bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning for reserve adequacy in dynamic landscapes; maximizing future representation of vegetation communities under flood disturbance in the Pantanal wetland
Authors: Lourival Reinaldo , Drechsler Martin , Watts Matthew E. , Game Edward T. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: January 2011

Aim  Using a probabilistic modelling framework, we aimed to incorporate landscape spatiotemporal dynamics into reserve design. We employed a spatially explicit stochastic model, which integrates both hydrological and biological processes, to simulate the wetland’s biological succession.

Location  Pantanal wetland (with 140,000 km2) between Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.

Methods  We used the reserve design software Marxan to optimize the current and future representation (up to 50 years) of 20% of five plant communities with maximum reliability (i.e. smallest uncertainty). The Kappa statistic was used to compare selection frequencies of individual sites through a set of planning timeframes (5, 17, 25 and 50 years) and the likely pattern of biological succession over these periods.

Results  Solutions based on static vegetation distributions were significantly dissimilar from solutions based on the expected modelled changes resulting from the flood disturbance and succession dynamics. Increasing the required reliability of biodiversity outcomes resulted in more expensive reserve solutions. We demonstrated the flexibility of probabilistic decision‐making methods to illuminate the trade‐offs between reliability and efficiency of site selection.

Main conclusions  Considering the importance of habitat heterogeneity to the principles and practice of systematic conservation planning, it is notable that landscape dynamics have not been a central theme in conservation planning. In the case of the Pantanal hydrosere, acknowledging and planning for temporal dynamics required an ability to model succession and define acceptable levels of outcome reliability, but ultimately improved the long‐term Adequacy of resulting reserve networks.
PPARδ agonists have opposing effects on insulin resistance in high fat‐fed rats and mice due to different metabolic responses in muscle
Authors: Ye Ji‐Ming , Tid‐Ang Jennifer , Turner Nigel , Zeng Xiao‐Yi , Li Hai‐Yan , Cooney Gregory J. , Wulff Erik Max , Sauerberg Per , Kraegen Edward W.
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)δ has been considered a therapeutic target for diabetes and obesity through enhancement of fatty acid oxidation. The present study aimed to characterize the effects of PPARδ agonists during insulin resistance of the whole body, muscle and liver.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Wistar rats and C57BL/J6 mice were fed a high fat diet (HF) and then treated with PPARδ agonists NNC61‐5920 and GW501516. The effects on insulin resistance were evaluated by hyperinsulinaemic clamp or glucose tolerance tests combined with glucose tracers.

KEY RESULTS In HF rats, 3 weeks of treatment with NNC61‐5920 reduced the glucose infusion rate (by 14%, P < 0.05) and glucose disposal into muscle (by 20–30%, P < 0.01) during hyperinsulinaemic clamp. Despite increased mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 and uncoupling protein 3 in muscle, plasma and muscle triglyceride levels were raised (P < 0.01). Similar metabolic effects were observed after extended treatment with NNC61‐5920 and GW501516 to 6 weeks. However, HF mice treated with NNC61‐5920 improved their plasma lipid profile, glucose tolerance and insulin action in muscle. In both HF rats and mice, NNC61‐5920 treatment attenuated hepatic insulin resistance and decreased expression of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1, fatty acid translocase protein CD36 and lipoprotein lipase in liver.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS PPARδ agonists exacerbated insulin resistance in HF rats in contrast to their beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome in HF mice. These opposing metabolic consequences result from their different effects on lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle of these two species.
The utility of animal models to evaluate novel anti‐obesity agents
Authors: Vickers Steven P , Jackson Helen C , Cheetham Sharon C
Published: January 2011

The global incidence of obesity continues to rise and is a major driver of morbidity and mortality through cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Animal models used in the discovery of novel treatments for obesity range from straightforward measures of food intake in lean rodents to long‐term studies in animals exhibiting obesity due to the continuous access to diets high in fat. The utility of these animal models can be extended to determine, for example, that weight loss is due to fat loss and/or assess whether beneficial changes in key plasma parameters (e.g. insulin) are evident. In addition, behavioural models such as the behavioural satiety sequence can be used to confirm that a drug treatment has a selective effect on food intake. Typically, animal models have excellent predictive validity whereby drug‐induced weight loss in rodents subsequently translates to weight loss in man. However, despite this, at the time of writing orlistat (Europe; USA) remains the only drug currently marketed for the treatment of obesity, with sibutramine having recently been withdrawn from sale globally due to the increased incidence of serious, non‐fatal cardiovascular events. While the utility of rodent models in predicting clinical weight loss is detailed, the review also discusses whether animals can be used to predict adverse events such as those seen with recent anti‐obesity drugs in the clinic.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐4
Sociodemographic Correlates of Behavioral Problems Among Rural Chinese Schoolchildren
Authors: Feng Hui , Liu Jianghong , Wang Ying , He Guoping
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the problem behaviors of children from grades 4–6 and associated factors in the rural Hunan province of China.

Design and Sample: Randomized cluster sampling in 3 rural areas of the Hunan province was used. 435 subjects were randomly selected from grades 4–6.

Measures: A researcher‐designed questionnaire was used to find influential demographic, parental, and socioeconomic factors. The prediction test of problem children (PPCT) was used to assess problem behaviors.

Results: The prevalence of the early child problem behaviors in our sample was 17.44%. Associated factors include gender, willingness to attend school, parents' expectations of the children's educational degree, parents working outside the home (left‐behind children), and children's feeling of their parents' understanding of them.

