bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impulsiveness in obsessive–compulsive disorder: results from a family study
Authors: Ettelt S. , Ruhrmann S. , Barnow S. , Buthz F. , Hochrein A. , Meyer K. , Kraft S. , Reck C. , Pukrop R. , Klosterkötter J. , Falkai P. , Maier W. , Wagner M. , Freyberger H. J. , Grabe H. J. 
Published: May 2006

Objective:  Although obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is usually conceptualized as an anxiety disorder some studies suggested it to be a deficit of impulse control. The purpose of this study was to assess impulsiveness in OCD families and compare it to control families.Method:  Seventy cases and their 139 relatives were compared with 70 controls and their 134 relatives from a German family study on OCD (German Epidemiologic Network for OCD Studies). All subjects were interviewed and diagnosed according DSM‐IV criteria and were administered the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and PADUA‐Inventory to assess obsessive‐compulsive symptoms.Results:  OCD subjects had significantly higher scores of cognitive impulsiveness. However, first‐degree relatives of OCD cases and of controls had comparable BIS‐11 scores. Significant associations of aggressive obsessions and checking with cognitive impulsiveness were found.Conclusion:  OCD is a severe mental disorder that is characterized by a lack of cognitive inhibition. However, impulsiveness does not represent a familial trait in families of OCD subjects.
Cerebellar and other neurological soft signs in antipsychotic‐naïve schizophrenia
Authors: Varambally S. , Venkatasubramanian G. , Thirthalli J. , Janakiramaiah N. , Gangadhar B. N. 
Published: May 2006

Objective: Cerebellar neurological abnormalities in schizophrenia have been associated with severe negative symptoms, cognitive deficits, and smaller cerebellar volume. This study assessed the comparative discriminant validity between Cerebellar Soft Signs (CSS) vs. other neurological soft signs (ONSS) [in discriminating between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls] as well as the relationship between the soft signs and psychopathology.Method: Antipsychotic‐naïve schizophrenia patients (n = 32) and healthy subjects (n = 32) were examined using International Co‐Operative Ataxia Rating Scale and Neurological Evaluation Scale.Results: Mean CSS scores, ONSS total score, and Sensory Integration Signs sub‐score were significantly higher in patients. Discriminant analysis revealed two CSS sub‐scores (but none of the ONSS scores) to be significant (P < 0.0001) accounting for 78% of classification. CSS total score, Posture sub‐score, and Oculomotor sub‐score had significant positive correlation with negative syndrome score.Conclusion: Findings support intrinsic cerebellar dysfunction in schizophrenia. The observations are discussed in relationship with cognitive dysmetria.
Melanin content and MC1R function independently affect UVR‐induced DNA damage in cultured human melanocytes
Authors: Hauser Jennifer E. , Kadekaro Ana Luisa , Kavanagh Renny J. , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Terzieva Silva , Schwemberger Sandy , Babcock George , Rao M. B. , Ito Shosuke , Abdel‐Malek Zalfa A. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryMalignant transformation of melanocytes leads to melanoma, the most fatal form of skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR)‐induced DNA photoproducts play an important role in melanomagenesis. Cutaneous melanin content represents a major photoprotective mechanism against UVR‐induced DNA damage, and generally correlates inversely with the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Melanoma risk is also determined by susceptibility genes, one of which is the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene. Certain MC1R alleles are strongly associated with melanoma. We hereby present experimental evidence for the role of two melanoma risk factors, constitutive pigmentation, as assessed by total melanin, eumelanin and pheomelanin contents, and MC1R genotype and function, in determining the induction and repair of DNA photoproducts in cultured human melanocytes after irradiation with increasing doses of UVR. We found that total melanin and eumelanin contents (MC and EC) correlated inversely with the extent of UVR‐induced growth arrest, apoptosis and induction of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), but not with hydrogen peroxide release in melanocytes expressing functional MC1R. In comparison, melanocytes with loss‐of‐function MC1R, regardless of their MC or EC, sustained more UVR‐induced apoptosis and CPD, and exhibited reduced CPD repair. Therefore, MC, mainly EC, and MC1R function are independent determinants of UVR‐induced DNA damage in melanocytes.
Pigment pattern formation in the quail mutant of the silkworm, Bombyx mori: parallel increase of pteridine biosynthesis and pigmentation of melanin and ommochromes
Authors: Kato Tomomi , Sawada Hiroshi , Yamamoto Takayuki , Mase Keisuke , Nakagoshi Motoko 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe larval pigment pattern in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, is formed by melanin, ommochromes and pteridines. During development all these pigments are synthesized autonomously, and possibly also with mutual interaction between them, to yield unique pigment patterns. In order to find the key trigger for such pigment pattern formation, developmental changes in pteridine biosynthesis were studied using the quail mutant (q/q), which has darker larval marks formed by melanin and an abundance of ommochromes in the integument. In the current study, emphasis has been placed on the analysis of GTP‐cyclohydrolase I (GTP‐CH I), which is a key enzyme for the biosynthesis of pteridines, during the development of the silkworm. Results of Northern blotting showed that in the quail mutant strong signals of GTP‐CH I mRNA appeared around each period of ecdysis, while no such signals appeared in the background strain (+q/q) used. Also, both GTP‐CH I activities and pteridine content were higher in the quail mutant compared with the background strain. These results strongly suggest that pteridine biosynthesis is closely linked to the formation of melanin and ommochromes. It is also suggested here that in the silkworm a recessive gene (q) may be involved in the regulation of its pigment pattern formation.
Induction of melanocytes from embryonic stem cells and their therapeutic potential
Authors: Motohashi Tsutomu , Aoki Hitomi , Yoshimura Naoko , Kunisada Takahiro 
Published: May 2006

