bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of short periods of frequent milking on the persistency of milk yield and SCS in Turkish Saanen goats
Authors: PALA Akin , KOYUNCU Emrah
Published: July 2007

The major purpose of this study was to investigate if increasing milking frequency for a short period of 3 weeks had any effects on the persistency of milk yield and the persistency of the somatic cell score (SCS). The methyl green–pyronin method was used for the direct microscopic SCS, converted to SCS for the analyses. Two groups were formed (control, n = 14 and treatment, n = 14). The treatment group was milked four times a day for 3 weeks after weaning. Both groups were milked twice a day outside this 3‐week period, throughout lactation. For the milk yield, persistencies were higher in the treatment group when the distance between the test days was equal to or less than 3 months. The exact opposite was true for the SCS; that is, the treatment group had higher persistencies when the distance between the test days was more than 3 months. Overall, persistencies related to milk yield were higher than persistencies related to SCS. For fat corrected milk yield, treatment persistencies were always higher than the control group persistencies, regardless of the distance between the tests. The same was true for the fat content. Increasing milking frequency for a short period of time (3 weeks) after weaning may help to increase the persistency of the milk yield, fat corrected milk yield and fat content. A 3‐D plot of least squares means indicated that the milk yield tended to show a classical lactation curve in lower SCS values while forming an unstable curve in higher SCS values.
The Effect of Potassium Channel Opener Pinacidil on the Non‐Pregnant Rat Uterus
Authors: Novakovic Radmila , Milovanovic Slobodan , Protic Dragana , Djokic Jelena , Heinle Helmut , Gojkovic‐Bukarica Ljiljana
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  The effects of the K+ channel opener, pinacidil on the spontaneous rhythmic contractions and contractions provoked by electrical field stimulation (50 Hz) or by oxytocin were investigated in the isolated uterus of the non‐pregnant rat in oestrus. Pinacidil produced more potent inhibition of oxytocin‐elicited contractions than of spontaneous rhythmic contractions or electrical field stimulation‐induced contractions. Glibenclamide, a selective blocker of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, antagonized the pinacidil‐induced inhibition of contractions elicited by oxytocin in a competitive manner. However, the pinacidil‐induced inhibition of electrical field stimulation‐elicited contractions and spontaneous rhythmic contractions was antagonized non‐competitively by glibenclamide. In the uterine strips pre‐contracted with 80 mM K+, the pinacidil‐induced maximal relaxation was not affected. The present data show that pinacidil exhibits potent relaxant properties in the rat non‐pregnant uterus in oestrus and therefore should be taken into account as a possible agent for treatment of dysmenorrhoea. Based on glibenclamide affinity, it appears that the inhibitory response to pinacidil involves KATP channels. We need further investigations to explain why the interaction between glibenclamide and pinacidil in this experimental model depends on the nature of contractions. The ability of pinacidil to completely relax the rat non‐pregnant uterus pre‐contracted with K+‐rich solution suggests that K+ channel‐independent mechanism(s) also play a part in its relaxant effect.
Controversies in Sexual Medicine: Male Circumcision and HIV Prevention
Authors: Vardi Yoram , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein , Pollack Shimon , Aisuodionoe-Shadrach Oseremen I. , Sharlip Ira D.
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Growing evidence has linked circumcision with some protection against HIV infection. Should nations with a high HIV infection rate encourage male circumcision?

Methods

Four people with expertise and/or interest in the area of circumcision and HIV were asked to contribute their opinions.

Main Outcome Measure

To provide food for thought, discussion, and possible further research in a poorly discussed area of sexual medicine.

Results

Three clinical trials in Africa showed the benefit of circumcision in reducing HIV incidence in men. Sadeghi-Nejad cites these, but balances this with the pandemic in India, and the cultural implications of circumcision. Pollack cites these studies as well, but reinforces the World Health Organization and UNAIDS recommendations that male circumcision should not replace safe sex. As a Nigerian, Aisuodionoe-Shadrach discusses the indirect ways in which circumcision can reduce the spread of HIV, and advocates the surgery, although he proposes infant circumcision may be wiser. Ira Sharlip, President of the International Society for Sexual Medicine, explains some of the physiology involved while again citing the three recent African studies. He questions who would be circumcised and who would perform the procedure if pro-circumcision policies were adopted.

Conclusions

While three clinical trials in Africa were halted after it became evident that circumcision was beneficial in protecting against HIV, further information on the health risks and benefits of male circumcision is needed. Ethical decisions need to be made and medical recommendations developed before circumcision can be considered for HIV prevention.
Recovery of Erectile Function in Aging Hypertensive and Normotensive Rats Using Exercise and Caloric Restriction
Authors: Hannan Johanna L. , Heaton Jeremy P.W. , Adams Michael A.
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Using aging spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), we established that antihypertensive drugs can improve erections and penile vascular structure, and lower arterial pressure. Using kidney cross-transplantations, our findings revealed that the benefit of this treatment resulted from drug-induced changes specific to the penile circulation, and not to the kidney-mediated lowering of pressure.

Aim

The objective of the present study was to determine whether increased exercise and/or caloric restriction (CR) can reverse the decline in sexual responses in aging hypertensive and normotensive rats.