Conclusions: The prevalence of children with problem behaviors was higher in rural areas in Hunan than in China as a whole. This may be partly explained by the fact that parents must often work in the cities and leave their children behind at home, increasing the chances that those children develop behavioral problems. This phenomenon also applies in other developing countries, making it a public health concern. Therefore, there is a need to prevent problem behaviors through collaboration among families, schools, and society.
Cervicomedullary Junction Spinal Cord Stimulation for Head and Facial Pain
Authors: Tomycz Nestor D. , Deibert Christopher P. , Moossy John J.
Published: January 2011

Objective.— To review our experience with cervicomedullary junction spinal cord stimulation (SCS), to alleviate head and facial pain.

Background.— There is a dearth of literature regarding the use of spinal cord stimulation for treating head and facial pain.

Design.— We performed a Boolean search of the electronic medical record (1990‐2009) and identified 35 patients (9 men, 26 women) for whom the senior author (J.J.M) trialed paddle lead cervicomedullary junction stimulation (CMJ‐S) for intractable head or facial pain. Twenty‐five patients (71.4%) had a successful trial with subsequent implantation of SCS hardware and 10 patients (28.6%) experienced a failed trial. Pain syndromes were categorized into diagnostic groups: trigeminal deafferentation pain (TDP), trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP), occipital pain/neuralgia, post‐herpetic neuralgia (PHN), and post‐stroke facial pain. Follow‐up via structured telephone interview was obtained in 25 patients (71.4%).

Results.— Among the 25 patients available for follow‐up, 16 patients (64%) underwent implantation and 9 patients (36%) had a failed trial of CMJ‐S. The mean patient age and length of follow‐up was 47.3 years old (20‐78 years old) and 53.4 months (2‐120 months), respectively. On a 0‐10 pain intensity scale (0 being no pain and 10 being the worst degree of pain), a mean pretrial pain level of 9.6 (range 7‐10) had been reduced to a mean of 4.8 (0‐10) at follow‐up. Successful trial and subsequent implantation occurred in 7 patients with TDP (70%), 4 patients with TNP (80%), both patients with PHN (100%), and in the single patient with post‐stroke facial pain (100%) but in only 2 patients (28.6%) with occipital neuralgia/pain. At the time of telephone interview, 4 of the implanted patents (25%) had their hardware removed because of loss of effectiveness (3) and infection (1). The other 12 implanted patients (75%) continue to use CMJ‐S on a daily basis and insist that it has improved their quality of life. Six current users (50%) of CMJ‐S have been able to decrease their use of oral pain medications. Complications in the implanted group included infection (1), uncomfortable paresthesias from breakdown of connecting wire insulation (1), and gradual loss of effectiveness (3).

Conclusions.— Our preliminary experience suggests that patients suffering from TDP, TNP, and PHN may respond favorably to CMJ‐S whereas patients with occipital neuralgia/pain are rarely palliated by this neuromodulatory approach.
Body Mass Index and Adult Weight Gain Among Reproductive Age Women With Migraine
Authors: Vo Michelle , Ainalem Abinnet , Qiu Chunfang , Peterlin B. Lee , Aurora Sheena K. , Williams Michelle A.
Published: January 2011

(Headache 2011;51:559‐569)

Objective.— To evaluate the cross‐sectional relationship between migraine and pregravid obesity; and to assess the risk of adult weight gain among women with history of a pediatric diagnosis of migraine.

Background.— Obesity, comorbid with pain disorders including migraine, shares common pathophysiological characteristics including systemic inflammation, and derangements in adipose‐tissue derived cytokines. Despite biochemical and epidemiological commonalities, obesity–migraine associations have been inconsistently observed.

Methods.— A cohort of 3733 women was interviewed during early pregnancy. We ascertained participants' self‐reported history of physician‐diagnosed migraine and collected self‐reported information about pregravid weight, adult height, and net weight change from age 18 to the 3‐months period before pregnancy. Using pregravid body mass index, we categorized participants as follows: lean (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5‐24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25‐29.9 kg/m2), obese (30‐34.9 kg/m2), severely obese (35‐39.9 kg/m2), and morbidly obese (≥40 kg/m2). Logistic regression procedures were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results.— After adjusting for confounders, relative to normal weight women, obese women had a 1.48‐fold increased odds of migraine (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.12‐1.96). Severely obese (OR = 2.07; 95% CI 1.27‐3.39) and morbidly obese (OR = 2.75; 95% CI 1.60‐4.70) had the highest odds of migraines. Women with a history of diagnosed pediatric migraine had a 1.67‐fold higher odds of gaining ≥10.0 kg above their weight at age 18, as compared with non‐migraineurs (OR = 1.67; 95% CI 1.13‐2.47).

Conclusion.— These data support earlier observations of migraine–obesity association among women, and extend the literature to include evidence of adult weight gain among women with a history of pediatric migraine.
Absence seizures in the first 3 years of life: An electroclinical study of 46 cases
Authors: Horacio Caraballo Roberto , Darra Francesca , Fontana Elena , Garcia Roberto , Monese Eduardo , Dalla Bernardina Bernardo
Published: January 2011

Purpose: Early onset absence seizures have been considered a rare heterogeneous group with a poor prognosis. Only few patients may be categorized into well‐known syndromes. We have evaluated electroclinical features, evolution, and the nosologic boundaries of early onset absence seizures.

