bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Esculentin‐1b(1–18) – a membrane‐active antimicrobial peptide that synergizes with antibiotics and modifies the expression level of a limited number of proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Marcellini Ludovica , Borro Marina , Gentile Giovanna , Rinaldi Andrea C. , Stella Lorenzo , Aimola Pierpaolo , Barra Donatella , Mangoni Maria Luisa
Published: September 2009

Antimicrobial peptides constitute one of the main classes of molecular weapons deployed by the innate immune system of all multicellular organisms to resist microbial invasion. A good proportion of all antimicrobial peptides currently known, numbering hundreds of molecules, have been isolated from frog skin. Nevertheless, very little is known about the effect(s) and the mode(s) of action of amphibian antimicrobial peptides on intact bacteria, especially when they are used at subinhibitory concentrations and under conditions closer to those encountered in vivo. Here we show that esculentin‐1b(1–18) [Esc(1–18)] (GIFSKLAGKKLKNLLISG‐NH2), a linear peptide encompassing the first 18 residues of the full‐length esculentin‐1b, rapidly kills Escherichia coli at the minimal inhibitory concentration. The lethal event is concomitant with the permeation of the outer and inner bacterial membranes. This is in contrast to what is found for many host defense peptides, which do not destabilize membranes at their minimal inhibitory concentrations. Importantly, proteomic analysis revealed that Esc(1–18) has a limited ability to modify the bacterium’s protein expression profile, at either bactericidal or sublethal concentrations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of an antimicrobial peptide from frog skin on the proteome of its bacterial target, and underscores the fact that the bacterial membrane is the major target for the killing mechanism of Esc(1–18), rather than intracellular processes.
Identification of domains involved in the allosteric regulation of cytosolic Arabidopsis thaliana NADP‐malic enzymes
Authors: Gerrard Wheeler Mariel C. , Arias Cintia L. , Maurino Verónica G. , Andreo Carlos S. , Drincovich María F.
Published: September 2009

The Arabidopsis thaliana genome contains four genes encoding NADP‐malic enzymes (NADP‐ME1–4). Two isoenzymes, NADP‐ME2 and NADP‐ME3, which are shown to be located in the cytosol, share a remarkably high degree of identity (90%). However, they display different expression patterns and show distinct kinetic properties, especially with regard to their regulation by effectors, in both the forward (malate oxidative decarboxylation) and reverse (pyruvate reductive carboxylation) reactions. In order to identify the domains in the primary structure that could be responsible for the regulatory differences, four chimeras between these isoenzymes were constructed and analysed. All chimeric versions exhibited the same native structures as the parental proteins. Analysis of the chimeras constructed indicated that the region from amino acid residue 303 to the C‐terminal end of NADP‐ME2 is critical for fumarate activation. However, the region flanked by amino acid residues 303 and 500 of NADP‐ME3 is involved in the pH‐dependent inhibition by high malate concentration. Furthermore, the N‐terminal region of NADP‐ME2 is necessary for the activation by succinate of the reverse reaction. Overall, the results show that NADP‐ME2 and NADP‐ME3 are able to distinguish and interact differently with similar C4 acids as a result of minimal structural differences. Therefore, although the active sites of NADP‐ME2 and NADP‐ME3 are highly conserved, both isoenzymes acquire different allosteric sites, leading to the creation of proteins with unique regulatory mechanisms, probably best suited to the specific organ and developmental pattern of expression of each isoenzyme.
Unusual modes of oogenesis and brooding in bivalves: the case of Gaimardia trapesina (Mollusca: Gaimardiidae)
Authors: Ituarte Cristián
Published: September 2009

Abstract. I describe an unusual case of follicular oogenesis in a bivalve, Gaimardia trapesina, a common marine bivalve from the Magellan Region and adjacent Sub‐Antarctic waters, whose members brood their developing larvae. The gonad in G. trapesina is an acinus organ that infiltrates the perivisceral connective tissue; the walls of the acini are formed by tall, slender cells with distal nuclei, supported by a thin conjunctive tissue layer. At the onset of vitellogenesis, each developing oocyte becomes surrounded by a one‐cell‐thick layer of follicle cells, which may originate from the wall of the acinus. The cells form a follicle that completely encompasses single oocytes, except at the basal zone, where oocytes are in contact with the acinus wall. The follicle persists beyond the end of vitellogenesis and spawning. After gamete release, the persistent follicle participates in the attachment of ova and developing embryos to the interfilamental junctions of the inner and outer demibranchs of the gill, where embryos are incubated until hatching as late‐stage pediveliger larvae. Ripe eggs are large (∼250 μm diameter), suggesting that development is entirely lecithotrophic. The follicle cells that mediate connections between developing embryos and the maternal individual probably have a mechanical role only, providing support and possibly facilitating the accommodation of a large number of embryos to maximize the branchial space available for brooding.
The watering pot shell Dianadema minima (Bivalvia, Anomalodesmata, Clavagellidae): re‐description and an interpretation of adventitious crypt formation
Authors: Morton Brian
Published: September 2009

