bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Inhibitory Effects of the Polyphenol Ellagic Acid on Inflammatory Mediators NF‐κB, iNOS, COX‐2, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 in 1,2‐Dimethylhydrazine‐Induced Rat Colon Carcinogenesis
Authors: Umesalma Syed , Sudhandiran Ganapasam
Published: July 2010

Abstract:  Dietary polyphenols have been found to possess preventive and therapeutic potential against several types of cancers. We investigated the effect of ellagic acid on colon cancer induced by 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 served as control, group 2 rats received ellagic acid 60 mg/kg bodyweight/every day p.o. throughout the experiment. Rats from groups 3 and 4 were given subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (20 mg/kg body weight) once a week for the first 15 weeks; rats in group 4 received ellagic acid as in group 2 after the last injection of 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine and continued till the end of the experimental period of 30 weeks. 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine‐induced rats exhibited alterations in cancer tumour markers [5′‐nucleotidase (5′‐ND), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GT), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alphafetoprotein (AFP) and cathepsin‐D (CD)]; pathophysiological markers [alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] and oral administration of ellagic acid restored the levels of these marker enzymes. Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) actively involved in the regulation of both pro‐inflammatory proteins [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)] and pro‐inflammatory cytokines [tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6] and in our study 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine‐induced group exhibited elevated expressions of all these inflammatory proteins. Ellagic acid administration reduced the expressions of NF‐κB, COX‐2, iNOS, TNF‐α and IL‐6 as confirmed by immunohistochemical, immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis during 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine‐induced colon carcinogenesis. In conclusion, ellagic acid demonstrates anti‐inflammatory property by iNOS, COX‐2, TNF‐α and IL‐6 down‐regulation due to inhibition of NF‐κB and exerts its chemopreventive effect on colon carcinogenesis.
The Real-Life Safety and Efficacy of Vardenafil (REALISE) Study: Results in Men from Europe and Overseas with Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular or Metabolic Conditions
Authors: Van Ahlen Hermann , Zumbé Jürgen , Stauch Kathrin , Hanisch Jens Ulrich
Published: July 2010

Introduction

The Real-Life Safety and Efficacy of vardenafil study is an international, open-label, prospective, noncomparative, noninterventional study in men with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

To determine the safety and efficacy of vardenafil in a large international pool of men with ED (aged ≥18 years) and associated underlying conditions (N=73,946), in a real-life setting.

Methods

Patients attended an initial physician visit and one to two follow-up visits. Data were acquired by physician interviews and patient diaries and recorded in case report forms (CRFs). Data were pooled from 47 countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the rest of the world (excluding the United States and Japan for methodological reasons). Results were stratified by baseline ED severity, body mass index (BMI), and the presence of hypertension, diabetes, lipid metabolism disorder, or cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Main Outcome Measures

CRFs and patient questionnaires containing questions on overall improvement of erection, satisfaction with efficacy, and desire to continue vardenafil use.

Results

Many participants had hypertension (32.0%), diabetes (22.1%), lipid metabolism disorder (14.6%), or CVD (42.2%). High percentages of patients reported improvements in erectile function, irrespective of baseline ED severity (mild, 97.0%; moderate, 96.2%; severe, 85.5%), BMI (<25, 94.1%; ≥25 and <30, 94.6%; ≥30, 92.9%), or the presence of hypertension (93.6%), diabetes (92.6%), lipid metabolism disorder (94.7%), or CVD (93.3%). Over 90% of patients, including those with underlying conditions, reported being “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with vardenafil efficacy, and stated their intention to continue vardenafil use after the end of the study period. The incidence of adverse events was low, and 97.0% of patients were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with vardenafil tolerability.

Conclusions

These data from a worldwide population of men with ED and associated underlying conditions show that vardenafil is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of ED in a real-life setting, supporting its use as a first-line ED therapy.
Yoga in Male Sexual Functioning: A Noncompararive Pilot Study
Authors: Dhikav Vikas , Karmarkar Girish , Verma Myank , Gupta Ruchi , Gupta Supriya , Mittal Deeksha , Anand Kuljeet
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Yoga is practiced both in developing and developed countries. Many patients and yoga protagonists claim that it is useful in improving sexual functions and treating sexual disorders.

Aim

We wanted to study the effect of yoga on male sexual functioning.

Methods

We studied 65 males (age range=24–60 years, average age=40 ± 8.26 years) who were enrolled in a yoga camp and administered a known questionnaire, i.e., Male Sexual Quotient (MSQ) before and after 12 weeks session of yoga.

Main Outcome Measures

MSQ scores before and after yoga sessions.

Results

It was found that after the completion of yoga sessions, the sexual functions scores were significantly improved (P <0.0001). The improvement occurred in scores of all the domains of sexual functions as studied by MSQ (desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, orgasm).

Conclusions

Yoga appears to be an effective method of improving all domains of sexual functions in men as studied by MSQ.
The Presentation of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Maserejian Nancy N. , Shifren Jan L. , Parish Sharon J. , Braunstein Glenn D. , Gerstenberger Eric P. , Rosen Raymond C.
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Little is known about the clinical presentation of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women or their perceptions of sexual problems.

