bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of chitosan acetate bandage on wound healing in infected and noninfected wounds in mice
Authors: Burkatovskaya Marina , Castano Ana P. , Demidova‐Rice Tatiana N. , Tegos George P. , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: May 2008

HemCon® bandage is an engineered chitosan acetate preparation designed as a hemostatic dressing, and is under investigation as a topical antimicrobial dressing. We studied its effects on healing of excisional wounds that were or were not infected with Staphylococcus aureus, in normal mice or mice previously pretreated with cyclophosphamide (CY). CY significantly suppressed wound healing in both the early and later stages, while S. aureus alone significantly stimulated wound healing in the early stages by preventing the initial wound expansion. CY plus S. aureus showed an advantage in early stages by preventing expansion, but a significant slowing of wound healing in later stages. In order to study the conflicting clamping and stimulating effects of chitosan acetate bandage on normal wounds, we removed the bandage from wounds at times after application ranging from 1 hour to 9 days. Three days application gave the earliest wound closure, and all application times gave a faster healing slope after removal compared with control wounds. Chitosan acetate bandage reduced the number of inflammatory cells in the wound at days 2 and 4, and had an overall beneficial effect on wound healing especially during the early period where its antimicrobial effect is most important.
Early Recurrences After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Prognostic Value and Effect of Early Reablation
Authors: LELLOUCHE NICOLAS , JAÏS PIERRE , NAULT ISABELLE , WRIGHT MATTHEW , BEVILACQUA MICHELA , KNECHT SÉBASTIEN , MATSUO SEIICHIRO , LIM KANG‐TENG , SACHER FREDERIC , DEPLAGNE ANTOINE , BORDACHAR PIERRE , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL
Published: May 2008

Introduction: Early arrhythmia recurrences are common within the first month after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The long‐term consequences of these early recurrences (ER) are controversial. We investigated whether ER were predictive of late recurrences and the impact of early reablation on clinical outcome.

Methods: Three hundred two consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF were studied. Arrhythmia recurrence was defined as documented episode of AF or atrial tachycardia. Of 151 patients with ER, a subset of 61 patients had reablation within the first month following the index ablation (early reablation). In the remaining 90 patients, a repeat procedure was only performed for later arrhythmia recurrences occurring beyond 1 month. Patients were followed with clinical interview and ambulatory 24 hours monitoring.

Results: Patients with and without early reablation had similar baseline characteristics including echocardiographic parameters and type of AF. During a mean follow‐up of 11 ± 11 months, 82 patients (91%) without early reablation experienced late clinical recurrences. In contrast, patients with early reablation had lower rate of clinical recurrences (51% vs 91%, P < 0.0001) and fewer additional procedures (36% vs 91%, P < 0.0001). However, the total number of procedures over the entire follow‐up was greater in those patients with early reablation (2.5 ± 0.7 vs 2.2 ± 0.6, P = 0.02).

Conclusion: An overwhelming majority of patients with recurrences within the first month after ablation have late recurrences. An early reablation reduces the incidence of further recurrences. However, the overall number of procedures is higher in the medium‐term follow‐up. The optimal timing for the second procedure remains to be defined.
Energy Transfer Enables 1.53 μm Photoluminescence from Erbium‐Doped TiO2 Semiconductor Nanocrystals Synthesized by Ar/O2 Radio‐Frequency Thermal Plasma
Authors: Li Ji‐Guang , Wang Xiaohui , Tang Chengchun , Ishigaki Takamasa , Tanaka Shigeru
Published: May 2008

Highly crystalline, highly luminescent nanopowders of Er3+‐doped TiO2 have been successfully synthesized via one‐step Ar/O2 radio‐frequency thermal plasma processing. Energy transfer from the TiO2 host to Er3+ activators has been confirmed by combined means of UV‐vis, excitation, and photoluminescence spectroscopies. As a consequence, bright photoluminescence at ∼1.53 μm was observed from the nanopowders either by directly exciting the Er3+ activator or by exciting the TiO2 host lattice. A comparative study shows that the nanopowder of the same system made via coprecipitation lacks the energy transfer. The plasma‐generated nanopowders may thus find applications in optoelectronic devices.
Lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma arising in the scar from a previously excised basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lyle Pamela , Nakamura Krystal , Togerson Sigurd
Published: May 2008

We report a case of a primary lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma of the skin (LELCS) associated with scar from a previous excision of basal cell carcinoma. The patient was a 68‐year‐old female with a 3.0 mm skin‐colored pearly papule on her forehead that developed over 2–3 months. The patient had a history of a basal cell carcinoma in the same location, which was completely excised 1 year earlier. A biopsy and subsequent excision of the tumor were performed. The tumor consisted of small islands of large pleomorphic mitotically active epithelioid cells surrounded by a very dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. The tumor was associated with dermal scar. There was no connection of tumor with the unremarkable epidermis. Immunohistochemical examination showed that the epithelioid tumor cells were positive for pan‐cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen, supporting the morphologic impression of LELCS. The lesion was negative for Epstein‐Barr virus. Retrospective review of the original excision specimen confirmed the diagnosis of an ordinary basal cell carcinoma. Forty‐five cases of LELCS have been reported to date. We report the first case of LELCS to arise in the scar from an excision of a cutaneous malignancy
Ecthyma contagiosum (orf) – report of a human case from the United Arab Emirates and review of the literature
Authors: Al‐Salam Suhail , Nowotny Norbert , Sohail Mohammed Rizwan , Kolodziejek Jolanta , Berger Thomas G.
Published: May 2008

Background:  Ecthyma contagiosum (orf) is caused by an epitheliotropic parapox virus. It is a zoonosis usually transmitted to humans from affected sheep or goat through direct contact or contaminated fomites.

