bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy and Safety of Udenafil, a New Selective Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor, in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Paick Jae-Seung , Kim Sae Woong , Yang Dae Yeol , Kim Ja Jong , Lee Sung Won , Ahn Tai Young , Choi Hyung Ki , Suh Jun-Kyu , Kim Sae Chul 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Udenafil is a potent selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor newly developed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of udenafil therapy in patients with ED.

Methods
In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose, parallel-group phase III trial, 167 patients with ED of diverse origin and severity were randomized to take placebo or udenafil at fixed doses of 100 or 200 mg as needed for 12 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures
Primary efficacy variable was change from baseline in erectile function (EF) domain scores of the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) questionnaire. Secondary efficacy variables include change from baseline in scores on the IIEF Questions 3 and 4 (IIEF Q3 and Q4), change from baseline in all domain scores of the IIEF, patients' responses to questions 2 and 3 of the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP2 and SEP3), and patients' responses to the Global Assessment Question (GAQ). Any adverse events were also recorded during the trial.

Results
After 12 weeks of treatment, the patients treated with udenafil showed significantly greater change from baseline in the IIEF-EF domain score compared with placebo (placebo, 0.20; 100-mg udenafil, 7.52; and 200-mg udenafil, 9.93, respectively) (P &lt;0.0001). Compared with placebo, udenafil significantly enhanced the rates of successful penetration (SEP Q2) and maintenance of erection (SEP Q3) (P &lt;0.0001). Furthermore, significantly greater proportions of udenafil treatment groups responded positively to the GAQ compared with the placebo group (GAQ: placebo, 25.9%; 100-mg udenafil, 81.5%; and 200-mg udenafil, 88.5%, respectively) (P &lt;0.0001). Treatment-related adverse events were generally mild to moderate with facial flushing and headache being the most common.

Conclusions
Udenafil is an effective and well-tolerated therapy for ED of broad-spectrum etiology and severity.
The Sexual Lives of Medical Students: A Single Institution Survey
Authors: Shindel Alan W. , Ferguson Genoa G. , Nelson Christian J. , Brandes Steven B. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Little is known about the personal sexual lives of medical students.

Aim
To assess sexual habits and determine the presence of sexual dysfunction among medical students.

Main Outcome Measures
Demographic and sexual experience data and domain scores on validated sexuality surveys. Instruments selected included the International Index of Erectile Function, the Index of Premature Ejaculation, and the Self Esteem and Relationship Quality Survey for male medical students and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Index of Sex Life for female medical students.

Methods
Medical students at our institution were invited to complete a demographic questionnaire and gender- appropriate sexuality surveys. Results were compared with established normative data and validated cut-off scores when available. Linear regression and Pearson coefficient were used to assess relationships between variables.

Results
There were 132 responses (78 female mean age 24 years, 54 male, mean age 25 years). Condoms and oral contraceptives were the most popular form of contraception. Among men, 81.5%, 37%, and 93% were in a relationship, married, and heterosexual, respectively. Among women, 64%, 18%, and 95% were in a relationship, married, and heterosexual. Erectile dysfunction was reported by 30% of men. Proxy measures of other sexual problems in men revealed a 28% prevalence of dissatisfaction with sex life, a 28% prevalence of problems controlling ejaculation, an 11% prevalence of orgasmic dysfunction, and a 6% prevalence of low sexual desire. Based on validated FSFI scoring, 63% of women were at high risk of sexual dysfunction. Proxy measures of other problems in women indicated disorders of pain, orgasms, desire, sex satisfaction, lubrication, and arousal in 39%, 37%, 32%, 28%, 26%, and 24% of female respondents, respectively.

