bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐ and propiverine‐controlled trial of the novel antimuscarinic agent imidafenacin in Japanese patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Homma Yukio , Yamaguchi Osamu ,   Imidafenacin Study Group
Published: March 2009

Objectives:  To compare the efficacy and tolerability of imidafenacin, a novel antimuscarinic agent, with propiverine and a placebo in Japanese patients with overactive bladder (OAB).Methods:  Men and women having OAB symptoms were randomized to double‐blind treatment with 0.1 mg of imidafenacin twice daily, 20 mg of propiverine once daily, or a placebo for 12 weeks, and assessed for efficacy and safety.Results:  Overall, 781 patients were randomized to imidafenacin (324), propiverine (310), or a placebo (147). After 12 weeks of treatment, a significantly larger reduction in the mean number of incontinence episodes was observed in the imidafenacin group than in the placebo group (P < 0.0001). The non‐inferiority of imidafenacin compared with propiverine was confirmed for the reduction in using incontinence episodes (P = 0.0014, non‐inferiority margin: 14.5%). Imidafenacin was well tolerated. The incidence of adverse events with imidafenacin was significantly lower than with propiverine (P = 0.0101). Dry mouth, the most common adverse event, was significantly more common in the propiverine group than in the imidafenacin group (P = 0.0302). There were no significant increases in either the imidafenacin or placebo group in the mean QTc interval, whereas there was a significant increase in the mean QTc interval in the propiverine group (P < 0.0001), but there were no clinical arrhythmia and clinical arrhythmic events in any of the treatment groups.Conclusions:  The novel antimuscarinic agent imidafenacin at a dose of 0.1 mg twice daily was not inferior to propiverine for the reduction of incontinence episodes, and well tolerated for the treatment of OAB symptoms.
Prevalence of overweight in Bolivia: data on women and adolescents
Authors: Pérez‐Cueto F. J. A. , Botti A. Bayá , Verbeke W. 
Published: March 2009