Aim

Describe characteristics of premenopausal women with clinically diagnosed acquired, generalized HSDD, and investigate factors perceived to contribute to desire problems.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from premenopausal women with clinically diagnosed and confirmed HSDD enrolled during the first year of the HSDD Registry for Women (N=400).

Main Outcome Measures

Relationship, demographic, and clinical characteristics were assessed by clinician’s medical history review and self-administered questionnaire. Sexual desire function was measured by the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Results

Over 85% of women cited multiple factors that contributed to ongoing decreased desire (mean 2.9 ± 2.3 factors, range 0–12). Most commonly cited contributing factors were “stress or fatigue” (60.0%), “dissatisfaction with my physical appearance” (40.8%), and other sexual difficulties (e.g., inability to reach orgasm) (33.5%). Exploratory analyses of the FSFI score confirmed that self-image (P = 0.002) and other sexual problems (P <0.001) were significantly associated with decreased desire. Almost all (96%) participants were currently in a partner relationship. Antidepressant medication was currently used by 18.0% of women, hormonal contraceptives by 28.5%, and hormonal medications (for noncontraceptive reasons) by 7.3%. Physical functioning was consistent with general population norms (SF-36 mean ± standard deviation, 53.3 ± 7.6 vs. norm of 50 ± 10), while overall mental functioning was slightly lower (SF-36, 44.7 ± 10.6).

Conclusions

Within this sample of premenopausal women with clinically diagnosed HSDD, decreased sexual desire was associated with multiple factors, including poor self-image and stress or fatigue. Clinicians presented with premenopausal women expressing sexual desire problems should assess patients’ perceptions of their condition to develop a comprehensive, patient-oriented management plan. Therapy may need to address issues with low self-esteem and mood and offer practical coping mechanisms for stress and fatigue.
Flibanserin: Initial Evidence of Efficacy on Sexual Dysfunction, in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Kennedy Sidney
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Flibanserin, a novel 5-HT1A agonist and 5-HT2A antagonist, has the potential to treat sexual dysfunction.

Aim

Provide historical perspective on the rationale for development of flibanserin to treat sexual dysfunction, based on post hoc analyses of data.

Main Outcome Measures

The Arizona Sexual Experiences (ASEX) scale and the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) Genital Symptoms item.

Methods

Sexual function outcomes are presented from four double-blind, randomized controlled studies involving a total of 369 men and 523 women diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. Each study had an active treatment arm to confirm assay sensitivity on the primary antidepressive endpoint. Two studies placebo, flibanserin (50 mg bid), or fluoxetine (20 mg qd) for 6 weeks and two involved placebo, flibanserin (50–100 mg bid), or paroxetine (20–40 mg qd) for 8 weeks.

Results

Individual study completion rates were 77–80%. At baseline, 38% of men and 67% of women reported sexual dysfunction. Assay sensitivity was not demonstrated in the fluoxetine trials and sexual function outcomes were inconsistent. Flibanserin and placebo were associated with low rates of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction in women during the paroxetine studies. In one study, 70% of flibanserin-treated women with baseline sexual dysfunction reported improvement in sexual function, compared with 30% of placebo-treated women. Mean change from baseline on the HAMD “Genital Symptoms” item in one paroxetine study was significantly better among flibanserin- than placebo-treated women at weeks 4, 6, and 8 (P <0.05). Sexual function adverse events across flibanserin groups were generally comparable to placebo.

Conclusions

Although these studies were not designed or powered to compare sexual function outcomes, results suggested a potential benefit of flibanserin on sexual function, particularly on female sexual desire, and provided a rationale to evaluate the efficacy of flibanserin as a treatment for female hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
Long-Term Results of an Individualized, Multifaceted, and Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Approach to Provoked Vestibulodynia
Authors: Spoelstra Symen K. , Dijkstra Jeroen R. , van Driel Mels F. , Weijmar Schultz Willibrord C.M.
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Although it is highly recommended to use a multifaceted approach to treat provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), the large majority of treatment studies on PVD used a one-dimensional approach.

Aim

To evaluate the long-term treatment outcome of a multifaceted approach to vulvar pain, sexual functioning, sexually related personal distress, and relational sexual satisfaction in women with PVD.

Methods

Retrospective questionnaire survey 3–7 years after treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual functioning, sexually related personal distress, and relational sexual satisfaction were measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and the Dutch Relationship Questionnaire (NRV), respectively. An additional questionnaire assessed socio-demographic variables, intercourse resumption, and the level to which the women would recommend the treatment to other women with PVD. Post-treatment vulvar pain scores were obtained using a visual analog scale (VAS). Pretreatment scores were reported in retrospect on a separate VAS.

Results

The questionnaires were completed by 64 out of 70 women (91%). Mean follow-up was 5 years (range 3–7). Comparison of the mean pretreatment and post-treatment VAS scores showed a significant reduction in vulvar pain. Pain reduction was reported by 52 women (81%), whereas no change and pain increase were reported by 7 women (11%) and 5 women (8%), respectively. Post-treatment, 80% of the women had resumed intercourse. Only 5 women (8%) reported completely pain-free intercourse. Comparisons with age-related FSFI and FSDS Dutch norm data showed that scores for sexual functioning in the study group were significantly lower, while scores for sexually related personal distress were significantly higher. There were no significant differences in relational sexual satisfaction ratings between the study group and the NRV Dutch norm data.

