bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Priapism in Sickle-Cell Disease: A Hematologist’s Perspective
Authors: Kato Gregory J. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Priapism is a familiar problem to hematologists, well known for its association with sickle-cell disease (SCD). It also occurs in a variety of other hematological illnesses, nearly all forms of congenital hemolytic anemia, including other hemoglobinopathies and red blood cell membranopathies and enzymopathies.

Aim
Provide urologists with a comprehensive review of priapism in SCD, with an emphasis on the perspective of a practicing hematologist.

Methods
Medline searches through July 2010 were conducted using the terms priapism, erectile dysfunction, and sickle cell.

Main Outcome Measures
Expert opinion was based on review of the medical literature related to this subject matter.

Results
In men with SCD, large epidemiological studies have linked the risk of priapism to clinical markers of the severity of intravascular hemolysis. Extracellular hemoglobin and arginase released during hemolysis has been implicated in reducing nitric oxide bioavailability, although the relevance of hemolysis to vascular dysfunction has been challenged by some scientists. Consistent with the role of impairment of the nitric oxide axis, mice genetically deficient in nitric oxide production have also been shown to develop priapic activity. Provocative new data indicate that hemolysis-linked dysregulation of adenosine signaling in the penis contributes to priapism in sickle cell mice. Serious questions have arisen regarding the efficacy of mainstays of textbook dogma for treatment of acute severe priapism, including intravenous fluids, alkalinization, and exchange transfusion, and there is increasing acceptance for early aspiration and irrigation of the corpus cavernosum.

Conclusion
For patients with sickle cell with recurrent priapism, there is very limited evidence for a medical prophylaxis role for hydroxyurea, etilefrine, pseudoephedrine, leuprolide, sildenafil, and other agents. Recent publications have highlighted nitric oxide and adenosine signal transduction pathways as worthy of additional research. Research and clinical management of sickle-cell priapism is strengthened by multidisciplinary collaboration between hematologists and urologists.
Evaluation of Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Jannini Emmanuele A. , Maggi Mario , Lenzi Andrea 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a prevalent, yet often underdiagnosed, sexual disorder that affects men of all ages. Identification of PE is hampered by stigma and embarrassment associated with the condition, and limited awareness that it is treatable. Because diagnosis informs treatment decisions that have an impact on clinical outcomes, the ability to diagnose PE accurately is vital to the successful management of this condition.

Aim
Provide an overview of how to evaluate and diagnose PE.

Methods
Review of the literature.

Main Outcome Measures
The taxonomy of PE based on onset, time, type, and comorbidities.

Results
Diagnosis of PE encompasses seven key steps: (i) Obtaining the patient's general medical and sexual history; (ii) Classifying the symptom on the basis of onset (e.g., lifelong or acquired PE), timing (e.g., prior to or during intercourse), and type (e.g., absolute/generalized or relative/situational); (iii) Involving the partner to determine their view of the situation and the impact of PE on the couple as a whole; (iv) Identifying sexual comorbidities (e.g., erectile dysfunction) to define whether PE is simple (occurring in the absence of other sexual dysfunctions) or complicated (occurring in the presence of other sexual dysfunctions); (v) Performing physical examination to check the man's sexual organs and reflexes; (vi) Identifying underlying etiologies and risk factors (e.g., endocrine-, urological-, or psychorelational-/psychosexual-related) to determine the primary cause of PE and any associated comorbidities; (vii) Discussing treatment options to find the most suitable intervention, according to the needs of the man and his partner.