Abstract. Two small cemented, cryptic, species of Dianadema (Bivalvia: Anomalodesmata: Clavagellidae) have been recorded from shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. These are Dianadema minima and Dianadema mascarensis. A study of their shells and adventitious crypt morphologies, however, suggests that the two species are conspecific, the former name taking precedence. This re‐description of D. minima suggests that on settlement, the larva develops a juvenile shell that continues to grow until a length of ∼9.0 mm is reached, when it secretes around itself a primary calcareous crypt and cements itself ventrally into a concavity in coral rubble. Subsequently, a crown of tubules is secreted from the dorsal surface of the exposed mantle and an adventitious siphonal tube is formed, which is characteristically oriented at ∼45° from the horizontal. In the absence of preserved internal tissues and pre‐adult life history stages, there is no possibility of fully comprehending exactly how such a remarkable adventitious structure is produced. Dianadema minima does, however, provide us with another example of the remarkable adaptive radiation of the Clavagelloidea and, in particular, the pattern of convergent evolution expressed not just between D. minima (Clavagellidae) and Humphreyia strangei (Penicillidae), but also between the two families that have independently evolved “watering pot” shells and tubes.
Responses to low salinity by the sea star Pisaster ochraceus from high‐ and low‐salinity populations
Authors: Held Mirjam B.E. , Harley Christopher D.G.
Published: September 2009

Abstract. In many coastal environments, variation in salinity and organismal responses to that variation are important determinants of the distribution and abundance of species. This study examined the effects of acute salinity changes on sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus) collected from a high‐salinity site (Bamfield, BC) and a low‐salinity site (Vancouver, BC). Sea stars from both sites were exposed to salinities ranging 15–30 psu. Following a 24‐h exposure, the osmolality, sodium concentrations, and chloride concentrations in the perivisceral fluid all varied directly with salinity and were very close to the treatment salinities in both the Bamfield and Vancouver sea stars. The righting response (measured as an activity coefficient) was salinity dependent, with the lowest activity levels at a salinity of 15 psu. Activity coefficients did not vary between the two source populations. Feeding rates on mussels were strongly salinity dependent, but the salinity pattern was population specific. Bamfield sea stars fed the most at 30 psu, whereas Vancouver sea stars fed the most at 20 psu. High post‐experimental mortalities were observed in Bamfield sea stars that had been exposed to a salinity of 15 psu; no such mortality was observed in Vancouver animals. This study provides evidence that the sea stars from the lower salinity environment had been able to acclimatize or adapt to low‐salinity conditions. However, the results also suggest that there are limits to this tolerance, and that future changes in salinity may have important consequences for marine communities via alteration of keystone predation.
Shiny spheres of placozoans (Trichoplax) function in anti‐predator defense
Authors: Jackson Alexis M. , Buss Leo W.
Published: September 2009

Abstract. When individual placozoans, Trichoplax adhaerens, were fed to polyps of the hydroid Podocoryna carnea, the polyps became paralyzed in all 27 trials. In one instance the hydroid polyp died and in five instances a fragment of the placozoan survived. The time to recovery from paralysis varied with the relative size of the polyp and the placozoan. Placozoans were disassociated into separate cells and then reaggregated by centrifugation to produce pellets of tissue lacking the vesicles called shiny spheres, normally abundant in the upper epithelium. We fed pellets of two size classes to the hydroid polyps. When the placozoan pellet was smaller than the hydroid, paralysis was eliminated in nine of ten trials. When the placozoan pellet was comparable in size to the polyp, paralysis occurred but the recovery time was substantially reduced, compared with trials in which polyps were fed intact placozoans possessing shiny spheres. These results support a function of shiny spheres in anti‐predator defense.
Are GRB optical afterglows relatively brighter at high z?
Authors: Imerito A. , Coward D. M. , Burman R. R. , Blair D. G
Published: September 2009

The redshift distribution of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is strongly biased by selection effects. We investigate, via Monte Carlo simulations, one possible selection effect that may be modifying the Swift GRB redshift distribution. We show how telescope response times to acquire a GRB redshift may, via the Malmquist effect and GRB optical afterglow (OA) brightness distribution, introduce a bias into the average of the observed redshift distribution. It is difficult to reconcile a recently reported correlated trend between telescope response time and average redshifts unless we employ a redshift-dependent OA distribution. Simulations of this selection effect suggest that GRB OAs may have been either intrinsically brighter early in the Universe or suffered less local host galaxy extinction.
DEGRADATION OF MANDARIN JUICE CONCENTRATES TREATED AT HIGH TEMPERATURES
Authors: IBARZ ALBERT , GARZA SALVADOR , GARVÍN ALFONSO , PAGÁN JORDI
Published: September 2009

This work aims to characterize nonenzymatic browning of concentrated mandarin juice treated at different temperatures, identifying the different factors involved and their influence, and to propose a kinetic model for their evolution with treatment time. For 65°Brix sample, at 98C, the evolution of carotenes and total sugars can be described by means of first‐order kinetics, and formol index changes according to zero‐order kinetics. In the case of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, two types of kinetics, first‐order and autocatalytic, were assayed. For the mandarin juices at different temperatures (70–98C) and concentrations (10–65°Brix), the absorbance A440 decreases according to first‐order kinetics. For the highest treatment temperatures and the most concentrated samples, in the first stage, an increase in the brightness and decrease of A440attributed to carotene degradation is observed. After the carotenes disappear, an increase in the color is observed, probably caused by the Maillard reaction.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In order to obtain some kinetic of deterioration processes of thermal‐processed juice, it is necessary to use high sufficient times to see its evolution. In some procedures for obtaining marmalades and jams using commercial fruit juices, cooking times tend to be high, which will negatively affect the quality of the final product. It is in these cases in which they could use the kinetic data obtained with high time treatment. In the nonenzymatic browning kinetic models determination, it is convenient to perform studies with sufficient high times assuring the possibility to interpolate the residence time of the juice while it flows through the heat treatment device. The information obtained from the study could be used as a guideline for designing thermal processes to reduce the quality degradation of the mandarin juice concentrates.
INFLUENCE OF POWER ULTRASOUND ON OXIDATIVE RANCIDITY OF POTATO CHIPS
Authors: WAMBURA PETER , YANG WADE
Published: September 2009

