bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin‐like Receptor Genotypes with Susceptibility to Endometriosis
Authors: Kitawaki Jo , Xu Bing , Ishihara Hiroaki , Fukui Michiaki , Hasegawa Goji , Nakamura Naoto , Mizuno Shigeto , Ohta Mitsuhiro , Obayashi Hiroshi , Honjo Hideo
Published: October 2007

Problem  Endometriosis is an immune‐related chronic inflammatory disease with a polygenic predisposition. The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) is responsible, in part, for genetic susceptibility to endometriosis.

Method of study  The KIRs genotype was determined in 186 patients with endometriosis and 165 control women using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers.

Results  The frequency of KIR3DS1 was significantly decreased in patients compared with controls (32%versus 44%, P = 0.028). KIR data were analyzed using a model comprised of three large groups, in which a gradient of activation/inhibitory potential derived from the combination of KIR and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) ligand genes was taken into account. The frequency of inhibitory KIRs/HLA‐class I combination genotypes was significantly higher in patients than in controls (χ2 = 6.010, 2 df, P = 0.0496).

Conclusion  Our results suggest that polymorphism in KIRs may be associated with susceptibility for endometriosis.
The effect of intracanal anti‐inflammatory medicaments on external root resorption of replanted dog teeth after extended extra‐oral dry time
Authors: Chen H. , Teixeira F. B. , Ritter A. L. , Levin L. , Trope M.
Published: October 2007

Abstract –  The prognosis of replanted teeth depends on several factors, the most important being the length of extra‐oral dry time. Studies show that after 60 min dry time, root resorption is predicted. Immediate intracanal placement of Ledermix, a paste containing triamcinolone (corticosteroid) and demeclocycline (tetracycline) has been shown to inhibit root resorption after extended dry time. However, discoloration is possible from the tetracycline in Ledermix. To evaluate the individual influence of corticosteroid and tetracycline on external root resorption after extended extra‐oral dry time. Sixty‐nine premolar roots of four beagle dogs were extracted and instrumented with NiTi files. Group 1 (negative control) was immediately replanted after root filling with GP and sealer; Group 2 (positive control) was root filled with GP and sealer and replanted after 60 min dry time; In groups 3–5, the canals were filled with Ledermix, Triamcinolone, and Demeclocycline, respectively, and replanted after 60 min dry time. After 4 months, the dogs were sacrificed and the roots were examined histologically for type of healing (favorable or unfavorable) and remaining root diameter. The groups treated with Ledermix, Triamcinolone and Demeclocycline had statistically significantly more favorable healing (75.8%; 69.8%; 52.4%) and more remaining root structure (5.59; 5.48; 5.09) than the group filled with GP and sealer (positive control) (0; 1.15). Corticosteroids were as effective as Ledermix at inhibiting external root resorption.
Pattern of memory compromise in chronic geriatric schizophrenia, frontotemporal dementia and normal geriatric controls
Authors: Foley Jessica , Golden Charles , Simco Edward , Schneider Barry , McCue Robert , Shaw Lindsay
Published: October 2007

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to explore whether memory deficits in schizophrenia are attributable to poor organisation/encoding during initial learning vs. memory decay.

Methods:

Subjects included geriatric schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders [SSD; n = 37; age = 59.92 (55–74); education = 11.70 (7–18)]; frontotemporal dementia [FTD; n = 41; age = 76.59 (64–83); education = 14.61 (12–20)] and geriatric controls [n = 107; age = 70.97 (55–93); education = 13.76 (6–20)]. Subjects were administered the Wechsler Memory Scale, Third Edition and discrepancy scores between immediate and delayed subtests/indices were used to explore possible differences between groups in pattern of impairment.

Results:

Significant differences were found between groups on age/education and these variables were related to several outcome measures. Gender was not related to diagnostic group and there were no gender differences on study variables. There were differences between the SSD subjects on several variables, with the schizoaffective subjects performing worse despite equivalence on global cognitive function, living status and chronicity. Seven one-way between-subjects ANCOVAs compared groups on discrepancy scores. Results failed to suggest differences between groups on immediate-delayed memory discrepancy scores (p> 0.05). Subsequent analyses revealed differences in percentage retention scores between SSD and FTD on the faces subtest (p = 0.040), with SSD retaining greater information over time.

