bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Erectile Tissue Angioarchitecture Modify with Aging? An Immunohistological and Morphometric Approach
Authors: Costa Carla , Vendeira Pedro 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is a common problem in aged men; however, which vascular cavernosal alterations occur with age progression remain unclarified.

Aim
Using cavernosal tissue from rats of various ages, we aimed to thoroughly assess erectile vascular-associated morphologic, immunohistological, and morphometric alterations during aging.

Methods
Male Wistar rats were divided according to age in groups of 2, 6, 12, 18, 24 months old (N=5). Cavernosal tissue of all groups was collected and processed for morphologic evaluation, immunodetection of α-smooth muscle actin and von Willebrand factor and morphometric quantification of vascular and smooth muscle cell (SMC) areas.

Main Outcome Measures
The morphometric assessment of age-related alterations in cavernosal vascular and SMCs using the ImageJ image-processing program.

Results
Morphologic and immunohistological evaluation showed a similar structure of erectile tissue among all age groups, divided in two cavernosal bodies containing numerous sinusoidal vascular spaces surrounded by SMCs. Additionally, we observed a reduction of SMC content and an increase in the caliber of vascular spaces, with aging. This was confirmed by the morphometric quantification of the vascular and SMC areas (mean area ×103 µm2 ± ×103 standard error). Two-month-old animals had a mean vascular area of 4.21 ± 0.51, approximately 3.5-fold less than the 6-month-old group. The differences increased when comparing the youngest groups with the 12-, 18-, and 24-month-old animals, with mean measurements of 18.99 ± 1.91, 25.23 ± 2.76, and 26.34 ± 2.97. Conversely, SMC areas progressively decreased between 2- and 6-month-old animals, from 6.75 ± 0.90 to 6.38 ± 1.24. The elderly 12-, 18-, and 24-month-old groups presented an approximated 1.5-fold reduction on SMCs area, showed by the respective measurements of 4.11 ± 0.50, 4.01 ± 0.35, and 4.02 ± 0.44.

Conclusions
We demonstrated that cavernosal angioarchitecture was modified with aging. The decrease in SMCs and the considerable enlargement of vascular lumens may limit the basic function of penile vascular tree in the elderly.
Menstrual Cycle-Related Changes in Circulating Androgens in Healthy Women With Self-Reported Normal Sexual Function
Authors: Salonia Andrea , Pontillo Marina , Nappi Rossella E. , Zanni Giuseppe , Fabbri Fabio , Scavini Marina , Daverio Rita , Gallina Andrea , Rigatti Patrizio , Bosi Emanuele , Bonini Pier Angelo , Montorsi Francesco 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There is currently neither a clinically useful, reliable and inexpensive assay to measure circulating levels of free testosterone (T) in the range observed in women, nor is there agreement on the serum free T threshold defining hypoandrogenism that is associated with female-impaired sexual function.

Aim
Following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, we generated clinically applicable ranges for circulating androgens during specific phases of the menstrual cycle in a convenience sample of 120 reproductive-aged, regularly cycling healthy European Caucasian women with self-reported normal sexual function.

Methods
All participants were asked to complete a semistructured interview and fill out a set of validated questionnaires, including the Female Sexual Function Index, the Female Sexual Distress Scale, and the 21-item Beck's Inventory for Depression. Between 8 am and 10 am, a venous blood sample was drawn from each participant during the midfollicular (day 5 to 8), the ovulatory (day 13 to 15), and the midluteal phase (day 19 to 22) of the same menstrual cycle.

Main Outcome Measures
Serum levels of total and free testosterone, Δ4-androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and sex hormone-binding globulin during the midfollicular, ovulatory and midluteal phase of the same menstrual cycle.

Results
Total and free T levels showed significant fluctuations, peaking during the ovulatory phase. No significant variation during the menstrual cycle were observed for Δ4-androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Despite the careful selection of participants that yielded an homogeneous group of women without sexual disorders, we observed a wide range of distribution for each of the circulating androgens measured in this study.

Conclusions
This report provides clinically applicable ranges for androgens throughout the menstrual cycle in reproductive-aged, regularly cycling, young healthy Caucasian European women with self-reported normal sexual function.
Penile Traction Therapy for Treatment of Peyronie's Disease: A Single-Center Pilot Study
Authors: Levine Laurence A. , Newell Mark , Taylor Frederick L. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder of the penis whose etiopathophysiology remains unclear. At this time, there is no known reliable nonsurgical treatment. This study reviews our experience with external penile traction therapy to correct the deformity associated with this disorder.

Aim
To evaluate prolonged external penile traction as a nonsurgical treatment for PD.