Conclusions
These data provide insight into the sexual lives of medical students. Rates of sexual dysfunction are higher than expected based on normative data. Further research is required.
Restoration of Female Genital Vasocongestive Arousal Responses in Young and Aged Rats
Authors: Beharry Rochard K.S. , Hale Taben M. , Heaton Jeremy P.W. , Shamloul Rany , Adams Michael A. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionTreatments of aged, male hypertensive rats that induce vascular remodeling or that normalize endothelial function are known to produce sustained improvements in erectile function. Whether the treatments targeting these processes benefit female genital vasocongestive arousal (GVA) responses is currently not known.AimTo determine whether the actions of nitric oxide (NO) are critical to the apomorphine (APO)-generated GVA responses in both intact and ovariectomized OVX young adult female rats (before any aging-associated decreases in the responses). In addition, we also investigated whether the diminished GVA responses in aged rats could be restored, at least in part, using an antihypertensive treatment, which is known to enhance erectile responses and improve general vascular function in male rats.MethodsIn female Wistar rats, APO-induced GVA responses (80 µg/kg, subcutaneously [sc], 30 minutes) were assessed by videomonitoring following various treatments. Young adult females were ovariectomized or were treated with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (30 mg/kg, iv), followed by an NO mimetic, sodium nitroprusside (10 µg/kg/minute, intravenous). Aged females (18 months) were treated for 2 weeks with the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, enalapril (30 mg/kg/day, orally) plus low sodium (0.04%).Main Outcome MeasuresAPO-induced GVA responses in female rats.ResultsThere was an age-associated reduction in sexual responses in normotensive rats that was greatly enhanced (fourfold) by brief, aggressive antihypertensive treatment. The enhanced vasocongestive responses persisted for a 5-week off-treatment. Both OVX and NOS inhibition significantly decreased sexual responses by approximately 80% in young female rats. Systemic administration of an NO mimetic recovered vasocongestive responses in the NOS-blocked rats, but not in OVX animals.ConclusionsAlthough mechanisms were not established, the major findings were that brief aggressive ACE inhibitor treatment markedly improved sexual responses in aged female rats, and systemic delivery of an NO mimetic recovered sexual responses in globally NOS-blocked animals.
Combination of Alfuzosin and Tadalafil Exerts In Vitro an Additive Relaxant Effect on Human Corpus Cavernosum
Authors: Oger Stephanie , Behr-Roussel Delphine , Gorny Diane , Charles Tremeaux Jack , Combes Michel , Alexandre Laurent , Giuliano François 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionPhosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as tadalafil, are a first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Nevertheless, some patients do not respond to this treatment. Clinical data suggest that the addition of α1-adrenoceptor blocker, such as alfuzosin, commonly prescribed for lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia, may be of benefit.AimEvaluation of the effect of alfuzosin, tadalafil or the combination of both on human corpus cavernosum.MethodsHuman cavernosal tissues were obtained from 10 patients undergoing penile surgery. Strips contractility was studied in organ baths. Concentration–response curves to tadalafil were generated on norepinephrine (NE, 1–10 µM)-precontracted strips in the presence of alfuzosin or vehicle. Frequency–response curves (FRC) to electrical field stimulation (EFS, 0–64 Hz, 3 ms, 10 seconds, 300 mA) were generated in the presence of vehicle, alfuzosin, tadalafil, or both drugs combined. EFS (20 Hz, 1 ms, 10 seconds, 300 mM)-induced nitrergic relaxation on NE-precontracted strips was studied in the presence of vehicle, alfuzosin, tadalafil, or both drugs combined.Main Outcome MeasuresFunctional measurement of cavernosal smooth muscle relaxation in the presence of tadalafil and alfuzosin.ResultsThe relaxation induced by tadalafil (10−10 to 10−5 M) on precontracted strips was enhanced by alfuzosin at both 10−8 and 10−7 M. The combination of alfuzosin (3.10−8 M) and tadalafil (10−7 M) was more efficient to inhibit FRC-induced contractions than each compound alone. The combination of tadalafil (10−6 M) and alfuzosin (10−8 M) increased the relaxation induced by EFS and its effect was greater than tadalafil alone. In addition, the combination of tadalafil (10−6 M) and alfuzosin (10−7 M) prolonged EFS-induced relaxation to a greater extent than each compound alone.ConclusionsIn vitro, the combination of alfuzosin and tadalafil is more efficient than each compound alone to relax adrenergic tone or to enhance nitrergic relaxation of the human corpus cavernosum. Such a combination deserves further investigation in placebo-controlled studies to evaluate its benefit in ED patients who are not sufficiently improved by PDE5 inhibitors.
Clinical Female Sexual Outcome after Sacral Neuromodulation Implant for Lower Urinary Tract Symptom (LUTS)
Authors: Lombardi Giuseppe , Mondaini Nicola , Macchiarella Angelo , Cilotti Antonio , Popolo Giulio Del 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Over the last few years, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has become an established treatment option for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Aim
To evaluate if SNM improves sexual function in females treated with SNM for LUTS.

