bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Degeneration of biogenic superparamagnetic magnetite
Authors: LI Y.‐L. , PFIFFNER S. M. , DYAR M. D. , VALI H. , KONHAUSER K. , COLE D.R. , RONDINONE A. J. , PHELPS T. J. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTMagnetite crystals precipitated as a consequence of Fe(III) reduction by Shewanella algae BrY after 265 h incubation and 5‐year anaerobic storage were investigated with transmission electron microscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The magnetite crystals were typically superparamagnetic with an approximate size of 13 nm. The lattice constants of the 265 h and 5‐year crystals are 8.4164Å and 8.3774Å, respectively. The Mössbauer spectra indicated that the 265 h magnetite had excess Fe(II) in its crystal‐chemistry (Fe3+1.990Fe2+1.015O4) but the 5‐year magnetite was Fe(II)‐deficient in stoichiometry (Fe3+2.388Fe2+0.419O4). Such crystal‐chemical changes may be indicative of the degeneration of superparamagnetic magnetite through the aqueous oxidization of Fe(II) anaerobically, and the concomitant oxidation of the organic phases (fatty acid methyl esters) that were present during the initial formation of the magnetite. The observation of a corona structure on the aged magnetite corroborates the anaerobic oxidation of Fe(II) on the outer layers of magnetite crystals. These results suggest that there may be a possible link between the enzymatic activity of the bacteria and the stability of Fe(II)‐excess magnetite, which may help explain why stable nano‐magnetite grains are seldom preserved in natural environments.
Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Use and Incident Frailty in Women Aged 65 and Older: Prospective Findings from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study
Authors: Gray Shelly L. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Aragaki Aaron K. , McDermott Mary , Cochrane Barbara B. , Kooperberg Charles L. , Murray Anne M. , Rodriguez Beatriz , Black Henry , Woods Nancy F. 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations between current use, duration, and potency of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and incident frailty in women aged 65 and older who were not frail at baseline.DESIGN: Data were from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI‐OS), a prospective study conducted at 40 U.S. clinical centers.PARTICIPANTS: Women aged 65 to 79 at baseline who were not frail (N=27,378).MEASUREMENTS: Current ACE inhibitor use was ascertained through direct inspection of medicine containers at baseline. Components of frailty were self‐reported low physical function or impaired walking, exhaustion, low physical activity, and unintended weight. Frailty was ascertained through self‐reported and physical measurements data at baseline and 3‐year clinic contacts.RESULTS: By the 3‐year follow‐up, 3,950 (14.4%) women had developed frailty. Current ACE inhibitor use had no association with incident frailty (multivariate adjusted odds ratio=0.96, 95% confidence interval=0.82–1.13). Duration and potency of ACE inhibitor use were also not significantly associated with incident frailty. A similar pattern of results was observed when incident cardiovascular disease events were studied as a separate outcome or when the sample was restricted to subjects with hypertension.CONCLUSION: Overall, incidence of frailty was similar in current ACE inhibitor users and nonusers.
Stylet penetration behavior resulting in inoculation of beet severe curly top virus by beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus
Authors: Stafford C. A. , Walker G. P. , Creamer R. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBeet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus (Baker) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), is the only known North American vector of beet curly top virus (Geminiviridae), which causes major economic losses in a number of crops including sugar beet, tomato, beans, and peppers. Beet curly top virus is a phloem‐limited, persistently transmitted, circulative geminivirus. The strain/species of curly top virus used in this study is the CFH strain, also referred to as beet severe curly top virus (BSCTV). The direct current (DC) electrical penetration graph technique was used to determine the specific stylet penetration behavior associated with inoculation of BSCTV. Viruliferous leafhoppers were allowed to feed on healthy 3–4‐week‐old sugar beet plants until specific electrical penetration graph waveforms were produced, at which point feeding was artificially terminated. A series of comparisons between leafhoppers that produced different combinations of waveforms clearly implicated waveform D1 as the only waveform correlated with inoculation of BSCTV. All successful inoculations contained waveform D1, and 56 out of 64 leafhoppers that produced waveform D1 successfully inoculated test plants. Eighty‐five leafhoppers did not produce waveform D1 and none of these inoculated BSCTV. While the occurrence of waveform D1 appears to be necessary for BSCTV inoculation, there was no correlation between duration of waveform D1 and inoculation success rate. The correlation of waveform D1 and BSCTV inoculation found in this study implies that waveform D1 is associated with phloem salivation.
