bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reinnervating the Penis in Spina Bifida Patients in the United States: Ilioinguinal-to-Dorsal-Penile Neurorrhaphy in Two Cases
Authors: Jacobs Micah A. , Avellino Anthony M. , Shurtleff David , Lendvay Thomas S. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Penile sensation is absent in some patients with myelomeningocele owing to the dysfunction of the pudendal nerve. Here, we describe the introduction of penile sensation via ilioinguinal-to-dorsal-penile neurorrhaphy in two patients with penile anesthesia due to neural tube defects.

Aim
To establish penile sensation via ilioinguinal-to-dorsal-penile-nerve neurorrhaphy.

Methods
A 20-year-old and a 35-year-old male with L5/S1 myelomeningocele were both highly functioning and ambulatory, with intact ilioinguinal nerve distribution sensation but anesthesia of the penis and glans. They were sexually active and able to ejaculate antegrade. Both had high International Index of Erectile Function scores for confidence to achieve erection sufficient for intercourse. An incision was made from anterior superior iliac crest to the glans penis to expose the inguinal canal and ilioinguinal nerve. The ilioinguinal and dorsal penile nerve were transected and anastomosed. The anastomotic site was then wrapped in a hemostatic agent and a drain was left in place. For penile rehabilitation, both patients were instructed to stimulate the penis while looking at the genitalia to encourage redistribution of perceived sensation.

Main Outcome Measures
Presence of erogenous penile sensation was tested by neurologic examination and patient feedback, and patients completed sexual health questionnaires.

Results
Both patients reported paresthesias of the groin with penile stimulation 1 month after surgery. Both patients are now 24 months postoperative and have erogenous sensation on the ipsilateral glans and shaft during intercourse. Neither patient has difficulty achieving or maintaining erections.

Conclusions
We present two patients with dorsal penile reinnervation via the ilioinguinal nerve. Although nerve reinnervation has been used in urological procedures, this is the first description of an attempt to resupply penile sensation via the dorsal penile nerve in the United States with a minimum of 18 months follow-up. Early follow-up suggests successful neuronal remapping and regained sensation of the penis.
Oral l-Citrulline Supplementation Improves Erectile Function in Rats with Acute Arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Shiota Arufumi , Hotta Yuji , Kataoka Tomoya , Morita Masahiko , Maeda Yasuhiro , Kimura Kazunori 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Oral l-citrulline supplementation increases serum l-arginine levels more efficiently than l-arginine itself and increases nitric oxide (NO) production.

Aim
To investigate whether oral l-citrulline supplementation improves erectile function in rats with acute arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods
We divided 8-week-old male Wistar-ST rats into 3 groups: sham-operated rats (control group), arteriogenic ED rats who underwent ligation of both internal iliac arteries (ligation group), and arteriogenic ED rats receiving oral 2% l-citrulline water supplementation (citrulline group). Citrulline water was given to arteriogenic ED rats for 3 weeks from 1 week after surgery. Erectile function was evaluated by maximum intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) ratios via cavernous nerve stimulation at 4 weeks after surgery. Then, the penises were resected, stained with Masson's trichrome, and observed microscopically. Serum nitrogen oxides (NOx) levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Bonferroni's multiple t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures were changes in ICP/MAP, smooth muscle (SM)/collagen ratios, and NOx levels following l-citrulline supplementation.

