bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Corporate Spawning and the Role of Homegrown Companies
Authors: Avnimelech Gil , Feldman Maryann
Published: June 2010

This paper presents the results and policy implications of a study that examined the spawning of founders who had previously been employed at large corporations. We found that spawning of founders is positively associated with the parent companies' productivity, innovativeness, and headquarter location. Furthermore, we found that the spin‐off per employee rate is higher in smaller establishments. We also found that the local entrepreneurial culture is significant in explaining local spawning of founders. Finally, we present new empirical evidence on the crucial role of successful homegrown companies in regional cluster development. More specifically, we found that the existence of successful homegrown companies is significantly correlated with the level of the regional entrepreneurial activity. This finding is consistent with the finding of many cluster development case studies. Thus, we argue that successful homegrown companies have a unique role in cluster development. This role can seldom be replaced by nonhomegrown companies. This is related to the notion that prior to the development of an entrepreneurial cluster, some intangible precondition should be realized such as the appearance of local role models and a shift toward a more entrepreneurial culture. In a more general perspective, these results support the notion that knowledge‐based regional development is a complex process that requires a long‐term and continuously adjusting supporting policy rather than being based mainly on attracting established companies' R&D centers to the region.
Engineered heart tissue graft derived from somatic cell nuclear transferred embryonic stem cells improve myocardial performance in infarcted rat heart
Authors: Lü Shuanghong , Li Ying , Gao Shaorong , Liu Sheng , Wang Haibin , He Wenjun , Zhou Jin , Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Ye , Lin Qiuxia , Duan Cumi , Yang Xiangzhong (Jerry) , Wang Changyong
Published: June 2010

The concept of regenerating diseased myocardium by implanting engineered heart tissue (EHT) is intriguing. Yet it was limited by immune rejection and difficulties to be generated at a size with contractile properties. Somatic cell nuclear transfer is proposed as a practical strategy for generating autologous histocompatible stem (nuclear transferred embryonic stem [NT‐ES]) cells to treat diseases. Nevertheless, it is controversial as NT‐ES cells may pose risks in their therapeutic application. EHT from NT‐ES cell‐derived cardiomyocytes was generated through a series of improved techniques in a self‐made mould to keep the EHTs from contraction and provide static stretch simultaneously. After 7 days of static and mechanical stretching, respectively, the EHTs were implanted to the infarcted rat heart. Four weeks after transplantation, the suitability of EHT in heart muscle repair after myocardial infarction was evaluated by histological examination, echocardiography and multielectrode array measurement. The results showed that large (thickness/diameter, 2–4 mm/10 mm) spontaneously contracting EHTs was generated successfully. The EHTs, which were derived from NT‐ES cells, inte grated and electrically coupled to host myocardium and exerted beneficial effects on the left ventricular function of infarcted rat heart. No teratoma formation was observed in the rat heart implanted with EHTs for 4 weeks. NT‐ES cells can be used as a source of seeding cells for cardiac tissue engineering. Large contractile EHT grafts can be constructed in vitro with the ability to survive after implantation and improve myocardial performance of infarcted rat hearts.
Generation of easily accessible human kidney tubules on two‐dimensional surfaces in vitro
Authors: Zhang Huishi , Lau Samantha Fong‐Ting , Heng Ber Fong , Teo Pei Yun , Alahakoon P. K. D. Thilini , Ni Ming , Tasnim Farah , Ying Jackie Y. , Zink Daniele
Published: June 2010

The generation of tissue‐like structuresin vitrois of major interest for various fields of research includingin vitrotoxicology, regenerative therapies and tissue engineering. Usually 3D matrices are used to engineer tissue‐like structuresin vitro, and for the generation of kidney tubules, 3D gels are employed. Kidney tubules embedded within 3D gels are difficult to access for manipulations and imaging. Here we show how large and functional human kidney tubules can be generatedin vitroon 2D surfaces, without the use of 3D matrices. The mechanism used by human primary renal proximal tubule cells for tubulogenesis on 2D surfaces appears to be distinct from the mechanism employed in 3D gels, and tubulogenesis on 2D surfaces involves interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The process is induced by transforming growth factor‐β1, and enhanced by a 3D substrate architecture. However, after triggering the process, the formation of renal tubules occurs with remarkable independence from the substrate architecture. Human proximal tubules generated on 2D surfaces typically have a length of several millimetres, and are easily accessible for manipulations and imaging, which makes them attractive for basic research andin vitronephrotoxicology. The experimental system described also allows forin vitrostudies on how primary human kidney cells regenerate renal structures after organ disruption. The finding that human kidney cells organize tissue‐like structures independently from the substrate architecture has important consequences for kidney tissue engineering, and it will be important, for instance, to inhibit the process of tubulogenesis on 2D surfaces in bioartificial kidneys.
Novel experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection model mimicking long‐term host–pathogen interactions in cystic fibrosis
Authors: MOSER CLAUS , VAN GENNIP MARIA , BJARNSHOLT THOMAS , JENSEN PETER ØSTRUP , LEE BAOLERI , HOUGEN HANS PETTER , CALUM HENRIK , CIOFU OANA , GIVSKOV MICHAEL , MOLIN SØREN , HØIBY NIELS
Published: June 2010

