Comparisons of flux-based stemflow enrichment ratios for two Quercus spp. within the megalopolis of the eastern USA

Throughfall and stemflow serve as two important transport mechanisms for water and solutes in urban forests, though these fluxes are seldom quantified within cities. This study is the first to utilize two flux-based enrichment ratios for stemflow to characterize spatial patterns in water and solute distribution in urban forest fragments. Using event-based, in situ sampling, this study quantified stemflow enrichment for Quercus rubra (northern red oak) and Quercus alba (white oak) trees relative to open precipitation (E_P,B) and throughfall (E_T,B) per unit trunk basal area for dissolved Ca, K, Mg, Mn, NO₃-N, and S. The study investigated variability in nutrient enrichment at the fragment, municipal, and regional scales. Among all solutes, observations for E_P,B and E_T,B for Q. rubra and Q. alba were generally lowest for Mg and highest for Mn and K. Significant intra-urban variability in stemflow enrichment was limited to E_P,B of K and E_T,B of Ca (p?<?0.05), while trans-regional variability in stemflow enrichment consistently indicated higher E_P,B and E_T,B in more highly developed portions of the study region. At the fragment scale, E_P,B and E_T,B for Q. rubra was consistently higher than for Q. alba, with variability in these observations significant for all solutes. For example, interspecific variability in E_P,B was greatest for K, where median values ranged from 2.8?±?29.7 in Q. alba to 87.1?±?97.1 in Q. rubra. While observations for E_T,B were generally lower than those for E_P,B, observations for Q. rubra also consistently exceeded those for Q. alba, with median values for K ranging from 1.5?±?0.5 to 21.9?±?3.1 for Q. alba and Q. rubra, respectively. Findings were likely driven by variability in biophysical characteristics between the two species (e.g., bark morphology). Further, findings indicate that species heterogeneity within the urban forest contributes to significant variability in nutrient (and possibly pollutant) transport and fate via throughfall and stemflow below the canopy, with subsequent impacts on urban forest biogeochemistry.

     

Photosynthetic CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> uptake and carbon sequestration potential of deciduous and evergreen tree species in an urban environment

Urban tree planting programmes are increasingly promoted as a way to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) mixing ratios. However, few studies have investigated the photosynthetic CO₂ uptake potential of different urban tree species across seasons. In particular little is known about photosynthetic CO₂ uptake in cities with a subtropical, oceanic climate where evergreen species are dominant. We addressed this shortcoming by measuring net photosynthetic rates of ten native and exotic tree species during different seasons and times of the day in Auckland, New Zealand. We also assessed the potential of leaf nitrogen (N) concentration as a proxy for net photosynthetic capacities of urban trees, which is of particular importance to upscale leaf-level photosynthetic CO₂ uptake to local and regional scales. In addition, we compared measured net photosynthetic capacities (light-saturated net photosynthetic rates) with carbon (C) sequestration rates estimated using tree growth measurements and allometric equations. Mean net photosynthetic capacities ranged between 2.37 and 10.48 μmol m^?2 s^?1 across all seasons and were closely related to tree C sequestration rates, suggesting that increased photosynthesis enhances growth rates and therefore tree C sequestration rates. Given that winter net photosynthetic capacities remained high in evergreen species (3.38–13.96 μmol m^?2 s^?1), with almost 50% higher mean net photosynthetic capacity compared to summer across all species, we suggest that tree planting programmes for CO₂ mitigation should favour long living evergreen tree species with high basal area increments (BAI). Leaf N explained 43% and 57% of the variability of photosynthetic capacities across species in summer and winter, respectively. These results indicate that leaf N may be used as a proxy for net photosynthetic capacities of commonly planted urban trees in Auckland. However, further research is required to provide robust models that may be used to estimate photosynthetic CO₂ uptake at a local and urban scale.     

