bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure of extremely low birth weight infants to diagnostic X‐Rays: a longitudinal study
Authors: Arad Ilan , Simanovsky Natalia , Braunstein Rony 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim: To quantify the number of chest and abdominal radiograms performed in surviving singleton extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants in order to examine whether changes in imaging application occurred during the last 21 years (1987–2007).Methods: Clinical and radiological data of 225 out of 229 surviving infants were obtained and associations with time and clinical variables were evaluated.Results: The number of chest X‐Rays performed per infant was 10.3 ± 11.1 (mean ± SD), median = 7; range = 0–77 and the number of abdominal radiograms was 5.6 ± 7.1, median = 3; range = 0–61. The number of chest and abdominal X‐Rays performed per patient during 1987–1996 was very similar to that of 1997–2007, and no appreciable change of trend was observed along the years. There were negative and statistically significant correlations between the gestational age and the number of radiograms performed per patient (chest X‐Rays: r =–0.402; p < 0.001, abdominal X‐Rays: r =–0.182; p = 0.006). Controlling for gestational age, reduced numbers of radiograms per patient (abdominal: b =–1.20, p = 0.235; chest: b =–3.08, p = 0.035) were demonstrated in the second period.Patients with complicated clinical course were exposed to significantly more radiograms.Conclusion: Controlling for gestational age, a reduced number of exposures to chest radiograms was demonstrated during 1997–2007 compared with 1987–1996. Measures to reduce radiation, especially in complicated cases, are advocated.
Community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children in Oslo, Norway
Authors: Senstad Anita C , Surén Pål , Brauteset Lin , Eriksson Jan R , Høiby Ernst Arne , Wathne Karl‐Olaf 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim: To investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children before the introduction of the 7‐valent pneumococcal vaccine in the national vaccination programme.Methods: For the period 21 May 2003 to 20 May 2005 hospitalization rates for pneumonia in children were obtained from retrospective studies of medical journals. Pneumonia was also studied prospectively in children less than sixteen years old referred to Ullevål University Hospital (Oslo) in the same time period.Results: The overall observed hospitalization rate of pneumonia was 14.7/10 000 (95% CI: 12.2–17.1), for children under five it was 32.8/10 000 (95% CI: 26.8–38.8), and for children under two 42.1/10 000 (95% CI: 32.0–52.3).In the clinical study 123 children, of whom 59% (73) were boys, met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Only 2.4% (3) had pneumonia complicated with pleural effusion and in general few complications were observed. No patients required assisted ventilation, and none were transferred to the intensive care unit. Penicillin was effective as treatment for pneumonia.Conclusion: Pneumonia, seen in a paediatric department in Oslo, is a common but benign disease. Penicillin is effective as treatment for pneumonia in Norwegian children.
Playing a violent television game affects heart rate variability
Authors: Ivarsson Malena , Anderson Martin , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Lindblad Frank 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjective: To investigate how playing a violent/nonviolent television game during the evening affects sympathetic and parasympathetic reactions during and after playing as well as sleep quality during the night after playing.Subjects and Methods: In total, 19 boys, 12–15 years of age, played television games on two occasions in their homes and participated once without gaming. Heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and physical activity were measured during gaming/participating and the night to follow using a portable combined heart rate and movement sensor. A sleep diary and questionnaires about gaming experiences and session‐specific experiences were filled in.Criteria for Selection of Games: Violent game involves/rewards direct physical violence (no handguns) against another person, and nonviolent game involves/rewards no violence; same game design (‘third‐person game’); conducted in the same manner; no differences concerning motor activity; similar sound and light effects; no sexual content, violence against women or racial overtones.Results: During violent (vs. nonviolent) gaming, there was significantly higher activity of the very low frequency component of the HRV and total power. During the night after playing, very low frequency, low frequency and high frequency components were significantly higher during the violent (vs. nonviolent) condition, just as total power. There were no significant differences between the three conditions (violent/nonviolent/no gaming) with respect to an index reflecting subjectively perceived sleep difficulties. Nor was there any difference between violent and nonviolent condition for any single sleep item.Conclusion: Violent gaming induces different autonomic responses in boys compared to nonviolent gaming – during playing and during the following night – suggesting different emotional responses. Subjectively perceived sleep quality is not influenced after a single gaming experience. Future studies should address the development of the autonomic balance after gaming over longer time than a night, physiological adaptation to frequent gaming and potential gender differences.
