bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Korean Red Ginseng on Sexual Arousal in Menopausal Women: Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Crossover Clinical Study
Authors: Oh Kyung-Jin , Chae Myeong-Jeong , Lee Hyun-Suk , Hong Hee-Do , Park Kwangsung 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTIntroductionMany menopausal women experience climacteric symptoms including impairment of sexual function. Recent reports have suggested that Korean red ginseng (KRG) has a relaxing effect on the clitoral cavernosal muscle and vaginal smooth muscle in rats.AimWe assessed whether KRG extracts would improve sexual function in menopausal women.MethodsThirty-two menopausal women participated in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover clinical study with administration of either three capsules of ginseng (1 g per capsule) or placebo daily. After completing the KRG or placebo arm, the participants were crossed over to the other arm after a 2-week washout period. The efficacy and safety of the KRG extracts were measured by using questionnaires.Main Outcome MeasuresFemale Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Global Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ).ResultsTwenty-eight women completed the study. They were, on average, 51.2 ± 4.1 years old, and their mean menopausal state was for a duration of 37.4 ± 2.9 months. Few carryover effects were noted in either study arm. The ginseng extract significantly improved scores on the FSFI from 3.10 ± 0.87 to 3.50 ± 0.72 in the sexual arousal domain (P = 0.006). The GAQ was more significantly affected by ginseng extracts than by placebo (P = 0.046). There were no severe adverse events in the KRG group, although two cases of vaginal bleeding occurred during KRG treatment.ConclusionsOral administration of KRG extracts improved sexual arousal in menopausal women. Red ginseng extracts might be used as an alternative medicine in menopausal women to improve their sexual life.
Female Sexual Abuse Evaluation in the Urological Practice: Results of a Dutch Survey
Authors: Beck Jack , Bekker Milou , Van Driel Mels , Putter Hein , Pelger Rob , Lycklama A. Nijeholt A.A.B. , Elzevier Henk Willem 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIntroductionThere is a strong association between urological complaints and a history of sexual abuse, especially in females. It is not known whether urologists integrate these facts in their daily practice.AimTo evaluate whether Dutch urologists address the issues of sexual abuse in their female patients and to evaluate their perception of sexual abuse prevalences.MethodsA five-item anonymous questionnaire was mailed to all 405 registered members of the Dutch Urology Association (urologists and residents).Main Outcome MeasuresThe results of the survey.ResultsOne hundred eighty-six surveys of eligible respondents were returned (45.9% response rate). A total of 68.8% stated that they always ask their female patients about sexual abuse before doing the physical examination. Overall, 79.3% said to do so when a patient has certain urological complaints: 77.6% in case of lower abdominal pain, 62.1% in urgency or frequency, 41.4% in incontinence, 29.3% in urinary tract infections, and 3.4% in hematuria. The majority of the respondents (74.3%) estimated the frequency of sexual abuse in their urological clinic to be equal or less than 10%.ConclusionNearly 70% of the responding Dutch urologists and residents ask their female patients about possible sexual abuse. They estimate the frequency of sexual abuse in their female patients to be equal or less than 10%.
Dimorphism ofTAP‐1gene in Caucasian with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and in Tunisian with idiopathic generalized epilepsies
Authors: Layouni S. , Chouchane L. , Malafosse A. , Dogui M. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryJuvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is the most common form of idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGE) that account for about 5–10% of all types of epilepsies. The first putative locus termedEJM1is on the human leucocyte antigen (HLA‐II) region of chromosome 6p21.3. Interestingly, the EJM1 region includes the Transporter associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP‐1) gene encoding the TAP‐1, and previous studies have reported associations between HLA‐II polymorphisms and different types of epilepsy. In this study, we report an association between two TAP‐1 functional polymorphisms the I333V and the D637G and most common IGE in Tunisian population, but we fail to find significant results in Caucasian with JME.
