bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a macroscopic model on recent fashion trends on the basis of consumer emotion
Authors: Cho Hyun‐Seung , Lee Joohyeon
Published: January 2005

In the fashion industry, one of the most important things is to accurately analyse the consumers’ emotional response to current fashion trends and to forecast trends for the forthcoming season based on the analysed results. In this study, it  was  assumed  that  a  more  accurate  trend‐forecasting  for a market would be possible, if the fluctuation of consumer emotion could be represented on a kind of macroscopic model of recent fashion trends. For an exploratory attempt to acquire such macroscopic information on trends, this research aimed to (1) propose a systematic method to derive a macroscopic model on trends on the basis of consumer emotion; and (2) develop a macroscopic model on recent fashion trends, applying the method. This research was based on three assumptions: (1) Fashion trend is a representation of change in consumers’ emotions; (2) A linguistic representation can be a useful medium to access consumers’ emotions; and (3) Consumers’ emotions can be represented as a concrete model. As a method of developing the macroscopic model, a five‐step procedure was proposed and executed in this research. According to the five‐step procedure, a total of four surveys were serially conducted and the data sets were analysed quantitatively or qualitatively. As a result, a two‐dimensional macroscopic model on recent fashion trend was developed, in which 79 major emotion descriptors were positioned and categorized into 14 subgroups. ‘artificial‐natural’ (for the first dimension) and ‘simple‐complicated’ (for the second dimension) appeared as the two‐dimensional axes passing through the macroscopic model on recent fashion trends. The 14 subgroups in the model corresponded to the main themes of recent fashion trends reported in the literature on fashion.
Nutrient composition of selected fresh and processed fish species from lake Malawi: a nutritional possibility for people living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Mumba Peter P. , Jose McDonald
Published: January 2005

Nutrition is important for both healthy and sick people. Unfortunately for sick people, especially those living with HIV/AIDS, the emphasis has mostly been on drugs at the expense of nutritional aspects. People living with HIV/AIDS and related diseases need a lot of protein and energy‐rich foods together with vitamins and minerals. Fish are particularly rich in these nutrients. In Malawi, fish are harvested in large numbers and to avoid deterioration, some are smoked, sun dried or partially boiled and then sun dried. Since the nutrient contents of the fresh and processed fish may differ, a study was carried out on four different fresh and processed fish species (Copadichromis inornatus, Rhamphochromis ferox, Engraulicypris sardella and Oreochromis lidole) in order to determine which species was the more nutritive. The results showed that E. sardella and C. inornatus species, fresh or processed, had relatively higher (P < 0.001) protein content (58.22 ± 0.6% and 57.78 ± 0.7% respectively), fat (25.2 ± 1.2 and 22.08 ± 0.4% respectively), energy (24086.7 ± 151.7 J/g and 22204.9 ± 84.7 J/g respectively) than either R. ferox or O. lidole. Although the R. ferox species had lower protein, fat and energy than E. sardella or C. inornatus, this species had higher available lysine content. Calcium and magnesium contents of E. sardella and C. inornatus were however, slightly lower (P < 0.001) than those of the other two species. There were variations between and within the species for all parameters analysed. The results obtained in this work suggest that people living with HIV/AIDS in Malawi can best build their muscle and get more energy and minerals from the E. sardella and C. inornatus fish species. It would therefore be recommended that appropriate technologies for improving the availability and productivity of such fish should be developed and tested for people living with HIV/AIDS or affected households. However, it is suggested that a larger group of the commonly available fish species should be analysed so as to offer a wider choice to consumers.
Consumer empowerment: public policy and insurance regulation
Authors: Goldsmith Elizabeth B.
Published: January 2005

This paper explores consumer advocacy as it applies to insurance regulation based on the literature and on the author's experience as a consumer representative and member of the Board of Trustees for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The NAIC, founded in 1871, is a non‐profit voluntary organization of the chief insurance regulatory officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. One of its key objectives is to facilitate the fair and equitable treatment of consumers. Each year 13–16 consumer representatives are selected to speak for consumers at national meetings in addition to serving as year‐round resources to consumers, attorneys representing consumers, regulators, and other groups. Readers of the paper are encouraged to participate more fully in the public policy process. Although the focus of this paper is on insurance and regulation in the USA, the guiding principles apply to other nations, organizations, and consumer causes.
Insider Trading Restrictions and Analysts' Incentives to Follow Firms
Authors: BUSHMAN ROBERT M. , PIOTROSKI JOSEPH D. , SMITH ABBIE J.
Published: January 2005

Motivated by extant finance theory predicting that insider trading crowds out private information acquisition by outsiders, we use data for 100 countries for the years 1987–2000 to study whether analyst following in a country increases following restriction of insider trading activities. We document that analyst following increases after initial enforcement of insider trading laws. This increase is concentrated in emerging market countries, but is smaller if the country has previously liberalized its capital market. We also find that analyst following responds less intensely to initial enforcement when a country has a preexisting portfolio of strong investor protections.
Does the Failure of the Expectations Hypothesis Matter for Long‐Term Investors?
Authors: SANGVINATSOS ANTONIOS , WACHTER JESSICA A.
Published: January 2005