Methods

From 30 to 40 weeks, food intake was restricted (10–40%), and SHR, Wistar, and Sprague-Dawley rats ran on treadmills (30 minutes/day, 5 days/week). Exercise was withdrawn at 40 weeks, and CR was stopped at 50 weeks. Using a separate group of older Wistars (56 weeks) and Sprague-Dawley rats (67 weeks), the effects of 10% CR or exercise plus 10–40% CR on erectile function were determined.

Main Outcome Measure

Apomorphine-induced erectile responses and body weight were monitored weekly.

Results

An age-related decline in erections was seen from 15 to 29 weeks of age in all strains. This decline paralleled increases in body weight, particularly in the normotensive strains. Exercise and CR induced a 10% weight loss in normotensive rats and improved erections in all animals. In SHR, increased erections occurred without decreasing body weight. Body weight and erectile responses were maintained by CR alone after exercise was withdrawn, but erectile function rapidly declined soon after CR was stopped and paralleled increases in body weight. In aged Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats treated with exercise and CR, erectile function was also significantly improved.

Conclusions

Similar to previous studies, erectile function progressively decreased with age in both hypertensive and normotensive rats. Erectile responses were found to be substantially improved by an intervention involving exercise and CR, but not necessarily involving weight loss.
A Mouse Model of Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Xie Donghua , Odronic Shelly I. , Wu Feihua , Pippen Anne M. , Donatucci Craig F. , Annex Brian H.
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most important risk factors for the development of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.

Aim

We employed an established mouse model of hypercholesterolemia.

Main Outcome Measures

We test for abnormalities in vasoreactivity in corporal tissue and temporally correlated changes in vasoreactivity with alterations in histology and protein expression.

Methods

A total of 150 mice were studied. A total of 100 apolipoprotein-E knockout (ApoE–/–) mice were fed a 1.25% cholesterol diet for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks (N = 25/group), while a group of ApoE–/– and wild-type Bl-6 mice were fed a normal diet. The study was terminated, and all mice were harvested at 22 weeks of age for vasoreactivity, histology, and protein studies from corporal tissues. Dose–response curves were generated to evaluate endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasoreactivity, ex vivo. The contents of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and smooth muscle/collagen ratio were assessed by immunohistochemistry staining or Masson staining. Level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was detected by enzyme immunoassay assay. Levels of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS)/total eNOS, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and cyclic GMP-dependent kinase (cGK-1) protein were assessed by Western analysis.

Results

Abnormalities in endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasoreactivities, endothelial content, smooth muscle/collagen ratio, p-eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 only, nNOS, cGMP, and cGK-1 changed with the different durations of the high-cholesterol diet.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that this mouse model is suitable for investigating aspects of hypercholesterolemic ED.
Eunuchs in Contemporary Society: Expectations, Consequences, and Adjustments to Castration (Part II)
Authors: Brett Michelle A. , Roberts Lesley F. , Johnson Thomas W. , Wassersug Richard J.
Published: July 2007

Introduction

There are men in the Western world who are voluntarily castrated and are not male-to-female transsexuals.

Aims

We surveyed members of this group to understand their responses to androgen deprivation (AD) and how their experiences matched their expectations of AD.

Methods

We posted a questionnaire on the Eunuch Archive (http://www.eunuch.org) that received responses from 92 voluntarily orchiectomized males who identified as eunuchs. Data from this questionnaire were supplemented with interviews with 19 of the eunuchs.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants completed questionnaire items regarding: (i) the side effects they expected and experienced; (ii) their current physical and psychological condition; (iii) their level of regret; (iv) what they appreciated most about their castrated status; and (v) who performed their orchiectomies.

Results

The most appreciated aspect of castration was the sense of control over sexual urges and appetite (52%). The major side effects experienced were loss of libido (66%), hot flashes (63%), and genital shrinkage (55%). The population had high self-rated sociability, and mental and physical health. Although there was an insignificant reduction in depression after castration, the overall level of self-reported obsessive-compulsive disorders decreased significantly (P  < 0.01). Twenty-two percent of the population reported a change in sexual orientation. Many respondents (60%) took supplemental hormone treatments to counteract the side effects of AD. The use of both supplemental testosterone and high-dose estrogen correlated with a significant increase in self-reported sexual desire and activity above the agonadal level (P  < 0.001). The majority of the castrations (53%) were not performed by medical professionals.

Conclusion

The medical community needs to be aware of men at risk of unsafe castrations in order to provide them with more information on the side effects of AD and access to safe orchiectomies.
The Majority of Men with Lifelong Premature Ejaculation Prefer Daily Drug Treatment: An Observation Study in a Consecutive Group of Dutch Men
Authors: Waldinger Marcel D. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Olivier Berend , Schweitzer Dave H.
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Whether men with lifelong premature ejaculation (PE) prefer on-demand drug treatment to delay ejaculation time to daily drug treatment, has never been studied as a separate study question.

Aim

To study how men with lifelong PE feel about the use of serotonergic antidepressants, and which option they would prefer for themselves: either a daily drug, a drug to be used on demand, or a topical anesthetic cream to be applied on demand.

