bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amoebic liver abscess in USA: a population‐based study of incidence, temporal trends and mortality
Authors: Congly Stephen E. , Shaheen Abdel Aziz M. , Meddings Liisa , Kaplan Gilaad G. , Myers Robert P. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground: Amoebic liver abscess (ALA) may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but nationwide American data is unavailable. Our objective was to describe ALA epidemiology and outcomes in USA from a population‐based perspective.Methods: Patients hospitalized with ALA between 1993 and 2007 were identified using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Patient characteristics, interventions and outcomes including mortality were determined. The annual incidence of ALA and temporal trends were determined using the negative binomial regression models.Results: Between 1993 and 2007, 848 hospitalizations for ALA, corresponding to ∼4100 hospitalizations nationwide, were identified. The annual incidence was 1.38 per million population with a 2.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0–4.8%; P=0.06] average annual decline during this study. Most patients were hospitalized in western (54%) and southern states (27%), and 48% were Hispanic. Males (incidence rate ratio vs. females: 4.53; 95% CI 4.19–4.90) had the highest incidence rates. Percutaneous and surgical drainage was required in 48 and 7% of patients respectively. Although length of stay [median, 6 days; interquartile range (IQR) 4–10] and hospital charges (US$25 345; IQR US$15 030–42 275) were substantial, in‐hospital mortality was rare (0.8%). Females [odds ratio (OR) 6.12; CI 1.39–26.8], patients ≥60 years (OR 13.3; 95% CI 2.5–71.5), and those with ≥3 comorbidities (OR 5.80; 95% CI 1.30–25.8), particularly malnutrition, had an increased risk of death.Conclusions: ALA is rare and the incidence has decreased in USA. Young, Hispanic males in southwestern states are most frequently affected. Mortality caused by ALA is lower than what was reported previously.
Priapism and Sickle-Cell Anemia: Diagnosis and Nonsurgical Therapy
Authors: Broderick Gregory A. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Priapism describes a persistent erection lasting longer than 4 hours. Ischemic priapism and stuttering priapism are phenotypic manifestations of sickle-cell disease (SCD).

Aims
To define the types of priapism associated with SCD, to address pathogenesis, and to recommend best practices.

Sources
Literature review and published clinical guidelines.

Summary of Findings
Priapism is a full or partial erection that persists more than 4 hours. There are three kinds of priapism: ischemic priapism (veno-occlusive, low flow), stuttering priapism (recurrent ischemic priapism), and nonischemic priapism (arterial, high flow). Ischemic priapism is a pathologic phenotype of SCD. Ischemic priapism is a urologic emergency when untreated priapism results in corporal fibrosis and erectile dysfunction. The recommended treatment for ischemic priapism is decompression of the penis by needle aspiration and if needed, injection (or irrigation) with dilute sympathomimetic drugs. Stuttering priapism describes a pattern of recurring unwanted painful erections in men with SCD. Patients typically awaken with an erection that persists for several hours and becomes painful. The goals of managing stuttering ischemic priapism are: prevention of future episodes, preservation of erectile function, and balancing the risks vs. benefits of various treatment options. The current molecular hypothesis for stuttering priapism in SCD proposes that insufficient basal levels of phosphodiesterase type-5 are available in the corpora to degrade cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Nocturnal erections result from normal neuronal production and surges of cGMP. In the context of SCD stuttering priapism, these nocturnal surges in cGMP go unchecked, resulting in stuttering priapism.

Conclusions
Considering the embarrassing nature of the problem and the dire consequences to erectile function, it is important to inform patients, parents, and providers about the relationship of SCD to prolonged painful erections. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate medical management of priapism are necessary to spare patients surgical interventions and preserve erectile function.
Latent Structures of Male Sexual Functioning
Authors: Carvalho Joana , Vieira Armando Luís , Nobre Pedro 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Strong debate has been brought out around the upcoming editions of the International Classification of Diseases, the World Health Organization, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association) regarding new criteria for sexual dysfunction. Although criteria for male sexual dysfunction have been supported by traditional models of sexual response, recent data suggest that male sexual functioning could be conceptualized differently, offering new directions for diagnostic and assessment tools.

