desire difficulties should consider the interrelated role of those factors.

Aim

The aim of this study was to test a conceptual model regarding factors often implicated on female sexual desire, in order to understand the way those factors interact in sexual interest. Moreover, we intended to evaluate the mediation role of cognitive–emotional factors between sexual desire and other dimensions such as age, medical problems, psychopathology, or dyadic adjustment.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty-seven women from the general population participated in the study. We evaluated psychopathology, dysfunctional sexual beliefs, automatic thoughts and emotions during sexual activity, dyadic adjustment, and presence of medical problems.

Main Outcome Measures

Psychopathology measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory, dysfunctional sexual beliefs measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, thoughts and emotions in sexual context measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire, dyadic adjustment measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, medical condition measured by the Medical History Formulation, and sexual desire measured by the Sexual Desire subscale of the Female Sexual Function Index.

Results

Results from the proposed conceptual model suggest that cognitive factors (mainly automatic thoughts during sexual activity) were the best predictors of sexual desire. In a more specific way, age, failure/disengagement thoughts, and lack of erotic thoughts during sexual activity, showed a significant direct effect on reduced sexual desire. Furthermore, sexual conservatism beliefs, and medical factors showed indirect effects, acting on sexual desire via the presence of lack of erotic thoughts, and failure/disengagement sexual thoughts, respectively.

Conclusions

Results from this integrative approach support the need to include cognitive dimensions in the assessment and treatment of sexual desire problems, considering their implication as vulnerability or resilient factors regarding deficient sexual interest in women.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—COUPLES’ SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS: Sexual Disorders in Infertile Couples
Authors: Wischmann Tewes H.
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Sexuality and the desire for a child are strongly interconnected. The same applies to sexual disorders and the unfulfilled desire for a child.

Aim

This article indicates the relations between sexual disorders and the unfulfilled desire for a child and outlines the potential effects of diagnostics and treatment in the context of reproductive medicine on the couples’ sexuality.

Methods

A research drive was undertaken in well-established medical and psychological literature database with the keywords “infertile” or “infertility” and “sexual dysfunction” or “sexual satisfaction.”

Results

Sexual dysfunctions (of organic or of psychic origin) as a cause of involuntary childlessness are relatively unusual. By contrast (temporary) sexual disorders resulting from diagnosis and medical therapy are common in couples with fertility problems, with women more frequently affected than men.

Conclusions

Counseling for couples with the unfulfilled desire for a child should invariably include explicit and appropriately tactful reference to sexuality and (functional) sexual disorders by the therapist.
Effects of Agricultural Intensification on the Assemblage of Leaf‐Nosed Bats (Phyllostomidae) in a Coffee Landscape in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Williams‐Guillén Kimberly , Perfecto Ivette
Published: February 2010

The agricultural matrix surrounding forested areas serves critical functions as dispersal corridors and alternate habitat for wildlife. Agricultural intensification, however, can reduce the conservation value of these areas. To evaluate the effects of agroecosystem management on bat assemblages, we studied the abundance and diversity of leaf‐nosed bats (family: Phyllostomidae) in southwestern Chiapas, Mexico, a landscape dominated by shade coffee agroforestry. During 2104 mist‐net hour (MNH), we captured 3167 bats of 27 phyllostomid species. Total species richness in each land‐use type varied from 24 species in forest fragments to 22 species in commercial shade polycultures. Although the cumulative observed species richness showed little change in response to management intensity, the number of bats captured per MNH declined significantly in the more intensively managed (i.e., low‐shade monocultures) plantations. Intensively managed coffee plantations had lower phyllostomid diversity and species similarity, and had lower proportions of nectarivorous and animalivorous bats. Among frugivores, the proportion of large (>25 g) frugivores captured increased with management intensity. Recapture frequency was significantly higher than expected in forest fragments, and lower than expected in more intensively managed coffee. Our results suggest that less intensively managed coffee agroforests can serve as valuable feeding and commuting areas for most leaf‐nosed bats, and that maintaining forest fragments in agricultural landscapes contributes to bat diversity. Declines in populations of gleaning insectivores, however, could compromise natural suppression of insect pests in these agricultural areas.
Tree Diversity Explains Variation in Ecosystem Function in a Neotropical Forest in Panama
Authors: Ruiz‐Jaen Maria C. , Potvin Catherine
Published: February 2010

