bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tamia (Iridaceae), a Synonym of Calydorea: Cytological and Morphological Evidence
Authors: De Tullio Luisina , Roitman Germán , Bernardello Gabriel
Published: September 2008

The monotypic genus Tamia was described by Ravenna in 2001 based on specimens of Calydorea pallens from Bolivia and West-Central Argentina (excluding Córdoba and San Luis). At the same time, Ravenna described Calydorea undulata as a new species to accommodate
the excluded specimens. He used floral morphology to segregate Tamia from Calydorea. He described Calydorea as having the anthers twisted/circinate after dehiscence, whereas in Tamia, the anthers are straight. Similarly, in Tamia the upper third of the anther
is adnate to the style arms while in Calydorea the anthers are free from the style branches. We here evaluate the validity of Tamia and C. undulata based on morphological and cytological approaches. An examination of living plants of both taxa showed the anthers to be
straight during dehiscence and twisted when the pollen was exposed, likewise the stamens were completely free from style branches in both taxa. Both have a base chromosome number of x = 7 (C. undulata diploid, 2n = 14; T. pallens tetraploid, 2n = 28). The
karyotype formula for C. undulata was 5 m + 2 sm and 7 m + 7 sm for T. pallens. The karyotype is bimodal in C. undulata and moderately asymmetrical in T. pallens. These chromosomal differences and differences in petal shape (the outer
are flat for both taxa while the inner are geniculate in T. pallens but flat with undulate margins in C. undulata) and flower color (pale lilac with dark violet dots in T. pallens and violet-blue with violet stripes in C. undulata) suggest that these taxa are distinct
species of Calydorea, where a polyploid series based on x = 7 is known. The divergence of their karyotypes is within the observed chromosomal variability of genera in Iridaceae. Thus, we conclude that Tamia should be regarded as a synonym of Calydorea, with the
return of its species to Calydorea pallens, because the floral differences between them are not enough to merit generic segregation. Calydorea undulata is nonetheless a valid species.
Hybrid Origin and Genomic Mosaicism of Dubautia scabra (Hawaiian Silversword Alliance; Asteraceae, Madiinae)
Authors: Friar Elizabeth A. , Prince Linda M. , Cruse-Sanders Jennifer M. , McGlaughlin Mitchell E. , Butterworth Charles A. , Baldwin Bruce G.
Published: September 2008

Incongruence among different estimates of species relationships in plants, from different molecules, cytogenetic data, biogeographic data, morphological/anatomical data or other sources, has been used frequently as an indication of introgression, hybrid species origin, or chloroplast
(cp) capture. In plants, these incongruences are most often seen between data derived from the nuclear vs. the cp genomes and the nuclear markers used for comparison usually have been from the nuclear ribosomal (nr) internal transcribed spacer region (ITS). The amount of genomic material shared
between introgressing species can be highly variable. In some of these cases, other nuclear genomic regions have moved between species without leaving a signature on the nrITS. An example of well-supported phylogenetic incongruence is the placement of Dubautia scabra (DC.) D. D. Keck
in the Hawaiian silversword alliance (HSA); evolutionary hypotheses for D. scabra based on molecular as opposed to cytogenetic data are strongly discordant. In this paper, we test these two conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses regarding the evolutionary relationships of Dubautia scabra
using evidence from six low-copy nuclear genes, as well as multiple chloroplast noncoding regions and nrITS. The nrITS region is also examined for the presence of multiple copy types. Incongruence between inferred relationships based on nuclear chromosomal arrangements and molecular phylogenetic
data from chloroplast DNA and nrITS is resolved in favor of a hypothesis of ancient hybridization rather than cytogenetic homoplasy involving dysploidy. Most single-copy nuclear genes track histories of D. scabra compatible with cytogenetic data whereas chloroplast and nrITS data track
a common, different history that appears to reflect hybridization with a chromosomally distinct lineage that also occurs on Maui Nui and Hawai'i (the Big Island).
Merremia cielensis (Convolvulaceae: Merremieae): a New Species and Narrow Endemic from Tropical Northeast Mexico
Authors: McDonald Andrew J.
Published: September 2008

A new morning glory from the northern-most reaches of tropical forests in North America, Merremia cielensis, is described and illustrated. This narrow endemic from Tamaulipas, Mexico, shares close relationships with a complex of yellow-flowered merremias that produce indehiscent
capsules with translucent pericarps. Merremia cielensis can be readily distinguished from all other Mexican merremias on the basis of cordate leaves, a ruddy, accrescent calyx during fruition, and a four-seeded capsule.
Generic Circumscription in Menyanthaceae: A Phylogenetic Evaluation
Authors: Tippery Nicholas P. , Les Donald H. , Padgett Donald J. , Jacobs Surrey W. L.
Published: September 2008

