bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of Immunotherapy for Patients with Unexplained Primary Recurrent Abortions – Prospective Non‐Randomized Cohort Study
Authors: Nonaka Taro , Takakuwa Koichi , Ooki Izumi , Akashi Mami , Yokoo Tomokazu , Kikuchi Akira , Tanaka Kenichi
Published: October 2007

Problem  The present study was conducted to examine the efficacy of immunotherapy for unexplained primary recurrent aborters using paternal lymphocytes.

Method of study  Two hundred and twenty‐eight recurrent aborters were prospectively followed up regarding immunotherapy. Of the 228 patients, 165 underwent immunotherapy using freshly prepared paternal lymphocytes and pregnancy outcome was analyzed. No mixed lymphocyte culture reaction‐blocking antibodies (MLR‐BAbs) were observed in these patients prior to vaccinations. Pregnancy outcome was also analyzed in such as those patients positive for MLR‐BAbs and who did not undergo immunotherapy, and in patients negative for MLR‐BAbs and who had become pregnant without immunotherapy.

Results  Of the 140 newly pregnant patients after immunotherapy, the pregnancy continued successfully in 110 (78.6%), and the pregnancy continued successfully in 24 of 32 patients (75.0%) who were positive for MLR‐BAbs. The success rate of pregnancy was 30.0% in 18 non‐immunized patients. Thus, the success rate was significantly higher among patients with immunotherapy and patients positive for MLR‐BAbs than in non‐immunized patients, negative for MLR‐BAbs.

Conclusion  Immunotherapy using paternal lymphocytes is considered to be effective for unexplained primary recurrent aborters negative for MLR‐BAbs.
Signaling Molecules Involved in IFN‐γ‐Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in the Mouse Trophoblast
Authors: Leanza Eduardo Cava , Hoshida Mara Sandra , Costa Adriana Fraga , Fernandes Cristina Maria , De Fatima Pereira Teixeira Catarina , Bevilacqua Estela
Published: October 2007

Problem  We have previously shown that trophoblast can generate nitric oxide (NO) and express inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, this production was changed by the presence of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) establishing a relationship between trophoblast inductive response and this proinflammatory cytokine.

Method of study  As the intracellular signal transduction pathway used by IFN‐γ in target cells is the Janus kinase (JAK)‐signal transducer and transcription activator (STAT), here we analyzed in the mouse trophoblast the effect of IFN‐γ and staurosporine on mRNA and protein expressions of IFN‐γ signaling molecules correlating them with iNOS expression.

Results  Interferon‐γ induced iNOS expression and upregulated Jaks and Stat1, but not Stat2 transcriptions. The protein distribution matched the mRNA expression pattern. These effects were abrogated when IFN‐γ receptor was blocked by staurosporine.

Conclusion  Due to the biological effects of NO‐iNOS generated on induction of apoptosis and inflammatory responses, interaction between iNOS expression and IFN‐γ‐mediated signaling is very important for understanding the physiology of trophoblast at the maternal–fetal interface. Our data indicate IFN‐γ acts specifically on trophoblast, regulating the expression of signaling molecules and is fundamental for iNOS expression.
Healing pattern of experimental soft tissue lacerations after application of novel topical anesthetic agents – an experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Al‐Asfour Adel , Al‐Melh Manal , Andersson Lars , Joseph Bobby
Published: October 2007

Abstract –  Topical anesthetics based on a combination of 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine are efficient in eliminating pain from needle stick when placed on skin and oral mucosa. This suggests their application in soft tissue lacerations before suturing to enable pain‐free exploration and suturing of traumatic lacerations without prior injection needle stick. The aim of the present study was to study the healing of experimental oral lacerations after topical anesthetic substances were placed in the lacerations. Thirty‐six standardized incisions were made bilaterally in the lower and the upper labial mucosa of nine white New Zealand rabbits. All wounds were intentionally contaminated with saliva to simulate laceration wounds in trauma situation. EMLA cream and Oraqix thermosetting gel were applied into 30 lacerations and six lacerations were left untreated as control. In some lacerations the topical anesthetic agent was left in the wound, while in others they were rinsed off by saline before suturing the laceration wound. The rabbits were then killed after 3 days, 2 weeks and 4 weeks of healing and the lips were processed for histological evaluation. Similar normal histological healing patterns were seen in wounds in which EMLA and Oraqix were applied compared with control lacerations at all stages of healing. No adverse tissue or foreign body reactions were seen in any of the lacerations. We conclude that EMLA and Oraqix can be used in oral mucosal lacerations prior to suturing without the risk of adverse tissue reaction.
Immunologic Principles of Allergic Disease
Authors: Averbeck Marco , Gebhardt Carl , Emmrich Frank , Treudler Regina , Simon Jan C.
Published: October 2007

Allergy either results from a pathological excessive immune reaction, or from the defective induction of tolerance to otherwise harmless antigens. Allergic reactions are mounted by mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity. The development of an allergic response can be divided in sensitization and elicitation phases. Immediate type allergic reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis, urticaria, rhinoconjunctivitis allergica, allergic asthma) are mediated by IgE antibodies which are produced by B cells stimulated by allergen‐specific Th2 cells. Crosslinking of allergen‐specific IgE on membrane surfaces of mast cells and basophilic granulocytes leads to release of soluble mediators which may cause systemic symptoms within minutes to hours. The following infiltration of eosinophilic granulocytes and Th2 cells directs chronic inflammation.

