bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Seasons on Some Semen Parameters and Bacterial Contamination of Awassi ram Semen
Authors: Azawi OI , Ismaeel MA 
Published: September 2011

ContentsThe objectives of the present study were to determine the effects of season on some semen parameters and bacterial contamination of Awassi ram semen. Semen samples from six mature Awassi rams were used in this study. Semen collection was performed with artificial vagina every week, from September 2009 to October 2010. Volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, individual motility, percentage live sperm and sperm abnormalities were evaluated. Moreover, determination of viable bacterial count of the rams was also recorded weekly. Higher (p < 0.05) semen volume in the hot summer and spring months was observed of August (1.55 ± 0.08 ml) and March (1.27 ± 0.15 ml). Sperm concentration was highest (p < 0.05) in the breeding season (late summer to early autumn) of September (4.21 ± 0.86 × 109 sperm/ml). Sperm individual motility and percent of live sperm observed in August (summer) and May (end of spring) when the environmental temperature started to increase were recorded highest values and differed significantly (p < 0.05) from December and January (winter). The highest value of the mean sperm acrosomal defects (13.33 ± 0.63%) was recorded in December. The highest value of the mean viable bacterial count (138.3 ± 21.6) was recorded in July (summer). A significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the mean viable bacterial count was observed from the middle of winter towards the end of spring. The lowest bacterial count was noted in January (60.5 ± 2.98). It could be concluded from the results of the present study that there is an effect of season on ram semen quality, and summer high temperature in northern Iraq has no effect on Awassi ram semen. There is a significant effect of season on bacterial count on Awassi ram semen.
Ultrasonography and Progesterone Concentration at a Single Time Point for the Detection of Puberty in Dairy Heifers
Authors: Archbold H , Buckley F , Pierce KM , Begley N , Mee JF 
Published: September 2011

ContentsData were available from 1657 heifers across 48 dairy farms which were visited once, on average 9 days (±5.2) prior to the mating start date (23 April, ±12.6). Blood samples were collected via coccygeal venepuncture for progesterone (P4) analysis, and animals were scanned for the presence or absence of corpora lutea (CL), to determine the luteal status. A comparison of luteal status between ultrasound (CL identified) and P4 (≥1 ng/ml), based on a single measurement point, showed poor agreement (K = 0.32). The majority of animals were classified as luteal (76%) using both ultrasonography and P4. There was excellent agreement between luteal status detected by ultrasonography alone and luteal status assigned by a combination of ultrasonography and P4 (K = 0.93). The agreement between luteal status assigned by P4 and luteal status assigned by the combination of ultrasonography and P4 was poor (K = 0.37). These results indicate that at a single examination, ultrasonography is the preferred modality to determine the luteal status of maiden heifers.
Weakness of expiratory muscles and pulmonary complications in malnourished patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery
Authors: LUNARDI ADRIANA C. , MIRANDA CAMILA S. , SILVA KAROLINE M. , CECCONELLO IVAN , CARVALHO CELSO R.F. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Malnutrition is prevalent in hospitalized patients and causes systemic damage including effects on the respiratory and immune systems, as well as predisposing to infection and increasing postoperative complications and mortality. This study aimed to assess the impact of malnutrition on the rate of postoperative pulmonary complications, respiratory muscle strength and chest wall expansion in patients undergoing elective upper abdominal surgery.Methods:  Seventy‐five consecutive candidates for upper abdominal surgery (39 in the malnourished group (MNG) and 36 in the control group (CG)) were enrolled in this prospective controlled cohort study. All patients were evaluated for nutritional status, respiratory muscle strength, chest wall expansion and lung function before surgery. Postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, atelectasis and acute respiratory failure) before discharge from hospital were also evaluated.Results:  The MNG showed expiratory muscle weakness (MNG 65 ± 24 vs CG 82 ± 22 cm H2O; P < 0.001) and decreased chest wall expansion (P < 0.001), whereas inspiratory muscle strength and lung function were preserved (P > 0.05). The MNG also had a higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications compared with the CG (31% and 11%, respectively; P = 0.05). In addition, expiratory muscle weakness was correlated with BMI in the MNG (r = 0.43; P < 0.01). The association between malnutrition and expiratory muscle weakness increased the likelihood of postoperative pulmonary complications after upper abdominal surgery (P = 0.02).Conclusions:  These results show that malnutrition is associated with weakness of the expiratory muscles, decreased chest wall expansion and increased incidence of pulmonary complications in patients undergoing elective upper abdominal surgery.
