bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between varicoceles and obesity in a young adult population
Authors: Tsao Chih‐Wei , Hsu Chien‐Yeh , Chou Yu‐Ching , Wu Sheng‐Tang , Sun Guang‐Huan , Yu Dah‐Shyong , Fan Pao‐Luo , Chen Hong‐I , Chang Sun‐Yran , Cha Tai‐Lung 
Published: July 2009

SummaryTo determine whether a relationship between obesity and varicocele occurrence exists, the prevalence and severity of varicoceles related to obesity were investigated in a general population of young males. A total of 1050 young males attending the Navy Recruit Training Center were evaluated from their physical screening examinations. All subjects underwent history taking and physical examinations to evaluate for the presence and severity of varicocele. The anthropometric indexes including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) were recorded. All subjects were categorized by quartiles according to each anthropometric index. Means were compared with the Student’s t‐test. Severity was compared by analysis of variance testing and frequency was analysed using the chi‐square method. Statistical significance was considered at p <0.05. A total of 490 (46.67%) subjects had varicoceles. The means of BMI, WC and WHR of those without varicoceles was 23.99 ± 3.82 kg/m2, 83.20 ± 9.97 cm and 0.85 ± 0.05, respectively. These judged values were greater than those with varicoceles (22.02 ± 3.18 kg/m2, 79.19 ± 9.01 cm and 0.83 ± 0.05) (p < 0.001). In the univariate regression analysis, BMI, WC and WHR all had a significantly negative correlation with severity of varicocele (all p < 0.001). Analysis comparing varicocele frequency based on each grade per anthropometric index group was performed. The logistic regression revealed that the prevalence of grade II and III varicoceles showed a statistically inverse association with all three anthropometric indexes. The prevalence and severity of varicoceles inversely correlated with obesity. The present data support the explanation that obesity may result in a decreased nutcracker effect, which accounts for prevention of the renal vein compression by the adipose tissue.
Administration of noradrenaline in the autonomic ganglia modifies the testosterone release from the testis using an ex vivo system
Authors: Sosa Zulema Y. , Palmada Miguel N. , Fóscolo Mabel R. , Capani Francisco , Conill Alberto , Cavicchia Juan Carlos 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe male gonad receives nerve fibres from the autonomic ganglionic system. These fibres converge on the testis along two pathways, the superior and the inferior spermatic nerves. The superior spermatic nerve runs from the superior mesenteric ganglion alongside the testicular artery, whereas the inferior spermatic nerve originates in inferior mesenteric ganglion, accompanies the vas deferens and penetrates the inferior pole of the testis. The aim of this work was to evaluate androgen release after the addition of noradrenaline or adrenoreceptor antagonists (propranolol or phentolamine) to the ganglionic compartment. An ex vivo system used in a previous work was incubated in two separate containers, one for the testis and the other for the ganglion. Both organs remain interconnected (as in vivo) by the respective spermatic nerve. When noradrenaline was added to the inferior mesenteric ganglion, testosterone release in the gonad container underwent a progressive and significant increment. Propranolol diminishes and phentolamine increases the androgen release. When using the superior mesenteric ganglion, no changes were observed. These results indicate that the ganglionic stimulation of the autonomic system clearly participates in testosterone release from the testis. This effect depends on the ganglion involved. These results make it evident that not only the classical and well‐known hypothalamus–hypophysial axis, but also the peripheral nervous system, via the autonomic ganglia, are directly involved in the endocrine control of the testis.