Methods:  We report a 36‐year‐old patient with multiple skin lesions on his left hand, first observed 5 days before admission followed by red streaks on the forearm and an erythema on the upper arm 1 day prior to admission. The patient reported that he was working on a sheep farm.

Results:  Histopathologic examination showed evidence of a viral infection. Subsequent transmission electron microscopy showed typical parapox virus particles, predominantly in the scaled‐off layers of degenerated keratinocytes and monocytes. The results were verified and specified by two newly established polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and subsequent sequencing of the amplicons: one broadly reacting ‘general parapox virus PCR’, and one assay which allows – following sequencing – discrimination between individual orf virus strains.

Conclusion:  Despite the multiplicity of the lesions, there was a significant improvement after 2 weeks of treatment. Sequencing showed the uniqueness of this virus compared with previously published strains from other countries.
A rare case of plasmacytoma‐like post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder presenting in the skin of a lung transplant patient
Authors: McFarlane R , Hurst S , Sabath D , George E , Argenyi Z
Published: May 2008

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a lymphoid proliferation that develops as a complication of solid organ or bone marrow transplants. Most cases usually present in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney or lymph nodes. Plasmacytoma‐like PTLD is an uncommon variant, and presentation in the skin is exceedingly rare. We present a case of plasmacytoma‐like PTLD presenting as a leg mass in a 58‐year‐old male. Biopsy from the lesion exhibited atypical plasmacytoid and plasmablastic cells that showed lambda light chain restriction and stained positive for CD138 and Epstain‐Bar virus early RNA by in situ hybridization. These findings were diagnostic of plasmacytoma‐like PTLD. Only a few similar cases have been reported in the literature. The majority of these cases occurred in heart and kidney transplant patients. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case to occur in a lung transplant patient.
Human papillomavirus‐associated penile sarcomatoid carcinoma
Authors: Poblet Enrique , Pascual Alejandro , Godínez Jose M. , Pariente‐Martín Macarena , Escario Eduardo , García‐Olmo Dolores C
Published: May 2008

Sarcomatoid carcinomas are rare tumors predominantly composed of spindle cells. This report describes two cases of penile sarcomatoid carcinoma with similar clinicopathological findings. Distinctive features of these tumors were the focal immunostaining that showed the sarcoma‐like cells with keratin, smooth muscle actin and p16, and the absence of immunostaining of these cells with p53, S100 protein and desmin. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the GP5+/GP6+ set of primers was positive in both cases. The sequences of the amplified products showed that the implicated genotypes were Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and HPV18. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no report in the English literature of HPV‐associated penile sarcomatoid carcinoma. These cases might represent an unusual presentation of dedifferentiated carcinoma in which HPV could be shown by a sensitive technique of PCR.
An algorithm for applying flagged Sysmex XE‐2100 absolute neutrophil counts in clinical practice
Authors: Friis‐Hansen Lennart , Sælsen Lone , Abildstrøm Steen Z. , Gøtze Jens Peter , Hilsted Linda
Published: May 2008

Background:  Even though most differential leukocyte counts are performed by automated hematology platforms, turn‐around time is often prolonged as flagging of test results trigger additional confirmatory manual procedures. However, frequently only the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is needed. We therefore examined if an algorithm could be developed to identify samples in which the automated ANC is valid despite flagged test results.

Methods:  During a 3‐wk period, a training set consisting of 1448 consecutive flagged test‐results from the Sysmex XE‐2100 system and associated manual differential counts was collected. The training set was used to determine which alarms were associated with valid ANCs. The algorithm was then tested on a new set of 1371 test results collected during a later 3‐wk period.

Results:  Analysis of the training set data revealed that the ANC from test results flagged with the ‘WBC abnormal scattergram’ alarm was often invalid. After removal of these test results, the correlation between automated flagged and manual results was excellent (r = 0.95–0.99, P < 0.0001). The validity of this algorithm was confirmed in a subsequent analysis using an independent test data set.

Conclusion:  We have developed a simple algorithm that identifies samples from which a valid ANC can be extracted from Sysmex XE‐2100 flagged differential counts. In patients where only ANC is required for treatment purposes, this procedure can greatly shorten turn around time and facilitate rapid decision making.
NK‐cell intravascular lymphomatosis – a mini‐review
Authors: Nakamichi Naoto , Fukuhara Shirou , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Morii Eiichi
Published: May 2008

The majority of cases of intravascular lymphomatosis (IVL) is derived from B cells. However, IVL may also arise from T cells, or more rarely NK cells. The clinicopathological findings in six cases of NK‐cell IVL (NK‐IVL), including one new case, were summarised and compared with B‐cell IVL (B‐IVL) and T‐cell IVL (T‐IVL). Earlier onset of disease and female predominance were found in NK‐IVL. NK‐IVL was typically Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive, whereas EBV was rarely detected in B‐IVL. Cutaneous manifestations were common in NK‐IVL with constant EBV infection. B‐IVL showed a more favourable prognosis than T‐ or NK‐IVL. Irrespective of immunophenotype, however, IVL showed a less favourable prognosis than ordinary lymphomas within the same immunophenotype. In summary, IVL of the B‐, T‐ and NK‐cell phenotypes is clinicopathologically distinct and shows similarities to their more common counterparts, i.e. diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, unspecified and extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type.
Prevalence, whole genome characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis B virus in captive orangutan and gibbon
Authors: Sa‐nguanmoo Pattaratida , Thongmee Chittima , Ratanakorn Parntep , Pattanarangsan Rattapan , Boonyarittichaikij Roschong , Chodapisitkul Somchai , Theamboonlers Apiradee , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Poovorawan Yong
Published: May 2008

Background  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a public health problem worldwide and apart from infecting humans, HBV has been found in non‐human primates.

