The Case for Space Sexology.

Space poses significant challenges for human intimacy and sexuality. Life in space habitats during long-term travel, exploration, or settlement may: detrimentally impact the sexual and reproductive functions of astronauts, restrict privacy and access to intimate partners, impose hygiene protocols and abstinence policies, and heighten risks of interpersonal conflicts and sexual violence. Together, this may jeopardize the health and well-being of space inhabitants, crew performance, and mission success. Yet, little attention has been given to the sexological issues of human life in space. This situation is untenable considering our upcoming space missions and expansion. It is time for space organizations to embrace a new discipline, space sexology: the scientific study of extraterrestrial intimacy and sexuality. To make this case, we draw attention to the lack of research on space intimacy and sexuality; discuss the risks and benefits of extraterrestrial eroticism; and propose an initial biopsychosocial framework to envision a broad, collaborative scientific agenda on space sexology. We also underline key anticipated challenges faced by this innovative field and suggest paths to solutions. We conclude that space programs and exploration require a new perspective - one that holistically addresses the intimate and sexual needs of humans - in our pursuit of a spacefaring civilization.

Comparative bioavailability of two formulations of sibutramine.

This study was conducted in order to compare the bioavailability of two capsule formulations containing 15 mg of sibutramine, N-{1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-3-methylbutyl}-N,N-dimethylamine hydrochloride monohydrate, 84485-00-7 CAS registry number. 62 healthy subjects were enrolled in a single-center, randomized, single-dose, open-label, 2-way crossover study, with a minimum washout period of 14 days. Plasma samples were collected up to 72.0 hours post-dosing. R-sibutramine, S-sibutramine, N-mono-desmethyl-sibutramine (M1) and N-di-desmethyl-sibutramine (M2) levels were determined by reverse liquid chromatography and detected by tandem mass spectrometry detection, LC/MS/MS method. Pharmacokinetic parameters used for bioequivalence assessment were the area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to time of last non-zero concentration (AUC0-t) and the maximum observed concentration (Cmax). These parameters were determined from sibutramine enantiomers as well from M1 and M2 concentration data using non-compartmental analysis. The 90% confidence intervals obtained by analysis of variance were 89.25 - 122.88% for Cmax, 90.37 - 123.18% for AUC0-t and 91.20 - 122.38% for AUCinf for R-sibutramine and 88.27 - 124.08% for Cmax, 86.15 - 121.78% for AUC0-t and 88.02 - 120.96% for AUCinf for S-sibutramine. These results were all within the range of 80.00 - 125.00% established by regulatory requirements. Bioequivalence between formulations was concluded both in terms of rate and extent of absorption.

Polymorphism of kappa variable region (V kappa-1) genes in inbred mice: relationship to the Ig kappa-Ef2 serum light chain marker.

We describe here the cloning and complete sequence analysis of the rearranged kappa variable region gene from the V kappa-1A-producing myeloma (C.AL20-TEPC-105). A 5'-flanking region probe from the V kappa-1A gene has been used to study the V kappa-1 germ-line gene family in strains of mice differing at the Ig kappa-Ef2 locus. All Ef2a strains examined possess an identical pair of BamHI restriction fragments strongly hybridizing to the 5' probe. Surprisingly, only two of the six strains of mice previously designated Ef2b (NZB and C58) possessed clearly altered restriction fragment sizes for V kappa-1 genes. The remaining four Ef2b strains, namely BDP/J, CE/J, I/LnJ, and P/J, appear to carry V kappa-1 genes similar to those of Ef2a strains. It is suggested that these strains may carry a third form of the V kappa-1A gene, differing in the protein coding region but indistinguishable at the DNA level with the use of BamHI or EcoRI. Alternatively, these strains may fail to express V kappa-1A light chains due to a regulatory defect involving this subgroup of kappa genes.

Recombination between kappa chain genetic markers in the mouse.

In this study we report the first instance of recombination between kappa chain genetic markers in the mouse. The recombination frequency, 0.45% (95% limits, 0.12-1.61), is similar to that previously found for recombination between the kappa chain locus and the Lyt-2,3 locus (0.3%, 95% limits, 0.05-1.6), but is relatively low in comparison with that found at the heavy chain locus (0.41-5.4%). Lyt-2,3-typing of the recombinants permits a partial ordering of the kappa chain and Lyt-2,3 loci as (Lyt-2,3, Igk-Ef1) - Igk-Ef2. Light chains controlled by the two kappa markers include the Vk-(ser) subgroup (controlled by Igk-Ef1) and Vk-1 (controlled by Igk-Ef2). One of the recombinants has been recovered in a homozygous state ("NAK") and should be suitable for Vk gene mapping studies.