Post‐fertilization effects of chronic renal failure in male rats
Authors: Dimitriadis Fotios , Giannakis Dimitrios , Giotitsas Nikolaos , Parldalidis Nikolaos , Baltogiannis Dimitros , Saito Motoaki , Watanabe Takeshi , Gratsias Stavros , Zikopoulos Kostas , Pashopoulos Minas , Tsambalas Stavros , Kalaboki Valentina , Tsounapi Panagiota , Vlachopoulou Evlalia , Gekas Aristomenis , Melekos Michael , Makridimas George , Dalkalitsis Nikolaos , Georgiou Ioannis , Agapitos Emmanuel , Loutradis Dimitrios , Kanakas Nikolaos , Miyagawa Ikuo , Sofikitis Nikolaos 
Published: July 2009

SummaryWe evaluated the potential for growth and intrauterine development of embryos generated from the fertilization of oocytes with spermatozoa recovered from animals with chronic renal failure (CRF). Group A included sham‐operated rats (n = 28), group B1 involved CRF rats that had undergone erythropoietin plus bromocryptine treatment (n = 28), and group B2 included CRF rats that had received normal saline. Embryos derived from the in vitro fertilization of oocytes with spermatozoa recovered from rats of group A or group B1 or group B2 were transferred to female recipients. We induced CRF in a group of rats (group B; n = 56; the total kidney volume was reduced to one‐sixth with two operations). One week after the second operation, the rats of group B were randomly divided into group B1 (they subsequently received bromocryptine plus erythropoietin) and group B2 (they received injections of saline). Nine weeks after the second operation, the fertility of each male rat was assessed by mating tests and in vitro fertilization of oocytes. The mean litter size was significantly smaller in the subpopulation of fertile animals in group B2 than in the fertile rats of group B1 and in the fertile rats of group B1 than in the fertile rats of group A. Per cent of transferred blastocysts that developed into alive offspring were significantly lower in group B2 than in group B1 and in group B1 than in group A. Epididymal spermatozoa demonstrated a significantly larger DNA‐oxidative damage in group B2 than in group B1 and in group B1 than in group A. These findings demonstrate that sperm‐DNA damage because of CRF development is accompanied by a defect in the development of embryos generated in vitro. We may suggest that bromocryptine and erythropoietin protecting sperm DNA from oxidative damage improve reproductive potential in rats with CRF.
Inflammation and epithelial alterations in rat prostate: impact of the androgen to oestrogen ratio
Authors: Yatkin Emrah , Bernoulli Jenni , Talvitie Eva‐Maria , Santti Risto 
Published: July 2009

SummaryChronic non‐bacterial prostatitis may offer new insights into the pathogenesis of human benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer and the strategies for their treatment and prevention. The potential significance of androgen replacement therapy in terms of the reversal of oestradiol (E2)‐induced inflammatory reaction was studied in the dorsolateral prostate (DLP) of the Noble rat. Castrated Noble rats were treated with E2 and different doses of androgens [dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone (T)] to achieve an elevated concentration of E2 and a wide range of the androgen‐to‐oestradiol ratios in serum. After the 3‐week treatment, inflammatory changes in the DLP were classified and counted. Oestrogen receptor α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), fos‐related antigen‐2 (Fra2), Ki‐67 and P63 were immunocytochemically stained. T, E2 and prolactin concentrations in serum were measured and the relative weights of the seminal vesicles and pituitary glands and microscopic structures of the DLP and seminal vesicle ducts were determined. Hypoandrogenic doses of DHT (judged on the basis of seminal vesicle weight gain), dose‐dependently increased the number of perivascular and stromal inflammatory infiltrates. T and DHT were anti‐inflammatory at the doses which normalized or over stimulated the growth of the seminal vesicles. As signs of anti‐oestrogenicity, androgens dose‐dependently decreased the number and distribution of the ERα and PR‐positive cells at proinflammatory concentrations. Anti‐inflammatory concentrations were needed to reduce the expression of Fra2, E2‐increased prolactin concentration in serum and pituitary weight. The androgen concentrations required to prevent proinflammatory and epithelial responses to E2 in the presence of elevated E2 concentrations may subject the accessory sex glands to more intense androgenic stimulation than is normal for the male. The androgen‐resistant endpoints of oestrogen action (body weight reduction and hyperplasia of seminal vesicle ducts) further indicate limitations in the possible preventive effects of androgen‐replacement therapy.