Conclusion

These retrospective data on long-term treatment outcome support the hypothesis that a multifaceted approach to PVD can lead to substantial improvements in vulvar pain and the resumption of intercourse.
Puberty Suppression in Adolescents With Gender Identity Disorder: A Prospective Follow-Up Study
Authors: de Vries Annelou L.C. , Steensma Thomas D. , Doreleijers Theo A.H. , Cohen-Kettenis Peggy T.
Published: July 2010

Introduction

Puberty suppression by means of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) is used for young transsexuals between 12 and 16 years of age. The purpose of this intervention is to relieve the suffering caused by the development of secondary sex characteristics and to provide time to make a balanced decision regarding actual gender reassignment.

Aim

To compare psychological functioning and gender dysphoria before and after puberty suppression in gender dysphoric adolescents.

Methods

Of the first 70 eligible candidates who received puberty suppression between 2000 and 2008, psychological functioning and gender dysphoria were assessed twice: at T0, when attending the gender identity clinic, before the start of GnRHa; and at T1, shortly before the start of cross-sex hormone treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

Behavioral and emotional problems (Child Behavior Checklist and the Youth-Self Report), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety and anger (the Spielberger Trait Anxiety and Anger Scales), general functioning (the clinician's rated Children's Global Assessment Scale), gender dysphoria (the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale), and body satisfaction (the Body Image Scale) were assessed.

Results

Behavioral and emotional problems and depressive symptoms decreased, while general functioning improved significantly during puberty suppression. Feelings of anxiety and anger did not change between T0 and T1. While changes over time were equal for both sexes, compared with natal males, natal females were older when they started puberty suppression and showed more problem behavior at both T0 and T1. Gender dysphoria and body satisfaction did not change between T0 and T1. No adolescent withdrew from puberty suppression, and all started cross-sex hormone treatment, the first step of actual gender reassignment.

Conclusion

Puberty suppression may be considered a valuable contribution in the clinical management of gender dysphoria in adolescents.
Insights into the Bamboo Genome: Syntenic Relationships to Rice and Sorghum
Authors: Gui Yi‐Jie , Zhou Yan , Wang Yu , Wang Sheng , Wang Sheng‐Yue , Hu Yan , Bo Shi‐Ping , Chen Huan , Zhou Chang‐Ping , Ma Nai‐Xun , Zhang Tian‐Zhen , Fan Long‐Jiang
Published: July 2010

Bamboo occupies an important phylogenetic node in the grass family and plays a significant role in the forest industry. We produced 1.2 Mb of tetraploid moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens E. Mazel ex H. de Leh.) sequences from 13 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones, and these are the largest genomic sequences available so far from the subfamily Bambusoideae. The content of repetitive elements (36.2%) in bamboo is similar to that in rice. Both rice and sorghum exhibit high genomic synteny with bamboo, which suggests that rice and sorghum may be useful as models for decoding Bambusoideae genomes.
Association of Overweight With Academic Performance and Social and Behavioral Problems: An Update From the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study
Authors: Judge Sharon , Jahns Lisa
Published: July 2010

Background:  Childhood overweight is a condition that is prevalent within our society, affecting more and more children each year. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between child overweight and educational outcomes.

Methods:  Data are reported for 13,680 children in third grade from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, a set of data designed and carried out by the US Department of Education. Students were individually administered reading and math assessments. Teachers reported how often students exhibited certain social skills and behaviors. A series of 1‐way analyses of covariance and multivariate analysis of covariance was used.

Results:  Overweight children had significantly lower math and reading test scores compared with nonoverweight children in third grade. However, these differences became insignificant after including socioeconomic and maternal education variables. Third grade overweight girls had significantly more externalizing and internalizing problems as well as lower self‐control scores than nonoverweight girls even after including socioeconomic and maternal education variables.

Conclusions:  Findings suggest that how we deal with children’s overweight may have implications for the future psychological health of a considerable proportion of US children.
The renin–angiotensin system and the gastrointestinal mucosa
Authors: Fändriks L.
Published: July 2010

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is fundamental for the intake of fluid and electrolytes and accommodates a large proportion of bodily hemodynamics and host defence systems. Despite that the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is a prominent regulatory system for fluid and electrolyte homeostasis its impact on GI physiology is only little explored. Recent data indicate that RAS is well expressed and active in the GI tract although exact physiological roles are to be settled. There are several reports showing influences by RAS and its key mediator angiotensin II (AngII) on intestinal epithelial fluid and electrolyte transport and data are accumulating, suggesting involvement in GI mucosal inflammation and carcinogenesis. Of particular interest is the increasing amount of experimental support for the involvement of AngII formation and actions via the AngII subtype 1 (AT1) receptor in the pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The picture of RAS in the GI tract is, however, far from complete. Because RAS is an important application area for reno‐cardiovascular diseases, a number of pharmacological agents as well as research technologies already exist and can in the future be used for GI research. A marked expansion of knowledge concerning the role of RAS in GI physiology and pathophysiology is to be expected.
Role of Cytotoxic Protease Granzyme‐b in Neuronal Degeneration During Human Stroke
Authors: Chaitanya Ganta Vijay , Eeka Prabhakar , Munker Reinhold , Alexander Jonathan Steven , Babu Phanithi Prakash
Published: July 2010

