bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of temperature and precipitation on spring dispersal of Frankliniella fusca changes as the season progresses
Authors: Morsello Shannon C. , Beaudoin Amanda L. P. , Groves Russell L. , Nault Brian A. , Kennedy George G.
Published: January 2010

Effects of temperature and precipitation on spring dispersal patterns of Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) caught on yellow sticky traps were estimated in central and eastern North Carolina and eastern Virginia, USA, from 1997 to 2001, and in 2004 and 2007. Data were collected from 44 sites within 14 locations over 7 years, resulting in 30 location‐year data combinations. The following independent variables were examined to determine their relationship to the number of F. fusca caught on sticky traps during specified time intervals: cumulative degree days (base 10.5 °C) from 1 November to the start of each trapping interval (DD), number of days with temperatures favorable for flight during each trapping interval (DTFF), and an index of rainfall during specific intervals prior to and during the trapping interval (RI). Regression models that contained various combinations of these variables explained 62, 79, 74, and 68% of the variation in the number of dispersing F. fusca captured during 1–15 April, 16–30 April, 1–15 May, and 16–31 May, respectively. The results provide strong evidence that the suppressive effects of precipitation on growth of local populations developing during late winter and early spring are subsequently manifest at the landscape scale as reductions in the populations of dispersing adults that may persist for as long as 5–6 weeks after the precipitation occurs.
Substrate selection by saprophagous wood‐borer larvae within highly variable hosts
Authors: Saint‐Germain Michel , Buddle Christopher M. , Drapeau Pierre
Published: January 2010

In insects completing their larval development within a single host, oviposition site is seen as a major determinant of offspring performance. However, in previous studies, the saprophagous wood‐borer Anthophylax attenuatus (Haldeman) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) showed no strong response to between‐host variations in nutritional factors influencing larval growth and survival. To explain such weak selection in adults, we hypothesized that substrate selection occurs at a smaller scale by larvae within hosts showing high variability in substrate quality. In this study, we described within‐host variability in wood density and determined whether wood‐boring larvae were found more often than expected in specific decay types. We characterized the variability of decay in 24 snags by producing wood density profiles for each. We then collected larvae from the same snags through wood dissection, and associated a wood density value to each by taking a wood sample around each larva found. We then compared ratios of available and used substrate types defined by wood density. We observed substantial within‐snag variation in wood density. Middle decay class (0.275–0.375 g cm−3) was significantly overused by larvae, whereas more decayed wood was clearly avoided. High within‐host variability in substrate quality and active or passive selection by larvae of specific substrate types suggest that selection pressures on adult behaviour could be lower than expected for a parasitic species, and might be linked with the weak selection observed at a larger scale by ovipositing adults.
Potential for insecticide resistance in populations of Bactrocera dorsalis in Hawaii: spinosad susceptibility and molecular characterization of a gene associated with organophosphate resistance
Authors: Chou Ming‐Yi , Haymer David S. , Feng Hai‐Tung , Mau Ronald F. L. , Hsu Ju‐Chun
Published: January 2010

The potential for populations to become resistant to a particular insecticide treatment regimen is a major issue for all insect pest species. In Hawaii, for example, organophosphate (OP)‐based cover sprays have been the chemical treatment most commonly applied against oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), populations since the 1950s. Moreover, bait spray treatments using spinosad were adopted as a major control tactic in the Hawaii area‐wide fruit fly pest management program beginning in the year 2000. To determine the current level of spinosad and OP tolerance of wild B. dorsalis populations, bioassays were conducted on flies collected from a range of geographic localities within the Hawaiian islands. Adult B. dorsalis flies were tested (1) for the level of susceptibility to spinosad using LC50 diagnostic criteria, and (2) for the presence of alleles of the ace gene previously shown to be associated with OP resistance. Regarding spinosad tolerance, only flies from Puna, the one area lacking prior exposure to spinosad, showed any significant difference compared to controls, and here the difference was only in terms of non‐overlap of 95% fiducial limit values. With respect to OP tolerance, specific mutations in the ace gene associated with resistance to these insecticides were found in only two populations, and in both cases, these alleles occurred at relatively low frequencies. These results suggest that at the present time, populations of B. dorsalis in Hawaii show no evidence for having acquired resistance to the insecticides widely used in control programs.
Sustained attention as a potential endophenotype for bipolar disorder
Authors: Ancín I. , Santos J. L. , Teijeira C. , Sánchez‐Morla E. M. , Bescós M. J. , Argudo I. , Torrijos S. , Vázquez‐Álvarez B. , De La Vega I. , López‐Ibor J. J. , Barabash A. , Cabranes‐Díaz J. A.
Published: January 2010

Ancín I, Santos JL, Teijeira C, Sánchez‐Morla EM, Bescós MJ, Argudo I, Torrijos S, Vázquez‐Álvarez B, De La Vega I, López‐Ibor JJ, Barabash A, Cabranes‐Díaz JA. Sustained attention as a potential endophenotype for bipolar disorder.

