bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal lobe epilepsy does not impair visual perception
Authors: Grant Arthur C. , Donnelly Kiely M. , Chubb Charlie , Barr William B. , Kuzniecky Ruben , Devinsky Orrin 
Published: March 2008

Summary Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) can impair interictal cognitive function. In the perceptual domain, previous psychophysical studies demonstrated specific deficits in auditory and tactile perception in patients with TLE. This study compared performance of 25 TLE subjects and 27 controls on two low‐level, visual tasks: luminance discrimination and frequency discrimination. Both tasks were performed under a relatively easy and a relatively difficult condition, by adjusting the stimulus duration. TLE subjects performed as well as controls on both tasks at both stimulus durations. These results imply that interictal occipital lobe function, as reflected in performance on low‐level visual tasks, is not impaired in TLE, consistent with functional imaging data. Furthermore, since TLE subjects performed normally while taking therapeutic doses of multiple AEDs, the data suggest that these AEDs do not impair visual perception.
Neuropsychological results in pediatric patients with epilepsy surgery in the parietal cortex
Authors: Gleissner Ulrike , Kuczaty Stefan , Clusmann Hans , Elger Christian E. , Helmstaedter Christoph 
Published: March 2008

Summary This study evaluated pre‐ and postoperatively cognitive functions in 15 pediatric patients with surgically treated parietal lobe epilepsy (PLE). Seizure outcome was very satisfying with 87% seizure‐free patients 1 year after surgery, and 82% in the long‐term follow‐up. Preoperative intelligence was in the subaverage range. Impairments in specific cognitive functions (memory, attention, executive functions) were evident preoperatively for 39–66% of patients. Behavioral disorders were rare. No side differences (left versus right PLE) were indicated pre‐ or postoperatively. Postoperative improvements were found in behavior and attention; other cognitive functions were unchanged. All in all, this preliminary study indicated a satisfactory neuropsychological outcome in pediatric patients with PLE.
Induction of platelet white blood cell (WBC) aggregate formation by platelets and WBCs in red blood cell units
Authors: Keating Friederike K. , Fung Mark K. , Schneider David J. 
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) preparations is independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to define mechanisms potentially contributing.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The presence of platelets (PLTs), activated PLTs (PLTs expressing P‐selectin), PLT‐monocyte aggregates (PMAs), and PLT‐neutrophil aggregates (PNAs) was determined in vitro with the use of flow cytometry in whole blood from healthy volunteers, in RBCs, and in whole blood after adding aliquots of RBCs. Both prestorage leukoreduced and nonleukoreduced RBCs were analyzed. Nonleukoreduced RBCs were subfractionated with the use of centrifugation and filtration to obtain a RBC‐free and a cell‐free fraction. Formation of PMAs and PNAs was determined in whole blood after the addition of aliquots of these subfractions.RESULTS: Nonleukoreduced RBCs contained 50 ± 18 percent of the PLTs found in whole blood from healthy volunteers, and 43 ± 16 percent of the PLTs were activated. Leukoreduced RBCs contained few PLTs (0.2 ± 0.1% of volunteer blood). The majority (>60%) of white blood cells (WBCs) in nonleukoreduced RBCs were associated with PLTs. The formation of PMAs and PNAs in whole blood was increased approximately fivefold after addition of nonleukoreduced‐RBCs (p < 0.0001) and by less than twofold with leukoreduced RBCs (p = 0.01). Addition of the essentially cell‐free fraction of nonleukoreduced RBCs did not increase the formation of PNA or PMA in whole blood significantly.CONCLUSION: RBC preparations, particularly nonleukoreduced RBCs, contain activated PLTs and PLT‐WBC aggregates and induce formation of PLT‐WBC aggregates. This may be one mechanism contributing to adverse outcomes linked to transfusions in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Autonomic Mechanism for Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms: Evidence by Fast Fourier Transform Analysis
Authors: LU ZHIBING , SCHERLAG BENJAMIN J. , LIN JIAXIONG , NIU GUODONG , GHIAS MUHAMMAD , JACKMAN WARREN M. , LAZZARA RALPH , JIANG HONG , PO SUNNY S. 
Published: March 2008