SummaryEmbryonic stem (ES) cells from many organisms have the capacity to generate in vitro a wide variety of cell types depending on their environment. Understanding precisely how such toti‐ or pluripotent cells may be driven towards a specific lineage represents a major challenge if our ambition of using ES cells to generate a ready supply of healthy cells for cell‐based therapies for a range of diseases is to be realized. Recent advances have demonstrated that melanocytes and retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells exhibiting the characteristics of their natural counterparts can be induced from undifferentiated ES cells grown on monolayers of specific stromal cell lines or by using a combination of Wnt3a, Endothelin‐3 and SCF. The ability to induce pigment cells from ES cells promises to facilitate our understanding of the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this process and moreover enable us to distinguish the program of gene expression that underpins the choice made between generating a nerual crest‐type melanocyte versus an RPE cell. Moreover, once the combination of signals required to induce a particular type of pigment cell are characterized, the way may be open for future cell‐based therapy for various diseases caused by defective pigment cells.
The other pigment cell: specification and development of the pigmented epithelium of the vertebrate eye
Authors: Bharti Kapil , Nguyen Minh‐Thanh T. , Skuntz Susan , Bertuzzi Stefano , Arnheiter Heinz 
Published: May 2006

SummaryVertebrate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are derived from the multipotent optic neuroepithelium, develop in close proximity to the retina, and are indispensible for eye organogenesis and vision. Recent advances in our understanding of RPE development provide evidence for how critical signaling factors operating in dorso‐ventral and distal‐proximal gradients interact with key transcription factors to specify three distinct domains in the budding optic neuroepithelium: the distal future retina, the proximal future optic stalk/optic nerve, and the dorsal future RPE. Concomitantly with domain specification, the eye primordium progresses from a vesicle to a cup, RPE pigmentation extends towards the ventral side, and the future ciliary body and iris form from the margin zone between RPE and retina. While much has been learned about the molecular networks controlling RPE cell specification, key questions concerning the cell proliferative parameters in RPE and the subsequent morphogenetic events still need to be addressed in greater detail.
Evaluation of palatal saliva flow rate and oral manifestations in patients with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Márton K , Boros I , Varga G , Zelles T , Fejérdy P , Zeher M , Nagy G 
Published: May 2006