First‐time mothers and changes in personality in relation to mode of delivery
Authors: Wiklund Ingela , Edman Gunnar , Larsson Christina , Andolf Ellika 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTitle. First‐time mothers and changes in personality in relation to mode of delivery.Aim. This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine changes in personality from late pregnancy to early motherhood in primiparas having vaginal or caesarean deliveries.Background. Birth of the first child is a major life event, possibly influencing personality. The physiological and emotional processes that start in pregnant women have a major impact on the evolving mother–child relationship. Knowledge about changes in personality during pregnancy and motherhood is scarce.Method. A prospective, group‐comparative cohort study including 314 healthy primiparas having either ‘caesarean section on maternal request’ (n = 74) or ‘spontaneous vaginal delivery group’ (n = 240). The self‐report inventory Karolinska Personality Scales was mailed to participants at 37–39 gestational weeks in pregnancy and 9 months after delivery. Data were collected from January 2003 to June 2006.Results. All mean values of the personality variables were within the normal range. There was a statistically significant increase in Impulsivity (P = 0·046) and decrease in Socialization (P = 0·004). The scores developed differently depending on mode of delivery. Thus, women in the vaginal delivery group increased their scores on the Psychic anxiety and Guilt scales, while those in the caesarean delivery group decreased their scores. Although women in both groups became more impulsive and less socialized, personality remained comparatively stable in the transition from late pregnancy to motherhood.Conclusion. As interactive therapeutic midwife/client relationships and maternal/social role preparation have been shown to have a great effect on progress in becoming a mother, knowledge about how personality may affect this process is important so that healthcare professionals can attempt to reduce women’s anxiety levels during pregnancy.
Towards a physical description of habitat: quantifying environmental adversity (abiotic stress) in temperate forest and woodland ecosystems
Authors: Ladd Brenton , Bonser Stephen P. , Peri Pablo L. , Larsen Joshua R. , Laffan Shawn W. , Pepper David A. , Cendón Dioni I. 
Published: July 2009

Summary 1.
Our aim was to develop a quantitative proxy for environmental adversity (abiotic stress) in temperate Eucalyptus and Nothofagus forest and woodland ecosystems. 2. Samples and measurements were collected at 42 sites across a rainfall gradient in southern Australia, an elevation gradient in south‐eastern Australia, and a longitudinal transect (temperature gradient) in Patagonia, Argentina. 3.
We compared the ability of (a) abiotic variables (14 soil and 21 climatic variables) and (b) the stable carbon isotope (δ13C) values of soil organic matter (SOM), to predict variation in leaf area index (LAI; a forest productivity variable). 4.
The δ13C of SOM (soil aggregates) explained more variation (57%) in LAI than multivariate statistical models that integrated information on many abiotic variables. W* (a climatic water balance model) was also a powerful predictor variable, explaining 37% of the variability in LAI. 5

Synthesis. The stable carbon isotopic signature of soil aggregates is a powerful explanatory variable that may help us to quantify environmental adversity (abiotic stress) in temperate forest and woodland ecosystems.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of molecular epidemiological studies of tuberculosis: development of a new tool to aid interpretation
Authors: Houben Rein M. G. J. , Glynn Judith R. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryObjectives  The proportion of tuberculosis cases in a population that are clustered (i.e. share identical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis) reflects ongoing M. tuberculosis transmission. It varies markedly, but it is unclear how much of this variation reflects measurable differences in study design, setting and the patient population. We aimed to assess the relative impact of these factors and develop a tool to improve interpretation of the proportion clustered from an individual study.Methods  We systematically reviewed all population‐based TB clustering studies that used IS6110 RFLP as their main DNA fingerprinting technique. Meta‐regression was used to see how much of the variation in the proportion clustered between studies could be explained by variables describing study design, setting and population. We compared expected clustering, based on study design and setting, with that observed.Results  Forty‐six studies were included. Just four factors related to study design and setting–study duration, sampling fraction, handling of low band strains and tuberculosis incidence–explained 28% of the variation in the proportion clustered. Additionally including average patient age and proportion foreign born explained 60% of the variation in clustering for industrialized countries. Comparison of expected and observed proportions showed that for some studies the expected proportion clustered differed strongly from that observed.Conclusions  We were able to account for much of the variation in the proportion clustered. The comparison of expected and observed clustering allows for a more valid comparison of studies and provides a tool for identifying outliers that warrant further investigation.
