bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age Attenuates Testosterone Secretion Driven by Amplitude-Varying Pulses of Recombinant Human Luteinizing Hormone during Acute Gonadotrope Inhibition in Healthy Men
Authors: Takahashi Paul Y. , Votruba Patrick , Abu-Rub Mohammed , Mielke Kristi , Veldhuis Johannes D. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Context: Whether testosterone (Te) depletion in aging men reflects deficits in the testis, hypothalamus, and/or pituitary gland is unknown.
Objective: Our objective was to quantify the impact of age on gonadal Te secretion driven by amplitude-varying pulses of recombinant human LH (rhLH) in the absence of confounding by endogenous hypothalamo-pituitary signals.
Design: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Setting: The setting was an academic medical center.
Subjects: Fifteen healthy community-dwelling men ages 22–78 yr were included in the study.
Intervention: Saline or four separate rhLH doses were each infused twice iv in randomized order as one pulse every 2 h over 20 h to stimulate Te secretion, after LH secretion was suppressed by a GnRH-receptor antagonist, ganirelix.
Main Outcome: LH and Te concentrations were determined in blood samples collected every 5 min. Maximal and minimal (as well as mean) Te responses were regressed linearly on age to reflect LH peak and nadir (and average) effects, respectively.
Results: The ganirelix/rhLH paradigm yielded serum LH concentrations of 4.6 ± 0.22 IU/liter (normal range 1–9). By regression analysis, age was associated with declines in rhLH pulse-stimulated peak and nadir (and mean) concentrations of total Te (P = 0.0068), bioavailable Te (P = 0.0096), and free Te (P = 0.013), as well as lower Te/LH concentration ratios (P &lt; 0.005). Deconvolution analysis suggested that the half-life of infused LH increases by 12%/decade (P = 0.044; R2 = 0.28).
Conclusions: Infusion of amplitude-varying pulses of rhLH during gonadal-axis suppression in healthy men unmasks prominent age-related deficits in stimulated total (39%), bioavailable (66%), and free (63%) Te concentrations, and a smaller age-associated increase in LH half-life. These data suggest that age-associated factors reduce the efficacy of LH pulses.
Effects of the Progesterone Receptor Modulator VA2914 in a Continuous Low Dose on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis and Endometrium in Normal Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Chabbert-Buffet Nathalie , Pintiaux-Kairis Axelle , Bouchard Philippe 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Context: Progestin-only pills, the main hormonal alternative to ethinyl estradiol-containing pills in women bearing vascular risk factors, are poorly tolerated due to irregular bleeding. In contrast, progesterone receptor modulators can inhibit ovulation, alter endometrial receptivity, and improve cycle control.
Objective: We evaluated the effects of a new progesterone receptor modulator, VA2914, administered continuously for 3 months, on ovulation and endometrial maturation.
Design, Settings, and Patients: Forty-six normal women were included in a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, conducted in four referral centers.
Intervention: VA2914 (2.5, 5, or 10 mg/d) was administered continuously for 84 d. Pelvic ultrasound (treatment d 67 and 77), hormonal monitoring (FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone on treatment d 59, 63, 67, 70, 74, 77, 80, and 84), and endometrial biopsy (treatment d 77) were performed.
Main Outcome Measure: Ovulation inhibition was assessed by the absence of progesterone values above 3 ng/ml at any time during treatment month 3.
Results: Anovulation was observed in 81.8% women in the 5-mg group and 80% in the 10-mg group, and amenorrhea occurred in 81.2 and 90% of cases in the 5- and 10-mg groups. We did not detect any cases of endometrial hyperplasia despite estradiol levels that remained in the physiological follicular phase range throughout treatment cycle 3.
Conclusions: Continuous low-dose VA2914 can induce amenorrhea and inhibit ovulation without down-regulating estradiol levels or inducing endometrial hyperplasia in normal women. Long-term studies with a larger population are required to confirm the contraceptive efficacy of this regimen.
