bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Erythropoietin Promotes Erection Recovery After Nerve-Sparing Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Burnett Arthur L. , Allaf Mohamad E. , Bivalacqua Trinity J. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction persists as a major functional complication of nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.

Aim
To evaluate retrospectively the potential benefit of erythropoietin administration to improve erectile function recovery following radical prostatectomy.

Methods
Preoperatively potent patients who underwent nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy between March 2005 and February 2006 elected to receive erythropoietin treatment (40,000 IU subcutaneously, single injection on their preoperative day; treatment group, N = 15). A contemporaneous clinically matched cohort comprising patients who elected postoperative standard surveillance only served for comparison (control group, N = 21). Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor “on-demand” use was applied. Potency evaluations were monitored by International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaires administered preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Main Outcome Measure
Erection recovery.

Results
Health comorbidities as well as erectile function status were demonstrated to be no different between groups at baseline. Erythropoietin-treated patients demonstrated significantly higher postoperative International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire scores than control group patients at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively with or without use of PDE5 inhibitors (P &lt; 0.05). At 12 months postoperatively, the percentages of patients performing sexual activity were 87% and 68% of erythropoietin-treated and control patients, respectively (P = 0.213), although the erythropoietin-treated patients had a significantly greater ability to perform sexual intercourse with minimal or no difficulty (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion
Erythropoietin administration on the preoperative day before undergoing nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy in men reporting normal erectile function preoperatively may confer improved erectile function recovery postoperatively.
Specific Cerebral Activation Due to Visual Erotic Stimuli in Male-to-Female Transsexuals Compared with Male and Female Controls: An fMRI Study
Authors: Gizewski Elke R. , Krause Eva , Schlamann Marc , Happich Friederike , Ladd Mark E. , Forsting Michael , Senf Wolfgang 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Transsexuals harbor the strong feeling of having been born to the wrong sex. There is a continuing controversial discussion of whether or not transsexualism has a biological representation. Differences between males and females in terms of functional imaging during erotic stimuli have been previously described, revealing gender-specific results.

Aim
Therefore, we postulated that male-to-female (MTF) transsexuals may show specific cerebral activation differing from their biological gender.

Main Outcome Measure
Cerebral activation patterns during viewing of erotic film excerpts in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods
Twelve male and 12 female heterosexual volunteers and 12 MTF transsexuals before any treatment viewed erotic film excerpts during fMRI. Additionally, subjective rating of sexual arousal was assessed. Statistics were performed using the Statistical Parametric Mapping software.

Results
Significantly enhanced activation for men compared with women was revealed in brain areas involved in erotic processing, i.e., the thalamus, the amygdala, and the orbitofrontal and insular cortex, whereas no specific activation for women was found. When comparing MTF transsexuals with male volunteers, activation patterns similar to female volunteers being compared with male volunteers were revealed. Sexual arousal was assessed using standard rating scales and did not differ significantly for the three groups.

Conclusions
We revealed a cerebral activation pattern in MTF transsexuals compared with male controls similar to female controls compared with male controls during viewing of erotic stimuli, indicating a tendency of female-like cerebral processing in transsexualism.
Oral Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors: Nonerectogenic Beneficial Uses
Authors: Mostafa Taymour 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) hydrolyses cyclic guanylate monophosphate (cGMP) specifically to 5′ GMP. PDE5 inhibitors were a breakthrough medication that addressed a previously unfulfilled medical need. They promoted vascular relaxation in the corpora cavernosa and penile erection during sexual stimulation. Sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil were approved then introduced as effective treatments for male erectile dysfunction. This impact has stimulated academic, clinical, and industrial research.

Aim
To highlight the nonerectogenic beneficial uses of oral PDE5 inhibitors.

Method
A systematic review of published studies in this affair based on a Pubmed and medical subject heading databases search of all concerned articles.

Main Outcome Measures
Demonstrated beneficial as well as applicable uses of oral PDE5 inhibitors.

Results
As chemical molecules, these drugs were shown to exert potential nonerectogenic beneficial effects. They showed efficacy as a useful adjunct in the management of pulmonary hypertension. Additional uses were extended to different utilities: essential hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia, gastrointestinal disorders, endothelial dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, genital blood flow, exercise capacity, Raynaud's phenomenon, sperm motility, etc.

