bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial Factors and Therapeutic Approaches in the Context of Sexual History Taking in Men: A Study Conducted among Swiss General Practitioners and Urologists
Authors: Platano Giacomo , Margraf Jürgen , Alder Judith , Bitzer Johannes
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Male sexual dysfunction is a common medical condition, which is addressed mainly from a biomedical perspective by Swiss general practitioners (GPs) and urologists as the results of part I of our study showed. A psychosocial orientation in sexual history taking (SHT) leads to a truly patient-centered approach and is crucial for improving therapy decisions related to sexual dysfunction.

Aim

To analyze to what extent Swiss GPs and urologists have a psychosocial orientation in SHT, and what therapeutic options they focus on when confronted with male sexual dysfunction.

Methods

A semistructured interview was developed and used in face-to-face encounters with 25 GPs and 25 urologists.

Main Outcome Measures

Content and frequency of interview responses.

Results

The GPs and urologists differed significantly from each other in 5 out of 22 psychosocial factors. Summarizing these psychosocial factors in four domains showed a difference between the GPs and urologists in only one domain. Both groups focus on an open conversation as their approach in SHT. No GP and only a minority of urologists based their diagnosis on criteria of the International Classification of Diseases (10th edition) (ICD-10) or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition) (DSM-IV). The GPs and urologists differed significantly from each other in 4 out of 16 combinations resulting from the given therapeutic options and form of sexual dysfunction. The urologists focus more strongly on medication as a therapeutic option.

Conclusions

The results of part II additionally justify establishing guidelines and training resources related to SHT in Switzerland. Swiss physicians should be encouraged to apply a more psychosocial orientation in SHT. This will contribute to a better patient-centered approach with positive consequences on physicians’ therapeutic decisions. Optimizing the approach in SHT and the choice of therapeutic options may better facilitate real sexual satisfaction for the patient and ultimately result in fewer health insurance costs.
Sexual Dysfunction among Older Adults: Prevalence and Risk Factors from a Nationally Representative U.S. Probability Sample of Men and Women 57–85 Years of Age
Authors: Laumann Edward O. , Waite Linda J.
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Despite increasing demand for clinical interventions into sexual problems in an aging population, epidemiological data on the subject are scarce.

Aims

To examine the prevalence of sexual problems across different sociodemographic groups, and risk factors for these problems in multiple domains of life.

Methods

Statistical analysis of data from the 2005–2006 National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a nationally representative U.S. probability sample of 1,550 women and 1,455 men aged 57–85 at the time of interview.

Main Outcome Measures

Likelihood of experiencing sexual dysfunction in the preceding 12 months.

Results

Sexual problems among the elderly are not an inevitable consequence of aging, but instead are responses to the presence of stressors in multiple life domains. This impact may partly be gender differentiated, with older women's sexual health more sensitive to their physical health than is true for men. The mechanism linking life stress with sexual problems is likely to be poor mental health and relationship dissatisfaction. The NSHAP results demonstrate the consistent impact of poor mental health on women's reports of sexual problems and the less consistent association with men's problems.

Conclusion

The results point to a need for physicians who are treating older adults experiencing sexual problems to take into account not simply their physical health, but also their psychosocial health and satisfaction with their intimate relationship.
Cylinder Aneurysm of Parylene-Coated American Medical System (AMS) 700CX Penile Prosthesis
Authors: Kaufman Joel M. , Weldon Thomas E.
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Cylinder aneurysms and leakages are uncommon with three-layered American Medical System (AMS) CX cylinders. Since 2001, an additional parylene coating improves cylinder wear.

Aim

To report two patients in whom major cylinder aneurysms developed less than 4 years after implantation.

Methods

Two patients in separate urologic private practices developed significant cylinder aneurysms requiring reoperation.

Results

Both patients developed aneurysms in 21-cm parylene-coated CX cylinders just short of 4 years of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement. Both did well after the explantation and insertion of Coloplast Titan IPP (Coloplast; Minneapolis, MN, USA).

Conclusion

Longer AMS CX IPP cylinders may develop aneurysms more than 3 years after insertion.
Role of Increased Penile Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Activation of the Smad Signaling Pathway in Erectile Dysfunction in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Zhang Lu Wei , Piao Shuguang , Choi Min Ji , Shin Hwa-Yean , Jin Hai-Rong , Kim Woo Jean , Song Sun U. , Han Jee-Young , Park Seok Hee , Mamura Mizuko , Kim Seong-Jin , Ryu Ji-Kan , Suh Jun-Kyu
Published: October 2008

Introduction

It has been suggested that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction.

Aim

To investigate the expression and activity of Smad transcriptional factors, the key molecules for the initiation of TGF-β-mediated fibrosis, in the penis of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Fifty-two 8-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats were used and divided into control and diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by an intravenous injection of STZ.