We solve the portfolio problem of a long‐run investor when the term structure is Gaussian and when the investor has access to nominal bonds and stock. We apply our method to a three‐factor model that captures the failure of the expectations hypothesis. We extend this model to account for time‐varying expected inflation, and estimate the model with both inflation and term structure data. The estimates imply that the bond portfolio of a long‐run investor looks very different from the portfolio of a mean‐variance optimizer. In particular, time‐varying term premia generate large hedging demands for long‐term bonds.
Distance, Lending Relationships, and Competition
Authors: DEGRYSE HANS , ONGENA STEVEN
Published: January 2005

We study the effect on loan conditions of geographical distance between firms, the lending bank, and all other banks in the vicinity. For our study, we employ detailed contract information from more than 15,000 bank loans to small firms comprising the entire loan portfolio of a large Belgian bank. We report the first comprehensive evidence on the occurrence of spatial price discrimination in bank lending. Loan rates decrease with the distance between the firm and the lending bank and increase with the distance between the firm and competing banks. Transportation costs cause the spatial price discrimination we observe.
Monitoring and Controlling Bank Risk: Does Risky Debt Help?
Authors: KRISHNAN C. N. V. , RITCHKEN P. H. , THOMSON J. B.
Published: January 2005

We examine whether mandating banks to issue subordinated debt would enhance market monitoring and control risk taking. To evaluate whether subordinated debt enhances risk monitoring, we extract the credit‐spread curve for each banking firm in our sample and examine whether changes in credit spreads reflect changes in bank risk variables, after controlling for changes in market and liquidity variables. We do not find strong and consistent evidence that they do. To evaluate whether subordinated debt controls risk taking, we examine whether the first issue of subordinated debt changes the risk‐taking behavior of a bank. We find that it does not.
Asymmetric Price Movements and Borrowing Constraints: A Rational Expectations Equilibrium Model of Crises, Contagion, and Confusion
Authors: YUAN KATHY
Published: January 2005

This study proposes a rational expectations equilibrium model of crises and contagion in an economy with information asymmetry and borrowing constraints. Consistent with empirical observations, the model finds: (1) Crises can be caused by small shocks to fundamentals; (2) market return distributions are asymmetric; and (3) correlations among asset returns tend to increase during crashes. The model also predicts: (1) Crises and contagion are likely to occur after small shocks in the intermediate price region; (2) the skewness of asset price distributions increases with information asymmetry and borrowing constraints; and (3) crises can spread through investor borrowing constraints.
Do Professional Traders Exhibit Myopic Loss Aversion? An Experimental Analysis
Authors: HAIGH MICHAEL S. , LIST JOHN A.
Published: January 2005

Two behavioral concepts, loss aversion and mental accounting, have been combined to provide a theoretical explanation of the equity premium puzzle. Recent experimental evidence supports the theory, as students' behavior has been found to be consistent with myopic loss aversion (MLA). Yet, much like certain anomalies in the realm of riskless decision‐making, these behavioral tendencies may be attenuated among professionals. Using traders recruited from the CBOT, we do indeed find behavioral differences between professionals and students, but rather than discovering that the anomaly is muted, we find that traders exhibit behavior consistent with MLA to a greater extent than students.
Occurrence of Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque and saliva of dyspeptic patients
Authors: Kignel S , de Almeida Pina F , André EA , Alves Mayer MP , Birman EG
Published: January 2005

Background:  Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach is associated with gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric cancers and gastric lymphoma. The organism is transmitted by ingestion, but the oral–oral route and the fecal–oral route are also suggested. The prevalence of infection with H. pylori in developing countries, including Brazil, is higher than in developed countries.

Purpose:  This study aimed to evaluate the role of the oral cavity as a reservoir of this species, by evaluating the occurrence of H. pylori in supragingival dental plaque and in saliva of Brazilian dyspeptic patients, whether harboring the organism or not in the stomach.

Material and methods:  Forty‐nine patients reporting dyspeptic symptoms were subjected to oral clinical examination and collection of saliva and supragingival dental plaque samples prior to the endoscopic examination. The detection of H. pylori in oral samples was performed by PCR using 16S rRNA primers. The bacteria were detected in stomach by means of the rapid urease test.

Results:  Helicobacter pylori was detected in the stomach of 20 of 49 subjects reporting dyspeptic symptoms. The organism was detected in only one supragingival plaque sample, obtained from a patient positive for the urease test in the stomach and in none of the salivary samples.

Conclusion:  Supragingival dental plaque and saliva may not be relevant reservoirs of H. pylori.
Utility of three dimension fast asymmetric spin‐echo (3D‐FASE) sequences in MR sialographic sequences: model and volunteer studies
Authors: Morimoto Y , Tanaka T , Kito S , Tominaga K , Yoshioka I , Yamashita Y , Shibuya T , Matsufuji Y , Kodama M , Takahashi T , Fukuda J , Ohba T
Published: January 2005

Objectives:  To evaluate the utility of 3D‐FASE for the visualization of salivary gland ducts for use in MR sialographic sequences.