Methods  We subjected 93 non‐human primates comprising 12 species to ELISA screening for the serological markers HBsAg, antiHBs and antiHBc. Subsequently, we detected HBV DNA, sequenced the whole HBV genome and performed phylogenetic analysis.

Results  HBV infection was detected in gibbon (4/15) and orangutan (7/53). HBV DNA isolates from two gibbons and seven orangutans were chosen for complete genome amplification. We aligned the Pre‐S/S, Pre‐C/C and entire genomes with HBV sequences and performed phylogenetic analysis. The gibbon and orangutan viruses clustered within their respective groups.

Conclusions  Both geographic location and host species influence which HBV variants are found in gibbons and orangutans. Hence, HBV transmission between humans and non‐human primates might be a distinct possibility and additional studies will be required to further investigate this potential risk.
Are grunting respirations a sign of serious bacterial infection in children?
Authors: Bilavsky Efraim , Shouval Dror S , Yarden‐Bilavsky Havatzelet , Ashkenazi Shai , Amir Jacob
Published: May 2008

Aim: To assess the significance of grunting respirations in children and their potential association with serious bacterial infections, and to identify characteristics unique to this patient group.

Patients and Methods: A prospective case‐control design was used. Data were collected on all children who were hospitalized with grunting respirations in our department of paediatrics over a 13‐month period. The enrolled patients were divided into three groups: previously healthy children aged 3 months or less, previously healthy children aged more than 3 months and children with chronic illness at any age. The findings were compared to matched controls hospitalized for similar symptoms but without grunting respirations.

Results: Grunting respirations were documented in 149 of the 3334 admissions (4.5%) during the period of study. The incidence was higher in children aged 3 months or less (7.5%) and lower in children older than 3 months (3.9%). Fever and respiratory symptoms were common (83.9% and 65.1%, respectively). Heart rate was the only vital sign that was significantly different between the study and control groups. Serious bacterial infection occurred more frequently in the study group (31.5% vs. 14.8%, p < 0.001, OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.36–3.36). Comparisons between the groups showed that grunting respirations were a sign of serious bacterial infection in previously healthy children older than 3 months (p = 0.007, OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.21–3.13) and in children with a chronic disease of any age (p = 0.033, OR 7.0, 95% CI 1.0–49.7 respectively), but not in previously healthy children younger than 3 months (p = 1).

Conclusion: The incidence and importance of grunting respirations in hospitalized children depend on patient's age and previous medical status. A finding of grunting respirations in a previously healthy child aged over 3 months or in a chronically ill child should alert the physician to seek further evidence of bacterial infection, especially pneumonia.
Immigrant girls perceive less stress
Authors: Lindblad F , Backman L , Åkerstedt T
Published: May 2008

Aim: To develop a new stress scale and use it for investigating impact of ethnicity on perception of stress.

Subjects and Methods: One thousand one hundred and twenty‐four students (grades 6–9) from 14 schools filled in a questionnaire at school with questions about age, sex, use of language at home (proxy for cultural background), stress and stressors. Factor analysis and analysis of variance were used to analyze the data.

Results: Two‐stress dimensions were identified, ‘pressure’(7 items, Cronbach's alpha 0.862) and ‘activation’(4 items, Cronbach's alpha 0.767). Scores on the two scales and a separate ‘stress’ item were higher in girls and increased with grade. Use of another language than Swedish at home showed a significant effect only for activation, with lower scores in girls. The interaction effect between sex and language was significant for all variables and was due mainly to lower stress in girls using another language than Swedish at home.

Conclusion: This new stress scale has some promising qualities like a condensed format, basis in a specific stress concept and formulated to be as age and culture independent as possible. Immigrant girls seem to perceive less stress than Swedish born girls, which opens up for questions about protective mechanisms.
Mechano‐biology of resident myogenic stem cells: Molecular mechanism of stretch‐induced activation of satellite cells
Authors: TATSUMI Ryuichi , ALLEN Ronald E.
Published: May 2008