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration variations in Rome: relationship with traffic level and urban park size

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration variations in Rome in the period January 2009 to December 2010 was monitored. Five representative sites (T sites) in the city centre with different traffic levels and urbanistic characteristics, and four urban parks (P sites) of different sizes were selected. The regression analysis underlines the significant (p?≤?0.05) correlation between traffic levels and CO₂ concentration. Considering the daytime CO₂ concentration peak among T sites, Cerchi Street and Teatro Marcello Street, located in the city centre and closed by buildings, showed the highest traffic levels (85?±?3 and 63?±?2 cars min^?1, respectively) and the highest CO₂ concentration (512?±?11 and 488?±?8 ppm, respectively). With regards to the considered P sites, those extending over the largest surface areas (Villa Pamphilj Park and Villa Borghese Park, 180 and 80 ha, respectively) characterized by large tree coverage (81 ha and 60 ha, respectively) had a significant lower CO₂ concentration (404?±?9 ppm, mean value) than those extending over a small surface area (Villa Torlonia Park and Villa Celimontana Park, 14 ha and 11 ha, respectively). More efforts should be made to further reduce CO₂ concentration in the cities in order to ameliorate ecosystem services related to urban parks.     

The effect of 6 months of androgen deprivation therapy on muscle and fat mass in older men with localized prostate cancer

Objective.?To evaluate body composition changes, specifically skeletal muscle mass, in men receiving androgen deprivation with luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone-agonist (LHRH-A) for prostate cancer (PCa) in comparison with healthy controls.

Design.?Retrospective analysis of body composition changes in men with prostate cancer receiving LHRH-A therapy from 2 clinical trials compared to men without prostate cancer serving as a placebo-control in another clinical trial.

Setting.?Clinical Research Center in Connecticut.

Participants.?Thirty men (> 60 years) receiving 6 months of LHRH-A therapy for PCa were compared to a healthy group of 25 men without PCa.

Measurements.?Appendicular skeletal muscle/height² (ASM/ht²), lean and fat mass were assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Total testosterone levels were assessed by enzyme immunoassay.

Results.?At baseline, 12/30 (40%) of the treatment group and 7/25 (28%) of the control group (p = 0.11) met criteria for sarcopenia. There were no differences between control groups in ASM/ht² or lean mass. The LHRH-A group had a higher percent body fat than the control group, 29.8 ± 6.3 versus 26.3 ± 4.6 (p = 0.02). ASM/ht² and lean mass decreased in the LHRH-A group from 7.5 ± 0.9 kg to 7.3 ± 0.9 kg (?2.3% ± 0.03; p ? 0.001) and 53.5 ± 5.4 kg to 52.3 ± 5.3 kg (?2.1% ± 0.03; p ? 0.001), respectively. There was no muscle loss in the control group. At 6 months, the LHRH-A group had increased percent body fat from 29.8 ± 6.4 to 32.2 ± 5.8 (9.5% ± 0.13; p ? 0.001), whereas the control group had decreased in percent body fat from 26.6 ± 4.6 to 25.3 ± 5.0 (?3.8% ± 0.08; p = 0.02).

Conclusions.?Men undergoing LHRH-A treatment for PCa decreased appendicular skeletal muscle and lean tissue and increased body fat within 6 months of initiation of therapy. Lifestyle changes or medical interventions to minimize the effects of androgen deprivation therapy for PCa deserve investigation.     

Relationship between vitamin D receptor BsmI and FokI polymorphisms and anthropometric and biochemical parameters describing metabolic syndrome

Introduction.?It was found that vitamin D may have a direct effect on adipocyte differentiation and metabolism and might be involved in the glucose regulation of insulin secretion, as suggested from the discovery of a nuclear localization of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ in pancreatic islets. In recent years, several polymorphisms in the VDR gene which are able to alter the activity of VDR protein have been described. The BsmI and FokI polymorphisms were described in relation to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The aim of the study was to find whether there are associations between BsmI and FokI polymorphisms and anthropometric (BMI, WHR, BP) and biochemical parameters describing metabolic syndrome.

Materials and methods.?Studied were 176 randomly selected men aged 25–65 years (mean: 51.99 years) with a mean BMI of 28.06 kg/m². Two polymorphisms of the VDR gene (FokI and BsmI) were explored using the PCR-RFLP method. Serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and TG were measured using commercially available kits.