Results
The ICP/MAP ratio in the ligation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P &lt; 0.05), denoting ED. The ICP/MAP ratio of the citrulline group was significantly higher than that of the ligation group (P &lt; 0.05), indicating ED amelioration. Levels of NOx in the ligation group were significantly lower than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05), while those in the citrulline group were significantly higher than in the ligation group (P &lt; 0.05). SM/collagen ratios in the ligation group were significantly lower than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05), while ratios in the citrulline group were significantly higher than those in the ligation group (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Oral l-citrulline supplementation improved ICP/MAP and SM/collagen ratios and increased NOx. Therefore, oral l-citrulline supplementation might be a useful novel therapy for acute arteriogenic ED.
RrmAregulates the stability of specific transcripts in response to both nitrogen source and oxidative stress
Authors: Krol Kinga , Morozov Igor Y. , Jones Meriel G. , Wyszomirski Tomasz , Weglenski Piotr , Dzikowska Agnieszka , Caddick Mark X. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryDifferential regulation of transcript stability is an effective means by which an organism can modulate gene expression. A well‐characterized example is glutamine signalled degradation of specific transcripts inAspergillus nidulans. In the case ofareA, which encodes a wide‐domain transcription factor mediating nitrogen metabolite repression, the signal is mediated through a highly conserved region of the 3′UTR. Utilizing thisRNAsequence we isolatedRrmA, anRNArecognition motif protein. Disruption of the respective gene led to loss of both glutamine signalled transcript degradation as well as nitrate signalled stabilization ofniaDmRNA. However, nitrogen starvation was shown to act independently ofRrmAin stabilizing certain transcripts.RrmAwas also implicated in the regulation of arginine catabolism gene expression and the oxidative stress responses at the level of mRNA stability. ΔrrmAmutants are hypersensitive to oxidative stress. This phenotype correlates with destabilization ofeifEanddhsAmRNA.eifEencodeseIF5A, a translation factor within which a conserved lysine is post‐translationally modified to hypusine, a process requiringDhsA. Intriguingly, for specific transcriptsRrmAmediates both stabilization and destabilization and the specificity of the signals transduced is transcript dependent, suggesting it acts in consort with other factors which differ between transcripts.
Post‐transcriptional activation of a diguanylate cyclase by quorum sensing small RNAs promotes biofilm formation in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Zhao Xiaonan , Koestler Benjamin J. , Waters Christopher M. , Hammer Brian K. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryBiofilms promote attachment of Vibrio cholerae in aquatic ecosystems and aid in transmission. Intracellular c‐di‐GMP levels that control biofilm development positively correlate with expression of Qrr sRNAs, which are transcribed when quorum sensing (QS) autoinducer levels are low. The Qrr sRNAs base‐pair with and repress translation of hapR encoding the QS ‘master regulator’, hence increased c‐di‐GMP and biofilm development at low density were believed to be solely a consequence of Qrr/hapR pairing. We show that Qrr sRNAs also base‐pair with and activate translation of the mRNA of a diguanylate cyclase (DGC), Vca0939; relieving an inhibitory structure in vca0939 that occludes the ribosome binding site. A nucleotide substitution in vca0939 disrupted sRNA/mRNA base‐pairing and prevented vca0939 translation, while a compensating Qrr sRNA substitution restored pairing and Vca0939 levels. Qrr‐dependent DGC activation led to c‐di‐GMP accumulation and biofilm development in V. cholerae. This represents the first description of (1) a DGC post‐transcriptionally activated by direct pairing with an Hfq‐dependent sRNA, and (2) control of a V. cholerae QS phenotype, independent of HapR. Thus, direct interactions of the same sRNAs with two mRNAs promote c‐di‐GMP‐dependent biofilm formation by complementary mechanisms in V. cholerae; by negatively regulating HapR, and positively regulating the DGC Vca0939.
VeA and MvlA repression of the cryptic orsellinic acid gene cluster in Aspergillus nidulans involves histone 3 acetylation
Authors: Bok Jin Woo , Soukup Alexandra A. , Chadwick Elizabeth , Chiang Yi‐Ming , Wang Clay C. C. , Keller Nancy P. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryA perplexing aspect of fungal secondary metabolite gene clusters is that most clusters remain ‘silent’ under common laboratory growth conditions where activation is obtained through gene manipulation or encounters with environmental signals. Few proteins have been found involved in repression of silent clusters. Through multicopy suppressor mutagenesis, we have identified a novel cluster suppressor in Aspergillus nidulans, MvlA (modulator of veA loss). Genetic assessment of MvlA mutants revealed the role of both itself and VeA (but not the VeA partner LaeA) in the suppression of the cryptic ors gene cluster producing orsellinic acid and its F9775 derivatives. Loss of veA upregulates F9775A and F9775B production and this increase is reduced 4–5‐fold when an overexpression mvlA (OE:mvlA) allele is introduced into the ΔveA background. Previous studies have implicated a positive role for GcnE (H3K9 acetyltransferase of the SAGA/ADA complex) in ors cluster expression and here we find expression of gcnE is upregulated in ΔveA and suppressed by OE:mvlA in the ΔveA background. H3K9 acetylation levels of ors cluster genes correlated with gcnE expression and F9775 production in ΔveA and OE:mvlAΔveA strains. Finally, deletion of gcnE in the ΔveA background abolishes ors cluster activation and F9775 production. Together, this work supports a role for VeA and MvlA in modifying SAGA/ADA complex activity.
The genus Striga: a witch profile