Satellite cells, resident myogenic stem cells found between the basement membrane and the sarcolemma in postnatal skeletal muscle, are normally quiescent in adult muscles. But when muscle is injured, exercised, overused or mechanically stretched, these cells are activated to enter the cell cycle, divide, differentiate, and fuse with the adjacent muscle fiber. In this way, satellite cells are responsible for regeneration and work‐induced hypertrophy of muscle fibers. Therefore, a mechanism must exist to translate mechanical changes in muscle tissue into chemical signals that can activate satellite cells. This mechanism has not been clearly delineated. Recent in vivo studies and studies of satellite cells and single muscle fibers in culture demonstrated the essential role of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and nitric oxide (NO) radical in the activation pathway. These experiments also showed that mechanically stretching cultured satellite cells or living skeletal muscles stimulates satellite cell activation. This is achieved by rapid release of HGF from its tethering in the extracellular matrix and its presentation to the c‐met receptor. HGF release has been shown to depend on NO radical production by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in satellite cells and/or muscle fibers, and relies on the subsequent upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity (possibly achieved by its nitrosylation). These results suggest that the activation mechanism is a cascade of molecular events including calcium‐calmodulin formation, NOS activation, NO radical production, MMP activation, HGF release and HGF binding to c‐met. An understanding the ‘mechano‐biology’ of satellite cell activation is essential when planning procedures that could enhance muscle growth and repair. This is particularly important for meat‐animal agriculture and in human health, disease and aging.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the KIT and KITLG genes in pigs
Authors: OKUMURA Naohiko , MATSUMOTO Toshimi , HAMASIMA Noriyuki , AWATA Takashi
Published: May 2008

Here, we report the variability in the KIT tyrosine kinase receptor and its ligand KITLG genes by determining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 384 individuals including 11 pig breeds, two synthetic‐line cross pigs, two cross breeds, and one Japanese wild boar. SNPs and indels within the coding sequence regions of KITLG and KIT and their 5′‐flanking regions were detected by aligning sequences from eight pigs, and subsequently the SNPs were genotyped using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF‐MS). Principal component analysis using allele frequencies in the SNP locus showed a distant relationship between Asian and Euro‐American pig groups, except for Berkshire and Tokyo X breeds. These breeds were located within the mid‐portion of the distribution in the first principal component. The Hampshire breed was distant from the other pig groups on the axis of the second principal component. Haplotype frequencies that were deduced using non‐synonymous substitutions of the KIT gene revealed the uniqueness of Landrace, Large White, Middle White, and three‐way cross pigs (LWD) and of the Hampshire breed. On the other hand, the haplotypes of KITLG and KIT detected in the Berkshire breed were prevalent in Asian pig groups. This tendency is different from that observed in other Euro‐American pig breeds.
Compliance rate of livestock vehicles with welfare standards, and behavior of feeder cattle at loading ramp
Authors: UETAKE Katsuji , ISHIWATA Toshie , EGUCHI Yusuke , TANAKA Toshio
Published: May 2008

The objective of the present study was to assess cattle welfare during transportation. Vehicle inspection and observation of cattle behavior during loading operations were conducted at two major livestock markets (T and M) in Japan. Market T provided young feeder cattle (Wagyu and cross‐bred aged 6.8–9.0 months) mainly for regions farther than 1500 km. Market M provided young cattle (Wagyu aged 6.6–11.2 month) and calves (crossbred and Holstein aged 0.7–1.5 month) for nearby regions within 500 km. Market T had loading platforms 1.0 m high, whereas market M had partial allocation of platforms and forced most transporters to load cattle from the ground. Vehicles were inspected according to the welfare standards for beef cattle of the RSPCA. Number of vehicles inspected was 36 and 31 in markets T and M, respectively. Cattle hesitations (kneeling down, slipping, balking, backing down, turning around, jumping and eliminating) were observed at the loading ramp. Vehicles inspected at the markets complied with most requirements of the welfare standards, but non‐compliance was found in two requirements: in market M, 71.0% of vehicles had the loading ramp at a >20% incline, whereas 17.1% of vehicles did in market T (P < 0.001). Slope of the loading ramp was steeper in market M than in market T (33.9 ± 17.3% vs. 14.9 ± 8.9%, P < 0.001). Market M had higher proportion of vehicles that did not comply with the requirement ‘Both loading ramps and tail boards must be appropriately designed and covered with litter, to prevent animals from falling off or slipping’ compared with market T (83.9% vs. 17.1%, P < 0.001). Higher frequencies were observed in two kinds of hesitating behavior in market M than in market T (both P < 0.01): mean frequencies (times/head) of slipping and balking were 1.3 ± 1.2 and 2.0 ± 1.8 in market M, and 0.2 ± 0.2 and 0.7 ± 0.5 in market T, respectively. Steeper loading ramp was correlated with higher frequencies of kneeling down (r = 0.53), slipping (r = 0.59), balking (r = 0.45) and backing down (r = 0.42) (all P < 0.05).
A search for synthetic peptides that inhibit soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive‐factor attachment receptor‐mediated membrane fusion
Authors: Jung Chang H. , Yang Yoo‐Soo , Kim Jun‐Seob , Shin Jae‐Il , Jin Yong‐Su , Shin Jae Y. , Lee Jong H. , Chung Koo M. , Hwang Jae S. , Oh Jung M. , Shin Yeon‐Kyun , Kweon Dae‐Hyuk
Published: May 2008

Soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive‐factor attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins have crucial roles in driving exocytic membrane fusion. Molecular recognition between vesicle‐associated (v)‐SNARE and target membrane (t)‐SNARE leads to the formation of a four‐helix bundle, which facilitates the merging of two apposing membranes. Synthetic peptides patterned after the SNARE motifs are predicted to block SNARE complex formation by competing with the parental SNAREs, inhibiting neuronal exocytosis. As an initial attempt to identify the peptide sequences that block SNARE assembly and membrane fusion, we created thirteen 17‐residue synthetic peptides derived from the SNARE motifs of v‐ and t‐SNAREs. The effects of these peptides on SNARE‐mediated membrane fusion were investigated using an in vitro lipid‐mixing assay, in vivo neurotransmitter release and SNARE complex formation assays in PC12 cells. Peptides derived from the N‐terminal region of SNARE motifs had significant inhibitory effects on neuroexocytosis, whereas middle‐ and C‐terminal‐mimicking peptides did not exhibit much inhibitory function. N‐terminal mimicking peptides blocked N‐terminal zippering of SNAREs, a rate‐limiting step in SNARE‐driven membrane fusion. Therefore, the results suggest that the N‐terminal regions of SNARE motifs are excellent targets for the development of drugs to block SNARE‐mediated membrane fusion and neurotransmitter release.
Complications of Self-circumcision: A Case Report and Proposal
Authors: Natali Alessandro , Rossetti Mario Alberto
Published: May 2008

Introduction

Male circumcision is a common surgical technique that has been performed worldwide for thousands of years for medical, social, cultural, and religious reasons. It is usually conducted in childhood in a clinical setting, but the practice of adult self-circumcision has led to a market for nonmedically approved self-circumcision devices that can be purchased via the Internet.

Aims

The aims of this report are to report the case of a 30-year-old white man who suffered complications after trying to perform a self-circumcision with a nonmedically approved device purchased via the Internet, and to propose that urologists should take the lead in investigating the problem of male self-circumcision.

Methods

This case report documents the presentation and treatment of an attempted self-circumcision.

Results

The attempted self-circumcision was carried out without local anaesthetic and resulted in an incision in the foreskin. The patient presented with uncontrollable local bleeding 2 days after carrying out the procedure. Although questioned as to why he had attempted self-circumcision, the patient was reluctant and/or unable to explain his reasons. Daily local wound care and topical antibiotics resulted in complete wound healing after 2 months, and a clinical clamp circumcision was conducted to treat the remaining severe phimosis.

Conclusion

Data on the prevalence and outcomes associated with the use of self-circumcision devices are few. The clinicians who treat the complications are best placed to collect data on self-circumcision and should publish case studies. Eventually there may be sufficient understanding of the sector of the population at risk from this practice to educate those likely to attempt self-circumcision, and enough evidence of harm for controls to be placed on the sale of these nonmedically approved devices via the Internet.
An Evidence-Based Definition of Lifelong Premature Ejaculation: Report of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) Ad Hoc Committee for the Definition of Premature Ejaculation
Authors: McMahon Chris G. , Althof Stanley E. , Waldinger Marcel D. , Porst Hartmut , Dean John , Sharlip Ira D. , Adaikan P.G. , Becher Edgardo , Broderick Gregory A. , Buvat Jacques , Dabees Khalid , Giraldi Annamaria , Giuliano François , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. , Incrocci Luca , Laan Ellen , Meuleman Eric , Perelman Michael A. , Rosen Raymond C. , Rowland David L. , Segraves Robert
Published: May 2008

Introduction

The medical literature contains several definitions of premature ejaculation (PE). The most commonly quoted definition, the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition-Text Revision, and other definitions of PE are all authority based rather than evidence based, and have no support from controlled clinical and/or epidemiological studies.

Aim

The aim of this article is to develop a contemporary, evidence-based definition of PE.

Methods

In August 2007, the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) appointed several international experts in PE to an Ad Hoc Committee for the Definition of Premature Ejaculation. The committee met in Amsterdam in October 2007 to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of current definitions of PE, to critique the evidence in support of the constructs of ejaculatory latency, ejaculatory control, sexual satisfaction, and personal/interpersonal distress, and to propose a new evidence-based definition of PE.

Results

The committee unanimously agreed that the constructs that are necessary to define PE are rapidity of ejaculation, perceived self-efficacy and control, and negative personal consequences from PE. The committee proposed that lifelong PE be defined as “. . . a male sexual dysfunction characterized by ejaculation which always or nearly always occurs prior to or within about one minute of vaginal penetration, and the inability to delay ejaculation on all or nearly all vaginal penetrations, and negative personal consequences, such as distress, bother, frustration and/or the avoidance of sexual intimacy.” This definition is limited to men with lifelong PE who engage in vaginal intercourse. The panel concluded that there are insufficient published objective data to propose an evidence-based definition of acquired PE.

Conclusion

The ISSM definition of lifelong PE represents the first evidence-based definition of PE. This definition will hopefully lead to the development of new tools and Patient Reported Outcome measures for diagnosing and assessing the efficacy of treatment interventions and encourage ongoing research into the true prevalence of this disorder and the efficacy of new pharmacological and psychological treatments.
THE EFFECT ON EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE OF REQUIRING STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN A LEGAL STUDIES CLASS
Authors: Bowers L. Thomas
Published: May 2008

The activities of teaching, learning and examining in higher education have received reinarkably little attention from experimentalists. The suggestion that belief, however hallowed, stands in need of empirical support is often met with incredulous opposition, and men whose academic work is based upon a rigorous testing of accepted ideas, tend to think it somehow indecent to apply the same standard of inquiry to their own teaching and examining practices. Few university teachers are even aware that many of their instructional problems have already heen investisated experimentally, and only a tiny minority take the trouble to acquaint Irhemselves with the results
Book Review
Authors: Raisner Jack A.
Published: May 2008

