bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of untreated dental decay among 15–34‐year‐old Australians
Authors: Jamieson Lisa M. , Mejía Gloria C. , Slade Gary D. , Roberts‐Thomson Kaye F. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract –  Objectives:  To determine predictors of untreated dental decay among 15–34‐year‐olds in Australia.Methods:  Data were from Australia’s National Survey of Adult Oral Health, a representative survey that utilized a three‐stage, stratified clustered sampling design. Models representing demographic, socioeconomic, dental service utilization and oral health perception variables were tested using multivariable logistic regression to produce odds ratios.Results:  An estimated 25.8% (95% CI 22.4–29.5) of 15–34‐year‐old Australians had untreated dental decay. After controlling for other covariates, those who lived in a location other than a capital city had 2.0 times the odds of having untreated dental decay than their capital city‐dwelling counterparts (95% CI 1.29–3.06). Similarly, those whose highest level of education was not a university degree had 2.1 times the odds of experiencing untreated dental decay (95% CI 1.35–3.31). Perceived need of extractions or restorations predicted untreated coronal decay, with 2.9 times the odds for those who perceived a treatment need over those with no such treatment need perception (95% CI 1.84–4.53). Participants who experienced dental fear had 2.2 times the odds of having untreated dental decay (95% CI 1.38–3.41), while those who reported experiencing toothache, orofacial pain or food avoidance in the last 12 months had 1.9 times the odds of having untreated dental decay than their counterparts with no such oral health‐related quality‐of‐life impact (95% CI 1.20–2.92). The multivariate model achieved a ‘useful’ level of accuracy in predicting untreated decay (area under the ROC curve = 0.74; sensitivity = 0.63; specificity = 0.73).Conclusions:  In the Australian young adult population, residential location, education level, perceived need for dental care, dental fear, toothache, orofacial pain or food avoidance together were predictors of untreated dental decay. The prediction model had acceptable specificity, indicating that it may be useful as part of a triage system for health departments wishing to screen by means of a questionnaire for apparently‐dentally healthy 15–34‐year‐olds.
Confirmatory factor analysis on the health domains of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire
Authors: Lau Abby W. H. , Wong May C. M. , Lam K. F. , McGrath Colman 
Published: November 2008

Abstract –  Background:  The Child Perceptions Questionnaire for children aged 11–14 years (CPQ11–14) with 37 items (full questionnaire) and short forms with 16 and 8 items were developed in Toronto as measures of the oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) for children.Objectives:  To confirm the four hypothesized health domains (oral symptoms, functional limitations, emotional well‐being and social well‐being) of CPQ11–14 in measuring OHRQoL for children in Hong Kong.Methods:  The instrument was administered to 542 children aged 12 years. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm the health domains of the full and short forms of CPQ11–14.Results:  The usual goodness‐of‐fit measurements indicated that the model using all 37 items fitted the data below the acceptable level, while the models with 16 items and 8 items fitted the data well.Conclusion:  The hypothesized factor structure with the four health domains of the short forms of CPQ11–14 has been confirmed by CFA. The results in the current study indicated that the items used in the short forms contain sufficient information in measuring OHRQoL for children in Hong Kong.
Antigen expression of human eccrine sweat glands
Authors: Li Hai‐Hong , Zhou Gang , Fu Xiao‐Bing , Zhang Lei 
Published: November 2008

Background:  The proliferating abilities of sweat glands are very limited, so researches on the repair and regeneration of sweat glands are important. First of all, we must find out reliable and specific antigen markers of sweat glands.Objective:  To investigate the antigen expression of human eccrine sweat glands.Methods:  The development of eccrine sweat glands was investigated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the antigen expression was detected by immunohistochemical techniques.Results:  Human eccrine sweat glands expressed cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK8, CK14, CK18, CK19 and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was only expressed in sweat glands in the adult skin. Developing and developed sweat glands all had some cells expressing Ki67 and p63 antigens. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was mainly localized in the secretory cells and ductal cells. Some myoepithelial cells were also labeled with anti‐EGF antibody. In the older fetus, positive staining for EGF was seen in the lumen of the secretory portion. EGF receptor (EGFR) was expressed in the ducts.Conclusions:  Human eccrine sweat glands express CK7, CK8, CK14, CK18, CK19, CEA, EMA, Ki67, p63, EGF and EGFR. In skin, CEA can be used as a specific immunological marker of sweat glands.
Spitzoid melanoma in children: clinicopathological study and application of immunohistochemistry as an adjunct diagnostic tool
Authors: Paradela Sabela , Fonseca Eduardo , Pita Salvador , Kantrow Sara M. , Goncharuk Viktor N. , Diwan Hafeez , Prieto Victor G. 
Published: November 2008