Menyanthaceae consist of five genera of aquatic and wetland plants distributed worldwide. The three monotypic genera (Liparophyllum, Menyanthes, and Nephrophyllidium) are clearly differentiated morphologically, but the two larger genera (Nymphoides and Villarsia)
contain several taxa of uncertain affinity. We undertook a phylogenetic analysis, using a combination of morphological and molecular data, to resolve relationships among species and to evaluate the current circumscription of genera. DNA sequence data for nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast (rbcL
and trnK/matK) gene regions were largely congruent (by partition-homogeneity test), and a combined data phylogeny revealed several strongly supported relationships. Analyses using asterid outgroup taxa supported the monophyly of Menyanthaceae. Menyanthes trifoliata and Nephrophyllidium
crista-galli comprised a clade sister to the remainder of the family. Species of Nymphoides, except N. exigua, resolved to a single, deeply-nested clade, indicating that the floating-leaved habit is derived evolutionarily within the family. The genus Villarsia comprised
a paraphyletic grade toward Nymphoides, wherein the species resolved to three assemblages: (1) a shallowly nested clade containing V. albiflora, V. calthifolia, V. marchantii, V. parnassifolia, V. reniformis, and V. umbricola; (2) an isolated
South African clade including V. manningiana and the type species, V. capensis; and (3) a heterogeneous clade of taxa from three genera, including V. exaltata, V. lasiosperma, and V. latifolia, plus the anomalous species V. capitata, V. congestiflora,
Liparophyllum gunnii, and Nymphoides exigua. Our results indicate that the genera Menyanthes, Nephrophyllidium, and Nymphoides should be retained as circumscribed, with the exception that Nymphoides exigua should be restored to Villarsia. The
genus Villarsia, however, eventually should be subdivided among monophyletic lineages, whereby in the strict sense Villarsia would contain only South African taxa.
Exploring Evolutionary Dynamics of nrDNA in Carex Subgenus Vignea (Cyperaceae)
Authors: King Matthew G. , Roalson Eric H.
Published: September 2008

Nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) has been used for more than a decade in species level phylogenetic analyses. While nrDNA can often be a powerful phylogenetic marker, intraindividual polymorphisms of the internal and external transcribed spacers (ITS, ETS) can lead to problems in their
use for phylogeny reconstruction. Incomplete concerted evolution coupled with hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting can further exacerbate these problems. Previous phylogenetic analyses using nrDNA of Carex subgenus Vignea suggest that the current sectional classifications
may be highly artificial. We endeavored to identify what influence incomplete concerted evolution, lineage sorting, and hybridization have played in the complex patterns of relationships previously inferred from ITS and ETS sequences for subgenus Vignea. Through comprehensive cloning
we identified high levels of intraindividual polymorphisms and in many cases this led to the polyphyly of individuals. Furthermore, individuals identified with novel mutations in the 5.8S ribosomal subunit did not show a significant deviation in G-C percentage and free energy. Based on these
results we suggest that nrDNA contains multiple paralogs in many species and clades within Carex subgenus Vignea which greatly complicates its use for phylogenetic inference of relationships and future studies in Carex need to take this into account.
Proposal for an Expanded Distichlis (Poaceae, Chloridoideae): Support from Molecular, Morphological, and Anatomical Characters
Authors: Bell Hester L. , Columbus Travis J.
Published: September 2008

The Distichlis clade comprises Distichlis (7 species), Monanthochloë (2), and Reederochloa (1). All species except D. distichophylla (endemic to Australia) and D. spicata (widespread in the New World) are restricted either to North or South
America. We investigated phylogenetic relationships within the clade using chloroplast (trnL–F and ndhF) and nuclear ribosomal (internal transcribed spacers and 5.8S) DNA sequences. We also studied lemma micromorphology, leaf blade anatomy, macromorphology, and biogeography
in a phylogenetic context. The Distichlis clade is strongly supported in the molecular analyses. A morphological synapomorphy for the clade is the presence of a single papilla on the center of each subsidiary cell of lemma stomata. Other diagnostic features include dioecy, rhizomes
or stolons, conspicuously distichous leaves, 5–13 lemma nerves, dumbbell- or flask-shaped bicellular microhairs with sunken basal cells, and growth in alkaline or saline soils. The nuclear and chloroplast phylogenies indicate that Monanthochloë and Reederochloa are
nested within a paraphyletic Distichlis, and a number of structural characters, including leaf blade length, number of spikelets per inflorescence, and number of florets per spikelet, also fall within the range of variation in Distichlis. Therefore, we propose expanding the circumscription
of Distichlis to include Monanthochloë and Reederochloa, and make the following new combinations: Distichlis acerosa, D. eludens, and D. littoralis. Biogeographical analysis revealed that the group likely originated in North
America followed by a number of long-distance dispersal events, including back dispersals.
Four New Species of Solanum section Erythrotrichum (Solanaceae) from Brazil and Peru, and a Key to the Species of the Section
Authors: Agra Maria de Fátima
Published: September 2008