Methods:  We compared MR sialographic images and virtual endoscopic views from 3D‐FASE with those from three kinds of sequences described by previous reports in a 3D parotid gland duct model and volunteer. The four sequences were two‐dimension fast spin‐echo (2D‐FSE), three‐dimension fast spin‐echo (3D‐FSE), two‐dimension fast asymmetric spin‐echo (2D‐FASE), and three‐dimension fast asymmetric spin‐echo (3D‐FASE).

Results:  In the 3D parotid gland duct model, image visibility on visual score was clearest with 3D‐FSE, followed by 3D‐FASE (P = 0.028). In the volunteers, the visualization of images improved in the following order: 3D‐FASE > 3D‐FSE > 2D‐FSE > 2D‐FASE.

Conclusions:  The technique of 3D‐FASE sequencing is more suitable and useful for MR sialography with an appropriate acquisition time.
Salivary gland and temporomandibular joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: relation to disease activity
Authors: Moen K , Bertelsen LT , Hellem S , Jonsson R , Brun JG
Published: January 2005

Objectives:  To study temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement, salivary gland dysfunction and oral mucosal lesions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to investigate the relationship to general disease activity.

Subjects and methods:  The TMJ dysfunction index (Di), mean salivary flow and disease activity score (DAS28), were calculated for 50 RA‐patients, and 23 non‐RA patients (controls).

Results:  Median Di was 5.5 (range: 0–21) for the RA‐patients compared with 2.0 (range: 0–9) for the controls (P < 0.0001). Pain on movement of the TMJ (P = 0.015), muscular pain (P = 0.006), TMJ pain (P = 0.019) and Di as a total (P = 0.009), significantly correlated with DAS28. Mean resting whole saliva (RWS) flow was 2.6 (s.d. 2.4) ml per 15 min for the RA‐patients and 4.5 (s.d. 3.0) for the controls (P = 0.003). RWS correlated positively with haemoglobin (P = 0.021) and negatively with Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P = 0.029). No major differences in frequency of oral mucosal lesions were seen between RA‐patients and controls.

Conclusions:  Higher frequency of TMJ and salivary gland dysfunction in RA‐patients compared with controls has been demonstrated. RA disease activity is associated with hyposalivation and TMJ dysfunction.
Primary tuberculosis of the oral cavity
Authors: Ito FA , de Andrade CR , Vargas PA , Jorge J , Lopes MA
Published: January 2005

Tuberculosis is one of the major causes of ill health and death worldwide. Nevertheless, tuberculous lesions of the oral cavity are rare and can be a diagnostic challenge, particularly in young immunocompetent patients. Most of the cases are secondary to pulmonary disease and the primary form is uncommon. In this paper, we present a case of primary oral tuberculosis, affecting the floor of mouth in a 13‐year‐old Brazilian male patient.
The Phuket Declaration on Oral Health in HIV/AIDS 2004 – A commitment to action
Authors: Johnson Newell W
Published: January 2005

The following declaration was agreed by all participants at the conclusion of the 5th World Workshop on Oral Health and Disease in AIDS. It is reproduced here to draw attention to the world's oral health scientists, and others, of the burden that oral disease causes to those who are HIV positive, and to the important role of the dental and allied oral health professions in caring for these individuals and in the research which will underpin improved understanding and care.
Pathophysiology of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: De Tejada Iñigo Sáenz , Angulo Javier , Cellek Selim , González-Cadavid Nestor , Heaton Jeremy , Pickard Robert , Simonsen Ulf
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Multiple regulatory systems are involved in normal erectile function. Disruption of psychological, neurological, hormonal, vascular, and cavernosal factors, individually, or in combination, can induced erectile dysfunction (ED). The contribution of neurogenic, vascular, and cavernosal factors was thoroughly reviewed by our committee, while psychological and hormonal factors contributing to ED were evaluated by other committees.

Aim

To provide state of the art knowledge on the physiology of ED.

Methods

An international consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five different continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the pathophysiology of ED committee, there were seven experts from five different countries.

Main Outcome Measure

Expert opinion was based on the grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate.

Results

The epidemiology and classification of neurogenic ED was reviewed. The evidence for the association between vascular ED and atherosclerosis/hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and diabetes was evaluated. In addition, the pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in vascular ED were defined, including: arterial remodeling, increased vasoconstriction, impaired neurogenic vasodilatation, and impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. The possible mechanisms underlying the association between chronic renal failure and ED were also evaluated as well as the evidence supporting the association of ED with various classes of medications.

Conclusions

A better understanding of how diseases interfere with the physiological mechanisms that regulate penile erection has been achieved over the last few years, which helps establish a strategy for the prevention and treatment of ED.
Erectile Dysfunction is a Marker for Cardiovascular Disease: Results of the Minority Health Institute Expert Advisory Panel
Authors: Billups Kevin L , Bank Alan J , Padma-Nathan Harin , Katz Stuart , Williams Richard
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease and its related comorbidities are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and affect a disproportionately large number of African Americans and Hispanics. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease is increasing worldwide, which underscores the urgency to improve methods of prevention and early detection.