Methods
Ten men with PD completed this noncontrolled pilot study of traction therapy using the FastSize Penile Extender. Nearly all (90%) had failed prior medical therapy. Traction was applied as the only treatment for 2–8 hours/day for 6 months. All subjects underwent pre- and post-treatment physical examination including measurement of stretched flaccid penile length (SPL) and biothesiometry.

Main Outcome Measures
Curvature and girth were measured during erection before and after treatment with dynamic duplex ultrasound. Assessment of erectile and sexual function was further assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function and Quality of Life Specific to Male Erection Difficulties (QOL-MED) questionnaires. At 3 and 6 months post-treatment, SPL was measured and subjective assessment of deformity by the patient was recorded.

Results
Subjectively all men noted reduced curvature estimated at 10–40 degrees, increased penile length (1–2.5 cm) and enhanced girth in areas of indentation or narrowing. Objective measures demonstrated reduced curvature in all men from 10–45 degrees; average reduction for the group was 33% (51–34 degrees). SPL increased 0.5–2.0 cm and erect girth increased 0.5–1.0 cm with correction of hinge effect in four out of four men. International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function domain increased from 18.3–23.6 for the group. Changes in quality of life by QOL-MED were not found to be statistically significant in this small series. There were no adverse events including skin changes, ulcerations, hypoesthesia or diminished rigidity.

Conclusion
Prolonged daily external penile traction therapy is a new approach for the nonsurgical treatment of PD. Further study appears warranted given the response noted in this pilot study.
Evaluation of a rapid agglutination method for detection of equine red cell surface antigens (Ca and Aa) as part of pretransfusion testing
Authors: Owens Sean D. , Snipes Joy , Magdesian K. Gary , Christopher Mary M. 
Published: March 2008

Background: Blood typing before transfusion minimizes the risk of transfusion reactions and prevents immunization of the recipient against incompatible RBC antigens. The major RBC antigens that warrant identification before packed RBC or whole blood transfusions in horses are Ca and Aa. Standard blood‐typing protocols are time‐consuming (2.5–3.0 hours) and impractical in emergency settings.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether equine RBCs could be typed for Ca and Aa antigens using sera from horses with RBC antibodies in a modified rapid (15 minute) blood‐typing protocol.Methods: Serum was obtained from a horse with anti‐Ca antibodies and from another horse with anti‐Aa antibodies. The presence of agglutinating antibodies was confirmed with antibody screening. Venous blood samples, collected in citrate–phosphate–dextrose, were obtained from 21 horses of various breeds. Samples were blood typed in the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Hematology Laboratory using standard methodology. Washed RBCs from each of the 21 horses were incubated individually with anti‐Ca and anti‐Aa sera at dilutions of 1:4, 1:8, and 1:16 for 15 and 30 minutes at room temperature and 37 °C.Results: Of the 21 horses, 13 were identified as Aa+/Ca+, four were Aa+/Ca−, two were Aa−/Ca+, and two were Aa−/Ca−. All 17 Aa‐positive horses had a positive agglutination reaction at all dilutions of anti‐Aa serum, incubation times, and temperatures, while all Aa‐negative horses were negative. Each Ca‐positive horse had a positive agglutination reaction at all incubation time points and temperatures up to the 1:16 dilution of the anti‐Ca serum. All Ca‐negative horses were negative at all times, temperatures, and dilutions of anti‐Ca serum. Use of the modified protocol on 26 hospitalized horses resulted in accurate typing, based on complete antibody screens.Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that equine RBCs can be blood typed using a rapid (15 minute) protocol, at room temperature, for the presence of Ca and Aa antigens using equine‐derived antisera. This technique may be beneficial for pretransfusion testing of equine patients in an emergency setting.
A multicentric retrospective study of serum/plasma urea and creatinine concentrations in dogs using univariate and multivariate decision rules to evaluate diagnostic efficiency
Authors: Concordet D. , Vergez F. , Trumel C. , Diquélou A. , Lanore D. , Le Garrérès A. , Pagès J. P. , Péchereau D. , Médaille C. , Braun J. P. 
Published: March 2008