High mortality risk among individuals assumed to be TB‐negative can be predicted using a simple test
Authors: Rabna Paulo , Andersen Andreas , Wejse Christian , Oliveira Ines , Gomes Victor Francisco , Haaland Maya Bonde , Aaby Peter , Eugen‐Olsen Jesper 
Published: July 2009

SummaryObjectives  To determine mortality among assumed TB negative (aTBneg) individuals in Guinea‐Bissau and to investigate whether plasma levels of soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) can be used to determine post‐consultation mortality risk.Methods  This prospective West‐African cohort study included 1007 aTBneg individuals who were enrolled from 2004 to 2006; 4983 age‐matched controls were followed for comparison. Plasma suPAR levels were measured using the suPARnostic® ELISA. Survival was analysed using Cox regression, ROC curves and Kaplan–Meier analysis.Results  After 3 months of follow‐up, mortality was 21 per 100 person‐year‐observation (PYO) among aTBneg individuals and three per 100 PYO among the control population [mortality rate ratio (MRR) = 6.92 (95% CI 4.48–10.7)]. SuPAR values ranged between 0.9 and 45 ng/ml in aTBneg individuals. A log‐linear relationship was found between suPAR levels <15 ng/ml and mortality. In the log‐linear range, a 1 ng/ml increase was associated with a 46% increase in the mortality rate: MRR = 1.46 (95% CI 1.34–1.59). The area under the ROC curves was 0.88 for HIV‐positive individuals and 0.79 for HIV‐negative individuals.Conclusions  Our study showed a high mortality rate among aTBneg individuals and demonstrated that suPAR measurements can provide prognostic information on mortality among individuals without disease diagnosis. Measuring suPAR is a technically simple method for determining mortality risk in individuals that are assumed to be TB‐negative.
Molecular assessment of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to antimalarial drugs in China
Authors: Zhang G. Q. , Guan Y. Y. , Zheng B. , Wu S. , Tang L. H. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryObjective  In China, Chloroquine (CQ) and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) were abandoned for the treatment of falciparum malaria 20 years ago due to resistance. Subsequent field studies showed a trend of declining CQ and SP resistance in the country. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the molecular markers of antimalarial resistance and thereby to assess the possibility of reintroduction of CQ or SP for falciparum malaria treatment.Methods  Plasmodium falciparum field isolates were collected in 2006–2007 from Hainan and Yunnan provinces, China. Nested PCR‐sequencing assays were applied to analyse the SNPs in four genes: P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) gene, multi‐drug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) gene, dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) gene and dihydropteroate synthetase (dhps) gene.Results  We found the widespread presence of point mutations in the dhfr and dhps genes which are associated with SP treatment failure. The molecular analyses also showed the fairly high prevalence of point mutation in the pfcrt gene which is linked to CQ resistance.Conclusion  The results of the present study indicate that CQ and SP should not be reintroduced for falciparum malaria treatment in the near future in China.
Ritual fights and male reproductive success in a human population
Authors: LLAURENS V. , RAYMOND M. , FAURIE C. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractRitual fights are widespread across human populations. However, the evolutionary advantage associated with this behaviour is unclear because these fights rarely provide direct benefits such as territory, resources or mates. Here, the reproductive success of men competing in a traditional ritual fight, Sereer wrestling, was investigated for the first time. Involvement in wrestling had a significant positive effect on men’s number of offspring and a marginally significant effect on polygyny, controlling for age, body condition and socio‐economic status. These positive effects suggest that being involved in wrestling competition provides prestige, facilitating access to mates and thereby increasing fecundity. However, when women were interviewed on their preference concerning qualities of potential mates, the quality ‘being involved in wrestling competition’ was poorly ranked. This discrepancy may arise either from deceptive reports or from discordance between parents and daughters in the choice of a husband.