Main Outcome Measures

Eight weeks later, erectile function was measured by electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve (N = 12 per group). The penis was harvested and stained with Masson trichrome or antibody to TGF-β1, phospho-Smad2 (P-Smad2), smooth muscle α-actin, and factor VIII (N = 12 per group). Penis specimens from a separate group of animals were used for TGF-β1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), P-Smad2/Smad2, phospho-Smad3 (P-Smad3)/Smad3, fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen IV western blot, or hydroxyproline determination.

Results

Erectile function was significantly reduced in diabetic rats compared with that in controls. The expression of TGF-β1, P-Smad2, and P-Smad3 protein evaluated by ELISA or western blot was higher in diabetic rats than in controls. Compared with that in control rats, P-Smad2 expression was higher mainly in smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts of diabetic rats, whereas no significant differences were noted in endothelial cells or in the dorsal nerve bundle. Cavernous smooth muscle and endothelial cell contents were lower in diabetic rats than in controls. Cavernous fibronectin, collagen IV, and hydroxyproline content was significantly higher in diabetic rats than in controls.

Conclusion

Upregulation of TGF-β1 and activation of the Smad signaling pathway in the penis of diabetic rats might play important roles in diabetes-induced structural changes and deterioration of erectile function.
Adult Male Circumcision: Effects on Sexual Function and Sexual Satisfaction in Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Krieger John N. , Mehta Supriya D. , Bailey Robert C. , Agot Kawango , Ndinya-Achola Jeckoniah O. , Parker Corette , Moses Stephen
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Male circumcision is being promoted for HIV prevention in high-risk heterosexual populations. However, there is a concern that circumcision may impair sexual function.

Aim

To assess adult male circumcision's effect on men's sexual function and pleasure.

Methods

Participants in a controlled trial of circumcision to reduce HIV incidence in Kisumu, Kenya were uncircumcised, HIV negative, sexually active men, aged 18–24 years, with a hemoglobin ≥9.0 mmol/L. Exclusion criteria included foreskin covering less than half the glans, a condition that might unduly increase surgical risks, or a medical indication for circumcision. Participants were randomized 1:1 to either immediate circumcision or delayed circumcision after 2 years (control group). Detailed evaluations occurred at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Main Outcome Measures

(i) Sexual function between circumcised and uncircumcised men; and (ii) sexual satisfaction and pleasure over time following circumcision.

Results

Between February 2002 and September 2005, 2,784 participants were randomized, including the 100 excluded from this analysis because they crossed over, were not circumcised within 30 days of randomization, did not complete baseline interviews, or were outside the age range. For the circumcision and control groups, respectively, rates of any reported sexual dysfunction decreased from 23.6% and 25.9% at baseline to 6.2% and 5.8% at month 24. Changes over time were not associated with circumcision status. Compared to before they were circumcised, 64.0% of circumcised men reported their penis was “much more sensitive,” and 54.5% rated their ease of reaching orgasm as “much more” at month 24.

Conclusions

Adult male circumcision was not associated with sexual dysfunction. Circumcised men reported increased penile sensitivity and enhanced ease of reaching orgasm. These data indicate that integration of male circumcision into programs to reduce HIV risk is unlikely to adversely effect male sexual function.
Erythropoietin Promotes Erection Recovery After Nerve-Sparing Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Burnett Arthur L. , Allaf Mohamad E. , Bivalacqua Trinity J.
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction persists as a major functional complication of nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.

Aim

To evaluate retrospectively the potential benefit of erythropoietin administration to improve erectile function recovery following radical prostatectomy.

Methods

Preoperatively potent patients who underwent nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy between March 2005 and February 2006 elected to receive erythropoietin treatment (40,000 IU subcutaneously, single injection on their preoperative day; treatment group, N = 15). A contemporaneous clinically matched cohort comprising patients who elected postoperative standard surveillance only served for comparison (control group, N = 21). Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor “on-demand” use was applied. Potency evaluations were monitored by International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaires administered preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Main Outcome Measure

Erection recovery.

Results

Health comorbidities as well as erectile function status were demonstrated to be no different between groups at baseline. Erythropoietin-treated patients demonstrated significantly higher postoperative International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire scores than control group patients at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively with or without use of PDE5 inhibitors (P < 0.05). At 12 months postoperatively, the percentages of patients performing sexual activity were 87% and 68% of erythropoietin-treated and control patients, respectively (P = 0.213), although the erythropoietin-treated patients had a significantly greater ability to perform sexual intercourse with minimal or no difficulty (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Erythropoietin administration on the preoperative day before undergoing nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy in men reporting normal erectile function preoperatively may confer improved erectile function recovery postoperatively.
Specific Cerebral Activation Due to Visual Erotic Stimuli in Male-to-Female Transsexuals Compared with Male and Female Controls: An fMRI Study
Authors: Gizewski Elke R. , Krause Eva , Schlamann Marc , Happich Friederike , Ladd Mark E. , Forsting Michael , Senf Wolfgang
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Transsexuals harbor the strong feeling of having been born to the wrong sex. There is a continuing controversial discussion of whether or not transsexualism has a biological representation. Differences between males and females in terms of functional imaging during erotic stimuli have been previously described, revealing gender-specific results.