Removal of some lipids on the surface, or from a layer adjacent to the surface of potato chips, was investigated as a means to extend the oxidative stability. Classic potato chips purchased from a local grocery store were subjected to sonication in n‐hexane at room temperature for 1 min. Oxidative stability of the potato chips with and without surface lipids removed was examined by accelerated oxidative stability testing, where samples were stored in an environmental chamber set at 35C. The oxidative stability index was measured with an oxidative stability instrument. As compared with the nonsonicated potato chips, the oxidative stability of sonicated samples was improved by 25, 14, 11, 6 and 21% during the 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8th week of storage, respectively. In average, sonication resulted in 15% improvement of the oxidative stability of potato chips during the 8 weeks of storage at 35C. Thus, it was observed that removing some lipids from the surface of the potato chips by power ultrasound improved the storage oxidative stability.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Sonication treatment used in this study was capable of reducing peanut lipid rancidity. This research demonstrated the potential of power ultrasound to remove lipids from the potato chips and improve oxidative stability during storage. This research indicated that sonication could provide an alternative for improving the oxidative stability and eventually shelf life and quality of potato chips.
Atrial Septal Defect Devices Used in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
Authors: Gervasi Lisa , Basu Sharna
Published: September 2009

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the atrium of the heart. There are 3 types of ASDs; sinus venosus (high in the atrial septum), secundum ASD (middle of septum), and ostium primum (low in the septum). The most common ASD is a secundum ASD. Secundum ASDs are caused by a failure of the atrial septum to close completely during the development of the heart. The most common reported symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath. Most patients are found to have an ASD after evaluation for a murmur. All ASDs used to be repaired by open heart surgery. However, with advances in the cardiac catheterization lab and development of new devices, some secundum ASDs are able to be closed in the catheterization lab by an interventional cardiologist. There are various types of devices that may be used for closure of an ASD in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. This paper will address 2 of the devices most commonly used. Anticoagulation therapy will need to be followed for approximately 6 months and echocardiograms will need to be obtained at follow‐up visits. Nurses have an important role in preparing and teaching the patient and family about the ASD closure procedure and follow‐up care.
Chronic Angina and the Treatment with Ranolazine: Facts and Recommendations
Authors: Milne Heather Carrier , Vallerand April Hazard
Published: September 2009

More than 6 million people in the United States are affected by chronic angina. On January 27, 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new medication for the treatment of chronic stable angina called ranolazine (Ranexa). This is the first angina drug approved by the FDA in over a decade. The unique thing about this drug is that it falls into a new class of therapies in that it works at the level of cellular metabolism in decreasing demand on the cardiac tissue. There are many factors to consider when prescribing this medication including past studies, dosing, and education. There is also evidence that this drug may also benefit diabetic patients with glycemic control.
La gestion des risques à l'heure de la mondialisation: analyse pratique des préférences individuelles dans vingt‐six pays européens
Authors: Koster Ferry
Published: September 2009

Les risques quotidiens, maladie ou chômage par exemple, peuvent être couverts par l'intermédiaire des mécanismes du marché, des mécanismes publics ou encore des mécanismes locaux. Le marché peut fonctionner avec un niveau de solidarité inférieur à celui des deux autres mécanismes; les mécanismes publics nécessitent le niveau le plus élevé de solidarité obligatoire et les mécanismes locaux renvoient à la solidarité volontaire. Le contexte social modifie les préférences individuelles par rapport à ces mécanismes. Le présent document examine dans quelle mesure ces préférences sont influencées par la mondialisation, c'est‐à‐dire l'ouverture économique, sociale et politique des pays. La série de données utilisées dans la présente étude combine des données issues de l'enquête de 1999‐2000 sur les valeurs des Européens, du Fonds monétaire international (FMI) et de l'indice de la mondialisation du KOF. Elle contient des informations sur 31 554 personnes vivant dans 26 pays européens. Les résultats dégagés de l'analyse logistique à plusieurs niveaux montrent que les préférences en matière d'organisation de la solidarité sont liées aux différentes dimensions de la mondialisation.
Les améliorations volontaires de la sécurité sociale espagnole: normes et jurisprudence actuelles
Authors: García Valverde María Dolores , García Valverde Francisco
Published: September 2009

