bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
¿Una reestructuración empresarial con sensibilidad social? Evolución en Alemania, Francia e Italia
Authors: BONI Guido
Published: June 2009

Los veloces cambios que impulsa la globalización exigen a las empresas reestructuraciones frecuentes con elfin de mantener su competitividad. Para reducir lo más posible las pérdidas de empleos consiguientes, los agentes sociales han concebido varios mecanismos de flexibilidady descentralización que no trastornan los sistemas tradicionales de negociación colectiva nacional. El autor analiza las cláusulas exceptivas de los convenios alemanes de sector, los acuerdos de exención de las empresas francesas y sus negociaciones obligatorias sobre los puestos de trabajo previsibles, así como los convenios tripartitos «territoriales» de Italia. Propugna un marco supranacional para atender debidamente estos problemas sociolaborales en toda Europa.
Cambio tecnológico y disparidad de ingresos en Europa
Authors: PERUGINI Cristiano , POMPEI Fabrizio
Published: June 2009

Los autores exponen datos empíricos que confirman la relación del cambio tecnológico con la desigualdad general de ingresos reinante en catorce países de la Unión Europea. Primero someten a prueba, en varios sectores con densidades de tecnología diversas, la hipótesis de que los avances tecnológicos están sesgados a favor del trabajo cualificado, y comprueban que elprogreso tecnológico es complementario de la cualificación profesional. Acto seguido analizan laposible influencia de la evolución de la demanda sectorial de recursos humanos cualificados en la desigualdad de ingresos. En cinco de los ocho sectores estudiados aparece una relación no lineal entre el cambio tecnológico sesgado y la disparidad de ingresos que dibuja una curva en forma de «U» invertida. Ello se debe probablemente al desfase que se registra entre una variación de la demanda defuerza de trabajo y el ajuste consecutivo de la oferta.
La negociación colectiva transnacional y la necesidad de una norma de la Unión Europea
Authors: Ales Edoardo
Published: June 2009

La negociación colectiva intersectorial, sectorial y de empresa viene adquiriendo una dimensión transnacional europea desde mediados de los años noventa. Fomentadas alprincipiopor las instituciones de la Unión Europea, estas variantes de la negociación colectiva se han desarrollado después de manera autónoma. Es difícil saber al día de hoy qué efectos concretos va a tener dicho proceso, si es que los tiene, en las condiciones de trabajo individuales. Fundándose en un informe presentado a la Comisión Europea en 2005, el autor defiende que el asunto sea objeto de una norma comunitaria — un reglamento del Consejo con arreglo a los títulos del Tratado de la Unión Europea dedicados a la política social y la cohesión socioeconómica — para dotar así a la negociación colectiva transnacional de un marco optativo de desenvolvimiento.
Treatment of schizoaffective disorder – a challenge for evidence‐based psychiatry
Authors: Jäger M. , Becker T. , Weinmann S. , Frasch K.
Published: June 2009

Objective:  Schizoaffective disorder is a common diagnosis in mental health services. The aim of the present article was to review treatment studies for schizoaffective disorder and draw conclusions for clinical decision making.

Method:  We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Library for relevant clinical trials and review articles up to the year 2008.

Results:  Thirty‐three studies using standardized diagnostic criteria, 14 of which were randomized controlled trials, could be identified. The comparability of studies is limited by the use of different diagnostic criteria. The studies reviewed do not permit consistent recommendations as to whether schizoaffective disorder should be treated primarily with antipsychotics, mood stabilizers or combinations of these drugs. The relevance of diverse subtypes of schizoaffective disorder for treatment recommendations is unclear.

Conclusion:  The pertinent empirical database is small and heterogeneous. The lack of conclusive recommendations is related to issues of nosological status, plurality of diagnostic criteria and validity of the concept of schizoaffective disorder.
Subjective quality of life aspects predict depressive symptoms over time: results from a three‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Kuehner C. , Huffziger S.
Published: June 2009

Objective:  Little is known about predictive effects of quality of life aspects on the course of depressive symptoms in clinical and non‐clinical settings. This study examines longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and subjective quality of life (QOL) dimensions using a parallel sample of depressed patients and community controls.

Method:  Eighty‐two depressed patients were investigated 1, 6, and 42 months after hospital discharge together with 76 community controls regarding depressive symptoms measured by Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and QOL (WHOQOL‐BREF). Data analysis included time‐lagged linear models.

Results:  Physical, psychological, environmental and overall QOL, controlled for depressive symptoms, predicted future depression levels. Group status did not moderate these associations. Depressive symptoms predicted future QOL levels only regarding social relations.

Conclusion:  Our study suggests that subjective QOL domains have prognostic value for the course of depressive symptoms over time, both in patient and community samples. Respective self‐perceptions should therefore be directly addressed by therapeutic and preventive interventions.
Effect of smoking on concentrations of receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B ligand and osteoprotegerin in human gingival crevicular fluid
Authors: Tang Teck H. , Fitzsimmons Tracy R. , Bartold P. Mark
Published: June 2009

Aim: To compare the levels of the soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B ligand (sRANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and their relative ratio in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) among periodontitis patients with varying smoking histories.