Many experimental studies show that a decline in species number has a negative effect on ecosystem function, however less is known about this pattern in natural communities. We examined the relative importance of environment, space, and diversity on ecosystem function, specifically tree carbon storage in four plant types (understory/canopy; trees/palms), in a tropical forest in central Panama. The objectives of this study were to detect the relationship between tree diversity and carbon storage given the environmental and spatial variation that occur in natural forests and to determine which species diversity measure is more important to tree carbon storage: richness or dominance. We used redundancy analyses to partition the effect of these sources of variation on tree carbon storage. We showed that together, environment, space, and diversity accounted for 43 percent of tree carbon storage, where diversity (19%) alone is the most important source of variation and explained more variation than space (13%) and environment (1%) together. Therefore, even in natural forests where substantial environment and spatial variation can be found, it is still possible to detect the effect of diversity on ecosystem function at scales relevant to conservation. Moreover, both richness and dominance are important to explain the variation on tree carbon storage in natural forests suggesting that these two diversity measures are complementary. Thus, tree diversity is important to predict tree carbon storage in hyperdiverse forests.
Overexpression and Suppression of Violaxanthin De‐epoxidase Affects the Sensitivity of Photosystem II Photoinhibition to High Light and Chilling Stress in Transgenic Tobacco
Authors: Gao Shan , Han Han , Feng Hai‐Long , Zhao Shi‐Jie , Meng Qing‐Wei
Published: February 2010

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) transformed with the sense and antisense constructs of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) violaxanthin de‐epoxidase gene (LeVDE) was obtained under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter (35S‐CaMV). Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis demonstrated that the exogenous gene was integrated into the tobacco genome. Wild type (WT), the sense‐transgenic line T1‐24(+) and the antisense‐transgenic line T1‐17(−) were used for physiological measurement. The ratio of (A+Z)/(V+A+Z) and non‐photochemical quenching in WT were lower than that in sense plants and higher than that in antisense ones under high light and chilling stress with low irradiance. The maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) (Fv/Fm) and the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) in the sense line decreased less, while Fv/Fm and Pn in the antisense line decreased most obviously among all lines. These results suggest that the expression of the violaxanthin de‐epoxidase gene in transgenic plants affects the sensitivity of PSII photoinhibition to high light and chilling stress.
Organ‐Specific Responses of Vacuolar H+‐ATPase in the Shoots and Roots of C3 Halophyte Suaeda salsa to NaCl
Authors: Yang Ming‐Feng , Song Jie , Wang Bao‐Shan
Published: February 2010

Suaeda salsa L. is a halophytic species that is well adapted to high salinity. In order to understand its salt tolerance mechanism, we examined the growth and vacuolar H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase) response to NaCl within the shoots and roots. The growth of shoots, but not roots, was dramatically stimulated by NaCl. Cl− and Na+ were mainly accumulated in shoots. V‐ATPase activity was significantly increased by NaCl in roots and especially in shoots. Interestingly, antisera ATP95 and ATP88b detected three V1 subunits (66, 55 and 36 KDa) of V‐ATPase only in shoots, while an 18 kDa V0 subunit of V‐ATPase was detected by both antisera in shoots and roots. It suggested that the tissue‐specific characteristics of V‐ATPase were related to the different patterns of growth and ion accumulation in shoots and roots of S. salsa.
Optimizing Seed Water Content: Relevance to Storage Stability and Molecular Mobility
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhuo Jia‐Jin , Wang Xu , Wu Sen , Wang Xiao‐Feng
Published: February 2010