Humoral cytotoxic immune reactions (e.g. drug induced cytopenia) are mediated by IgG and IgM antibodies which are directed against membrane associated antigens. IgG and IgM antibodies directed against soluble antigens elicit immune complex mediated cytotoxicity (e.g.drug induced vasculitis).Delayed type immune reactions (e.g.contact dermatitis) are based on the activation of antigen specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and need 24 h to 48 h to develop. Upon recurrent contact with identical antigens, recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells cause inflammation and cytotoxic induced apoptosis in target cells as well as cytokine mediated leukocyte infiltration. Subsequent immigration of CD4+ Th2 cells provides anti‐inflammatory mechanisms leading to resolution of the inflammatory response and tissue repair.
Hunting the Devil: Democracy's Rhetorical Impulse to War
Authors: IVIE ROBERT L. , GINER OSCAR
Published: October 2007

The rhetoric of evil, so prominently evident in contemporary presidential public address, articulates a primal motive for the war on terrorism by projecting democracy's shadow onto the external enemy. In this regard, the president's discourse is a manifestation rather than aberration of U.S. political culture, a reflection of the nation's troubled democratic identity. Upon close inspection, it reveals the presence of the mythos of a democratic demon contained within the republic, various ways in which the unconscious projection of this devil figure is rhetorically triggered, and the cultural significance of its lethal entailments. The diabolism of presidential war rhetoric, we suggest, functions as an inducement to evacuate the political content of democracy, leaving a largely empty but virulent signifier in its place, which weakens the nation by reproducing a culture of war.
“The Means to Match Their Hatred”: Nuclear Weapons, Rhetorical Democracy, and Presidential Discourse
Authors: TAYLOR BRYAN C.
Published: October 2007

The persistence of nuclear weapons evokes four critical issues: they continue to pose significant risk in the absence of compelling security needs; they embody technological autonomy and institutional indifference to democratic deliberation; they are represented in mythic and religious presidential rhetoric that hypocritically celebrates American virtue while unproductively demonizing nuclear opponents; and they remain understudied by rhetorical scholars. This essay responds by conceptualizing the challenges posed by nuclear weapons to the ideal of a rhetorical democracy, and historicizes the related role of presidential rhetoric. It concludes with a tentative vision of presidential rhetoric and rhetorical criticism consistent with a nuclear‐rhetorical democracy.
Re‐amputation occurrence in the diabetic population in South Wales, UK
Authors: Kanade Rajani , Van Deursen Robert , Burton Jo , Davies Vanessa , Harding Keith , Price Patricia
Published: October 2007

The incidence of re‐amputation following lower extremity amputations (LEA) among the diabetic patients referred to the Artificial Limb and Appliance Centers (ALAC) in South Wales, UK, was investigated. Manual and electronic data‐gathering systems were used to extract the medical records of 473 people with various causes of LEA referred to the ALAC in South Wales during 2001–2003. The data included demographic information, causes of amputation and occurrence of various levels of re‐amputation. Two hundred and five subjects with diabetes underwent 316 amputations, 44 were foot amputations and 272 major amputations on the ipsilateral and contra‐lateral sides. Of the diabetic patients, 45·9% with single LEA underwent re‐amputations with 22% incidence of contra‐lateral LEA within 2 years. In comparison, 15% underwent re‐amputations in the non diabetic dysvascular patients. Ipsilateral re‐amputations occurred much earlier (average 21 weeks) compared with the contra‐lateral amputations which took an average of 82 weeks following the first amputation. Nearly half of the diabetic patients with single LEA referred for rehabilitation underwent re‐amputations within 2 years; out of which 22% of the patients underwent contra‐lateral LEA. Although the progression of level of amputations does not follow a particular pattern, re‐amputation on the contra‐lateral side occurred almost four times later than that on the ipsilateral side.
Challenges for management of the diabetic foot in Africa: doing more with less
Authors: Abbas Zulfiqarali G , Archibald Lennox K
Published: October 2007