Main Outcome Measures

Treatment preference was determined by questionnaire.

Methods

An observational questionnaire survey in a clinical sample. Preferences of different treatment strategies were queried before and after standard efficacy and safety information.

Results

A consecutive group of 88 men with lifelong PE who decided for themselves to be seen for rapid ejaculation was studied. The age was 37 ± 11 years (mean ± SD), range 18–64 years. None of these men was ever treated for PE and 21% used medication that did not affect sexual performance. Of them, 71 (81%) preferred a drug for daily use, 14 (16%) a drug on demand, while three men preferred topical anesthetic cream. Those men who initially preferred daily treatment did not change their view after standard information about efficacy and side effects, while 9 of 17 men who initially preferred on-demand drug treatment had switched their preferences to daily oral drug usage. Around 60% of men did not care about the nature of the drug, i.e., an antidepressant. The most frequently reported argument to prefer daily drug treatment was that this strategy would have the least effects toward the spontaneity of having sex.

Conclusion

As opposed to agents that must be taken 4–6 hours prior to coitus and with the methods used here, this group of Dutch men with lifelong PE favor uninterrupted daily drug treatment to delay ejaculation mainly because daily treatment guarantees no interference with the spontaneity of having sex.
Long-Term Survival of Inflatable Penile Prostheses: Single Surgical Group Experience with 2,384 First-Time Implants Spanning Two Decades
Authors: Wilson Steven K. , Delk John R. , Salem Emad A. , Cleves Mario A.
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Long-term revision-free survival, greater than 10 years has never been reported for inflatable penile prostheses. We conducted a historical prospective study to estimate 10 and 15 years survival of first time (virgin) implantations in 2,384 patients with four different models.

Aim

Evaluation of 10- and 15-year mechanical and overall revision-free survival of inflatable penile prostheses.

Main Outcome Measures

Kaplan–Meier product limit method, and comparison using the log rank test, were used to estimate the 10- and 15-year revision-free survival.

Methods

Data were obtained from medical records and patient interviews, entered into a computerized database, and analyzed by a third party. Information included implant type, date, revision history with date, and reason. Fourteen different inflatables were examined. Mentor Alpha 1, Mentor Alpha NB, AMS 700 CX, and AMS 700 Ultrex had usage for an extended period of time. Because of failure times being confounded as a result of prior implants, only virgin implants were examined.

Results

For the entire series, estimated 10-year revision-free survival for all reasons was 68.5% and the 15-year revision-free survival was 59.7%. Freedom from mechanical breakage at 10 years was 79.4%; 15 years was 71.2%. Recent mechanically enhanced models did even better. In 1992, Mentor Alpha added pump reinforcement to forestall mechanical breakage. This improved 10-year survival from 65.3% to 88.6% (P  = 0.0001). In January 2001, AMS CX added a parylene coating to the cylinders that increased 3-year mechanical survival from 88.4 to 97.9% (P  = 0.0002).

Conclusions

This is the first report on long-term reliability of inflatable penile prostheses. We estimated 60% of these virgin implants would survive 15 or more years without revision or extraction. Newer enhanced models are currently available, and our tracking predicts even better long-term survival for these devices.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B with the combination of pegylated interferon with lamivudine
Authors: Marcellin Patrick , Lada Olivier , Asselah Tarik
Published: July 2007

Several agents are currently approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: interferon alpha (IFN), pegylated interferon‐α (PEG IFN), lamivudine, adefovir, and entecavir. Each agent has inherent limitations. IFN is effective in a minority of patients and has frequent side effects that limit its tolerability. Large randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of PEG IFN in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. The efficacy of lamivudine is limited by the emergence of drug‐resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants, restricting its utility as a long‐term therapy. Adefovir is well tolerated and is associated with low incidence of resistance, but its antiviral effect is not optimal. Entecavir has a high antiviral effect and is well tolerated. However, its long term efficacy and resistance profile are not yet determined. Lamivudine, adefovir and entecavir have the advantages of oral administration and excellent safety profiles. However, theyinduce a sustained response after withdrawal of therapy in only a minority of patients, and therefore, the treatment needs to be indefinitely administered in most patients. IFNs have two mechanisms of action: (i) direct antiviral effect by inhibiting synthesis of viral DNA and by activating antiviral enzymes; and (ii) exaggeration of the cellular immune response against hepatocytes infected with HBV. PEG IFN, administered for 48 weeks, gives an overall sustained response rate of approximately 30%. Two large randomized controlled trials have conducted to registration of PEG IFN‐α‐2a in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
In Vitro Antiviral Activity of the Novel, Tyrosyl-Based Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Type 1 Protease Inhibitor Brecanavir (GW640385) in Combination with Other Antiretrovirals and against a Panel of Protease Inhibitor-Resistant HIV
Authors: Hazen Richard , Harvey Robert , Ferris Robert , Craig Charles , Yates Phillip , Griffin Philip , Miller John , Kaldor Istvan , Ray John , Samano Vincente , Furfine Eric , Spaltenstein Andrew , Hale Michael , Tung Roger , St. Clair Marty , Hanlon Mary , Boone Lawrence
Published: July 2007