Material and Methods: GCF samples were collected from 149 periodontitis patients who were never smokers (n=58), former smokers (n=39) and current smokers (n=52). sRANKL and OPG concentrations in GCF were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results: sRANKL, OPG and their relative ratio were not statistically significant among the never smokers, former smokers and current smokers. However, OPG was significantly reduced and subsequently the sRANKL:OPG ratio was significantly increased in the high pack‐years group as compared with never smokers. The positive correlation between pack‐years and the sRANKL:OPG ratio remained statistically significant after adjusting for age and current smoking status.

Conclusion: Increased lifetime exposure to cigarette smoking above a minimum threshold suppresses OPG production and leads to increased sRANKL:OPG. This may partially explain increased bone loss in smoking‐related periodontitis.
Differences in species richness and life‐history traits between grazed and abandoned grasslands in southern Sweden
Authors: Dupré Cecilia , Diekmann Martin
Published: June 2009

Disturbance has profound effects on plant community composition. This paper deals with the influence of grazing on species richness and proportions of life‐history attributes of grassland vegetation at six spatial scales (0.001‐1000 m2) in two provinces of southern Sweden. The study comprised 33 dry grassland sites, including 22 grazed and 11 abandoned localities, and 28 sites of coastal brackish meadows, divided into five management types (from “heavily grazed” to “abandoned since long time”).

In general grazed sites were species‐richer than abandoned sites, especially at small plot sizes. However, there was a steeper increase in species number towards larger plot sizes in the abandoned sites. Heavy grazing in the coastal meadows resulted in a comparatively low number of species, corroborating the intermediate disturbance hypothesis.

The analysis of life‐history traits indicated the importance of taxonomic group, canopy structure, height, regenerative strategy and, in particular, life form. Leaf anatomy and seed dispersal seemed to be less important. The responses to grazing as regards species traits differed somewhat between grassland types. Grazed sites generally had high proportions of legumes, therophytes, species with basal position of leaves and with regeneration by means of a persistent seed bank. Abandonment of grazing favoured monocots, geophytes, species with vegetative regeneration and (partly) leafy canopy structure. Some differences between grazed and abandoned sites were confined to either the smallest or largest plot sizes, indicating different responses of matrix and interstitial species. Various positive associations (attribute syndromes) or negative associations between individual traits were identified. There was, for example, a positive link between the attributes “geophytes” and “ability of vegetative regeneration”. The recognition of such links is important to avoid misinterpreting certain attributes as functional adaptations to grazing while they are only positively correlated to other attributes of larger significance.
BIOMOD – a platform for ensemble forecasting of species distributions
Authors: Thuiller Wilfried , Lafourcade Bruno , Engler Robin , Araújo Miguel B.
Published: June 2009

BIOMOD is a computer platform for ensemble forecasting of species distributions, enabling the treatment of a range of methodological uncertainties in models and the examination of species‐environment relationships. BIOMOD includes the ability to model species distributions with several techniques, test models with a wide range of approaches, project species distributions into different environmental conditions (e.g. climate or land use change scenarios) and dispersal functions. It allows assessing species temporal turnover, plot species response curves, and test the strength of species interactions with predictor variables. BIOMOD is implemented in R and is a freeware, open source, package.
Foraging animals create fertile patches in an Australian desert shrubland
Authors: James Alex I. , Eldridge David J. , Hill Brydie M.
Published: June 2009

Fertile patches are created and maintained by a combination of physical and biologically‐mediated processes including soil disturbance by animals. We examined the creation of fertile patches by 4 vertebrates, the greater bilbyMacrotis lagotis, burrowing bettongBettongia lesueur, European rabbitOryctolagus cuniculus, and Gould's sand goannaVaranus gouldiiwithin dunes, ecotones, and swales in a dunefield in arid South Australia. These animals all create pits when foraging for subterranean food resources. We hypothesized that 1) the effect of pits on litter capture would vary among landscapes and animal species, 2) larger pits would trap more litter and seed, 3) pits would contain more viable seed than the surrounding matrix, and 4) the effect of pits on soil chemistry would vary among animal species, and be greater in landscapes with more finely textured soils. We found that litter was restricted almost exclusively to the pits, and was greater in pits with larger openings. Litter capture was greater in ecotones and dunes than in swales. A total of 1307 seedlings from 46 genera germinated from litter samples taken from the pits, but no seedlings emerged from samples taken from soil surrounding the pits. Foraging pits contained significantly higher levels of total C and N than surrounding soil, and total C and N concentrations were greatest in swales and lowest in dunes. Pits contained ca 55% more mineralisable N that surface soils, and pits constructed by bilbies and bettongs contained half the concentration of mineralisable N as those of rabbits and goannas. Concentrations of mineral N and mineralisable N were also greatest in the swales. Our results demonstrate the importance of animal‐created pits as nutrient sinks and sites for seedling establishment, and suggest that changes in the composition of arid zone vertebrates may have resulted in profound changes to nutrient and soil dynamics in arid Australia.
Wetland type differentially affects ectoparasitic mites and their damselfly hosts
Authors: James Joanna A. , Bert Daniel G. , Forbes Mark R.
Published: June 2009