Aim

To develop a risk assessment and management algorithm for primary care patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) that facilitates diagnosis, early intervention, and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Methods

The Minority Health Institute (MHI) convened an Expert Advisory Panel of cardiologists and urologists to design a new practice model algorithm that uses ED as a clinical tool for early identification of men with systemic vascular disease. A draft of the algorithm was presented at a national symposium and comments from symposium participants were considered in the development of the final algorithm.

Main Outcome Measures and Results

Erectile dysfunction is common and has long been considered a secondary complication of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. However, a growing body of evidence challenges this view, suggesting instead that ED is an early manifestation of atherosclerosis and a precursor to systemic vascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction is the etiologic factor linking ED and cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions

The recognition of ED as an early sign of systemic cardiovascular disease offers an opportunity for prevention, particularly in high-risk and underserved minority populations. The MHI algorithm stipulates that all men 25 years old and older regardless of sexual dysfunction complaints should be asked about ED. The presence of ED should prompt an aggressive assessment for cardiovascular risk and occult systemic vascular disease.
A Nitric Oxide-Releasing PDE5 Inhibitor Relaxes Human Corpus Cavernosum in the Absence of Endogenous Nitric Oxide
Authors: Kalsi Jasjit S. , Ralph David J. , Thomas Phil , Bellringer James , Minhas Suks , Kell Phil D. , Cellek Selim
Published: January 2005

Introduction

In conditions with severe deficiency of endogenous nitric oxide (NO), such as long-term diabetes and cavernosal nerve injury, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors have reduced efficacy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. NO-releasing PDE5 inhibitors could be an alternative therapeutic approach in such cases.

Aim

We therefore aimed to compare sildenafil and NO-releasing sildenafil (NCX-911) in relaxing human corpus cavernosum in the absence or presence of endogenous NO.

Methods

The two compounds were compared in reducing the phenylephrine-induced tone of human corpus cavernosum in the presence or absence of an inhibitor of NO synthase (L-NAME; 500 µM) or an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase (ODQ, 10 µM).

Results

NCX-911 was as potent as sildenafil in control conditions (EC50 = 733.1 ± 94.4 nM and 800.7 ± 155.8 nM, respectively). The potency of NCX-911 was not altered but that of sildenafil decreased significantly in the presence of L-NAME (EC50 = 980.4 ± 106.7 nM and 2446.7 ± 256.8 nM, respectively; P < 0.001 for sildenafil vs. control). Both compounds below 1 µM failed to induce relaxation in the presence of ODQ (EC50 = 6578 ± 1150 nM and 6488 ± 938 nM for NCX-911 and sildenafil, respectively).

Conclusion

These results show that the potency of NCX-911 was maintained unlike sildenafil in the absence of endogenous NO confirming the potential use of NO-releasing PDE5 inhibitors in NO-deficient conditions.
The Labial Photoplethysmograph: A New Instrument for Assessing Genital Hemodynamic Changes in Women
Authors: Prause Nicole , Cerny Jerome , Janssen Erick
Published: January 2005

Aim

The labial photoplethysmograph (LP), a new measure for assessing genital responses in women, was compared to the vaginal photoplethysmograph (VP).

Methods

Fifteen women wore both devices simultaneously while viewing neutral, sexual, sexually-threatening, and threatening film clips.

Results

The LP and VP exhibited comparable specificity to sexual stimuli. Additionally, the LP demonstrated greater resistance to movement artifacts and a slightly higher correspondence with subjective measures of sexual arousal.

Conclusion

The LP, while somewhat more difficult to place and less comfortable than the VP, is a promising new measure of genital response in women that warrants further development.
Development and Validation of a Five-Factor Sexual Satisfaction and Distress Scale for Women: The Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W)
Authors: Meston Cindy , Trapnell Paul
Published: January 2005

Introduction

This article presents data based on the responses of over 800 women who contributed to the development of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W).

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive, multifaceted, valid, and reliable self-report measure of women's sexual satisfaction and distress.

Methods

Phase I involved the initial selection of items based on past literature and on interviews of women diagnosed with sexual dysfunction and an exploratory factor analysis. Phase II involved an additional administration of the questionnaire, factor analyses, and refinement of the questionnaire items. Phase III involved administration of the final questionnaire to a sample of women with clinically diagnosed sexual dysfunction and controls.

Results

Psychometric evaluation of the SSS-W conducted in a sample of women meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for female sexual dysfunction and in a control sample provided preliminary evidence of reliability and validity. The ability of the SSS-W to discriminate between sexually functional and dysfunctional women was demonstrated for each of the SSS-W domain scores and total score.

