bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Penile veins play a pivotal role in erection: the haemodynamic evidence
Authors: HSIEH CHENG‐HSING , WANG CHII‐JYE , HSU GENG‐LONG , CHEN SHYH‐CHYAN , LING PEI‐YING , WANG TSU , FONG TSORNG‐HARN , TSENG GUO‐FANG 
Published: March 2005

SummaryAlthough penile venous surgery has almost been abandoned and the venous factor eliminated as a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction, new concepts of erection‐related veins has recently been described and reported in literature. We sought to conduct a haemodynamic study on human cadavers in order to elucidate to what extent penile veins act in erection, and to explore the possible role of erection‐related veins as an important contributor to impotence. From November 2002 to December 2003, seven fresh human cadavers of men who had no sexual activity for at least 6 months prior to death, and in whom the penis was intact were used for this study. Infusion cavernosometry was carried out with an induction flow of 150 mL/min before and after the erection‐related veins were removed. A rigid erection was attained in all subjects, lasting significantly longer (p = 0.043) after removal of erection‐related veins. Similarly, there were significant differences in the maintenance flow (p = 0.043), Tmax (p = 0.043), Vmax (p = 0.043), and pressure loss (p = 0.043). In cadaveric penises, a rigid erection could be maintained in spite of the fact that the low flow rate of 21 mL/min is much lower than the average arterial perfusion rate observed in cases of arterial insufficiency. We therefore concluded that penile veins may play a significant role in attaining sufficient erection, and further research is required to study this possible clinical implication.
A neglected gland: a review of Cowper's gland
Authors: CHUGHTAI BILAL , SAWAS AHMED , O'MALLEY REBECCA L. , NAIK ROHAN R. , ALI KHAN S. , PENTYALA SRINIVAS 
Published: March 2005

SummaryCowper's glands are pea sized glands present inferior to the prostate gland in the male reproductive system. They produce thick clear mucus prior to ejaculation that drains into the spongy urethra. Though it is well established that the function of the Cowper's gland secretions is to neutralize traces of acidic urine in the urethra, knowledge regarding the various lesions and associated complications of this gland is scarce. This review provides a comprehensive report on the development, function and various lesions associated with Cowper's gland.
The viscoelastic properties of soybean curd (tofu) as affected by soymilk concentration and type of coagulant
Authors: Cheng Yongqiang , Shimizu Naoto , Kimura Toshinori 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe viscoelastic properties of different types of tofu were investigated. Soymilk concentrations were 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9%. Coagulants used were 30 mm CaSO4 or 30 mm glucono‐delta‐lactone (GDL). As the concentration of soymilk was increased viscosity and handling difficulties increased. A high concentration of soymilk in tofu gave a high break stress and produced hard tofu. The four‐element Burgers model fitted the creep behaviour and both viscous and elastic parameters could be acquired from model analysis, reflecting changes in elasticity and viscosity of tofu. The constant viscous parameter in the model increased with increasing soymilk concentration. The viscous parameters of viscoelastic materials like tofu gel, obtained from small deformation tests, seemed to correlate, to some extent, with the break stress obtained from large deformation tests. For hard tofu production increasing the soymilk concentration within a certain range and the partial replacement of calcium sulphate coagulant by GDL could be effective options.
Improving textural quality in frozen jalapeño pepper by low temperature blanching in calcium chloride solution
Authors: Pérez‐Alemán Rosario , Márquez‐Meléndez Rubén , Mendoza‐Guzmán Virginia , Jiménez‐Castro Jorge , Torre Luis de la , Rodríguez‐Terrazas Bertha , Barnard John , Quintero‐Ramos Armando 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThe effects of low temperature blanching in calcium chloride solution of jalapeño peppers prior to freezing, on firmness retention, pH, methanol, colour and calcium ions of the product, were evaluated by response surface methodology. Texture, methanol content and pH were affected by all of the variables studied (P = 0.05). The optimum response was obtained at temperatures of 63.3–66 °C, calcium chloride concentrations of 0.17–0.21 m, immersion time of 11.6–14.4 min, with a holding time after blanching of 56.6–66.1 min. Microscopic evaluation of the thawed pepper showed that blanching in CaCl2 solution provided a protective effect in maintaining cell wall integrity.