Brecanavir, a novel tyrosyl-based arylsulfonamide, high-affinity, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease inhibitor (PI), has been evaluated for anti-HIV activity in several in vitro assays. Preclinical assessment of brecanavir indicated that this compound potently inhibited HIV-1 in cell culture assays with 50% effective concentrations (EC
50
s) of 0.2 to 0.53 nM and was equally active against HIV strains utilizing either the CXCR4 or CCR5 coreceptor, as was found with other PIs. The presence of up to 40% human serum decreased the anti-HIV-1 activity of brecanavir by 5.2-fold, but under these conditions the compound retained single-digit nanomolar EC
50
s. When brecanavir was tested in combination with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, the antiviral activity of brecanavir was synergistic with the effects of stavudine and additive to the effects of zidovudine, tenofovir, dideoxycytidine, didanosine, adefovir, abacavir, lamivudine, and emtricitabine. Brecanavir was synergistic with the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor nevirapine or delavirdine and was additive to the effects of efavirenz. In combination with other PIs, brecanavir was additive to the activities of indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, amprenavir, saquinavir, and atazanavir. Clinical HIV isolates from PI-experienced patients were evaluated for sensitivity to brecanavir and other PIs in a recombinant virus assay. Brecanavir had a <5-fold increase in EC
50
s against 80% of patient isolates tested and had a greater mean in vitro potency than amprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, atazanavir, tipranavir, and darunavir. Brecanavir is by a substantial margin the most potent and broadly active antiviral agent among the PIs tested in vitro.
Pharmacodynamic Effects of Telavancin against Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
Strains in the Presence of Human Albumin or Serum and in an In Vitro Kinetic Model
Authors: Odenholt Inga , Löwdin Elisabeth , Cars Otto
Published: July 2007

Telavancin is a novel bactericidal lipoglycopeptide with multiple mechanisms of action against gram-positive pathogens. The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics of the antimicrobial effect of telavancin against two strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
(methicillin susceptible and methicillin resistant) in an in vitro kinetic model with simulated human pharmacokinetics. Also, static experiments were performed to determine the rate and extent of killing by telavancin in the presence and absence of human albumin and human serum. Experiments in broth and in nutrient-depleted medium were performed to study the rate and extent of killing by telavancin of bacteria in different growth phases. In the in vitro kinetic model regrowth was noted at 24 h for both strains when exposed to initial concentrations below 5 mg/liter. There was a >3-log
10
killing at all concentrations from 0.5× MIC and above at 24 h both in broth and in the presence of 40-g/liter human albumin. In contrast to the methicillin-susceptible strain, the methicillin-resistant strain in 40-g/liter human albumin showed a regrowth at concentrations of 0.5× MIC and 1× MIC at 24 h. At all the other concentrations >3-log
10
killing was seen at 24 h. Concordant results were seen in 50% human serum. At a target area under the curve/MIC ratio of 50 (corresponding to the human dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight, administered intravenously), >3-log
10
killing was observed at 6 to 8 h. Unlike most antibiotics, telavancin was able to kill both strains in a nongrowing phase.
Metabolic Analysis of
Moraxella catarrhalis
and the Effect of Selected In Vitro Growth Conditions on Global Gene Expression
Authors: Wang Wei , Reitzer Larry , Rasko David A. , Pearson Melanie M. , Blick Robert J. , Laurence Cassie , Hansen Eric J.
Published: July 2007

The nucleotide sequence from the genome of
Moraxella catarrhalis
ATCC 43617 was annotated and used both to assess the metabolic capabilities and limitations of this bacterium and to design probes for a DNA microarray. An absence of gene products for utilization of exogenous carbohydrates was noteworthy and could be correlated with published phenotypic data. Gene products necessary for aerobic energy generation were present, as were a few gene products generally ascribed to anaerobic systems. Enzymes for synthesis of all amino acids except proline and arginine were present.
M. catarrhalis
DNA microarrays containing 70-mer oligonucleotide probes were designed from the genome-derived nucleotide sequence data. Analysis of total RNA extracted from
M. catarrhalis
ATCC 43617 cells grown under iron-replete and iron-restricted conditions was used to establish the utility of these DNA microarrays. These DNA microarrays were then used to analyze total RNA from
M. catarrhalis
cells grown in a continuous-flow biofilm system and in the planktonic state. The genes whose expression was most dramatically increased by growth in the biofilm state included those encoding a nitrate reductase, a nitrite reductase, and a nitric oxide reductase. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR analysis was used to validate these DNA microarray results. These results indicate that growth of
M. catarrhalis
in a biofilm results in increased expression of gene products which can function not only in energy generation but also in resisting certain elements of the innate immune response.
Neisserial Outer Membrane Vesicles Bind the Coinhibitory Receptor Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cellular Adhesion Molecule 1 and Suppress CD4
+
T Lymphocyte Function
Authors: Lee Hannah S. W. , Boulton Ian C. , Reddin Karen , Wong Henry , Halliwell Denise , Mandelboim Ofer , Gorringe Andrew R. , Gray-Owen Scott D.
Published: July 2007