Authors: Spallek Thomas , Mutuku Musembi , Shirasu Ken 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe genus Striga comprises about 30 obligate root‐parasitic plants, commonly known as witchweeds. In particular, S. hermonthica, S. asiatica and S. gesnerioides cause immense losses to major stable crops in sub‐Saharan Africa. Most Striga species parasitize grass species (Poaceae), but Striga gesnerioides has evolved to parasitize dicotyledonous plants. Aspects of phylogeny, economic impact, parasitic life style and molecular discoveries are briefly reviewed to profile one of the main biotic constraints to African agriculture.TaxonomyStriga Lour.; Kingdom Plant; Division Angiospermae; Clade Eudicots; Order Laminales; Family Orobanchaceae.Important hostsSorghum Moench., maize (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza L.), sugarcane (Saccharum L.), pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.].Disease symptomsStunted growth, drought‐stressed‐like appearance, in severe cases chlorosis and necrosis.Economic importance1 billion $US per annum.Disease controlHand weeding, breeding, chemical control, intercropping with catch or trap crops.Useful webpageshttp://ppgp.huck.psu.edu; http://striga.psc.riken.jp
Caring and technology in an intensive care unit: an ethnographic study
Authors: Price Ann M 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundCritical care practice is a mixture of caring and technological activities. There is debate about whether the balance between these two elements is correct and a concern that critical care units can dehumanize the patient. This research sought to examine aspects that might affect this balance between the caring and technology within the critical care setting.AimWhat aspects affect registered health care professionals' ability to care for patients within the technological environment of a critical care unit?MethodologyA qualitative approach using ethnography was utilized as this methodology focuses on the cultural elements within a situation. Data collection involved participant observation, document review and semi‐structured interviews to triangulate methods as this aids rigour for this approach. A purposeful sample to examine registered health care professionals currently working within the study area was used. A total of 19 participants took part in the study; 8 nurses were observed and 16 health care professionals were interviewed, including nurses, a doctor and 2 physiotherapists. The study took place on a District General Hospital intensive care unit and ethical approval was gained.FindingsAn overarching theme of the ‘Crafting process’ was developed with sub themes of ‘vigilance’, ‘focus of attention, ‘being present’ and ‘expectations’ with the ultimate goal of achieving the best interests for the individual patient.ConclusionThe areas reflected in this study coincide with the care, compassion, competency, commitment, communication and courage ideas detailed by the Department of Health (2012). Thus, further research to detail more specifically how these areas are measured within critical care may be useful.Relevance to practiceCaring is a complex concept that is difficult to outline but this article can inform practitioners about the aspects that help and hinder caring in the technical setting to inform training.
Knowledge levels of intensive care nurses on prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia
Authors: Akın Korhan Esra , Hakverdioğlu Yönt Gülendam , Parlar Kılıç Serap , Uzelli Derya 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundVentilator‐associated pneumonia constitutes a significant concern for ventilated patients in the intensive care unit.AimThis study was planned to evaluate the knowledge of nurses working in general intensive care units concerning evidence‐based measures for the prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia.MethodThis study design is cross‐sectional. It was carried out on nurses working in the general intensive care units of anesthiology and re‐animation clinics. Collection of research data was performed by means of a Nurse Identification Form and a Form of Evidence‐Based Knowledge concerning the Prevention of Ventilator‐Associated Pneumonia. Characterization statistics were shown by percentage, median and interquartile range. Chi‐square and Wilcoxon tests and Kruskal‐Wallis tests were used as appropriate.ResultsThe median value of total points scored by nurses on the questionnaire was 4.00 ± 2.00. The difference between the nurses' education levels, duration of work experience and participation in in‐service training programmes on ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention and the median value of their total scores on the questionnaire was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe conclusion of the study was that critical care nurses' knowledge about ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention is poor.
Current Status of Research on Fungal Bioluminescence: Biochemistry and Prospects for Ecotoxicological Application
Authors: Stevani Cassius V. , Oliveira Anderson G. , Mendes Luiz F. , Ventura Fernanda F. , Waldenmaier Hans E. , Carvalho Rodrigo P. , Pereira Tatiana A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractOver the last half decade the study of fungal bioluminescence has regained momentum since the involvement of enzymes has been confirmed after over 40 years of controversy. Since then our laboratory has worked mainly on further characterizing the substances involved in fungal bioluminescence and its mechanism, as well as the development of an ecotoxicological bioluminescent assay with fungi. Previously, we proved the involvement of a NAD(P)H‐dependent reductase and a membrane‐bound luciferase in a two‐step reaction triggered by addition of NAD(P)H and molecular oxygen to generate green light. The fungal luminescent system is also likely shared across all lineages of bioluminescent fungi based on cross‐reaction studies. Moreover, fungal bioluminescence is inhibited by the mycelium exposure to toxicants. The change in light emission under optimal and controlled conditions has been used as endpoint in the development of toxicological bioassays. These bioassays are useful to better understand the interactions and effects of hazardous compounds to terrestrial species and to assist the assessment of soil contaminations by biotic or abiotic sources. In this work, we present an overview of the current state of the study of fungal luminescence and the application of bioluminescent fungi as versatile tool in ecotoxicology.
SU‐A‐WAB‐01: Professional Council Symposium: The Medical Physicist as a Professional Leader ‐ The Importance of Leadership Development
Authors: Hendee W , Hazle J , Clements J 
Published: July 2013