This research was conducted to determine the optimum moisture content (MC) that gave maximum longevity to seeds. Three species were used to represent seeds with different dry matter reserves, which gives them different sorption properties: maize (Zea mays L.), elm (Ulmus pumila L.) and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). The seeds of elm, safflower, and maize embryos with MC ranging from 0.00–0.15 g H2O/g dry weight (DW) were stored at 35 °C for different periods of time. The results showed that the optimum MC for seed and embryo storage varied between species (0.057 g H2O/g DW for maize embryos, 0.045 g H2O/g DW for elm, and 0.02 g H2O/g DW for safflower). Drying below this optimum MC increased the aging rate and there were detrimental effects of drying. The relative humidity corresponding to optimum MC in embryos of maize, elms and safflower was about 15%, 12% and 7% respectively, according to the lipid composition of the embryos. The data provided confirmatory evidence that molecular mobility (ΔAzz) in elms, maize and safflower embryos was compatible with the optimum moisture content.
Increased Vitamin C Content Accompanied by an Enhanced Recycling Pathway Confers Oxidative Stress Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Zinan , Xiao Ying , Chen Wansheng , Tang Kexuan , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2010

Vitamin C (L‐ascorbic acid, AsA) has important antioxidant and metabolic functions in both plants and animals. Once used, ascorbic acid can be regenerated from its oxidized form in a reaction catalyzed by dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR, EC 1.8.5.1). To analyze the physiological role of DHAR catalyzing the reduction of DHA to ascorbate in environmental stress adaptation, we examined whether increasing the level of AsA through enhanced AsA recycling would limit the deleterious effects of oxidative stress. A chimeric construct consisting of the double CaMV35S promoter fused to the Myc‐dhar gene was introduced into Arabidopsis thaliana. Transgenic plants were biochemically characterized and tested for responses to oxidative stress. Western blot indicated that the dhar‐transgene was successfully expressed. In homozygous T4 transgenic seedlings, DHAR overexpression was increased up to 1.5 to 5.4 fold, which enhanced foliar ascorbic acid levels 2‐ to 4.25‐fold and ratio of AsA/DHA about 3‐ to 16‐fold relative to wild type. In addition, the level of glutathione, the reductant used by DHAR, also increased as did its redox state. When whole plants were treated with high light and high temperature stress or in vitro leaf discs were subjected to 10 μM paraquat, transgenic plants showed a larger AsA pool size, lower membrane damage, and a higher level of chlorophyll compared with controls. These data suggested that increasing the plant vitamin C content through enhanced ascorbate recycling could limit the deleterious effects of environmental oxidative stress.
Viability Loss Pattern under Rapid Dehydration of Antiaris toxicaria Axes and its Relation to Oxidative Damage
Authors: Xin Xia , Jing Xin‐Ming , Liu Yong , Song Song‐Quan
Published: February 2010

The relation between oxidative damage and viability loss of excised embryonic axes of Antiaris toxicaria subjected to rapid drying with silica gel at 15 °C was studied. Changes of survival rate, accumulation of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARs), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR) and the permeability of cell membrane that was determined as relative electrolyte leakage (REL) were measured. The half‐life moisture content (MCL50) was 0.41 g H2O/g DW (dry weight basis). During drying, the activities of SOD, CAT and APX increased until MCL50, and declined thereafter. The generation speed of ·O2−, and content of H2O2 and TBARs remained steadily or even decreased at MC levels higher than MCL50, demonstrating a low oxidative level in these axes. There was no significant correlation between viability loss and accumulation of reactive oxygen species or lipid peroxidation within the dehydration process until MCL50. Whereas the increase in REL from the beginning of the drying process indicated that the cell membrane was damaged. In conclusion, under rapid drying with silica gel the viability loss of excised recalcitrant A. toxicaria axes seemed to be triggered by mechanical or physical damage, rather than metabolic damage.
The Arabidopsis BE1 Gene, Encoding a Putative Glycoside Hydrolase Localized in Plastids, Plays Crucial Roles during Embryogenesis and Carbohydrate Metabolism
Authors: Wang Xingchun , Xue Li , Sun Jiaqiang , Zuo Jianru
Published: February 2010