The relationship between birth weight and feeding maturation in preterm infants
Authors: Wrotniak Brian H , Stettler Nicolas , Medoff‐Cooper Barbara 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim: To report changes in ingestive behaviour from 35 to 40 weeks post‐conceptual age and examine the association between birth weight and feeding maturation in preterm infants.Methods: One hundred and four preterm infants born 24 to 34 weeks gestational age were studied. Feeding maturation was assessed as the change from 35 to 40 weeks post‐conceptual age in the number of sucks over 5 min, sucking bursts, sucks per burst, time between bursts and maximum pressure during a suck (Pmax). The association between birth weight and each sucking behaviour was examined after adjusting for potential confounders.Results: Significant changes in feeding maturation occurred between 35 and 40 weeks. Birth weight was positively associated with change in Pmax and change in number of sucks per burst for extremely premature infants born 24 to <29 weeks gestational age but not for very premature infants born ≥29 to 34 weeks. The association between birth weight and change in Pmax for extremely premature infants remained significant after adjustment (adjusted beta = 0.128 mmHg increase in change in maximum sucking pressure per every 1 g of birth weight, 95% CI = 0.017, 0.239, p = 0.03).Conclusion: Birth weight is positively associated with maturation in maximum sucking pressure among infants born extremely premature.
Waist circumference in relation to body perception reported by Finnish adolescent girls and their mothers
Authors: Van Vliet JS , Kjölhede E Allansson , Duchén K , Räsänen L , Nelson N 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim: To study how waist circumference (WC) relates to body perception in adolescent girls and to maternal perception of the girl's body size.Methods: Three hundred and four girls, 11–18 years, were measured for height, weight and WC. 294 girls provided self‐report data on weight, height and body image before anthropometric measurements. Paired data from 237 girls and mothers on perception of the girls' body size were collected.Results: In girls, self‐reported weight indicated awareness of actual body size. The girls' body perception showed an overestimation of body size relative to international reference values for body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05), but not for WC. Girls' body perception exceeded that of their mothers (p < 0.05). Maternal perception agreed better than the girls' perception with international reference values for BMI (p < 0.05). No significant difference between mothers and girls were found concerning agreement of body perception with international reference values for WC.Conclusion: WC rather than BMI agrees with perception of body size, possibly due to its relation to abdominal fat at different ages. For effective prevention and treatment programmes for weight‐related health problems among adolescent girls, we recommend measuring WC to diminish the discrepancy between measured and perceived body size.
Plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine in premature neonates: its possible involvement in developmental programming of chronic diseases
Authors: Vida Gabriella , Sulyok Endre , Lakatos Orsolya , Ertl Tibor , Martens‐Lobenhoffer Jens , Bode‐Böger Stefanie M 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim: The endothel dysfunction in early life may play a role in developmental programming of cardiovascular morbidity. The changes of dimethylarginines' plasma levels during the first month among preterm infants and their determinants had been investigated in our study.Methods: Twenty preterm infants of healthy mothers were studied. Mean (±SD) birth weight and gestational age were 919.5 ± 235.5 g and 26.7 ± 1.6 weeks, respectively. Blood samples were taken by venipuncture at the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days. Plasma concentrations of L‐arginine, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were measured by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry method, evaluated by multivariate linear regression analysis.Results: L‐arginine (p < 0.001) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels (p < 0.001) were positively associated with postnatal age. ADMA levels were negatively correlated with gestational age (p = 0.007), dopamine‐need on the 3rd day of life (p = 0.015) and late infection (p = 0.038). The higher birth weight was associated with higher L‐arginine (p = 0.052) and ADMA (p = 0.002) concentrations. The dopamine‐need on the 7th day of life had a significant effect on postnatal elevation of SDMA levels (p = 0.035).Conclusion: The progressive increase of ADMA levels described by our study among preterm infants suggests that early endothel dysfunction may take part in developmental programming of chronic adult diseases.
