bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of Rhinanthus minor in newly established meadows on a productive site
Authors: Westbury Duncan B. , Dunnett Nigel P. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractQuestion: What is the impact of the presence of Rhinanthus minor on forb abundance in newly established swards?Location: Wetherby, West Yorkshire, UK (53°55’N, 1°22’W).Method: A standard meadow mix containing six forbs and six grasses was sown on an ex‐arable field and immediately over‐sown using a randomised plot design with three densities of Rhinanthus minor (0, 600, and 1000 seeds per m2). Above‐ground biomass was analysed over a period of three years, while detailed assessments of sward composition were performed during the first two years.Results: Values of grass biomass were reduced in the presence of Rhinanthus, especially at the higher sowing density. The ratio of grass: forb biomass was also lower in association with Rhinanthus, but only at the higher sowing density. The presence of Rhinanthus had no effect on species number or diversity, which decreased between years regardless of treatment.Conclusions: Although not tested in a multi‐site experiment, the benefit of introducing Rhinanthus into newly established swards to promote forb abundance was determined. The efficacy of Rhinanthus presence is likely to depend on whether species not susceptible to the effects of parasitism are present.
Small‐scale spatial associations betweenArtemisia frigidaandPotentilla acaulisat different intensities of sheep grazing
Authors: Zhenguo Liu , Li Zhenqing , Ming Dong , Ivan Nijs , Jan Bogaert , El‐Bana Magdy I. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractQuestions:The formerly overgrazed Inner Mongolia steppe was subject to retrogressive succession. Today,Artemisia frigidaandPotentilla acaulisare two dominant species in different phases of successive degradation. To investigate the impact of grazing intensity on spatial community structure, we investigated the small‐scale spatial association betweenA. frigidaandP. acaulisat zero, light, medium and heavy sheep grazing, and proposed factors involved in the spatial associations between these two species along a grazing intensity gradient.Location:The Inner Mongolia Grassland Ecosystem Research Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.Methods:Four grazing intensities were selected: zero, light (1.33 sheep/ha), medium (4.0 sheep/ha) and heavy (6.7 sheep/ha). After 13 years of grazing three 2 m × 2 m quadrats with 100 × 100 cells of size 2 cm × 2 cm were randomly selected in each treatment in July and August 2002. The presence ofA. frigidaandP. acaulisin each cell was recorded and the positions of the individuals were mapped using Cartesian coordinates in each quadrat. The small‐scale spatial associations betweenA. frigidaorP. acauliswere quantified with theL12(d), J12(d)functions (both derived fromK12(d), the former indicating the type of the spatial association, the latter indicating the strength of the spatial association), using Monte Carlo simulations.Results:A. frigidawas negatively associated withP. acaulisat short distances (0–100 cm) under zero and light grazing, and negatively or independently under medium and heavy grazing. Increasing grazing intensities suppressed the peak negative associations. More intense grazing enhanced the tendency towards independent distribution of these two species.Conclusions:The small‐scale spatial associations betweenA. frigidaandP. acauliswere significantly different at four different intensities of sheep grazing. Grazing disturbance, clonal growth habit of species, and interspecific competition are the main factors leading to a difference of spatial associations between these two species at different grazing intensities.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge in Cystic Fibrosis Female Patients and Their Parents
Authors: Korzeniewska Aleksandra , Grzelewski Tomasz , Jerzyńska Joanna , Majak Paweł , Sołoniewicz Anna , Stelmach Włodzimierz , Stelmach Iwona 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The changing outcomes for young cystic fibrosis (CF) patients means that reproductive health issues have become an integral part of CF management.

Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and experiences of reproductive and sexual health issues in women with CF and to investigate the knowledge and reproductive health attitudes of their parents.

Main Outcome Measures
Assessment of reproductive and sexual health knowledge in female CF patients and their parents.

Methods
A questionnaire study directed to 120 Polish women with CF aged 16 years and older and their parents.