The effect of artificial habitat in altered landscapes on species interactions and their suite of enemies is largely unknown. Water mites have been associated with reduced fitness of model damselflies. Mite parasitism was variable, but higher for Ischnura verticalis damselflies from natural, than from artificial, wetlands in the same region. There were no differences in timing of sampling, temperature during sampling, or host age or sex composition of samples between wetland types. Landscape structure might constrain mite presence or abundance at wetland sites or wetland type might be a better predictor of mites, based on factors such as prey abundance. Fewer mites on damselflies from numerous artificial wetlands means that the strength of parasite‐mediated selection is likely less than would be inferred if only natural wetlands were surveyed. Such effects of human changes in habitats on host species probably occur often.
Environmental variation and moose Alces alces density as determinants of spatio‐temporal heterogeneity in browsing
Authors: Månsson Johan
Published: June 2009

Understanding temporal variation in habitat selection and browsing intensity by large herbivores is fundamental because of their large impact on the ecosystems. I studied the annual variation in winter browsing pressure on young trees and habitat selection by moose Alces alces over a ten year period. Specifically, the relationships between browsing pressure on Scots pine Pinus sylvestris and two birch species (Betula ssp.) and three explanatory variables – 1) availability of forage, 2) moose density (estimated by pellet group counts) and 3) snow cover was studied. At a larger spatial scale (forest stand level) the relationship between moose habitat selection between three different habitat types (forest <30 yr, forest>30 yr and mire) and two explanatory variables, 1) snow condition and 2) moose density, were studied. Browsing pressure on Scots pine, the dominating food plant, was related to forage availability, moose density and snow condition. No significant relationships between any of the three explanatory variables and browsing pressure on the two birch species were found. Moose selection for certain habitats varied between years and was affected by number of days with >0.10 m of snow.

Habitat selection was not significantly related to moose density and the relationship between overall moose density and habitat specific moose densities was proportional within the studied density range. These findings have implications for understanding varying browsing patterns – and will affect both the ability to predict herbivores’ effect on the forest ecosystem. A snow dependent browsing pattern also indicates that one can expect a long term decrease in browsing pressure on the tree and shrub layer as a consequence of the ongoing large‐scale climate change.
Mannose‐binding lectin and innate immunity
Authors: Eddie Ip W. K. , Takahashi Kazue , Alan Ezekowitz R. , Stuart Lynda M.
Published: June 2009

Summary:  Innate immunity is the earliest response to invading microbes and acts to contain infection in the first minutes to hours of challenge. Unlike adaptive immunity that relies upon clonal expansion of cells that emerge days after antigenic challenge, the innate immune response is immediate. Soluble mediators, including complement components and the mannose binding lectin (MBL) make an important contribution to innate immune protection and work along with epithelial barriers, cellular defenses such as phagocytosis, and pattern‐recognition receptors that trigger pro‐inflammatory signaling cascades. These four aspects of the innate immune system act in concert to protect from pathogen invasion. Our work has focused on understanding the protection provided by this complex defense system and, as discussed in this review, the particular contribution of soluble mediators such as MBL and phagocytic cells. Over the past two decades both human epidemiological data and mouse models have indicated that MBL plays a critical role in innate immune protection against a number of pathogens. As demonstrated by our recent in vitro work, we show that MBL and the innate immune signaling triggered by the canonical pattern‐recognition receptors (PRRs), the Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), are linked by their spatial localization to the phagosome. These observations demonstrated a novel role for MBL as a TLR co‐receptor and establishes a new paradigm for the role of opsonins, which we propose to function not only to increase microbial uptake but also to spatially coordinate, amplify, and synchronize innate immune defenses mechanism. In this review we discuss both the attributes of MBL that make it a unique soluble pattern recognition molecule and also highlight its broader role in coordinating innate immune activation.
Galectins in innate immunity: dual functions of host soluble β‐galactoside‐binding lectins as damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and as receptors for pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)
Authors: Sato Sachiko , St‐Pierre Christian , Bhaumik Pampa , Nieminen Julie
Published: June 2009

