bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Vardenafil and Influence on Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence in Patients with Severe Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Martin-Morales Antonio , Meijide Fernando , García Nicolás , Artes Maite , Muñoz Ana 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Aim
To assess the efficacy of vardenafil in a population of Spanish men with erectile dysfunction (ED), its influence on patients’ self-esteem and self-confidence, and its effect on their quality of life.

Main Outcome Measures
Efficacy was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, the Johnson and McCoy Self-Confidence scale, the Medical Outcome Short Form (SF-36) scale, items 2 and 3 of the Sexual Encounter Profile questionnaire, and the Global Assessment Question (GAQ). Safety assessments included laboratory tests, physical exam, electrocardiogram, vital signs, and adverse events.

Methods
This was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled study. After a 4-week treatment-free period, patients received flexible-dose vardenafil or placebo for 12 weeks. The initial dose was 10 mg, which could be titrated up to 20 mg or down to 5 mg at weeks 4 and 8.

Results
A total of 121 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (61 on vardenafil and 60 on placebo). Of these, 16 in the vardenafil group and 14 in the placebo group had severe ED. There was a greater improvement in IIEF-EF domain score with vardenafil vs. placebo for all patients (score change of 10.9 vs. 1.6, respectively, P &lt; 0.001) and for patients with severe ED (score change of 13.4 vs. 2.2, respectively, P = 0.011). A significant difference in favor of vardenafil was also observed for positive responses to the GAQ (73.8% vs. 25.0%, P &lt; 0.001). After 12 weeks, vardenafil-treated patients with severe ED showed a significant improvement in their self-esteem compared with patients receiving placebo (change from baseline −1.51 vs. 3.54, respectively, P = 0.036). Vardenafil treatment was well tolerated.

Conclusion
Vardenafil was highly effective for improving EF in all patients with ED, and resulted in significant improvements in self-esteem in patients with severe ED.
Continuing Medical Education: Sexual Medicine Education: Review and Commentary (CME)
Authors: Parish Sharon J. , Clayton Anita H. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual medicine education is an important and fundamental topic not adequately represented in most undergraduate and residency training programs.

Aim
The purpose of this article is to better enable the participant to understand the importance of sexual medicine education, and to review existing models and innovations in undergraduate and graduate medical education. This activity is designed for the practicing physician.

Methods
A literature review of the topic was performed.

Main Outcome Measure
Current state of, and new developments in, sexual medicine education.

Results
In all countries, medical students, house staff, and practicing physicians currently receive variable, nonstandardized, or inadequate training in sexual history taking and sexual medicine assessment and treatment. There remain significant physician–patient barriers to discussing sexual issues; and patients feel that their physicians are reluctant, disinterested, or unskilled in sexual problem management. There is a knowledge gap between developments in sexual medicine and the clinical skills of practicing physicians.

Conclusion
The challenge is to create uniform, widely available programs that provide practicing physicians across specialties with the needed skills to meet modern patients' needs in sexual medicine healthcare delivery.
Effect of the Destruction of Cells Containing the Serotonin Reuptake Transporter on Urethrogenital Reflexes
Authors: Gravitt Karla , Marson Lesley 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The urethrogenital (UG) reflex is an autonomic and somatic response that mimics some of the physiological changes seen during ejaculation. The UG reflex is tonically inhibited by neurons in the ventral medulla, an area containing serotonin neurons.

Aim
To examine the effect of lesions of brain neurons containing the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) on ejaculatory-like reflexes.

Methods
Anti-SERT saporin (80 nL, 1 mM) or saline was injected bilaterally into the ventrolateral medulla of male Sprague–Dawley rats. Ten to 18 days later, animals were deeply anesthetized and the presence of the UG reflex was examined before and after acute spinal cord transection (T9–10). Following the experiment the presence and number of serotonin and norepinephrine containing neurons (using tryptophan hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase, respectively) was performed.

Main Outcome Measures
The UG reflex and cell counts.

