bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of an Educational and Physical Programme in Reducing Headache, Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Workplace Controlled Trial
Authors: Mongini F , Ciccone G , Rota E , Ferrero L , Ugolini A , Evangelista A , Ceccarelli M , Galassi C
Published: March 2008

This study was an 8-month controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace educational and physical programme in reducing headache and neck and shoulder pain. Central registry office employees ( n = 192; study group) and 192 peripheral registry office and central tax office employees (controls) in the city of Turin, Italy were given diaries for the daily recording of pain episodes. After 2 months, the study group only began the educational and physical programme. The primary end-point was the change in frequency of headache and neck and shoulder pain expressed as the number of days per month with pain, and as the proportion of subjects with a ≥50% reduction of frequency (responder rate). The number of days of analgesic drug consumption was also recorded. Diaries completed for the whole 8 months were available for 169 subjects in the study group and 175 controls. The baseline frequency of headache (days per month) was 5.87 and 6.30 in the study group and in controls; frequency of neck and shoulder pain was 7.12 and 7.79, respectively. Mean treatment effects [days per month, 95% confidence interval (CI)] on comparing the last 2 months vs. baseline were: headache frequency −2.45 (−3.48, −1.43); frequency of neck pain −2.62 (−4.09, −1.16); responder rates (odds ratio, 95% CI) 5.51 (2.75, 11) for headache, 3.10 (1.65, 5.81) for neck and shoulder pain, and 3.08 (1.06, 8.90) for days with analgesic drug consumption. The study suggests that an educational and physical programme reduces headache and neck and shoulder pain in a working community.
Subcision in acne scar with and without subdermal implant: a clinical trial
Authors: Balighi K , Robati RM , Moslehi H , Robati AM
Published: March 2008

Background  Subcision is a procedure that has been reported to be beneficial in treatment of acne scars.

Objective  This stady aims to assess the efficacy of subcision in the treatment of rolling acne scars and evaluate a novel subdermal filler ‘absorbable plain catgut suture’ with subcision.

Methods  Twenty‐two patients with rolling acne scars underwent subcision, 20 of whom completed treatment and follow‐up period. One side of the face underwent subcision and another side subcision with subdermal implant. The patients and investigators’ assessment of improvement were both recorded.

Results  Subcision showed mild improvement in about 60% of patient and moderate improvement in about 40% of them. The rate of response showed no significant difference with the use of subdermal implant. The side‐effects of local oedema, bruising and infection were all transient.

Conclusions  Subcision seems to be a safe method to correct the rolling acne scars with long‐term improvement. However, the subdermal implant led to no significant superior results.
Trading Frictions and Market Structure: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Cai Charlie X. , Hillier David , Hudson Robert , Keasey Kevin
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Market structure affects the informational and real frictions faced by traders in equity markets. Using bid‐ask spreads, we present evidence which suggests that while real frictions associated with the costs of supplying immediacy are less in order‐driven systems, informational frictions resulting from increased adverse selection risk are considerably higher in these markets. Firm value, transaction size and order location are all major determinants of the trading costs borne by investors. Consistent with the stealth trading hypothesis of Barclay and Warner (1993), we report that informational frictions are at their highest for medium size trades that go through the order book. Finally, while there is no doubt that the total costs of trading on order‐driven systems are lower for very liquid securities, the inherent informational inefficiencies of the trading format should not be ignored. This is particularly true for the vast majority of small to mid‐size stocks that experience infrequent trading and low transaction volume.
Increased mechanosensitivity and nuclear stiffness in Hutchinson–Gilford progeria cells: effects of farnesyltransferase inhibitors
Authors: Verstraeten Valerie L. R. M. , Ji Julie Y. , Cummings Kiersten S. , Lee Richard T. , Lammerding Jan
Published: March 2008

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), reportedly a model for normal aging, is a genetic disorder in children marked by dramatic signs suggestive for premature aging. It is usually caused by de novo mutations in the nuclear envelope protein lamin A. Lamins are essential to maintaining nuclear integrity, and loss of lamin A/C results in increased cellular sensitivity to mechanical strain and defective mechanotransduction signaling. Since increased mechanical sensitivity in vascular cells could contribute to loss of smooth muscle cells and the development of arteriosclerosis – the leading cause of death in HGPS patients – we investigated the effect of mechanical stress on cells from HGPS patients. We found that skin fibroblasts from HGPS patients developed progressively stiffer nuclei with increasing passage number. Importantly, fibroblasts from HGPS patients had decreased viability and increased apoptosis under repetitive mechanical strain, as well as attenuated wound healing, and these defects preceded changes in nuclear stiffness. Treating fibroblasts with farnesyltransferase inhibitors restored nuclear stiffness in HGPS cells and accelerated the wound healing response in HGPS and healthy control cells by increasing the directional persistence of migrating cells. However, farnesyltransferase inhibitors did not improve cellular sensitivity to mechanical strain. These data suggest that increased mechanical sensitivity in HGPS cells is unrelated to changes in nuclear stiffness and that increased biomechanical sensitivity could provide a potential mechanism for the progressive loss of vascular smooth muscle cells under physiological strain in HGPS patients.
Separating the left cardiac ventricle from the atrium in short axis MR images using the equation of the atrioventricular plane
Authors: Thunberg Per , Emilsson Kent , Rask Peter , Kähäri Anders
Published: March 2008

Short axis (SA) images obtained from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are used to advantage in the calculation of important clinical parameters such as the ejection fraction and stroke volume (SV). A prerequisite for these calculations is the separation of the left ventricle and the left atrium. When only using the information seen in the SA images this separation can be a source of error due to the through‐plane motion of the basal part of the left ventricle.