Airway dimensions and pulmonary function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma
Authors: KURASHIMA KAZUYOSHI , HOSHI TOSHIKO , TAKAYANAGI NOBORU , TAKAKU YOTARO , KAGIYAMA NAHO , OHTA CHIE , FUJIMURA MASAKI , SUGITA YUTAKA 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  COPD and bronchial asthma are chronic airway diseases with a different pathogenesis. Comparisons of differences in airway calibre by bronchial generation between these diseases and their importance to pulmonary function have not been fully studied. We investigated airway calibre and wall thickness in relation to pulmonary function in patients with asthma, COPD, asthma plus emphysema and normal subjects using CT.Methods:  Sixty‐three asthmatic patients, 46 COPD, 23 patients with asthma plus emphysema and 61 control subjects were studied cross‐sectionally. We used a software with curved multiplanar reconstruction to measure airway dimensions from 3rd‐ to 6th‐generation bronchi of the right lower posterior bronchus.Results:  Patients with COPD had increased wall thickness, but the airway was not narrow from the 3rd‐(subsegmental) to 6th‐generation bronchi. Mean bronchial inner diameter (Di) of 3rd‐ to 6th‐generation bronchi in patients with asthma or asthma plus emphysema was smaller than that of COPD patients and normal subjects. Airway luminal area (Ai) of 5th‐generation bronchi most closely correlated with pulmonary function in patients with stable asthma. Although Di was similar in patients with asthma and asthma plus emphysema, the Ai of 6th‐generation bronchi correlated significantly with pulmonary function in patients with asthma plus emphysema.Conclusions:  Airway calibre in asthma may be smaller than in COPD. Airflow limitations correlated more closely with peripheral Ai in patients with asthma plus emphysema than in patients with asthma alone.
Congenital heart disease in a Chinese hospital: pre‐ and postnatal detection, incidence, clinical characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Yu Zhangbin , Xi Yangyang , Ding Wenxiao , Han Shuping , Cao Li , Zhu Chun , Wang Xuejie , Guo Xirong 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground:  The pre‐ and postnatal detection rate, incidence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of congenital heart disease (CHD) have been studied in developed countries for many years, but rarely have large‐scale studies been reported in Chinese populations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pre‐ and postnatal detection rates, incidence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of CHD in a Chinese hospital in order to improve the future screening and treatment of CHD.Methods:  Fetuses without risk factors for CHD were screened using basic cardiac ultrasound examination (BCUE). Fetuses with suspected cardiac malformation revealed by BCUE and fetuses with risk factors were screened using extended cardiac ultrasound examination. Outcomes recorded from fetal, neonatal and postmortem records over 4 years (2006–2009) included: therapeutic termination of pregnancy, spontaneous abortions or stillbirths, deaths at birth or in the neonatal period (before 28 days of age), and rate of birth and clinical characteristics of newborns.Results:  A total of 34 071 fetuses were screened for CHD during a period of 4 years, of which 173 fetuses were screened for CHD using BCUE and 301 fetuses were screened using extended cardiac ultrasound examination. The incidence of fetal CHD increased from 1.1% in 2006 to 2.4% in 2009 (P < 0.05), yielding an overall incidence of 1.5% (523/34 071). Of the fetuses with CHD, 48.2% (252/523) died before 28 days of age (including intra‐uterine death and termination of pregnancy), 51.8% (271/523) lived more than 28 days and the incidence of live newborns with CHD was 0.80% (271/34071).Conclusions:  The prevalence of CHD was quite common in this Chinese hospital. Detailed profiles of CHD suggest that, while training programs in obstetric screening at this hospital were beneficial, prenatal intervention, treatment and care of fetal CHD were inefficient and should be strengthened in China.