Conclusion:

Results failed to show distinctions between groups on pattern of memory impairment when using discrepancy comparisons. However, an analysis examining percentage retention scores revealed better maintenance of non-contextual visual information over time in SSD. Findings may suggest deficits in immediate encoding rather than memory decay for some types of memory ability among geriatric SSD. Our failure to document group differences when using discrepancy comparisons may be attributable to relative similarity in pattern between groups or the limited sensitivity of this technique.
Diversity of supernumerary tooth formation in siblings with cleidocranial dysplasia having identical mutation in RUNX2 : possible involvement of non‐genetic or epigenetic regulation
Authors: Suda N , Hamada T , Hattori M , Torii C , Kosaki K , Moriyama K
Published: October 2007

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Suda N, Hamada T, Hattori M, Torii C, Kosaki K, Moriyama K

Introduction –  Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD, MIM #119600) is an autosomal‐dominant disorder characterized by hypoplasia or aplasia of clavicles, patent fontanelles and short stature. The responsible gene has been identified as RUNX2. CCD is also accompanied by characteristic dental abnormalities, e.g. supernumerary teeth, delayed eruption and impaction of permanent teeth. Intrafamilial variations of skeletal abnormalities are reported but those of dental abnormalities are obscure. To clarify this point, a precise examination of the dental features of CCD siblings having identical mutation was performed.

Design –  Gene mutational analysis of three Japanese CCD siblings and their father was performed. Skeletal and dental characteristics were examined by the inquiry and radiographs.

Results –  Three siblings uniformly showed patent fontanelles and short stature. They and their father had a novel missense mutation in the RUNT‐domain (P210S) of RUNX2. The siblings were completely discordant for the dental characteristics with the position and number of supernumerary teeth being completely different. The youngest, a 12‐year‐old boy, had six supernumerary teeth, which appeared symmetrically around the maxillary canines and mandibular premolars. The second, a 15‐year‐old girl, had four supernumerary teeth which appeared around the mandibular incisors. The oldest, a 17‐year‐old boy, had 11 supernumerary teeth, which were symmetrically around the mandibular lateral dentition and asymmetrically around the maxillary incisors and premolars.

Conclusion –  The present study suggests the involvement of non‐genetic or epigenetic regulation in supernumerary tooth formation in CCD.
Change in maximum occlusal force in association with maxillofacial growth
Authors: Usui T , Uematsu S , Kanegae H , Morimoto T , Kurihara S
Published: October 2007

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Usui T, Uematsu S, Kanegae H, Morimoto T, Kurihara S

Objective –  To clarify the correlation between variations in maximum occlusal force and the maxillofacial skeletal pattern in subjects with malocclusion using a compact device.

Design –  Three hundred and fifty patients (150 males 200 females) with malocclusion were included. The male and female subjects were divided into five groups each based on chronological age. The maximum occlusal force was measured with a simplified occlusal force meter. The maxillofacial skeletal pattern was analyzed with lateral cephalograms. On the basis of these data, we studied the correlation between the maximum occlusal force and the maxillofacial skeletal pattern in each age group.

Results –  The maximum occlusal force tended to increase with age, with a tendency to be greater in male than in female subjects. In the male subjects, up to their 20s, the maximum occlusal force continued to increase, while in the female subjects its increase almost terminated in the later teens. In some of the age groups, the maximum occlusal force showed a negative correlation with the mandibular plane angle.

Conclusions –  Maximum occlusal force tended to increase with age. There was a gender difference in the maximum occlusal force at all age groups, values being larger in the males. In the males, the maximum occlusal force continued to increase until their 20s, while in the females, this increase almost terminated at the age of 17.
Genes affecting tooth morphogenesis
Authors: Kapadia H , Mues G , D'Souza R
Published: October 2007

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Kapadia H, Mues G, D'Souza R

The development of dentition is a fascinating process that encompasses a complex series of epithelial–mesenchymal interactions involving growth factors, transcription factors, signal receptors and other soluble morphogens. It is not surprising that such a complex process is prone to disturbances and may result in tooth agenesis. Initial discoveries indicating that the homeo‐domain protein MSX1 and the paired‐domain transcription factor PAX9 are causative genes in tooth morphogenesis were made in mice. Both genes are co‐expressed in dental mesenchyme and either one, when homozygously deleted, results in an arrest at an early developmental stage. Previous studies have shown a down regulation of Bmp4 gene expression in Pax9 and Msx1 single mutant mice. Therefore, we chose to explore the molecular relationship between Pax9, Msx1 and Bmp4. In humans, unlike in mice, a heterozygous mutation in either PAX9 or MSX1 suffices to cause tooth agenesis of a predominantly molar or more premolar pattern, respectively. Our laboratory and others have identified several PAX9 and MSX1 mutations in families with non‐syndromic forms of autosomal dominant posterior tooth agenesis. We have also identified families with tooth agenesis in whom PAX9 and MSX1 mutations have been excluded opening up the possibilities for the discovery of other genes that contribute to human tooth agenesis.
Contact allergy to hairdressing allergens in female hairdressers and clients – current data from the IVDK, 2003–2006
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Lessmann Holger , Geier Johannes , Schnuch Axel
Published: October 2007

Background: Hair cosmetics, in particular hair dyes, bleaches, and permanent wave solutions, contain a number of potential contact allergens. The pattern of exposure to these in hairdressers, clients and home‐users may change over time.

Patients and Methods: Data on female patients who consulted centers of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK, http://www.ivdk.org) between 01/2003 and 12/2006 was analyzed. Patients were divided into a) hair‐dressers, given they worked in this occupation and suffered from occupational skin disease (n = 480),and b) “clients”,who never worked as hairdressers, but in whom hair cosmetics were considered a potential cause of contact dermatitis (n = 780).