Objective:  Nowadays, it is accepted that to identify the biological basis of psychiatric illnesses it would be useful to deconstruct them into the most basic manifestations, such as cognitive deficits. The aim of this study was to set attention deficit as a stable vulnerability marker of bipolar disorder.

Method:  Sustained attention was evaluated by the Continuous Performance Test (DS‐CPT) in 143 euthymic bipolar patients and 105 controls. To estimate the influence of clinical profile in attention, patients completed a semi‐structured interview.

Results:  Bipolar patients showed a deficit in attention during euthymic periods. This disturbance correlated with years of evolution, age of onset and age of first hospitalisation; and was not influenced by other clinical data.

Conclusion:  Sustained attention may be considered as an endophenotype of the illness.
An experimental assessment of the upper elevational limit of flowering plants in the western Himalayas
Authors: Klimeš Leoš , Doležal Jiří
Published: January 2010

Transplant experiments are a useful tool both for determining species’ ranges and understanding their cause, yet such experiments have seldom been performed in areas where plants reach extremely high elevations. We examined the position of the upper elevational limits of vascular plants in E Ladakh, India, by transplanting individuals of 14 subnival species from 5800–5850 m elevation to a control site at the same elevation, as well as to edaphically suitable sites at 5960 m (subnival belt with sparse plant cover), to 6030 m (the highest elevation reached by vascular plants in the area) and to 6160 m elevation (no vascular plants observed). Two years later, transplants of 13 species survived at the control elevation, whereas 5 species survived at 5960 m, 2 species (Waldheimia tridactylites,Poa attenuata) at 6030 m, and none at 6160 m. The highest elevation at which transplanted flowering plants survived corresponds well to the observed elevational limit. Soil temperature data at the sites suggest that the growing season, defined as the period with mean daily soil temperature above zero, lasted nearly 3 months at 5960 m, ca 1.5 month at 6030 m, but <3 weeks at 6160 m, moreover interrupted at the highest elevation by several days with temperatures remaining below zero. The experiment confirmed the observed sharp limit of vegetation, set not by any physical barrier per se (e.g. not by the top of the massif), but instead by physiological constraints of the species. The result provides support for the assumptions of mid‐domain effect models that domain limits are defined by shared organismal adaptations in relation to environmental gradients, in this case tolerance to freezing temperature.
Murine epidermal Langerhans cells and keratinocytes express functional P2X7 receptors
Authors: Tran Jimmy N.S.N. , Pupovac Aleta , Taylor Rosanne M. , Wiley James S. , Byrne Scott N. , Sluyter Ronald
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: Murine epidermal Langerhans cells and keratinocytes express functional P2X7 receptors. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e151–e157.

Abstract:  Extracellular ATP via the activation of purinergic P2 receptors has an emerging role in cutaneous biology; however, the distribution of these receptors in mouse skin is poorly defined. This study investigated whether murine epidermal cell subpopulations express functional purinergic P2X7 receptors. P2X7 expression was examined by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence staining of epidermal cells from C57Bl/6 mice. P2X7 function was evaluated by nucleotide‐induced ethidium+ uptake measurements in epidermal cells from C57Bl/6 mice, and from P2X7 deficient mice and wild‐type littermate controls. P2X7 was detected in whole epidermal cell preparations, and specifically on Langerhans cells (LCs) and keratinocytes (KCs). ATP induced ethidium+ uptake into LCs and KCs, with EC50 values of 503 and 482 μm, respectively. BzATP, and to a lesser extent ATPγS and ADP, also induced ethidium+ uptake; while UTP, αβ‐meth‐ATP and NAD were ineffective. ATP‐induced ethidium+ uptake was impaired by Na+ and Mg2+, and the P2X7 antagonist, A‐438079 and was absent in LCs and KCs from P2X7 deficient mice. These results demonstrate that murine LCs and KCs express functional P2X7, and support a role for this receptor in cutaneous biology.
Topical hydrocortisone, clobetasol propionate, and calcipotriol do not increase photocarcinogenesis induced by simulated solar irradiation in hairless mice
Authors: Lerche Catharina M. , Philipsen Peter A. , Poulsen Thomas , Wulf Hans Christian
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: Topical hydrocortisone, clobetasol propionate, and calcipotriol do not increase photocarcinogenesis induced by simulated solar irradiation in hairless mice. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 973–979.

