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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) is a critical component of evaluation of patients in the outpatient setting. A multidisciplinary approach is preferred, and multiple validated instruments have described to help gauge CVD risk. We have reviewed the relationships of ED and cardiovascular health, risk factors, pathogenesis, lifestyle modifications, and medical optimization. Moreover, we also took into consideration biomarkers for cardiovascular health and their relationship with ED and sexual dysfunction. We advocate using ED as risk for future CVD events, and review the current literature for the management of ED and CVD.

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The series of homoleptic lanthanide 1,2,3-triazolates (∞)(3)[Ln(Tz*)3] (Ln3+ = lanthanide cation, Tz*­ = 1,2,3-triazolate anion, C2H2N3(­)) is completed by synthesis of the three-dimensional (3D) frameworks with Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm, and characterization by X-ray powder diffraction, differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetry (DTA/TG) investigations and molecular vibration analysis. In addition, α-(∞)(2)[Sm(Tz*)3], a two-dimensional polymorph of 3D ß-(∞)(3)[Sm(Tz*)3], is presented including the single crystal structure. The 3D lanthanide triazolates form an isotypic series of the formula (∞)(3)[Ln(Tz*)3] ranging from La to Lu, with the exception of Eu, which forms a mixed valent metal organic framework (MOF) of different structure and the constitution (∞)(3)[Eu(Tz*)(6+x)(Tz*H)(2­x)]. The main focus of this work is put on the investigation of the photoluminescence behavior of lanthanide 1,2,3-triazolates (∞)(3)[Ln(Tz*)3] and illuminates that six different luminescence phenomena can be found for one series of isotypic compounds. The luminescence behavior of the majority of these compounds is based on the photoluminescence properties of the organic linker molecules. Differing properties are observed for (∞)(3)[Yb(Tz*)3], which exhibits luminescence properties based on charge transfer transitions between the linker and Yb3+ ions, and for (∞)(3)[Ce(Tz*)3] and (∞)(3)[Tb(Tz*)3], in which the luminescence properties are a combination of the ligand and the lanthanide metal. In addition, strong inner-filter effects are found in the ligand emission bands that are attributed to reabsorption of the emitted light by the trivalent lanthanide ions. Antenna effects of varying efficiency are present indicated by the energy being transferred to the lanthanide ions subsequent to excitation of the ligand. (∞)(3)[Ce(Tz*)3] shows a 5d-4f induced intense blue emission upon excitation with UV light, while (∞)(3)[Tb(Tz*)3] shows emission in the green region of the visible spectrum, which can be identified with 4f-4f-transitions typical for Tb3+ ions.

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The series of alkaline earth elements magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium yields single crystalline imidazolate coordination polymers by reactions of the metals with a melt of 1H-imidazole: (1)(∞)[Mg(Im)(2)(ImH)(3)] (1), (2)(∞)[AE(Im)(2)(ImH)(2)], AE = Ca (2), Sr (3), and (1)(∞)[Ba(Im)(2)(ImH)(2)] (4). No additional solvents were used for the reactions. Co-doping experiments by addition of the rare earth elements cerium, europium and terbium were carried out. They indicate (2)(∞)[Sr(Im)(2)(ImH)(2)] as a possible host lattice for cerium(III) photoluminescence showing a blue emission and thus a novel blue emitting hybrid material phosphor 3:Ce(3+). Co-doping with europium and terbium is also possible but resulted in formation of (3)(∞)[Sr(Im)(2)]:Ln, Ln = Eu and Tb (5), with both exhibiting green emission of either Eu(2+) or Tb(3+). The other alkaline earth elements do not show acceptance of the rare earth ions investigated and a different structural chemistry. For magnesium and barium one-dimensional strand structures are observed whereas calcium and strontium give two-dimensional network structures. Combined with an increase of the ionic radii of AE(2+) the coordinative demand is also increasing from Mg(2+) to Ba(2+), reflected by four different crystal structures for the four elements Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba in 1-4. Different linkages of the imidazolate ligands result in a change from complete σ-N coordination in 1 to additional η(5)-π coordination in 4. The success of co-doping with different lanthanide ions is based on a match in the chemical behaviour and cationic radii. The use of strontium for host lattices with imidazole is a rare example in coordination chemistry of co-doping with small amounts of luminescence centers and successfully reduces the amount of high price rare earth elements in hybrid materials while maintaining the properties. All compounds are examples of pure N-coordinated coordination polymers of the alkaline earth metals and were identified by single crystal X-ray analysis and powder diffraction. The degree of co-doping was determined by SEM/EDX. Mid IR, Far IR and Raman spectroscopy and micro analyses as well as simultaneous DTA/TG were also carried out to characterize the products in addition to the photoluminescence studies of the co-doped samples.

