bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical efficacy of flumetasone/salicylic acid ointment combined with 308‐nm excimer laser for treatment of psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Dong Jie , He Yanling , Zhang Xiuying , Wang Yixuan , Tian Yongjing , Wang Jie
Published: May 2012

Objective

To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of combining flumetasone ointment with 308‐nm excimer laser therapy vs. 308‐nm excimer laser monotherapy for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.

Method

Forty patients with psoriasis vulgaris were recruited; 20 were treated with flumetasone ointment plus 308‐nm excimer laser therapy, and the other 20 received only excimer laser monotherapy. The flumetasone ointment was applied topically twice a day, and laser treatments were scheduled twice weekly for a total of 10 treatments. Clinical efficacy was evaluated in a blinded manner by two independent physicians using photographs taken before and after treatment.

Results

Of the 40 patients who received and completed the entire course of therapy, the psoriasis area and severity index score was improved by 82.51 ± 11.24% and 72.01 ± 20.94% in the combination group and laser group, respectively (P > 0.05), and the average cumulative dose was 5.06 ± 2.20 j/cm2 in the combination group and 7.75 ± 2.25 j/cm2 in the laser‐only group, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The clinical data suggest that combination treatment using flumetasone ointment and a 308‐nm excimer laser is superior to laser monotherapy for treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. The combination therapy can increase effectiveness and decrease the total laser dose, thus potentially reducing side effects.
Narrowband UVB phototherapy as a novel treatment for Netherton syndrome
Authors: Kaminska Edidiong Celestine Ntuen , Ortel Bernhard , Sharma Vishakha , Stein Sarah L.
Published: May 2012

Netherton syndrome (NS) is a rare congenital ichthyosis that is characterized by impaired skin barrier function. Topical medications are cautiously used in NS since toxicity from systemic absorption is a major concern. Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy is an alternative therapeutic option that demonstrated its beneficial and practical use in a patient with NS.
Validation of skin surface microtopography as a measure of skin photoaging in a subtropical population aged 40 and over
Authors: Hughes Maria Celia , Strutton Geoffrey M. , Fourtanier Anny , Green Adèle C.
Published: May 2012

Background

Evidence suggests that skin surface microtopography is a valid measure of photoaging among young adults, but whether this applies to older adults is unknown.

Methods

We investigated the association between degree of photoaging as measured by histological dermal elastosis and skin microtopography grades by decade of age from 40 to 89 years in a community sample in Australia. Skin surface replicas and punch biopsies were taken from 664 participants of the Nambour Skin Cancer Study. The association was assessed using ordinal logistic regression with proportional odds assumption, using histological dermal elastosis grades as outcome.

Results

There was significant increase in odds of higher skin surface microtopography grades with higher dermal elastosis grades for age groups below 70 years [40 to 49 years: odds ratio (OR) 2.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.68–5.22; 50 to 59 years: OR 3.78, 95% CI 2.28–6.26; 60 to 69 years: OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.41–4.35). The association was not significant for those 70 years or older.

Conclusion

Skin surface microtopography grading system is a valid measure of degree of dermal elastosis for middle‐aged and older adults up to 69 years but appears not to be valid for adults 70 years or more living in a high sun exposure setting.
FEASIBILITY AND ACCURACY OF ULTRASOUND‐GUIDED SACROILIAC JOINT INJECTION IN DOGS
Authors: Jones Jeryl C. , Gonzalez Luis M. , Larson Martha M. , Freeman Larry E. , Werre Stephen R.
Published: May 2012

Frozen cadaver specimens from three dogs were used to create a sectional anatomic atlas of the sacroiliac region. Frozen/thawed cadaver specimens from 12 dogs were used to develop an ultrasound‐guided sacroiliac joint injection technique. Accuracy of the technique was tested in 15 additional canine cadaver specimens, using injectate containing blue dye and iodinated contrast medium. Sonoanatomic landmarks for consistently identifying a caudodorsal window into the canine sacroiliac joint space included the L7‐S1 articular process joints, ilial wing, sacral wing, sacral lamina, and median sacral crest. Accuracy of ultrasound‐guided sacroiliac joint injection was not significantly affected by operator, but was affected by the tissue location targeted and the reference standard used for calculations. Accuracy of the technique was good for placing injectate into either the synchondrosis component, dorsal sacroiliac ligament or ventral sacroiliac ligament; fair to poor for placing injectate into the synovial component; and poor for placing injectate into all four sacroiliac soft tissue structures. Concurrent placement of injectate into extraarticular tissues occurred frequently. We conclude that ultrasound‐guided sacroiliac joint injection is feasible for evaluation as a treatment method for lumbosacral region pain in dogs, but is not sufficiently accurate for localizing pain to the sacroiliac joint alone.
MAGIC ANGLE MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF DIODE LASER INDUCED AND NATURALLY OCCURRING LESIONS IN EQUINE TENDONS
Authors: Spriet Mathieu , Murphy Brian , Vallance Stuart A. , Vidal Martin A. , Whitcomb Mary Beth , Wisner Erik R.
Published: May 2012

