bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preserved Proper Naming Following Left Anterior Temporal Lobectomy Is Associated with Early Age of Seizure Onset
Authors: Yucus Chad J. , Tranel Daniel
Published: July 2007

Summary

Purpose: Anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) is an effective surgical option for managing pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Many patients with left ATL develop postsurgical difficulties with proper name retrieval, although curiously, some patients have entirely intact proper naming following left ATL. Here, we tested the hypothesis that early age of seizure onset would be a reliable factor “protecting” patients from developing proper naming defects following left ATL.

Methods: Proper naming of unique persons (Famous Faces Test, 155 items) and places (Landmark Test, 65 items) was measured in 23 patients who had undergone left ATL for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Data were collected for a number of variables, including age of seizure onset, age at surgery, handedness, IQ, and seizure outcome. The patients were sorted into two groups based on proper naming performance: (1) Unimpaired: 7 patients performed normally on both the Faces and Landmark tests; (2) Impaired: 16 patients performed abnormally on one or both of the tests.

Results: In support of our hypothesis, the Unimpaired group had a significantly earlier age of seizure onset (M = 2.1 years) than the Impaired group (M = 15.1 years). Moreover, a correlation analysis indicated a strong association between age of seizure onset and naming outcome (R =−0.569). The groups were comparable (and statistically indistinguishable) on nearly all other variables.

Conclusions: These findings document the importance of age of seizure onset in predicting proper naming outcome following left ATL (with earlier being better), and extend understanding of brain reorganization and plasticity.
Remission and Resurgence of Anxiety‐Like Behavior Across Protracted Withdrawal Stages in Ethanol‐Dependent Rats
Authors: Zhao Yu , Weiss Friedbert , Zorrilla Eric P.
Published: July 2007

Background:  Alcohol dependence is a chronic disorder in which withdrawal symptoms often persist after detoxification. The purpose of the present experiment was to characterize susceptibility to stress and anxiogenic stimuli in rats over an extended time period following ethanol withdrawal.

Methods:  Male Wistar rats were made dependent via ethanol vapor exposure. The rats were then tested in the elevated plus‐maze during acute ethanol withdrawal (ACW, ∼8 hour), early “protracted” withdrawal (EPW, 2 weeks), or late “protracted” withdrawal (LPW, 6, 12 weeks) following brief restraint or no stress. Principal components analysis was used to identify constructs underlying plus‐maze behavior.

Results:  Three factors characterized plus‐maze performance: anxiety, locomotor activity, and risk assessment/decision making. Spontaneous anxiety‐like behavior was increased during ACW, decreased to levels of ethanol‐naïve controls during EPW, but markedly resurged during LPW. Withdrawal did not alter sensitivity to the anxiety‐like effects of restraint stress. All ethanol‐dependent rats showed locomotor hypoactivity that, in contrast to anxiety, remained stable throughout all withdrawal stages. Neither ethanol withdrawal nor restraint stress altered mean “risk assessment/decision making” scores, though ethanol withdrawal altered the emission of “risk assessment/decision making” behavior in relation to anxiety‐like behavior and behavioral activation state.

Conclusions:  The findings illustrate and model the spontaneous, severe, and long‐lasting nature of behavioral abnormalities that accompany withdrawal from chronic, intermittent ethanol intoxication. The dynamic remission and resurgence in symptoms of negative affect (i.e., behavioral signs of anxiety) during “protracted” withdrawal may complicate recovery from alcoholism.
Blood HDL Cholesterol Levels Influence Association of Alcohol Intake With Blood Pressure in Young Men But Not in Middle‐Aged Men
Authors: Wakabayashi Ichiro
Published: July 2007

Background: Both blood pressure and HDL cholesterol are affected by alcohol drinking. However, it has not been determined whether association of alcohol drinking with blood pressure varies depending on blood HDL level.

Methods: The subjects were male workers aged 20 to 29 year and 50 to 59 year (n = 21,301), representing young and middle ages, respectively, who had received periodic health checkup examinations. The subjects were divided into tertile groups by serum HDL level, and they were further divided into 3 subgroups based on the average daily alcohol intake [nondrinkers, light drinkers (<30 g of ethanol per day) and heavy drinkers (30 g or more of ethanol per day)]. Blood pressure and incidence of high blood pressure were compared among the 3 alcohol subgroups in each age and HDL group.

Results: In the lowest HDL tertile of 20 to 29‐year‐old subjects, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and incidences of high systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not significantly different among the 3 alcohol subgroups. In the middle and highest HDL tertiles of the twenties age group, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in heavy drinkers than in nondrinkers, and incidences of high systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers. On the other hand, in all HDL tertile groups of 50 to 59‐year‐old subjects, blood pressure was significantly higher in light drinkers and heavy drinkers than in nondrinkers, and incidences of high systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers.

