bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P144, A TGF-β1 Antagonist Peptide, Synergizes with Sildenafil and Enhances Erectile Response via Amelioration of Cavernosal Fibrosis in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Li Wen Ji , Wang Hao , Zhou Juan , Li Bao , Zhang Jun , Lu Mujun , Wang Zhong 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Patients with diabetes exhibit more severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and are less responsive to first-line oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i). It has been suggested that increased collagen deposition and reduced smooth muscle content in the corpus cavernosum are important mechanisms for diabetes-associated ED and that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a potent fibrotic factor responsible for the structural alterations in the corpus cavernosum.

Aims
The aims of this study are to determine whether activation of TGF-β1 and its downstream pathways is responsible for the reduced efficacy of the PDE5is in diabetic ED via abnormalities in cavernosal structures and to investigate the synergistic effects of the TGF-β1 antagonist P144 and sildenafil on erectile response.

Methods
Six weeks after inducting diabetes with streptozotocin in male Sprague-Dawley rats, age-matched control and diabetic rats were treated with vehicle, sildenafil, or P144 alone or in combination for 4 weeks, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures
Intracavernous pressure, dynamic infusion cavernosometry, and histological and molecular alterations of the corpus cavernosum were analyzed.

Results
Diabetic rats exhibited a decreased erectile response, severe corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction (CVOD), and structural alterations including cavernosal fibrosis and decreased smooth muscle content. Expression and activation of TGF-β1 and its downstream Smad and non-Smad pathways increased in diabetic rats. Treatment with sildenafil showed modest effect on erectile response and a less suppressive effect on CVOD, cavernosal fibrosis, and molecular alterations. Treatment with P144 had lower effect on erectile response, even greatly improved the histological and molecular alterations and CVOD than sildenafil. The combined treatment with P144 and sildenafil effectively restored erectile response, CVOD, and histological and molecular alterations.

Conclusion
An insufficient suppressive effect of sildenafil on cavernosal fibrosis, severe CVOD, and TGF-β1 pathways was implicated in reduced efficacy of the PDE5i in diabetic ED. Treatment with P144 synergized sildenafil and significantly increased erectile response by the potential antifibrotic activity.
Chronic High Dose Intraperitoneal Bisphenol A (BPA) Induces Substantial Histological and Gene Expression Alterations in Rat Penile Tissue Without Impairing Erectile Function
Authors: Kovanecz Istvan , Gelfand Robert , Masouminia Maryam , Gharib Sahir , Segura Denesse , Vernet Dolores , Rajfer Jacob , Li De-Kun , Liao Chun Yang , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Gonzalez-Cadavid Nestor F. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Bisphenol A (BPA), released from plastics and dental sealants, is a suspected endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant. In occupationally exposed workers, BPA has been associated with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aims
To determine whether long-term exposure to high doses of BPA in the rat affects serum levels of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2), and induces corporal histopathology and resultant ED.

Methods
Young rats were injected intraperitoneal (IP) injection daily with BPA at 25 mg/kg/day or vehicle (n = 8/group). Erectile function was measured at 3 months by cavernosometry and electrical field stimulation (EFS). BPA was assayed in serum, urine, and penile tissue, and serum T and E2 were determined. Quantitative Masson trichrome, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, Oil Red O, immunohistochemistry for calponin, α-smooth muscle actin, and Oct 4 were applied to penile tissue sections. Protein markers were assessed by Western blots and 2−D minigels, and RNA by DNA microarrays.

Main Outcome Measures
Erectile function, histological, and biochemical markers in corporal tissue.

Results
In the BPA-treated rats, total and free BPA levels were increased in the serum, urine, and penile tissue while serum T and E2 levels were reduced. In addition, the corpora cavernosa demonstrated a reduction in smooth muscle (SM) content, SM/collagen ratio, together with an increase in myofibroblasts, fat deposits, and apoptosis, but no significant change in collagen content or stem cells (nuclear/perinuclear Oct 4). In the penile shaft, BPA induced a downregulation of Nanog (stem cells), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nitrergic terminals), and vascular endothelial growth factor (angiogenesis), with genes related to SM tone and cytoskeleton upregulated 5- to 50-fold, accompanied by changes in the multiple protein profile. However, both cavernosometry and EFS were unaltered by BPA.