Medical physicists have a unique combination of education and training in physics principles, radiation physics applications in medicine, human anatomy, as well as safety analysis and quality control methods. To be highly effective, we must be leaders in our local practice environments — that is, our professional mission should be to provide professional leadership within our respective institutions. Unfortunately, many medical physicists focus exclusively on their narrow specialty of practice (e.g. imaging physics, radiation oncology physics). Such an approach represents a missed opportunity. Within every institution, whether it has a clinical, research or teaching focus, there are key stakeholders who are not experts in the science of physics in medicine, and many colleagues who rely on medical physicists to provide direction and prioritization of the group's work. An effective medical physicist recognizes that to advance the institution's mission, the medical physicist must join other professional leaders within the institution to provide clear direction and perspective for the entire team. This year's Professional Council Symposium will explore the many facets of professional leadership in medical physics. Dr. Hendee will provide an overview of medical physicists as leaders in our profession, with a focus on our long partnership with our physician colleagues. Dr. Hazle will describe how the medical physicist can have a significant impact on the environment of care in one's institution. Ms. Clements will describe how the medical physicist can influence the professional standards within their institution, even if the medical physicist does not yet possess several decades of experience. Being an effective professional leader is quite different from being an effective manager. The professional leader helps the entire team or institution to recognize the most important topics to focus on and why these topics matter, and provides the entire team with clear direction and support. To be effective as medical physicists, we must learn how to provide leadership to a diverse team of colleagues.Learning Objectives:1. Understand the difference between management and leadership.2. Understand the importance of professional leadership for medical physicists to be highly effective in their professional mission.3. Understand some strategies for developing as a professional leader.
SU‐B‐103‐01: Education Council Symposium: AAPM and International Education: What, Why and How?
Authors: Pipman Y , Van Dyk J , Saw C , Jeraj R , White G 
Published: July 2013