Results
In saline-injected controls the UG reflex was not evoked in the anesthetized, intact preparation, indicating the presence of the supraspinal inhibition, as previously reported. Injection of anti-SERT saporin into the ventrolateral medulla allowed the UG reflex to be activated in the intact preparation, thus removed the inhibition. This was associated with a decrease in the number of serotonin neurons in the ventrolateral medulla and raphe. No change in the number of noradrenergic neurons was observed.

Conclusion
These studies suggest that ventral medullary neurons containing SERT are involved in the tonic inhibition of the UG reflex.
Altered Penile Vascular Reactivity and Erection in the Zucker Obese-Diabetic Rat
Authors: Wingard Christopher , Fulton David , Husain Shahid 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The combination of the independent risk factors for erectile dysfunction, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are manifested collectively in a condition known as metabolic syndrome X. However, the exact mechanism(s) by which the combination of these factors contributes to erectile dysfunction have yet to be elucidated.

Aim
We hypothesized that protein kinase C (PKC) and Rho-kinase enhanced vascular tone and thus contributed to erectile dysfunction in this condition.

Methods
Erectile function was evaluated by recording voltage-dependent increases in intracavernosal pressure following stimulation of the cavernosal nerve in 16- to 20-week-old lean and obese-diabetic Zucker rats. Cavernosal tissue contractile and relaxation responses were evaluated in vitro when contracted with phenylephrine, endothelin-1 and relaxed by Rho-kinase, PKC inhibitors or sodium nitroprusside. Additionally, cavernosal tissue Rho-kinase, protein kinase, and nitric oxide synthase isoform expression were evaluated by Western blot.

Results
The voltage-dependent erectile responses were suppressed by &gt;30% in the obese-diabetic Zucker rat. The maximal stress generated by cavernosal tissue from the obese-diabetic was significantly greater than the lean response by greater than 0.8 mN/mm2 for both phenylephrine and endothelin stimulation. The PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine, inhibited more than 30% of the phenylephrine-induced and 70% of the endothelin-1-induced contractions. Rho-kinase inhibition, with either Y-27632 or HA-1077, revealed impaired relaxations of nearly 30% in tissue from obese-diabetic animals. Western blot analysis revealed increased protein expression of PKC α and δ and Rho-kinase α and β but no loss for endothelial or neuronal nitric oxide synthase.

Conclusion
In this rodent model both PKC and Rho-kinase signaling elements may contribute to an enhanced vasoconstriction state of the penile smooth muscle that was differentially dependent on the agonist used. The enhanced vasoconstrictive state of the tissue could contribute to the reduced voltage-dependent erectile response in the obese-diabetic Zucker rat.
Improvement of Sexual Function in Men with Late-Onset Hypogonadism Treated with Testosterone Only
Authors: Yassin Aksam A. , Saad Farid 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Aim
Late-onset hypogonadism is associated with relatively mild testosterone deficiencies. This study investigated the effects of restoring testosterone levels to normal in men with complaints of low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual function was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) at baseline and after 24 weeks of testosterone administration.

Methods
Twenty-two hypogonadal men (mean age 58 years) with erectile dysfunction were studied. Fifteen patients had serum testosterone below 6.9 nmol/L, and seven between 7.2 and 11.7 nmol/L (reference values in our laboratory ≥12.0 nmol/L); there were considerable comorbidities. The duration of sexual complaints was on average 3.8 years. Patients received intramuscular long-acting testosterone undecanoate.

Results
In all patients, serum testosterone levels were restored to normal within 6–8 weeks. Twelve patients reported a significant improvement in the sexual desire domain (from 4.5 to 8.4) and experienced an improvement in the erectile function domain (from 12 to 25 [Questions 1–5 plus 15)], following treatment with this long-acting testosterone; in 9 of 12 patients, this occurred only after at least 12–24 weeks. The remaining 10 patients reported an improvement of sexual desire (from 4.5 to 7.5), but no significant improvement in the erectile function domain (from 12 to 14). No changes in serum prostate-specific antigen or prostate volume were noticed while receiving this long-acting testosterone preparation.