Infiltration of leukocytes into post‐ischemic cerebrum is a well‐described phenomenon in stroke injury. Because CD‐8+ T‐lymphocytes secrete cytotoxic proteases, including granzyme‐b (Gra‐b) that exacerbates post‐ischemic brain damage, we investigated roles of Gra‐b in human stroke. To study the role of Gra‐b in stroke, ischemic and non‐ischemic tissues (from post‐mortem stroke patients) were analyzed using immunoblotting, co‐immunoprecipitation, terminal deoxy uridine nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Annexin–V immunostaining, and in vitro neuron survival assays. Activated CG‐SH cells and supernatants were used to model leukocyte‐dependent injury. Non‐ischemic brain tissues were used as non‐pathological controls. Non‐activated CG‐SH cells and supernatants were used as controls for in vitro experiments. Human stroke (ischemic) samples contained significantly higher levels of Gra‐b and interferon‐gamma inducible protein‐10 (IP‐10/CXCL10) than non‐ischemic controls. In stroke, poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 and heat shock protein‐70 were cleaved to canonical proteolytic “signature” fragments by Gra‐b. Gra‐b was also found to bind to Bid and caspase‐3. Gra‐b also co‐localized with Annexin‐V+/TUNEL+ in degenerating neurons. Importantly, Gra‐b inhibition protected both normal and ischemia‐reperfused neurons against in vitro neurotoxicity mediated by activated CG‐SH cells and supernatants. These results suggest that increased leukocyte infiltration and elevated Gra‐b levels in the post‐stroke brain can induce contact‐dependent and independent post‐ischemic neuronal death to aggravate stroke injury.
The Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger (PLZF) Protein Exerts Neuroprotective Effects in Neuronal Cells and is Dysregulated in Experimental Stroke
Authors: Seidel Kerstin , Kirsch Sebastian , Lucht Kristin , Zaade Daniela , Reinemund Jana , Schmitz Jennifer , Klare Sabrina , Li Yaosi , Schefe Jan H. , Schmerbach Kristin , Goldin‐Lang Petra , Zollmann Frank S. , Thöne‐Reineke Christa , Unger Thomas , Funke‐Kaiser Heiko
Published: July 2010

Stroke is one of the major medical burdens in industrialized countries. Animal experiments indicate that blockade of the angiotensin AT1 receptor (AT1R) improves neurological outcome after cerebral ischemia. These protective effects are partially mediated by the angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R). The transcription factor promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) was identified as a direct adapter protein of the AT2R. Furthermore, our group was able to demonstrate that PLZF also directly binds and mediates the effects of the human (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] which is involved in brain development. Therefore, we hypothesized that PLZF is involved in neuroprotection.

Here we show that PLZF and its receptors (P)RR and AT2R exhibited an ubiquitous expression pattern in different brain regions. Furthermore, stable PLZF overexpression in human neuronal cells was able to mediate neuroprotection in a glutamate toxicity modelin vitro. Consistently, PLZF mRNA and protein were downregulated on the ipsilateral side in a stroke modelin vivo, whereas the neurodetrimental PLZF target genes cyclin A2 and BID were upregulated under this condition. Further analyses indicated that the neuroprotective AT2R is upregulated upon stable PLZF overexpression in cultured neuronal cells.

Finally, reporter gene assays demonstrated the functionality of (P)RR promoter polymorphisms regarding basal and PLZF‐induced activity.
MATTE BLANCO AND THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL REALM OF THE UNCONSCIOUS
Authors: Carvalho Richard
Published: July 2010

abstract

The author offers an introduction to the work and thinking of the Chilean psychoanalyst, Ignacio Matte Blanco (1908–1995), which can be understood as the exploration of the logical properties inherent in Freud's five characteristics of the unconscious (Freud, 1915). One consequence of these properties is that unconscious phenomena behave as if they occupy dimensions that are greater than those of conscious phenomena. These are the three dimensions of space and one dimension of time. The unconscious has to be ‘unfolded’ or ‘translated’ out of this higher number of dimensions into those available for conscious representation and thought. This characteristic, together with the fact that the individual is lost in the unconscious, makes the experience terrifying and bewildering. In addition, Matte Blanco shows that the logical properties of the unconscious and those of emotion are indistinguishable, suggesting an equation between the two. Material from a patient's analysis is offered to illustrate this phenomenology and the clinical application of Matte Blanco's thinking.
Crops gone wild: evolution of weeds and invasives from domesticated ancestors
Authors: Ellstrand Norman C. , Heredia Sylvia M. , Leak‐Garcia Janet A. , Heraty Joanne M. , Burger Jutta C. , Yao Li , Nohzadeh‐Malakshah Sahar , Ridley Caroline E.
Published: July 2010

