bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance of urine dipstick testing in children with suspected UTI: a systematic review of relationship with age and comparison with microscopy
Authors: Mori R , Yonemoto N , Fitzgerald A , Tullus K , Verrier‐Jones K , Lakhanpaul M 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground:  Prompt diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is needed to initiate treatment but is difficult to establish without urine testing, and reliance on culture leads to delay. Urine dipsticks are often used as an alternative to microscopy, although the diagnostic performance of dipsticks at different ages has not been established systematically.Method:  Studies comparing urine dipstick testing in infants versus older children and urine dipstick versus microscopy were systematically searched and reviewed. Meta‐analysis of available studies was conducted.Results:  Six studies addressed these questions. The results of meta‐analysis showed that the performance of urine dipstick testing was significantly less in the younger children when compared with older children (p < 0.01). Positive likelihood ratio (LR) of both nitrite and leucocyte positive 38.54 [95% confidence interval (CI) 22.49–65.31], negative LR for both negative 0.13 (95% CI 0.07–0.25) are reasonably good, and those for young infants are less reliable [positive LR 7.62 (95% CI 0.95–51.85) and negative LR 0.34 (95% CI 0.66–0.15)]. Comparing microscopy and urine dipstick testing, using bacterial colony count on urine culture showed no significant difference between the two methods.Conclusion:  Urine dipstick testing is more effective for diagnosis of UTI in children over 2 years than for younger children.
Skin and soft tissue infections caused by community‐associated methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus aureus among children in China
Authors: Geng W , Yang Y , Wang C , Deng L , Zheng Y , Shen X 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  To investigate the characteristic of community‐associated methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus aureus (CA‐MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) among children in China.Methods:  Forty‐seven children with CA‐MRSA SSTIs were enrolled in this study. Clinical information was collected and analysed. The strains from the children were analysed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcus cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing and spa typing. The Panton‐Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene was also detected.Results:  The majority of the 47 cases were impetigo (20; 42.6%) and abscesses (14; 29.8%). The rest was cellulites, infected wounds, omphalitis, paronychia and conjunctivitis combined folliculitis. Thirty‐two of the isolates (68.1%) were PVL‐positive, and the abscesses infected with PVL‐positive strains usually required incision and drainage (87.5% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.026). Most of the isolates belonged to ST type 59, which accounted for 46.8%, followed by ST1 (7/47, 14.9%) and ST910 (5/47, 10.6%). The clone of ST59‐MRSA‐IV with t437 was the most prevalent one. The multiresistant rate of these strains was 93.6%.Conclusion:  The most common disease of CA‐MRSA SSTIs was impetigo, and PVL‐positive abscess was associated with incision and drainage. ST59‐MRSA‐IV with t437 was the most prevalent clone, and the multiresistant rate was high in Chinese children.
Do centimetres matter? Self‐reported versus estimated height measurements in parents
Authors: Gozzi T , Flück CE , L’Allemand D , Dattani MT , Hindmarsh PC , Mullis PE 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  An impressive discrepancy between reported and measured parental height is often observed. The aims of this study were: (a) to assess whether there is a significant difference between the reported and measured parental height; (b) to focus on the reported and, thereafter, measured height of the partner; (c) to analyse its impact on the calculated target height range.Methods/Results:  A total of 1542 individual parents were enrolled. The parents were subdivided into three groups: normal height (3–97th Centile), short (<3%) and tall (>97%) stature. Overall, compared with men, women were far better in estimating their own height (p < 0.001). Where both partners were of normal, short or tall stature, the estimated heights of their partner were quite accurate. Women of normal stature underestimated the short partner and overestimated the tall partner, whereas male partners of normal stature overestimated both their short as well as tall partners. Women of tall stature estimated the heights of their short partners correctly, whereas heights of normal statured men were underestimated. On the other hand, tall men overestimated the heights of their female partners who are of normal and short stature. Furthermore, women of short stature estimated the partners of normal stature adequately, and the heights of their tall partners were overestimated. Interestingly, the short men significantly underestimated the normal, but overestimated tall female partners.Conclusion:  Only measured heights should be used to perform accurate evaluations of height, particularly when diagnostic tests or treatment interventions are contemplated. For clinical trails, we suggest that only quality measured parental heights are acceptable, as the errors incurred in estimates may enhance/conceal true treatment effects.
Management of congenital cytomegalovirus infection: an evidence‐based approach
Authors: Gandhi RS , Fernandez‐Alvarez JR , Rabe H 
Published: February 2010

