bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Initial Characterization of Hydrogen Sulfide Effects in Female Sexual Function
Authors: Srilatha Balasubramanian , Hu Lingxu , Adaikan Ganesan P. , Moore Philip K. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
In our male animal models, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) displayed significant vasodilatory and smooth muscle relaxant effects suggestive of an endogenous physiological role in erectile process.

Aim
In this first exploratory study, we aimed to identify the existence and mechanism of H2S pathway in female sexual physiology.

Methods
Vaginal and clitoral cavernosal smooth muscle strips from New Zealand white rabbits (N = 12) were exposed to stable H2S donor, sodium hydrosulfide hydrate (NaHS.xH2O, 100 µM–1.6 mM), in isometric tension studies. The NaHS responses were repeated after incubations with (i) Nω-nitro-L-arginine (50 µM), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) (10 µM) or cis-N-[2-phenylcyclopentyl]-azacyclotridec-1-en-2-amine (MDL 12,330A) (10 µM); and (ii) potassium chloride medium (high K+ 60 mM/low K+ 10 mM), tetraethylammonium (10 mM) or glibenclamide (100 µM). Relaxant effect of NaHS was also compared with those of nitroglycerine (0.18–78.2 µM) and sildenafil (0.084–25.3 µM). Additionally, samples (N = 16) were collected for estimations of plasma and tissue H2S and expression levels of cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) proteins.

Main Outcome Measures
In vitro evidences for H2S formation and its physiopharmacological effects.

Results
NaHS produced significant concentration-dependent relaxation of vaginal and cavernosal smooth muscles with inhibitions by combination of ODQ and MDL 12,330A (26.4%), Nω-nitro-L-arginine (22.2%), high K+ (15.1%) or glibenclamide (10.1%). Based on molar potency, NaHS was 18.3 and 6.3 times weaker than nitroglycerine and sildenafil, respectively. Quantitative assays indicated that plasma H2S level was 16.5 ± 2.58 µM, and H2S was synthesized in the clitoral and vaginal smooth muscles (1.8 and 3.9 nmol/mg soluble protein compared with 26.5 nmol/mg in the liver: positive control). Similarly, western blotting identified the protein expression bands of CSE (44.5 kDa) and CBS (63 kDa) in these genital tissue samples.

Conclusion
These pilot studies clearly indicate the smooth muscle relaxant effect of H2S in female genital tract, mediating through cyclic adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate, nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate and K+ATP channels. Taken together with biochemical and molecular evidences for endogenous formation, H2S pathway could be a contributing factor in female sexual responses.
Approved Hormonal Treatments for HSDD: An Unmet Medical Need
Authors: Snabes Michael C. , Simes Stephen M. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Despite a high prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), no medical treatment is available in the United States for this condition.

Aim
To identify the current prescribing pattern of off-label testosterone use in treating HSDD.

Main Outcome Measures
Quantitation of Intercontinental Marketing Services (IMS) prescription data to identify testosterone prescriptions written for women and a summary of response to queries to opinion leaders and practicing physicians.

Methods
Interviews and an opinion poll of gynecologists and family medicine physicians on current medical treatment of HSDD.

Results
The IMS prescription review showed that: two million testosterone prescriptions were written for women in 2006 and 2007—many physicians have prescribed compounded testosterone. Based on a summary of the physicians’ survey: on average, patients of all ages, but particularly menopausal women, have at least moderate awareness of HSDD. More than 80% of physicians believe there is a need or great need for a Food and Drug Administration- (FDA) approved HSDD treatment. Ninety percent of physicians surveyed would prescribe an approved HSDD product over currently prescribed therapy.

