bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PigZ, a TetR/AcrR family repressor, modulates secondary metabolism via the expression of a putative four‐component resistance‐nodulation‐cell‐division efflux pump, ZrpADBC, in Serratia sp. ATCC 39006
Authors: Gristwood Tamzin , Fineran Peter C. , Everson Lee , Salmond George P. C.
Published: May 2008

The Gram‐negative enterobacterium, Serratia sp. ATCC 39006 synthesizes several secondary metabolites, including prodigiosin (Pig) and a carbapenem antibiotic (Car). A complex hierarchical network of regulatory proteins control Pig and Car production. In this study we characterize a TetR family regulator, PigZ, which represses transcription of a divergently transcribed putative resistance‐nodulation‐cell‐division (RND) efflux pump, encoded by zrp (PigZ repressed pump) ADBC, via direct binding to the zrpA‐pigZ intergenic region. Unusually, this putative RND pump contains two predicted membrane fusion proteins (MFPs), ZrpA and ZrpD. A mutation in pigZ resulted in multiple phenotypic changes, including exoenzyme production, motility and differential regulation of Pig and Car production. A polar suppressor mutation, within zrpA, restored all tested phenotypes to parental strain levels, indicating that the changes observed are due to the increase in expression of ZrpADBC in the absence of the repressor, PigZ. Genomic deletions of zrpA and zrpD indicate that the MFP ZrpD, but not ZrpA, is essential for activity of the putative pump. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that putative RND efflux pumps encoding two MFP components are not uncommon, particularly among plant‐associated, Gram‐negative bacteria. In addition, based on phylogenetic analysis, we propose that these pairs of MFPs consist of two distinct subtypes.
Structure and functional properties of the Bacillus subtilis transcriptional repressor Rex
Authors: Wang Ellen , Bauer Mikael C. , Rogstam Annika , Linse Sara , Logan Derek T. , Von Wachenfeldt Claes
Published: May 2008

The transcription factor Rex has been implicated in regulation of the expression of genes important for fermentative growth and for growth under conditions of low oxygen tension in several Gram‐positive bacteria. Rex senses the redox poise of the cell through changes in the NADH/NAD+ ratio. The crystal structures of two essentially identical Rex proteins, from Thermus aquaticus and T. thermophilus, have previously been determined in complex with NADH. Here we present the crystal structure of the Rex protein from Bacillus subtilis, as well as extensive studies of its affinity for nucleotides and DNA, using surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. We show that Rex has a very high affinity for NADH but that its affinity for NAD+ is 20 000 times lower. However, the NAD+ affinity is increased by a factor of 30 upon DNA binding, suggesting that there is a positive allosteric coupling between DNA binding and NAD+ binding. The crystal structures of two pseudo‐apo forms (from crystals soaked with NADH and cocrystallized with ATP) show a very different conformation from the previously determined Rex:NADH complexes, in which the N‐terminal domains are splayed away from the dimer core. A mechanism is proposed whereby conformational changes in a C‐terminal domain‐swapped helix mediate the transition from a flexible DNA binding form to a locked NADH‐bound form incapable of binding DNA.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome: association with colon motility, bowel symptoms, and psychological distress
Authors: Grover M. , Kanazawa M. , Palsson O. S. , Chitkara D. K. , Gangarosa L. M. , Drossman D. A. , Whitehead W. E.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), although the issue is still under debate. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SIBO in those with IBS and its association with colonic motility, bowel symptoms and psychological distress. Sucrose hydrogen and methane breath tests were performed in 158 IBS patients and 34 healthy controls (HC). Thresholds for pain and urgency were tested by barostat in the descending colon. The motility index (MI) was calculated as the average area under the curve for all phasic contractions. Questionnaires assessed psychological distress, IBS symptom severity (IBS‐SS), IBS quality of life (IBS‐QOL) and self‐reported bowel symptoms. Fifty‐two of 158 (32.9%) IBS patients had abnormal breath tests compared with six of 34 (17.9%) HC (χ2 = 0.079). SIBO (SIBO+) and non‐SIBO (SIBO−) patients did not differ in the prevalence of IBS subtypes, IBS‐SS, IBS‐QOL and psychological distress variables. IBS patients had a greater post‐distension increase in MI than HC, but there was no difference between SIBO+ and SIBO− patients. Predominant methane producers had higher urge thresholds (28.4 vs 18.3, P < 0.05) and higher baseline MI (461 vs 301.45, P < 0.05) than SIBO− IBS patients, and they reported more ‘hard or lumpy stools’ when compared with predominant hydrogen producers (P < 0.05) and SIBO− IBS patients (P < 0.05). SIBO is unlikely to contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of IBS. Methane production is associated with constipation.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*510203 allele in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhu F.‐M. , He J. , Zhang W. , Yan L.‐X.
Published: May 2008

