bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain responses during the first desire to void: A positron emission tomography study
Authors: Takao Tetsuya , Tsujimura Akira , Miyagawa Yasushi , Kiuchi Hiroshi , Ueda Tomohiro , Hirai Toshiaki , Komori Kazuhiko , Takada Shingo , Nonomura Norio , Osaki Yasuhiro , Enomoto Keisuke , Hatazawa Jun , Okuyama Akihiko 
Published: June 2008

Objectives:  First desire to void (FDV) is defined as the first feeling that would lead the patient to pass urine. The aim of the present study is to identify the brain regions activated during FDV.Methods:  Six healthy right‐handed male volunteers, aged 31–40 years, agreed to participate in this study. Rather than inserting a urethral catheter, we used a urinary volume monitoring unit and a self‐adhesive external condom catheter for this study. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans obtained in the FDV and post‐voiding (absence of urge to void) (REST) states were analyzed and compared.Results:  First desire to void state was associated with increased blood flow in the right and left cerebellum, right parahippocampal gyrus (Brodmann area [BA] 30), left superior frontal gyrus (BA9), and left cingulate gyrus (BA32). Rest state was associated with decreased blood flow in the right superior temporal gyrus (BA22), right uncus (BA28), right cingulate gyrus (BA32), left middle temporal gyrus (BA21), and left medial frontal gyrus (BA25). According to region of interest analysis, regional cerebral blood flow of the periaqueductal grey and pons was significantly increased at FDV as opposed to REST.Conclusions:  We located possible brain activity associated with the FDV sensation. Combined activation of the right and left cerebellum, parahippocampal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, and left cingulate gyrus could be associated with FDV.
An artificial neural network for five different assay systems of prostate‐specific antigen in prostate cancer diagnostics
Authors: Stephan Carsten , Cammann Henning , Meyer Hellmuth‐Alexander , Müller Christian , Deger Serdar , Lein Michael , Jung Klaus 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVETo compare separate prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) assay‐specific artificial neural networks (ANN) for discrimination between patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and no evidence of malignancy (NEM).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn 780 patients (455 with PCa, 325 with NEM) we measured total PSA (tPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) with five different assays: from Abbott (AxSYM), Beckman Coulter (Access), DPC (Immulite 2000), and Roche (Elecsys 2010) and with tPSA and complexed PSA (cPSA) assays from Bayer (ADVIA Centaur). ANN models were developed with five input factors: tPSA, percentage free/total PSA (%fPSA), age, prostate volume and digital rectal examination status for each assay separately to examine two tPSA ranges of 0–10 and 10–27 ng/mL.RESULTSCompared with the median tPSA concentrations (range from 4.9 [Bayer] to 6.11 ng/mL [DPC]) and especially the median %fPSA values (range from 11.2 [DPC] to 17.4%[Abbott], for tPSA 0–10 ng/mL), the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) for all calculated ANN models did not significantly differ from each other. The AUC were: 0.894 (Abbott), 0.89 (Bayer), 0.895 (Beckman), 0.882 (DPC) and 0.892 (Roche). At 95% sensitivity the specificities were without significant differences, whereas the individual absolute ANN outputs differed markedly.CONCLUSIONSDespite only slight differences, PSA assay‐specific ANN models should be used to optimize the ANN outcome to reduce the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies. We further developed the ANN named ‘ProstataClass’ to provide clinicians with an easy to use tool in making their decision about follow‐up testing.
Elective endoscopic management of transitional cell carcinoma first diagnosed in the upper urinary tract
Authors: Thompson R. Houston , Krambeck Amy E. , Lohse Christine M. , Elliott Daniel S. , Patterson David E. , Blute Michael L. 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVETo report our experience using ureteroscopic or percutaneous management of upper urinary tract (UUT) transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in patients with no history of bladder TCC.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween 1983 and 2004 we identified 22 patients who underwent endoscopic management of TCC first diagnosed in the UUT and in the setting of a normal contralateral kidney. We performed a retrospective chart review and conducted outcome analyses.RESULTSThe median (range) age at diagnosis was 64 (37–86) years and the median tumour size was 0.8 (0.3–2.6) cm. The tumour grade was 1, 2, or diagnosed as visual low grade in two (9%), seven (32%), and 13 (59%) patients, respectively; no patient had grade 3 TCC at diagnosis. Tumour stage was Ta or visual Ta in all patients. The median follow‐up was 4.9 (0.4–17) years during which 11 (50%) patients developed 21 UUT recurrences and 10 (45%) patients developed bladder TCC. At last follow‐up, seven (32%) patients required a nephroureterectomy for recurrent TCC and two (9%) patients died from TCC. Among 13 patients with a diagnosis based on visual inspection only, three recurred with grade 3 invasive TCC during follow‐up. No patient with pathological confirmation of low‐grade/stage TCC recurred with high‐grade or invasive TCC.CONCLUSIONSRecurrence is common after endoscopic management of UUT‐TCC, underscoring the need for strict surveillance. Patients diagnosed visually, without adequate tissue for pathological examination, can recur with high‐grade invasive TCC. No patient with pathological confirmation of low‐grade TCC developed progressive disease during follow‐up.
The Impact of Gaps in Health Insurance Coverage on Immunization Status for Young Children
Authors: Blewett Lynn A. , Davidson Gestur , Bramlett Matthew D. , Rodin Holly , Messonnier Mark L. 
Published: June 2008