Magic angle magnetic resonance (MR) imaging consists of imaging tendons at 55° to the magnetic field. In people, magic angle MR imaging is valuable for detection of chronic tendon lesions and allows calculation of tendon T1 values. Increased T1 values occur in people with chronic tendinopathy. The T1 values of normal equine tendons have been reported but there are no available data for abnormal equine tendons. Twelve limbs were studied. Two limbs had diode laser tendon lesions induced postmortem, four limbs had diode laser tendon lesions induced in vivo and six limbs had naturally occurring tendon lesions. The limbs were imaged at 1.5 T using both conventional MR imaging and magic angle MR imaging. The post‐mortem laser induced lesions were identified only with magic angle MR imaging. The in vivo induced lesions and naturally occurring lesions were identified with both techniques but had a different appearance with the two imaging techniques. Magic angle imaging was helpful at identifying lesions that were hypointense on conventional imaging. Increased T1 values were observed in all abnormal tendons and in several tendons with a subjectively normal MR appearance. The increased T1 value may reflect diffuse changes in the biochemical composition of tendons. Magic angle imaging has potential as a useful noninvasive tool to assess the changes of the extracellular tendon matrix using T1 values.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF FELINE NASOPHARYNGEAL POLYPS
Authors: Oliveira Cintia R. , O'Brien Robert T. , Matheson Jodi S. , Carrera Inés
Published: May 2012

The computed tomographic (CT) findings of histopathologically confirmed nasopharyngeal polyps are described in 13 cats. Most polyps were mildly hypoattenuating to adjacent muscles and isoattenuating to soft‐tissue (n= 13), homogeneous (n = 12) and with ill‐defined borders (n = 10) on precontrast images. After contrast medium administration, the polyps were homogeneous (n = 11), with well‐defined borders (n = 13), oval (n = 13), and had rim enhancement (n = 13). Nasopharyngeal polyps were pedunculated in 11 cats with a stalk‐like structure connecting the polyp through the auditory tube to an affected tympanic bulla. All cats had at least one tympanic bulla severely affected, with CT images identifying: (1) complete (n = 12) or partial (n = 1) obliteration of either the dorsal or ventral compartments with soft‐tissue attenuating material; (2) pathologic expansion (n = 13) with wall thickening (n = 10) that was asymmetric in nine cats; and (3) identification of a polyp‐associated stalk‐like structure (n = 11). Nine cats had unilateral tympanic bulla disease ipsilateral to the polyp, and four cats had bilateral tympanic bulla disease, most severe ipsilateral to the polyp with milder contralateral pathologic changes. Two cats had minimal osteolysis of the tympanic bulla. Enlargement of the medial retropharyngeal lymph node was seen commonly (n = 8), and in all cats it was ipsilateral to the most affected tympanic bulla. One cat had bilateral lymphadenopathy. CT is an excellent imaging tool for the supportive diagnosis of nasopharyngeal polyps in cats. CT findings of a well‐defined mass with strong rim enhancement, mass‐associated stalk‐like structure, and asymmetric tympanic bulla wall thickening with pathologic expansion of the tympanic bullae are highly indicative of an inflammatory polyp.
ANATOMIC VARIATIONS OF FELINE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL JUGULAR VEINS
Authors: Specchi Swan , Olive Julien , Auriemma Edoardo , Blond Laurent
Published: May 2012

We evaluated 50 feline head and neck computed tomography examinations to determine the prevalence of vascular variation in the internal and external jugular veins. We identified three distinct anatomic conformations of the internal jugular vein. No variation of external jugular vein morphology was detected. Feline patients can have different internal jugular vein morphology that should be recognized for surgical planning.
FEASIBILITY OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN AWAKE DOGS WITH TRAUMATIC PELVIC FRACTURE
Authors: Lee Kichang , Heng Hock Gan , Jeong Jimo , Naughton James F , Rohleder Jacob J
Published: May 2012

In veterinary medicine, general anesthesia or sedation is generally required to immobilize patients during computed tomography (CT) scanning. This may not be suitable in all patients because of risks of anesthesia. We evaluated the feasibility of pelvic CT examination in 14 awake animals with pelvic trauma. Physical restraint was applied by wrapping the patient in a towel and then taping to the CT table or by directly taping the patient to the CT table. The effect of patient positioning, cooperation on the CT table, preparation time for scanning, scanning time, frequency of repeat scans, image quality, and complications related to physical restraint were evaluated. Fractures were recorded and compared between radiography and CT. Ten of 14 dogs were scanned in lateral recumbency and four in sternal recumbency. All patients were cooperative with the exception of one that moved slightly during the scan. Both physical restraint methods were adequate for CT scanning. Patient preparation took less than 5 min while the scan time was typically less than 1 min. No repeat scans were required in any patient. The transverse CT image quality was good (10/14) or fair (4/14) for interpretation. When comparing the CT images to radiographs, more pelvic fractures were identified with CT than with radiography and a few patients were overdiagnosed based on radiographs. No complications or additional injuries associated with physical restraint were noticed.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF CANINE INCOMPLETE HUMERAL CONDYLE OSSIFICATION
Authors: Piola Valentina , Posch Barbara , Radke Heidi , TeLintelo Gerard , Herrtage Michael E.
Published: May 2012

Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) is characterized by an intracondylar fissure located where the intercondylar physis is present in growing dogs. Its radiologic and computed tomographic features have been described but the magnetic resonance (MR) features have not been characterized. Our purpose was to further describe the range of MRappearances of IOHC, to assess the diagnostic capability of MRrelative to radiology, and to determine whether MRis able to identify the disease before a fissure forms. Thirty‐eight elbow MRscans and radiographs, when available, were reviewed and divided into three groups. In Group 1 (affected elbows, n = 22), there was an intracondylar defect on MRwith variable appearance; the defect was not visible radiographically in 32% of the elbows. The main difference between Group 2 (nonaffected elbows, n = 6) and Group 3 (contralaterals to IOHC or to condylar fracture, without fissure, n = 10) was the appearance of the humeral condyle in short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences: all elbows in Group 2 had a homogeneous humeral condyle, whereas all but one in Group 3 were heterogeneous. One dog in Group 3 developed a complete condylar fissure 7 months after the first examination, when no evidence of an intracondylar defect had been detected. The MRappearance of IOHC is variable and a heterogeneous humeral condyle in STIR images without a clear defect may warn of the possibility for the subsequent development of a condylar fissure.
“Don’t Be Too Careful of Your Silks and Rags”: Domesticity and Race in 19th‐Century American Literature
Authors: Smith Laura
Published: May 2012

An ideal domesticity of the mid‐19th century advocated a role for white women in civilizing and defending the American family home from cultural incursions. Black (and other non‐White, non‐Anglo‐Saxon Protestant) women, omitted from dominant representations of domesticity, provided their own literary interventions to appropriate and adapt the ideology. Short scenes of mundane domestic labor show authors reworking the relationship of domesticity to race and class. Textile work such as sewing (depicted in the works of Harriet Jacobs, Harriet Wilson, Fanny Fern, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper) becomes the focal point for social change, enabling an appropriation of domesticity by individuals usually excluded. Current material culture studies investigate the interaction of human subjects and material objects in specific contexts that enact cultural meaning. Applying these studies to fictional and non‐fictional narratives reveals how authors used their lived experiences with objects to query the racial and ethnic foundations of domestic womanhood in varied narrative contexts.
From One Gulf to Another: Reading Masculinity in American Narratives of the Persian Gulf and Iraq Wars
Authors: Pitchford Jenna
Published: May 2012

Recent avenues of exploration in cultural studies reveal new possibilities for a reading of masculinity in Persian Gulf War and Iraq War narratives. There has been much debate regarding the impact of technology on the soldier’s sense of self, exploring ideas of speed, distance, and the possibilities and drawbacks raised by cyborg theory. What is yet to be fully explored, however, is how these factors have affected the trajectory of masculinity which has been thoroughly mapped through the wars of the twentieth century, and can be extended to encompass the literature of these conflicts. This article examines the ways in which masculinity is represented and challenged in Gulf War and Iraq War narratives, specifically Anthony Swofford’s Jarhead: A Marine’s Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles (2003), Tom Paine’s The Pearl of Kuwait (1997), Colby Buzzell’s My War: Killing Time in Iraq (2005) and Evan Wright’s Generation Kill (2004). It explores how the literature of these wars can be read as portraying the impact of technowar on the masculinity of soldiers in the Gulf War, and the return to the post‐Vietnam style ‘manly man’ in the later Iraq War. Crucially though, it explores how these narratives complicate such a simplified analysis and identifies the ways in which the technological circumstances of each conflict impact on representations of masculinity at both an individual and collective level.
‘Rati Viparite’: Gitagovinda and Erotic (Trans)migrations in Nineteenth Century Bengal II
Authors: Sengupta Rangeet
Published: May 2012

The paper deals with some of the translations, editions and adaptations of Gitagovinda in the latter half of the nineteenth century and the initial years of the twentieth century. Focusing on the post‐mutiny years, the paper studies these translations in the context of the shifts in colonial interactions during the British Raj and the eventual development of Indian Nationalism. The paper deals with the influential English translation of the text by Edwin Arnold (published in 1875) along with a number of Bengali translations (and reinterpretations) of the text in the Fin de siècle, which were catalyzed by Nationalist ideations of aesthetics and taste.
Psychosocial Work Environment and Prediction of Quality of Care Indicators in One Canadian Health Center
Authors: Paquet Maxime , Courcy François , Lavoie‐Tremblay Mélanie , Gagnon Serge , Maillet Stéphanie
Published: May 2012

Background

Few studies link organizational variables and outcomes to quality indicators. This approach would expose operant mechanisms by which work environment characteristics and organizational outcomes affect clinical effectiveness, safety, and quality indicators.

Question

What are the predominant psychosocial variables in the explanation of organizational outcomes and quality indicators (in this case, medication errors and length of stay)? The primary objective of this study was to link the fields of evidence‐based practice to the field of decision making, by providing an effective model of intervention to improve safety and quality.