Results.?It was found that BB carriers tend to have higher BMI (29.00 ± 3.74 versus 26.81 ± 3.76, p = 0.024) and waist circumference (101.79 ± 10.59 versus 96.23 ± 10.35, p = 0.014) compared with the bb genotypes. Similarly, FF and Ff carriers had higher fasting insulin levels than the ff genotypes (12.30 ± 10.26 versus 9.76 ± 5.88, p = 0.001 and 9.76 ± 5.88 vs. 6.35 ± 2.64, p = 0.008), and lover cHDL levels in comparison to ff genotypes (52.28 ± 10.02 versus 60.63 ± 16.58, p = 0.015 and 53.70 ± 12.03 versus 60.63 ± 16.58, p = 0.032. Besides these, no significant differences were found.

Conclusions.?The BsmI VDR polymorphism seems to influence BMI, while the FokI VDR polymorphism appears to affect insulin sensitivity and serum cHDL level.     

Oral testosterone undecanoate reverses erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus in patients failing on sildenafil citrate therapy alone

Aims: To evaluate the cause of failure of sildenafil citrate (Viagra^®) to restore erections in patients with organic erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with type II diabetes mellitus (DM) and receiving oral antidiabetic drugs. Methods: Diabetic ED patients (n = 120), aged 43-74 years, failing to respond at least three times to 100 mg Viagra were evaluated. After at least 2 weeks' treatment with oral testosterone undecanoate (Andriol^®), 100 mg Viagra was used before coitus. ED was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Serum total testosterone, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, lipid profile and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were determined by standard methods and prostate volume by digital rectal examination. Age-matched diabetic ED patients (n = 100) served as controls for baseline values. Results: Viagra non-responders had, at baseline, significantly lower testosterone and more depressed libido than controls. Andriol restored testosterone to normal levels and increased libido. In 84/120 (70%) Viagra non-responders, combined therapy with Andriol induced satisfactory erections, a significant increase in IIEF scale (question (Q) 3 from 2.0 ± 0.2 to 3.7 ± 0.3, Q4 from 1.9 ± 0.1 to 3.4 ± 0.2, Q12 from 1.0 ± 0.1 to 4.2 ± 0.4) and increased sexual contacts from 0.5 to 3-4 per month. No adverse events were noted, and PSA levels remained below 4 ng/ml. Conclusion: Decreased testosterone levels in patients with ED and type II DM receiving oral antidiabetic agents may be responsible for failure to respond to sildenafil citrate therapy. Combination with oral testosterone undecanoate restores sexual function in these patients.     

Urban channel incision and stream flow subsidies have contrasting effects on the water status of riparian trees

The water relations of riparian trees are often closely tied to stream hydrology and channel morphology, which can be altered by urban development. In regions with limited precipitation, urban water use can generate or augment dry-season stream flows, potentially providing a water subsidy to riparian trees. However, urbanization is also associated with high storm flows that cause stream channel incision, or downcutting, which could limit the effect of flow subsidies by lowering riparian water tables. We investigated the effects of urban dry-season flow subsidies and stream channel incision on the water status of streamside trees in Sacramento, California, which has a Mediterranean climate with a distinct and lengthy dry season. For two common facultative riparian species, Quercus lobata (valley oak) and Fraxinus latifolia (Oregon ash), we analyzed both midday stem water potential (Ψ_stem) measurements and leaf carbon isotope signatures (?¹³C) to determine whether channel incision and dry-season flow had interacting effects on seasonal midday water stress and longer-term water use efficiency. We found that stream flow could substantially reduce dry-season water stress in both tree species, but only at low levels of channel incision. Leaf ?¹³C signatures for Q. lobata suggested increased water use efficiency in trees growing along incised streams and those lacking dry-season flow. Urban management decisions that affect both dry-season base flows and channel incision can thus influence the growth and health of riparian trees, potentially leading to broader changes in riparian ecosystems.