The evolution of problematic plants, both weeds and invasives, is a topic of increasing interest. Plants that have evolved from domesticated ancestors have certain advantages for study. Because of their economic importance, domesticated plants are generally well‐characterized and readily available for ecogenetic comparison with their wild descendants. Thus, the evolutionary history of crop descendants has the potential to be reconstructed in some detail. Furthermore, growing crop progenitors with their problematic descendants in a common environment allows for the identification of significant evolutionary differences that correlate with weediness or invasiveness. We sought well‐established examples of invasives and weeds for which genetic and/or ethnobotanical evidence has confirmed their evolution from domesticates. We found surprisingly few cases, only 13. We examine our list for generalizations and then some selected cases to reveal how plant pests have evolved from domesticates. Despite their potential utility, crop descendants remain underexploited for evolutionary study. Promising evolutionary research opportunities for these systems are abundant and worthy of pursuit.
Evolutionary Agroecology: the potential for cooperative, high density, weed‐suppressing cereals
Authors: Weiner Jacob , Andersen Sven B. , Wille Wibke K.‐M. , Griepentrog Hans W. , Olsen Jannie M.
Published: July 2010

Evolutionary theory can be applied to improve agricultural yields and/or sustainability, an approach we call Evolutionary Agroecology. The basic idea is that plant breeding is unlikely to improve attributes already favored by millions of years of natural selection, whereas there may be unutilized potential in selecting for attributes that increase total crop yield but reduce plants’ individual fitness. In other words, plant breeding should be based on group selection. We explore this approach in relation to crop‐weed competition, and argue that it should be possible to develop high density cereals that can utilize their initial size advantage over weeds to suppress them much better than under current practices, thus reducing or eliminating the need for chemical or mechanical weed control. We emphasize the role of density in applying group selection to crops: it is competition among individuals that generates the ‘Tragedy of the Commons’, providing opportunities to improve plant production by selecting for attributes that natural selection would not favor. When there is competition for light, natural selection of individuals favors a defensive strategy of ‘shade avoidance’, but a collective, offensive ‘shading’ strategy could increase weed suppression and yield in the high density, high uniformity cropping systems we envision.
Targeting Histone Deacetylases for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Gray Steven G.
Published: July 2010

Huntington's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition with significant burdens on both patient and healthcare costs. Despite the identification of the causative element, an expanded toxic polyglutamine tract in the mutant Huntingtin protein, treatment options for patients with this disease remain limited. In the following review I assess the current evidence suggesting that a family of important regulatory proteins known as histone deacetylases may be an important therapeutic target in the treatment of this disease.
Synopsis of Satanocrater (Acanthaceae)
Authors: Thulin Mats
Published: July 2010

Four species are recognized in the tropical African genus Satanocrater: S. fellatensis (= S. berhautii) in Sudan, Ethiopia and Guinea, S. ruspolii in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, S. somalensis (= S. coccineus) in Ethiopia and Somalia, and S. paradoxus in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. Three lectotypes and one neotype are selected. A key to the species and an illustration of S. ruspolii are provided.
Ranunculus uttaranchalensis (Ranunculaceae): a new species from Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Pusalkar P. K. , Singh D. K.
Published: July 2010

A new species of the genus Ranunculus, R. uttaranchalensis, is described from Gangotri National Park, Uttaranchal in Western Himalaya, India. It is distinguished from the closely allied R. lobatus in having radical leaves sub‐cordate with hairy lamina base and petiole hairy above; cauline leaves sessile, 3–7 lobed with linear to narrowly lanceolate lobes; sepals usually reddish brown, externally hairy; petals rounded‐obovate and oblong, receptacle glabrous except 1–3 hairs at the top.
Gomphia barberi, a new species of Ochnaceae from Tirunelveli Hills, Western Ghats of India
Authors: Manickam V. S. , Murugan C.
Published: July 2010

Gomphia barberi sp. nov. (Ochnaceae) is described with an illustration from the Tirunelveli Hills of southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India.
Psychotria henryana (Rubiaceae), a new species from the southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Murugan C. , Gopalan R.
Published: July 2010

Psychotria henryana (Rubiaceae), a new species from the hills of Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts in Tamil Nadu at the core zone of Kalakad‐Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and Agasthiyamalai Biosphere Reserve on the southern Western Ghats of India, is described and illustrated.
Structural and ultrastructural aspects of ontogenesis and differentiation of resin secretory cavities in Hymenaea stigonocarpa (Fabaceae‐Caesalpinioideae) leaves
Authors: Paiva Élder Antônio Sousa , Machado Silvia Rodrigues
Published: July 2010

Cell lysis in the formation of secretory cavities in plants has been questioned by some authors and considered as result of technical artifacts. To describe the formation of secretory resin cavities in Hymenaea stigonocarpa leaves, leaflet samples at different stages of differentiation were collected, fixed, and processed for light and electron microscopy as per usual methods. The initial cells of secretory resin cavities are protodermal and grow towards the mesophyll ground meristem; these cells then divide producing cell groups that are distinguished by the shape and arrangement of cytoplasm, and density. At the initial stages of differentiation of the secretory cavities, some central cells in these groups show dark cytoplasm and condensed nuclear chromatin. Later, there is cell wall loosening, tonoplast and plasmalemma rupture resulting in cell death. These cells, however, maintain organelle integrity until lysis, when the cell wall degrades and the plasmalemma ruptures, releasing protoplast residues, marked characteristics of programmed cell death. The secretory epithelium remains active until complete leaf expansion when the cavity is filled with resin and the secretory activity ceases. There are no wall residues between central cells in adult cavities. Our results demonstrate lysigeny and the importance of ontogenetic studies in determining the origin of secretory cavities.
The viability of a plant “on the edge”: Glaucium flavum (Papaveraceae) in Norway
Authors: Solås Hilde Friis , Stabbetorp Odd E. , Nordal Inger
Published: July 2010