Effect of homocysteine on calcium mobilization and platelet function in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Alexandru N. , Jardin I. , Popov D. , Simionescu M. , García‐Estañ J. , Salido G. M. , Rosado J. A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus induces a characteristic platelet hyperactivity that might be due to several factors including oxidative stress and abnormal intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Hyperhomocysteinaemia is considered a risk factor in the development of thrombosis although its effect on platelet function and the mechanisms involved are still poorly understood. Here we show that homocysteine (Hcy) induce a concentration‐dependent increase in endogenous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was significantly greater in platelets from diabetic patients than in controls. Platelet treatment with Hcy resulted in Ca2+ release from the dense tubular system and the acidic stores. Ca2+ mobilisation‐induced by Hcy consisted in two components, an initial slow increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and a rapid and marked increase in [Ca2+]i, the second leading to the activation of platelet aggregation. As well as ROS generation, Ca2+ mobilization and platelet aggregation were significantly greater in platelets from diabetic donors than in controls, which indicate that platelets from diabetic donors are more sensitive to Hcy. These findings, together with the hyperhomocysteinaemia reported in diabetic patients, strongly suggest that Hcy might be considered a risk factor in the development of cardiovascular complications associated to type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Cytotoxic activity of nemorosone in neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Díaz‐Carballo D. , Malak S. , Bardenheuer W. , Freistuehler M. , Reusch H. P. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractNeuroblastoma is the second most common solid tumour during childhood, characterized by rapid disease progression. Most children with metastasized neuroblastoma die despite intensive chemotherapy due to an intrinsic or acquired chemotherapy resistance. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Here, we demonstrate that the novel compound nemorosone isolated from alcoholic extracts of Clusia rosea resins by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) exerts cytotoxic activity in neuroblas‐toma cell lines both parental and their clones selected for resistance against adriamycin, cisplatin, etoposide or 5‐fluorouracil. Cell cycle studies revealed that nemorosone induces an accumulation in G0/G1‐ with a reduction in S‐phase population combined with a robust up‐regulation of p21Cip1. Furthermore, a dose‐dependent apoptotic DNA laddering accompanied by an activation of caspase‐3 activity was detected. Nemorosone induced a significant dephosphorylation of ERK1/2 in LAN‐1 parental cells probably by the inhibition of its upstream kinase MEK1/2. No significant modulation of signal transducers JNK, p38 MAPK and Akt/PKB was detected. The enzymatic activity of immunoprecipitated Akt/PKB was strongly inhibited in vitro, suggesting that nemorosone exerts its anti‐proliferative activity at least in part by targeting Akt/PKB in the cell lines studied. In addition, a synergistic effect with Raf‐1 inhibitor BAY 43‐9006 was found. Finally, nemorosone induced a considerable down‐regulation of N‐myc protein levels in parental LAN‐1 and an etoposide resistant sub‐line at the same drug‐concentrations.
TNF-α Knockout Mice Have Increased Corpora Cavernosa Relaxation
Authors: Carneiro Fernando S. , Sturgis Lashon C. , Giachini Fernanda R.C. , Carneiro Zidonia N. , Lima Victor V. , Wynne Brandi M. , Martin Sebastian San , Brands Michael W. , Tostes Rita C. , Webb R. Clinton 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is considered an early clinical manifestation of vascular disease and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, suppresses endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression.