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To analyze morphologic and physiological properties of olfactory interneurons in the honeybee, Apis mellifera, antennal lobe (AL) neurons were intracellularly recorded and subsequently labeled with Neurobiotin. Additional focal injections were carried out with cobalt hexamine chloride and dextran fluorescent markers. Olfactory interneurons (projection neurons, PNs) project by means of five tracts, the lateral, the median, and three mediolateral antennocerebral tracts (l-, m-, and ml-ACT, respectively) to the mushroom bodies (MBs) and the protocerebral lobe (PL) of the ipsilateral protocerebrum. Uniglomerular PNs of the m- and l-ACT receiving input from a single glomerulus of the AL also arborize in different regions of the AL. The vast majority of l-ACT innervate the T1 region, whereas m-ACT neurons arborize exclusively in the T2, T3, and T4 regions (T1-4 : AL projection area of sensory cells from the antennae). In the calyces of the MB, uniglomerular PNs form varicosities in the basal ring and the lip region. Individual neurons of both types exhibit unequal innervation within and between the two calyces. In addition, m-ACT fibers ramify more densely within the lip neuropil and show a higher incidence of spine-like processes than l-ACTs. In the PL, l-ACTs arborize exclusively within the lateral horn, whereas some m-ACT neurons innervate a broader region. Multiglomerular neurons of the ml-ACT leave the AL by means of three subtracts (ml-ACT 1-3). Two different types can be distinguished according to their protocerebral target areas: ml-ACTs projecting to the lateral PL (LPL) and to the neuropil around the alpha-lobe (tracts 2 and 3) and neurons projecting only to the LPL (tract 1). Intracellular recordings indicate that both l- and m-ACT neurons respond to general odors but with different response properties, indicating that odor information is processed in parallel pathways with different functional characteristics. Just like m-ACT neurons, ml-ACT neurons respond to odors with complex activity patterns. Bilateral interneurons, originating in the suboesophageal ganglion, connect glomeruli of both AL, and send an axon through the m-ACT in each hemisphere of the brain, terminating in the lip region of the calyces. These neurons respond to contact chemical stimuli.

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Previous studies have shown that each buccal ganglion in Aplysia contains two B52 neurons, one in each hemiganglion. We now show that there are two B52 neurons in a single buccal hemiganglion and four cells in an animal. We also show that the B52 neurons are histamine-immunoreactive and use reverse phase HPLC to show that the histamine-immunoreactive substance is authentic histamine. Previous studies have shown that the B52 neurons make numerous inhibitory synaptic connections with neurons active during the radula closing/retraction phase of ingestive motor programs. A computational model of the Aplysia feeding central pattern generator has, therefore, suggested that the B52 neurons play a role in terminating closing/retraction. Consistent with this idea we show that both B52 neurons fire at the beginning of radula opening/protraction. We also show that both B52 neurons are sensory neurons. They are depolarized when a flap of connective tissue adjacent to the buccal commissural arch is stretched. During ingestive feeding this is likely to occur at the peak of closing/retraction as opening/protraction begins. In the course of this study we compare the two ipsilateral B52 neurons and show that these cells are virtually indistinguishable; e.g., they use a common neurotransmitter, make the same synaptic connections, and are both sensory as well as premotor neurons. Nevertheless we show that the B52 neurons are reciprocally inhibitory. Our results, therefore, strikingly confirm theoretical predictions made by others that neurons that inhibit each other will not necessarily participate in antagonistic phases of behavior.