In this study a method is proposed where the separation of the left ventricle and the atrium is performed by identifying the intersections of the atrioventricular plane in the SA images. The equation of the atrioventricular plane was determined in both systole and diastole using long axis and four chamber image views. Stroke volumes were measured in 20 patients using SA images where the endocardium had been delineated. The SV obtained using the new method was compared with quantitative flow measurements and the conventional technique for calculation of SV from SA images, respectively. The agreement of SV was, according to Bland–Altman analysis, 2·0 ml (95% CI −12·0 to 15·9 ml) in comparison with the flow measurements and 2·2 ml (95% CI −9·2 to 13·6 ml) compared to the conventional method. Inter‐ and intra‐observer variability, when using the new proposed method, was small. This study shows that the identification of the left atrioventricular plane in SA images can be used in the separation of the left atrium and ventricle.
Restoration Ecology and Invasive Riparian Plants: An Introduction to the Special Section on Tamarix spp. in Western North America
Authors: Shafroth Patrick B. , Briggs Mark K.
Published: March 2008

River systems around the world are subject to various perturbations, including the colonization and spread of non‐native species in riparian zones. Riparian resource managers are commonly engaged in efforts to control problematic non‐native species and restore native habitats. In western North America, small Eurasian trees or shrubs in the genus Tamarix occupy hundreds of thousands of hectares of riparian lands, and are the targets of substantial and costly control efforts and associated restoration activities. Still, significant information gaps exist regarding approaches used in control and restoration efforts and their effects on riparian ecosystems. In this special section of papers, eight articles address various aspects of control and restoration associated with Tamarix spp. These include articles focused on planning restoration and revegetation; a synthetic analysis of past restoration efforts; and several specific research endeavors examining plant responses, water use, and various wildlife responses (including birds, butterflies, and lizards). These articles represent important additions to the Tamarix spp. literature and contain many lessons and insights that should be transferable to other analogous situations in river systems globally.
Reduced serum level of THDOC, an anticonvulsant steroid, in women with perimenstrual catamenial epilepsy
Authors: Tuveri Antonella , Paoletti Anna Maria , Orrù Marisa , Melis Gian Benedetto B. , Marotto Maria Francesca , Zedda Pierina , Marrosu Francesco , Sogliano Cristiana , Marra Carla , Biggio Giovanni , Concas Alessandra
Published: March 2008

Summary

Purpose: Seizure exacerbation in catamenial epilepsy (CE) is associated with the decrease in progesterone secretion and increase in estradiol secretion during the premenstrual period. Moreover, experimental evidence suggests that tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC), a positive modulator of the type A receptor for γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), a negative modulator of this receptor, might play a crucial role in modulating seizure frequency during the menstrual cycle. Following these studies it seems of interest to investigate possible variations, among other hormonal parameters, of THDOC and DHEAS in CE patients.

Methods: The serum concentrations of progesterone (P4), pregnenolone, allopregnanolone (AP), THDOC, DHEAS, cortisol, and DHEAS/cortisol ratio were measured throughout the menstrual cycle at the 7th, 11th, 15th, 19th, 23rd, and 27th day from the onset of spontaneous menstrual blood loss in young premenopausal women with CE (n = 17) and age‐matched controls (n = 13).

Results: At each time of the study, the serum concentration of THDOC and the DHEAS/cortisol ratio were lower (p < 0.05) in women with CE than in control women. The concentrations of P4, pregnenolone, and AP did not differ between the two groups of subjects.

Conclusions: The reduced serum concentration of THDOC and the reduced DHEAS/cortisol ratio detected throughout the menstrual cycle in women with CE might play a role in CE. Moreover, the peculiar pattern of CE seizure exacerbation might suggest that these neuroendocrine variations are worth investigating in other epileptic syndromes, particularly in those characterized by relevant and uncontrolled variations in seizure frequency.
Prenatal freeze lesioning produces epileptogenic focal cortical dysplasia
Authors: Takase Kei‐ichiro , Shigeto Hiroshi , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Kikuchi Hitoshi , Ohyagi Yasumasa , Kira Jun‐ichi
Published: March 2008

Summary

Purpose: Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is thought to be an important cause of intractable epilepsy. However, its epileptogenicity remains unclear. Therefore, we created a novel rat model by freeze lesioning during the late embryonic stage to verify whether FCD influences seizure activities.

Methods: At 18 days postconception, a frozen probe was placed on the left scalp of a Sprague–Dawley rat embryo through the uterus wall. For 40 consecutive days from postnatal day 38 (P38), electrical kindling stimulation was applied to the frontal lobes of male rat pups. Afterdischarges (ADs) were measured in both the cortex and hippocampus. Brain tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry.