Aim

Therefore, we postulated that male-to-female (MTF) transsexuals may show specific cerebral activation differing from their biological gender.

Main Outcome Measure

Cerebral activation patterns during viewing of erotic film excerpts in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods

Twelve male and 12 female heterosexual volunteers and 12 MTF transsexuals before any treatment viewed erotic film excerpts during fMRI. Additionally, subjective rating of sexual arousal was assessed. Statistics were performed using the Statistical Parametric Mapping software.

Results

Significantly enhanced activation for men compared with women was revealed in brain areas involved in erotic processing, i.e., the thalamus, the amygdala, and the orbitofrontal and insular cortex, whereas no specific activation for women was found. When comparing MTF transsexuals with male volunteers, activation patterns similar to female volunteers being compared with male volunteers were revealed. Sexual arousal was assessed using standard rating scales and did not differ significantly for the three groups.

Conclusions

We revealed a cerebral activation pattern in MTF transsexuals compared with male controls similar to female controls compared with male controls during viewing of erotic stimuli, indicating a tendency of female-like cerebral processing in transsexualism.
Oral Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors: Nonerectogenic Beneficial Uses
Authors: Mostafa Taymour
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) hydrolyses cyclic guanylate monophosphate (cGMP) specifically to 5′ GMP. PDE5 inhibitors were a breakthrough medication that addressed a previously unfulfilled medical need. They promoted vascular relaxation in the corpora cavernosa and penile erection during sexual stimulation. Sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil were approved then introduced as effective treatments for male erectile dysfunction. This impact has stimulated academic, clinical, and industrial research.

Aim

To highlight the nonerectogenic beneficial uses of oral PDE5 inhibitors.

Method

A systematic review of published studies in this affair based on a Pubmed and medical subject heading databases search of all concerned articles.

Main Outcome Measures

Demonstrated beneficial as well as applicable uses of oral PDE5 inhibitors.

Results

As chemical molecules, these drugs were shown to exert potential nonerectogenic beneficial effects. They showed efficacy as a useful adjunct in the management of pulmonary hypertension. Additional uses were extended to different utilities: essential hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia, gastrointestinal disorders, endothelial dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, genital blood flow, exercise capacity, Raynaud's phenomenon, sperm motility, etc.

Conclusion

Exploring PDE5 inhibitors for their possible medical applications in diverse specialties seems to be beneficial in making use of these molecules for the welfare of humanity.
Female Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Distress, and Compatibility with Partner
Authors: Witting Katarina , Santtila Pekka , Varjonen Markus , Jern Patrick , Johansson Ada , Von Der Pahlen Bettina , Sandnabba Kenneth
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Few studies have looked at prevalence estimates for female sexual dysfunctions in combination with personal distress, although existing diagnostic criteria for sexual disorders include both aspects. Further, the variation in female sexual function has been shown to be largely explained by unique nongenetic factors. Such factors may include partner sexual function and perception of sexual compatibility with a partner, factors which may also be associated with sexual distress.

Aim

We investigated the association between female sexual dysfunction and distress as well as their association with partner compatibility.

Methods

In order to assess sexual function and distress, the Female Sexual Function Index and seven items from the Female Sexual Distress Scale were used in a population-based sample of 5,463 women, aged 18–49 years. The women were, based on cutoff points, classified as either having neither dysfunction nor distress, one of them, or both, separately for each dysfunction. Further, the associations between partner compatibility, distress, and sexual dysfunctions were analyzed. Sexual compatibility with partner was investigated by using several items exploring, for example, amount of foreplay, interest in sex, and communication about sexual matters.

Main Outcome Measures

Associations between partner compatibility and female sexual function and sexual distress.

Results

The proportion of women reporting both sexual dysfunction and distress ranged from 7% to 23%, depending on the dysfunction. Desire disorders followed by orgasmic disorders were most common. All compatibility variables were significantly associated with distress and with most of the sexual dysfunctions. The main complaints of the women were “too little foreplay” (42%) and “partner is more interested” (35%). The women feeling distress or having a sexual dysfunction reported more incompatibility with partner compared with functional women.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of addressing partner compatibility for successful treatment and counseling of female sexual dysfunctions.
Biologic Correlates of Sexual Function in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Yang Shwu-Huey , Yang Jenn-Ming , Wang Kuo-Hwa , Huang Wen-Chen
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has a great impact on the quality of life and sexual function. We hypothesized that specific risk factors for SUI may be correlated with reduced sexual function in women with SUI.

Aims

To explore significant associations between the risk factors for SUI and female sexual function.