Carbohydrate metabolism is central to plant growth and development. However, little is known about its role in embryogenesis. Here, we report the characterization of multiple alleles of the BRANCHING ENZYME1 (BE1) gene (also known as EMB2729). The weak allele of be1‐3, characterized by positional cloning, carries a single‐nucleotide substitution in an exon‐intron junction and shows various developmental defects during post‐germination growth. This mutation causes a reduced level of BE1 mRNA that, likely generated from cryptically spliced pre‐mRNA, contains a Glu‐to‐Lys substitution at codon 366. In four null alleles, BE1 is disrupted by T‐DNA insertions, causing embryo developmental arrests at the heart stage. Light microscopy reveals reduced cell divisions and abnormal cell differentiation, thereby leading to defects in setting up the shoot apical meristem, embryonic vascular tissues and cotyledons. Overexpression of BE1 results in a pleiotropic phenotype, indicating that the fine‐tuned BE1 level is crucial for plant growth and development. BE1 encodes a putative glycoside hydrolase that is highly conserved in higher plants. A BE1‐GFP fusion protein, which is fully functional in complementing be1 mutants, is localized in plastids. The be1‐3 phenotype can be partially rescued by glucose, fructose or sucrose, implying the involvement of BE1 in carbohydrate metabolism in plastids.
THE SOCIAL SOURCES OF AMERICANS' PUNITIVENESS: A TEST OF THREE COMPETING MODELS*
Authors: UNNEVER JAMES D. , CULLEN FRANCIS T.
Published: February 2010

The sustained movement to “get tough” on crime, especially through mass imprisonment, has prompted several prominent efforts to explain the public's harshness toward crime. From the extant literature, we demarcate the following three competing theories of public punitiveness: the escalating crime‐distrust model, the moral decline model, and the racial animus model. Controlling for other known predictors of crime‐related opinions, we test the explanatory power of these perspectives to account for support for the death penalty and for a punitive crime‐control approach. Our analysis of a national sample of respondents surveyed in the 2000 National Election Study reveals partial support for each model. Racial animus, however, seems to exert the most consistent effect on public sentiments. This finding suggests that racial resentments are inextricably entwined in public punitiveness and thus should be incorporated into any complete theory of this phenomenon.
REPORTING CRIME TO THE POLICE, 1973–2005: A MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF LONG‐TERM TRENDS IN THE NATIONAL CRIME SURVEY (NCS) AND NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMIZATION SURVEY (NCVS)*
Authors: BAUMER ERIC P. , LAURITSEN JANET L.
Published: February 2010

Although many efforts have been made during the past several decades to increase the reporting of crime to the police, we know little about the nature of long‐term crime‐reporting trends. Most research in this area has been limited to specific crime types (e.g., sexual assault), or it has not taken into account possible changes in the characteristics of incidents associated with police notification. In this article, we advance knowledge about long‐term trends in the reporting of crime to the police by using data from the National Crime Survey (NCS) and the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) and methods that take into account possible changes in the factors that affect reporting at the individual and incident level as well as changes in survey methodology. Using data from 1973 to 2005, our findings show that significant increases have occurred in the likelihood of police notification for sexual assault crimes as well as for other forms of assault and that these increases were observed for violence against women and violence against men, stranger and nonstranger violence, as well as crimes experienced by members of different racial and ethnic groups. The reporting of property victimization (i.e., motor vehicle theft, burglary, and larceny) also increased across time. Overall, observed increases in crime reporting account for about half of the divergence between the NCVS and the Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR) in the estimated magnitude of the 1990s crime decline—a result that highlights the need to corroborate findings about crime trends from multiple data sources.
THE INTERPLAY OF MORAL NORMS AND INSTRUMENTAL INCENTIVES IN CRIME CAUSATION*
Authors: KRONEBERG CLEMENS , HEINTZE ISOLDE , MEHLKOP GUIDO
Published: February 2010

Rational choice theories (RCTs) of crime assume actors behave in an instrumental, outcome‐oriented way. Accordingly, individuals should weight the costs and benefits of criminal acts with subjective probabilities that these outcomes will occur. Previous studies either do not directly test this central hypothesis or else yield inconsistent results. We show that a meaningful test can be conducted only if a broader view is adopted that takes into account the interplay of moral norms and instrumental incentives. Such a view can be derived from the Model of Frame Selection (Kroneberg, 2005) and the Situational Action Theory of Crime Causation (Wikström, 2004). Based on these theories, we analyze the willingness to engage in shoplifting and tax fraud in a sample of 2,130 adults from Dresden, Germany. In line with our theoretical expectations, we find that only respondents who do not feel bound by moral norms show the kind of instrumental rationality assumed in RCTs of crime. Where norms have been strongly internalized, and in the absence of neutralizations, instrumental incentives are irrelevant.
Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 with neurological manifestations, a case series
Authors: Noriega Luis Miguel , Verdugo Renato J. , Araos Rafael , Munita José Manuel , Díaz Violeta , Marcotti Alejandra , Perez Jorge , Gonzalez Patricia , Thompson Luis , Canals Magdalena , Hoppe Arnold , Mounts Anthony W. , Vial Pablo A.
Published: February 2010

Please cite this paper as: Noriega et al. (2010) Pandemic influenza a (H1N1) 2009 with neurological manifestations, a case series. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 4(3), 117–120.