Effectiveness of Coniothyrium minitans and Trichoderma atroviride in suppression of sclerotinia blossom blight of alfalfa
Authors: Li G. Q. , Huang H. C. , Acharya S. N. , Erickson R. S. 
Published: March 2005

The effects of the mycoparasites Coniothyrium minitans and Trichoderma atroviride on the suppression of alfalfa blossom blight caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were evaluated under indoor and field conditions. When T. atroviride (9·0 × 104 conidia/floret) + S. sclerotiorum (6·0 × 103 ascospores/floret) or C. minitans (9·0 × 104 conidia/floret) + S. sclerotiorum (6·0 × 103 ascospores/floret) were applied to detached young alfalfa florets, T. atroviride effectively inhibited saprophytic growth of S. sclerotiorum, whereas C. minitans showed no inhibition under the same conditions. When T. atroviride (6·9 × 104 conidia/floret) + S. sclerotiorum (6·0 × 103 ascospores/floret) or C. minitans (6·9 × 104 conidia/floret) + S. sclerotiorum (6·0 × 103 ascospores/floret) was applied to young alfalfa petals in vivo just after pollination, the percentage of pod formation was higher for T. atroviride+S. sclerotiorum than that for C. minitans+S. sclerotiorum, and the percentage of pod rot was lower for T. atroviride+S. sclerotiorum than that for C. minitans+S. sclerotiorum. However, when they were applied to senescent petals attached to developing pods of alfalfa at 9·2 × 104 conidia/floret together with S. sclerotiorum at 4·5 × 103 ascospores/floret at 14 days after pollination, C. minitans was more effective than T. atroviride in suppressing sclerotinia pod rot and seed rot of alfalfa. Field experiments showed that three applications of C. minitans (5·4 × 106 conidia mL−1) or T. atroviride (5·4 × 106 conidia mL−1) at a 7‐day interval to blossoms of alfalfa effectively suppressed sclerotinia pod rot in two out of three annual trials. Coniothyrium minitans effectively suppressed sclerotinia seed rot in all three years, whereas T. atroviride was not effective against seed rot in any of the trial years. The efficacy of C. minitans was not significantly different (P > 0·05) from benomyl (250 µg ai mL−1). This study suggests that C. minitans has potential as a biocontrol agent to control blossom blight of alfalfa caused by S. sclerotiorum.
Variation in resistance to the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in tomato genotypes bearing the Mi gene
Authors: Jacquet M. , Bongiovanni M. , Martinez M. , Verschave P. , Wajnberg E. , Castagnone‐Sereno P. 
Published: March 2005

Root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are among the main pathogens of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) worldwide. Plant resistance is currently the method of choice for controlling these pests and all the commercially available resistant cultivars carry the dominant Mi gene, which confers resistance to the three main species Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica. However the emergence of virulent biotypes able to overcome the tomato resistance gene may constitute a severe limitation to such a control strategy. To date, little was known of the possible influence of the homozygous vs heterozygous allelic state of the Mi locus, or the tomato genetic background, on the expression of the resistance. In order to test both these factors, the resistance was evaluated of a large panel of L. esculentum genotypes (selected from the Vilmorin germplasm stock collection) to seven M. incognita lines avirulent or virulent against the Mi gene. Plant resistance was estimated by counting the egg masses on the root systems after inoculation with second‐stage juveniles (J2). Reproduction of the nematodes was similar or, more often, significantly higher on heterozygous tomato genotypes than on homozygous ones, suggesting a possible dosage effect of the Mi gene. Data also indicated that the tomato genetic background had a major effect on the variations observed in nematode reproduction, especially when tomato genotypes were heterozygous for the Mi gene. These results have important consequences in terms of breeding strategies and durability of the resistance conferred by the Mi gene.
Breakdown of Pl2, a major gene of resistance to apple powdery mildew, in a French experimental orchard
Authors: Caffier V. , Laurens F. 
Published: March 2005

Pl2, a major resistance gene to powdery mildew originating from Malus zumi, is mainly used in apple‐breeding programmes. In an experimental orchard in France, an increase of susceptibility to powdery mildew was observed on apple genotypes carrying Pl2. This increase of susceptibility could not be explained by an effect of the age of the trees, or by an effect of the amount of inoculum on expression of the resistance Pl2. It was demonstrated by tests of pathogenicity in controlled conditions that isolates of Podosphaera leucotricha sampled in this orchard were virulent to Pl2. The appearance of virulent isolates within 6 years after planting apple genotypes selected for the presence of Pl2 resulted in a breakdown of the resistance. Ten years after planting, the percentage of genotypes that were still resistant to powdery mildew varied between 2 and 56%, depending on the progenies. This suggested that additional quantitative resistance genes may influence the durability of the resistance Pl2.
