bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐tumor and Anti‐ovarian Autoantibodies in Women with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Barua Animesh , Bradaric Michael J. , Kebede Tewabe , Espionosa Sara , Edassery Seby L. , Bitterman Pincas , Rotmensch Jacob , Luborsky Judith L. 
Published: March 2007

ProblemThere is a lack of validated marker(s) for the diagnosis of early‐stage ovarian cancer (OVCA). The objective was to determine if women with OVCA had antibodies, to assess their potential as markers of ovarian cancer. The secondary objective was to compare the prevalence of antibodies to proteins from normal ovary and ovarian tumors to determine if antibodies primarily recognize tumor antigens, as many antigens are common to tumor and normal ovary.Method of StudySerum samples from patients with OVCA, borderline or benign ovarian tumors, endometrial cancer and healthy women were examined for anti‐ovarian and anti‐tumor antibodies by immunoassay. Immunoreactive proteins were characterized by one‐ and two‐dimensional Western blot.ResultsOvarian (81%, P  0.001) and anti‐tumor (69%, P  0.001) autoantibodies in OVCA were significantly different from those of control sera. A majority of OVCA serum samples reacted with proteins at about 50 kDa from normal ovary or ovarian tumors in one‐dimensional Western blot. While there were similar reactions in two‐dimensional Western blots, there are differences between reactions to normal and tumor antigens and between reactions to autologous and allogeneic tumors.ConclusionSerum autoantibodies are significantly associated with OVCA. Anti‐tumor antibodies may provide a useful marker for the detection of ovarian cancer.
Placental Thrombosis in Experimental Anticardiolipin Antibodies‐Mediated Intrauterine Fetal Death
Authors: Velayuthaprabhu Shanmugan , Archunan Govindaraju , Balakrishnan Kumbalingam 
Published: March 2007

ProblemAnticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies are associated with stillbirths, recurrent miscarriages and recurrent in vitro fertilization implantation failure in women. Previous animal studies have demonstrated that these antibodies can cause early fetal demise and implantation failure in mice, but most previous studies have not allowed the immunized mice to proceed to the full term of gestation.Method of studyMice were immunized with either cardiolipin alone or cardiolipin in combination with β2‐glycoprotein I (β2GPI) and have studied the effects of these antibodies on pregnancies which were allowed to progress to term.ResultsImmunization with cardiolipin alone induced significant levels of anticardiolipin antibodies in mice, but immunization with a combination of cardiolipin and β2GPI produced even higher levels of antibodies. Mice with elevated levels of anticardiolipin antibodies had poor pregnancy outcomes. This study confirms previous results that anticardiolipin antibodies cause early pregnancy losses and also demonstrates that these antibodies cause stillbirth‐like late fetal demise. This study further demonstrated that very high levels of anticardiolipin antibodies cause intrauterine death by facilitating the thrombotic episode in placenta.ConclusionsThe present study concludes that the possible mechanism involves in stillbirth of aCL is possibly because of the thrombotic events of placenta.
Early Detection of Decreased Soluble HLA‐G Levels in the Maternal Circulation Predicts the Occurrence of Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Retardation During Further Course of Pregnancy
Authors: Steinborn Andrea , Varkonyi Tibor , Scharf Alexander , Bahlmann Franz , Klee Andreas , Sohn Christof 
Published: March 2007