THE ADVOCATE'S DEVIL BY ALAN M. DERSHOWITZ, Warner Books, Inc., 1994. 372 pp.
COGNITIVE BRIDGES: LAW COURSES STRUCTURED FOR APPLICATION AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER
Authors: Oppenheim Nancy
Published: May 2008

Faculty structuring courses in the Legal Environment of Business and Business Law seek to maximize students' comprehension, and application of legal frameworks to business contexts. This paper examines how law courses organized around students' knowledge organization harnessed learners' cognitive processes to bolster achievement (n=285). Next, the most effective activities reported by 160 students in student‐centered Legal Environment of Business and Business Law are analyzed from a cognitive perspective.
DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING A CYBERLAW COURSE
Authors: Ferrera Gerald R. , Lichtenstein Stephen D. , Reder Margo E. K.
Published: May 2008

“Business spending on the Internet marketing and sales and services will increase to more than $300 billion in year 2002. Internet commerce or the purchase of goods and services over the Internet, will near $250 billion by that year.”
YOU HAZE, I SUE: A FRATERNITY STEW
Authors: Schoen Edward J. , Falchek Joseph S.
Published: May 2008

A male student who was bound with duct tape and barricaded in a room was rescued from a fire early Saturday morning at the Sigma Nu fraternity house at Washington State University. No one was injured in the fire, which left the residence uninhabitable…. The student was found by firefighters who were checking that everyone had left the building, and was not in a wing of the house where the blaze began. [A university spokesperson]… said that hazing was ‘strictly against the rules’ and that the student appeared to be the victim of ‘someone playing a prank.’
EDITOR'S CORNER: CHANGING THE CULTURE
Authors: Bennett Robert B.
Published: May 2008

It is perfectly obvious that in any decent occupation…there are only two ways…of succeeding. One is by doing very good work, the other is by cheating.
Oviposition‐Site Selection in an Endangered Madagascan Frog: Experimental Evaluation of a Habitat Model and its Implications for Conservation
Authors: Glos Julian , Wegner Frank , Dausmann Kathrin H. , Linsenmair K. Eduard
Published: May 2008

The selection of suitable oviposition sites is crucial for successful reproduction of many organisms, including the endangered Madagascan frog Aglyptodactylus laticeps. In a preceding study, a conservation‐oriented model of habitat use for this species extracted key habitat factors that reliably predict whether given ponds are used as oviposition sites. However, habitat‐use models are descriptive and thus their explanatory power for true causal relationships between habitat variables and species distributions is presumably limited. Furthermore, these models are mostly insufficient with regard to incorporating dynamic components of habitat choice, such as the colonization history. Therefore, the explanatory power of habitat‐use models within the context of dynamic components was experimentally investigated by creating artificial breeding ponds in the natural habitat of this frog species and manipulating two environmental factors within these breeding ponds. The absence of tadpoles proved to be the most decisive factor determining colonization. Leaf litter on the pond bottom, that had been suggested to be of importance by the habitat‐use model, did not influence oviposition‐site selection. Although pond characteristics may be important, the overriding factor affecting pond use in the experimental study was avoidance of pools that already contained tadpoles by ovipositing adults.
Differential Responses to Hunting in Two Sympatric Species of Brocket Deer (Mazama americana and M. nana)
Authors: Di Bitetti Mario S. , Paviolo Agustín , Ferrari Carolina A. , De Angelo Carlos , Di Blanco Yamil
Published: May 2008

Hunting by humans may affect the abundance and activity patterns of game species. We examined the effect of hunting on the abundance and activity patterns of sympatric red brocket deer Mazama americana and dwarf brocket deer M. nana. We conducted four camera‐trap surveys (158 sampling stations, 10,244 trap‐days, total area sampled 1200 km2) in three areas within the Atlantic Forest of Misiones, Argentina, that differ in protection and hunting pressure. We used logistic regression and tests of independence to evaluate if protection, hunting pressure, and other independent variables affect the probability of recording each species and their recording rate. We used the Mardia–Watson–Wheeler test to examine if the daily activity pattern differs between species and changes with hunting pressure. Red brocket deer were more frequently recorded (397 records, 58% of stations) than dwarf brocket deer (100 records, 37% of stations). The probability of recording red brockets was higher in areas with better protection and increased with the distance to the main accesses used by poachers. The probability of recording dwarf brockets was higher in areas with low protection. Red brockets were more nocturnal than dwarf brockets, a difference that may reduce interspecific competition. However, red brockets were more diurnal in the best‐protected areas, suggesting that they can adjust their activity to local hunting pressure. Hunting has opposite effects on the abundance of these deer and may facilitate their coexistence. Hunting should be carefully controlled or managed to ensure the conservation of these little known species.
Do Contrastingly Colored Unripe Fruits of the Neotropical Tree Ardisia nigropunctata Attract Avian Seed Dispersers?
Authors: Amsberry Lindsay K. , Steffen John E.
Published: May 2008

Visual cues in fruit displays from foliage, accessory structures, and ripe fruit color are known to be important in attracting bird seed dispersers to ripe fruit, but the role of color in unripe fruit has not been thoroughly studied. Here, we tested the effects of unripe fruit presence and fruit abundance by offering fruit of a Neotropical tree, Ardisia nigropunctata (Myrsinaceae), in bunches of mixed unripe and ripe fruit and bunches of all‐ripe fruit. Additionally, foraging bird species identification and behavior information was collected. Contrary to expectation, birds removed more fruit from all‐ripe bunches with the most fruit than from contrastingly colored fruit bunches. We therefore discuss alternate explanations for unripe fruit colors in mixed bunches.
Characterization of ryanodine receptors in rat colonic epithelium
Authors: Prinz G. , Diener M.
Published: May 2008

Aim:  Functional evidence suggests the presence of two types of intracellular Ca2+ channels responsible for the release of Ca2+ from Ca2+‐stores, i.e. inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3R) and ryanodine receptors (RyR), in rat colonic epithelium. Generally, three ryanodine receptor isoforms (RyR1–RyR3) are known; however, the type of RyR at this epithelium is unknown and was the focus of the present study.

