bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive Correlation Between the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM): Implications for Calculating a Derived SHIM for Clinical Use
Authors: Ramanathan Rajan , Mulhall John , Rao Sandhya , Leung Robert , Martinez Salamanca Juan I. , Mandhani Anil , Tewari Ashutosh 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Validated questionnaires are used to assess postoperative continence, sexual function, and other quality-of-life issues after radical prostatectomy. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is one such well-tested inventory that is routinely used. However, some centers use the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) or the IIEF-6 to record erectile function, and comparison between the three can be difficult.

Aims
To define if there was a predictive correlation between IIEF (or IIEF-6) and SHIM, and to explore a strategy for the use of an abbreviated and rapid functional assessment of erectile function in patients.

Materials and Methods
Preoperative and postoperative IIEF questionnaires from the robotic prostatectomy program at our institution were included in the study. The total IIEF, IIEF-6, and SHIM scores were calculated and correlations between the three were sought. We also looked at the feasibility of using only two questions from the IIEF with an aim of calculating both the SHIM and IIEF scores.

Main Outcome Measures
The power to differentiate between patients with SHIM ≥22 from those with SHIM ≤21 for (i) the ratio allowing direct conversion of IIEF (or IIEF-6) to SHIM; and (ii) a two-question-based recalculation of SHIM.

Results
Two hundred seventy-five questionnaires were available for review. If the total IIEF score is known, the IIEF-derived SHIM score can be calculated by dividing the total IIEF score by a factor of 2.8 and then rounding off to a whole number. Furthermore, we have shown that an abbreviated questionnaire using Q5 and Q15 of the IIEF can be used to calculate the SHIM scores (two-question-SHIM).

Conclusions
We described an easy way to calculate the SHIM score when the IIEF (or IIEF-6) score alone is known. The two-question model can be used for a rapid assessment of the patients' sexual function.
Correlates of Placebo Response in the Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction in Women: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Bradford Andrea , Meston Cindy 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Placebo responses have been large across a number of clinical trials for treatment of women's sexual dysfunction. Studying placebo responses may elucidate predictors of symptom reduction and responsiveness to intervention.

Aim
To determine the correlates of placebo response in participants enrolled in a clinical trial for female sexual dysfunction.

Methods
We analyzed data from 16 women with sexual arousal and orgasmic dysfunction who were randomized to receive 8 weeks of placebo treatment within a larger randomized controlled trial. Using nonparametric correlations, we tested whether age, length of relationship, psychological symptoms, and scores on self-report measures predicted change in sexual function with placebo treatment.

Main Outcome Measure
Female Sexual Function Index.

Results
Consistent with findings from other studies, we found a significant improvement in sexual function scores after 8 weeks of treatment with placebo. We also found that age and length of relationship predicted the magnitude of change in sexual function across treatment. Changes in relationship adjustment, but not relationship adjustment at baseline, predicted the magnitude of improvement in sexual function scores. We observed no relationship between psychological symptom severity and change in sexual function.