Conclusions
While rats treated chronically with a high IP dose of BPA developed hypogonadism and a corporal histo- and molecular-pathology usually associated with ED, no changes were detected in erectile function as measured by EFS and cavernosometry. Further studies using alternate routes of BPA administration with various doses and length of exposure are needed to expand these findings.
Job Satisfaction and Perceived Gender Equality in Advanced Promotion Opportunities: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Semykina Anastasia , Linz Susan J. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryDoes gender equality in advanced promotion opportunities in the workplace have consequences for job satisfaction? We use data collected from workers in six formerly socialist economies (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Serbia) to investigate the link between job satisfaction and the perceived chance that a woman would hold a senior‐level position at the firm. Among many survey participants, such a link exists and is positive; that is, these survey participants enjoy working at firms that promote gender balance at the top. The positive link is explained in part by worker personality/attitudes and firm characteristics, and in part by the result that participating workers often enjoy higher job satisfaction because they perceive the lack of ‘glass ceiling’ as a signal of improved own career opportunities. Among women, positive effects are more significant for younger workers. We discuss possible explanations for these findings, as well as cross‐country differences and policy implications.
Beta‐blockers in portal hypertension: new developments and controversies
Authors: Tripathi Dhiraj , Hayes Peter C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAbstractThere are many studies investigating the role of non‐selective beta‐blockers in portal hypertension. Satisfactory reduction in portal pressure is possible in a third to half of patients with propranolol and nadolol, although combining these drugs with nitrates may be more effective. Carvedilol is a more potent agent than propranolol in reducing portal pressure, particularly in non‐responders, and is better tolerated. All these drugs have been studied in primary and secondary prophylaxis, sometimes in combination with band ligation and/or nitrates. There is some evidence to support combining these agents with band ligation, despite a lack of survival benefit and increased adverse events. Hemodynamic monitoring can help select non‐responders who may benefit from additional therapies such as band ligation, as lack of response is associated with worse outcomes. Propranolol should be used with caution in patients with refractory ascites, although the current evidence is not of sufficient quality to justify not using these drugs in such situations. Beta‐blockers have been shown to reduce bacterial translocation and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhosis.
Staging, prognostic factors and adjuvant therapy of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after curative resection
Authors: Li Tao , Qin Lun‐Xiu , Zhou Jian , Sun Hui‐Chuan , Qiu Shuang‐Jian , Ye Qing‐Hai , Wang Lu , Tang Zhao‐You , Fan Jia 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsPrognostic factors and adjuvant therapy of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) after curative resection were not clear. We aim to analyse prognostic factors after curative resection and evaluate adjuvant therapy and survival based on the new staging system.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 283 patients who underwent surgical exploration for ICC was performed. Staging was performed according to the 7th edition AJCC staging manual. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate independent prognostic factors.ResultsThe difference for OS at different TNM stages after R0 resection was significant (P < 0.001). Despite regional lymph node metastasis, tumour number and vascular invasion, serum GGT level was also an independent prognostic factor for OS of patients after R0 resection. The incidence of biliary and vascular invasion was significantly higher in high GGT group than in normal GGT group. Factors predictive of recurrence were multiple tumours and regional lymph node metastasis. After R0 resection, adjuvant TACE not only did not improve the OS of patients at TNM stage I (P = 0.508), but significantly promoted recurrence of these patients (P = 0.006). Only patients at TNM stage II, III and IV benefited from adjuvant TACE for longer survival, while the recurrence rates were not affected.ConclusionsThe new staging system can predict the survival of ICC patients after R0 resection. High GGT level may be suggestive of biliary and vascular invasion and was an independent risk factor for OS after R0 resection. Adjuvant TACE may be indicated only for patients at advanced stages for better survival.
The meaning and importance of vigilant attendance for the relatives of intensive care unit patients