We report here the identification of a novel human leukocyte antigen‐B*510203 allele that was detected by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing.
Variants of CARD15, TNFA and PTPN22 and susceptibility to Crohn’s disease in the Czech population: high frequency of the CARD15 1007fs
Authors: Hradsky O. , Lenicek M. , Dusatkova P. , Bronsky J. , Nevoral J. , Valtrova V. , Kotalova R. , Szitanyi P. , Petro R. , Starzykova V. , Bortlik M. , Vitek L. , Lukas M. , Cinek O.
Published: May 2008

Crohn’s disease (CD) has been shown to be associated with the variants in the CARD15 gene as well as in other genes involved in the immune response. The frequencies of the variants profoundly differ among populations and so does the associated risk. We examined the associations of variants in the CARD15, TNFA and PTPN22 genes with pediatric‐onset and adult‐onset CD in the Czech population. Genotype, phenotype and allelic frequencies were compared between 345 patients with CD (136 pediatric‐onset and 209 adult‐onset patients) and 501 unrelated healthy controls. At least one minor allele of the CARD15 gene was carried by 46% patients and only 21% control subjects (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 2.4–4.4). In a multiple logistic regression model, the strongest association with CD was found for the 1007fs variant (OR = 4.6, 95% CI 3.0–7.0), followed by p.G908R (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.5–5.7) and p.R702W (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–2.9), while no independent association was found for the remaining variants in the CARD15 gene (p.268S, p.955I and p.289S), for the p.R620W variant in the PTPN22 gene or for the g.−308G>A variant in the TNFA gene. The age at CD onset was strongly modified by positivity for the 1007fs allele: it was present in 42% pediatric‐onset and only 25% adult‐onset patients. In conclusion, we report a high frequency of the minor allele of the CARD15 1007fs polymorphism in the Czech population and a strong effect of this allele on the age at disease onset.
Peptides: the cornerstone of HLA‐B27 biology and pathogenetic role in spondyloarthritis
Authors: Marcilla M. , López de Castro J. A.
Published: May 2008

The association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B27 to ankylosing spondylitis is one of the strongest between a major histocompatibility complex molecule and a disease. Yet, the basis for this association remains unknown. Several hypotheses, each based on a particular feature of HLA‐B27, guide much of the current research on the pathogenesis of this disease, but none has yet satisfactorily explained its mechanism and the differential association of B27 subtypes to it. In this review, the pathogenetic role of HLA‐B27 will be analyzed from a global perspective of its biology, emphasizing the interdependency of multiple molecular features and the likely influence of disease‐modifying gene products. From this perspective, peptide binding emerges as the cornerstone of all other biological properties.
Mycobacterium marinum infections in transplant recipients: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Pandian T.K. , Deziel P.J. , Otley C.C. , Eid A.J. , Razonable R.R.
Published: May 2008

Abstract: Infections due to Mycobacterium marinum are rarely encountered following organ and tissue transplantation. Herein, we report a case of M. marinum infection in a kidney and pancreas transplant recipient who manifested clinically with multiple locally spreading sporotrichoid‐like cutaneous nodules in his left forearm. In order to provide a general overview of post‐transplant M. marinum infections, we reviewed and summarized all previously reported cases of this infection that occurred after transplantation. Including our index case, all 6 cases presented with multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules that had spread locally in the involved extremity. One patient had lesions located in non‐contiguous body sites suggesting either systemic dissemination or multiple sites of inoculation. In all but 1 patient, the cutaneous nodules appeared in an ascending pattern and following exposure to fish tanks or after contact with the marine environment. The diagnosis of M. marinum infection was suspected on clinical grounds and confirmed by mycobacterial culture. Treatment consisted of at least 2 active antibiotics (such as rifamycins, ethambutol, tetracyclines, or macrolides) for 4–9 months, resulting in clinical cure or improvement. Relapse was observed in 1 patient despite completing 6 months of antibiotic therapy. One patient had surgical excision of the lesions. In conclusion, M. marinum should be considered as the cause of cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules in transplant recipients, particularly in the context of fish tank or marine exposure. Compared with the immunocompetent hosts, M. marinum infection may have a more aggressive clinical course after transplantation, and may require a longer duration of antibiotic treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent local spread and potential systemic dissemination.
Is the intrinsic potassium content of forages an important factor in intake regulation of dairy cows?
Authors: Leiber F. , Wettstein H.‐R. , Kreuzer M.
Published: May 2008

Hay from intensively managed grassland with high nutrient density and digestibility containing 29 g potassium/kg dry matter (DM) and hay from an alpine pasture, clearly lower in energy, digestibility and potassium (12 g/kg DM) were offered as sole feeds to 18 lactating dairy cows following a change‐over arrangement within three periods of 21 days each (schedule either alpine‐lowland‐alpine or lowland‐alpine‐lowland hay). Faeces and urine were quantitatively collected over 7 days. Dry matter intake was similar and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intake was higher with alpine than with lowland hay (1.57 kg/100 kg vs. 1.43 kg/100 kg body weight). Potassium intake was approximately three times lower with alpine than with lowland hay. Urinary water output was closely correlated with potassium intake. It was also correlated with DM intake but only in animals receiving lowland hay, while it remained independent from intake when alpine hay was fed. Plasma osmolality was lower when alpine hay was fed. As energy requirements were not covered with either diet, the lower NDF intake with lowland hay was assumed to have been caused by higher ruminal osmolality because of the higher intrinsic potassium concentrations of this hay type. Further studies are necessary to determine potassium levels critical for feed intake.
Thalassiocyclus pankensis sp. nov., a new diatom from the Panke Swamp, northern Japan (Bacillariophyta)
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki , Nagumo Tamotsu
Published: May 2008