Abstract:  Topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone‐17‐butyrate (HCB) and clobetasol‐17‐propionate (CP) and vitamin D3 derivatives such as calcipotriol (CAL) are widely used to treat psoriasis. The immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroids make their topical use a concern for skin carcinogenicity. Few studies have assessed the effect of topical corticosteroids and topical vitamin D3 derivatives on photocarcinogenesis induced by ultraviolet radiation. We investigated whether HCB, CP, or CAL can accelerate photocarcinogenesis using simulated solar radiation (SSR). HCB, CP, or CAL was applied topically to the backs of hairless, female, C3.Cg/TifBomTac‐immunocompetent mice in 16 groups of 25 mice each. The drugs were applied three times weekly followed by 0, 2, 4, or 6 standard erythema doses (SED) of SSR for 365 days or until death. No change was observed in the time required for tumor development in mice treated with HCB and 2 SED (HCB‐2SED) and HCB‐6SED. However, the time required for tumor development increased with HCB‐4SED treatment. Treatment with CP‐2SED did not change the time to onset of the first and second tumor, but all other CP treatments in combination with SSR increased the time. CAL‐2SED decreased the time to onset of the first tumor but not of the second and third tumor. CAL‐4SED and CAL‐6 SED did not change or increased the time to tumor development. Our data indicated that topical administration of HCB and CAL did not alter the photocarcinogenesis of SSR and that topical CP administration had a photoprotective effect. Thus, HCB, CP, and CAL do not increase photocarcinogenesis induced by SSR.
An international multicenter association study of the serotonin transporter gene in persistent ADHD
Authors: Landaas E. T. , Johansson S. , Jacobsen K. K. , Ribasés M. , Bosch R. , Sánchez‐Mora C. , Jacob C. P. , Boreatti‐Hümmer A. , Kreiker S. , Lesch K.‐P. , Kiemeney L. A. , Kooij J. J. S. , Kan C. , Buitelaar J. K. , Faraone S. V. , Halmøy A. , Ramos‐Quiroga J. A. , Cormand B. , Reif A. , Franke B. , Mick E. , Knappskog P. M. , Haavik J.
Published: January 2010

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral disorder affecting children and adults. It has been suggested that gene variants related to serotonin neurotransmission are associated with ADHD. We tested the functional promoter polymorphism 5‐HTTLPR and seven single nucleotide polymorphisms in SLC6A4 for association with ADHD in 448 adult ADHD patients and 580 controls from Norway. Replication attempts were performed in a sample of 1454 Caucasian adult ADHD patients and 1302 controls from Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and USA, and a meta‐analysis was performed also including a previously published adult ADHD study. We found an association between ADHD and rs140700 [odds ratio (OR ) = 0.67; P = 0.01] and the short (S) allele of the 5‐HTTLPR (OR = 1.19; P = 0.06) in the Norwegian sample. Analysis of a possible gender effect suggested that the association might be restricted to females (rs140700: OR = 0.45; P = 0.00084). However, the meta‐analysis of 1894 cases and 1878 controls could not confirm the association for rs140700 [OR = 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.67–1.09; P = 0.20]. For 5‐HTTLPR, five of six samples showed a slight overrepresentation of the S allele in patients, but meta‐analysis refuted a strong effect (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.00–1.21; P = 0.06). Neither marker showed any evidence of differential effects for ADHD subtype, gender or symptoms of depression/anxiety. In conclusion, our results do not support a major role for SLC6A4 common variants in persistent ADHD, although a modest effect of the 5‐HTTLPR and a role for rare variants cannot be excluded.
Nutrient limitation in species‐rich Calthion grasslands in relation to opportunities for restoration in a peat meadow landscape
Authors: Van de Riet B.P. , Barendregt A. , Brouns K. , Hefting M.M. , Verhoeven J.T.A.
Published: January 2010

Questions: Which nutrient(s) limit(s) vegetation productivity in Calthion grasslands? Is phosphorus release a bottleneck for restoration of species‐rich Calthion grasslands on rewetted dairy meadows?

Location: Three species‐rich Calthion grasslands in the Western Peat District in the Netherlands.

Methods: We conducted a field fertilization experiment with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in three existing Calthion grasslands to evaluate the potential for restoration on rewetted dairy meadows. Responses of above‐ground biomass, tissue nutrient concentrations and nutrient ratios were determined after 2 yr of fertilization.

Results: Biomass increased with fertilization with N‐only and K‐only but did not react to P‐only additions. Comparisons of tissue nutrient concentrations and nutrient ratios also gave indications of N and K limitation.

Conclusions: The strong P release expected after rewetting should not necessarily interfere with restoration of Calthion communities on rewetted dairy meadows. It is concluded that for successful restoration management measures should focus on reducing N and/or K availability. Potassium might be an overlooked bottleneck in the restoration of species‐rich grasslands.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Tacrolimus after the First Oral Administration in Renal Transplant Recipients on Triple Immunosuppressive Therapy
Authors: Velickovic‐Radovanovic Radmila M. , Paunovic Goran , Mikov Momir , Djordjevic Vidojko , Stojanovic Mariola , Catic‐Djordjevic Aleksandra , Cvetkovic Tatjana
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  Monitoring of tacrolimus blood concentration is of utmost importance in the management of renal transplant recipients because of Narrow Therapeutic Index and highly variable pharmacokinetics. The aim of this study was to detect inter‐patient pharmacokinetic variability of tacrolimus and to assess the predictability of individual tacrolimus concentrations at various times of the area under the curve (AUC) seeking to find the best sampling time to predict the exposure of tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients with triple therapy. This oral dose tacrolimus pharmacokinetics study was conducted in 18 Serbian renal transplant recipients on triple immunosuppressive therapy, including basiliximab. The first oral dose of tacrolimus (0.05 mg/kg) was given on day 5 post‐transplant; blood concentration was measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay method. Associations between each sampling time‐point of concentrations and AUC12 were evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficients. Abbreviated sampling equations were derived by multiple, stepwise regression analyses. The variance in the strength of association between predicted AUC (AUCp) and AUC12 was reflected by linear regression coefficients. AUC12 showed remarkable inter‐individual variations after the first oral dose of tacrolimus. The area of the maximum AUC was four times higher than that of the minimum AUC. C4 seems to be an indicator of total body exposure to tacrolimus. Alternatively, the concentrations at 1.5, 4 and 8 hr as an abbreviated AUC were as good a predictor as a full pharmacokinetic study. Our results show a significant difference between men and women. A three‐point sampling method seemed to be the best abbreviated AUC for a cost‐effective tacrolimus monitoring strategy.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Animal‐to‐Man Prediction of Therapeutic Dose in a Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Brochot Anne , Zamacona Miren , Stockis Armel
Published: January 2010