Main Outcome Measures
Improvement in sexuality by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Score (FSDS).

Materials and Methods
We included 31 women, 17 of whom were neurogenic with permanent SNM. Prior to the neuromodulation screening, we assessed sexual function through blood sexual hormones, the FSFI and the FSDS questionnaires. Significant enhancement in sexuality meant an increase of 60% of the total score or of one FSFI domain, or 50% improvement on the FSDS. Only females who showed significant benefits in the first visit post-permanent SNM repeated the questionnaires in follow-up. All these women had their final visit by July 2007.

Results
Both questionnaires indicated a clinically significant improvement in sexuality that was maintained up to the final visit for 4 out of 11 neurogenics with sexual dysfunctions: one showed arousal and desire disorders, one showed arousal disorder and lubrication impairment, one showed arousal disorder and pain, and one showed desire and orgasm deficits. Mean duration of sexual improvement was 23 months. Notable clinical improvement in sexuality was observed in two out of eight idiopathics (one suffering from arousal and desire disorders, and one from lubrication impairment) with a median follow-up of 22 months.

Conclusions
The positive effects regarding sexuality may be due either to enhancement of LUTS or to the direct stimulation of the sacral roots (S3).
SPIN LABELED CYSTEINES AS SENSORS FOR PROTEIN‐LIPID INTERACTION AND CONFORMATION IN RHODOPSIN
Authors: Farahbakhsh Zohreh T. , Altenbach Christian , Hubbell Wayne L. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract—In stoichiometric amounts, the spin label N‐tempoyl‐(p‐chloromercuribenzamide) reacts rapidly with one cysteine residue in membrane‐bound bovine rhodopsin. This residue is distinct from the two reactive cysteines previously used as attachment sites for spectroscopic labels, and is on the external surface of the protein near the cytoplasmic membrane/aqueous interface.The spin‐labeled side chain has revealed a light‐induced conformational change in membrane‐bound rhodopsin that is apparently not associated with protein aggregation. The changes are reversible upon the addition of 11‐cis retinal, and the magnitude of the change is dependent on the identity of the phospholipid in the surrounding bilayer. Alteration of lipid composition has a much larger effect on bleached rhodopsin than rhodopsin itself, indicating that the former is more readily deformable in response to changes in bilayer properties. This is consistent with the loss of 11‐cisretinal binding energy in opsin compared to rhodopsin. These results provide direct structural evidence that the conformation of a membrane protein can be modulated by the lipid properties.
Measurement of ionized calcium in canine blood samples collected in prefilled and self‐filled heparinized syringes using the i‐STAT point‐of‐care analyzer
Authors: Tappin Simon , Rizzo Francesca , Dodkin Steve , Papasouliotis Kostas , Tasker Séverine , Murphy Kate 
Published: March 2008