Summary:  The glycocalyx is a glycan layer found on the surfaces of host cells as well as microorganisms and enveloped virus. Its thickness may easily exceed 50 nm. The glycocalyx does not only serve as a physical protective barrier but also contains various structurally different glycans, which provide cell‐ or microorganism‐specific ‘glycoinformation’. This information is decoded by host glycan‐binding proteins, lectins. The roles of lectins in innate immunity are well established, as exemplified by collectins, dectin‐1, and dendritic cell (DC)‐specific intracellular adhesion molecule‐3‐grabbing non‐integrin (DC‐SIGN). These mammalian lectins are synthesized in the secretory pathway and presented on the cell surface to bind to specific glycan ‘epitopes’. As they recognize non‐self glycans presented by microorganisms, they can be considered as receptors for pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), i.e. pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). One notable exception is the galectin family. Galectins are synthesized and stored in the cytoplasm, but upon infection‐initiated tissue damage and/or following prolonged infection, cytosolic galectins are either passively released by dying cells or actively secreted by inflammatory activated cells through a non‐classical pathway, the ‘leaderless’ secretory pathway. Once exported, galectins act as PRR, as well as immunomodulators (or cytokine‐like modulators) in the innate response to some infectious diseases. As galectins are dominantly found in the lesions where pathogen‐initiated tissue damage signals appear, this lectin family is also considered as potential damage‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP) candidates that orchestrate innate immune responses alongside the PAMP system.
Regulation of Notch signaling during T‐ and B‐cell development by O‐fucose glycans
Authors: Stanley Pamela , Guidos Cynthia J.
Published: June 2009

Summary:  Notch signaling is required for the development of all T cells and marginal zone (MZ) B cells. Specific roles in T‐ and B‐cell differentiation have been identified for different Notch receptors, the canonical Delta‐like (Dll) and Jagged (Jag) Notch ligands, and downstream effectors of Notch signaling. Notch receptors and ligands are post‐translationally modified by the addition of glycans to extracellular domain epidermal growth factor‐like (EGF) repeats. The O‐fucose glycans of Notch cell‐autonomously modulate Notch–ligand interactions and the strength of Notch signaling. These glycans are initiated by protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1 (Pofut1), and elongated by the transfer of N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) to the fucose by β1,3GlcNAc‐transferases termed lunatic, manic, or radical fringe. This review discusses T‐ and B‐cell development from progenitors deficient in O‐fucose glycans. The combined data show that Lfng and Mfng regulate T‐cell development by enhancing the interactions of Notch1 in T‐cell progenitors with Dll4 on thymic epithelial cells. In the spleen, Lfng and Mfng cooperate to modify Notch2 in MZ B progenitors, enhancing their interaction with Dll1 on endothelial cells and regulating MZ B‐cell production. Removal of O‐fucose affects Notch signaling in myelopoiesis and lymphopoiesis, and the O‐fucose glycan in the Notch1 ligand‐binding domain is required for optimal T‐cell development.
The regulation of inflammation by galectin‐3
Authors: Henderson Neil C. , Sethi Tariq
Published: June 2009

Summary:  Galectin‐3 is a β‐galactoside‐binding animal lectin of appro‐ ximately 30 kDa and is evolutionarily highly conserved. Galectin‐3 is promiscuous, its localization within the tissue micro‐environment may be extracellular, cytoplasmic, or nuclear, and it has a concentration‐dependent ability to be monomeric or form oligomers. These properties impart great flexibility on galectin‐3 as a specific regulator of many biological systems including inflammation. For example, in acute tissue damage galectin‐3 is a key component in the host defense against microbes such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, if tissue injury becomes repetitive galectin‐3 also appears to be intimately involved in the transition to chronic inflammation, facilitating the walling off of tissue injury with fibrogenesis and organ scarring. Therefore galectin‐3 can be viewed as a regulatory molecule acting at various stages along the continuum from acute inflammation to chronic inflammation and tissue fibrogenesis. In this review, we examine the role of galectin‐3 in inflammation, and discuss the manipulation of galectin‐3 expression as a potentially novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of a broad range of inflammatory diseases.
Glycosylation in immune cell trafficking
Authors: Sperandio Markus , Gleissner Christian A. , Ley Klaus
Published: June 2009

Summary:  Leukocyte recruitment encompasses cell adhesion and activation steps that enable circulating leukocytes to roll, arrest, and firmly adhere on the endothelial surface before they extravasate into distinct tissue locations. This complex sequence of events relies on adhesive interactions between surface structures on leukocytes and endothelial cells and also on signals generated during the cell–cell contacts. Cell surface glycans play a crucial role in leukocyte recruitment. Several glycosyltransferases such as α1,3 fucosyltransferases, α2,3 sialyltransferases, core 2 N‐acetylglucosaminlytransferases, β1,4 galactosyltransferases, and polypeptide N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferases have been implicated in the generation of functional selectin ligands that mediate leukocyte rolling via binding to selectins. Recent evidence also suggests a role of α2,3 sialylated carbohydrate determinants in triggering chemokine‐mediated leukocyte arrest and influencing β1 integrin function. The recent discovery of galectin‐ and siglec‐dependent processes further emphasizes the significant role of glycans for the successful recruitment of leukocytes into tissues. Advancing the knowledge on glycan function into appropriate pathology models is likely to suggest interesting new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of immune‐ and inflammation‐mediated diseases.
Galectin‐3 regulates T‐cell functions
Authors: Hsu Daniel K. , Chen Huan‐Yuan , Liu Fu‐Tong
Published: June 2009