Objective. To examine the impact of full‐year versus intermittent public and private health insurance coverage on the immunization status of children aged 19–35 months.Data Source. 2001 State and Local Area Integrated Telephone Survey's National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (NS‐CSHCN) and the 2000–2002 National Immunization Survey (NIS).Study Design. Linked health insurance data from 2001 NS‐CSHCN with verified immunization status from the 2000–2002 NIS for a nationally representative sample of 8,861 nonspecial health care needs children. Estimated adjusted rates of up‐to‐date (UTD) immunization status using multivariate logistic regressions for seven recommended immunizations and three series.Principal Findings. Children with public full‐year coverage were significantly more likely to be UTD for two series of recommended vaccines, (4:3:1:3) and (4:3:1:3:3), compared with children with private full‐year coverage. For three out of 10 immunizations and series tested, children with private part‐year coverage were significantly less likely to be UTD than children with private full‐year coverage.Conclusions. Our findings raise concerns about access to needed immunizations for children with gaps in private health insurance coverage and challenge the prevailing belief that private health insurance represents the gold standard with regard to UTD status for young children.
The Effects of Quality Improvement for Depression in Primary Care at Nine Years: Results from a Randomized, Controlled Group‐Level Trial
Authors: Wells Kenneth B. , Tang Lingqi , Miranda Jeanne , Benjamin Bernadette , Duan Naihua , Sherbourne Cathy D. 
Published: June 2008

Objective. To examine 9‐year outcomes of implementation of short‐term quality improvement (QI) programs for depression in primary care.Data Sources. Depressed primary care patients from six U.S. health care organizations.Study Design. Group‐level, randomized controlled trial.Data Collection. Patients were randomly assigned to short‐term QI programs supporting education and resources for medication management (QI‐Meds) or access to evidence‐based psychotherapy (QI‐Therapy); and usual care (UC). Of 1,088 eligible patients, 805 (74 percent) completed 9‐year follow‐up; results were extrapolated to 1,269 initially enrolled and living. Outcomes were psychological well‐being (Mental Health Inventory, five‐item version [MHI5]), unmet need, services use, and intermediate outcomes.Principal Findings. At 9 years, there were no overall intervention status effects on MHI5 or unmet need (largest F (2,41)=2.34, p=.11), but relative to UC, QI‐Meds worsened MHI5, reduced effectiveness of coping and among whites lowered tangible social support (smallest t(42)=2.02, p=.05). The interventions reduced outpatient visits and increased perceived barriers to care among whites, but reduced attitudinal barriers due to racial discrimination and other factors among minorities (smallest F (2,41)=3.89, p=.03).Conclusions. Main intervention effects were over but the results suggest some unintended negative consequences at 9 years particularly for the medication‐resource intervention and shifts to greater perceived barriers among whites yet reduced attitudinal barriers among minorities.
Characterization of osteopontin expression and function after status epilepticus
Authors: Borges Karin , Gearing Marla , Rittling Susan , Sorensen Esben S. , Kotloski Robert , Denhardt David T. , Dingledine Raymond 
Published: June 2008

