bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sacrifice of Accessory Pudendal Arteries in Normally Potent Men during Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy Does Not Impact Potency
Authors: Box Geoffrey N. , Kaplan Adam G. , Rodriguez Esequiel , Skarecky Douglas W. , Osann Kathryn E. , Finley David S. , Ahlering Thomas E. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Aim
Whether or not sacrificing accessory pudendal arteries (APAs) during radical prostatectomy affects potency has been an ongoing source of concern. Herein, we present our potency results relative to sacrificing APAs in normally pre-potent men following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods
The distribution of APAs and clinical characteristics were prospectively recorded in 200 consecutive patients undergoing RARP with a cautery-free technique. Sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function 5-item questionnaire (IIEF-5). All APAs were sacrificed due to stapling the dorsal vein complex

Main Outcome Measures
Postoperatively, potency was defined by an affirmative answer to the following two questions: “Were erections adequate for penetration?” and “were the erections satisfactory?” Postoperative IIEF-5 scores and quality of erections (% of preoperative firmness: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) were also obtained. Subgroup analysis of patients age ≤65 years with IIEF-5 score of 22–25 was performed.

Results
Eighty patients (40%) had APAs. Preoperatively, there was no association with having an APA and normal/abnormal sexual function. Preoperatively, 58/200 were ≤65 years with self-administered IIEF-5 scores of 22–25. Postoperatively, 53/58 (91%) were potent at 24 months follow-up. Nineteen of 58 patients had a sacrificed APA; 39 patients had no APA. Eighteen of 19 (95%) patients with sacrificed APAs were potent vs. 35/39 (90%) with no APA present (P = 0.53). Multivariate analysis showed no significant correlation between sacrificing an APA and time of potency recovery, quality of postoperative erections (94% vs. 90% P = 0.80) or mean IIEF-5 score (22.4 vs. 20.8, P = 0.13).

Conclusion
We found no correlation between the presence or absence of APAs and preoperative sexual function. Furthermore, after sacrificing all APAs, we found no correlation with potency return, time to return of potency, quality of erections, or mean IIEF-5 scores at 24 months.
The Evaluation of Clitoral Blood Flow and Sexual Function in Elite Female Athletes
Authors: Karatas Omer Faruk , Baltaci Gul , Ilerisoy Zeynep , Bayrak Omer , Cimentepe Ersin , Irmak Rafet , Unal Dogan 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Clitoral blood flow measurements using clitoral color Doppler ultrasound have been performed with increasing frequency either in order to assessment of female sexual function/dysfunction. The trials to evaluate the sexual function in healthy subjects, especially in the subgroup of female elite athletes, are limited.

Aim
The aim of the study was to evaluate whether elite female athletes and sedentary healthy females differ in their clitoral blood flow and sexual function as an expression of their physical fitness status.

Methods
Twenty-five female elite athletes (Group I) and healthy female subjects (Group II) were enrolled as volunteers in the study. All women were instructed to complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Each subject underwent high definition color Doppler ultrasonography to measure the clitoral blood flow parameters.

Main Outcome Measures
The effect of physical activity on clitoral blood flow and sexual life in women.

Results
Mean age, mean age of menarche, mean marriage age, and body mass index were similar for both groups. In Group I, the mean peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity were higher than those of Group II, whereas the mean RI was similar for both groups. There were statistically significant differences for total FSFI score and all domain scores, except desire domain, between both groups.

Conclusion
In elite female athletes as compared with sedentary healthy females, better clitoral blood flow and better sexual function were demonstrated. Therefore it seems superior physical fitness correlates with better sexual function.
The Distribution of Patients Who Seek Treatment for the Complaint of Ejaculating Prematurely According to the Four Premature Ejaculation Syndromes
Authors: Serefoglu Ege Can , Cimen Haci Ibrahim , Atmaca Ali Fuat , Balbay M. Derya 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
In addition to “lifelong” and “acquired” premature ejaculation (PE) syndromes, two more PE syndromes have recently been proposed: “Natural variable PE” and “premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction.”

Aim
The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of the four PE syndromes among patients who were admitted to a urology outpatient clinic with the complaint of ejaculating prematurely.

