bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological and Functional Characterization of Novel EP and DP Receptor Agonists: DP1 Receptor Mediates Penile Erection in Multiple Species
Authors: Brugger Nadia , Kim Noel N. , Araldi Gian Luca , Traish Abdulmaged M. , Palmer Stephen S. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTIntroductionDespite the widespread use of prostaglandin E1 as an efficacious treatment for male erectile dysfunction for more than two decades, research on prostanoid function in penile physiology has been limited.AimTo characterize the pharmacological and physiological activity of novel subtype-selective EP and DP receptor agonists.MethodsRadioligand binding and second messenger assays were used to define receptor subtype specificity of the EP and DP agonists. Functional activity was further characterized using isolated human and rabbit penile cavernosal tissue in organ baths. In vivo activity was assessed in rabbits and rats by measuring changes in cavernous pressure after intracavernosal injection of receptor agonists.Main Outcome MeasuresReceptor binding and signal transduction, smooth muscle contractile activity, erectile function.ResultsIn organ bath preparations of human cavernosal tissue contracted with phenylephrine, EP2- and EP4-selective agonists exhibited variable potency in causing relaxation. One of the compounds caused mild contraction, and none of the compounds was as effective as PGE1 (EC50 =0.23 µM). There was no consistent correlation between the pharmacological profile (receptor binding and second messenger assays) of the EP agonists and their effect on cavernosal tissue tone. In contrast, the DP1-selective agonist AS702224 (EC50  =29 nM) was more effective in relaxing human cavernosal tissue than either PGE1, PGD2 (EC50 =58 nM), or the DP agonist BW245C (EC50  =59 nM). In rabbit cavernosal tissue, PGE1 and PGD2 caused only contraction, while AS702224 and BW245C caused relaxation. Intracavernosal administration of AS702224 and BW245C also caused penile tumescence in rabbits and rats. For each compound, the erectile response improved with increasing dose and was significantly higher than vehicle alone.ConclusionsThese data suggest that AS702224 is a potent DP1-selective agonist that causes penile erection. The DP1 receptor mediates relaxation in human cavernosal tissue, and stimulates pro-erectile responses in rat and rabbit. Thus, rabbits and rats can be useful models for investigating the physiological function of DP1 receptors.
Controversies in Sexual Medicine: Is Physical Examination Required Before Prescribing Hormones to Patients with Gender Dysphoria?
Authors: Vardi Yoram , Wylie Kevan R. , Moser Charles , Assalian Pierre , Dean John , Asscheman Henk 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A genital examination can have psychologic effects on a patient, particularly when the source of their sexual medicine complaint is a body part. How necessary is a physical exam before prescribing hormones in cases of gender dsyphoria?

Methods
Five people with expertise and/or interest in the area of gender dysphoria and endocrinology were asked to contribute their opinions.

Main Outcome Measure
To provide food for thought, discussion, and possible further research in a poorly discussed area of sexual medicine.

Results
Of the five experts writing on the topic, one believes that a physical examination should always be performed before prescribing hormones for gender dysphoria, one believes it is not a prerequisite, and three believe a physical examination is recommended, but is not necessary in cases where the patient objects despite an explanation of the purpose of the exam. As long as this was documented, it would not present a medicolegal problem.

Conclusions
It is not clear whether or not a physical examination must be performed on all gender dsyphoric patients before prescribing hormones; however, an examination would be helpful in revealing a significant health management issue.
Improvement in Sexual Functioning in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome
Authors: Nickel J. Curtis , Parsons C. Lowell , Forrest John , Kaufman David , Evans Robert , Chen Andrew , Wan George , Xiao Xiaoying 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual functioning is one of the strongest predictors of poorer quality of life (QOL) in patients diagnosed with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS).

Aims
To examine the relationship between symptom reduction and sexual functioning in patients with IC/PBS.

Methods
Patients with IC/PBS were treated with 300 mg/day pentosan polysulfate sodium for 32 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures
Patients completed the O'Leary–Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index, Short Form-12 QOL, and Medical Outcomes Study Sexual Functioning Scale at baseline, and at 8, 16, 24, and 32 weeks. Treatment responders were defined as those achieving a ≥30% reduction in symptom index from baseline.

Results
A total of 128 patients were included in the analyses. At baseline, mean symptom index, QOL (physical and mental), and sexual functioning scores were 12.3, 41.7, 45.9, and 56.1, respectively. Patients showed statistically significant improvement in symptom and sexual functioning scores at weeks 8, 16, 24, and 32. At week 32, the mean change in symptom index score from baseline was –2.97 (standard deviation [SD]=4.66, P &lt;0.0001), and the mean change in sexual functioning score from baseline was 8.9 (SD=32.9, P =0.0054). Reduction in symptom index score was moderately correlated with improvement in sexual functioning score at the end of study (r =–35, P =0.0002). Positive correlation was observed at the end of the study between the mean change scores of sexual functioning score and physical and mental QOL components (r =0.46, P &lt;0.0001 and r =0.29, P =0.0023, respectively). Patients achieving a ≥30% reduction in symptom index (responder, N=47; 44%) had an adjusted mean change in sexual functioning score of 19.8 (standard error [SE]=4.69), while nonresponders (N=59, 56%) had an adjusted mean change –0.49 (SE=4.17) (between groups, P =0.0020).