Methods

The study involved healthcare workers (n = 243) from 13 different care units of a university affiliated health center in Canada. Data regarding the psychosocial work environment (10 work climate scales, effort/reward imbalance, and social support) was linked to organizational outcomes (absenteeism, turnover, overtime), to the nurse/patient ratio and quality indicators (medication errors and length of stay) using path analyses.

Results

The models produced in this study revealed a contribution of some psychosocial factors to quality indicators, through an indirect effect of personnel‐ or human resources‐related variables, more precisely: turnover, absenteeism, overtime, and nurse/patient ratio. Four perceptions of work environment appear to play an important part in the indirect effect on both medication errors and length of stay: apparent social support from supervisors, appreciation of the workload demands, pride in being part of one's work team, and effort/reward balance.

Conclusions

This study reveals the importance of employee perceptions of the work environment as an indirect predictor of quality of care. Working to improve these perceptions is a good investment for loyalty and attendance. In general, better personnel conditions lead to fewer medication errors and shorter length of stay.
The Presence of Overactive Bladder Wet Increased the Risk and Severity of Erectile Dysfunction in Men with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Rue-Tsuan , Chung Min-Shen , Chuang Yao-Chi , Lee Jong-Jer , Lee Wei-Chia , Chang Hsueh-Wen , Yang Kuender D. , Chancellor Michael B.
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Diabetes is a common risk factor for overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

The study evaluated the risk factors of OAB and association of OAB and ED in type 2 diabetic men.

Methods

The diagnosis of ED and OAB was based on a self-administered questionnaire containing Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and OAB symptom score (OABSS, 0–15, indicating increasing severity of symptoms), respectively.

Main Outcome Measures

The clinical variables and diabetes-associated complications, including ED, which are risk factors for OAB, were evaluated.

Results

Of 453 consecutive subjects attending outpatient diabetic clinic with a mean age of 60.6 years, 25.4%, 10.2%, 81.9%, and 28.3% reported having OAB, OAB wet, ED, and severe ED, respectively. The OABSS is inversely associated with SHIM (correlation coefficient—0.275). The patients with OAB have significantly lower SHIM score, testosterone level, and serum albumin level, have more proportion of severe ED, were older, and have longer duration of diabetes mellitus (DM). After adjustment for age and duration of DM, the presence of severe ED was associated with OAB (odds ratio [OR] = 1.58), and severe ED (OR = 2.36), SHIM score (OR = 0.92), and serum albumin level (OR = 0.24) were risk factors for OAB wet (patients with urgency incontinence, once a week or more). The OR of ED in patients with OAB or OAB wet compared with no OAB was 1.82, and 3.61, respectively. Among the OAB components, urgency incontinence has the strongest impact on ED (OR = 4.06), followed by nocturia, urgency, and frequency. About 15.1% (N = 68) without OAB and ED are younger and have shorter DM duration, lower systolic BP, and higher serum albumin level after multivariate analysis compared with patients with OAB or ED.

Conclusion

The presence of severe ED was significantly associated with OAB, especially OAB wet. The presence of OAB wet increased the risk and severity of ED.
Effects of a Water-Soluble Curcumin Protein Conjugate vs. Pure Curcumin in a Diabetic Model of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Abdel Aziz Mohamed Talaat , Motawi Tarek , Rezq Ameen , Mostafa Taymour , Fouad Hanan H. , Ahmed Hanan H. , Rashed Laila , Sabry Dina , Senbel Amira , Al-Malki A , El-Shafiey Raghda
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Curcumin is involved in erectile signaling via elevation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).

Aim

Assessment of the effects of water-soluble curcumin in erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

One hundred twenty male white albino rats were divided into: 1st and 2nd control groups with or without administration of Zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), 3rd and 4th diabetic groups with or without ZnPP, 5th diabetic group on single oral dose of pure curcumin, 6th diabetic group on pure curcumin administered daily for 12 weeks, 7th and 8th diabetic groups on single dose of water-soluble curcumin administered with or without ZnPP, 9th and 10th diabetic groups on water-soluble curcumin administered daily for 12 weeks with or without ZnPP. All curcumin dosage schedules were administered after induction of diabetes.

Main Outcome Measures

Quantitative gene expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear transcription factor-erythroid2 (Nrf2), NF-Кβ, and p38. Cavernous tissue levels of HO and NOS enzyme activities, cGMP and intracavernosal pressure (ICP).

Results

Twelve weeks after induction of diabetes, ED was confirmed by the significant decrease in ICP. There was a significant decrease in cGMP, NOS, HO enzymes, a significant decrease in eNOS, nNOS, HO-1 genes and a significant elevation of NF-Кβ, p38, iNOS genes. Administration of pure curcumin or its water-soluble conjugate led to a significant elevation in ICP, cGMP levels, a significant increase in HO-1 and NOS enzymes, a significant increase in eNOS, nNOS, HO-1, and Nrf2 genes, and a significant decrease in NF-Кβ, p38, and iNOS genes. Water-soluble curcumin showed significant superiority and more prolonged duration of action. Repeated doses regimens were superior to single dose regimen. Administration of ZnPP significantly reduced HO enzyme, cGMP, ICP/ mean arterial pressure (MAP), HO-1 genes in diabetic groups.