FcεRIα gene (FCER1A) promoter polymorphisms and total serum IgE levels in Japanese atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Niwa Y. , Potaczek D. P. , Kanada S. , Takagi A. , Shimokawa N. , Ito T. , Mitsuishi K. , Okubo Y. , Tajima M. , Hobo A. , Ng W. , Tsuboi R. , Ikeda S. , Ogawa H. , Okumura K. , Nishiyama C. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryTwo promoter polymorphisms of the high‐affinity IgE receptor α‐subunit (FcεRIα) gene (FCER1A), −66T>C (rs2251746) and −315C>T (rs2427827), were analysed in Japanese atopic dermatitis subjects. Patients with the −315CT/TT genotype tended to have higher total serum IgE levels, while the proportion of −315CT/TT genotype or the −315T allele was significantly higher in those with highly elevated total serum IgE concentrations.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY DETERMINATION OF APPLE AND PEAR TEXTURE
Authors: CHAUVIN MAITE A. , ROSS CAROLYN F. , PITTS MARVIN , KUPFERMAN EUGENE , SWANSON BARRY 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT The relationship between compressive forces, tensile forces and sensory perception of apple and pear texture was evaluated over two harvest years. A trained panel assessed the sensory attribute of apple and pear samples. Compressive forces were determined using a Guss Fruit Texture analyzer and Sinclair iQ™. Tensile determinations were obtained using a unique method employing both tensile and compression elastic modulus of the fruit tissue. Results showed that crispness, hardness and fracturability were significantly correlated (r = 0.80–0.90). Sinclair iQ™ System and Guss Fruit Texture measurements on apple (r = 0.78–0.83) and pears (r = 0.83) showed a significant correlation with sensory results for hardness. Tensile determinations predicted crispness in apples (r = 0.88) and pears (r = 0.85). A combination method of compressive and tensile determinations may offer the most accurate prediction of textural properties of apples and pears.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSApple and pear firmness is a primary measure of fresh quality. With apples and pears being such an important commodity in Washington State and firmness playing such an important role in fruit quality, more knowledge about tissue mechanics and its correlation with human perception is important for further development of the apple and pear industry. In response to the need to develop an instrumental determination of texture with a strong correlation to sensory evaluation, a new methodology was developed whereby the tensile properties of apples and pears were measured.
EFFECTS OF ANTIOXIDANTS ON IRRADIATED BEEF COLOR
Authors: RAMAMOORTHI LAKSHMANAN , TOSHKOV STOYEN , STETZER ANDREA , TUCKER E.V.E. , BREWER M. SUSAN 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT Fresh beef was dipped into ascorbic acid (AA; 500 ppm), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA, 150 ppm), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, 100 ppm) or propyl gallate (PG; 100 ppm); control samples were dipped in deionized water. Samples were vacuum packaged, then irradiated (0, 1.25 or 2.50 kGy). After irradiation, samples were stored (0, 7 or 14 days) at 4C. Color was assessed instrumentally (L*, a*, b*values, hue angles, chroma) and visually. All antioxidants increased L*value by two units (lighter); however, irradiation dose had no effect. Irradiation increased wet dog and rancid odors of beef; however, it decreased sour odor, a*value, chroma and hue angle, and increased visual green and brown colors, indicating that it reduced redness and color intensity. Antioxidants reduced L*(decreased lightening) and a*values (redness) compared to controls. BHA had the greatest effect on a*value. AA decreased visual green color the most; however, BHA and BHT were also effective. Antioxidants had inconsistent effects on b*value, chroma and hue angle. Storage decreased L*and a*values, and chroma. BHA and PG were most effective at maintaining low thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances when samples were irradiated.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSIrradiation has the potential to reduce microbial load, increasing both the safety and shelf life of red meat products; however, it has the potential to damage fresh meat color, resulting in unacceptable discoloration. Irradiation can increase off‐odors (wet dog, rancid) of beef; however, it can decrease sour odor, instrumental measures of red color, and increase visual green and brown colors. Use of antioxidants including ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole and propyl gallate can help maintain the color of irradiated beef held in refrigerated storage for up to 2 weeks.