ProblemSoluble (s) HLA‐G1/G5 molecules may potentially affect immune homeostasis during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine changes of sHLA‐G1/G5 plasma levels throughout normal pregnancy and to assess its predictive value for the occurrence of characteristic gestation‐associated diseases during further course of pregnancy.Method of studysHLA‐G1/G5 levels were estimated in plasma samples of 40 non‐pregnant women, 291 women throughout normal pregnancy and 236 women affected by different complications.ResultsIn comparison with non‐pregnant women sHLA‐G1/G5 levels strongly increased during the first trimenon and then decreased continuously toward term. Non‐parametric discriminant analysis showed that women with significantly decreased sHLA‐G1/G5 levels in the second trimenon had an increased risk of developing preeclampsia and/or intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) during further course of pregnancy. However, in the third trimenon, sHLA‐G1/G5 levels in affected women did not deviate significantly from those of non‐affected women. Surprisingly, significantly increased sHLA‐G1/G5 levels were detected in third trimenon women with uncontrollable preterm labor, but not in women with prolonged preterm rupture of fetal membranes.ConclusionFor the identification of women with an increased risk of IUGR and/or preeclampsia, measurement of sHLA‐G1/G5 plasma levels may be a powerful new tool in prenatal diagnostics.
Topical Verapamil HCl, Topical Trifluoperazine, and Topical Magnesium Sulfate for the Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease— A Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Fitch, William P. , Easterling W. Jerry , Talbert Robert L. , Bordovsky Michael J. , Mosier Michael 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Transdermal and intralesional verapamil has been reported to be useful in the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease. This study evaluates a topically applied calcium channel blocker (verapamil hydrochloride 15% gel), a topically applied calmodulin blocker (trifluoperazine), and a topically applied weak calcium channel blocker (magnesium sulfate), each incorporated in a transdermal vehicle.

Aim
This pilot study was conducted to assess the efficacy of a 15% verapamil gel applied topically to the penile shaft twice daily for the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease.

Main Outcome Measure
To assess improvement in curvature, plaque size, resolution of painful erections, and improvement in erection quality.

Methods
Two simultaneous, three armed, double blinded, placebo-controlled studies were conducted. After randomization into one of four groups, patients were treated for 3 months. At the end of 3 months’ treatment using blinded drug, each patient was treated with open label topical verapamil for 6 months. The studies were completed after each patient had been treated and evaluated for 9 months after randomization.

Results
Fifty-seven patients were randomized. In total, 94.4% of patients treated for 9 months with topical verapamil experienced improvement in curvature with an average percent curvature change of 61.1% compared with 43.6% curvature improvement at 3 months. At 9 months the average percent plaque change was 84.7% compared with 55% at 3 months. Pain resolution at 9 months was 100% compared with 87.5% at 3 months. Patient perception of erection quality also increased at 9 months to 81.8% compared with 72.7% at 3 months.

Conclusion
Topical verapamil gel proved effective in eliminating pain on erection, decreasing the size of plaque, decreasing curvature, and improving erection quality in patients with Peyronie’s Disease. Treatment results improved significantly after 9 months’ treatment as compared with 3 months’ treatment.
Reviews: Modeling Response Rates in Surveys of Female Sexual Difficulty and Dysfunction
Authors: Hayes Richard D. , Bennett Catherine , Dennerstein Lorraine , Gurrin Lyle , Fairley Christopher 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Studies that address sensitive topics, such as female sexual difficulty and dysfunction, often achieve poor response rates that can bias results. Factors that affect response rates to studies in this area are not well characterized.

Aim
To model the response rate in studies investigating the prevalence of female sexual difficulty and dysfunction.

Methods
Databases were searched for English-language, prevalence studies using the search terms: sexual difficulties/dysfunction, woman/women/female, prevalence, and cross-sectional. Studies that did not report response rates or were clinic-based were excluded. A multiple linear regression model was constructed.

Main Outcome Measures
Published response rates.

Results
A total of 1,380 publications were identified, and 54 of these met our inclusion criteria. Our model explained 58% of the variance in response rates of studies investigating the prevalence of difficulty with desire, arousal, orgasm, or sexual pain (R2 = 0.581, P = 0.027). This model was based on study design variables, study year, location, and the reported prevalence of each type of sexual difficulty. More recent studies (β = −1.05, P = 0.037) and studies that only included women over 50 years of age (β = −31.11, P = 0.007) had lower response rates. The use of face-to-face interviews was associated with a higher response rate (β = 20.51, P = 0.036). Studies that did not include questions regarding desire difficulties achieved higher response rates than those that did include questions on desire difficulty (β = 23.70, P = 0.034).