Conclusion
A greater understanding of how to diagnose PE correctly, and a more widespread use of a structured diagnostic approach, could lead to better treatment outcomes in the future.
Homemade talc spray atomizer dedicated to flexible‐rigid pleuroscope
Authors: Boonsarngsuk Viboon , Juthakarn Sabaithip , Boonsarngsuk Wison 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground:  Thoracoscopic talc poudrage is the preferred technique for medical pleurodesis. However, commercial talc spray atomizers are not applicable with the flexible‐rigid pleuroscope. Therefore, we developed a simple and cheap homemade talc spray atomizer dedicated to flexible‐rigid pleuroscope.Objective:  To describe the experience in performing talc poudrage using our homemade talc spray atomizer.Methods:  A retrospective review was performed in 22 consecutive patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion undergoing thoracoscopic talc poudrage by our talc spray atomizer with the aim of performing a palliative pleurodesis.Results:  Under direct flexible‐rigid pleuroscopic guidance, we could instill talc throughout the pleural cavity with our talc spray atomizer in all cases. The median procedure time to instill the whole talc was 4 min 15 s. The successful pleurodesis was achieved in 77.3%.Conclusions:  We have introduced a homemade talc spray atomizer dedicated to the flexible‐rigid pleuroscope. Uniform distribution of talc could be achieved without additional port placement.Please cite this paper as: Boonsarngsuk V, Juthakarn S and Boonsarngsuk W. Homemade talc spray atomizer dedicated to flexible‐rigid pleuroscope. Clin Respir J 2012; 6: 40–45.
Sonographical and Serological Survey of Human Cystic Echinococcosis and Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Seroconversion in Rural Communities of Kerman, Iran
Authors: Harandi M. F. , Moazezi S. S. , Saba M. , Grimm F. , Kamyabi H. , Sheikhzadeh F. , Sharifi I. , Deplazes P. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryCystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, is an endemic zoonosis in Iran particularly in rural regions. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of CE among rural communities in Kerman using ultrasonography (US) and serology. Kerman Province, in southeastern Iran, is the largest province, with 2.9 million inhabitants. A sample of 1140 individuals (200 males and 940 females) was selected by randomized cluster sampling in 2006–2008. After acquiring informed consent for each participant a questionnaire was filled, complete abdominal US in supine position was carried out and 5 ml blood was collected for ELISA test. Two hydatid cases (0.2%) were detected by ultrasound. Serological results showed 7.3% seropositivity, and females (8.3%) were significantly more positive than males (2.1%). There were significant difference between CE seropositivity and sex, age and occupation. Residents of desert regions (Shahdad, Andouhjerd and Golbaf) were 2.5 times more likely to be seropositive than mountainous regions with better socioeconomic status (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.09–5.95). Dog ownership does not appear to be a significant risk factor for CE in the region. Only about 10% of households own dogs, usually only one dog. However, the stray dog population of Kerman province is estimated at 145 000–480 000 (3.5–11.5 times the owned dog population). Infection in humans and animals would appear to come mostly from infected stray dogs. Management of stray dog population could make major progress in control of hydatid disease. In addition, proper washing of vegetables decreased probability of infection by 53% (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.26–0.84). The serological study showed that many people, especially women, had been exposed to Echinococcus eggs and had seroconverted but were not infected.
Initial experience of ultrapurified bovine haemoglobin use in horses
Authors: Hollis A. R. , Corley K. T. T. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryUltrapurified bovine haemoglobin solutions such as Oxyglobin are rarely used in equine medicine due to their relatively high cost and concerns over their safety. Four foals and a mature horse were administered Oxyglobin as part of their treatment regime to good clinical effect, and no adverse clinical signs were noted. All 5 animals went on to make a full recovery from the various disease processes that necessitated treatment with blood and blood products. Oxyglobin appears to be a useful adjunctive treatment for acute, life‐threatening anaemia in the horse.
Purulent dacryocystitis (nasolacrimal duct drainage) secondary to periapical tooth root infection in a donkey
Authors: Cleary O. B. , Easley J. T. , Henriksen M. d. L. , Brooks D. E. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryPeriapical tooth disease in the equid has been extensively described. Rostral cheek tooth abscessation usually leads to external facial swelling, and in some cases, nasal drainage. Periapical infection of the caudal cheek teeth usually results in maxillary empyema and sinusitis. This case report describes a donkey with periapical tooth root infection of the left 3rd maxillary premolar (207) diagnosed with computed tomography, which drained exclusively into the adjacent/collateral nasolacrimal duct.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the metacarpo(tarso)phalangeal region in clinically lame horses responding to diagnostic analgesia of the palmar nerves at the base of the proximal sesamoid bones: Five cases