Introduction:  The term spitzoid melanoma (SM) is reserved for a rare group of tumors with striking resemblance to Spitz nevus, often developing in children diagnosed in retrospect after the development of metastases.Objectives:  To determine the biological significance of SM and to analyze the effectiveness of adjuvant diagnostic techniques.Materials and methods:  A retrospective, observational study of 38 cases of SM in patients younger than 18 years. Histological type, Clark level and Breslow thickness, radial and vertical growth phase, mitotic count/mm2, ulceration, regression, vascular and perineural invasion, satellitosis, cytology and associated nevi were reviewed. An immunohistochemical analysis with HMB45 and Ki67 was performed in 10 cases. These features were correlated to patient’s stage and outcome.Results:  Analysis of histological and immunohistochemical features should allow accurate diagnosis in most cases. Given the low mortality rate, no conclusions about the prognostic significance of histological parameters of the primary tumor could be established.Conclusion:  We report the largest series of SM from a unique center. Although these patients may have a better prognosis than adults, some patients with SM develop metastasis and die, particularly after age 11 years. Therefore, we recommend using the same treatments as in adults.
Lymphatic invasion in cutaneous melanoma is associated with sentinel lymph node metastasis
Authors: Doeden Katie , Ma Zhihai , Narasimhan Balasubramanian , Swetter Susan M. , Detmar Michael , Dadras Soheil S. 
Published: November 2008

Background:  Sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis is a major determinant for staging, prognostication and clinical management of patients with cutaneous melanoma. However, the role of lymphatic vs. vascular invasion (VI) for SLN spread remains unclear.Methods:  We compared the frequency of lymphatic invasion (LI) vs. VI in melanoma sections from 94 patients with a mean three‐year clinical follow up using immunostains for the lymphatic endothelial markers D2‐40 (podoplanin) and LYVE‐1 and the panvascular marker CD31.Results:  LI occurred more frequently than VI (16 vs. 3%, respectively, p = 0.001) and correlated with higher American Joint Committee on Cancer stage at diagnosis (p = 0.0004). In a univariate analysis, LI was strongly associated with SLN metastasis (p = 0.008), independent of tumor thickness. In a multivariate analysis, LI was not a significant risk factor for SLN metastasis. The presence of intratumoral lymphatics (ITLs) was associated with distant metastasis, whereas VI was rare and did not correlate with SLN or distant metastasis. A combination of LI and ITL had higher positive and negative predictive values for the risk of developing SLN metastasis compared with routine histology and VI.Conclusion:  Detection of LI in the primary tumor may aid in identifying melanoma patients with the propensity to develop SLN metastasis.
The role of evolutionarily conserved hydrophobic contacts in the quaternary structure stability of Escherichia coli serine hydroxymethyltransferase
Authors: Florio Rita , Chiaraluce Roberta , Consalvi Valerio , Paiardini Alessandro , Catacchio Bruno , Bossa Francesco , Contestabile Roberto 
Published: November 2008

Pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐dependent enzymes may be grouped into five structural superfamilies of proteins, corresponding to as many fold types. The fold type I is by far the largest and most investigated group. An important feature of this fold, which is characterized by the presence of two domains, appears to be the existence of three clusters of evolutionarily conserved hydrophobic contacts. Although two of these clusters are located in the central cores of the domains and presumably stabilize their scaffold, allowing the correct alignment of the residues involved in cofactor and substrate binding, the role of the third cluster is much less evident. A site‐directed mutagenesis approach was used to carry out a model study on the importance of the third cluster in the structure of a well characterized member of the fold type I group, serine hydroxymethyltransferase from Escherichia coli. The experimental results obtained indicated that the cluster plays a crucial role in the stabilization of the quaternary, native assembly of the enzyme, although it is not located at the subunit interface. The analysis of the crystal structure of serine hydromethyltransferase suggested that this stabilizing effect may be due to the strict structural relation between the cluster and two polypeptide loops, which, in fold type I enzymes, mediate the interactions between the subunits and are involved in cofactor binding, substrate binding and catalysis.
Loss of Libido in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kummer Arthur , Cardoso Francisco , Teixeira Antonio Lucio 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual dysfunction is a frequent but neglected problem in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Decreased sexual desire in PD correlates with reduced general satisfaction from life. Many variables might be related to the loss of libido in PD and they have not been carefully investigated yet.

Aim
To assess the frequency of loss of libido in PD and its relation to neurological symptoms, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive performance.

Methods
The response of 90 PD patients of both genders to item “loss of libido” from the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was analyzed. A structured psychiatric interview (MINI-Plus) evaluated the presence of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Clinical assessment also comprised neurological examination, which included all sections of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn–Yahr and Schwab–England Scale (SES). The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the PD Fatigue Scale (PDFS) were also performed.

Main Outcome Measures
Frequency of loss of libido and its main predictors.

Results
The frequency of loss of libido was 65.6%, and 42.6% of men also complained of erectile dysfunction. Ageing (P = 0.012), female gender (P &lt; 0.001), lower education (P &lt; 0.001), and depression (P = 0.006) associated with decreased sexual desire. Higher BDI scores (P &lt; 0.001) correlated with a greater loss of libido. Decreased interest in sex was not associated with antidepressants. Neurological features associated with higher loss of libido were predominance of motor symptoms on the left side of the body (P = 0.026), autonomic dysfunction (P = 0.012), higher UPDRS scores (P = 0.006), and lower scores on SES (P = 0.003). In men, erectile dysfunction associated with decreased interest in sex (P &lt; 0.001). Patients with lower performance on FAB (P &lt; 0.001) and MMSE (P = 0.002), and with higher scores on PDFS (P &lt; 0.001) also had less interest in sex. A multiple regression analysis indicated age, gender and BDI score as the main predictors of loss of libido.

Conclusions
Loss of libido is frequent in PD and depression may be its main predictor. However, decreased interest in sex was not associated with antidepressant therapy. Thus, loss of libido resulting from depression may be effectively treated, and physicians should be encouraged to assess these symptoms in their patients.
Dihydrotestosterone and Leptin Regulate Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Expression and Secretion in Human GnRH-Secreting Neuroblasts
Authors: Morelli Annamaria , Fibbi Benedetta , Marini Mirca , Silvestrini Enrico , De Vita Giulia , Chavalmane Aravinda K. , Vignozzi Linda , Filippi Sandra , Forti Gianni , Vannelli Gabriella B. , Maggi Mario 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The reversal of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), occurring after discontinuation of testosterone therapy in adolescents with delayed puberty and in a small percentage of adults with congenital HH, suggests a role for androgens in favoring a spontaneous recovery of reproductive function.

Aim
We investigated the effect of androgens and leptin on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) expression and secretion in human GnRH-secreting neuroblasts (FNC-B4).

Methods
Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction RT-PCR for mRNA expression and radioimmunoassay for GnRH secretion were used. Immunohistochemical studies assessed GnRH protein expression. FNC-B4 migration was analyzed with multiwell Boyden chamber technique.

Main Outcome Measures
Effects of the non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and leptin in FNC-B4 were tested after 24 and 48 hours.