Prostaglandin I2sensory input into the enteric nervous system during distension‐induced colonic chloride secretion in rat colon
Authors: Schulzke J. D. , Pfaffenbach S. , Fromm A. , Epple H. J. , Troeger H. , Fromm M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim: Intestinal pressure differences or experimental distension induce ion secretion via the enteric nervous system, the sensorial origin of which is only poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate sensorial inputs and the role of afferent and interneurones in mechanically activated submucosal secretory reflex circuits.Methods: Distension‐induced rheogenic chloride secretion was measured as increase in short‐circuit current 10 min after distension (ΔISC10; distension parameters ± 100 μL, 2 Hz, 20 s) in partially stripped rat distal colon in the Ussing‐chamberin vitro. PGE2and PGI2were measured by radioimmunoassay.Results: ΔISC10was 2.0 ± 0.2 μmol h−1 cm−2and could be attenuated by lobeline, mecamylamine and dimethylphenylpiperazine, indicating an influence of nicotinergic interneurones. Additionally, a contribution of afferent neurones was indicated from the short‐term potentiation of ΔISC10by capsaicin (1 μm). As evidence for its initial event, indomethacin (1 μm) inhibited distension‐induced secretion and the release of PGI2was directly detected after distension. Furthermore, serotoninergic mediation was confirmed by granisetron (100 μm) which was functionally localized distally to PGI2in this reflex circuit, as granisetron inhibited an iloprost‐inducedISC, while indomethacin did not affect serotonin‐activated ion secretion.Conclusions: Distension‐induced active electrogenic chloride secretion in rat colon is mediated by a neuronal reflex circuit which includes afferent neurones and nicotinergic interneurones. It is initiated by distension‐induced PGI2release from subepithelial cells triggering this reflex via serotoninergic 5‐HT3receptor transmission. Functionally, this mechanism may help to protect against intestinal stasis but could also contribute to luminal fluid loss, e.g. during intestinal obstruction.
The Utility and Limitations of Neurosphere Assay, CD133 Immunophenotyping and Side Population Assay in Glioma Stem Cell Research
Authors: Wan Feng , Zhang Suojun , Xie Ruifan , Gao Baocheng , Campos Benito , Herold‐Mende Christel , Lei Ting 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe newly proposed glioma stem cell (GSC) hypothesis may re‐model the way we diagnose and treat the tumor, which highlights the need for a complete knowledge on the genetic and epigenetic “blueprints” of GSCs. To identify the true “stemness” signatures, pure GSC populations are primarily needed. Reliable in vitro methods enriching for GSCs and thereby identifying the key stem‐like characteristics constitute the preliminary step forward. We discuss in this review the current widely used methods for enriching and isolating GSCs, namely neurosphere assay, CD133 Immunophenotyping and side population assay, and detail their limitations and potential pitfalls that could complicate interpretation of corresponding results.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Evaluation of mean sphered corpuscular volume for predicting hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: BROSÉUS J. , VISOMBLAIN B. , GUY J. , MAYNADIÉ M. , GIRODON F. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryHereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a common red blood cell disorder. It has been shown that the mean sphered corpuscular volume (MSCV), an artificial volume, is always lower than the MCV in HS and also in some autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA). Our purpose was to assess the reliability of MSCV in routine practise, and its relevance in screening for HS. Comparison of MSCV and MCV was undertaken in a prospective study of 366 patients with anaemia. In addition, included were patients previously diagnosed to have HS (n = 33) or AIHA (n = 16). When MSCV was lower than MCV, a flow cytometric (FC) test for HS was performed. Delta (MCV–MSCV) values >9.6 fl were obtained for all HS patients. A wider spread of delta (MCV–MSCV) values was obtained for AIHA patients whose red cells gave FC test results negative for HS. In the ROC curve analysis, the determination of delta (MCV–MSCV) value has a 90.57% specificity and 100% sensitivity for HS. MSCV is a reliable automated parameter indicating possible HS. When a delta (MCV–MSCV) value is >9.6 fl, the FC test and the Coombs test are required in the differential diagnosis of HS and some AIHA.