Abstract:  Animal‐to‐man extrapolation and therapeutic dose prediction are illustrated with two molecules designed to treat epilepsy. Synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) is the primary molecular target for their anticonvulsive effect, but additional mechanisms may also contribute. Brivaracetam (BRV), currently in phase 3 of clinical development, was used as the benchmark compound. A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model was built in NONMEM, relating the brain tissue concentrations of BRV in mice and the proportion of animals protected against convulsions in the pharmacological model of audiogenic seizures. Brain concentrations were linked with ex vivo binding to predict brain SV2A occupancy. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was developed for predicting BRV concentrations in human plasma and brain tissue. Predicted plasma profiles were in good agreement with observations. Predicted human brain concentrations of BRV and the mouse ex vivo binding pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model were used to extrapolate brain SV2A occupancy at the human therapeutic dose. Secondly, for another compound also exhibiting selective affinity for the same target, similar pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models were built from audiogenic seizure mouse data. Various dosing regimens of the new compound were simulated in order to reach the same brain SV2A occupancy as for the reference compound. These estimations support early development. Assumptions and limitations of the approach are discussed.
Protective Effect of Sesamol against 3‐Nitropropionic Acid‐Induced Cognitive Dysfunction and Altered Glutathione Redox Balance in Rats
Authors: Kumar Puneet , Kalonia Harikesh , Kumar Anil
Published: January 2010

Abstract: Sesamol (SML) (Sesamum indicum, Linn, Pedaliaceae) has been used traditionally as a health supplement in India and other countries for a long time. It is a well‐known antioxidant, currently being tried against several neurological disorders. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential of sesamol treatment against 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP)‐induced cognitive impairment and oxidative damage in striatal, cortex and hippocampal regions of the rat. The memory performance was assessed by Morris water maze and elevated plus maze paradigms. The oxidative damage was assessed by estimating the total glutathione, reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione levels and glutathione redox ratio. Glutathione‐S‐transferase and lactate dehydrogenase enzymes were also measured in different brain areas. 3‐NP significantly impaired memory performance as assessed in Morris water maze and elevated plus maze, which was significantly attenuated by sesamol (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) pre‐treatment. On the other hand, 3‐NP significantly induced oxidative stress and depleted total glutathione, reduced glutathione, glutathione‐S‐transferase, lactate dehydrogenase enzyme levels and redox ratio in the striatum, cortex and hippocampal regions as compared to the vehicle‐treated group. Sesamol pre‐treatment restored oxidative defence possibly by its free radical scavenging activity as compared to the 3NP‐treated group. The present study suggests that sesamol could be used as an effective agent in the management of Huntington’s disease.
Validation of Stopwatch Measurements of Erection Duration against Responses to the Sexual Encounter Profile and International Index of Erectile Function in Patients Treated with a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor
Authors: Shaw James W. , Reardon Gregory , Sandor David W. , Rosen Raymond C. , Ferguson David M.
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Although the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) are frequently used to measure erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment outcomes, stopwatch-assessed duration of erection is a new, objective, and potentially useful endpoint of ED treatment effect.

Aims

To assess the validity and reliability of stopwatch-assessed erection duration against responses to SEP items 2 (SEP-2) and 3 (SEP-3) and IIEF scale scores.

Methods

Data were taken from a multi-center trial of vardenafil for the treatment of ED. Patients were randomized to vardenafil 10 mg or placebo for 4 weeks. After a 1-week washout period, patients received the alternate therapy for an additional 4 weeks. An electronic diary was used to record information about sexual attempts. The duration of erection was measured using a stopwatch and transcribed into the diary. The SEP was completed following each sexual attempt, and the IIEF was completed at the end of each treatment period.

Main Outcome Measures

Mean and median values of erection duration, mean SEP-2 and SEP-3 success rates, and scores for each of the 5 IIEF scales were calculated.