During a revision of Solanum section Erythrotrichum, four species, two from Brazil and two from Peru, were recognized as new and are described here. Solanum absconditum, from northeastern and northern Brazil, is similar to S. paludosum. It differs
in its cordate to cordate-lanceolate, acuminate, and weakly bicolorous leaf blades that are yellowish to ferruginous above, the corolla tube 4–6 mm long, and the epicarp with stipitate-stellate trichomes. Solanum eitenii, from the “cerrado” of Maranhão,
Brazil, resembles both S. decompositiflorum and S. rhytidoandrum, from which it can be distinguished by its long and pendent inflorescence and its calyx with a very short tube and oblanceolate lobes. Solanum megaspermum, from Peru, has similarities with S. mesopliarthrum,
from which it differs by the triangular and very short calyx lobes (1.5–2 mm) and the scabrous and deciduous indumentum with somewhat stiff porrect-stellate trichomes. Solanum urubambaense from Cuzco, Peru, is similar to the Bolivian S. abutilifolium, but differs
by its oblong-lanceolate anthers, strigose ovary, and trichomes with a reduced central ray. The species are described, illustrated and compared with similar species; commentaries on their affinities and distribution are also included. A key to the species of the section Erythrotrichum
is provided.
Revision of the Solanum medians Complex (Solanum section Petota)
Authors: Spooner David M. , Fajardo Diego , Salas Alberto
Published: September 2008

Solanum medians is a widely distributed species of wild potato (Solanum sect. Petota), growing along the coastal lomas and up the western slopes of the Andes Mountains from central Peru and northern Chile, from 200–3800 m elevation. Fertile diploid and sterile
triploid cytotypes are common, are believed to be associated with morphological variants, and are formally named as subspecies. A morphometric study based on principal components and canonical discriminate analyses of characters obtained from herbarium specimens tests the circumscription of
these subspecies and other currently recognized species that are very similar to S. medians. The results show so much overlap of these taxa that it is impractical to use morphology to define species or to provide reliable keys or identifications. We synonymize ten names under S.
medians: S. medians var. angustifoliolum, S. medians var. majorifrons subvar. majorifrons, S. medians var. majorifrons subvar. protohypoleucum, S. medians var. autumnale, S. sandemannii, S. tacnaense, S.
weberbaueri var. decurrentialatum, S. tacnaense f. decurrentialatum, S. weberbaueri, S. weberbaueri var. poscoanum. We also treat S. neoweberbaueri as a closely related species to S. medians. We consider the synonymy in S. medians
to be part of a much larger need for reduction of names in sect. Petota.
Consequences of poly-glutamine repeat length for the conformation and folding of the androgen receptor amino-terminal domain
Authors: Davies Philippa , Watt Kate , Kelly Sharon M , Clark Caroline , Price Nicholas C , McEwan Iain J
Published: September 2008

Poly-amino acid repeats, especially long stretches of glutamine (Q), are common features of transcription factors and cell-signalling proteins and are prone to expansion, resulting in neurodegenerative diseases. The amino-terminal domain of the androgen receptor (AR-NTD) has a poly-Q repeat between 9 and 36 residues, which when it expands above 40 residues results in spinal bulbar muscular atrophy. We have used spectroscopy and biochemical analysis to investigate the structural consequences of an expanded repeat (Q45) or removal of the repeat (ΔQ) on the folding of the AR-NTD. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that in aqueous solution, the AR-NTD has a relatively limited amount of stable secondary structure. Expansion of the poly-Q repeat resulted in a modest increase in α-helix structure, while deletion of the repeat resulted in a small loss of α-helix structure. These effects were more pronounced in the presence of the structure-promoting solvent trifluoroethanol or the natural osmolyte trimethylamine N-oxide. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the microenvironments of four tryptophan residues were also altered after the deletion of the Q stretch. Other structural changes were observed for the AR-NTDQ45 polypeptide after limited proteolysis; in addition, this polypeptide not only showed enhanced binding of the hydrophobic probe 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulphonic acid but was more sensitive to urea-induced unfolding. Taken together, these findings support the view that the presence and length of the poly-Q repeat modulate the folding and structure of the AR-NTD.
Phosphoinositide-3-kinase inhibition induces sodium/iodide symporter expression in rat thyroid cells and human papillary thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Kogai Takahiko , Sajid-Crockett Saima , Newmarch Lynell S , Liu Yan-Yun , Brent Gregory A
Published: September 2008

TSH stimulation of sodium iodide symporter (NIS) expression in thyroid cancer promotes radioiodine uptake and is required to deliver an effective treatment dose. Activation of the insulin/phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway in TSH-stimulated thyroid cells reduces NIS expression at the transcriptional level. We, therefore, investigated the effects of PI3K pathway inhibition on iodide uptake and NIS expression in rat thyroid cell lines and human papillary thyroid cancer cells. A PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, significantly enhanced iodide uptake in two rat thyroid cell lines, FRTL-5 and PCCL3. The induction of Nis mRNA by LY294002 occurred 6 h after treatment, and was abolished by a translation inhibitor, cycloheximide. Expression of the transcription factor, Pax8, which stimulates NIS expression, was significantly increased in PCCL3 cells after LY294002 treatment. Removal of insulin abrogated the stimulatory effects of LY294002 on NIS mRNA and protein expression, but not on iodide uptake. These findings suggest that PI3K pathway inhibition results in post-translational stimulation of NIS. Inhibition of the PI3K pathway also significantly increased iodide uptake (∼3.5-fold) in BHP 2–7 papillary thyroid cancer cells (Ret/PTC1 positive), engineered to constitutively express NIS. Pharmacological inhibition of Akt, a factor stimulated by the PI3K pathway, increased exogenous NIS expression in BHP 2–7 as was seen with LY294002, but not increase the endogenous NIS expression in FRTL-5 cells. PI3K pathway inhibition increases functional NIS expression in rat thyroid cells and some papillary thyroid cancer cells by several mechanisms. PI3K inhibitors have the potential to increase radioiodide accumulation in some differentiated thyroid cancer.
Assessing exposure of sediment biota to organic contaminants by thin-film solid phase extraction
Authors: Meloche Lizanne M. , deBruyn Adrian M. H. , Otton S. Victoria , Ikonomou Michael G. , Gobas Frank A. P. C.
Published: September 2008