Objectives  Describe a series of atypical presentations of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009.

Methods  Description of case series using hospital records.

Results  Six patients aged 1 to 65 years with confirmed pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 infection presented with neurological complications within 2 to 5 days after the first signs of influenza‐like illness. All six were admitted with seizures or altered mental status. No abnormalities were found in brain scans or cerebral spinal fluid studies of any of the six. All were discharged without sequelae within days of admission.

Conclusions  This is only the second report of pandemic influenza presenting with neurological manifestations. Clinicians caring for patients when pandemic influenza is prevalent in their communities should maintain a high level of awareness of the potential atypical presentations with which this disease can appear.
Neuropathological Findings in Intractable Epilepsy: 435 Chinese Cases
Authors: Piao Yue‐Shan , Lu De‐Hong , Chen Li , Liu Jing , Wang Wei , Liu Lei , Yu Tao , Wang Yu‐Ping , Li Yong‐Jie
Published: February 2010

The number of patients with intractable epilepsy undergoing surgical management in China is increasing rapidly. We retrospectively reviewed 435 consecutive cases of intractable epilepsy receiving surgical resection from 2005 to 2008 in our hospital, looking specifically at the neuropathological findings. The three most common causes of intractable epilepsy were focal cortical dysplasia (FCD; 52.9%), scar lesions (22.8%) and brain tumors (11.7%). Hippocampal sclerosis was identified in 74 cases (17.0%), although most of these were accompanied by dual pathology with FCD (especially Palmini type IB), scar lesions or tumors. Among FCD cases, Palmini type I lesions are the most frequently observed abnormality, with a preferred location in the temporal lobe (60.1%) and often accompanied by dual pathology. In contrast, Palmini type II FCD lesions occurred predominantly in the frontal regions and with a lower age of onset. Most tumors were mixed neuronal–glial tumors, mainly ganglioglioma (19 cases) and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (10 cases), with a trend toward a temporal location and usually accompanied by cortical dysplasia in the peritumor area. Our data on the neuropathology of intractable epilepsy in China show that glioneuronal lesions are the most prominent cause of intractable epilepsy, and this is consistent with reports from other countries.
Serum myeloperoxidase levels and platelet activation parameters as diagnostic and prognostic markers in the course of coronary disease
Authors: PAWLUS J. , HOŁUB M. , KOŻUCH M. , DĄBROWSKA M. , DOBRZYCKI S.
Published: February 2010

Early prediction of coronary artery disease complications is vital for the prevention and effective treatment of patients with coronary cardiac disease. It has been reported that inflammatory markers play a key role in the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Platelet count and platelet morphological parameters were analyzed on a fully‐automated hematological analyzer ADVIA 2120 (Siemens). Serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) level was determined with an enzyme immunoassay (BioCheck). The measuring range of this assay is between 0 and 40 ng/ml. We demonstrate that serum MPO concentration and platelet activation increase systematically with the advancement of coronary artery disease. Moreover, MPO level is significantly higher in patients with unstable coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction compared with healthy subjects and patients with stable angina. The diagnostic sensitivity of these parameters was higher than of TnI (cardiac troponin I), CK‐MB (creatine kinase‐heart type), CRP (C‐reactive protein), and fibrinogen and DD (D‐dimers). MPO, L‐PLT (large platelet), MPV (mean platelet volume), and MPC (mean platelet component concentration) may serve as attractive diagnostic and prognostic markers in the assessment of the risk for unstable atheroma in the course of coronary artery disease.
Characterisation and relevance of CD138‐negative plasma cells in plasma cell myeloma
Authors: REID S. , YANG S. , BROWN R. , KABANI K. , AKLILU E. , HO P. J. , WOODLAND N. , JOSHUA D.
Published: February 2010

Introduction:  The use of CD138 to isolate CD138 + plasma cells (PCs) from plasma cell myeloma (PCM) patients’ bone marrow samples has been used extensively in myeloma research. We sought to highlight the problem with this selection process, by demonstrating that a subpopulation of CD138− plasma cells exists which is not included in these analyses.