Results
Exposure to increasing concentrations of DHT after 24 hours significantly stimulated GnRH mRNA in FNC-B4. This effect was still present after prolonged exposure (48 hours). Similarly, treatment with leptin significantly induced GnRH mRNA after 24 hours, but not at 48 hours. Interestingly, mRNA for leptin receptors (LEPR) was significantly reduced after 48 hours of leptin, while, at this time point, it was stimulated by DHT. Coincubation for 48 hours with leptin and DHT maintained the stimulatory effect on both GnRH and LEPR mRNA, suggesting that DHT could stabilize the leptin effect by preventing downregulation of LEPR. Similar results were obtained for GnRH protein expression analysis. Moreover, both DHT and leptin increased GnRH release into the culture medium. We also found that DHT or leptin treatment significantly increased FNC-B4 basal migration. As we previously found that GnRH stimulates FNC-B4 migration, we hypothesized that this effect could be mediated by DHT- and leptin-induced GnRH release. Accordingly, the GnRH antagonist cetrorelix inhibited DHT- and leptin-induced migration.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that androgens (adequate hormonal status) could have a positive effect on GnRH neuronal activity by synergizing with leptin (adequate energy status) in the regulatory mechanisms required for reproductive and sexual fitness.
Effects of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors on the Contractile Responses of Isolated Human Seminal Vesicle Tissue to Adrenergic Stimulation
Authors: Ückert Stefan , Bazrafshan Siamak , Sonnenberg Joachim E. , Kuczyk Markus A. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionIt has been suggested that the capability of the phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor sildenafil citrate (VIAGRA) to retard the ejaculatory response may include modulation of the contraction of seminal vesicle (SV) smooth muscle. In fact, it has been shown that PDE inhibitors can reverse the tension of isolated human SV tissue and enhance the production of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP.AimThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors on both the spontaneous and electrically induced phasic contractions of isolated human SV smooth muscle.Main Outcome MeasuresTo measure the inhibition exerted by PDE inhibitors vinpocetine (PDE1-inhibitor), rolipram (PDE4-inhibitor), sildenafil, and vardenafil (PDE5-inhibitors) on the phasic contractile response of isolated SV tissue.MethodsUsing the organ bath technique, the effects of increasing concentrations of the PDE inhibitors (1 nM–10 µM) were investigated on phasic contractions of SV tissue strips either mediated by means of electrical field stimulation (EFS) or the alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist norepinephrine.ResultsThe contractile activity in response to EFS was dose-dependently reversed by the PDE inhibitors. The rank order of efficacy was: rolipram &gt; sildenafil ≥ vardenafil &gt; vinpocetine. Mean maximum inhibition of contraction was determined as −89.6% (rolipram), −61.3% (sildenafil), −62% (vardenafil), and −46% (vinpocetine). No differences were registered with regard to the effects of sildenafil and vardenafil on the inhibition of the contraction amplitudes. The frequency of the spontaneous contractions (amplitudes/5 minutes) was reduced by 50% in the presence of 2 µM rolipram, 5 µM sildenafil or vardenafil, and 8 µM vinpocetine.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that PDE inhibitors can inhibit EFS-induced and spontaneous contractile activity of isolated human SV tissue. These findings might be of importance with regard to the pharmacological treatment of premature ejaculation.
The Effect of Myoma Uteri and Myomectomy on Sexual Function
Authors: Ertunc Devrim , Uzun Roza , Tok Ekrem C. , Doruk Arzu , Dilek Saffet 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
This is a report about the effects of myoma uteri and myomectomy on sexual function in women.

Aim
The aim of this article was to determine the effects of myoma uteri and myomectomy on sexual function in women.

Method
The study was designed as a controlled clinical study in an academic clinical research center. The study patients consisted of 80 women with myoma uteri and 75 control women. Baseline characteristics and properties of the myomas were recorded. A validated questionnaire was used to determine pre- and postoperative sexual function in the patients.

Main Outcome Measure
Female sexual function index (FSFI) scores of the women were recorded before and after surgery.

Results
Women with myoma uteri had lower FSFI pain and satisfaction scores than women without it, even after correction for possible confounders. Fundal and posterior myomas were associated with pain, whereas only posterior myomas were related to the overall FSFI scores. However, although there was no relation between the volume of the myomas and the FSFI scores, women with a uterine volume over 200 cm3 had significantly lower mean FSFI satisfaction, pain, and total scores. The mean FSFI pain and total scores of the patients improved significantly after undergoing a myomectomy.