Conclusions
Participant age and length of relationship predicted subsequent magnitude of change in sexual function scores during treatment with placebo. In addition, relationship adjustment covaried with changes in sexual function. Our findings suggest that “placebo effects” may represent underlying factors that influence the way in which women respond to the process of treatment.
Conjugation of methotrexate to immunoglobulins kills macrophages by Fc receptor mediated uptake?
Authors: WANG X. , YAO C. , JIANG Z. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study was to conjugate methotrexate (MTX) with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and investigate whether the conjugate produce selective cytotoxicity on macrophages to provide a new strategy for the management of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. MTX was bound to IVIG via human serum albumin as an intermediary. The binding activity of the Fc fragment of the conjugate was assayed by flow cytometry. The selective cytotoxicity of the conjugate was determined by trypan blue exclusion. After conjugating, the binding activity of the conjugate to Fc receptors did not diminish when compared with IVIG. In vitro, the conjugate showed significantly higher cytotoxicity to macrophages than Hela cells. The conjugate of IVIG and MTX showed potent and selective cytotoxicity to macrophages in vitro.
Different kinetic patterns of BCR‐ABL transcript levels in imatinib‐treated chronic myeloid leukemia patients after achieving complete cytogenetic response
Authors: QIN Y. Z. , LIU Y. R. , ZHU H. H. , LI J. L. , RUAN G. R. , ZHANG Y. , JIANG Q. , JIANG H. , LI L. D. , CHANG Y. , HUANG X. J. , CHEN S. S. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryBone marrow BCR‐ABL transcript levels were monitored serially by real‐time quantitative PCR in 46 imatinib‐treated chronic myeloid leukemia patients after achieving complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) for a median of 42 months (range: 9–53). Of 41 patients in continuous CCyR, 32 and nine could achieve a ≥3‐log (MMoR group) or 2‐ to 3‐log reduction (non‐MMoR group), respectively. The MMoR group had a significantly lower recurrence rate of Ph+ metaphase than the non‐MMoR group (6/32 vs. 7/9, P = 0.002), which was not significantly different between patients first achieving CCyR within or after 12 months of imatinib treatment (7/27 vs. 6/14, P = 0.086). Five patients suffered cytogenetic or hematological relapse. For all 46 patients, a >2‐log reduction but not time when CCyR was first achieved was related to a lower relapse rate (1/42 vs. 4/4, P < 0.001). We concluded that the depth of BCR‐ABL reduction after CCyR is more critical than when CCyR is first achieved. The kinetic pattern of BCR‐ABL transcript is a good predictor of disease stability.
An Overview of Normal Theory Structural Measurement Error Models
Authors: Thompson Jeffrey R. , Carter Randy L. 
Published: July 2007

Summary This paper gives an introduction and overview to the often under‐used measurement error model. The purpose is to provide a simple summary of problems that arise from measurement error and of the solutions that have been proposed. We start by describing how measurement error models occur in real‐world situations. Then we proceed with defining the measurement error model, initially introducing the multivariate form of the model, and then, starting with the simplest form of the model thoroughly discuss its features and solutions to the problems introduced due to measurement error. We discuss higher‐dimensional and more advanced forms of the model and give a brief numerical illustration.
Information and Economics in Fisher's Design of Experiments
Authors: Aldrich John 
Published: July 2007

SummaryIn 1951 R. A. Fisher described what had been achieved in the 20th century so far: “we have learnt (i) To conserve in its statistical reduction the scientific information latent in any body of observations. (ii) To conduct experimental and observational inquiries so as to maximise the information obtained for a given expenditure.” This paper asks what Fisher meant and, in particular, how he saw his work on experimental design as contributing to the objective of maximizing information for a given expenditure. The material examined ranges from detailed work on issues like “the information lost in measurement of error” to polemics against decision theory.
Ice Loads Acting on a Model Podded Propeller Blade
(OMAE2005-67416)
Authors: Wang Jungyong , Akinturk Ayhan , Jones Stephen J. , Bose Neil , Kim Moon-Chan , Chun Ho-Hwan 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
With the increase in popularity of podded propulsors and arctic navigation, understanding the interaction between a podded propulsor and ice has become more important. Propeller-ice interaction itself is a complicated process with a high level of uncertainty resulting from the uncertainties associated with the properties of the ice and with the propeller-ice interaction conditions. Model tests provide relatively well-controlled ice properties and interaction conditions to reduce the uncertainties. In order to improve the understanding of this interaction and to develop numerical models of it, a model podded propulsor was used in “Puller” mode, and ice loads were measured on its instrumented blade and propeller shaft. The results of the experiments conducted to simulate the interactions (milling) of the instrumented blade with ice in different operating conditions are reported in this paper. Loads measured during the milling consist of ice milling loads, “inseparable” hydrodynamic loads, and “separable” hydrodynamic loads. The sample results presented here include ice milling and inseparable hydrodynamic loads for various advance coefficients and depths of cut (amount of blade penetration into ice). Some results are compared with existing ice load models.
Critical Velocity of a Nonlinearly Supported Multispan Tube
Bundle
Authors: Au-Yang M. K. , Burgess J. A. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The phenomenon of fluid-elastic instability and the velocity at which a heat exchanger tube bundle becomes unstable, known as the critical velocity, was discovered and empirically determined based upon single-span, linearly supported tube bundles. In this idealized configuration, the normal modes are well separated in frequency with negligible cross-modal contribution to the critical velocity. As a result, a critical velocity can be defined and determined for each mode. In an industrial heat exchanger or steam generator, not only do the tube bundles have multiple spans, they are also supported in oversized holes. The normal modes of a multispan tube bundle are closely spaced in frequency and the nonlinear effect of the tube-support plate interaction further promotes cross-modal contribution to the tube responses. The net effect of cross-modal participation in the tube vibration is to delay the instability threshold. Tube bundles in industrial exchangers often have critical velocities far above what were determined in the laboratory based upon single-span, linearly supported tube bundles. In this paper, the authors attempt to solve this nonlinear problem in the time domain, using a time history modal superposition method. Time history forcing functions are first obtained by inverse Fourier transform of the power spectral density function used in classical turbulence-induced vibration analyses. The fluid-structure coupling force, which is dependent on the cross-flow velocity, is linearly superimposed onto the turbulence forcing function. The tube responses are then computed by direct integration in the time domain. By gradually increasing the cross-flow velocity, a threshold value is obtained at which the tube response just starts to diverge. The value of the cross-flow velocity at which the tube response starts to diverge is defined as the critical velocity of this nonlinearly supported, multispan tube bundle.
Identifying Mutator Phenotypes among Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Strains of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Using Fluctuation Analysis
Authors: Gould Carolyn V. , Sniegowski Paul D. , Shchepetov Mikhail , Metlay Joshua P. , Weiser Jeffrey N. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