Results
Sixty-four patients and their parents responded to the questionnaire. Sixty-eight percent of the patients started sexual intercourse at a mean age of 19.2 years. Eighty-four percent of all sexually active women reported that they did not use any form of contraception. Only 32.8% of women understood the problems connected with their own and male fertility in CF. Popular scientific publications and other CF patients were identified as the most important source of information. Only 23% of parents understood the problems connected with female fertility in CF; 44% of parents thought that man with CF had normal fertility. Seventy-five percent of the women and 40% of the parents felt that sexual health discussions should begin between age 12 and 14 years with a CF doctor and the mother.

Conclusions
Our study showed that significant knowledge gaps exist regarding fertility issues in both CF patients and CF parents. Women with CF have some general knowledge about sexual issues but insufficient knowledge to have a safe sexual life. The results helped us to develop the educational program for CF patients.
Correlation of Degree of Penile Curvature between Patient Estimates and Objective Measures among Men with Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Bacal Vanessa , Rumohr John , Sturm Renea , Lipshultz Larry I. , Schumacher Michael , Grober Ethan D. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Among men with Peyronie’s disease (PD), the degree of penile curvature has significant implications on psychological well-being, sexual function, treatment planning, and posttherapy evaluations.

Aim
The primary objective of the current study was to correlate patients’ estimates of penile angulation with objective measures.

Main Outcome Measures
(i) Proportion of patients over- or underestimating their actual degree of curvature; and (ii) degree differences between patient estimates and objective measures of penile curvature.

Methods
At baseline, patients with established PD were asked to provide a “best estimate” of their degree of penile curvature. Objective measures of penile angulation were then performed using standardized photographs and protractor-based measurement of penile curvature during full erection. Correlations were performed between patient estimates of penile curvature and objective measures of penile angulation.

Results
Eighty-one men with established PD and a mean age of 52 years (range: 20–72 years) were prospectively evaluated. Mean duration of disease was 33 months (range: 6–276 months), and mean plaque size was 1.4 cm ± 0.1 standardized error (SE). The proportion of patients with dorsal, lateral, and ventral curvatures was 39%, 57%, and 4%, respectively. Patient estimates of baseline penile curvature (mean 51 degrees ± 3.1 SE) differed significantly from objective measurements (mean 40 degrees ± 2.4, P = 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of patients overestimate their actual degree of penile curvature (54% overestimate, 26% underestimate, and 20% are accurate within 5 degrees, P = 0.002). Compared with objective measures, patients’ estimates of degree of penile curvature differed by an average of 20 degrees ± 2.2 SE.

Conclusions
Patients with PD tend to overestimate their degree of penile curvature. Objective measurement of penile angulation is necessary to accurately counsel patients regarding disease severity, recommend appropriate treatment strategies, and objectively evaluate outcomes following therapy.
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Regulation in the Penile Corpora Cavernosa
Authors: Lin Ching-Shwun 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Penile detumescence depends on the hydrolysis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) by phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). It is hoped that a review of publications relevant to the regulation of PDE5 in the penis will be helpful to both scientists and clinicians who are interested in the sciences of erectile function/dysfunction.

Aims
The aim of this article is to comprehensively review the mechanisms by which PDE5 activity and expression in the penis are regulated. All published studies relevant to PDE5 regulation in the penis or penile cells will be reviewed.

Methods
Entrez (PubMed) was used to search for publications relevant to the topics of this review. Keywords used in the searches included vascular, cavernous, penis, smooth muscle, signaling molecules, erection, priapism, and PDE5. Articles that are dedicated to the study of erectile function/dysfunction were prioritized for citation.

