bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Translation of striatal‐enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) after β1‐adrenergic receptor stimulation
Authors: Hu Yaer , Zhang Yang , Venkitaramani Deepa V. , Lombroso Paul J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe β‐adrenergic system is implicated in long‐term synaptic plasticity in the CNS, a process that requires protein synthesis. To identify proteins that are translated in response to β‐adrenergic receptor stimulation and the pathways that regulate this process, we investigated the effects of isoproterenol on the translation of striatal‐enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) in both cortico‐striatal slices and primary neuronal cultures. Isoproterenol stimulation induced a rapid dose‐dependent increase in STEP expression. Anisomycin blocked the increase in STEP expression while actinomycin D had no effect, suggesting a translation‐dependent mechanism. Isoproterenol‐induced STEP translation required activation of β1‐receptors. Application of the MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor SL327 blocked both isoproterenol‐induced activation of pERK and subsequent STEP translation. Inhibitors of PI3K (LY294002) or mTOR (rapamycin) also completely blocked STEP translation. These results suggest that co‐activation of both the ERK and PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR pathways are required for STEP translation. As one of the substrates of STEP includes ERK itself, these results suggest that STEP is translated upon β‐adrenergic activation as part of a negative feedback mechanism.
Identification and characterization of SV31, a novel synaptic vesicle membrane protein and potential transporter
Authors: Burré Jacqueline , Zimmermann Herbert , Volknandt Walter 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSynaptic vesicle proteins govern all relevant functions of the synaptic vesicle life cycle, including vesicle biogenesis, vesicle transport, uptake and storage of neurotransmitters, and regulated endocytosis and exocytosis. In spite of impressive progress made in the past years, not all known vesicular functions can be assigned to defined protein components, suggesting that the repertoire of synaptic vesicle proteins is still incomplete. We have identified and characterized a novel synaptic vesicle membrane protein of 31 kDa with six putative transmembrane helices that, according to its membrane topology and phylogenetic relation, may function as a vesicular transporter. The vesicular allocation is demonstrated by subcellular fractionation, heterologous expression, immunocytochemical analysis of brain sections and immunoelectron microscopy. The protein is expressed in select brain regions and contained in subpopulations of nerve terminals that immunostain for the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 and the vesicular GABA transporter VGaT (vesicular amino acid transporter) and may attribute specific and as yet undiscovered functions to subsets of glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses.
Mortality, oxidative stress and tau accumulation during ageing in parkin null mice
Authors: Rodríguez‐Navarro Jose A. , Casarejos M. José , Menéndez Jaime , Solano Rosa M. , Rodal Izaskun , Gómez Ana , Yébenes Justo García de , Mena Maria A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractYoung parkin null (pk−/−) mice have subtle abnormalities of behaviour, dopamine (DA) neurotransmission and free radical production, but no massive loss of DA neurons. We investigated whether these findings are maintained while ageing. Pk−/− mice have reduced life span and age‐related reduced exploratory behaviour, abnormal walking and posture, and behaviours similar to those of early Parkinson’s disease (PD), reduced number of nigrostriatal DA neurons and proapoptotic shifts in the survival/death proteins in midbrain and striatum. Contrary to young pk−/− animals 24‐month‐old pk−/− mice do not have compensatory elevation of GSH in striatum, glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities are increased and catalase unchanged. Aged pk−/− mice accumulate high levels of tau and fail to up‐regulate CHIP and HSP70. Our results suggest that aged pk−/− mice lack of the compensatory mechanisms that maintain a relatively normal DA function in early adulthood. This study could help to explain the effects of ageing in patients with genetic risks for Parkinson’s disease.
Light exposure causes functional changes in the retina: increased photoreceptor cation channel permeability, photoreceptor apoptosis, and altered retinal metabolic function
Authors: Yu Tzu‐Ying , Acosta Monica L. , Ready Sarah , Cheong Yih‐Liang , Kalloniatis Michael 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLight exposure induces retinal photoreceptor degeneration and retinal remodeling in both the normal rat retina and in animal models of retinal degeneration. Although cation entry is one of the triggers leading to apoptosis, it is unclear if this event occurs in isolation, or whether a number of pathways lead to photoreceptor apoptosis following light exposure. Following light exposure, we investigated the characteristics of cation entry, apoptotic markers [using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (EC 2.7.7.31) dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) labeling] and metabolic properties of retina from Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats and a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa [proline‐23‐histidine (P23H) rat]. Assessment of cation channel permeability using agmatine (AGB) labeling showed that excessive cation gating accompanied the series of anomalies that occur prior to photoreceptor loss. Increased AGB labeling in photoreceptors was seen in parallel with the appearance of apoptotic photoreceptors detected by TUNEL labeling with only a smaller proportion of cells colocalizing both markers. However, SD and P23H retinal photoreceptors differed in the amounts and colocalization of AGB gating and TUNEL labeling as a function of light exposure. Finally, reduced retinal lactate dehydrogenase levels were found in SD and P23H rat retinas after a 24‐h light exposure period. Short‐term (2 h) exposure of the P23H rat retina caused an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity suggesting increased metabolic demand. These results suggest that energy availability may be exacerbated during the early stages of light exposure in susceptible retinas. Also, the concomitant observation of increased ion gating and TUNEL labeling suggest the existence of at least two possible mechanisms in light‐damaged retinas in both SD and the P23H rat retina.
Do life‐ or school‐satisfaction and self‐esteem indicators explain the oral hygiene habits of schoolchildren?
Authors: Honkala S. , Honkala E. , Al‐Sahli N. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aim of this study was to ascertain how frequently toothbrushing and flossing are practiced among schoolchildren in Kuwait and whether life‐ and school‐satisfaction and self‐esteem indicators are associated with oral hygiene habits.Methods:  A sample of 2312 schoolchildren between 11 and 13 years old filled out a structured questionnaire anonymously in school classrooms during 2002 and 2003. For this study, nationally representative samples of children were drawn from all six governorates of Kuwait. Only government schools were included. The questionnaire of the Health Behaviour in School‐Aged Children Study was used in this study after it was modified to suit Kuwait. A chi‐squared test and logistic regression model were used for analyzing the data.Results:  Over half of the pupils reported brushing their teeth more than once a day; girls reported brushing more frequently than boys did. One‐fifth of the pupils did not brush their teeth even on a daily basis. The life‐ and school‐satisfaction and self‐esteem indicators were associated with more‐than‐once‐a‐day toothbrushing frequency. The strongest predictors for recommended brushing were: feeling very happy (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.38–2.77), feeling that other pupils always accept him/her (1.5; 1.16–2.02), never/sometimes feeling lonely and feeling that it is very easy to make friends (1.4; 1.06–1.94). The summary variables of life‐satisfaction, school‐satisfaction and self‐esteem seemed to be strongly associated with brushing. Dental floss was never used by 45% of the children, weekly by 18% and daily by 17%; 20% did not even know what dental floss was.Conclusions:  Among intermediate schoolchildren in Kuwait, oral hygiene practices were far behind the international recommendations. Special emphasis should be placed on children who have personal problems with their life, school and self‐esteem.
Risk indicators for dental caries using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS)
Authors: Ismail Amid I. , Sohn Woosung , Tellez Marisol , Willem Jenefer M. , Betz James , Lepkowski James 
Published: July 2007