Le présent document entend offrir au lecteur une vision générale des améliorations volontaires, forme de prévoyance sociale volontaire du système espagnol de sécurité sociale. A cette fin, nous avons analysé les différentes modalités des améliorations volontaires, tant du point de vue du droit que de celui de la jurisprudence, en nous attachant tout particulièrement aux principaux problèmes sources de conflits. Les améliorations volontaires visent à favoriser l'initiative privée en matière de prévoyance sociale tout en orientant cette dernière vers la sécurité sociale, comme moyen de contrôle du fond et des procédures. Dans le cadre de la pratique des entreprises, elle est liée à la négociation collective.
Politische Risiken bei der Rentenprivatisierung: Der Fall Argentinien (1994‐2008)
Authors: Kay Stephen J.
Published: September 2009

Auszug

Die Befürworter der Rentenprivatisierung in Lateinamerika behaupteten, dass private, rein kapitalgedeckte und individualkontengestützte Systeme mit festgesetzten Beiträgen besser vor politischen Eingriffen geschützt sind als die staatlichen Rentensysteme im Umlageverfahren. Wie das argentinische Beispiel mit der Verstaatlichung des privaten Individualkontensystems im Jahre 2008 zeigt, verringert oder eliminiert eine Übertragung der Rentenverwaltung und ‐investitionen auf den Privatsektor jedoch nicht unbedingt das politische Risiko. So bringt die Schaffung von Individualkontensystemen de facto eine Reihe neuer politischer Risiken mit sich, teilweise deshalb, weil diese eine potenzielle Finanzierungsquelle für den Staat darstellen, insbesondere in wirtschaftlichen Krisenzeiten. Der vorliegende Beitrag erläutert eine Reihe von politischen Risiken, die Rentensystemen mit Individualkonten innewohnen, und bezieht sich dabei insbesondere auf die Erfahrungen Argentiniens mit der Privatisierung in den Jahren 1994‐2008.
Risikomanagement in einer sich globalisierenden Welt: Eine empirische Analyse individueller Präferenzen in 26 europäischen Ländern
Authors: Koster Ferry
Published: September 2009

Auszug

Die Risiken, denen der Einzelne im täglichen Leben ausgesetzt ist, wie Krankheit und Arbeitslosigkeit, lassen sich mit dem Einsatz von Markt‐, Staats‐ oder Gemeinschaftsmechanismen abdecken. Der Markt kann mit einem niedrigeren Niveau an Solidarität als die anderen beiden Mechanismen funktionieren; der Staatsmechanismus erfordert ein Höchstmaß an gesetzlich vorgeschriebener Solidarität, und die Gemeinschaften üben freiwillige Solidarität aus. Der Sozialkontext beeinflusst die individuellen Präferenzen in Bezug auf jeden dieser Mechanismen. Der vorliegende Artikel untersucht, inwieweit diese Präferenzen durch die Globalisierung beeinflusst werden: die wirtschaftliche, soziale und politische Offenheit von Ländern. Die in dieser Studie verwendeten Daten kombinieren Daten aus der Europäischen Wertestudie (European Values Study, EVS) 1999‐2000, vom Internationalen Währungsfonds (IWF) und vom KOF‐Globalisierungsindex und werten Informationen über 31 554 Menschen aus, die in 26 europäischen Ländern leben. Wie die Ergebnisse einer logistischen Analyse mehrerer Ebenen zeigen, gibt es einen Zusammenhang zwischen den Präferenzen beider Organisation der Solidarität und den verschiedenen Dimensionen der Globalisierung.
Riesgo político y privatización de las pensiones: el caso de la Argentina (1994‐2008)
Authors: Kay Stephen J.
Published: September 2009

Los defensores de la privatización de las pensiones en América Latina defendían que los sistemas de cuentas individuales privadas de cotización definida totalmente capitalizados estarían mejor aislados de la política que los sistemas públicos de pensiones de reparto. Sin embargo, tal y como demuestra el caso de la Argentina, y más recientemente con la nacionalización en 2008 de su sistema privado de cuentas individuales, transferir la administración e inversión de las pensiones al sector privado no implica necesariamente reducir o eliminar el riesgo político. De hecho, la creación de sistemas de cuentas individuales genera una nueva serie de riesgos políticos debido en parte a que son un posible recurso financiero para los gobiernos, en particular en épocas de tensión económica. El presente artículo describe los riesgos políticos inherentes a los sistemas de pensiones de cuentas individuales y hace referencia concreta a la experiencia de la privatización de la Argentina entre 1994 y 2008.
Gestión del riesgo en un mundo que se globaliza: análisis empírico de las preferencias individuales en 26 países europeos
Authors: Koster Ferry
Published: September 2009

Las personas se enfrentan en su vida diaria a riesgos, como las enfermedades y el desempleo, que se pueden cubrir mediante mecanismos basados en el mercado, el gobierno o la comunidad. De los tres, el mecanismo basado en el mercado es el que puede funcionar con un nivel de solidaridad más bajo; el basado en el gobierno requiere el mayor nivel de solidaridad obligatoria y el de las comunidades se asocia con la solidaridad voluntaria. El contexto social afecta a las preferencias individuales respecto a estos mecanismos. El presente artículo estudia en qué medida estas preferencias se ven afectadas por la globalización: la apertura económica, social y política de los países. Este estudio combina datos procedentes del European Values Study 1999‐2000 (EVS), el Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI) y el KOF Index of Globalization, y contiene información sobre 31 554 personas que viven en 26 países europeos. Los resultados obtenidos de análisis logísticos realizados en varios niveles muestran que las preferencias relativas a la organización de la solidaridad están relacionadas con las distintas dimensiones de la globalización.
Short Selling and the Weekend Effect for NYSE Securities
Authors: Blau Benjamin M. , Van Ness Bonnie F. , Van Ness Robert A.
Published: September 2009