Summary:  Galectin‐3 is absent in resting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells but is inducible by various stimuli. These include viral transactivating factors, T‐cell receptor (TCR) ligation, and calcium ionophores. In addition, galectin‐3 is constitutively expressed in human regulatory T cells and CD4+ memory T cells. Galectin‐3 exerts extracellular functions because of its lectin activity and recognition of cell surface and extracellular matrix glycans. These include cell activation, adhesion, induction of apoptosis, and formation of lattices with cell surface glycoprotein receptors. Formation of lattices can result in restriction of receptor mobility and cause attenuation of receptor functions. Consistent with the presence of galectin‐3 in intracellular locations, several functions have been described for this protein inside T cells. These include inhibition of apoptosis, promotion of cell growth, and regulation of TCR signal transduction. Studies of cell surface glycosylation have led to convergence of glycobiology and galectin biology and provided new clues on how galectin‐3 may participate in the regulation of cell surface receptor activities. The rapid expansion of the field of galectin research has positioned galectin‐3 as a key regulator in T‐cell functions.
Carbohydrate specificity of the recognition of diverse glycolipids by natural killer T cells
Authors: Zajonc Dirk M. , Kronenberg Mitchell
Published: June 2009

Summary:  Most T lymphocytes recognize peptide antigens bound to or presented by molecules encoded in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The CD1 family of antigen‐presenting molecules is related to the MHC‐encoded molecules, but CD1 proteins present lipid antigens, mostly glycolipids. Here we review T‐lymphocyte recognition of glycolipids, with particular emphasis on the subpopulation known as natural killer T (NKT) cells. NKT cells influence many immune responses, they have a T‐cell antigen receptor (TCR) that is restricted in diversity, and they share properties with cells of the innate immune system. NKT cells recognize antigens presented by CD1d with hexose sugars in α‐linkage to lipids, although other, related antigens are known. The hydrophobic alkyl chains are buried in the CD1d groove, with the carbohydrate exposed for TCR recognition, together with the surface of the CD1d molecule. Therefore, understanding the biochemical basis for antigen recognition by NKT cells requires an understanding of how the trimolecular complex of CD1d, glycolipid, and the TCR is formed, which is in part a problem of carbohydrate recognition by the TCR. Recent investigations from our laboratories as well as studies from other groups have provided important information on the structural basis for NKT‐cell specificity.
Psychometric properties of the Swedish PedsQL, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 generic core scales
Authors: Petersen Solveig , Hägglöf Bruno , Stenlund Hans , Bergström Erik
Published: June 2009

Aim:  To study the psychometric performance of the Swedish version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 generic core scales in a general child population in Sweden.

Methods:  PedsQL forms were distributed to 2403 schoolchildren and 888 parents in two different school settings. Reliability and validity was studied for self‐reports and proxy reports, full forms and short forms. Confirmatory factor analysis tested the factor structure and multigroup confirmatory factor analysis tested measurement invariance between boys and girls.

Results:  Test‐retest reliability was demonstrated for all scales and internal consistency reliability was shown with α value exceeding 0.70 for all scales but one (self‐report short form: social functioning). Child‐parent agreement was low to moderate. The four‐factor structure of the PedsQL and factorial invariance across sex subgroups were confirmed for the self‐report forms and for the proxy short form, while model fit indices suggested improvement of several proxy full‐form scales.

Conclusion:  The Swedish PedsQL 4.0 generic core scales are a reliable and valid tool for health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment in Swedish child populations. The proxy full form, however, should be used with caution. The study also support continued use of the PedsQL as a four‐factor model, capable of revealing meaningful HRQoL differences between boys and girls.
Canadian Male Sexual Health Council Survey to Assess Prevalence and Treatment of Premature Ejaculation in Canada
Authors: Brock Gerald B. , Bénard Francois , Casey Richard , Elliott Stacy L. , Gajewski Jerzy B. , Lee Jay C.
Published: June 2009

Introduction

This study evaluated the prevalence of complaints of premature ejaculation (PE) among a cross-sectional sample of Canadian males and their partners.

Aim

It sought to quantify measures of behavior and attitudes as they relate to PE. It evaluated the level of patient knowledge, physician engagement, and patient satisfaction with treatment options for PE, a common sexual complaint. It also explored the patient and partner-reported impacts on quality of life and well-being.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measure for the study was the statistical analysis of data on different facets of PE and associated factors from a comprehensive population-based survey conducted in Canada.

Methods

A web-based survey was carried out among adults in Canada (phase 1, N = 3,816) followed by a focused telephone interview in phase 2 for those who met the criteria for PE (phase 2, N = 1,636). Men were classified as having PE based on self-report of low or absent control over ejaculation, irrespective of the duration of the ejaculation time, resulting in distress for them or their sexual partner or both, or reporting that they “climaxed too soon.”