AbstractDespite cytomegalovirus being the most common congenital infection leading to psychomotor impairment and sensori‐neural hearing loss, little is known about early identification and management of congenitally infected neonates. This article reviews the literature and devises an algorithm for identification and management of these neonates.Conclusion:  Application of the current knowledge in the management of congenital cytomegalovirus infected neonates could be beneficial, until further evidence is available.
Efficacy and tolerability of EPs 7630 in patients (aged 6–18 years old) with acute bronchitis
Authors: Kamin W , Maydannik VG , Malek FA , Kieser M 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  For EPs‐7630, a herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides roots, therapeutic effects in respiratory tract infections outside the strict indication for antibiotics have already been demonstrated in adults. Now, a dose‐finding study for EPs‐7630 was performed in children and adolescents.Methods:  A total of 400 patients (aged 6–18 years) were randomized to receive either 30 mg, 60 mg or 90 mg EPs‐7630 or placebo daily. Primary outcome criterion was the change in the Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) from day 0 to day 7.Results:  After 7 days of treatment, the change in the BSS total score was significantly better in the 60 mg and 90 mg groups compared with placebo that of the without relevant differences between these two dosages. Especially ‘coughing’, ‘sputum’ and ‘rales at auscultation’ improved under EPs‐7630. Onset of effect was faster, time of bed rest shorter and treatment outcome and satisfaction with treatment were rated better. Tolerability was comparable with placebo in all treatment groups.Conclusion:  EPs‐7630 is effective in acute bronchitis outside the strict indication for antibiotics in 6–18 years old patients, with a dose of 60 mg or 90 mg daily offering the best benefit/risk ratio. EPs‐7630 significantly reduces the severity of symptoms, leads to a more favourable course of the disease and a faster recovery from acute bronchitis compared with the placebo, and is well tolerated.
Approach to seizures in the neonatal period: a European perspective
Authors: Vento M , De Vries LS , Alberola A , Blennow M , Steggerda S , Greisen G , Boronat N 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIn the neonatal period, seizures rank among the most common neurological symptoms, often indicating an underlying serious neurological condition. It is remarkable that although new tools have been incorporated into the diagnosis of neonatal seizures, there is no consensus about the therapeutic approach among different doctors and institutions. Hence, although phenobarbital is still considered the initial drug of choice, the protocols reported in the literature show a great variability in the approach to treatment of refractory seizures. We used a questionnaire to gain information regarding the treatment of seizures in the neonatal period in different European institutions.Conclusion:  We conclude that phenobarbital is still the initial drug of choice followed by benzodiazepines, except in preterm infants with a birth weight below 1800 g. In refractory seizures, the use of continuous lidocaine infusion is most common. Of note, clinical studies with newer drugs have been mostly performed in the United States but not in Europe.
Factors determining HIV viral testing of infants in the context of mother‐to‐child transmission
Authors: Peltzer K , Mlambo G 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to investigate factors determining HIV viral testing of infants in the context of Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT).Methods:  Post‐delivery HIV infected mothers 18 years and above with babies aged 3–6 months were interviewed on HIV viral testing of infants and factors associated with it.Results:  Among 311 HIV infected women 61.7% had their infant tested for HIV between 4 and 8 weeks. Bivariate analyses found that older age of the mothers, lower depression scores, higher PMTCT knowledge, low PMTCT risk behaviour (maternal and infant nevirapine adherence, health facility delivery and exclusive formula feeding), HIV status disclosure and attending a support group were associated with PCR test participation. In multivariate analyses higher PMTCT knowledge, infant nevirapine adherence, and not exclusive breast feeding were associated with polymerase chain reaction test participation.Conclusion:  Various determinants of acceptance of participation in HIV viral testing of infants in the context of PMTCT were identified that can guide infant testing and diagnosis counselling and support services of PMTCT programmes.
Effects of dietary corn oil and vitamin E supplementation on fatty acid profiles and expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase gene in Hu sheep
Authors: CHEN Xue‐jun , MAO Hui‐lin , MA Xiao‐mei , LIU Jian‐xin 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary corn oil and vitamin E supplementation on fatty acid (FA) profiles and abundances of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and Δ9 stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) mRNA of Hu sheep. Animals were allocated to three dietary treatments: basal and supplemented with 3% corn oil (CNO), or CNO plus 500 mg/kg vitamin E (COE). The experiment lasted for 10 weeks. No differences were observed in growth performance and carcass qualities among the three treatments (P > 0.05). Feeding CNO and COE diets increased polyunsaturated FAs including cis 9 trans 11 conjugated linoleic acid, and decreased saturated FA in longissimus muscle (P < 0.05). The mRNA abundances of ACC and SCD as detected by real‐time PCR were reduced (P < 0.05) in liver and subcutaneous fat by supplementary oil, while the SCD mRNA level in longissimus muscle was also reduced (P < 0.05). Inclusion of vitamin E did not have further effects on mRNA abundances of these two enzymes. It is suggested that dietary corn oil supplementation may reduce FA biosynthesis and influence FA profiles in Hu sheep through decreased expression of both ACC and SCD genes.
Testosterone Levels in Males with Type 2 Diabetes and Their Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Hernández-Mijares Antonio , García-Malpartida Katherine , Solá-Izquierdo Eva , Bañuls Celia , Rocha Milagros , Gómez-Martínez Manuel Jesús , Mármol Rosario , Víctor Víctor Manuel 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
One of the factors involved in type 2 diabetes in males is a reduction in levels of testosterone, which has been shown to predict resistance to insulin and the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Aim
To assess the levels of testosterone in patients with type 2 diabetes and to evaluate their relationship with cardiovascular risk factors, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and silent myocardial ischemia (SMI).