Conclusions
In the context of increased regulatory scrutiny, increasing off-label use of testosterone, formulation and dosing issues, increased patient awareness of FSD and HSDD, and overall favorable physician sentiment, the completion of the LibiGel® clinical development program and an FDA approval will meet the demand for the first safe and effective FDA-approved treatment of HSDD in postmenopausal women.
AKINβ1 is Involved in the Regulation of Nitrogen Metabolism and Sugar Signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Xiao‐Fang , Li Yu‐Ju , An Ying‐Hui , Xiong Li‐Jun , Shao Xing‐Hua , Wang Yang , Sun Yue 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Sucrose non‐fermenting‐1‐related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1) has been located at the heart of the control of metabolism and development in plants. The active SnRK1 form is usually a heterotrimeric complex. Subcellular localization and specific target of the SnRK1 kinase are regulated by specific beta subunits. In Arabidopsis, there are at least seven genes encoding beta subunits, of which the regulatory functions are not yet clear. Here, we tried to study the function of one beta subunit, AKINβ1. It showed that AKINβ1 expression was dramatically induced by ammonia nitrate but not potassium nitrate, and the investigation of AKINβ1 transgenic Arabidopsis and T‐DNA insertion lines showed that AKINβ1 negatively regulated the activity of nitrate ruductase and was positively involved in sugar repression in early seedling development. Meanwhile AKINβ1 expression was reduced upon sugar treatment (including mannitol) and did not affect the activity of sucrose phosphate synthase. The results indicate that AKINβ1 is involved in the regulation of nitrogen metabolism and sugar signaling.
Revisiting the origin of the high metallicities of sub-damped Lyman-alpha systems
Authors: Dessauges-Zavadsky Miroslava , Ellison Sara L. , Murphy Michael T. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Sub-damped Lyman-alpha systems (sub-DLAs) have previously been found to exhibit a steeper metallicity evolution than the classical damped Lyman-alpha systems (DLAs), evolving to close to solar metallicity by z∼ 1. From new high-resolution spectra of 17 sub-DLAs, we have increased the number of measurements of [Fe/H] at z &lt; 1.7 by 25 per cent and compiled the most complete literature sample of sub-DLA and DLA abundances to date. We find that sub-DLAs are indeed significantly more metal-rich than DLAs, but only at z &lt; 1.7; the metallicity distributions of sub-DLAs and DLAs at z &gt; 1.7 are statistically consistent. We also present the first evidence that sub-DLAs follow a velocity width–metallicity correlation over the same velocity range as DLAs, but the relation is offset to higher metallicities than the DLA relation. On the basis of these results, we revisit the previous explanation that the systematically higher metallicities observed in sub-DLAs are indicative of higher host galaxy masses. We discuss the various problems that this interpretation encounters and conclude that in general sub-DLAs are not uniquely synonymous with massive galaxies. We rule out physically related sources of bias (dust, environment, ionization effects) and examine systematics associated with the selection and analysis of low-redshift sub-DLAs. We propose that the high metallicities of sub-DLAs at z &lt; 1.7 that drives an apparently steep evolution may be due to the selection of most low-redshift sub-DLAs based on their high Mgii equivalent widths.
Case–control study for the identification of virological factors associated with fulminant hepatitis B
Authors: Kusakabe Atsunori , Tanaka Yasuhito , Mochida Satoshi , Nakayama Nobuaki , Inoue Kazuaki , Sata Michio , Isoda Norio , Kang Jong‐Hon , Sumino Yasukiyo , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Kaneko Shuichi , Yamada Gotaro , Karino Yoshiyasu , Tanaka Eiji , Kato Junji , Sakaida Isao , Izumi Namiki , Sugauchi Fuminaka , Nojiri Shunsuke , Joh Takashi , Miyakawa Yuzo , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: April 2009

Background:  Host and viral factors can promote the development of fulminant hepatitis B (FHB), but there have been no case–control studies for figuring out virological parameters that can distinguish FHB.Methods:  In a case–control study, virological factors associated with the development of FHB were sought in 50 patients with FH developed by transient hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (FH‐T) and 50 with acute self‐limited hepatitis B (AHB) who were matched for sex and age. In addition, 12 patients with FH developed by acute exacerbation (AE) of asymptomatic HBV carrier (ASC) (FH‐C) were also compared with 12 patients without FH by AE of chronic hepatitis B (AE‐C).Results:  Higher HBV DNA levels, subgenotype B1/Bj, A1762T/G1764A, G1896A, G1899A and A2339G mutation were significantly more frequent (P < 0.05), while hepatitis B e‐antigen was less frequent in the FH‐T patients than AHB. In multivariate analysis, G1896A mutation (odds ratio [OR], 13.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.75–66.64), serum HBV DNA more than 5.23 log copies/mL (OR, 5.14; 95% CI, 1.10–24.15) and total bilirubin more than 10.35 mg/mL (OR, 7.81; 95% CI, 1.77–34.51) were independently associated with a fulminant outcome by transient HBV infection. On the other hand, in comparison with the patients between FH‐C and AE‐C groups, there was no significant difference of virological factors associated with the development of FHB.Conclusion:  A number of virological factors have been defined that may distinguish FH‐T from AHB in a case–control study. The pathogenic mechanism of FHB between transient HBV infection and AE of ASC would be different.
Production and biochemical and molecular characterization of a keratinolytic serine protease from chicken feather-degradingBacillus licheniformisRPk
Authors: Fakhfakh Nahed , Kanoun Safia , Manni Laila , Nasri Moncef 
Published: April 2009