The occurrence of mutator phenotypes among laboratory-generated and clinical levofloxacin-resistant strains of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
was determined using fluctuation analysis. The in vitro selection for levofloxacin-resistant mutants of strain D39, each with point mutations in both
gyrA
and
parC
or
parE
, was not associated with a significant change in the mutation rate. Two of eight clinical isolates resistant to levofloxacin (MIC, >8 μg/ml) had estimated mutation rates of 1.2 × 10
−7
and 9.4 × 10
−8
mutations per cell division, indicating potential mutator phenotypes, compared to strain D39, which had an estimated mutation rate of 1.4 × 10
−8
mutations per cell division. The levofloxacin-resistant isolates with the highest mutation rates showed evidence of dysfunctional mismatch repair and contained missense mutations in
mut
genes at otherwise highly conserved sites. The association of hypermutability in levofloxacin-resistant
S. pneumoniae
clinical isolates with mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes provides further evidence that mismatch repair mutants may have a selective advantage in the setting of antibiotic pressure, facilitating the development of further antibiotic resistance.
Targeting Fatty Acid Biosynthesis for the Development of Novel Chemotherapeutics against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
: Evaluation of A-Ring-Modified Diphenyl Ethers as High-Affinity InhA Inhibitors
Authors: Boyne Melissa E. , Sullivan Todd J. , amEnde Christopher W. , Lu Hao , Gruppo Veronica , Heaslip Darragh , Amin Anita G. , Chatterjee Delphi , Lenaerts Anne , Tonge Peter J. , Slayden Richard A. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Structure-based design was used to develop a focused library of A-ring-modified diphenyl ether InhA inhibitors. From this library of analogs, two high-affinity alkyl-substituted diphenyl ethers, 6PP and 8PP, were selected for advanced study into their in vitro activity against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
clinical isolates, their in vivo properties, and their signature response mode of action. 6PP and 8PP demonstrated enhanced activity against whole bacteria and showed activity in a rapid macrophage model of infection. In addition, transcriptional profiling revealed that the A-ring modifications of 6PP and 8PP increased the specificity of each analog for InhA. Both analogs had substantially longer half-lives in serum than did the parent compound, exhibited a fivefold reduction in cytotoxicity compared to the parent compound, and were well tolerated when administered orally at 300 mg/kg of body weight in animal models. Thus, the A-ring modifications increased the affinity and whole-cell specificity of the compounds for InhA and increased their bioavailability. The next step in optimization of the pharmacophore for preclinical evaluation is modification of the B ring to increase the bioavailability to that required for oral delivery.
Plasmid-Encoded ACC-4, an Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporinase Variant from
Escherichia coli
Authors: Papagiannitsis Costas C. , Tzouvelekis Leonidas S. , Tzelepi Eva , Miriagou Vivi 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