Authors: Daniel A. J. , Judy C. E. , Saveraid T. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryInjection of local anaesthetic solution around the palmar nerves at the base of the proximal sesamoid bones is typically considered to desensitise structures distal to this location. There has been recent research investigating the potential for proximal diffusion of local anaesthetic solution resulting in desensitisation of structures other than those intended. This case series describes lame horses that respond to this block but have pathology within the suspensory ligament branches, the distal aspect of the third metacarpal bone and/or the proximal sesamoid bones as seen with high field magnetic resonance imaging.
Repetition of a sisterhood survey at district level in Malawi: the challenge to achieve MDG 5
Authors: Beltman Jogchum Jan , van den Akker Thomas , Lam Eva , Moens Mieke , Kazima Julie , Massaquoi Moses , van Roosmalen Jos 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveTo evaluate progress made at district level in Malawi towards reaching the 5th Millennium Development Goal, the reduction of maternal mortality.MethodsIn 2006, community-based maternal mortality in Thyolo, Malawi was calculated by applying the ‘sisterhood method’, a survey that relies on participants responding to basic questions about maternal mortality in their families. Results were compared with a 1989 sisterhood study in the same district. Information on facility-based maternal mortality in 2005 was extracted from district hospital records.ResultsThe community-based maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was calculated as 558 per 100 000 live births (95% CI 260 to 820). A comparison with the MMR from the 1989 survey (409 per 100 000 live births) shows that maternal mortality had not declined. The hospital-based MMR was 994 per 100 000 live births in 2005.ConclusionMaternal mortality in this district has not reduced and may actually have increased. The threat of failure to achieve Millennium Development Goal 5 increases the moral obligation to improve access to quality health care.
Triangulating case-finding tools for patient safety surveillance: a cross-sectional case study of puncture/laceration
Authors: Taylor Jennifer A , Gerwin Daniel , Morlock Laura , Miller Marlene R 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveTo evaluate the need for triangulating case-finding tools in patient safety surveillance. This study applied four case-finding tools to error-associated patient safety events to identify and characterise the spectrum of events captured by these tools, usingpunctureorlacerationas an example for in-depth analysis.Data sources/study settingRetrospective hospital discharge data were collected for calendar year 2005 (n=48 418) from a large, urban medical centre in the USA.Study designThe study design was cross-sectional and used data linkage to identify the cases captured by each of four case-finding tools.Data collection/extraction methodsThree case-finding tools (International Classification of Diseases external (E) and nature (N) of injury codes, Patient Safety Indicators (PSI)) were applied to the administrative discharge data to identify potential patient safety events. The fourth tool was Patient Safety Net, a web-based voluntary patient safety event reporting system.ResultsThe degree of mutual exclusion among detection methods was substantial. For example, when linkingpunctureorlacerationon unique identifiers, out of 447 potential events, 118 were identical between PSI and E-codes, 152 were identical between N-codes and E-codes and 188 were identical between PSI and N-codes. Only 100 events that were identified by PSI, E-codes and N-codes were identical. Triangulation of multiple tools through data linkage captures potential patient safety events most comprehensively.ConclusionsExisting detection tools target patient safety domains differently, and consequently capture different occurrences, necessitating the integration of data from a combination of tools to fully estimate the total burden.
Violence and social capital among young men in Beirut
Authors: Hajj Taghreed El , Afifi Rema A , Khawaja Marwan , Harpham Trudy 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundResearch on the links between violence and social capital has produced mixed results and is mainly limited to Western countries.AimsTo assess the relationship of social capital to physical fights among unmarried boys aged 13–19 years living in three disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the outskirts of Beirut, controlling for variables associated with youth violence. Lebanon has a history of civil and cross-border war, which may influence the production of violence at the individual level.Methods674 boys were interviewed. The dependent variable was being involved in a physical fight in the last 3 months. The independent variable was social capital, classified into six categories: civic engagement and community development; locational capital; trust; reciprocity; hypothetical social support; and social network.ResultsOne fifth (20%) had been in a fight in the last 3 months. Youth who were members of a group, who had been victimised, who could ask for help from a family member/friend/neighbour when they had a problem, and who liked living in their neighbourhood were more likely to be involved in a fight.ConclusionThis research supports the literature that indicates that physical fights are positively related to both individual and social capital variables. Social capital had a detrimental effect on physical fights. This may be related to bonding in a gang-like way. While high levels of social capital are good for other health outcomes and thus should not be reduced, interventions that channel youth energy in positive ways are needed.
International disease monitoring, January to March 2011
Authors: Roberts H. , Lopez M. , Hartley M. 
Published: May 2011