Risk Factors for Hypospadias in the Estrogen Receptor 2 Gene
Authors: Beleza-Meireles Ana , Kockum Ingrid , Lundberg Fredrik , Söderhäll Cilla , Nordenskjöld Agneta 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Context: Hypospadias is a common inborn error of the male genitalia of complex, and still elusive, etiology. The presence of active estrogen receptors (ESRs) in the developing male urethra, predominantly the ESR2, has suggested a role of estrogens in the otherwise androgen-dependent male genital differetiation. Moreover, imbalances between these two steroid hormones have been suggested to disturb the external genital development. This has been supported by the association between longer (CA)n variants in the ESR2 gene with lower androgen levels as well as with hypospadias.
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of ESR2 gene variants on the risk to hypospadias.
Design, Participants, and Methods: Four haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2987983, rs1887994, rs1256040, and rs1256062), the (CA)n polymorphism, and two additional promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs10483774 and rs1271572), mapping to a transcription factor binding region, were typed and analyzed in a Swedish cohort of 354 boys with nonsyndromic hypospadias and 380 healthy controls.
Results: Association was identified with longer variants of the (CA)n polymorphism in intron 6 and with a region of intense transcription factor binding, in the putative promoter region, mapping to rs2987983 and rs10483774. The two regions are in low-linkage disequilibrium, meaning that they are not necessarily inherited together as a haplotype; logistic regression analysis indicates that these two risk effects are not independent.
Conclusions: The present study evidences two nonindependent risk factors for hypospadias in the ESR2 gene. We discuss possible mechanisms that explain how these variants may affect male urethral development.
A Phase II Trial of Imatinib Therapy for Metastatic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: de Groot J. W. B. , Zonnenberg B. A. , van Ufford-Mannesse P. Quarles , de Vries M. M. , Links T. P. , Lips C. J. M. , Voest E. E. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Context: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) metastasizes early in its clinical course. No effective systemic therapy is available. Generally (somatic or germline), mutations in the rearranged during transfection gene are considered essential in the pathogenesis of MTC.
Objective: We investigated imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, as a potential treatment in patients with disseminated MTC.
Design: A phase II study was initiated using 600 mg imatinib daily with a possible dose increase to 800 mg in case of progression. Standard Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors were used using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging every 2 months.
Results: There were 15 patients with disseminated MTC treated for up to 12 months. No objective responses were observed. Four patients had stable disease over 24 months. Three patients stopped treatment due to toxic effects [fatigue (n = 2) and nausea (n = 1)]. In four cases the dose of imatinib was decreased because of toxicity [rash and malaise (n = 2) and laryngeal swelling (n = 2)]. Emergency tracheotomy was performed in two cases due to mucosal swelling of the larynx in patients with recurrent nerve palsy and a narrow vocal cleft. In nine patients with a history of a thyroidectomy, the dose of supplemental thyroid hormone was increased because of serious hypothyroidism.
Conclusions: Imatinib therapy yielded no objective responses and induced considerable toxicity in patients with MTC. A minority of patients had stable disease. Patients with supplemented hypothyroidism or with recurrent nerve palsy are specifically at risk for serious adverse events and need special attention when treated with imatinib.
EQUAL-qual: A European Program for External Quality Assessment of Genomic DNA Extraction and PCR Amplification
Authors: Orlando Claudio , Verderio Paolo , Maatman Ronald , Danneberg Jan , Ramsden Simon , Neumaier Michael , Taruscio Domenica , Falbo Vincenzo , Jansen Robert , Casini-Raggi Claudia , Malentacchi Francesca , Marubini Ettore , Pizzamiglio Sara , Vernelen Kris , Libeer Jean-Claude , Palicka Vladimir , Pazzagli Mario 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Background: Despite the rapid transition into routine clinical practice of molecular techniques based on PCR, external quality assessment (EQA) is still not widely available. The European Union and European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry have supported the EQUAL project as a series of 3 different EQA programs for the assessment of molecular methods independently from analytes. We present the results from the EQUAL-qual program designed to evaluate the analytical aspects of DNA analysis by means of a conventional qualitative PCR experiment.