ACC-4, an omega loop mutant (Val
211
→Gly) of the
Hafnia alvei
-derived cephalosporinase ACC-1, was encoded by an
Escherichia coli
plasmid. The genetic environment of
bla
ACC-4
shared similarities with plasmidic regions carrying
bla
ACC-1
. Kinetics of β-lactam hydrolysis and levels of resistance to β-lactams showed that ACC-4 was more effective than ACC-1 against expanded-spectrum cephalosporins.
Effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Protease Inhibitors on the Intestinal Absorption of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate In Vitro
Authors: Tong Leah , Phan Truc K. , Robinson Kelly L. , Babusis Darius , Strab Robert , Bhoopathy Siddhartha , Hidalgo Ismael J. , Rhodes Gerald R. , Ray Adrian S. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTHuman immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors (PIs) modestly affect the plasma pharmacokinetics of tenofovir (TFV; −15% to +37% change in exposure) following coadministration with the oral prodrug TFV disoproxil fumarate (TDF) by a previously undefined mechanism. TDF permeation was found to be reduced by the combined action of ester cleavage and efflux transport in vitro. Saturable TDF efflux observed in Caco-2 cells suggests that at pharmacologically relevant intestinal concentrations, transport has only a limited effect on TDF absorption, thus minimizing the magnitude of potential intestinal drug interactions. Most tested PIs increased apical-to-basolateral TDF permeation and decreased secretory transport in MDCKII cells overexpressing P-glycoprotein (Pgp; MDCKII-MDR1 cells) and Caco-2 cells. PIs were found to cause a multifactorial effect on the barriers to TDF absorption. All PIs showed similar levels of inhibition of esterase-dependent degradation of TDF in an intestinal subcellular fraction, except for amprenavir, which was found to be a weaker inhibitor. All PIs caused a dose-dependent increase in the accumulation of a model Pgp substrate in MDCKII-MDR1 cells. Pgp inhibition constants ranged from 10.3 μM (lopinavir) to >100 μM (amprenavir, indinavir, and darunavir). Analogous to hepatic cytochrome P450-mediated drug interactions, we propose that the relative differences in perturbations in TFV plasma levels when TDF is coadministered with PIs are based in part on the net effect of inhibition and induction of intestinal Pgp by PIs. Combined with prior studies, these findings indicate that intestinal absorption is the mechanism for changes in TFV plasma levels when TDF is coadministered with PIs.
Orally Administered Combined Regimens for Treatment of
Mycobacterium ulcerans
Infection in Mice
Authors: Ji Baohong , Chauffour Aurélie , Robert Jérôme , Lefrançois Sébastien , Jarlier Vincent 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Eight weeks of treatment with rifampin-streptomycin sterilizes
Mycobacterium ulcerans
infection in mice. Because the bactericidal activity against
M. ulcerans
of the combination rifampin-moxifloxacin, rifampin-clarithromycin, or moxifloxacin-clarithromycin was similar to that of rifampin-streptomycin, these combinations might be considered as alternative, orally administered combined regimens for treatment of Buruli ulcer in humans.
Enhancement of Apoptosis of THP-1 Cells Infected withMycobacterium tuberculosisby Inhalable Microparticles and Relevance to Bactericidal Activity
Authors: Yadav Awadh Bihari , Misra Amit 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe relevance of apoptosis to killing of intracellularMycobacterium tuberculosiswas studied with phorbol-differentiated THP-1 cells. Microparticles containing isoniazid and rifabutin induced intrinsic apoptosis and bacterial killing equivalent to that with dissolved drugs and maximally enhanced purinergic P2 receptor activity, while drug-free microparticles induced apoptosis via a different mechanism without killing bacteria.
The Ssk1p Response Regulator and Chk1p Histidine Kinase Mutants of
Candida albicans
Are Hypersensitive to Fluconazole and Voriconazole
Authors: Chauhan Neeraj , Kruppa Michael , Calderone Richard 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Hypersensitivity to the triazoles fluconazole and voriconazole associated with two-component signal transduction proteins has not been reported in
