bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the human oomycete pathogen Pythium insidiosum
Authors: SUPABANDHU JIDAPA , FISHER MATTHEW C. , VANITTANAKOM NONGNUCH 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe describe the development and characterization of microsatellite loci from the human oomycete pathogen Pythium insidiosum. Nine of 15 microsatellite loci were shown to be appropriate for population genetic study. All loci were polymorphic with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.241 to 0.912 and from five to 18 alleles per locus among 65 individuals in Thailand. These markers are being used to ascertain multilocus genotypes for molecular epidemiological and population genetic analyses of this little known human pathogen.
The Empires Strike Back: Is the Internet Corporatizing Rather than Democratizing Policy Processes?
Authors: Rethemeyer R. Karl 
Published: April 2007

For at least a decade, scholars have sought ways to remedy citizen dissatisfaction with representative democracy. Recently, the development and deployment of the Internet has been heralded as a technical solution to this problem. Observers often base their optimism on analysis of the Internet’s impact on elections and public comment processes. Yet elections do not generate the policies that people resent—policy processes do. So far, we know little about the Internet’s role in this critical social activity. This article provides a framework for locating the Internet’s impact on policy processes and presents findings from two case studies on “Internet‐enabled” policy making. The cases suggest that the Internet will not fix what ails representative democracy. Indeed, the Internet may only reinforce the much‐resented organizational dominance of politics. Reconnecting politics with society is still primarily the work of organizational and institutional reformers, not hardware and software engineers.Liberal representative democracy models appear to have a built‐in bias against citizens in disorganized or informal sectors that are not highly focused, in contrast to those driven by single issues. Powerful lobby groups are able to mobilize resources and influence government agendas for their own causes, while groups without resources or a single focus have no mechanism for influencing government policies and processes. The imbalance created by lobbying is probably one of the most serious issues confronting current liberal representative democracy models. —Kakabadse, Kakabadse, and Kouzmin (2003, 48)
Electromyographic Study of the Anterolateral Abdominal Wall Muscles During Ejaculation
Authors: Shafik Ahmed , Shafik Ismail A. , El Sibai Olfat , Shafik Ali A. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The anterolateral abdominal wall muscles (AAWMs) are composed of the external and internal oblique, transversus abdominis, and the rectus abdominis muscles.

Aim
We investigated the hypothesis that the AAWMs contract reflexly during ejaculation.

Methods
Effect of coitus on AAWMs was tested in 16 healthy men (mean age 37.2 ± 9.7 years). The intra-abdominal pressure was measured by a manometric catheter introduced into the rectum. The response of the AAWMs to erection and ejaculation was recorded before and after penile and AAWMs' anesthetization by a needle electrode inserted into each of the muscles.

Main Outcome Measures
Electromyographic (EMG) activity of AAWMs and rectal pressure increased at ejaculation.

Results
A few seconds before and during ejaculation, the rectal pressure and motor unit action potentials (EMG activity) of each of the AAWMs increased; this effect was abolished by anesthetization of the penis and AAWMs.

Conclusions
Increased AAWMs' EMG denotes contraction of the said muscles. AAWMs' contraction at ejaculation, the resulting increase of the intra-abdominal pressure, and the presumably increased pelvic venous congestion seem to augment the penile venous congestion and rigidity. This effect is suggested to be mediated through a reflex which we call “ejaculation-abdominal wall reflex.”
Structured Management and Counseling for Patients with a Complaint of a Small Penis
Authors: Ghanem Hussein , Shamloul Rany , Khodeir Fathy , ElShafie Hany , Kaddah Amr , Ismail Ihab 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Penile augmentation surgery has become increasingly common though there is no consensus about the management strategy for men with a complaint of small penis.

Aim
To introduce and evaluate the outcome of a structured management and counseling protocol for patients with a complaint of a small-sized penis.

Methods
A structured protocol for consultation and management of (physically normal) patients with a complaint of a small penis through a descriptive study comprised of a series of 250 patients.