Methods:  RyRs were characterized by molecular biological and immunohistochemical methods in the rat colon.

Results:  A transcript of RyR1 was found in mRNA from colonic crypts. In contrast, RyR2 and RyR3 were found in their corresponding reference tissues, but not in the cDNA from colonic crypts suggesting a predominant expression of the RyR1 isoform in this epithelium.

In order to characterize the subcellular localization of RyR1, immunohistochemical experiments were performed. They showed that RyR1 is present in the lamina epithelialis mucosae and smooth muscle cells and is distributed equally along the whole crypt axis with no difference between surface and crypt cells. A double staining with IP3R3, the dominant cytoplasmic isoform of IP3Rs in this epithelium, revealed that there is only little colocalization of the two receptor subtypes within the epithelial cells. Furthermore, the epithelium is equipped with the enzyme CD38 responsible for the production of cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose, the physiological agonist of RyR.

RyRs are known to be activated by changes in the redox state. The oxidant, monochloramine evoked a ruthenium red‐sensitive Ca2+ release all over the crypt axis. This release was unaffected by prior stimulation of IP3 receptors with ATP (and vice versa).

Conclusion:  The present data suggest a functional separation of IP3‐ and ryanodine receptor‐carrying Ca2+ stores in the colonic epithelium.
What's Not Converging? East Asia's Relative Performance in Income, Health, and Education*
Authors: KENNY Charles
Published: May 2008

This paper discusses East Asia's performance in terms of per capita gross domestic product growth rates over the past 40 years and compares that performance to progress primarily on measures of health. It also compares the region to the rest of the world on a set of broader development measures. It looks at the evidence of East Asian regional and global convergence in health and education, alongside evidence from the region matching global evidence of a comparatively weak link between income growth and health and education growth. This finding is echoed by available within‐country evidence from the region. This paper discusses what might be behind these results, suggesting the importance of a few simple supply‐side interventions coupled with the spread of demand for health and education services as sufficient to drive quality‐of‐life convergence.
Common Polymorphisms in the MDM2 and TP53 Genes and the Relationship between TP53 Mutations and Patient Outcomes in Glioblastomas
Authors: Zawlik Izabela , Kita Daisuke , Vaccarella Salvatore , Mittelbronn Michel , Franceschi Silvia , Ohgaki Hiroko
Published: May 2008

MDM2 SNP309 is associated with younger age of tumor onset in patients with Li‐Fraumeni syndrome, and TP53 codon 72 polymorphism decreases its apoptotic potential. Glioblastomas frequently show genetic alterations in the TP53 pathway. In the present study, we assessed MDM2 SNP309 in 360 glioblastomas, and correlated these with patient age and survival, as well as other alterations in the TP53 pathway. Frequencies of the MDM2 SNP309 T/T, T/G and G/G genotypes in glioblastomas were 40%, 46% and 14%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that MDM2 SNP309 G/G allele was significantly associated with favorable outcome in female glioblastoma patients (hazard ratio 0.54; 95% CI = 0.32–0.92). There was a significant association between MDM2 SNP309 G alleles and TP53 codon 72 Pro/Pro in glioblastomas. Glioblastoma patients with TP53 codon 72 Pro/Pro genotype were significantly younger than Arg/Arg carriers (mean 50.2 vs. 56.1 years; P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis showed that those with TP53 codon 72 Arg/Pro allele had significantly shorter survival than those with Arg/Arg allele (hazard ratio 1.35; 95% CI = 1.07–1.71). Detailed analyses revealed that TP53 codon 72 Pro allele was significantly associated with shorter survival among patients with glioblastomas carrying a TP53 mutation, and among those treated with surgery plus radiotherapy.
The Effects of Far‐red Light on Plant Growth and Flavonoid Accumulation in Brassica napus in the Presence of Ultraviolet B Radiation
Authors: Gerhardt Karen E. , Lampi Mark A. , Greenberg Bruce M.
Published: May 2008

