bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new autosomal dominant Peters’ anomaly phenotype expanding the anterior segment dysgenesis spectrum
Authors: Berker Nilufer , Alanay Yasemin , Elgin Ufuk , Volkan‐Salanci Bilge , Simsek Tulay , Akarsu Nurten , Alikasifoglu Mehmet 
Published: January 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  To test the association of genes involved in anterior segment development in a family with autosomal dominantly inherited Peters’ anomaly (PA) with a unique ocular phenotype.Methods:  Six members of a five‐generation family with PA were extensively phenotyped and linkage analysis of candidate genes, namely, PAX6, PITX2, FOXC1, CYP1B1 and MAF, was performed.Results:  The complete pedigree consisted of 38 members, 19 of whom were affected. The six probands examined had bilateral microcornea, corneal opacity, iridocorneal adhesions, nystagmus and strabismus, but cataract, keratolenticular adhesions, glaucoma and posterior embryotoxon were absent. PAX6 gene mutations had been previously excluded in one of the affected members. DNA markers for candidate genes CYP1B1 on 2p22, PITX2 on 4q25, PAX6 on 11p13, MAF on 16q23 and FOXC1 on 6p25 were genotyped. Highly negative lod scores were obtained for all markers.Conclusions:  The exclusion of these genes as likely candidates supports the hypothesis that the ocular phenotype associated with PA segregating in this family is a distinct, new, autosomal dominant entity in the anterior segment dysgenesis spectrum.
Men, Intimacy, and Eroticism
Authors: McCarthy Barry , Thestrup Maria 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
We present a conceptual/clinical article focused on the Good-Enough Sex model of male and couple sexuality. This offers a comprehensive, integrative couple approach to understanding and treating male sexual dysfunction.

Aim
To examine the couple biopsychosocial approach to assessing and treating male sexual dysfunction. The focus is integrating intimacy and eroticism as the man and the relationship age.

Methods
The clinical case example examines the role of integrating intimacy and eroticism as the man and the relationship mature. The role of the clinician in helping the man and couple develop positive, realistic sexual expectations is crucial in both the change process and relapse prevention.

Main Outcome Measures
The clinical assessment of the man and couple focuses specifically on the interplay of desire, erection, intercourse, and orgasm.

Results
The man and couple valuing each other as intimate, erotic partners, and adopting the Good-Enough Sex model rather than clinging to the pass–fail perfect intercourse performance criterion are crucial for therapeutic success.

Conclusions
When couples stop being sexual, it is almost always the man’s decision—he has lost confidence with arousal, intercourse, and orgasm. Men and couples who adopt the Good-Enough Sex model are well positioned to ensure pleasurable, satisfying sexuality into their 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Two Years of Testosterone Therapy Associated with Decline in Prostate-Specific Antigen in a Man with Untreated Prostate Cancer
Authors: Morgentaler Abraham 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Testosterone (T) therapy has long been considered contraindicated in men with prostate cancer (PCa). However, the traditional view regarding the relationship of T to PCa has come under new scrutiny, with recent reports suggesting that PCa growth may not be greatly affected by variations in serum T within the near-physiologic range.

Aim
This report details the clinical and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response of a man with untreated PCa treated with T therapy for 2 years.

Methods
Measurements of serum PSA, total and free T concentrations were obtained at regular intervals at baseline and following initiation of T therapy.

Main Outcome Measure
Serum PSA during T therapy.

Results
An 84-year-old man was seen for symptoms of hypogonadism, with serum total T within the normal range at 400 ng/dL, but with a reduced free T of 7.4 pg/mL (radioimmunoassay [RIA], reference range 10.0–55.0). PSA was 8.5 ng/mL, and 8.1 ng/mL when repeated. Prostate biopsy revealed Gleason 6 cancer in both lobes. He refused treatment for PCa, but requested T therapy, which was initiated with T gel after informed consent regarding possible cancer progression. Serum T increased to a mean value of 699 ng/dL and free T to 17.1 pg/mL. PSA declined to a nadir of 5.2 ng/mL at 10 months, increased slightly to 6.2 ng/mL at 21 months, and then declined to 3.8 ng/mL at 24 months after addition of dutasteride for voiding symptoms. No clinical PCa progression was noted.