The dominant cause of premature death in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF) is chronic lung infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The chronic lung infection often lasts for decades with just one clone. However, as a result of inflammation, antibiotic treatment and different niches in the lungs, the clone undergoes significant genetic changes, resulting in diversifying geno‐ and phenotypes. Such an adaptation may generate different host responses. To experimentally reflect the year‐long chronic lung infection in CF, groups of BALB/c mice were infected with clonal isolates from different periods (1980, 1988, 1997, 1999 and 2003) of the chronic lung infection of one CF patient using the seaweed alginate embedment model. The results showed that the non‐mucoid clones reduced their virulence over time, resulting in faster clearing of the bacteria from the lungs, improved pathology and reduced pulmonary production of macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF). In contrast, the mucoid clones were more virulent and virulence increased with time, resulting in impaired pulmonary clearing of the latest clone, severe inflammation and increased pulmonary MIP‐2 and G‐CSF production. In conclusion, adaptation of P. aeruginosa in CF is reflected by changed ability to establish lung infection and results in distinct host responses to mucoid and non‐mucoid phenotypes.
No gender‐specific differences in mechanical efficiency during arm or leg exercise relative to ventilatory threshold
Authors: Yasuda N. , Gaskill S. E. , Ruby B. C.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine economy and mechanical efficiency in men and women during both arm cranking (AC) and leg cycling (LC) at 70%, 85%, 100%, and 115% of mode‐specific ventilatory threshold (Tvent). Recreationally active men (n=9) and women (n=9) with similar values for %V̇O2peak at Tvent served as subjects. All subjects performed 5 min of exercise at each intensity of 70%, 85%, 100%, and 115% of Tvent for both AC and LC. Economy was expressed as W/L/min. Gross efficiency (GE) was determined as the ratio of work accomplished to total energy expended (%). Delta efficiency (DE) was determined as the ratio of delta work accomplished to delta energy expended (%). Economy and efficiency during LC were greater than during AC in men and women. During AC or LC exercise, no sex differences were found in either economy (P=0.93 for AC, 0.98 for LC), GE (P=0.88 for AC, 0.75 for LC), or DE (P=0.57 for AC, 0.51 for LC). These findings indicate that men and women show similar economy and efficiency during both AC and LC exercise when subjects have similar %V̇O2peak at Tvent.
Stressors and affective states among professional rugby union players
Authors: Nicholls A. R. , Backhouse S. H. , Polman R. C. J. , McKenna J.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of the present study was to examine (a) the sources of sport and non‐sport stress and their associated symptoms on rest days, training days, and match days and (b) the temporal aspects of sources and symptoms of stress and affective states. Professional male rugby union players (n=16) completed the Daily Analysis of Life Demands in Athletes (DALDA) and the Activation Deactivation Adjective Check List (AD ACL) for 28 days. On match days players reported that few stressors were “worse than normal.” Most stressors were “worse than normal” on training days followed by rest days and more stressors were “worse than normal” on the day after a match than on match days. Further, players reported an unpleasant, low activation state across the three analysis days, suggesting they were in an overtrained state. The findings of this study demonstrate that professional rugby players experience negative affect and a multitude of sport and non‐sport stressors. Early detection of stressors and negative affective states could help prevent symptoms of overtraining and burnout and facilitate optimal training and sporting performance. Coaches and practitioners are encouraged to integrate the DALDA and AD ACL in their training and performance monitoring regimes.
Early predictors of hypertension in prematurely born adolescents
Authors: Vohr Betty R , Allan Walter , Katz Karol H , Schneider Karen C , Ment Laura R
Published: June 2010

Objective:  To assess the blood pressure of former preterm and term matched adolescent controls and to identify risk factors associated with blood pressure at 16 years.

Design:  Observational cohort study. Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

Setting:  Three academic centres participating in the Multicenter Indomethacin IVH Prevention Trial.

Participants:  A total of 296 children born in 1989–1992 with birth weights 600 to <1250 g who participated in the Multicenter Indomethacin IVH Prevention Trial and 95 term controls were evaluated at 16 years.

Main outcome measures:  Blood pressure and predictors of blood pressure.

Results:  The adjusted mean difference in blood pressure for preterm adolescents was 5.1 mm Hg; p = 0.002 for systolic and 2.1 mm Hg; p = 0.027 for diastolic blood pressure. Among preterms, the primary predictors of increased systolic blood pressure were weight gain velocity between birth and 36 months (b = 8.54, p < 0.001), pre‐eclampsia (b = 5.67, p = 0.020), non‐white race (b = 3.77, p = 0.04) and male gender (b = 5.09). Predictors of diastolic blood pressure were weight gain velocity between birth and 36 months (b = 4.69, p = 0.001), brain injury (b = 6.51, p = 0.002) and male gender (b = −2.4, p = 0.02).