Authors: Plakas Sotirios , Taket Ann , Cant Bob , Fouka Georgia , Vardaki Zambia 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTAimTo explore the meaning of vigilant attendance for relatives of critically ill patients in Greece.BackgroundA plethora of international research has identified proximity to the patient to be a major concern for relatives of critically ill patients. Greece however follows a strict visiting policy in intensive care units (ICUs) so Greek relatives spend great amounts of time just outside the ICUs.DesignThis qualitative study adopted the social constructionist version of grounded theory.MethodData were collected from three ICUs in Athens through in depth interviews with 25 informants and approximately 10 h of observations outside the ICUs on 159 relatives.FindingsVigilant attendance was one of the main coping mechanisms identified for relatives. Four subcategories were found to comprise vigilant attendance: (1) being as close as possible to feel relief, (2) being there to find out what is going on, (3) monitoring changes in the loved one and making own diagnosis and (4) interacting with the ICU professionals.ConclusionVigilant attendance describes the way in which relatives in Greece stayed outside the ICUs. Relatives felt satisfaction from being close as the best alternative for not actually being inside the ICU and they tried to learn what was going on by alternative methods. By seeing the patients, relatives were also able to make their own diagnoses and could therefore avoid relying solely on information given to them. However, a prerequisite for successful vigilant attendance was to get on well with doctors and nurses.Recommendations for clinical practiceChanges in visiting policies in Greece are needed to meet the needs of relatives adequately. Recommendations for changes with minimal investment of time and funding are made.
Fasting and postprandial volumes of the undisturbed colon: normal values and changes in diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome measured using serial MRI
Authors: Pritchard S. E. , Marciani L. , Garsed K. C. , Hoad C. L. , Thongborisute W. , Roberts E. , Gowland P. A. , Spiller R. C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrevious assessments of colon morphology have relied on tests which were either invasive or used ionizing radiation. We aimed to measure regional volumes of the undisturbed colon in healthy volunteers (HV) and patients with diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS‐D).Methods3D regional (ascending, transverse, and descending) colon volumes were measured in fasting abdominal magnetic resonance (MR) images of 75 HVs and 25 IBS‐D patients. Thirty‐five of the HV and all 25 IBS‐D subjects were fed a standard meal and postprandial MRI data obtained over 225 min.Key ResultsColonic regions were identified and 3D maps from cecum to sigmoid flexure were defined. Fasted regional volumes showed wide variation in both HVs being (mean ± SD) ascending colon (AC) 203 ± 75 mL, transverse (TC) 198 ± 79 mL, and descending (DC) 160 ± 86 mL with no difference from IBS‐D subjects (AC 205 ± 69 mL, TC 232 ± 100 mL, and DC 151 ± 71 mL, respectively). The AC volume expanded by 10% after feeding (p = 0.007) in the 35 HV possibly due to increased ileo‐colonic inflow. A later rise in AC volume occurred from t = 90 to t = 240 min as the meal residue entered the cecum. In contrast, IBS‐D subjects showed a much reduced postprandial response of the AC (p < 0.0001) and a greater increase in TC volume after 90 min (p = 0.0244) compared to HV.Conclusions & InferencesWe have defined a normal range of the regional volumes of the undisturbed colon in fasted and fed states. The AC in IBS‐D appeared less able to accommodate postprandial inflow which may account for faster colonic transit.
Antidepressants in the Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain: Questioning the Validity of Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Williamson Owen D. , Sagman Doron , Bruins Robert H. , Boulay Luc J. , Schacht Alexander 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo contrast the analgesic effect of duloxetine with antidepressants reported in other published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and review articles in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP).MethodsIn this narrative review, the results of 13 RCTs and 5 systematic reviews examining the analgesic effect of various antidepressants in CLBP were contrasted with those of 3 placebo‐controlled duloxetine RCTs. Treatment effects based on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) average score in the duloxetine RCTs were assessed in all completers (by study and overall) and in last‐observation‐carried‐forward (LOCF) analyses (extracted from study reports). 30%‐ and 50%‐reduction response rates were compared between duloxetine and placebo.ResultsEleven different antidepressants were examined in 13 individual RCTs. Sample sizes, treatment durations, and analysis methods varied across studies. Reviews each included 5 to 9 of the RCTs and came to different conclusions regarding the analgesic effect of antidepressants: 2 found no evidence while 3 reported some evidence. The completer analysis showed greater improvements in BPI average scores with duloxetine vs. placebo (significant in 2 studies). Overall, the least square mean (standard error) difference between treatments was − 0.7 (0.15) (P < 0.0001). Overall response rates were significantly larger with duloxetine than with placebo.ConclusionsDue to the diversity of previous studies and the pooling methods used, the conclusions regarding the analgesic effect of antidepressants in CLBP drawn from systematic reviews must be interpreted with caution. Appropriately designed and powered studies similar to recently published duloxetine studies are recommended to demonstrate the analgesic effect of antidepressants.