AAPM members, and the AAPM as an organization, have been active for many years in educational activities outside of the USA. A great portion of these activities has taken place in countries with much less resources, and with only incipient or barely organized Medical Physics societies, while others were carried out in support of new and emerging needs in regions with long Medical Physics traditions. The AAPM has earned a great reputation as a Result of these and other activities. The last decade has seen an inordinate surge of deployment of new technology and methods worldwide, but also an increased awareness about the risks it poses. Hence the pressing need for well educated and trained Medical Physicists. The gap is most critical in developing countries, where the normally slow process of growing the training capacity appears to be an unaffordable luxury. We plan to discuss the “What, Why, and How” of the involvement of AAPM members in International Educational activities that should be of help in developing countries and that will enrich the members' experience and outlook.Learning Objectives:1. To learn about challenges for Medical Physics education in developing countries.2. To look at ways and opportunities to “do good” while engaging in exciting work.3. To discuss ways to help our colleagues abroad while expanding our own understanding and improving our skills4. To learn how collaborating on projects can leverage the educational offerings and generate opportunities for growth.
SU‐E‐T‐674: Parameter Sensitivity Analysis of VMAT Planning for Spine SBRT
Authors: Chen H , Winey BA , Daartz J , Gierga DP 
Published: July 2013

Purpose: To analyze the sensitivity of VMAT plan quality to various delivery parameters for spine SBRT. Methods: Ten spine patients, previously treated to 18 Gy in 1 fraction with 11 field IMRT plans generated using a Multi‐Criteria Optimization approach in Raystation (RaySearch Laboratories, Stockholm, Sweden) were selected for this study. Optimal VMAT plans, of comparable quality were generated using dual partial arcs and defined as baseline plans. The sensitivity of plan quality on dose rate level (variable dose rates (VDR), discrete dose rates (DDR)), leaf speed constraints (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 cm/degree and no constraint), was tested. The effect of maximum dose rate, maximum delivery time, and fraction size (18Gy*1, 9Gy*2 and 2Gy*9) was also tested. The resulting VMAT plan quality was analyzed by comparing PTV homogeneity index and conformity number, and D1 of spinal cord. Results: A leaf speed constraint of less than 0.2 cm/degree will degrade PTV conformity and spinal cord sparing, and plan quality of leaf speed more than 0.6 cm/degree is close to that without any leaf speed constraint. The proper selection of VMAT delivery parameters allows VMAT plan quality to match IMRT. In addition, VMAT plan quality of VDR is superior to that of DDR when either maximum delivery time or maximum dose rate is increased. Conclusion: VMAT plan quality for spine SBRT depends on the combination of delivery time, fraction size, and leaf speed. The sensitivity of plan quality depends on dose per fraction and maximum delivery time. Funding support: NCI Federal Share Proton Beam Program Income Grant.Conflict of Interest:none.
MO‐A‐144‐01: High‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy Hands‐on Workshop
Authors: Sammet S 
Published: July 2013

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy is a therapeutic modality that uses ultrasound waves as carriers of energy. HIFU is used to focus a beam of ultrasound energy into a small volume at specific target locations within the body. The focused beam causes localized high temperatures and produces a well‐defined regions of necrosis. This completely non‐invasive technology has great potential for tumor ablation and targeted drug delivery. The goal of this ultrasound therapy workshop is to demonstrate advancements in high intensity focused ultrasound. The workshop will offer lectures reviewing ultrasound physics and safety, current ultrasound technology, and an overview of the state‐of‐the art in ultrasound treatment. Furthermore, we will allow the attendees to see configurations, applications, and hands‐on demonstrations with on‐site instructors at separate stations. Target audience: Medical physicists and other medical professionals in diagnostic imaging or radiation oncology with interest in high‐intensity focused ultrasound.Learning Objectives:1. High‐intensity focused ultrasound as a therapeutic modality2. Review of ultrasound physics and safety for HIFU applications3. Introduction to current ultrasound technology and equipment4. Overview of the state‐of‐the art in ultrasound treatment• NCI funded Cancer Education and Career Development program (R25), Nanotechnology in Imaging and Radiotherapy• Cancer Research Foundation Young Investigator Award• Philips Healthcare Research Grant