Using short‐sale transactions data, we examine the relation between short selling and the weekend effect. We do not find that short selling is more abundant on Monday than on Friday, even for stocks that have higher Friday returns. We find that short sellers execute more short‐sale volume during the middle of the week, and that the positive correlation between short selling and returns on Monday is greater, on average, than the correlation on the other days of the week. Our results are robust to subsamples of stocks with larger weekend effects and stocks that do not have listed options.
Efficacy of bromfenac sodium ophthalmic solution in preventing cystoid macular oedema after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes
Authors: Endo Naoko , Kato Satoshi , Haruyama Kensuke , Shoji Munenori , Kitano Shigehiko
Published: September 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 896–900

Purpose:  To compare the efficacy of bromfenac sodium ophthalmic solution (BF) and a steroidal solution (ST) administered prophylactically against cystoid macular oedema and anterior‐chamber inflammation after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation and to assess macular thickness changes using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods:  In this prospective study, 62 eyes of 62 patients were randomized to either the BF group (n = 31) or the ST group (n = 31). The average perifoveal thickness (AFT) was measured by OCT preoperatively, and 1 day and 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks postoperatively. The best‐corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and flare in the anterior chamber were recorded at each visit. The same method was used to compare patients with non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in the BF (n = 16) and ST (n = 11) groups.

Results:  In the analysis of all patients, flare in the anterior chamber was significantly (p = 0.007) lower in the BF group 2 weeks postoperatively. In patients with NPDR, the anterior chamber flare values were significantly lower in the BF group at 4 weeks (p = 0.0009) and 6 weeks (p = 0.005). The AFT values were significantly lower in the BF group at 4 weeks (p < 0.0001) and 6 weeks (p < 0.0001). No adverse events occurred in either group.

Conclusion:  BF suppressed anterior chamber inflammation and increasing retinal thickening after cataract surgery in patients with NPDR.
Use of laser speckle flowgraphy in ocular blood flow research
Authors: Sugiyama Tetsuya , Araie Makoto , Riva Charles E. , Schmetterer Leopold , Orgul Selim
Published: September 2009

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: 723–729

Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) allows for the quantitative estimation of blood flow in the optic nerve head, choroid, retina and iris in vivo. It was developed to facilitate the non‐contact analysis of ocular blood flow in living eyes, utilizing the laser speckle phenomenon. The technique uses a fundus camera, a diode laser, an image sensor, an infrared charge‐coupled device (CCD) camera and a high‐resolution digital CCD camera. Normalized blur (NB), an approximate reciprocal of speckle contrast, represents an index of blood velocity, and shows a good correlation with tissue blood flow rates determined with the microsphere method in the retina, choroid or iris, as well as blood flow rates determined with the hydrogen gas clearance method in the optic nerve head. The square blur ratio (SBR), another index for quantitative estimation of blood velocity, is proportional to the square of the NB. The SBR is theoretically a more exact measurement which is proportional to velocity, whereas the NB is an approximation. Normalized blur was calculated in earlier versions of LSFG because of technical limitations; the SBR is used in current versions of the LSFG instrument. As these values are in arbitrary units, they should not be used to make comparisons between different eyes or different sites in an eye. Clinical protocols, calibration, evaluation procedures and possible limitations of the LSFG technique are described and the results of ocular blood flow studies using LSFG are briefly summarized. The LSFG method is suitable for monitoring the time–course of change in the tissue circulation at the same site in the same eye at various intervals, ranging from seconds to months. Unresolved issues concern the effect of pupil size on measurement results, the effects of various stimulations, and how to measure choroidal and retinal blood flow velocity separately without using the blue‐component of argon laser.
Valid publication of the name Atalantia acuminata (Rutaceae), endemic to southwestern China and northern Vietnam
Authors: Jiang Nan , Yu Wen‐Bin , Guan Kai‐Yun
Published: September 2009

Atalantia acuminata C. C. Huang, originally described in 1991, was an invalidly published name, because two collections were designated as the type and the herbarium in which the type was conserved was not specified. The name is validated here, with the flowering specimen kept in IBSC designated as the holotype.
Underlying Mechanisms of Detrusor Overactivity Following Bladder Outlet Obstruction
Authors: KIM Joon Chul
Published: September 2009

Several studies have demonstrated that many pathophysiological mechanisms can contribute to the development of detrusor overactivity associated with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). BOO induces a rapid hypertrophy characterized by increased bladder mass and collagen deposition, which play an important role in the intercellular transmission of active force. Detrusor overactivity may be attributed to an increase in afferent activation and neuroplasticity, and nerve growth factor and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) are involved in this process. The change in the urothelium and urothelial signaling can also lead to increased afferent nerve activity and contribute to irritative symptoms accompanying outlet obstruction. This is because afferent neuronal fibers are located near the urothelium, and urothelial cells release neurotransmitters in response to bladder wall stretching, as a neuron‐like property. Recently, it has been reported that intercellular communication through gap junctions might participate in the pathophysiology of detrusor overactivity associated with BOO, and these gap junction proteins are differentially regulated during BOO. In addition, the changes in several receptors, such as the muscarinic and purinergic receptors, could have a role in mediating the afferent sensory responses and development of detrusor overactivity following BOO.
Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Bladder Sensory Transduction
Authors: ARAKI Isao , DU Shuqi , KOBAYASHI Hideki , YOSHIYAMA Mitsuharu , TAKEDA Masayuki
Published: September 2009