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to describe the oral properties of Sjögren's syndrome (SS), including the determination of palatal saliva (PS) flow rate.Subjects and methods:  Forty‐nine SS patients and 43 healthy controls participated. Subjective symptoms were recorded and clinical assessments of the oral mucosal, dental and periodontal status were made. Unstimulated whole saliva (WS) and PS flow rates, the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMF‐T number), the gingival bleeding index (GBI) and the periodontal probing depth (PPD) were determined.Results:  Despite the decrease in the flow rate of WS in SS patients, PS was not different from those of the controls (1.57 ± 1.02 and 1.35 ± 2.5 μl cm−2 min−1, respectively). GBI (20.0% vs. 10.5%, respectively), DMF‐T (27.1 ± 6.12 vs. 23.0 ± 6.99, respectively) and PPD (2.28 ± 1.09 mm vs. 1.82 ± 0.73 mm, respectively) were higher in SS compared with the controls (P < 0.05). DMF‐T and PPD showed a positive correlation with anti‐SSA and/or anti‐SSB antibody positivity in the serum (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Data of the present study suggest that the subjective feeling of xerostomia in SS patients is the result of a decrease in the volume of the whole saliva, and not of the viscous PS. Correlation of DMF‐T and PPD with autoantibody positivity reveals that the oral health status of SS patients may be associated with the general autoimmune process.
Testosterone: Estradiol Ratio Changes Associated with Long-Term Tadalafil Administration: A Pilot Study
Authors: Greco Emanuela A. , Pili Marcello , Bruzziches Roberto , Corona Giovanni , Spera Giovanni , Aversa Antonio 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
It has been reported that lack of sexual activity due to erectile dysfunction (ED) may be associated with testosterone (T) decline.

Aim
To investigate whether the known changes in sex hormones associated with resumption of sexual activity are sustained in the long term.

Main Outcome Measures
Primary endpoints were variations from baseline of steroid hormones: total T, free T (f T), and estradiol (E). Secondary endpoints were variations of erectile function domain scores at International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5).

Methods
In an open-label fashion, 20 patients (mean age 54.8 ± 8.4 years) received tadalafil 10–20 mg on demand for 12 months. Exclusion criteria were those reported for phosphodiesterase inhibitors, including hypogonadism and hyperprolactinemia.

Results
Tadalafil assumption was safe and well tolerated (overall adverse effects in 15% of patients) and none discontinued medication. A significant decrease in E levels occurred at the end of the study (from 19.9 ± 9.6 to 16.6 ± 8.1 ng/dL, P = 0.042 vs. baseline), with parallel increase in the T:E ratio (26.3 ± 15.3 to 32.6 ± 17.7, P = 0.05), whereas no changes in T and f T serum levels were observed, respectively (411.4 ± 131.4 to 434.2 ± 177.1 ng/dL and 47.7 ± 15.3 to 49.9 ± 19.1 pmol/L, not significant). Interestingly, nonparametric subgroup analysis for related samples revealed that E decrease was detectable only in lean (N = 14) but not in obese (N = 6, body mass index &gt; 27.5 kg/m2) subjects (17.8 ± 10.1 vs. 13.5 ± 6.8, P &lt; 0.05). A net increase in IIEF-5 scores was observed at the endpoint (13.7 ± 5.9 vs. 25.7 ± 2.9, P &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusions
Sustained improvement in sexual function after 12 months of tadalafil administration is associated with increased T:E ratio mainly related to reduction of E levels. We hypothesize that androgen–estrogen cross-talk and possible inhibition of aromatase activity during chronic exposure to tadalafil might have a role in the regulation of erectile function.
An Effect on the Subjective Sexual Response in Premenopausal Women with Sexual Arousal Disorder by Bremelanotide (PT-141), a Melanocortin Receptor Agonist
Authors: Diamond Lisa E. , Earle Dennis C. , Heiman Julia R. , Rosen Raymond C. , Perelman Michael. A. , Harning Ronald 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Melanocortins affect multiple physiological responses, including sexual behaviors. Bremelanotide is a synthetic peptide melanocortin analog of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone that is an agonist at melanocortin receptors MC3R and MC4R.