Results: In hairdressers, the most important allergens were ammonium persulfate (21.7% positive),p‐toluenediamine (PTD,19.6% positive),p‐phenylenedi‐amine (PPD,18.1% positive) and, with decreasing time trend, glyceryl monothioglycolate (2005/2006 still 7.5% positive). Biocides must be regarded as important allergens in hairdressers, namely,(chloro) methylisothiazolinone and methyldibromoglutaronitrile. Clients, who were considerably older on average, had possibly been tested in a more aimed fashion, yielding (strikingly) higher sensitization prevalences to a number of allergens of oxidative hair dyes such as PPD or PTD.

Conclusions: The continual analysis of sensitization prevalences in patients patch tested can identify areas needing in‐depth research and preventive intervention, such as avoiding the use of certain biocides in shampoo intended for professional use by hairdressers or further reducing the concentrations in oxidative hair dyes.
Creation and Science in the Middle Ages
Authors: Carroll William E.
Published: October 2007

The reception of Greek learning in mediaeval Islam, Judaism, and Christianity was the occasion for a profound analysis of many theological doctrines. In particular, Neoplatonism and Aristotelian philosophy led to renewed thinking about what it means for God to be the Creator of all that is. In the Latin West, Thomas Aquinas benefited from the works of Avicenna, Averroes, and Maimonides as he fashioned his understanding of creation, understood both philosophically and theologically. The recognition that creation is not a change and as a metaphysical dependence in the order of being does not challenge claims in the natural sciences (e.g., that something cannot come from absolutely nothing) are crucial features of the mediaeval heritage on the relationship between creation and the natural sciences. Indeed, Thomas Aquinas argued that an eternal, created universe was intelligible.
“A Discovered Dissembler Can Achieve Nothing Great”; Or, Four Theses on the Death of Presidential Rhetoric in an Age of Empire
Authors: HARTNETT STEPHEN JOHN , MERCIECA JENNIFER ROSE
Published: October 2007

Because of the explosion of mass media, we have entered a new age of white noise; because of the disastrous extension of U.S. imperial ambitions, we have entered a new age of political deception; when these two historical factors are combined with the peculiar communicative habits of President George W. Bush, Americans are left with what we call a post‐rhetorical presidency. This is an anti‐democratic condition wherein presidential discourse is not meant to mobilize, educate, and uplift the masses; rather, by marshaling ubiquitous public chatter, waves of disinformation, and cascades of confusion‐causing misdirection, post‐rhetorical presidential discourse attempts to confuse public opinion, prevent citizen action, and frustrate citizen deliberation. Under these new conditions, the president defines fantasy, not reality; he numbs citizens rather than energizing them; instead of informing and teaching, he chooses to dumb down and stupefy. We pursue this thesis by offering four philosophical theses and three rhetorical case studies of the president's public speaking, thus combining critical theory and rhetorical criticism to help map what may represent the death of democracy.
Bushspeak and the Politics of Lying: Presidential Rhetoric in the “War on Terror”
Authors: KELLNER DOUGLAS
Published: October 2007

The Bush administration, aided and abetted by U.S. corporate media, manipulated a politics of fear to push through a right‐wing agenda that included the Patriot Act, massive changes in the legal system, a dramatic expansion of the U.S. military, and U.S.‐led military intervention in Afghanistan and Iraq. Accordingly, I dissect Bush‐Cheney administration rhetoric in the period following the 9/11 terror attacks, George W. Bush's “axis of evil” speech and the lead‐up to the Iraq War, and the discourse and spectacle of the war itself. Building on George Orwell, I deconstruct Bush's rhetoric as an instrument of “Bushspeak” and the politics of lying. I argue that subsequent events in Iraq deconstructed Bush's discourse and showed the dangers and limitations of the politics of lying and of the spectacle, which can be reversed and undermined by subsequent events.
George Bush, , and American Democracy
Authors: STUCKEY MARY E. , RITTER JOSHUA R.
Published: October 2007

This article examines the role the ideograph  plays in George W. Bush's presidential rhetoric. By strategically wielding  throughout his presidency, and by using it to amplify his use of association and dissociation, Bush connects his actions in important ways to the foundational myths of American democracy. In so doing, he provides powerful warrants for his actions, which undermine the very practices he claims to be supporting. That is, by using  as a way of tapping into the myth of America as the synecdochic representation of freedom in the world, Bush rhetorically reaffirms that myth while acting in ways that also subvert it.
Dangerous Supplements, Inventive Dissent, and Military Critiques of the Bush Administration's Unitary Executive Theories
Authors: HASIAN MAROUF
Published: October 2007