Conclusion
Restoring testosterone levels to normal in men with proven subnormal testosterone levels improves libido in most subjects, and erectile function in more than 50% of these men. It may take 12–24 weeks before the effects of testosterone become manifest.
Letrozole Versus Testosterone. A Single-Center Pilot Study of HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Raised Estradiol Levels
Authors: Richardson Daniel , Goldmeier David , Frize Graham , Lamba Harpal , De Souza Carl , Kocsis Agnes , Scullard George 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Since the advent of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART), men with HIV experience good quality of life and expect to have normal sexual function. However, it appears that men infected with HIV commonly complain of sexual problems. There is evidence that men on HAART develop low sexual desire that is associated with raised estradiol levels. It has been postulated that abnormal metabolism seen in this group of men increases the aromatization of testosterone to estradiol. We hypothesized that letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor that inhibits the conversion of testosterone to estradiol, would be beneficial in these men.

Aim
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of testosterone vs. an aromatase inhibitor, letrazole, in HIV-infected men with raised estradiol and low sexual desire.

Methods
Thirteen men who have sex with men on HAART with low sexual desire as well as raised estradiol levels (&gt;120 pmol/L) were randomly allocated to receive either parenteral testosterone (Sustanon 250 intramuscular injection) (N = 6) or letrozole 2.5 mg orally daily (N = 7) for 6 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures
Sex steroid hormone assays, sex hormone-binding globulin, virological, hematological, and biochemical parameters were measured before and after treatment. Each subject was given the Spector Sexual Desire Inventory and the Depression/Anxiety Stress Scale before and immediately after treatment. Subjects were also asked to estimate the number of actual sexual acts before and after treatment.

Results
Inventory data showed a rise in dyadic desire in both treatment arms. Mean actual sexual acts rose from 0.33 to 1.5 in the testosterone group and from 0.43 to 1.29 for the letrozole group. Luteinizing hormone increased in seven of seven men on letrozole. Serum testosterone increased in seven of seven men on letrozole. There were no adverse events from either medication.

Conclusion
Letrozole may be useful in the management of men on HAART who have low sexual desire.
Micronised and non‐micronised sulphur applications control peach scab equally well with negligible differences in fruit quality
Authors: Schnabel G. , Layne D.R. , Holb I.J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn a 2‐year study, micronised (finely ground) and non‐micronised sulphur spray programmes were investigated for peach scab control and influence on peach fruit quality variables including fruit colouration, soluble solids content and flesh firmness. Both sulphur programmes, applied six or 11 times at 15 kg ha−1, controlled scab equally well in both years on cultivars (cvs) Contender and Cresthaven. Six applications of a half dosage of both micronised and non‐micronised sulphur programmes were significantly less effective (P < 0.05) compared with all other programmes when scab incidence was >90% on cv. Contender. None of the sulphur programmes influenced significantly (P < 0.05) colouration and flesh firmness of harvested fruits compared with the industry standard (a chlorothalonil–captan programme). Only soluble solids concentrations showed significant differences among fungicide programmes (P < 0.05), but these differences were not consistent with either particle sizes of sulphur fungicide or reduced application fungicide programmes. In conclusion, our study showed that (a) micronised sulphur did not control peach scab more effectively compared to non‐micronised sulphur; (b) six applications of sulphur were sufficient to control peach scab when disease pressure was low to medium; and (c) neither six nor 11 applications of sulphur‐based products applied at 15 kg ha−1 had commercially relevant negative impacts on important peach fruit quality variables.
PUBLIC OPINION AND THE FOUNDATION OF THE JUVENILE COURT*
Authors: MEARS DANIEL P. , HAY CARTER , GERTZ MARC , MANCINI CHRISTINA 
Published: March 2007