Conclusions:  Early programming secondary to increased early weight gain velocity, intrauterine stress and neonatal brain injury may all contribute to risk of increased blood pressure among former preterm adolescents.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up of CeraOne™ Single‐Implant Restorations: An 18‐Year Follow‐Up Study Based on a Prospective Patient Cohort
Authors: Bergenblock Sibel , Andersson Bernt , Fürst Björn , Jemt Torsten
Published: June 2010

Background: Knowledge on long‐term clinical performance of more than 5 years on the single‐implant CeraOne™ (Nobel Biocare AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) concept is limited.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to report the long‐term clinical performance of the first CeraOne single‐implant restorations, installed 17 to 19 years ago.

Materials and Methods: The group comprised 57 patients provided with 65 CeraOne single‐tooth restorations. Sixty‐two all‐ceramic and three metal‐ceramic crowns were cemented between 1989 and 1991. Patients were followed up clinically and with intraoral radiographs at placement, after 1, 5, and between 17 and 19 years after placement.

Results: Data were available for altogether 48 patients, followed up on an average time of 18 years. Excluding deceased patients (n = 2) and failed implant patients (n = 2), only five patients were lost to follow‐up (8.8%). Two implants failed, resulting in an 18‐year implant cumulative success rate (CSR) of 96.8%, and altogether eight original single‐crown restorations were replaced (CSR 83.8%). The most common reason for crown replacement was infra‐position of the implant crown (n = 3). Many of the remaining original crowns showed various signs of implant crown infraposition at the termination of the study. In general, the soft tissue at the restorations was assessed to be healthy and comparable with the gingiva at the adjacent natural teeth. Bone levels were on an average stable with only few patients exhibiting bone loss of more than 2 mm during 18 years in function.

Conclusion: This long‐term follow‐up study of single‐implant restorations shows encouraging results with few implant failures and minimal bone loss over an 18‐year period. Original single‐crown restorations were replaced more frequently, because of, for example, implant crown infraposition and veneer fractures. The CeraOne concept proved to be a highly predictable and safe prosthodontic treatment.
Bone Regeneration Using a Hollow Hydroxyapatite Space‐Maintaining Device for Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation – A Clinical Pilot Study
Authors: Johansson Lars‐Åke , Isaksson Sten , Adolfsson Erik , Lindh Christina , Sennerby Lars
Published: June 2010

Background: The mere lifting of the maxillary sinus membrane by implants protruding into the sinus cavity allows the establishment of a void space for blood clot and new bone formation.

Purpose: To evaluate bone formation by using a spherical, hollow, and perforated hydroxyapatite space‐maintaining device (HSMD) in a two‐stage sinus lift procedure where residual alveolar bone height was ≤2 mm.

Material and Methods: Spherical, hollow, and perforated HSMDs with a diameter of 12 mm were manufactured for this pilot study. Three patients with a residual bone height of 1–2 mm, as verified clinically and radiographically, and in need of a sinus augmentation procedure prior to implant installation were selected for the study. The HSMD and bone formation was evaluated by cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) 6 months after augmentation procedure. Implants were installed 6 to 9 months after augmentation. The implant sites were prepared by a trephine drill to obtain a specimen of HSMD and bone for histological evaluation. After implant installation, the condition of the sinus membrane adjacent to the HSMD was evaluated endoscopically. After an additional 8 weeks, fixed partial prostheses were fabricated.

Results: Bone formation verified by CBCT was found around and inside the device in all three patients after 6 months. Despite the fact that residual bone before augmentation was ≤2 mm, 12‐mm‐long implants with diameter of 4.8 mm could be inserted with preservation of an intact and healthy sinus membrane verified endoscopically. Bone formation inside HSMDs was noted histologically in two out of three HSMDs. Implants were stable and without any marginal bone loss after 1 year of prosthetic loading.

Conclusion: A spherical, hollow, and perforated HSMD used in sinus lift procedures can produce a void space for blood clot and new bone formation and subsequent implant installation.
Durability of Response Following Cessation of Tadalafil Taken Once Daily as Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Porst Hartmut , Glina Sidney , Ralph David , Zeigler Haoyue , Wong David G. , Woodward Brad
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Research has focused on improvement of erectile function during treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, but less is known about what occurs after treatment cessation.

Aim

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to examine durability of response, defined as sustainability of erectogenic benefits following treatment cessation, in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) following long-term treatment with daily tadalafil.

Methods

The subjects (N=160) had participated in a 12-week double-blind trial followed by a one-year, open-label extension of tadalafil 5 mg once daily. The extension was followed by a 4-week, treatment-free follow-up period. A total of 158 subjects completed International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain score and were included in this analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary measures for this analysis were changes in ED severity category as captured by the IIEF-EF domain score.

Results

At the end of the 1-year open-label treatment period, a majority (86.1%, n=136) of subjects had either improved by at least one ED severity category (e.g., Severe to Moderate) (n=128), or maintained Normal erectile function (EF domain score ≥26) (n=8), compared to baseline. Following the 4-week, treatment-free period, 63 of those subjects (46.3% of the 136 subjects) had continued improvement of at least one ED severity category (n=61) or maintained scores in the Normal category (n=2) compared with baseline. Subjects who showed a sustained benefit of treatment were considered to have demonstrated a “durable response.” Seventy-three subjects (53.7%) did not have a durable response following treatment cessation. A few patient characteristics were associated with durability of response.