Aim
Considering that nitric oxide (NO) is of critical importance in penile erection, we hypothesized that blockade of TNF-α actions would increase cavernosal smooth muscle relaxation.

Methods
In vitro organ bath studies were used to measure cavernosal reactivity in wild type and TNF-α knockout (TNF-α KO) mice and NOS expression was evaluated by western blot. In addition, spontaneous erections (in vivo) were evaluated by videomonitoring the animals (30 minutes). Collagen and elastin expression were evaluated by Masson trichrome and Verhoff-van Gieson stain reaction, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures
Corpora cavernosa from TNF-α KO mice exhibited increased NO-dependent relaxation, which was associated with increased eNOS and neuronal NOS (nNOS) cavernosal expression.

Results
Cavernosal strips from TNF-α KO mice displayed increased endothelium-dependent (97.4 ± 5.3 vs. Control: 76.3 ± 6.3, %) and nonadrenergic-noncholinergic (93.3 ± 3.0 vs. Control: 67.5 ± 16.0; 16 Hz) relaxation compared to control animals. These responses were associated with increased protein expression of eNOS and nNOS (P &lt; 0.05). Sympathetic-mediated (0.69 ± 0.16 vs. Control: 1.22 ± 0.22; 16 Hz) as well as phenylephrine-induced contractile responses (1.6 ± 0.1 vs. Control: 2.5 ± 0.1, mN) were attenuated in cavernosal strips from TNF-α KO mice. Additionally, corpora cavernosa from TNF-α KO mice displayed increased collagen and elastin expression. In vivo experiments demonstrated that TNF-α KO mice display increased number of spontaneous erections.

Conclusion
Corpora cavernosa from TNF-α KO mice display alterations that favor penile tumescence, indicating that TNF-α plays a detrimental role in erectile function. A key role for TNF-α in mediating endothelial dysfunction in ED is markedly relevant since we now have access to anti-TNF-α therapies.
Women’s Partnered Orgasm Consistency Is Associated with Greater Duration of Penile–Vaginal Intercourse but Not of Foreplay
Authors: Weiss Petr , Brody Stuart 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
It has been asserted that women’s likelihood or consistency of partnered orgasm (her orgasm as a result of sexual activities with a partner) is determined by duration of foreplay, but not by duration of penile–vaginal intercourse.

Aims
The objective was to examine the extent to which women’s likelihood or consistency of partnered orgasm is associated with duration of foreplay, duration of penile–vaginal intercourse, and age.

Methods
In a representative sample of the Czech population, 2,360 women reported their consistency of orgasm with a partner (from “never” to “almost every time”), and estimates of their typical durations of foreplay and of penile–vaginal intercourse.

Main Outcome Measures
The association of consistency of partnered orgasm with typical durations of both foreplay and penile–vaginal intercourse.

Results
In univariate analyses, consistency of partnered orgasm was more associated with penile–vaginal intercourse duration than with foreplay duration (consistency also correlated negatively with age). In multivariate analysis, foreplay ceased to be a significant correlate of partnered orgasm consistency (the exclusion of respondents reporting a penile–vaginal intercourse duration of 1 minute or less did not alter the results).

Conclusions
When both sexual activity categories are examined in tandem on a population level, women’s likelihood or consistency of partnered orgasm is associated with penile–vaginal intercourse duration, but not with foreplay duration. In contrast to the assumptions of many sex therapists and educators, more attention should be given to improve the quality and duration of penile–vaginal intercourse rather than foreplay.
Vaginismus and Accompanying Sexual Dysfunctions in a Turkish Clinical Sample
Authors: Dogan Sultan 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although vaginismus is a common sexual dysfunction in Turkey, there are only limited data about sexual behavior characteristics and comorbidity with other sexual dysfunctions in vaginismic patients.

Aim
To investigate the frequency of female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs) in a Turkish clinical sample and to determine the comorbidity of other FSDs in women diagnosed with lifelong vaginismus.

Methods
The study included 54 female patients who presented to a psychiatry department with sexual problems/complaints.

Main Outcome Measures
The subjects were evaluated using a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed by the researchers in order to assess sexually dysfunctional patients and included detailed questions about socio-demographic variables, and general medical and sexual history. All participants were also assessed using the Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction.