Results

The prevalence of PE in the survey, diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III criteria, ranged from 16% to 24% depending on the definition of PE utilized, and did not vary significantly with age. Ninety percent of those with a determination of PE in this survey had not discussed alternatives to prolong time to ejaculation with a physician, pointing to gaps in patient/physician communication around sexual health.

Conclusions

PE is a prevalent sexual problem that poses special challenges to clinicians and causes considerable burden to Canadian men and their partners. There remains a stigma associated with PE, resulting in the existence of significant barriers to obtaining assistance from physicians for this problem. The majority of those interviewed who sought and received treatment have not been satisfied with the results.
Reversible Erectile Dysfunction in a Patient with Brain Tumor-Related Epilepsy in Therapy with Zonisamide in Add-On
Authors: Maschio Marta , Saveriano Francesco , Dinapoli Loredana , Jandolo Bruno
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Literature data do not report any cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) during treatment with new antiepileptic drugs in patients with brain tumors.

Aim

Concerning zonisamide (ZNS) therapy, data on sexual dysfunction are not available either in patients with epilepsy or in patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy.

Methods

Our case study concerns one patient with partial epilepsy associated with oligoastrocytoma in whom reversible ED developed while taking ZNS. He came to our center already having undergone therapy with phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine, phenitoin, and clobazam. Due to the presence of psychomotor slowness and uncontrolled seizures, we substituted phenobarbital with ZNS 200 mg/day.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were seizure frequency and side effects.

Results

During ZNS therapy, we observed beneficial effects on seizure frequency with a notable reduction from 2–3 seizures per day to 2–3 per week. One month after starting therapy with ZNS, the patient complained about ED that disappeared when we suspended the drug.

Conclusions

In the literature on patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy, sexuality is a subject that is often neglected by health-care providers who focus primarily on controlling systemic diseases and maintaining physical comfort. For this reason, the possible impact of antiepileptic therapies on sexuality should be taken into consideration.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Sexual Function in a Male Cohort: The Olmsted County Study of Urinary Symptoms and Health Status Among Men
Authors: Gades Naomi M. , Jacobson Debra J. , McGree Michaela E. , St. Sauver Jennifer L. , Lieber Michael M. , Nehra Ajay , Girman Cynthia J. , Jacobsen Steven J.
Published: June 2009

Introduction

The presence of erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction may indicate physical problems; however, individual perceptions (e.g., sexual satisfaction) may reflect the degree of concern about these changes. Long-term data showing how changes in multiple sexual function domains track together may be useful in understanding the importance of physical declines vs. sexual satisfaction.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe changes in sexual function among a population-based sample of aging men.

Methods

A population-based cohort study using data from the Olmsted County Study of Urinary Symptoms and Health Status among Men. Sexual function was assessed biennially from 1996 to 2004 using a previously validated questionnaire in a random sample of 2,213 men.

Main Outcome Measures

Changes in erectile function, libido, ejaculatory function, sexual problems, and sexual satisfaction.

Results

Overall, we observed declines in all of the sexual function domains, ranging from an annual decrease of 0.03 point per year for sexual satisfaction to an annual decrease of 0.23 point per year in erectile function. Moderate correlations were observed among all longitudinal changes in sexual function (range in age-adjusted rs = 0.14–0.43); however, significantly smaller correlations between changes in the functional domains and changes in sexual satisfaction and problem assessment were observed among older men (range in age-adjusted rs = 0.03–0.29).

Conclusion

Overall, these results demonstrate that longitudinal changes in five sexual function domains change together over time in our community-based cohort. Erectile function, ejaculatory function, and sexual drive decrease over time with greater rates of decline for older men. However, older men may be less likely to perceive these declines as a problem and be dissatisfied. These data may prove helpful to patients and clinicians in understanding and discussing changes in multiple aspects of sexual function.
Effects of Neuronal and Glial Restricted Precursor Cells Transplantation on Erectile Function After Experimentally Induced Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Temeltas Gokhan , Dagci Taner , Evren Vedat , Lekili Murat
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction is common among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Aim

This study aims to investigate the recovery of penile erectile functions of the rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) following transplantation of endogenous neuronal precursors cell (neuronal restricted precursors [NRP]/glial restricted precursors [GRP]) into the injured area of spinal cord.

Methods

Twenty-two rats were experimented in three groups. Group 1 (N = 6): Sham; Group 2 (N = 10): SCI + NRP/GRP transplanted in day 9 after operation; Group 3 (N = 6): SCI + culture medium transplanted in day 9 after operation.

Analysis of penile reflexes and cavernosal nerve stimulation studies were performed in day 28 after transplantation for each group. All rats in three groups were then sacrificed and the injured regions of spinal cords underwent histological investigation.