Differences in bioavailability among sediments are a source of variability and uncertainty in sediment quality assessment. We present three sets of studies designed to test a thin-film solid phase extraction technique for characterizing the bioavailability of organic chemicals in sediments. Laboratory studies with spiked natural sediments reveal highly reproducible thin-film extractions for chemicals with octanol–water partition coefficients between 104.5 and 108.5, with 95% equilibration times between 1 and 600 h. Studies with field-collected sediments illustrate that method detection limits are sufficiently low for field application at contaminated sites. Bioaccumulation studies with clams (Macoma balthica) show excellent correlations between thin-film and animal tissue concentrations. We conclude that thin-film extraction provides an ecologically relevant, fugacity-based measure of chemical exposure that can be expected to improve sediment quality assessments.
Temporal Decreases in Sperm Motility: Which Patients Should Have Motility Checked at Both 1 and 2 Hours After Collection?
Authors: Schulte Ryan T. , Keller Laura M. , Hiner Melissa R. , Ohl Dana A. , Smith Gary D.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: A decrease in sperm motility, and thus total motile sperm count (TMSC), over a period of hours might have clinical implications in counseling couples considering intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The objective of this study was to identify patients with decreases in sperm motility from 1 to 2 hours after collection and examine predictive relationships with semen analysis parameters. Between 2001 and 2005, 2313 semen samples were analyzed. Sperm motility was evaluated at both 1 and 2 hours after time of collection. Relevant seminal parameters were compared between patients, with a decrease in 1‐hour to 2‐hour motility (n = 384) compared with those that showed no change (n = 1929). The same analysis was performed in a subset of patients with a TMSC between 10 and 40 million. In the total patient population, only 16% (384/2313) demonstrated a decrease in 1‐hour to 2‐hour motility. In patients displaying a decrease in the 1‐2‐hour motility, sperm concentration (33.5 vs 79 million/mL, P < .0001) and percent normal morphology (7% vs 8%, P < .0001) were significantly lower. Additionally, a significantly higher incidence of 1‐2‐hour motility decrease was seen in patients with midpiece anomalies (33.3% vs 15.9%, P = .01). Within the subpopulation of 10–40 million TMSC, the only statistically significant difference was in patients with midpiece anomalies (80.0% vs 28.2%, P = .02) who demonstrated a higher incidence of the 1‐2‐hour motility decrease. Overall, patients with a TMSC between 10 and 40 million showed a significantly higher incidence of 1‐2‐hour motility decrease compared with the rest of the patient population (29.0% vs 14.6%, P < .0001). Because decreases in 1‐2‐hour sperm motility affect only a small portion of patients, it is not necessary to check 2‐hour motility on all patients. However, because patients with a TMSC between 10 and 40 million were significantly more likely to show a decrease in sperm motility—a decrease that could have possible clinical implications in couples deciding between IUI, IVF, or ICSI—checking 2‐hour sperm motility should be considered in this population.
A Common Protamine 1 Promoter Polymorphism (−190 C→A) Correlates With Abnormal Sperm Morphology and Increased Protamine P1/P2 Ratio in Infertile Patients
Authors: Gázquez Cristina , Oriola Josep , de Mateo Sara , Vidal‐Taboada José M. , Ballescà José Luis , Oliva Rafael
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: It is known that targeting the protamine 1 gene in mice leads to infertility, abnormal chromatin packaging, and abnormal sperm morphology. Because many infertile patients also have an abnormal sperm morphology and chromatin packaging, the human protamine 1 gene (PRM1) is an important candidate to screen for potential mutations. In this work, we have screened the PRM1 gene in search of potential mutations and determined the sperm morphology and the ratio between protamine 1 and protamine 2 (P1/P2 ratio). Direct sequencing of the PRM1 promoter led to the identification of a common single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; −190 C→A). The −190 AA genotype was detected at a higher frequency (13.8%) in patients with markedly altered sperm morphology (≤9% normal forms) compared with other patients (4.5%; P < .05) or compared with controls (2.97%; P < .005). The allelic frequency of the PRM1 −190 C→A change was also consistently higher (.331) in infertile patients with a markedly altered morphology compared with population controls (.178; P < .01). Additionally, we have determined that the P1/P2 ratio is significantly increased in patients with the PRM1 −190 AA genotype compared with patients with the CA or CC genotypes (P = .006, Mann‐Whitney). These findings indicate that the common PRM1 −190 C→A polymorphism identified is associated with abnormal sperm head morphology and abnormal P1/P2 ratio in infertile patients.
Novel Variants in UBE2B Gene and Idiopathic Male Infertility
Authors: Suryavathi Viswanadhapalli , Khattri Arun , Gopal Kaliappan , Rani Deepa Selvi , Panneerdoss Subbarayalu , Gupta Nalini J. , Chakravarty Baidyanath , Deenadayal Mamta , Singh Lalji , Thangaraj Kumarasamy