Enhancing Personal Outcomes: Organizational Strategies, Guidelines, and Examples
Authors: Schalock Robert L. , Verdugo Miquel A. , Bonham Gordon S. , Fantova Fernando , Van Loon Jos 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTEducation and rehabilitation programs in the field of intellectual disabilities are developing specific strategies related to demonstrated personal outcomes, quality of life (QOL)‐related services and supports, evidence‐based practices, and quality improvement. The purpose of this article is to summarize key aspects of these strategies within a two‐component framework: the concept of QOL and systems thinking. Based on our collective experiences and published literature, four specific strategies are presented and discussed: mental models, assessment, service delivery practices, and quality improvement (QI). Essential guidelines for the successful implementation of these strategies are then presented, along with an exemplary application of each strategy. Each example shows the significant role of the consumer, the organization, and the larger system in organizational change, QI, and the enhancement of personal outcomes.
Adaptation of Flemish Services to Accommodate and Support the Aging of People With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Maes Bea , Van Puyenbroeck Joris 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThe authors attempted to find out to what extent and in which ways, in Belgium, have Flemish services for people with intellectual disability adapted to the specific needs of aging people. A study was undertaken and a questionnaire was developed to address the following research topics: (1) accommodations and personnel, (2) staff working methods, and (3) staff views and attitudes. The questionnaire was completed by 66 coordinating staff members in as many facilities. At the time of our study, these services supported 310 (27%) persons with Down syndrome age 40 years and older and 833 (73%) persons with intellectual disability (other than Down syndrome) age 55 years and older. Adaptations in accommodation and personnel management were obvious in the majority of the participating services. The working methods reflected a person‐centered philosophy, regardless of the age‐factor. An exploratory factor analysis revealed three different staff approaches: an activating/socializing, disengaging, and methodical. Participation in activities and involvement in social relations have a prominent place in the staff's views. In general, the authors found that about two‐thirds of the services have started to modify their accommodation and personnel to the needs of aging people with intellectual disability. The authors note also that the results suggest there is still a lot of work to do in improving staff training, introducing specific working methods, and in altering stereotypical staff attitudes to assure a good “aging in place.”
Public Special Services Provided to People With Intellectual Disabilities in Sweden: A Life‐Span Perspective
Authors: Umb‐Carlsson Õie 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThis study describes public special services, support, and health care provided to an administratively defined county sample of people with intellectual disabilities from early childhood to adult age. Comparisons were made on the variables year of birth, sex, and assessed level of intellectual disabilities in 1974. Information was obtained from case files and included the period from year of birth of the participants (between 1959 and 1974) to 2005. All participants were provided public special services, support, and health care either periodically or throughout the study period. Changes in legislation were reflected in the type of services, support, and health care provided to the target group. Type and amount of special services and support were related to year of birth. Only a few differences were related to sex and level of intellectual disabilities. These results indicate that public special services, support, and health care provided to people with intellectual disabilities reflect disability policy, legislation, and professional attitudes over different periods. It is suggested that measures were tailored to meet general needs considered to be shared by all people with intellectual disabilities rather than individual choices and wishes. The interaction among professionals emerged only to a limited extent. However, deficient information in the case files does not imply absence of contact between professional groups, but, if continuity in services, support, and health care is to be attained, significant improvement in documentation is required.
Premature Ejaculation and Serum Leptin Level: A Diagnostic Case-Control Study
Authors: Nikoobakht Mohammad Reza , Tajik Parvin , Karami Ali Akbar , Moradi Kamran , Mortazavi Abolghasem , Kosari Farid 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Premature ejaculation (PE) is regarded as the most common male sexual disorder. To date, there is no accurate and objective diagnostic test for PE.