Pathogenic
Neisseria
bacteria naturally liberate outer membrane “blebs,” which are presumed to contribute to pathology, and the detergent-extracted outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from
Neisseria meningitidis
are currently employed as meningococcal vaccines in humans. While the composition of these vesicles reflects the bacteria from which they are derived, the functions of many of their constituent proteins remain unexplored. The neisserial colony opacity-associated Opa proteins function as adhesins, the majority of which mediate bacterial attachment to human carcinoembryonic antigen-related cellular adhesion molecules (CEACAMs). Herein, we demonstrate that the Opa proteins within OMV preparations retain the capacity to bind the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif-containing coinhibitory receptor CEACAM1. When CD4
+
T lymphocytes were exposed to OMVs from Opa-expressing bacteria, their activation and proliferation in response to a variety of stimuli were effectively halted. This potent immunosuppressive effect suggests that localized infection will generate a “zone of inhibition” resulting from the diffusion of membrane blebs into the surrounding tissues. Moreover, it demonstrates that OMV-based vaccines must be developed from strains that lack CEACAM1-binding Opa variants.
Role of Outer Surface Protein D in theBorrelia burgdorferiLife Cycle
Authors: Li Xin , Neelakanta Girish , Liu Xianzhong , Beck Deborah S. , Kantor Fred S. , Fish Durland , Anderson John F. , Fikrig Erol
Published: July 2007

Borrelia burgdorferipreferentially induces selected genes in mice or ticks, and studies suggest thatospDis down-regulated in response to host-specific signals. We now directly show thatospDexpression is generally elevated withinIxodes scapulariscompared with mice. We then assessed the importance of OspD throughout the spirochete life cycle by generating OspD-deficientB. burgdorferiand examining the mutant in the murine model of tick-transmitted Lyme borreliosis. The lack of OspD did not influenceB. burgdorferiinfectivity in mice or the acquisition of spirochetes byI. scapularis. OspD adhered to tick gut extracts in vitro, and the OspD-deficientB. burgdorferistrain had a threefold decrease in colonization of the tick gut in vivo. This decrease, however, did not alter subsequent spirochete transmission during a second blood meal. These data suggest thatB. burgdorferican compensate for the lack of OspD in both ticks and mice and that OspD may have a nonessential, secondary, role inB. burgdorferipersistence withinI. scapularis.
Intranasal Immunization with Gal-Inhibitable Lectin plus an Adjuvant of CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides Protects against
Entamoeba histolytica
Challenge
Authors: Ivory Catherine P. A. , Chadee Kris
Published: July 2007

The development of an effective amebiasis vaccine could improve child health in the developing world, reducing cases of amebic colitis and liver abscess. An ideal vaccine would be comprised of a well-characterized parasite antigen and an adjuvant, which would have high potency while driving the immune response in a Th1 direction. This study describes a mucosal vaccine composed of the
Entamoeba histolytica
galactose/
N
-acetyl-
d
-galactosamine-inhibitable lectin (Gal-lectin) and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN). The Gal-lectin is a protein involved in parasite virulence and adherence and is known to activate immune cells, while CpG-ODN are known to be potent inducers of type 1-like immune responses. We demonstrated that intranasal administration of the vaccine resulted in strong Gal-lectin-specific Th1 responses and humoral responses. Vaccination induced the production of Gal-lectin-specific T cells and the production of the proinflammatory cytokine gamma interferon. Vaccinated animals had detectable serum anti-Gal-lectin immunoglobulin G (IgG) and stool anti-Gal-lectin IgA capable of blocking parasite adherence to target cells in vitro. One week after immunization, gerbils were challenged intrahepatically with live trophozoites. Vaccinated gerbils had no detectable abscesses after day 5, whereas control gerbils developed larger abscesses. These results show that mucosal vaccination with Gal-lectin and CpG-ODN can induce both systemic and humoral immune responses.
Implication of Quorum Sensing inSalmonella entericaSerovar Typhimurium Virulence: theluxSGene Is Necessary for Expression of Genes in Pathogenicity Island 1
Authors: Choi Jeongjoon , Shin Dongwoo , Ryu Sangryeol
Published: July 2007

Despite the fact that the regulatory system sensing density of cell population and its signaling molecule have been identified inSalmonella enterica, the biological significance of this phenomenon termed as quorum sensing remains unknown. In this report, we provide evidence that theluxSgene is necessary forSalmonellavirulence phenotypes. Transcription assays showed that the cell-density-dependent induction of theinvFgene was abolished in aSalmonellastrain with theluxSgene deleted. The effect of theluxSdeletion was also investigated in other InvF-regulated genes expressed fromSalmonellapathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1). The decreased expression of SPI-1 genes in the strain withluxSdeleted could be restored by either the addition of a synthetic signal molecule or the introduction of a plasmid copy of theluxSgene. Thus, the reduced expression ofinvFand its regulated genes inSalmonellacells lacking quorum sensing resulted in the attenuation of virulence phenotypes both in vitro and in vivo.
Synthesis and Cycloaddition Reaction of 3-Vinylthieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene
Authors: Machara Aleš , Pojarová Michaela , Svoboda Jiří
Published: July 2007