Methods: Forty‐six neurologically normal patients with absence seizures associated with bilateral, synchronic, or asynchronic, and symmetric or asymmetric spike‐and‐wave paroxysms with onset in the first 3 years of life were included. Patients with abnormal neurologic examination and brain imaging were excluded from the study.

Key Findings: In our study, 39 patients met the clinical and electroencephalography (EEG) criteria of well‐defined epileptic syndromes. Childhood absence epilepsy was found in 11 patients, benign myoclonic epilepsy in infancy in 18 patients, eyelid myoclonic epilepsy in 4, and epilepsy with myoclonic absences in 6. We did not find clinical and EEG criteria of well‐recognized epileptic syndromes in seven children. Nine of 11 patients with simple absence seizures became seizure free. All these patients had normal neurologic and neuropsychological evaluations. Of the 35 patients who had absence seizures associated with myoclonic seizures, 20 became seizure free. Fifteen of 35 children continue having seizures. At the last visit, 20 of these 35 patients had normal neurologic and neuropsychological evaluations, 11 presented with mild mental retardation, and 4 with severe mental retardation.

Significance: Epilepsies with absence seizures of early onset are relatively uncommon. Most of the patients had well‐defined epileptic syndromes with a variable evolution. The evolution depended on the epileptic syndromes.
Population pharmacokinetics of pregabalin in healthy subjects and patients with chronic pain or partial seizures
Authors: Bockbrader Howard N. , Burger Paula , Knapp Lloyd , Corrigan Brian W.
Published: January 2011

Purpose:  Pregabalin, a high‐affinity ligand for α2δ subunits of voltage‐gated calcium channels, is a novel pharmacotherapy for chronic pain, partial seizures, and other disorders. The present study investigated the population pharmacokinetics of pregabalin following single and multiple doses in healthy volunteers and patient populations.

Methods:  Using nonlinear mixed‐effect modeling, 5,583 plasma pregabalin concentration–time samples from 1,723 subjects were analyzed: 2,868 samples from healthy volunteers or subjects with renal impairment (n = 123), 1,513 from patients with partial seizures (n = 626), and 1,202 from patients with chronic pain (n = 974). A one‐compartment model with first‐order elimination and absorption processes and absorption lag time was used.

Key Findings:  This pharmacostatistical model showed that: (1) pregabalin oral clearance (CL/F) was directly proportional to creatinine clearance (CLcr), but was independent of gender, race, age, female hormonal status, daily dose, and dosing regimen; (2) apparent volume of distribution was dependent on body weight and gender; (3) absorption rate was decreased when given with food; and (4) coadministration with marketed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) had no significant effect on pregabalin CL/F.

Significance:  Pregabalin CL/F is related to CLcr, and this relationship is similar among healthy volunteers and patients with either partial seizures or chronic pain disorders. The only factor having a clinically significant influence on steady‐state plasma pregabalin concentrations is renal function.
The nature and extent of cerebellar atrophy in chronic temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Oyegbile Temitayo O. , Bayless Katherine , Dabbs Kevin , Jones Jana , Rutecki Paul , Pierson Ronald , Seidenberg Michael , Hermann Bruce
Published: January 2011

Purpose:  Research indicates that patients with chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) exhibit cerebellar atrophy compared to healthy controls, but the degree to which specific regions of the cerebellum are affected remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to characterize the extent and lateralization of atrophy in individual cerebellar lobes and subregions in unilateral TLE using advanced quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.

Methods:  Study participants were 46 persons with TLE and 31 age‐ and gender‐ matched healthy controls. All participants underwent high‐resolution MRI with manual tracing of the cerebellum yielding gray and white matter volumes of the right and left anterior lobes, superior posterior lobes, inferior posterior lobes, and corpus medullare. The degree to which asymmetric versus generalized abnormalities was evident in unilateral chronic TLE was determined and related to selected clinical seizure features (age of onset, duration of disorder).

Key Findings:  There were no lateralized abnormalities in cerebellar gray matter or white matter in patients with right or left TLE (all p’s > 0.2). Compared with controls, unilateral TLE was associated with significant bilateral reductions in the superior (p = 0.032) and inferior (p = 0.023) posterior lobes, whereas volume was significantly increased in the anterior lobes (p = 0.002), especially in patients with early onset TLE, and not significantly different in the corpus medullare (p = 0.71). Total superior cerebellar tissue volumes were reduced in association with increasing duration of epilepsy.

Significance:  Patients with unilateral TLE exhibit a pattern of bilateral cerebellar pathology characterized by atrophy of the superior and inferior posterior lobes, hypertrophy of the anterior lobe, and no effect on the corpus medullare. Cross‐sectional analyses show that specific aspects of cerebellar pathology are associated with neurodevelopmental (anterior lobe) or chronicity‐related (superior posterior lobe) features of the disorder.
Hyponatremia and risk of seizures: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Halawa Imad , Andersson Tomas , Tomson Torbjörn
Published: January 2011