Conclusions: The results suggest that blood pressure of middle‐aged men is elevated by alcohol drinking independently of blood HDL level and is more sensitive to drinking than is blood pressure of young men.
The Problem of a Transcendent God for the Well‐Being of Continuous Creation
Authors: Bauman Whitney
Published: July 2007

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Lynn White's critique of Christianity, which set off the field of eco‐theology. At that time, apologetic theologians responded to the White critique, that the Genesis “dominion” command is largely responsible for the contemporary ecological crisis, through reformulating Christian doctrines to address ecological issues. These pioneers have brought us a long way in terms of addressing both how Christianity has been responsible in supporting harmful human‐earth relations and what resources within the tradition might be useful for addressing the contemporary ecological crisis. Building on this work, this article suggests that Christian theology (whether eco or not) will continue to support an understanding of the human being as rooted “outside of creation” as long as the concept of a transcendent, Omni, Creator‐God is left intact. In place of this theological discourse of transcendence which secularizes the natural realm, I suggest a “radical materialist” (Val Plumwood) understanding of Christianity that moves between idealism and reductive materialism (both are forms of transcendence) through a “planetary” (Spivak) understanding of Creation and a “bio‐historical” (Gordon Kaufman) understanding of anthropology.
Is There a Relationship Between Street Heroin Purity and Drug‐Related Emergencies and/or Drug‐Related Deaths? An Analysis from Vienna, Austria*
Authors: Risser Daniele , Uhl Alfred , Oberndorfer Felicitas , Hönigschnabl Selma , Stichenwirth Martin , Hirz Robert , Sebald Dieter
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  This study examines the quality of street heroin seized in Vienna in 1999 and whether there was a relationship between the purity of street heroin and the number of heroin‐related emergencies as well as the number of heroin‐related deaths. Street heroin confiscated by the Viennese police, run‐sheets of drug‐related emergencies, and postmortem reports of drug‐related deaths in Vienna in 1999 were analyzed. A total of 415 retail samples with a total weight of 128.02 g contained a median percentage of 6.5% diacetylmorphine (range: 0.0–47.0%). All the samples contained a diluent, mainly lactose, as well as adulterants, such as caffeine and/or paracetamol. During the study period, 75 heroin‐related deaths and 387 heroin‐related emergencies were registered in Vienna. Time‐series analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between the rate of heroin‐related incidents and the diacetylmorphine concentration of street heroin samples confiscated in Vienna in 1999. The widely held belief that the number of heroin‐related deaths could be explained simply through fluctuations in the purity of street heroin could not be substantiated, even though the results of this study do not rule out an association between the purity of heroin and heroin‐related deaths/emergencies.
Forensic Considerations in Cases of Neurofibromatosis—An Overview
Authors: Byard Roger W.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2 are inherited neurocutaneous disorders characterized by a variety of manifestations that involve the circulatory system, the central and peripheral nervous systems, the skin, and the skeleton. Significant reduction in lifespan occurs in both conditions often related to complications of malignancy and hypertension. Individuals with these conditions may also be the subject of medicolegal autopsy investigation if sudden death occurs. Unexpected lethal events may be associated with intracranial neoplasia and hemorrhage or brainstem compression. Vasculopathy with fibrointimal proliferation may result in critical reduction in blood flow within the coronary or cerebral circulations, and aneurysmal dilatation may be associated with rupture and life‐threatening hemorrhage. An autopsy approach to potential cases should include review of the history/hospital record, liaison with a clinical geneticist (to include family follow‐up), a full external examination with careful documentation of skin lesions and nodules, measurement of the head circumference in children, photography, possible radiologic examination, a standard internal autopsy examination, documentation of the effects of previous surgery and/or chemo/radiotherapy, examination for specific tumors, specific examination and sampling of vasculature (renal, cerebral, and cardiac), formal neuropathologic examination of brain and spinal cord, possible examination of the eyeballs, examination of the gastrointestinal tract, histology to include tumors, vessels, gut, and bone marrow, toxicological testing for anticonvulsants, and sampling of blood and tissue for possible cytogenetic/molecular evaluation if required.
Combining Autosomal and Y‐Chromosomal Short Tandem Repeat Data in Paternity Testing with Male Child: Methods and Application*
Authors: Ayadi Imen , Mahfoudh‐Lahiani Nadia , Makni Hafedh , Ammar‐Keskes Leila , Rebaï Ahmed
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Paternity testing is being increasingly requested with the aim of challenging presumptive fatherhood. The ability to establish the biological father is usually based on the genotyping of autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) in alleged father, mother and child, but the use of Y‐chromosomal STR has gained interest in the last few years. In this work, we propose a new probabilistic approach that combines autosomal and Y‐chromosomal STR data in paternity testing with father/son pairs taking into account mutation events. We also suggest a new two‐stage approach where we first type Y‐STRs and possibly autosomal STR for the putative father and son, conditional on Y‐STR results. We applied this approach to 22 cases. Our results show that Y‐STRs can identify nonpaternity cases with high accuracy but need to be validated with autosomal STR to establish paternity. Moreover, the two‐stage approach is less costly than the standard approach and is very useful in motherless cases.
When Leaders Are Seen as Transformational: The Effects of Organizational Justice1
Authors: De Cremer David , Van Dijke Marius , Bos Arjan E. R.
Published: July 2007