Aim
To evaluate a single intranasal dose of bremelanotide for potential effects on physiological and subjective measurements of sexual arousal and desire in premenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder.

Main Outcome Measures
Change in vaginal pulse amplitude during neutral and erotic videos after treatment with bremelanotide or placebo and subjects’ perceptions of physiological and sexual response within 24 hours of treatment with bremelanotide or placebo.

Methods
Eighteen premenopausal women with a primary diagnosis of female sexual arousal disorder were randomly assigned to receive a single intranasal dose of 20 mg bremelanotide or matching placebo in a double-blind manner during the first in-clinic treatment session, and the alternate medication during the second in-clinic treatment session. During each session, subjects viewed a 20-minute neutral video followed by a 20-minute sexually explicit video. Vaginal photoplethysmography was used to monitor vaginal vasocongestion and questionnaires were used to evaluate perceptions of sexual response within the following 24-hour period.

Results
More women reported moderate or high sexual desire following bremelanotide treatment vs. placebo (P = 0.0114), and a trend toward more positive responses regarding feelings of genital arousal occurred after bremelanotide compared with placebo (P = 0.0833). Among women who attempted sexual intercourse within 24 hours after treatment, significantly more were satisfied with their level of sexual arousal following bremelanotide, compared with placebo (P = 0.0256). Vaginal vasocongestion did not change significantly while viewing erotic videos following bremelanotide administration compared with placebo.