Given the growing resonance of presidential rhetorics that are filled with tales of “unitary executive” power, wartime necessities, and unlawful combatants, critics of the administration need to find novel ways of dissenting. In recent years, several generals and other soldiers have assiduously avoided using frontal assault strategies in their critiques of Bush administration policies. Instead, they have used dangerous supplements, strategies of mythic reappropriation, where detractors have claimed that the Vulcans of the Bush administration have betrayed their masculine duties. Several case analyses of military tribunal debates and the generals' ouster of Donald Rumsfeld show us both the rewards and costs that have attended the embrace of some of these martial rhetorics.
The Contemporary Presidency: The Carter White House Communications Operation: Lessons for His Successors
Authors: KUMAR MARTHA JOYNT
Published: October 2007

From the perspective of thirty years later, there are three particular lessons we learn through White House communications operations in the Carter years. First, President Jimmy Carter demonstrated that, as important as it is for a chief executive to develop and maintain a relationship with the public, listening and responding to public concerns need to be part of an overall communications program designed to focus on a coordinated agenda. The chief executive needs a disciplined communications operation that focuses the attention of the public. A listening operation is important, but so too is a publicity operation that channels public attention through speeches and events designed to communicate specific messages. Second, the central elements of a press secretary's job remain today in spite of all of the subsequent changes in the publicity environment, such as the development of cable news networks and the Internet. No matter who is in office, reporters expect to receive an accurate accounting of the president's thinking and actions and to get it in a timely manner. It does not matter whether there is a twelve‐hour news cycle or a twenty‐four‐hour one, authenticity of information is crucial to a White House communications operation. Third, through the experience of the Carter administration, we learn presidents need to have communications organizations in addition to their daily press operations. Communications is a basic White House function and requires an office dedicated to responding to critics, long‐range planning, and coordination to carry it out.
The Law: Contextualizing the Signing Statement
Authors: KELLEY CHRISTOPHER S.
Published: October 2007

The presidential signing statement became a public spectacle in 2006 after a news account claimed President George W. Bush used the signing statement to challenge the constitutionality of over 750 provisions of various bills he signed into law. Despite the coverage generated over Bush's use of the signing statement, most Americans still remain woefully uninformed of its history or purpose. This note will discuss what a signing statement is, how it has evolved, and ways to constrain its effect.
Elections: The Politics of the Permanent Campaign: Presidential Travel and the Electoral College, 1977‐2004
Authors: DOHERTY BRENDAN J.
Published: October 2007

This article undertakes an empirical assessment of a key element of the permanent campaign for the presidency by systematically examining presidential travel from 1977 through 2004. I find that presidential travel does target large, competitive states, and that such strategic targeting has increased over time, supporting the notion that the permanent campaign is on the rise. However, substantial differences between reelection and other years, as well as measures of the breadth of presidential travel and proportional attention to the states, indicate that electoral concerns do not thoroughly permeate patterns of presidential activity throughout a president's years in office, as the logic of the permanent campaign would suggest.
Involvement of glutathione/glutathione S‐transferase antioxidant system in butyrate‐inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation
Authors: Ranganna Kasturi , Mathew Omana P. , Yatsu Frank M. , Yousefipour Zivar , Hayes Barbara E. , Milton Shirlette G.
Published: October 2007

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is an important etiological factor in vascular proliferative diseases such as primary atherosclerosis, hypertension, arterial and in‐stent restenosis, and transplant vasculopathy. Our studies established that butyrate, a bacterial fermentation product of dietary fiber and a chromatin modulator, is a potent inhibitor of VSMC proliferation. The cardiovascular health benefits of a high‐fiber diet, the principle source of butyrate in the body, have been known for a long time, however, very little is known about the antiatherogenic potential of butyrate. Because oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, we examined involvement of the glutathione/glutathione S‐transferase (GST) antioxidant system in butyrate's inhibition of VSMC proliferation. Treatment of proliferating VSMCs with butyrate leads to the induction of several GSTs. Interestingly, our study also demonstrated the nuclear localization of GST‐P1 (GST‐7‐7), which is considered to be a cytosolic protein; this was demonstrated using immunostaining and was corroborated by western blotting. Also, the butyrate‐induced antiproliferative action, and the induction of GST‐P1 and its nuclear localization are downregulated when butyrate is withdrawn. Furthermore, assessment of intracellular glutathione levels reveals their augmentation by butyrate. Conversely, butyrate treatment reduces the levels of reactive oxygen species in VSMCs. Collectively, the butyrate‐treatment‐related increase in glutathione content, the reduction in reactive oxygen species, the upregulation of GST and the nuclear localization of GST‐P1 in growth‐arrested VSMCs imply that butyrate's antiproliferative action involves modulation of the cellular redox state. Thus, induction of the glutathione/GST antioxidant system appears to have other regulatory role(s) besides detoxification and regulation of the cellular redox state, for example, cell‐cycle control and cell proliferation, which are both critical to atherogenesis.
Role of the structural domains in the functional properties of pancreatic lipase‐related protein 2
Authors: Berton Amélie , Sebban‐Kreuzer Corinne , Crenon Isabelle
Published: October 2007