Conclusion

Water-soluble curcumin could enhance erectile function with more effectiveness and with more prolonged duration of action.
Effects of Chronic Vardenafil Treatment Persist After End of Treatment in Rats with Acute Arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Hotta Yuji , Ohno Risa , Kataoka Tomoya , Mikumo Mayumi , Takahata Yu , Ohno Masae , Maeda Yasuhiro , Kimura Kazunori
Published: May 2012

Introduction

In our previous study, chronic vardenafil treatment improved erectile function soon after the end of the treatment in rats with acute arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the effects of chronic vardenafil treatment persist after the end of treatment using rats with acute arteriogenic ED.

Methods

Rats were randomly divided into three groups: (i) control; (ii) ligation; and (iii) vardenafil + no treatment. Rats in the ligation and vardenafil + no treatment groups underwent ligature of the bilateral internal iliac arteries to induce acute arteriogenic ED and were subsequently treated with vehicle or vardenafil (4.0 mg/kg/day), respectively, for 3 weeks. Subsequently, all rats were kept for a further 2 weeks with no treatment. Rats in the control group underwent sham surgery.

Main Outcome Measures

Erectile function was assessed by changes in intracavernous pressure (ICP). Smooth muscle (SM)/collagen ratios in corpus cavernosum were analyzed by Masson trichrome staining. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA and protein levels in corpus cavernosum (CC) were, respectively, evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and Western blotting analysis.

Results

ICP/mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the ligation group remained significantly lower than that in control group (P < 0.01). Despite no treatment for 2 weeks, ICP/MAP in the var + no treatment group remained significantly higher than that in ligation group (P < 0.05). SM/collagen ratio in the ligation group remained significantly lower when compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The ratio in the var + no treatment group remained significantly higher when compared with the ligation group at 2 weeks after the end of treatment (P < 0.05). TGF-β1 mRNA and protein levels did not differ among the groups.

Conclusions

The effects of chronic vardenafil treatment on erectile function and penile structure persist, even after the end of treatment, in acute arteriogenic ED rats.
Flow-Evoked Vasodilation is Blunted in Penile Arteries from Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats
Authors: Schjørring Olav , Kun Attila , Flyvbjerg Allan , Kirkeby Hans Jørgen , Jensen Jørgen Bjerggaard , Simonsen Ulf
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Endothelium-derived relaxing factors such as nitric oxide (NO), prostanoids, and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) are thought to play an important role in vasodilation of penile arteries.

Aim

The present study investigated the mechanisms involved in flow- and acetylcholine-induced vasodilation in penile arteries, and whether acetylcholine- and flow-mediated vasodilation is altered in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, a model of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, it was addressed whether enhanced myogenic tone may explain impaired flow-evoked vasodilation in arteries from ZDF rats.

Methods

Penile dorsal arteries obtained from lean control and ZDF rats were suspended in a pressure myograph, and flow- and acetylcholine-evoked vasodilation was measured as changes in arterial diameter.

Main Outcome Measure

Changes in penile arterial diameter.

Results

Incubation with an inhibitor of NO synthase, asymmetric dimethyl-L-arginine (ADMA), and of cyclooxygenase, indomethacin, reduced acetylcholine but not flow-evoked vasodilation in penile arteries, while both responses were abolished by endothelial cell removal. Iberiotoxin, a blocker of large-conductance calcium-activated K+ (BKCa) channels, inhibited flow-evoked vasodilation. Flow-evoked vasodilation was reduced in arteries from ZDF rats in the absence, but not in the presence, of indomethacin plus ADMA. Elevation of intraluminal pressure increased myogenic tone, which was reduced in arteries from ZDF rats.

Conclusion

The present findings show that flow evokes endothelium-dependent EDHF-type vasodilation involving BKCa channels in penile arteries. Flow-evoked vasodilation is reduced and only of EDHF-type in penile arteries from type 2 diabetic rats suggesting modulation of this pathway may restore endothelial function and preserve erection in diabetes.
Recovery of Erectile Function After Nerve-Sparing Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy in Japanese Patients Undergoing Both Subjective and Objective Assessments
Authors: Taniguchi Hisanori , Kawa Gen , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Matsuda Tadashi
Published: May 2012

Introduction

The sexual potency rate following a radical prostatectomy can vary. In Japanese patients, sexual activity after nerve-sparing prostatectomy seems especially unfavorable. Most studies have assessed potency status subjectively using questionnaires.

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate the recovery of potency in Japanese patients after nerve-sparing laparoscopic prostatectomy (nsLRP) both subjectively and objectively.

Methods

Twenty-seven patients operated on with nsLRP (bilateral sparing in four patients, unilateral in 23 patients) were enrolled. The mean age of the patients was 60.1 years. Seventeen of 27 patients used type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors on demand at least 3 months after surgery.