Results: All brains from prenatally freeze‐lesioned rats displayed severe disorganization of the cortical layers with randomly oriented dendrites/axons. In addition, heterotopic cortices were observed in 42.1% of cases. ADs in the cortex and hippocampus were significantly prolonged in freeze‐lesioned rats compared with those in sham‐operated and control rats. FCD rats also revealed early development of hippocampal kindling and spontaneous cortico‐hippocampal spikes, even in the chronic EEG recordings. Immunoreactivities for N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit 2B and glutamate/aspartate transporter in the lesions were significantly enhanced compared with the nonlesioned side, even in the absence of electrical stimulation. After electrical stimulation, NMDAR1 and 2B were markedly upregulated not only in the FCD, but also in the hippocampus.

Conclusions: Prenatal freeze lesioning of the brain produces a severe neuronal migration disorder, closely mimicking human FCD. Our model suggests that FCD is associated with vulnerability to epilepsy, and may augment hippocampal epileptogenicity.
Employer Health Insurance Mandates and the Risk of Unemployment
Authors: Baicker Katherine , Levy Helen
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Employer health insurance mandates form the basis of many health care reform proposals. Proponents make the case that they will increase insurance, while opponents raise the concern that low‐wage workers will see offsetting reductions in their wages and that in the presence of minimum wage laws some of the lowest wage workers will become unemployed. We construct an estimate of the number of workers whose wages are so close to the minimum wage that they cannot be lowered to absorb the cost of health insurance, using detailed data on wages, health insurance, and demographics from the Current Population Survey (CPS). We find that 33 percent of uninsured workers earn within $3 of the minimum wage, putting them at risk of unemployment if their employers were required to offer insurance. Assuming an elasticity of employment with respect to minimum wage increase of ‐0.10, we estimate that 0.2 percent of all full‐time workers and 1.4 percent of uninsured full‐time workers would lose their jobs because of a health insurance mandate. Workers who would lose their jobs are disproportionately likely to be high school dropouts, minority, and female. This risk of unemployment should be a crucial component in the evaluation of both the effectiveness and distributional implications of these policies relative to alternatives such as tax credits, Medicaid expansions, and individual mandates, and their broader effects on the well‐being of low‐wage workers.
btn1 Affects Endocytosis, Polarization of Sterol‐Rich Membrane Domains and Polarized Growth in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Codlin Sandra , Haines Rebecca L. , Mole Sara E.
Published: March 2008

btn1, the Schizosaccharomyces pombe orthologue of the human Batten disease gene CLN3, exerts multiple cellular effects. As well as a role in vacuole pH homoeostasis, we now show that Btn1p is essential for growth at high temperatures. Its absence results in progressive defects at 37°C that culminate in total depolarized growth and cell lysis. These defects are preceded by a progressive failure to correctly polarize sterol‐rich domains after cytokinesis and are accompanied by loss of Myo1p localization. Furthermore, we found that in Sz. pombe, sterol spreading is linked to defective formation/polarization of F‐actin patches and disruption of endocytosis and that these processes are aberrant in btn1Δ cells. Consistent with a role for Btn1p in polarized growth, Btn1p has an altered location at 37°C and is retained in actin‐dependent endomembrane structures near the cell poles or septum.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Th1 and Th2 in Human IVF Pregnancy with Allogenic Fetus
Authors: Chernyshov Victor P. , Tumanova Larisa E. , Sudoma Irina A. , Bannikov Vladimir I.
Published: March 2008

Problem  Positive obstetric outcome of allogenic in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies makes interesting the subject of additional regulatory mechanisms after oocyte donation.

Method of study  Eighty eight women: 23 donation of oocytes (DO), 33 IVF, 32 natural conception (NC) were studied in first trimester of pregnancy. Intracellular production of cytokines and chemokine receptors expression were studied by flow cytometry.

Results  Intracellular production of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐4, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha by CD4 T lymphocytes in DO women was higher than in IVF and NC women. Ratio IFN‐γ/IL‐4 in DO was lower than in IVF. We found higher expression of chemokine receptor CCR4 but not CXCR3 on CD4 T cells in DO compared with IVF and NC. Ratio CXCR3/CCR4 in DO was lower than in NC.

Conclusion  Hyperactivation of T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) by allogenic fetus is specific for DO pregnancy. Preferable activation of Th2 and relative suppression of Th1 chemokine expression reflect additional regulatory counteractive mechanism(s).
Three murine anxiety models: results from multiple inbred strain comparisons
Authors: Milner L. C. , Crabbe J. C.
Published: March 2008