Diabetes mellitus reached epidemic proportions in much of the less‐developed world over a decade ago. In Africa, incidence and prevalence rates of diabetes are increasing and foot complications are rising in parallel. The predominant risk factor for foot complications is underlying peripheral neuropathy, although there is a body of evidence that confirm the increasing role of peripheral vascular disease. Gangrene and infections are two of the more serious sequelae of diabetic foot ulcer disease that cause long‐standing disability, loss of income, amputation or death. Unfortunately, diabetes imposes a heavy burden on the health services in many African countries, where resources are already scarce or cut back. Reasons for poor outcomes of foot complications in various less‐developed countries include the following: lack of awareness of foot care issues among patients and health care providers alike; very few professionals with an interest in the diabetic foot or trained to provide specialist treatment; non existent podiatry services; long distances for patients to travel to the clinic; delays among patients in seeking timely medical care, or among untrained health care providers in referring patients with serious complications for specialist opinion; lack of the concept of a team approach; absence of training programs for health care professionals; and finally lack of surveillance activities. There are ways of improving diabetic foot disease outcomes that do not require an exorbitant outlay of financial resources. These include implementation of sustainable training programmes for health care professionals, focusing on the management of the complicated diabetic foot and educational programmes that include dissemination of information to other health care professionals and patients; sustenance of working environments that inculcate commitment by individual physicians and nurses through self growth; rational optimal use of existing microbiology facilities and prescribing through epidemiologically directed empiricism, where appropriate; and using sentinel hospitals for surveillance activities. Allied with the golden rules of prevention (i.e. maintenance of glycaemic control to prevent peripheral neuropathy, regular feet inspection, making an effort not to walk barefooted or cut foot callosities with razors or knives at home and avoidance of delays in presenting to hospital at the earliest onset of a foot lesion), reductions in the occurrence of adverse events associated with the diabetic foot is feasible in less‐developed settings.
A Novel Cyclic Squamosamide Analogue Compound FLZ Improves Memory Impairment in Artificial Senescence Mice Induced by Chronic Injection of D‐Galactose and NaNO2
Authors: Fang Fang , Liu Gengtao
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  The aim of the present study was to access the protective effect of a novel synthesized squamosamide cyclic analogue, compound FLZ, on memory impairment in artificially senescent mice induced by chronic injection of D‐galactose and sodium nitrite (NaNO2). Artificially senescent mouse model was induced by consecutive injection of D‐galactose (120 mg/kg) and NaNO2 (90 mg/kg) once daily for 60 days. Compound FLZ (75 and 150 mg/kg) was orally administered once daily for 30 days after D‐galactose and NaNO2 injection for 30 days. The water maze test was used to evaluate the learning and memory function of mice. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in serum were determined using different biochemical kits. The alterations in hippocampus morphology were assessed by light and electronic microscope. Immunoreactive cells of Bcl‐2 in the hippocampus were counted by immunohistochemical staining, and Bcl‐2 protein expression was analysed by Western blot method. The results indicate that injection of D‐galactose and NaNO2 induces memory impairment and neuronal damage in hippocampus of mice. In addition, serum SOD and GSH‐Px activities decreased, while MDA level increased. Bcl‐2‐positive neurons and Bcl‐2 protein expression in the hippocampus decreased remarkably. Oral administration of FLZ for 30 days significantly improved the cognitive deficits and the biochemical markers mentioned above, and also reduced the pathological alterations in mouse hippocampus. The results suggest that FLZ ameliorates memory deficits and pathological injury in artificially senescent mice induced by chronic injection of D‐galactose and NaNO2, indicating that FLZ is worth further studies for fighting antisenescence and dementia.
Frequency and Focus of Sexual History Taking in Male Patients—A Pilot Study Conducted among Swiss General Practitioners and Urologists
Authors: Platano Giacomo , Margraf Jürgen , Alder Judith , Bitzer Johannes
Published: October 2007

Introduction

General practitioners (GPs) and urologists are the first medical contacts for men with sexual dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that many GPs hesitate to address sexual issues and little is known about the sexological skills of urologists.

Aim

To analyze sexual history taking (SHT) by Swiss GPs and urologists, in terms of active exploration, focus, and competence in discussing and treating sexual dysfunction.

Methods

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

Main Outcome Measures

Content and frequency of interview responses.

Results

Urologists reported a significantly higher frequency of actively asking male patients about sexual dysfunction (22.80% vs. 10.42%, P =0.01). GPs and urologists avoided actively asking certain patient groups about sexual dysfunction (e.g., “immigrants,”“macho men”). GPs reported a significantly lower percentage of male patients who spontaneously address sexual problems (6.35% vs. 18.40%, P <0.001). Both physician groups emphasized erectile dysfunction in SHT. Eight percent of GPs and 28% of urologists considered their competence in discussing sexual dysfunction as very good. No GP and 20% of urologists considered their competence in treating sexual dysfunction as very good. Urologists reported having significantly greater competence in discussing (P =0.02) and treating (P <0.001) sexual dysfunction than the GPs. Competence in discussing correlated positively with competence in treating sexual dysfunction for GPs (P =0.01) and urologists (P <0.001). The majority of GPs (92%) and urologists (76%) reported a need for continuing education in sexual issues.

Conclusions

Our results justify establishing guidelines for SHT in Switzerland to better meet the sexual health needs of male patients. Physicians should be encouraged to routinely inquire about sexual issues, overcome their discomfort with the subject, and regard male sexuality as more than erectile function. A clear need exists for relevant continuing education for Swiss GPs and urologists.
Plexiform Neurofibroma of the Penis Associated with Erectile Dysfunction due to Arterial Steeling
Authors: Garaffa Giulio , Bettocchi Carlo , Christopher Nim , Ralph David
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Solitary involvement of the genitourinary tract by Von Recklinghousen disease (VRD) is extremely rare.