Methods: The EQUAL-qual program provided DNA, blood samples, and primer sets to participant laboratories to assess DNA extraction and PCR amplification. We have developed statistical procedures to identify laboratories performing poorly in DNA extraction (quality and quantity), PCR efficiency, and data interpretation after electrophoresis.
Results: An application to participate was obtained from 213 laboratories (from 25 countries), and 175 (82%) of laboratories submitted results for assessment. Questionable results in terms of quality and/or quantity of DNA derived from blood extractions were returned by 27% of laboratories (46 of 166). PCR efficiency showed high variability, with 3% of laboratories (5 of 163) showing a consistently low rate of amplification and 10% (18 of 175) not reporting the expected number of bands of the amplified targets.
Conclusions: The results showed considerable variability in all phases of the experiment. The approach confirms the validity of EQA as a method for evaluating analytical aspects of PCR-based tests.
The labial flap in Mambay: Phonological rarity or fundamental element?
Authors: Anonby Erik John 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
This paper explores the phonological status of the labial flap in Mambay, a language belonging to the Adamawa division of Niger-Congo. Until recently, little discussion of the speech sound known as the labial flap has been found in the literature. However, in a series of recent articles, Olson and Hajek have used cross-linguistic evidence to argue for the treatment of the labial flap as a basic speech sound; this has resulted in its recent inclusion in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The present study adds to the discussion by providing an example of a language in which the labial flap is profoundly phonologized. Its distribution in the phonology, morphology and lexicon indicate that in Mambay, the labial flap can be considered nothing other than an integral, contrastive phonological unit.
Passivization in Lunda
Authors: Kawasha Boniface 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Studies have shown that passivization in Bantu languages is effected by means of a derivational suffix attached to the verb. This passivization pattern is residual and no longer productive in Lunda in that only a very small set of verbs allows the passive morphological suffix. It has been replaced by a new type of a passive construction which at face value appears as an impersonal construction because of the presence of the nonreferential class 2 third person plural subject prefix and the non-promotion of the non-agent to subjecthood in a clause. In this paper, I will show that the Lunda construction meets some of the characteristics of a canonical passive and that passivization also serves as one of the tests for transitivity despite the failure of the non-agent to become the subject of the clause.
Fortition and reduplication in Leggbo ideophones
Authors: Udoh Imelda Icheji 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
This article describes ideophones in Leggbo, a Cross River language of Nigeria. It focuses on two processes – fortition and reduplication – in the language and their special relation to ideophones. Fortition involves consonant gemination and lengthening and is used for intensification. Reduplication can be either lexical or grammatical. Ideophones can have an inherent repetitive structure but they can also employ reduplication like other modifiers to signal the plurality of nouns, or the diminutive of verbs. Both fortition and reduplication can occur in the same form, especially in ideophones. It is speculated that fortition could have arisen diachronically in ideophones before spreading to other parts of the language. If this scenario is assumed, it argues for treating ideophones in Leggbo, if not in other languages, as central rather than marginal parts of linguistic systems.