Main Outcome Measures

Subjective erectile function was examined by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 and by the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) questionnaires before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Objective erectile function, with measurement of rigidity and tumescence of the penis, was evaluated by RigiScan-Plus as the erectile response to audio-visual stimulation.

Results

IIEF erectile function domain, IIEF-total, and EHS scores decreased significantly after surgery; they were almost half of pretreatment levels at 12 months after surgery. On the other hand, penile rigidity and tumescence measured by RigiScan also decreased significantly 3 months after surgery. However, these values gradually improved, and head nearly recovered at 12 months after surgery. At 12 months after surgery, recovery rates of penile rigidity and tumescence from baseline were rigidity 92.6% at tip and 96.3% at base, with tumescence of 87% at tip and 76% at base.

Conclusions

Discrepancies were found between results of subjective and objective assessments of erectile function. From an objective viewpoint, the recovery of erectile function in Japanese patients after nsLRP was not bad.
Matrigel-Based Sprouting Endothelial Cell Culture System from Mouse Corpus Cavernosum is Potentially Useful for the Study of Endothelial and Erectile Dysfunction Related to High-Glucose Exposure
Authors: Yin Guo Nan , Ryu Ji-Kan , Kwon Mi-Hye , Shin Sun Hwa , Jin Hai-Rong , Song Kang-Moon , Choi Min Ji , Kang Dong-Yeon , Kim Woo Jean , Suh Jun-Kyu
Published: May 2012

Introduction

A proper cavernous endothelial cell culture system would be advantageous for the study of the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in endothelial dysfunction and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

To establish a nonenzymatic technique, which we termed the “Matrigel-based sprouting endothelial cell culture system,” for the isolation of mouse cavernous endothelial cells (MCECs) and an in vitro model that mimics in vivo situation for diabetes-induced ED.

Methods

For primary MCEC culture, mouse cavernous tissue was implanted into Matrigel and sprouting cells from the tissue were subcultivated. To establish an in vitro model for diabetes-induced ED, the primary cultured MCECs were exposed to a normal-glucose (5 mmoL) or a high-glucose (30 mmoL) condition for 48 hours.

Main Outcome Measures

The purity of isolated cells was determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. MCECs incubated under the normal- or the high-glucose condition were used for Western blot, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) quantification, and in vitro angiogenesis assay.

Results

We could consistently isolate high-purity MCECs (about 97%) with the Matrigel-based sprouting endothelial cell culture system. MCECs were subcultured up to the fifth passage and no significant changes were noted in endothelial cell morphology or purity. The phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS and the cGMP concentration were significantly lower in MCECs exposed to high glucose than in those exposed to normal glucose. MCECs exposed to the normal-glucose condition formed well-organized capillary-like structures, whereas derangements in tube formation were noted in MCECs exposed to high glucose. The protein expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and phospho-Smad2 was significantly increased by exposure to high glucose.

Conclusion

The Matrigel-based sprouting endothelial cell culture system is a simple, technically feasible, and reproducible technique for isolating pure cavernous endothelial cells in mice. An in vitro model for diabetic ED will be a valuable tool for evaluating the angiogenic potential of novel endogenous or synthetic modulators.
Effects of Intravenous Injection of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Radiation Therapy-Induced Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Qiu Xuefeng , Villalta Jacqueline , Ferretti Ludovic , Fandel Thomas M. , Albersen Maarten , Lin Guiting , Dai Yutian , Lue Tom F. , Lin Ching-Shwun
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer is frequently associated with posttreatment erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

To investigate whether injection of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can ameliorate RT-associated ED.

Methods

Thirty male rats were divided into three groups. The control + phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group received tail-vein injection of PBS. The radiation + PBS group received radiation over the prostate and tail-vein injection of PBS. The radiation + ADSC group received radiation over the prostate and tail-vein injection of ADSCs, which were labeled with 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU). Seventeen weeks later, erectile function was evaluated by intracavernous pressure (ICP) in response to electrostimulation of cavernous nerves (CNs). Penile tissue and major pelvic ganglia (MPG) were examined by immunofluorescence (IF) and EdU staining.

Main Outcome Measures

Erectile function was measured by ICP. Protein expression was examined by IF, followed by image analysis and quantification.

Results

Radiation over the prostate caused a significant decrease in erectile function and in the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in penis and MPG. Cavernous smooth muscle (CSM) but not endothelial content was also reduced. Injection of ADSCs significantly restored erectile function, nNOS expression, and CSM content in the irradiated rats. EdU-positive cells were visible in MPG.

Conclusions

Radiation appears to cause ED via CN injury. ADSC injection can restore erectile function via CN regeneration.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Eye Movements in Assessing Pedophilia
Authors: Fromberger Peter , Jordan Kirsten , Steinkrauss Henrike , von Herder Jakob , Witzel Joachim , Stolpmann Georg , Kröner-Herwig Birgit , Müller Jürgen Leo
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Given that recurrent sexual interest in prepubescent children is one of the strongest single predictors for pedosexual offense recidivism, valid and reliable diagnosis of pedophilia is of particular importance. Nevertheless, current assessment methods still fail to fulfill psychometric quality criteria.