Conclusions

Of those men who demonstrated improved erectile function while taking tadalafil 5 mg once daily for 1 year, 46.3% continued to show improvement compared with baseline following a 4-week treatment free period. Durability of response should be a focus of future research.
Portuguese Version of Cues for Sexual Desire Scale: The Influence of Relationship Duration
Authors: Carvalheira Ana , Brotto Lori A. , Maroco João
Published: June 2010

Introduction

It is well established that sexual desire is a triggered response to effective sexual stimuli. Factors that trigger women’s sexual desire can change over time and circumstances. The Cues for Sexual Desire Scale (CSDS) is a valuable assessment tool to measure the range and magnitude of such stimuli.

Aim

To investigate the psychometric properties of CSDS within a Portuguese community sample of women; to examine the influence of relationship duration on CSDS scores.

Methods

Portuguese women (N = 3,687) over age 18 completed a web-based survey of previously pilot-tested items.

Main Outcome Measures

Factor structure and internal consistency of CSDS scores; differences between women in longer-term (more than five years) and shorter-term (less than three years) relationships; predictors of CSDS scores.

Results

A factor analysis revealed a difference in factor structure between the Portuguese and the original (English) version of CSDS. A five factor solution explained 58.3% of the total variance. The CSDS demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s = 0.913). All subscales had α values greater than 0.85. Women in longer-term relationships had significantly fewer cues for sexual desire (M = 124) compared to women in shorter-term relationships (M = 128), t(1,879) = 3.7, P < 0.001. Older women (β = −0.075; P < 0.001), and longer term relationships (β = −0.056; P < 0.05), were significant predictors of lower CSDS-P scores. Additionally, women who masturbated (β = 0.172; P < 0.001) and reached orgasm easily (β = 0.059; P < 0.001) had higher scores for CSDS-P.

Conclusions

The CSDS is a useful instrument for identifying triggers that facilitate sexual desire in Portuguese women. Women in longer-term relationships reported fewer cues compared to women in shorter-term relationships. This has clinical implications and suggests that encouraging women to consider newer and varied cues that might evoke or enhance sexual desire may be one means of addressing concerns with low sexual desire.
Radiofrequency Treatment of Vaginal Laxity after Vaginal Delivery: Nonsurgical Vaginal Tightening
Authors: Millheiser Leah S. , Pauls Rachel N. , Herbst Seth Jordan , Chen Bertha H.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

All women who have given birth vaginally experience stretching of their vaginal tissue. Long-term physical and psychological consequences may occur, including loss of sensation and sexual dissatisfaction. One significant issue is the laxity of the vaginal introitus.

Aim

To evaluate safety and tolerability of nonsurgical radiofrequency (RF) thermal therapy for treatment of laxity of the vaginal introitus after vaginal delivery. We also explored the utility of self-report questionnaires in assessing subjective effectiveness of this device.

Methods

Pilot study to treat 24 women (25–44 years) once using reverse gradient RF energy (75–90 joules/cm2), delivered through the vaginal mucosa. Post-treatment assessments were at 10 days, 1, 3, and 6 months.

Main Outcome Measures

Pelvic examinations and adverse event reports to assess safety. The author modified Female Sexual Function Index (mv-FSFI) and Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), Vaginal Laxity and Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaires (designed for this study) to evaluate both safety and effectiveness, and the Global Response Assessment to assess treatment responses.

Results

No adverse events were reported; no topical anesthetics were required. Self-reported vaginal tightness improved in 67% of subjects at one month post-treatment; in 87% at 6 months (P <0.001). Mean sexual function scores improved: mv-FSFI total score before treatment was 27.6 ± 3.6, increasing to 32.0 ± 3.0 at 6 months (P <0.001); FSDS-R score before treatment was 13.6 ± 8.7, declining to 4.3 ± 5.0 at month 6 post-treatment (P <0.001). Twelve of 24 women who expressed diminished sexual satisfaction following their delivery; all reported sustained improvements on SSQ at 6 months after treatment (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

The RF treatment was well tolerated and showed an excellent 6-month safety profile in this pilot study. Responses to the questionnaires suggest subjective improvement in self-reported vaginal tightness, sexual function and decreased sexual distress. These findings warrant further study.
Vascularized Cadaveric Fibula Flap for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Following Failure of Penile Implants
Authors: Salgado Christopher J. , Chim Harvey , Rowe David , Bodner Donald R.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Postpriapism erectile dysfunction in patients with sickle cell disease is a particularly devastating condition. Where penile implants have failed, there is no good surgical alternative at present. Free tissue transfer is fraught with risks in patients with sickle cell disease and are not the best option for treatment.

Aim

To describe a new surgical technique involving prefabrication of a bone flap for treatment of erectile dysfunction in a patient with sickle cell disease.

Methods

The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was isolated and implanted within a cadaveric bone segment. The prefabricated flap was then transferred 2 months later as a neophallus for penile autoaugmentation.

Results

Bone scan showed viability of the bone flap after transfer. The patient was able to have vaginal intercourse and successfully achieve orgasm 2 months after the second stage surgery.