Importance of urinary flow studies after hypospadias repair: A systematic review
Authors: González Ricardo , Ludwikowski Barbara M 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA systematic review was performed of publications relating to the results of urinary flow studies after hypospadias repair dating back to 1978, when what appears to be the first publication on this topic was found. The literature search was performed using the key words “hypospadias” combined with “urinary flow”, “urine flow”, “uroflow”, “uroflowmetry”, and “long‐term”. We also reviewed the abstracts and full‐length articles cited in the reference list of selected articles. Criteria for inclusion in the present systematic review included descriptions of patient selection, surgical technique, the severity of disease (proximal vs distal), and the method used to determine uroflow, as well as a definition of urethral obstruction. In all, 339 article titles were found. Of these, 25 abstracts appeared relevant and the full text of these articles were reviewed, with 22 of the papers included in this review. Sixteen reports had appeared in the literature since 2001, compared with six between 1978 and 2000, suggesting an increasing interest in this topic. On the basis of the results of the present systematic review, we recommend that asymptomatic children operated on for hypospadias in infancy should have one flow study after toilet training, with that study repeated if the results are abnormal. It appears that early abnormal flows improve spontaneously, so that children operated on after toilet training who are asymptomatic should undergo their first uroflow measurement 1 year after surgery. Children with obstructed flow parameters or borderline flows should be followed until adulthood, until long‐term follow up studies clarify the significance of abnormal flow parameters. Given the present findings, we anticipate that in the next two decades urologists will need to treat a number of men with strictures resulting from hypospadias repairs performed in childhood.
Does testosterone deficiency exaggerate the clinical symptoms of Peyronie's disease?
Authors: Nam Hyung Jong , Park Hyun Jun , Park Nam Cheol 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSerum testosterone (T) influences wound healing and levels are decreased in the age group at risk of Peyronie's disease (PD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the severity of penile deformity in men with PD in relation to T levels. One‐hundred and six patients with PD and T deficiency (serum T <3.5 ng/mL; Group 1) and those with normal T levels (Group 2) were compared according to the duration of PD, the size and location of the plaques, penile curvature, pain on erection, and the severity of erectile dysfunction. The mean degree of penile curvature in Group 1 was significantly greater than in Group 2 (32.0 ± 15.9°vs 21.8 ± 15.4°, respectively). The mean Group 1 score on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)‐5 was lower than the score for Group 2 (7.4 ± 3.7 vs 10.8 ± 4.8, respectively). The percentage of patients who complained of pain on erection did not differ between the two groups. Plaque size in Group 1 was larger than in Group 2 (3.0 ± 1.2 vs 2.0 ± 1.2 cm, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference in plaque location. Although there was a lower percentage of responders to medical treatment in Group 1, there were no differences in surgical outcomes between the two groups. These findings suggest that the presence of T deficiency in patients with PD exaggerates the severity of PD by affecting penile deformity, plaque size, and erectile dysfunction. Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.