Results

At baseline, correlations of median erection duration with the 5 IIEF scale scores ranged from 0.06 to 0.53, while correlations with mean SEP-2 and SEP-3 success rates were 0.66 and 0.49, respectively. Compared with the other measures, mean and median values of erection duration were less sensitive to differences between placebo- and vardenafil-treated patients and less responsive to clinical change associated with treatment crossover. However, mean erection duration exhibited a good level of reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.72, P <0.001).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for the validity and reliability of stopwatch-assessed duration of erection. Our findings suggest that erection duration is suitable for use as a unique endpoint in ED treatment-efficacy trials conducted for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.
Vaginal Carcinoma in a Female-to-Male Transsexual
Authors: Schenck Thilo Ludwig , Holzbach Thomas , Zantl Niko , Schuhmacher Christopher , Vogel Markus , Seidl Stefan , Machens Hans-Gunther , Giunta Riccardo Enzo
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Sex reassignment surgery (SRS) can be considered a reasonable and secure treatment for transsexualism, today. Because the population of patients who have received SRS is growing steadily, it can be expected that the number of patients who present with diseases specific to their original gender will increase as well.

Aim

In female-to-male transsexuals, vaginal cancer has not been reported so far. This article reports, to our knowledge, the first case of a female-to-male transsexual who developed vaginal cancer.

Methods

Eighteen years after receiving female-to-male SRS, the patient presented with vaginal cancer, which infiltrated rectum and bladder and also showed involvement of inguinal lymph nodes. Surgery consisted of an anterior and posterior pelvic demolition and extended lymphadenectomy with preservation of the penoid and reconstruction of the pelvic defect with multiple flaps.

Results

The tumor was removed completely (R0), and 2 years after surgery, the patient has no signs or symptoms of tumor recurrence and enjoys good quality of life.

Conclusions

In SRS patients, diseases of their original gender should always be considered and patients should be encouraged to participate in screening programs. When choosing the surgical approach for SRS, the risks for developing cancer from remaining structures of the genetic gender should be considered. Of course, removal of e.g., ovaries, cervix and vagina, will prevent cancer of these structures. When it comes to surgery in SRS patients with malignancies, an interdisciplinary approach should be chosen.
Dimensional Profiles of Male to Female Gender Identity Disorder: An Exploratory Research
Authors: Fisher Alessandra D. , Bandini Elisa , Ricca Valdo , Ferruccio Naika , Corona Giovanni , Meriggiola Maria C. , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Manieri Chiara , Ristori Jiska , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Male-to-Female Gender Identity Disorder (MtF GID) is a complex phenomenon that could be better evaluated by using a dimensional approach.

Aim

To explore the aggregation of clinical manifestations of MtF GID in order to identify meaningful variables describing the heterogeneity of the disorder.

Methods

A consecutive series of 80 MtF GID subjects (mean age 37 ± 10.3 years), referred to the Interdepartmental Center for Assistance Gender Identity Disorder of Florence and to other Italian centers from July 2008 to June 2009, was studied. Diagnosis was based on formal psychiatric classification criteria. Factor analysis was performed.

Main Outcome Measures

Several socio-demographic and clinical parameters were investigated. Patients were asked to complete the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI, a self-rating scale to evaluate gender role) and Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R, a self-rating scale to measure psychological state).

Results

Factor analysis identified two dimensional factors: Factor 1 was associated with sexual orientation, and Factor 2 related to behavioral and psychological correlates of early GID development. No correlation was observed between the two factors. A positive correlation between Factor 2 and feminine BSRI score was found, along with a negative correlation between Factor 2 and undifferentiated BSRI score. Moreover, a significant association between SCL-90-R Phobic subscale score and Factor 2 was observed. A variety of other socio-demographic parameters and clinical features were associated with both factors.

Conclusions

Behavioral and psychological correlates of Factor 1 (sexual orientation) and Factor 2 (gender identity) do not constitute the framework of two separate clinical entities, but instead represent two dimensions of the complex MtF GID structure, which can be variably intertwined in the same subject. By using factor analysis, we offer a new approach capable of delineating a psychopathological and clinical profile of MtF GID patients.
Gender Issues and Sexual Desire: The Role of Emotional and Relationship Variables
Authors: Carvalho Joana , Nobre Pedro
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Cultural, psychological, and biological factors specific to each gender are possibly responsible for discrepancies between male and female sexual desire.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the differences between men and women regarding the role of emotional and relationship factors on sexual desire.

Methods

Two hundred five men and 237 women from the general population answered a set of questionnaires assessing psychopathology, emotions during sexual activity, dyadic adjustment, and frequency of sexual desire. Multivariate analyses of covariance (demographic variables as covariates) were conducted in order to assess the differences of sexual desire (low/high desire) between genders and groups.

Main Outcome Measures

Psychopathology measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory, emotions in sexual context measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire, dyadic adjustment measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and sexual desire measured by the sexual desire subscale of the Female Sexual Function Index and International Index of Erectile Function.

