bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Affective Qualities of Sibling Disputes, Mothers' Conflict Attitudes, and Children's Theory of Mind Development
Authors: Randell Angela C. , Peterson Candida C. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPreschoolers' theory of mind (ToM) was examined in relation to emotional features of their conflicts with siblings, using mothers as privileged informants. Fifty‐four children aged 3 to 5 years and their 54 mothers took part. Children were given 10 standard false belief tasks and a standardized language test. Mothers completed questionnaires, rated vignettes, and kept a conflict diary to provide detailed data on siblings' conflicts, mothers' conflict attitudes, and mothers' use of mental state language to talk about children's disputes. Results revealed that children's ToM scores were significantly correlated with affective dimensions of their sibling disputes, including more frequent expression of positive emotion while disagreeing and less post‐conflict distress. Logistic regression showed these associations were independent of age and verbal ability. Mothers' conflict attitudes were significantly correlated with the affective outcome of their children's disputes but not with the preschooler's level of ToM understanding. Findings are discussed in relation to possible reciprocal influences between ToM development and the growth of affectively positive and constructive conflict resolution skills.
Comparative Sacred Texts and Interactive Interpretation: Another Alternative to the “World Religions” Class
Authors: Patton Laurie L. , Robbins Vernon K. , Newby Gordon D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn this article we argue for an introductory course in the study of religion that proceeds through interactive interpretation as a responsible form of comparison. Interactive interpretation proceeds provisionally, and encourages students to formulate new questions of the materials instead of making final categories about the materials. We use examples from a typical classroom to show how we work with three pedagogical principles: (1) critical reading; (2) pluralism within religious traditions as well as between religious traditions; and (3) the use of the working hypothesis as a tool in analyzing religious texts. We also make an argument for textual reading as a form of living intellectual practice, which can work alongside of, and not in opposition to, other approaches to the study of religion, such as ethnographic or historical approaches.
Restored degradation of the Alzheimer’s amyloid‐β peptide by targeting amyloid formation
Authors: Crouch Peter J. , Tew Deborah J. , Du Tai , Nguyen Diem Ngoc , Caragounis Aphrodite , Filiz Gulay , Blake Rachel E. , Trounce Ian A. , Soon Cynthia P. W. , Laughton Katrina , Perez Keyla A. , Li Qiao‐Xin , Cherny Robert A. , Masters Colin L. , Barnham Kevin J. , White Anthony R. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAccumulation of neurotoxic amyloid‐β (Aβ) is central to the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Elucidating the mechanisms of Aβ accumulation will therefore expedite the development of Aβ‐targeting AD therapeutics. We examined activity of an Aβ‐degrading protease (matrix metalloprotease 2) to investigate whether biochemical factors consistent with conditions in the AD brain contribute to Aβ accumulation by altering Aβ sensitivity to proteolytic degradation. An Aβ amino acid mutation found in familial AD, Aβ interactions with zinc (Zn), and increased Aβ hydrophobicity all strongly prevented Aβ degradation. Consistent to all of these factors is the promotion of specific Aβ aggregates where the protease cleavage site, confirmed by mass spectrometry, is inaccessible within an amyloid structure. These data indicate decreased degradation due to amyloid formation initiates Aβ accumulation by preventing normal protease activity. Zn also prevented Aβ degradation by the proteases neprilysin and insulin degrading enzyme. Treating Zn‐induced Aβ amyloid with the metal‐protein attenuating compound clioquinol reversed amyloid formation and restored the peptide’s sensitivity to degradation by matrix metalloprotease 2. This provides new data indicating that therapeutic compounds designed to modulate Aβ‐metal interactions can inhibit Aβ accumulation by restoring the catalytic potential of Aβ‐degrading proteases.
Aminoglycoside‐induced histone deacetylation and hair cell death in the mouse cochlea
Authors: Chen Fu‐Quan , Schacht Jochen , Sha Su‐Hua 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPost‐translational modification of histones is an important form of chromatin regulation impacting transcriptional activation. Histone acetyltransferases, for example, acetylate lysine residues on histone tails thereby enhancing gene transcription, while histone deacetylases (HDACs) remove those acetyl groups and repress gene transcription. Deficient histone acetylation is associated with pathologies, and histone deacetylase inhibitors have been studied in the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we explore histone acetylation in cochlear sensory cells following a challenge with gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic known to cause loss of auditory hair cells and hearing. The addition of the drug to organotypic cultures of the mouse organ of Corti decreased the acetylation of histone core proteins (H2A Ack5, H2B Ack12, H3 Ack9, and H4 Ack8) followed by a loss of sensory cells. Protein levels of HDAC1, HDAC3 and HDAC4 were increased while the histone acetyltransferases such as CREB‐binding protein and p300 remained unchanged. We next hypothesized that protecting histone acetylation should prevent cell death and tested the effects of HDAC‐inhibitors on the actions of gentamicin. Co‐treatment with trichostatin A maintained near‐normal levels of acetylation of histone core proteins in cochlear hair cells and attenuated gentamicin‐induced cell death. The addition of sodium butyrate also rescued hair cells from damage by gentamicin. The results are consistent with an involvement of deficient histone acetylation in aminoglycoside‐induced hair cell death and point to the potential value of HDAC‐inhibitors in protection from the side effects of these drugs.
Forest Regeneration from Pasture in the Dry Tropics of Panama: Effects of Cattle, Exotic Grass, and Forested Riparia
Authors: Griscom Heather P. , Griscom Bronson W. , Ashton Mark S. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe currently have the opportunity to restore one of the most threatened tropical ecosystems on the Pacific coast of Panama as a consequence of land use change. Factors that influence succession must be understood in order to capitalize on natural regeneration mechanisms. In this study, we determined the effects of exotic grass removal, cattle removal, proximity to forested riparian zones, and topography (upslope vs. downslope) on the initial stages of forest regeneration from pasture in a dry tropical region. After 3 years, basal area, stem density, and species richness of plants (trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs) were significantly and positively affected by exclusion of cattle, presence of exotic grass (no herbicide application), and presence of adjacent forested riparian zones (p< 0.01). Interactions between factors were not significant. Cattle foraged and stomped on vegetation, whereas herbicide application, although effectively removing grass, also killed tree and shrub sprouts, the major source of regrowth. Proximity to forested riparian zones had the greatest effect on species diversity. Shannon’s index for diversity (H) equaled 3.23 in plots adjacent to forested riparian zones as compared to 2.78 in plots not associated with these areas. Our recommendations during the early stages of forest succession are to (1) exclude cattle, (2) make site‐specific decisions about herbicide application based on the presence or absence of forested riparia and prevalence of coppicing, and (3) actively conserve and protect riparian zones, which function as a critical source of diverse propagules.
Tanning as an addictive behavior: a literature review
Authors: Nolan Bridgit V. , Taylor Sarah L. , Liguori Anthony , Feldman Steven R. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Recent studies have identified reinforcing properties associated with tanning and suggest a possible physiologic mechanism and addiction driving tanning behavior.Objective: This article attempts to synthesize the existing literature on tanning and addiction to investigate possible associations.Methods: We investigated a variety of substance dependence models to define what constitutes dependence/addiction and to determine how current studies on tanning meet these criteria.Results: In some individuals, tanning has met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria for a substance‐related disorder or tanning‐modified Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye‐opener criteria. Trial studies have demonstrated the induction of withdrawal symptoms in frequent tanners.Limitations: Additional studies are needed to investigate the associated dependency and addiction more fully and to elucidate its similarities to other better‐known addictive syndromes.Discussion: Tanning is a problem behavior, both as a health risk and as a possible dependency. Future studies, especially in the area of cognitive mapping and cue‐related stimuli are needed. Imaging studies may be important in elucidating whether the same areas of the brain are involved in tanning addiction as in other addictive syndromes.
Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of a giant superficial basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Calista Donato 
Published: January 2009