Translation, Cross‐Cultural Adaptation, and Validity of the Korean Version of the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire in Chronic Pain Patients
Authors: Kim Ho‐Joong , Ruscheweyh Ruth , Yeo Ji‐Hyun , Cho Hyeon‐Guk , Yi Je‐Min , Chang Bong‐Soon , Lee Choon‐Ki , Yeom Jin S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to translate pain sensitivity questionnaires (PSQ) into the Korean language, perform a cross‐cultural adaption of the PSQ, and validate the Korean version of PSQ in patients with degenerative spinal disease. The PSQ was translated forward and backward, cross‐culturally adapted by 2 independent translators, and approved by an expert committee. The final Korean version of the PSQ was tested on 72 patients with degenerative spinal disease. Test–retest reliability was evaluated for 60 patients (83%) who completed the second assessment in an interval of 4 weeks. The mean PSQ‐minor, PSQ‐moderate, and PSQ‐total (standard deviation [SD]) were 5.40 (2.02), 6.46 (1.98), and 5.93 (1.93), respectively. The PSQ‐total, PSQ‐minor, and PSQ‐moderate of the Korean version showed very good internal consistencies determined by the Cronbach's α of 0.926, 0.869, and 0.877, respectively. For convergent validity, the PSQ scores of the Korean version showed significant correlations with pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) (r = 0.377, P = 0.002; r = 0.365, P = 0.003; r = 0.362, P = 0.003 for PSQ‐total, PSQ‐minor, and PSQ‐moderate of the Korean version, respectively). For test–retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.782 for PSQ‐total, 0.752 for PSQ‐minor, and 0.793 for PSQ‐moderate. In conclusion, the validated Korean version of PSQ is a transculturally equivalent, reliable, and valid tool to assess individual pain sensitivity.
The secondary metabolism glycosyltransferases UGT73B3 and UGT73B5 are components of redox status in resistance of Arabidopsis to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato
Authors: SIMON CLARA , LANGLOIS‐MEURINNE MATHILDE , DIDIERLAURENT LAURE , CHAOUCH SEJIR , BELLVERT FLORIANT , MASSOUD KAMAL , GARMIER MARIE , THAREAU VINCENT , COMTE GILLES , NOCTOR GRAHAM , SAINDRENAN PATRICK 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSecondary metabolism plant glycosyltransferases (UGTs) ensure conjugation of sugar moieties to secondary metabolites (SMs) and glycosylation contributes to the great diversity, reactivity and regulation of SMs. UGT73B3 and UGT73B5, two UGTs of Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), are involved in the hypersensitive response (HR) to the avirulent bacteria Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst‐AvrRpm1), but their function in planta is unknown. Here, we report that ugt73b3, ugt73b5 and ugt73b3 ugt73b5 T‐DNA insertion mutants exhibited an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), an enhanced cell death during the HR to Pst‐AvrRpm1, whereas glutathione levels increased in the single mutants. In silico analyses indicate that UGT73B3 and UGT73B5 belong to the early salicylic acid (SA)‐induced genes whose pathogen‐induced expression is co‐regulated with genes related to cellular redox homeostasis and general detoxification. Analyses of metabolic alterations in ugt mutants reveal modification of SA and scopoletin contents which correlate with redox perturbation, and indicate quantitative modifications in the pattern of tryptophan‐derived SM accumulation after Pst‐AvrRpm1 inoculation. Our data suggest that UGT73B3 and UGT73B5 participate in regulation of redox status and general detoxification of ROS‐reactive SMs during the HR to Pst‐AvrRpm1, and that decreased resistance to Pst‐AvrRpm1 in ugt mutants is tightly linked to redox perturbation.
Transient Spectroscopy of 5,7‐diiodo‐3‐butoxy‐6‐fluorone (DIBF)
Authors: Zheldakov Igor L. , Grinevich Oleg , Mejiritski Alexander , Elles Christopher G. , Neckers Douglas C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDIBF (5,7‐diiodo‐3‐butoxy‐6‐fluorone) is a visible light photosensitizer for diaryliodonium salts, the latter being used in cationic photopolymerizations. Although photopolymerization of cycloaliphatic epoxide resins can be initiated by direct excitation of UV‐absorbing diaryliodonium salts, such as (p‐octyloxy)phenyliodonium hexafluoroantimonate (OPPI), the short wavelengths required cause some practical problems. Sensitizers, of which DIBF is among the best, obviate the deep UV problem by allowing visible‐wavelength activation of the photoinitiator. Addition of 9,10‐diethoxyanthracene (AN 910 E) dramatically accelerates photopolymerization under visible irradiation of the DIBF/OPPI system. We report herein the transient spectroscopy of the photosensitizer DIBF and discuss likely mechanisms for sensitization of OPPI.
Taxonomic reassessment of Chondrus verrucosus (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales), with a description of Chondrus retortus sp. nov
Authors: Matsumoto Kaoru , Shimada Satoshi 
Published: October 2013