Aims

This report documents the management of a case of a plexiform neurofibroma on the penile shaft associated with erectile dysfunction. The literature surrounding VRD and its effects on the genital area was also investigated.

Methods

After a complete preoperative investigation of the nature of the mass and of the erectile dysfunction, the neurofibroma was completely excised with preservation of the neurovascular bundle.

Results

At 6-months postoperative follow-up, there was no sign of tumor recurrence and the glans sensation was maintained. The erectile dysfunction persisted postoperatively and failed to respond to medical treatment.

Conclusions

A complete excision of penile neurofibromas is mandatory to prevent recurrence or malignant degeneration and can be safely performed preserving the neurovascular bundle.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency: An Etiology for Idiopathic Priapism?
Authors: Burnett Arthur L. , Bivalacqua Trinity J.
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Efforts to identify the health risk associations for priapism may reveal pathophysiologic mechanisms for the disorder and suggest a scientifically rational approach for correcting it.

Aim

We describe a clinical presentation of idiopathic recurrent priapism in a patient with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and consider a possible nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanistic basis from which the medical condition causes priapism.

Methods

The case report profiled a 35-year-old African-American man with G6PD deficiency who presented with a rapid progression of recurrent priapism episodes. He was outwardly healthy and did not have sickle cell disease or trait by hematologic screening. His management featured use of a long-term, continuous phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor therapeutic regimen.

Main Outcome Measures

Clinical history data and response to PDE5 inhibitor therapy.

Results

After a 3-month duration of PDE5 inhibitor therapy, priapism recurrences were sufficiently resolved and the patient discontinued therapy. At 18-month clinical follow-up, he experienced only minor priapism recurrences and retention of full erectile ability.

Conclusions

G6PD deficiency offers an explanation for idiopathic priapism. The medical condition generates a pathophysiologic milieu consistent with aberrant NO signaling and heightened oxidative stress in the penis.
Comparison of the Effects of Hormone Therapy Regimens, Oral and Vaginal Estradiol, Estradiol+Drospirenone and Tibolone, on Sexual Function in Healthy Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Çayan Filiz , Dilek Umut , Pata Özlem , Dilek Saffet
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in postmenopausal women.

Aims

To prospectively evaluate and compare the effects of hormone therapy (HT) regimens, oral and vaginal estradiol, estradiol+drospirenone and tibolone, on sexual function in healthy postmenopausal women.

Methods

The study included 169 consecutive healthy postmenopausal women, and the women were divided into two groups: 111 women received HT, and 58 women received no treatment and served as a control group. As an HT, 23 women with surgically induced menopause received oral 17-β estradiol. The rest of the women with natural menopause were prospectively randomized: 22 received oral 17-β estradiol+drospirenone daily, 42 received oral tibolone, and 24 received vaginal 17-β estradiol. Sexual function was evaluated with a detailed 19-item questionnaire, the female sexual function index, including sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.

Main Outcome Measures

The differences in sexual function were compared before and 6 months after the treatment in all women.

Results

Total sexual function score increased from 19.81 ± 7.15 to 22.9 ± 6.44 in the HT group and decreased from 21.6 ± 8.69 to 17.6 ± 5.7 in the control group, revealing a significant difference from baseline to post-treatment between the two groups (P =0.000). The highest improvement in total score and arousal was achieved with the oral 17-β estradiol (P =0.000 and P =0.000, respectively). The highest improvement in lubrication was achieved with the oral and vaginal 17-β estradiol groups (P =0.000). The highest improvement in orgasm was achieved with the tibolone group (P =0.000). The highest improvement in pain was achieved with the oral and vaginal 17-β estradiol groups (P =0.000).

Conclusions

HT provided significant improvement in sexual function compared to women receiving no treatment, and therefore, HT regimens should be suggested for improvement in sexual functioning of postmenopausal women.
A Passion for Castration: Characterizing Men Who Are Fascinated with Castration, but Have Not Been Castrated
Authors: Roberts Lesley F. , Brett Michelle A. , Johnson Thomas W. , Wassersug Richard J.
Published: October 2007

Introduction

A number of men have extreme castration ideations. Many only fantasize about castration; others actualize their fantasies.

Aims

We wish to identify factors that distinguish those who merely fantasize about being castrated from those who are at the greatest risk of genital mutilation.

Methods

Seven hundred thirty-one individuals, who were not castrated, responded to a survey posted on http://www.eunuch.org. We compared the responses of these “wannabes” to those of 92 men who were voluntarily castrated and responded to a companion survey.

Main Outcome Measures

Respondents answered the questionnaire items relating to demographics, origin of interest in castration, and ambition toward eunuchdom.

Results

Two categories of wannabes emerged. A large proportion (∼40%) of wannabes' interest in castration was singularly of a fetishistic nature, and these men appeared to be at a relatively low risk of irreversible genital mutilation. Approximately 20% of the men, however, appeared to be at great risk of genital mutilation. They showed a greater desire to reduce libido, change their genital appearance, transition out of male, and prevent sexually offensive behavior. Nineteen percent of all wannabes have attempted self-castration, yet only 10% have sought medical assistance.