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Taxonomic and biological-ecological information as well as literature pertaining to the eleven Polish representatives of glossiphoniid leeches are summarized. Taxonomic status of many species is unclear, and data on their life histories are often fragmentary. The existence of several different conflicting systems of glossiphoniid classification indicates that the taxonomical value of characters is unclear. The family requires a thorough modern revision. A new generic-level classification of the family is needed. Data on behaviour and life cycles of mostspecies should be supplemented; anatomical variation and differences between the purported forms of glossiphoniid species should be re-examined. A detailed study on the life cycles and variation of the Polish members of the Glossiphoniidae would provide new and valuable data and would allow at least for proposing a good, modern standard of species description without which a world-wide revision is hardly possible.

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A mushroom body extrinsic neuron, the Pe1 neuron, connects the peduncle of the mushroom body (MB) with two areas of the protocerebrum in the honeybee brain, the lateral protocerebral lobe (LPL) and the ring neuropil around the alpha-lobe. Each side of the bee brain contains only one Pe1 neuron. Using a combination of intracellular recording and neuroanatomical techniques we analyzed its properties of integrative processing of the different sensory modalities. The Pe1 neuron responds to visual, mechanosensory, and olfactory stimuli. The responses are broadly tuned, consisting of a sustained increase of spike frequency to the onset and offset of light flashes, to horizontal and vertical movements of extended objects, to mechanical stimuli applied to the antennae or mouth parts, and to all olfactory stimuli tested (29 chemicals). These multisensory properties are reflected in its dendritic organization. Serial reconstructions of intracellularly stained Pe1 neurons using confocal microscopy reveal that the Pe1 neuron arborizes throughout all layers of MB peduncle with finger-like, vertically oriented dendrites. The peduncle of the MB is formed by the axons of Kenyon cells, whose dendritic inputs are organized in modality-specific subcompartments of the calyx region. The peduncular arborization indicates that the Pe1 neuron receives input from Kenyon cells of all calycal subcompartments. Because the Pe1 neuron changes its odor responses transiently as a consequence of olfactory learning, we hypothesize that the multimodal response properties might have a role in memory consolidation and help to establish contextual references in the long-term trace.

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The short-term influence of visual experience was studied in the first-order tetrad synapses of the first optic neuropil, or lamina, underlying the compound eye in the housefly (Musca domestica). We report the effects of single light reversals, in which flies reared in constant darkness were exposed to light or those in constant light were exposed to darkness, on this defined population of synapses. The synaptic population was characterized by quantitative electron microscopic methods using three parameters: (i) the number of synaptic contacts per photoreceptor terminal; (ii) the size of these synapses, given by the mean platform width of their presynaptic ribbons; and (iii) the proportion (up to approximately 20%) of small synapses-those having a ribbon platform less than 0.17 micron wide. The effects of light exposures in flies reared in constant darkness include decreased mean synaptic size and increased numbers of synapses. These effects are seen in flies of all ages (to 10 days). Long light exposures (2-6 h) are much less effective than short exposures (down to 20 s), with maximum effects obtained at 15 min (up to 45% more synapses). Small synapses are reasoned to be new junctions formed only recently; the decreased mean synaptic size and the increased number of synapses seen after short light exposures are both interpreted to result from a recent burst of synaptogenesis in the adult lamina. The effects of dark exposure in flies reared in constant light are the reciprocal of those seen in dark-reared flies exposed to light, but they are less pronounced. Although the function of such changes is not yet known, they may form part of the light adaptation mechanism of the photoreceptor, and occur along with a redistribution of other organelles involving membrane invaginations into its terminal. These changes occur against a background trend for control flies reared under constant conditions to have fewer, larger synapses with increasing age up to 10 days, an effect that is most pronounced in constant darkness, when synaptic number decreases by 21% and size increases by 13%.