Aim
The aim of this study was to test, through structural equation modeling, four conceptual alternative models of male sexual response.

Main Outcome Measures
A modified version of the International Index of Erectile Function was used, assessing sexual desire, erectile function, orgasmic function, and premature ejaculation.

Methods
A total of 1,558 Portuguese men participated in the study. Participants were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of sexual difficulties.

Results
Findings suggested different factor solutions for men with and without sexual difficulties. Male sexual response of men with sexual difficulties was best characterized by a two-factor structure: (i) a general sexual function factor (including sexual desire, erectile function, and orgasmic function); and (ii) premature ejaculation; while a three-factor solution was the model that best fitted the data regarding men without sexual difficulties: (i) sexual desire; (ii) erectile and orgasmic function (which merged into a single dimension); and (iii) premature ejaculation. Discriminant validity between factors was strongly supported, suggesting that these dimensions measure distinct phenomena in both samples.

Conclusions
Results regarding sexually healthy men suggest that erectile function is structurally independent from sexual desire, and that ejaculatory control could be conceptualized as a different phenomenon in relation to the current orgasmic disorders. Additionally, findings related to sexually dysfunctional men suggest the existence of a general sexual distress disorder.
Treatment with a Uroselective α1-Blocker Improves Voiding and Sexual Function: A Study in Thai Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: Permpongkosol Sompol , Krilad-O-Larn Santichai , Ratana-O-Larn Krisada 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) negatively affect quality of life. The α1-blockers are effective for LUTS suggestive of benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Aim
To analyze the effect of a uroselective α1-blocker on both voiding and sexual dysfunction in Thai men with LUTS.

Methods
Of 488 men with LUTS who received 10 mg alfuzosin monotherapy once daily (OD) at a men's health clinic, 313 men (64%) completed 8 months of alfuzosin treatment and filled the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measure
The relationships among the IPSS, IIEF-5 score, and select clinical characteristics were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. To identify changes from the baseline, the chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical or dichotomous variables and a paired Student's t-test was used for continuous variables.

Results
The 313 men were followed up for a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 35.6 (2.2) weeks. LUTS were categorized by IPSS as moderate in 100 patients (31.9%) and severe in 213 patients (68.1%). ED was graded according to the IIEF-5 as normal in 46 patients (14.7%), mild in 29 patients (9.3%), mild to moderate in 81 patients (25.9%), moderate in 47 patients (15.0%), and severe in 110 patients (35.1%). ED is associated with LUTS (P = 0.008). After 8 months of alfuzosin treatment, the mean (SD) IPSS and IIEF-5 score significantly improved from 19.95 (6.4) to 11.13 (4.6) (P &lt; 0.001) and from 11.5 (6.9) to 14.9 (5.7) (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. However, the IIEF-5 score did not improve significantly in patients with severe LUTS as determined using the IPSS. The most common adverse event with alfuzosin treatment was mild (dizziness, 2.2%).

Conclusion
Treatment with 10 mg alfuzosin OD is safe and effective in improving voiding and sexual function in Thai men with LUTS and ED.
Impact of Incontinence Surgery on Sexual Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jha Swati , Ammenbal Manjunath , Metwally Mostafa 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Urinary incontinence has an adverse impact on sexual function. The reports on sexual function following the treatment of urinary incontinence are confusing.

Aim
To investigate the impact of surgery for stress incontinence on coital incontinence and overall sexual function.

Methods
Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialized Register of Controlled Trials, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched for trials of incontinence surgery assessing sexual function and coital incontinence before and after surgery. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of surgical correction of stress urinary incontinence on sexual function were included. Surgical interventions included tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), Tension Free Vaginal Tape-Obturator (TVT-O), transobturator tape (TOT), Burch, and autologous fascial sling (AFS). Studies that included patients undergoing concurrent prolapse surgery were excluded from the analysis. Data extraction and analysis was performed independently by two authors. Coital incontinence was analyzed separately and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated. The data were analyzed in Review Manager 5 software.