SummarySecondary analysis of Bolivian Demographic and Health Surveys 1994, 1998 and 2003 revealed a steady raising trend in levels of overweight and obesity among women in childbearing age (20–45 years), reaching 30% and 15% respectively in 2003. Adolescents' cross‐sectional data suggest that overweight and obesity are mainly found in urban areas. Applying the Bolivian body mass index‐for‐age reference, obesity reached 5% in adolescents, while overweight affects 14% of adolescents. This overview highlights the importance of including the prevention of weight gain among the public health nutrition policies in Bolivia.
New Mutations of EXT1 and EXT2 Genes in German Patients with Multiple Osteochondromas
Authors: Heinritz Wolfram , Hüffmeier Ulrike , Strenge Sibylle , Miterski Bianca , Zweier Christiane , Leinung Steffen , Bohring Axel , Mitulla Beate , Peters Usha , Froster Ursula G. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryMutations in either the EXT1 or EXT2 genes lead to Multiple Osteochondromas (MO), an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder. This is a report on clinical findings and results of molecular analyses of both genes in 23 German patients affected by MO. Mutation screening was performed by using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC) and automated sequencing. In 17 of 23 patients novel pathogenic mutations have been identified; eleven in the EXT1 and six in the EXT2 gene. Five patients were carriers of recurrent mutations in the EXT2 gene (p.Asp227Asn, p.Gln172X, p.Gln258X) and one patient had no detectable mutation. To demonstrate their pathogenic effect on transcription, two complex mutations in EXT1 and EXT2 and three splice site mutations were characterized by mRNA investigations. The results obtained provide evidence for different aberrant splice effects – usage of new cryptic splice sites and exon skipping. Our study extends the mutational spectrum and understanding of pathogenic effects of mutations in EXT1 and EXT2.
Oxidative stress and longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans as mediated by SKN‐1
Authors: Park Sang‐Kyu , Tedesco Patricia M. , Johnson Thomas E. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryOxidative stress has been hypothesized to play a role in normal aging. The response to oxidative stress is regulated by the SKN‐1 transcription factor, which also is necessary for intestinal development in Caenorhabditis elegans. Almost a thousand genes including the antioxidant and heat‐shock responses, as well as genes responsible for xenobiotic detoxification were induced by the oxidative stress which was found using transcriptome analysis. There were also 392 down‐regulated genes including many involved in metabolic homeostasis, organismal development, and reproduction. Many of these oxidative stress‐induced transcriptional changes are dependent on SKN‐1 action; the induction of the heat‐shock response is not. When RNAi to inhibit genes was used, most had no effect on either resistance to oxidative stress or longevity; however two SKN‐1‐dependent genes, nlp‐7 and cup‐4, that were up‐regulated by oxidative stress were found to be required for resistance to oxidative stress and for normal lifespan. nlp‐7 encodes a neuropeptide‐like protein, expressed in neurons, while cup‐4 encodes a coelomocyte‐specific, ligand‐gated ion channel. RNAi of nlp‐7 or cup‐4 increased sensitivity to oxidative stress and reduced lifespan. Among down‐regulated genes, only inhibition of ent‐1, a nucleoside transporter, led to increased resistance to oxidative stress; inhibition had no effect on lifespan. In contrast, RNAi of nhx‐2, a Na+/H+ exchanger, extended lifespan significantly without affecting sensitivity to oxidative stress. These findings showed that a transcriptional shift from growth and maintenance towards the activation of cellular defense mechanisms was caused by the oxidative stress; many of these transcriptional alterations are SKN‐1 dependent.
Expression of heat shock protein 105 and 70 in malignant melanoma and benign melanocytic nevi
Authors: Park Hye‐Sang , Park Chan‐Hyuk , Choi Bo‐Ra , Lim Mi‐Sun , Heo Su‐Hak , Kim Cheol‐Hann , Kang Sang‐Gue , Whang Kyu U. , Cho Moon K. 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Heat shock proteins (HSPs) restore immature proteins or denatured proteins, thus protecting cells. Also, the expression of some HSPs is elevated substantially in malignant tumors, but the expression of HSPs in association with melanoma has yet to be studied. Therefore, we examined the expression patterns of HSP 70 and 105 in melanoma, benign melanocytic nevi and normal human skin.Methods:  Two specimens of malignant melanoma, two of benign melanocytic nevi and six of normal human skin were analyzed using Western blot analysis for expression of HSP 70 and 105. In another set, 16 specimens of malignant melanoma, 24 of benign melanocytic nevi and eight of normal human skin were analyzed for the expression of HSP 105 using immunohistochemical studies.Results:  The Western blot analysis showed that HSP 70 was overexpressed in all three types. But, the HSP 105 was hardly expressed in normal human skin and benign melanocytic nevi. However, in malignant melanoma, the HSP 105 was overexpressed, and immunohistochemical examination of HSP 105 showed a result similar to that of Western blot analysis.Conclusions:  In our study, HSP 105 is thought to be a more relevant tumor‐associated antigen in malignant melanoma than is HSP 70.
No detectable impacts of frequent burning on foliar C and N or insect herbivory in an Australian eucalypt forest
Authors: Christie Fiona J. , York Alan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractQuestion: What is the effect of frequent low intensity prescribed fire on foliar nutrients and insect herbivory in an Australian eucalypt forest?Location: Lorne State Forest (Bulls Ground Frequent Burning Study), mid‐north coast, New South Wales, Australia.Methods: Eighteen independent sites were studied representing three experimental fire regimes: fire exclusion (at least 45 years), frequently burnt (every 3 years for 35 years) and fire exclusion followed by the recent introduction of frequent burning (two fires in 6 years). Mature leaves were collected from the canopy of Eucalyptus pilularis trees at each site and analysed for nutrients and damage by invertebrate herbivores.Results: Almost 75% of all leaves showed some signs of leaf damage. The frequency of past fires had no effect on carbon and nitrogen content of canopy leaves. These results were consistent with assessments of herbivore damage where no significant differences were found in the amount of invertebrate herbivory damage to leaves across fire treatments.Conclusions: This eucalypt forest displayed a high degree of resilience to both frequent burning and fire exclusion as determined by foliar nutrients and damage by insect herbivores. Fire frequency had no detectable ecological impact on this aspect of forest health.
An Unusual Success with Simultaneous Urethral Repair and Reimplantation of Penile Prosthesis in a Patient with Urethral Stricture Induced by Rotated Tubing
Authors: Cui Wan Shou , Kim Sang Deuk , Choi Kyung Soo , Zhao Chen , Park Jong Kwan 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Simultaneous urethral repair and reimplantation of penile prosthesis in a patient with urethral stricture induced by rotated tubing of a three piece penile prosthesis has not been reported yet.