Aims

The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of eye-movement parameters in regard to pedophilic sexual preferences.

Method

Eye movements were measured while 22 pedophiles (according to ICD-10 F65.4 diagnosis), 8 non-pedophilic forensic controls, and 52 healthy controls simultaneously viewed the picture of a child and the picture of an adult. Fixation latency was assessed as a parameter for automatic attentional processes and relative fixation time to account for controlled attentional processes.

Main Outcome Measures

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, which are based on calculated age-preference indices, were carried out to determine the classifier performance. Cross-validation using the leave-one-out method was used to test the validity of classifiers.

Results

Pedophiles showed significantly shorter fixation latencies and significantly longer relative fixation times for child stimuli than either of the control groups. Classifier performance analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.902 for fixation latency and an AUC = 0.828 for relative fixation time. The eye-tracking method based on fixation latency discriminated between pedophiles and non-pedophiles with a sensitivity of 86.4% and a specificity of 90.0%. Cross-validation demonstrated good validity of eye-movement parameters.

Conclusions

Despite some methodological limitations, measuring eye movements seems to be a promising approach to assess deviant pedophilic interests. Eye movements, which represent automatic attentional processes, demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy.
Simultaneous constraints on bias, normalization and growth index through power spectrum measurements
Authors: Di Porto Cinzia , Amendola Luca , Branchini Enzo
Published: May 2012

In this Letter, we point out that redshift surveys can break the degeneracy between the galaxy bias, the power spectrum normalization, σ8, 0, and the growth factor, without the need for external information by using a simple and rather general parametrization for the growth rate, the well-known γ parametrization and measuring the power spectrum at least at two different redshifts. We find that in next-generation surveys like Euclid, σ8, 0 and γ can be measured to within 1 and 5 per cent, respectively, while the bias b(z) can be measured to within 1–2 per cent in each of 14 equal-width redshift bins spanning 0.7 ≤z≤ 2.
Routine hearing screening in primary care for adult populations using Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions testing
Authors: Patterson Beverly M. , Renaud Michelle
Published: May 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed hearing loss in adults in two busy primary care rural health centers.

Data sources: Using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing, participants were screened for hearing loss by trained personnel. Participants were those who presented to the primary care provider with complaints other than hearing loss or ear problems.

Conclusion: Of the 86 participants, 48.8% were found to have failed OAE testing, indicating some type of undiagnosed hearing loss. The average age of the participants was 49.27 years, yet nearly half had hearing loss. This finding makes hearing screening in the adult population, other than the elderly, an important issue.

Implications for practice: Hearing loss affects over 40% of the adult population. Undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss can be associated with depression, decreased social activities, and low self‐esteem. The project identified the need for routine hearing screening and thus may become the foundation for the development and implementation of a hearing‐screening program for primary care. The primary care nurse practitioner needs to incorporate hearing screening into the exam for early identification and for proper referral.
Analogical Cognition: Applications in Epistemology and the Philosophy of Mind and Language
Authors: Bach Theodore
Published: May 2012

Analogical cognition refers to the ability to detect, process, and learn from relational similarities. The study of analogical and similarity cognition is widely considered one of the ‘success stories’ of cognitive science, exhibiting convergence across many disciplines on foundational questions. Given the centrality of analogy to mind and knowledge, it would benefit philosophers investigating topics in epistemology and the philosophies of mind and language to become familiar with empirical models of analogical cognition. The goal of this essay is to describe recent empirical work on analogical cognition as well as model applications to philosophical topics. Topics to be discussed include the epistemological distinction between implicit knowledge and explicit knowledge, the debate between empiricists and nativists, the frame problem, expertise, creativity and autism, cognitive architecture, and relational knowledge. Particular attention is given to Dedre Gentner and colleague’s structure‐mapping theory – the most developed and widely accepted model of analogical cognition.
Democracy in Confucianism
Authors: Tan Sor‐hoon
Published: May 2012

Confucianism’s long historical association with despotism has cast doubts on its compatibility with democracy, and raise questions about its relevance in contemporary societies increasingly dominated by democratic aspirations. “Confucian democracy” has been described as a “contradiction in terms” and Asian politicians have appropriated Confucianism to justify resistance to liberalization and democratization. There has been a lively debate over the question of whether democracy can be found in Confucianism, from ancient texts such as the Analects and Mencius, to Confucian institutions such as those recommended by Song dynasty Huang Zongxi. Philosophers have examined similarities and differences between Western ideas, such as autonomy, liberty, and rights, that are central to democratic theories on the one hand and Confucian ideas of virtue, ren (humaneness), yi (appropriateness), li (rite), zhi (wisdom), exemplary person and authority. Scholars have studied the biographical accounts of prominent Confucians to understand the Confucian ideal person and society. Works arguing that there are elements of democracy in Confucianism, or that some Confucian ideas could provide the basis for a contemporary Confucian democracy, differ in the kind of democracy they choose as models. Liberal democracy was the model of earlier works; with increasing criticisms of liberal democracy in the past decades, a growing number of works arguing for Confucian democracy seek alternatives to liberal democracies, many proposing some kind of communitarian democracy as having affinity with the Confucian philosophical orientation. Besides conceptions of democracy that view it in terms of political systems, Dewey’s conception of democracy as the idea of community and primarily a moral ideal has also inspired attempts to reconstruct Confucian democracy.
Child Nutritional Status by Rural/Urban Residence: A Cross‐National Analysis
Authors: Fox Kiira , Heaton Tim B.
Published: May 2012