SummaryA 74‐year‐old man was referred to our department for the treatment of a 15 × 15 cm superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on his lumbar region. As surgical excision was considered too destructive, photodynamic therapy (PDT) was proposed. Methyl 5‐aminolevulinate (MAL) cream was applied under occlusion for 3 h before illumination with a light‐emitting diode lamp with an emission peak of 632 nm, a fluence rate of 83.3 mW/cm, and a light dose of 37 J/cm. A second MAL‐PDT session was repeated 1 week later. The neoplastic area healed in 30 days. No recurrence has occurred after a 40‐month follow‐up period, but clinical observation continues. Although surgery still remains the treatment of choice for giant BCC, for which the local invasiveness and metastatic potential are well known, we offered our patient the option of PDT because we believed that classical surgery could hardly provide the same satisfactory outcome. As far as we know, this is the first case of giant BCC treated with PDT.
Acne‐photodynamic therapy with intra‐lesional injection of 5‐aminolevulinic acid
Authors: Ryou J. H. , Lee S. J. , Park Y. M. , Kim H. O. , Kim H. S. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment option for acne patients who fail to respond to conventional therapy. Although potent, we experience side effects such as erythema, exfoliation and dyspigmentation. In attempt to specify treatment and shorten the incubation time, we injected 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to the individual lesion. The results of intralesional injection ILI‐PDT and conventional PDT are compared in this study.
A pilot study to assess the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for Japanese patients with actinic keratosis in relation to lesion size and histological severity
Authors: Nakano A. , Tamada Y. , Watanabe D. , Ishida N. , Yamashita N. , Kuhara T. , Yanagishita T. , Kawamura C. , Akita Y. , Matsumoto Y. 
Published: January 2009