Methods
Total testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin were measured and free and bioavailable testosterones were calculated using Vermeulen’s formula. Levels of total testosterone ≥12 nmol/L or free testosterone &gt;225 pmol/L were considered normal. PAD was evaluated using the ankle-brachial index. SMI was assessed using a baseline ECG, Doppler echocardiogram, 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) Holter, exercise stress testing (EST), nuclear stress (if EST inconclusive), and if the result was positive, a coronary angiography.

Main Outcome Measures
PAD, SMI, testosterone, erectile dysfunction, 24-hour blood pressure Holter, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipid profile, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study cardiovascular risk score, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy.

Results
The study population was composed of 192 diabetic males with a mean age of 56.1 ± 7.8 years and without a history of vascular disease. Twenty-three percent presented total testosterone below normal and 21.8% presented low free testosterone. BMI, waist circumference, neuropathy, triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR were found to be significantly incremented with respect to subjects with normal testosterone. There was a negative correlation of HOMA-IR with total testosterone. PAD was detected in 12% and SMI in 10.9% of subjects, and differences were not related to testosterone levels.

Conclusions
We have verified the prevalence of low testosterone levels in male patients with type 2 diabetes and have related them to variations in BMI, waist circumference, neuropathy, triglycerides, CRP, glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR, but not with an increase of SMI or PAD.
Effect of a Local Delivery of Triiodothyronine (T3) Within Neuroregenerative Guide on Recovery of Erectile Function in a Rat-Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury
Authors: Bessede Thomas , Alsaid Bayan , Ferretti Ludovic , Pierre Michel , Bernabé Jacques , Giuliano François , Karam Ibrahim , Benoît Gérard , Droupy Stéphane 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A promoting effect of thyroid hormones has been established on the maturation of central and peripheral nervous systems. However, effects on autonomic nerves have never been experimentally investigated.

Aim
To assess the effect of a local treatment combining silicone guides and local administration of Triiodothyronine (T3) on the erectile function and the histological neuroregeneration of crushed cavernous nerves (CNs) in rats.

Methods
Forty-five rats were divided into five equal groups: SHAM surgery, guide without crush, crush, crush+guide, crush+guide+T3. All surgical procedures were bilateral. CNs were crushed with microvascular bulldog clamp of 100 g/cm2. A silicone guide was placed around the nerves. The guides were filled with T3 neuroregenerative solution.