Flavonoid induction is regulated by complex signal transduction pathways involving cryptochrome, phytochrome and UVB photoreceptors. Previously, we identified the UVB‐inducible flavonoids in Brassica napus cv. Topas leaves and showed that UVA affected accumulation of the quercetin (Q) and kaempferol (K) glycosides (Wilson et al. [2000] Photochem. Photobiol. 73, 678–684). In this study, we examined the effects of far‐red light (FR, 700–780 nm) on UVB‐mediated flavonoid accumulation in B. napus. Plants were grown under photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400–700 nm, 150 μmol m−2 s−1) plus a moderate level of FR (35 μmol m−2 s−1) for 14 days, and then transferred to five different irradiation regimes (PAR ± [UVA + UVB] + moderate, intermediate or low fluence FR) for 4 days. Kinetics of flavonoid accumulation were assessed via HPLC. Accumulation of flavonoids, in general, was suppressed by increasing the amount of FR in the spectrum. Furthermore, addition of UVB (290–320 nm) to the spectrum altered the flavonoid composition by causing significant changes in the quantities of individual flavonoids. The relative levels of acylated K glycosides were diminished whereas the relative levels of nonacylated Q glycosides increased dramatically. With UVB exposure there was a five‐fold increase in the Q:K ratio. In contrast, increasing the level of FR in the presence of UVB decreased the Q:K ratio by half.
Probing Pineal‐specific Gene Expression with Transgenic Zebrafish†
Authors: Kojima Daisuke , Dowling John E. , Fukada Yoshitaka
Published: May 2008

The pineal gland of zebrafish (Danio rerio) contains light‐sensitive photoreceptor cells and plays an important role in the neuroendocrine system. The zebrafish exorhodopsin gene encodes a pineal‐specific photoreceptive protein, whose promoter region harbors a cis‐acting element, pineal expression‐promoting element (PIPE), directing pineal‐specific gene expression. For in vivo genetic studies on PIPE‐binding proteins and their regulatory mechanisms, we generated a transgenic zebrafish line, Tg(P20‐rh/P:gfp), that expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the zebrafish rhodopsin promoter fused with 20 PIPE repeats. In Tg(P20‐rh/P:gfp) fish, PIPE‐dependent gene expression is visualized by GFP fluorescence in the pineal gland along with PIPE‐independent GFP signals in the retinal rod photoreceptors. The transgenic fish exhibit detectable and reproducible GFP fluorescence in the larval pineal gland by 5 days postfertilization. Antisense morpholino‐mediated knock‐down of a pineal transcription factor gene, otx5, suppresses pineal GFP expression in the transgenic line. In a pilot screen of N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea‐treated fish of the GFP transgenic line, we isolated potential dominant mutations that cause attenuation of pineal GFP fluorescence with a marginal effect on the retinal GFP signal. The results suggest that the Tg(P20‐rh/P:gfp) line will be useful for detecting deficits in PIPE‐dependent gene expression in the pineal gland.
Tacrolimus: Approved and Unapproved Dermatologic Indications/Uses—Physician's Sequential Literature Survey: Part II
Authors: Sehgal Virendra N. , Srivastava Govind , Dogra Sunil
Published: May 2008

Tacrolimus has been a useful therapeutic tool in dermatology practice ever since its inception. Accordingly, many “off‐label” applications have been reported. Thus, its local immunosuppressive and steroid‐sparing action stands recognized. Hence, its indications/uses were extended beyond atopic dermatitis to cover several dermatoses including other types of eczema, papulosquamous disorder of cornification, rosacea, other inflammatory skin conditions, vesicobullous disease, connective tissue disease, graft versus host disease, and follicular disorders. Many such diseases found to respond to tacrolimus therapy have been briefly recounted. It is worthwhile to conceive, however, that this topical immunomodulator should be reserved for use only as an alternative, should the conventional treatment be unresponsive. Hence, guarded use is warranted.
Coexistent Psoriasis and Bullous Pemphigoid Responding to Mycophenolate Mofetil Monotherapy
Authors: Rallis Efstathios , Anyfantakis Vasileios
Published: May 2008

A 73‐year‐old woman with a 50‐year history of psoriasis was referred to our clinic with a 4‐month duration of tense bullae on erythematous base and erosions localized on her lower extremities and torso (Figure 1A). Neither the oral nor the ocular mucosa had been involved. The lesions were intensively pruritic, significantly affecting the quality of her life. At the time of the examination, the patient presented with psoriatic plaques with adherent scales confined on the scalp (Figure 2A). According to the patient's history, her limited psoriasis was partially controlled with occasional topical medications (topical corticosteroids, calcipotriol, and tar shampoo). She also had insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, asthmatic bronchitis, and partially controlled hypertension with hyperlipidemia. A biopsy specimen was taken from lesional skin on her feet, and a histological examination showed a subepidermal blister with an inflammatory cell infiltrate in the upper dermis. No drugs were incriminated, and diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid was confirmed by Western immunoblotting of serum. Laboratory investigation revealed mild thrombocytopenia of 110,000/mm3, cholesterol 279 mg/dL, and triglycerides 210 mg/dL. The patient could not tolerate prednisolone and cyclosporine because of hypertension and diabetes, or azathioprine because of the mild thrombocytopenia; she did not consent to receiving biologics. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was then considered a choice. The patient agreed, and she was initially administered 1000 mg/d. After 2 weeks, the dosage increased to 1000 mg twice a day because of the formation of new blisters. Within 8 weeks of treatment with MMF 2000 mg/d, marked improvement was observed and her pruritus resolved. Complete remission of bullous pemphigoid and psoriasis was achieved within 3 and 4 months, respectively. Routine laboratory studies were performed before treatment and every month during therapy, and MMF was tolerated without side effects. The treatment was continued for 6 months with no subsequent relapse of the dermatoses (Figure 1B and Figure 2B).

A, Dispersed bullae on erythematous base on the feet. B, Complete clearing 6 months after the initiation of mycophenolate mofetil.

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A, Psoriatic plaques with adherent scales and erosions. B, Complete clearing 6 months after the initiation of mycophenolate mofetil.

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