Conclusion
A decline in PSA was noted in a man with untreated PCa who received T therapy for 2 years. This case provides support for the notion that PCa growth may not be adversely affected by changes in serum T beyond the castrate or near-castrate range.
The Potential Role of the Heme Oxygenase/Carbon Monoxide System in Male Sexual Dysfunctions
Authors: Shamloul Rany 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Recently there has been a growing interest regarding the role of carbon monoxide (CO) and its precursor, heme oxygenase (HO) in mediation of penile erection and their potential roles as molecular targets in treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Aim
To review the available literature on the role of the HO/CO system in male sexual dysfunctions.

Methods
This review will begin by a discussion of the physiology of the HO/CO system followed by a detailed assessment of the literature examining the role of HO/CO system in male sexual dysfunctions.

Main Outcome Measures
The effect of HO/CO system on penile erection, ejaculation, and priapism.

Results
Most of the studies attempting to investigate the role of HO/CO in male sexual functions focused on penile erection. The majority of these studies did report a significant positive effect of the HO/CO system on penile erection. However, none of these studies examined the role of HO/CO system in aging animals; aging being considered the most important risk factor for ED. Furthermore, only one study tested the role of HO/CO system in erectile function. The important observation that HO-2 deficient mice have low bulbospongiosus muscle activity deserves extensive research on the value of HO inhibition in the treatment of premature ejaculation. Data from the only study on low-flow priapism and HO suggests that HO-1 is involved in the paradigm of low-flow priapism.

Conclusions
The HO/CO system may have an important role in many male sexual functions. Extensive research is needed to precisely delineate the extent to which the HO/CO system plays in the physiology and pathophysiology of male sexual dysfunctions.
PERSPECTIVE: Evolutionary genetics as a tool to target genes involved in phenotypes of medical relevance
Authors: Heyer Evelyne , Quintana‐Murci Lluis 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThere is an increasing interest in detecting genes, or genomic regions, that have been targeted by natural selection. Indeed, the evolutionary approach for inferring the action of natural selection in the human genome represents a powerful tool for predicting regions of the genome potentially associated with disease and of interest in epidemiological genetic studies. Here, we review several examples going from candidate gene studies associated with specific phenotypes, including nutrition, infectious disease and climate adaptation, to whole genome scans for natural selection. All these studies illustrate the power of the evolutionary approach in identifying regions of the genome having played a major role in human survival and adaptation.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Heart disease is common in humans and chimpanzees, but is caused by different pathological processes
Authors: Varki Nissi , Anderson Dan , Herndon James G. , Pham Tho , Gregg Christopher J. , Cheriyan Monica , Murphy James , Strobert Elizabeth , Fritz Jo , Else James G. , Varki Ajit 
Published: January 2009

AbstractHeart disease is common in both humans and chimpanzees, manifesting typically as sudden cardiac arrest or progressive heart failure. Surprisingly, although chimpanzees are our closest evolutionary relatives, the major cause of heart disease is different in the two species. Histopathology data of affected chimpanzee hearts from two primate centers, and analysis of literature indicate that sudden death in chimpanzees (and in gorillas and orangutans) is commonly associated with diffuse interstitial myocardial fibrosis of unknown cause. In contrast, most human heart disease results from coronary artery atherosclerosis, which occludes myocardial blood supply, causing ischemic damage. The typical myocardial infarction of humans due to coronary artery thrombosis is rare in these apes, despite their human‐like coronary‐risk‐prone blood lipid profiles. Instead, chimpanzee ‘heart attacks’ are likely due to arrythmias triggered by myocardial fibrosis. Why do humans not often suffer from the fibrotic heart disease so common in our closest evolutionary cousins? Conversely, why do chimpanzees not have the kind of heart disease so common in humans? The answers could be of value to medical care, as well as to understanding human evolution. A preliminary attempt is made to explore possibilities at the histological level, with a focus on glycosylation changes.
PERSPECTIVE: Evolutionary biology and the avoidance of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Read Andrew F. , Huijben Silvie 
Published: January 2009