Conclusion
Exploring PDE5 inhibitors for their possible medical applications in diverse specialties seems to be beneficial in making use of these molecules for the welfare of humanity.
Female Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Distress, and Compatibility with Partner
Authors: Witting Katarina , Santtila Pekka , Varjonen Markus , Jern Patrick , Johansson Ada , Von Der Pahlen Bettina , Sandnabba Kenneth 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Few studies have looked at prevalence estimates for female sexual dysfunctions in combination with personal distress, although existing diagnostic criteria for sexual disorders include both aspects. Further, the variation in female sexual function has been shown to be largely explained by unique nongenetic factors. Such factors may include partner sexual function and perception of sexual compatibility with a partner, factors which may also be associated with sexual distress.

Aim
We investigated the association between female sexual dysfunction and distress as well as their association with partner compatibility.

Methods
In order to assess sexual function and distress, the Female Sexual Function Index and seven items from the Female Sexual Distress Scale were used in a population-based sample of 5,463 women, aged 18–49 years. The women were, based on cutoff points, classified as either having neither dysfunction nor distress, one of them, or both, separately for each dysfunction. Further, the associations between partner compatibility, distress, and sexual dysfunctions were analyzed. Sexual compatibility with partner was investigated by using several items exploring, for example, amount of foreplay, interest in sex, and communication about sexual matters.

Main Outcome Measures
Associations between partner compatibility and female sexual function and sexual distress.

Results
The proportion of women reporting both sexual dysfunction and distress ranged from 7% to 23%, depending on the dysfunction. Desire disorders followed by orgasmic disorders were most common. All compatibility variables were significantly associated with distress and with most of the sexual dysfunctions. The main complaints of the women were “too little foreplay” (42%) and “partner is more interested” (35%). The women feeling distress or having a sexual dysfunction reported more incompatibility with partner compared with functional women.

Conclusions
The findings highlight the importance of addressing partner compatibility for successful treatment and counseling of female sexual dysfunctions.
Biologic Correlates of Sexual Function in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Yang Shwu-Huey , Yang Jenn-Ming , Wang Kuo-Hwa , Huang Wen-Chen 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionStress urinary incontinence (SUI) has a great impact on the quality of life and sexual function. We hypothesized that specific risk factors for SUI may be correlated with reduced sexual function in women with SUI.AimsTo explore significant associations between the risk factors for SUI and female sexual function.MethodsWomen with SUI (N = 223) were surveyed about their sexual function. Demographic data and clinical findings on pelvic examination and the 1-hour pad test were recorded. Sexually active respondents completed the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12).Main Outcome MeasurePISQ-12 and the correlation of the risk factors for SUI with PISQ-12 scores.ResultsOf the 223 subjects, 68 (30%) reported no sexual activity for 6 months or more prior to the interview and did not respond to the PISQ-12. In comparison with the 155 (70%) of women who were sexually active, sexually inactive respondents were older and more likely to be postmenopausal and had a higher parity and more severe prolapse (all P &lt; 0.01). Among those completing the PISQ-12 questionnaire, the same factors (age, parity, severity of prolapse, menopausal status) were significantly associated with lower PISQ-12 scores. The scores were not correlated with body mass index, delivery mode, genital hiatus length, and total vaginal length by the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, or estrogen therapy. Lower points Ba and C of the POP-Q system were associated with lower PISQ-12 scores (r = −0.200, P = 0.026; r = −0.191, P = 0.035, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified parity as the only factor independently predictive of sexual dysfunction (r = −0.225, P = 0.013).ConclusionAnatomic and biologic pathology does not satisfactorily predict the level of sexual functioning in women with SUI.
Condom Use for Penile–Vaginal Intercourse is Associated with Immature Psychological Defense Mechanisms
Authors: Costa Rui Miguel , Brody Stuart 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Freud opined that condom use during penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI), like sexual activities other than PVI, led to a detrimental effect on orgasm that fueled the neuroses. Although this hypothesis had not been empirically tested, Freud's hypothesis that inability to have a (PVI) vaginal orgasm is a sign of psychological immaturity has recently received empirical support.

Aims
The objective is to examine the hypotheses that use of immature psychological defense mechanisms correlates directly with frequency of condom use during PVI, but inversely with frequency of PVI without condoms. An additional aim is to examine the independent contributions of frequency of PVI with and without condoms, and different triggers of orgasm, in predicting the use of immature defense mechanisms.

Methods
Two hundred ten Portuguese participants (99 women) reported their frequency of PVI with and without condoms, and frequency of orgasms from different sexual activities during the preceding month, and also completed the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40).

Main Outcome Measure
The association of DSQ-40 immature defenses (correlated with indices of psychopathology) with past month frequency of PVI with and without condoms, and orgasms from different sexual behaviors.