Introduction:
The mechanism(s) underlying complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) is not well understood. We hypothesized that CFAE may be caused by enhanced activity of the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system.
Methods and Results:
In 35 anesthetized dogs, via a right or left thoracotomy, sustained atrial fibrillation was induced by local application of acetylcholine (ACh; 10, 100 mM) to the surface of the atrial appendage (AA) or by injection of ACh (10 mM) into the ganglionated plexi (GP). Fast Fourier transform analysis was performed from recordings at AA, atrial sites near the AA, mid portion of the atrium, atrial sites near the GP, and the pulmonary veins. After AF was induced with ACh either by topical application to the AA or by direct injection into the GP, CFAE exhibited a significant gradient of progressively decreasing dominant frequency and incidence of CFAE (CFAE%) from the GP toward distant sites, while regularity index progressively decreased in the opposite direction. Ablation of GP markedly attenuated CFAE and eliminated these gradients.
Conclusions:
These results suggest CFAE may result from activation of the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system in these animal models of sustained AF. Ablation of GP attenuates CFAE and eliminates the DF gradient.
A Systematical Analysis of In Vivo Contact Forces on Virtual Catheter Tip/Tissue Surface Contact during Cardiac Mapping and Intervention
Authors: OKUMURA YASUO , JOHNSON SUSAN B. , BUNCH T. JARED , HENZ BENHUR D. , O'BRIEN CHRISTINE J. , PACKER DOUGLAS L. 
Published: March 2008

Introduction: While catheter tip/tissue contact has been shown to be an important determinant of ablative lesions in in vitro studies, the impact of contact on the outcomes of mapping and ablation in the intact heart has not been evaluated. Methods and Results: Twelve dogs underwent atrial ablation guided by the Senesi™ robotic catheter remote control system. After intracardiac ultrasound (ICE) validation of contact force measured by an in‐line mechanical sensor, the relationship between contact force and individual lesion formation was established during irrigated‐tipped ablation (flow 17 mL/sec) at 15 watts for 30 seconds. Minimal contact by ICE correlated with force of 4.7 ± 5.8 grams, consistent contact 9.9 ± 8.6 grams and tissue tenting produced 25.0 ± 14.0 grams. Conversely, catheter tip/tissue contact by ICE was predicted by contact force. A contact force of 10–20 and ≥20 grams generated full‐thickness, larger volume ablative lesions than that created with <10 grams (98 ± 69 and 89 ± 70 mm3 vs 40 ± 42 mm3, P < 0.05). Moderate (10 grams) and marked contact (15–20 grams) application produced 1.5 X greater electroanatomic map volumes that were seen with minimal contact (5 grams) (26 ± 3 cm3 vs 33 ± 6, 39 ± 3 cm3, P < 0.05). The electroanatomic map/CT merge process was also more distorted when mapping was generated at moderate to marked contact force. Conclusion: This study shows that mapping and ablation using a robotic sheath guidance system are critically dependent on generated force. These findings suggest that ablative lesion size is optimized by the application of 10–20 grams of contact force, although mapping requires lower‐force application to avoid image distortions.
Preoperative Alterations in Correlation Properties and Complexity of R–R Interval Dynamics Predict the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Preserved Left Ventricular Function
Authors: TARKIAINEN TUULA H. , HAKALA TAPIO , HEDMAN ANTTI , VANNINEN ESKO 
Published: March 2008

Introduction: We evaluated whether there are constant preoperative alterations in nonlinear R–R interval dynamics that associate with the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients with preserved left ventricular function. Methods: We analyzed mean normal‐to‐normal R–R intervals, short‐term scaling exponent of detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA α1), approximate entropy and entropy of symbolic dynamics (SymDyn En) from 10‐minute ECG recordings during rest, paced breathing, and passive tilt performed 1 day before surgery in 67 elective coronary artery bypass grafting patients. Results: Nineteen patients developed postoperative atrial fibrillation. The preoperative DFA α1 was constantly lower in patients developing postoperative atrial fibrillation than in patients remaining in sinus rhythm (P = 0.016); during spontaneous breathing, the DFA α1 was 0.93 ± 0.33 in patients with atrial fibrillation and 1.13 ± 0.24 in patients with sinus rhythm. The entropy of symbolic dynamics was higher during the spontaneous breathing in patients with atrial fibrillation than in patients with sinus rhythm (4.72 ± 0.51 vs 4.36 ± 0.51, P = 0.012). Higher short‐term scaling exponent of detrended fluctuation analysis during the spontaneous breathing period reduced the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation (OR 0.31 for an interquartile increase in DFA α1, 95% CI 0.13–0.78), while higher entropy of symbolic dynamics increased it (OR 3.16 for an interquartile increase in SymDyn En, 95% CI 1.23–8.10), independently of age and clinical risk factors. Conclusion: The preoperatively altered nonlinear R–R interval dynamics were independent predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation and might become a useful tool for the risk assessment of atrial fibrillation.
Determinants of Sexual Function among Women with Type 2 Diabetes in a Nigerian Population
Authors: Olarinoye John , Olarinoye Adebunmi 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual health is an important but often neglected component of diabetes care. Unlike erectile dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction has not been well studied among Nigerian diabetics.

Aims
To assess the sexual function of women with diabetes, and to determine its clinical correlates.