Methods

Women with SUI (N = 223) were surveyed about their sexual function. Demographic data and clinical findings on pelvic examination and the 1-hour pad test were recorded. Sexually active respondents completed the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12).

Main Outcome Measure

PISQ-12 and the correlation of the risk factors for SUI with PISQ-12 scores.

Results

Of the 223 subjects, 68 (30%) reported no sexual activity for 6 months or more prior to the interview and did not respond to the PISQ-12. In comparison with the 155 (70%) of women who were sexually active, sexually inactive respondents were older and more likely to be postmenopausal and had a higher parity and more severe prolapse (all P < 0.01). Among those completing the PISQ-12 questionnaire, the same factors (age, parity, severity of prolapse, menopausal status) were significantly associated with lower PISQ-12 scores. The scores were not correlated with body mass index, delivery mode, genital hiatus length, and total vaginal length by the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, or estrogen therapy. Lower points Ba and C of the POP-Q system were associated with lower PISQ-12 scores (r = −0.200, P = 0.026; r = −0.191, P = 0.035, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified parity as the only factor independently predictive of sexual dysfunction (r = −0.225, P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Anatomic and biologic pathology does not satisfactorily predict the level of sexual functioning in women with SUI.
Condom Use for Penile–Vaginal Intercourse is Associated with Immature Psychological Defense Mechanisms
Authors: Costa Rui Miguel , Brody Stuart
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Freud opined that condom use during penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI), like sexual activities other than PVI, led to a detrimental effect on orgasm that fueled the neuroses. Although this hypothesis had not been empirically tested, Freud's hypothesis that inability to have a (PVI) vaginal orgasm is a sign of psychological immaturity has recently received empirical support.

Aims

The objective is to examine the hypotheses that use of immature psychological defense mechanisms correlates directly with frequency of condom use during PVI, but inversely with frequency of PVI without condoms. An additional aim is to examine the independent contributions of frequency of PVI with and without condoms, and different triggers of orgasm, in predicting the use of immature defense mechanisms.

Methods

Two hundred ten Portuguese participants (99 women) reported their frequency of PVI with and without condoms, and frequency of orgasms from different sexual activities during the preceding month, and also completed the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40).

Main Outcome Measure

The association of DSQ-40 immature defenses (correlated with indices of psychopathology) with past month frequency of PVI with and without condoms, and orgasms from different sexual behaviors.

Results

Frequency of PVI with condoms correlated directly with use of immature defenses. Frequency of PVI without condoms correlated inversely with use of immature and neurotic defenses. Results were not confounded by relationship status, age, cohabitation, or social desirability responding. Regression analyses revealed that immature defenses were independently predicted by condom use for PVI and by masturbation orgasms (for both sexes). For women additional predictors were lack of vaginal orgasm, and orgasm from clitoral masturbation during PVI.

Conclusions

The results are consistent with condom use during PVI being associated with psychological immaturity and predisposition to poorer mental health.
Identification and Characterization of Proteins Associated with Plant Tolerance to Heat Stress
Authors: Huang Bingru , Xu Chenping
Published: October 2008

Heat stress is a major abiotic stress limiting plant growth and productivity in many areas of the world. Understanding mechanisms of plant adaptation to heat stress would facilitate the development of heat‐tolerant cultivars for improving productivity in warm climatic regions. Protein metabolism involving protein synthesis and degradation is one of the most sensitive processes to heat stress. Changes in the level and expression pattern of some proteins may play an important role in plant adaptation to heat stress. The identification of stress‐responsive proteins and pathways has been facilitated by an increasing number of tools and resources, including two‐dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, and the rapidly expanding nucleotide and amino acid sequence databases. Heat stress may induce or enhance protein expression or cause protein degradation. The induction of heat‐responsive proteins, particularly heat shock proteins (HSPs), plays a key role in plant tolerance to heat stress. Protein degradation involving various proteases is also important in regulating plant responses to heat stress. This review provides an overview of recent research on proteomic profiling for the identification of heat‐responsive proteins associated with heat tolerance, heat induction and characteristics of HSPs, and protein degradation in relation to plant responses to heat stress.
Trehalose Biosynthesis in Response to Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Iordachescu Mihaela , Imai Ryozo
Published: October 2008

Trehalose is a non‐reducing disaccharide that is present in diverse organisms ranging from bacteria and fungi to invertebrates, in which it serves as an energy source, osmolyte or protein/membrane protectant. The occurrence of trehalose and trehalose biosynthesis pathway in plants has been discovered recently. Multiple studies have revealed regulatory roles of trehalose‐6‐phosphate, a precursor of trehalose, in sugar metabolism, growth and development in plants. Trehalose levels are generally quite low in plants but may alter in response to environmental stresses. Transgenic plants overexpressing microbial trehalose biosynthesis genes have been shown to contain increased levels of trehalose and display drought, salt and cold tolerance. In‐silico expression profiling of all Arabidopsis trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthases (TPSs) and trehalose‐6‐phosphate phosphatases (TPPs) revealed that certain classes of TPS and TPP genes are differentially regulated in response to a variety of abiotic stresses. These studies point to the importance of trehalose biosynthesis in stress responses.
Gene Networks in Plant Ozone Stress Response and Tolerance
Authors: Ludwikow Agnieszka , Sadowski Jan
Published: October 2008