Background/purpose: Topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐based photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective for actinic keratosis (AK); few studies have examined Oriental patients. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of PDT for the treatment of Japanese AK patients classified by lesion size and histological severity.Methods: Thirty patients with solitary AK lesions were divided into two groups according to diameter: a small lesion group (SL), diameter ≤10 mm and a larger lesion group (LL), diameter >10 mm, and histological severity: Group I (mild and moderate) and Group II (severe). After application of 20% ALA for 4 h, exposure to an excimer‐dye laser at 630 nm was performed at a dose of 50 J/cm2 three times at an interval of 7 days. Therapeutic effects were assessed and followed for 12 months.Results: In all 10 SL patients, atypical cells disappeared after PDT and did not recur for 12 months. However, for the 20 LL patients, recurrence was seen in 2 of the 14 Group I patients, while 4 of 6 Group II patients showed residual tumor cells after the first PDT session.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that ALA‐PDT might be useful for treatment of Japanese AK. The therapeutic outcome might depend on the lesion size and the histopathological severity.
Precise determination of the erythema response of human skin to ultraviolet radiation and quantification of effects of protectors
Authors: Healy Zachary R. , Dinkova‐Kostova Albena T. , Wehage Scott L. , Thompson Richard E. , Fahey Jed W. , Talalay Paul 
Published: January 2009