Main Outcome Measures
Erectile function was assessed 10 weeks post-operatively. Intra-cavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored during electrical stimulation of CNs at various frequencies. The main outcome was hardness of erection defined as ΔICP/MAP. Fluorescent immunohistochemical analysis of CNs was performed to assess regeneration of nerves morphologically.

Results
Electrophysiological data showed increased recovery of erectile function in the group with guide+T3 neuroregenerative solution compared with the empty guide. Immunohistochemical analysis of cavernous nerves demonstrated in morphology that regenerated axons were straighter in nerves with guide and more regular if guides had been filled with T3.

Conclusion
The use of guides prevented axonal sprouting, facilitated functional neuroregeneration and enabled a local delivery of thyroid hormones. Triiodothyronine improved neuroregeneration and recovery of erectile function after a nerve-sparing–like injury in a rat model.
CASE REPORT: Postorgasm Illness Syndrome—A Spectrum of Illnesses
Authors: Ashby Jane , Goldmeier David 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
We describe two men with marked symptoms following orgasm. In each case, the symptoms were consistent with those found in postorgasm illness syndrome (POIS).

Aim
Further elucidation of the cause of the patients’ symptoms.

Methods
Both cases were investigated for causes of POIS with biochemical, hormonal, neurological, autonomic, cardiological, and psychological workup.

Results
Extensive investigation did not reveal a major organic cause for these patients’ symptoms. Detailed history revealed likely differing etiologies in each case. In one case, the symptom picture suggested cytokine release, and, in fact, the patient subjectively improved by 80% on taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs just prior to and for a day or two after orgasm. The other case appeared to have an ethnic/cultural etiology that was associated with the “Dhat” syndrome.

Conclusion
The apparent differing etiologies/clinical associations of these cases highlight the need for careful history, examination, and investigations in patients presenting with POIS. We recommend that each case needs individual consideration and investigation, and treatment needs to be tailored to the likely cause. It seems likely that POIS represents a spectrum of syndromes of differing etiologies. Further research into the neurobiochemical sequelae of orgasm will be useful in understanding the pathological processes in these cases.
Nebivolol Dilates Human Penile Arteries and Reverses Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats through Enhancement of Nitric Oxide Signaling
Authors: Angulo Javier , Wright Harold M. , Cuevas Pedro , González-Corrochano Rocío , Fernández Argentina , Cuevas Begoña , La Fuente José M. , Gupta Sandeep , Sáenz de Tejada Iñigo 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACTIntroductionTraditional beta-blockers have sometimes been associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). Nebivolol is a cardioselective β1-adrenoceptor antagonist that promotes vasodilation through a nitric oxide (NO)-dependent mechanism.AimWe evaluated the effects of nebivolol on the NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway, on erectile function and dysfunction, and in human penile vascular tissues.MethodsErectile response to cavernosal nerve electrical stimulation in control and diabetes-induced ED rats were evaluated, along with serum nitrite/nitrate (NOx) concentration and plasma/tissue cGMP levels. Endothelium-dependent and sildenafil-induced relaxation of isolated human corpus cavernosum (HCC) and human penile resistance arteries (HPRA) were also determined.Main Outcome MeasuresThe effects of nebivolol on erectile function and dysfunction and on NO/cGMP-mediated responses.ResultsTreatment with nebivolol significantly potentiated erectile response in control rats, regardless of its effects on blood pressure. Nebivolol increased NOx and plasma cGMP by 3-fold and 2.75-fold, respectively, and significantly augmented the elevation of plasma cGMP produced by sildenafil. Nebivolol enhanced endothelium-dependent and sildenafil-induced relaxations of HCC tissue, and produced endothelium-dependent vasodilation of HPRA. Nebivolol, but not atenolol, significantly improved erectile response in diabetic rats (51.6%, 53.2%, and 87.1% of response at 3 Hz in nondiabetic rats, for vehicle-treated, atenolol-treated, and nebivolol-treated diabetic rats, respectively); after sildenafil administration, ED was completely reversed in nebivolol-treated diabetic rats (69.6% and 112% for diabetic rats treated with sildenafil and nebivolol plus sildenafil, respectively). Accordingly, nebivolol restored systemic NOx levels and cGMP content in penile tissue from these animals.ConclusionsNebivolol in vivo activated the NO/cGMP pathway, enhanced erectile response and reversed ED in diabetic rats. Moreover, nebivolol in vitro potentiated NO/cGMP-mediated relaxation of human erectile tissues. These effects may account for the low incidence of ED in nebivolol-treated hypertensive patients. Nebivolol therefore may have utility in the treatment of ED, particularly ED associated with diabetes.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—ED PHARMACOTHERAPY: Efficacy and Tolerability of Lodenafil Carbonate for Oral Therapy of Erectile Dysfunction: A Phase III Clinical Trial
Authors: Glina Sidney , Fonseca Gilvan N. , Bertero Eduardo B. , Damião Ronaldo , Rocha Luíz C.A. , Jardim Carlos R.F. , Cairoli Carlos E. , Teloken Cláudio , Torres Luiz O. , Faria Geraldo E. , Da Silva Marcelo B. , Pagani Eduardo 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
This is a phase III, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on lodenafil carbonate (LC), a novel phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor developed in Brazil.