Comparative Swimming Performance of Juvenile Pond-Cultured and Wild-Caught Channel Catfish
Authors: Beecham Rachel Venn , Minchew C. Douglas , Parsons Glenn R. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
We compared the swimming performance of juvenile pond-cultured and wild-caught channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus using a fixed-velocity, time-to-fatigue protocol as a measure of overall fitness. Swimming performance of juvenile catfish from each source was determined at 10-cm/s intervals between speeds of 30 and 120 cm/s. The identified swimming performance categories included sustained speeds (swimming speeds without fatigue in times ≥200 min: aerobic metabolism); prolonged speeds (swimming speeds with fatigue in times ≥20 s but &lt;200 min: mixed aerobic and anaerobic metabolism); and burst (swimming speeds with fatigue in times &lt;20 s: anaerobic metabolism). The maximum sustained swimming speed (maximum speed without fatigue in times ≥200 min) was 40 cm/s for both pond-cultured and wild-caught juveniles. The maximum prolonged swimming speed (maximum speed with fatigue in times ≥200 min) was 90 and 100 cm/s for wild-caught and pond-cultured juvenile catfish, respectively. The swimming performance of pond-cultured and wild-caught juvenile catfish differed significantly only at 120 cm/s, which was a burst swimming speed for wild-caught juveniles and a prolonged swimming speed for pond-cultured juveniles. The burst swimming speed for pond-cultured juveniles was not determined but was estimated to be more than 120 cm/s. The total length, standard length, fork length, and condition factor of juvenile pond-cultured and wild-caught catfish were not significantly different. The reported swimming performance data provide important information on the overall fitness (e.g., ability to obtain prey and avoid predation) of juvenile pond-cultured and wild-caught catfish that will benefit fisheries managers considering the stocking of juvenile pond-cultured channel catfish in managed lakes and rivers as well as research scientists developing and evaluating improved strains of channel catfish for commercial production.
Vertical Distribution of Fish Biomass in Lake Superior: Implications for Day Bottom Trawl Surveys
Authors: Stockwell Jason D. , Yule Daniel L. , Hrabik Thomas R. , Adams Jean V. , Gorman Owen T. , Holbrook Beth V. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Evaluation of the biases in sampling methodology is essential for understanding the limitations of abundance and biomass estimates of fish populations. Estimates from surveys that rely solely on bottom trawls may be particularly vulnerable to bias if pelagic fish are numerous. We evaluated the variability in the vertical distribution of fish biomass during the U.S. Geological Survey's annual spring bottom trawl survey of Lake Superior using concurrent hydroacoustic observations to (1) test the assumption that fish are generally demersal during the day and (2) evaluate the potential for predictive models to improve bottom trawl–determined biomass estimates. Our results indicate that the assumption that fish exhibit demersal behavior during the annual spring bottom trawl survey in Lake Superior is unfounded. Bottom trawl biomass (BBT) estimates (mean ± SE) for species known to exhibit pelagic behavior (cisco Coregonus artedi, bloater C. hoyi, kiyi C. kiyi, and rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax; 3.01 ± 0.73 kg/ha) were not significantly greater than mean acoustic pelagic zone biomass (BAPZ) estimates (6.39 ± 2.03 kg/ha). Mean BAPZ estimates were 1.6- to 4.8-fold greater than mean BBT estimates over 4 years of sampling. The relationship between concurrent BAPZ and BBT estimates was marginally significant and highly variable. Predicted BAPZ estimates using cross-validation models were sensitive to adjustments for back-transforming from the logarithmic to the linear scale and poorly corresponded to observed BAPZ estimates. We conclude that statistical models to predict BAPZ from day BBT cannot be developed. We propose that night sampling with multiple gears will be necessary to generate better biomass estimates for management needs.
Evaluation of a New Coded Electromyogram Transmitter for Studying Swimming Behavior and Energetics in Fish
Authors: Brown Richard S. , Tatara Christopher P. , Stephenson John R. , Berejikian Barry A. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
A new coded electromyogram (CEMG) transmitter was recently introduced to the market to allow broader application and greater flexibility of configurations than the conventional noncoded version. CEMG transmitters were implanted into 20 steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss and calibrated to swimming speed in a respirometer to determine the relationship between swimming speed and the output of the transmitters and also to determine how the output of a single transmitter varied when implanted in multiple fish. Linear regression models showed a strong positive relationship between the output from CEMG transmitters and swimming speed. However, grouping signals from multiple transmitters produced a less accurate relationship between CEMG output and swimming speed than using signals from individual transmitters. The results, therefore, do not suggest that the CEMG transmitters acted similarly in all fish. Calibration data from one transmitter were not readily transferable among multiple fish implanted with the same transmitter, suggesting that the same transmitter implanted in multiple fish also performed dissimilarly. These results indicate that experimental designs that require more precise estimates of muscular activity should use individual fish–CEMG transmitter calibrations. Variation in fish length, fish weight, location of transmitter implantation (distance from snout), and distance between the electrode tips did not account for the variation in models. The smaller size of the new CEMG transmitters will allow them to be used in a larger range of fish species and sizes. The fact that the transmitter has a coded transmission reduces the likelihood of interference from outside signals and allows multiple fish to be continuously logged on a single receiver. This could lead to reduced project costs because fewer receivers may be needed. However, one downfall of this new transmitter is that it has a smaller range of output, which may lead to lower accuracy in estimating swimming speeds.