Conclusions

We identify several motivating factors for extreme castration ideations and provide a classification for reasons why some males desire orchiectomies. Castration ideations fall under several categories of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Ed. (DSM-IV), most notably a Gender Identity Disorder other than male-to-female (MtF) transsexual (i.e., male-to-eunuch) and a Body Identity Integrity Disorder. Physicians need to be aware of males who have strong desires for emasculation without a traditional MtF transsexual identity.
Acute Effects of Nicotine on Physiological and Subjective Sexual Arousal in Nonsmoking Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Harte Christopher B. , Meston Cindy M.
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Chronic nicotine treatment has deleterious effects on vascular functioning and catecholamine modulation, which may compromise erectile functioning. Evidence that long-term cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for introducing impotence is robust. However, limited studies have focused on the acute effects of smoking on physiological sexual response, and none have investigated the deleterious effects of isolated nicotine on human sexual arousal. Consequently, pathophysiological underpinnings of tobacco-induced—and particularly, nicotine-induced—erectile dysfunction are not well understood.

Aim

To provide the first empirical examination of the acute effects of isolated nicotine on sexual arousal in nonsmoking men.

Methods

Twenty-eight sexually functional heterosexual men (mean age 21 years), each with less than 100 direct exposures to nicotine, participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Participants received either Nicorette polacrilex gum (SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare, Pittsburgh, PA, USA) (6 mg; approximately equivalent to smoking one high-yield cigarette) or placebo gum, matched for appearance, taste, and consistency, approximately 40 minutes prior to viewing an erotic film.

Main Outcome Measures

Physiological (circumferential change via penile plethysmography) and subjective (continuous self-report) sexual responses to erotic stimuli were examined, as well as changes in mood.

Results

Nicotine significantly reduced erectile responses to the erotic films (P =0.02), corresponding to a 23% reduction in physiological sexual arousal. This occurred in 16 of 20 men with valid physiological recordings. Nicotine had no significant effect on continuous subjective ratings of sexual arousal (P =0.70) or on mood (all Ps > 0.05).

Conclusions

Isolated nicotine can significantly attenuate physiological sexual arousal in healthy nonsmoking men. These findings have implications for elucidating physiological mechanisms responsible for the effects of nicotine on sexual dysfunction, and for assisting public health policy in considering the deleterious effects of nicotine on sexual health.
Urologist Practice Patterns in the Management of Premature Ejaculation: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Shindel Alan , Nelson Christian , Brandes Steven
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Contemporary U.S. urologist's “real world” practice patterns in treating premature ejaculation (PE) are unknown.

Aim

To ascertain contemporary urologist practice patterns in the management of PE.

Method

A randomly generated mailing list of 1,009 practicing urologists was generated from the American Urologic Association (AUA) member directory. A custom-designed survey was mailed to these urologists with a cover letter and a return-address envelope. Responses were compared with the AUA 2004 guidelines for the treatment of PE.

Main Outcome Measures

The survey assessed several practice-related factors and asked questions of how the subject would handle various presentations of PE in their practice.

Results

Responses from practicing urologists totaled 207 (21%). Eighty-four percent of the respondents were in private practice and 11% were in academics. Most urologists (73%) saw less than one PE patient per week. On-demand selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy was the most commonly selected first line treatment (26%), with daily dosing a close second (22%). Combination SSRI therapy, the “stop/start” technique, the “squeeze” technique, and topical anesthetics were favored by 13, 18, 18, and 11% of the respondents, respectively. If primary treatment failed, changing dosing of SSRIs, topical anesthetics, and referral to psychiatry were increasingly popular options. Ten percent of urologists would treat PE before erectile dysfunction (ED) in a patient with both conditions, with the remainder of the respondents treating ED first, typically with a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (78% of total). Fifty-one percent of urologists report that they would inquire about the sexual partner, but only 8, 7, and 4% would evaluate, refer, or treat the partner, respectively.

Conclusions

The majority of our respondents diagnose PE by patient complaint, and treat ED before PE, as per the 2004 PE guidelines. Very few urologists offer referral or treatment to sexual partners of men suffering from PE. Additional randomized studies in the treatment of PE are needed.
Embryo development of Corticium candelabrum (Demospongiae: Homosclerophorida)
Authors: De Caralt Sonia , Uriz Maria J. , Ereskovsky Alexander V. , Wijffels Rene H.
Published: October 2007