Conclusion
This preliminary evaluation suggests the potential for bremelanotide to positively affect desire and arousal in women with female sexual arousal disorder and indicates that bremelanotide is a promising candidate for further evaluation in an at-home study.
Processes Driving Ontogenetic Succession of Galls in a Canopy Tree1
Authors: Fonseca Carlos Roberto , Fleck Tomás , Fernandes Geraldo Wilson 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTHerbivores can be associated with distinct ontogenetic stages of their host in a nonseasonal, directional, and continuous pattern of colonization and extinction of species populations called ontogenetic succession, but the processes behind this pattern are still largely unknown. We used plants of Cryptocarya aschersoniana Mez (Lauraceae) belonging to different ontogenetic stages, to examine how the density of different gall‐inducing insects varies along the ontogeny of the host, and how gall density is influenced by mechanisms associated with host quality (plant height, plant shape, leaf area, specific leaf area, and hypersensitivity), and by mechanisms associated with their natural enemies (parasitoids, pathogens, and predators). In a remnant of Araucaria Forest, located in the São Francisco de Paula National Forest (Brazil), gall density (ind./100 g of leaf ) was obtained for 42 plants of C. aschersoniana divided into three height classes. Two galling species were recorded, showing quite distinct density patterns among height classes of C. aschersoniana. While Hymenoptera gall density decreased almost 50 times from small plants to canopy trees, Hemiptera gall density increased almost 10 times. Path analyses showed that Hymenoptera density was higher in smaller plants, independent of other host traits, while Hemiptera density was higher in plants exhibiting smaller leaves. Natural enemies were not detected in the Hemiptera population, and mortality rates due to predators, parasitoids, and pathogens did not affect Hymenoptera density. Processes associated with plant quality play the main role in generating the observed ontogenetic succession pattern.
A stability study of Pluto's moon system
Authors: Nagy I. , Süli Á. , Érdi B. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The dynamical structure of the orbital element space of the Pluto-Charon system is studied in the model of the spatial circular restricted three-body problem by using numerical methods. With the two newly discovered small satellites S/2005 P1 and S/2005 P2, the Pluto-Charon system can be considered as the first known binary system in which celestial bodies move in P-type orbits. It is shown that the two satellites are in the stable region of the orbital element space and their origin by capture is unlikely. Also the large mass parameter allows the satellites to be regarded as a model of a new class of exoplanets orbiting around stellar binary systems.
GRB 990413: insight into the thermal phase evolution
Authors: Bosnjak Z. , Celotti A. , Ghirlanda G. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
GRB 990413 shows a very hard spectrum [with a low-energy spectral component F(ν) ∝2.49] which is well represented by a blackbody model with characteristic temperature ∼70 keV. It thus belongs to the subset of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) which might be revealing a thermal phase. We find that the temperature/luminosity evolution is consistent with that found in the other ‘thermal’ GRBs. The time-resolved spectral analysis indicates the presence of a second non-thermal component contributing (for about 1 s) up to 30 per cent of the total flux. Differently from the other thermal GRBs, GRB 990413 shows significantly high level of variability and the evolution of the thermal/non-thermal spectral components is strongly correlated with the flux variations. This GRB thus offers the unique opportunity to test the standard fireball photospheric and internal shock phases and their reciprocal influence. GRB 990413 was not selected on the basis of its spectrum and thus hints to the possibility that this early behaviour might be more common than currently known.
Modifiable risk factors for impaired fertility in women: What nurse practitioners need to know
Authors: Kelly‐Weeder Susan , O’Connor Alane 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPurpose: To provide an overview of impaired fertility in childbearing‐aged women, to review the current research on modifiable lifestyle risk factors implicated in its development, and to suggest strategies for nurse practitioners (NPs) to assist women in behavioral changes that will allow them to protect their fertility.Data sources: Original research articles and comprehensive review articles identified through Medline, CINAHL, and OVID databases.Conclusions: Research has shown that advancing age, a history of a sexually transmitted infection and/or pelvic inflammatory disease, extremes of body weight, and tobacco and caffeine use are potentially modifiable risk factors in the development of impaired fertility.Implications for practice: NPs must be aware of the link between these behaviors and the development of impaired fertility in order to assist women in preserving their fertility. Individual counseling, education, and community‐wide education strategies are discussed.
Pilot study: Nurse practitioner communication and the use of recommended clinical preventive services
Authors: Berry Judith A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPurpose:The purpose of the pilot study was to determine the feasibility of investigating nurse practitioners’ (NPs) use of clinical preventive services (CPS) in practice and the influence of provider–patient communication in achieving the CPS outcome. NP–patient communication styles were also explored.Data sources:Five NPs were audio‐taped each during one patient encounter. Using manifest content analysis, the transcripts were evaluated for the presence of CPS and communication styles.Conclusion:Because this was a pilot study and the sample size was small, no generalizations could be made. The presence of health promotion and disease prevention activities, as evaluated by the use of recommended CPS, was present in only one NP–patient encounter. NPs did use patient‐centered communication style in all the encounters. No correlations could be made to link communication styles with CPS.Implications for practice:Further study with a larger sample size needs to be done. NPs may not be using health promotion and disease prevention, as demonstrated by CPS, in actual practice. This may be an area that needs greater emphasis in education and practice.
When I go in to wake them … I wonder: Parental perceptions about congenital long QT syndrome
Authors: Farnsworth Monica M. , Fosyth Diane , Haglund Carla , Ackerman Michael J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPurpose:Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) affects an estimated 1 in 5000 persons, is characterized by QT interval prolongation, and has a clinical presentation ranging from asymptomatic longevity to sudden death in the young as the initial event. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of parents who have a child or children with LQTS. Information from parents of children with this diagnosis can provide insight to healthcare providers who care for these families.Data sources:The literature reveals that very little is known about the psychosocial aspects of this potential sudden death syndrome. This was a secondary analysis of a 2002 qualitative phenomenological primary study done to explore fear of death and quality of life for 58 patients with LQTS. The secondary study analyzed responses derived from 31 parents of children with LQTS.Conclusions:We speculated this far‐reaching clinical spectrum would arouse fear and uncertainty for a parent of a child with LQTS. Results of the study revealed that parents with young children described fear of their children dying and strategies they used to manage their fear, as well as frustrations about lack of knowledge of LQTS among healthcare providers. When the diagnosis of LQTS is established during adolescence, the impact on the lives of children and their families is more significant.Implications for practice:In order to support families experiencing the stress of living daily with someone with LQTS, healthcare providers including nurse practitioners need a better understanding of the symptoms, diagnosis, management, and lifestyle implications of LQTS. Further studies are needed to understand the long‐term psychosocial effects of children on beta‐blockers, children with implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and children, adolescents, and young adults who survive a sudden death event.