Thalassiocyclus pankensis sp. nov. is described from Panke Swamp (Panke‐numa) located in Horonobe Town, Hokkaido, northern Japan. The species is characterized by a strong transversely undulate central area of the valve face with one to three fultoportulae on the elevated part and one fultoportula on the depressed part. The external valve face has costate radial interfascicles and very wide fascicles on the marginal area. Thickened openings of mantle fultoportulae are located at the end of interfascicles with roofed board spines. The cingulum consists of five bands. The new species is compared to the only other species belonging to genus Thalassiocyclus, T. lucens (Hustedt) Håkansson & Mahood. Thalassiocyclus pankensis is the second species in the genus Thalassiocyclus and also the first report of a Thalassiocyclus species in Japan.
Research Note: Molecular phylogenetic affiliations of Dissodinium pseudolunula, Pheopolykrikos hartmannii, Polykrikos cf. schwartzii and Polykrikos kofoidii to Gymnodinium sensu stricto species (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Kim Keun‐Yong , Iwataki Mitsunori , Kim Chang‐Hoon
Published: May 2008

Partial large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) sequences of Dissodinium pseudolunula Swift ex Elbrächter et Drebes, Pheopolykrikos hartmannii (Zimmermann) Matsuoka et Fukuyo, Polykrikos cf. schwartzii Bütschli and Polykrikos kofoidii Chatton were analyzed to reveal their phylogenetic status. The four athecate dinoflagellate species fell within the clade of Gymnodinium sensu G. Hansen et Moestrup supported by high likelihood values without apparent phylogenetic relationships to neither Gymnodinium species nor each other. Their genetic affiliations to typical Gymnodinium species were morphologically supported by the loop‐shaped apical grooves in Pheopolykrikos and Polykrikos species and the Gymnodinium‐like motile stage at least once during pleomorphic life cycles in D. pseudolunula and Ph. hartmannii.
Seasonal variation in the biomass, quantity and quality of agar from Gelidiella acerosa (Forsskal) Feldmann et Hamel (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) from the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, India
Authors: Ganesan Meenakshisundaram , Reddy Chennur R.K. , Eswaran Karuppanan , Jha Bhavanath
Published: May 2008

The Gulf of Mannar on the southeast coast of India, which has recently been declared as biosphere reserve, is the main harvesting place of Gelidiella acerosa for the Indian agar industry. The biomass harvested from natural stocks was estimated to be over 10 000 tonnes dry weight (DW) in the last two decades and is a serious cause of concern on long term sustainability of this valuable resource from this region. The present study reports the seasonal variation in the biomass and agar yield and quality from G. acerosa in four different habitats such as Rameswaram (rocky intertidal), Ervadi (lower intertidal), Sethukarai (subtidal) and Krusadai Island (lagoon reef area). A maximum biomass of 260 ± 26 g DW m−2 was recorded from Ervadi, whereas Sethukarai showed the highest percentage cover (69.83 ± 4.83%) and density (208.20 ± 30.16 plants m−2). Biomass, percentage cover and density were lowest in Rameswaram and significantly lower (P < 0.001) than the other three stations. A single peak in biomass was observed with autumn maxima in Ervadi and Rameswaram and southwest monsoon maxima in Sethukarai and Krusaidai Island. Length of G. acerosa was maximum (9.65 ± 0.25 cm) in Ervadi and the branch index value was maximum (24.70 ± 4.01 br−1 g−1 DW) for Rameswaram. Agar yield (37.24 ± 7.59%) and gel strength (448.66 ± 6.50 g/cm2) were higher in Sethukarai plants. The agar yields attained a peak in the northeast monsoon and decreased in summer, whereas a reverse trend was observed for gel strength. Evidently, agar yield showed a strong negative correlation with gel strength (P < 0.0001) and gelling (P < 0.0001) and melting temperatures (P < 0.01). The single annual peak in biomass observed in the present study, as compared with two peaks reported earlier, are attributed to the continuous overharvesting that would have had an effect on the overall annual biomass production. The findings of this study reveal that a single harvest during the autumn months (January to March) could yield optimum biomass with moderate agar and that would be the best for sustainable usage and conservation of this resource from this region.
New red alga Meristotheca imbricata (Solieriaceae, Gigartinales) from Japan
Authors: Faye Etienne Jean , Kogame Kazuhiro , Shimada Satoshi , Kawaguchi Shigeo , Masuda Michio
Published: May 2008