The prospects for persistence of Glaucium flavum in Norway were evaluated by integrating data concerning spatio‐temporal distribution, plant growth and development, reproduction, dispersal, seed bank and genetic variability. The distribution of Glaucium flavum in the Oslo Fjord region is much more restricted now than before. Out of the formerly recorded 35 populations, only eight populations were present in 1998, all in the outer parts of the fjord. The species is a short‐lived iteroparous perennial in Norway. This growth habit gives high reproductive output from fertile individuals. G. flavum is self‐compatible and can easily reproduce even in small populations. The ability to disperse long distances on water is limited. The observed seed bank will therefore enhance survival. No variation in isoenzymes was observed neither within nor among the G. flavum populations in the Oslo Fjord region. The species should be considered Endangered in Norway, according to the criteria given by IUCN.
Long‐term geobotanical observations of climate change impacts in the Scandes of West‐Central Sweden
Authors: Kullman Leif
Published: July 2010

In the context of projected future human‐caused climate warming, the present study reports and analyses the performance of subalpine/alpine plants, vegetation and phytogeographical patterns during the past century of about 1 °C temperature rise. Historical baseline data of altitudinal limits of woody and non‐woody plants in the southern Scandes of Sweden are compared with recent assessments of these limits at the same locations. The methodological approach also includes repeat photography, individual age determinations and analyses of permanent plots. At all levels, from trees to tiny herbs, and from high to low altitudes, the results converge to indicate a causal association between temperature rise and biotic evolution. The importance of snow cover phenology is particularly evident. Treeline advance since the early‐20th century varies between 75 and 130 m, depending on species and site. Tendencies and potentials for further upshift in a near future are evident from the appearance of young saplings of all tree species, growing 400–700 m atop of the treeline. Subalpine/alpine plant species have shifted upslope by average 200 m. In addition, present‐day repetitions of floristic inventories on two alpine mountain summits reveal increases of plant species richness by 58 and 67%, respectively, since the early‐1950s. Obviously, many plants adjust their altitudinal ranges to new climatic regimes much faster than generally assumed. Nevertheless, plants have migrated upslope with widely different rates. This produces non‐analogous alpine plant communities, i.e. peculiar mixtures of alpine and silvine species. The alpine region is shrinking (higher treeline), and the character of the remaining alpine vegetation landscape is changing. For example, extensive alpine grasslands are replacing snow bed plant communities.
A Longitudinal Study of Salmonella Infection in Different Types of Turkey Flocks in Great Britain
Authors: Danguy des Déserts J. , Davies R. H. , Vaughan K. , McLaren I. , Canning P. , Wintrip A. , Mueller‐Doblies D. , Carrique‐Mas J. J.
Published: July 2010

Salmonella is, after Campylobacter, the most reported zoonotic pathogen in the EU. Poultry are a common source of infection to humans, and turkey flocks are commonly colonized with the organism. We investigated the prevalence and risk factors of Salmonella infection in 179 houses in 60 holdings representative of turkey meat and breeder production in Great Britain. From each holding, up to four houses were chosen, and two consecutive flocks per house were sampled/tested for Salmonella to investigate the persistence, elimination and introduction of Salmonella in consecutive crops. At the first sampling, the overall flock‐level Salmonella prevalence was 32.8% and 8.9% for meat and breeding flocks respectively. There was a higher prevalence of Salmonella in flocks in the rearing stage than in the fattening and breeding stages. At the first sampling, the flock‐level prevalence of Salmonella was 26.8% (95% CI: 20.7–33.7%), while the prevalence level in the subsequent flock was 20.5% (95% CI: 13.6–29.7%). No houses were positive for any of the EU‐regulated serovars. The most commonly encountered serovars were S. Kottbus and S. Kedougou. Carry‐over of infection was observed in 44.8% of the positive houses, and introduction of new infection occurred in 8.4% of houses. Data from the questionnaires and auditing of all holdings and houses were combined and used to calculate adjusted farm‐ and house‐adjusted risk factors. Significant risk factors were feed from a source other than a national compounder (OR = 2.4), feeder type other than pan feeders (OR = 2.4) and hygiene practices other than terminal cleaning and disinfection using power‐washing with sanitizer and anteroom with boot change (OR = 2.8). The study discusses the main challenges currently faced by the industry to control Salmonella in turkey production.
Clinical course of chronic periodontitis: effect of lifelong light smoking (20 years) on loss of attachment and teeth
Authors: Schätzle Marc , Löe Harald , Ramseier Christoph A. , Bürgin Walter , Ånerud Åge , Boysen Hans , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: July 2010

Aim:  To examine the lifelong effect of light smoking on periodontal health.

Methods:  The data were derived from a 20‐year longitudinal study of a group of Norwegian, middle‐class males. The patients were subset according to their smoking history. A total of 119 non‐smokers and 17 smokers were examined, 20 years apart.