The literature surrounding rodent models of human anxiety disorders is discrepant concerning which models reflect anxiety‐like behavior distinct from general activity and whether different models are measuring the same underlying constructs. This experiment compared the responses of 15 inbred mouse strains (129S1/SvlmJ, A/J, AKR/J, BALB/cByJ, C3H/HeJ, C57BL/6J, C57L/J, CBA/J, CE/J, DBA/2J, FVB/NJ, NZB/B1NJ, PL/J, SJL/J and SWR/J) in three anxiety‐like behavioral tasks (light/dark test, elevated zero‐maze and open field) to examine whether responses were phenotypically and/or genetically correlated across tasks. Significant strain differences were found for all variables examined. Principal components analyses showed that variables associated with both activity and anxiety‐like behaviors loaded onto one factor, while urination and defecation loaded onto another factor. Our findings differ from previous research by suggesting that general activity and anxiety‐related behaviors are linked, negatively correlated and cannot easily be dissociated in these assays. However, these findings may not necessarily generalize to other unconditioned anxiety‐like behavioral tests.
OBJECTIVE RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF ABDOMINAL SAND ACCUMULATION IN HORSES
Authors: KEPPIE NATHAN J. , ROSENSTEIN DIANA S. , HOLCOMBE SUSAN J. , SCHOTT HAROLD C.
Published: March 2008

Gastrointestinal sand accumulation is a common cause of equine colic. Subjective assessment of sand accumulation on abdominal radiographs has been used as a diagnostic aid; however, there is poor correlation between clinical, diagnostic, and surgical findings. The purpose of this study was to develop an objective method of assessing radiographic sand accumulation in order to improve the diagnostic utility of radiography for sand colic. Fifty‐one equine abdominal radiographic examinations were reviewed, with approximately half of the imaged patients having a clinical diagnosis of sand colic. Initially, four observers independently reviewed these radiographic studies to subjectively decide whether or not sand accumulation was sufficient to cause colic. Subsequently, an objective scoring system was developed using various radiographic parameters that yielded a score ranging from one to 12 for quantity and apparent density of sand accumulation. Inter‐ and intraobserver results using the subjective scoring method had significant differences among all observers. Subjective assessment was also deemed to be inaccurate for colic prediction. Using the objective scoring system, there were no significant differences between or within the observers' results. A score of seven out of 12 was found to have an 83% likelihood of being associated with a positive diagnosis of sand colic. The designed objective scoring method creates a more uniform and accurate method to assess the sand accumulation.
DUAL‐PHASE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY IN THREE DOGS WITH PANCREATIC INSULINOMA
Authors: MAI WILFRIED , CÁCERES ANA V.
Published: March 2008

This article describes the findings in three dogs with histopathologically confirmed pancreatic insulinoma using dual‐phase computed tomographic angiography (CTA). In all three dogs, dual‐phase CTA findings identified lesions not seen on ultrasonography, including the actual identification of the primary pancreatic neoplasm in two dogs. CTA findings were in agreement with the surgical and histopathological findings. In two dogs, the insulinomas were found to have a strong enhancement during the arterial phase of the study but not at the other phases, which stresses the importance of dual‐phase computed tomography for the diagnosis of this type of pancreatic neoplasia, in agreement with current knowledge in humans.
Impact of Dementia Upon Residential Care for Individuals With Down Syndrome
Authors: Lloyd Vicki , Kalsy Sunny , Gatherer Amanda
Published: March 2008

Abstract  Despite the increased prevalence of dementia in individuals with Down syndrome, relatively little is known about its impact upon care provision. Carers may be familiar with the demands of assisting a person with Down syndrome, but generally have little knowledge about the course or impact of dementia. This dissonance may lead to stress, which can have a detrimental effect on the carer and the quality of care for the recipient. In this exploratory study, the authors examined the objective and subjective impact of dementia upon paraprofessional paid carers of individuals with Down syndrome working in residential settings. The study used the Caregiver Activities Scale—Intellectual Disabilities (CAS‐ID), the Caregiver Difficulties Scale—Intellectual Disabilities (CDS‐ID), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Responses given for these measures by paraprofessional carers of individuals with Down syndrome and dementia (n = 9) were compared with responses from those caring for recipients with Down syndrome and no additional cognitive decline (n = 11). No significant differences were found in the responses from these sets of carers on measures of objective (CAS‐ID) or subjective burden (CDS‐ID). However, the MBI revealed that carers of individuals with Down syndrome and dementia reported significantly increased levels of emotional exhaustion. Findings suggested that, while even when there is little difference in the level of caregiving tasks or the subjective difficulties of caregiving, the onset of dementia in individuals with Down syndrome resulted in increased emotional exhaustion for carers. Additional factors not considered within this study, such as challenging behavior, may also be pertinent to carer burden.
Students With Disabilities' Perspectives of the Role and Impact of Paraprofessionals in Inclusive Education Settings1
Authors: Tews Lisa , Lupart Judy
Published: March 2008

Abstract  Over the past few decades, the role and presence of the paraprofessional, that is the educational assistant, within the classroom has evolved from providing teacher and student support to involving greater decision‐making concerning instructional content and practice. The extent to which this shift is impacting students with a variety of mild to severe developmental disabilities is a crucial question that to date remains under‐researched and unanswered. The authors studied this issue by probing students' perceptions concerning the role of their paraprofessionals and their impact on the student's inclusive education experience. The authors explored the following perspective areas noted by the students: student personal control, impact on peer relations, dependency on adults, instructional relationship of teachers compared to paraprofessionals, and inclusion of peers. In general, the authors found that students felt that their paraprofessionals were viewed favorably by peers, but that promotion of socialization and peer networking may have been compromised as they reported that they spent a majority of the school day interacting with the paraprofessional as opposed to other students. Other factors bear consideration as well, and the authors conclude that the educational system continues to be in need of revamping, and that the efficacy of the system needs to be demonstrated by empirical evidence.
Changes in Accommodation Experienced by People with Down Syndrome and Dementia in the First Five Years After Diagnosis
Authors: Watchman Karen
Published: March 2008