For many plant species ozone stress has become much more severe in the last decade. The accumulating evidence for the significant effects of ozone pollutant on crop and forest yield situate ozone as one of the most important environmental stress factors that limits plant productivity worldwide. Today, transcriptomic approaches seem to give the best coverage of genome level responses. Therefore, microarray serves as an invaluable tool for global gene expression analyses, unravelling new information about gene pathways, in‐species and cross‐species gene expression comparison, and for the characterization of unknown relationships between genes. In this review we summarize the recent progress in the transcriptomics of ozone to demonstrate the benefits that can be harvested from the application of integrative and systematic analytical approaches to study ozone stress response. We focused our consideration on microarray analyses identifying gene networks responsible for response and tolerance to elevated ozone concentration. From these analyses it is now possible to notice how plant ozone defense responses depend on the interplay between many complex signaling pathways and metabolite signals.
Comparison Analysis of Transcripts from the Halophyte Thellungiella halophila
Authors: Zhang Yiyue , Lai Jianbin , Sun Shouhong , Li Yin , Liu Yuanyuan , Liang Liming , Chen Mingsheng , Xie Qi
Published: October 2008

The Brassicaceae family halophyte Thellungiella halophila has a high salinity tolerance and serves as a valuable halophytic genetic model plant with experimental convenience similar to Arabidopsis thaliana. A cDNA library of Thellungiella was generated from salt‐treated seedlings including rosettes and roots. More than 1 000 randomly selected clones were sequenced and 946 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were generated. The accession numbers of our EST data are available online in the GenBank database from EC598928 to EC599965. In total 679 unique clusters were assembled, and 632 (93%) had BLASTX hits in the nr databases and 7% are Thellungiella unique. According to the Gene Ontology (GO) hierarchy, 385 of 679 unigenes were categorized. Compared with public Arabidopsis microarray data, our results provide more potential salt tolerance genes in Thellungiella. These results will provide a broader coverage into Thellungiella transcriptome and benefit the discovery of salt tolerance related genes.
Comprehensive Functional Analysis of the Catalase Gene Family in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Du Yan‐Yan , Wang Peng‐Cheng , Chen Jia , Song Chun‐Peng
Published: October 2008

In Arabidopsis, catalase (CAT) genes encode a small family of proteins including CAT1, CAT2 and CAT3, which catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and play an important role in controlling homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we analyze the expression profiles and activities of three catalases under different treatments including drought, cold, oxidative stresses, abscisic acid and salicylic acid in Arabidopsis. Our results reveal that CAT1 is an important player in the removal of H2O2 generated under various environmental stresses. CAT2 and CAT3 are major H2O2 scavengers that contribute to ROS homeostasis in light or darkness, respectively. In addition, CAT2 is activated by cold and drought stresses and CAT3 is mainly enhanced by abscisic acid and oxidative treatments as well as at the senescence stage. These results, together with previous data, suggest that the network of transcriptional control explains how CATs and other scavenger enzymes such as peroxidase and superoxide dismutase may be coordinately regulated during development, but differentially expressed in response to different stresses for controlling ROS homeostasis.
Boron in Plants: Deficiency and Toxicity
Authors: Camacho‐Cristóbal Juan J. , Rexach Jesús , González‐Fontes Agustín
Published: October 2008

Boron (B) is an essential nutrient for normal growth of higher plants, and B availability in soil and irrigation water is an important determinant of agricultural production. To date, a primordial function of B is undoubtedly its structural role in the cell wall; however, there is increasing evidence for a possible role of B in other processes such as the maintenance of plasma membrane function and several metabolic pathways. In recent years, the knowledge of the molecular basis of B deficiency and toxicity responses in plants has advanced greatly. The aim of this review is to provide an update on recent findings related to these topics, which can contribute to a better understanding of the role of B in plants.
Nitric Oxide Signaling in Plant Responses to Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Qiao Weihua , Fan Liu‐Min
Published: October 2008

Nitric oxide (NO) plays important roles in diverse physiological processes in plants. NO can provoke both beneficial and harmful effects, which depend on the concentration and location of NO in plant cells. This review is focused on NO synthesis and the functions of NO in plant responses to abiotic environmental stresses. Abiotic stresses mostly induce NO production in plants. NO alleviates the harmfulness of reactive oxygen species, and reacts with other target molecules, and regulates the expression of stress responsive genes under various stress conditions.
Salt Tolerance in Soybean
Authors: Phang Tsui‐Hung , Shao Guihua , Lam Hon‐Ming
Published: October 2008