     

Greenhouse gases and green roofs: carbon dioxide and methane fluxes in relation to substrate characteristics

Green roof systems have been increasingly implemented to enhance vegetation cover and associated ecosystem services in urban spaces, with primary goals being the reduction of peak surface runoff, enhanced water quality, and mitigation of urban heat island effects. Recently, green roofs have also received attention as a means to enhance carbon sequestration, but direct measurements of greenhouse gas fluxes from established green roof systems are largely lacking. Here we present observations of CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes from substrates of experimental extensive green roof units that varied in vegetation type (Sedum spp., and a native meadow species mix), substrate depth, substrate type (high vs. low organic matter content), and irrigation. We predicted that substrate CO₂ effluxes would be higher in high-organic-matter substrates and that systems with high organic matter would potentially act as CH₄ sources. Substrate fluxes were low compared to natural soils, with seasonal means ranging from an efflux of 0.1–0.4 µmol CO₂ m^-2.s^-1 and uptake of ~0.00–0.04 nmol CH₄ m^-2.s^-1, with higher fluxes late in the growing season. CO₂ fluxes showed large increases in response to irrigation and were higher from the high-organic-matter substrate and with increased substrate depth. The strength of the CH₄ sink increased in response to prior irrigation treatments, and CH₄ emissions were detected only on low-organic-matter substrates early in the growing season. No effects of vegetation type were detected for either CO₂ or CH₄ flux. Our results indicate that high levels of organic matter in green roof substrates may enhance aerobic soil respiration but are not associated with CH₄ emissions, which instead were only detected in low-organic-matter substrates.

     

The imbalance of sex-hormones related to depressive symptoms in obese men

Obese men may present hypogonadothrofic hypogonadism, mainly related to higher insulinemia and aromatase activity. Our objectives were to evaluate the relationship of sex-hormones profiles and frequency of depressive symptoms in 43 obese men, in a cross-sectional study. They had 19–60 years, and body mass index 30–50?kg/m². LH, total and free testosterone (TT and FT), estradiol (E₂), sex hormone binding globulin, estradiol/total testosterone ratio (E₂/T) were analyzed. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by “beck depression inventory” (BDI), and significant depression was considered if BDI?≥?16.Thirty-four (80%) presented low TT levels, but only 4 (14%) had low free testosterone and hypogonadism symptoms; 12 of 43 (28%) presented increased E₂. Forty five (56%) presented depressive symptoms, but 16 (28% of the 45) had significant depression. BDI correlated positively with E₂ (r?=?0.407; p?=?0.001) and E₂/T (r?=?0.473; p?=?0.001), but not TT or FT. Patients with significant depressive showed higher levels of estradiol (136?±?48 versus 103?±?48?pg/ml, p?=?0.02) and E₂/T (16.0?±?9.9 versus 9.8?±?4.6; p?=?0.002) (mean?±?SD).In conclusion, obese men may present relatively excess of estradiol and deficiency in testosterone, leading to an imbalance between these two hormones. The greater this imbalance, the more depressive symptoms had our patients.     

Interleukin-18 and testosterone levels in men with metabolic syndrome

Objective: Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is an adipokine associated with obesity. Data about the relationship of IL-18 to the metabolic syndrome (MS) are still scarce. Low testosterone (T) levels are common in men with MS, but we did not find data about the levels of IL-18 in men with low T. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of IL-18 in men with MS with or without low T.

Patients and methods: A total of 251 men were included in the study. Of them 218 had MS (IDF 2005) and they were divided according to their morning total testosterone (TT) level (cutoff 10.4?nmol/l) into two groups: MS-low T (N?=?84) and MS-normal T (N?=?134). The control group consisted of 33 men without MS and low T. IL-18 was determined in serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A small group of eight men with MS and low T levels received testosterone therapy for three months and physical and laboratory parameters were monitored at the end of that period.

Results: MS men were at mean age (±SD)?=?53.77?±?9.59 years; body mass index (BMI)?=?34.0?±?6.3?kg/m²; and TT?=?12.59?±?5.66?nmol/l. The control group was at age?=?52.12?±?5.2 years (NS); BMI?=?25.6?±?2.4?kg/m² (p?p?p?p?p?p?Conclusions: In this study, higher IL-18 levels were found in the presence of MS compared to healthy men, but they did not differ between men having MS with or without LOH.     