In 2 studies, we attempted to make a first step toward integrating the literature on transformational leadership and organizational justice. We examined the extent to which justice affects perceptions of transformational leadership. We predicted that especially interactional justice should have strong effects. Study 1 was a vignette study (N = 100) in which distributive, procedural, and interactional justice were manipulated orthogonally. As expected, only interactional justice affected transformational leadership perceptions. Study 2 replicated these results in an organizational field study (N = 257). Distributive and procedural justice affected perceptions of transformational leadership, but when interactional justice was entered in the regression equation, their effects disappeared. Implications for integrating the literature on transformational leadership and organizational justice are discussed.
Contributions of social context to inequality in dental caries: a multilevel analysis of Japanese 3‐year‐old children
Authors: Aida J. , Ando Y. , Oosaka M. , Niimi K. , Morita M.
Published: July 2007

Abstract – Background: Community context as well as individual health behavior affects oral health status. However, the contribution of social context to dental caries among people in various regions remains unclear when individual health behavior is taken into account.

Objectives: To determine the influence of community context on dmft among 3‐year‐old children.

Methods: After all Japanese municipalities (n = 2522) had been stratified into nine regions with three caries levels, 44 municipalities were randomly selected. Community health service workers were asked to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, oral health‐related behavior, and dental condition for 3‐year‐old children during community dental health check‐ups. Community‐related variables, including socioeconomic status, social support, and social cohesion, were obtained from census data. Multilevel analysis was used to determine the effects of social context and individual behavior on dental caries.

Results: A total of 3301 parents (79.9%) of 3‐year‐old children from 39 municipalities participated in our survey, and complete information was obtained from 3086 of them. Results of the analysis showed that 90.8% (P < 0.001) of variance in dmft occurred at the individual level and that 9.2% (P < 0.001) of the variance occurred at the community level. Individual‐level variables explained only 6.6% of the individual level variance in dmft. Community‐level variables explained 47.2% of the community level variance.

Conclusions: There are statistically significant effects of social context on dmft in municipalities in Japan.
Airborne irritant contact dermatitis and conjunctivitis after occupational exposure to chlorothalonil in textiles
Authors: Lensen Gerda , Jungbauer Frank , Gonçalo Margarida , Coenraads Pieter Jan
Published: July 2007

Chlorothalonil (tetrachloro‐1,3‐benzenedicarbonitrile, CAS 1897‐45‐6) is a pesticide that has been on the market for many years. It is used as a fungicide in agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture; as a wood preservative; and in paint. We report an epidemic of airborne irritant contact dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and upper airway complaints among seamstresses in a Portuguese trailer tent factory, which we attribute to chlorothalonil. All exposed workers had work‐related skin symptoms. After patch testing, we showed that none of these were of allergic origin. Instead of allergic reactions, we noticed a delayed type of irritation after 72 hr to chlorothalonil and to the textile extracts containing high concentrations of chlorothalonil. Although allergic and irritant contact dermatitis from chlorothalonil has been described before, this is, as far as we know, the first time that a delayed type of dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and upper airway irritation after exposure to chlorothalonil in tent‐cloth is described.
Management of the severe cleft and syndromic midface hypoplasia
Authors: Figueroa AA , Polley JW
Published: July 2007

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Figueroa AA, Polley JW

Distraction Osteogenesis (DO) has become a treatment alternative to treat severe craniofacial skeletal dysplasias. A rigid external distraction (RED) device has been successfully used to advance the maxilla as well as the maxillary, orbital and forehead complex (monobloc) in children as young as two years, adolescents and adults. This approach has provided predictable and stable results. It can be applied by itself or as an adjunct to traditional orthognathic and craniofacial surgical procedures.

The technical aspects, including planning, surgical and orthodontic procedures, required to properly apply the technique are presented. For this severe group of patients the technique has been found to be simpler and safer than traditional surgical methods. Maxillary and midfacial advancement through distraction has been found to be extremely stable in the patients in whom the technique was used. The reasons for stability are discussed as well as the observed morphologic changes in the facial soft tissues, velopharyngeal mechanism and airway. However, challenges remain to be solved to improve all distraction techniques and the need for collaboration between researchers and clinicians is emphasized to maximize the benefits of this already promising and rewarding approach.
Genetic analysis of non‐syndromic craniosynostosis
Authors: Boyadjiev SA ,   for the International Craniosynostosis Consortium
Published: July 2007

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Simeon A. Boyadjiev

Craniosynostosis is a common malformation occurring in 3–5 per 10 000 live births. Most often craniosynostosis occurs as an isolated (i.e. non‐syndromic) anomaly. Non‐syndromic craniosynostosis (NSC) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition that has the characteristics of a multifactorial trait. It is believed that each sutural synostosis (e.g. sagittal, coronal) represents a different disease. Significant progress has been made in understanding the clinical and molecular aspects of monogenic syndromic craniosynostosis. However, the phenotypic characterization of NSC is incomplete and its causes remain unknown. This review summarizes the available knowledge on NSC and presents a systematic approach aimed at the identification of genetic and non‐genetic factors contributing to the risk of this common craniofacial defect.
Epidemiology underpinning research in the aetiology of orofacial clefts*
Authors: Mossey Peter
Published: July 2007