Aim
The aim of this study was to present our experience, which overcame severe urethral stricture induced by penile prosthesis implantation.

Main Outcome Measure
Uroflowmetry, voding cystourethrogram, function of prosthesis, and complications.

Methods
We performed one-stage urethroplasty with pedicle island of penile skin and reimplantation of Titan penile prosthesis without abnormal rotation of the cylinder.

Results
The patient voided very well, and the prosthesis worked very well without complications.

Conclusion
One-stage urethroplasty with pedicle island of penile skin and reimplantation of a three-piece penile prosthesis in simultaneous stage may be another choice to treat the long-segment urethral stricture occurred by three-piece penile prosthesis implantation.
Sexual Function in F-111 Maintenance Workers: The Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel
Authors: Brown Anthony , Gibson Richard , Tavener Meredith , Guest Maya , D’Este Catherine , Byles Julie , Attia John , Horsley Keith , Harrex Warren , Ross James 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
In Australia, four formal F-111 fuel tank deseal/reseal (DSRS) repair programs were implemented over more than two decades, each involving different processes and using a range of hazardous substances. However, health concerns were raised by a number of workers. The “Study of Health Outcomes in Aircraft Maintenance Personnel” was commissioned by the Australian Department of Defence to investigate potential adverse health outcomes as a result of being involved in the deseal/reseal processes.

Aim
To compare measures of sexual function in F-111 aircraft fuel tank DSRS maintenance workers, against two appropriate comparison groups.

Methods
Exposed and comparison participants completed a postal questionnaire which included general questions of health and health behavior, and two specific questions on sexual functioning. They also completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to explore exposure status and outcome while adjusting for potential confounders.

Main Outcome Measures
The three outcomes of interest for this study were the proportion of participants with erectile dysfunction (ED) according to the IIEF, the proportion with self-reported loss of interest in sex, and the proportion with self-reported problems with sexual functioning.

Results
Compared with each of the comparison groups, a larger proportion of the exposed group reported sexual problems and were classified as having ED according to the IIEF. In logistic regression, the odds of all three outcomes were higher for exposed participants relative to each comparison group and after adjustment for potentially confounding variables including anxiety and depression.

Conclusions
There was a consistent problem with sexual functioning in the exposed group that is not explained by anxiety and depression, and it appears related to DSRS activities.
Use of 3D T2-Weighted MR Sequences for the Assessment of Neurovascular Bundle Changes After Nerve-Sparing Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy (RRP): A Potential Diagnostic Tool for Optimal Management of Erectile Dysfunction After RRP
Authors: Sciarra Alessandro , Panebianco Valeria , Salciccia Stefano , Alfarone Andrea , Gentilucci Alessandro , Lisi Danilo , Passariello Roberto , Gentile Vincenzo 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the complications after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), and recovery of erectile function is quantitatively related to the preservation of the neurovascular bundles (NVBs).

Aim
The aim of our study was to assess, in patients submitted to a nerve-sparing RRP, the capability of a dedicated 3D isotropic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-weighted sequence in the depiction of postsurgical changes of NVB formation.