Although structurally similar, classic pancreatic lipase (PL) and pancreatic lipase‐related protein (PLRP)2, expressed in the pancreas of several species, differ in substrate specificity, sensitivity to bile salts and colipase dependence. In order to investigate the role of the two domains of PLRP2 in the function of the protein, two chimeric proteins were designed by swapping the N and C structural domains between the horse PL (Nc and Cc domains) and the horse PLRP2 (N2 and C2 domains). NcC2 and N2Cc proteins were expressed in insect cells, purified by one‐step chromatography, and characterized. NcC2 displays the same specific activity as PL, whereas N2Cc has the same as that PLRP2. In contrast to N2Cc, NcC2 is highly sensitive to interfacial denaturation. The lipolytic activity of both chimeric proteins is inhibited by bile salts and is not restored by colipase. Only N2Cc is found to be a strong inhibitor of PL activity, due to competition for colipase binding. Active site‐directed inhibition experiments demonstrate that activation of N2Cc occurs in the presence of bile salt and does not require colipase, as does PLRP2. The inability of PLRP2 to form a high‐affinity complex with colipase is only due to the C‐terminal domain. Indeed, the N‐terminal domain can interact with the colipase. PLRP2 properties such as substrate selectivity, specific activity, bile salt‐dependent activation and interfacial stability depend on the nature of the N‐terminal domain.
Cobalt‐Chromium‐Molybdenum Alloy Causes Metal Accumulation and Metallothionein Up‐Regulation in Rat Liver and Kidney
Authors: Jakobsen Stig S. , Danscher Gorm , Stoltenberg Meredin , Larsen Agnete , Bruun Jens M. , Mygind Tina , Kemp Kaare , Soballe Kjeld
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Cobalt‐chromium‐molybdenum (CoCrMo) metal‐on‐metal hip prosthesis has had a revival due to their excellent wear properties. However, particulate wear debris and metal ions liberated from the CoCrMo alloys might cause carcinogenicity, hypersensitivity, local and general tissue toxicity, genotoxicity and inflammation‐generating qualities. Nine months after implanting small pieces of CoCrMo alloy intramuscularly and intraperitoneally in rats, we analysed the accumulation of metals with a multi‐element analysis, and the levels of metallothionein I/II with real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction in liver and kidney. We found that metal ions are liberated from CoCrMo alloys and suggest that they are released by dissolucytosis, a process where macrophages causes the metallic surface to release metal ions. Animals with intramuscular implants accumulated metal in liver and kidney and metallohionein I/II were elevated in liver tissue. The present data do not tell whether kidney and liver are the primary target organs or what possible toxicological effect the different metal ions might have, but they show that metal ions are liberated from CoCrMo alloys that are not subjected to mechanical wear and that they accumulate in liver and kidney tissue. That the liberated metal ions affect the tissues is supported by an up‐regulation of the detoxifying/pacifying metalloprotein I/II in the liver.
Angelica sinensis: A Novel Adjunct to Prevent Doxorubicin‐Induced Chronic Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Xin Yan‐Fei , Zhou Guo‐Liang , Shen Min , Chen Yun‐Xiang , Liu Shu‐Peng , Chen Guo‐Chan , Chen Hao , You Zhen‐Qiang , Xuan Yao‐Xian
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic agent used in the treatment of a variety of solid and haematopoietic tumours, but its use is limited by formation of metabolites that induce acute and chronic cardiac toxicities. Angelica sinensis has been widely used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China. In the present study, we used an in vivo mouse model to explore whether A. sinensis could protect against doxorubicin‐induced chronic cardiotoxicity. Male ICR mice were treated with distilled water or water extraction of A. sinensis (15 g/kg, orally) daily for 4 weeks, followed by saline or doxorubicin (15 mg/kg, intravenously) treatments weekly. Cardiotoxicity was assessed by electrocardiograph, antioxidant activity in cardiac tissues, serum levels of creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and histopathological change in cardiac tissues. A cumulative dose of doxorubicin (60 mg/kg) caused animal death and myocardial injury characterized by increased QT interval and decreased heart rate in electrocardiograph, decrease of heart antioxidant activity, increase of serum AST, as well as myocardial lesions. Pre‐treatment with A. sinensis significantly reduced mortality and improved heart performance of the doxorubicin‐treated mice as evidenced from normalization of antioxidative activity and serum AST, preventing loss of myofibrils as well as improving arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxic study showed that A. sinensis did not compromise the antitumour activity of doxorubicin. These results suggested that A. sinensis elicited a typical cardioprotective effect on doxorubicin‐related oxidative stress, and could be a novel adjunct in the combination with doxorubicin chemotherapy.
Comparison of the Effects of Deramciclane, Ritanserin and Buspirone on Extracellular Dopamine and Its Metabolites in Striatum and Nucleus Accumbens of Freely Moving Rats
Authors: Kääriäinen Tiina M. , Lehtonen Marko , Forsberg Markus M. , Savolainen Jouko , Käenmäki Mikko , Männistö Pekka T.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  In the present study, we assessed the effect of single graded doses of a putative anxiolytic compound, the 5‐HT2A/C antagonist, deramciclane fumarate (EGIS‐3886), on the dopamine efflux and metabolism in nucleus accumbens and striatum and thus evaluated the dose window for deramciclane to cause adverse effects related to the brain dopaminergic system. Dual probe in vivo microdialysis in freely moving rats was used to compare the effects of graded doses of deramciclane fumarate (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg), 5‐HT2A/C antagonist ritanserin (1 mg/kg) and a partial 5‐HT1A agonist buspirone hydrochloride (5 mg/kg) on the extracellular levels of dopamine, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in nucleus accumbens and striatum assayed by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The indirect dopamine agonist, D‐amphetamine sulfate (2 mg/kg), was used as a positive control. Ritanserin, buspirone and deramciclane 3 and 10 mg/kg had no significant effects on the extracellular dopamine levels in either brain area but deramciclane 30 mg/kg significantly increased accumbal dopamine as well as DOPAC and HVA in both brain areas. As expected, the positive control D‐amphetamine significantly increased both striatal and accumbal dopamine levels. The effects of buspirone or the highest deramciclane dose and D‐amphetamine on DOPAC and HVA levels were opposite; buspirone and deramciclane increased while D‐amphetamine decreased the metabolite levels in both brain areas. The results indicate that a single high dose of deramciclane has the neuroleptic‐ or buspirone‐like effect, particularly in mesolimbic regions. There is at least a 5‐fold margin between the anxiolytic and neuroleptic doses of deramciclane in the rat.
Male to Female Gender Reassignment: Modified Surgical Technique for Creating the Neoclitoris and Mons Veneris
Authors: Soli Marcello , Brunocilla Eugenio , Bertaccini Alessandro , Palmieri Fabiano , Barbieri Barbara , Martorana Giuseppe
Published: October 2007