Conclusions
Sexual dysfunction is moderate to severe in patients with IC/PBS and impacts significantly on QOL. Reduction in symptoms was associated with improvement in the patient-reported outcomes of sexual function.
Geometric Mean IELT and Premature Ejaculation: Appropriate Statistics to Avoid Overestimation of Treatment Efficacy
Authors: Waldinger Marcel D. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Olivier Berend , Schweitzer Dave H. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) behaves in a skewed manner and needs the appropriate statistics for correct interpretation of treatment results.

Aims
To explain the rightful use of geometrical mean IELT values and the fold increase of the geometric mean IELT because of the positively skewed IELT distribution.

Methods
Linking theoretical arguments to the outcome of several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and modern antidepressant study results.

Main Outcome Measures
Geometric mean IELT and fold increase of geometrical mean IELT.

Results
Log-transforming each separate IELT measurement of each individual man is the basis for the calculation of the geometric mean IELT. A drug-induced positively skewed IELT distribution necessitates the calculation of the geometric mean IELTs at baseline and during drug treatment. In a positively skewed IELT distribution, the use of the “arithmetic” mean IELT risks an overestimation of the drug-induced ejaculation delay as the mean IELT is always higher than the geometric mean IELT. Strong ejaculation-delaying drugs give rise to a strong positively skewed IELT distribution, whereas weak ejaculation-delaying drugs give rise to (much) less skewed IELT distributions. Ejaculation delay is expressed in fold increase of the geometric mean IELT.

Conclusions
Drug-induced ejaculatory performance discloses a positively skewed IELT distribution, requiring the use of the geometric mean IELT and the fold increase of the geometric mean IELT.
Premenopausal Women with Sexual Dysfunction: The Need for a Bladder Function History
Authors: Mehta Aasta , Bachmann Gloria 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Despite the high prevalence of both female sexual problems and bladder dysfunction in the premenopausal population, sexual history forms used in primary care offices rarely include questions about the impact of bladder dysfunction on sexual health.

Aim
To provide a review of the literature that illustrates the relationship between bladder problems and sexual performance of premenopausal women.

Main Outcome Measures
To objectively support by a review of the literature the need for a complete bladder history in when evaluating premenopausal women with female sexual dysfunction.

Methods
Pubmed was searched for all articles (from November 1980 to June 2007) that reported on the effect bladder dysfunction has on premenopausal female sexual function.

Results
The scant literature available strongly suggested that bladder dysfunction is a contributor to sexual dysfunction and that this medical concern should be considered in all women, regardless of age who present with sexual complaints.

Conclusion
Further studies need to be conducted in order to solidify a direct causal relationship between bladder dysfunction and premenopausal female sexuality. These studies should include a larger sample size, clearly defined types of sexual dysfunction and bladder dysfunction, and appropriate follow-up of patient responses using validated objective and subjective outcome modalities to confirm that the patient responses are factual.
Psychosexual Characteristics of Vestibulodynia Couples: Partner Solicitousness and Hostility are Associated with Pain
Authors: Desrosiers Mylène , Bergeron Sophie , Meana Marta , Leclerc Bianca , Binik Yitzchak M. , Khalifé Samir 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Provoked vestibulodynia is a prevalent yet misunderstood women's sexual health issue. In particular, data concerning relationship characteristics and psychosexual functioning of partners of these women are scarce. Moreover, no research to date has examined the role of the partner in vestibulodynia.

Aims
This study aimed to characterize and compare the psychosexual profiles of women with vestibulodynia and their partners, in addition to exploring whether partner-related variables correlated with women's pain and associated psychosexual functioning.

Methods
Forty-three couples in which the woman suffered from vestibulodynia completed self-report questionnaires focusing on their sexual functioning, dyadic adjustment, and psychological adjustment. Women were diagnosed using the cotton-swab test during a standardized gynecological examination. They also took part in a structured interview during which they were asked about their pain during intercourse and frequency of intercourse. They also completed a questionnaire about their perceptions of their partners’ responses to the pain.

Main Outcome Measures
Dependent measures for both members of the couple included the Sexual History Form, the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale and the Brief Symptom Inventory. Women completed a horizontal analog scale assessing the intensity of their pain during intercourse and reported their frequency of intercourse per month.