Conclusion
Response rates in prevalence studies addressing female sexual difficulty and dysfunction are frequently low and have decreased by an average of just over 1% per anum since the late 60s. Participation may improve by conducting interviews in person. Studies that investigate a broad range of ages may be less representative of older women, due to a poorer response in older age groups. Lower response rates in studies that investigate desire difficulty suggest that sexual desire is a particularly sensitive topic.
Penile Prosthesis Surgery: A Review of Prosthetic Devices and Associated Complications
Authors: Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although more invasive than some of the other currently available therapies, penile prosthesis surgery has the advantages of high patient satisfaction rates and avoidance of systemic adverse events in the vast majority of cases.

Aim
This article provides a review of the more widely used implants and some of the more frequently encountered complications of penile prosthesis surgery.

Methods
A retrospective review peer reviewed publications relevant to the field of penile prosthesis surgery.

Main Outcome Measures
Review of historical milestones and newer penile prostheses, as well as a review of prosthesis surgery complications.

Results
Improved designs and materials have resulted in decreased incidence of mechanical failures or infectious complications while simultaneously simplifying the operation of these devices.

Conclusion
Penile prosthesis surgery remains an excellent alternative for restoring erectile function to those in whom medical therapies such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors are contraindicated or who have failed more conservative measures.
Acute and Chronic Dosing ofLepidium Meyenii(Maca) on Male Rat Sexual Behavior
Authors: Lentz Aaron , Gravitt Karla , Carson Culley C. , Marson Lesley 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe use of natural remedies for the treatment of sexual disorders is under current investigation. For generations people of the rural community in Peru have used Lepidium meyenii Walpers (Maca), because of their belief that it improves fertility and sexual desire.AimTo determine the acute and chronic effects of Maca on male sexual behavior and to examine chronic administration of Maca on anxiety.Main Outcome MeasuresEjaculatory and mounting behavior and postejaculatory interval. Anxiety tests using an elevated plus maze, locomotion, and social interaction with another male.MethodsMaca (25 and 100 mg/kg) was orally administered to male rats for 30 days. Male sexual behavior was monitored after acute, 7 and 21 days of treatment. Anxiety behavior and locomotion were measured at 28–29 days using the elevated plus maze and social interaction tests.ResultsMaca treatment did not produce large changes in male sexual behavior. However, an increase in ejaculation latency and postejaculatory interval was observed after both acute and 7 days of treatment. After 21 days of treatment Maca had no effect on sexual behavior. Chronic administration of Maca did not increase locomotion or anxiety.ConclusionAcute and short-term administration of Maca produced a small effect of rat male sexual behavior and long-term administration did not increase anxiety.
Erectile Dysfunction: Monitoring Response to Treatment in Clinical Practice—Recommendations of an International Study Panel
Authors: Mulhall John , Althof Stanley E. , Brock Gerald B. , Goldstein Irwin , Jünemann Klaus-Peter , Kirby Michael 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Clinical practice guidelines for management of erectile dysfunction (ED) provide limited direction in defining appropriate treatment goals with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor therapy.

Aim
To establish an evidence-based position on treatment goals in ED, including the role of erection hardness, with the potential to improve self-esteem, confidence, and overall sexual and relationship satisfaction.

Main Outcome Measure
The target of ED therapy is optimization of a rigid erectile response, as assessed by the 4-point Erection Hardness Score (EHS).

Methods
An international panel of experts in urology, psychology, and primary care convened to evaluate retrospective data from worldwide phase 2, 3, and 4 clinical trials, involving over 10,000 men with ED, as well as data from recent prospective studies, concerning the role of erection hardness in defining the response to treatment with PDE5 therapy.

Results
Significant positive correlations were found between EHS and the Quality of Erection Questionnaire and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) erectile function domain score and other IIEF measures. Significant positive correlations were also found between erection hardness and psychosocial measures such as self-esteem, confidence, and relationship satisfaction (assessed by the Self-Esteem And Relationship questionnaire), and satisfaction with medical treatment (assessed by the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction). A shift in most frequent erection from EHS 3 (hard enough for penetration but not fully hard) at baseline to EHS 4 (completely hard and fully rigid) at the end of treatment was accompanied by significant improvements in intercourse and relationship satisfaction, psychosocial benefits, and satisfaction with ED treatment.