Results:  Current smokers had significantly higher plaque indices than non‐smokers after the age of 35 years, while before 35 years, there was no difference. Before 20 years of age, the non‐smokers exhibited greater gingival indices, but after the age of 35, the smokers had significantly more sites that bled upon probing. Smokers demonstrated higher mean calculus indices after 35 years and as they approached 50 years of age. At baseline, the two groups showed similar attachment loss (0.14 mm), but with increasing age and approaching 50 years, the attachment loss progressed significantly faster in smokers than in non‐smokers (2.31 and 1.57 mm, respectively). Linear regression indicated that ageing and light smoking were independently and significantly related to attachment loss.

Conclusions:  Lifelong light smoking could be confirmed as a risk factor for periodontal disease progression. However, in this population, smoking did not significantly increase the risk of tooth loss.
Quinone Oxidoreductase-2–Mediated Prodrug Cancer Therapy
Authors: Middleton Mark R. , Knox Richard , Cattell Emma , Oppermann Udo , Midgley Rachel , Ali Raghib , Auton Tim , Agarwal Roshan , Anderson David , Sarker Debashis , Judson Ian , Osawa Tsuyoshi , Spanswick Victoria J. , Davies Scot , Hartley John A. , Kerr David J.
Published: July 2010

An oxidoreductase enzyme, abundant in tumors, can be catalytically activated by a synthetic cofactor to convert a prodrug to a cytotoxic DNA binding species in human subjects.
The Demographic and Biomedical Case for Late-Life Interventions in Aging
Authors: Rae Michael J. , Butler Robert N. , Campisi Judith , de Grey Aubrey D. N. J. , Finch Caleb E. , Gough Michael , Martin George M. , Vijg Jan , Perrott Kevin M. , Logan Barbara J.
Published: July 2010

A global research agenda to slow or arrest the effects of biological aging has the potential to avert enormous economic, social, and human costs.
Natural Immunization Against Malaria: Causal Prophylaxis with Antibiotics
Authors: Friesen Johannes , Silvie Olivier , Putrianti Elyzana Dewi , Hafalla Julius C. R. , Matuschewski Kai , Borrmann Steffen
Published: July 2010

Malaria-infected mice treated with antibiotics remain healthy and are protected against subsequent malaria infection.
Something in Common
Authors: Friend Stephen H.
Published: July 2010

Participants in the first Sage Commons Congress took crucial steps toward achieving their vision of a world wherein massive aggregates and open sharing of data drive the development of effective therapies.
Precious Metals
Authors: Alumkal Joshi
Published: July 2010

Copper chelation specifically enhances the sensitivity of cancer cells to platinum-based chemotherapy.
Taking Advantage of What You Know About Complex Diseases
Authors: Carlson Nichole
Published: July 2010

Bayesian analysis approaches offer a useful way to incorporate prior knowledge into existing data analyses through the prior distribution.
The long-term response of stream flow to climatic warming in headwater streams of interior AlaskaThis article is one of a selection of papers from The Dynamics of Change in Alaska’s Boreal Forests: Resilience and Vulnerability in Response to Climate Warming.
Authors: Jones Jeremy B. , Rinehart Amanda J.
Published: July 2010

Warming in the boreal forest of interior Alaska will have fundamental impacts on stream ecosystems through changes in stream hydrology resulting from upslope loss of permafrost, alteration of availability of soil moisture, and the distribution of vegetation. We examined stream flow in three headwater streams of the Caribou–Poker Creeks Research Watershed (CPCRW) in interior Alaska over a 30-year period to determine (i) how stream flow varied among streams draining watersheds with varying extents of permafrost and (ii) evaluate if stream hydrology is changing with loss of permafrost. The three streams drained subcatchments with permafrost extents ranging from 4% to 53%. For each stream, runoff data were analyzed by separating base and storm flow contributions using a local-minimum method and with analysis of flood recession curves. Mean daily runoff during the ice-free season did not significantly vary among streams (mean = 0.57 mm·d–1), although the watersheds with lower permafrost had a greater contribution of base flow. Across years, flow was variable and was related with summer temperature in the watershed with low permafrost and with precipitation in the watershed with high permafrost. With climate warming and loss of permafrost, stream flows will become less responsive to precipitation and headwater streams may become ephemeral.
Probabilités de pertes des tiges individuelles, cinq ans après des coupes avec protection des petites tiges marchandes, dans des forêts résineuses du Québec
Authors: Riopel Martin , Bégin Jean , Ruel Jean-Claude
Published: July 2010