This retrospective cross‐sectional study was carried out to study the association between different levels of hyponatremia and the occurrence of epileptic seizures in patients without a prior epilepsy diagnosis. We identified from the hospital database, 363 inpatients of a Swedish County hospital who between March 2003 and August 2006 were found to have serum sodium levels <125 mm. Medical records were reviewed and we identified 11 patients with seizures in conjunction with their hyponatremia. Seizures were the only neurologic manifestation of hyponatremia in patients with serum sodium levels >115 mm. Of 150 patients reviewed with serum sodium levels of 120–124 mm, one had a seizure. Using 120–124 mm as reference, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for having seizures at serum sodium levels of 115–119 mm was 3.85 (0.40–37.53), 8.43 (0.859–82.85) at 110–114 mm, and 18.06 (1.96–166.86) at <110 mm.
Efficacy and tolerability of the Modified Atkins Diet in adults with pharmacoresistant epilepsy: A prospective observational study
Authors: Smith Mara , Politzer Nina , MacGarvie Debra , McAndrews Mary‐Pat , del Campo Martin
Published: January 2011

Purpose:  Evidence from the pediatric population exists for the efficacy of ketogenic diets in reducing seizure frequency in patients with intractable epilepsy. Recent evidence suggests that a Modified Atkins Diet may be a beneficial form of cotherapy for adult patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy.

Methods:  A prospective, open‐label study was performed of adults >18 years of age with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Carbohydrates were restricted to 20 g/day. Fluids and calories from protein and fat were allowed ad libitum.

Key Findings:  Eighteen patients, ages 18–55 years, were initially enrolled. Using an intent‐to‐treat analysis, 12% had a >50% seizure reduction after 3 months; 28% after 6 months, and 21% after 12 months. Response at 3 months predicted response at 12 months in 79% of patients. The mean decrease in weight was 10.9 kg and the mean decrease in body mass index (BMI) was 3.8, p = 0.01. Fourteen of 18 patients (78%) completed 12 months of this diet. Patients experienced a decrease in triglycerides from (mean) 1.22 to 0.9 mm (p = 0.02).

Significance:  The Modified Atkins Diet demonstrates modest efficacy as cotherapy for some adults with pharmacoresistant epilepsy and may be also helpful for weight loss. Financial and logistical barriers were significant factors for those who declined enrollment and for those who discontinued the study.
Production, Hearing and Listening: Intentional Participation in Musical Culture in the Islamic World
Authors: Beeman William O
Published: January 2011

[commentary, Music and Sound, Islam, Qur'an, prohibitions against music, religion and cosmology]
Smithsonian Embarks on Move of Human Remains Collections
Authors: Redman Samuel J
Published: January 2011

[Smithsonian museum, skeletal biology, biological anthropology, Native Americans]
The Arabidopsis protein kinase Pto‐interacting 1‐4 is a common target of the oxidative signal‐inducible 1 and mitogen‐activated protein kinases
Authors: Forzani Celine , Carreri Alessandro , de la Fuente van Bentem Sergio , Lecourieux David , Lecourieux Fatma , Hirt Heribert
Published: January 2011

In Arabidopsis thaliana, the serine/threonine protein kinase oxidative signal‐inducible 1 (OXI1), mediates oxidative stress signalling. Its activity is required for full activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), MPK3 and MPK6, in response to oxidative stress. In addition, the serine/threonine protein kinase Pto‐interacting 1‐2 (PTI1‐2) has been positioned downstream from OXI1, but whether PTI1‐2 signals through MAPK cascades is unclear. Using a yeast two‐hybrid screen we show that OXI1 also interacts with PTI1‐4. OXI1 and PTI1‐4 are stress‐responsive genes and are expressed in the same tissues. Therefore, studies were undertaken to determine whether PTI1‐4 is positioned in the OXI1/MAPK signalling pathway. The interaction between OXI1 and PTI1‐4 was confirmed by using in vivo co‐immunoprecipitation experiments. OXI1 and PTI1‐4 were substrates of MPK3 and MPK6 in vitro. Although no direct interaction was detected between OXI1 and MPK3 or MPK6, in vitro binding studies showed interactions between MPK3 or MPK6 with PTI1‐4. In addition, PTI1‐4 and MPK6 were found in vivo in the same protein complex. These results demonstrate that PTI1‐4 signals via OXI1 and MPK6 signalling cascades.

Structured digital abstract

 PTI1‐4 and OXI1 phosphorylate by protein kinase assay (View interaction)

 OXI1 physically interacts with PTI1‐4 by two hybrid (View interaction)

 MPK6 physically interacts with PTI1‐4 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

 MPK3 and OXI1 phosphorylate by protein kinase assay (View interaction)

 MPK6 binds to PTI1‐4 by pull down (View interaction)

 PTI1‐4 and MPK3 phosphorylate by protein kinase assay (View interaction)

 OXI1 phosphorylates OXI1 by protein kinase assay (View interaction)

 OXI1 physically interacts with PTI1‐4 by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)

 PTI1‐4 and MPK6 phosphorylate by protein kinase assay (View interaction)

 PTI1‐4 physically interacts with AGC2‐3 by two hybrid (View interaction)

 OXI1 binds to PTI1‐4 by pulldown (Viewinteraction)

 MPK6 and OXI1 phosphorylates by protein kinase assay (View interaction)

 MPK3 binds to PTI1‐4 by pull down (View interaction)

 PTI1‐4 physically interacts with AGC2‐2 by two hybrid (View interaction)

 OXI1 physically interacts with PTI1‐1 by two hybrid (View interaction)