The lower urinary tract constantly sends mechanosensory information to the central nervous systems. In the storage phase, mechanical stretch stimulates bladder afferents. These signals generate sensations and trigger voiding responses. However, the precise mechanisms by which mechanical stimuli excite bladder afferents remain to be explored. For mechanosensory transduction, the presence of mechanosensors is essential in the peripheral sensory systems, including sensory nerve endings and the urothelium. There is increasing evidence that mechanosensitive ion channels, such as epithelial Na+ channels and transient receptor potential channel A1, play key roles in the mechanosensory transduction of the urinary bladder.
Functional Role ofβ3‐Adrenoreceptors in the Bladder
Authors: HIGAKI Masahide , MASUDA Noriyuki , SAITOH Chikashi , YAMAMOTO Takao , YOSHIMURA Naoki , UCHIDA Wataru
Published: September 2009

The detrusor muscle contains β‐adrenoceptors (β‐AR) and three subtypes, such as β1‐AR, β2‐AR, and β3‐AR, which have been identified in most species. There is a predominant expression of β3‐AR messenger RNA in human bladder tissue when compared with the β1‐AR and β2‐AR subtypes. Moreover, the presence of β1, β2, and β3‐AR in the human urothelium has been identified. It has also been demonstrated in animals that relaxation mediated through βs‐AR is achieved solely by cAMP‐dependent mechanisms in non‐contracted detrusor muscles, whereas in KCl precontracted detrusor muscles, cAMP‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms by way of calcium‐activated K+(BKCa) channels may be involved in β‐adrenergic relaxation. In addition, a recent phase II proof‐of‐concept study using a novel selective β3‐adrenoceptor agonist (YM178) has shown clinical efficacy in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, suggesting that β3‐AR should be used as a therapeutic target for the treatment of OAB disorders.
Role of Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase in Lower Urinary Tract Smooth Muscles
Authors: KIM Dae Kyung , YOSHIMURA Naoki , TYAGI Pradeep , CHANCELLOR Michael B.
Published: September 2009

The control of intracellular Ca (2+) is central to the regulation of smooth muscle contractility. A defect in sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) activity and its expression level has been suggested as a major pathology in cardiac dysfunction. Recent studies have demonstrated that the increased expression of SERCA2a improves myocardial contractility and Ca (2+) handling in disease conditions. The therapeutic transfer of SERCA has been tried in an animal heart failure model with promising results.

We know that SERCA also plays a major role in regulation of Ca (2+) in detrusor contraction and may affect the functional outcome after outlet obstruction and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Therefore, this may be a new target to improve muscle function in the lower urinary tract. We have performed studies using the application SERCA gene transfer into the rat urethra, demonstrating favorable results for the protection of urethral sphincteric muscle function from vaginal distension‐induced injury. The therapeutic transfer of SERCA may be a novel approach for gene therapy to treat lower urinary tract pathology, including underactive bladder and stress urinary incontinence.
Muscle‐derived Stem Cell Therapy for Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: LU Shing‐Hwa , CHANCELLOR Michael B. , PRUCHNIC Ryan , JANKOWSKI Ronald , LEE Ji Yiol , YOSHIMURA Naoki , YOKOYAMA Teruhiko
Published: September 2009

The aim of the present article is to overview the potential of muscle‐derived stem cells and other cellular therapy for urethral regeneration and to review the clinical experiences of its application in patients with stress urinary incontinence.
Roles of Glycinergic and Gamma‐aminobutyric‐ergic Mechanisms in the Micturition Reflex in Rats
Authors: MIYAZATO Minoru , YOSHIMURA Naoki , NISHIJIMA Saori , SUGAYA Kimio
Published: September 2009

The micturition reflex is one of the autonomic reflexes mediated by the spinobulbospinal reflex pathway that passes through the pontine micturition center. In the central nervous system, glutamate is a major excitatory amino acid, while glycine and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) are major inhibitory neurotransmitters and act to inhibit the micturition reflex at supraspinal and/or spinal sites. Glycine and GABA have additive or synergistic inhibitory effects on bladder activity. Hypofunction of glycinergic/GABAergic mechanisms in the lumbosacral spinal cord induces voiding dysfunctions, such as detrusor overactivity (DO) or detrusor‐sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) after spinal cord injury (SCI) or bladder outlet obstruction in rats. Intrathecal, intravenous, or dietary glycine inhibits both bladder and urethral activity in normal and spinal cord injury (SCI) rats. Therefore, glycine might be a useful agent for the treatment of DO. Intrathecal muscimol and baclofen (GABAA and GABAB agonists, respectively) also inhibit non‐voiding bladder contractions by suppressing C‐fiber bladder afferents in SCI rats. They also improve DSD by suppressing Onuf's nucleus and C‐fiber bladder afferents. Baclofen is approved for the treatment of DO in SCI patients, but this agent has not been widely used because the therapeutic window of the drug is modest and the dose is limited by side‐effects. Glutamic acid decraboxylase (GAD), the GABA synthesis enzyme, gene delivery by using non‐replicating herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors inhibits DO by suppressing C‐fiber bladder afferents without affecting voiding contraction in SCI rats. Therefore, GAD gene therapy can restore urine storage function without affecting voiding function; it would be more beneficial than drug therapy for the treatment of urinary problems in SCI patients.
Postnatal Development of Voiding Reflexes and Bladder Smooth Muscle Properties: An Overview of Recent Findings
Authors: NG Yuen‐Keng , WU Hsi‐Yang
Published: September 2009