Bone mineral density in men with and without the metabolic syndrome

The objective of this study was to measure bone mineral density (BMD) in middle-aged men with and without the metabolic syndrome according to the International diabetes federation (IDF) definition from 2005. We studied 80 men (mean age: 51.9 ± 9.0 y, mean body mass index (BMI): 32.0 ± 1.7 kg/m²) with and 92 men without the metabolic syndrome (mean age: 52.6 ± 15.1 y, mean BMI: 24.9 ± 2.8 kg/m²). Height (cm), weight (kg), waist circumference (cm) and blood pressure were measured. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and blood lipids were determined. BMD at the lumbar spine and total hip was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry on a Hologic QDR 4500 bone densitometer. In men around 59.3% had a waist circumference > 94 cm (abdominal obesity). Among them 58.7% showed abnormal BP values. Around 30.7% had FPG ≥ 5.6 mmol/L and 22.7% had low high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and 36.6% had hypertriglyceridemia. In men with the metabolic syndrome, mean lumbar spine BMD was 0.986 ± 0.210 g/cm² and total hip BMD – 1.012 ± 0.209 g/cm². The corresponding values in men without this syndrome were 0.934 ± 0.179 g/cm² and 0.894 ± 0.189 g/cm², respectively. The inter-group BMD difference reached statistical significance only at the hip (p = 0.039). Respectively, the prevalence of osteoporosis at the central sites was significantly higher in men without the metabolic syndrome (MS) (13.2 versus 20.8%, p = 0.03). Our data confirmed the trend for higher BMD in the studied men with the metabolic syndrome.     

Variations in carbon dioxide fluxes within a city landscape: Identifying a vehicular influence

To date, studies examining carbon dioxide (CO₂) fluxes in urban areas have been limited compared to those in rural environments. The objectives of our study were to examine the relationship between traffic volume and CO₂ fluxes. We demonstrated that CO₂ fluxes were strongly linked with surrounding land use, specifically impervious surfaces and traffic volume. A site near downtown Syracuse in New York State (USA) had relatively constant positive fluxes (source: +39 μmol CO₂ m^?2 s^?1) throughout the year as a result of strong vehicular traffic influence from two nearby interstate highways. There was a strong positive relationship between traffic and CO₂ fluxes (r²?=?0.93, p?<?0.0001) with marked differences between the weekend days versus the workweek days. In contrast, a residential site in Syracuse was dominated by vegetative influences during the leaf-on period due to CO₂ uptake by photosynthesis, reaching a maximum negative mean diurnal flux of ?11 μmol CO₂ m^?2 s^?1 around midday (sink). The spatial variations of CO₂ fluxes identify the critical role played by local traffic volumes in affecting the CO₂ dynamics of urban environments. Understanding the dynamic fluxes of CO₂ in urban environments has important implications for local, regional and global evaluations of CO₂ budgets and inventories, and carbon cycle and climate modeling.     

Comparing the efficacy of electronic-tablet to paper-based surveys for on-site survey administration

This study compares cost, completion times, and percent completion of electronic tablet (n = 244) to paper-based (n = 398) questionnaires administered to participants of scenic raft trips on the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park. We hypothesized e-tablet questionnaires would (1) cost less (2) be completed faster and (3) be completely filled more frequently than paper-based questionnaires. Our survey resulted in a greater per unit cost of e-tablet compared to paper-based questionnaires ($4.17 and $1.80, respectively). Although e-tablets were completed faster (230 [±66] s) than paper questionnaires (235 [±57] s), the difference was not significant (t₍₆₄₁₎ = 1.97, p = 0.39). E-tablets were filled completely more frequently than paper questionnaires (80% vs. 51%, respectively; χ² = 3.84, p < 0.01). We suggest that for multi-year projects with a sample size target of ≥100, and length ≥ 5 pages, e-tablets are more cost effective and efficient than paper-based surveys.     