Conclusion

The SSS-W is a brief, 30-item measure of sexual satisfaction and sexual distress, composed of five domains supported by factor analyses: contentment, communication, compatibility, relational concern, and personal concern. It exhibits sound psychometric properties and has a demonstrated ability to discriminate between clinical and nonclinical samples.
Sildenafil Citrate Response Correlates with the Nature and the Severity of Penile Vascular Insufficiency
Authors: Mulhall John , Barnas Jennifer , Aviv Nadid , Anderson Matthew , Parker Marilyn
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Sildenafil citrate is a highly effective erectogenic agent. However, predicting which patients will respond to this agent is often difficult. While the patient response to this agent is dependent on the nitric oxide–guanylate cyclase–cyclic guanosine monophosphate cascade, the integrity of penile arterial flow and venocclusive mechanism is also important. Duplex Doppler penile ultrasonography can reliably document penile hemodynamics. This study aimed at defining response rates based on degree of penile vascular sufficiency.

Methods

This study enrolled patients who met strict criteria for sildenafil citrate response who had also undergone penile ultrasound. Correlation was drawn between the nature and the severity of the vascular insufficiency and the response rate to sildenafil citrate.

Results

The distribution of vascular diagnoses was arteriogenic 64%, venogenic 6%, mixed vascular insufficiency 18%, and normal 12%. The best response was seen in those men with normal vascular studies, 80% responding. Fifty-three percent of all men with any abnormality on penile ultrasound responded; 65% of men with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), 25% of patients with venogenic ED, and 6% of men with a mixed vascular insufficiency were responders. There was a correlation between the degree of vascular impairment and the response rate. All men with venogenic ED who responded had mild leak.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate a correlation between the nature and severity of penile vascular disease and the ability to respond to sildenafil citrate. These data may be useful to the sexual medicine practitioner when counseling patients regarding oral erectogenic therapy.
On-Demand SSRI Treatment of Premature Ejaculation: Pharmacodynamic Limitations for Relevant Ejaculation Delay and Consequent Solutions
Authors: Waldinger Marcel D. , Schweitzer Dave H. , Olivier Berend
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Recently, the idea has emerged that on-demand use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), particularly short half-life, should be equally effective in delaying ejaculation as daily SSRI treatment of premature ejaculation.

Aim

To provide evidence that SSRI-induced ejaculation delay is mainly dependent on pharmacodynamic properties of the drug and hardly on pharmacokinetic factors, and that combined SSRI administration with specific 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor antagonism leads acutely to stronger ejaculation delay than acute SSRI monoadministration.

Methods

We performed a detailed analysis of serotonin neurotransmission and reviewed animal studies with 5-HT1A receptor antagonists. In addition, we critically reviewed existing on-demand SSRI treatments publications and the current debate on a definition of premature ejaculation.

Main Outcome Measures

Intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT).

Results

Acute SSRI administration leads to only a mild or no increase of 5-HT neurotransmission and concomitant stimulation of postsynaptic 5-HT receptors. Existing on-demand SSRI treatment studies suffer from methodological insufficiencies, and the reported high-fold increases of ejaculation time contradict with neuropharmacological insights from serotonin metabolism. Animal studies show that SSRI coadministration with 5-HT1A receptor antagonists significantly increases the ejaculation time acutely compared to acute SSRI monoadministration.

Conclusion

On-demand SSRI treatment has less ejaculation-delaying effects than daily SSRI treatment. SSRIs with a short half-life are likely leading to much less ejaculation delay than current registered SSRIs. Combined use of SSRIs with 5-HT1A receptor antagonists increases the likelihood of clinically relevant ejaculation delay after on-demand treatment. On-demand SSRIs with short half-life that insufficiently delay ejaculation in men with IELTs less than 1 minute should be called ejaculation-delaying drugs rather than drugs against premature ejaculation.
A Surgical Algorithm for Men with Combined Peyronie's Disease and Erectile Dysfunction: Functional and Satisfaction Outcomes
Authors: Mulhall John , Anderson Matthew , Parker Marilyn
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Men with Peyronie's disease who also have erectile dysfunction represent a challenge to the urologist. Historically, penile prosthesis surgery has been the management strategy of choice for this population. This study was undertaken to define the outcomes of a penile reconstructive surgery algorithm in men with Peyronie's disease and concomitant erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

Patients presenting with combined Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction were treated with vasoactive therapy initially. All patients underwent dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography. Nonresponders to erectogenic pharmacotherapy were advised to undergo penile prosthetic surgery. Responders to erectogenic therapy were considered candidates for either corporoplasty or plaque incision and grafting. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to compare erectile function and satisfaction profiles serially pre- and postoperatively between the patients in the three groups.

Results

Sixty-two patients constituted the study population. Eighty-one percent of the patients responded to erectogenic pharmacotherapy. Postoperative IIEF erectile function domain scores were statistically higher for implant patients and lower for plaque incision and grafting patients compared to preoperative scores. Postoperative IIEF satisfaction domain scores were higher for corporoplasty and implant patients and lower for plaque incision and grafting patients compared to preoperative scores.