Abstract  Research that has tracked living situation changes is lacking for people with Down syndrome post‐diagnosis of dementia. Extant studies have not considered reasons for a move, the stage at which it happened, and how involved in the decision the person with Down syndrome was. To study this, a postal questionnaire was used with 35 carers of persons with Down syndrome who had been diagnosed with dementia during the previous five years. Results showed that there are fewer accommodation changes in the early stages of dementia among people with Down syndrome than have previously been suspected and that confusion exists over the interpretation of existing care models. Findings also revealed that adults with Down syndrome were often denied the opportunity to take part in discussions about their future accommodations and there was a lack of forward planning on the part of carers.
Staff Carers' Understanding of End of Life Care
Authors: Friedman Sandra L. , Choueiri Roula , Gilmore Dana
Published: March 2008

Abstract  Staff carers in pediatric skilled nursing facilities (PSNF) deal directly with dying residents, and are on the forefront of communication with families. These providers have expressed misunderstandings regarding the meaning of resuscitation status and redirection of care. This descriptive study evaluated perceptions and understanding of end of life issues by the staff in a PSNF who provide care for individuals with severe developmental disabilities and complex medical problems. A 16‐item pre‐intervention survey was administered to the staff prior to an informational presentation explaining issues related to end of life care. An 8‐item post‐intervention survey assessed any change in understanding of these issues. A total of 55 persons completed either a pre‐ or post‐intervention survey; 47 staff completed both surveys. While most staff carers were comfortable with providing care for patients with serious illnesses or needing comfort measures (narcotics, oxygen) when they are dying, they are significantly less comfortable with discontinuation of feeds or routine medications at the end of life. Observed was a significant increase in those who indicated it is acceptable to stop feedings for a dying patient in the post‐intervention survey, but there no significant difference in understanding of definition of DNR before or after the intervention. Authors note the need to provide more comprehensive information and support to assist staff carers to understand aspects of end of life care in a PSNF setting.
Cloning and functional characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana d‐amino acid aminotransferase – d‐aspartate behavior during germination
Authors: Funakoshi Miya , Sekine Masae , Katane Masumi , Furuchi Takemitsu , Yohda Masafumi , Yoshikawa Takafumi , Homma Hiroshi
Published: March 2008

The understanding of d‐amino acid metabolism in higher plants lags far behind that in mammals, for which the biological functions of these unique amino acids have already been elucidated. In this article, we report on the biochemical behavior of d‐amino acids (particularly d‐Asp) and relevant metabolic enzymes in Arabidopsis thaliana. During germination and growth of the plant, a transient increase in d‐Asp levels was observed, suggesting that d‐Asp is synthesized in the plant. Administration of d‐Asp suppressed growth, although the inhibitory mechanism responsible for this remains to be clarified. Exogenous d‐Asp was efficiently incorporated and metabolized, and was converted to other d‐amino acids (d‐Glu and d‐Ala). We then studied the related metabolic enzymes, and consequently cloned and characterized A. thalianad‐amino acid aminotransferase, which is presumably involved in the metabolism of d‐Asp in the plant by catalyzing transamination between d‐amino acids. This is the first report of cDNA cloning and functional characterization of a d‐amino acid aminotransferase in eukaryotes. The results presented here provide important information for understanding the significance of d‐amino acids in the metabolism of higher plants.
A comparative analysis of the transcriptome and signal pathways in hepatic differentiation of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Yamamoto Yusuke , Banas Agnieszka , Murata Shigenori , Ishikawa Madoka , Lim Chun R. , Teratani Takumi , Hatada Izuho , Matsubara Kenichi , Kato Takashi , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: March 2008

The specific features of the plasticity of adult stem cells are largely unknown. Recently, we demonstrated the hepatic differentiation of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT‐MSCs). To identify the genes responsible for hepatic differentiation, we examined the gene expression profiles of AT‐MSC‐derived hepatocytes (AT‐MSC‐Hepa) using several microarray methods. The resulting sets of differentially expressed genes (1639 clones) were comprehensively analyzed to identify the pathways expressed in AT‐MSC‐Hepa. Clustering analysis revealed a striking similarity of gene clusters between AT‐MSC‐Hepa and the whole liver, indicating that AT‐MSC‐Hepa were similar to liver with regard to gene expression. Further analysis showed that enriched categories of genes and signaling pathways such as complementary activation and the blood clotting cascade in the AT‐MSC‐Hepa were relevant to liver‐specific functions. Notably, decreases in Twist and Snail expression indicated that mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition occurred in the differentiation of AT‐MSCs into hepatocytes. Our data show a similarity between AT‐MSC‐Hepa and the liver, suggesting that AT‐MSCs are modulated by their environmental conditions, and that AT‐MSC‐Hepa may be useful in basic studies of liver function as well as in the development of stem cell‐based therapy.
Nitric Oxide Synthesis Leads to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Synthesis via the NO/Cyclic Guanosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate (cGMP) Pathway in Human Corpus Cavernosal Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Komori Kazuhiko , Tsujimura Akira , Takao Tetsuya , Matsuoka Yasuhiro , Miyagawa Yasushi , Takada Shingo , Nonomura Norio , Okuyama Akihiko
Published: March 2008