Background: We describe highly reproducible methods for quantifying the erythema response of precisely selected areas (spots) of human skin to graded doses of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). These methods have permitted evaluation of the efficacy of protectors, such as sulforaphane from crucifers, that defend cells through induction of cytoprotective (phase 2) genes.Methods: Spots on the back were precisely located by opaque, adhesive, vinyl templates provided with 16 circular, 2.0 cm diameter occludable windows. Doses (100–800 mJ/cm2) of narrow‐band (311 nm) UVR were administered, and the erythema index (a*) was measured with a chromometer on treated and control areas, before and after radiation.Results: Daily variations in basal a* values of each spot were much smaller than the differences of a* values among spots of one individual, or those of corresponding spots among different individuals. The increments in erythema responses to UVR (Δa*) were similar despite large variations of basal a* of spots. The most appropriate measure of UVR‐evoked erythema is therefore the Δa* value for each spot, which is an independent observational entity. Δa* was proportional to UVR dose, and independent of spot location. To evaluate effectiveness of protectors against UVR damage we paired horizontally adjacent spots for treatment and controls. Vertical or random spot pairing did not provide significantly higher consistency. Protective efficacy against UVR erythema is appropriately expressed as percent reduction in Δa* values upon treatment with inducers.Conclusions: The protection of skin against UVR damage can be quantified precisely from changes in erythema index (Δa*) obtained with a chromometer.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index values in 9‐year‐old rural Norwegian children
Authors: Resaland GK , Mamen A , Anderssen SA , Andersen LB 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim: To describe cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index (BMI) values in a representative population of 9‐year‐old Norwegian children in two rural communities and compare present values with previous findings.Methods: Two hundred and fifty‐nine 9‐year‐old children were invited, and 256 participated in this study. Maximal oxygen uptake was directly measured during a continuous progressive treadmill protocol. Body mass and height were also measured.Results: The mean ± SD relative maximal oxygen uptake was 52.8 ± 6.5 for boys and 46.9 ± 7.2 mL/kg/min for girls. Eight percent of the boys and 16.8% of the girls were classified as overweight, and 1.6% of the boys and 6.9% of the girls as obese. Mean age, body mass, height and Ponderal index were not significantly different between sexes. Girls had a higher BMI than boys (p = 0.05).Conclusion: Compared to earlier Norwegian studies, children's BMI values seem to have increased substantially. This increase is most pronounced in girls. When assessing these differences using the PI, this increase is less marked. Comparing maximal oxygen uptake data with that in earlier Nordic studies, there is no evidence that fitness has declined among 9‐year olds. However, the limitations of the few earlier studies make reliable comparisons difficult.
Improvement in Quality of Sexual Life in Female Partners of Men with Erectile Dysfunction Treated with Sildenafil Citrate: Findings of the Index of Sexual Life (ISL) in a Couple Study
Authors: Chevret-Méasson Marie , Lavallée Emmanuel , Troy Sylvie , Arnould Benoit , Oudin Séverine , Cuzin Beatrice 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Women’s quality of sexual life is strongly impaired by erectile dysfunction (ED). Women’s involvement in ED treatment is important for compliance and long-term efficacy but remains difficult. The Index of Sexual Life (ISL), specific of the quality of sexual life of women with ED partners, is used here to assess the impact of ED treatment on female partners.

Aim
The study explored in a context close to routine clinical practice the effect of sildenafil citrate (Viagra®; Pfizer, New York, NY, USA) treatment on women’s quality of sexual life, in parallel with men’s ED evaluations.

Methods
This prospective, open-labeled clinical trial was performed in France in 2006. Sexologists and andrologists recruited 67 volunteer couples for a 14-week sildenafil citrate treatment of male partners, without sex therapy in parallel.

Main Outcome Measures
Women’s quality of sexual life using ISL, and men’s ED using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Self-Esteem And Relationship (SEAR) were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. Satisfaction for treatment was measured using Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and EDITS Partner.

Results
The ISL sexual life satisfaction score was low at baseline (12.3), and increased by 8.3 during the study (P &lt; 0.0001). Women were 79.0% to be responders according to ISL assessment. The other ISL dimensions also improved. The final ISL sexual life satisfaction score was dependant on women’s age and final IIEF scores. The observed correlations between the ISL sexual life satisfaction dimension and the IIEF erectile function dimension, and the SEAR confidence dimension confirmed our assumptions. Both partners were highly satisfied with the treatment.