Conclusion
Support is found for monitoring and treating patients with ED to their full erectile potential. Quantitative assessment of erection hardness in clinical practice will lead to improved outcomes in overall sexual experience and optimal treatment satisfaction.
Relationships of grain δ13C and δ18O with wheat phenology and yield under water‐limited conditions
Authors: Ferrio J.P. , Mateo M.A. , Bort J. , Abdalla O. , Voltas J. , Araus J.L. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractStable carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of dry matter has been widely investigated as a selection tool in cereal breeding programmes. However, reports on the possibilities of using stable oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) as a yield predictor are very scarce and only in the absence of water stress. Indeed, it remains to be tested whether changes in phenology and stomatal conductance in response to water stress overrule the use of either δ13C or δ18O when water is limited. To answer this question, a set of 24 genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) were assayed in two trials with different levels of deficit irrigation and a third trial under rainfed conditions in a Mediterranean climate (northwest Syria). Grain yield (GY) and phenology (duration from planting to anthesis and from anthesis to maturity) were recorded, and the δ13C and δ18O of grains were analysed to assess their suitability as GY predictors. Both δ13C and δ18O showed higher broad‐sense heritabilities (H2) than GY. Genotype means of GY across trials were negatively correlated with δ13C, as previously reported, but not with δ18O. Both isotopes were correlated with grain filling duration, whereas δ18O was also strongly affected by crop duration from planting to anthesis. We concluded that δ18O of grains is not a proper physiological trait to breed for suboptimal water conditions, as its variability is almost entirely determined by crop phenology. In contrast, δ13C of grains, despite being also affected by phenology, still provides complementary information associated with GY.
Nitrogen dynamics and fertilizer use efficiency in leaves of different ages of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) at variable water regimes
Authors: Barbanti L. , Monti A. , Venturi G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe consequences of nitrogen and water stress on sugar beet yield and quality are well documented in literature, whereas their interaction has been, surprisingly, little investigated. In the present research, the influence of early and late water stress on the dynamics of N uptake in leaves of different ages and on fertilizer efficiency was studied. Sugar beet plants, grown with a 15N‐labelled fertilizer in 20 soil columns (300 L each) under a rain shelter, were subjected to three water regimes: well‐watered control (WW); early (S1) and late (S2) stress, in a completely randomized design. Periodical samplings on succeeding leaves showed a decline in nitrogen concentration with ageing, compensated for by a recovery at each new leaf. Fertilizer N was mostly taken up early in the season, as its falling contribution to total leaf nutrient shows (from 35% to 17% in 63 days). The early stress constrained the availability of fertilizer N, whose uptake was later compensated for by younger leaves, after restoration of soil moisture. At harvest, WW yielded about 20% more biomass and sugar than S1 and S2. Nitrogen concentration in stressed plants compensated for biomass losses, and the total amount of nutrient did not vary among treatments, as well as the recovery of fertilizer N (41%) and the share of plant nutrient deriving from fertilizer (16%). It is perceived that sugar beet possesses an ability to buffer the effects of water stress on nitrogen nutrition, thanks to a flexibility concerning timing and the leaves acting as sinks for either a fertilizer‐derived or soil‐derived nutrient.
Expression of Bt cry1Ac in transgenic oilseed rape in China and transgenic performance of intraspecific hybrids against Helicoverpa armigera larvae
Authors: Le Yin‐Ting , Stewart C.N. , Shi Hong , Wei Wei , Mi Xiang‐Cheng , Ma Ke‐Ping 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe expression of a synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cry1Ac gene in oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus) was monitored under field conditions in China, and performance against Helicoverpa armigera larvae was compared in intraspecific hybrids with a Chinese OSR variety. Leaf samples from transgenic OSR were collected at various developmental stages in two separate field experiments. The Bt Cry1Ac concentrations in the third uppermost leaves increased before pod formation stage and either increased or decreased after pod formation stage whereas the total soluble protein increased before and decreased after pod‐fill in the later growing season. Spontaneously formed intraspecific hybrids between transgenic OSR and a Chinese conventional OSR were obtained in the field and transgenic status was confirmed by a green fluorescent protein (GFP) phenotype and polymerase chain reaction. A bioassay on the neonate larvae of a susceptible strain of H. armigera was performed to test the efficacy of Bt Cry1Ac toxin in hybrid OSR plants. Both the original transgenic OSR and hybrid plants had a negative effect on body‐weight gain of insect larvae. It was assumed that Bt Cry1Ac toxin concentration was similar in hybrids compared to the original transgenic OSR at the investigated developmental stages. The frequency of hybrid production and volunteerism could potentially enhance the evolution of insect pest tolerance in the field.
The effect of a topical anaesthetic formulation, systemic flunixin and carprofen, singly or in combination, on cortisol and behavioural responses of Merino lambs to mulesing
Authors: Paull DR , Lee C , Colditz IG , Atkinson SJ , Fisher AD 
Published: March 2007