Structured Abstract

Author – Mossey P

Introduction – Epidemiological information gathered through birth defects surveillance is an important adjunct to carrying out clinical and aetiological research. Information on the incidence in the population, causative risk factors and providing baseline data prior to intervention are all important elements. Under the auspices of the World Health Organisation, it was agreed that a global registry and database on craniofacial anomalies should be created and this, the International Database on Craniofacial Anomalies (ICDFA) was designed to gather information on craniofacial abnormalities from existing birth defects registries and databases around the world to become a resource underpinning research. There are currently 62 registries covering 2 million births per year contributing to a database along with information on the size and type of studies used to collect the information, any variation in ascertainment and on the inclusion of syndromes and associated abnormalities.

Generation of hypotheses – From the epidemiological data collected it is possible to carry out meta‐analysis and to search for trends and consistencies in the data that enable hypothesis to be generated. Issues such as geographical distribution, ethnicity, gender, associated abnormalities and clefts in stillbirths can all be examined in a meta‐analytical approach. Collection of information on risk factors such as maternal illnesses, medications, lifestyle factors, nutrition and perhaps occupational exposures enables investigation into environmental contribution to causality and genetic predisposition. A range of techniques are currently being used to identify new candidate genes and ultimately it will be necessary to test genetic and environmental hypothesis in the context of human population studies.

Conclusions – It is only by consistency of association between different populations with different gene pools and maternal exposures, lifestyles, nutrition etc that conclusive evidence regarding causality will be found. It is therefore essential, and a major objective of the WHO that international multicentre collaborative studies are setup to gather the appropriate evidence and improve knowledge and the cause of birth defects in general and orofacial clefts in particular, with the ultimate humanitarian and scientific objective of the WHO being primary prevention.

Clinical utility and implications – This IDCFA project fulfils three basic objectives namely to enable global surveillance of CFA; to create online access to those who wish to contribute to the IDCFA, and to develop an online directory of resources on craniofacial anomalies for the support of research and improving quality of care. The next sttif for IPDTOC are to expand the number of participating registries and to actively collect data on other craniofacial birth defects.
A comparison of diabetic foot ulcer outcomes using negative pressure wound therapy versus historical standard of care
Authors: Lavery Lawrence A , Boulton Andrew J , Niezgoda Jeffrey A , Sheehan Peter
Published: July 2007

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalisation among patients with diabetes. We analysed claims data for Medicare part B diabetic foot ulcer patients treated with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy at home (N = 1135) and diabetic foot ulcer patients from a published meta‐analysis of randomised controlled wet‐to‐moist therapy. The expected costs of care for the two treatments were also compared. A significantly greater proportion of wounds treated with NPWT achieved a successful treatment endpoint compared with wet‐to‐moist therapy at both 12 weeks (39·5% versus 23·9%; P < 0·001) and 20 weeks (46·3% versus 32·8%; P < 0·001). NPWT‐treated patients reached a successful wound treatment endpoint more rapidly, and the benefit was apparent in all wound sizes. Expected 20‐week treatment costs for NPWT were similar to those for wet‐to‐moist therapy if one nursing visit per day for the latter is assumed but 42% less if two nursing visits per day are made. Thus, NPWT may improve the proportion of DFUs that attain a successful wound treatment endpoint and decrease resource utilisation by a given health care system compared with standard wet‐to‐moist therapy.
Carvedilol Increases Copper‐Zinc Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kastratović Dragana A. , Vasiljević Zorana M. , Spasić Mihajlo B. , Perunicić Jovan P. , Matić Mihajlo , Blagojević Dusko P. , Mijalković Dejan N. , Antonijević Nebojsa M. , Marković Srdjan Z. , Gojković‐Bukarica Ljiljana , Stojiljkovic Milos P. , Lasica Ratko M. , Jones David R. , Nikolić‐Kokić Aleksandra L.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Balanced and coordinated antioxidant defence enzyme activities are of utmost importance for correct physiological function and for shielding against unwelcome pathological conditions. We determined the activities of copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in erythrocytes isolated from patients receiving different therapy (streptokinase alone or in combination with metoprolol or with carvedilol) for up to 168 hr after starting treatment for acute myocardial infarction. We observed increased CuZnSOD activity in erythrocytes isolated from patients treated with streptokinase‐carvedilol (after 6, 24 and 168 hr) and in erythrocytes isolated from patients treated with streptokinase‐metoprolol (after 24 hr). In addition, positive correlation between CuZnSOD and catalase activities was found in erythrocytes isolated from patients that received streptokinase‐carvedilol after 168 hr. As metoprolol does not react directly with hydrogen peroxide, it would appear that combined streptokinase‐metoprolol therapy exerted its effects primarily via by β‐blockade whereas combined streptokinase‐carvedilol therapy appeared to function via both β‐blockade and direct antioxidant mechanisms.
Relationship Between Female Sexual Difficulties and Mental Health in Patients Referred to Two Public and Private Settings in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Azar Mahyar , Noohi Sima , Shafiee Kandjani Ali Reza
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Sexual difficulty has various effects on patients suffering from this condition that can impact on interpersonal and marital relationships. Sexual function may be adversely affected by stress of any kind and emotional disorders. There have been limited studies focusing on the mental health of those suffering from this problem.