A novel feather-degrading bacterium was isolated from a polluted river and identified as Bacillus licheniformis RPk. The isolate exhibited high proteinase production when grown in chicken-feather media. Complete feather degradation was achieved during cultivation. Maximum protease activity (4150 U/mL with casein as a substrate and 37.35 U/mL with keratin as a substrate) was obtained when the strain was grown in a medium containing 7.5 g/L chicken feathers, 2 g/L yeast extract, 0.5 g/L NaCl, 0.1 g/L MgSO4·7H2O, 0.7 g/L KH2PO4, and 1.4 g/L K2HPO4for 48 h with agitation of 200 rev/min at 37 °C. The major protease produced by B. licheniformis RPk was purified to homogeneity by a 3-step procedure. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 32 kDa by SDS–PAGE and gel filtration. The optimum pH and temperature for the caseinolytic activity were around 11.0 and 65 °C, respectively. The optimum pH and temperature for the keratinolytic activity were 9.0 and 60 °C, respectively. The activity of the enzyme was totally lost in the presence of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, which suggests that the purified enzyme is a serine protease. The thermostability of the enzyme was considerably enhanced in the presence of Ca2+at temperatures >50 °C. The kerRP gene, which encodes the keratinolytic protease, was isolated, and its DNA sequence was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed that the keratinase KerRP differs from KerA of B. licheniformis PWD-1, subtilisin Carlsberg, and keratinase of B. licheniformis by 2, 4, and 62 amino acids, respectively.
Enumeration of the contaminating bacterial microbiota in unfermented pasteurized milks enriched with probiotic bacteria
Authors: Champagne C. P. , Raymond Y. , Gonthier J. , Audet P. 
Published: April 2009

Pasteurized and unfermented milks supplemented with probiotic bacteria are appearing on the market. It then becomes a challenge to ascertain the undesirable contamination microbiota in the presence of a largely superior population of probiotic bacteria. A method to enumerate the contaminating microbial microbiota in such probiotic-enriched milks was developed. The probiotic cultures, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lb-Immuni-T™ and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12®, were added to a pasteurized unfermented milk to reach a minimum of 1 billion CFU per 250 mL portion, as ascertained by plating on de Man – Rogosa – Sharpe (MRS) agar in anaerobic conditions. No growth of B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 was noted on plate count agar (PCA) or Petrifilm™ plates, and the presence of this culture did not affect standard plate counts (SPC) of contaminating bacteria. However, L. rhamnosus formed colonies on PCA and Petrifilm™ plates. Attempts were thus made to inhibit the growth of the probiotic lactobacilli in PCA. The addition of 2% sodium phosphate (SP) or 5% glycerophosphate (GP) inhibited the growth of the lactobacilli in broths, but pin-point colonies of L. rhamnosus Lb-Immuni-T nevertheless appeared on PCA supplemented with phosphates. SPC could be obtained on PCA + 2% SP by only counting the large colonies, but this resulted in a significant (4.4 fold) underestimation of SPC values. On Petrifilm™ AC, at dilutions 0 to 2, all colonies were considered as being contaminants, while at dilutions 3 and 4, only large colonies were counted for SPC determinations. There was a direct correlation (R2 = 0.99) between SPC values with Petrifilm™ in uninoculated milks and those obtained on probiotic-enriched milks. The high correlation obtained over the 102 to 106 CFU/mL range of SPC values show that this Petrifilm™ method is appropriate to evaluate the microbiological quality of pasteurized milks enriched with L. rhamnosus Lb-Immuni-T and B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12.
Inhibition ofListeria monocytogenesby a combination of chitosan and divergicin M35
Authors: Benabbou R. , Zihler A. , Desbiens M. , Kheadr E. , Subirade M. , Fliss I. 
Published: April 2009