Conclusions

Prefabrication of a cadaveric bone flap and subsequent transfer is a novel and effective technique for treatment of erectile dysfunction refractory to medical management. This technique may be particularly useful for “implant cripples,” who have no other surgical option.
Sexual Arousal in East Asian and Euro-Canadian Women: A Psychophysiological Study
Authors: Yule Morag , Woo Jane S.T. , Brotto Lori A.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Studies of ethnic differences in self-report measures of sexuality have shown East Asian women to be more sexually conservative and less sexually experienced than Caucasian women. There is also strong evidence supporting the notion of ethnic group differences in general measures of nonsexual psychophysiological arousal; however, there have been no previous studies exploring ethnicity and physiological sexual arousal.

Aim

The objective of this study was to explore group differences in self-reported and physiological sexual arousal in Euro-Canadian and East Asian women living in Canada; we also aimed to explore the association between level of acculturation (both mainstream and heritage) and sexual arousal in East Asian women only.

Methods

Seventy-five women (N=38 Euro-Canadian, N=37 East Asian) completed a battery of questionnaires and underwent psychophysiological sexual arousal testing using the vaginal photoplethysmograph. They also completed a self-report measure of subjective arousal before and after erotic stimulus exposure.

Main Outcome Measures

All women completed the Female Sexual Function Index, Vancouver Index of Acculturation, and Sexual Beliefs and Information Questionnaire. Change in genital sexual arousal (vaginal pulse amplitude; VPA), and change in subjective sexual arousal were measured during exposure to erotic stimuli.

Results

The groups did not differ in the percent increase in VPA induced by erotic stimuli, nor was there a correlation between VPA and subjective sexual arousal. Among East Asian women alone, neither heritage nor mainstream acculturation was correlated with change in VPA.

Conclusions

East Asian and Euro-Canadian women who show similar ratings of sexual behaviors and self-reported sexual arousal do not differ in physiological or subjective arousal induced by erotic stimuli in the laboratory.
Morphological and Functional Evidence for the Contribution of the Pudendal Artery in Aging-Induced Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Hannan Johanna L. , Blaser Mark C. , Oldfield Lauren , Pang Judith J. , Adams Stephen M. , Pang Stephen C. , Adams Michael A.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Aging increases the risk of both erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease. These conditions have similar etiologies and commonly coexist. One unifying concept is the role of arterial insufficiency which is a primary factor in the onset of age-related ED.

Aim

Based on the novel finding that the pudendal arteries contribute 70% of the total penile vascular resistance, our objective was to morphometrically and functionally characterize this vessel in young and old normotensive rats.

Methods

Erectile function was monitored in 15- and 77-week Sprague-Dawley rats using the apomorphine bioassay (80 mg/kg, s.c.). Anesthetized animals were perfusion-fixed, aortic, renal, and internal pudendal arteries were excised, embedded, sectioned, stained, and morphometrically assessed using light microscopy. Hearts were excised, separated, and weighed prior to perfusion. Contractile and relaxation responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and phenylephrine (PE) were assessed by wire myograph.

Main Outcome Measures

Erectile function, morphological measurements, concentration response curves to ACh and PE.

Results

With age, there were marked decreases in erectile responses compared to younger rats (2.8 ± 0.87 vs. 0.3 ± 0.58). The pudendal arteries had a relatively small lumen (303 ± 13.8 µm) and a thick medial layer (47 ± 2.2 µm). In aged pudendal arteries, the lumen diameter did not change, and yet the medial layer, cross sectional area, and extracellular matrix were markedly increased. In contrast, the lumen diameter and wall thickness of the aorta and renal arteries in aged rats increased proportionally. An increase in small, round, smooth muscle cells was seen in aged pudendal arteries. Functionally, there were no differences in contractile responses to PE; however, ACh-induced relaxation decreased with age.

Conclusions

In aged rats, erectile function was severely diminished when pudendal arteries had undergone marked phenotypic changes. Specifically, there was endothelial dysfunction and pathological remodeling of this vessel with age, characterized by medial thickening, impaired vasodilation and significantly reduced capacity for penile blood flow.
Disorders of Orgasm in Women: A Literature Review of Etiology and Current Treatments
Authors: IsHak Waguih William , Bokarius Anna , Jeffrey Jessica K. , Davis Michael C. , Bakhta Yekaterina
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Disorders of orgasm in women, defined as the persistent or recurrent delay in or absence of orgasm, affect up to a quarter of the female population.

Aim

To review existing research findings on the etiology and treatments of disorders of orgasm in women to provide a useful reference tool for clinicians who evaluate and treat patients with these conditions.

Methods

PubMed and PsycINFO search for articles published between 1980 and 2009 using the keywords “orgasm*,” “anorgasmia,” and “female*,” “woman,” or “women,” in addition to “female orgasmic disorder” and “disorders of orgasm in women.”

Main Outcome Measures

Findings on the etiological factors and effects of a variety of treatment interventions on improving disorders of orgasm in women.

Results

Literature on prevalence and causes of disorders of orgasm in women is abundant, yet more reports of successful treatments are needed. Nevertheless, many promising approaches have been suggested, and data support several potential treatments such as bupropion, sildenafil, estrogen, and testosterone among others.