Background:Heparinized syringes are commonly used with point‐of‐care analyzers (eg, i‐STAT) to measure ionized calcium (iCa2+); however there is little information about the validity of their use in canine patients.Objective:To examine the suitability of prefilled (40 IU heparin/mL) and self‐filled (150 IU heparin/mL) heparinized syringes for iCa2+measurements using the i‐STAT analyzer.Methods:Forty‐seven blood samples were collected from 41 canine patients. Two milliliters of blood were collected into a 2‐mL nonanticoagulated (NA) syringe, a commercially available preheparinized (PH) syringe (dry calcium‐balanced lithium heparin, 40 IU/mL), and a 2‐mL self‐filled heparinized (SH) syringe (liquid sodium heparin, 150 IU/mL). iCa2+was measured in the sample using the i‐STAT analyzer and a wet‐reagent analyzer (KoneLab 30i) used as the reference instrument. Data were analyzed using pairedt‐tests, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Bland‐Altman difference plots.Results:There was no significant difference between the results obtained from NA and PH syringes using the i‐STAT analyzer, and the correlation was excellent (r=.97). The i‐STAT values from the SH syringes (mean, 1.07 mmol/L) were significantly lower (P<.001) than those from the NA syringes (mean, 1.38 mmol/L). iCa2+was significantly higher with the i‐STAT analyzer than with the KoneLab analyzer for both the PH (mean i‐STAT, 1.38 mmol/L vs mean KoneLab, 1.30 mmol/L) and SH (mean i‐STAT, 1.07 mmol/L vs mean KoneLab, 1.03 mmol/L) samples.Conclusions:Blood samples collected in the PH syringes used in this study can be used interchangeably with those collected in NA syringes for measuring iCa2+using the i‐STAT analyzer. SH syringes with high‐concentration heparin products (5000 IU/mL) are unsuitable for measuring iCa2+because they cause clinically significant underestimations. Although there was good correlation between the i‐STAT and KoneLab analyzers, the results should be interpreted using analyzer‐specific reference intervals.
Optimization and validation of a flow cytometric method for immunophenotyping peripheral blood lymphocytes from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Baker Deanna L. , Finco‐Kent Deborah L. , Reagan William J. , Conklyn Maryrose J. , Kawabata Thomas T. 
Published: March 2008

Background: Guidelines published by the Food and Drug Administration and Center for Human Medicinal Products describe the need to assess immunotoxic effects in nonclinical studies that evaluate drug toxicity, including the use of immunophenotyping to measure immunotoxicity. We are not aware of previous studies, however, that have validated methods for immunophenotyping peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in whole blood samples from cynomolgus monkeys.Objective: The purpose of this study was to optimize and validate a flow cytometric assay for immunophenotyping lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of cynomolgus monkeys.Methods: A series of prevalidation experiments were done to determine optimal reagents, volumes, timing, and other procedural details of the flow cytometric assay. Using the optimized method, we then determined precision, interindividual variation, laboratory‐to‐laboratory variability, and sample stability. Stabilized human blood was used as a positive control for staining, processing, and analysis. The percentage and number of pan‐T cells (CD3+), T‐helper cells (CD3+4+), T cytotoxic/suppressor cells (CD3+8+), natural killer cells (CD3−16+), and B‐cells (CD3−20+) were determined in 146 male and 140 female, clinically healthy monkeys and reference intervals were calculated.Results: By doing 4‐color staining with a lyse‐wash method, intra‐ and interassay precision were <5% for all lymphocyte subsets. Variability between technicians and laboratories was minimal (CVs<3%). Samples were stable for up to 24 hours after staining and fixing.Conclusions: The validated method is extremely robust and can be performed under good laboratory practice conditions to support nonclinical studies. Reference intervals for lymphocyte subsets were similar to those previously reported.
UNIQUENESS OF THE EPR–CHAMELEON MODEL
Authors: ACCARDI LUIGI , UCHIYAMA SATOSHI 
Published: March 2008

A classical deterministic, reversible dynamical system, reproducing the Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) correlations in full respect of causality and locality and without the introduction of any ad hoc selection procedure, was constructed in Ref. 4. In this paper we prove that the above-mentioned model is unique (see Theorem 3.1) in the sense that any local causal probability measure which reproduces the EPR correlations must coincide, under natural and generic assumptions, with the one constructed in Ref. 4.
Statistical Models of Holland Pressure Profile Parameter and Radius to Maximum Winds of Hurricanes from Flight-Level Pressure and H*Wind Data
Authors: Vickery Peter J. , Wadhera Dhiraj 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
In many hurricane risk models the inclusion of the Holland B parameter plays an important role in the risk prediction methodology. This paper presents an analysis of the relationship between B and a nondimensional intensity parameter. The nondimensional parameter includes the strong negative correlation of B with increasing hurricane size [as defined by the radius to maximum winds (RMW)] and latitude as well as a positive correlation with sea surface temperature. A weak positive correlation between central pressure deficit and B is also included in the single parameter term. Alternate statistical models relating B to RMW and latitude are also developed. Estimates of B are derived using pressure data collected during hurricane reconnaissance flights, coupled with additional information derived from the Hurricane Research Division’s H*Wind snapshots of hurricane wind fields. The reconnaissance data incorporate flights encompassing the time period 1977 through 2001, but the analysis was limited to include only those data collected at the 700-hPa-or-higher level. Statistical models relating RMW to latitude and central pressure derived from the dataset are compared to those derived for U.S. landfalling storms during the period 1900–2005. The authors find that for the Gulf of Mexico, using only the landfall hurricanes, the data suggest that there is no inverse relationship between RMW and the central pressure deficit. The RMW data also demonstrate that Gulf of Mexico hurricanes are, on average, smaller than Atlantic Ocean hurricanes. A qualitative examination of the variation of B, central pressure, and radius to maximum winds as a function of time suggests that along the Gulf of Mexico coastline (excluding southwest Florida), during the final 6–24 h before landfall, the hurricanes weaken as characterized by both an increase in central pressure and the radius to maximum winds and a decrease in B. This weakening characteristic of landfalling storms is not evident for hurricanes making landfall elsewhere along the U.S. coastline.
Selective Admission To Teacher Education
Authors: Stripling Robert O. , Horton Thomas R. 
Published: March 2008

