bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subclinical endothelial dysfunction and low‐grade inflammation play roles in the development of erectile dysfunction in young men with low risk of coronary heart disease
Authors: Yao F. , Huang Y. , Zhang Y. , Dong Y. , Ma H. , Deng C. , Lin H. , Liu D. , Lu K. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThe purpose of this study is to investigate the possible underlying pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction(ED) in young men with low risk of coronary heart disease and no well‐known aetiology. To conduct this study, 122 patients with ED under the age of 40 were enrolled, along with 33 age‐matched normal control subjects. The patients with ED had significantly higher levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol and triglyceride, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), greater carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and Framingham risk score (FRS) than the control group, though all of these values were within the respective normal range. Further, the brachial artery flow‐ mediated vasodilation (FMD) values were significantly lower in ED patients and correlated positively with the severity of ED (r = 0.714, p < 0.001). When these significant factors were studied in the multivariate logistic regression model, FMD, SBP, hs‐CRP and FRS remained the statistical significance. The receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that FMD had a high ability to predict ED in young male with low FRS [area under the curve (AUC) 0.921, p < 0.001]. The cutoff value of FMD <10.25% had sensitivity of 82.8% and specificity of 100% for diagnosis of ED. FRS and hs‐ CRP were also proven to be predictors of ED (AUC 0.812, p < 0.001; AUC 0.645, p = 0.011, respectively). The results of this study validated that subclinical endothelial dysfunction and low‐grade inflammation may be the underlying pathogenesis of ED with no well‐known aetiology. Young patients complaining of ED should be screened for cardiovascular risk factors and possible subclinical atherosclerosis. Measurement of FMD, hs‐CRP and FRS can improve our ability to predict and treat ED, as well as subclinical cardiovascular disease early for young male.
Complex interactions between the wind and ballistic seed dispersal in Impatiens glandulifera (Royle)
Authors: Chapman Daniel S. , Gray Alan 
Published: April 2012

Summary1. A mechanistic understanding of seed dispersal is important for understanding and predicting dispersal patterns and spatial population dynamics. We analysed a mechanistic model for the ballistic dispersal of the widespread invasive plant Impatiens glandulifera. The model deterministically simulates individual seed trajectories, including the interaction between seeds and atmospheric winds. It is fully specified using independently measured plant traits and wind velocities.2. To parameterise the model, we conducted field surveys and analysed high‐speed video footage of seed release. We explicitly incorporated intraspecific variation in key biological parameters (seed size and mass, release height, velocity and direction), as well as variation in wind velocities. This parameter variation introduces process‐based stochasticity to the deterministic model, allowing the derivation of population‐level dispersal kernels.3. Analysis of the parameterised model showed complex interactions between plant dispersal parameters and wind conditions. For example, the optimal seed launch angle in still wind is 32° above horizontal, but this rises in stronger tailwinds. In a headwind, it can be optimal to either launch the seed straight upwards or slightly below the horizontal. Headwinds also blow projected seeds back towards the source, initially decreasing but then increasing net dispersal distance, which can reverse the positive effect of seed release height on dispersal distance.4. To validate the model, we performed a field experiment in which seeds were trapped up to 6 m from potted I. glandulifera plants. Seed dispersal was biased in the direction of the prevailing wind, which was only reproduced by simulations of the model that included the wind modification of ballistic trajectories. The correspondence between the model and the data was good (R2 = 0.882), but improved if seed release was biased to occur in more windy conditions (R2 = 0.945) as might occur through mechanical disturbance to the seed pods.5. Synthesis. Our validated model provides a functional understanding of seed dispersal in I. glandulifera. The model reveals surprisingly complex interactions between the ballistic dispersal mechanism and the wind and shows how population‐level dispersal patterns emerge from intraspecific variation in dispersal traits.