Main Outcome Measures
Percentage of patients who elect to undergo penile augmentation surgery.

Results
Only nine patients (3.6%) chose to seek further surgical intervention. Two had a buried penis, two had true micropenis and five had normal penile size.

Conclusions
Using a structured management and counseling protocol, most men chose not to undergo penile augmentation surgery, even when offered for free.
Interrelationships Among Measures of Premature Ejaculation: The Central Role of Perceived Control
Authors: Patrick Donald L. , Rowland David , Rothman Margaret 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Domains of premature ejaculation (PE) include short intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), poor perceived control over ejaculation, decreased satisfaction with sexual intercourse, and personal distress and interpersonal difficulty related to ejaculation. How these measures interrelate is unknown.

Aim
Here, we evaluated the interrelationships between these PE-specific variables, applying cross-sectional data from a large U.S. observational study of men with PE.

Methods
We analyzed data from men with PE identified in a previously reported observational study. PE was diagnosed by experienced clinicians using the criteria specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision.

Main Outcome Measures
Subjects reported their stopwatch-measured IELT, perceived control over ejaculation, satisfaction with sexual intercourse, personal distress related to ejaculation, and interpersonal difficulty related to ejaculation. Relationships between variables were assessed using bivariate correlations, and the strength and significance of direct or indirect effects between variables were evaluated using a form of regression analysis known as path analysis.

Results
Bivariate Pearson correlation coefficients for all relationships were significant at the P ≤ 0.05 level, with the exception of IELT and interpersonal difficulty related to ejaculation. When all variables were included in the model, IELT showed a significant direct effect on perceived control over ejaculation but did not show a significant direct effect on ejaculation-related personal distress or satisfaction with sexual intercourse. Perceived control over ejaculation showed a significant direct effect on both ejaculation-related personal distress and satisfaction with sexual intercourse, which each showed direct effects on interpersonal difficulty related to ejaculation.

Conclusion
The patient's perception of control over ejaculation is central to understanding how PE is associated with satisfaction with sexual intercourse and ejaculation-related distress. In contrast, the association of IELT with satisfaction with sexual intercourse and distress related to ejaculation is mediated by perceived control over ejaculation.
Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Cases of Fibrosis: Ultrasound-Guided Cavernotomy and Sheathed Trochar Excavation
Authors: Shaeer Osama 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Implantation of a penile prosthesis into fibrosed corpora cavernosa is a difficult and risky procedure. Specialized instruments that assist safer and more efficient excavation include Otis Urethrotome and various cavernotomes, all of which operate underneath the tunica albuginea, out of sight. The blind use of such instruments can result in perforation of the tunica albuginea or injury to the urethra.

Aim
This work describes the utility of ultrasonography for adding visual monitoring to any of the above-mentioned instruments, maintaining them in the mid-corpus cavernosum position to avoid perforation, and describes the application of alternative sheathed, sharp instruments that allow fast, efficient, and visually monitored drilling into fibrous tissue.

Main Outcome Measures
Clinical outcome data were examined.

Methods
Surgery was performed on five cases with extensive fibrosis of the penis. Initial blunt dilatation by Hegar dilators faced considerable resistance. An ultrasound probe was applied to the ventral aspect of the penis. A laparoscopy sheath was advanced under ultrasound guidance up to the fibrous tissue. A sharp laparoscopy trochar was inserted through the sheath. Its tip was oriented in the mid-corpus cavernosum by longitudinal and transverse sonography sections, as it drilled into the fibrous tissue. Laparoscopy scissors were used in the same fashion to cut fibrous tissue lumps. After full excavation, penile prosthesis was implanted.

Results
All implants survived adequately. No complications occurred following implantation. Operative time ranged from 50 to 60 minutes. No difficulty was encountered at excavation.