Microparticles Shed from Different Antigen‐Presenting Cells Display an Individual Pattern of Surface Molecules and a Distinct Potential of Allogeneic T‐Cell Activation
Authors: Kolowos W. , Gaipl U. S. , Sheriff A. , Voll R. E. , Heyder P. , Kern P. , Kalden J. R. , Herrmann M. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractVarious cells such as platelets, lymphocytes, endothelial cells, red blood cells and monocytes do release surface‐derived microparticles (mps). We analysed mp isolated from supernatants of cultured antigen‐presenting human cells (APCs) and human cell lines. Particle sizing by dynamic light scattering revealed a characteristic size of the particles ranging from 80 nm to 300 nm in viable cells and from 400 nm to 1200 nm in irradiated cells. Employing flow‐cytometry, we observed partly an altered surface protein composition of the mp compared to their cellular source. Mp originating from dendritic cells (DCs) differed in their surface composition from those released from monocytes and monocyte‐derived macrophages. In functional assays, these mp stimulated alloreactive T‐cells. The treatment of the cells with either UV‐B or lipopolysaccharide strongly influenced the quantity, the immunostimulatory features and the surface composition of the mp. Mp from apoptotic macrophages were able to reduce the stimulatory capacity of vital macrophages but not of DC. Apoptotic mps from DC, on the other hand, were always stimulatory. This is the first report regarding the study of mp released from DC and compared with those released from other APC.
A Combination of Anergic Cells' Adoptive Transfer and Rapamycin Therapy Prolongs Cardiac Allograft Survival in Mice
Authors: Cai Y. , Tang X. D. , Zhou P. J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe in vivo immunoregulatory effect of anergic cells induced by blocking the costimulatory pathway was investigated in this study. Anergic cells were generated in vitro by mixed culture of murine splenic cells from BALB/c and C3H/HeJ under the blockade of anti‐CD154 and anti‐CD80 monoclonal antibodies, and the in vitro activity of anergic cells were observed. The 3.0 Gy γ‐irradiated BALB/c mice received cardic allografts from C3H/HeJ, and anergic cells were intravenously injected immediately after transplantation. Recipient mice injected with anergic cells also received rapamycin therapy (1 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. On day 7 after transplantation, the subsets of peripheral blood T lymphocytes, the pathology of grafts and the infiltration of lymphocytes in grafts were analysed. Untreated γ‐irradiated animals showed a graft median survival time (MST) of 9 days. Animals injected with anergic cells only or receiving rapamycin therapy alone showed MST of 11 and 17 days, respectively. MST of allograft in mice treated with control cells plus rapamycin therapy was 9 days. Animals injected with anergic cells plus rapamycin therapy, but receiving third‐party allografts (C57BL/6J), showed an MST of 15 days. However, anergic cell injection plus rapamycin therapy prolonged allograft survival significantly (MST 28 days, P < 0.01). The rejection was mild and tissue architecture was preserved in recipient mice receiving anergic cell injection plus rapamycin therapy. Furthermore, anergic cells and rapamycin therapy decreased the percentage of peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (including CD25+, CD152+, CD154+ and CD28+ subsets) and greatly reduced the infiltrating lymphocytes in allografts (including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD25+ T cells). In conclusion, the treatment based on anergic cells' adoptive transfer plus rapamycin therapy demonstrated a significant prolongation of murine cardiac allograft survival in a donor antigen‐specific manner. This therapeutic protocol alleviated allograft rejection to solid allograft in vivo.