Conclusions

The surgical algorithm used in this study leads to excellent IIEF erectile function and satisfaction scores for corporoplasty and implant patients; however, plaque incision and grafting patients had poor functional and satisfaction outcomes. These data support the concept that not all men with combined ED and Peyronie's disease require penile prosthetic surgery, and furthermore, plaque incision and grafting surgery is a poor option for men with combined disease.
Nikolaj A. Bogoraz (1874–1952): Pioneer of Phalloplasty and Penile Implant Surgery
Authors: Schultheiss Dirk , Gabouev Alexander I. , Jonas Udo
Published: January 2005

Phalloplasty and penile implants are outstanding pioneering procedures introduced in 1936 by the Russian surgeon Nikolaj A. Bogoraz and are thus of eminent interest to the urological and plastic surgeon. This article from the history of medicine will discuss his biography and scientific achievements during the first half of the 20th century.
Retained Rear-Tip Extenders in Redo Penile Prosthesis Surgery: A Case for Heightened Suspicion and Thorough Physical Examination
Authors: Ilbeigi Pedram , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein , Kim Michelle
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Penile Prosthesis infection is a dreaded complication that can occur after primary inflatable penile implants. Redo prosthesis operations and salvage procedures have become increasingly popular after these inflections. These operations, however, have higher rates of re-infection as compared to primary implants.

Aim

We describe a patient who was referred for repeat redo penile prosthesis surgery in whom retained rear-tip extenders harboring purulent fluid was discovered during physical examination.

Results

The patient underwent exploration and two rear-tip extenders were removed. He later underwent redo prosthesis insertion and the device remains fully functional and infection free at follow-up.

Conclusion

This case conveys the importance of a thorough physical examination and raises the index of suspicion for retained prosthesis fragments in patients with recurrent penile prosthesis infections.
Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance in a Population with Organic Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Bansal Tina C. , Guay André T. , Jacobson Jerilynn , Woods Bartholomew O. , Nesto Richard W.
Published: January 2005

Introduction

Advanced age in men is accompanied by an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Prior studies revealed that 56% of an ED population have asymptomatic myocardial ischemia, 75% of men with CAD have symptoms of ED, and 91% of our ED patients have cardiovascular risks.

Aim

Because metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin resistance (IR) are both predictors of CVD, we wished to evaluate these parameters in our population.

Methods

Our men (N = 154) were evaluated for multiple cardiovascular risk factors and graded on severity of ED. The severity of ED was evaluated by the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire. The prevalence of MS was determined by NCEP/ATP III criteria. Insulin resistance was measured by QUICKI.

Main Outcome Measures

Bivariate associations among total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride/HDL, and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) were compared. Chi-square analysis was used to evaluate the relation between the presence and severity of IR with the severity of ED.

Results

The total cholesterol/HDL ratio was moderately and negatively correlated with QUICKI (r = −0.33; P < 0.01) and similarly for the triglyceride/HDL ratio (r = −0.32; P < 0.01). Metabolic syndrome was present in 43% of our ED population as opposed to 24% in a matched patient population. Approximately 79.2% of our total population had IR and 73.3% of the nondiabetic portion (N = 120) had IR, compared to 26% in a general population study. Metabolic syndrome (P = 0.01), IR (P = 0.01), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) >110 mg/dL (P = 0.01) correlated positively and moderately with increasing severity of ED by SHIM score.

Conclusion

Men with ED have a high incidence of MS and IR. Early detection of metabolic disease in patients with ED may be a gateway to the reduction endothelial dysfunction in younger men with increased cardiovascular risk but who present for treatment of ED alone.
Polymorphism in angiotensin II receptor genes and hypertension
Authors: Baudin Bruno
Published: January 2005

Molecular variants of individual components of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) have been thought to contribute to an inherited predisposition towards essential hypertension. The angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT‐1) mediates the major pressor and trophic actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) and at least 50 different polymorphisms have been described in the AT‐1 gene (AT1R gene); in particular, the C allele of the +1166A/C polymorphism has been associated with the severe form of essential hypertension, but the role of this polymorphism is still ambiguous in pathologies related to high Ang II levels, such as deterioration of renal function, arterial stiffness and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A relationship was suggested between AT1R A1166C polymorphism and the humoral and renal haemodynamic responses to losartan, an AT‐1 blocker, as well as with enhanced Ang II vascular reactivity or sensitivity. Polymorphism has also been described in angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT‐2) gene, AT‐2 being the mediator for vasodilatation, natriuresis and apoptosis of smooth muscle cells; associations were found between some of these polymorphisms and both hypertension and left ventricular structure. Further evaluation in adequately powered studies is necessary for full assessment of the allelic markers in genes for RAS components, as well as to allow determination of a predisposition to hypertension or related diseases and selection of an appropriate antihypertensive drug for an individual.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 as a novel target for gene therapy for hypertension
Authors: Katovich Michael J. , Grobe Justin L. , Huentelman Matt , Raizada Mohan K.
Published: January 2005