Over 100 years ago, juvenile courts emerged out of the belief that juveniles are different from adults—less culpable and more rehabilitatable—and can be "saved" from a life of crime and disadvantage. Today, the juvenile justice system is under attack through increasing calls to eliminate it and enactment of statutes designed to place younger offenders in the adult justice system. However, little evidence exists that policy makers have taken the full range of public views into account. At the same time, scholarly accounts of calls to eliminate the juvenile justice system have neglected the role of public opinion. The current study addresses this situation by examining public views about 1) abolishing juvenile justice and 2) the proper upper age of original juvenile court jurisdiction. Particular attention is given to the notion that child‐saving and "get tough" orientations influence public views about juvenile justice. The analyses suggest support for the lingering appeal of juvenile justice among the public and the idea that youth can be “saved,” as well as arguments about the politicization and criminalization of juvenile justice. They also highlight that the public, like states, holds variable views about the appropriate age of juvenile court jurisdiction. We discuss the implications of the study and avenues for future research.Why is it not just and proper to treat these juvenile offenders, as we deal with the neglected children, as a wise and merciful father handles his own child whose errors are not discovered by the authorities? Why is it not the duty of the state, instead of asking merely whether a boy or a girl has committed a specific offense, to find out what he is, physically, mentally, morally, and then if it learns that he is treading the path that leads to criminality, to take him in charge, not so much to punish as to reform, not to degrade but to uplift, not to crush but to develop, to make him not a criminal but a worthy citizen.
INVESTIGATING RACIAL PROFILING BY THE MIAMI‐DADE POLICE DEPARTMENT: A MULTIMETHOD APPROACH
Authors: ALPERT GEOFFREY P. , DUNHAM ROGER G. , SMITH MICHAEL R. 
Published: March 2007

Research SummaryThe perception and existence of biased policing or racial profiling is one of the most difficult issues facing contemporary American society. Citizens from minority communities have focused their concerns on the improper use of race by law enforcement officers. The current research uses a complex methodological approach to investigate claims that the Miami‐Dade, Florida Police Department uses race improperly for the purposes of making traffic stops and conducting post‐stop activities. The results are mixed in that the officer's aggregate actions do not show a pattern of discriminatory actions toward minority citizens when making a traffic stop, but results of post‐stop activities do show some disparate treatment of minorities.Policy ImplicationsFive specific policy recommendations are made to reduce the perception or reality of racial profiling by the police. First, police departments must have clear policies and directives explaining the proper use of race in decision making. Second, officers must be trained and educated in the overall impact of using race as a factor in deciding how to respond to a citizen. Third, the department must maintain a data‐collection and analytic system to monitor the activities of their officers as it pertains to the race of the citizen. The fourth police recommendation involves the use of record checks in the field that can set in motion a process that results in the detention and arrest of citizens. Fifth, the completion of a record of interrogation for later intelligence has implications for the citizen. The use of this intelligence tool must depend on suspicion rather than on the race of the citizen.
“POLICE DON'T LIKE BLACK PEOPLE”: AFRICAN‐AMERICAN YOUNG MEN'S ACCUMULATED POLICE EXPERIENCES*
Authors: BRUNSON ROD K. 
Published: March 2007

Research SummaryThis study examined 40 African‐American young men's direct and vicarious experiences with police harassment and violence, and their impact on perceptions of police. Study findings highlight the value of using comprehensive and nuanced measures of police/citizen encounters and underscore the importance of examining the impact of accumulated adverse experiences.Policy ImplicationsThe findings have implications for police oversight policies. In particular, police organizations should work toward developing complaint review processes that are not merely accessible to citizens but also inspire confidence among them. These efforts are crucial toward improving the image of police in minority communities and positively impacting citizen trust of, and satisfaction with, the police.
THE RACE/ETHNICITY DISPARITY IN MISDEMEANOR MARIJUANA ARRESTS IN NEW YORK CITY*
Authors: GOLUB ANDREW , JOHNSON BRUCE D. , DUNLAP ELOISE 
Published: March 2007