Main Outcome Measure
Changes in sexual function and coital incontinence following surgery for urinary incontinence.

Results
Twenty-one articles were identified, which assessed sexual function and/or coital incontinence following continence surgery in the absence of prolapse. Results suggest evidence for a significant reduction in coital incontinence post surgery (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.07, 0.17).

Conclusions
Coital incontinence is significantly reduced following continence surgery. There were several methodological problems with the quality of the primary research particularly related to heterogeneity of studies, use of different outcome measures, and the absence of well-designed randomized controlled trials.
Effect of prednisone on transforming growth factor‐β1, connective tissue growth factor, nuclear factor‐κBp65 and tumor necrosis factor‐α expression in a murine model of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome induced by Gynura segetum
Authors: Zhu Hongyi , Chu Yi , Huo Jirong , Chen Zhe , Yang Li 
Published: June 2011

Aim:  One major cause of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is the consumption of products containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). As the use of herbal preparations has increased in China, so has the number of reports of HSOS induced by ingesting PA‐containing herbs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms by which prednisone and the related factors, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), prevent liver fibrosis and the pathogenesis of HSOS.Methods:  A murine model of HSOS was created by oral gavage with Gynura segetum with or without prednisone for 30 days. Histological changes in liver tissue were evaluated by a scoring system in tissue slices subjected to hematoxylin–eosin and Masson trichrome staining. Hepatic expression of TGF‐β1 and CTGF mRNA and protein was detected by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and Western blot analysis. RT–PCR was also used to detect tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and nuclear factor (NF)‐κBp65 mRNA expression. Activation of NF‐κBp65 was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:  Intervention with prednisone diminished the symptoms of HSOS in mice treated with G. segetum. Prednisone treatment significantly inhibited expression of TGF‐β1 and CTGF mRNA and protein (P < 0.05), and inhibited expression of TNF‐α and NF‐κBp65 mRNA (P < 0.05) in the liver tissue of HSOS mice.Conclusion:  Prednisone suppresses the development of liver fibrosis in HSOS mice by inhibiting TGF‐β1, CTGF, TNF‐α and NF‐κBp65 expression.
Portal blood supply to locally progressed hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: Observation on CT during arterial portography
Authors: Miyayama Shiro , Matsui Osamu , Zen Yoh , Yamashiro Masashi , Hattori Yuki , Orito Nobuaki , Matsui Ken , Tsuji Kazunobu , Yoshida Miki , Sudo Yoshiko 
Published: June 2011

Aim:  To analyze the clinical features of locally progressed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) supplied by portal blood (PB) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).Methods:  This cohort included 12 tumors (mean diameter ± SD, 1.8 ± 0.8 cm) in 10 patients. PB supply to tumors was judged by CT during arterial portography (CTAP). Imaging data and the clinical course were retrospectively evaluated.Results:  Six tumors initially had a small tumor portion supplied by PB. In four tumors, TACE was incomplete because of technical problems. PB supply to recurrent tumors was demonstrated 7.3 ± 3.7 months after TACE. On follow‐up arteriography, all embolized branches were occluded or severely attenuated. Four tumors showing a partial stain were treated by additional TACE (n = 3) or TACE plus radiofrequency (RF) ablation (n = 1), one without staining was treated by RF ablation, and seven were followed‐up. All tumors progressed except for one treated by RF ablation. On serial CTAP images, relatively large‐diameter portal veins directly entered 11 tumors (91.7%) and connected with intratumoral vessels in nine (75%). During follow‐up, partial arterial supply was demonstrated in two tumors and additional TACE was performed. Nine patients died after 31.4 ± 16.2 months due to tumor progression (n = 8), or hepatic failure (n = 1). One patient has survived for 53 months despite multiple tumors.Conclusions:  PB supply to locally progressed tumor after TACE became apparent on CTAP. Arterial damage by TACE, incomplete TACE, and preexisting tumor tissues supplied by PB may be the main causes.
1-Hexyl n-cyanoacrylate compound (Neucrylate™ AN), a new treatment for berry aneurysm. III: Initial clinical results
Authors: Pakbaz R S , Shakiba M , Ghanaati H , Akhlaghpoor S , Shakourirad A , Kerber C W 
Published: June 2011