A new method of synthesis of 3-substituted thieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophenes based on a halogen dance process was developed. The cycloaddition reaction of the title compound with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate leads to the formation of a complex mixture of products resulting from a series of consecutive reactions of the primary adduct.
Extremely limited synthesis of long chain polyunsaturates in adults: implications for their dietary essentiality and use as supplements
Authors: Plourde Mélanie , Cunnane Stephen C.
Published: July 2007

There is considerable interest in the potential impact of several polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in mitigating the significant morbidity and mortality caused by degenerative diseases of the cardiovascular system and brain. Despite this interest, confusion surrounds the extent of conversion in humans of the parent PUFA, linoleic acid or α-linolenic acid (ALA), to their respective long-chain PUFA products. As a result, there is uncertainty about the potential benefits of ALA versus eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Some of the confusion arises because although mammals have the necessary enzymes to make the long-chain PUFA from the parent PUFA, in vivo studies in humans show that ≈5% of ALA is converted to EPA and <0.5% of ALA is converted to DHA. Because the capacity of this pathway is very low in healthy, nonvegetarian humans, even large amounts of dietary ALA have a negligible effect on plasma DHA, an effect paralleled in the ω6 PUFA by a negligible effect of dietary linoleic acid on plasma arachidonic acid. Despite this inefficient conversion, there are potential roles in human health for ALA and EPA that could be independent of their metabolism to DHA through the desaturation – chain elongation pathway.
Methods to quantify intermittent exercises
Authors: Desgorces François-Denis , Sénégas Xavier , Garcia Judith , Decker Leslie , Noirez Philippe
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to quantify intermittent training sessions using different types of exercise. Strength, sprint, and endurance sessions were performed until exhaustion. These sessions were quantified by the product of duration and heart rate (HR) (i.e., training impulse (TRIMP) and HR-zone methods), by the product of duration and rate of perceived exertion (RPE-based method), and a new method (work endurance recovery (WER)). The WER method aims to determine the level of exercise-induced physiological stress using the ratio of cumulated work – endurance limit, which is associated with the naparian logarithm of the ratio of work–recovery. Each session's effects were assessed using blood lactate, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), RPE, and HR. Because sessions were performed until exhaustion, it was assumed that each session would have a similar training load (TL) and there would be low interindividual variability. Each method was used to compare each of the TL quantifications. The endurance session induced the higher HR response (p < 0.001), the sprint session the higher blood lactate increase (p < 0.001), and the strength session the higher DOMS when compared with sprint (p = 0.007). TLs were similar after WER calculations, whereas the HR- and RPE-based methods showed differences between endurance and sprint (p < 0.001), and between endurance and strength TL (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The TLs from WER were correlated to those of the HR-based methods of endurance exercise, for which HR was known to accurately reflect the exercise-induced physiological stress (r = 0.63 and r = 0.64, p < 0.05). In addition, the TL from WER presented low interindividual variability, yet a marked variability was observed in the TLs of HR- and RPE-based methods. As opposed to the latter two methods, WER can quantify varied intermittent exercises and makes it possible to compare the athletes’ TL. Furthermore, WER can also assist in comparing athlete responses to training programs.
Activation of the A1adenosine receptor increases insulin-stimulated glucose transport in isolated rat soleus muscle
Authors: Thong Farah S.L. , Lally Jamie S.V. , Dyck David J. , Greer Felicia , Bonen Arend , Graham Terry E.
Published: July 2007

The A1adenosine receptor (A1AR) has been suggested to participate in insulin- and contraction-stimulated glucose transport in skeletal muscle, but the qualitative and quantitative nature of the effect are controversial. We sought to determine if A1AR is expressed in rat soleus muscle and then characterize its role in glucose transport in this muscle. A1AR mRNA and protein expression were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. To examine the role of adenosine in 3-O-methylglucose transport, isolated muscles were exposed to adenosine deaminase and α,β-methylene adenosine diphosphate to remove endogenous adenosine and were left unstimulated (basal) or stimulated with insulin. To assess the functional participation of A1AR in 3-O-methylglucose transport, muscles were incubated with A1-selective agonist and (or) antagonist in the absence of endogenous adenosine and with or without insulin. A1AR mRNA was expressed in soleus muscle and A1AR was present at the plasma membrane. Removal of endogenous adenosine reduced glucose transport in response to 100 μU/mL insulin (~50%). The A1-selective agonist, N6-cyclopentyladenosine, increased submaximal (100 μU/mL) insulin-stimulated glucose transport in a dose-dependent manner (0.001–1.0 μmol/L). This stimulatory effect was inhibited by the A1-selective receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine in a concentration-dependent manner (0.001–1.0 μmol/L). However, neither activation nor inhibition of A1AR altered basal or maximal (10 mU/mL) insulin-stimulated glucose transport. Our results suggest that adenosine contributes ~50% to insulin-stimulated muscle glucose transport by activating the A1AR. This effect is limited to increasing insulin sensitivity, but not to either basal or maximal insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in rat soleus muscle.
Hyperthermia and voluntary exhaustion: integrating models and future challenges
Authors: Cheung Stephen S.
Published: July 2007