Soybean is an important cash crop and its productivity is significantly hampered by salt stress. High salt imposes negative impacts on growth, nodulation, agronomy traits, seed quality and quantity, and thus reduces the yield of soybean. To cope with salt stress, soybean has developed several tolerance mechanisms, including: (i) maintenance of ion homeostasis; (ii) adjustment in response to osmotic stress; (iii) restoration of osmotic balance; and (iv) other metabolic and structural adaptations. The regulatory network for abiotic stress responses in higher plants has been studied extensively in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana. Some homologous components involved in salt stress responses have been identified in soybean. In this review, we tried to integrate the relevant works on soybean and proposes a working model to describe its salt stress responses at the molecular level.
An MYB Transcription Factor from Malus xiaojinensis Has a Potential Role in Iron Nutrition
Authors: Shen Jie , Xu Xuefeng , Li Tianzhong , Cao Dongmei , Han Zhenhai
Published: October 2008

Regulation of iron uptake and use is critical for plant survival and growth. We isolated an MYB gene from Malus xiaojinensis named MxMYB1, which is induced under Fe‐deficient conditions. Expression of MxMYB1 was upregulated by Fe starvation in the roots but not in leaves, suggesting that MxMYB1 might play a role in iron nutrition in roots. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing MxMYB1 exhibited lower iron content as compared with wild type plants under both Fe‐normal (40 μM) and Fe‐deficient conditions (Fe omitted and Ferrozine 300 μM). However, the contents of Cu, Zn and Mn were not changed in these transgenic plants. Gene chip and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses indicated that the expression of two Fe‐related genes encoding an iron transporter AtIRT1 and an iron storage protein ferritin AtFER1 might be negatively regulated by MxMYB1 as the expression levels of these genes were lower in MxMYB1 expressing transgenic Arabidopsis plants as compared with wild type plants under both Fe‐normal and Fe‐deficient conditions. These results suggest that MxMYB1 may function as a negative regulator of iron uptake and storage in plants.
Assessing Producer Stated Preferences for Identity Preservation in the Canadian Grain Handling and Transportation System
Authors: Barber Darren , Hobbs Jill , Nolan James
Published: October 2008

Agricultural biotechnology will create a new set of challenges for the bulk grain handling and transportation system (GHTS) in Canada. The implementation of a credible grain identity preservation system to segregate genetically modified (GM) from non‐GM grain remains an important and unresolved issue for the industry. Furthermore, the attitude of producers toward the design of an identity preserved grain supply chain is not well understood. Using a 2003 survey of Saskatchewan grain farmers developed by the authors, we employ conjoint analysis to evaluate producer attitudes and trade‐offs among four hypothetical grain handling systems. The results indicate that farmers in the region will require significant economic incentives to adopt on‐farm segregation methods when compared to methods that segregate grain at the elevator level.

Les biotechnologies agricoles vont engendrer de nouvelles préoccupations pour le système de manutention et de transport du grain (SMTG) en vrac au Canada. La mise en uvre d'un système de ségrégation des céréales génétiquement modifiées (GM) et non génétiquement modifiées (NGM) demeure un problème important non résolu pour l'industrie. De plus, l'attitude des producteurs envers la mise en place d'une chaîne d'approvisionnement de céréales à identité préservée n'est pas bien comprise. À l'aide d'un sondage que nous avons mis au point et effectué auprès des producteurs de céréales de la Saskatchewan, nous utilisons l'analyse conjointe pour évaluer l'attitude et les options des producteurs par rapport à quatre systèmes hypothétiques de manutention des céréales. Les résultats ont montré que les producteurs de la province exigeront d'importants stimulants économiques pour adopter des méthodes de ségrégation à la ferme comparativement aux méthodes de ségrégation en vigueur aux silos à céréales.
Factors That Affect the Adoption Decision of Conservation Tillage in the Prairie Region of Canada
Authors: Davey Kelly A. , Furtan W. Hartley
Published: October 2008

The adoption of conservation tillage technology since the 1970s has been one of the most remarkable changes in the production of crops on the Canadian Prairies. The decision whether to adopt conservation tillage technology or not requires the producer to go through a thorough decision‐making process. In Canada, there has been little economic research on the question of what farm, regional, and environmental characteristics affect the adoption decision. Using 1991, 1996, and 2001 Census of Agriculture data together with other data sources we estimate a probit model explaining the adoption decision. We find that important variables include farm size, proximity to a research station, type of soil, and weather conditions.