 PTI1‐4 binds to OXI1 by pull down (View interaction)
Effects of Carbon Black Nanoparticles on Elastase‐Induced Emphysematous Lung Injury in Mice
Authors: Inoue Ken‐ichiro , Yanagisawa Rie , Koike Eiko , Nakamura Ryosuke , Ichinose Takamichi , Tasaka Sadatomo , Kiyono Masako , Takano Hirohisa
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  Although adverse health effects of particulate matter with a diameter of <100 nm (nanoparticles) have been proposed, biological evidence supporting their promotion of the inflammatory lung response in vivo is limited. This study investigated the impact of pulmonary exposure to carbon black nanoparticles (CBNP) on emphysematous lung injury induced by porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) in mice. Vehicle, two sizes (14 and 56 nm) of CBNP (50 μg/body: 4 mg/kg), PPE (0.03 U/body: 1 U/kg) or PPE + CBNP was administered intratracheally; thereafter, parameters of inflammatory lung changes were evaluated at several time‐points. CBNP of 14 nm significantly induced acute lung inflammation in non‐elicited subjects and aggravated PPE‐elicited airway neutrophilic inflammation at an early stage (day 1), which was concomitant with the enhanced lung expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1β and chemokine such as keratinocyte‐derived chemoattractant. Further, 14‐nm CBNP exaggerated emphysematous lung structural changes at a delayed stage (day 14). On the other hand, 56‐nm CBNP induced lung inflammation but did not influence PPE‐elicited pathophysiology in the lung. Taken together, CBNP at an optimal size and dose can exacerbate PPE‐induced pulmonary inflammation and emphysema. This enhancement may be mediated, at least partly, via the increased local expression of pro‐inflammatory molecules.
What Is the Definition of a Satisfactory Erectile Function After Bilateral Nerve Sparing Radical Prostatectomy?
Authors: Briganti Alberto , Gallina Andrea , Suardi Nazareno , Capitanio Umberto , Tutolo Manuela , Bianchi Marco , Salonia Andrea , Colombo Renzo , Di Girolamo Valerio , Martinez-Salamanca Juan Ignazio , Guazzoni Giorgio , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco
Published: January 2011

Introduction

Different cut-offs of the erectile function (EF) domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) have been used as definition of postoperative EF recovery.

Aim

To test the correlation between patient satisfaction and IIEF-EF domain score cut-offs.

Main Outcome Measure

The IIEF was used to evaluate EF and satisfaction before and after bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy (BNSRP).

Methods

The study included 165 consecutive patients treated with retropubic BNSRP at a single institution. All patients had normal preoperative EF (IIEF-EF ≥ 26) and reached an IIEF-EF ≥ 17 following surgery. Complete data included EF, intercourse (IS), and overall satisfaction (OS) assessed by the corresponding domains of the IIEF administered prior and after surgery. Patients were divided into three groups according to the highest IIEF-EF score reached postoperatively, namely 17–21 (group 1), 22–25 (group 2), and ≥26 (group 3). One-way analysis of variance was used to compare IIEF-OS and IIEF-IS domain scores at the time the EF end point was reached. The same analyses were repeated separately in those patients with a complete EF recovery after surgery (group 3).

Results

Mean preoperative IIEF-OS and IIEF-IS domain score was 8.4, 8.8, 8.7 and 11.6, 11.8, 11.9 in group 1, 2, 3, respectively (all P ≥ 0.3). After a mean follow-up of 26.7 months, mean postoperative IIEF-OS and IIEF-IS domain scores assessed at the time of EF recovery were comparable for patients reaching an IIEF-EF of 22–25 and for patients scoring postoperatively ≥26 (8.1, 8.1, and 10.6, 11.4; all P ≥ 0.3). However, mean IIEF-OS and IIEF-IS domain scores of these patients were significantly higher as compared to patients reaching an IIEF-EF domain score < 22 (6.3 and 8.4, respectively; all P ≤ 0.006). Similar results were achieved considering only those patients (group 3) who had complete EF recovery after surgery.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that in preoperatively fully potent patients treated with BNSRP a lower satisfaction is expected when an IIEF-EF cut-off of 17 is used. Conversely, no difference was found using a cut-off of 22 or 26. Therefore, our results support that a cut-off of IIEF-EF ≥ 22 might represent a reliable score for defining EF recovery after BNSRP.
Silencing MaxiK Activity in Corporal Smooth Muscle Cells Initiates Compensatory Mechanisms to Maintain Calcium Homeostasis
Authors: Calenda Giulia , Suadicani Sylvia Ottilie , Iglesias Rodolfo , Spray David Conover , Melman Arnold , Davies Kelvin Paul
Published: January 2011

Introduction

The MaxiK potassium channel is regulated by voltage and intracellular calcium, and plays a critical role in regulating intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), which is the ultimate determinant of smooth muscle tone. Tight control of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) tone is critically important and misregulation can result in erectile dysfunction.

Aim

Because of the tight functional linkage of MaxiK and calcium channel activity, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of silencing and pharmacological inhibition of MaxiK on calcium homeostasis and intercellular calcium signaling in CCSM cells.

Methods

We compared changes in the basal intracellular [Ca2+]i and parameters defining intercellular calcium wave (ICW) spread in 48 hours MaxiK silenced CCSM cells vs. acute blockade of the channel with iberiotoxin. To analyze changes occurring in gene expression we performed micro-array analysis following MaxiK silencing for 48 hours.

Main Outcome Measures

Changes in Fura-2 fluorescence intensities were measured to evaluate basal [Ca2+]i levels and ICW parameters. Microarray analysis of global gene expression was performed.