Introduction

Vascular smooth muscle cells express endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and produce nitric oxide (NO). Recently, increased NO production has been reported to induce the synthesis and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) via the NO/cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) pathway. L-arginine (L-arg), the precursor of NO, and selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors that increase levels of intracellular cGMP may complementarily enhance VEGF synthesis in corpus cavernosal smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs), and may consequently restore impaired endothelial function. Expression of eNOS in corpus cavernosal smooth muscle has also been reported. However, it is unclear whether CCSMCs can generate NO.

Aim

To elucidate whether CCSMCs can synthesize NO and whether NO synthesis enhances VEGF synthesis via the NO/cGMP pathway.

Methods

Corpus cavernosal cells were cultured and characterized by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. CCSMCs were treated with L-arg. CCSMCs were also incubated with L-arg and with vardenafil, an inhibitor of PDE-5.

Main Outcome Measures

Release of NO from cells was confirmed by assay of NO metabolites (NOx). Intracellular cGMP concentration and VEGF concentration in the medium were measured.

Results

Isolated cells were determined to be CCSMCs. The expression of eNOS by CCSMCs was also identified. NOx and cGMP levels in the L-arg-treated group were significantly greater than those in the control group. VEGF and cGMP levels in the L-arg-treated group were also significantly greater than those in the control group. VEGF and cGMP levels in the L-arg+vardenafil-treated group were significantly greater than those in the L-arg-treated group and the control group.

Conclusions

CCSMCs express eNOS and synthesize NO. NO synthesis leads to enhancement of VEGF synthesis via the NO/cGMP pathway. Combined L-arg and vardenafil treatment, which can enhance VEGF production, may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction as well as endothelial dysfunction in general.
Assessment of Sexual Health in Aging Men in Europe: Development and Validation of the European Male Ageing Study Sexual Function Questionnaire
Authors: O'Connor Daryl B. , Corona Giovanni , Forti Gianni , Tajar Abdelouahid , Lee David M. , Finn Joseph D. , Bartfai Gyorgy , Boonen Steven , Casanueva Felipe F. , Giwercman Aleksander , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T. , Kula Krzysztof , O'Neill Terence W. , Pendleton Neil , Punab Margus , Silman Alan J. , Vanderschueren Dirk , Wu Frederick C.W. , European Male Ageing Study group
Published: March 2008

Introduction

Assessment of male sexual dysfunction has been the focus of substantial scientific effort. Less research has focused on the development of instruments for the measurement of sexual functioning in aging men.

Aims

The aims of this study were: (i) to characterize the psychometric properties of a new brief, reliable, and valid measure of male sexual functioning for use in a large population survey of middle-aged and elderly European men; and (ii) specifically, to determine whether the new instrument, the European Male Ageing Study–sexual function questionnaire (EMAS–SFQ), discriminates between men with high and low levels of circulating testosterone (T) (total T, free T, and bioavailable T).

Method

One thousand six hundred men aged 40–79 years completed the self-administered EMAS–SFQ, the Beck depression inventory, and provided a blood sample for assessment of sex hormones. Eighty-five men aged 35–74 years completed the EMAS–SFQ twice, 2 weeks apart to examine the test–retest reliability of the instrument.

Main Outcome Measures

Scores on the EMAS–SFQ in relation to age and T levels.

Results

Principal component analysis showed that the EMAS–SFQ had four distinct domains (overall sexual functioning [OSF], masturbation, sexual functioning-related distress, and change in sexual functioning). The instrument demonstrated excellent internal and test–retest reliability, as well as convergent, divergent, and discriminant validity. Men with the lowest levels of total, free, and bioavailable T reported lower OSF scores compared to men with the highest T levels.

Conclusions

The EMAS–SFQ is a valid and reproducible instrument, sensitive to age and T levels. It should be suitable for the assessment of sexual health in population samples of men in epidemiological studies of aging.
Strain Differences in Susceptibility to In Vivo Erectile Dysfunction Following 6 weeks of Induced Hyperglycemia in the Mouse
Authors: Chitaley Kanchan , Luttrell Ian
Published: March 2008

Introduction

With the large-scale availability of transgenic and knockout mouse models, the use of mice may greatly facilitate the examination of the mechanisms underlying diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED). Although in vitro studies of the mouse cavernosum show impairment of vasoreactivity, to date, no studies have demonstrated the in vivo impairment of erectile function in diabetic mice.

Aim

To establish whether mouse models of type I diabetes exhibit in vivo ED.

Methods

Hyperglycemia was induced by injection with streptozotocin (STZ, 125 mg/kg × 2 days) in two mouse strains, C57BLKS (BKS) and BALB/c. Six weeks after injection, the cavernosum was removed from some mice for the in vitro assessment of the endothelium and nerve-mediated dilatory responses of the cavernosal strips. The in vivo assessment of intracorporal pressure normalized to mean arterial pressure, in response to the electrical stimulation of the cavernosal nerve, was performed in the remaining mice.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measure of this study was the in vivo assessment of erectile function following diabetic induction in mice.