The antimicrobial activities of the class IIa bacteriocin divergicin M35 and several types of chitosan against Listeria monocytogenes were quantified by agar diffusion, critical micro-dilution, and viable count and observed by electron microscopy. Antimicrobial activity of chitosan depended on its molecular mass (MM) and the pH. Three chitosans with MM values of 2, 20, and 100 kDa and 87.4% degree of deacetylation (DDA) were chosen for further study, based on high anti-listerial activity at pH 4.5. Electron microscopy suggested that the mechanism of anti-listerial activity also varied with the MM. Low-MM chitosan appeared to inhibit L. monocytogenes by affecting cell permeability and growth, whereas medium- and high-MM chitosan may form a barrier on the cell surface that prevents entry of nutrients. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 2, 20, and 100 kDa chitosan and divergicin M35 against a divergicin-resistant strain of L. monocytogenes (LSD 535) were 2.5, 2.5, 0.625, and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. The combination of any of these 3 chitosans and divergicin M35 appeared to have an additive effect against L. monocytogenes, as determined by fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. This study provides useful data for the development of chitosan films incorporating divergicin M35 for inhibiting L. monocytogenes in foods.
Chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase enzyme production by the mycoparasiteClonostachys roseaf.catenulataagainst fungal plant pathogens
Authors: Chatterton Syama , Punja Zamir K. 
Published: April 2009

Clonostachys rosea f. catenulata (syn. Gliocladium catenulatum ) is an effective fungal biological agent against Fusarium root and stem rot and Pythium damping-off diseases on cucumber plants. Both chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase enzymes were produced when C. rosea was grown on a synthetic medium containing chitin or laminarin as a sole carbon source, respectively. Chitinase production was also induced by Fusarium cell walls, while β-1,3-glucanase activity was induced by both Fusarium and Pythium cell walls, as well as by growth on homogenized cucumber roots and on low-carbon media. Mycelial growth of Fusarium and Pythium, when exposed to C. rosea culture filtrates that contain glucanase activity, was significantly reduced compared with the controls, and cell walls of both pathogens were degraded. On excised cucumber roots, hyphae of C. rosea formed appressorium-like structures and coiled around hyphae of Pythium. In culture, C. rosea caused localized degradation of Fusarium hyphae. Cucumber root tissues colonized by C. rosea showed higher levels of β-1,3-glucanase activity at 7 days post-application compared with untreated controls. To determine if this activity was derived from C. rosea, glucanase isoforms were separated on activity gels. Fungal culture filtrates and root extracts contained the same predominant 20 kDa isoform. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers designed to amplify a β-1,3-glucanase gene in C. rosea confirmed glucanase expression on roots. These results show that C. rosea produces β-1,3-glucanase in situ, which can degrade hyphae of Fusarium and Pythium and contribute to biological control efficacy.
Tai Chi Qigong for the quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot, randomized, waiting list controlled trial
Authors: Lee Hwa-Jin , Park Hi-Joon , Chae Younbyoung , Kim Song-Yi , Kim Seung-Nam , Kim Seung-Tae , Kim Je-Ho , Yin Chang-Shik , Lee Hyejung 
Published: April 2009

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Tai Chi Qigong training on the quality of life and physical function of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Design: A preliminary, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting: General community, performed at Hwaseong City Health Center. Participants: Forty-four elderly subjects (mean age, 69.1 ± 5.4 years) with knee osteoarthritis. Intervention: The patients were randomized (2:1) to: (1) an eight-week Tai Chi Qigong training programme or (2) a waiting list control group. The programme involved eight weeks of group Tai Chi Qigong sessions, with 60 minutes per session twice a week. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was quality of life measured with the Short Form 36 (SF-36) at baseline and week 8. Secondary outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and 6-m walking time. Results: The training group had statistically significant improvements in the quality of life (changes of SF-36, Qigong versus control: 21.6 ± 16.8 versus 9.8 ± 13.6, P<0.05) and 6-m walking test (change in walking time, Qigong versus control: —1.6 ± 1.7 versus —0.2 ± 0.8 s, P<0.01). The WOMAC scores in the training group were markedly improved, although the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Tai Chi Qigong training appears to have beneficial effects in terms of the quality of life and physical functioning of elderly subjects with knee osteoarthritis. However, more rigorous trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of this training for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Autoantibodies against galectin-8: their specificity, association with lymphopenia in systemic lupus erythematosus and detection in rheumatoid arthritis and acute inflammation
Authors: Massardo L , Metz C , Pardo E , Mezzano V , Babul M , Jarpa E , Guzmán AM , André S , Kaltner H , Gabius HJ , Jacobelli S , González A , Soza A 
Published: April 2009

