bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimarker real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR for quantitative detection of melanoma‐associated antigens: a novel possible staging method
Authors: Arenberger P , Arenbergerova M , Gkalpakiotis S , Lippert J , Stribrna J , Kremen J 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Detection of melanoma cells in peripheral blood is a promising method for monitoring haematogenous spread of melanoma cells. It enables us to detect early metastasis and to better stratify candidates for adjuvant immunotherapy. Inconsistent data on the sensitivity and clinical relevance of this method have been reported.Study design  We developed a multimarker real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR) for quantification of five melanoma markers: Melan‐A, gp100, MAGE‐3, MIA and tyrosinase. In this prospective study, 65 patients with resected cutaneous melanoma stage IIB–III were screened. Peripheral blood samples were collected every 3 months for the following 18 months, and circulating melanoma cells were examined and compared with clinical staging results.Results  Eighteen patients relapsed during the trial and showed different types of melanoma progression. All these patients experienced statistically significant tumour marker elevation in the period from 0 to 9 months before the disease progression. MAGE‐3 was the most sensitive progression marker. In patients with progression, we observed three concordant positive markers in 39% of cases, two concordant positive markers in 28%, and finally one marker in 33%.Conclusions  This report describes a multiple‐marker real‐time RT‐PCR, which is able to provide quantitative data on melanoma markers in the peripheral blood of melanoma patients. Measurement of the studied molecular markers in our hands represents a prognostic factor and a useful method for early detection of metastasis and treatment response of melanoma patients.
A multiarchitectonic approach for the definition of functionally distinct areas and domains in the monkey frontal lobe
Authors: Belmalih Abdelouahed , Borra Elena , Contini Massimo , Gerbella Marzio , Rozzi Stefano , Luppino Giuseppe 
Published: July 2007