Methods
The sexual performances of 51 women with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the Diabetes Clinic, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. The Female Sexual Function (FSF) scores in each domain of sexual function were then compared with those of 39 nondiabetic controls. The associations between the FSF scores and certain clinical variables, as well as some diabetic complications, were also determined.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual performance of the women as measured by the FSF scores using the FSFI questionnaires.

Results
The FSF score in the diabetic women was 20.5 (±8.3) compared with a score of 31.2 (±8.8) in the control (P value=0.00). The FSF scores in the arousal, pain, orgasm, and overall satisfaction domains were all lower in the diabetic women (P value&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference in the scores for “desire” domain in the two groups (P value &gt; 0.05). Women with diabetes attempted sex less frequently (P &lt;0.05). There was a negative correlation between the ages of the women and all the domains of sexual function (P value&lt;0.05). Duration of diabetes correlated negatively with comfort (P value=0.04), lubrication (P =0.03), frequency (P value=0.05), as well as orgasm (P value=0.04) domains. There was no significant relationship between the FSF score and body mass index, blood pressure, and glycemic control. There was no significant difference between the FSF scores of diabetic women with complications and those without (P value &gt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Diabetes significantly impairs the sexual performance of the Nigerian women afflicted with the disease. Determinants of FSF include age, duration of diabetes illness, and presence of menopause.
Male Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease: Is There an Intimate Nexus?
Authors: Chew Kew-Kim , Bremner Alexandra , Jamrozik Konrad , Earle Carolyn , Stuckey Bronwyn 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Various studies report increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with cardiovascular (CV) disease and postulate an intimate nexus between the two conditions.

Aim
To examine the association of ED with CV risk factors and disease in a population-based cross-sectional observational study conducted in Western Australia (WA).

Method
Postal questionnaires were sent to randomly selected age-stratified male population samples obtained from the WA Electoral Roll.

Main Outcome Measures
In addition to items covering sociodemographic and self-reported clinical information, the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was used.

Results
Of the 1,580 participants, the ages of 1,514 were known and ranged from 20 to 99 years (mean 57.9, median 59.1, standard deviation 18.5). CV risk factors and disease were more prevalent with increasing age and among participants with ED and severe ED. The age-adjusted odds of ED were significantly higher among participants with hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.47; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.05, 2.07), ischemic heart disease (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.10, 2.94), and stroke (OR 3.30; 95% CI 1.22, 8.88), and with these conditions and peripheral arterial disease grouped together as CV disease (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.34, 2.56). Many participants with hyperlipidemia were receiving treatment, and the age-adjusted odds for ED were not significantly higher. The age-adjusted odds of ED among participants with diabetes mellitus were 2.76 (95% CI 1.52, 5.00), and were 3.21 (95% CI 1.03, 10.05) when hypertension and hyperlipidemia were also present.

Conclusions
The findings support the postulated intimate nexus between ED and CV disease. The adverse effects of age and CV risk factors and disease on erectile function compound each other. The socioeconomic, epidemiologic, and clinical implications are immense.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage as Complication of Phenylephrine Injection for the Treatment of Ischemic Priapism in a Sickle Cell Disease Patient
Authors: Davila Hugo H. , Parker Justin , Webster J. Christopher , Lockhart Jorge L. , Carrion Rafael E. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Ischemic priapism (IP) is a urologic condition, which necessitates prompt management. Intracavernosal injection of phenylephrine is a usual treatment modality utilized for the management of these patients.

Aim
We present a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage following intracavernosal injection of phenylephrine for IP in a patient with sickle cell disease.

Methods
We analyzed the degree of subarachnoid hemorrhage in our patient after intracavernosal injection of phenylephrine. The patient had an acute rise in blood pressure during corporal irrigation. This was followed by the onset of severe headache. Computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the diagnosis of a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Main Outcome Measure
Subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with intracavernosal injection of phenylephrine.

Result
A 23-year-old African American male with a history of sickle cell disease presented with a painful penile erection. The patient was started on intravenous fluids, oxygen by nasal canula, and analgesic medication. After this, a blood gas was obtained from his left corpora cavernosa. This was followed by normal saline irrigation and injection of phenylephrine. The patient complained of a sudden, severe “terrible headache” immediately following the last injection, and noncontrast CT scan of the head was obtained and a subarachnoid hemorrhage was noted. The patient was admitted for observation and no significant changes were noted.

Conclusions
Intracavernosal injection of phenylephrine for the management of IP can be associated with several possible complications. We present our single case complicated with the formation of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The patient was treated conservatively and had no long-term neurologic sequelae.
Effect of Testosterone on Potassium Channel Opening in Human Corporal Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Han Deok Hyun , Chae Mee Ree , Jung Jae Hun , So Insuk , Park Jong Kwan , Lee Sung Won 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
In humans, the role of testosterone in sexual functions, including sexual desire, nocturnal penile erections, and ejaculatory volume, has been relatively well established. However, the effects of testosterone on intrapenile structure in humans remains controversial.