Aim
To determine the diagnostic value of serum leptin level for PE.

Methods
In a case-control design, the serum leptin level of 46 PE patients referred to our outpatient clinic were determined and compared with 44 control patients referred to the same clinic with the complaint of nephrolithiasis. PE was defined based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV criteria and an intravaginal ejaculatory latency time of less than a minute.

Main Outcome Measures
Serum leptin level and presence of PE.

Results
The PE patients had significantly higher serum leptin levels (8.3 ± 3 ng/mL) than the controls (3.3 ± 1 ng/mL) (P &lt; 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity for the test as a predictive diagnostic tool for PE were 80.4% and 97.7%, respectively, at the cutoff value of 6.3 ng/mL.

Conclusion
According to our results, leptin level in patients with PE was significantly higher than in the control subjects. More studies are necessary to determine the value of serum leptin as a diagnostic tool for PE.
Dry Gangrene of the Foreskin after Second Attempt at Prepuce-Sparing Surgery for Congenital Penile Curvature: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chitale Sudhanshu , Sethia Krishna 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Dry gangrene of the foreskin following corrective surgery for congenital penile curvature (CPC) or Peyronie's disease is extremely rare. It is noted as a consequence of intraoperative penile degloving.

Aim
We report one such case with its natural history presented by serial clinical pictures, discuss the management dilemmas, and review a rather scant relevant literature.

Methods
A 32-year-old man with CPC underwent prepuce-sparing corrective surgery for penile curvature on two occasions resulting in dry gangrene of the foreskin following the second attempt.

Results
It was managed conservatively with a satisfactory result.

Conclusion
Gangrene of the foreskin is most likely to occur as a complication after a second attempt at prepuce-sparing surgery. It can be managed nonsurgically with a satisfactory outcome.
Sexually Dimorphic Effects of Testosterone Administration on Brain Allopregnanolone in Gonadectomized Rats
Authors: Pluchino Nicola , Ninni Filippo , Casarosa Elena , Lenzi Elena , Begliuomini Silvia , Cela Vito , Luisi Stefano , Freschi Letizia , Merlini Sara , Giannini Andrea , Cubeddu Alessandra , Genazzani Andrea Riccardo 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionClinical and biological evidences have shown a wide range of neuroactive effects of testosterone administration.AimEvaluation of the effects of 2-weeks treatment with testosterone (T), Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol valerate (E2V) on brain and serum allopregnanolone (AP) in gonadectomized rats of both sexes.Main Outcome MeasuresAP levels were measured in frontal and parietal lobe, hippocampus, hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and in serum.MethodsEight groups of Wistar female and eight groups of Wistar male rats were included. For each sex, one group of fertile and one group of gonadectomized rats were employed as control receiving placebo. The others groups received subcutaneous T at the dose of 10 µg/kg/day and 100 µg/kg/day for female rats, and 1 mg/kg/day and 5 mg/kg/day for male rats, or DHT at the doses of 1 µg/kg/day, 10 µg/kg/day, and 100 µg/kg/day for females, and 0, 1 µg/kg/day, 1 mg/kg/day and 5 mg/kg/day for males, or E2V (0.05 mg/Kg/day).Results:Ovariectomy (OVX) and orchidectomy (OCX) induced a significant decrease in AP in all brain areas analyzed, as well as in serum. In OVX rats, T replacement, as well as E2V, significantly increased AP content in all brain areas and in plasma. In OCX, T and E2V did not actively result in influencing AP concentration in frontal and parietal lobe, while it produced a significant rise in AP levels in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and serum. Conversely, DHT replacement had no affect on AP levels anywhere or at any administered dose, either in males or in female rats.ConclusionGender difference and T therapy affect brain AP synthesis/release during the reproductive aging. This effect becomes particularly evident in the brain of ovariectomized animals, where the content of this specific neurosteroid is much more responsive than male animals to testosterone replacement.
Male Sexual Dysfunction in Unconsummated Marriage: Long-Term Outcome in 417 Patients
Authors: Zargooshi Javaad 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Little research has been conducted about unconsummated marriage (UCM).