La pratique du semis direct depuis les années 1970 constitue l'un des changements les plus notables de la production des cultures dans les Prairies canadiennes. Avant de décider d'adopter ou non cette pratique, le producteur doit s'engager dans un processus rigoureux de prise de décisions. Au Canada, peu d'études économiques se sont penchées sur les caractéristiques agricoles, régionales et environnementales qui influencent la décision d'adopter ou non. Au moyen des données tirées du Recensement de l'agriculture de 1991, 1996 et 2001, combinées à d'autres sources de données, nous avons estimé un modèle probit pour expliquer la décision d'adopter ou non. Nous avons estimé que les variables importantes incluent la taille de l'exploitation, la proximité d'une station de recherche, le type de sol et les conditions météorologiques.
Evaluating an Environmental Right: Information Disclosure, Public Comment, and Government Decision Making in Ontario
Authors: Deaton B. James , Lintner Anastasia M. , Harrington Donna R.
Published: October 2008

In 1993, the Ontario government enacted the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR). The EBR guarantees residents of the province, among other things, the right to comment on permit requests to take water and to discharge into the air and a guarantee that these comments are taken into account in the decision to approve or deny a permit. We model the firm's decision to request a permit, a resident's decision to provide public comment, and the government's decision to approve or deny permit requests to use water or air. Our examination of 1,000 government decisions regarding permit requests leads to two key findings: (1) few permit requests receive any public comment; and (2) to the extent that the public does comment, we find no empirical evidence that comments affect the likelihood that the government will deny a permit request. Our theoretical model anticipates the first result: there are few comments observed for permit applications, because each individual has an incentive to undercontribute to the provision of a public good. The second result did not support the theoretical argument we advance: government, acting to maximize social welfare, takes public concern as a signal of environmental damage.

En 1993, le gouvernement de l'Ontario a édicté la Charte des droits environnementaux (CDE). La CDE garantit aux résidents de la province, entre autres, le droit de faire des observations sur les demandes de permis pour puiser l'eau et rejeter des quantités limitées de substances polluantes dans l'air, et garantit aussi que ces observations seront prises en considération dans la décision d'accorder ou de refuser un permis. Nous avons modélisé la décision d'une entreprise de déposer une demande de permis, la décision d'un résident de faire des observations et la décision du gouvernement d'accorder ou de refuser les demandes de permis pour l'usage de l'eau ou de l'air. L'examen de 1000 décisions du gouvernement concernant des demandes de permis a menéà deux principaux constats: 1. peu de demandes de permis reçoivent des observations du public; 2. lorsque le public soumet des observations, aucune évidence empirique ne laisse supposer que les observations influent sur la probabilité que le gouvernement rejette une demande de permis. Notre modèle théorique a anticipé le premier constat: les demandes de permis reçoivent peu d'observations parce que chaque individu a un incitatif à sous–contribuer à la fourniture d'un bien collectif. Le deuxième constat n'a pas appuyé notre argument théorique voulant que le gouvernement, qui agit afin de maximiser le bien–être collectif, tienne compte des préoccupations du public comme un signal de dommage environnemental.
Dairy Trade Liberalization Impacts in Canada
Authors: Abbassi Abdessalem , Bonroy Olivier , Gervais Jean‐Philippe
Published: October 2008

Supply management in Canada is facing broad trade liberalization pressures. This paper uses a spatial equilibrium trade model to simulate the impacts of various trade liberalization scenarios in the Canadian dairy industry. The results critically hinge on the relationship between increased market access and the market sharing quota (MSQ) at the farm level. Two different MSQ decision rules are simulated: (i) global output at the farm level remains unchanged following liberalization; and (ii) the MSQ is reduced to support the unit production quota rent at its preliberalization level. The results show that if the MSQ is held constant following a potential compromise in the Doha Round, retail prices of fluid milk and cheese would decrease by about 5%. These price movements can be negated by a 1.4% cut in the global MSQ at the farm level. Net welfare gains in the Canadian dairy sector following market access reforms range between $48.2 and $64.2 million when evaluated at the 2003–04 world prices.

Le courant de libéralisation des échanges crée une certaine pression sur les programmes de gestion de l'offre au Canada. Ce papier présente un modèle de commerce en équilibre spatial afin de simuler les effets de différents scénarios de libéralisation des échanges sur l'industrie laitière canadienne. Les résultats dépendent fortement de la relation entre amélioration de l'accès au marché et quota de mise en marché (QMM). Deux différentes règles de décision du QMM sont simulées : i) la production globale est inchangée après la libéralisation ; et ii) le QMM est réduit afin d'assurer une rente de quota par unité de production identique à son niveau de pré‐libéralisation. Les résultats associés à un compromis potentiel dans le cadre du Cycle de Doha indiquent que les prix au détail du lait de consommation et du fromage diminueraient d'environ 5% si le QMM demeure constant. En revanche, les variations de prix seraient nulles si le QMM est réduit de 1.4%. Suivant les scénarios de libéralisation des échanges considérés, le gain net pour l'industrie laitière canadienne serait compris entre 48.2 et 64.2 millions de dollars, lorsqu'évalué aux prix mondiaux de 2003/2004.
Was China's Inflation in 2004 Led by an Agricultural Price Rise?
Authors: Xin Xian , Wang Xiuqing
Published: October 2008