Conclusion
Women satisfaction with their sex life was improved by ED treatment (sildenafil citrate). Couple global caring seemed to amplify the well-known effect of ED treatment for men. The ISL could be a useful tool to help women in their partner’s treatment and to integrate ED treatment in a couple approach.
Scoring Correspondence in Outcomes Related to Erectile Dysfunction Treatment on a 4-Point Scale (SCORE-4)
Authors: Cappelleri Joseph C. , Bushmakin Andrew G. , Symonds Tara , Schnetzler Gabriel 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The Erection Hardness Score (EHS), a validated single-item patient-reported outcome (PRO), may provide a simple method to capture erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms and to monitor treatment outcome.

Aim
To map the relationship between the EHS, which was used as the anchor, and other validated PROs: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Quality of Erection Questionnaire (QEQ), Sexual Experience Questionnaire (SEX-Q), and Self-Esteem and Relationship questionnaire (SEAR).

Methods
Data were from a trial of flexible-dose sildenafil (50 or 100 mg) in 209 men with ED.

Main Outcome Measures
A mixed-effects repeated-measures model with EHS as a categorical explanatory variable and each of the other PROs, as a separate dependent variable, was applied to analyze the longitudinal data from randomization to the end of the 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase and the 6-week open-label phase. EHS data, which were generated at each sexual encounter (event), were averaged per patient over the same recall period that preceded administration of the other PRO questionnaires.

Results
Scores on all domains of the IIEF and SEX-Q, as well as the SEAR total score and SEAR Sexual Relationship domain, discriminated on all EHS categories. The QEQ total score discriminated on all EHS categories except EHS 1 and EHS 2. Although the model did not impose any functional relationship between PRO score and EHS, an approximately linear relationship existed between the EHS and all other PROs, which was especially pronounced for those PROs that were more directly related to erectile quality or function.

Conclusions
The relationship between discrete EHS categories and PRO scores demonstrates the close correspondence of erectile hardness with erectile function (IIEF), erection quality (QEQ), overall sexual experience (SEX-Q), and ED-related psychosocial factors (SEAR) in men with ED.
Extraction and Microencapsulation of Khat: Effects on Sexual Motivation and Estradiol Level in Female Rats
Authors: Aziz Hesham Abdul , Peh Kok Khiang , Tan Yvonne Tze Fung 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTIntroductionKhat (Catha edulis) is an evergreen tree/shrub that is thought to affect sexual motivation or libido. Its positive effect on sexual desire is more frequently observed in females than in males and occurs when khat is chewed. Thus, khat’s effects on sexual behavior may depend on the release mode of its active constituent.AimThis study aimed to investigate the effect of dried khat alkaloids on the sexual motivation and estradiol levels of female rats, with special emphasis on the importance of the sustained release effect.MethodsDried khat leaves were extracted and isolated. The alkaloids in khat extract were identified and calculated using thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The isolated khat extract was microencapsulated using a phase separation coacervation method. The morphology, particle size, yield, drug loading, and entrapment efficiency were evaluated. The in vitro release and stability of alkaloids in khat extract and in khat extract microcapsules were determined. The effect of khat extract microcapsules and varying doses of khat extract on sexual motivation in female rats were investigated. Additionally, estradiol levels, vaginal secretions and vaginal pH were determined.Main Outcome MeasuresThe differences in the effect of khat extract and khat extract microcapsules on sexual motivation, vaginal secretion and estradiol levels in female rats were compared.ResultsCathine and norephedrine were identified in the isolated khat extract at composition of 81.3% and 17.2%, respectively. Among the formulations studied, khat extract microcapsules of formulation 2:3:5 (containing a ratio of khat extract to ovalbumin to gelatin of 2:3:5) were found to exhibit higher yield, loading, and entrapment efficiency. Khat extract microcapsules showed sustained in vitro release and were more stable than khat extract. In addition, khat extract microcapsules enhanced sexual motivation, increased vaginal secretions, and upregulated estradiol level in female rats.ConclusionThe sustained release of alkaloids from dried khat has significantly enhanced the sexual motivation and increased the estradiol level of female rats. Thus the release of dried khat alkaloids from microcapsules might be an effective means of enhancing the libido in females.