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: The UBE2B gene encodes ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme, which is involved in DNA repair. Ube2b knockout mice were found to be infertile because of structural abnormality of sperm. However, there is no genetic study on the role of the UBE2B gene in human fertility; therefore, the present investigation was designed to study genetic variations in the UBE2B gene and its role in human male infertility. Sequence analyses of the UBE2B gene in 530 infertile (350 azoospermic, 105 oligoasthenoteratozoospermic, and 75 oligoasthenozoospermic) and 300 fertile control men revealed the presence of 5 substitution single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 221 individuals (199 infertile [37.5%] and 22 fertile [7.3%] men). Of these, 2 (g.5197:T>G; g.9157:A>G) of the 5 substitutions were novel and observed only in infertile men. Distribution of haplotypes TA, TG, GA, and GG are not uniform between the patient and the control group of this study. Interestingly, our study suggests that the haplotype TG conferred significantly increased risk for male infertility (odds ratio = 5.07, 95% CI = 1.29–23.29, p = .007). In silico analysis of SNPs that were specific to infertile men predicted that these SNPs lead to defective splicing by destroying or creating the potential binding site of splicing factors or causing alteration in predicted regulatory sequences. In the light of the above, our study suggests that the UBE2B gene is associated with male infertility in Indian men, hence, providing evidence for additional genetic factors for male infertility.
Activation of Protein Kinase A Stimulates the Progesterone‐Induced Calcium Influx in Human Sperm Exposed to the Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Papaverine
Authors: Torres‐Flores Víctor , Hernández‐Rueda Yadira Libertad , Del Neri‐Vidaurri Paloma , Jiménez‐Trejo Carmen Francisco , Calderón‐Salinas Víctor , Molina‐Guarneros Juan A. , González‐Martínez Marco T.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: Progesterone induces a fast transient calcium influx in human sperm though the activation of nongenomic receptors. During sperm capacitation, a complex process required for sperm to be able to fertilize the egg, the calcium influx induced by progesterone is enhanced. Sperm capacitation is mediated by an increase in cAMP content and subsequent protein kinase A (PKA) activation. In this work, we examined the effect of increasing intracellular cAMP on the calcium influx induced by progesterone in noncapacitated human sperm. To do this, sperm were exposed to the phosphodiesterase inhibitor papaverine for 5 minutes, a treatment that increased both the cAMP content and the PKA activity several‐fold. The calcium influx induced by progesterone was increased by papaverine to levels close to those found in capacitated sperm. This effect was partially inhibited by H89 (48%) and by genistein (41%), and the sum of both inhibitors reduced the stimulating effect of papaverine by 89%. The inhibitory effect of genistein on the progesterone‐induced calcium influx could be related to its capability to inhibit the papaverine‐stimulated increase in cAMP content and PKA activity. The results presented here suggest that the calcium influx induced by progesterone is up‐regulated by the PKA activity.
Effect of Caffeine on Erectile Function via Up‐Regulating Cavernous Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Yang Rong , Wang Jiuling , Chen Yun , Sun Zeyu , Wang Run , Dai Yutian
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT:Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which inhibit the breakdown of intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), are used to treat diabetic ED. Caffeine, a nonselective PDE inhibitor used in our daily diet, is controversial regarding its effect on erectile function. To investigate the effect of caffeine on erectile function in diabetic rat models and explore the mechanism, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes mellitus. The rats with blood glucose levels above 300 mg/dL were selected for the study. The rats were divided into 4 groups: group A (normal control rats), group B (diabetic rats treated with normal saline), group C (diabetic rats treated with caffeine, 10 mg/kg per day), and group D (diabetic rats treated with caffeine, 20 mg/kg per day). After 8 weeks of treatment, intracavernous pressure (ICP) was measured to assess erectile function. The radioimmunoassay was used to evaluate the level of cGMP in the cavernosum. The ICP and the cavernous cGMP decreased significantly in the diabetic rats compared with normal controls. An 8‐week administration of caffeine at the given dosages increased the ICP and cavernous cGMP in diabetic rats. Caffeine consumption improved the erectile function of diabetic rats by up‐regulating cavernous cGMP.
Leptin, Ghrelin, and Adiponectin Evaluation in Transsexual Subjects During Hormonal Treatments
Authors: Resmini Eugenia , Andraghetti Gabriella , Rebora Alberto , Cordera Renzo , Vera Lara , Giusti Massimo , Minuto Francesco , Ferone Diego
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: Gender differences in leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin levels have been described in a normal population. This is important for understanding differences between males and females in the regulation of food intake, weight gain, body fat distribution, and cardiovascular risk. It is unclear how endogenous and exogenous sex hormones may regulate circulating levels of these factors. Transsexuals during hormonal treatment may represent an ideal model to ascertain the role of exogenous sex hormones on these parameters. In this study, our objective was to evaluate adiponectin, ghrelin, and leptin levels in transsexual subjects during hormone therapy and to compare the results of males and females. Subjects were 26 nondiabetic transsexuals, which included 15 male‐to‐female (M‐to‐F, group 3) and 11 female‐to‐male (F‐to‐M, group 4) individuals, and 29 age‐ and BMI‐matched controls, which included 15 males (group 1) and 14 females (group 2). Results showed that leptin levels were significantly lower in group 1 compared with group 2 (P = .04) and group 3 (P = .01); no differences were recorded between the other groups. Adiponectin levels were significantly higher in group 3 compared with group 4 (P = .03). No differences were found between the 4 groups for ghrelin levels. In conclusion, our data confirm the sexual dimorphism in serum leptin levels in normal subjects and demonstrate an increase in M‐to‐F transsexuals. While ghrelin does not show any sexual differences and seems not to be influenced by exogenous sex hormone administration, the lower adiponectin levels in F‐to‐M transsexuals during treatment confirm that androgens may decrease plasma adiponectin levels. This latter observation suggests that F‐to‐M transsexual patients could have a higher cardiovascular risk.