Main Outcome Measures

These results show improvements to some extent in locomotor and erectile functions although these improvements are far from full functional recovery.

Results

Cavernosal nerve stimulation resulted in significantly higher intracavernosal pressure in Group 3 (SCI) although there was no difference between Group 1 (sham) and Group 2 (SCI + NRP/GRP). Number of clusters was similar between groups. Number of erections was higher in Group 3 (SCI) than Groups 1 and 2, and number of cups was higher in Group 2 (SCI + NRP/GRP) than the other two groups. Number of flips was similar in Groups 1 and 2 but lower in Group 3. Number of long flips was highest in Group 1 and lowest in Group 3. The differences between groups were significant.

Conclusion

This study emphasized the healing potential of NRP/GRP transplantation following experimental SCI. However, further experimental and clinical studies are required to advance this treatment modality.
Effect of Long-Term Testosterone Administration on the Endometrium of Female-to-Male (FtM) Transsexuals
Authors: Perrone Anna Myriam , Cerpolini Silvia , Maria Salfi Nunzio Cosimo , Ceccarelli Claudio , De Giorgi Lucilla Badiali , Formelli Guido , Casadio Paolo , Ghi Tullio , Pelusi Giuseppe , Pelusi Carla , Meriggiola Maria Cristina
Published: June 2009

Introduction

Long term safety of testosterone (T) administration in women is still unknown. In particular few and discordant data exists on the effects of T on the endometrium.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long-term T treatment on endometrium histology and proliferation in female to male transsexual subjects (FtM). We compared these endometria with those of young women in the proliferative phase (PM) of the cycle and with those of post menopausal women (M).

Method

Endometrial samples from 27 FtM treated with T (intramuscular injection of 100 mg Testoviron Depot /10 days for at least one year), 30 M undergoing vaginal hysterectomy, and 13 PM undergoing hysteroscopy for infertility problems were collected. Endometrial proliferation was evaluated on the basis of histopathology and expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67. Both M and PM women had not received any hormonal treatment for at least one year.

Main Outcome Measure

Circulating total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E), progesterone (P), insulin and glucose levels were measured in FtM and PM subjects.

Results

FtM had received T for 33.6 ± 21.3 months (mean ± SD). In FtM subjects, histological analysis found inactive endometrium similar to the atrophic menopausal endometrium. The expression of Ki-67 in the glands, stroma and glands and stroma together was significantly (p < 0.0005) lower in FtM than in PM women and was similar in the FtM and M groups. Small polyps were detected in 5 of the 27 FtM subjects.

Conclusions

In conclusion our data suggest that exogenous T administration does not stimulate endometrial proliferation in FtM transsexuals and indeed may have atrophic effects.
Brazilian Cerrado Folivore and Florivore Caterpillars: How Different are They?
Authors: Morais Helena C. , Hay John Du Vall , Diniz Ivone R.
Published: June 2009

Because of the large differences between flower buds and leaves as food resources we predict that florivore caterpillars compared with folivores would present: (1) higher degree of dietary specificity; (2) higher abundance; and (3) lower species richness. Based on emerged adults from caterpillars collected on leaves and inflorescences our results showed that the florivore fauna was strongly dominated by a few species with higher abundance and dietary specificity than the folivore fauna.
Oil Body Biogenesis during Brassica napus Embryogenesis
Authors: He Yu‐Qing , Wu Yan
Published: June 2009

Although the oil body is known to be an important membrane enclosed compartment for oil storage in seeds, we have little understanding about its biogenesis during embryogenesis. In the present study we investigated the oil body emergence and variations in Brassica napus cv. Topas. The results demonstrate that the oil bodies could be detected already at the heart stage, at the same time as the embryos began to turn green, and the starch grains accumulated in the chloroplast stroma. In comparison, we have studied the development of oil bodies between Arabidopsis thaliana wild type (Col) and the low‐seed‐oil mutant wrinkled1–3. We observed that the oil body development in the embryos of Col is similar to that of B. napus cv. Topas, and that the size of the oil bodies was obviously smaller in the embryos of wrinkled1–3. Our results suggest that the oil body biogenesis might be coupled with the embryo chloroplast.
EVALUATION OF BIOGENIC AMINES FORMATION BY PROTEOLYTIC ENTEROCOCCI STRAINS ISOLATED FROM RAW DROMEDARY MILKS FROM SOUTHERN ALGERIA
Authors: HASSAÏNE OMAR , ZADI‐KARAM HALIMA , KARAM NOUR‐EDDINE
Published: June 2009