Methods:  Retrospective analysis of a patient database was carried out on all PCM patient bone marrow biopsies taken between 4/9/07 and 18/2/09 (n = 218). CD138 + and CD138− cell populations were separated using flow cytometry cell sorter then analyzed for percentage of cells in S phase using plasma cell labeling index as an indicator of proliferation.

Results:  Database results indicated a CD138− PC population in all PCM patient samples which also had a significantly increased (r = 0.53; P < 0.0001) CD45 expression, an indicator or immaturity. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated the presence of a more immature, higher proliferating CD138− PC population through a significantly (t = 3.26; P < 0.02) higher number of CD138− PCs in S phase compared with the CD138 + cells.

Conclusion:  We have characterised the CD138− PCs as more immature and with a significantly higher proliferative potential. The current trend to ignore this more immature and proliferative subpopulation of malignant PCs may have serious implications when determining gene expression, classifications and drug sensitivity of the malignancy.
Prognostic value of serum CA125 levels in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: potential role of a new sex‐ and age‐adjusted reference value
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ A. , MARTÍNEZ‐SERRA J. , BARCELÓ B. , SAMPOL A. , VIÑAS L. , GONZÁLEZ G. , BEA M. D. , AMAT J. C. , MARTÍN J. , RAMOS R. , BAUTISTA A. , FORTEZA‐REY J. , RODRÍGUEZ J. , BESALDUCH J.
Published: February 2010

CA125, a tumor marker normally used to follow the clinical course of ovarian cancer, also may have a role in lymphoma. All available series were analyzed using the standard reference value 35 U/ml, but age and sex may influence serum CA125 (sCA125) levels. We aim to study the prognostic value of serum CA125 (sCA125) levels in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), considering the influence of age and sex on sCA125 levels. We investigated the relationship between sCA125 and clinical outcome after treatment in 42 patients with DLBCL, comparing both the standard (35 U/ml) and a new age and sex adjusted (sex/age‐adjusted) reference value proposed by our group. We found that patients with elevated sCA125 levels had significantly more adverse prognostic factors at diagnosis, lower CR rates, higher relapse rates and worse survival. In the low‐risk IPI categories, the presence of elevated sCA125 defined a particularly high‐risk subgroup with poorer 3‐year PFS when compared with patients with normal sCA125 levels. The use of a sex/age‐adjusted reference value for sCA125 may increase the sensitivity to identify those patients with elevated sCA125 levels truly related to DLBCL activity.
Association between the neutrophil myeloperoxidase index and subsets of bacterial infections
Authors: YONEZAWA K. , HORIE O. , YOSHIOKA A. , MATSUKI S. , TENJIN T. , TSUKAMURA Y. , YONEDA M. , SHIBATA K. , KOIKE Y. , NOMURA T. , YOKOYAMA M. , URAHAMA N. , ITO M.
Published: February 2010

The mean myeloperoxidase index (MPXI) is calculated during the routine complete blood count performed using the autoanalyzer ADVIA120/2120. The pattern of changes in the neutrophil myeloperoxidase levels in patients with specific infectious diseases was analyzed by assessing the MPXI levels. In patients with bacterial sepsis, identified by positive blood‐culture tests, with (n = 29) and without (n = 51) systemic inflammatory response syndrome, the mean MPXI significantly reduced to −3.18 and −2.06, respectively. In contrast, among patients with nontuberculous nonseptic bacterial infections (n = 40), the mean MPXI significantly elevated to 5.51, while tuberculosis patients (n = 37) and patients with viral infection (n = 60) showed an unchanged MPXI (mean values, −0.46 and −1.06, respectively). Among the parameters of inflammation, only the C‐reactive protein values showed a weak correlation with the MPXI levels. [Conclusion] These results indicate that MPXI is correlated with some specific infectious states, i.e. MPXI is low in bacterial sepsis and high in nontuberculous nonseptic bacterial infections. MPXI appears to be an independent and useful biomarker for the diagnosis and follow‐up of infectious diseases, especially when the MPXI values are obtained at regular intervals during the disease courses of the patients.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Survival of mutations arising during invasions
Authors: Miller Judith R.
Published: February 2010