Candida albicans
. Herein, we show that strains of
C. albicans
lacking the response regulator Ssk1p or the Chk1p histidine kinase signal transduction proteins are hypersensitive to fluconazole and voriconazole compared to wild-type (wt) as well as gene-reconstituted strains, reflecting an increased hypersensitivity to these drugs of about 16- to 500-fold. In comparison to wt cells, both mutants had elevated levels of fluconazole accumulation and reduced viability upon incubation with either drug, suggesting that in the absence of Ssk1p or Chk1p, fluconazole and voriconazole have significantly increased fungicidal effects on
C. albicans
.
Intracellular Pharmacokinetics of Once versus Twice Daily Zidovudine and Lamivudine in Adolescents
Authors: Flynn Patricia M. , Rodman John , Lindsey Jane C. , Robbins Brian , Capparelli Edmund , Knapp Katherine M. , Rodriguez Jose F. , McNamara James , Serchuck Leslie , Heckman Barbara , Martinez Jaime 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Zidovudine (ZDV) and lamivudine (3TC) metabolism to triphosphates (TP) is necessary for antiviral activity. The aims of this study were to compare ZDV-TP and 3TC-TP concentrations in adolescents receiving twice daily (BID) and once daily (QD) regimens and to determine the metabolite concentrations of ZDV and 3TC during chronic therapy on a QD regimen. Human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients (12 to 24 years) taking ZDV (600 mg/day) and 3TC (300 mg/day) as part of a highly active antiretroviral therapy regimen received QD and BID regimens of ZDV and 3TC for 7 to 14 days in a crossover design. Serial blood samples were obtained over 24 h on the QD regimen. Intracellular mono-, di-, and triphosphates for ZDV and 3TC were measured. The median ratio of BID/QD for ZDV-TP predose concentrations was 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00 to 2.45) and for 3TC-TP was 1.12 (95% CI = 0.81 to 1.96). The typical population estimated half-lives (± the standard error of the mean) were 9.1 ± 0.859 h for ZDV-TP and 17.7 ± 2.8 h for 3TC-TP. Most patients had detectable levels of the TP of ZDV (24 of 27) and 3TC (24 of 25) 24 h after dosing, and half-lives on a QD regimen were similar to previously reported values when the drugs were given BID. Lower, but not significantly different, concentrations of ZDV-TP were demonstrated in the QD regimen compared to the BID regimen (
P
= 0.056). Although findings were similar between the BID and QD groups, the lower concentrations of ZDV and the number of patients below the level of detection after 24 h suggests that ZDV should continue to be administered BID.
Aerosol Infection of BALB/c Mice with
Brucella melitensis
and
Brucella abortus
and Protective Efficacy against Aerosol Challenge
Authors: Kahl-McDonagh M. M. , Arenas-Gamboa A. M. , Ficht T. A. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution that can be transmitted via intentional or accidental aerosol exposure. In order to engineer superior vaccine strains against
Brucella
species for use in animals as well as in humans, the possibility of challenge infection via aerosol needs to be considered to properly evaluate vaccine efficacy. In this study, we assessed the use of an aerosol chamber to infect deep lung tissue of mice to elicit systemic infections with either
Brucella abortus
or
B. melitensis
at various doses. The results reveal that
B. abortus
causes a chronic infection of lung tissue in BALB/c mice and peripheral organs at low doses. In contrast,
B. melitensis
infection diminishes more rapidly, and higher infectious doses are required to obtain infection rates in animals similar to those of
B. abortus
. Whether this difference translates to severity of human infection remains to be elucidated. Despite these differences, unmarked deletion mutants BAΔ
asp
24 and BMΔ
asp
24 consistently confer superior protection to mice against homologous and heterologous aerosol challenge infection and should be considered viable candidates as vaccine strains against brucellosis.