IntroductionAs part of an institutionally approved research protocol, patients with cerebral berry aneurysm were enrolled in a clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety of the new moldable liquid embolic agent Neucrylate AN.MethodsTwelve patients with aneurysms judged to be suboptimal for treatment by standard endovascular or surgical approaches were treated with Neucrylate AN. The agent was injected during temporary balloon occlusion at the neck of the aneurysm. The immediate angiographic percentage of aneurysm occlusion and periprocedural adverse events were assessed for each patient. Six-month follow-up angiographic studies were obtained for nine of the 12 patients.ResultsTen of the 12 aneurysms treated (83%) were large to giant (>1.0 cm in diameter), nine (75%) were wide-necked (dome/neck ratio <2.0) and three (25%) were dissecting aneurysms. There were four (33%) periprocedural neurological events. Immediate aneurysm occlusion of >90% was obtained in nine of the 12 cases (75%). There were five recurrences (55.5%) at 6 months.ConclusionThis preliminary clinical series shows that it is feasible to achieve a high percentage of immediate aneurysm occlusion with limited patient morbidity and mortality in the setting of morphologically challenging aneurysms. These preliminary data support larger trials assessing the safety and efficacy of this agent.
Prostate Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: May Kenneth F. , Gulley James L. , Drake Charles G. , Dranoff Glenn , Kantoff Philip W. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe interaction between the immune system and prostate cancer has been an area of research interest for several decades. The recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of 2 first-in-class proof-of-concept immunotherapies (sipuleucel-T and ipilimumab) has stimulated broader interest in manipulating immunity to fight cancer. In the context of prostate cancer, the immunotherapy strategies that have garnered the most interest are the therapeutic vaccination strategies, exemplified by sipuleucel-T and PROSTVAC-VF, and immune checkpoint blockade of CTLA-4 and PD-1. Improved understanding of the immune responses generated by these strategies and development of predictive biomarkers for patient selection will guide rational combinations of these treatments and provide building blocks for future immunotherapies. Clin Cancer Res; 17(16); 5233–8. ©2011 AACR.
Impact of APE1/Ref-1 Redox Inhibition on Pancreatic Tumor Growth
Authors: Fishel Melissa L. , Jiang Yanlin , Rajeshkumar N.V. , Scandura Glenda , Sinn Anthony L. , He Ying , Shen Changyu , Jones David R. , Pollok Karen E. , Ivan Mircea , Maitra Anirban , Kelley Mark R. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPancreatic cancer is especially a deadly form of cancer with a survival rate less than 2%. Pancreatic cancers respond poorly to existing chemotherapeutic agents and radiation, and progress for the treatment of pancreatic cancer remains elusive. To address this unmet medical need, a better understanding of critical pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in pancreatic tumor development, progression, and resistance to traditional therapy is therefore critical. Reduction–oxidation (redox) signaling systems are emerging as important targets in pancreatic cancer. AP endonuclease1/Redox effector factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) is upregulated in human pancreatic cancer cells and modulation of its redox activity blocks the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells and pancreatic cancer-associated endothelial cells in vitro. Modulation of APE1/Ref-1 using a specific inhibitor of APE1/Ref-1′s redox function, E3330, leads to a decrease in transcription factor activity for NFκB, AP-1, and HIF1α in vitro. This study aims to further establish the redox signaling protein APE1/Ref-1 as a molecular target in pancreatic cancer. Here, we show that inhibition of APE1/Ref-1 via E3330 results in tumor growth inhibition in cell lines and pancreatic cancer xenograft models in mice. Pharmacokinetic studies also show that E3330 attains more than10 μmol/L blood concentrations and is detectable in tumor xenografts. Through inhibition of APE1/Ref-1, the activity of NFκB, AP-1, and HIF1α that are key transcriptional regulators involved in survival, invasion, and metastasis is blocked. These data indicate that E3330, inhibitor of APE1/Ref-1, has potential in pancreatic cancer and clinical investigation of APE1/Ref-1 molecular target is warranted. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(9); 1698–708. ©2011 AACR.
The Oral Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Fostamatinib Attenuates Inflammation and Atherogenesis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor–Deficient Mice
Authors: Hilgendorf Ingo , Eisele Sara , Remer Imke , Schmitz Jochen , Zeschky Katharina , Colberg Christian , Stachon Peter , Wolf Dennis , Willecke Florian , Buchner Maike , Zirlik Katja , Ortiz-Rodriguez Alexandra , Lozhkin Andrey , Hoppe Natalie , von zur Muhlen Constantin , zur Hausen Axel , Bode Christoph , Zirlik Andreas 
Published: June 2011