Abstract –  Background:  While national surveys have found that African–Americans have a higher prevalence and severity of dental caries than white‐Americans, there are only a few descriptive studies of the prevalence and severity of dental caries in low‐income urban African–Americans.Objectives:  This study assessed the prevalence, severity and determinants of dental caries, using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS).Methods:  A representative sample of low‐income families (a caregiver and a child aged 0–5 years) was selected from low‐income census tracts in the city of Detroit, Michigan. Of the 12,655 randomly selected housing units, 10,695 were occupied and 9781 were successfully contacted (91.5%). There were 1386 families with eligible children in the contacted households; and of those, 1021 were interviewed and examined at a permanent examination center organized for this study. This represents an overall response rate of 73.7%. At the center, trained staff interviewed the main caregivers of the selected children, and trained and calibrated dentists examined the caregiver and her/his child. Data used in this study included information gathered from the social, behavioral and parenting questionnaires, the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (total sugar intake), and data collected from community and census databases.Results:  Over 90% of the adults (ages 14–70 years, average 29.3) had at least one noncavitated carious lesion and 82.2% had at least one primary cavitated lesion. Negative binomial regression models found that the age of caregivers and the number of churches in neighborhoods were negatively associated with the number of noncavitated tooth surfaces. Cavitated tooth surfaces were positively associated with age, oral hygiene status, being worried about teeth, a recent visit to a dentist, and the number of grocery stores in the neighborhoods. However, the number of cavitated tooth surfaces was negatively associated with preventive dental visits, positive rating of oral health status and the number of dentists in a community.Conclusions:  Dental caries, especially at the noncavitated stage, is highly prevalent in low‐income African–American adults in Detroit. A significant increase in the mean number of missing teeth was observed after the age of 34 years. This study found that different individual, social, and community risk indicators were associated with noncavitated versus cavitated tooth surfaces.
Effects of short periods of frequent milking on the persistency of milk yield and SCS in Turkish Saanen goats
Authors: PALA Akin , KOYUNCU Emrah 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe major purpose of this study was to investigate if increasing milking frequency for a short period of 3 weeks had any effects on the persistency of milk yield and the persistency of the somatic cell score (SCS). The methyl green–pyronin method was used for the direct microscopic SCS, converted to SCS for the analyses. Two groups were formed (control, n = 14 and treatment, n = 14). The treatment group was milked four times a day for 3 weeks after weaning. Both groups were milked twice a day outside this 3‐week period, throughout lactation. For the milk yield, persistencies were higher in the treatment group when the distance between the test days was equal to or less than 3 months. The exact opposite was true for the SCS; that is, the treatment group had higher persistencies when the distance between the test days was more than 3 months. Overall, persistencies related to milk yield were higher than persistencies related to SCS. For fat corrected milk yield, treatment persistencies were always higher than the control group persistencies, regardless of the distance between the tests. The same was true for the fat content. Increasing milking frequency for a short period of time (3 weeks) after weaning may help to increase the persistency of the milk yield, fat corrected milk yield and fat content. A 3‐D plot of least squares means indicated that the milk yield tended to show a classical lactation curve in lower SCS values while forming an unstable curve in higher SCS values.
The Effect of Potassium Channel Opener Pinacidil on the Non‐Pregnant Rat Uterus
Authors: Novakovic Radmila , Milovanovic Slobodan , Protic Dragana , Djokic Jelena , Heinle Helmut , Gojkovic‐Bukarica Ljiljana 
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  The effects of the K+ channel opener, pinacidil on the spontaneous rhythmic contractions and contractions provoked by electrical field stimulation (50 Hz) or by oxytocin were investigated in the isolated uterus of the non‐pregnant rat in oestrus. Pinacidil produced more potent inhibition of oxytocin‐elicited contractions than of spontaneous rhythmic contractions or electrical field stimulation‐induced contractions. Glibenclamide, a selective blocker of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, antagonized the pinacidil‐induced inhibition of contractions elicited by oxytocin in a competitive manner. However, the pinacidil‐induced inhibition of electrical field stimulation‐elicited contractions and spontaneous rhythmic contractions was antagonized non‐competitively by glibenclamide. In the uterine strips pre‐contracted with 80 mM K+, the pinacidil‐induced maximal relaxation was not affected. The present data show that pinacidil exhibits potent relaxant properties in the rat non‐pregnant uterus in oestrus and therefore should be taken into account as a possible agent for treatment of dysmenorrhoea. Based on glibenclamide affinity, it appears that the inhibitory response to pinacidil involves KATP channels. We need further investigations to explain why the interaction between glibenclamide and pinacidil in this experimental model depends on the nature of contractions. The ability of pinacidil to completely relax the rat non‐pregnant uterus pre‐contracted with K+‐rich solution suggests that K+ channel‐independent mechanism(s) also play a part in its relaxant effect.
Controversies in Sexual Medicine: Male Circumcision and HIV Prevention
Authors: Vardi Yoram , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein , Pollack Shimon , Aisuodionoe-Shadrach Oseremen I. , Sharlip Ira D. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Growing evidence has linked circumcision with some protection against HIV infection. Should nations with a high HIV infection rate encourage male circumcision?