Genetic Investigations of CFTR Mutations in Congenital Absence of Vas Deferens, Uterus, and Vagina as a Cause of Infertility
Authors: Radpour Ramin , Gourabi Hamid , Dizaj Ahmad Vosough , Holzgreve Wolfgang , Zhong Xiao Yan
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: A qualitative diagnosis of infertility requires attention to male and female physical abnormalities including endocrine anomalies and genetic conditions that interfere with reproduction. Many genes are likely to be involved in the complex process of reproduction. Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) is a genital form of cystic fibrosis (CF) that is responsible for 2%–6% of male infertility. The incidence of CF varies in different populations; therefore, the incidence of CBAVD will also vary in different populations. The spectrum and distribution of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations differ between CBAVD and CF patients and are comparable to control individuals. Combinations of particular alleles at several polymorphic loci yield insufficient functional CFTR protein. CFTR mutations are also associated with congenital absence of the uterus and vagina (CAUV). Females with CF are found to be less fertile than normal healthy women. Because of techniques such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), CBAVD patients are now able to father children. Such couples, however, have an increased risk of having a child with cystic fibrosis, and therefore genetic testing and counseling should be provided. Around 10% of obstructive azoospermia is congenital and due to mutations in the CF gene. This review highlights the relationship of mutations in the CFTR gene with CBAVD and CAUV.
Oxidative Stress: A Common Factor in Testicular Dysfunction
Authors: Turner Terry T. , Lysiak Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT:Oxidative stress results from the production of oxygen radicals in excess of the antioxidant capacity of the stressed tissue. Many conditions or events associated with male infertility are inducers of oxidative stress. X‐irradiation, for example, or exposure to environmental toxicants and the physical conditions of varicocele and cryptorchidism have been demonstrated to increase testicular oxidative stress, which leads to an increase in germ cell apoptosis and subsequent hypospermatogenesis. Such stress conditions can cause changes in the dynamics of testicular microvascular blood flow, endocrine signaling, and germ cell apoptosis. Testicular oxidative stress appears to be a common feature in much of what underlies male infertility, which suggests that there may be benefits to developing better antioxidant therapies for relevant cases of hypospermatogenesis.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Insulin Resistance, and Cardiovascular Mortality: An Inconvenient Truth
Authors: Basaria Shehzad
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is used in the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic PCa. Although its use as an adjuvant therapy has resulted in improved survival in some patients, ADT has negative consequences. Complications like osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, gynecomastia, and adverse body composition are well known. Recent studies have also found metabolic complications in these men. Studies show that short‐term ADT (3–6 months) results in development of hyperinsulinemia without causing hyperglycemia. Studies of men undergoing long‐term (≥12 months) ADT reveal higher prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome compared with controls. In addition, men undergoing ADT also experience higher cardiovascular mortality. Long‐term prospective studies of ADT are needed to determine the timing of onset of these complications and to employ strategies to prevent them. In the meantime, baseline and serial screening for fasting glucose and other cardiac risk factors in men receiving ADT is prudent. In selected cases, glucose tolerance testing and cardiac evaluation may be required.
Emerging Roles for Neurosteroids in Sexual Behavior and Function
Authors: King Steven R.
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACT: Although gonadal and adrenal steroids heavily impact sexual function at the level of the brain, the nervous system also produces its own steroids de novo that may regulate sexual behavior and reproduction. Current evidence points to important roles for neurosteroids in sexual and gender‐typical behaviors, control of ovulation, and behaviors that strongly influence sexual interest and motivation like aggression, anxiety and depression. At the cellular level, neurosteroids act through stimulating rapid changes in excitability and direct activation of membrane receptors in neurons. Thus, unlike peripheral steroids, neurosteroids can have immediate and specific effects on select neuronal pathways to regulate sexual function.
Effects of methylprednisolone acetate and glucosamine on proteoglycan production by equine chondrocytes in vitro
Authors: Byron Christopher R. , Benson Britany M. , Stewart Allison A. , Pondenis Holly C.
Published: September 2008