Results
Findings show that women with vestibulodynia and their partners did not differ from population norms with regard to global sexual functioning, dyadic adjustment and psychological adjustment. However, mean frequency of intercourse was lower than the standard for this age group. Also, women had significantly poorer sexual functioning than men. In addition, a regression analysis revealed that partner solicitousness and hostility were significantly associated with higher levels of pain during intercourse.

Conclusions
Results suggest that although the psychosexual and relationship characteristics of partners of women with vestibulodynia are within norms, their responses may play a role in the experience of pain.
Laboratory Forum: The Use of Gene Transfer Technology to Study the Pathophysiology of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Strong Travis D. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The past 25 years of basic science research on erectile physiology has been devoted to investigating the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction. Research has led to a better understanding of the biochemical factors and intracellular mechanisms responsible for corporal smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, as well as the influence of endothelial-derived relaxing factors.

Aim
In this essay, we propose the use of gene transfer technology to study mechanisms of disease involved in penile vascular dysfunction.

Methods
The development of methods to deliver therapeutic genes to the penis has kindled a keen interest in treating ED with gene- and cell-based therapies.

Results
Gene therapy has delineated putative mechanisms of disease in animal models of erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion
Investigation of animal models using gene therapy may ultimately lead to mechanism-based therapies for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Effect of Pesticide Inoculation, Duration of Composting, and Degradation Time on the Content of Compost Fatty Acids, Quantified Using Two Methods
Authors: Cardinali Alessandra , Otto Stefan , Vischetti Costantino , Brown Colin , Zanin Giuseppe 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT
Compost biobeds can promote biodegradation of pesticides. The microbial community structure changes during the composting process, and simple methods can potentially be used to follow these changes. In this study the microbial identification (MIDI) and ester-linked (EL) procedures were used to determine the composition of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) in composts aged 3 and 12 months, inoculated with 3 recalcitrant pesticides (azoxystrobin, chlorotoluron, and epoxyconazole and a coapplication of all three) after 0, 56, and 125 days of degradation. Pesticide persistence was high, and after 125 days the residue was 22 to 70% of the applied amount depending mostly on the composting age. Seventy-one FAMEs belonging to nine groups were detected. The EL method provided three times as many detections as did the MIDI method and was more sensitive for all FAME groups except alcohol. Thirty-six and five FAMEs were unique to the EL and MIDI methods, respectively. The extraction method was of importance. The EL method provided a higher number of detections for 57 FAMEs, and the MIDI method provided a higher number for 9 FAMEs, while the two methods were equal for 5 FAMEs; thus, the EL method provided a more uniform overall FAME profile. Effects of the other factors were not always clear. Inoculation with pesticide did not influence the FAME profile with the MIDI method, while it influenced cyclopropane and monounsaturated content with the EL method. Composting age and degradation time had an effect on some groups of FAMEs, and this effect was greater with the EL method. The use of some FAMEs as biomarkers to follow microbial community succession was likely influenced by the type of compost and other factors.
Boosting Autofermentation Rates and Product Yields with Sodium Stress Cycling: Application to Production of Renewable Fuels by Cyanobacteria
Authors: Carrieri Damian , Momot Dariya , Brasg Ian A. , Ananyev Gennady , Lenz Oliver , Bryant Donald A. , Dismukes G. Charles 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Sodium concentration cycling was examined as a new strategy for redistributing carbon storage products and increasing autofermentative product yields following photosynthetic carbon fixation in the cyanobacterium
Arthrospira
(
Spirulina
)
maxima
. The salt-tolerant hypercarbonate strain CS-328 was grown in a medium containing 0.24 to 1.24 M sodium, resulting in increased biosynthesis of soluble carbohydrates to up to 50% of the dry weight at 1.24 M sodium. Hypoionic stress during dark anaerobic metabolism (autofermentation) was induced by resuspending filaments in low-sodium (bi)carbonate buffer (0.21 M), which resulted in accelerated autofermentation rates. For cells grown in 1.24 M NaCl, the fermentative yields of acetate, ethanol, and formate increase substantially to 1.56, 0.75, and 1.54 mmol/(g [dry weight] of cells·day), respectively (36-, 121-, and 6-fold increases in rates relative to cells grown in 0.24 M NaCl). Catabolism of endogenous carbohydrate increased by approximately 2-fold upon hypoionic stress. For cultures grown at all salt concentrations, hydrogen was produced, but its yield did not correlate with increased catabolism of soluble carbohydrates. Instead, ethanol excretion becomes a preferred route for fermentative NADH reoxidation, together with intracellular accumulation of reduced products of acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) formation when cells are hypoionically stressed. In the absence of hypoionic stress, hydrogen production is a major beneficial pathway for NAD
+