Purpose: Rural children in developing countries have poor health outcomes in comparison with urban children. This paper considers 4 questions regarding the rural/urban difference, namely: (1) do individual‐level characteristics account for rural/urban differences in child nutritional status; (2) do community‐level characteristics account for rural/urban differences net of individual‐level characteristics; (3) does type of residence alter the influence of individual characteristics; and (4) does the rural/urban difference vary across national contexts?

Method: Analysis is based on Demographic and Health Survey data from 35 developing countries. Multilevel regression is used to examine rural/urban differences in nutritional status net of individual, community and national determinants of health status.

Findings: Rural children have a substantially higher risk of poor nutrition. Much of this disadvantage is because of socioeconomic disadvantage, reproductive norms favoring early and more rapid childbearing, and lack of access to modern medicine. Rural residence also structures the nature of the relationships between socioeconomic status, access to medical care, and nutrition. Finally, the rural/urban gap declines as countries develop.

Conclusion: Rural/urban differences in child nutritional status are substantial, and some—but not all—of the differences are attributable to socioeconomic status, access to medical care, and reproductive norms.
Exploring the birth and death of black holes and other creatures
Authors: Márka Szabolcs
Published: May 2012

Astronomers and physicists of diverse interest are teaming up to study enigmatic cosmic phenomena, such as the life cycle of black holes. A “disruptive innovation” is about to emerge during the next decade: Advanced gravitational‐wave observatories. The emergence of gravitational‐wave physics as a viable observational channel is expected to improve our understanding of the Universe in unprecedented and plausibly unexpected ways, and to enhance the capabilities of the astrophysics community. Detecting cosmic counterparts to gravitational‐wave events would revolutionize our understanding of violent astrophysical processes, such as the birth and death of black holes and neutron stars. Although the vanguard of joint observational work with electromagnetic observatories has already rewarded us with a glimpse of the power of gravitational‐wave astronomy, the most interesting science is yet to come. Many sources of gravitational‐waves are expected to be observable through a broad set of messengers, including γ‐rays, X‐rays, optical, radio, and neutrino emission. Multimessenger investigations may be crucial for the first detection of gravitational‐waves, and could provide the broadest scientific impact afterwards. This paper outlines some exciting aspects of transient multimessenger astronomy with gravitational‐waves and highlights open questions that might be resolvable by Advanced or third generation gravitational‐wave detector networks. In addition, we will use examples from current research to illustrate that the toolkit of fundamental research can enrich other fields, and that synergistic science can expand horizons here on Earth.
LDL‐cholesterol versus HDL‐cholesterol in the atherosclerotic plaque: inflammatory resolution versus thrombotic chaos
Authors: Badimon Lina , Vilahur Gemma
Published: May 2012

Atherosclerosis is a complex disease in which many processes contribute to lesion development. Yet, it is well accepted that high serum levels of low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) play a main role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Despite currently available optimal LDL‐lowering therapies, a worrisome number of clinical events still occur. The protective effect of high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) in atherosclerosis, either by suppressing vascular‐LDL accumulation, inflammation, oxidation, endothelial damage, and thrombosis, has supported the need of the use of HDL‐raising therapies to address this residual risk. Results obtained in some studies, however, have shown that HDL quality, rather than quantity, should be the target of future pharmacological therapies. Here, we will first explore the mechanism by which excess LDL is fundamental in the development of atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications, behaving as a factor that introduces chaos in the vascular wall. Afterwards, we will explore how functional HDL, through various cellular and molecular mechanisms, facilitates the resolution of this vascular chaos by suppression of atherosclerosis progression and induction of regression.
Energy metabolism plasticity enables stemness programs
Authors: Folmes Clifford D.L. , Nelson Timothy J. , Dzeja Petras P. , Terzic Andre
Published: May 2012

Engineering pluripotency through nuclear reprogramming and directing stem cells into defined lineages underscores cell fate plasticity. Acquisition of and departure from stemness are governed by genetic and epigenetic controllers, with modulation of energy metabolism and associated signaling increasingly implicated in cell identity determination. Transition from oxidative metabolism, typical of somatic tissues, into glycolysis is a prerequisite to fuel‐proficient reprogramming, directing a differentiated cytotype back to the pluripotent state. The glycolytic metabotype supports the anabolic and catabolic requirements of pluripotent cell homeostasis. Conversely, redirection of pluripotency into defined lineages requires mitochondrial biogenesis and maturation of efficient oxidative energy generation and distribution networks to match demands. The vital function of bioenergetics in regulating stemness and lineage specification implicates a broader role for metabolic reprogramming in cell fate decisions and determinations of tissue regenerative potential.