SummaryPurpose: Osteopontin is a cytokine found in many tissues and plays a role in tissue injury and repair. This study had two goals: to characterize osteopontin expression after status epilepticus (SE), and to test the hypotheses that osteopontin affects the susceptibility to seizures or alters cell death and inflammation after SE.Methods: Pilocarpine was used to induce SE in OPN−/−and OPN+/+mice to compare seizure susceptibility, neuropathological markers including real time PCR for inflammatory genes, and osteopontin immunohistochemistry. The effect of added osteopontin on excitotoxicity by N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate in neuronal cultures of ONP−/−mice was determined.Results: Neurons undergoing degeneration showed osteopontin immunoreactivity 2–3 days after SE. After 10 to 31 days degenerating axons in the thalamus were osteopontin‐positive. The susceptibility to seizures of OPN−/−and OPN+/+mice in the pilocarpine, fluorothyl, and maximal electroshock models was similar. There were no significant differences in the extent of neuronal damage after pilocarpine‐induced SE, the expression of several neuropathological markers or the RNA levels of selected inflammatory genes. Recombinant and natural bovine osteopontin did not affect the extent of NMDA‐induced cell death in OPN−/−mouse neuronal cultures.Conclusion: We demonstrated that osteopontin is up‐regulated in response to SE in distinct temporal sequences in the hippocampus, specifically in dege‐nerating neurons and axons. However, osteopontin did not appear to regulate neurodegeneration or inflammation within the first 3 days after SE.
Immunophenotyping of the human bulge region: the quest to define useful in situ markers for human epithelial hair follicle stem cells and their niche
Authors: Kloepper Jennifer Elisabeth , Tiede Stephan , Brinckmann Jürgen , Reinhardt Dieter Peter , Meyer Wilfried , Faessler Reinhard , Paus Ralf 
Published: June 2008