Diagnosis,pathogenesis and treatment of erectile dysfunction

Introduction: After middle age, some men show androgen-deficiency symptoms leading to so-called PADAM (partial androgen deficiency in aging males). We tested the oral form of testosterone, testosterone undecanoate (Andriol^®, NV Organon, The Netherlands), in men with PADAM and evaluated its efficacy and safety in Korean male patients. Methods: We included those patients with the clinical symptoms of PADAM who had decreased levels of serum total testosterone (< 2.8 ng/ml) or free testosterone (< 13 pg/ml). We excluded patients with biopsy-confirmed prostrate cancer, abnormal findings in digital rectal examination or prostate specific antigen testing (until prostrate cancer was ruled out), breast cancer, severe voiding symptoms and secondary hypogonadism. At the first visit, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Korean Andropause Questionnaires were administered; complete blood count, the lipid profile, and levels of total and free testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prostate specific antigen were measured and a digital rectal examination was given. Patients were administered oral testosterone undecanoate 160 mg daily for 3 weeks. The dosage was then decreased to 80 mg daily and changes in symptoms were assessed at every visit. After 3 months, serum tests, including testosterone, were repeated. Results: We evaluated 28 patients who had received testosterone undecanoate for more than 3 months. The patients' mean age was 56.1 (48-68) years. The score of the Korean Andropause Questionnaire changed from 56.2 ± 21.7 at baseline to 52.9 ± 21.3 (p = 0.03) after 3 weeks, to 49.3 ± 19.3 (p = 0.03) after 8 weeks, and to 46.5 ± 25.6 (p = 0.028) after 12 weeks. With respect to sexual function, mean IIEF scores were 37.2 ± 19.6 at baseline and 38.7 ± 19.2 and 40.2 ± 22.0 (p = 0.033) after 3 and 12 weeks, respectively. Serum total testosterone increased from 2.13 ± 1.20 ng/ml at baseline to 6.04 ± 3.08 ng/ml (p = 0.005) after 12 weeks, and free testosterone was marginally significantly changed from 8.60 ± 2.25 pg/ml to 11.40 ± 3.81 pg/ml (p = 0.13). However, there were no significant changes in liver function tests, red blood cell count or lipid profiles. There were no significant adverse reactions that led to the cessation of the administration of oral testosterone. Conclusion: Oral administration of testosterone undecanoate can improve symptoms of PADAM in Koreans. It may, therefore, be an appropriate treatment option with few adverse effects for PADAM patients.     

Influence of seasonality and vegetation type on suburban microclimates

Urbanization is responsible for some of the fastest rates of land-use change around the world, with important consequences for local, regional, and global climate. Vegetation, which represents a significant proportion of many urban and suburban landscapes, can modify climate by altering local exchanges of heat, water vapor, and CO₂. To determine how distinct urban forest communities vary in their microclimate effects over time, we measured stand-level leaf area index, soil temperature, infrared surface temperature, and soil water content over a complete growing season at 29 sites representing the five most common vegetation types in a suburban neighborhood of Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota. We found that seasonal patterns of soil and surface temperatures were controlled more by differences in stand-level leaf area index and tree cover than by plant functional type. Across the growing season, sites with high leaf area index had soil temperatures that were 7°C lower and surface temperatures that were 6°C lower than sites with low leaf area index. Site differences in mid-season soil temperature and turfgrass ground cover were best explained by leaf area index, whereas differences in mid-season surface temperature were best explained by percent tree cover. The significant cooling effects of urban tree canopies on soil temperature imply that seasonal changes in leaf area index may also modulate CO₂ efflux from urban soils, a highly temperature-dependent process, and that this should be considered in calculations of total CO₂ efflux for urban carbon budgets. Field-based estimates of percent tree cover were found to better predict mid-season leaf area index than satellite-derived estimates and consequently offer an approach to scale up urban biophysical properties.     

Dutasteride improves bone mineral density in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and prostatic enlargement: a preliminary study

Introduction: We studied the effect of dutasteride on bone mineral density (BMD) in aging male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and prostatic enlargement.

Methods: We prospectively studied 17 patients with LUTS and prostatic enlargement. Before and 1 year after dutasteride (0.5?mg daily), we assessed International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostatic volume (PV), serum prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone. BMD in the lumbar and femur was measured by DEXA method.