Clinicopathologic significance of cyclooxygenase‐2 overexpression in colorectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jang Se Min , Jun Young Jin , Na Woong , Jang Si‐Hyong , Min Kyueng Whan , Song Young Soo , Jang Ki‐Seok , Han Hong Xiu , Lee Kang Hong , Paik Seung Sam 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT Background and aim: Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) plays an important role in colorectal cancer development and is frequently up‐regulated in colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate COX‐2 overexpression in colorectal adenocarcinoma and to evaluate the correlation with the clinicopathological parameters and p53 expression, as well as its effect on patient survival. Methods: We evaluated the expression of COX‐2 and p53 on the tissue microarray of 414 colorectal adenocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry. Data was analyzed by Fisher's exact test, χ2‐test, one‐way ANOVA, Cox regression hazards model and log‐rank test with Kaplan–Meier curves. Results: The cytoplasmic COX‐2 overexpression was detected in 56.3% of colorectal adenocarcinoma samples. COX‐2 overexpression was correlated with favorable clinicopathologic factors in lymph node metastasis (P= 0.002), American Joint Committee on Cancer and Dukes’ stage (P= 0.008 and P= 0.017, respectively), and lymphatic invasion (P= 0.001). Other characteristics associated with COX‐2 overexpression were colonic site of tumor (P= 0.008) and poor differentiation (P= 0.017). There was no correlation between COX‐2 overexpression and p53 expression (P= 0.485). In univariate survival analysis, patients with COX‐2 overexpression revealed better overall survival and disease‐free survival (P= 0.021 and P= 0.017, respectively, log‐rank test). In multivariate survival analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model, COX‐2 overexpression was an independent prognostic factor of overall survival and disease‐free survival (P= 0.029 and P= 0.039, respectively). Conclusions: COX‐2 overexpression was significantly associated with favorable clinicopathologic phenotype and an indicator of better survival in our cohort of colorectal cancer patients.
Comparative evaluation of incretin‐based antidiabetic medications and alternative therapies to be added to metformin in the case of monotherapy failure†
Authors: Nauck Michael A , Vardarli Irfan 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAims/Introduction:  To compare clinical consequences of using inretin‐based medications versus conventional antidiabetic agents as add‐on to metformin in case of monotherapy failure in patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and Methods:  The medical literature including recent abstracts from international diabetes conferences was searched for reports from clinical trials with incretin mimetics (GLP‐1 receptor agonists), inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4, incretin enhancers) and conventional antidiabtic drugs coadministered with metformin after monotherapy failure. A scoring system is suggested to compare the clinical utility of using incretin‐based versus conventional antidiabetic agents in this situation.Results:  Incretin mimetics and DPP‐4 inhibitors on top of metformin treatment help achieve glycaemic control comparable to other efficient antidiabetic drugs, both if separate or head‐to‐head trials were considered. Incretin‐based antidiabetic drugs did not cause hypoglycaemia (different from sulfonylureas, meglitinides and insulin) and weight gain (different from sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, and insulin). DPP‐4 inhibitors were weight neutral, incretin mimetics lead to weight loss. The clinical profile of incretin‐based medications received the highest scores, followed by α‐glucosidase inhibitors, with far lower scores assigned to insulin, glitazones, and sulfonyureas (in this order).Conclusions:  Based on the results from clinical trials, incretin‐based medications have been shown to be efficacious antidiabetic drugs with a favourable adverse event and tolerability profile. This leads to high scores using a novel system paying attention to multiple facets contributing to the selection of antidiabetic drugs for general recommendation and individual treatment choices.
On existence of log minimal models
Authors: Birkar Caucher 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn this paper, we prove that the log minimal model program in dimensiond−1 implies the existence of log minimal models for effective lc pairs (e.g. of non-negative Kodaira dimension) in dimensiond. In fact, we prove that the same conclusion follows from a weaker assumption, namely, the log minimal model program with scaling in dimensiond−1. This enables us to prove that effective lc pairs in dimension five have log minimal models. We also give new proofs of the existence of log minimal models for effective lc pairs in dimension four and of the Shokurov reduction theorem.