When a neutral mutation arises in an invading population, it quickly either dies out or ‘surfs’, i.e. it comes to occupy almost all the habitat available at its time of origin. Beneficial mutations can also surf, as can deleterious mutations over finite time spans. We develop descriptive statistical models that quantify the relationship between the probability that a mutation will surf and demographic parameters for a cellular automaton model of surfing. We also provide a simple analytic model that performs well at predicting the probability of surfing for neutral and beneficial mutations in one dimension. The results suggest that factors – possibly including even abiotic factors – that promote invasion success may also increase the probability of surfing and associated adaptive genetic change, conditioned on such success.
Recommendations for reporting adverse drug reactions and adverse events of traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Wu Taixiang , Shang Hongcai , Bian Zhaoxiang , Zhang Junhua , Li Tingqian , Li Youping , Zhang Boli
Published: February 2010

Clearly report adverse effect or adverse event occurred in the clinical practice is very important for understanding the potential risk of using a drug for treatment of diseases, and with other advantages. This document aims to help healthcare providers to organize, report, and publish information on ADR/AE occurrences and to identify the nature of the ADR/AE in TCM and integrative medicine practice.

This document provides recommendations on constructing a title, basic factors of writing an abstract and the text of ADR/AE reporting. In each part, there are some samples could be references for the development of a report and ADR/AE.

We welcome any comments for improving this recommendation.
Avoiding adverse drug reactions to Chinese medicine injections
Authors: Li Tingqian
Published: February 2010

A total of 109 varieties of Chinese medicine injections (CMI) have been approved by the State Food and Drug Administration of China, all of which have the potential to induce adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Major ADRs include systemic anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, acute intravascular hemolysis, hepatorenal damage, skin lesion, cardiac damage, respiratory system injury, and gastrointestinal disorders. Contributing factors of ADRs include healthcare workers’ inadequate attention to ADRs of CMI, complex ingredients, allergic uncertainties, and inappropriate drug use in children and the aged. To decrease ADRs resulting from CMI, it is essential to improve the selection of drug indications, delivery of proper dosage regimens, compliance with drug instructions, and selection of solvents for the drugs.
Adverse drug reactions linked to Ciwujia injection: a systematic review of 521 cases
Authors: Hu Jing , Shang Hongcai , Li Jing , Zhang Li , Zhang Junhua , Zheng Wenke , Li Tingqian , Zhang Boli , Li Youping
Published: February 2010

Objective To analyze adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with Ciwujia injection and possible contributing factors.

Methods We searched all clinical studies and ADR reports of Ciwujia injection from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. Relevant information such as disease treated; menstruum and compatibility of the Ciwujia injection; age, gender, and allergic history of ADR cases; and the types, occurrence time and severity of the ADRs were collected and analyzed.

Results In the 800 clinical studies of Ciwujia injection's efficacy and safety, 97 (12.1%) reported 285 ADR cases. There were 144 ADR reports for the drug describing a total of 236 ADR cases. Most of the ADR reports described cases of anaphylactic shock, while the most common ADR reported in clinical studies was local pain; 27.7% of ADR cases were I to II class in all 521 cases, and four anaphylactic shock cases died.

Conclusion The relevant information of ADRs for Ciwujia injection was insufficiently reported in included studies. The ADR type distribution between clinical studies and ADR reports was inconsistency. Most of the reported ADRs were mild, and were treated successfully by slowing down the drip velocity or by withdrawing the drug and treating the symptoms. As Ciwujia injection was one of the highest numbers of ADR reports of traditional Chinese medicine injections, high quality ADR monitoring, standardized ADR reporting, and timely analysis risk factors of ADRs are extremely urgent.
The importance of steatosis in chronic hepatitis C infection and its management: A review
Authors: Cross Timothy J. S. , Rashid Mohammed M. , Berry Philip A. , Harrison Phillip M.
Published: February 2010