SummaryPhylogenetic and morphological reinvestigation of Chondrus verrucosus Mikami was conducted in the Pacific coast of southeastern Honshu, Japan, including the holotype specimen and samples near the type locality. Two entities were recognized by phylogenetic analyses of plastid rbcL and nuclear EF2 sequences. In morphological analyses, the two entities were distinguished by: (i) thallus size and form, and (ii) cell shape of the medullary layer surrounding young carposporangia: one has larger thalli, is regularly canaliculated, with linear medullary cells (large‐type); the other is smaller, canaliculated with crispation and has roundish medullary cells (small‐type). The large‐type was common in southern to eastern Boso Peninsula including near the type locality; the small‐type was typical in the southwest Boso Peninsula and Sagami Bay. The large‐type was shown to be equivalent to C. verrucosus by examination of the holotype specimen. The small‐type is described as a new species, C. retortus Matsumoto et Shimada.
Consistent Truth
Authors: Slater Hartley 
Published: October 2013

AbstractModern Logic has generated a lot of problems for itself through inattention to natural forms of speech. In particular it has had difficulties with a large group of ‘logical paradoxes’ through its preoccupation with the Predicate Calculus and related structures to the exclusion of other formal structures that represent natural language more fully, and thereby escape these paradoxes. In natural speech the unrecognized forms involved are principally individual referring terms with a non‐specific or fictional reference. For, under the influence of the Logical Empiricists, the focus in formal logic has been on individual terms with a specific, factual reference. But a similar point arises with certain predicates, and indeed even the proper concept of a predicate has been lost, producing the most notorious of the standard puzzles: Russell's Paradox. The paper inevitably makes reference to contemporary logical symbolism in places, but its purpose is to show that the only way forward is to use a symbolism that is abbreviatory only, i.e. maps directly onto natural speech.
The Tiger Sulfide Chimney, Yonaguni Knoll IV Hydrothermal Field, Southern Okinawa Trough, Japan: The First Reported Occurrence of Pt–Cu–Fe‐Bearing Bismuthinite and Sn‐Bearing Chalcopyrite in an Active Seafloor Hydrothermal System
Authors: Gena Kaul , Chiba Hitoshi , Kase Katsuo , Nakashima Kazuo , Ishiyama Daizo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractA sulfide chimney ore sampled from the flank of the active Tiger vent area in the Yonaguni Knoll IV hydrothermal field, south Okinawa trough, consists of anhydrite, pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and bismuthinite. Electron microprobe analysis indicates that the chalcopyrite contains up to 2.4 wt% Sn, whereas bismuthinite contains up to 1.7 wt% Pt, 0.8 wt% Cu and 0.5 wt% Fe. The Sn‐rich chalcopyrite and Pt–Cu–Fe‐bearing bismuthinite are the first reported occurrence of such minerals in an active submarine hydrothermal system. The results confirm that Sn enters the chalcopyrite as a solid solution towards stannite by the coupled substitution of Sn4+Fe2+ for Fe3+Fe3+, whereas Pt, Cu and Fe enter the bismuthinite structure as a solid solution during rapid nucleation. The fluid inclusions homogenization temperatures in anhydrite (220–310°C) and measured end‐member temperature of the vent fluids on‐site (325°C) indicate that Sn‐bearing chalcopyrite and Pt–Cu–Fe‐bearing bismuthinite express the original composition of the minerals that precipitated as metastable phases at a temperature above 300°C. The result observed in this study implies that sulfides in ancient volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits have similar trace element distribution during nucleation but it is remobilised during diagenesis, metamorphism or supergene enrichment processes.