Aim

To determine the relationship between sexual difficulties and mental health in female patients seeking help in psychiatric clinics.

Methods

The study was based on the case–control design methodology in which the case group consisted of 165 outpatients of two psychiatric clinics, who were diagnosed with different mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, phobia, aggression, and somatic complaints (33 subjects for each type of disorder). The 33 subjects in the control group were chosen among the patients’ relatives and visitors who had no history of either seeking psychiatric help or taking psychiatric drugs. The subjects of both case and control groups were selected based on a convenience sampling method. Moreover, the data were collected based on two techniques of “interview” and “questionnaire;” the latter was of three different subcategories, each dealt with demographic characteristics, sexual difficulties, and a Symptom Check-List-90-Revised.

Main Outcome Measure

Assessing female sexual difficulties associated with mental health and differences between women with and without psychiatric problems.

Results

The obtained results indicated that there was a significant difference between the prevalence of sexual difficulties (e.g., sexual desire and orgasm disorders) in the case group and that of the control group. It was also revealed that there was a significant difference between the depressed, aggressive, as well as those with somatic complaints, and their control group counterparts.

Conclusions

In Iran, sexual difficulties seem to be more frequent in those seeking psychiatric help in clinics than in those within the normal population.
Treatment Satisfaction with Sildenafil in a Canadian Real-Life Setting. A 6-Month Prospective Observational Study of Primary Care Practices
Authors: Carrier Serge , Brock Gerald , Casey Richard , Tarride Jean-Eric , Elliott Stacey , Dugré Hélène , Rousseau Catherine , D'Angelo Pina , Defoy Isabelle
Published: July 2007

Introduction

While the efficacy of sildenafil for the management of erectile dysfunction (ED) has been demonstrated in randomized clinical trials, few data exist on its effectiveness in a real-life setting.

Aim

The objective of this study was to examine the treatment satisfaction and effectiveness with sildenafil in a real-life setting in Canada.

Methods

A multicenter, prospective study, using an educational program aimed at optimizing sildenafil treatment, was conducted at 231 primary care sites across Canada. Patients who received their first prescription of sildenafil for ED within the usual practice of medicine were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected through patient self-administered questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measures

The Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire was used to determine the erectile function at baseline, month 3 and month 6. Treatment satisfaction at months 3 and 6 was assessed using the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire.

Results

The intent-to-treat population consisted of 2,573 patients. The mean age was 55 years (18 to 92 years). At baseline, the mean SHIM score was 11.9 with 21.7% of men having severe ED, 22.9% moderate ED, 36.5% mild-to-moderate ED, and 16.9% mild ED. At month 3, the mean SHIM score improved significantly to 18.0 (P  < 0.0001) and 33.3% of patients had a SHIM score above 21 (no ED). At 6 months, the mean SHIM score was 18.7. At both months 3 and 6, approximately 89% of patients were satisfied with their treatment (i.e., EDITS score ≥ 50), suggesting no attenuation of the satisfaction over the 6 months of use.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of sildenafil in the management of ED was demonstrated in a large cohort of men treated in a primary care setting in this Canadian real-life study. Persistence with therapy and lack of attenuation over time among the vast majority of men was shown.
Crural Tunica Albuginea Autograft for Corporoplasty: An Experimental Animal Study of Hemodynamic, Histopathological, and Molecular Effects in the Long Term
Authors: Seyam Raouf M. , Mokhtar Alaa A. , Chishti Muhammad A. , Ahmed Maqbool , Mourad Walid A. , El-Sayed Raafat , Hanash Kamal A.
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Correction of penile deformity caused by Peyronie's disease by a variety of grafts varies in success. A long-term follow-up shows a significant number of graft scarring and erectile dysfunction. The clinical success of autologous crural tunica albuginea graft (TAG) has not resulted in wide application.

Aim

To identify in healthy baboons the limitations and merits of autologous crural TAG over 1 year in a way difficult to pursue in humans.

Methods

Under general anesthesia, eight sexually active adult baboons underwent pharmacological cavernosometry (CM) and cavernosography. TAG from crus was implanted in the distal penile shaft. After 6 months, six animals were reevaluated and two were sacrificed, and the penises were excised. After 1 year, the remaining six animals were evaluated and sacrificed. The TAG and underlying corpus cavernosum (CC) were examined histologically and by Western blot analysis for nitric oxide synthase (NOS), neuronal (nNOS), endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) isoforms, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1).

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual activity, CM, cavernosography, histopathology, and Western blot analysis.