Results

Findings indicated that women presented higher levels of psychopathology and significantly more emotions of hurt during sexual activity, while men presented more fear and shame in the same context. Results from dyadic adjustment showed that participants from the low desire group presented less dyadic adjustment. Moreover, participants from the low desire group presented more emotions of disillusion and participants from the high desire group presented more emotions of satisfaction.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that therapeutic protocols for sexual desire difficulties should attend to dyadic adjustment and emotions during sexual activity, also considering how psychopathology and specific emotions act on sexual desire according to each gender.
Low Testosterone is Associated with an Increased Risk of MACE Lethality in Subjects with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Monami Matteo , Boddi Valentina , Cameron-Smith Michela , Fisher Alessandra D. , De Vita Giulia , Melani Cecilia , Balzi Daniela , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Although testosterone (T) has been suggested to play a protective role against the development of atherosclerosis, studies demonstrating an association between low T and incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) are scanty in the general population and absent in subjects with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

To investigate whether low T in subjects with ED predict incident fatal or nonfatal MACE.

Methods

This is an observational prospective cohort study evaluating a consecutive series of 1687 patients attending our andrological unit for ED. Patients were interviewed using the structured interview on erectile dysfunction (SIEDY) and ANDROTEST structured interviews measuring components relative to ED and hypogonadal-related symptoms, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures

Total T was evaluated at baseline. Information on MACE was obtained through the City of Florence Registry Office.

Results

Among the patients studied, 5.2, 13.8, and 22.4% were hypogonadal according to different thresholds (T<8, 10.4 and 12 nmol/L or 230, 300 and 350 ng/dL, respectively). During a mean follow-up of 4.3 ± 2.6 years, 139 MACE, 15 of which were fatal, were observed. Unadjusted incidence of MACE was not associated with T levels. Conversely, the proportion of lethal events among MACE was significantly higher in hypogonadal patients, using either 10.4 nmol/L (300 ng/dL) or 8 nmol/L (230 ng/dL) thresholds. However, after adjustment for age and Chronic Diseases Score in a Cox regression model, only the association between incident fatal MACE and T<8 nmol/L (230 ng/dL) was confirmed (HR=7.1 [1.8–28.6]; P <0.001). Interestingly, measuring hypogonadal-related symptoms and signs through ANDROTEST, only fatal MACE were also associated with a higher score (HR=1.2 [1.0–1.5] for each ANDROTEST score increment; P = 0.05 after adjustment for age and Chronic Diseases Score).

Conclusions

T levels are associated with a higher mortality of MACE. The identification of low T levels should alert the clinician thus identifying subjects with an increased cardiovascular risk.
Reparative Therapy: The Adolescent, the Psych Nurse, and the Issues
Authors: Hein Laura C. , Matthews Alicia K.
Published: January 2010

TOPIC:  Reparative therapy aims to modify the sexual orientation of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people into that of heterosexuals. Although denounced as harmful by most professional organizations, these treatments continue—youth may be particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences.

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this article is to discuss reparative therapies, the potential harm LGB youth may experience, clinical and practice issues for psychiatric nurses, and the ethical issues surrounding nurse involvement in reparative therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:  Reparative therapy for adolescents raises important clinical and ethical issues for psychiatric nursing. Further discussion of nurse involvement in these treatments is needed.
Computational Study of CCR5 Antagonist with Support Vector Machines and Three Dimensional Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship Methods
Authors: Chen Yue , Li Zeng , Chen Hai‐Feng
Published: January 2010

CCR5 is the key receptor of HIV‐1 virus entry into host cells and it becomes an attractive target for antiretroviral drug design. To date, six types of CCR5 antagonist were synthesized and evaluated. To search more potent bio‐active compounds, non‐linear support vector machine was used to construct the relationship models for 103 oximino‐piperidino‐piperidine CCR5 antagonists. Then, comparative molecular field analysis and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis models were constructed after alignment with their common substructure. Twenty‐one structural diverse compounds, which were not included in the support vector machine, comparative molecular field analysis, and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis models, validated these models. The results show that these models possess good predictive ability. When comparing between support vector machine and 3D‐quantitative structure activity relationship models, the results obtained from these two methods are compatible. However, 3D‐quantitative structure activity relationship model is significantly better than support vector machine model and previous reported pharmacophore model. These models can help us to make quantitative prediction of their bio‐activities before in vitro and in vivo stages.
Cerebral oxygenation is reduced during hyperthermic exercise in humans
Authors: Rasmussen P. , Nybo L. , Volianitis S. , Møller K. , Secher N. H. , Gjedde A.
Published: January 2010

Aim:  Cerebral mitochondrial oxygen tension (PmitoO2) is elevated during moderate exercise, while it is reduced when exercise becomes strenuous, reflecting an elevated cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) combined with hyperventilation‐induced attenuation of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Heat stress challenges exercise capacity as expressed by increased rating of perceived exertion (RPE).

Methods:  This study evaluated the effect of heat stress during exercise on PmitoO2 calculated based on a Kety‐Schmidt‐determined CBF and the arterial‐to‐jugular venous oxygen differences in eight males [27 ± 6 years (mean ± SD) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) 63 ± 6 mL kg−1 min−1].