Results
Frequency of PVI with condoms correlated directly with use of immature defenses. Frequency of PVI without condoms correlated inversely with use of immature and neurotic defenses. Results were not confounded by relationship status, age, cohabitation, or social desirability responding. Regression analyses revealed that immature defenses were independently predicted by condom use for PVI and by masturbation orgasms (for both sexes). For women additional predictors were lack of vaginal orgasm, and orgasm from clitoral masturbation during PVI.

Conclusions
The results are consistent with condom use during PVI being associated with psychological immaturity and predisposition to poorer mental health.
Identification and Characterization of Proteins Associated with Plant Tolerance to Heat Stress
Authors: Huang Bingru , Xu Chenping 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Heat stress is a major abiotic stress limiting plant growth and productivity in many areas of the world. Understanding mechanisms of plant adaptation to heat stress would facilitate the development of heat‐tolerant cultivars for improving productivity in warm climatic regions. Protein metabolism involving protein synthesis and degradation is one of the most sensitive processes to heat stress. Changes in the level and expression pattern of some proteins may play an important role in plant adaptation to heat stress. The identification of stress‐responsive proteins and pathways has been facilitated by an increasing number of tools and resources, including two‐dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, and the rapidly expanding nucleotide and amino acid sequence databases. Heat stress may induce or enhance protein expression or cause protein degradation. The induction of heat‐responsive proteins, particularly heat shock proteins (HSPs), plays a key role in plant tolerance to heat stress. Protein degradation involving various proteases is also important in regulating plant responses to heat stress. This review provides an overview of recent research on proteomic profiling for the identification of heat‐responsive proteins associated with heat tolerance, heat induction and characteristics of HSPs, and protein degradation in relation to plant responses to heat stress.
Trehalose Biosynthesis in Response to Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Iordachescu Mihaela , Imai Ryozo 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Trehalose is a non‐reducing disaccharide that is present in diverse organisms ranging from bacteria and fungi to invertebrates, in which it serves as an energy source, osmolyte or protein/membrane protectant. The occurrence of trehalose and trehalose biosynthesis pathway in plants has been discovered recently. Multiple studies have revealed regulatory roles of trehalose‐6‐phosphate, a precursor of trehalose, in sugar metabolism, growth and development in plants. Trehalose levels are generally quite low in plants but may alter in response to environmental stresses. Transgenic plants overexpressing microbial trehalose biosynthesis genes have been shown to contain increased levels of trehalose and display drought, salt and cold tolerance. In‐silico expression profiling of all Arabidopsis trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthases (TPSs) and trehalose‐6‐phosphate phosphatases (TPPs) revealed that certain classes of TPS and TPP genes are differentially regulated in response to a variety of abiotic stresses. These studies point to the importance of trehalose biosynthesis in stress responses.
Gene Networks in Plant Ozone Stress Response and Tolerance
Authors: Ludwikow Agnieszka , Sadowski Jan 
Published: October 2008

AbstractFor many plant species ozone stress has become much more severe in the last decade. The accumulating evidence for the significant effects of ozone pollutant on crop and forest yield situate ozone as one of the most important environmental stress factors that limits plant productivity worldwide. Today, transcriptomic approaches seem to give the best coverage of genome level responses. Therefore, microarray serves as an invaluable tool for global gene expression analyses, unravelling new information about gene pathways, in‐species and cross‐species gene expression comparison, and for the characterization of unknown relationships between genes. In this review we summarize the recent progress in the transcriptomics of ozone to demonstrate the benefits that can be harvested from the application of integrative and systematic analytical approaches to study ozone stress response. We focused our consideration on microarray analyses identifying gene networks responsible for response and tolerance to elevated ozone concentration. From these analyses it is now possible to notice how plant ozone defense responses depend on the interplay between many complex signaling pathways and metabolite signals.
Comparison Analysis of Transcripts from the Halophyte Thellungiella halophila
Authors: Zhang Yiyue , Lai Jianbin , Sun Shouhong , Li Yin , Liu Yuanyuan , Liang Liming , Chen Mingsheng , Xie Qi 
Published: October 2008

Abstract The Brassicaceae family halophyte Thellungiella halophila has a high salinity tolerance and serves as a valuable halophytic genetic model plant with experimental convenience similar to Arabidopsis thaliana. A cDNA library of Thellungiella was generated from salt‐treated seedlings including rosettes and roots. More than 1 000 randomly selected clones were sequenced and 946 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were generated. The accession numbers of our EST data are available online in the GenBank database from EC598928 to EC599965. In total 679 unique clusters were assembled, and 632 (93%) had BLASTX hits in the nr databases and 7% are Thellungiella unique. According to the Gene Ontology (GO) hierarchy, 385 of 679 unigenes were categorized. Compared with public Arabidopsis microarray data, our results provide more potential salt tolerance genes in Thellungiella. These results will provide a broader coverage into Thellungiella transcriptome and benefit the discovery of salt tolerance related genes.
Comprehensive Functional Analysis of the Catalase Gene Family in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Du Yan‐Yan , Wang Peng‐Cheng , Chen Jia , Song Chun‐Peng 
Published: October 2008