Perioperative management of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis in patients with pituitary adenomas: an Australasian survey
Authors: Joseph S. P. , Ho J. T. , Doogue M. P. , Burt M. G. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited consensus regarding optimal glucocorticoid administration for pituitary surgery to prevent a potential adrenal crisis.AimTo assess the investigation and management of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in patients undergoing trans‐sphenoidal hypophysectomy in Australasia.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to one endocrinologist at each of 18 centres performing pituitary surgery in Australasia. Using hypothetical case vignettes, respondents were asked to describe their investigation and management of the HPA axis for a patient with a: non‐functioning macroadenoma and intact HPA axis, non‐functioning macroadenoma and HPA deficiency and growth hormone secreting microadenoma undergoing trans‐sphenoidal hypophysectomy.ResultsResponses were received from all 18 centres. Seventeen centres assess the HPA axis preoperatively by measuring early morning cortisol or a short synacthen test. Preoperative evaluation of the HPA status influenced glucocorticoid prescription by 10 centres, including 2/18 who would not prescribe perioperative glucocorticoids for a patient with a macroadenoma and an intact HPA axis. Tumour size influenced glucocorticoid prescribing patterns at 7/18 centres who prescribe a lower dose or no glucocorticoids for a patient with a microadenoma. Choice of investigations for definitive postoperative assessment of the HPA axis varied with eight centres requesting an insulin tolerance test, four centres a 250 µg short synacthen test and six centres requesting other tests.ConclusionsThere is wide variability in the investigation and management of perioperative glucocorticoid requirements for patients undergoing pituitary surgery in Australasia. This may reflect limited evidence to define optimal management and that further well‐designed studies are needed.
Preliminary analysis of the cost‐effectiveness of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: demonstrating the potential value of comprehensive real world data
Authors: Tran B. , Keating C. L. , Ananda S. S. , Kosmider S. , Jones I. , Croxford M. , Field K. M. , Carter R. C. , Gibbs P. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackground/Aim:  The complexity and cost of treating cancer patients is escalating rapidly and increasingly difficult decisions are being made regarding which interventions provide value for money. BioGrid Australia supports collection and analysis of comprehensive treatment and outcome data across multiple sites. Here, we use preliminary data regarding the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) and stage‐specific treatment costs for colorectal cancer (CRC) to demonstrate the potential value of real world data for cost‐effectiveness analyses (CEA).Methods:  Data regarding the impact of NBCSP on stage at diagnosis were combined with stage‐specific CRC treatment costs and existing literature. An incremental CEA was undertaken from a government healthcare perspective, comparing NBCSP with no screening. The 2008 invited population (n= 681 915) was modelled in both scenarios. Effectiveness was expressed as CRC‐related life years saved (LYS). Costs and benefits were discounted at 3% per annum.Results:  Over the lifetime and relative to no screening, NBCSP was predicted to save 1265 life years, prevent 225 CRC cases and cost an additional $48.3 million, equivalent to a cost‐effectiveness ratio of $38 217 per LYS. A scenario analysis assuming full participation improved this to $23 395.Conclusions:  This preliminary CEA based largely on contemporary real world data suggests population‐based faecal occult blood test screening for CRC is attractive. Planned ongoing data collection will enable repeated analyses over time, using the same methodology in the same patient populations, permitting an accurate analysis of the impact of new therapies and changing practice. Similar CEA using real world data related to other disease types and interventions appears desirable.
Biologically threatened dolphins and whales
Authors: Di Guardo Giovanni , Mazzariol Sandro , Fernández Antonio 
Published: September 2011

SummaryAmong the several threats to which free‐ranging cetaceans are exposed, a number of biological noxae are believed to represent a serious hazard to their health and conservation on a global scale, with special emphasis on the Mediterranean Sea. These pathogens include viral agents such as Morbillivirus, which during the last 25 years have caused dramatic epidemics and die‐offs among several aquatic mammal species and populations worldwide, as well as Herpesvirus, protozoan agents such as Toxoplasma gondii and bacterial pathogens such as Brucella spp.