Results: Dutasteride significantly reduced PV (from 51?±?24 to 34?±?17?ml, p?p?p?2, p?2, p?2, p?Conclusions: Dutasteride has a potential to improve BMD with elevation of serum testosterone in aging male patients with LUTS and prostatic enlargement.     

Drivers of variability in water use of native and non-native urban trees in the greater Los Angeles area

Trees in urban ecosystems are valued for shade and cooling effects, reduction of CO₂ emissions and pollution, and aesthetics. However, in arid and semi-arid regions, urban trees must be maintained through supplemental irrigation, in competition with other water needs. Currently, a comprehensive understanding of the factors which influence water use of urban tree species is lacking. In order to study the drivers of whole tree water use of two common species in the Los Angeles Basin urban forest, four sites in Los Angeles and Orange County were instrumented with sap flow and meteorological sensors. These sites allowed comparisons of the water use of a native riparian (Platanus racemosa Nutt.; California sycamore) and non-native (Pinus canariensis C. Sm.; Canary Island pine) Mediterranean species, as well as the spatial variability in water use under different environmental and management conditions. We found higher rates of sapflux (J _O ) in native California sycamore as compared to non-native Canary Island pine. Within each species, we found considerable site-to-site variability in the magnitude and seasonality of J _O . For Canary Island pine, the majority of inter-site variability derived from differences in water availability: response to vapor pressure deficit was similar during a period without water limitations. In contrast, California sycamore did not appear to experience water limitation at any site; however, there was considerable spatial variability in water use, potentially linked to differences in nutrient availability. Whole tree transpiration (E) was similar for the two species when water was not limiting, but Canary Island pine was able to withstand unirrigated conditions with a very low E. These results add to the currently small pool of data on urban tree water use and ecophysiology, and contribute to establishing a more quantitative understanding of urban tree function.     

Effect of testosterone therapy on lumbar spine and hip mineral density in elderly men

Objective.?The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of testosterone therapy on bone mineral density in healthy elderly men who had low levels of total testosterone.

Design.?Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Participants.?Forty-eight men over 60 years old with decreased testosterone levels (≤320 ng/dL) comprised the study. Twenty-five out of 48 received intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate every three weeks during 12 months; the remaining 23 participants formed the control group. All participants had measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) in both lumbar spine and hip before and at the end of the study as well as testosterone and 17-β estradiol levels.

Results:?Testosterone treated group exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increment (from 1.198 ± 0.153 to 1.240 ± 0.141 g/cm²) in lumbar BMD in parallel with a significant (p < 0.001) increment (from 301 ± 32 to 471 ± 107 ng/dL) in testosterone concentrations, whereas no significant change occurred in femoral neck BMD.

Conclusions.?Testosterone therapy elicited a positive effect only in lumbar BMD in elderly men with diminished testosterone serum levels.     

Living status in patients over 85 years of age after TUVRP

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate surgical risk and post-operative quality of living status in patients over 85 years of age after transurethral vaporization resection of the prostate (TUVRP).

Methods: Sixty patients over 85 years of age underwent TUVRP were compared with 228 patients less than the age of 80 years. Group A was 60 patients greater than 85 years of age, Group B was 137 patients from 71 to 79 years of age, and Group C was 91 patients from 60 to 70 years of age.

Results: In Group A, pre-operative ASA grade was higher than the other two groups, compared with Group C, p?<?0.01. Operating time was 40.03?±?18.90?min, compared in the three groups, p?>?0.05. Follow-up was obtained in 49 (81.67%) patients; of them 10 patients were deaths with a survival time of 22.90?±?11.14 months. In the 39 survivors, post-operative IPSS score was 11.17?±?6.9, compared with Group B, p?>?0.05 and Group C, p?<?0.01. Quality of Life (QOL) index was 1.11?±?0.80, compared with Group B, p?<?0.001 and Group C, p?<?0.01. Barthel Index score in 16 patients was >60 and the score was 82.81?±?8.56 pre-operatively. The patients with >60 were increased to 19 cases and the score was improved to 90.93?±?7.58 (p?<?0.001) in follow-up.

Conclusion: Surgical risk in patients over 85 years of age was higher than patients less than the age of 80 years. A safety TUVRP could improve their voiding function and activities of daily living.