Results
Regulation of PDE5 can occur at both protein and gene levels. At protein level, PDE5 is activated by phosphorylation and/or allosteric cGMP binding. Deactivation is carried out by protein phosphatase 1 and thus linked to the Rho-kinase signaling pathway. Cleavage of PDE5 into an inactive form has been shown as carried out by caspase-3. At the gene level, PDE5 expression is regulated at two alternative promoters, PDE5A and PDE5A2, both of which are positively regulated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cGMP. Downregulation of PDE5 has been observed in the penis of castrated animals; however, proof of androgen regulation of PDE5 gene requires examination of the smooth muscle content. Hyperoxia and hypoxia, respectively, regulate PDE5 expression positively and negatively. Hypoxic downregulation of PDE5 is a possible mechanism for the development of priapism.

Conclusions
PDE5 can be regulated at protein and gene levels. In the penis, changes of PDE5 activity have been linked to its phosphorylation status, and downregulation of PDE5 expression has been associated with hypoxia.
Erectile Function in Two-Kidney, One-Clip Hypertensive Rats is Maintained by a Potential Increase in Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Linder A. Elizabeth , Dorrance Anne M. , Mills Thomas M. , Webb R. Clinton , Leite Romulo 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Hypertension is closely associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) as it has been observed in many experimental models of hypertension. Additionally, epidemiological studies show that approximately a third of hypertensive patients have ED.

Aim
To test the hypothesis that the two-kidney, one-clip (2K-1C) rat model of hypertension displays normal erectile function due to increased nitric oxide (NO) production in the penis.

Methods
Ganglionic-induced increase in intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio was used as an index of erectile function in 2K-1C and in normotensive sham-operated (SHAM) anesthetized rats. Cavernosal strips from hypertensive and normotensive rats were used for isometric tension measurement. The contraction induced by alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine and the relaxation induced by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and by the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 were performed in the absence and in the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA).

Results
Changes in ICP/MAP induced by ganglionic stimulation were not different between 2K-1C and SHAM rats. The contractile response induced by phenylephrine as well as the relaxation induced by SNP or the Y-27632 were similar in cavernosal strips from both groups. However, in the presence of L-NNA, the relaxation induced by Y-27632 was significantly impaired in 2K-1C compared to SHAM.

Conclusions
/These data suggest that hypertension and ED could be dissociated from high levels of blood pressure in some animal models of hypertension. Erectile function in 2K-1C hypertensive rats is maintained in spite of the increased Rho-kinase activity by increased NO signaling.
The Role of Opiorphins (Endogenous Neutral Endopeptidase Inhibitors) in Urogenital Smooth Muscle Biology
Authors: Davies Kelvin Paul 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The opiorphins are a newly characterized class of peptides that act as potent endogenous neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors. Recent reports have suggested that they play an important role in erectile physiology.

Aim
This article reviews recent developments that increase our understanding of the role of the opiorphin family of peptides in erectile physiology.

Methods
During a microarray screen of gene changes that occur in a rat diabetic model of erectile dysfunction (ED), Vcsa1 was one of the most down-regulated genes in the rat corpora. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that in at least three models of diseases that result in ED (diabetes, aging, and cavernous nerve [CN] transection), Vcsa1 was down-regulated in the rat corpora. The human opiorphin family of genes (hSMR3A/B and ProL1) also acts as markers of erectile function in patients with ED.

Main Outcome Measures
The reader will be informed of the most current research regarding the role of opiorphins in urogenital smooth muscle biology.

Results
These observations led to the suggestion that genes encoding opiorphins (and potentially their peptide products) can act as markers of ED. Gene transfer of plasmids overexpressing Vcsa1 in aging rats, as well as intracorporal injection of sialorphin, led to an improvement in erectile function. In organ bath studies, we demonstrated that sialorphin can cause increased rates of relaxation of corporal smooth muscle (CSM). We have also demonstrated that in vitro, Vcsa1 causes changes in the expression of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This has led us to suggest that the action of Vcsa1 on erectile physiology may act through relaxation of CSM by its ability to act as an inhibitor of NEP, therefore prolonging the action of peptide agonists at their GPCRs.