Introduction

The principal goal of surgical techniques for male to female gender reassignment is to provide aesthetic and functional external female genitalia.

Aim

To present a new surgical technique which permits a safer and faster construction of the neoclitoris and the configuration of a natural-looking mons veneris.

Main Outcome Measures

The neoclitoris sensitivity was reported by the patients themselves and checked during the follow-up medical examination. In order to define the degree of the patients' satisfaction with the mons veneris appearance, we used a simple questionnaire.

Methods

From April 2004 to February 2007, 26 patients underwent male to female sex reassignment surgery. The new technique was applied in the last 15 cases. A strip of albuginea, with the penile dorsal neurovascular bundle and a little portion of glans, was prepared, bended on itself, and fixed in the suprapubic area in order to create the mons veneris and the neoclitoris.

Results

This technique was easy to perform, permitting the safe preservation of the penile dorsal neurovascular bundle and a reduction in the operation time of 30–45 minutes. No major complications occurred in this series. Neoclitoris trophism and sensitivity were preserved in all patients. At follow-up, ranging from 3 to 20 months, the genital appearance was satisfactory, and the neoclitoris was pleasantly sensitive after a short period of hypersensitivity. Moreover, seven patients reported some form of climax during intercourse. The technical outcome was successful in all cases. The patients' satisfaction was extremely high for the neoclitoris sensitivity (present in all patients) and high in 11 out of 15 for the appearance of the mons veneris.

Conclusions

The neoclitoris and mons veneris configuration with a strip of albuginea is a new, safe, and time-saving surgical procedure. The cosmetic appearance and function of transsexual female external genitalia appears to be improved by using this technique.
Low Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin and Testosterone Levels in Association with Erectile Dysfunction among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Men Receiving Testosterone and Oxandrolone
Authors: Wasserman Peter , Segal-Maurer Sorana , Rubin David
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Men with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) wasting and hypogonadism are frequently treated with testosterone and oxandrolone, an orally administered anabolic–androgenic steroid hormone. We observed reductions in testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, in association with complaints of erectile dysfunction, after prolonged exposure to this therapeutic regimen.

Aim

First description of an association between long-term receipt of oxandrolone with erectile dysfunction, low SHBG and testosterone.

Methods

Case report of three human immunodeficiency virus-infected hypogonadal male patients receiving treatment for wasting syndrome and hypogonadism, and highly active antiretroviral therapy. All three patients received long-term oxandrolone in addition to testosterone replacement therapy.

Results

Testosterone and SHBG levels for patients 1, 2, and 3, respectively: total testosterone 183, 71, and 151 ng/dL (260–1,000 ng/dL); free testosterone (not done for patient 3) 58.3 and 26.9 pg/mL (50–210 pg/mL); SHBG 6, 9, and 6 nmol/L (7–50 nmol/L). No other hormonal abnormalities were detected. Following discontinuation of oxandrolone, levels of total testosterone rose, consistent with increase in SHBG. One patient received repeat SHBG assay documenting rise in SHBG level. Patient 2 reported return of libido and early morning erections several weeks after discontinuation of oxandrolone.