A new red alga Meristotheca imbricata Faye et Masuda (Solieriaceae, Gigartinales) was described on the basis of specimens collected from southern Japan. Although this species might have been for a long time included in the concept of M. coacta Okamura, until recently a very poorly known alga, it is distinguished from the latter by the following features: (i) each thallus consists of one primary blade and several secondary blades, the latter arising from the apical or subapical portion of terminal segments of the primary blade; (ii) the individual blades are repeatedly dichotomously divided into linear segments of which margins are neither undulate nor crispate, and are fleshy, imbricate, frequently anastomosing and often acervate; (iii) each tetrasporangial initial is attached by a basal pit‐connection to the parental cell, and the position of the pit‐connection changes from basal to lateral by inward growth of the tetrasporangium; and (iv) the carpogonial branches sometimes have a one‐celled sterile lateral.
Alpha–beta diversity in trap‐nesting wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) in Southern Brazil
Authors: Buschini Maria Luisa Tunes , Woiski Thiago Demetrius
Published: May 2008

This study was carried out at the Parque Municipal das Araucárias, in the municipality of Guarapuava, state of Paraná, southern Brazil. The aims of the present study were to access the spectrum of wasp species inhabiting trap‐nests in three habitats, to record their richness and diversity and elucidate the process responsible for their composition and abundance and to investigate if there is difference in their diversity between Brazilian tropical and subtropical regions. A total of 1097 nests, belonging to 21 species of solitary wasps, were collected. Of these, nine belonged to the family Vespidae (42.86%), six to Pompilidae (28.57%), four to Crabronidae (19.05%) and two to Sphecidae (9.52%). Crabronidae was the most abundant family in the samplings, with a total of 927 collected nests (84.3%). The environment that presented the greatest species diversity, richness and evenness was the grassland areas. Using the Bray–Curtis coefficient (beta diversity), the greatest similarity, in relation to species abundance, occurred between swamp and grasslands. In contrast, the araucaria forest was the habitat with the greatest dissimilarity, a result corroborated by the correspondence analysis.
Patterns of intervention for renal lesions in von Hippel‐Lindau disease
Authors: Matin Surena F. , Ahrar Kamran , Wood Christopher G. , Daniels Molly , Jonasch Eric
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To review the records of patients at our centre with von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) disease, to determine the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and patterns of intervention using minimally invasive therapies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with genetically confirmed VHL were evaluated in a multidisciplinary clinical care centre established in 2003. Patients were preferentially offered percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Cystic tumours were considered contraindications to RFA, as were larger tumours or extensive multifocality with tumours of >3 cm. These patients had either open partial nephrectomy (OPN) or, in unsalvageable cases, radical nephrectomy.

RESULTS

Of 38 patients with VHL, 16 (42%) were found to have RCC; two with small tumours are under observation. Fourteen of the 16 have had a total of 25 renal interventions, none of whom has progressed to end‐stage renal disease. OPN was performed in 15 (60%) cases, including those who had had multiple bilateral procedures; RFA was used in five (20%) cases. After median follow‐up of 41 months, local recurrence was detected in 33%; the metastasis‐free survival rate was 93.3% and overall survival 87.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Of patients with VHL, 88% with renal involvement require interventions for their kidneys. OPN is the primary method used, and was successful both as a primary and secondary procedure in 60% of cases. In only 20% was RFA possible due to limitations of current technology. The introduction of protocol‐based targeted therapies holds the promise of reducing the number of interventions required for treating VHL.
The pharmacological treatment of premature ejaculation
Authors: Giuliano François , Hellstrom Wayne J.G.
Published: May 2008