Burning history, time of burning, and year effects on plant community structure and heterogeneity in Fescue Prairie
Authors: Gross D. V. , Romo J. T. 
Published: February 2010

Structure, as well as spatial and temporal heterogeneity in plant species composition were studied in a Festuca hallii (Vasey) Piper – dominated Prairie in Canada for 6 years following burning before, during, or after the growing season on sites burned 1× or 3×. Structure, spatial heterogeneity, and temporal heterogeneity were never (P > 0.05) influenced by the time of burning. Diversity and richness of graminoids, perennial forbs, and shrubs fluctuated among years after burning, but were unaffected by burning history. Excepting shrubs, canopy cover of plant functional groups positively correlated with precipitation. After a single burn, spatial heterogeneity in species composition increased with years after burning, indicating plant communities were becoming patchier, whereas those burned 3× did not change predictably through time. Spatial heterogeneity in species composition between consecutive years was positively correlated, but temporal heterogeneity in species composition did not correlate with spatial heterogeneity. Burning history and precipitation appear important in controlling the plant community structure and spatial heterogeneity in species composition in Fescue Prairie.
Inference of phylogenetic relationships among the subfamilies of grasses (Poaceae: Poales) using meso-scale exemplar-based sampling of the plastid genome
Authors: Saarela Jeffery M. , Graham Sean W. 
Published: February 2010

To clarify phylogenetic relationships among grass (Poaceae) subfamilies and to better resolve the placement of Poaceae in Poales, we surveyed 17 plastid genes and associated noncoding regions (∼15.5 kb per taxon, about 1/10 of the plastid genome) for exemplar representatives from 10 grass subfamilies and a broad sample of related monocots. We found general concordance in relationships and support levels among gene regions and data partitions across analyses, with some exceptions in Bayesian analyses. Different phylogenetic criteria generally agreed on backbone relationships, and the support values we inferred were generally as good as or better than those in other studies that employed more taxa for fewer genes to estimate the same backbone. Within grasses, we found robust support for the monophyly of subfamily Anomochlooideae and for the Bambusoideae–Ehrhartoideae–Pooideae (BEP) clade, and moderate support for a sister-group relationship between Bambusoideae and Pooideae. Most relationships in the strongly supported Panicoideae–Aristidoideae–Chloridoideae–Micrairoideae–Arundinoideae–Danthonioideae (PACMAD) clade were not resolved consistently, probably because the current intensive sampling of genes is still insufficient to resolve short internal branches. Our data infer a well-supported clade that includes the grass family and two small families of grass-like plants, Ecdeiocoleaceae and Joinvilleaceae, but we did not satisfactorily resolve the relationships among these three families. A generally accelerated substitution rate in Poaceae plastid genomes is shared with some, but not all, lineages that are closely related to grasses in the larger clade of commelinid monocots, which may complicate inference of the sister group of the grasses in all current studies.
Seasonal variation and distribution at different soil depths of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores in a tropical sclerophyllous shrubland
Authors: Cuenca Gisela , Lovera Milagros 
Published: February 2010

Limited information is available for the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in most tropical soils. To assess the biodiversity of AMF in a sclerophyllous shrubland ecosystem, an exhaustive collection of spores from soil collected in the Venezuelan Guayana was undertaken. Spores were collected from the first 15 cm of soil, four times throughout the year, and at four different depths during dry and wet seasons. A total of 50 AMF morphotypes were collected in the field, and 2 more were isolated from pot cultures. There was a reduction in spore density with soil depth, although richness of spores remained the same up to a depth of 45 cm. Spore density and richness based on soil cores were higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. Only 24% of the AMF morphotypes present could be identified to species level, since most of them did not fit published descriptions available. It is important to perform an exhaustive sampling of spores in the different seasons throughout the year and at different soil depths to obtain an accurate view of AMF spore diversity associated with a particular ecosystem.