AbstractOver the last century, anatomical studies have shown that the cerebral cortex can be subdivided into structurally distinct regions, giving rise to a new branch of neuroanatomy: ‘architectonics’. Since then, architectonics has been often accused of being overly subjective, and its validity for the definition of functionally different cortical fields has been seriously questioned. Since the late 1980s, however, the problem of localization has become particularly important in functional studies of the primate motor cortex, because of evidence that (1) the primate motor cortex is made up of a mosaic of functionally specialized areas and (2) the human motor cortex shares several general organizational principles with the monkey motor cortex. Studies of the macaque agranular frontal cortex that used a multimodal cyto‐, myelo‐ and immuno‐architectonic approach have shown that architectonic borders can be reliably and consistently defined across different individuals, even at a qualitative level of analysis. The validity of this approach has been confirmed by its ability to localize functionally distinct areas precisely and to predict the existence of new functional areas. After more than a century, architectonics as a discipline goes far beyond its original aim of generating cortical maps.
Peccary movements as determinants of the movements of large cats in Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Mendes Pontes A. R. , Chivers D. J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAs part of a study on the ecology of a community of middle‐sized and larger mammals in a seasonally dry forest in the far north of the Brazilian Amazonia, peccaries (the white‐lipped peccary Tayassu pecari and the collared peccary Tayassu tajacu) and large cats (the jaguar Panthera onca and the puma Puma concolor) were regularly surveyed for 1 year. Diurnal and nocturnal surveys were carried out by the line‐transect method, in five different forest types along a 10 km transect, and data were collected on their use of the forest types. The peccary herds and the large cats were sighted regularly throughout the study period, but more frequently over the dry season in the high‐ground forests in eastern Maracá. Over the dry season, when food was scarce except in the Buritizals, T. pecari, closely followed by a P. onca, monopolized the Buritizal forests, whereas T. tajacu, followed by a P. concolor, exploited the other available high‐ground forest types. Fluctuations in food supply regulated the dynamics of the two species of peccaries, which ultimately determined the whereabouts of the large cat predators. This may be a counter‐strategy to survive in an extremely seasonal environment where food, more than any other variable, is the key determinant of the survival of both peccaries and large cats.
Sexual segregation in western grey kangaroos: testing alternative evolutionary hypotheses
Authors: MacFarlane A. M. , Coulson G. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn sexually dimorphic ungulates, sexual segregation is hypothesized to have evolved because of sex‐specific differences in body size and/or reproductive strategies. We tested these alternative hypotheses in kangaroos, which are ecological analogues of ungulates. Kangaroos exhibit a wide range of body sizes, particularly among mature males, and so the effects of body size and sex can be distinguished. We tested predictions derived from these hypotheses by comparing the distribution of three sex–sex size classes of western grey kangaroos Macropus fuliginosus, in different habitats, and the composition of groups of kangaroos, across seasons. In accordance with the predation risk‐reproductive strategy hypothesis, during the non‐breeding season, females, which were more susceptible to predation than larger males, and were accompanied by vulnerable young‐at‐foot, were over‐represented in secure habitats. Large males, which were essentially immune to predation, occurred more often than expected in nutrient‐rich habitat, and small males, which faced competing demands of predator avoidance and feeding, were intermediate between females and large males in their distribution across habitats. During the breeding season, females continued to be over‐represented in secure habitats when their newly emerged pouch young were most vulnerable to predation. All males occupied these same habitats to maximize their chances of securing mates. Consistent with the social hypotheses, groups composed of individuals of the same sex, irrespective of body size, were over‐represented in the population during the non‐breeding season, while during the breeding season all males sought females so that mixed‐sex groups predominated. These results indicate that body size and reproductive strategies are both important, yet independent, factors influencing segregation in western grey kangaroos.
Can whisker spot patterns be used to identify individual polar bears?
Authors: Anderson C. J. R. , Roth J. D. , Waterman J. M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractStudies of population dynamics, movement patterns and animal behavior usually require identification of individuals. We evaluated the reliability of using whisker spot patterns to noninvasively identify individual polar bears Ursus maritimus. We obtained the locations of polar bear whisker spots from photographs taken in western Hudson Bay, tested the independence of spot locations, estimated the complexity of each spot pattern in terms of information and determined whether each whisker spot pattern was reliable from its information content. Of the 50 whisker spot patterns analyzed, 98% contained enough information to be reliable, and this result varied little among observers. Photographs taken <50 m from polar bears were most useful. Our results suggest that individual identification of polar bears in the field based on whisker spot pattern variations is reliable. Researchers studying polar bear behavior or estimating population parameters can benefit from this method if proximity to the bears is feasible.
The Akt/GSK‐3β axis as a new signaling pathway of the histamine H3receptor