The escalation of agricultural prices starting from the end of 2003 raised concern about a new round of inflation in China. This paper assesses the impacts of China's 2003 agricultural output decline on agricultural prices and inflation using a general equilibrium model calibrated to actual data. The results indicate that the 5% decline in agricultural output can only explain 50% of observed changes in agricultural prices, 40% of observed changes in the consumer price index, and 20% of observed changes in the commodity price index. This suggests that China's 2003 agricultural output decline was not sufficient alone to produce the observed agricultural price increases and inflationary pressure in 2004. This position is counter to the conventional view that agricultural prices led to the 2004 inflation.

L'escalade des prix agricoles qui a commencé vers la fin de 2003 a suscité des inquiétudes au sujet d'une nouvelle poussée inflationniste en Chine. Le présent article évalue l'impact de la diminution du rendement agricole de la Chine en 2003 sur les prix agricoles et l'inflation, à l'aide d'un modèle d'équilibre général calibréà partir de données réelles. D'après les résultats, la diminution de 5% du rendement agricole ne peut expliquer que 50% des changements observés dans les prix agricoles, que 40% des changements observés dans l'indice des prix à la consommation et que 20% des changements observés dans l'indice des prix des produits de base. Ces résultats autorisent à penser que la diminution du rendement agricole n'a pu à elle seule susciter la hausse observée des prix agricoles et la pression inflationniste en 2004. Cette position est contraire à l'explication classique selon laquelle les prix agricoles ont contribuéà l'inflation observée en 2004
COMPARISON OF ENZYMATIC CHEMILUMINESCENT ASSAY AND STANDARD AGAR PLATE METHOD IN THE DETERMINATION OF BACTERIAL VIABILITY
Authors: KIM WOAN‐SUB , RAHMAN MD. MORSHEDUR , SHIMAZAKI KEI‐ICHI
Published: October 2008

Menadione‐catalyzed luminol chemiluminescence (LC) assay has been proposed for the rapid determination of bacterial viability. This study demonstrated desirable conditions for rapid detection of viable bacteria in a liquid medium using LC assay. The possibility of using this assay for the assessment of the activity of an antimicrobial agent such as bovine lactoferrin against Pseudomonas fluorescens 33 and Escherichia coli 1649™, which are present in milk, was also investigated. Good correlation was observed between LC assay and standard agar plate technique. The antibacterial effect of lactoferrin was similar whether estimated using LC assay or standard agar plate technique. These results suggest that LC assay can be a rapid and useful method to replace the standard plate technique.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Menadion‐catalyzed luminol chemiluminescence (LC) assay, which detects photon emissions of living organisms, is a sensitive method for monitoring viability. The most commonly used standard agar plate technique requires a long time to enumerate cell growth in a medium. Moreover, the optical density method has defects in differentiation of living and dead cells. In contrast, LC assay is simple, rapid and sensitive for the enumeration of viable cells in a medium.
REAL‐TIME POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION QUANTIFICATION OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM HILA EXPRESSION DURING AGITATION AND STATIC INCUBATION
Authors: KUNDINGER M.M. , ZABALA‐DÍAZ I.B. , CHALOVA V.I. , MOORE R.W. , RICKE S.C.
Published: October 2008

Salmonella virulence is influenced by a combination of environmental stimuli including different levels of pH, oxygen availability and osmolarity and involves a coordinated genetic response. The expression of hilA in Salmonella Typhimurium, considered a key regulator of the bacterial virulence, was determined as relative to the expression of the endogenous control gene rsmC using the comparative Ct (ΔΔCt) real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method. Enhanced osmolarity (total of 2% NaCl) significantly increased hilA expression in cells grown at pH 8 but not at pH 6. The determination of hilA expression in bacterial cells under oxygen limitation, for all experiments, resulted in approximately twofold higher levels compared to agitated cells. The effect was more pronounced when static incubation was combined with complete removal of NaCl. Overall results support that while oxygen limitation can trigger S. Typhimurium virulence, the effect may be enhanced by other extremes for S. Typhimurium growth. By using RT‐PCR, S. Typhimurium virulence gene expression can be quantified directly and more rapidly under a wide variety of environmental and laboratory conditions.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Salmonella Typhimurium pathogenicity is influenced by various factors. Historically, hilA expression which is a key regulator of bacterial virulence has been determined by colorimetric β‐galactosidase assay. The method, however, requires a preconstruction of an appropriate gene fusion and is limited by its sensitivity. This study demonstrated the utility of quantitative RT‐PCR method in determining virulence gene expression under a variety of laboratory conditions. The results confirmed oxygen limitation as a potential stimulant of S. Typhimurium hilA expression, which can also be triggered by other extremes for the bacteria growth.