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual dysfunction in men that is characterized by a short time to ejaculation, and a lack of control over ejaculation, and is associated with distress for men and their partners. Lack of knowledge about the aetiology of PE and lack of approved treatments might contribute to its under‐diagnosis and under‐treatment. The organic factors involved in PE are not well understood but serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) is important at the level of the central nervous system in the complex regulatory mechanisms involved in ejaculation. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (paroxetine, fluoxetine and sertraline) and the tricyclic antidepressant clomipramine increase ejaculatory control and delay ejaculation in men with PE, suggesting that pharmacological intervention might be useful for PE. These agents are intended for chronic dosing for treating psychiatric disorders because of their pharmacokinetic profile and pharmacodynamic activity, which might result in limitations when used for treating PE. Indeed, these properties might limit the utility of these drugs, whether administered on‐demand or chronically, for the episodic treatment requirements of PE. Elevated synaptic 5‐HT levels achieved with acute SSRI treatment might be self‐limiting because of activation of presynaptic 5‐HT1Aautoreceptors, and chronic 5‐HT1Aautoreceptor desensitization might contribute to an increase in side‐effects and withdrawal symptoms. Short‐acting SSRIs such as dapoxetine, currently under development for the on‐demand treatment of PE, might circumvent these limitations and offer better ejaculatory control and sexual satisfaction for men with PE. Phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors have also been evaluated for treating PE, as have topical anaesthetics and the narcotic analgesic tramadol.
Retrospective outcome analysis of one‐stage penile urethroplasty using a flap or graft in a homogeneous series of patients
Authors: Barbagli Guido , Morgia Guiseppe , Lazzeri Massimo
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of a one‐stage penile flap or graft urethroplasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty‐three patients had a penile urethroplasty using one‐stage techniques; 18 (29%) had a one‐stage flap urethroplasty and 45 (71%) a one‐stage urethroplasty using skin (23) or oral mucosal (22) grafts. The clinical outcome was considered a failure when any instrumentation was needed after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean follow‐up was 55 months; of the 63 procedures, 48 (76%) were successful and 15 (24%) failures. Of 18 patients who had a one‐stage flap urethroplasty, 12 (67%) were successful and six (33%) were failures; of the 45 who had one‐stage graft urethroplasty, 36 (80%) were successful and nine (20%) were failures; of 23 penile skin grafts, 18 (78%) were successful and five (22%) were failures; and of 22 oral mucosal grafts, 18 (82%) were successful and four (18%) were failures.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of grafts for one‐stage penile urethroplasty gave a higher success rate (80%) than flaps (67%). The difference in the success rate between oral mucosal grafts (82%) and skin grafts (78%) was not clinically significant.
A randomized clinical trial of suspension technique for improving early recovery of urinary continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy
Authors: Noguchi Masanori , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Suekane Shigetaka , Nakashima Osamu , Mohamed Elnisr Rashed , Matsuoka Kei
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, in a prospective, single‐blind, randomized trial, the safety and efficacy of a suspension technique for improving early recovery of continence after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We randomly assigned 60 men with clinically localized prostate cancer to RRP; 30 were treated with the suspension technique and the remaining 30 were not. All patients had RRP by the same surgeon followed by early catheter removal on the third day after RRP. The primary outcome measures were the interval to recovery of continence, and the positive margin rates. The continence status was evaluated by a third party using validated questionnaires at baseline before RRP and at 4 and 7 days, and 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after RRP.

RESULTS

The suspension technique resulted in significantly greater continence rates at 1, 3 and 6 months after RRP of 53% vs 20%, 73% vs 47% and 100% vs 83%. Kaplan‐Meier curves also showed that patients in the suspension group had a significantly earlier recovery of continence than in the no‐suspension group; the median (95% confidence interval) interval for recovery was 31 (12–74) days in the suspension group and 90 (65–150) days in the no‐suspension group (log rank test, P = 0.002). The groups had no significant differences in their histological status.

CONCLUSIONS

The suspension technique had a significant effect on the earlier recovery of urinary continence within 6 months after RRP, without compromising the oncological outcome of RRP.
The development of a rat model of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: preliminary findings
Authors: Kaufmann Oskar , Claro Joaquim , Cury Jose , Andrade Enrico , Longo Beatriz , Aguiar Wilson , Mello Luiz , Srougi Miguel
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To develop a rat model of erectile dysfunction (ED) after cavernous nerve injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Given the great similarity between the anatomical structure of the cavernous nerve in rats and humans, 24 rats underwent dissections and the cavernous nerves were identified with the aid of an operating microscope. Then the rats were randomized into two groups: sham‐operated controls and a bilateral cavernous nerve section group. At 3 months after surgery, the rats were evaluated for their response to an apomorphine challenge.

RESULTS

The erectile response after an apomorphine challenge was normal in all the control rats, while there were no erections in the bilateral injured group.

CONCLUSION

The rat major autonomic ganglion and its cavernous nerve can be identified with the aid of a microscope. Rats are inexpensive and easy to handle, thus a good animal for developing an ED model of cavernous nerve injury. In the present study, the rats with cavernous nerve injury lost erectile capacity in a reliable and reproducible fashion. Because of the great similarity between the cavernous nerve of rats and humans, one may consider this technique as a reliable experimental model for studying ED after radical prostatectomy.
Marking Difference and Negotiating Belonging: Refugee Women, Volunteering and Employment
Authors: Tomlinson Frances
Published: May 2008

Refugee women occupy a position at a neglected point of intersection of many categories of difference. This article draws on a study of pathways from voluntary work into paid employment for refugee women in the UK and reveals how they drew on these markers of difference to express and explain their experiences of exclusion or belonging. Their accounts are considered alongside those of organizational representatives, who drew on vocabularies of equality and diversity to construct refugee women as organizational outsiders or insiders. The article explores the interplay between the active agency of refugee women in negotiating the possibilities of belonging and the effect of discursive practices and structural processes that tend to perpetuate their outsider status. It concludes by briefly considering the relevance of these findings to current controversies concerning the impact of policies of managing diversity and multiculturalism on combating inequality and discrimination.
Intersections: The Simultaneity of Race, Gender and Class in Organization Studies
Authors: Holvino Evangelina
Published: May 2008