Conclusions
Overall, there is a growing body of evidence that the opiorphins play a role in regulating CSM tone and thereby erectile function.
Angiotensin II Signaling and Its Implication in Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Jin Li-Ming 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTIntroductionAngiotensin II (Ang II) is the primary effector of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). Ang II exerts its diverse physiologic actions via angiotensin type 1 and type 2 receptors. Recent evidence shows that tissue RAS exists in the penis, therefore indicating a significant role for Ang II in erectile function.AimTo summarize the recent findings on the importance of Ang II in normal erection physiology and the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED).MethodsThis article reviews the literature that relates to the role of RAS in the regulation of erectile function.Main Outcome MeasuresEvidence in the literature on the association between Ang II and the development of ED.ResultsElevated Ang II levels contribute to the development of ED in humans and different animal models. Pharmacologic therapy interrupting RAS may be beneficial for patients with ED.ConclusionsStudies have demonstrated that RAS is crucial in erectile function. Better understanding of the signaling pathways mediating Ang II physiologic actions will provide important information for the treatment of ED.
TNF-α Infusion Impairs Corpora Cavernosa Reactivity
Authors: Carneiro Fernando S. , Zemse Saiprazad , Giachini Fernanda R.C. , Carneiro Zidonia N. , Lima Victor V. , Webb R. Clinton , Tostes Rita C. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED), as well as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

Aim
We hypothesized that increased TNF-α levels impair cavernosal function.

Methods
In vitro organ bath studies were used to measure cavernosal reactivity in mice infused with vehicle or TNF-α (220 ng/kg/min) for 14 days. Gene expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Main Outcome Measures
Corpora cavernosa from TNF-α-infused mice exhibited decreased nitric oxide (NO)-dependent relaxation, which was associated with decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) cavernosal expression.

Results
Cavernosal strips from the TNF-α-infused mice displayed decreased nonadrenergic–noncholinergic (NANC)-induced relaxation (59.4 ± 6.2 vs. control: 76.2 ± 4.7; 16 Hz) compared with the control animals. These responses were associated with decreased gene expression of eNOS and nNOS (P &lt; 0.05). Sympathetic-mediated, as well as phenylephrine (PE)-induced, contractile responses (PE-induced contraction; 1.32 ± 0.06 vs. control: 0.9 ± 0.09, mN) were increased in cavernosal strips from TNF-α-infused mice. Additionally, infusion of TNF-α increased cavernosal responses to endothelin-1 and endothelin receptor A subtype (ETA) receptor expression (P &lt; 0.05) and slightly decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor 1 (TNFR1) expression (P = 0.063).

Conclusion
Corpora cavernosa from TNF-α-infused mice display increased contractile responses and decreased NANC nerve-mediated relaxation associated with decreased eNOS and nNOS gene expression. These changes may trigger ED and indicate that TNF-α plays a detrimental role in erectile function. Blockade of TNF-α actions may represent an alternative therapeutic approach for ED, especially in pathologic conditions associated with increased levels of this cytokine.
A New Strategy, SuperEnzyme Gene Therapy in Penile Rehabilitation
Authors: Yuan Jiuhong , Westney O. Lenaine , Ruan Ke-He , Wang Run 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy (RP) is a very common condition. Prostacyclin (PGI2) is a prostaglandin with properties of vasodilation and anti-platelet aggregation. SuperEnzyme is a newly engineered protein with PGI2 synthase activity that converts arachidonic acid directly to PGI2. Transfection of SuperEnzyme into the penis to generate high levels of PGI2 may increase penile blood inflow, alleviate hypoxia, and prevent apoptosis and fibrosis with potential use for ED after RP.

Aim
The pathophysiology of ED after RP and the prostaglandin regulation was reviewed, and the possibly relevant mechanism of SuperEnzyme as a therapy for ED after RP was proposed.

Main Outcome Measure
The rationale for SuperEnzyme as a possible therapy for ED after RP is analyzed.