Results
The most common primary FSD in our sample was vaginismus (75.9%), followed by hypoactive sexual desire (9.2%). Regarding comorbidity, in 36 female patients with lifelong vaginismus, we found dyspareunia in 17 women (47.2%), orgasmic disorder in eight women (22.2%), and sexual desire disorder in six women (16.6%) as a second sexual dysfunction, based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition, Text Revision criteria.

Conclusions
With respect to FSDs within the Turkish clinical population, vaginismic patients constitute the largest group and cultural factors may play a role in the occurrence of this condition. Additionally, our data indicated that there was a strong correlation between vaginismus and dyspareunia. There was also a high frequency of hypoactive desire and orgasm disorder in vaginismic patients. These results suggest that multidimensional assessment of sexual dysfunction in female patients is of great importance.
Putative Role of Carbon Monoxide Signaling Pathway in Penile Erectile Function
Authors: Abdel Aziz Mohamed T. , Mostafa Taymour , Atta Hazem , Wassef Mohamed A. , Fouad Hanan H. , Rashed Laila A. , Sabry Dina 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile response depends on nitric oxide (NO) generated by NO synthase (NOS) enzyme of the nerves and vascular endothelium in the cavernous tissue. NO activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), leading to the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase that activates Ca2+/ATPase pump that activates Ca2+/K efflux pump extruding Ca2+ across the plasma membrane with consequent smooth muscle cell relaxation. A role similar to that of NOS/NO signaling has been postulated for carbon monoxide (CO) produced in mammals from heme catabolism by heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme.

Aim
To assess CO signaling pathway for erectile function by reviewing published studies.

Methods
A systematic review of published studies on this affair based on Pubmed and Medical Subject Heading databases, with search for all concerned articles.

Main Outcome Measures
Documentation of positive as well as negative criteria of CO/HO signaling focused on penile tissue.

Results
The concept that HO-derived CO could play a role in mediating erectile function acting in synergism with, or as a potentiator for, NOS/NO signaling pathway is gaining momentum. CO/HO signaling pathway has been shown to partially mediate the actions of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. In addition, it was shown that the use of CO releasing molecules potentiated cavernous cGMP levels. However, increased CO production or release was reported to be associated, in some studies, with vasoconstriction.

Conclusion
This review sheds a light on the significance of cavernous tissue CO signaling pathway that may pave the way for creation of therapeutic modalities based on this pathway.
Disappearance of Female Genital Mutilation from the Bedouin Population of Southern Israel
Authors: Halila Suhil , Belmaker R.H. , Rabia Yunis Abu , Froimovici Miron , Applebaum Julia 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Recently, clinicians in Southern Israel perceived that the practice of female genital mutilation had disappeared entirely in the Bedouin population. We previously studied the prevalence of this practice in 1995.

Aim
We decided to survey again the Bedouin population focusing on those tribes previously reported to perform this practice.

Methods
Eighty percent of the interviews were done by an Arabic-speaking psychiatrist and 20% were done by an Arabic speaking nurse in the gynecologic clinic of a large Bedouin township or the gynecologic clinic of a smaller Bedouin township. Women were asked if they would be willing to answer a few questions about their past and if they were willing to have the gynecologist, with no additional procedure, note whether any operation had been performed on their genitalia.

Main Outcome Measures
Physical examination by gynecologist and an oral questionnaire.

Results
One hundred and thirty two women were examined. No cases of any scarring of the kind reported in the previous study were found on physical examination.

Conclusions
FGM has apparently disappeared over 15 years in a population in which it was once prevalent.
Psychobiological Correlates of Extramarital Affairs and Differences Between Stable and Occasional Infidelity Among Men with Sexual Dysfunctions
Authors: Fisher Alessandra D. , Corona Giovanni , Bandini Elisa , Mannucci Edoardo , Lotti Francesco , Boddi Valentina , Forti Gianni , Maggi Mario 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The relationship between extramarital affairs and male sexual dysfunctions (SDs) has not been completely clarified.