This article argues for a reconceptualization of the intersections of race, gender and class as simultaneous processes of identity, institutional and social practice in order to redress the lack of attention to these intersections in feminist organization studies. Grounding my argument on a brief critique of white liberal feminism from the perspective of women of colour, I examine other feminist frameworks beyond the dominant liberal paradigm and identify their possible contributions to the study of intersections in organization theory and practice. Specifically, I propose theoretical and methodological interventions for researching and practicing more forcefully and intentionally the simultaneity of race, gender and class in organizations, including researching and publicizing the hidden stories at the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, class, nation and sexuality; identifying, untangling and changing the differential impact of everyday practices in organizations and identifying and linking internal organizational processes with external societal processes. I conclude with some reflections on the possible implications of these proposals for each of us, scholars and practitioners of gender and organization.
DRD3 Ser9Gly variant is not associated with essential tremor in a series of Italian patients
Authors: Vitale C. , Gulli R. , Ciotti P. , Scaglione C. , Bellone E. , Avanzino L. , Lantieri F. , Abbruzzese G. , Martinelli P. , Barone P. , Mandich P.
Published: May 2008

Background: Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder worldwide. Three susceptibility loci on chromosomes 3q13, 2p24.1, and 6p23 have been reported, but no causative genes were found. The Ser9Gly variant of dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) receptor was found associated to ET in a French and US population. Methods: A case–control study to evaluate the association between the Ser9Gly variant and ET was performed in a cohort of 116 Italian patients with familial ET and in 158 normal controls. Results: No significant difference in allele and genotype frequencies was found between the two groups. Conclusions: These results do not support an association between DRD3 Ser9Gly and susceptibility to ET in Italian patients.
The ipsilateral cortico‐spinal tract is activated after hemiparetic stroke
Authors: Misawa S. , Kuwabara S. , Matsuda S. , Honma K. , Ono J. , Hattori T.
Published: May 2008

Background and purpose: The presence of a projection from the primary motor cortex to the ipsilateral muscles has been established in human, but whether this pathway contributes to functional recovery after stroke is unclear. We investigated whether the ipsilateral tract is activated in hemiparetic stroke.

Methods: Motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) were simultaneously recorded from the bilateral trapezius or abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles after magnetic stimulation to the motor cortex in 40 acute stroke patients.

Results: At rest, ipsilateral trapezius MEPs were recordable in none of the 24 normal controls, and in 38% of the patients after stimulation to the non‐affected hemisphere (P < 0.001). With voluntary contraction, ipsilateral trapezius MEPs were elicited in 21% of the normal controls and 73% of the patients (P < 0.001). Ipsilateral ADM MEPs were rarely recordable in both controls (0%) and patients (3%). The presence of ipsilateral trapezius MEPs was associated with less severe paresis in the trapezius (P = 0.04) and deltoid (P = 0.07), but not in the more distal muscles.

Conclusions: The ipsilateral cortico‐spinal tract is acutely facilitated after stroke in the trunk or proximal muscles, but not in the hand muscles. Activation of such pathway appears to partly compensate motor dysfunction of the trunk/proximal muscles.
Protein kinase C beta inhibitors: a new therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy and vascular complications
Authors: Budhiraja S , Singh J
Published: May 2008

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has emerged as the major causative pathology in patients entering end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide and it is responsible for 30–40% of all ESRD cases. Treatments for DN are centered on control of hyperglycemia and blood pressure control. However, current therapeutic regimens have not yet provided satisfactory prevention from the onset of DN. Protein kinase C (PKC) is an intracellular signaling molecule and activation of it plays an important role in the development of diabetic complications. In numerous experimental and clinical studies, inhibition of PKC (LY333531) has been shown to delay/halt the progression of diabetic complications. Presently, the drug is submitted in USA‐FDA for new drug application in moderate to severe diabetic retinopathy. This review selectively discusses the role of PKC in DN and therapeutic effects produced by PKC inhibitors in DN. The role of PKC inhibitor in other diabetic complications is also discussed.
Importance of arterial stiffness as cardiovascular risk factor for future development of new type of drugs
Authors: Boutouyrie Pierre , Laurent Stéphane , Briet Marie
Published: May 2008

Cardiovascular risk prediction relies on classical risk factors such as age, gender, lipids, hypertension, smoking and diabetes. Although the value of such scales of risk is high for populations, its value for individual is reduced and too much influenced by non‐modifiable risk factors (age and gender). Biomarkers of risk have been deceiving and genome wide scan approach is too recent. Target organ damage may help in selecting patients at high risk and in determining intervention. Aortic pulse wave velocity, an index of aortic stiffness, has been widely validated as providing additional risk predictions beyond and above classical risk factors, and has now entered into official guidelines. Many interventions (dietary, behaviour, drug treatment) were shown to influence arterial stiffness positively, but little evidence of a direct effect of intervention on arterial stiffness independent of blood pressure is available. New pharmacological targets and new drugs need to be identified. To become a surrogate endpoint for drug development, there is a need to demonstrate that regression arterial stiffness is associated with improved outcome. In parallel to this demonstration, points to be improved are the homogenization and spreading of the technique of measurement, the establishment of a reference value database.
Understanding pastoral mobility: the case of Senegalese Fulani
Authors: ADRIANSEN HANNE KIRSTINE
Published: May 2008