Methods
Between July 2008 and March 2009, patients admitted to a urology outpatient clinic with a self-reported complaint of PE were enrolled into the study. After taking a careful medical and sexual history, patients were classified as “lifelong,”“acquired,”“natural variable,” PE or “premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction.”

Main Outcome Measures
In addition to medical and sexual history, self-estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency times (IELTs) of patients were used in the classification of patients.

Results
A total of 261 potent men with a mean age of 36.39 ± 10.45 years (range 20–70) were recruited into the study. The majority of the men was diagnosed as having lifelong PE (62.5%); the remaining men were diagnosed as having acquired (16.1%), natural variable PE (14.5%), or premature-like ejaculatory disorder (6.9%). The mean age of patients with acquired PE was significantly higher than the other groups (P = 0.001). No significant difference was observed for educational status or income level of patients in the different PE groups (P = 0.983 and P = 0.151, respectively). The mean self-estimated IELT for all subjects was 65.16 ± 83.75 seconds (2–420 seconds). Patients with lifelong PE had significantly lower mean self-reported IELT, whereas the patients with premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction had the highest mean IELT (P = 0.001): (i) life-long PE: 20.47 ± 28.90 seconds (2–120 seconds); (ii) aquired PE: 57.91 ± 38.72 seconds (90–180 seconds); (iii) natural variable PE: 144.17 ± 22.47 seconds (120–180 seconds); and (iv) premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction: 286.67 ± 69.96 seconds (180–420 seconds).

Conclusions
The majority of patients who seek treatment for the complaint of ejaculating prematurely describes lifelong PE. Further population-based studies are required to determine the actual prevalences of these four PE syndromes.
Patient Perceptions Regarding Effect of Gynecological Surgery on Sexuality
Authors: Schaffir Jonathan , Fleming Mary , Waddell Valerie 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Women undergoing surgery for benign gynecological conditions often voice concerns about how surgery will affect their sexuality. It is unclear what percentage of women shares these concerns, and how well they are addressed.

Aims
To identify what concerns women have about sexuality when they have gynecological surgery, and what factors affect these concerns.

Methods
Survey of women scheduled to undergo hysterectomy, oophorectomy, or any sterilization procedure at an academic medical center. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyze the data.

Main Outcome Measure
A questionnaire was devised containing 10 statements regarding how surgery can affect sexuality and how concerns are addressed. Patients were asked to rate their agreement with each on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results
Patients undergoing oophorectomies were significantly more likely to agree that they would have less sexual desire (P = 0.01) and that they would be less able to enjoy sex (P = 0.002) than women undergoing hysterectomy or sterilization alone. Patients with a private physician were more likely to agree that their physician counseled them about sexual effects than patients of the resident clinic (P = 0.004).