Aim
The aim of the present study is to describe how the reported presence of extramarital affairs vs. no report differentiates men attending medical care for SDs.

Methods
A nonselected series of 2,592 heterosexual (mean age 55 ± 12.5 years) male patients with SD was studied with Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY). Furthermore, a complete physical examination and a series of biochemical, hormonal, and penile vascular evaluations were performed.

Main Outcome Measures
Several hormonal, biochemical, and instrumental parameters were investigated along with items derived from SIEDY.

Results
Infidelity is associated with relational problems within the primary couple, particularly in those with a stable secondary relationship. Furthermore, a higher androgenization is present in men with infidelity. Patients with SD reporting extramarital affairs had higher stress at work, a longer primary relationship span, and higher risk of conflicts within the primal couple and within the family. In addition, infidel men showed a higher risk of partner’s illness and partner’s hypoactive sexual desire. Among organic factors, a lower prevalence of hypogonadism was observed in infidel men. These subjects showed a better sexual function than the rest of the sample. In addition, they reported a higher intercourse frequency in the previous 3 months (considering both the primary and secondary relationship), a lower prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire (HSD), and a lower feeling of discomfort or guilt about autoerotism. Finally, when SIEDY scales were considered, SIEDY Scale 2 (relational domain) and Scale 3 (intrapsychic domain) scores were significantly higher in infidel subjects when compared with the rest of the sample.

Conclusions
Infidelity is associated with relational problems within the primary couple, particularly in those with a stable secondary relationship. Furthermore, a higher androgenization is present in men who commit infidelity.
Treatment of Lifelong Vaginismus in Traditional Islamic Couples: A Prospective Study
Authors: Yasan Aziz , Akdeniz Nurten 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
As sexual values and the meaning of sexuality are culturally dependent, the efficacy of sex therapy models may not necessarily be similar across cultures.

Aim
The aim was to address two questions; the first was to identify whether a group of patients with lifelong vaginismus living in traditional Islamic culture benefited from the sex therapy. The second question addressed was how Muslim culture affects sex therapy in the treatment of vaginismus.

Methods
Data were obtained from all patients with lifelong vaginismus who attended an outpatient clinic in the course of 1 year. Forty-four couples were investigated in the initial session. Thirty-six couples who completed the treatment were assessed after 3 months.

Main Outcome Measures
In the final evaluation, pleasurable full vaginal penetration after active penile insertion was accepted as a successful outcome treatment for the present study.

Results
In the study, 36 patients who had completed treatment were determined, 29 of whom had successful outcome of treatment, while eight dropped out. The model building process variable resulted in “married by matchmaker without consent (OR = 0.060, CI = 0.046–0.771, P = 0.031)” and “not allowing pelvic examination (OR = 0.124, CI = 0.016–0.941, P = 0.044)” as negative predictors for successful outcome of treatment.

Conclusion
Sex therapy is a feasible method of treatment for vaginismus within the cultural environment investigated, although some modifications may be needed in some setting such as for those married by matchmaker without their consent.
Resolution of Recurrent Ischemic Priapism After Celiac Plexus Block: Case Report Evidence for its Neurogenic Origin?
Authors: Burnett Arthur L. , Santiago Carlos S. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Recurrent ischemic priapism likely has a neurogenic basis for some clinical presentations.

Aim
To describe a phenomenon of resolved recurrent ischemic priapism in a patient following celiac plexus block for recurrent upper abdominal pain.

Methods
The case report profiled a 44-year-old Caucasian man who developed recurrent ischemic priapism after retroperitoneal surgery. He had failed multiple conventional interventions for his priapism. After he underwent a celiac plexus block for recurrent upper abdominal pain, his recurrent priapism episodes immediately stopped.

Main Outcome Measures
Clinical history regarding priapism occurrences.

Results
The patient obtained a resolution of his priapism after celiac plexus block, without recurrences at a 6-month follow-up assessment.

Conclusions
Celiac plexus block successfully led to resolution of recurrent ischemic priapism of probable neurogenic origin associated with spinal nerve outflow injury.