Based on a case study from Sahelian Senegal, this paper analyses how various actors perceive the importance of pastoral mobility and presents issues of importance for understanding the use of mobility among Fulani of Ferlo. One knowledge system is a scientific one, the ‘new rangeland paradigm’. According to this, pastoral mobility is a means to balance variability in dryland resources; hence, ‘nature’ is the point of departure. Another knowledge system is local pastoral knowledge. For the pastoralists, the well‐being of their animals is the point of departure and mobility is used to ensure that the livestock are in good condition. The paper shows that it is important to distinguish between mobility of pastoralists and of their herd; even though the pastoralists of northern Senegal have become semi‐sedentary, their herds are still quite mobile. The pastoralists are willing to move around within a small territory, which they consider their place, but are unwilling to employ large‐scale mobility themselves. Mobility is not of importance for their ethnic identity and some use paid herders to care for their livestock. By looking at both knowledge systems, we achieve a better understanding of pastoral mobility and how this may change in the future.
STROPHOMENIDE BRACHIOPODS FROM THE CHANGWU FORMATION (LATE KATIAN, LATE ORDOVICIAN) OF CHUN’AN, WESTERN ZHEJIANG, SOUTH‐EAST CHINA
Authors: ZHAN RENBIN , JIN JISUO , RONG JIAYU , CHEN PENGFEI , YU GUOHUA
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Late Ordovician strophomenide brachiopods (superfamilies Strophomenoidea and Plectambonitoidea) from the upper Changwu Formation (mid Ashgill, late Katian) of Jianglütang, Chun’an County, western Zhejiang Province, consist of ten genera and 12 species. Five new species of three new genera are recognized: Chunanomena triporcata, Chunanomena sembellina, Cheramomena subsolana, Lateriseptomena modesta, and Lateriseptomena rugosa. The strophomenide brachiopods from the upper Katian strata described in this study and those from the border region of Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces reported in previous work contain 16 strophomenoid and 12 plectambonitoid genera, and most of the strophomenoids are endemic to South China. Numerical analysis of well‐documented late Katian strophomenide brachiopod faunas indicates a strong provincialism, characterized by the highly distinct North American province (Laurentia), the South China‐Kazakhstan province, and the Avalonia‐Baltica province (Wales, Belgium and Sweden). Surprisingly, the Girvan district of Scotland, which was a peri‐Laurentian terrane during the Ordovician, contains a late Katian brachiopod fauna that is more closely related to the contemporaneous brachiopods of Avalonia‐Baltica than to those of North America.
RHAETIAN (LATE TRIASSIC) MONOTIS (BIVALVIA: PECTINOIDA) FROM THE EASTERN NORTHERN CALCAREOUS ALPS (AUSTRIA) AND THE END‐NORIAN CRISIS IN PELAGIC FAUNAS
Authors: McROBERTS CHRISTOPHER A. , KRYSTYN LEOPOLD , SHEA ADRIEL
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Species of marine bivalves of the pectinoid genus Monotis provide useful biochronologic indices for the Late Triassic (middle Norian–earliest Rhaetian). We report the succession of Monotis at Hernstein in Lower Austria where typical late Norian Monotis salinaria (Schlotheim) are overlain by strata with apparently the youngest Monotis known of demonstrable Rhaetian age: Monotis hoernesi Kittl and Monotis rhaetica sp. nov., a species closely related to M. rudis Gemmellaro. A Rhaetian (Sevatian 2) age is confirmed by the co‐occurrence of Monotis with the platform conodont Misikella posthernsteini and close association with the ammonoid Paracochloceras. A review of late Norian monotid species indicates that a profound extinction event occurred in the pelagic realm at or close to the Norian/Rhaetian boundary where c. 15 monotids (Monotis s.l. and Maorimonotis) became extinct. The surviving Monotis are dwarfed when compared to their Norian predecessors and may represent an ecological/phylogenetic response to the crisis.
The Novel Antioxidant Edaravone: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Watanabe Toshiaki , Tahara Munenori , Todo Satoru
Published: May 2008

Over the last decade, important advances have been made to support the fact that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated and play a harmful role during the acute and late stages of cerebral ischemia. Several drugs, such as radical scavengers and antioxidants, have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. Edaravone (3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one; Radicut®, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation) is a novel antioxidant that is currently used in Japan for the treatment of patients in the acute stage of cerebral infarction. Edaravone scavenges ROS and inhibits proinflammatory responses after brain ischemia in animals and humans. In particular, postischemic inflammation, leading to brain edema and infarction due to neuronal damage and endothelial cell death, can be ameliorated by edaravone. In addition to these antistroke effects, edaravone has also been shown to prevent oxidative damage to various extracerebral organs. Therefore, in addition to its usefulness in the treatment of stroke, edaravone is expected to play an integral role in the treatment of many oxidative stress‐related diseases.
Trimetazidine Revisited: A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacological Effects and Analytical Techniques for the Determination of Trimetazidine
Authors: Onay‐Besikci A. , Özkan S.A.
Published: May 2008