regeneration without wasting carbon intermediates such as ethanol derived from acetyl-CoA. This switch presumably improves the overall cellular economy by retaining carbon within the cell until aerobic conditions return and the acetyl unit can be used for biosynthesis or oxidized via respiration for a much greater energy return.
Lactobacillus
Strain Ecology and Persistence within Broiler Chickens Fed Different Diets: Identification of Persistent Strains
Authors: Stephenson David P. , Moore Robert J. , Allison Gwen E. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Lactobacilli are autochthonous residents in the chicken gastrointestinal tract, where they may potentially be used as probiotics, competitive exclusion agents, or delivery vehicles. The aim of this study was to use an
in vivo
model to investigate the effect of diet and competing lactic acid bacteria on the colonization of inoculated
Lactobacillus
strains, with the goal of identifying strains which can consistently colonize or persist for an extended period of several weeks. Chicken-derived
Lactobacillus
strains were genetically marked with rifampin resistance and administered on day 0 to chickens fed either a normal commercial diet or a specially formulated high-protein diet. Chickens fed the high-protein diet were also coinoculated with two different mixes of additional lactic acid bacteria. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence-based PCR (ERIC-PCR) was used to identify rifampin-resistant isolates recovered from chickens. Three strains, belonging to the species
Lactobacillus agilis
,
Lactobacillus crispatus
, and
Lactobacillus vaginalis
, were commonly reisolated from the chickens on both diets at days 21 and 42. The ability of these strains to persist was confirmed in a second chicken trial. All three strains persisted throughout the production period in the chickens fed a commercial diet, while only the
L. agilis
and
L. vaginalis
strains persisted in the chickens fed the high-protein diet. In both
in vivo
trials, competing lactic acid bacteria modified representation of the strains recovered, with all three stains capable of competing in the presence of one or both mixes of coinoculated strains. The
in vivo
model successfully identified three persistent strains that will be characterized further.
Eisosome Organization in the Filamentous AscomyceteAspergillus nidulans
Authors: Vangelatos Ioannis , Roumelioti Katerina , Gournas Christos , Suarez Teresa , Scazzocchio Claudio , Sophianopoulou Vicky 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTEisosomes are subcortical organelles implicated in endocytosis and have hitherto been described only inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. They comprise two homologue proteins, Pil1 and Lsp1, which colocalize with the transmembrane protein Sur7. These proteins are universally conserved in the ascomycetes. We identify inAspergillus nidulans(and in all members of the subphylum Pezizomycotina) two homologues of Pil1/Lsp1, PilA and PilB, originating from a duplication independent from that extant in the subphylum Saccharomycotina. In the aspergilli there are several Sur7-like proteins in each species, including one strict Sur7 orthologue (SurG inA. nidulans). InA. nidulansconidiospores, but not in hyphae, the three proteins colocalize at the cell cortex and form tightly packed punctate structures that appear different from the clearly distinct eisosome patches observed inS. cerevisiae. These structures are assembled late during the maturation of conidia. In mycelia, punctate structures are present, but they are composed only of PilA, while PilB is diffused in the cytoplasm and SurG is located in vacuoles and endosomes. Deletion of each of the genes does not lead to any obvious growth phenotype, except for moderate resistance to itraconazole. We could not find any obvious association between mycelial (PilA) eisosome-like structures and endocytosis. PilA and SurG are necessary for conidial eisosome organization in ways that differ from those for theirS. cerevisiaehomologues. These data illustrate that conservation of eisosomal proteins within the ascomycetes is accompanied by a striking functional divergence.
The Transcriptional Response to Encystation Stimuli in Giardia lamblia Is Restricted to a Small Set of Genes
Authors: Morf Laura , Spycher Cornelia , Rehrauer Hubert , Fournier Catharine Aquino , Morrison Hilary G. , Hehl Adrian B. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

The protozoan parasite
Giardia lamblia
undergoes stage differentiation in the small intestine of the host to an environmentally resistant and infectious cyst. Encystation involves the secretion of an extracellular matrix comprised of cyst wall proteins (CWPs) and a β(1-3)-GalNAc homopolymer. Upon the induction of encystation, genes coding for CWPs are switched on, and mRNAs coding for a Myb transcription factor and enzymes involved in cyst wall glycan synthesis are upregulated. Encystation
in vitro
is triggered by several protocols, which call for changes in bile concentrations or availability of lipids, and elevated pH. However, the conditions for induction are not standardized and we predicted significant protocol-specific side effects. This makes reliable identification of encystation factors difficult. Here, we exploited the possibility of inducing encystation with two different protocols, which we show to be equally effective, for a comparative mRNA profile analysis. The standard encystation protocol induced a bipartite transcriptional response with surprisingly minor involvement of stress genes. A comparative analysis revealed a core set of only 18 encystation genes and showed that a majority of genes was indeed upregulated as a side effect of inducing conditions. We also established a Myb binding sequence as a signature motif in encystation promoters, suggesting coordinated regulation of these factors.