Conclusions
Women undergoing oophorectomy are more likely to have concerns regarding sexuality that need to be addressed by gynecological surgeons. These concerns are less frequently addressed by resident physicians, who need to be instructed to counsel their patients about sexuality.
Efficacy of Aqueous and Alcohol‐Based Quaternary Ammonium Sanitizers for Reducing Salmonella in Dusts Generated in Almond Hulling and Shelling Facilities
Authors: Du Wen‐Xian , Danyluk Michelle D. , Harris Linda J. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT:  Large volumes of fine particulate matter or “dust” (soil, hulls, and shells) generated when hulls and shells are removed from almond kernels complicate cleaning and sanitation procedures in the huller‐sheller (HS) environment. This study evaluated the efficacy of 3 aqueous quaternary ammonium sanitizers (AQuats) and an isopropyl alcohol‐based quaternary ammonium sanitizer (IPAQuat) for reducing Salmonella in dust collected from 2 HS facilities. Dust (1 g) was thoroughly mixed with 1 to 2 mL of inoculum (1 to 5 log CFU/g) before adding 1 to 7 mL of water, an AQuat (200 or 1000 ppm), or IPAQuat (200 ppm, 58.6% isopropyl alcohol) and incubated at 15 and 30 °C for up to 21 d. At either 15 or 30 °C increases in Salmonella populations in the dust were not significantly different following addition of either water or AQuats. No significant differences were observed upon water or AQuat addition, either among the 3 AQuats tested, the concentration or volume of AQuat, or the initial level of Salmonella. When IPAQuat was added to dust inoculated at 1 to 7 log CFU/g, Salmonella levels were reduced to less than 1.3 log CFU/g after treatment and after incubation at 30 °C for 48 h. IPAQuat was an effective sanitizer compared to the AQuats, even in the presence of high levels of organic material. Recent large‐scale outbreaks of salmonellosis with low‐moisture foods have increased concerns regarding their safety. Little research or guidance is available on appropriate cleaning and sanitation programs for these food types. This research is focused on an evaluation of sanitation options for low‐moisture foods, in particular almonds. The information should be applicable and useful to the nut industry and to other low‐moisture foods.Practical Application: Recent large‐scale outbreaks of salmonellosis with low‐moisture foods have increased concerns regarding their safety. Little research or guidance is available on appropriate cleaning and sanitation programs for these food types. This research is focused on an evaluation of sanitation options for low‐moisture foods, in particular almonds. The information should be applicable and useful to the nut industry and to other low‐moisture foods.
Using the Benchmark Dose (BMD) Methodology to Determine an Appropriate Reduction of Certain Ingredients in Food Products
Authors: Bi Jian 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT:  As the desire to promote health increases, reductions of certain ingredients, for example, sodium, sugar, and fat in food products, are widely requested. However, the reduction is not risk free in sensory and marketing aspects. Overreduction may change the taste and influence the flavor of a product and lead to a decrease in consumer's overall liking or purchase intent for the product. This article uses the benchmark dose (BMD) methodology to determine an appropriate reduction. Calculations of BMD and one‐sided lower confidence limit of BMD are illustrated. The article also discusses how to calculate BMD and BMDL for overdispersed binary data in replicated testing based on a corrected beta‐binomial model. USEPA Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS) were used and S‐Plus programs were developed. Practical Application: The method discussed in the article is originally used to determine an appropriate reduction of certain ingredients, for example, sodium, sugar, and fat in food products, considering both health reason and sensory or marketing risk.
Detection of Haemagglutination–Inhibiting Antibodies against Human H1 and H3 Strains of Influenza A Viruses in Pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Adeola O. A. , Adeniji J. A. , Olugasa B. O. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryAgricultural and commercial activities have continued to bring people and pigs into regular, close contact in Ibadan, Nigeria. This study was therefore designed to investigate the transmission of human influenza viruses to pigs in Ibadan, using serological surveillance. Serum specimens were collected from ninety‐one (91/199) apparently healthy, unvaccinated Landrace pigs at three locations within Ibadan from April to June, 2008. Two strains of human influenza virus A: A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1) and A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2) were used in Haemagglutination‐Inhibition Assay for antibody detection. Prevalence of HI antibodies to the two subtypes was 90.1%. Antibodies to influenza A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1) were significantly (P < 0.05) more prevalent (80.2%) than those of influenza A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2) (51.6%). Titres of HI antibodies to influenza A/Brisbane/59/2007 [mean = 3331.5] were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of influenza A/Brisbane/10/2007 [mean = 2212.3]. This study shows that these pigs were exposed to human strains of influenza A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) either prior to or during this study. The implications of these high prevalence and antibody titres are discussed in relation to influenza virus infection among pig handlers in Ibadan, Nigeria. We recommend that periodic investigation of circulating strains of influenza viruses in pigs and humans who handle pigs regularly in Nigeria and molecular characterization of such isolates be carried out to ensure early detection of interspecies transmission and potential future pandemic strains.
Cluster of Cases of Salmonella enterica Serotype Rissen Infection in a General Hospital, Italy, 2007
Authors: Boschi T. , Aquilini D. , Degl’Innocenti R. , Aleo A. , Romani C. , Nicoletti P. , Buonomini M. I. , Marconi P. , Bilei S. , Mammina C. , Nastasi A. 
Published: November 2009