Genetic divergence is more tightly related to call variation than landscape features in the Amazonian frogsPhysalaemus petersiandP. freibergi
Authors: FUNK W. C. , CANNATELLA D. C. , RYAN M. J. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBehavioural isolation from divergence in male advertisement calls and female preferences is hypothesized to cause genetic divergence and speciation in the Amazonian frogsPhysalaemus petersiandP. freibergi, yet the importance of call variation and landscape features in genetic divergence is unresolved. We tested for correlations between genetic divergence at microsatellite loci and (1) call variables; and (2) landscape variables among 10 populations of these frogs. Genetic divergence was not correlated with geographical distance, rivers or elevation. There was a strong positive relationship, however, between genetic divergence and inter‐population differences in one call variable, whine dominant frequency. Effective population sizes varied among sites (range = 15–846) and were often small, suggesting that genetic drift could influence call evolution. Evidence for fine‐scale genetic structure within sites was also found. Our results support the hypothesis that behavioural isolation from divergence in male calls and female preferences causes genetic divergence and speciation.
Primary cutaneous aspergillosis in a patient with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Yuanjie Zhu , Jingxia Du , Hai Wen , Jianghan Chen , Julin Gu 
Published: July 2009

SummaryWe present a case of primary cutaneous aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus terreus in a patient with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. A 41‐year‐old woman bruised her left shin and presented with a 1 × 2 cm ecchymosis on the upper third of the left shin for over 6 months. Before mycological examination and sequential biopsies, the patient was erroneously treated with antibiotics and local debridement. After final diagnosis of cutaneous aspergillosis caused by A. terreus cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma on the basis of mycological, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, the patient responded well to oral itraconazole and chemotherapy for over 1 month.
In vitro interaction between suramin and fluvastatin against clinically important Zygomycetes
Authors: Galgóczy László , Papp Tamás , Vágvölgyi Csaba 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe in vitro antifungal activity of suramin and its combinations with fluvastatin was investigated in this study. Several species belonging to the class Zygomycetes are considered agents of opportunistic human or animal infections. In the present work, 15 fungal isolates representing eight clinically important genera (Absidia, Micromucor, Mortierella, Mucor, Rhizomucor, Rhizopus, Saksenaea and Syncephalastrum) were investigated. The efficiency with which fluvastatin inhibited growth in the presence of suramin (100 μg ml−1) was studied. The investigated compounds acted synergistically and additively on the growth when a strain was resistant to suramin and sensitive to fluvastatin; at the same time, antagonistic interactions were detected when strains were sensitive to both agents. In these cases, the growth inhibition effect of suramin was dominant.
Neonatal candidaemia in Kuwait: a 12‐year study of risk factors, species spectrum and antifungal susceptibility
Authors: Al‐Sweih Noura , Khan Ziauddin , Khan Seema , Devarajan L. V. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryA study of candidaemia in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over a 12‐year period (1995–2006) taking into consideration demographic variables, risk factors, aetiological Candida species and therapeutic outcomes is presented. The yeast isolates were identified by VITEK2 yeast identification system and antifungal susceptibility was determined by E‐test. Of 4815 neonates admitted in NICU, 182 cases of candidaemia were detected with an overall prevalence of 4.0% and crude mortality of 27.7%. The annual rate of candidaemia per 1000 admissions was the highest in 1997 (84 cases) and the lowest in 2004 (10 cases). Of the 112 assessable candidaemia cases, 78 (70%) occurred in very low birth weight neonates (≤1500 g), 65 (58%) were born with gestational age of ≤30 weeks. The main identifiable risk factors were use of ≥2 antibiotics (87%), total parenteral nutrition for >5 days (82%), placement of central venous catheter (78%) and prior colonisation with Candida species (54%). Candida albicans and non‐albicans Candida species accounted for 43% and 57% of candidaemia cases, respectively, and C. parapsilosis emerged as a predominant species. No fluconazole resistance was observed in C. albicans and C. parapsilosis isolates. This is the first comprehensive study on the epidemiology of neonatal candidiasis in Kuwait.