The shortage of teachers has led to demands that institutions eliminate all except the most rudimentary require ments for admission to teacher education programs. Many educators maintain, however, that only by creating a genu inely professional corps of teachers, by raising standards rather than lowering them, can the teacher shortage be finally alleviated without serious damage to the nation's schools. In this article the authors describe one university's program of selective ad mission to teacher education. They re port that selectivity has improved the morale of both students and faculty, and that enrollments have continued at a high level in spite of the rejection of more than one-fourth of the students who have applied for admission to teach er education. Improvement in the aca demic ability of the student body is il lustrated with test scores. Robert O. Stripling is associate pro fessor of education and Thomas R. Hor ton is a graduate student in mathe matics at the University of Florida.
An Evolving Technique for Appraising Interpersonal Effectiveness
Authors: Wilson Phyllis C. , Robbins Irving 
Published: March 2008

Dynamic elements have been most conspicuously lacking in measurements of ability; yet, in the larger, practical abilities of life, dynamic elements of various kinds are of the greatest impor tance. Attempts to assess the dynamic aspects of ability—of large abilities in action in social settings—became promi nent during the last world war, notably in the selection program of OSS. For measurement or evaluation to succeed in the social field, dynamic aspects must become the center of attention. The present article applies this con ception to the selection of certain gradu ate students. The same ideas, with ap propriate adaptations, might well be ap plied more widely to selection of work ers in all situations where interpersonal effectivness is a primary requirement. Dr. Wilson is the program adviser of the guidance training program for Queens College. Dr. Robbins teaches evaluation and research. The style which the authors hvae used permits the read er to feel he is almost an eye witness to this developing procedure.
Selective Admissions and Retention Practices in Teacher Education
Authors: Stout Ruth A. 
Published: March 2008

Parts I and II of the condensation of Dr. Stout's dissertation appeared in the September, 1957, issue of The Journal of Teacher Education. They presented the background and current practice, the relation of selective admissions and retention practices to institutional characteristics, and twelve charts which graphically summarize the data from which the narrative is drawn. Parts III and IV conclude another significant study in the field of teacher education published under the title of "Commission Studies in 'reacher Education." A very limited number of reprints is available for distribution. -Editor.
Research on Reinforcement and Its Implications for Education
Authors: Ryans David G. , Travers R.M.W. , Reid Ian E. , Van Wagenen R.Keith 
Published: March 2008

Professor Travers is one of the country's leading educational researchers. He has served in teaching and research capacities at Columbia University, Ohio State Uni versity, the University of Michigan, and the University of Utah. He was chairman of the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Utah for four years, and in 1962 became director of the Bureau of Educational Research. Dr. Travers is well known among educators for his con tributions to research as well as for his books dealing with testing,Educational Measurement; research methodology, An Introduction to Educational Research; and learning,Essentials of Learning: An Over view for Teachers. Mr. Reid, one of Dr. Travers' collabo rators, is a research associate in the Bureau of Educational Research at the University of Utah. Dr. Van Wagenen now serves in the ca pacity of assistant professor of education at Arizona State University; his principal interests are in the area of school learning.