Influence of Interleukin‐4 on the Phenotype and Function of Bone Marrow‐Derived Murine Dendritic Cells Generated Under Serum‐Free Conditions
Authors: Wells J. W. , Darling D. , Farzaneh F. , Galea‐Lauri J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractMurine bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (DC) can be generated by culture in the presence of granulocyte/macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) alone or GM‐CSF in conjunction with interleukin‐4 (IL‐4). However, these two culture methods result in the production of heterogeneous DC populations with distinct phenotypic and stimulatory properties. In this study, we investigated the properties of DC generated under serum‐free conditions in the presence or absence of IL‐4 and compared their yield and phenotype to that of DC generated in the presence of fetal calf serum (FCS) (±IL‐4). We did not observe a significant difference in the total cell yield between these four culture conditions, although the proportion of CD11c+ DC in cultures that received FCS was higher than that of their counterparts generated under serum‐free conditions. Also, the four culture conditions generated CD11c+ DC with comparable levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, CD40, CD80 and CD86 expression, with the exception of cells cultured under serum‐free conditions in the absence of IL‐4, which displayed suboptimal levels of these markers. Moreover, we compared the functional and stimulatory properties of DC generated under serum‐free conditions in the presence or absence of IL‐4. DC cultured in the presence of IL‐4 were stronger stimulators of allogeneic splenocytes in a primary mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and of naïve antigen‐specific OT‐II transgenic T cells when pulsed with the class II ovalbumin (OVA)323−339 peptide or whole OVA protein than DC cultured in the absence of IL‐4. However, both DC populations displayed a similar capacity to take up fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–albumin by macropinocytosis and FITC–Dextran by the mannose receptor and to secrete IL‐12 in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or an agonistic anti‐CD40 monoclonal antibody. Therefore, we conclude that although both DC culture methods result in the production of DC with similar functional abilities, under serum‐free conditions, DC cultured in GM‐CSF and IL‐4 show an increased stimulatory potential over DC cultured in GM‐CSF alone. This is an important consideration in the design of experiments where DC are being exploited as immunotherapeutic vaccines.
Quantitative Measurement of the Levels of Melanocortin Receptor Subtype 1, 2, 3 and 5 and Pro‐Opio‐Melanocortin Peptide Gene Expression in Subsets of Human Peripheral Blood Leucocytes
Authors: Andersen G. N. , Hägglund M. , Nagaeva O. , Frängsmyr L. , Petrovska R. , Mincheva‐Nilsson L. , Wikberg J. E. S. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractLevels of the melanocortin receptor (MCR) 1, 2, 3 and 5 subtypes and pro‐opio‐melanocortin (POMC) protein mRNA were measured by the real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method in CD4+ T helper (Th) cells, CD8+ T cytotoxic cells, CD19+ B cells, CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells, CD14+ monocytes and CD15+ granulocytes from healthy donors. We found high levels of all of the MC1, 2, 3 and 5R subtype mRNA in Th cells and moderate levels in NK cells, monocytes and granulocytes. POMC peptide mRNA was found in all examined leucocyte subsets, but only low levels were present in granulocytes. Our findings suggest a co‐ordinating role for MCR subtypes and their naturally occurring ligands in the co‐operation between innate and adaptive immunity. Moreover, our findings are compatible with earlier finding of MCR‐mediated tolerance induction in Th cells.
Renal function outcome in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Mention K. , Lahoche‐Manucci A. , Bonnevalle M. , Pruvot F. R. , Declerck N. , Foulard M. , Gottrand F. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: The orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) allows survival of children followed for severe hepatic injury, provided that the immunosuppressive treatment is prolonged. The nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine predicts the long‐term outcome of the adult patients receiving a liver transplant. The aim of this study was to determine the long‐term outcome of renal function in children receiving OLT.This study included 12 children, with a median for age of 7.1 yr (2–15 yr) at the time of OLT. The duration of follow‐up was at least 4 yr, being 7 yr in 10 patients and more than 10 yr in seven. Renal function was evaluated with the serum level of creatinine, calculated glomerular filtration rate (cGFR), and measurement of glomerular filtration rate using chrome 51 ethylenediaminetetraacetate (51Cr EDTA) clearance performed at least once during follow‐up. The doses and the serum concentrations (C0) of cyclosporine were reported at each study time.The cGFR decreased significantly 2 yr after the OLT [median (range): 106 mL/min/1.73 m2(71–150) at the time of OLT vs. 85 mL/min/1.73 m2(57–128) 2 yr after the OLT, p = 0.03], and decreased again between 7 and 10 yr after OLT [median (range): 99 mL/min/1.73 m2(76–125) 7 yr after OLT vs. 81 mL/min/1.73 m2(66–140) 10 yr after OLT, p = 0.04]. Six patients developed chronic renal failure (cGFR from 57 to 80 mL/min/1.73 m2) 2 yr after OLT associated with high doses of cyclosporine [median (range): 8.8 mg/kg/day (3.5–13)]. The cGFR overestimated renal function by 16% compared with the isotopic measurement of GFR (p = 0.03). Using the51Cr EDTA measurement, six of seven patients followed up more than 10 yr after OLT presented mild (n = 3) or moderate (n = 3) chronic renal failure. In our study, the majority of OLT recipients developed a chronic renal failure 10 yr after transplantation. Cyclosporine seems to be the most important factor responsible for the impairment of renal function. The use of the mycophenolate mofetil, a new immunosuppressive agent, allowing a reduction in the dose of cyclosporine, could minimize renal dysfunction. While awaiting the results of a prospective long‐term study, close drug monitoring is advised.