Aim
We assessed the direct effects of testosterone on potassium channels in human corporal smooth muscle cells, in an effort to understand the mechanisms inherent to the testosterone-induced relaxation of corporal smooth muscle cells at the cellular and molecular levels.

Methods
We conducted electrophysiologic studies using cultured human corporal smooth muscle cells. We evaluated the effects of testosterone on potassium channels—BKCa and KATP channels—by determining the whole-cell currents and single-channel activities. For the electrophysiologic recordings, whole-cell and cell-attached configuration patch-clamp techniques were utilized.

Main Outcome Measures
Changes in whole-cell currents and channel activities of BKCa and KATP channels by testosterone.

Results
Testosterone (200 nM) significantly increased the single-channel activity of calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels and whole-cell K+ currents by 443.4 ± 83.4% (at +60 mV; N=11, P &lt;0.05), and this effect was abolished by tetraethylammonium (TEA) (1 mM), a BKCa channel blocker. The whole-cell inward K+ currents of the KATP channels were also increased by 226.5 ± 49.3% (at –100 mV; N=7, P &lt;0.05). In the presence of a combination of vardenafil (10 nM) and testosterone (200 nM), the BKCa channel was activated to a significantly higher degree than was induced by testosterone alone.

Conclusions
The results of patch-clamp studies provided direct molecular evidence that testosterone stimulates the activity of BKCa channels and KATP channels. An understanding of the signaling mechanisms that couple testosterone receptor activation to potassium channel stimulation will provide us with an insight into the cellular processes underlying the vasorelaxant effects of testosterone.
The Effect of Comorbidity and Socioeconomic Status on Sexual and Urinary Function and on General Health-Related Quality of Life in Men Treated with Radical Prostatectomy for Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Bhojani Naeem , Neugut Alfred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Jeldres Claudio , Graefen Markus , Perrotte Paul , Peloquin Francois , Kattan Michael W. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Different treatments for localized prostate cancer (PCa) may be associated with similar overall survival but may demonstrate important differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Therefore, valid interpretation of cancer control outcomes requires adjustment for HRQOL.

Aim
To assess the effect of comorbidity and socioeconomic status (SES) on sexual and urinary function as well as general HRQOL in men treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for PCa.

Methods
We sent a self-addressed mail survey, composed of the research and development short form 36-item health survey, the PCa-specific University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Prostate Cancer Index (PCI), as well as a battery of items addressing SES and lifetime prevalence of comorbidity, to 4,546 men treated with RP in Quebec between 1988 and 1996.

Main Outcome Measures
The association between comorbidity, SES, and HRQOL was tested and quantified using univariable and multivariable linear regression models.

Results
Survey responses from 2,415 participants demonstrated that comorbidity and SES are strongly related to sexual, urinary, and general HRQOL in univariable and multivariable analyses. In multivariable models, the presence of comorbid conditions was associated with significantly worse HRQOL, as evidenced by lower scale scores by as much as 17/100 points in general domains, and by as much as 10/100 points in PCa-specific domains. Favorable SES characteristics were related to higher general (up to 9/100 points) and higher PCa-specific (up to 8/100 points) HRQOL scale scores.

Conclusions
Comorbidity and SES are strongly associated with sexual, urinary and general HRQOL.
The Roles of Testosterone and Alpha-Amylase in Exercise-Induced Sexual Arousal in Women
Authors: Hamilton Lisa Dawn , Fogle Emily A. , Meston Cindy M. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Several studies have demonstrated that moderate exercise increases genital response to erotic stimuli in women. The increase in genital arousal could be the result of various changes that can occur in response to exercise including changes in hormone levels, neurotransmitter levels, mood, and autonomic nervous system activity.

Aim
The present study was an attempt to shed light on two such mechanisms through which exercise enhances sexual arousal.

Method
Sixteen participants came into the lab on two separate occasions: during one visit, they filled out questionnaires for 20 minutes, and during the other visit, they exercised on a treadmill for 20 minutes. The questionnaires and exercise were both followed by the presentation of a neutral then erotic film during which the women's physiological sexual arousal was measured. Saliva samples were taken at baseline, prefilm, and postfilm.

Main Outcome Measures
Subjective arousal was measured using a self-report questionnaire, and genital arousal was measured by a vaginal photoplethysmograph. Testosterone and α-amylase (a marker of sympathetic nervous system [SNS] activity) were measured via saliva assays.

Results
Findings replicated previous studies showing a significant increase in physiological sexual arousal with exercise. There was a significant increase in α-amylase across the study in the exercise condition, but not in the no-exercise condition. There were no differences in testosterone levels between the exercise and no-exercise conditions.

Conclusions
SNS activity is one mechanism through which exercise increases genital sexual arousal. Testosterone does not mediate the relationship between exercise and genital sexual arousal.