Conclusions

Although more research is needed to better understand and manage disorders of orgasm in women, significant progress is being made.
Vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Koca Orhan , Çalışkan Selahattin , Öztürk Metin İ. , Güneş Mustafa , Kılıçoğlu Gamze , Karaman Muhammet Ihsan
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the inability to achieve and/or maintain a penile erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, is a health problem affecting more than one-half of men between the age of 40 and 70 years.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine the potential factors affecting penile vascular flow and predictability of vascular flow in patients with ED.

Methods

Totally 163 male patients between 29 and 82 years of age who were admitted to our outpatient clinic with complaints of ED were included. After a detailed medical history was obtained, all patients were asked to complete the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained for measurements of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose (FBG), and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated.

Main Outcome Measures

Penile color Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) was performed to evaluate flow patterns, Mann–Whitney U-test and Spearman correlation analyses were used to assess the relationship of PDU findings with hypertension, obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), FBG, and cholesterol levels measurements.

Results

The mean age, IIEF score, and BMI of the study population was 51.3 ± 12.1 years, 11.9 ± 6.1 and 28.5 ± 4.0 kg/m2, respectively. When the vascular pathologies detected with PDU and the presence of risk factors were compared, no significant correlation was determined between arterial insufficiency and metabolic syndrome (MS), whereas there was a significant correlation between veno-occlusive dysfunction and MS.

Conclusion

The prevalence of ED increases with advanced age and with the presence of a systemic disease. Basic evaluations may not always be sufficient for assessment of ED. In the presence of MS, the use of penile Doppler ultrasonography should be considered for the evaluation of penile vascular structures in ED patients.
Evaluating Tropical Biodiversity: Do We Need a More Refined Approach?
Authors: Magurran Anne E. , Queiroz Helder
Published: June 2010

The exceptional biodiversity of tropical forests inspired the earliest ecologists such as H. W. Bates. Today we still strive to quantify and understand this diversity. Drawing on our own experience of Mamirauá reserve in Amazonas, which is located in an area that Bates explored, we argue that the emphasis of research in tropical ecosystems should shift away from species richness as an end in itself, and focus instead on other fundamental, but more tractable, questions that will increase our ecological understanding of these systems, support conservation management, and appeal to policy makers and society in general.
A Government's Perspective on Safeguarding Biodiversity: The Seychelles Experience
Authors: Dogley Didier
Published: June 2010

The Seychelles has undergone major socio‐economic and political changes during the past four decades. Tourism and fisheries, being the mainstay of the country's economy, have positively impacted upon and influenced the form of institution framework and policies in the management of the environment and biodiversity. The Department of Environment, the organization responsible for biodiversity conservation, has changed its core functions over the years to accommodate its obligations under international conventions and again more recently because of a major economic reform program. The creation of several authorities and agencies has resulted in new challenges but at the same time opened up new opportunities. Despite all these changes, the government, with the support of international and local stakeholders, has persevered to safeguard its biodiversity.
ELECTRON BEAM IRRADIATION ON NALIDIXIC ACID‐RESISTANT SALMONELLA MONTEVIDEO IN COOKED TOMATO PUREE OF VARIOUS pH VALUES
Authors: JAMES D.L. , JACZYNSKI J. , MATAK K.E.
Published: June 2010

Electron beam (e‐beam) is a technology that uses ionizing radiation to destroy bacteria in a nonthermal manner. D10 values were obtained for nalidixic acid (NA)‐resistant Salmonella Montevideo in autoclaved Roma tomato puree pH adjusted to pH 3.4, 3.9, 4.4 and 4.9 and subjected to e‐beam at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kGy. Survivors were enumerated using standard spread‐plating method. NA‐resistant S. Montevideo was not recovered in puree at pH 3.4 or 3.9. Significant reductions (P < 0.05) were determined at both pH 4.4 and 4.9 between the control (0 kGy) and samples exposed to≥1.5 kGy. D10 values were 1.07 and 1.50 kGy, respectively, which are greater than previously published D10 values for other Salmonella strains in various media. Tomato puree has antioxidant potential which may have provided protection against the e‐beam radiation. Radiation resistance as a result of acid adaptation may have also contributed to this effect.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Electron beam (e‐beam) irradiation is a nonthermal technology that uses ionizing radiation to destroy bacteria and spoilage microorganisms. Several studies have shown this technique effective for the reduction of bacterial pathogens on fruits and vegetables with no changes in texture, color or sensory quality. Some studies have suggested that the food matrix may influence sensitivity of bacterial strains to irradiation; therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine the e‐beam radiation dose needed to achieve a one log reduction in population (D10 value) for nalidixic acid‐resistant Salmonella Montevideo in a tomato puree at low and high pHs.
Clinical practice guidelines for pediatric constipation
Authors: Greenwald Beverly J.
Published: June 2010

Purpose: To discuss the diagnosis and management of pediatric constipation by nurse practitioners in primary care.

Data sources: Clinical practice guidelines and selected research articles.