Demonstration of erectile management techniques to men scheduled for radical prostatectomy reduces long‐term regret: a comparative cohort study
Authors: Kinsella Janette , Acher Peter , Ashfield Anna , Chatterton Kathryn , Dasgupta Prokar , Cahill Declan , Popert Rick , O’Brien Tim 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Outcomes (case series)Level of Evidence 4What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Patients with localized prostate cancer face a bewildering number of treatment choices. Modern technology and innovation in treatment techniques have seen patient expectations rise exponentially, leading to an increase in regret of treatment choice.This study has shown that the demonstration of erectile function techniques helps inform decision‐making and reduce long‐term regret of treatment choice in localized prostate cancer.OBJECTIVE• To determine whether preoperative demonstrations of intracavernosal and vacuum therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED) influence the decision of treatment choice, reducing long‐term regret.PATIENTS AND METHODS• In all, 82 consecutive men with localized prostate cancer, scheduled for radical prostatectomy and reporting an International Index of Erectile Function score of >21, were prospectively enrolled at a single cancer centre.• Following standard preoperative counselling, half of the men were invited to attend a further consultation for intracavernosal and vacuum therapy demonstrations.• All patients were evaluated pretreatment and then 3 monthly using the five‐point International Index of Erectile Function score and the 14‐item Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale.• At 12 months treatment choice changes were recorded and patients were assessed for treatment choice regret using Clark’s validated two‐item regret questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney and Fisher’s exact tests. Results were compared with a control population of 41 men who did not undergo additional ED counselling.RESULTS• In all, 8/41 men (19%) changed their treatment choice, opting for brachytherapy rather than radical prostatectomy.• Only 1/41 in the control population changed their decision before surgery.• At 1 year, one patient (2%) in the intervention group expressed regret at his treatment choice (radical prostatectomy) compared with eight (20%) in the control group (P= 0.03, two‐sided Fisher’s exact test); ED was identified as the major cause of this regret.CONCLUSION• Preoperative demonstrations of ED therapies can optimize decision making in prostate cancer and help reduce long‐term regret.
Prevalence of hesitancy in 30–80‐year‐old Finnish men: Tampere Ageing Male Urological Study (TAMUS)
Authors: Pöyhönen Antti , Häkkinen Jukka T. , Koskimäki Juha , Hakama Matti , Tammela Teuvo L.J. , Auvinen Anssi 
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Therapy (symptom prevalence)Level of Evidence 2aWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?In several population‐based studies the prevalence of hesitancy has varied from 20% to 52%. Studies concern mostly older men ≥50‐years‐old. Knowledge of troublesomeness that hesitancy causes is very scarce.This is a large population‐based study on hesitancy in men with a wide age range. This study reports the prevalence of hesitancy from 30‐year‐old men to 80‐year‐old men. The bother of hesitancy is reported and this is also presented in different age groups.OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence and bother of hesitancy by age group.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this population‐based study, the target population was 30‐ to 80‐year‐old men from Pirkanmaa County, Finland.
Information was collected by means of a mailed self‐administered questionnaire in 2004. The overall participation proportion was 58.7% (4384 men out of 7470).
The Danish Prostatic Symptom Score (DAN‐PSS‐1) questionnaire was used to evaluate urinary symptoms, particularly hesitancy. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis.
RESULTS
Almost half of the men (46.8%, 95% CI 45.3–48.3%) reported hesitancy at least occasionally, but only 0.5% (95% CI 0.3–0.7%) had hesitancy every time they urinated. The prevalence of any hesitancy was 42.3% at 30 years and 50.5% at 80 years of age (trend P < 0.001). Only a few men reported hesitancy often or always, prevalence increasing with age from 2.6% to 11.4% (trend P < 0.001).
Hesitancy caused a small problem for 18.3% of the men and a moderate or major problem for 0.9–5.3%. Only 3% of the men with infrequent hesitancy reported more than a small problem, whereas 59% of the men with hesitancy often or always reported a small problem and 32% reported a moderate or major problem.
Two other voiding symptoms, straining and weak stream, were strongly associated with hesitancy (with odds ratios exceeding 80).
CONCLUSIONS
Mild hesitancy is very common in men of all ages.
Severe cases are rare, but the prevalence increases with age.
Hesitancy is a well‐tolerated urinary symptom.