Methods
Fifty-three consecutive patients underwent a bilateral nerve-sparing RRP. Two postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) examinations and International Index of Erectile Function Five-Item (IIEF-5) questionnaire were carried out at 6 and 12 months. Morphological imaging of the postprostatectomy fossa was performed by first acquiring turbo spin echo T2-weighted sequences in the axial and coronal planes and then with 3D T2-weighted isotropic sequence on axial plane. Image findings were scored using a relative 5-point classification (0 = normal; I = mild; II = mild to moderate; III = moderate; IV = severe alterations) and correlated with postoperative IIEF-5 score questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures
The degree of association between the alteration score values obtained by postoperative MR morphologic evaluation for MR sequence and IIEF-5 score.

Results
Image interpretation was performed by two radiologists, that scoring MR alterations by the use of axial and multiplanar reconstruction 3D T2 isotropic sequence. The radiologists placed 43.30% of patients in class 0 (23/53 normal or quite normal), 32.00% in class I (17/53 mild), 11.40% in class II (6/53 mild to moderate), 7.50% in class III (4/53 moderate), and 5.70% in class IV (3/53 severe). In all cases, the correlation and regression analyses between the 3D T2 isotropic sequence and IIEF-5 score, resulted in higher coefficient values (rho = 0.45; P = 0.0010).