Objective—To evaluate the effects of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) on proteoglycan production by equine chondrocytes and to investigate whether glucosamine hydrochloride modulates these effects at clinically relevant concentrations.

Sample Population—Articular cartilage with normal gross appearance from metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints of 8 horses (1 to 10 years of age).

Procedures—In vitro chondrocyte pellets were pretreated with glucosamine (0, 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL) for 48 hours and exposed to MPA (0, 0.05, and 0.5 mg/mL) for 24 hours. Pellets and media were assayed for proteoglycan production (Alcian blue precipitation) and proteoglycan content (dimethylmethylene blue assay), and pellets were assayed for DNA content.

Results—Methylprednisolone decreased production of proteoglycan by equine chondrocytes at both concentrations studied. Glucosamine protected proteoglycan production at all 3 concentrations studied.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Methylprednisolone, under noninflammatory conditions present in this study, decreased production of proteoglycan by equine chondrocytes. Glucosamine had a protective effect against inhibition of proteoglycan production at all 3 concentrations studied. This suggested that glucosamine may be useful as an adjunct treatment when an intra-articular injection of a corticosteroid is indicated and that it may be efficacious at concentrations relevant to clinical use.
Effects of clinically relevant concentrations of glucosamine on equine chondrocytes and synoviocytes in vitro
Authors: Byron Christopher R. , Stewart Matthew C. , Stewart Allison A. , Pondenis Holly C.
Published: September 2008

Objective—To evaluate the effects of glucosamine on equine articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes at concentrations clinically relevant to serum and synovial fluid concentrations.

Sample Population—Articular cartilage and synovium with normal gross appearance from metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints of 8 horses (1 to 10 years of age).

Procedures—In vitro chondrocyte and synoviocyte cell cultures from 8 horses were treated with glucosamine (0.1 to 20 μg/mL) with or without interleukin-1 (IL-1; 10 ng/mL) for 48 hours. Negative control cultures received no glucosamine or IL-1, and positive control cultures received only IL-1. Cultures were assayed for production of proteoglycan (via media containing sulfur 35 (35S)-labeled sodium sulfate and Alcian blue precipitation), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; via a colorimetric assay), cyclooxygenase-2 (via real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR assay), microsomal PGE2 synthase (mPGEs; via real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR assay), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 (via a colorimetric assay).

Results—Glucosamine had no impact on proteoglycan production or MMP-13 production under noninflammatory (no IL-1) or inflammatory (with IL-1) conditions. Glucosamine at 0.1 and 0.5 μg/mL significantly decreased IL-1–stimulated production of mPGEs by chondrocytes, compared with that of positive control chondrocytes. Glucosamine at 0.1 and 5 μg/mL significantly decreased IL-1–stimulated production of mPGEs and PGE2, respectively, compared with that of positive control synoviocytes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Glucosamine had limited effects on chondrocyte and synoviocyte metabolism at clinically relevant concentrations, although it did have some anti-inflammatory activity on IL-1–stimulated articular cells. Glucosamine may have use at clinically relevant concentrations in the treatment of inflammatory joint disease.
Evaluation of transesophageal echo-Doppler ultrasonography for the measurement of aortic blood flow in anesthetized cats
Authors: Rezende Marlis L. , Pypendop Bruno H. , Ilkiw Jan E.
Published: September 2008

Objective—To evaluate the use of a transesophageal echo-Doppler ultrasonography (TED) technique for measurement of aortic blood flow (ABF) in relation to cardiac output (CO) measured by use of a thermodilution technique in anesthetized cats.

Animals—6 adult cats (mean ± SD body weight, 5 ± 0.7 kg).

Procedures—Anesthesia was induced and maintained in cats by administration of isoflurane. A thermodilution catheter was placed in a pulmonary artery. The TED probe was positioned in the esophagus in the region where the aorta and esophagus are almost parallel. Five baseline values for ABF and CO were concurrently recorded. Cats were randomly assigned to a high or low CO state (increase or decrease in CO by at least 25% from baseline, respectively). Baseline conditions were restored, and the other CO state was induced, after which baseline conditions were again restored. For each CO state, ABF and CO were measured 5 times at 5-minute intervals. Correlation and agreement between the techniques were determined by use of the Pearson product-moment correlation and Bland-Altman method.

Results—CO ranged from 0.16 to 0.75 L/min and ABF from 0.05 to 0.48 L/min. Overall data analysis revealed a high correlation (r = 0.884) between techniques but poor agreement (limits of agreement, −0.277 to 0.028 L/min). During the low CO state, correlation between techniques was low (r = 0.413).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—TED did not accurately measure CO. However, it allowed evaluation of CO patterns and may be useful clinically in anesthetized cats.
Evaluation of EDTA hematology tubes for collection of blood samples for tests of secondary hemostasis in dogs
Authors: Cerón Jose J. , Carli Erika , Tasca Silvia , Martinez-Subiela Silvia , Caldin Marco
Published: September 2008

Objective—To evaluate the use of EDTA tubes for collection of blood samples for assays of secondary hemostasis in dogs.

Animals—108 dogs of various ages, breeds, and sexes (19 healthy and 89 with abnormalities of secondary hemostasis).

Procedures—Blood samples were collected via cephalic venipuncture and transferred to sodium citrate tubes and EDTA tubes. Plasma was harvested from each type of tube for assays of concentrations of fibrinogen and D-dimer as well as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and antithrombin activity. Intra-assay and interassay precision and correlation coefficients for all hemostatic tests were calculated for each type of plasma sample. The effect of storage conditions on assay results for the 2 types of plasma samples was also evaluated.