Shoulder Muscle Recruitment Patterns During Commonly Used Rotator Cuff Exercises: An Electromyographic Study
Authors: Dark Alanna , Ginn Karen A , Halaki Mark 
Published: June 2007

Background and PurposeGraduated rotation exercises performed with the arm by the side are commonly used to improve rotator cuff (RC) muscle function. The aim of this study was to compare the pattern of recruitment of the RC muscles with that of other shoulder muscles that rotate the shoulder joint during these exercises.SubjectsThe nondominant shoulders of 15 subjects who were healthy were tested.MethodsActivity in the infraspinatus, supraspinatus, subscapularis, latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, and posterior deltoid muscles was recorded. Low-, medium-, and high-intensity rotation exercises were performed with a pulley system.ResultsAs the intensity of both internal and external rotation exercises increased, activity increased in a systematic manner in all muscles capable of producing rotation torque during concentric and eccentric contractions.Discussion and ConclusionThe results indicate that, in people who are healthy, the motor strategy used to deal with increasing rotation resistance with the arm in a pendant position is to gradually increase activity in all shoulder rotation torque-generating muscles.
Long-Term Locomotor Training for Gait and Balance in a Patient With Mixed Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration
Authors: Steffen Teresa M , Boeve Bradley F , Mollinger-Riemann Louise A , Petersen Cheryl M 
Published: June 2007

Background and Purpose: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) are slowly progressive tauopathies characterized by impaired balance, disturbances in gait, and frequent falls, among other features. Wheelchair dependence is an inevitable outcome in people with these disorders. Insufficient evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of exercise in the management of people with these disorders. This case report describes a program of exercise and long-term locomotor training, using a treadmill (both with and without body-weight support), to reduce falls and improve the balance and walking ability of a patient with mixed PSP and CBD features.Case Description: Six years after diagnosis with mixed PSP and CBD features, the client, a 72-year-old dentist, was seen for physical therapy for asymmetric limb apraxia, markedly impaired balance, and frequent falls during transitional movements.Intervention: Over a 2.5-year period, intervention included routine participation in an exercise group for people with Parkinson disease (mat exercise and treadmill training) and intermittent participation in individual locomotor training on a treadmill. The exercise group met for 1 hour, twice weekly. The individual treadmill sessions lasted 1 hour, once weekly, for two 14-week periods during the follow-up period.Outcomes: Over the 2.5-year period, fall frequency decreased, and tests of functional balance showed improved limits of stability (functional reach tests) and maintained balance function (Berg Balance Scale). Tests of walking performance showed only slight declines. A 4-wheeled walker was introduced and accepted by the client early in the intervention period. The client, with supervision, remained ambulatory with this wheeled walker in the community.Discussion: In this case report of a person with mixed PSP and CBD features, a physical therapy intervention, which included locomotor training using a treadmill and a long-term exercise program of stretching and strengthening, appears to have improved some dimensions of balance, slowed the rate of gait decline, prevented progression to wheelchair dependence, and decreased falls. Contrary to the expected decline in function, this client maintained independent mobility over a 2.5-year period. An ongoing, intensive program of exercise and locomotor training may help people with PSP and CBD maintain upright balance, decrease falls, and decrease the rate of decline of ambulation.