Aim
Expanding information on LC efficacy and safety.

Main Outcome Measures
International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) erectile domain, positive answers to the sexual encounter profile (SEP)-2 and SEP-3 questions and incidence of adverse events (AEs).

Methods
A total of 350 men with erectile dysfunction (ED) of all degrees were randomized to placebo, LC 40 mg or LC 80 mg and followed for 4 weeks. They completed the IIEF and answered the SEP questions 2 and 3 after each intercourse without and with the use of LC.

Results
IIEF Erectile Domain scores without and with the use of medication were the following (mean [M] ± standard deviation [SD]): placebo=13.9 ± 5.2 and 14.8 ± 7.8; LC 40 mg=13.6 ± 5.3 and 18.6 ± 8.0; LC 80 mg=13.4 ± 4.9 and 20.6 ± 7.7 (analysis of variance [anova]P &lt;0.01). Positive answers to SEP-2 without and with the use of medication were the following (M ± SD): placebo=55.3 ± 43.2% and 52.1 ± 41.4%; LC 40 mg=46.4 ± 44.3% and 63.5 ± 42.0%; LC 80 mg=50.2 ± 40.9% and 80.8 ± 32.3% (anovaP &lt;0.01). Positive answers to SEP-3 were the following: placebo=20.2 ± 32.3% and 29.7 ± 38.1%; LC 40 mg=19.6 ± 34.3% and 50.8 ± 44.4%; LC 80 mg=20.8 ± 33.2% and 66.0 ± 39.3% (anovaP &lt;0.01). The patients with at least one AE were placebo=28.7%, LC 40 mg=40.9%, and LC 80 mg=49.5%. AEs whose incidence was significantly higher with LC than with placebo included rhinitis, headache, flushing, visual disorder, and dizziness.

Conclusions
LC showed a satisfactory efficacy–safety profile for oral therapy of ED.
Identification and Gene Mapping of a Novel Mutant supernumerary lodicules (snl) in Rice
Authors: Wang Nan , Sang Xian‐Chun , Li Yun‐Feng , Yang Zheng‐Lin , Zhao Fang‐Ming , Ling Ying‐Hua , Zhang Zheng‐Sheng , He Guang‐Hua 
Published: February 2010

Abstract In order to gain a better understanding of rice flower development, a rice flower mutant supernumerary lodicules (snl), which was identified from ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS)‐treated Jinhui10 (Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica) was used in the present study. In the snl mutant, the palea obtained lemma identity, additional glume‐like organs formed, lodicules increased and elongated, stamens decreased, and a few aberrant carpels formed. These phenotypes suggest that SNL is involved in the entire rice flower development. SNL was mapped between two simple sequence repeat markers RM3512 and RM1342 on chromosome 2, an approximate 800 kb region, and it co‐segregated with SSR215. We conclude that SNL is a novel gene involved in flower development in rice. The present study will be useful for further cloning of the SNL gene, which will contribute to the elucidation of rice flower development.