African horse sickness in the surveillance zone of South Africa
African swine fever in north‐west Russia on the EU border
Foot‐and‐mouth disease in Bulgaria
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in the Far East and Middle East
First reported occurrence of vesicular stomatitis in pigs in Belize
These are among matters discussed in the international disease monitoring report for January to March 2011, prepared by Defra's Food and Farming Group, Veterinary Science Team
Two-pile interaction factor revisited
Authors: Chen S.L. , Song C.Y. , Chen L.Z. 
Published: May 2011

A rigorous analytical method is developed for calculating the interaction factor between two identical piles subjected to vertical loads. Following the scheme proposed by Muki and Sternberg, the problem is formulated by decomposing the pile soil system into an extended soil mass and two fictitious piles. With the consideration of the compatibility condition that the axial strain of the fictitious pile be equal to the corresponding strain average over the extended soil, a Fredholm integral equation of the second kind governing the unknown axial forces along fictitious piles is established and then solved using numerical procedures. The real pile head settlement is subsequently calculated based on the determined fictitious pile forces and finally, the desired pile interaction factor is derived. Comparison with existing solutions confirms that the conventional interaction factor approach does tend to overestimate the interaction and may cause considerable errors for long compressible piles. Numerical results for the interaction factor between two piles in both semi-infinite and finite layered soils are presented over a wide range of pile and soil parameters, and also the settlement behaviour of a 3 × 3 pile group embedded in a semi-infinite soil is studied by virtue of the newly established interaction factor.
Field monitoring and analysis of twin 3660 mm inside diameter induced trench culverts installed under 21.7 m of fill
Authors: McGuigan Benjamin L. , Valsangkar Arun J. 
Published: May 2011

Although several induced trench field instrumentations have been reported in the literature, none have been for twin culverts. This paper describes a field instrumentation of twin 3660 mm inside diameter concrete culverts installed in an induced trench under 21.7 m of fill. Earth pressures were measured at the crown, shoulder, springline, haunch, and invert locations. Average earth pressures measured at the crown and springline were 0.67 and 0.32 times the overburden, respectively. Due to the large culvert size, proper compaction in the haunch regions was not achieved and the bedding was lightly compacted for constructability reasons. These factors resulted in high earth pressures at the inverts (greater than approximately 1400 kPa) and low pressures at the haunches (32–165 kPa). Numerical modelling was used to determine a vertical earth load of 0.87 times the soil prism load. The twin induced trench condition resulted in vertical earth loads 6% higher and 30% lower than the single induced trench and twin positive projecting conditions, respectively. The induced trench method therefore appears to be a viable installation option for large-diameter twin culverts, provided that issues related to bedding and constructability are addressed.
AN INVERTING CIRCUMFERENTIAL SUTURE FOR FLEXOR TENORRAPHY
Authors: Sullivan P. J. , Hirpara K. M. , Healy C. E. , Dockery P. , Kelly J. L. 
Published: May 2011