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is an effective and well‐tolerated antianginal drug that possesses protective properties against ischemia‐induced heart injury. Growing interest in metabolic modulation in recent years urged an up‐to‐date review of the literature on TMZ. This review consists of two major sections: (1) comprehensive and critical information about the pharmacological effects, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, side effects, and current usage of TMZ, and (2) developments in analytical techniques for the determination of the drug in raw material, pharmaceutical dosage forms, and biological samples.
Viability of Developing CETP Inhibitors
Authors: Sirtori Cesare R. , Mombelli Giuliana
Published: May 2008

The recent failure of a major inhibitor of the cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP), in trials on high‐risk coronary patients, indicated that potentially this therapeutic target might not be a viable one. This conclusion is, however, not surprising since evaluating prior knowledge, the rationale of this therapeutic approach appears to be extremely weak. Although raising high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) by a variety of pharmaceutical approaches may still provide a desirable target, CETP inhibitory treatment has very little to offer. Analysis of the literature pertaining to the CETP approach, epidemiological data on individuals with CETP mutations, and finally and in‐depth analyses of pharmacological interventions, all appear to indicate that CETP inhibitory treatment should not be pursued as a viable approach. In addition, some of the findings from the clinical studies, for example, in particular a dramatic rise of infectious complications, cast significant perplexity on the possibility of convincing health authorities on the clinical safety of CETP inhibitors. Potentially CETP stimulation, for example by probucol or derivatives may provide instead a more satisfactory approach to cardiovascular prevention.
Inflation Band Targeting and Optimal Inflation Contracts
Authors: MISHKIN FREDERIC S. , WESTELIUS NIKLAS J.
Published: May 2008

In this paper we provide a theoretical treatment of how inflation target ranges cope with the time‐inconsistency problem arising from incentives for the monetary policymaker to exploit the short‐run trade‐off between employment and inflation to pursue short‐run employment objectives, as in a Barro‐Gordon (1983) model. Inflation band targets are able to achieve many of the benefits that arise under practically less attractive solutions such as the conservative central banker and optimal inflation contracts. Our theoretical model also shows how an inflation targeting range should be set and how it should respond to changes in the nature of shocks to the economy.
The New Keynesian Phillips Curve: From Sticky Inflation to Sticky Prices
Authors: ZHANG CHENGSI , OSBORN DENISE R. , KIM DONG HEON
Published: May 2008

The New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC) model of inflation dynamics based on forward‐looking expectations is of great theoretical significance in monetary policy analysis. Empirical studies, however, often find that backward‐looking inflation inertia dominates the dynamics of the short‐run aggregate supply curve. This inconsistency is examined by investigating multiple structural changes in the NKPC for the U.S. between 1960 and 2005, employing both inflation expectations survey data and a rational expectations approximation. We find that forward‐looking behavior plays a smaller role during the high and volatile inflation regime to 1981 than in the subsequent period of moderate inflation, providing empirical support for sticky price models over the last two decades. A break in the intercept of the NKPC is also identified around 2001 and this may be associated with U.S. monetary policy in that period.
Optimal Monetary Policy in a Small Open Economy with Home Bias
Authors: FAIA ESTER , MONACELLI TOMMASO
Published: May 2008

We analyze optimal monetary policy in a small open economy characterized by home bias in consumption. Peculiar to our framework is the application of a Ramsey‐type analysis to a model of the recent open‐economy New Keynesian literature. We show that home bias in consumption is a sufficient condition for inducing the monetary policymaker of an open economy to deviate from a strategy of strict markup stabilization and contemplate some (optimal) degree of exchange rate stabilization. We focus on the optimal setting of policy both in the case of firms setting prices one period in advance and in a gradual fashion subject to adjustment costs. While the first setup allows us to analytically highlight home bias as an independent source of equilibrium markup variability, the second setup allows to study the effects of future expectations on the optimal policy problem and the effect of home bias on optimal inflation volatility. The latter, in particular, is shown to be related to the degree of trade openness in a U‐shaped fashion, whereas exchange rate volatility is monotonically decreasing in openness.
Did Hayek and Robbins Deepen the Great Depression?
Authors: WHITE LAWRENCE H.
Published: May 2008

Contrary to some accounts, the Hayek–Robbins (“Austrian”) theory of the business cycle did not prescribe a monetary policy of “liquidationism” in the sense of passive indifference to sharp deflation during the early years of the Great Depression. There is no evidence that Hayek or Robbins influenced any “liquidationist” in the Hoover administration or the Federal Reserve System. Federal Reserve policy during the Great Depression was instead influenced by the real bills doctrine, which (despite some apparent similarities) was diametrically opposed in key respects to Hayek's norms for central bank policy.
Credit Card Debt and Default over the Life Cycle
Authors: LOPES PAULA
Published: May 2008

This paper solves an empirically parameterized model of life cycle consumption, which allows for uncollaterized borrowing and the possibility of default. The simulation results show that: (i) “social stigma” and credit limit have a very large impact on default rates; (ii) education level also has a significant effect on the probability of default, namely, through differences in the shape of lifetime labor income profiles; and (iii) the response of simulated default rates to labor income shocks is determined by the nature of labor income uncertainty (temporary versus permanent). Additionally, the model generates simultaneous consumer holdings of credit card debt and liquid assets.