Abstract. Corticium candelabrum is a homosclerophorid sponge widespread along the rocky Mediterranean sublittoral. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to describe the gametes and larval development. The species is hermaphroditic. Oocytes and spermatocytes are clearly differentiated in April. Embryos develop from June to July when the larvae are released spontaneously. Spermatic cysts originate from choanocyte chambers and spermatogonia from choanocytes by choanocyte mitosis. Oocytes have a nucleolate nucleus and a cytoplasm filled with yolk granules and some lipids. Embryos are surrounded by firmly interlaced follicular cells from the parental tissue. A thin collagen layer lies below the follicular cells. The blastocoel is formed by migration of blastomeres to the morula periphery. Collagen is spread through the whole blastocoel in the embryo, but is organized in a dense layer (basal lamina) separating cells from the blastocoel in the larva. The larva is a typical cinctoblastula. The pseudostratified larval epithelium is formed by ciliated cells. The basal zone of the ciliated cells contains lipid inclusions and some yolk granules; the intermediate zone is occupied by the nucleus; and the apical zone contains abundant electron‐lucent vesicles and gives rise to cilia with a single cross‐striated rootlet. Numerous paracrystalline structures are contained in vacuoles within both apical and basal zones of the ciliated cells. Several slightly differentiated cell types are present in different parts of the larva. Most cells are ciliated, and show ultrastructural particularities depending on their location in the larvae (antero‐lateral, intermediate, and posterior regions). A few smaller cells are non‐ciliated. Several features of the C. candelabrum larva seem to support the previously proposed paraphyletic position of homoscleromorphs with respect to the other demosponges.
Topology of the nervous system of Notommata copeus (Rotifera: Monogononta) revealed with anti‐FMRFamide, ‐SCPb, and ‐serotonin (5‐HT) immunohistochemistry
Authors: Hochberg Rick
Published: October 2007

Abstract. The nervous system of the benthic freshwater rotifer, Notommata copeus, was examined using antibody probes, epifluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and digital imaging to highlight similarities with other monogonont rotifers. Immunoreactivity to anti‐FMRFamide (Phe–Met–Arg–Phe–NH2), ‐SCPb (small cardioactive peptide b), and ‐serotonin (5‐HT, 5‐hydroxytryptamine) was present in the central, peripheral, and stomatogastric nervous system. Specifically, anti‐FMRFamide and ‐SCPb staining was abundant in perikarya and neurites of the cerebral ganglion, ventrolateral nerve cords, and mastax. In addition, a single loop‐like neurite was present in between the nerve cords at the posterior end of the body. Serotonergic neurites were also abundant, and highlighted several cerebral pathways that included connections to the nerve cords and possibly the mastax. Novel neural pathways were also present in the posterior trunk region, where serotonergic neurites innervated the foot and lateral body wall. The results presented herein also highlight the utility of 3D visualization software to gain further insights into the organization and architecture of the rotifer cerebral ganglion.
Trade‐off between mating and predation risk in the marine snail, Littorina plena
Authors: Koch Nils , Lynch Brian , Rochette Rémy
Published: October 2007

Abstract. We investigated the hypothesis that predation risk affects mating decisions in the intertidal snail Littorina plena in Bamfield Inlet, Northeast Pacific. First, we conducted a field tethering experiment to test the assumption that mating pairs of snails are more susceptible to predation than solitary individuals, and then performed a laboratory experiment to quantify the effect of predation threat on the propensity of snails to form mating pairs. Our results support the hypothesis, in that “mating pairs” were more frequently killed than single snails in the field, and snails were less likely to form mating pairs in the laboratory when simulated predation risk was high (chemical cues from crushed conspecifics were added to the water) than when it was low (no risk cues were added to the water). In contrast to several earlier studies, we found no effect of individual size on snail susceptibility to predation, perhaps because our two size classes were contiguous and snails within them were not dissimilar enough. The results of the behavioral experiment were consistent with this lack of individual size effect on snail vulnerability; both size classes of snails showed a significant and similar tendency to decrease mating when predation risk was high. Taken together, the results of this and recent studies indicate that predators can considerably affect the behavior of littorinid snails, including their movement patterns, feeding, and reproduction. We argue that greater consideration should be given to how marine invertebrates trade off predation risk and activities related to reproduction.
A novel device to monitor small changes in underwater distances
Authors: Uyeno Theodore A. , Hsiao Henry S.
Published: October 2007

Abstract.This study describes a technique to record small (1 cm) distance changes or movements occurring in seawater using a simple electronic circuit and miniature ball electrodes. This low‐cost technique was designed to directly measure such changes in a broad range of experiments involving small marine invertebrates while minimizing the mechanical loading of the structures of interest. The circuit detects and amplifies small changes in the resistance of seawater between two electrodes as the distance between them varies; these are then converted to voltage changes. After calibrating the output of the device with known distance measurements, it was evaluated using a test organism by monitoring and recording the body flushing behavior of the sea squirt,Styela plicata. Electrodes were sewn to the tunic at the base of the atrial siphon and changes in its diameter were recorded >24‐h periods. Using ∼3‐cm‐tall sea squirts, the distance between the electrodes expanded and contracted with a range of 5.5 mm during rhythmic flushings. Flushes occurred on average every 4.1 min and showed a rapid initial contraction, followed by a slower expansion while refilling. Attaching electrodes to the tunic had little mechanical or behavioral effect; the untouched control specimen had similar flushing rates. The movement monitor circuit is stable, sensitive, and performed well in full‐strength seawater experiments where good spatial and high temporal resolution, low inertial loading, and low noise were required. The technique, as shown here, can be used to record a wide range of animal movements and further suggested modifications of the circuit may suit a broad range of other experimental situations.
Lack of Interspecific Plant Competition With a Dominant Grass in the Understory of a Lowland Forest in Colombia
Authors: Stevenson Pablo R.
Published: October 2007