Zone two flexor tendon repair remains challenging with significant outcome variation using recognised techniques. Tendon adhesion formation results in poor outcomes and rehabilitation regimes aim to limit this. Some repairs augment strength, but increasing bulk mitigates against movement. This novel epitendinous technique causes tendon inversion with potential gliding benefits and improved outcomes. 60 porcine tendons were randomised to a 2-stranded modified Kessler or a 4-stranded Adelaide repair, then sudivided into three different circumferential technique groups: locked running, Silfverskiold, or a new inverting repair. Tendon load to failure (LTF), 2 mm gap formation, bulking effect and method of failure were analysed during digital tensiometry. Four-stranded repairs demonstrated better LTF than 2-stranded techniques. The inverting epitendinous and Silfverskiold repairs showed higher LTF characteristics than the locked running suture, and better tissue holding capacity. The inverting repair has similar properties to commonly used suturing methods and the conformation creates a smooth inverted repair.
Inhibition of Histone Lysine Methylation Enhances Cancer–Testis Antigen Expression in Lung Cancer Cells: Implications for Adoptive Immunotherapy of Cancer
Authors: Rao Mahadev , Chinnasamy Nachimuthu , Hong Julie A. , Zhang Yuwei , Zhang Mary , Xi Sichuan , Liu Fang , Marquez Victor E. , Morgan Richard A. , Schrump David S. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractCancer–testis antigens (CTA), such as NY-ESO-1, MAGE-A1, and MAGE-A3, are immunogenic proteins encoded by genes, which are normally expressed only in male germ cells but are activated by ill-defined epigenetic mechanisms in human tumors, including lung cancers. Previously, we reported induction of these CTAs in cancer cells, but not normal cells, by DNA-demethylating agents and histone deacetylase inhibitors using clinically achievable exposure conditions. In the present study, we evaluated chromatin alterations associated with repression/activation of cancer–testis genes in lung cancer cells to further develop gene-induction regimens for cancer immunotherapy. Repression of NY-ESO-1, MAGE-A1, and MAGE-A3 coincided with DNA hypermethylation, recruitment, and binding of polycomb-group proteins, and histone heterochromatin modifications within the promoters of these genes. Derepression coincided with DNA demethylation, dissociation of polycomb proteins, and presence of euchromatin marks within the respective promoters. Short hairpin RNAs were used to inhibit several histone methyltransferases (KMT) and histone demethylases (KDM) that mediate histone methylation and repress gene expression. Knockdown of KMT6, KDM1, or KDM5B markedly enhanced deoxyazacytidine (DAC)-mediated activation of these cancer–testis genes in lung cancer cells. DZNep, a pharmacologic inhibitor of KMT6 expression, recapitulated the effects of KMT6 knockdown. Following DAC–DZNep exposure, lung cancer cells were specifically recognized and lysed by allogeneic lymphocytes expressing recombinant T-cell receptors recognizing NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A3. Combining DNA-demethylating agents with compounds, such as DZNep, that modulate histone lysine methylation may provide a novel epigenetic strategy to augment cancer–testis gene expression as an adjunct to adoptive cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 71(12); 4192–204. ©2011 AACR.
Tumor Galectin-1 Mediates Tumor Growth and Metastasis through Regulation of T-Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Banh Alice , Zhang Jing , Cao Hongbin , Bouley Donna M. , Kwok Shirley , Kong Christina , Giaccia Amato J. , Koong Albert C. , Le Quynh-Thu 
Published: May 2011

AbstractGalectin-1 (Gal-1), a carbohydrate-binding protein whose secretion is enhanced by hypoxia, promotes tumor aggressiveness by promoting angiogenesis and T-cell apoptosis. However, the importance of tumor versus host Gal-1 in tumor progression is undefined. Here we offer evidence that implicates tumor Gal-1 and its modulation of T-cell immunity in progression. Comparing Gal-1–deficient mice as hosts for Lewis lung carcinoma cells where Gal-1 levels were preserved or knocked down, we found that tumor Gal-1 was more critical than host Gal-1 in promoting tumor growth and spontaneous metastasis. Enhanced growth and metastasis associated with Gal-1 related to its immunomodulatory function, insofar as the benefits of Gal-1 expression to Lewis lung carcinoma growth were abolished in immunodeficient mice. In contrast, angiogenesis, as assessed by microvessel density count, was similar between tumors with divergent Gal-1 levels when examined at a comparable size. Our findings establish that tumor rather than host Gal-1 is responsible for mediating tumor progression through intratumoral immunomodulation, with broad implications in developing novel targeting strategies for Gal-1 in cancer. Cancer Res; 71(13); 4423–31. ©2011 AACR.