Results

Forty-eight hours after MaxiK silencing the basal [Ca2+]i, the ICW amplitude and spread among CCSM cells were not markedly different in silenced compared to mock transfected controls, whereas short-term blockade significantly increased basal [Ca2+]i level and amplified Ca2+ signaling among CCSM cells. Micro-array analysis showed that several genes within Ca2+ homeostasis and smooth muscle tone regulation pathways had significantly altered expression.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that while short-term blockade of the MaxiK channel is associated with an increase in basal [Ca2+]i, Ca2+ homeostasis is restored during the 48 hours period following silencing. We hypothesize that the different pathways regulating [Ca2+]i and CCSM tone are linked through molecular crosstalk and that their coordinated regulation is part of a compensatory mechanism aimed to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis and CCSM tone.
The Comparison of Premature Ejaculation Assessment Questionnaires and Their Sensitivity for the Four Premature Ejaculation Syndromes: Results from the Turkish Society of Andrology Sexual Health Survey
Authors: Serefoglu Ege C. , Yaman Onder , Cayan Selahittin , Asci Ramazan , Orhan Irfan , Usta Mustafa F. , Ekmekcioglu Oguz , Kendirci Muammer , Semerci Bulent , Kadioglu Ates
Published: January 2011

Introduction

In addition to the previously defined “lifelong” and “acquired” premature ejaculation (PE), the existence of two more subtypes of PE, namely “natural variable PE” and “premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction,” has been proposed.

Aims

To evaluate the diagnostic value of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) and Arabic Index of Premature Ejaculation (AIPE) in a population-based study, in relation to their sensitivity across these four different PE syndromes and to assess the Premature Ejaculation Profile (PEP) scores of patients with lifelong, acquired, natural variable PE and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction.

Methods

Between June 2009 and December 2009, couples were randomly selected from 17 provinces of Turkey. Subjects with the complaint of ejaculating prematurely were classified as lifelong, acquired, natural variable PE, and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction according to the medical and sexual history they described. PE status was also assessed with PEDT, AIPE and PEP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated for PEDT and AIPE in the study population whereas detection rates of these two questionnaires were also compared among the four PE syndromes. Moreover, PEP scores of patients with lifelong, acquired, natural variable PE and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction were compared. Significance level was considered as P < 0.05.

Main Outcome Measures

Scores obtained from PEDT, AIPE, and PEP questionnaires.

Results

A total of 2,593 couples were enrolled where 512 (20.0%) male subjects reported PE. PEDT, AIPE, and PEP measures of the PE patients indicated worse sexual function (P < 0.001 each). Mean scores obtained from questionnaires were significantly better in patients with premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction and they were the worst in patients with acquired PE (P < 0.001 each). The sensitivity values of PEDT and AIPE were 89.3 and 89.5, whereas their specificity values were 50.5 and 39.1, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in detection rates of PEDT and AIPE among the four PE syndromes (P = 0.006 and P < 0.001). They were higher in acquired and lifelong PE and lower in premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction.

Conclusions

PEDT and AIPE can diagnose PE with high sensitivity, especially in patients with lifelong and acquired PE. The complaint of patients with acquired PE seems to be more severe than those complaining of lifelong, natural variable PE and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction patients.
Chronic Paroxetine Treatment Does Not Affect Sexual Behavior in Hormonally Sub-Primed Female Rats Despite 5-HT1A Receptor Desensitization
Authors: Snoeren Eelke M.S. , Refsgaard Louise K. , Waldinger Marcel D. , Olivier Berend , Oosting Ronald S.
Published: January 2011

Introduction

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) cause sexual dysfunctions in humans. However, because SSRIs are used to treat depression, it is unclear whether the problems are caused by the drug, by the depression itself, or an interaction between both.

Aim

The present study investigated the effects of chronic paroxetine treatment on sexual behavior in female rats. Furthermore, we tested whether 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)1A receptors were desensitized in these females.

Methods

Ovariectomized female rats, either sub-primed with estradiol or fully primed with estradiol and progesterone, were tested in a paced mating test. Proceptive (darting and hopping), receptive (lordosis), and paced mating-related (percentages of exits and contact-return latencies) behaviors were quantified during the course of 56 days of chronic paroxetine treatment (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg per day). The 5-HT1A/5-HT7 receptor agonist (±)-8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin hydrobromide ((±)8-OH-DPAT) alone and in combination with the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 was administered to study putative 5-HT1A desensitization in the same females.

Main Outcome Measures

Proceptive, receptive, and paced mating behaviors were quantified.

Results

Acute and chronic paroxetine treatment did not change proceptive and receptive behaviors in both sub-primed and fully primed female rats. In all groups, (±)8-OH-DPAT showed a clear dose-dependent inhibition of sexual behaviors in vehicle-treated females and a right-shifted dose–response effect in the paroxetine-treated rats. WAY-100635 attenuated the inhibiting effect of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist in all females. These data suggest 5-HT1A receptor desensitization after chronic paroxetine treatment.