Methods
Four people with expertise and/or interest in the area of circumcision and HIV 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
Three clinical trials in Africa showed the benefit of circumcision in reducing HIV incidence in men. Sadeghi-Nejad cites these, but balances this with the pandemic in India, and the cultural implications of circumcision. Pollack cites these studies as well, but reinforces the World Health Organization and UNAIDS recommendations that male circumcision should not replace safe sex. As a Nigerian, Aisuodionoe-Shadrach discusses the indirect ways in which circumcision can reduce the spread of HIV, and advocates the surgery, although he proposes infant circumcision may be wiser. Ira Sharlip, President of the International Society for Sexual Medicine, explains some of the physiology involved while again citing the three recent African studies. He questions who would be circumcised and who would perform the procedure if pro-circumcision policies were adopted.

Conclusions
While three clinical trials in Africa were halted after it became evident that circumcision was beneficial in protecting against HIV, further information on the health risks and benefits of male circumcision is needed. Ethical decisions need to be made and medical recommendations developed before circumcision can be considered for HIV prevention.
Recovery of Erectile Function in Aging Hypertensive and Normotensive Rats Using Exercise and Caloric Restriction
Authors: Hannan Johanna L. , Heaton Jeremy P.W. , Adams Michael A. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Using aging spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), we established that antihypertensive drugs can improve erections and penile vascular structure, and lower arterial pressure. Using kidney cross-transplantations, our findings revealed that the benefit of this treatment resulted from drug-induced changes specific to the penile circulation, and not to the kidney-mediated lowering of pressure.