Conclusion
Ultrasound guidance can be a handy adjunct to any of the available techniques developed for excavating the fibrosed corpora cavernosa, with a possible decrease in difficulty and complication rate of the procedure. Utility of sheathed, sharp instruments guided by sonography is an alternative to the cavernotomes, allowing fast and efficient drilling into fibrous tissue.
Exposure to an Anabolic Steroid Changes Female Mice's Sexual Responses According to Sex Partner
Authors: Barreto-Estrada Jennifer L. , Parrilla-Carrero Jeffrey , Jorge Juan Carlos 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTIntroductionAnabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) affect human female sexual behaviors. Animal models have been useful in uncovering the neural mechanisms governing changes in female sexual response upon AAS exposure.AimWe quantify the sexual response of AAS-exposed gonadally intact female mice when paired with gonadally intact female or male pairs.MethodsC57Bl/6 female mice were systemically exposed to the AAS 17α-methyltestosterone (7.5 mg/kg) for 17 days via a subcutaneous osmotic implant. On days 15–17, these females were allowed to mate with males or proestrus female partners in familiar and unfamiliar testing arenas for 10 minutes.Main Outcome MeasuresThe following behavioral responses were registered: parameters related to mounting behavior such as the frequency of mounts, attempts to mount, and the latency to the first mount, anogenital investigation, fights and escapes, rejections, pelvic thrusts, and lordotic responses.ResultsWe found that males displayed a significant decrease in the frequency of mounts to AAS-exposed females, when compared with mating encounters with control females. We found no difference in the lordosis strength when control females were mounted by either a male or AAS-exposed females. However, females under androgen exposure attempted to mount control females, but not males, and their behavior was accompanied by significant increases in the number of fights, escapes, and rejections to the male. There were no differences between AAS-exposed females and males when the frequency of mounts and pelvic thrusts toward control females were compared. The lordotic quotient of control females was similar for either partner.ConclusionsAside from showing a male-like pattern, AAS-exposed females displayed a higher frequency of anogenital investigations toward control females than males, and their latency to the first mount was as fast as that of males. Taken together, we conclude that the sex partner greatly influences the sexual response of AAS-exposed female mice.
Is There a Role for Proteomics in Peyronie's Disease?
Authors: Domes Trustin , De Young Ling , O’Gorman David B. , Gan Bing Siang , Bella Anthony J. , Brock Gerald 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Peyronie's disease (PD) continues to be a major source of sexual dysfunction among the 3–9% of affected men. The challenge in treating PD is determining the natural history and clinical course for the individual patient. Currently, there exists no reliable means to predict whether a penile plaque of PD will progress, regress, or remain stable. This represents a significant deficiency in contemporary management, one that may be addressed with newer technologies such as proteomic profiling.

Aim
This review assesses the potential use of protein alterations measured by various novel technologies, to predict progression, regression, or stabilization of PD in an affected individual.

Methods
A comprehensive literature review of the past decade in the field of gene profiling and protein expression of PD was performed.

Main Outcome Measures
A critical analysis of the existing worldwide literature evaluating surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS or SELDI) and other proteonomic techniques.

Results
SELDI and other technologies can provide the clinician with innovative data indicating the presence of unique individual factors that act to suppress or promote the fibrotic process in PD. Determining the clinical implications of altered protein expression in an individual is not yet defined.

Conclusions
The area of proteomics has begun to revolutionize the study of medicine in the postgenomic era, by allowing researchers to study the role that proteins play in health and disease. Applying this knowledge clinically has already led to innovative discoveries in early cancer detection in a number of malignancies, including prostate, ovarian, and bladder. Prior to the widespread use and acceptance of proteomic technology in PD, a critical assessment of its therapeutic and diagnostic value will be required.
Sensation and Sexual Arousal in Circumcised and Uncircumcised Men
Authors: Payne Kimberley , Thaler Lea , Kukkonen Tuuli , Carrier Serge , Binik Yitzchak 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Research, theory, and popular belief all suggest that penile sensation is greater in the uncircumcised as compared with the circumcised man. However, research involving direct measurement of penile sensation has been undertaken only in sexually functional and dysfunctional groups, and as a correlate of sexual behavior. There are no reports of penile sensation in sexually aroused subjects, and it is not known how arousal affects sensation. In principle, this should be more closely related to actual sexual function.