Results

Despite similar levels of sustained hyperglycemia following STZ injection, the phenotype of diabetic ED was observed only in BKS and not BALB/c mice. The cavernosum from diabetic BKS mice showed decreased endothelium-dependent dilation in response to acetylcholine (ACh), as well as impaired parasympathetic nerve-mediated relaxation. There was no change in ACh or nerve-mediated relaxation in the cavernousum from diabetic vs. control BALB/c mice. Further, in vivo physiologic assessment of erectile activity revealed a significant decrease in erectile function in diabetic BKS but not in BALB/c mice.

Conclusion

Together these data first established in vivo ED in a mouse model of type I diabetes (BKS mouse) and importantly demonstrated that certain inbred strains may be protected from hyperglycemia-induced erectile impairment. Further study of the strain-dependent effects may offer important clues into the mechanisms of ED as it relates to type I diabetes.
The Use of Old and Recent DSM Definitions of Premature Ejaculation in Observational Studies: A Contribution to the Present Debate for a New Classification of PE in the DSM-V
Authors: Waldinger Marcel D. , Schweitzer Dave H.
Published: March 2008

Introduction

The DSM-III definition of premature ejaculation (PE) contains the criterion “control” but not that of “ejaculation time.” In contrast, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition, Text Revision) (DSM-IV-TR) contains the criterion “short ejaculation time,” while it lacks “control.”

Aim

To review the adequacy and consequent use of all criteria of the DSM-IV-TR definition in previously published PE Internet surveys.

Methods

Reviewing all published cohort studies on PE from 2004 to 2007. MEDLINE and EMBASE computer bibliographies were used.

Main Outcome Measure

Definitions of DSM-III, DSM-IV-TR, and International Classification of Diseases.

Results

Five papers, of which three are original studies, reported inclusion of men with PE according to DSM-IV-TR definition but omitted to apply the required “short ejaculation time” criterion. These studies, which have defined PE according to subjective criteria such as control, actually referred to the DSM-III definition. Using DSM-III-like definitions in three different studies revealed a highly variable prevalence of PE (32.5%, 27.6%, and 13.0%). In contrast, based on studies using a 1-minute cutoff point, being the time that is required to call ejaculation time “short” or using the criterion “persistent occurrence,” PE revealed to be far less prevalent (5–6%).

Conclusions

Unacceptable discrepancies of PE definitions according to DSM-III (abandoned but still used) and DSM-IV-TR argue strongly in favor of a multidimensional new classification of PE for the DSM-V.
Demographic and Psychosocial Features of Participants in Bondage and Discipline, “Sadomasochism” or Dominance and Submission (BDSM): Data from a National Survey
Authors: Richters Juliet , De Visser Richard O. , Rissel Chris E. , Grulich Andrew E. , Smith Anthony M.A.
Published: March 2008

Introduction

People with sexual interests in bondage and discipline, “sadomasochism” or dominance and submission (BDSM) have been seen by many professionals as damaged or dangerous.

Aim

To examine sexual behavior correlates of involvement in BDSM and test the hypothesis that BDSM is practiced by people with a history of sexual coercion, sexual difficulties, and/or psychological problems.

Methods

In Australia in 2001–2002, a representative sample of 19,307 respondents aged 16–59 years was interviewed by telephone. Weighted data analysis used univariate logistic regression.

Main Outcome Measures

Self-reported demographic and psychosocial factors; sexual behavior and identity; sexual difficulties.

Results

In total, 1.8% of sexually active people (2.2% of men, 1.3% of women) said they had been involved in BDSM in the previous year. This was more common among gay/lesbian and bisexual people. People who had engaged in BDSM were more likely to have experienced oral sex and/or anal sex, to have had more than one partner in the past year, to have had sex with someone other than their regular partner, and to have: taken part in phone sex, visited an Internet sex site, viewed an X-rated (pornographic) film or video, used a sex toy, had group sex, or taken part in manual stimulation of the anus, fisting or rimming. However, they were no more likely to have been coerced into sexual activity, and were not significantly more likely to be unhappy or anxious—indeed, men who had engaged in BDSM scored significantly lower on a scale of psychological distress than other men. Engagement in BDSM was not significantly related to any sexual difficulties.

Conclusion

Our findings support the idea that BDSM is simply a sexual interest or subculture attractive to a minority, and for most participants not a pathological symptom of past abuse or difficulty with “normal” sex.
The short‐term effects of infection by tobacco mosaic virus on apparent photosynthesis of tobacco leaves
Authors: ZAITLIN MILTON , HESKETH J. D.
Published: March 2008

Infection of two varieties of Nicotiana tabacum with the common strain of tobacco mosaic virus caused no permanent change in the apparent photosynthetic rate of the inoculated leaves in the first few hours after infection. Photosynthesis slowed transiently after inoculation as an effect of rubbing, but the leaves quickly recovered. These results are in conflict with those of Owen (1957b) (Ann. appl. Biol.45, 456); the differences between these two studies have not been rationalized.
Movement of diquat (1,1'‐ethylene‐2,2'‐bipyridylium) dibromide in leguminous plants
Authors: THROWER STELLA L. , HALLAM N. D. , THROWER L. B.
Published: March 2008

In studies on movement of diquat dibromide (1,1'‐ethylene‐2,2'‐bipyridylium dibromide) in broad bean, french bean and soybean, discoloration of tissues was used as an indication of its presence.