Background: Urea and creatinine are the most frequently used indirect markers in plasma and serum of glomerular filtration rate in dogs. Both have been shown to lack sensitivity but their diagnostic efficiency for the diagnosis of kidney disease has been minimally investigated.Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the influence of possible factors of variation on both analytes and to determine whether specific decision rules should be drawn up for subpopulations of dogs.Methods: The results of urea and creatinine measurements, breed, sex, age, and health status (healthy, renal disease, or nonrenal disease) of 3822 dogs were collected from the archives of 5 veterinary clinics. Data were analyzed with univariate and multivariate decision rules with and without adjustment.Results: There were significant effects and interactions of almost all of the sources of variation. Slight improvements in diagnostic efficiency were obtained by adjusting the decision rules to these sources of variations. Univariate decision rules gave approximately the same diagnostic efficiency for urea and creatinine concentrations, with sensitivity and specificity in the range of 70% and 90%, respectively, using the upper limit of the reference interval as the threshold value. Multivariate decision rules provided only minor improvements in diagnostic efficiency.Conclusion: Simultaneous measurement of both urea and creatinine is of limited diagnostic value over the analysis of a single variable. Creatinine is the preferred analyte as it is affected by fewer extrarenal factors of variation.
Serum amyloid A is not a marker for relapse of multicentric lymphoma in dogs
Authors: Merlo Alexandre , Rezende Bárbara Cristina Gagliano , Franchini Maria Luisa , Monteiro Paula Rumy Gonçalves , Lucas Sílvia Regina Ricci 
Published: March 2008

Background:Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein whose concentration increases in inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic conditions in animals and human beings. Multicentric lymphoma is a common cancer in dogs, and chemotherapy is indicated to attain long‐term survival. However, frequent relapses lead to changes in chemotherapeutic protocols.Objectives:The aims of this study were to evaluate SAA as a marker for relapse of multicentric lymphoma in dogs and to determine whether chemotherapy induces changes in the concentration of SAA during treatment.Methods:SAA was measured by an ELISA test in healthy control dogs (n=20), in healthy dogs receiving chemotherapy (n=8), and in dogs with lymphoma (n=20). All dogs receiving chemotherapy were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups, one receiving cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) and the other receiving vincristine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, andl‐asparaginase (VCMA) protocols. SAA concentration was determined before chemotherapy at weeks 1–4 in healthy dogs receiving chemotherapy and in dogs with lymphoma, then every 3 weeks for 4 months in healthy dogs, and at relapse and in the sample prior to relapse in dogs with lymphoma. SAA was measured only once in the healthy control dogs. Results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparison tests to compare groups and weeks of treatment.Results:Mean SAA concentration was significantly higher in dogs with lymphoma before chemotherapy compared with healthy and chemotherapy control dogs. No increase in SAA concentration was found at relapse. No differences were observed in SAA concentration based on type of chemotherapy protocol.Conclusions:SAA is not a marker of relapse in dogs with multicentric lymphoma, nor does chemotherapy regimen affect SAA concentration.
An Investigation of the Influence of Droplet Number Concentration and Giant Aerosol Particles upon Supercooled Large Drop Formation in Wintertime Stratiform Clouds
Authors: Lasher-Trapp Sonia , Anderson-Bereznicki Sarah , Shackelford Ashley , Twohy Cynthia H. , Hudson James G. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Supercooled large drops (SLD) can be a significant hazard for aviation. Past studies have shown that warm-rain processes are prevalent, or even dominant, in stratiform clouds containing SLD, but the primary factors that control SLD production are still not well understood. Giant aerosol particles have been shown to accelerate the formation of the first drizzle drops in some clouds and thus are a viable source of SLD, but observational support for testing their effectiveness in supercooled stratiform clouds has been lacking. In this study, new observations collected during six research flights from the Alliance Icing Research Study II (AIRS II) are analyzed to assess the factors that may be relevant to SLD formation, with a particular emphasis on the importance of giant aerosol particles. An initial comparison of observed giant aerosol particle number concentrations with the observed SLD suggests that they were present in sufficient numbers to be the source of the SLD. However, microphysical calculations within an adiabatic parcel model, initialized with the observed aerosol distributions and cloud properties, suggest that the giant aerosol particles were only a limited source of SLD. More SLD was produced in the modeled clouds with low droplet concentrations, simply by an efficient warm-rain process acting at temperatures below 0°C. For cases in which the warm-rain process is limited by a higher droplet concentration and small cloud depth/liquid water content, the giant aerosol particles were then the only source of SLD. The modeling results are consistent with the observed trends in SLD across the six AIRS II cases.
Investigations of Personal and Social Characteristics of Teachers
Authors: Ryans David G. , Wandt Edwin 
Published: March 2008

In line with the desire to bring before readers of this section accounts of major studies which are under way in the field of teacher education, David Ryans, well known for his continuing research on the qualifications of teachers, was invited to report on his recent work. Studies such as those described here represent fundamental research; they con tribute richly to our understanding of the teaching process as an expression of teacher personality, and subsequently to our ability to sense needs, define goals, and improve methods in the better prepara tion, selection, and guidance of teachers. Douglas E. Scates.
The Double-Entry Log in Student Teaching
Authors: Henderson Richard L. 
Published: March 2008