Authors: Bongers Gerold , Sallmen Tina , Passani Maria Beatrice , Mariottini Chiara , Wendelin Dominique , Lozada Adrian , Marle André van , Navis Marjon , Blandina Patrizio , Bakker Remko A. , Panula Pertti , Leurs Rob 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDrugs targeting the histamine H3receptor (H3R) are suggested to be beneficial for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The H3R activates Gi/o‐proteins to inhibit adenylyl cyclase activity and modulates phospholipase A2and MAPK activity. Herein we show that, in transfected SK‐N‐MC cells, the H3R modulates the activity of the Akt/Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) axis both in a constitutive and agonist‐dependent fashion. H3R stimulation with the H3R agonist immepip induces the phosphorylation of both Ser473 and Thr308 on Akt, a serine/threonine kinase that is important for neuronal development and function. The H3R‐mediated activation of Akt can be inhibited by the H3R inverse agonist thioperamide, and by Wortmannin, LY294002 and PTX, suggesting the observed Akt activation occurs via a Gi/o‐mediated activation of phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase. H3R activation also results in the phosphorylation of Ser9 on GSK‐3β, which acts downstream of Akt and has a prominent role in brain function. In addition, we show the H3R‐mediated phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 to occur in primary rat cortical neurons and in rat brain slices. The discovery of this signaling property of the H3R adds new understanding to the roles of histamine and the H3R in brain function and pathology.
Distribution of sphingosine kinase activity and mRNA in rodent brain
Authors: Blondeau Nicolas , Lai Yushuan , Tyndall Sarah , Popolo Margherita , Topalkara Kamil , Pru James K. , Zhang Ling , Kim HyungHwan , Liao James K. , Ding Kan , Waeber Christian 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a lipid mediator that exerts multiple cellular functions through activation of a subfamily of G‐protein‐coupled receptors. Although there is evidence that S1P plays a role in the developing and adult CNS, little is known about the ability of brain parenchyma to synthesize this lipid. We have therefore analyzed the brain distribution of the enzymatic activity of the S1P synthesizing enzyme, sphingosine kinase (SPHK) [EC:2.7.1.91], as well as mRNA distribution for one of the two isoforms of this enzyme, sphingosine kinase 2. SPHK activity, measured by the conversion of [3H]sphingosine to [3H]S1P, is highest in cerebellum, followed by cortex and brainstem. Lowest activities were found in striatum and hippocampus. Sensitivity to 0.1% Triton‐X suggests that this activity is accounted for by SPHK2. RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization studies show that mRNA for this isoform has a distribution similar to that of SPHK activity. In vivo and in vitro ischemia increase SPHK activity and SPHK2 mRNA levels. These results indicate that SPHK2 is the predominant S1P‐synthesizing isoform in normal brain parenchyma. Its heterogeneous distribution, in particular laminar distribution in cortex, suggests a neuronal localization and a possible role in cortical and cerebellar functions, in normal as well as ischemic brain.
Disparities in oral health‐related quality of life in a population of Canadian children
Authors: Locker David 
Published: July 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  To assess socioeconomic disparities in the oral health‐related quality of life in a group of Canadian children.Methods:  Data were obtained as part of a study designed to assess the functional and psychosocial impact of traumatic dental injury. Clinical data were collected on a random sample of children during a school‐based dental screening program that included measures of dental decay experience, treatment needs, dental trauma, fluorosis, and malocclusion. Children with dental trauma and a comparison group of trauma‐free children were selected for follow‐up. Their parents were mailed a questionnaire concerning the child's personal and family characteristics. Also enclosed was a questionnaire for the child that contained a short form of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) 11–14. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to determine whether there were disparities in oral health‐related quality of life according to household income.Results:  Complete data were collected from 370 children. Mean CPQ11–14 scores showed a gradient across income categories with children from low income households having poorer oral health‐related quality of life. Children from households containing only one adult also had higher scores than children living with two or more adults. In both linear and logistic regression analyses household income and family structure remained significant predictors of CPQ11–14 scores after controlling for oral disease variables. Further analyses suggested that oral disorders had little impact on the health‐related quality of life of higher income children but a marked impact on lower income children. The highest mean CPQ11–14 scores were observed among low income children with the more severe levels of oral disease.Conclusion:  The data indicate that in this group of children there were socioeconomic disparities in oral health‐related quality of life. A potential explanation may be differences in psychological assets and psychosocial resources.
Pre‐clinical evaluation of an sLex‐glycosylated complement inhibitory protein in a non‐human primate model of reperfused stroke
Authors: Ducruet Andrew F. , Mocco J. , Mack William J. , Coon Alexander L. , Marsh Henry C. , Pinsky David J. , Hickman Zachary L. , Kim Grace H. , Connolly E. Sander 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Soluble complement receptor‐1 (sCR1), a potent complement inhibitor, confers neuroprotection in a murine stroke model. Additional neuroprotective benefit is achieved by sLex‐glycosylation of sCR1. In an effort to translate sCR1‐sLex to clinical trials, we evaluated this agent in a primate stroke model.Methods  Adult male baboons randomly received either sCR1‐sLex or vehicle. Stroke volume was assessed on day 3, and neurological examinations were conducted daily. Complement activity (CH50) was measured at 30 minute, 2, 6, 12 hour, 3, and 10 days post‐ischemia.Results  The experiment was terminated prematurely following an interim analysis. In a preliminary cohort (n = 3 per arm), infarct volume was greater in the treated animals. No difference in neurological score was found between groups. CH50 levels were significantly reduced in the sCR1sLex‐treated groups. A hypotensive response was also observed in animals treated with sCR1‐sLex.Conclusions  Further work is necessary to explain the hypotensive response observed in primates prior to further clinical development of sCR1‐sLex.
FK506 and Sildenafil Promote Erectile Function Recovery After Cavernous Nerve Injury Through Antioxidative Mechanisms
Authors: Lagoda Gwen , Jin Liming , Lehrfeld Todd J. , Liu Tongyun , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Immunophilin ligands and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are touted to promote erectile function recovery after cavernous nerve (CN) injury. However, the mechanisms for their effects remain unclear.