Demographic fate of Arabidopsis thaliana cohorts of autumn‐ and spring‐germinated plants along an altitudinal gradient
Authors: Picó F. Xavier 
Published: April 2012

Summary1. Understanding how plants respond and adapt to varying environmental conditions has attracted the attention of plant ecologists for decades. To study this process, altitudinal gradients are used because of their inherent variation in environmental conditions. In the current scenario of global warming, altitudinal gradients may also represent a valuable resource to deepen our understanding about plant adaptive responses to predicted changes in environmental conditions.2. Nowadays, the study of adaptive variation demands equal contributions from ecology and genetics. We need to assess the effects of selective pressures on phenotypic variation but also the genetic and molecular basis of phenotypic traits. The annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana represents a useful model system for investigating adaptive variation. Here, I characterized patterns of life cycle variation in natural A. thaliana populations along an altitudinal gradient to unravel how the species copes with different environmental conditions.3. I periodically monitored thousands of plants from eight populations in NE Spain over 5 years (2007–2011) to estimate survival and fecundity schedules for autumn‐ and spring‐germinated plants. Data were used to estimate net reproductive rate for each life cycle type. Data were regressed against altitude to detect altitudinal climatic clines for life cycle variation.4. Survival of spring‐germinated A. thaliana plants was significantly higher than that of winter‐germinated plants. Plants from both cohorts exhibited similar fecundity values. The net reproductive rate of spring‐germinated plants was fourfold higher than that of autumn‐germinated plants. The proportion of spring‐germinated plants increased significantly with altitude.5. Synthesis. Arabidopsis thaliana can behave as a winter or spring annual plant. Nevertheless, the spring annual life cycle is clearly relevant to maintain A. thaliana populations, particularly at high‐elevation locations. It is suggested that germination timing represents one of the most relevant traits to focus our efforts to understand adaptive variation in A. thaliana. The results illustrate the potential of annual plants to adjust their life cycles to varying environmental conditions encountered along a climatic gradient, which could mitigate the effects of global warming on annual plant populations.
Microbiome analysis among bats describes influences of host phylogeny, life history, physiology and geography
Authors: PHILLIPS CALEB D. , PHELAN GEORGINA , DOWD SCOT E. , McDONOUGH MOLLY M. , FERGUSON ADAM W. , DELTON HANSON J. , SILES LIZETTE , ORDÓÑEZ‐GARZA NICTÉ , SAN FRANCISCO MICHAEL , BAKER ROBERT J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMetagenomic methods provide an experimental approach to inform the relationships between hosts and their microbial inhabitants. Previous studies have provided the conceptual realization that microbiomes are dynamic among hosts and the intimacy of relation between micro‐ and macroorganisms. Here, we present an intestinal microflora community analysis for members of the order Chiroptera and investigate the relative influence of variables in shaping observed microbiome relationships. The variables ranged from those considered to have ancient and long‐term influences (host phylogeny and life history) to the relatively transient variable of host reproductive condition. In addition, collection locality data, representing the geographic variable, were included in analyses. Results indicate a complex influence of variables in shaping sample relationships in which signal for host phylogeny is recovered at broad taxonomic levels (family), whereas intrafamilial analyses disclosed various degrees of resolution for the remaining variables. Although cumulative probabilities of assignment indicated both reproductive condition and geography influenced relationships, comparison of ecological measures among groups revealed statistical differences between most variable classifications. For example, ranked ecological diversity was associated with host phylogeny (deeper coalescences among families were associated with more microfloral diversity), dietary strategy (herbivory generally retained higher diversity than carnivory) and reproductive condition (reproductively active females displayed more diverse microflora than nonreproductive conditions). Overall, the results of this study describe a complex process shaping microflora communities of wildlife species as well as provide avenues for future research that will further inform the nature of symbiosis between microflora communities and hosts.