Abstract In Arabidopsis, catalase (CAT) genes encode a small family of proteins including CAT1, CAT2 and CAT3, which catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and play an important role in controlling homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we analyze the expression profiles and activities of three catalases under different treatments including drought, cold, oxidative stresses, abscisic acid and salicylic acid in Arabidopsis. Our results reveal that CAT1 is an important player in the removal of H2O2 generated under various environmental stresses. CAT2 and CAT3 are major H2O2 scavengers that contribute to ROS homeostasis in light or darkness, respectively. In addition, CAT2 is activated by cold and drought stresses and CAT3 is mainly enhanced by abscisic acid and oxidative treatments as well as at the senescence stage. These results, together with previous data, suggest that the network of transcriptional control explains how CATs and other scavenger enzymes such as peroxidase and superoxide dismutase may be coordinately regulated during development, but differentially expressed in response to different stresses for controlling ROS homeostasis.
Boron in Plants: Deficiency and Toxicity
Authors: Camacho‐Cristóbal Juan J. , Rexach Jesús , González‐Fontes Agustín 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Boron (B) is an essential nutrient for normal growth of higher plants, and B availability in soil and irrigation water is an important determinant of agricultural production. To date, a primordial function of B is undoubtedly its structural role in the cell wall; however, there is increasing evidence for a possible role of B in other processes such as the maintenance of plasma membrane function and several metabolic pathways. In recent years, the knowledge of the molecular basis of B deficiency and toxicity responses in plants has advanced greatly. The aim of this review is to provide an update on recent findings related to these topics, which can contribute to a better understanding of the role of B in plants.
Nitric Oxide Signaling in Plant Responses to Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Qiao Weihua , Fan Liu‐Min 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) plays important roles in diverse physiological processes in plants. NO can provoke both beneficial and harmful effects, which depend on the concentration and location of NO in plant cells. This review is focused on NO synthesis and the functions of NO in plant responses to abiotic environmental stresses. Abiotic stresses mostly induce NO production in plants. NO alleviates the harmfulness of reactive oxygen species, and reacts with other target molecules, and regulates the expression of stress responsive genes under various stress conditions.
Salt Tolerance in Soybean
Authors: Phang Tsui‐Hung , Shao Guihua , Lam Hon‐Ming 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Soybean is an important cash crop and its productivity is significantly hampered by salt stress. High salt imposes negative impacts on growth, nodulation, agronomy traits, seed quality and quantity, and thus reduces the yield of soybean. To cope with salt stress, soybean has developed several tolerance mechanisms, including: (i) maintenance of ion homeostasis; (ii) adjustment in response to osmotic stress; (iii) restoration of osmotic balance; and (iv) other metabolic and structural adaptations. The regulatory network for abiotic stress responses in higher plants has been studied extensively in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana. Some homologous components involved in salt stress responses have been identified in soybean. In this review, we tried to integrate the relevant works on soybean and proposes a working model to describe its salt stress responses at the molecular level.
An MYB Transcription Factor from Malus xiaojinensis Has a Potential Role in Iron Nutrition
Authors: Shen Jie , Xu Xuefeng , Li Tianzhong , Cao Dongmei , Han Zhenhai 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Regulation of iron uptake and use is critical for plant survival and growth. We isolated an MYB gene from Malus xiaojinensis named MxMYB1, which is induced under Fe‐deficient conditions. Expression of MxMYB1 was upregulated by Fe starvation in the roots but not in leaves, suggesting that MxMYB1 might play a role in iron nutrition in roots. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing MxMYB1 exhibited lower iron content as compared with wild type plants under both Fe‐normal (40 μM) and Fe‐deficient conditions (Fe omitted and Ferrozine 300 μM). However, the contents of Cu, Zn and Mn were not changed in these transgenic plants. Gene chip and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses indicated that the expression of two Fe‐related genes encoding an iron transporter AtIRT1 and an iron storage protein ferritin AtFER1 might be negatively regulated by MxMYB1 as the expression levels of these genes were lower in MxMYB1 expressing transgenic Arabidopsis plants as compared with wild type plants under both Fe‐normal and Fe‐deficient conditions. These results suggest that MxMYB1 may function as a negative regulator of iron uptake and storage in plants.