Research SummaryThis article examines the growth in marijuana misdemeanor arrests in New York City (NYC) from 1980 to 2003 and its differential impact on blacks and Hispanics. Since 1980, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) expanded its use of arrest and detention for minor offenses under its quality‐of‐life (QOL) policing initiative. Arrest data indicate that during the 1990s the primary focus of QOL policing became smoking marijuana in public view (MPV). By 2000, MPV had become the most common misdemeanor arrest, accounting for 15% of all NYC adult arrests and rivaling controlled substance arrests as the primary focus of drug abuse control. Of note, most MPV arrestees have been black or Hispanic. Furthermore, black and Hispanic MPV arrestees have been more likely to be detained prior to arraignment, convicted, and sentenced to jail than their white counterparts.Policy ImplicationsIn light of the disparities, we recommend that the NYPD consider scaling back on MPV enforcement and reducing the harshness of treatment by routinely issuing Desk Appearance Tickets when the person is not wanted on other charges, so that most MPV arrestees would not be detained. Furthermore, we recommend that legislators should consider making smoking marijuana in public a violation and not a misdemeanor. Lastly, we suggest ways that NYC could monitor the effectiveness of these policy modifications to assure that the city continues to meet its goals for order maintenance.
Adoption of biosecurity practices in the Australian poultry industries
Authors: East IJ 
Published: March 2007

Objective  To determine the level of adoption within the Australian poultry industries of a range of standard biosecurity practices.Design  A questionnaire survey of owners and managers of 1753 commercial poultry farms.Procedure  Information was collected by telephone or in person from the owners and managers of poultry farms. Data were entered onto an Excel spreadsheet and analysed using the statistical tools within Excel.Results  The response rates to the questionnaire for the chicken meat, egg, duck and turkey sectors were 94%, 37%, 92% and 96% respectively. Within the chicken meat sector, the adoption rate exceeded 98% for 11 practices with only the rates for appropriate disposal of spent litter/manure (94%) and development of farm level biosecurity plans (88%) falling below this level. Adoption rates for all practices had increased or remained at 100% since the last survey conducted in 2001. Integrated companies in the turkey and duck sector also reported high levels of adoption for most biosecurity practices although rates for the use of fresh litter, cleaning of sheds between batches of birds and maintenance of single age flocks were lower than in the chicken meat sector. Adoption rates for biosecurity practices on independently owned farms in the turkey and duck sectors were lower than for farms operated by integrated companies.Conclusions  Farms in the chicken meat, turkey and duck sectors of the Australian poultry industries have a high level of adoption of biosecurity practices with only a small proportion of farms needing to further enhance their biosecurity.
Prevalence and Severity of Dental Caries in Adolescents Aged 12 and 15 Living in Communities with Various Fluoride Concentrations
Authors: Pontigo‐Loyola América Patricia , Medina‐Solis Carlo Eduardo , Borges‐Yañez S. Aida , Patiño‐Marín Nuria , Islas‐Márquez Arturo , Maupome Gerardo 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives: To determine the experience, prevalence, and severity of dental caries in adolescents naturally exposed to various fluoride concentrations.Methods: A cross‐sectional census was conducted on 1,538 adolescents aged 12 and 15 years living at high altitude above sea level (>2,000 m or >6,560 ft) in above‐optimal fluoridated communities (levels ranging from 1.38 to 3.07 ppm) of Hidalgo, Mexico. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic data were collected using questionnaires. Two previously trained and standardized examiners performed the dental exams.Results: Caries prevalence was 48.6 percent and mean of decay, missing, and filling teeth (DMFT) for the whole population was 1.15 ± 1.17. In terms of severity, 9.6 percent of the adolescents had DMFT ≥ 4, and 1.7 percent had ≥7. The significant caries index (SiC) was 2.41 in the group of 12‐year‐olds, and 3.46 in the 15‐year‐olds. Higher experience and prevalence were observed in girls, in children with dental visit in the past year, those in the wealthiest socioeconomic status (SES) (quartiles 2, 3, and 4), those whose locale of residence is in San Marcos and Tula Centro, and in fluorosis‐free children and those with moderate/severe fluorosis. In an analysis of caries severity (DMFT ≥ 4), both adolescents with very mild/mild and moderate/severe dental fluorosis have higher caries severity.Conclusions: The results indicated that caries experience, prevalence, and severity as well as SiC index among 12‐ and 15‐year‐old adolescents were relatively low. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables commonly associated with dental caries were also observed in Mexican adolescents. Unlike other studies, we found that caries increased with higher SES. Fluoride exposure (measured through fluorosis presence) does not appear to be reducing the caries prevalence (DMFT > 0) or caries severity (DMFT ≥ 4) in these high‐altitude communities.