Abstract:  Since the discovery of epithelial hair follicle stem cells (eHFSCs) in the bulge of human hair follicles (HFs) an important quest has started: to define useful markers. In the current study, we contribute to this by critically evaluating corresponding published immunoreactivity (IR) patterns, and by attempting to identify markers for the in situ identification of human eHFSCs and their niche. For this, human scalp skin cryosections of at least five different individuals were examined, employing standard immunohistology as well as increased sensitivity methods. Defined reference areas were compared by quantitative immunohistochemistry for the relative intensity of their specific IR.According to our experience, the most useful positive markers for human bulge cells turned out to be cytokeratin 15, cytokeratin 19 and CD200, but were not exclusive, while β1 integrin and Lhx2 IR were not upregulated by human bulge keratinocytes. Absent IR for CD34, connexin43 and nestin on human bulge cells may be exploited as negative markers. α6 integrin, fibronectin, nidogen, fibrillin‐1 and latent transforming growth factor (TGF)‐beta‐binding protein‐1 were expressed throughout the connective tissue sheath of human HFs. On the other hand, tenascin‐C was upregulated in the bulge and may thus constitute a component of the bulge stem cell niche of human HFs.These immunophenotyping results shed further light on the in situ expression patterns of claimed follicular ‘stem cell markers’ and suggest that not a single marker alone but only the use of a limited corresponding panel of positive and negative markers may offer a reasonable and pragmatic compromise for identifying human bulge stem cells in situ.
2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin alters the differentiation of SZ95 sebocytes in vitro
Authors: Ju Q. , Fimmel S. , Stahlmann R. , Zouboulis C. C. 
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  Chloracne is an acneiform skin disease, which is considered to be the most specific and sensitive clinical condition of dioxin intoxication. Sebogenesis is decreased and skin xerosis is one of the most prominent clinical characteristics compared with acne vulgaris. However, the activity of dioxin on the sebaceous glands is still unclear. We studied the effects of 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD), which is a representative for a group of dioxins, on sebaceous lipid synthesis and expression of markers related to sebocyte differentiation in vitro.Materials and Methods:  After pretreatment with and without linoleic acid (LA) 10−4 M for 3 days, SZ95 sebocytes were treated again with TCDD with and without linoleic acid 10−4 M for 3 additional days. Neutral lipids in SZ95 sebocytes were measured by the nile red microassay. Immunohistology and western blotting were used to detect expression of keratin 7 (a marker of undifferentiated sebocytes), EMA (a marker of differentiated sebocytes) and keratin 10 (a marker of keratinocyte differentiation).Results:  The neutral lipid content of SZ95 sebocytes was markedly inhibited under treatment with TCDD in concentrations of 10−8 M, 10−9 M and 10−10 M (P < 0.001 respectively), in the presence of LA. SZ95 sebocyte lipid content was not affected by TCDD alone. Moreover, expression of keratin 7 and EMA decreased and keratin 10 increased under TCDD treatment.Conclusions:  Dioxin affects sebaceous gland cell lipogenesis and differentiation in vitro, probably by switching the sebocyte into a kerationocyte lineage. These findings indicate that altered sebaceous gland differentiation is likely to be the major reason of decreased sebogenesis in patients with chloracne.
Review article: Adenosine use in the emergency department
Authors: Innes James A 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:  To perform a review of the efficacy of adenosine, including its potential role as first‐line treatment in unstable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and its use in wide complex tachycardias and diagnosing difficult arrhythmias. The dose and administration, nature and frequency of side‐effects and relevant interactions and dosage adjustments are also discussed.Methods:  A search of the Medline database from 1950 to 2007 and the Embase Database from 1974 to 2007 was carried out. A manual search was performed of references of each article.Results:  Adenosine is efficacious at treating stable SVT, but it is no more effective than cheaper alternatives. It has a possible role in the first‐line treatment of unstable SVT and is generally safe and effective when used to treat and/or diagnose wide complex tachycardias. There is a small risk of inducing serious arrhythmias, such as prolonged atrioventricular blockade and ventricular fibrillation. There is evidence that recommended initial doses for infants might be too low, but initial doses for children and adults are adequate. There is evidence that central venous administration requires lower doses, but there are no studies addressing peripheral sites of administration and size of flush. Minor and self‐limiting side‐effects are common. The need for dosage adjustments in the presence of interacting medications is well documented, but no studies have addressed how to rationally effect these adjustments.Conclusion:  There is extensive evidence showing adenosine to be efficacious at treating SVT, but no more efficacious than cheaper alternatives. More studies are required to investigate other areas of adenosine use.
Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction Prevalence in Infertile Couples
Authors: Khademi Afsaneh , Alleyassin Ashraf , Amini Mehrnoosh , Ghaemi Marjan 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Introduction
The physical health and emotional well-being of many individuals and couples of reproductive age are significantly affected by infertility. Sexual function is one of the important components of health and overall quality of life.

Aims
To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in infertile couples.

Methods
In a cross-sectional study, in a tertiary university hospital, sexual dysfunction was assessed in 100 infertile couples. Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire were administered.

Main Outcome Measures
Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in infertile couples based on the score of the domains of SFQ and IIEF.

Result(s)
The SFQ score was within the normal range in all five domains in only 7% of women. The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was highest and lowest in arousal-sensation (80.2%) and orgasm (22.8%) domains, respectively. Only 2% of male participants have had severe erectile dysfunction (ED).

Conclusions
The prevalence of dysfunction in arousal-sensation and arousal-lubrication in our study was found to be higher than the results reported from Iranian normal population. The prevalence of any degree of ED in our study was higher than the prevalence reported for normal population and infertile men. The role of demographic factors, relationship parameters, and infertility per se in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in infertile couples remains to be determined.
Laboratory Forum: Rat as an Animal Model for Male Erectile Function Evaluation in Sexual Medicine Research
Authors: Mehta Neal , Sikka Suresh , Rajasekaran Mahadevan 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Animal models have contributed, to a great extent, to our understanding and advancement in the field of sexual medicine. Many current medical and surgical therapies in sexual medicine are the direct result of the development of such animal models. Over the past 15–20 years, rodents have become the premier models for such studies. In particular, the rat model provided the most valuable and reproducible investigations that significantly contributed to our knowledge of male sexual dysfunction as well as in the development of various treatment modalities. In addition, such in vivo animal models helped us develop the latest biotechnological tools that allowed numerous investigations at the cellular and molecular levels.