Twenty‐three strains of lactic acid enterococci isolated from dromedary raw milks in Southern Algeria were investigated for their proteolytic activity and ability to produce biogenic amines by decarboxylating amino acids: histidine, tyrosine and ornithine. All strains tested displayed proteolytic activities, but none of them were able to produce detectable biogenic amines in the usual adequate laboratory media, namely, Joosten and Northolt medium and Leuschner medium. Polymerase chain reaction experiments indicate a positive correlation between the absence of the hdc and odc genes and the lack of histamine and putrescine production for all tested strains. By contrast, all strains appeared to possess tdc gene, but no correlation was found with a negative expression of tyrosine decarboxylase.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In foods, biogenic amines are mainly generated by decarboxylation of the corresponding amino acids through substrate‐specific enzymes of the microorganisms present in this environment, particularly histidine, tyrosine, lysine, ornithine and arginine, and the capability of enterococci and some other lactic acid bacteria to produce biogenic amines has been described. For this purpose, several qualitative and quantitative methods to determine biogenic amines production by these microorganisms have been developed. There is great interest to identify and to characterize the bacteria strains intended for an industrial use and to verify if they are potentially able to produce biogenic amines in order to prevent it's synthesis and limit the poisoning risk.
ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF AILANTHUS ALTISSIMA SWINGLE LEAVE EXTRACT TO REDUCE FOODBORNE PATHOGENS AND SPOILING BACTERIA
Authors: RAHMAN ATIQUR , KIM EUN LYANG , KANG SUN CHUL
Published: June 2009

The antibacterial and antioxidant potentials of methanolic extracts of Ailanthus altissima Swingle leaves were evaluated. Antibacterial activity was tested in vitro by agar disk diffusion method against 11 (six gram‐positive and five gram‐negative) foodborne bacteria. The methanol extract and its different polar subfractions inhibited significantly the growth of all six gram‐positive bacteria: Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19116, ATCC 19118 and ATCC 19166), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538 and KCTC 1916) and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and two gram‐negative bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCTC 2004 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. The zones of inhibition of methanol extract and its derived different polar subfractions against the tested bacteria were found in the 12.1–23.2 mm range and the minimum inhibitory concentration values were recorded between 62.5 and 500 µg/mL. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl assay. The free radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction was superior to all other fractions (IC50 = 16.45 µg/mL) and was higher than synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole (IC50 = 18.27 µg/mL). Furthermore, the amount of total phenolic compounds was determined and its content in EtOAc fraction (12.25%) was the highest compared with other extract or fractions.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The natural products derived from Ailanthus altissima Swingle may contribute to the development of new antimicrobial agents with potential applications in food industries as natural preservatives or flavoring agents to control foodborne pathogens. They can be used as growth inhibitors of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as some important foodborne pathogens and spoiling bacteria. The main reason for their suitability is their natural origin, which consumers find comforting and is beneficial for the environment, and the very low risk that pathogens will develop resistance to the mixture of components that make up the extracts with their apparent diversity of antibacterial mechanisms. These beneficial characteristics could increase food safety and shelf life.
Practical Modeling Approaches for Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Celia Michael A. , Nordbotten Jan M.
Published: June 2009

The relentless increase of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions and the associated concerns about climate change have motivated new ideas about carbon‐constrained energy production. One technological approach to control carbon dioxide emissions is carbon capture and storage, or CCS. The underlying idea of CCS is to capture the carbon before it emitted to the atmosphere and store it somewhere other than the atmosphere. Currently, the most attractive option for large‐scale storage is in deep geological formations, including deep saline aquifers. Many physical and chemical processes can affect the fate of the injected CO2, with the overall mathematical description of the complete system becoming very complex. Our approach to the problem has been to reduce complexity as much as possible, so that we can focus on the few truly important questions about the injected CO2, most of which involve leakage out of the injection formation. Toward this end, we have established a set of simplifying assumptions that allow us to derive simplified models, which can be solved numerically or, for the most simplified cases, analytically. These simplified models allow calculation of solutions to large‐scale injection and leakage problems in ways that traditional multicomponent multiphase simulators cannot. Such simplified models provide important tools for system analysis, screening calculations, and overall risk‐assessment calculations. We believe this is a practical and important approach to model geological storage of carbon dioxide. It also serves as an example of how complex systems can be simplified while retaining the essential physics of the problem.
Global Optimal Design of Ground Water Monitoring Network Using Embedded Kriging
Authors: Dhar Anirban , Datta Bithin
Published: June 2009

We present a methodology for global optimal design of ground water quality monitoring networks using a linear mixed‐integer formulation. The proposed methodology incorporates ordinary kriging (OK) within the decision model formulation for spatial estimation of contaminant concentration values. Different monitoring network design models incorporating concentration estimation error, variance estimation error, mass estimation error, error in locating plume centroid, and spatial coverage of the designed network are developed. A big‐M technique is used for reformulating the monitoring network design model to a linear decision model while incorporating different objectives and OK equations. Global optimality of the solutions obtained for the monitoring network design can be ensured due to the linear mixed‐integer programming formulations proposed. Performances of the proposed models are evaluated for both field and hypothetical illustrative systems. Evaluation results indicate that the proposed methodology performs satisfactorily. These performance evaluation results demonstrate the potential applicability of the proposed methodology for optimal ground water contaminant monitoring network design.