Over the past decade, research interest has risen on the direct effects of temperature on exercise capacity and tolerance, particular in the heat. Two major paradigms have been proposed for how hyperthermia may contribute to voluntary fatigue during exercise in the heat. One suggests that voluntary exhaustion occurs upon the approach or attainment of a critical internal temperature through impairment in a variety of physiological systems. An alternate perspective proposes that thermal inputs modulate the regulation of self-paced workload to minimize heat storage. This review seeks to summarize recent research leading to the development of these two models for hyperthermia and fatigue and explore possible bridges between them. Key areas for future research and development into voluntary exhaustion in the heat include (i) the development of valid and non-invasive means to measure brain temperature, (ii) understanding variability in perception and physiological responses to heat stress across individuals, (iii) extrapolating laboratory studies to field settings, (iv) understanding the failure in behavioural and physiological thermoregulation that leads to exertional heat illness, and (v) the integration of physiological and psychological parameters limiting voluntary exercise in the heat.
Disturbance of thermal homeostasis following dynamic exercise
Authors: Kenny Glen P. , Jay Ollie , Journeay W. Shane
Published: July 2007

Recovery from dynamic exercise results in significant perturbations of thermoregulatory control. These perturbations evoke a prolonged elevation in core body temperature and a concomitant decrease in sweating, skin blood flow, and skin temperature to pre-exercise baseline values within the early stages of recovery. Cutaneous vasodilation and sweating are critical responses necessary for effective thermoregulation during heat stress in humans. The ability to modulate the rate of heat loss through adjustments in vasomotor and sudomotor activity is a fundamental mechanism of thermoregulatory homeostasis. There is a growing body of evidence in support of a possible relationship between hemodynamic changes postexercise and heat loss responses. Specifically, nonthermoregulatory factors, such as baroreceptors, associated with hemodynamic changes, influence the regulation of core body temperature during exercise recovery. The following review will examine the etiology of the post-exercise disturbance in thermal homeostasis and evaluate possible thermal and nonthermal factors associated with a prolonged hyperthermic state following exercise.
The effect of consecutive days of exercise on markers of oxidative stress
Authors: Shing Cecilia M. , Peake Jonathan M. , Ahern Shannon M. , Strobel Natalie A. , Wilson Gary , Jenkins David G. , Coombes Jeff S.
Published: July 2007

We examined the influence of 3 consecutive days of high-intensity cycling on blood and urinary markers of oxidative stress. Eight highly-trained male cyclists (VO2 max76 ± 4 mL·kg–1·min–1; mean ± SD) completed an interval session (9 exercise bouts lasting 30 s each, at 150% peak power output) on day 1, followed by 2 laboratory-simulated 30 km time trials on days 2 and 3. The cyclists also completed a submaximal exercise trial matched to the interval session for oxygen consumption. Blood was collected pre- and post-exercise for the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), vitamin E, and the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, while urine was collected for the determination of allantoin. There were significant increases in plasma MDA concentrations (p < 0.01), plasma TAS (p < 0.01), and urinary allantoin excretion (p < 0.01) following the high-intensity interval session on day 1, whereas plasma vitamin E concentration significantly decreased (p = 0.028). Post-exercise changes in plasma MDA (p = 0.036), TAS concentrations (p = 0.039), and urinary allantoin excretion (p = 0.031) were all significantly attenuated over the 3 consecutive days of exercise, whereas resting plasma TAS concentration was elevated. There were no significant changes in plasma MDA, TAS, or allantoin excretion following submaximal exercise and there were no significant changes in antioxidant enzyme activity over consecutive days of exercise or following submaximal exercise. Consecutive days of high-intensity exercise enhanced resting plasma TAS concentration and reduced the post-exercise increase in plasma MDA concentrations.
A randomized trial of a hypocaloric high-protein diet, with and without exercise, on weight loss, fitness, and markers of the Metabolic Syndrome in overweight and obese women
Authors: Meckling Kelly A. , Sherfey Rachel
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 3:1 and 1:1 carbohydrate to protein ratios, hypocaloric diets with and without exercise, and risk factors associated with the Metabolic Syndrome in overweight and obese Canadian women. Groups were designated as control diet (CON), control diet with exercise (CONEx), high-protein (HP), or high-protein with exercise (HPEx). Free-living women from the Guelph community were studied in a university health and fitness facility. The participants were 44 of 60 overweight and obese women who had been randomized to the 4 weight-loss programs. Habitual diets of the subjects were energy restricted and were to contain either a 1:1 or 3:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein energy. Subjects either exercised 3 times/week or maintained their normal level of activity for 12 weeks. The main outcome measures were weight loss, blood lipids, blood pressure, insulin, body composition, nitrogen balance, fitness, and resting energy expenditure. All groups lost weight over the 12 week period: –2.1 kg for the CON group, –4.0 kg in the CONEx group, –4.6 kg in the HP group, and –7.0 kg in the HPEx. All participants exhibited improved body composition, decreased blood pressure, and decreased waist and hip circumference. Actual diets consumed by the subjects contained ratios of carbohydrate to protein of 3.0:1, 2.7:1, 1.5:1, and 0.96:1 for the CON, CONEx, HP, and HPEx groups, respectively. Cardiovascular fitness improved in both exercise groups. There were no changes in resting energy expenditure. No adverse events were reported. Significant changes in blood lipids included decreased total cholesterol in the HP and CONEx groups, decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the HP group only, and decreased blood triglycerides in the HPEx group only. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin levels were unaltered by diet or exercise. A high-protein diet was superior to a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet either alone or when combined with an aerobic/resistance-training program in promoting weight loss and nitrogen balance, while similarly improving body composition and risk factors for the Metabolic Syndrome in overweight and obese Canadian women.
NEWTON–HOOKE LIMIT OF BELTRAMI–DE SITTER SPACETIME, PRINCIPLE OF GALILEI–HOOKE'S RELATIVITY AND POSTULATE ON NEWTON–HOOKE UNIVERSAL TIME
Authors: HUANG CHAO-GUANG , GUO HAN-YING , TIAN YU , XU ZHAN , ZHOU BIN
Published: July 2007