SummaryIn 2007, three strains of Salmonella enterica serotype Rissen (S. Rissen) were isolated in the laboratory of diagnostic microbiology of the General Hospital of Prato, Tuscany, Italy, over a 1 month and half interval of time. The first isolate was recovered on January 26 from an outpatient with enteritis. Then, two strains were isolated on February 16 and March 11 respectively, from central venous catheters of patients who were being hospitalized in two departments of the Hospital. An epidemiologically linked cluster of cases of salmonellosis was suspected. The three strains were submitted to single enzyme‐amplified fragment length polymorphism (SE‐AFLP) and XbaI macrorestriction and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) that yielded undistinguishable profiles. Epidemiological investigations failed to identify a common source of infection within the Hospital. Moreover, the third patient had been exclusively total parenteral nutrition fed since his admission with a stomach cancer diagnosis. The first patient had a community‐acquired infection, but the source of her illness was uncertain. Twenty‐five further isolates identified in the years 2004–2007 in the same geographical area showed distinctly different PFGE and SE‐AFLP patterns. The three patients seemed to represent a cluster of epidemiologically unrelated cases caused by a previously never recognized S. Rissen strain. Rapid subtyping of isolates is essential in the early investigation of potential outbreaks, but synthesis of conventional and molecular epidemiological investigation and availability of surveillance data is often critical to prevent the initiation of time‐consuming, expensive and ineffective further investigations and control interventions.
The Missing Link in Linear Alkylbenzenesulfonate Surfactant Degradation: 4-Sulfoacetophenone as a Transient Intermediate in the Degradation of 3-(4-Sulfophenyl)Butyrate by
Comamonas testosteroni
KF-1
Authors: Schleheck David , von Netzer Frederick , Fleischmann Thomas , Rentsch Daniel , Huhn Thomas , Cook Alasdair M. , Kohler Hans-Peter E. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Biodegradation of the laundry surfactant linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) involves complex bacterial communities. The known heterotrophic community has two tiers. First, all LAS congeners are oxygenated and oxidized to about 50 sulfophenylcarboxylates (SPC). Second, the SPCs are mineralized.
Comamonas testosteroni
KF-1 mineralizes 3-(4-sulfophenyl)butyrate (3-C4-SPC). During growth of strain KF-1 with 3-C4-SPC, two transient intermediates were detected in the culture medium. One intermediate was identified as 4-sulfoacetophenone (SAP) (4-acetylbenzenesulfonate) by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The other was 4-sulfophenol (SP). This information allowed us to postulate a degradation pathway that comprises the removal of an acetyl moiety from (derivatized) 3-C4-SPC, followed by a Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenation of SAP and subsequent ester cleavage to yield SP. Inducible NADPH-dependent SAP-oxygenase was detected in crude extracts of strain KF-1. The enzyme reaction involved transient formation of 4-sulfophenol acetate (SPAc), which was completely hydrolyzed to SP and acetate. SP was subject to NADH-dependent oxygenation in crude extract, and 4-sulfocatechol (SC) was subject to oxygenolytic ring cleavage. The first complete degradative pathway for an SPC can now be depicted with 3-C4-SPC: transport, ligation to a coenzyme A (CoA) ester, and manipulation to allow abstraction of acetyl-CoA to yield SAP, Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenation to SPAc, hydrolysis of the ester to acetate and SP, monooxygenation of SP to SC, the
ortho
ring-cleavage pathway with desulfonation, and sulfite oxidation.
Active
VSG
Expression Sites in
Trypanosoma brucei
Are Depleted of Nucleosomes
Authors: Stanne Tara M. , Rudenko Gloria 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