La coupe avec protection des petites tiges marchandes est un type de coupe partielle qui consiste généralement à récolter toutes les tiges d’un diamètre à hauteur de poitrine (dhp) supérieur à 15,0 cm, tout en conservant les tiges de plus petites dimensions. Le succès du traitement, appliqué à des forêts résineuses mûres dominées par le sapin baumier ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) ou l’épinette noire ( Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.), repose en partie sur la capacité des tiges protégées à survivre. Un modèle logistique mixte a été calibré à partir de 27 blocs expérimentaux établis au Québec. Ce modèle identifie les variables qui conditionnent les probabilités de pertes des tiges individuelles protégées de 5,1 cm et plus de dhp, par mortalité sur pied ou par chablis, 5 ans après des coupes avec protection des petites tiges marchandes. Les résultats indiquent que les probabilités de pertes après traitement sont largement tributaires des caractéristiques du peuplement avant coupe (surface terrière marchande, densité de gaules, proportion de pin gris ( Pinus banksiana Lamb.)), de la qualité des opérations (procédé de récolte, taux de protection des petites tiges marchandes) et des caractéristiques des tiges protégées au moment de la coupe (inclinaison, dhp, essence). Les variables associées à l’exposition aux vents et à l’écologie des stations n’ont pas permis d’améliorer le modèle. Afin d’éviter des pertes trop élevées, il importe de bien cibler les peuplements à traiter et de réaliser un suivi rigoureux des opérations de récolte.
Resilience and vulnerability of permafrost to climate changeThis article is one of a selection of papers from The Dynamics of Change in Alaska’s Boreal Forests: Resilience and Vulnerability in Response to Climate Warming.
Authors: Jorgenson M. Torre , Romanovsky Vladimir , Harden Jennifer , Shur Yuri , O’Donnell Jonathan , Schuur Edward A. G. , Kanevskiy Mikhail , Marchenko Sergei
Published: July 2010

The resilience and vulnerability of permafrost to climate change depends on complex interactions among topography, water, soil, vegetation, and snow, which allow permafrost to persist at mean annual air temperatures (MAATs) as high as +2 °C and degrade at MAATs as low as –20 °C. To assess these interactions, we compiled existing data and tested effects of varying conditions on mean annual surface temperatures (MASTs) and 2 m deep temperatures (MADTs) through modeling. Surface water had the largest effect, with water sediment temperatures being ~10 °C above MAAT. A 50% reduction in snow depth reduces MADT by 2 °C. Elevation changes between 200 and 800 m increases MAAT by up to 2.3 °C and snow depths by ~40%. Aspect caused only a ~1 °C difference in MAST. Covarying vegetation structure, organic matter thickness, soil moisture, and snow depth of terrestrial ecosystems, ranging from barren silt to white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) forest to tussock shrub, affect MASTs by ~6 °C and MADTs by ~7 °C. Groundwater at 2–7 °C greatly affects lateral and internal permafrost thawing. Analyses show that vegetation succession provides strong negative feedbacks that make permafrost resilient to even large increases in air temperatures. Surface water, which is affected by topography and ground ice, provides even stronger negative feedbacks that make permafrost vulnerable to thawing even under cold temperatures.
Fire, climate change, and forest resilience in interior AlaskaThis article is one of a selection of papers from The Dynamics of Change in Alaska's Boreal Forests: Resilience and Vulnerability in Response to Climate Warming.
Authors: Johnstone Jill F. , Chapin F. Stuart , Hollingsworth Teresa N. , Mack Michelle C. , Romanovsky Vladimir , Turetsky Merritt
Published: July 2010

In the boreal forests of interior Alaska, feedbacks that link forest soils, fire characteristics, and plant traits have supported stable cycles of forest succession for the past 6000 years. This high resilience of forest stands to fire disturbance is supported by two interrelated feedback cycles: (i) interactions among disturbance regime and plant–soil–microbial feedbacks that regulate soil organic layer thickness and the cycling of energy and materials, and (ii) interactions among soil conditions, plant regeneration traits, and plant effects on the environment that maintain stable cycles of forest community composition. Unusual fire events can disrupt these cycles and trigger a regime shift of forest stands from one stability domain to another (e.g., from conifer to deciduous forest dominance). This may lead to abrupt shifts in forest cover in response to changing climate and fire regime, particularly at sites with intermediate levels of moisture availability where stand-scale feedback cycles are only weakly constrained by environmental conditions. However, the loss of resilience in individual stands may foster resilience at the landscape scale, if changes in the landscape configuration of forest cover types feedback to stabilize regional patterns of fire behavior and climate conditions.
Floraison précoce et production de graines par des clones somatiques d’épinette noire (Picea mariana) : intégration potentielle dans le programme d’amélioration génétique et l’aménagement des vergers à graines
Authors: Colas Fabienne , Lamhamedi Mohammed S.
Published: July 2010

Afin d’évaluer la possibilité d’intégrer des clones somatiques d’épinette noire ( Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.) dans le programme d’amélioration génétique de cette espèce, nous avons vérifié la qualité de leur floraison précoce et leur capacité à produire des cônes et des graines de qualité. Des clones d’épinette noire produits par embryogénèse somatique ont fleuri dès l’âge de 4 ans. Sur les arbres âgés de 6 ans, des pollinisations supplémentaires ont été réalisées avec du pollen provenant d’un verger à graines de première génération. Les graines obtenues ont ensuite été caractérisées (dimensions, masse, germination en milieu artificiel), et des plants ont été produits en pépinière. Les résultats montrent que les clones somatiques d’épinette noire produisent des fleurs femelles normales, dont la durée de réceptivité et la position dans la cime sont comparables à celles des fleurs produites par des semenciers issus de semis cultivés dans des vergers à graines. Il en est de même pour les graines, qui présentent des caractéristiques tout à fait comparables à celles des graines produites dans des vergers à graines, ainsi que pour les plants issus de ces graines. Nos résultats montrent clairement qu’il est avantageux, aussi bien en terme de précocité de la floraison que de gains génétiques accrus, d’intégrer des clones somatiques d’élite dans un programme d’amélioration génétique et de les utiliser comme semenciers dans des vergers à graines et pour des croisements dirigés.