Objective  To determine the pain responses of lambs to mulesing, and the effectiveness of potential analgesic treatments.Procedures  Merino lambs (n = 64) were allocated at 5 weeks of age to eight treatment groups: 1) sham mules; 2) conventional mules; 3) topical anaesthetic, incorporating lignocaine, bupivicaine, adrenaline and cetrimide, applied immediately after mulesing; 4) flunixin + topical anaesthetic, with flunixin administered 2.5 mg/kg s.c. 90 min before mulesing; 5) carprofen + topical anaesthetic, with carprofen administered 4 mg/kg s.c. 90 min before mulesing; 6) carprofen, administered as above; 7) flunixin, administered as above; and 8) carprofen + flunixin, administered as above. Plasma cortisol was measured at 0, 0.5, 6, 12 and 24 h relative to mulesing. Animal behaviour, including posture, was recorded for 12 h after mulesing.Results  The conventional mules lambs exhibited large increases in plasma cortisol, reduced lying and increased standing with a hunched back compared with sham mules animals. Topical anaesthetic reduced the cortisol peak to mulesing and hunched standing, and increased lying compared with the conventional mules treatment, but generally did not result in values equivalent to sham mules animals. Carprofen, flunixin, and carprofen + flunixin treatments did not reduce the cortisol response to mulesing but substantially ameliorated some changes in behavioural postures. Flunixin + topical anaesthetic reduced the cortisol peak following mulesing and substantially ameliorated most changes in behavioural postures. Carprofen + topical anaesthetic abolished the cortisol peak following mulesing and substantially ameliorated most changes in behavioural postures. All mulesed animals lost weight in the week after mulesing regardless of analgesic administration, but there were no significant differences in growth rate between any of the eight treatments over the 3 weeks after mulesing.Conclusions  Analgesics can moderate the pain response of lambs to mulesing. The welfare outcome for lambs of mulesing could be improved by use of a combination of local anaesthetic and long acting non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug.
Prevalence of Dental Anxiety among 5‐ to 8‐Year‐Old Taiwanese Children
Authors: Lee Chen‐Yi , Chang Yong‐Yuan , Huang Shun‐Te 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives: Many people experience discomfort to a greater or lesser degree about the prospect of dental treatment. Dental treatment can be a terrible experience, especially for children with dental anxiety. This study estimated the prevalence of dental anxiety among 5‐ to 8‐year‐old children in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.Methods: The Children’s Fear Survey Schedule‐Dental Subscale (CFSS‐DS) was translated into Chinese, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was made based on criteria determined from pretest clinical observations of a sample population to set a cutoff score. Then, the parental CFSS‐DS was used as a screening tool to survey the dental anxiety levels of 5‐ to 8‐year‐old children at kindergartens and elementary schools in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Participants were selected by stratified random sampling. The stratification was done by geographic district, age group, and sex. A total of 3,597 valid questionnaires were collected.Results: The Chinese version of the CFSS‐DS had an optimal cutoff score of 38/39 (sensitivity was 0.857, specificity was 0.882) with an area under the ROC curve of 0.912. The estimated prevalence of dental anxiety among 5‐ to 8‐year‐old children in Kaohsiung City was 20.6 percent. The dental anxiety score was found to decrease as age increased; primary school boys had significantly lower scores.Conclusions: The prevalence of dental anxiety was found to be high for 5‐ to 8‐year‐old Taiwanese children. The study’s findings point to the urgent need for preventive health education and intervention programs in Taiwan to promote children’s oral health and reduce dental anxiety.