I analyzed a natural experiment of competition involving a dominant herb in Tinigua Park, Colombia. Pharus virescens is a dominant monocarpic grass that synchronously produces seeds once every 5 yr, after which all individuals die. I found no difference in species richness, density, or diversity comparing plots with and without the grass in 381 quadrats (4 m2) and there was no negative relationship between the abundance of the grass and that of other plants.
Diet and Dietary Preferences of the Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) in North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Bradford Matt G. , Dennis Andrew J. , Westcott David A.
Published: October 2007

We investigated the diet of the southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) by identifying the seeds and fruits in fecal droppings encountered on a set of transects over 2 yr in upland rain forest in the wet tropics of North Queensland. A total of 198 droppings containing 56 plant species were found. We surveyed fleshy fruit availability over the subsequent 68 mo on transects in the same area to ascertain fruiting patterns in the study area. The number of droppings found each month did not correspond to the pattern of available fruit biomass. There was no relationship between the fruit traits of moisture content, flesh to seed mass ratio, color, or crop size to contribution of a species to the diet. During the lean fruiting season (May–July) cassowaries relied more on species that fruited continuously throughout the year as they were significantly over‐represented in droppings, while annual fruiting species were under‐represented. During months of high fruit availability (October–December), continuously fruiting species were still over‐represented in the diet but became less important while annual and biennial species became more important. Significantly more species with large fruit and large seeds appeared in the diet than expected and we confirm that the cassowary contributes to the continued dispersal of these species over long distances and in large quantities.
Photosynthesis and Leaf Structure in Domesticated Cassava (Euphorbiaceae) and a Close Wild Relative: Have Leaf Photosynthetic Parameters Evolved Under Domestication?
Authors: Pujol Benoît , Salager Jean‐Louis , Beltran Michèle , Bousquet Sandie , McKey Doyle
Published: October 2007

Broad patterns across wild plant species show that leaf composition and morphology vary predictably among habitats, richer habitats favoring resource‐acquisition strategies and poorer habitats favoring resource‐conservation strategies. Domestication is often accompanied by a shift to richer habitats, and might thus be expected to lead to a shift in leaf composition and morphology and hence in photosynthetic parameters. We compared leaf photosynthetic parameters in domesticated cassava (Manihot esculenta) and a close wild relative, using greenhouse‐grown plants. In domesticated cassava, CO2 exchange rate expressed per unit mass and specific leaf area (SLA, m2/kg dry mass) were greater than in the wild relative, whereas leaf dry matter content (LDMC, dry mass/fresh mass) was lower in the domesticate. These results suggest that SLA and net photosynthetic rates may both have increased in the evolution of cassava under domestication, enabling more rapid growth in relatively resource‐rich and protected agricultural habitats. Previous comparisons of photosynthetic rates in domesticated plants and wild relatives have usually considered only leaf area‐based measures. Here, we discuss the interest of using mass‐based rates to study the evolution of ecological strategies under domestication.
Risk and Crisis Management in the Reformed European Agricultural Policy
Authors: Cafiero Carlo , Capitanio Fabian , Cioffi Antonio , Coppola Adele
Published: October 2007

Currently there is ample discussion among EU Institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, and Member States' governments) on the opportunity for setting up a comprehensive EU‐wide framework on risk and crises in agriculture. In the meantime, within the limits of the WTO rules on agriculture, national governments are allowed to intervene through direct compensation to farmers in case of exceptional events that cause damages to farming operations and through subsidies to crop insurance programs. Such schemes are quite expensive for domestic budgets and some Member States are trying to switch some of their cost to the Community's budget, although an expansion of financial resources devoted to agriculture in Europe is rather unlikely. Moving from the recently emanated proposal of the European Commission, this paper discusses the main issues related to public intervention for risk and crises management in agriculture.

Actuellement, les institutions européennes (Commission européenne, Parlement européen et gouvernements des pays membres) discutent intensément de l'opportunité d'élaborer un cadre général pour l'ensemble de l'Union européenne sur les crises et les risques dans le secteur agricole. Entre‐temps, selon les règles de l'OMC sur l'agriculture, les gouvernements nationaux peuvent intervenir en accordant des compensations financières directes aux agriculteurs en cas de circonstances exceptionnelles causant des dommages aux exploitations agricoles ainsi que des subventions aux programmes d'assurance récolte. Ces interventions amputent considérablement les budgets nationaux, et certains pays membres tentent de transférer une partie de leurs coûts au budget de l'Union européenne, bien qu'il soit peu probable que les ressources financières consacrées à l'agriculture en Europe augmentent. A la lumière de la récente proposition de la Commission européenne, le présent article traite des principaux thèmes liés à l'intervention publique dans la gestion des risques et des crises dans le secteur agricole.
Does a Crisis Matter? Forest Policy Responses to the Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic in British Columbia
Authors: Nelson Harry
Published: October 2007

“[a]n epidemic of catastrophic proportions”⋖Larry Pedersen, Chief Forester in 2003, in describing the impact of the outbreak.