Based on the Beltrami–de Sitter spacetime, we present the Newton–Hooke model under the Newton–Hooke contraction of the BdS spacetime with respect to the transformation group, algebra and geometry. It is shown that in Newton–Hooke space–time, there are inertial-type coordinate systems and inertial-type observers, which move along straight lines with uniform velocity. And they are invariant under the Newton–Hooke group. In order to determine uniquely the Newton–Hooke limit, we propose the Galilei–Hooke's relativity principle as well as the postulate on Newton–Hooke universal time. All results are readily extended to the Newton–Hooke model as a contraction of Beltrami–anti-de Sitter spacetime with negative cosmological constant.
ON THE SYMMETRIC SPACE σ-MODEL KINEMATICS
Authors: YILMAZ NEJAT T.
Published: July 2007

The solvable Lie algebra parametrization of the symmetric spaces is discussed. Based on the solvable Lie algebra gauge two equivalent formulations of the symmetric space sigma model are studied. Their correspondence is established by inspecting the normalization conditions and deriving the field transformation laws.
NILPOTENT CLASSICAL MECHANICS
Authors: FRYDRYSZAK ANDRZEJ
Published: July 2007

The formalism of nilpotent mechanics is introduced in the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian form. Systems are described using nilpotent, commuting coordinates η. Necessary geometrical notions and elements of generalized differential η-calculus are introduced. The so-called s-geometry, in a special case when it is orthogonally related to a traceless symmetric form, shows some resemblances to the symplectic geometry. As an example of an η-system the nilpotent oscillator is introduced and its supersymmetrization considered. It is shown that the R-symmetry known for the graded superfield oscillator also present here for the supersymmetric η-system. The generalized Poisson bracket for (η, p)-variables satisfies modified Leibniz rule and has nontrivial Jacobiator.
INITIAL STEREO ANALYSIS OF MRK 421 FROM THE VERITAS TELESCOPES
Authors:   for the VERITAS Collaboration, HUGHES S. B.
Published: July 2007

VERITAS (Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System), an array of ground-based gamma-ray telescopes in southern Arizona, USA, has been taking data in hardware stereo mode since March, 2006. The April–May 2006 dark run provided a large set of data from two telescopes on the known blazar Markarian (Mrk) 421. An initial analysis produced a light curve and preliminary cuts showing the two telescope array's angular resolution to be 0.19°. The remaining two VERITAS telescopes will be brought online by January, 2007.
TREE FCNC AND NON-UNITARITY OF CKM MATRIX
Authors: KIM C. S. , DIGHE AMOL
Published: July 2007

We discuss possible signatures of the tree level FCNC, which results from the non-unitarity of CKM matrix. We first define the unitarity step-by-step, and possible test of the non-unitarity through the 4-value-KM parametrization. We, then, show how the phase angle of the unitary triangle would change in case of the vector-like down quark model. As another example of tree FCNC, we investigate the leptophobic Z′ model and its application to the recent Bsmixing measurements.
THE CURRENT PROBLEMS OF THE MINIMAL SO(10) GUT AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
Authors: FUKUYAMA TAKESHI , KIKUCHI TATSURU , OKADA NOBUCHIKA
Published: July 2007

This talk consists of two parts. In part I we review how the minimal renormalizable supersymmetric SO (10) model, an SO (10) framework with only one 10 and one [Formula: see text] Higgs multiplets in the Yukawa sector, is attractive because of its highly predictive power. Indeed it not only gives a consistent predictions on neutrino oscillation data but also gives reasonable and interesting values for leptogenesis, LFV, muon g - 2, neutrinoless double beta decay etc. However, this model suffers from problems related to running of gauge couplings. The gauge coupling unification may be spoiled due to the presence of Higgs multiplets much lighter than the grand unification (GUT) scale. In addition, the gauge couplings blow up around the GUT scale because of the presence of Higgs multiplets of large representations. In part II we consider the minimal SO (10) model in the warped extra dimension and show a possibility to solve these problems.