Conclusion
The MRI protocol and NVB change classification score proposed in this study would represent an additional tool in the postoperative phase of those patients with ED.
Comparisons of the environmental dependence of galaxy properties between galaxies above and below M*
Authors: Deng Xin-Fa , He Ji-Zhou , Wen Xiao-Qing , Tang Xiao-Xun 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
From the main galaxy sample of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 6 (SDSS DR6), we construct two volume-limited samples above and below the value of M* to explore the difference of the environmental dependence of galaxy properties between galaxies above and below the value of M*. We measure the local three-dimensional galaxy density in a comoving sphere with a radius of the distance to the fifth nearest galaxy for each galaxy, and compare basic properties of galaxies in the lowest density regime with those of galaxies in the densest regime. It is found that the galaxy luminosity strongly depend on local environments only for galaxies above M*, but this dependence is very weak for galaxies below M*. It is worth noting that g−r colour, concentration index ci and galaxy morphologies strongly depend on local environments for all galaxies with different luminosities. This shows that M* is a characteristic parameter only for the environmental dependence of galaxy luminosity.
Characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the whitespotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum Bennett)
Authors: DING SHAO‐XIONG , PAN YING , ZENG HUA‐SONG , WANG JUN 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTwelve polymorphic microsatellite loci without linkage disequilibrium were isolated and characterized from a microsatellite DNA‐enriched DNA library for the whitespotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum Bennett, 1830). These loci show polymorphism information content ranging from 0.384 to 0.885, allele number ranging from 4 to 12, effective allele number ranging from 1.686 to 9.438, and observed and expected heterozygosities from 0.229 to 1.000 and from 0.407 to 0.894 respectively. Four loci show strong Hardy–Weinberg deviations. We expect that these markers would be useful for population genetic and breeding studies of the whitespotted bamboo shark.
Lest we forget Hansen's disease (leprosy): an unusual presentation with an acute onset of inflammatory polyarthritis and the rheumatology experience
Authors: SHEETAL Salvi , ARVIND Chopra 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSeveral forms of arthritis and rheumatism can sometimes complicate leprosy. However, its presentation as an acute onset arthritis is unusual. We report two adult male naïve patients who presented to our rheumatology outpatient clinic with acute onset inflammatory polyarthritis, skin rash and mild sensory neurodeficit. Borderline lepromatous leprosy (in type I lepra reaction) was diagnosed. We also refer to 19 case records of Hansen arthritis in the clinic database (1998–2007) from approximately 35,000 patients and a community study to highlight the missed diagnosis of Hansen's disease and its unusual association with rheumatoid arthritis. In countries like India where leprosy is endemic, this disease also merits attention in rheumatology clinics.
Endmill Condition Monitoring and Failure Forecasting Method for Curvilinear Cuts of Nonconstant Radii
Authors: Suprock Christopher A. , Roth John T. , Downey Larry M. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
In this paper, an endmill condition monitoring technique is presented for curvilinear cutting. This algorithm operates without the need for prior knowledge of cutting conditions, tool type, cut curvature, cut direction, or directional rate of change. The goal of this method is an indirect measurement of the tool wear able to indicate when wear is accelerating without direct measurement of the tool. This technique is based on an autoregressive-type monitoring algorithm, which is used to track the tool’s condition using a tri-axial accelerometer. Accelerometer signals are monitored due to the sensor’s relatively low cost and since use of the sensor does not limit the machining envelope. To demonstrate repeatability, eight life tests were conducted. The technique discussed herein successfully delivers prognosis of impending fracture or meltdown due to wear in all cases, providing sufficient time to remove the tools before failure is realized. Furthermore, the algorithm produces similar trends capable of forecasting failure, regardless of tool type and cut geometry. Success is seen in all cases without requiring algorithm modifications or any prior information regarding the tool or cutting conditions.
The Virulent
Wolbachia
Strain wMelPop Efficiently Establishes Somatic Infections in the Malaria Vector
Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Jin Chaoyang , Ren Xiaoxia , Rasgon Jason L. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Wolbachia pipientis
bacteria are maternally inherited endosymbionts that are of interest to control the
Anopheles
mosquito vectors of malaria.
Wolbachia
does not infect
Anopheles
mosquitoes in nature, although cultured
Anopheles
cells can be infected. Here, we show that the virulent
Wolbachia
strain wMelPop can survive and replicate when injected into female
Anopheles gambiae
adults, but the somatic infections established are avirulent. These in vivo data suggest that stable
Wolbachia
infections of
Anopheles
may be possible.
Enhancement ofBacillus thuringiensisCry3Aa and Cry3Bb Toxicities to Coleopteran Larvae by a Toxin-Binding Fragment of an Insect Cadherin
Authors: Park Youngjin , Abdullah Mohd Amir F. , Taylor Milton D. , Rahman Khalidur , Adang Michael J. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThe Cry3Aa and Cry3Bb insecticidal proteins ofBacillus thuringiensisare used in biopesticides and transgenic crops to control larvae of leaf-feeding beetles and rootworms. Cadherins localized in the midgut epithelium are identified as receptors for Cry toxins in lepidopteran and dipteran larvae. Previously, we discovered that a peptide of a toxin-binding cadherin expressed inEscherichia colifunctions as a synergist for Cry1A toxicity against lepidopteran larvae and Cry4 toxicity against dipteran larvae. Here we report that the fragment containing the three most C-terminal cadherin repeats (CR) from the cadherin of the western corn rootworm binds toxin and enhances Cry3 toxicity to larvae of naturally susceptible species. The cadherin fragment (CR8 to CR10 [CR8-10]) of western corn rootwormDiabrotica virgifera virgiferawas expressed inE. colias an inclusion body. By an enzyme-linked immunosorbent microplate assay, we demonstrated that the CR8-10 peptide binds α-chymotrypsin-treated Cry3Aa and Cry3Bb toxins at high affinity (11.8 nM and 1.4 nM, respectively). Coleopteran larvae ingesting CR8-10 inclusions had increased susceptibility to Cry3Aa or Cry3Bb toxin. The Cry3 toxin-enhancing effect of CR8-10 was demonstrated for Colorado potato beetleLeptinotarsa decemlineata, southern corn rootwormDiabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, and western corn rootworm. The extent of Cry3 toxin enhancement, which ranged from 3- to 13-fold, may have practical applications for insect control. Cry3-containing biopesticides that include a cadherin fragment could be more efficacious. And Bt corn (i.e., corn treated withB. thuringiensisto make it resistant to pests) coexpressing Cry3Bb and CR8-10 could increase the functional dose level of the insect toxic activity, reducing the overall resistance risk.