Aim
This study therefore compared genital and nongenital sensation as a function of sexual arousal in circumcised and uncircumcised men.

Methods
Twenty uncircumcised men and an equal number of age-matched circumcised participants underwent genital and nongenital sensory testing at baseline and in response to erotic and control stimulus films. Touch and pain thresholds were assessed on the penile shaft, the glans penis, and the volar surface of the forearm. Sexual arousal was assessed via thermal imaging of the penis.

Results
In response to the erotic stimulus, both groups evidenced a significant increase in penile temperature, which correlated highly with subjective reports of sexual arousal. Uncircumcised men had significantly lower penile temperature than circumcised men, and evidenced a larger increase in penile temperature with sexual arousal. No differences in genital sensitivity were found between the uncircumcised and circumcised groups. Uncircumcised men were less sensitive to touch on the forearm than circumcised men. A decrease in overall touch sensitivity was observed in both groups with exposure to the erotic film as compared with either baseline or control stimulus film conditions. No significant effect was found for pain sensitivity.

Conclusion
These results do not support the hypothesized penile sensory differences associated with circumcision. However, group differences in penile temperature and sexual response were found.
COMPARATIVE CONSUMER AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF DEL MONTE HAWAI`I GOLD AND SMOOTH CAYENNE PINEAPPLE CULTIVARS
Authors: RAMSAROOP RAYMOND E.S. , SAULO AURORA A. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Del Monte Hawai`i Gold (Del Monte Fresh Produce [Hawai`i], Inc., Honolulu, HI), an experimental hybrid clone of Smooth Cayenne pineapple, was found to have significantly higher (P < 0.0001) pH, °Brix/acid ratio, yellow color, total carotenoid content and vitamin C than Smooth Cayenne, while the titratable acidity of Smooth Cayenne was significantly higher (P < 0.0001). Hawai`i consumers also significantly liked and preferred Del Monte Hawai`i Gold more than Smooth Cayenne pineapples when presented in three different forms: whole, unpeeled pineapple, pineapple spears and single‐strength juice. Results suggest that Del Monte Hawai`i Gold can surpass Smooth Cayenne as the market standard for fresh pineapples and for single‐strength pineapple juice.
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF MELANOIDINS
Authors: RUFIÁN‐HENARES JOSÉ A. , MORALES FRANCISCO J. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Melanoidins are high molecular weight compounds formed during the final stage of the Maillard reaction. Melanoidins have been studied in recent years because of their nutritional, biological and health implications, apart from their role on the stability during processing and shelf life of foods. A fast and robust microtiter plate‐based assay for a quantitative screening of the antimicrobial activity of melanoidins was applied. Oxytetracyclin was used as reference for assessing the antimicrobial activity of different melanoidins isolated from model systems. The minimum inhibitory concentration was calculated, and activity was related to the antimicrobial activity of an oxytetracyclin solution (100 µg/L). Glucose–lysine melanoidin exerted the highest antimicrobial activity, being at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, equivalent to an oxytetracyclin solution of 170 µg/L.
EVALUATION OF FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS IN LACTOBACILLUS STRAINS ISOLATED FROM DRY FERMENTED SAUSAGES
Authors: REBUCCI R. , SANGALLI L. , FAVA M. , BERSANI C. , CANTONI C. , BALDI A. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize lactobacilli isolated from a traditional Italian dry‐fermented sausages inoculated with Lactobacillus casei/paracasei for use as probiotics. Strains isolated were L. casei (38%), L. paracasei paracasei (32%), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (21%) and Lactobacillus sakei sakei (9%). L. paracasei paracasei and L. rhamnosus showed no significant decrease in viability compared with L. casei and L. sakei sakei in artificial gastric juice; L. casei and L. sakei sakei were not affected by artificial intestinal fluid. In human embryonic intestine cell line (INT407) in vitro model, L. rhamnosus and L. sakei sakei were more adhesive than the other strains. The production of acetic acid (40.92 ± 1.94 mmol/L) and propionic acid (0.14 ± 0.07 mmol/L) was similar in all strains tested. Considerably higher (100–250 mmol/L) levels of lactic acid were produced by L. casei, L. paracasei paracasei and L. rhamnosus, and were varied depending on microaerobic or anaerobic conditions. L. casei and L. rhamnosus had the best antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica (serovar Typhimurium). These findings suggest that L. casei and L. rhamnosus merit further investigation as novel starter cultures in meat products.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSProbiotics are well established in dairy products but they are not widely used in meat products and it is expected their use in this area will expand considerably in the near future. Starter cultures of active or resting forms of microorganisms are widely employed in fermented meat products to improve sensory qualities. More recently they are being used in fermented meat products to improve the nutritional value of these products as functional foods. Probiotics in meat may exert their benefits by several methods, and more research is required to identify the strains and combinations of strains that produce the most health benefits. Our study demonstrates that the in vitro characterization of Lactobacillus strains directly isolated from dry fermented sausages can be useful to select novel starter cultures with potential probiotic characteristics among lactic acid bacteria used as commercial meat starter culture.
COLOR QUALITY OF ROSE LIQUEUR
Authors: SHEN SZU‐CHUAN , TSENG KUO‐CHAN , CHAO FENG‐TING , WU JAMES SWI‐BEA 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT The effect of pretreatments and soaking conditions on the color quality of rose liqueur was investigated. Results show that (1) most of the anthocyanin in rose petals was dissolved within 48 h of soaking; (2) a longer soaking time led to a lower color quality due to browning ; (3) a base spirit at lower ethanol content extracted more anthocyanin and also resulted in more browning; (4) 50C air‐drying to 20% water content retained 90% of anthocyanins in rose petals; and (5) the soaking of dried petals in the base spirit yielded a product with less browning as compared with that of fresh petals. The process for making rose liqueur with the best color quality was found to be by soaking dried rose petals at a 1:10 ratio (rose petal : ethanol, w/w) in a base spirit containing 30–35% ethanol added with 0.6–0.8% citric acid for 24 h, then diluting the extract to 16% ethanol content. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis study provides an adequate process for the making of rose liqueur. Pre‐dehydration treatment can be applied on the raw material in the making of various anthocyanin‐containing beverages to improve the color quality. Findings in regard to the effect of ethanol concentration on anthocyanin extraction and the color stability of the product can also be valuable references to wine industry.
AROMATIC COMPOUNDS IN THREE VARIETIES OF TURNIP GREENS HARVESTED AT THREE MATURITY LEVELS*
Authors: JONES GEORGIA , SANDERS OLA GOODE , GRIMM CASEY 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Turnip greens (Brassica rapa) are commonly consumed in the southern U.S.A. Typically, they have a bitter taste, which increases with maturity, probably because of increased levels of glucosinolates. While glucosinolate degradation products have been isolated from various members of the Brassica family, the effect of variety and maturity on these products has not been determined. This study focused on the glucosinolate degradation products of three varieties of turnip greens: Purple Top, Seven Top and Tokyo Cross, harvested 45, 60 and 75 days after planting. Four volatile components (benzene acetonitrile, benzene propane nitrile, 1H‐indole‐3‐acetonitrile and benzene ethyl isothiocyanate) were isolated, identified and quantified. All increased significantly (P < 0.05) as the greens matured; however, onlybenzene propane nitrile and 1H‐indole‐3‐acetonitrile were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by variety.