An overview of recent findings in the postnatal development of lower urinary tract function is provided in the present paper. Neonatal animals depend on a perigenital stimulation‐activated spinal reflex for voiding before adult bladder control emerges. The presence of myogenic spontaneous contractions may also be essential for bladder maturation. As the bladder matures, both the perigenital reflex and spontaneous contractions are downregulated after the first few postnatal weeks. Recent studies indicate that perigenital reflex downregulation and the emergence of the adult voiding reflex are two separate but well‐coordinated processes. A critical period is present in the postnatal development of muscle contractility and neural control of the bladder. Increasing evidence indicates that myogenic spontaneous contractions of the neonatal bladders are regulated by muscarinic and purinergic mechanisms, which involve both the smooth muscle and the urothelium.
Nerve Growth Factor, Endothelin and Spinal Cord Injury in Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
Authors: OGAWA Teruyuki , SEKI Satoshi , HIRAGATA Shiro , SASATOMI Kurumi , KAMO Izumi , YOKOYAMA Hitoshi , NISHIZAWA Osamu , YOSHIMURA Naoki
Published: September 2009

The lower urinary tract has two main functions: (i) storage and (ii) periodic expulsion of urine, which are regulated by a complex neural control system in the brain and lumbosacral spinal cord. Spinal cord injury at cervical or thoracic levels disrupts voluntary control of voiding, as well as the normal reflex pathways that coordinate bladder and sphincter function. Following an initial areflexic period, detrusor hyperreflexia and detrusor‐sphincter dyssynergia develop due to the plasticity of bladder afferent pathways and the unmasking of reflexes triggered by capsaicin‐sensitive C‐fiber bladder afferents. The plasticity is mediated in part by an increase in nerve growth factors released in the spinal cord and the peripheral target organs, as well as upregulated endogenous endothelin mechanisms.
Noninvasive Videourodynamics Using Transperineal Doppler Ultrasonography
Authors: OZAWA Hideo , CHANCELLOR Michael B. , NOSE Hiroyuki , WATANABE Yuichi , YOKOYAMA Teruhiko , SASAKI Katsumi , WATANABE Toyohiko , KUMON Hiromi
Published: September 2009

A completely noninvasive transperineal urodynamic technique using Doppler ultrasonography has been developed. Because normal urine does not contain blood cells, urine was thought not to produce the Doppler effects. However, basic studies confirmed that the decrease of pressure at high velocity (Bernoulli effect) caused dissolved gas to form microbubbles, which can be detected by Doppler ultrasonography. Subjects were seated and a probe was advanced by remote control to achieve gentle contact with the perineal skin. Digital uroflow data signals and color Doppler ultrasound video images were processed on a personal computer. The flow velocity curves from two sites: the distal prostatic urethra just above the external sphincter (V1) and the sphincteric urethra (V2), were plotted against time. The parameters of the pressure flow studies and the Doppler ultrasound urodynamic studies were compared in men who had various degrees of obstruction.

The functional cross‐sectional area at prostatic urethra (A1), which was calculated by Qmax/V1, was lower in the group with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) versus the control group. The velocity ratio (VR), which was calculated by V1/V2, was the parameter with the best correlation with BOO index; although A1 had a similar correlation. This method is viable for diagnosing the degree of BOO.

The development of noninvasive Doppler ultrasound videourodynamics will dramatically add to the knowledge regarding voiding function.
Bladder and Sphincter Control after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: TAI Changfeng , ROPPOLO James R.
Published: September 2009

A new neuroprosthesis to restore both continence and micturition was developed in chronic spinal cord injured (SCI) cats based on pudendal nerve stimulation and blockade. The present mini‐review summarizes our progress in the design and development of a new stimulation strategy to implement this new neuroprosthesis. Our studies showed that the pudendal‐to‐bladder spinal reflex could be either excitatory or inhibitory, depending on the frequency of pudendal nerve stimulation. High‐frequency biphasic electrical stimulation can reversibly block pudendal nerve conduction to suppress detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD). By combining the different frequencies of pudendal nerve stimulation, both continence and micturition could be restored in chronic SCI cats, indicating the possibility that a successful clinical application of this new stimulation strategy might be achieved in the near future.
Lower Urinary Tract: Diabetes Mellitus‐focused on Recent Experimental Results
Authors: TORIMOTO Kazumasa , SASAKI Katsumi , MATSUYOSHI Hiroko , MATSUMOTO Yoshihiro , HIRAO Yoshihiko , CHANCELLOR Michael B. , YOSHIMURA Naoki
Published: September 2009

Historically, it has been widely believed that urologic and neuropathic problems occur as late complications in the disease process of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, there is recent evidence that diabetic neuropathy can occur early in the disease process, with urologic manifestation. In the present article we focus on the complications of DM in the lower urinary tract (diabetic cystopathy and urethropathy).