Electrical spinal cord stimulation in the long‐term treatment of chronic painful diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Daousi C. , Benbow S. J. , MacFarlane I. A. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAims  Electrical spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) is a technique for the management of chronic painful diabetic neuropathy (CPDN) affecting the lower limbs. We assessed the efficacy and complication rate of ESCS implanted at least 7 years previously in eight patients.Methods  After a trial period of percutaneous stimulation, eight male patients had been implanted with a permanent system. Mean age at implantation was 53.5 years and all patients were insulin treated with stage 3 severe disabling CPDN of at least 1 year's duration. The ESCS was removed from one patient at 4 months because of system failure and one patient died 2 months after implantation from a myocardial infarction.Results  Six patients were reviewed a mean of 3.3 years post‐implantation. With the stimulator off, McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ) scores (a measure of the quality and severity of pain) were similar to MPQ scores prior to ESCS insertion. Pain scores (visual analogue scale) were measured with the stimulator off and on, respectively: background pain [74.5 (63–79) mm vs. 25 (17–33) mm, median (interquartile range), P = 0.03), peak pain (85 (80–92) mm vs. 19 (11–47) mm, P = 0.03]. There were two further cardiovascular deaths (these patients had continued pain relief) and the four surviving patients were reassessed at 7.5 (range 7–8.5) years: background pain [73 (65–77) mm vs. 33 (28–36) mm, median (interquartile range)], peak pain [86 (81–94) mm vs. 42 (31–53) mm]. Late complications (> 6 months post‐insertion) occurred in two patients; electrode damage secondary to trauma requiring replacement (n = 1), and skin peeling under the transmitter site (n = 1). One patient had a second electrode implanted in the cervical region which relieved typical neuropathic hand pains.Conclusions  ESCS can continue to provide significant pain relief over a prolonged period of time with little associated morbidity.
Teaching and motivating patients to control their risk factors retards progression of cardiovascular as well as microvascular sequelae of Type 2 diabetes mellitus— a randomized prospective 8 years follow‐up study
Authors: Rachmani R. , Slavachevski I. , Berla M. , Frommer‐Shapira R. , Ravid M. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractAims  To examine whether motivating patients to gain expertise and closely follow their risk parameters will attenuate the course of microvascular and cardiovascular sequelae of diabetes.Methods  A randomized prospective study on 165 patients with diabetes mellitus Type 2, hypertension (> 140/90 mmHg) and hyperlipidaemia (LDL‐C > 3 mmol/l), referred for consultation to a diabetes clinic in an academic hospital. Patients were randomly allocated to standard consultation (SC) or to a patient participation (PP) and teaching programme. Follow‐up continued by primary care physicians.Results  The mean follow‐up was 7.7 years. SC group patients each attended eight annual consultations. The PP patients initiated on average 1.2 ± 0.8 additional consultations per annum. The relative risk (RR) over 8 years, for the combined cardiovascular event index in the intervention (PP) vs. the control (SC) group was 0.65 (95% CI 0.41–0.89, P = 0.001). Nephropathy developed in 14 vs. 7 patients in the SC and PP groups, respectively, RR 0.50 (95% CI 0.28–0.85, P = 0.02), retinopathy developed in 35 vs. 21 patients, RR 0.60 (95% CI 0.21–0.82, P = 0.03). Throughout the study, period blood pressure, LDL‐C and HbA1c were significantly lower in the PP than in the SC patients.Conclusion  Well‐informed and motivated patients, were more successful in maintaining good control of their risk factors, resulting in reduced cardiovascular risk and slower progression of microvascular disease.