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease with approximately 180 million people infected worldwide. Hepatic steatosis is a frequent histological finding in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection and is 2‐ to 3‐fold more common than would be expected by chance alone. A high body mass index with excess visceral fat distribution is associated with steatosis in patients infected with HCV genotype 1 but not genotype 3, re‐enforcing the concept that in patients with CHC, some have “metabolic steatosis”, predominantly HCV genotype 1, and others “viral steatosis”, mainly HCV genotype 3. Accumulating evidence suggests that steatosis may contribute to progression of fibrosis in CHC. Hepatic insulin resistance appears to play a role through the pro‐fibrogenic effects of compensatory hyperinsulinemia. The aim of this review was to assess the effect host and viral factors play in steatosis development in patients with CHC infection and its possible relationship with hepatocellular carcinoma. The review examines the mechanisms by which CHC infection causes hepatic steatosis, the impact hepatic steatosis has on the natural history of the disease and finally, explores if treatments leading to a reduction in the amount of steatosis might lead to improved treatment outcomes. The basic medical science of steatosis in CHC will be discussed including proposed models of steatogenesis and the influence of viral and metabolic factors at the molecular level and how these might impact on current and future therapies.
Seasonal variations in the north toroidal sporadic meteor source
Authors: Campbell‐Brown M. , Wiegert P.
Published: February 2010

Abstract—Determining the origins of the sporadic meteoroid sources helps determine their current properties. We have analyzed four years of orbital radar data, looking at how the rates, radiants, and orbits of meteoroids in the north toroidal sporadic source change throughout the year. Twelve broad radiant concentrations, separated in either time or radiant location, are identified. Six are broad distributions associated with more focused shower activity, and six are not associated with major showers. Four of the six concentrations not associated with showers have been named Toroidal, Toroidal A, Toroidal B, and Toroidal C, because of their constant location at the north toroidal centre. The other two, which appear close to the north toroidal source and drift toward the helion and antihelion sources respectively, have been named the Helion Arc and the Antihelion Arc. The twelve radiant concentrations generally last for more than ten degrees solar longitude, and those which may have a single parent are likely composed of orbitally evolved material.
Absolute magnitude and slope parameter G calibration of asteroid 25143 Itokawa
Authors: Bernardi Fabrizio , Micheli Marco , Tholen David J.
Published: February 2010

Abstract— We present results from an observing campaign of 25143 Itokawa performed with the 2.2 m telescope of the University of Hawai'i between November 2000 and September 2001. The main goal of this paper is to determine the absolute magnitude H and the slope parameter G of the phase function with high accuracy for use in determining the geometric albedo of Itokawa. We found a value of H = 19.40 and a value of G = 0.21.
OpenOrb: Open‐source asteroid orbit computation software including statistical ranging
Authors: Granvik Mikael , Virtanen Jenni , Oszkiewicz Dagmara , Muinonen Karri
Published: February 2010

Abstract— We are making an open‐source asteroid orbit computation software package called OpenOrb publicly available. OpenOrb is built on a well‐established Bayesian inversion theory, which means that it is to a large part complementary to orbit‐computation packages currently available. In particular, OpenOrb is the first package that contains tools for rigorously estimating the uncertainties resulting from the inverse problem of computing orbital elements using scarce astrometry. In addition to the well‐known least‐squares method, OpenOrb also contains both Monte‐Carlo (MC) and Markov‐Chain MC (MCMC; Oszkiewicz et al. [2009]) versions of the statistical ranging method. Ranging allows the user to obtain sampled, non‐Gaussian orbital‐element probability‐density functions and is therefore optimized for cases where the amount of astrometry is scarce or spans a relatively short time interval. Ranging‐based methods have successfully been applied to a variety of different problems such as rigorous ephemeris prediction, orbital element distribution studies for transneptunian objects, the computation of invariant collision probabilities between near‐Earth objects and the Earth, detection of linkages between astrometric asteroid observations within an apparition as well as between apparitions, and in the rigorous analysis of the impact of orbital arc length and/or astrometric uncertainty on the uncertainty of the resulting orbits. Tools for making ephemeris predictions and for classifying objects based on their orbits are also available in OpenOrb. As an example, we use OpenOrb in the search for candidate retrograde and/or high‐inclination objects similar to 2008 KV42 in the known population of transneptunian objects that have an observational time span shorter than 30 days.