Methods
We reviewed the publications on the proposed pathophysiology of ED after RP, the molecular regulation of prostaglandin and methods of SuperEnzyme engineering and transfection.

Results
ED after RP is involved in hypoxia, apoptosis and fibrosis, mainly due to the cavernosal nerve injury. Transfection of SuperEnzyme into the penis of an animal model to produce PGI2 is feasible. Animal studies with the use of SuperEnzyme gene therapy are needed to provide new insight into metabolic and signaling pathways of PGI2 in the penis and the role of PGI2 signaling in the recovery of erectile function after RP.

Conclusion
SuperEnzyme may be a potential candidate as a gene therapy for ED after RP.
Gemcitabine‐induced radiation recall in the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: WAN ZAINON Wan Mohd Nazri , BORG M , HIGGS B , YEOH E , KOTASEK D , PARNIS F , HILLENBAND E , HAMZAH S 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim:  To evaluate two cases of gemcitabine‐induced radiation recall in patients who were treated for localized pancreatic cancer, and review the literature.Methods:  The two cases of radiation recall (from a cohort of 80 patients treated for pancreatic carcinoma) were retrospectively identified using patient medical records. Prior publications were identified through an English language literature search of MEDLINE Ovid from January 1966 to October 2006, using the key words gemcitabine and radiation recall.Results:  Both the radiation recall reactions were limited to the gastrointestinal system, localized to previous radiotherapy field. No pathology was identified on radiological investigation. The onset of the radiation recall phenomenon was 2 and 10 days, respectively, from the time gemcitabine was initiated. The treatment of radiation recall consisted of the cessation of gemcitabine, initiating steroid therapy and supportive therapy. Both of the patients' symptoms achieved complete resolution. A comprehensive review of the literature found 15 previous cases of radiation recall related to gemcitabine but one reported effect involving the gastrointestinal system. Previously reported sites of recall phenomena included the skin, muscles, brain stem and optic nerve. In the treatment of pancreatic carcinomas, there were only four reported cases, three involving the onset of myositis of abdominal muscle and one case of gastrointestinal bleeding.Conclusion:  Radiation recall from gemcitabine chemotherapy is uncommon. It can potentially arise in any site that has been irradiated previously. The treating doctor needs to be aware of this phenomenon to be able to manage this condition appropriately.
Acute leukemia: Diagnosis improved by flow cytometry in addition to morphology
Authors: SENGAR Manju , RAI Ambak K , SAXENA Ankit , SINGH Amar , RAINA Vinod , SETH Tulika , SHARMA Atul , BAKHSI Sameer , KUMAR Rajive , MITRA Dipendra K 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAims:  Immunophenotyping using flow cytometry (FCM) has become an essential component of acute leukemia (AL) diagnosis. This study evaluated the judicious application of FCM as an adjunct to well‐informed morpho‐cytochemical assessment in patients with acute leukemia.Methods:  100 untreated patients with AL were studied using morpho‐cytochemistry and immunophenotyping through FCM.Results:  There were 29 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 47 with B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 20 with T‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and four with biphenotypic acute leukemia (BAL). Morpho‐cytochemistry without FCM could provide definite diagnosis only in the AML cases. It failed to provide definite diagnosis in ALL patients. Over half (55%) of ALL patients were given the noncommittal label, AL. The remaining 45% patients were labeled a more definite, probable ALL.Conclusion:  FCM thus had a role to play in ALL patients to confirm a definite and a probable diagnosis, to define therapeutically and prognostically groups such as B and T lineage ALL and to distinguish AML – M0 from ALL. FCM helps in diagnosing AML cases as well, but is a less essential mode of investigation in this group purely from the perspective of the therapy regime. But its role in defining different subgroups in AML is its major use. While morpho‐cytochemistry provides a first‐line investigation of great therapeutic value, and more so in AML, it needs to be supplemented by flow cytometry, particularly in ALL.