Conclusions: Pediatric constipation is a common complaint. Few children have an organic cause; more common is “functional constipation.” Management may include medications, dietary interventions, and behavior modification. Patient and family education is essential.

Implications for practice: A successful outcome requires multiple management strategies. There are usually relapses and gradual progress, so follow‐up is essential. A consult with a pediatric gastroenterologist is indicated when treatment fails, if there is concern about an organic cause, or for complex management.
Improving nurse practitioner assessment of woman veterans
Authors: Fitzgerald Cynthia E.
Published: June 2010

Purpose: To provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with brief screening tools that can be used to identify postmilitary healthcare concerns common among women veterans.

Data sources: Existing screening tools for posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma.

Conclusions: Women represent more than 10% of military veterans who have served in combat settings during the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a result of their military service, women veterans may present in community healthcare settings with one or more of a variety of functional health problems, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, or other evidence of significant physical or psychiatric stress. Their families may be temporarily or permanently unstable as a result of the disruption caused by their military service, deployment, or health status.

Implications for practice: NPs who are aware of the unique healthcare needs of women veterans returning from combat will be better prepared to assess and intervene when these patients present with symptoms or health consequences of military service. Simple, straightforward assessments can determine the extent to which women veteran patients require intervention during wartime and/or referral.
Taking charge of the challenge: Factors to consider in taking your first nurse practitioner job
Authors: Szanton Sarah L. , Mihaly Lisa K. , Alhusen Jeanne , Becker Kathleen L.
Published: June 2010

Purpose: To describe factors that ensure a smooth transition from nurse practitioner (NP) student to independent NP during the first year of practice.

Data sources: Two contrasting case examples, the authors' experiences, and selected professional literature.

Conclusions: Key points to consider upon searching or taking a first NP job include patient, colleague, and clinic factors. Patient factors include mix of patient presentations, complexity of patient presentations, insurance status, and population. Colleague factors include mentorship, charting, mix of providers, and availability of providers. Perhaps most importantly, clinic factors include productivity expectations, practice mission, charting systems, on‐call requirements, supervision of other staff, and teaching status. Together, these factors can largely determine whether an NP's days are satisfying or frustrating in a new job.

Implications for practice: The transition from NP student to independent NP can be daunting. Although nursing schools and practice sites have responsibilities to ensure the transition is smooth, the new NP is ultimately responsible for the transition.
Cyclooxygenase‐2/microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 complex in the preoptic‐anterior hypothalamus of the mouse: involvement through fever to intravenous lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Gaetano L. , Watanabe K. , Barogi S. , Coceani F.
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is now well established as a central effector of pyrogen fever. However, questions remain on the source, local vs. blood‐borne, of the compound for the early phase of the typically biphasic fever (Phases 1 and 2) to i.v. pyrogens. To verify the role of centrally formed PGE2, we examined the cyclooxygenase (COX)/prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) complex through fever to i.v. lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods:  Experiments were carried out in the conscious mouse and LPS effect was ascertained on all steps of expression – gene, protein, catalytic activity – of individual enzymes. The analysis was limited to the preoptic‐anterior hypothalamus (AH/POA).

Results:  We found upregulation of the COX2 transcript together with an upward trend for the mPGES1 transcript during Phase 1. Coincidentally, there was a progressive increase in COX2 and mPGES1 protein expression through Phases 1 and 2. Catalytic activity for COX1 and COX2 combined was instead enhanced only in Phase 2, while mPGES1 activity remained steady at an intrinsically high level. Other COX and PGES enzymes were not modified through either Phase, and COX2/mPGES1 changes subsided with fever defervescence.

Conclusion:  The findings confirm a key function of COX2 and mPGES1 for the synthesis of pyrogenic PGE2 and, at the same time, document their early response to LPS. We conclude that locally formed PGE2 in AH/POA is qualified for a role in the initiation of fever.
Treatment history in the psychosis prodrome: characteristics of the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study Cohort
Authors: Cadenhead Kristin S. , Addington Jean , Cannon Tyrone , Cornblatt Barbara , McGlashan Thomas , Perkins Diana , Seidman Larry , Tsuang Ming , Walker Elaine , Woods Scott , Heinssen Robert
Published: June 2010

Aim: Early identification and better characterization of the prodromal phase of psychotic illness can lead to targeted treatment and, perhaps, prevention of many of the devastating effects of a first psychotic episode. The primary aim of this manuscript is to describe the treatment histories of a large cohort of individuals who entered into one of seven prodromal research programs in a North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study consortium.

Methods: Treatment histories from 372 clinical high‐risk subjects are described along with demographic, symptom, diagnostic and functional variables that may have contributed to treatment decisions for this group of individuals.

Results: Of all subjects included, 82.1% had received psychosocial and/or pharmacologic treatment prior to entry. Psychosocial interventions were more common in the attenuated psychotic syndrome prodromal sample, especially those with more negative, disorganized or general symptoms and more impaired functioning. Psychotropic medication had been administered to individuals with a history of Axis I disorders.