Conclusions

Patients had erectile dysfunction in association with low testosterone and SHBG, in spite of exogenous testosterone replacement. Discontinuation of oxandrolone led to the normalization or improvement of testosterone levels in all three patients with symptomatic improvement in one patient. First pass metabolism of orally administered oxandrolone may decrease hepatic synthesis of SHBG, allowing exogenously supplied testosterone to be excreted. Further work is necessary to elucidate the relationship.
What Kind of Erotic Film Clips Should We Use in Female Sex Research? An Exploratory Study
Authors: Woodard Terri L. , Collins Karen , Perez Mindy , Balon Richard , Tancer Manuel E. , Kruger Michael , Moffat Scott , Diamond Michael P.
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Erotic film clips are used in sex research, including studies of female sexual dysfunction and arousal. However, little is known about which clips optimize female sexual response. Furthermore, their use is not well standardized.

Aims

To identify the types of film clips that are most mentally appealing and physically arousing to women for use in future sexual function and dysfunction studies; to explore the relationship between mental appeal and reported physical arousal; to characterize the content of the films that were found to be the most and least appealing and arousing.

Methods

Twenty-one women viewed 90 segments of erotic film clips. They rated how (i) mentally appealing and (ii) how physically aroused they were by each clip. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The means of the mental and self-reported physical responses were calculated to determine the most and least appealing/arousing film clips. Pearson correlations were calculated to assess the relationship between mental appeal and reported physical arousal.

Main Outcome Measures

Self-reported mental and physical arousal.

Results

Of 90 film clips, 18 were identified as the most mentally appealing and physically arousing while nine were identified as the least mentally appealing and physically arousing. The level of mental appeal positively correlated with the level of perceived physical arousal in both categories (r =0.61, P <0.05 and r =0.62, P <0.05). The most appealing and physically arousing films tended to exhibit heterosexual behavior with vaginal intercourse. The least appealing and least physically arousing films tended to depict male homosexual behavior, fellatio, and anal intercourse.

Conclusions

Erotic film clips reliably produced a state of self-reported arousal in women. The most appealing and arousing films tended to depict heterosexual vaginal intercourse. Film clips with these attributes should be used in future research of sexual function and response of women.
Phylogenetic analyses of marine sponges within the order Verongida: a comparison of morphological and molecular data
Authors: Erwin Patrick M. , Thacker Robert W.
Published: October 2007

Abstract. Because the taxonomy of marine sponges is based primarily on morphological characters that can display a high degree of phenotypic plasticity, current classifications may not always reflect evolutionary relationships. To assess phylogenetic relationships among sponges in the order Verongida, we examined 11 verongid species, representing six genera and four families. We compared the utility of morphological and molecular data in verongid sponge systematics by comparing a phylogeny constructed from a morphological character matrix with a phylogeny based on nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences. The morphological phylogeny was not well resolved below the ordinal level, likely hindered by the paucity of characters available for analysis, and the potential plasticity of these characters. The molecular phylogeny was well resolved and robust from the ordinal to the species level. We also examined the morphology of spongin fibers to assess their reliability in verongid sponge taxonomy. Fiber diameter and pith content were highly variable within and among species. Despite this variability, spongin fiber comparisons were useful at lower taxonomic levels (i.e., among congeneric species); however, these characters are potentially homoplasic at higher taxonomic levels (i.e., between families). Our molecular data provide good support for the current classification of verongid sponges, but suggest a re‐examination and potential reclassification of the genera Aiolochroia and Pseudoceratina. The placements of these genera highlight two current issues in morphology‐based sponge taxonomy: intermediate character states and undetermined character polarity.
Larval trematode infections and spatial distributions of snails
Authors: Curtis Lawrence A.
Published: October 2007

Abstract.The hypothesis that infecting trematodes influence the spatial distribution of the estuarine snailIlyanassa obsoletawas tested. This work was conducted in the Savages Ditch habitat, Rehoboth Bay, DE, USA, which has an essentially flat, sandy‐mud bottom bordered by saltmarsh shorelines and many infected snails. In 1996, two groups of snails were individually marked and released from one location after being screened for trematode infections. One group, transplanted from sites where snails tended not to be infected, consisted of snails that tested as uninfected. The other group consisted of snails native to Savages Ditch. Species of trematode carried by each snail was recorded. Marked snails were found and their positions were recorded until 2001. Snails were in five infection categories: (1) not infected, and infected with (2)Himasthla quissetensis, or (3)Lepocreadium setiferoidesor (4)Zoogonus rubellus, or (5) with bothH. quissetensisandZ. rubellus. The results show that the spatial distributions of snails depended on whether or not they were infected and, if infected, on which trematode species they carried. To complete life cycles, these parasites must accomplish transmission from the first (the snail) to the second intermediate hosts by short‐lived, swimming cercariae. These data do not allow resolution of why snails distributed as they did, but sighting distributions of infected snails can be related to distributions of second hosts and it is proposed that parasites engender host snail distributions that improve chances of transmission.
Anatomy of the serotonergic nervous system of an entoproct creeping‐type larva and its phylogenetic implications
Authors: Wanninger Andreas , Fuchs Judith , Haszprunar Gerhard
Published: October 2007