Aim
Review the most common laboratory techniques that employ rat model for the evaluation of male erectile function and erectile tissue end-organ analyses.

Methods
Review of peer-reviewed literature.

Main Outcome Measures
Pathophysiology and laboratory research outcome correlation.

Results
The review suggests that rat is a versatile model in sexual medicine research.

Conclusions
This versatile model should help in the further development of research tools, characterize additional signaling target molecules and pathways, and help in our understanding of male sexual dysfunction.
Copper and Quaternary Ammonium Cations Exert Synergistic Bactericidal and Antibiofilm Activity againstPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Harrison Joe J. , Turner Raymond J. , Joo Daniel A. , Stan Michelle A. , Chan Catherine S. , Allan Nick D. , Vrionis Helen A. , Olson Merle E. , Ceri Howard 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTBiofilms are slimy aggregates of microbes that are likely responsible for many chronic infections as well as for contamination of clinical and industrial environments.Pseudomonas aeruginosais a prevalent hospital pathogen that is well known for its ability to form biofilms that are recalcitrant to many different antimicrobial treatments. We have devised a high-throughput method for testing combinations of antimicrobials for synergistic activity against biofilms, including those formed byP. aeruginosa. This approach was used to look for changes in biofilm susceptibility to various biocides when these agents were combined with metal ions. This process identified that Cu2+works synergistically with quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs; specifically benzalkonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, myristalkonium chloride, and Polycide) to killP. aeruginosabiofilms. In some cases, adding Cu2+to QACs resulted in a 128-fold decrease in the biofilm minimum bactericidal concentration compared to that for single-agent treatments. In combination, these agents retained broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that also eradicated biofilms ofEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus,Salmonella entericaserovar Cholerasuis, andPseudomonas fluorescens. To investigate the mechanism of action, isothermal titration calorimetry was used to show that Cu2+and QACs do not interact in aqueous solutions, suggesting that each agent exerts microbiological toxicity through independent biochemical routes. Additionally, Cu2+and QACs, both alone and in combination, reduced the activity of nitrate reductases, which are enzymes that are important for normal biofilm growth. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that Cu2+and QACs are effective combinations of antimicrobials that may be used to kill bacterial biofilms.
Mechanism and Fitness Costs of PR-39 Resistance in
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium LT2
Authors: Pränting Maria , Negrea Aurel , Rhen Mikael , Andersson Dan I. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

PR-39 is a porcine antimicrobial peptide that kills bacteria with a mechanism that does not involve cell lysis. Here, we demonstrate that
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium can rapidly acquire mutations that reduce susceptibility to PR-39. Resistant mutants appeared at a rate of 0.4 × 10
−6
per cell per generation. These mutants were about four times more resistant than the wild type and showed a greatly reduced rate of killing. Genetic analysis revealed mutations in the putative transport protein SbmA as being responsible for the observed resistance. These
sbmA
mutants were as fit as the wild-type parental strain as measured by growth rates in culture medium and mice and by long-term survival in stationary phase. These results suggest that resistance to certain antimicrobial peptides can rapidly develop without an obvious fitness cost for the bacteria and that resistance development could become a threat to the efficacy of antimicrobial peptides if used in a clinical setting.
Susceptibility Testing and Molecular Classification of
Paecilomyces
spp
Authors: Castelli Maria Victoria , Alastruey-Izquierdo Ana , Cuesta Isabel , Monzon Araceli , Mellado Emilia , Rodriguez-Tudela Juan L. , Cuenca-Estrella Manuel 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

In vitro susceptibility profiles of 58
Paecilomyces
clinical isolates are reported. Amphotericin B, itraconazole, and echinocandins showed poor activity against
Paecilomyces lilacinus
, while the new triazoles were active against it.
Paecilomyces variotii
exhibited a different susceptibility pattern, being susceptible to most antifungal agents apart from voriconazole and ravuconazole.