Conclusions

Chronic paroxetine treatment does not cause sexual side effects in sub- or fully hormonally primed female rats. Furthermore, chronic treatment causes adaptive changes in the serotonin system such as desensitization of 5-HT1A receptors, which may counteract the inhibiting effects of increased extracellular serotonin levels in the chronic paroxetine-treated rats.
Genital Chlamydia trachomatis Infection is Related to Poor Sexual Quality of Life in Young Sexually Active Women
Authors: Cai Tommaso , Mondaini Nicola , Migno Serena , Meacci Francesca , Boddi Vieri , Gontero Paolo , Malossini Gianni , Geppetti Pierangelo , Mazzoli Sandra , Bartoletti Riccardo
Published: January 2011

Introduction

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) genital infection has been related to several diseases in young sexually active women. It could be related to their sexual quality of life.

Aim

To assess whether genital Ct infection can induce sexual function alterations in women.

Methods

Nine hundred ninety-eight women (mean age 29.4, range 18–43) attending our Sexually Transmitted Disease Centre were enrolled in this observational case-control study. All participants were clinically and microbiologically investigated due to their sexual relationships with a subject affected by chronic bacterial prostatitis. All participants underwent microbiological cultures, DNA and antibodies evaluation for common bacteria and Ct on vaginal swab and urine samples. They completed the Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] questionnaire. On the basis of microbiological investigation results, all patients were split into three groups: Group A—genital Ct infection, Group B—genital common bacteria/yeast infection, and Group C—negative for Ct and bacteria/yeast infection.

Main Outcome Measures

FSFI questionnaire.

Results

Two hundred ninety-one women were classified in Group A, 276 in Group B, and 431 in Group C. Group A patients were statistically, significantly different from Group B and Group C patients in terms of pain during sexual intercourse and sexual satisfaction. Group C patients had significantly higher FSFI scores (27.1 ± 1.3) (P < 0.001) for both desire (4.9 ± 1.0) and lubrication domain (3.8 ± 1.1) (P < 0.001, P < 0.003, respectively) when compared with Group A patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that negative Ct infection marker in female patients must be considered as an independent prognostic factor in predicting a subsequent optimal FSFI questionnaire score (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Positive values of Ct infection markers are associated with lower FSFI scores for sexual desire, lubrication, and overall sexual function. Genital Ct infection could induce pain during sexual intercourse, reducing sexual satisfaction and sexual quality of life in young sexually active women.
Sildenafil Promotes Smooth Muscle Preservation and Ameliorates Fibrosis Through Modulation of Extracellular Matrix and Tissue Growth Factor Gene Expression After Bilateral Cavernosal Nerve Resection in the Rat
Authors: Sirad Fara , Hlaing Su , Kovanecz Istvan , Artaza Jorge N. , Garcia Leah A. , Rajfer Jacob , Ferrini Monica G.
Published: January 2011

Introduction

It has been shown that phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors preserve smooth muscle (SM) content and ameliorate the fibrotic degeneration normally seen in the corpora cavernosa after bilateral cavernosal nerve resection (BCNR). However, the downstream mechanisms by which these drugs protect the corpora cavernosa remain poorly understood.

Aim

To provide insight into the mechanism, we aimed to determine the gene expression profile of angiogenesis-related pathways within the penile tissue after BCNR with or without continuous sildenafil (SIL) treatment.

Methods

Five-month-old Fisher rats were subjected to BCNR or sham operation and treated with or without SIL (20 mg/kg/BW drinking water) for 3 days or 45 days (N = 8 rats per group). Total RNAs isolated from the denuded penile shaft and prostate were subjected to reverse transcription and to angiogenesis real-time-polymerase chain reaction arrays (84 genes). Changes in protein expression of selected genes such as epiregulin (EREG) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were corroborated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Main Outcomes Measures

Genes modulated by BCNR and SIL treatment.

Results

A decreased expression of genes related to SM growth factors such as EREG, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), extracellular matrix regulators such as metalloproteinases 3 and 9, endothelial growth factors, together with an upregulation of pro-fibrotic genes such as CTGF and transforming growth factor beta 2 were found at both time points after BCNR. SIL treatment reversed this process by upregulating endothelial and SM growth factors and downregulating pro-fibrotic factors. SIL did not affect the expression of EREG, VEGF, and PDGF in the ventral prostate of BCNR animals

Conclusions

SIL treatment after BCNR activates genes related to SM preservation and downregulates genes related to fibrosis in the corpora cavernosa. These results provide a mechanistic justification for the use of SIL and other PDE5 inhibitors as protective therapy against corporal SM loss and fibrosis after radical prostatectomy.
The Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes (SPS3) Study
Authors: Benavente Oscar R. , White Carole L. , Pearce Lesly , Pergola Pablo , Roldan Ana , Benavente Marie-France , Coffey Christopher , McClure Leslie A. , Szychowski Jeff M. , Conwit Robin , Heberling Patricia A. , Howard George , Bazan Carlos , Vidal-Pergola Gabriela , Talbert Robert , Hart Robert G. ,   for the SPS3 Investigators
Published: January 2011

Background

Small subcortical strokes, also known as lacunar strokes, comprise more than 25% of brain infarcts, and the underlying vasculopathy is the most common cause of vascular cognitive impairment. How to optimally prevent stroke recurrence and cognitive decline in S3 patients is unclear. The aim of the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes study (Trial registration: NCT00059306) is to define strategies for reducing stroke recurrence, cognitive decline, and major vascular events.