African trypanosomes regulate transcription differently from other eukaryotes. Most of the trypanosome genome is constitutively transcribed by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) as large polycistronic transcription units while the genes encoding the major surface proteins are transcribed by RNA polymerase I (Pol I). In bloodstream form
Trypanosoma brucei
, the gene encoding the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat is expressed in a monoallelic fashion from one of about 15
VSG
bloodstream form expression sites (BESs). Little is known about the chromatin structure of the trypanosome genome, and the chromatin state of active versus silent
VSG
BESs remains controversial. Here, we determined histone H3 occupancy within the genome of
T. brucei
, focusing on active versus silent
VSG
BESs in the bloodstream form. We found that histone H3 was most enriched in the nontranscribed 50-bp and 177-bp repeats and relatively depleted in Pol I, II, and III transcription units, with particular depletion over promoter regions. Using two isogenic
T. brucei
lines containing marker genes in different
VSG
BESs, we determined that histone H3 is 11- to 40-fold depleted from active
VSG
BESs compared with silent
VSG
BESs. Quantitative PCR analysis of fractionated micrococcal nuclease-digested chromatin revealed that the active
VSG
BES is depleted of nucleosomes. Therefore, in contrast to earlier views, nucleosome positioning appears to be involved in the monoalleleic control of
VSG
BESs in
T. brucei
. This may provide a level of epigenetic regulation enabling bloodstream form trypanosomes to efficiently pass on the transcriptional state of active and silent BESs to daughter cells.
Relation entre la force subjective du son et le nombre de paliers de perception différentielle d’intensité pour quatre fréquences caractéristiques
Authors: Emerit E. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Having brought forward a new theory of auditory perception (Phonetica, vol. 14, 1966, and vol. 17, 1967), the author presents some new arguments sustaining that theory. Moreover, he finds a simple and accurate mathematical relation between the numbers of ‘just noticeable differences in intensity’ and the subjective loudness of sound, for 4,000 and 10,000 cps; whereas that relation is altered for 1,000 and 7,000 cps by a phenomenon of loss of auditory sensitivity from the threshold of hearing, which disappears at the average levels of intensity. That consideration seems to confirm once more the author’s hypothesis: low, average, and high frequencies are perceived by the brain as different sound ‘qualities’ which may be compared in every respect to the three fundamental hues of colour perception by the eye.
Speaking Fundamental Frequency of Polish Adult Males
Authors: Majewski W. , Hollien H. , Zalewski J. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The purpose of this research was to study the speaking fundamental frequency (SFF) levels of young Polish males and compare them with similar populations of US males. To this end 103 Polish university students read a standard passage which was recorded and analyzed for SFF. The mean SFF level for this population was approximately 138 Hz, a value somewhat higher than that for 157 US male university students. Since there was also a size difference between the two populations, this factor was tested and found not to relate to SFF. Possibly the differences between the two groups relate to crosscultural factors.
Phonemic and Morphemic Efficiency in Kalinga
Authors: Gieser C.R. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
As a communication system, natural language employs two coterminous systems – the phonological and the grammatical. This paper describes the communicative efficiency and redundancy of this dual system in Kalinga, an Austronesian language of the Philippines. First, statistics are presented showing the degree to which each of the 17 phonemes is utilized in forming syllables of the patterns CV and CVC. Next, consideration is given to the utilization of these GV and CVC phoneme sequences in both polysyllabic and monosyllabic morphs. And finally, the phonemic and syllabic structure of morphs is described, and the extent to which the available phonemes and syllables are utilized in forming morphs is discussed.
Progressive Nasal Assimilation in French
Authors: Malécot A. , Metz G. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
A new computer-assisted technique for analyzing large corpuses of natural speech, in this case 50 tape-recorded conversations with upper middle-class Parisians, has revealed a general rule of progressive nasal assimilation, in which the acoustic realization of the /b/ in une chamb (re) de bonne /yn∫ãbdÉ™bcn/ is identical to that of the /m/ in une âme de bonne /ynamdÉ™bcn/, at least as far as nasality is concerned. This phenomenon occurs in the context nasal vowel + stop + word juncture + consonant; (1) almost without exception in cases such as the above, where final -re or -le have been suppressed and where another word beginning with a stop or a fricative follows without pause; (2) quite frequently in cases such as grande ville where there is no suppressed –re or –le but the following word begins with a voiced stop or fricative, and in cases such asprend(re) le Metro where a liquid or a nasal consonant follows suppressed word-final –re or –le; and (3) occasionally in cases such as langue populaire where there are no suppressions but where the second word begins with a voiceless consonant, and in the words done, quand and cinq when their final consonant is exceptionally pronounced before another consonant. These results have been corroborated by instrumental measurements of nasal acoustic output versus closure timing and by the results of a questionnaire dealing with the Frenchmen’s preferences.