Conclusions
The findings of this study suggest that a potential impairment of sexual function exists in women with myomas. This is mainly because of pain during sexual intercourse, although it does not seem to have an effect on either the arousal or orgasmic phases. Furthermore, the performance of a myomectomy may alleviate pain during intercourse, and thereby improve sexual function in the patients.
Ketone measurements using dipstick methodology in cats with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zeugswetter F. , Pagitz M. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives:To compare the results of urine and plasma ketone dip test in a group of diabetic cats with possible ketosis or ketoacidosis, using laboratory plasma β‐hydroxybutyrate measurements as the gold standard.Methods:According to clinical examinations, plasma β‐hydroxybutyrate measurements and venous blood gas analysis, 54 cats with diabetes mellitus were classified as non‐ketotic (n=3), ketotic (n=40) or ketoacidotic (n=11). Plasma and urine acetoacetate concentrations were determined using urine reagent strips.Results:Although there was a significant positive correlation between blood and urine ketone measurements (r=0·695, P<0·001), the results differed significantly (Z=−3·494, P<0·001). Using the differential positive rates, the best cut‐off value to detect cats with ketoacidosis was 1·5 mmol/l for urine and 4 mmol/l for plasma. The sensitivity/specificity was 82/95 per cent for urine and 100/88 per cent for plasma, respectively.ClinicalSignificance:The urine and plasma ketone dip tests have a different diagnostic accuracy, and results have to be interpreted differently. Because of its high sensitivity, the plasma ketone dip test performs better than the urine ketone dip test to identify cats with impending or established ketoacidosis.
Does pethidine affect the cardiovascular and sedative effects of dexmedetomidine in dogs?
Authors: Grint N. J. , Burford J. , Dugdale A. H. A. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives: To investigate pethidine’s effects on sedation and cardiovascular variables in dogs premedicated with dexmedetomidine. Methods: Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I dogs were presented for routine neutering. Heart rate was measured at admission. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of the five groups to decide premedication; group D5+P (dexmedetomidine 5 μg/kg plus pethidine 5 mg/kg), D10+P (dexmedetomidine 10 μg/kg plus pethidine 5 mg/kg) with three control groups, D5 (dexmedetomidine 5 μg/kg), D10 (dexmedetomidine 10 μg/kg) or P (pethidine 5 mg/kg). Heart rate was measured at 3, 5, 10 and 20 minutes after preanaesthetic medication. Simple descriptive scores for sedation were assigned after 20 minutes. Anaesthesia was induced using propofol and maintained using isoflurane in oxygen. Heart rate was recorded throughout anaesthesia. Results: Sedation scores after preanaesthetic medication were significantly higher (P<0·001) in groups D5+P and D10+P compared with the other three groups. D5+P and D10+P groups tended to have lower heart rates in dogs at all time points after premedication compared with groups containing only pethidine or dexmedetomidine at the relevant dose. Clinical Significance: Greater sedation is achieved using combinations of dexmedetomidine and pethidine compared with each drug alone. Pethidine does not attenuate the alpha‐2 adrenergic‐induced bradycardia.
Effect of sampling method and incubation temperature on fungal culture in canine sinonasal aspergillosis
Authors: Billen F. , Clercx C. , Le Garérrès A. , Massart L. , Mignon B. , Peeters D. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives:To evaluate the most appropriate sampling procedure and the effect of incubation temperature on fungal culture in the diagnosis of canine sinonasal aspergillosis (SNA).Methods:Sixteen dogs with SNA and 20 dogs with non‐fungal nasal disease entered a prospective study. Nasal secretions and mucosal biopsies were collected in all dogs. Fungal plaques were also sampled in dogs with SNA. Each specimen was taken in duplicate from each dog and incubated at room temperature and 37°C.Results:In dogs with SNA, nasal secretions, mucosal biopsies and fungal plaques yielded fungal growth at room temperature in one, one and seven dogs, respectively, whereas fungal growth was obtained at 37°C in three, 12 and 14 dogs, respectively. No specimen collected from any dog with non‐fungal nasal disease yielded fungal growth at room temperature or at 37°C.ClinicalSignificance:The diagnosis of canine SNA is more likely to be confirmed following culture of mucosal biopsies or fungal plaques than nasal secretions sampled blindly with swabs. Incubating cultures at 37°C is more likely to provide a diagnostic outcome than when samples are cultured at room temperature. Fungal culture of nasal specimens has good specificity for the diagnosis of SNA in dogs.