Results

All animals resumed normal sexual activity 1 month postsurgery. Cavernous pressure was comparable before, at 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. A cavernovenous insufficiency developed in four animals at 6 months, and ceased in two at 1 year. Penile angulation (<20°) was seen in three animals at 6 months, and an additional two at 1 year. Histologically, TAG was indistinguishable from the adjacent tunica with no fibrosis. In CC, iNOS and nNOS decreased at 1 year, whereas there was no change in TGF-β1 levels. In TAG, there was no significant change in TGF-β1 and eNOS levels, but there was a significant decrease in iNOS at 1 year.

Conclusions

Autologous free TAG is associated with normal sexual activity, minimal hemodynamic changes, excellent histological outcome, and no rise in iNOS or TGF-β1. However, cavernovenous insufficiency, mild penile angulation, and decreased nNOS persisted at 1 year.
Changes in root development of Arabidopsis promoted by organic matter from oxisols
Authors: Dobbss L.B. , Medici L.O. , Peres L.E.P. , Pino‐Nunes L.E. , Rumjanek V.M. , Façanha A.R. , Canellas L.P.
Published: July 2007

The presence of ramified and abundant lateral roots is fundamental to plant growth on highly weathered soils. In this work, the effects of humic acid (HA), fulvic acid and hexanic–methanolic (HM) extract, after alkaline extraction from topsoil of seven different oxisols, on the development of roots of Arabidopsis thaliana was evaluated. Furthermore, we used another emergent plant model, that is, micro‐tom (MT) tomatoes with size similar to that of Arabidopsis to test the effects of HA. It was observed that both humic fractions and the HM extract were able to change the root development, improving the number of lateral roots and their development in comparison to control plants. The promotion of root growth by the three organic matter fractions was higher than that observed by 10−6 mol L−1 indole acetic acid. The treatment of MT tomato mutant, less sensitive to auxin, with HA did not promote the emergence of lateral roots, being an additional indication of auxin‐like activities of HA. However, some organic matter fractions exhibited, besides promotion of lateral roots number, increase in the length of principal root, which is not a typical auxin effect, indicating that these substances could contain other physiologically active substances.
SENSORY‐SPECIFIC SATIETY AND FLAVOR AMPLIFICATION OF FOODS
Authors: HOLLIS JAMES H. , HENRY C.J.K.
Published: July 2007

The effect of flavor amplification on sensory‐specific satiety was investigated. Nineteen young adults (mean age = 25 years) and 19 elderly adults (mean age = 72 years) rated the sensory properties of six foods, and were then asked to consume normal‐flavored or flavor‐amplified strawberry yogurt until comfortably full. The participants then re‐rated the sensory properties of the six foods. There were no differences in the amount of yogurt consumed in either age group. Moreover, flavor‐fortifying the yogurt had no effect on the amount consumed in either age group. The consumption of both yogurts caused a reduction in rated pleasantness of the yogurt among young adults, but no change in the rated pleasantness of the uneaten foods. However, the elderly did not show a decrease in the rated pleasantness of any of the foods contained in the taste tray. This study indicates that sensations of sensory‐specific satiety were significantly reduced in the elderly, and these sensations were not induced by the addition of strawberry flavor to the yogurt.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This present study provides further data that indicate sensory‐specific satiety does not operate in elderly people. It is frequently assumed that this is due to age‐related chemosensory losses. This study attempted to compensate for these age‐related losses by increasing the flavor of a food to induce sensory‐specific satiety. The addition of extra flavor failed to have an effect on the elderly people's eating behavior. This present study highlights the requirement for further research to determine the relationship between the chemosenses and eating behavior. It is possible that by optimizing the hedonic qualities of food, there will be a change in eating behavior that will positively impact on the elderly people's nutritional status. Such research would be of interest to individuals who is involved with providing food to elderly people.
HARMONY OF VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AND FOOD PAIRING: A METHODOLOGICAL PROPOSAL
Authors: CERRETANI LORENZO , BIASINI GIANNI , BONOLI‐CARBOGNIN MATTEO , BENDINI ALESSANDRA
Published: July 2007

The growing interest in sensory analysis of olive oil, as required by European Union (EU) law 2568/91 (EEC Reg.) and following revisions (EC Reg. 796/02), calls for the need to define an analytical method to properly describe the sensory attributes for harmonic pairing of virgin olive oil to a specific food. To accomplish that, in February 2006, the sensory analysis panel of the Department of Food Sciences of the University of Bologna (Italy) carried out systematic sensory analyses of extra virgin olive oils and foods to evaluate the harmony of the pairing. Specific scorecards for olive oil, food and pairing harmony were defined; the resulting harmony was visualized graphically. Some examples of virgin olive oil and food pairing were also presented.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The key finding in this study is its use in the development of a method and relative harmony scorecard for virgin olive oil and food pairing. The results of the study suggest a disharmonic index to evaluate the harmony of pairing.
CONSUMER INSIGHTS ON HEALTHY BREAKFAST CEREAL – A FOCUS GROUP RESEARCH
Authors: LEE C.M. , LEE S.‐Y.
Published: July 2007

Two segments of breakfast cereal consumers, previously identified using conjoint analysis as “Healthy Choosey” and “Basic,” were investigated using focus group methodology. The objective of this study was to investigate the attitudes, opinions and concerns of the two largest consumer segments of ready‐to‐eat (RTE) cereal.