AbstractEvolutionary biologists have largely left the search for solutions to the drug resistance crisis to biomedical scientists, physicians, veterinarians and public health specialists. We believe this is because the vast majority of professional evolutionary biologists consider the evolutionary science of drug resistance to be conceptually uninteresting. Using malaria as case study, we argue that it is not. We review examples of evolutionary thinking that challenge various fallacies dominating antimalarial therapy, and discuss open problems that need evolutionary insight. These problems are unlikely to be resolved by biomedical scientists ungrounded in evolutionary biology. Involvement by evolutionary biologists in the science of drug resistance requires no intellectual compromises: the problems are as conceptually challenging as they are important.
Colour Doppler imaging evaluation of blood flow parameters in the ophthalmic artery in acute and chronic phases of optic neuritis in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hradílek Pavel , Stourac Pavel , Bar Michal , Zapletalová Olga , Školoudík David 
Published: January 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  Optic neuritis (ON) is a common manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is caused by the immune‐mediated inflammation of the optic nerve. Some vascular factors that may influence blood flow in the ophthalmic artery (OA) have also been suggested as factors in the pathogenesis of ON. The purpose of our study was to evaluate blood flow velocities and resistance (RI) and pulsatile (PI) indices in the OA in both orbits in patients in the acute and chronic phases of unilateral ON and to compare these with equivalent findings in healthy control subjects.Methods:  Orbital colour Doppler imaging (CDI) was performed in 40 consecutive MS patients during acute unilateral ON prior to corticosteroid treatment. Optic neuritis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical presentation and facultative assessment of visual evoked potentials (VEPs). The peak systolic (PSV) and end‐diastolic (EDV) velocities and RI and PI were measured in the OA in both eyes. We compared results from affected and unaffected orbits using the paired t‐test. The same measurements were performed in 114 MS patients with a history of acute unilateral ON that occurred > 1 year prior to ultrasound examination. We also measured the same parameters in the middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) on both sides in all subjects in both groups. The same measurements were obtained in healthy controls.Results:  The PSV (p < 0.0001), RI (p < 0.0001) and PI (p < 0.0001) in the OA in the eye affected with acute ON were significantly higher than in the unaffected eye. There was no difference in EDV in the OA between affected and unaffected eyes (p > 0.05) in the group with acute ON. We did not observe any significant differences between eyes in either blood flow velocities or the RI or PI (p > 0.05) in the group in the chronic phase of ON or in the control group. All the parameters in the MCAs on both sides were normal in both the acute and chronic groups, as well as in the control group.Conclusions:  Pathophysiological changes during acute unilateral ON influence orbital haemodynamics, as is indicated by increased PSV, RI and PI in the OA in eyes affected with ON. However, these changes do not persist over longer periods.
Intraocular lens as a drug delivery system for dexamethasone
Authors: Kugelberg Maria , Shafiei Kayvan , Van Der Ploeg Ingeborg , Zetterström Charlotta 
Published: January 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the effect of an intraocular lens (IOL) coated with dexamethasone on postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery.Methods:  Clear lens extraction was performed bilaterally in eight 8‐week‐old rabbits. An uncoated silicone IOL (CeeOn; AMO, Santa Ana, CA, USA) was implanted in one randomly selected eye. In the other eye, the same silicone IOL model was implanted but was coated with dexamethasone. Aqueous humour was obtained preoperatively and on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 postoperatively. Three inflammatory parameters were measured and compared between the eyes: prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), white blood cell (WBC) count and protein content. The animals were killed on day 28 postoperatively.Results:  PGE2 levels measured on days 1, 3 and 7 were significantly lower in eyes with a coated IOL compared to eyes with an uncoated IOL (p < 0.01). The WBC count was significantly lower in eyes with a coated IOL on days 1 (p < 0.01) and 3 (p < 0.05). There was significantly less protein in eyes with a coated IOL on days 1 and 3 (p < 0.01).Conclusion:  Coating a silicone IOL with dexamethasone significantly reduced postoperative inflammation after clear lens extraction in rabbits.