Less than one‐third of patients with hypertension have their blood pressures (BP) controlled with current traditional therapeutic approaches for the treatment and control of hypertension. Pharmacological approaches may have reached a plateau in their effectiveness and thus newer innovative strategies need to be studied not only to increase the number of patients that can achieve BP control, but also to find a way to cure, not just manage, the disease. Continuous advances in gene delivery systems coupled with the completion of the Human Genome Project, now make it possible to investigate genetic means for the treatment and possible cure for hypertension. The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has long been known to regulate BP, and salt and water metabolism. This system is unique in having both a peripheral circulating system and a tissue‐based system. Each of these components have been ascribed a variety of physiological effects that have been associated with not only an increase in BP, but also in a variety of the pathophysiological manifestations associated with hypertension, such as cardiac hypertrophy and kidney dysfunction. We and others have used an antisense gene therapy approach, targeting the classical components of the RAS, to effectively attenuate the development of hypertension and related cardiovascular pathophysiologies in numerous experimental models of hypertension. Recently other components of the RAS have been elucidated and some of these components may be potential targets in a gene therapy approach. This article will focus on angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a new, potential target of gene therapy for hypertensive disorders.
Effect of rat soleus muscle overload on neuromuscular transmission efficacy during continuous and intermittent activation
Authors: Desaulniers Patrice , Lavoie Pierre‐André , Gardiner Phillip F.
Published: January 2005

Increased neuromuscular activity is known to provoke morphological and functional adaptations at the neuromuscular synapse. Most of these changes have been documented following endurance exercise training programmes. In this study, the effect of rat soleus muscle overload produced by tenotomy plus voluntary wheel‐cage activity on neuromuscular transmission efficacy was investigated. The overload protocol increased miniature endplate potential (MEPP) and endplate potential (EPP) amplitudes by 17 and 19%, respectively (both P < 0.01), and increased MEPP frequency by 86% (P < 0.01). EPP amplitude rundown during continuous trains of activation was attenuated by ∼10% in the overloaded group (P < 0.01). Also, during intermittent activation, the overload protocol attenuated EPP amplitude rundown, mainly by enhancing EPP amplitude recovery by ∼10% during the quiescent periods (P < 0.01). Although the present results show that both the degree and direction of adaptation are similar to what has been observed at rat soleus neuromuscular junctions following an endurance training protocol, there are important nuances between the results, suggesting different mechanisms through which these changes may occur.
Short‐term effects of streptozotocin‐induced diabetes on the electrocardiogram, physical activity and body temperature in rats
Authors: Howarth F. C. , Jacobson M. , Naseer O. , Adeghate E.
Published: January 2005

A variety of contractility defects have been reported in the streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rat heart including alterations to the amplitude and time course of cardiac muscle contraction. Transmitter devices were surgically implanted in the peritoneal cavity of young adult male Wistar rats. Electrodes from the transmitter were arranged in Einthoven bipolar lead II configuration. Electrocardiogram (ECG), physical activity and body temperature data were continuously recorded with a telemetry system before and following the administration of STZ (60 mg kg−1). Heart rate (HR), physical activity and body temperature declined rapidly 3–5 days after administration of STZ. The effects became more conspicuous with time and reached a new steady state approximately 10 days after STZ treatment when HR was 255 ± 8 beats min−1 in diabetic rats compared to 348 ± 17 beats min−1 in age‐matched controls. Heart rate variability (HRV) was also significantly reduced after STZ treatment (18 ± 3 beats min−1) compared to controls (36 ± 3 beats min−1). Reduced physical activity and/or body temperature may partly underlie the reduction in HR and HRV. Reductions in power spectral density at higher frequencies (2.5–3.5 Hz) suggest that parasympathetic drive to the heart may be altered during the early stages of STZ‐induced diabetes. Short‐term diabetes‐induced changes in vital signs can be effectively tracked by continuous recording using a telemetry system.
Potential and Viscous Interactions for a Multi-Blade-Row Compressor
Authors: Lee Yu-Tai , Feng JinZhang
Published: January 2005

A computationally efficient time-accurate vortex method for unsteady incompressible flows through multiple blade row systems is presented. The method represents the boundary surfaces using vortex systems. A local coordinate system is assigned to each independently moving blade row. Blade shed vorticity is determined from two generating mechanisms and convected using the Euler equation. The first mechanism of vorticity generation is a potential mechanism from a nonlinear unsteady pressure-type Kutta condition applied at the blade trailing edges. The second mechanism is a viscous mechanism from a viscous wake vorticity (VWV) model implemented to simulate the viscous shear layers on the blade pressure and suction sides. Two different two-blade-row compressor systems, a rotor/stator (R/S) system and a stator/rotor (S/R) system, were used to investigate the interaction forces on each blade row. Computational results of the potential and viscous interaction forces are presented and compared to measurements. The comparison suggests that the viscous wake interaction accounts for 25–30% of the peak loading for an axial spacing of 10% chord length between the blade rows. The efficient computational method is particularly attractive for blade indexing study. Therefore a three-blade-row rotor/stator/rotor (R1/S/R2) compressor system is used to demonstrate the indexing calculations between the two rotor positions. Resultant forces on each blade row are presented for ten rotor indexing positions and three axial gap sizes for the gaps between R1 and S and between S and R2. The unsteady peak-to-peak force can reach 10–15% of inflow dynamic head for the gap spacing investigated. The minimum-to-maximum variation of the unsteady force can account for 40–50% of averaged unsteady force.
Flow Through a Repeating Stage in an Axial Compressor: A Reconsideration
Authors: Horlock J. H.
Published: January 2005