Focus groups, consisting of four to seven participants each, were conducted in triplicate for each of the two segments. Participants met and discussed issues relating to RTE cereal and soy as an ingredient. The Healthy Choosey segment was more concerned with healthy ingredients and sensory acceptance, and was generally not negative to soy, whereas the Basic segment was more concerned about the basic nutrition, price and sensory acceptance, and was either neutral or negative toward soy. Our research indicated that RTE cereal manufacturers should focus on improving consumer acceptance to satisfy both segments of consumers. There is a need to promote the healthfulness of soy‐based products without compromising the taste or the cost.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Our findings illustrated that conjoint analysis can be used in segmenting consumers who can then be recalled for further qualitative analysis. The concerns and needs among different segments of healthy breakfast cereal (HBC) consumers found in our study can be readily transferred to the commercial sector. Depending on the marketing strategy of the company, new or improved version of existing products can be made to satisfy one or more segments of consumers. Manufacturers of soy‐based HBC are faced with less forgiving consumers who are reluctant to try soy products. Thus, new soy‐based HBC should be introduced only when the products are rated at par with nonsoy‐based HBC in terms of sensory acceptance. Hype marketing of soy products is a turnoff to consumers and soy‐based HBC manufacturer should focus on promoting only basic, well‐established health findings.
COMPARISON OF LEXICONS FOR DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF WHEY AND SOY PROTEINS IN NEW ZEALAND AND THE U.S.A.
Authors: DRAKE M.A. , JONES V.S. , RUSSELL T. , HARDING R. , GERARD P.D.
Published: July 2007

Whey and soy proteins are valuable ingredients with multiple roles. Globally, production of both protein types in the form of dried concentrates and isolates continues to increase. The objectives of this study were to document the descriptive sensory properties of whey and soy proteins, and to compare the differences and similarities between sensory languages and panel performance at two locations: New Zealand and the U.S.A. Eighteen whey and soy proteins (11 whey protein concentrates/isolates and 7 soy protein concentrates/isolates) were selected from a larger sample set of 52 proteins. The proteins were rehydrated and evaluated in triplicate by trained panels at each site. Sensory languages developed by each location were highly similar, although usage of specific descriptors differed between the two locations. Key flavor characteristics among the protein types (whey versus soy) were described by different attributes (P < 0.05). Product differentiation by principal component biplots and RV coefficient were similar between the two locations. Flavor variability existed in both whey and soy proteins, and there were specific flavor characteristics associated with each protein type. These results provide fundamental information on key sensory attributes of these widely used dry ingredients, provide a platform to develop an international sensory language, and demonstrate that independently defined sensory languages can produce comparable results at different locations.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study provides fundamental information on key sensory attributes of two widely used dry ingredients: whey and soy proteins, provides a platform to develop an international sensory language, and demonstrates that independently defined sensory languages can produce comparable results at different locations.
FRUITY FERMENTED OFF‐FLAVOR DISTRIBUTION IN SAMPLES FROM LARGE PEANUT LOTS
Authors: GREENE J.L. , WHITAKER T.B. , HENDRIX K.W. , SANDERS T.H.
Published: July 2007

Fruity fermented (FF) off‐flavor develops when immature peanuts are cured at excessive temperatures (>35C). The objective of this study was to characterize FF distributions and determine the variability among samples from large peanut lots. Twenty peanut lots identified as having a range of FF off‐flavor were sampled. Twenty samples from each lot were roasted and processed into paste for descriptive sensory analysis. Differences in FF intensity were noted within and among lots. The FF intensity mean of the lots was either greater or less than the median value for the samples, indicating that the distributions were skewed. The skewed distributions and the variation among samples from a single lot demonstrated the need to develop a sampling plan for FF off‐flavor.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The peanut manufacturing industry has a stated concern for fruity fermented (FF) off‐flavor in peanuts purchased for use in peanut products, but there is difficulty in obtaining a truly uniform sample of all peanuts in a large lot. This study measured the variability and characterized the FF distribution among samples from bulk peanut lots, and will be used to estimate the components contributing to FF variation within peanut lots and aid in the development of sampling plans for accurate FF intensity determination. This type of research has relevance to a wide range of food factors where the factor of interest is not homogeneously distributed in a commodity or product.
A THREE‐POINT BENDING TEST FOR PREDICTION OF SENSORY TEXTURE IN PROCESSED CHEESE
Authors: EVERARD C.D. , O'CALLAGHAN D.J. , O'KENNEDY B.T. , O'DONNELL C.P. , SHEEHAN E.M. , DELAHUNTY C.M.
Published: July 2007