Results:  The CBF, CMRO2 and PmitoO2 remained stable during 1 h of moderate cycling (170 ± 11 W, ∼50% of VO2max, RPE 9–12) in normothermia (core temperature of 37.8 ± 0.4 °C). In contrast, when hyperthermia was provoked by dressing the subjects in watertight clothing during exercise (core temperature 39.5 ± 0.2 °C), PmitoO2 declined by 4.8 ± 3.8 mmHg (P < 0.05 compared to normothermia) because CMRO2 increased by 8 ± 7% at the same time as CBF was reduced by 15 ± 13% (P < 0.05). During exercise with heat stress, RPE increased to 19 (19–20; P < 0.05); the RPE correlated inversely with PmitoO2 (r2 = 0.42, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  These data indicate that strenuous exercise in the heat lowers cerebral PmitoO2, and that exercise capacity in this condition may be dependent on maintained cerebral oxygenation.
Resistance training increases in vivo quadriceps femoris muscle specific tension in young men
Authors: Erskine R. M. , Jones D. A. , Williams A. G. , Stewart C. E. , Degens H.
Published: January 2010

Aim:  The present study investigated whether in vivo human quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle specific tension changed following strength training by systematically determining QF maximal force and physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA).

Methods:  Seventeen untrained men (20 ± 2 years) performed high‐intensity leg‐extension training three times a week for 9 weeks. Maximum tendon force (Ft) was calculated from maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) torque, corrected for agonist and antagonist muscle activation, and moment arm length (dPT) before and after training. QF PCSA was calculated as the sum of the four component muscle volumes, each divided by its fascicle length. Dividing Ft by the sum of the component muscle PCSAs, each multiplied by the cosine of the respective fascicle pennation angle, provided QF specific tension.

Results:  MVC torque and QF activation increased by 31% (P < 0.01) and 3% (P < 0.05), respectively, but there was no change in antagonist co‐activation or dPT. Subsequently, Ft increased by 27% (P < 0.01). QF volume increased by 6% but fascicle length did not change in any of the component muscles, leading to a 6% increase in QF PCSA (P < 0.05). Fascicle pennation angle increased by 5% (P < 0.01) but only in the vastus lateralis muscle. Consequently, QF specific tension increased by 20% (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  An increase in human muscle specific tension appears to be a real consequence of resistance training rather than being an artefact of measuring errors but the underlying cause of this phenomenon remains to be determined.
Effect of 13 single and eight mixed host plant diets on survival, post‐embryonic development and morphology of variegated grasshopper in laboratory
Authors: KEKEUNOU Sévilor , WEISE Stephen , MESSI Jean
Published: January 2010

Zonocerus variegatus (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) is known as an agricultural pest in West and Central Africa. In this study, the effects of 13 single and eight mixed host plant diets on the survival, post‐embryonic development and morphology of Z. variegatus in the laboratory were investigated. In each cage, 20 one‐day larvae were provided with these diets and their survival monitored every two days, from August 2000 to September 2002, until all individuals died. Results showed that the number of larval stages varied from six to eight according to the diet. Six larval stages were most frequent. Development to the adult stage (complete development) was only noted with 52% of diets. All the mixed host plant diets induced complete development of Z. variegatus except that of Cajanus cajan + Synedrella nodiflora + Chromolaena odorata. Complete development was observed with four single host plant diets: Lablab purpurea, C. cajan, Manihot esculenta and S. nodiflora. Compared to leguminous species and Asteraceae, M. esculenta (Euphorbiaceae) was the species that resulted in the highest level of survival and development of Z. variegatus. Chromolaena odorata and S. nodiflora (Asteraceae) induced late appearance of the different Z. variegatus nymphal instars and the appearance time was shorter on legumes. The supernumerary stage 7 has the same color as the larva in stages 1–6, but this larva was significantly larger than stage 6 and smaller than the adult stage. These results indicate that legumes for short fallows affected the survival and post‐embryonic development of Z. variegatus in the laboratory.
Seasonal distribution, parity, resting, host‐seeking behavior and association of malarial parasites of Anopheles stephensi Liston in Kolkata, West Bengal
Authors: GHOSH Anupam , MANDAL Samir , CHANDRA Goutam
Published: January 2010

Indoor resting and human‐landing mosquito collections were conducted at selected localities in Kolkata, India to determine resting and host‐seeking behavior, night biting activity, seasonal distributions and malaria infection rates. During a two‐year study (2006–2007), 5123 and 1716 female mosquitoes were captured in indoor‐resting and human‐landing collections, respectively, from two types of residences (brick built rooms, temporary huts). Regression analysis demonstrated that the abundance of indoor resting An. stephensi was positively correlated with ambient temperature and relative humidity. The average duration of the gonotrophic cycle for laboratory‐reared An. stephensi was about 4 days. Average proportion of parous An. stephensi, daily survival and daily mortality rates were 46%, 82% and 18%, respectively. Plasmodium vivax sporozoite infections were detected in the salivary glands of two wild‐caught An. stephensi (sporozoite rate 2.2%) and one An. annularis (sporozoite rate 1.5%). No P. falciparum infections were detected. Oocyst infections were observed in one An. annularis mosquito (oocyst rate 1.5%).
PERSPECTIVE: Coevolution between native and invasive plant competitors: implications for invasive species management
Authors: Leger Elizabeth A. , Espeland Erin K.
Published: January 2010