Gastroesophageal and laryngopharyngeal reflux profiles in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome as determined by combined multichannel intraluminal impedance–pH monitoring
Authors: Xiao Y.‐L. , Liu F.‐Q. , Li J. , Lv J.‐T. , Lin J.‐K. , Wen W.‐P. , Chen M.‐H. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground  The profiles of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) have never been explored. The aim of the study was to investigate the reflux profile in OSAHS patients.Methods  Consecutive snoring out‐patients suspected with having OSAHS and 20 healthy volunteers were included. All subjects underwent simultaneous 24‐h combined multichannel intraluminal impedance–pH (MII–pH) monitoring and polysomnography. Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome was defined when the apnea/hypopnea index was over 5. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictor for OSAHS.Key Results  Fifty‐three patients were included, 37 with and 16 without OSAHS. The prevalence of reflux symptoms was similar between OSAHS (35.1%) and non‐OSHAS (37.5%) patients. More OSAHS patients, compared with non‐OSAHS patients and healthy volunteers, had pathologic acid GER, nocturnal acid GER, and prolonged acid clearance (P < 0.001). However, no difference in non‐acid reflux episodes was observed among the three groups. Laryngopharyngeal reflux was detected in 51.4%, 43.8%, and 35.0% of OSAHS, non‐OSAHS, and healthy volunteers, respectively (P = 0.034). In OSAHS patients, there was no difference in the sleep parameters between patients with and without LPR. Body mass index was the only predictor of OSAHS in the regression analysis.Conclusions & Inferences  OSAHS patients have more pathologic acid GER and prolonged acid clearance than non‐OSAHS patients whereas non‐acid reflux was similar between the two groups. However, BMI, not GER, is the only independent predictor for OSAHS. Laryngopharyngeal reflux occurs in more than half of OSAHS patients despite no significant association with OSAHS.
The indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) pathway controls allergy
Authors: von Bubnoff D. , Bieber T. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA series of recent studies have demonstrated that the immunoregulatory pathway of tryptophan catabolism, initiated by the enzyme indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), is a critical participant in allergic inflammation. Originally known for its regulatory function during pregnancy and during chronic inflammation in tumorigenesis and infection, the activity of IDO seems to positively modify the inflammatory state of atopy or allergy. The tryptophan degradation pathway is important for tolerance induction during systemic allergen immunotherapy. Here, we focus on recent findings that establish the IDO pathway as central to allergic inflammation.
Organ donor screening using parallel nucleic acid testing allows assessment of transmission risk and assay results in real time
Authors: Baleriola C. , Tu E. , Johal H. , Gillis J. , Ison M.G. , Law M. , Coghlan P. , Rawlinson W.D. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractExpansion of the donor pool may lead to utilization of donors with risk factors for viral infections. Donor laboratory screening relies on serological and nucleic acid testing (NAT). The increased sensitivity of NAT in low prevalence populations may result in false‐positive results (FPR) and may cause unnecessary discard of organs.We developed a screening algorithm to deal, in real time, with potential FPR. Three NAT assays: COBAS AmpliScreen assay (CAS), AmpliPrep Total Nucleic Acid Isolation/CAS, and AmpliPrep/TaqMan assays, were validated and used in parallel for prospective screening of increased‐risk donors (IRD), and the probability of FPR was calculated. The lower limit of detection of this algorithm was 9.79, 21.02, and 4.31 IU/mL for human immunodeficiency virus‐1, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus, respectively, with an average turn‐around‐time of 7.67 h from sample receipt to result reporting. The probability that a donor is potentially infectious with two NAT concordant results was >90%. NAT screening of 35 IRD within 18 months resulted in transplantation of 102 additional organs that without screening would either not be used or used with restrictions in Australia. Using a parallel testing algorithm, real‐time confirmation of seropositive donors allows use of organs from IRD and safer expansion of the donor pool.
Diagnostik von Aspergillusinfektionen in der Hämatologie und Onkologie
Authors: Aigner Maria , Mutschlechner Wolfgang , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia 
Published: April 2012

ZusammenfassungDie histopathologische/mikroskopische Untersuchung sowie die Kultur insbesondere von Untersuchungsmaterial aus sterilen Körperregionen wie CT‐gesteuerten Biopsien und BAL stellen die Basis in der Pilzdiagnostik dar. Sind invasive Techniken aufgrund des kritischen Zustandes des Patienten nicht durchführbar oder besteht bei negativem Ergebnis ein anhaltender Verdacht auf eine invasive Pilzerkrankung, stehen ergänzend serologische Methoden wie der Galactomannan‐ und der β‐D‐Glucan‐Test sowie die PCR zur Verfügung. Ergebnisse indirekter Nachweisverfahren sollten stets kritisch hinterfragt und in Zusammenschau mit radiologischem und klinischem Erscheinungsbild interpretiert werden. Beim Galactomannan‐Test ist aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Sensitivitäten und der Möglichkeit falsch‐positiver Befunde unter Antibiotikatherapie auf die Auswahl des Patientenkollektives zu achten. Die PCR ist nach wie vor nicht standardisiert, eine Unterscheidung zwischen Kontamination, Kolonisation und Infektion ist bei isoliert positivem Befund nicht möglich.