Conclusions: Given the many potential clinical presentations, treatments and ethical issues connected with the psychosis‐risk syndrome, it is not surprising that clinicians administered a broad range of interventions to study participants prior to their entry into the various research programs. Those individuals with milder and non‐specific symptoms were more likely to have received psychosocial treatments, whereas those with more severe symptoms received pharmacologic intervention. Clinical treatment research is needed that addresses the complexities of these psychosis‐risk states and helps to specify appropriate treatment at different stages of the psychosis prodrome.
The RNA Editor Gene ADAR1 is Induced in Myoblasts by Inflammatory Ligands and Buffers Stress Response
Authors: Meltzer Micah , Long Kimberly , Nie Yongzhan , Gupta Mayetri , Yang Jinghua , Montano Monty
Published: June 2010

Muscle atrophy remains a significant concern in multiple inflammatory conditions, including injury, sepsis, cachexia, and HIV‐associated wasting. Herein, we show that inflammatory stressors, including TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, or lipopolysaccharide, potently induced the novel expression of the RNA editor ADAR1, an observation not previously described in muscle cells. We also observed that cytokine stimulation suppressed muscle‐associated microRNAs, an observation also not previously demonstrated. To map potential effects of ADAR1 induction in the muscle program, we conducted knockdown and overexpression studies in the mouse C2C12 muscle precursor cell (MPC) line and in primary human MPCs. We show that knockdown of stress‐induced ADAR1 increased inflammation‐mediated declines in the muscle differentiation markers Myogenin and myosin heavy chain, and knockdown reduced levels of active phosphorylated Akt (phospho‐Akt), but had no effect on microRNA transcript levels, suggesting a role for ADAR1 in buffering inflammatory stress effects on myogenic transcription and protein synthesis pathways. In addition, overexpression of recombinant ADAR1 suppressed active phosphorylated double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐dependent protein kinase (phospho‐PKR), consistent with a role for ADAR1 in limiting inflammation‐driven catabolic atrophy pathways. Collectively, these data identify a novel regulatory role for ADAR1 activation under inflammatory stress to both promote muscle protein synthesis pathways and limit atrophy pathways. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 73–80
Identifying Unpredicted Drug Benefit through Query of Patient Experiential Knowledge: A Proof of Concept Web‐Based System
Authors: Pulley Jill , Hassan Nik Nik , Bernard Gordon R. , Jirjis Jim N. , Schildcrout Jonathan , Robertson David , Masys Daniel R. , Harris Paul
Published: June 2010

Information necessary to recognize unexpected drug efficacy is not routinely collected. Once a drug is approved, opportunities for understanding these phenomena are usually lost within clinical care. We propose that patients are willing to provide a wide range of experiential knowledge about the effects of therapies that is seldom solicited. Experience with various drug therapies might be solicited directly from patients in both structured and unstructured formats. Although the signal to noise ratio is expected to be low, these data, if organized in a constructive manner, could provide a useful hypothesis generation resource for areas of further pharmacologic inquiry. A pilot study was conducted for 18 months; 1,065 individuals using the MyHealthAtVanderbilt.com patient portal clicked on a research link to find more information about the study; 375 completed the survey (response rate of 37%). Of those, 218 patients reported that they were currently taking at least one prescription. Statistical methods applied detected known associations between drugs and their intended effects. This validated the type and frequency of effects being reported by patients and provided evidence for the potential for using patient‐supplied information to generate hypotheses related to unexpected positive benefits associated with medications. Improved data filtering and mining methods will be needed to expand this concept. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 98–103
Presence of mononuclear cells in normal and affected laminae from the black walnut extract model of laminitis
Authors: FALEIROS R. R. , NUOVO G. J. , FLECHTNER A. D. , BELKNAP J. K.
Published: June 2010

Reasons for performing study:There is increasing evidence of involvement of inflammatory cells in acute laminitis.

Objective:To immunolocalise monocytes/macrophages and B and T lymphocytes in the laminar tissue of normal horses and those with black walnut extract (BWE)‐induced laminitis.

Methods:Immunohistochemistry was used in archived laminar tissue samples from 20 horses divided equally into 4 groups: control animals (CON), and those administered BWE at 1.5 h (1.5H DTP group), at the onset of leucopenia (3H DTP group) and at the onset of lameness (LAM group). Antibodies against CD3, CD20 and CD163 were used to recognise lymphocytes (T and B) and monocytes/macrophages, respectively.

Results:Mononuclear cells were present in laminar tissue of normal horses. The majority of CD3‐ and CD20‐positive lymphocytes were localised around the deep dermal vessels but were also evident around vessels of the primary dermal laminae. CD163‐positive macrophages were primarily perivascular in deep dermis or in dermal laminae. No changes in the number of laminar B or T lymphocytes occurred at any time point post BWE administration. However, increases (P = 0.0016) in laminar CD163‐positive cells occurred in the secondary dermal laminae (SDL) in the 1.5H DTP and 3H DTP groups, returning to basal values in LAM group.

Conclusions:Lymphocyte and macrophage populations are present in the laminar tissue of clinically normal horses and BWE administration induces an increase in CD163‐positive macrophages in SDL.

Potential relevance:Both the host tissue population of mononuclear cells and the influx of monocytes may play an important role in the pathophysiological changes leading to laminar injury.