Invasive species may establish in communities because they are better competitors than natives, but in order to remain community dominants, the competitive advantage of invasive species must be persistent. Native species that are not extirpated when highly invasive species are introduced are likely to compete with invaders. When population sizes and genetic diversity of native species are large enough, natives may be able to evolve traits that allow them to co‐occur with invasive species. Native species may also evolve to become significant competitors with invasive species, and thus affect the fitness of invaders. Invasive species may respond in turn, creating either transient or continuing coevolution between competing species. In addition to demographic factors such as population size and growth rates, a number of factors including gene flow, genetic drift, the number of selection agents, encounter rates, and genetic diversity may affect the ability of native and invasive species to evolve competitive ability against one another. We discuss how these factors may differ between populations of native and invasive plants, and how this might affect their ability to respond to selection. Management actions that maintain genetic diversity in native species while reducing population sizes and genetic diversity in invasive species could promote the ability of natives to evolve improved competitive ability.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Rapid evolution in a plant‐pathogen interaction and the consequences for introduced host species
Authors: Gilbert Gregory S. , Parker Ingrid M.
Published: January 2010

Plant species introduced into new regions can both leave behind co‐evolved pathogens and acquire new ones. Traits important to infection and virulence are subject to rapid evolutionary change in both plant and pathogen. Using Stemphylium solani, a native foliar necrotroph on clovers (Trifolium and Medicago) in California, USA, we explore how plant‐fungal interactions may change in an invasion context. After four generations of experimental serial passage through multiple hosts, Stemphylium consistently showed increased infection rates but no consistent change in damage to the host. In a historical opportunity study, we compared infection and virulence across four groups of clover hosts: California natives, European clovers not found in California, and both California and European genotypes of species naturalized in California. There was significant variation among hosts, but no pattern across the four groups. However, in direct comparisons of familiar California genotypes to unfamiliar European genotypes of the same naturalized species, Stemphylium consistently infected familiar hosts more frequently, while causing less damage on them. This pattern is consistent with the hypothesis of adaptive evolution in both the pathogen (ability to infect) and the host (tolerance of infection). Together these results suggest the potential for rapid evolution to alter interactions between plant invaders and their natural enemies.
Species‐specific responses to landscape fragmentation: implications for management strategies
Authors: Blanchet Simon , Rey Olivier , Etienne Roselyne , Lek Sovan , Loot Géraldine
Published: January 2010

Habitat fragmentation affects the integrity of many species, but little is known about species‐specific sensitivity to fragmentation. Here, we compared the genetic structure of four freshwater fish species differing in their body size (Leuciscus cephalus; Leuciscus leuciscus; Gobio gobio and Phoxinus phoxinus) between a fragmented and a continuous landscape. We tested if, overall, fragmentation affected the genetic structure of these fish species, and if these species differed in their sensitivity to fragmentation. Fragmentation negatively affected the genetic structure of these species. Indeed, irrespective of the species identity, allelic richness and heterozygosity were lower, and population divergence was higher in the fragmented than in the continuous landscape. This response to fragmentation was highly species‐specific, with the smallest fish species (P. phoxinus) being slightly affected by fragmentation. On the contrary, fish species of intermediate body size (L. leuciscus and G. gobio) were highly affected, whereas the largest fish species (L. cephalus) was intermediately affected by fragmentation. We discuss the relative role of dispersal ability and effective population size on the responses to fragmentation we report here. The weirs studied here are of considerable historical importance. We therefore conclude that restoration programmes will need to consider both this societal context and the biological characteristics of the species sharing this ecosystem.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The global expansion of a single ant supercolony
Authors: Van Wilgenburg Ellen , Torres Candice W. , Tsutsui Neil D.
Published: January 2010

Ants are among the most damaging invasive species, and their success frequently arises from the widespread cooperation displayed by introduced populations, often across hundreds of kilometers. Previous studies of the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) have shown that introduced populations on different continents each contain a single, vast supercolony and, occasionally, smaller secondary colonies. Here, we perform inter‐continental behavioral analyses among supercolonies in North America, Europe, Asia, Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia and show that these far‐flung supercolonies also recognize and accept each other as if members of a single, globally distributed supercolony. Furthermore, populations also possess similar genetic and chemical profiles. However, these ants do show aggression toward ants from South Africa and the smaller secondary colonies that occur in Hawaii and California. Thus, the largest and most dominant introduced populations are likely descended from the same ancestral colony and, despite having been established more than 100 years ago, have diverged very little. This apparent evolutionary stasis is surprising because, in other species, some of the most rapid rates of evolutionary change have occurred in introduced populations. Given the spatial extent of the Argentine ant society we report here, there can be little doubt that this intercontinental supercolony represents the most populous known animal society.