Bildgebende Diagnostikverfahren und Therapieoptionen bei zerebralen Aspergillosen
Authors: Schwartz Stefan 
Published: April 2012

ZusammenfassungZerebrale Infektionen mit Aspergillus‐Spezies zeigten in der Vergangenheit eine ausgesprochen ungünstige Prognose mit einer Letalität von nahezu 100 %. Um die Diagnose einer zerebralen Aspergillose zweifelsfrei zu belegen, ist meist eine Hirnbiopsie erforderlich. Weiterentwickelte Diagnostikverfahren, insbesondere die Magnetresonanztomografie mit Diffusionswichtung und der Nachweis von Aspergillus‐spezifischer DNS mittels PCR, haben in den letzten Jahren die Qualität der indirekten Diagnostik wesentlich verbessert. Ein wesentlicher Grund für die sehr ungünstige Prognose der zerebralen Aspergillose in der Vergangenheit dürfte die nur unzureichende Penetration der meisten verfügbaren Antimykotika gewesen sein. Im Gegensatz zu Amphotericin B, den Echinocandinen und den Azolen Itraconazol und Posaconazol weist Voriconazol bei einem sehr geringen Molekulargewicht eine vergleichsweise sehr gute ZNS‐Penetration auf. In der bisher umfangreichsten Studie zur zerebralen Aspergillose führte eine Therapie mit Voriconazol bei 81 Patienten zu einer Ansprechrate von 35 % und einer Überlebensrate von 31 %. Zusätzliche neurochirurgische Interventionen waren in dieser Studie sowie in einer erweiterten Analyse von 120 Patienten mit einer signifikant besseren Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit assoziiert. Aufgrund der Vielzahl der unterschiedlichen neurochirurgischen Eingriffe ist derzeit jedoch unklar, welches Verfahren für welche klinische Situation am besten geeignet ist.
β‐Lactam pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in critically ill patients and strategies for dose optimization: A structured review
Authors: Sinnollareddy Mahipal G , Roberts Michael S , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason A 
Published: April 2012

Summary

Infections and related sepsis are two of the most prevalent issues in the care of critically ill patients, with mortality as high as 70%. Appropriate antibiotic selection, as well as adequate dosing, is important to improve the clinical outcome for these patients.
β‐Lactams are the most common antibiotic class used in critically ill sepsis patients because of their broad spectrum of activity and high tolerability. β‐Lactams exhibit time‐dependent antibacterial activity. Therefore, concentrations need to be maintained above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of pathogenic bacteria. β‐Lactams are hydrophilic antibiotics with small distribution volumes similar to extracellular water and are predominantly excreted through the renal system.
Critically ill patients experience a myriad of physiological changes that result in changes in the pharmacokinetics (PK) of hydrophilic drugs such as β‐lactams. A different approach to dosing with β‐lactams may increase the likelihood of positive outcomes considering the pharmacodynamics (PD) of β‐lactams, as well as the changes in PK in critically ill patients.
The present review describes the strategies for dose optimization of β‐lactams in critically ill patients in line with the PK and PD of these drugs.
Regulation of oxidative stress in long‐lived lipopolysaccharide‐activated microglia
Authors: Kaneko Yoko S , Ota Akira , Nakashima Akira , Mori Keiji , Nagatsu Ikuko , Nagatsu Toshiharu 
Published: April 2012

Summary

Previously, we reported that an optimal dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) markedly extends the life span of mouse primary‐cultured microglia by suppressing apoptotic and autophagic cell death pathways. The aim of the present study was to assess how these cells protect themselves against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by LPS treatment.
The study was conducted in microglia obtained from murine neonate brain, which are destined to die within a few days under ordinary culture conditions.