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Eleven consecutive schizophrenic patients with a mean duration of illness of 2.2 (range 0.9-3.8) years and early signs of resistance to conventional neuroleptics were studied prospectively in a 26-week open trial with clozapine (mean dose 192.5 mg at week 8 and 225.0 mg at end-point). Of the ten patients who completed the study, nine improved by 20% or more on total Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores; six (good responders) showed more than 30%, and four (fair responders) 21-26% improvement on total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores. The improvement was observed mainly within the first 8 weeks. Duration of illness correlated negatively (P=0.047) with the decrease of positive PANSS scores. The duration of illness of the fair responders was more than twice that of the good responders. Clozapine appears to be a safe and effective treatment alternative for early treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients. These patients seem to respond to relatively low clozapine doses. Early rather than late transfer to clozapine in this population may be of benefit for later clinical outcome.

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Neural connections between the mushroom body (MB) and other protocerebral areas of the honeybee's brain were studied with the help of cobalt chloride and Golgi staining methods. Focal injections of cobalt ions into the alpha-lobe neuropil of the MB reveal seven clusters of somata located in the protocerebrum and deutocerebrum of each brain hemisphere. These neurons connect the mushroom body neuropil with protocerebral areas and number approximately 400. They contact the layered organization of the alpha-lobe at different locations. Some project not only into the alpha-lobe, but also into the beta-lobe and pedunculus neuropils. Fifteen cell types which form intraprotocerebral circuits are morphologically described. They can be divided into three categories: 1) unilateral neurons, with projection fields restricted to the ipsilateral protocerebrum; these neurons connect the alpha-lobe with areas in the protocerebral lobe and ramify with densely layered arborisations arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the alpha-lobe; 2) recurrent neurons, which interconnect subcompartments of the MB, forming loops at different levels of the neuropil; their arborisations are mainly restricted to the alpha-lobe, beta-lobe, pedunculus, and calyces of the ipsilateral MB; they also ramify sparsely around the neuropil of the alpha-lobe; and 3) bilateral neurons, which either interconnect both alpha-lobes or connect the ipsilateral alpha-lobe and protocerebral lobe with the dorsolateral protocerebral lobe of the contralateral hemisphere. The connections of different compartments of the MB with other parts of the protocerebrum as revealed in this study are discussed in the context of hypotheses about the functional role of MBs in the honeybee brain.

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Using a monoclonal antibody (FB 45) raised by Dr. A. Hofbauer (Würzburg) against Drosophila brain we investigated the development and plasticity of immunoreactive cells belonging to the median and lateral antennoglomerular tracts (AGTS) in the honeybee brain. In early stages of pupal development presumed AGT immunoreactivity was detected in the diffuse central neuropil of the antennal lobe as well as in the glomeruli, which differentiate at 40% pupal development. The lateral protocerebral lobe--one target area of the AGTs--is labelled throughout pupal life whereas labelling in the calyces is first restricted to the basal ring region. Although the lips of the calyces develop in middle-aged pupae, they do not show immunoreactivity until the last day of metamorphosis. Unilateral ablation performed on pupae of different stages resulted in size reduction of the antennal lobe and fusion of glomeruli. The number of labelled somata and glomeruli in the antennal lobe were reduced on the treated side. These effects were more prominent when ablation was performed in young pupae. No differences in staining intensity at the light microscopic level were found in the calyces. Therefore a pre-embedding immunohistological approach was developed to detect AGT profiles in the mushroom body at the electron microscopic level.

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A method is described for the analysis of chromosomes in prophase and early metaphase. It involves culturing the lymphocytes in medium RPMI-1640, supplemented with 10% autologous plasma instead of fetal bovine serum. Living cells are treated with actinomycin D and colcemid for 1 h prior to harvest and harvested early at 65 h of incubation, using a hypotonic solution formulated by Ohnuki (1968). The method has been tested on several hundred clinical samples on a routine basis. On average, 30% of the dividing cells were in prometaphase.

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