A simple thermo-fluid-dynamic analysis is presented for the ultimate steady flow in a repeating stage of an axial-flow compressor.
A Transient Infrared Thermography Method for Simultaneous Film Cooling Effectiveness and Heat Transfer Coefficient Measurements From a Single Test
Authors: Ekkad Srinath V. , Ou Shichuan , Rivir Richard B.
Published: January 2005

In film cooling situations, there is a need to determine both local adiabatic wall temperature and heat transfer coefficient to fully assess the local heat flux into the surface. Typical film cooling situations are termed three temperature problems where the complex interaction between the jets and mainstream dictates the surface temperature. The coolant temperature is much cooler than the mainstream resulting in a mixed temperature in the film region downstream of injection. An infrared thermography technique using a transient surface temperature acquisition is described which determines both the heat transfer coefficient and film effectiveness (nondimensional adiabatic wall temperature) from a single test. Hot mainstream and cooler air injected through discrete holes are imposed suddenly on an ambient temperature surface and the wall temperature response is captured using infrared thermography. The wall temperature and the known mainstream and coolant temperatures are used to determine the two unknowns (the heat transfer coefficient and film effectiveness) at every point on the test surface. The advantage of this technique over existing techniques is the ability to obtain the information using a single transient test. Transient liquid crystal techniques have been one of the standard techniques for determining h and η for turbine film cooling for several years. Liquid crystal techniques do not account for nonuniform initial model temperatures while the transient IR technique measures the entire initial model distribution. The transient liquid crystal technique is very sensitive to the angle of illumination and view while the IR technique is not. The IR technique is more robust in being able to take measurements over a wider temperature range which improves the accuracy of h and η. The IR requires less intensive calibration than liquid crystal techniques. Results are presented for film cooling downstream of a single hole on a turbine blade leading edge model.
Active Flow Control Using Steady Blowing for a Low-Pressure Turbine Cascade
Authors: McAuliffe Brian R. , Sjolander Steen A.
Published: January 2005

The paper presents mid-span measurements for a turbine cascade with active flow control. Steady blowing through an inclined plane wall jet has been used to control the separation characteristics of a high-lift low-pressure turbine airfoil at low Reynolds numbers. Measurements were made at design incidence for blowing ratios from approximately 0.25 to 2.0 (ratio of jet-to-local freestream velocity), for Reynolds numbers of 25,000 and 50,000 (based on axial chord and inlet velocity), and for freestream turbulence intensities of 0.4% and 4%. Detailed flow field measurements were made downstream of the cascade using a three-hole pressure probe, static pressure distributions were measured on the airfoil suction surface, and hot-wire measurements were made to characterize the interaction between the wall jet and boundary layer. The primary focus of the study is on the low-Reynolds number and low-freestream turbulence intensity cases, where the baseline airfoil stalls and high profile losses result. For low freestream turbulence (0.4%), the examined method of flow control was effective at preventing stall and reducing the profile losses. At a Reynolds number of 25,000, a blowing ratio greater than 1.0 was required to suppress stall. At a Reynolds number of 50,000, a closed separation bubble formed at a very low blowing ratio (0.25) resulting in a significant reduction in the profile loss. For high freestream turbulence intensity (4%), where the baseline airfoil has a closed separation bubble and low profile losses, blowing ratios below 1.0 resulted in a larger separation bubble and higher losses. The mechanism by which the wall jet affects the separation characteristics of the airfoil is examined through hot-wire traverse measurements in the vicinity of the slot.
The Cognitive Neuroscience of Schizophrenia
Authors: Barch Deanna M.
Published: January 2005

Individuals with schizophrenia experience a range of cognitive deficits and associated dysfunctions in the neural systems that support cognitive processes. This chapter reviews the literature on disturbances in working memory, executive control, and episodic memory in schizophrenia. Advances in basic cognitive neuroscience are described to help explain the cognitive neuroscience of schizophrenia. For working memory in schizophrenia, evidence is reviewed regarding deficits in the verbal (phonological loop) and nonverbal (visual-spatial scratch pad) buffer systems as well as in the central executive function. In the domain of episodic memory, evidence is reviewed for deficits in recollection versus familiarity processes in episodic memory. Also discussed are conceptual issues and potential confounds relevant to understanding the cognitive neuroscience of schizophrenia, including the role that cognitive deficits play in the developmental course of schizophrenia, relationships to specific symptom domains, behavioral performance confounds, and medication influences on behavioral performance and brain function.