Are Animals Stuck in Time or Are They Chronesthetic Creatures?
Authors: Clayton N. S. , Russell J. , Dickinson A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAlthough psychologists study both the objective (behavior) and the subjective (phenomenology) components of cognition, we argue that an overemphasis on the subjective drives a wedge between psychology and other closely related scientific disciplines, such as comparative studies of cognition and artificial intelligence. This wedge is particularly apparent in contemporary studies of episodic recollection and future planning, two related abilities that many have assumed to be unique to humans. We shall challenge this doctrine. To do so, we shall adopt an ethological approach to comparative cognition and this necessitates two requirements. The first is that memory and planning need to be characterized in terms of objectively defined properties as opposed to purely phenomenological ones; the ability to remember what happened, where, and how long ago is a critical behavioral criterion for episodic memory. The second requirement is the identification of an ethological context in which these memories would confer a selective advantage. As a consequence, we turn this debate into an empirical evaluation in nonlinguistic animals and one embodied in synthetic creatures. Indeed, our behavioral conception of flexibly deployable information about “what, where, and when” has so far supported a comparative cognition in animals as diverse as corvids and primates. We argue that this approach may clarify and challenge ideas that have been based solely on research with human subjects, without the need to be constrained by phenomenological assumptions based on human‐centric ways of thinking.
A Bayesian Account of Reconstructive Memory
Authors: Hemmer Pernille , Steyvers Mark 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIt is well established that prior knowledge influences reconstruction from memory, but the specific interactions of memory and knowledge are unclear. Extending work by Huttenlocher et al. (Psychological Review, 98 [1991] 352; Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 129 [2000] 220), we propose a Bayesian model of reconstructive memory in which prior knowledge interacts with episodic memory at multiple levels of abstraction. The combination of prior knowledge and noisy memory representations is dependent on familiarity. We present empirical evidence of the influences of prior knowledge at multiple levels of abstraction, showing that the reconstruction of familiar objects is influenced toward the specific prior for that object, while unfamiliar objects are influenced toward the overall category.
“Shallow Draughts Intoxicate the Brain”: Lessons from Cognitive Science for Cognitive Neuropsychology
Authors: Patterson Karalyn , Plaut David C. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis article presents a sobering view of the discipline of cognitive neuropsychology as practiced over the last three or four decades. Our judgment is that, although the study of abnormal cognition resulting from brain injury or disease in previously normal adults has produced a catalogue of fascinating and highly selective deficits, it has yielded relatively little advance in understanding how the brain accomplishes its cognitive business. We question the wisdom of the following three “choices” in mainstream cognitive neuropsychology: (a) single‐case methodology, (b) dissociation between functions as the most important source of evidence, and (c) a central goal of diagramming the functional architecture of cognition rather than specifying how its components work. These choices may all stem from an excessive commitment to strict and fine‐grained modularity. Although different brain regions are undoubtedly specialized for different functions, we argue that parallel and interactive processing is a better assumption about cognitive processing. The essential goal of specifying representations and processes can, we claim, be significantly assisted by computational modeling which, by its very nature, requires such specification.
In Vitro Activities of Retigeric Acid B Alone and in Combination with Azole Antifungal Agents against
Candida albicans
Authors: Sun Lingmei , Sun Shujuan , Cheng Aixia , Wu Xiuzhen , Zhang Yu , Lou Hongxiang 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