The role of autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been completely defined. From more than a hundred autoantibodies described in SLE, relatively few have been associated with clinical manifestations. The glycan-binding proteins of the galectin family can modulate the immune system. Anti-galectin autoantibodies thus could have functional and/or pathogenic implications in inflammatory processes and autoimmunity. We previously reported function-blocking autoantibodies against galectin-8 (Gal-8) in SLE. Here we tested these autoantibodies against a series of other human galectins and demonstrated their specificity for Gal-8, being detectable in 23% of 78 SLE patients. Remarkably, they associated with lymphopenia (50% of 18 anti-Gal-8-positive versus 18% of 60 anti-Gal-8-negative cases, Fisher’s Exact test two-tailed: P < 0.012). Lymphopenia is a common clinical manifestation in SLE, yet of unknown mechanism. In addition, six of eight patients with both lymphopenia and malar rash had anti-Gal-8 in their sera. Occurrence of these autoantibodies was not confined to SLE as we also found them in sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (16%) and septicemia (20%). This study thus establishes occurrence of specific anti-Gal-8 autoantibodies in autoimmune rheumatic diseases and in acute inflammation, with an apparent association to a clinical subset in SLE.
A clinical and immunologic phase 2 trial of Wilms tumor gene product 1 (WT1) peptide vaccination in patients with AML and MDS
Authors: Keilholz Ulrich , Letsch Anne , Busse Antonia , Asemissen Anne Marie , Bauer Sandra , Blau Igor Wolfgang , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten , Uharek Lutz , Thiel Eckhard , Scheibenbogen Carmen 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis study investigated the immunogenicity of Wilms tumor gene product 1 (WT1)–peptide vaccination in WT1-expressing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients without curative treatment option. Vaccination consisted of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor subcutaneously days 1 to 4, and WT1.126-134 peptide and 1 mg keyhole limpet hemocyanin on day 3. The initial 9 patients received 4 vaccinations biweekly, then monthly, and the subsequent 10 patients received continual biweekly vaccination. Seventeen AML patients and 2 refractory anemia with excess blasts patients received a median of 11 vaccinations. Treatment was well tolerated. Objective responses in AML patients were 10 stable diseases (SDs) including 4 SDs with more than 50% blast reduction and 2 with hematologic improvement. An additional 4 patients had clinical benefit after initial progression, including 1 complete remission and 3 SDs. WT1 mRNA levels decreased at least 3-fold from baseline in 35% of patients. In 8 of 18 patients, WT1-tetramer+ T cells increased in blood and in 8 of 17 patients in bone marrow, with a median frequency in bone marrow of 0.18% at baseline and 0.41% in week 18. This WT1 vaccination study provides immunologic, molecular, and preliminary evidence of potential clinical efficacy in AML patients, warranting further investigations.
Antigen sensitivity is a major determinant of CD8+ T-cell polyfunctionality and HIV-suppressive activity
Authors: Almeida Jorge R. , Sauce Delphine , Price David A. , Papagno Laura , Shin So Youn , Moris Arnaud , Larsen Martin , Pancino Gianfranco , Douek Daniel C. , Autran Brigitte , Sáez-Cirión Asier , Appay Victor 
Published: April 2009

AbstractCD8+ T cells are major players in the immune response against HIV. However, recent failures in the development of T cell–based vaccines against HIV-1 have emphasized the need to reassess our basic knowledge of T cell–mediated efficacy. CD8+ T cells from HIV-1–infected patients with slow disease progression exhibit potent polyfunctionality and HIV-suppressive activity, yet the factors that unify these properties are incompletely understood. We performed a detailed study of the interplay between T-cell functional attributes using a bank of HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell clones isolated in vitro; this approach enabled us to overcome inherent difficulties related to the in vivo heterogeneity of T-cell populations and address the underlying determinants that synthesize the qualities required for antiviral efficacy. Conclusions were supported by ex vivo analysis of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells from infected donors. We report that attributes of CD8+ T-cell efficacy against HIV are linked at the level of antigen sensitivity. Highly sensitive CD8+ T cells display polyfunctional profiles and potent HIV-suppressive activity. These data provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying CD8+ T-cell efficacy against HIV, and indicate that vaccine strategies should focus on the induction of HIV-specific T cells with high levels of antigen sensitivity to elicit potent antiviral efficacy.