Abstract. Although the internal phyletic relationships of Spiralia (and Lophotrochozoa) remain unresolved, recent progress has been made due to molecular phylogenetic analyses as well as developmental studies of crucial taxa such as Mollusca, Sipuncula, or Annelida. Despite this progress, the phylogenetic position of a number of phyla, such as Entoprocta, remains problematic, mainly due to their unique morphology, their aberrant mode of development, and their exclusion in most large‐scale phylogenetic analyses. In order to extend the morphological dataset of this enigmatic taxon, we herein describe the anatomy of the serotonergic nervous system of the creeping‐type larva of Loxosomella murmanica. The apical organ is very complex and comprises six to eight centrally positioned flask cells and eight bipolar peripheral cells. In addition, a prototroch nerve ring, an anterior nerve loop, a paired buccal nerve, and an oral nerve ring are found. Moreover, the larva of L. murmanica has one pair of pedal and one pair of lateral longitudinal nerve cords and thus expresses a tetraneurous condition. Several paired serotonergic perikarya, which form contact with the pedal nerve cords but not with the lateral ones, are found along the anterior–posterior axis. The combination of a complex larval serotonergic apical organ and (adult) tetraneury, comprising one pair of ventral and one pair of more dorsally situated lateral longitudinal nerve cords without ganglia, has so far only been reported for basal molluscs and may be diagnostic for a mollusc–entoproct clade. In addition, the larva of Loxosomella expresses a mosaic of certain neural features that are also found in other larval or adult Spiralia, e.g., a prototroch nerve ring, an anterior nerve loop, and a buccal nervous system.
Diademed Sifaka (Propithecus diadema) Ranging and Habitat Use in Continuous and Fragmented Forest: Higher Density but Lower Viability in Fragments?
Authors: Irwin Mitchell T.
Published: October 2007

The mechanisms through which forest fragmentation threatens the survival of mammal populations remain poorly known, yet knowledge of this process would greatly aid conservation efforts. I investigated ranging behaviors of diademed sifakas (Propithecus diadema) in continuous and fragmented forest at Tsinjoarivo, eastern Madagascar, using focal animal observations to examine home range size, daily path length (DPL), and habitat use relative to forest edges over 12 mo. Sifaka groups in forest fragments had home ranges that were 25–50 percent as large as continuous forest groups, and moderately reduced DPLs. Continuous forest groups foraged more than expected near forest edges while fragment groups avoided edges. Fragments have higher population density than continuous forest; however, several lines of evidence suggest that fragment groups' food resources may be denser, but lower quality. Continuous forest groups appear to be energy‐maximizers, maintaining large ranges and preferentially feeding in rare fruiting trees found only in continuous forest interiors, while fragment groups appear to be time‐minimizers, using small home ranges and primarily feeding on mistletoe (a fallback food in continuous forest). Therefore, the consequences of fragmentation on long‐term viability remain unknown; it is possible that the advantage of increased density is outweighed by longer‐term demographic challenges, or other threats (e.g., nutrition, health, social behavior, disease). When animals stranded in forest fragments exhibit complex and potentially unpredictable responses, simple ecological proxies (e.g., incidence patterns and density) are probably inadequate in assessing population health and viability. Ecological study and monitoring is essential in judging the viability of fragmented populations.
A Relationship Between Avian Foraging Behavior and Infestation by Trombiculid Larvae (Acari) in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Dietsch Thomas V.
Published: October 2007

Birds face varying risk from parasites as they select and utilize habitat. Unfortunately, behavioral and habitat correlates of parasitism in birds are not well documented. This study combines data from a foraging behavior study with results from a banding study to test whether behavior and habitat affect an ectoparasite infestation by trombiculid mite (chigger) larvae on the bird community found in two different coffee agroecosystems in Chiapas, Mexico. Individuals from bird species with regular prevalence (i.e., infestation) foraged more frequently in lower vegetative layers and had significantly lower foraging height than those from species with little or no prevalence, suggesting that foraging near the ground increases exposure risk to chigger larvae. Using linear regression, across species, parasite prevalence decreased with increasing average foraging height. Lower infestation rates were found in coffee agroecosystems with higher management intensity (i.e., less shade and drier conditions), suggesting that management activities influence infestation rates. Consequently, drier tropical habitats may pose less risk to birds from ectoparasites, though seasonal prevalence was highest during the winter dry season. Although no direct link was found between host condition and infestation by chigger larvae on the wintering grounds, birds were sampled during the middle of the over‐wintering period, not the end when infestation could affect birds fattening for migration.