The presence of cuticular wax on leaves interfered with the entry of diquat. Movement of diquat within the plant occurred readily in either light or darkness. Ringing experiments showed that movement took place predominantly in the xylem, and defoliation experiments indicated that movement was associated with the transpiration stream.

In light, movement of diquat in the plant occurred when the relative humidity was near 100% but was markedly less than that occurring at 50%r.h. High temperature and low humidity promoted rapid drying of treated leaves which confined the diquat to these leaves and prevented movement to untreated parts of the plant. In stems diquat moved from the xylem to the outer cortical parenchyma; cell‐to‐cell diffusive movement also occurred in leaves.

Movement of diquat in the plant is shown to be a sequential process, the part responsible for most extensive distribution being movement in the transpiration stream. Therefore, conditions which favour transpiration (without undue desiccation) will promote movement of diquat.
Studies on the deposition of oil drops
Authors: HADAWAY A. B. , BARLOW F.
Published: March 2008

At low wind speeds of up to 4 m.p.h. in a horizontal tunnel, deposition of air‐borne oil droplets, up to 60 μ in diameter, occurred more readily on tsetse flies at rest on obstacles representing approximately the shapes of branches and leaves than on the obstacles themselves. Under some conditions deposition occurred on all flies irrespective of resting position, although the obstacle remained completely free from deposit.

At 1 m.p.h. deposition was largely by sedimentation; at higher wind speeds it was largely by impaction.

The optimum drop‐size range for deposition on tsetse flies at rest on the obstacles appeared to be from 10 to 30 μ. Deposition of these drops by impaction on the obstacles themselves, however, was less than that of larger drops.
Greenhouse evaluation of chemicals for control of powdery mildews. V. Tests with unsaturated compounds*
Authors: KIRBY A. H. M. , FRICK E. L. , MOORE M. H.
Published: March 2008

Compounds containing one or more unsaturated links in the molecule have been tested for toxicity to the powdery mildews of apple and barley. Some of these compounds are known to be highly toxic to spores of other well‐known fungal pathogens, but none was effective against these powdery mildews. It would appear that unsaturation, even in molecular structures leading to high fungitoxicity to many fungal species, is not of great value in producing compounds toxic to powdery mildews, at least to those of apple and barley.
Wild and cultivated grasses as carriers of the take‐all fungus (Ophiobolus graminis)
Authors: BROOKS D. H.
Published: March 2008

Fifteen grass species, two legumes and one grass/legume mixture were inoculated with Ophiobolus graminis (Sacc.) Sacc. in outdoor plots and tested at intervals over 13 months for the degree of spread and survival of the fungus on their roots. A similar method was used to estimate the survival of O. graminis var. avenae E. M. Turner. Lolium italicum, L. perenne, Festuca rubra and Dactylis glomerata were found to be the most important carriers of the type O. graminis, whilst least infection followed the two dicotyledons (Medicago lupulina and Trifolium pratense), Alopecurus pratensis and Arrhenatherum elatius. In contrast, Arrhenatherum elatius was the most effective carrier of O. graminis var. avenae, together with Lolium italicum and the Agrostis species. Least infection again followed the two dicotyledons.
Anemone necrosis, a disease caused by a strain of tobacco ringspot virus
Authors: HOLLINGS M.
Published: March 2008

A strain of tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) was isolated from severely necrotic Anemone coronaria plants in Somerset in 1957, and was named anemone necrosis virus (ANV). ANV infected, by sap‐rubbing inoculation, fifty‐eight of 103 plant species tested, in twenty‐one out of thirty‐two families. Experimental infection of anemone plants induced symptoms of necrosis and die‐back, but less virulent than those seen in the field. The virus was cultured and assayed in Nicotiana clevelandii or N. tabacum. The in vitro properties in crude sap were: maximum infective dilution 1/125 to 1/10,000 according to the source plant; thermal inactivation point (10 min.) 70°C.; survival in vitro 21 but not 28 days at 18°C., and at least 12 weeks at 0°C. Preparations preserved by vacuum sublimation (freeze‐drying) were still infective after 5 years. Some N. tabacum plants could be freed from ANV by growing at 37°C. for 4–6 weeks.

Although less easily than TRSV, ANV was purified by extraction of N. clevelandii leaves macerated for 1–5 days at 0°C. in butanol + phosphate buffer, followed by differential centrifugation. Purified preparations were highly infective, serologically active, gave specific light‐scattering zones in density‐gradient centrifugation, and contained numerous angular particles (c. 29 mμ diam.) in electron micrographs. Antisera to ANV and to TRSV had specific titres up to 1/16,384. The two viruses were serologically closely related, very similar in host range and symptoms, in vitro properties, density‐gradient zones and particle form; they differed principally in the ways in which they could be purified.

Anemone necrosis disease is apparently localized in Britain and its incidence small.