Objective—
Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) has come into focus as a potential therapeutic target in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, as well as in B-cell lymphomas. SYK has also been involved in the signaling of immunoreceptors, cytokine receptors, and integrins. We therefore hypothesized that inhibition of SYK attenuates the inflammatory process underlying atherosclerosis and reduces plaque development.

Methods and Results—
Low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient mice consuming a high-cholesterol diet supplemented with 2 doses of the orally available SYK inhibitor fostamatinib for 16 weeks showed a dose-dependent reduction in atherosclerotic lesion size by up to 59±6% compared with the respective controls. Lesions of fostamatinib-treated animals contained fewer macrophages but more smooth muscle cells and collagen—characteristics associated with more stable plaques in humans. Mechanistically, fostamatinib attenuated adhesion and migration of inflammatory cells and limited macrophage survival. Furthermore, fostamatinib normalized high-cholesterol diet –induced monocytosis and inflammatory gene expression.

Conclusion—
We present the novel finding that the SYK inhibitor fostamatinib attenuates atherogenesis in mice. Our data identify SYK inhibition as a potentially fruitful antiinflammatory therapeutic strategy in atherosclerosis.
Mountain Forces and the Atmospheric Energy Budget
Authors: Egger Joseph 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Although mountains are generally thought to exert forces on the atmosphere, the related transfers of energy between earth and atmosphere are not represented in standard energy equations of the atmosphere. It is shown that the axial rotation of the atmosphere must be included in the energy budget in order to resolve this issue. The energy transfer resulting from mountains turns out to be closely related to mountain torques. The energetic effects of a changing rotation of the earth are discussed, as well as those of friction torques and those of the nonspherical shape of the earth.
Restaurant Challenge Offers Healthful Meal Options and Builds Diabetes Awareness
Authors: Blair Angela M. , Drass Janice A. , Stone Marylou , Rhoades Deborah , Baldwin Susan A. , Russ Kelsey M. 
Published: June 2011

Purpose The Frederick Restaurant Challenge is an innovative project based on a collaborative effort among community organizations and partners designed to offer delicious healthful meal options at local restaurants during the month of November for American Diabetes Month. Local restaurants were challenged to participate and submitted recipes for healthful meals to the Frederick County Diabetes Coalition for review by registered dietitians. Diners voted on meals to determine the challenge winner(s), and were eligible to win prizes as well. Publicity prior to and during the month was effective in creating positive news about healthful meals when eating out, raised awareness about diabetes, and provided restaurants with desirable advertising opportunities. Feedback from restaurants and diners was overwhelmingly positive. The purpose of this article is to describe this successful low-budget project to encourage its replication in local communities. Conclusions The Frederick Restaurant Challenge proved to be a very successful, innovative, low-budget project that met its intended goals: to develop healthful meal options for people with diabetes (or for anyone wishing to eat healthier); to demonstrate that healthful food can taste delicious; and to encourage restaurants to continue offering healthful options on their menus beyond the challenge month. Community interventions such as the Frederick Restaurant Challenge offer unique and important strategies for affecting change and raising awareness not only for people with diabetes but also for the entire community.