Aim
The objective of the present study was to determine whether increased exercise and/or caloric restriction (CR) can reverse the decline in sexual responses in aging hypertensive and normotensive rats.

Methods
From 30 to 40 weeks, food intake was restricted (10–40%), and SHR, Wistar, and Sprague-Dawley rats ran on treadmills (30 minutes/day, 5 days/week). Exercise was withdrawn at 40 weeks, and CR was stopped at 50 weeks. Using a separate group of older Wistars (56 weeks) and Sprague-Dawley rats (67 weeks), the effects of 10% CR or exercise plus 10–40% CR on erectile function were determined.

Main Outcome Measure
Apomorphine-induced erectile responses and body weight were monitored weekly.

Results
An age-related decline in erections was seen from 15 to 29 weeks of age in all strains. This decline paralleled increases in body weight, particularly in the normotensive strains. Exercise and CR induced a 10% weight loss in normotensive rats and improved erections in all animals. In SHR, increased erections occurred without decreasing body weight. Body weight and erectile responses were maintained by CR alone after exercise was withdrawn, but erectile function rapidly declined soon after CR was stopped and paralleled increases in body weight. In aged Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats treated with exercise and CR, erectile function was also significantly improved.

Conclusions
Similar to previous studies, erectile function progressively decreased with age in both hypertensive and normotensive rats. Erectile responses were found to be substantially improved by an intervention involving exercise and CR, but not necessarily involving weight loss.
A Mouse Model of Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Xie Donghua , Odronic Shelly I. , Wu Feihua , Pippen Anne M. , Donatucci Craig F. , Annex Brian H. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTIntroductionHypercholesterolemia is one of the most important risk factors for the development of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.AimWe employed an established mouse model of hypercholesterolemia.Main Outcome MeasuresWe test for abnormalities in vasoreactivity in corporal tissue and temporally correlated changes in vasoreactivity with alterations in histology and protein expression.MethodsA total of 150 mice were studied. A total of 100 apolipoprotein-E knockout (ApoE–/–) mice were fed a 1.25% cholesterol diet for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks (N = 25/group), while a group of ApoE–/– and wild-type Bl-6 mice were fed a normal diet. The study was terminated, and all mice were harvested at 22 weeks of age for vasoreactivity, histology, and protein studies from corporal tissues. Dose–response curves were generated to evaluate endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasoreactivity, ex vivo. The contents of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and smooth muscle/collagen ratio were assessed by immunohistochemistry staining or Masson staining. Level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was detected by enzyme immunoassay assay. Levels of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS)/total eNOS, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and cyclic GMP-dependent kinase (cGK-1) protein were assessed by Western analysis.ResultsAbnormalities in endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasoreactivities, endothelial content, smooth muscle/collagen ratio, p-eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 only, nNOS, cGMP, and cGK-1 changed with the different durations of the high-cholesterol diet.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that this mouse model is suitable for investigating aspects of hypercholesterolemic ED.
Eunuchs in Contemporary Society: Expectations, Consequences, and Adjustments to Castration (Part II)
Authors: Brett Michelle A. , Roberts Lesley F. , Johnson Thomas W. , Wassersug Richard J. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There are men in the Western world who are voluntarily castrated and are not male-to-female transsexuals.

Aims
We surveyed members of this group to understand their responses to androgen deprivation (AD) and how their experiences matched their expectations of AD.

Methods
We posted a questionnaire on the Eunuch Archive (http://www.eunuch.org) that received responses from 92 voluntarily orchiectomized males who identified as eunuchs. Data from this questionnaire were supplemented with interviews with 19 of the eunuchs.

Main Outcome Measures
Participants completed questionnaire items regarding: (i) the side effects they expected and experienced; (ii) their current physical and psychological condition; (iii) their level of regret; (iv) what they appreciated most about their castrated status; and (v) who performed their orchiectomies.

Results
The most appreciated aspect of castration was the sense of control over sexual urges and appetite (52%). The major side effects experienced were loss of libido (66%), hot flashes (63%), and genital shrinkage (55%). The population had high self-rated sociability, and mental and physical health. Although there was an insignificant reduction in depression after castration, the overall level of self-reported obsessive-compulsive disorders decreased significantly (P  &lt; 0.01). Twenty-two percent of the population reported a change in sexual orientation. Many respondents (60%) took supplemental hormone treatments to counteract the side effects of AD. The use of both supplemental testosterone and high-dose estrogen correlated with a significant increase in self-reported sexual desire and activity above the agonadal level (P  &lt; 0.001). The majority of the castrations (53%) were not performed by medical professionals.

Conclusion
The medical community needs to be aware of men at risk of unsafe castrations in order to provide them with more information on the side effects of AD and access to safe orchiectomies.