The generation of ROS was maximal after 15 h LPS treatment (1 ng/mL LPS and 100 ng/mL LPS). The expression of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase protein was significantly increased by Day 1 of LPS treatment and was followed by the production of NO. The expression of either Cu/Zn‐ or Mn‐superoxide dismutase protein (SOD) was also increased by 16 h and Day 1 of LPS treatment. LPS did not affect the expression of Cu/Zn‐ and Mn‐SOD proteins, nor did it extend the life span of microglia that had mutated Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4.
The findings of the present study suggest that SODs function as a potent barrier to overcome ROS generated in primary‐cultured microglia following LPS treatment and that TLR4 may be significantly involved in inducing these proteins. The microglia may be able to protect themselves against oxidative stress, allowing them to live for more than 1 month. Because long‐lived microglia may play a critical role in the exacerbation of neurodegeneration, bringing activated microglia back to their resting stage could be a new and promising strategy to inhibit the deterioration underlying neurodegenerative disorders.
Detection of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the microbial flora from the conjunctiva of healthy donkeys from Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Foti Maria , Fisichella Vittorio , Giacopello Cristina 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjective  To describe the bacterial flora present in the normal conjunctiva of donkeys from Sicily (Italy).Animals studied  A total of 46 healthy donkeys housed in 3 locations within the territory of Palermo (Sicily, Italy) were studied. Donkeys ranged from 2 to 13 years of age, with a median age of 6 years.Procedures  Forty‐six conjunctival swabs were obtained from both eyes of each animal, and specimens were cultured for aerobic bacteria. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of methicillin (1 μg) and oxacillin (5 μg) on Staphylococcus spp. isolates was evaluated, and a specific PCR assay, which allows the detection of mecA gene specific for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, was performed.Results  Forty of 46 (86.9%) donkeys were positive for bacteria. Eighty bacterial isolates, representing 9 bacteria genera, were successfully cultured. The most frequently recovered bacterial genus was Staphylococcus (52/80 isolates; 65%). Several strains (20/80 isolates; 25%) belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family were also isolated, among which the most frequently isolated genus was Enterobacter (eight isolates). Of the 52 Staphylococcus spp. isolates, 14 (26.9%) strains were oxacillin/methicillin resistant. The mecA gene was detected in 6/52 (11.5%) strains.Conclusions  This study contributes to the knowledge about normal ocular flora and MRSA occurrence in donkey farms in Sicily.
Do we need to obtain consent for penile shortening as a complication of treatment for organ‐confined prostate cancer?
Authors: Eylert Maike F. , Bahl Amit , Persad Raj 
Published: April 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Penile shortening after total prostatectomy has been consistently reported, but most studies are small. BAUS has incorporated penile shortening into their patient information leaflets, but claims it is attributable to an anatomical alteration alone. No other organization even mentions penile shortening in their advice.Our study shows that a true, and at least partially reversible, penile shortening occurs in a significant proportion of patients after total prostatectomy. The cause of the shortening is largely physiological and interlinked with the processes leading to erectile dysfunction.OBJECTIVE
To establish an evidence base to guide consenting for treatment of organ‐confined prostate cancer with regard to penile shortening.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed literature searches using the EMBASE, MEDLINE, AHMED and PsycINFO databases up to October 2011, looking for articles relating to surgical treatment of prostate cancer and penile shortening and articles relating to radiotherapy for prostate cancer and penile shortening. We also looked at further references in the papers identified.
RESULTS
We found 16 original papers and three review articles with measurements of penile shortening after total prostatectomy (TP).
Penile shortening was generally considered in conjunction with erectile dysfunction (ED).
Three further articles address psychological and consent issues.
We found two articles regarding penile shortening after radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no doubt that TP leads to penile shortening in some patients, but the mechanism remains debatable.
Given current evidence, it is likely that several factors contribute and early penile rehabilitation for ED, by any method, appears to positively influence the changes leading to penile shortening.
We advise explicit mentioning of penile shortening in the consent process for TP and potentially also for radiotherapy for prostate cancer. We also advise early penile rehabilitation to improve the patient's own body image and, in turn, quality of life, even in patients who do not seek treatment specifically for ED. The choice of treatment method should be left to the patient.