What factors are responsible for the introduction of new policies (especially those involving substantive change) is a phenomenon that is still poorly understood. Researchers have identified policy windows where a confluence of events, such as a change in government, the emergence of a new issue, and ongoing policy processes, come together to create the opportunity for new policy development. Natural disasters can open such policy windows by drawing attention to an issue and mobilizing political will. Yet at the same time, even if policy windows do open, they may not result in effective policy development. The institutional setting in which such policies are developed also plays a key role. In the case of the Canadian forest sector, the combination of public resources and private capital make policy development especially challenging. Although the scale of the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic in British Columbia is unprecedented, and will change the nature of the forest resource (and by extension the industry and communities that rely upon it), the policy response has been limited to short‐term measures. Although some policy reform was introduced, policy makers have yet to address the question of whether more fundamental changes are required in order to address the full consequences of the epidemic.

La détermination des facteurs responsables de l’introduction de nouvelles politiques (particulièrement celles qui comportent des changements substantiels) demeurent un phénomène mal compris. Des chercheurs ont déterminé des fenêtres d’opportunité politique où divers événements, tels qu’un changement de gouvernement, l’émergence d’une nouvelle préoccupation et des processus politiques continus, convergent pour créer l’occasion d’élaborer de nouvelles politiques. Les catastrophes naturelles peuvent créer ces fenêtres d’opportunité politique en attirant l’attention sur une préoccupation et en mobilisant la volonté politique. Pourtant, même si des fenêtres d’opportunité politique s’ouvrent, elles peuvent ne pas se solder par l’élaboration de politiques efficaces. Le cadre institutionnel dans lequel ces politiques sont élaborées joue aussi un rôle important. Dans le cas du secteur forestier canadien, la combinaison de ressources publiques et de capitaux privés rend l’élaboration de politiques particulièrement délicate. Bien que l’étendue de l’épidémie de dendroctone du pin ponderosa en Colombie‐Britannique soit sans précédent et modifiera la nature de la ressource forestière (et par extension, l’industrie et les collectivités qui en dépendent), la réaction politique s’est limitée à des mesures à court terme. Malgré une certaine réforme des politiques, les décideurs doivent s’interroger sur la nécessité d’apporter ou non des changements fondamentaux supplémentaires pour surmonter les conséquences de l’épidémie.
Farm Economics of Bird Flu
Authors: Beach Robert H. , Poulos Christine , Pattanayak Subhrendu K.
Published: October 2007

Outbreaks of infectious animal diseases represent a major threat to agriculture and can impose significant social and economic costs. The potential for devastating epidemics, such as the recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Asia, Europe, and Africa, has prompted major global investments in animal disease prevention and control, both public and private. However, there has been little research into the effects of alternative public policies on farm‐level actions to prevent and control HPAI and the implications for disease impacts. Animal disease management involves both ex ante investments to reduce the probability of infection and ex post actions to contain the spread of disease once introduced. The public sector can play an important part in disease mitigation through provision of public disease prevention and control. Another vital role for government in mitigating the potential impacts of HPAI is in the development of well‐designed policies to induce socially optimal ex ante private investment while providing incentives for truthful disclosure of disease status. This study employs an economic epidemiology framework to examine the effects of farmer behavior on disease introduction and transmission and to analyze the effects of public policy decisions under alternative scenarios.

Les éclosions de maladies animales infectieuses représentent une menace importante pour l’agriculture et peuvent entraîner des coûts socio‐économiques considérables. L’éventualité d’épidémies dévastatrices, telles que les récentes flambées d’influenza aviaire hautement pathogène (IAHP) en Asie, en Europe et en Afrique, a suscité d’importants investissements publics et privés à l’échelle mondiale pour prévenir et lutter contre ces maladies. Cependant, peu de recherches se sont penchées sur les effets des politiques publiques de rechange sur les mesures prises à la ferme pour prévenir et lutter contre l’IAHP et les répercussions des maladies. La gestion des maladies animales nécessite des investissements ex ante pour diminuer la probabilité d’infection et des mesures ex poste pour contenir la propagation d’une maladie une fois introduite. Le secteur public peut jouer un rôle important dans l’atténuation d’une maladie en instaurant des programmes publics de prévention et de lutte. Pour atténuer les conséquences potentielles de l’IAHP, le gouvernement peut élaborer des politiques efficaces pour inciter des investissements privés ex ante socialement optimaux tout en offrant des stimulants pour encourager la divulgation véridique de la situation zoosanitaire. Dans la présente étude, nous avons utilisé un cadre épidémiologique et économique pour examiner les conséquences du comportement de l’exploitant agricole sur l’introduction et la transmission des maladies et pour analyser les conséquences des décisions de politique publique selon divers scénarios.