Aim
To report the long-term outcome of male sexual dysfunction (MSD) in UCM.

Methods
From 1997 to 2008, 417 couples presented to the author with UCM. The mean UCM duration ranged from 1 hour to 8 years. The median follow-up was 78.5 months.

Main Outcome Measures
Self-reported MSD in UCM based upon clinical history taking.

Results
In 177 cases, UCM was due to erectile dysfunction (ED) (86), premature ejaculation (PE) (89), performance anxiety (25), vaginismus (34), hypodesire disorder (6), not knowing the coital technique (8), men who have sex with men (MSM) (2), hypogonadism (1), request by bride to delay coitus (1), and thick hymen (1) (more than one factor involved in many cases). In the remaining 240 cases, UCM was due to being under social pressure to have a quick intercourse while relatives waited behind the door to confirm and celebrate coitus by checking a handkerchief that was placed beneath the bride to become bloody by hymen perforation. Intracavernosal injection (ICI) using papaverine ± phentholamine was used in 239 cases (57.3%); 221 (92.4%) responded. The eight cases who did not know the coital technique responded to sex education. Of the 50 men who were prescribed phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, only 4 responded. Of the 26 men who received clomipramine (21) or fluoxetine (5) for PE, 2 and 1 responded, respectively. Fourteen grooms who did not respond to treatments later consummated spontaneously.
No treatment was given to 94 grooms, including men with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder, men with learning difficulties, divorcing patients, and men in obligatory, loveless marriages. Ten untreated patients later consummated spontaneously. Of the 260 patients who consummated either with treatment (236) or spontaneously (24), 58 (22.3%) later presented with sexual complaints. The remaining 202 did well at a follow-up. Of the 157 couples who did not respond to treatment or did not receive treatment, 62 were either divorced or divorcing.

Conclusion
We strongly advise ICI as the first-line treatment of UCM. Oral therapies of ED and PE, vacuum constriction devices (VCD), and hymenectomy are of limited value. No treatment is indicated in many cases. Most grooms do well sexually in a long-term follow-up.
Improvement of Chronic Pain by Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Arabkheradmand Jalil , Foroutan Seyed Kazem , Ranjbar Shayan , Abbasi Tehrani , Hessami Salahodin , Gorji Ali 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Pain specialists, who do not routinely examine patients regarding their sexual medicine problems, need to be aware that sexual problems can and do aggravate the patient's pain. Patients may refuse to admit suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) but complain about continuous or progressive severe pain. These patients may be best managed by the combined team effort of a sexual medicine specialist and pain specialist.

Aim
This report documents the management of three cases with long-term intractable pain after severe trauma. Treatment of occult ED led to significant improvement of their pain.

Main Outcome Measures
The association of the treatment of uncovered ED and improvement of chronic severe pain.

Methods
Three case reports of patients with severe pain who attended a pain clinic in an academic medical center.

Results
Three men suffering from chronic pain due to severe trauma were observed for several years by different physicians as well as pain specialists. In spite of different treatments, including administration of several analgesics, psychotherapy, and physical therapy, pain was not alleviated. After finding ED problems, patients were referred to the family health clinic. Using different therapies such as psychosexual therapy, correction of sexual misconceptions, relaxation training, treatment of interpersonal difficulties, and pharmacological intervention ED was cured. Treatment of ED was accompanied by a significant reduction of chronic pain in all three patients.

Conclusion
The present report indicates that uncovered ED in patients suffering from chronic pain may trigger their somatic pain or reduce its threshold. Significant improvement in sexual functioning may improve the pain and reduce its complications.