Results—Results of hemostatic tests were highly correlated between citrated and EDTA-treated plasma samples. Intra-assay imprecision for all hemostatic tests with the exception of D-dimer concentration was < 10% for both citrated and EDTA-treated plasma samples; interassay imprecision was higher for EDTA-treated versus citrated plasma samples. Storage of plasma samples for 1 hour did not result in significantly different assay results for either type of plasma sample, but storage for 2 hours significantly affected values for EDTA-treated plasma samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of hemostatic tests that use EDTA-treated plasma samples is required, EDTA may be a suitable alternative to sodium citrate as an anticoagulant for use in hemostatic testing in conditions in which tests could be performed within 1 hour after sample collection.
Effect of colostrum administration by use of oroesophageal intubation on serum IgG concentrations in Holstein bull calves
Authors: Chigerwe Munashe , Tyler Jeff W. , Schultz Loren G. , Middleton John R. , Steevens Barry J. , Spain James N.
Published: September 2008

Objective—To determine the amount of colostral IgG required for adequate passive transfer in calves administered colostrum by use of oroesophageal intubation and evaluate the impact of other factors on passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins in calves.

Animals—120 Holstein bull calves.

Procedures—Calves were randomly assigned to specific treatment groups on the basis of volume of colostrum administered and age of calf at administration of colostrum. Colostrum was administered once by oroesophageal intubation. Equal numbers of calves received 1, 2, 3, or 4 L of colostrum, and equal numbers of calves received colostrum at 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, or 22 hours after birth. Serum samples were obtained from calves 48 hours after birth for IgG determination by radial immunodiffusion assay. Effects of factors affecting transfer of colostral immunoglobulins were determined by use of a stepwise multiple regression model and logistic regression models.

Results—A minimum of 153 g of colostral IgG was required for optimum colostral transfer of immunoglobulins when calves were fed3Lof colostrum at 2 hours after birth. Substantially larger IgG intakes were required by calves fed colostrum > 2 hours after birth.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Feeding 100 g of colostral IgG by oroesophageal intubation was insufficient for adequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins. At least 150 to 200 g of colostral IgG was required for adequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins. Use of an oroesophageal tube for administration of 3 L of colostrum to calves within 2 hours after birth is recommended.
In vitro effects of lactoferrin on lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation, gene expression, and prostanoid production by bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Dawes Maisie E. , Tyler Jeff W. , Marsh Antoinette E. , Larson Robert L. , Steevens Barry J. , Lakritz Jeffrey
Published: September 2008

Objective—To evaluate the effect of lactoferrin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proliferation of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), gene expression of inflammatory mediators, and production of prostanoids in vitro.

Sample Population—PBMCs isolated from 15 Holstein bull calves.

Procedures—Mixed populations of PBMCs were isolated by differential centrifugation. Proliferation assays were conducted in 96-well plates designed to allow addition of lactoferrin (200 ng/mL) with and without LPS (1 μg/mL) in a checkerboard design. Incorporation of 3H-thymidine was used to determine proliferation of PBMCs. Prostaglandin E2 production was determined in culture-conditioned medium by use of enzyme immunoassay. Effects of lactoferrin on LPS-induced gene expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 were monitored by use of PCR assays.

Results—Lactoferrin supplementation significantly reduced LPS-induced incorporation of 3H-thymidine and production of prostaglandin E2 by PBMCs. Lactoferrin reduced LPS-induced expression of COX-2 and MMP-9 mRNA.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Lactoferrin reduced LPS-induced cellular proliferation, inflammatory mediator gene expression, and prostaglandin E2 production by bovine PBMCs in vitro. These effects may be beneficial in reducing the impact of endotoxemia in neonates.
Evaluation of sequential coinfection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma marginale in cattle
Authors: Hoar Bruce R. , Nieto Nathan C. , Rhodes Diane M. , Foley Janet E.
Published: September 2008

Objective—To determine whether sequelae of infection differed among single versus double infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma marginale, with and without tick salivary extract, in cattle.

Animals—Eighteen 13-month old steers.

Procedures—Treatment groups of 3 cattle each included A marginale inoculated ID followed on day 35 by A phagocytophilum without tick saliva, A phagocytophilum followed on day 10 by A marginale without tick saliva, A marginale followed on day 35 by A phagocytophilum with tick saliva, A phagocytophilum followed on day 10 by A marginale with tick saliva, tissue culture control injection, and tick saliva control injection. Infection was monitored via clinical observations, CBC, serologic testing, and PCR analysis of blood and tissues.

Results—Infected cattle had significantly reduced weight gain. Anemia occurred 25 to 32 days after A marginale infection, which was attenuated by tick saliva. Parasitism was greater if cattle had not previously been inoculated with A phagocytophilum. Nine of the 12 treated cattle had positive results of PCR analysis for A phagocytophilum from at least 1 blood sample. Five tissue samples had positive results of PCR analysis for A phagocytophilum; PCR results for A marginale were positive in spleen, lung, lymph node, heart, and ear skin of infected cattle.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated an important biological interaction between A marginale and A phagocytophilum infection as well as with tick saliva in disease kinetics and severity in cattle, which may be important for interpretation of diagnostic tests and management of disease in areas where both pathogens occur.