Fourteen processed cheeses varying in emulsifying salt and moisture contents were evaluated by three‐point bending and texture profile analysis (TPA) based on two‐bite compression testing. Sensory texture analysis was also carried out by a trained panel. Partial least squares regression was used to predict the sensory parameters from both three‐point bending and TPA parameters. A combination of six three‐point bending parameters predicted the key sensory parameters “firmness,”“rubbery” and “chewy” at least, as well as a combination of five TPA parameters. Increasing the emulsifying salt content and decreasing the moisture content resulted in a firmer processed cheese.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Assessment of texture by sensory panels is expensive and there is an interest, therefore, in complementing the sensory assessment of texture with objective methods based on rheology. Rheological analysis of texture is in itself quite complex, as large deformation, and hence nonlinear rheology, is necessarily involved. Such analysis must describe a combination of elastic and plastic behavior, and techniques for doing this adequately are still evolving. The principal rheological technique described in the literature is texture profile analysis based on large deformation compression of samples. This article describes an alternative approach, based on bending of samples, which is shown to have a roughly equivalent performance. The results demonstrate that rheological techniques partially predict sensory assessment, and as such are extremely useful, and suggest that there is room for further development and/or refinement of rheological techniques for this application.
EFFECT OF DROPLET–MATRIX INTERACTIONS ON LARGE DEFORMATION PROPERTIES OF EMULSION‐FILLED GELS
Authors: SALA GUIDO , VAN AKEN GEORGE A. , STUART MARTIEN A. COHEN , VAN DE VELDE FRED
Published: July 2007

The aim of this work was to identify the effect of droplet–matrix interactions on the large deformation properties of emulsion‐filled gels. A study was carried out on the behavior in compression of gelatin, whey protein isolate (WPI) and κ‐carrageenan gels containing emulsions stabilized by different emulsifying agents (WPI, WPI aggregates, lysozyme, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate [Tween 20]) to control droplet–matrix interactions. For gelatin gels, emulsions stabilized with WPI and lysozyme induced an increase of the modulus, while emulsions stabilized with Tween induced a decrease of the modulus. It was concluded that in the first two cases, the oil droplets were bound to the gel matrix and that in the latter case the oil droplets were unbound. For WPI gels, emulsions stabilized with WPI aggregates, lysozyme and low concentration of Tween induced an increase of the modulus (bound droplets). The modulus variations observed for κ‐carrageenan gels were mainly related to interactions between κ‐carrageenan and the emulsifying agent present in the aqueous phase. Theories based on the effect of the oil content on modulus satisfactorily fitted the trend of the experimental results, both for bound and unbound droplets. The fracture strain decreased with increasing oil concentration for droplets bound to the matrix and remained constant for unbound droplets, while the fracture stress was unaffected by bound droplets and decreased in the case of unbound droplets. Theories describing the effect of filler content on fracture strain and stress failed to predict the experimental results. This was attributed to the small size of the oil droplets of the emulsions used in this study, which was similar to the size of the inherent defects present in the gel network.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This work deals with the mechanical properties of emulsion‐filled gels with different matrices and with different interactions between oil droplets and gel matrix. The effect of different interactions on the Young's modulus and the fracture properties of the gels is presented. Furthermore, the usefulness of several theories for the prediction of these properties is discussed. The gel systems studied resemble real food systems. Therefore, the obtained knowledge will enable the industry to engineer products with desired mechanical properties. This will make the process of new product development more efficient.
Clinical review of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Ruthruff Brenda
Published: July 2007

Purpose: This clinical review presents proposed theories regarding the etiology of Crohn’s disease (CD), the pathophysiology of the disorder, and current diagnostic methods.

Data sources: Pertinent publications in the literature, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation web page, and relevant texts regarding pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal system.

Conclusions: CD can be a devastating disease and difficult to diagnose. The advanced practice nurse (APRN) should be aware of the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, and current treatment options of this disorder.

Implications for practice: In collaboration with a gastroenterologist, APRNs can provide much needed information to the patient with CD. Practice recommendations include patient education, pain management, and support for quality of life issues.
Comparative in vivo analysis of the sealing ability of three endodontic sealers in dog teeth after post‐space preparation
Authors: Pereira Charles da Cunha , De Oliveira Elias Pandonor Motcy , Gomes Maximiliano Schünke , Della‐Bona Alvaro , Vanni José Roberto , Kopper Patrícia Maria Poli , De Figueiredo José Antônio Poli
Published: July 2007

This study compared the sealing ability of RoekoSeal, AH Plus and EndoRez in dog premolars after post‐space preparation and exposure to the oral environment. Seventy‐four root canals were cleaned, shaped and filled with gutta‐percha and one of the sealers. Post spaces were prepared with about 4‐mm root canal filling remaining in the apex. Teeth were sealed for 24 h for sealer setting. Teeth were exposed to the oral environment for 45 days. The dogs were killed and root canals were soaked in India ink and sealed for 96 h. The teeth were cleared, and leakage was measured under stereoscopy. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used for analysis. A significant difference was found between EndoRez and RoekoSeal groups (P < 0.05). EndoRez had lower leakage values than RoekoSeal after 45‐day exposure to the oral environment. No statistic difference was found in the comparison of AH Plus with the other sealers under study.