The vitro antifungal activity of retigeric acid B (RAB), a pentacyclic triterpenoid from the lichen species
Lobaria kurokawae
, was evaluated alone and in combination with fluconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole against
Candida albicans
using checkerboard microdilution and time-killing tests. The MICs for RAB against 10 different
C. albicans
isolates ranged from 8 to 16 μg/ml. A synergistic action of RAB and azole was observed in azole-resistant strains, whereas synergistic or indifferent effects were observed in azole-sensitive strains when interpreted by a separate approach of the fractional inhibitory concentration index and Δ
E
model (the difference between the predicted and measured fungal growth percentages). In time-killing tests, we used both colony counts and a colorimetric assay to evaluate the combinational antifungal effects of RAB and azoles, which further confirmed their synergistic interactions. These findings suggest that the natural product RAB may play a certain role in increasing the susceptibilities of azole-resistant
C. albicans
strains.
Accelerated Metabolism of Voriconazole and Its Partial Reversal by Cimetidine
Authors: Moriyama Brad , Elinoff Jason , Danner Robert L. , Gea-Banacloche Juan , Pennick Gennethel , Rinaldi Michael G. , Walsh Thomas J. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTWe report a case of accelerated metabolism of voriconazole during therapy for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, resulting in subtherapeutic levels. Target voriconazole levels were restored with high dosages of voriconazole (up to 40 mg/kg of body weight/day) and the addition of cimetidine as a cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibitor.
A Novel Gene,erm(41), Confers Inducible Macrolide Resistance to Clinical Isolates ofMycobacterium abscessusbut Is Absent fromMycobacterium chelonae
Authors: Nash Kevin A. , Brown-Elliott Barbara A. , Wallace Richard J. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTMycobacterium abscessusinfections tend to respond poorly to macrolide-based chemotherapy, even though the organisms appear to be susceptible to clarithromycin. Circumstantial evidence suggested that at least someM. abscessusisolates might be inducibly resistant to macrolides. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the macrolide phenotype ofM. abscessusclinical isolates. Inducible resistance to clarithromycin (MIC > 32 μg/ml) was found for 7 of 10 clinical isolates ofM. abscessuspreviously considered susceptible; the remaining 3 isolates were deemed to be susceptible (MIC ≤ 0.5 μg/ml). Inducible resistance was conferred by a novelermgene,erm(41), which was present in all 10 isolates and in an isolate ofMycobacterium bolletii(M. abscessustype II). However, theerm(41) alleles were nonfunctional in the three susceptibleM. abscessusisolates. No evidence oferm(41) was found inMycobacterium chelonae, and an isolate ofMycobacterium massilienseappeared to be anerm(41) deletion mutant. Expression oferm(41) inM. abscessusconferred resistance to clarithromycin and erythromycin and the ketolide HMR3004. However, this species was found to be intrinsically resistant, independent oferm(41), to clindamycin, quinupristin (streptogramin B), and telithromycin. The ability to confer resistance to clindamycin and telithromycin, but not quinupristin, was demonstrated by expressingerm(41) inMaycobacterium smegmatis. Exposure ofM. abscessusto the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B-ketolide agents increased the levels oferm(41) mRNA 23- to 250-fold within 24 h. The inducible macrolide resistance phenotype of someM. abscessusisolates may explain the lack of efficacy of macrolide-based chemotherapy against this organism.
Mutations in Three Distinct Loci Cause Resistance to Peptide Deformylase Inhibitors inBacillus subtilis
Authors: Duroc Yann , Giglione Carmela , Meinnel Thierry 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTBacillus subtilismutants with resistance against peptide deformylase inhibitors were isolated. All showed a bypass of the pathway through mutations in three genes required for formylation of Met-tRNAfMet,fmt, folD, andglyA. glyAcorresponds to a yet uncharacterized locus inducing resistance. The bypass of formylation caused robust fitness reduction but was not accompanied by alterations of the transcription profile. A subtle adaptation of the enzymes of the intermediary metabolism was observed.