The most important and frustrating issues with diabetic cystopathy are its insidious onset and permanent damage, which have hampered attempted treatments. Recent studies have revealed that neurotrophic/nerve growth factors and nitrergic/adrenergic mechanisms are important for the pathogenesis of diabetic voiding dysfunction. Therefore, the supply of neurotrophic factors and the modulation of nitrergic/adrenergic pathways could be used to restore voiding function in patients with diabetic cystopathy and urethropathy.
Biomechanics of Diabetic Bladders
Authors: WANG Chung Cheng , NAGATOMI Jiro , TOOSI Khashayar K. , YOSHIMURA Naoki , SACKS Michael S. , CHANCELLOR Michael B.
Published: September 2009

Objectives: Biomechanics is the mechanics applied to biology and we hereby review bladder biomechanics in diabetic bladder dysfunction.

Methods: The important mechanical properties of bladder tissue include the stress‐strain relationship, viscoelasticity and active contraction. Using biaxial mechanical testing methods, the diabetic bladders exhibited non‐linear stress‐strain mechanical relationships with increasing stiffness at higher stretches in both circumferential and longitudinal directions.

Results: The diabetic bladders showed mechanical anisotropy with a greater compliance in the circumferential direction than in the longitudinal direction. The time‐course study suggested that diuresis mainly contributed to the “early” changes of the mechanical properties with “late” changes induced by other diabetic effects.

Conclusion: The biomechanical study of the urinary bladder has offered a novel understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic cystopathy and we believe the collaboration of urology and engineering will contribute greatly to the treatment of diabetic bladder dysfunction in the future.
Gene Therapy for Neurogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: KATO Ryuichi , BENNETT Nelson E. , KIM Jang Hang , WOLFE Darren , COYLE Christian H. , HUANG Shaohua , WECHUCK James B. , GOINS William F. , DE MIGUEL Fernando , TSUKAMOTO Taiji , NELSON Joel B. , GLORIOSO Joseph C. , CHANCELLOR Michael B. , YOSHIMURA Naoki
Published: September 2009

Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of major causes of ED and is often difficult to treat. In this review, we report significant improvements of ED caused by diabetes mellitus (DM) or cavernous nerve injury by using a gene therapy approach in rat models of ED. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors were used to deliver neurotrophic factors, such as neurotrophin 3 (NT3), glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin (NTN), into cavernous nerves. The retrograde transport of HSV vector‐mediated neurotrophic factors to pelvic ganglion neurons occurred after the administration of the vector around the cavernous nerves. HSV vector administration around the cavernous nerves can improve DM‐induced ED and promote the recovery of erectile function after cavernous nerve injury. The HSV vector‐mediated delivery of neurotrophic factors could be applicable for the treatment of neurogenic ED. NT3, GDNF, and NTN would be the possible factors that could be used for this gene therapy application.
Hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin promoter methylation becomes altered by early overfeeding: an epigenetic model of obesity and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Plagemann Andreas , Harder Thomas , Brunn Matthias , Harder Anja , Roepke Katharina , Wittrock‐Staar Manon , Ziska Thomas , Schellong Karen , Rodekamp Elke , Melchior Kerstin , Dudenhausen Joachim W.
Published: September 2009

Pre‐ and neonatal overfeeding programmes a permanent obesity disposition and accompanying diabetic and cardiovascular disorders, by unknown mechanisms. We proposed that early overfeeding may alter DNA methylation patterns of hypothalamic promoter regions of genes critically involved in the lifelong regulation of food intake and body weight. We induced neonatal overfeeding by rearing Wistar rats in small litters (SL) and thereafter mapped the DNA methylation status of CpG dinucleotides of gene promoters from hypothalamic tissue, using bisulfite sequencing. Neonatal overfeeding led to rapid early weight gain, resulting in a metabolic syndrome phenotype, i.e. obesity, hyperleptinaemia, hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, and an increased insulin/glucose ratio. Accompanying, without group difference to controls, the promoter of the main orexigenic neurohormone, neuropeptide Y, was methylated at low levels (i.e. < 5%). In contrast, in SL rats the hypothalamic gene promoter of the main anorexigenic neurohormone, proopiomelanocortin (POMC), showed hypermethylation (P < 0.05) of CpG dinucleotides within the two Sp1‐related binding sequences (Sp1, NF‐κB) which are essential for the mediation of leptin and insulin effects on POMC expression. Consequently, POMC expression lacked upregulation, despite hyperleptinaemia and hyperinsulinaemia. Accordingly, the extent of DNA methylation within Sp1‐related binding sequences was inversely correlated to the quotients of POMC expression/leptin (P= 0.02) and POMC expression/insulin (P < 0.001), indicating functionality of acquired epigenomic alterations. These data for the first time demonstrate a nutritionally acquired alteration of the methylation pattern and, consequently, the regulatory ‘set point’ of a gene promoter that is critical for body weight regulation. Our findings reveal overfeeding as an epigenetic risk factor of obesity programming and consecutive diabetic and cardiovascular disorders and diseases, in terms of the metabolic syndrome.