Although the basic idea behind it is sound, the traditional "daily log" kept by student-teachers and occasionally by supervising teachers has, according to the author of this article, lost its effec tiveness in promoting growth in efficien cy and professional understanding of the student. Dr. Henderson proposes therefore that a new kind of log be used—the "double entry log." A "product of cooperative recording of comments and questions by both teacher and student" which gives "on-the-spot descriptions of and reac tions to actual situations the student meets as he goes through each day," the double entry log should provide infor mation which is really significant for student, supervising teacher, and college supervisor.
Factors Affecting Regional Employment in Tourism in the United States
Authors: Ellerbrock Michael J. , Hite James C. 
Published: March 2008

As an instrument of economic development, tourism is a highly competitive industry intranationally and internationally. Its primary economic impacts are the generation of revenues and employment. Mensurational problems complicate analysis of tourism, e.g., separating the impacts on employment of business-related versus recreational travel. The study analyzes the influence of various factors on the level of travel employment by state. Employment figures are seasonally adjusted to allow valid comparison of states. Identifying the variables that correspond with high levels of travel employment may explain regional variations in such employment. It may also help distinguish between states with high rates of business-related travel employment versus true tourism employment. The study also examines the effectiveness of states' promotional advertising expenditures in generating employment. A multiple linear regression model is used for the statistical analysis.
Minority ethnic users experiences and expectations of nursing care
Authors: Hamilton Mary , Essat Zaheera 
Published: March 2008

Abstract: During the last two decades, there has been a growing emphasis on the delivery of health care to meet the needs of minority ethnic patients, but there is less emphasis on the views of the patients themselves. This paper aimed to give minority ethnic groups the opportunity to voice their opinions on nursing care and to inform future nurse education. Focus groups were used to collect data. Six community groups, some of mixed ethnicity and some of specific ethnic identity, were included in the study. Data were analysed using a thematic approach and three themes were identified as representing the views of the participants. Participants identified that knowledge of cultural and religious practices were essential for nurses in order for them to understand the basis of their beliefs and practices. They also highlighted how the actions and behaviour of nurses either confirmed or ignored their specific requirements. They also recognised the inherent communication problems for those who had difficulty in communicating in English. Overall, they reiterated their need to be treated with dignity and respect. For nurse educators, the challenge is to develop not only the knowledge base of student nurses but also to help them translate that into practice that demonstrates cultural understanding and sensitivity.
Efficient computation of absent words in genomic sequences
Authors: Herold Julia , Kurtz Stefan , Giegerich Robert 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Analysis of sequence composition is a routine task in genome research. Organisms are characterized by their base composition, dinucleotide relative abundance, codon usage, and so on. Unique subsequences are markers of special interest in genome comparison, expression profiling, and genetic engineering. Relative to a random sequence of the same length, unique subsequences are overrepresented in real genomes. Shortest words absent from a genome have been addressed in two recent studies.

Results
We describe a new algorithm and software for the computation of absent words. It is more efficient than previous algorithms and easier to use. It directly computes unwords without the need to specify a length estimate. Moreover, it avoids the space requirements of index structures such as suffix trees and suffix arrays. Our implementation is available as an open source package. We compute unwords of human and mouse as well as some other organisms, covering a genome size range from 109 down to 105 bp.

Conclusion
The new algorithm computes absent words for the human genome in 10 minutes on standard hardware, using only 2.5 Mb of space. This enables us to perform this type of analysis not only for the largest genomes available so far, but also for the emerging pan- and meta-genome data.
The MoVIN server for the analysis of protein interaction networks
Authors: Marcatili Paolo , Bussotti Giovanni , Tramontano Anna 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Protein-protein interactions are at the basis of most cellular processes and crucial for many bio-technological applications. During the last few years the development of high-throughput technologies has produced several large-scale protein-protein interaction data sets for various organisms. It is important to develop tools for dissecting their content and analyse the information they embed by data-integration and computational methods.

Results
Interactions can be mediated by the presence of specific features, such as motifs, surface patches and domains. The co-occurrence of these features on proteins interacting with the same protein can indicate mutually exclusive interactions and, therefore, can be used for inferring the involvement of the proteins in common biological processes.
We present here a publicly available server that allows the user to investigate protein interaction data in light of other biological information, such as their sequences, presence of specific domains, process and component ontologies. The server can be effectively used to construct a high-confidence set of mutually exclusive interactions by identifying similar features in groups of proteins sharing a common interaction partner. As an example, we describe here the identification of common motifs, function, cellular localization and domains in different datasets of yeast interactions.

Conclusions
The server can be used to analyse user-supplied datasets, it contains pre-processed data for four yeast Protein Protein interaction datasets and the results of their statistical analysis. These show that the presence of common motifs in proteins interacting with the same partner is a valuable source of information, it can be used to investigate the properties of the interacting proteins and provides information that can be effectively integrated with other sources. As more experimental interaction data become available, this tool will become more and more useful to gain a more detailed picture of the interactome.