Methods

Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes is a randomised, multicentre clinical trial ( n=3000) being conducted in seven countries, and sponsored by the US NINDS/NIH. Patients with symptomatic small subcortical strokes in the six-months before and an eligible lesion on magnetic resonance imaging are simultaneously randomised, in a 2 × 2 factorial design, to antiplatelet therapy – 325 mg aspirin daily plus 75 mg clopidogrel daily, vs. 325 mg aspirin daily plus placebo, double-blind – and to one of two levels of systolic blood pressure targets –‘intensive’ (<130 mmHg) vs. ‘usual’ (130–149 mmHg). Participants are followed for an average of four-years. Time to recurrent stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) is the primary outcome and will be analysed separately for each intervention. The secondary outcomes are the rate of cognitive decline and major vascular events. The primary and most secondary outcomes are adjudicated centrally by those unaware of treatment assignment.

Conclusions

Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes will address several important clinical and scientific questions by testing two interventions in patients with recent magnetic resonance imaging-defined lacunar infarcts, which are likely due to small vessel disease. The results will inform the management of millions of patients with this common vascular disorder.
Cannabis intoxication in three Green iguanas (Iguana iguana)
Authors: Girling S. J. , Fraser M. A.
Published: January 2011

This report describes clinical signs and plasma biochemical changes associated with significant cannabis consumption in three Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) which resulted in seizures, cardiovascular and digestive tract aberrations, elevated hepatic enzymes and bile acid concentrations for a number of weeks post recovery. One case required extensive antiseizuring therapy to recover. All Green iguanas eventually made a full recovery.
Nasal dermoid cyst extending through the frontal bone with no sinus tract in a Dalmatian
Authors: Van Der Peijl G. J. W. , Schaeffer I. G. F.
Published: January 2011

A Dalmatian was presented with a subcutaneous swelling in the dorsal midline between the eyes. No opening in the skin was identified at the dorsal nasal planum and there was no discharge. Positive contrast sinography showed contrast material filling a cyst that extended to the frontal bone. At surgery, the cyst had a tubular shape and was embedded in a fibrous dermal tissue strand running into the bony nasal septum. The nasal dermoid sinus cyst was surgically removed by limited dorsal rhinotomy, followed by excision of the remaining strand from a bony recess in the lamina perpendicularis ethmoidalis. It is proposed that this nasal dermoid cyst that extends through the frontal bone with no sinus tract is classified as a type V subtype c.
Uterine leiomyosarcoma and pyometra in a dog
Authors: Tsioli V. G. , Gouletsou P. G. , Loukopoulos P. , Zavlaris M. , Galatos A. D.
Published: January 2011

A seven‐year‐old entire female, mixed‐breed dog, weighing 19 kg, was presented with a 2‐day history of abdominal distension, reduced appetite and general dullness. Abdominal palpation revealed a large mass. Radiography showed a large mass occupying the left mid‐abdominal area and convoluted loops of tubular fluid opacity occupying the right mid‐abdominal area. Ultrasonography revealed a large heterogeneous mass with an anechoic area and some hyperechoic foci, indicative of calcification, in the mid‐abdominal area. Furthermore, hypoechoic areas were found in the middle and caudal abdominal area and were presumed to be the fluid‐filled uterine horns. At laparotomy, a 10·5×14·5‐cm firm mass was found in the uterine body, while the uterine horns were filled with a thick red‐brownish exudate; ovariohysterectomy was subsequently performed. A diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma associated with pyometra was established by histopathology and immunohistochemistry.
Acetaldehyde and gastric cancer
Authors: SALASPURO Mikko
Published: January 2011

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene polymorphisms associating with enhanced acetaldehyde exposure and markedly increased cancer risk in alcohol drinkers provide undisputable evidence for acetaldehyde being a local carcinogen not only in esophageal but also in gastric cancer. Accordingly, acetaldehyde associated with alcoholic beverages has recently been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans. Microbes are responsible for the bulk of acetaldehyde production from ethanol both in saliva and Helicobacter pylori‐infected and achlorhydric stomach. Acetaldehyde is the most abundant carcinogen in tobacco smoke and it readily dissolves into saliva during smoking. Many foodstuffs and ‘non‐alcoholic’ beverages are important but unrecognized sources of local acetaldehyde exposure. The cumulative cancer risk associated with increasing acetaldehyde exposure suggests the need for worldwide screening of the acetaldehyde levels of alcoholic beverages and as well of the ethanol and acetaldehyde of food produced by fermentation. The generally regarded as safe status of acetaldehyde should be re‐evaluated. The as low as reasonably achievable principle should be applied to the acetaldehyde of alcoholic and non‐alcoholic beverages and food. Risk groups with ADH‐and ALDH2 gene polymorphisms, H. pylori infection or achlorhydric atrophic gastritis, or both, should be screened and educated in this health issue. L‐cysteine formulations binding carcinogenic acetaldehyde locally in the stomach provide new means for intervention studies.
Physiological functions and clinical implications of sphingolipids in the gut
Authors: DUAN Rui‐Dong
Published: January 2011

Studies of sphingolipids have become one of the most rapidly advancing fields in the last two decades. These highly diverse lipids have been known to have multiple physiological functions and clinical implications in several diseases, including tumorigenesis, inflammation, atherosclerosis and neural degenerative diseases. Unlike other organs, sphingolipids in the intestinal tract are present not only as lipid constituents in the cells but also as dietary compositions for digestion in the lumen. The present review focuses on the presence of sphingolipids and their catalytic enzymes in the gut; the metabolism and the signaling effects of the metabolites and their impacts on barrier functions, cholesterol absorption, inflammatory diseases and tumor development in the gut.