Aim
To compare the erection recovery effects of the immunophilin ligand FK506 and the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil after CN injury and determine whether they involve antioxidative and/or antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Methods
Initial experiments established conditions of our CN injury model in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Subsequently, we evaluated treatment effects 14 days after: (i) unilateral CN injury (UNI)+saline (vehicle control); (ii) UNI+FK506 (5 mg/kg once daily, subcutaneous ×5 days); (iii) UNI+sildenafil (20 mg/kg every 8 hours, subcutaneous ×7 days); (iv) UNI+FK506/sildenafil; and (v) sham surgery.

Main Outcome Measures
Intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurement after CN electrical stimulation to assess erectile function and Western blot analysis of expressions of glutathione peroxidase (GPX; antioxidant enzyme), nitrotyrosine (NT; oxidative stress marker), and phosphorylated and total Akt (antiapoptotic factor) in penes.

Results
In the UNI model, GPX expression was increased at Days 1 and 7, while p-Akt expression decreased at Day 1 and returned to baseline at Day 7. GPX expression was significantly higher in the UNI+FK506 group compared with the saline-treated group (P  &lt; 0.05). ICP increased in all treatment groups compared with that of the saline-treated group (P  &lt; 0.05). NT levels were increased after saline treatment (P  &lt; 0.05) but not after FK506 and sildenafil treatment, alone or in combination. GPX was localized to nerves coursing through the penis and to smooth muscle and endothelium of the dorsal vein and arteries.

Conclusions
Both FK506 and sildenafil protect erectile function after CN injury by decreasing oxidative stress-associated tissue damage. FK506 may act through increased GPX activity. Further research is required to elucidate mechanisms associated with the beneficial effect of sildenafil.
Changes in Sexual Functioning Associated with Duloxetine, Escitalopram, and Placebo in the Treatment of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Clayton Anita , Kornstein Susan , Prakash Apurva , Mallinckrodt Craig , Wohlreich Madelaine 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Depression and antidepressant therapy have been associated with sexual dysfunction in short-term and point-prevalence trials.

Aim
This report describes effects of duloxetine and escitalopram on sexual functioning during acute and long-term treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods
In this 8-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, adult outpatients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV)-defined MDD were randomized to duloxetine 60 mg/day (N = 273; 173 female), escitalopram 10 mg/day (N = 274; 186 female), or placebo (N = 137; 87 female). After the first 8 weeks of treatment, dose increases were permitted to optimize treatment.

Main Outcome Measure
The 14-item Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ) was used to assess sexual functioning.

Results
Of the 114 patients who did not meet total CSFQ score criteria for global sexual dysfunction at baseline (duloxetine, N = 51; escitalopram, N = 39; placebo, N = 24), the incidence of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction was significantly higher for escitalopram compared with placebo at 4 and 8 weeks, and significantly higher compared with duloxetine at 4 weeks. At 8 weeks, the incidence of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction was 17/51 (33.3%) for duloxetine-treated patients; 19/39 (48.7%) for escitalopram-treated patients; and 4/24 (16.7%) for placebo-treated patients (P  = 0.01 escitalopram vs. placebo; P  = 0.13 duloxetine vs. placebo). After 12 weeks, no significant differences were observed between active drugs. At 8 months, the incidence of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction was 33.3% for duloxetine, 43.6% for escitalopram, and 25.0% for placebo. Regardless of treatment, patients who achieved remission of MDD showed improvement in global sexual functioning, whereas worsening was observed for patients who did not achieve remission (P  &lt; 0.001). Discontinuation rates for sexual side effects did not differ between duloxetine (N = 2) and escitalopram (N = 7) (P  = 0.07).

Conclusions
Short-term treatment demonstrated a higher incidence of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction with escitalopram compared with duloxetine and placebo. After 12 weeks, there were no statistically significant differences between drugs; however, MDD outcome (regardless of treatment) had a significant impact on improvement in global sexual functioning.
Eunuchs in Contemporary Society: Characterizing Men Who are Voluntarily Castrated (Part I)
Authors: Johnson Thomas W. , Brett Michelle A. , Roberts Lesley F. , Wassersug Richard J. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Some males desire to be emasculated for no medical reason. These individuals are often secretive about their desires and little is known about their background and motivation.

Aims
We sought to characterize these modern eunuchs and to identify risk factors for genital self-mutilation or self-administered chemical castration.

Methods
We posted a questionnaire on the Eunuch Archive (http://www.eunuch.org) that was responded to by 135 voluntarily castrated males. Questionnaire data were supplemented by accompanying narrative responses and several personal interviews.

Main Outcome Measures
Participants answered questionnaire items pertaining to their knowledge about androgen deprivation, the nature of their castration, and the length of time between initial presentation of castration paraphilia and castration. These questionnaire data allowed us to compare and contrast voluntary chemical and physical eunuchs.

Results
The physical castrations were largely premeditated, with an average of 18 years from the time that an individual developed interest in being a eunuch to the time of their actual castration. We identified four factors that may promote castration ideations: (i) abuse sustained during childhood, including parental threats of castration; (ii) homosexuality; (iii) exposure to animal castration during youth; and (iv) religious condemnation of sexuality. Chemical eunuchs were more likely to have sought castration for libido control or to advance transition from male to female (P  &lt; 0.05). Physical eunuchs had a nonsignificant tendancy to have masochistic paraphilia involving genital mutilation in advance of their castration (P  &lt; 0.1). Both Body Integrity Identity Disorder and Gender Identity Disorders occur among those who self-identify as eunuch.

Conclusions
We present evidence that the majority of self-identified voluntary eunuchs are not male-to-female transsexuals. Whereas the majority identify as male, many view themselves as in an alternate nonmale, nonfemale, gender space. We therefore suggest that male-to-eunuch is a valid transgender identity.
Gender Assignment and Medical History of Individuals with Different Forms of Intersexuality: Evaluation of Medical Records and the Patients' Perspective
Authors: Brinkmann Lisa , Schuetzmann Karsten , Richter-Appelt Hertha 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Until now, there are only few studies that focus on the specific treatment experiences of people with intersexuality and evaluate their outcome in terms of psychological, physical, and social well-being. Further, the presentation of the patients' perspective is often neglected in research.

Aim
Overview of preliminary results of the Hamburg-Intersex-Study on gender assignment and medical history of adult subjects with intersexuality (disorders of sex development), as well as the patients retrospectively stated thoughts and feelings regarding these interventions.

Main Outcome Measures
Medical records from participants of the study were analyzed. The subjective attitudes and evaluation of the treatment measures were assessed with a self-constructed questionnaire. Data on psychological well-being were measured with the Brief Symptom Inventory.

Methods
In total, 37 adult participants (mean age 30.6 years) with following diagnosis were included: congenital adrenal hyperplasia, complete and partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, gonadal dysgenesis and disturbances of the androgen biosynthesis, such as 5 alpha reductase deficiency and 17 beta hydroxysteroid deficiency.

Results
The majority of participants had (often multiple) genital surgery to correct the appearance of their genitalia and/or to enable sexual functioning. The diagnostic groups differ not only in amount and invasiveness of experienced surgical and medical treatment but also in the subjective and retrospective evaluation of the treatment measures and in the amount of reported psychological distress.

Conclusion
Many subjects stated to have experienced the medical procedures and care very negatively, whereby the aspects of secrecy, untruthfulness, and concealment were stated as most difficult and burdening.