bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioral regulators in the brain of neonatal chicks
Authors: FURUSE Mitsuhiro 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTDomestic chickens are precocial and therefore have relatively well‐developed processes at hatch. As a result, neonatal chicks grow well at hatch with no parental care. The regulation of food intake in animals, including domestic birds, is complicated. Just after hatching, neonatal chicks find their food by themselves and they can control their food intake. Recently, prolactin releasing peptide and gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone were confirmed as central orexigenic factors in the neonatal chick. Both peptides have a common structure as RFamide peptides. On the other hand, vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide, both belonging to the glucagon superfamily, were recognized as inhibitory. Broiler chicks have either a greater capability to acclimatize to novel environments, or a blunted hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal axis compared with layer chicks. These differences are explained by higher melatonin concentrations in the pineal gland and other parts of the brain of broiler chicks since melatonin attenuates the stress response. Stressful behavior in chicks can be attenuated by neurotransmitters or by nutrients such as creatine, phosphatidylserine, L‐serine and (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate. It is suggested that the regulation of behavior is somewhat specific and can be attenuated by some manipulation in neonatal chicks.
Nitric oxide in bovine corpus luteum: Possible mechanisms of action in luteolysis
Authors: KORZEKWA Anna , WOCLAWEK‐POTOCKA Izabela , OKUDA Kiyoshi , ACOSTA Tomas J. , SKARZYNSKI Dariusz J. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTAlthough prostaglandin (PG) F2α is considered as the principal luteolytic factor, its action on the bovine corpus luteum (CL) is mediated by other intraovarian factors. Among them, nitric oxide (NO) seems to play a mandatory role in luteolysis. In this article we review the background and current status of work on possible roles of NO in the CL function, based on available information and our own experimental data. NO is produced in all three main types of bovine CL cells: steroidogenic, endothelial and immune cells. PGF2α and some luteolytic cytokines (tumor necrosis factor, interferon) increase NO production and stimulate NO synthase expression in the bovine CL. NO inhibits progesterone production, stimulates the secretion of PGF2α and leukotriene C4, reduces the number of viable luteal cells and, finally, participates in functional luteolysis. NO induces the apoptotic death of CL cells by the modulation of bcl‐2 family gene expression and the stimulation of caspase‐3 gene expression and activity. However, this simple molecule shows both luteolytic and luteotropic actions during the estrous cycle in ruminants. The aim of this overview is to present and discuss the recent findings crucial for understanding NO role in the process of CL regression in cattle.
Effects of long‐term administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin on the plasminogen–plasmin system and milk composition of crossbred Holstein cattle
Authors: CHAIYABUTR Narongsak , THAMMACHAROEN Sumpun , KOMOLVANICH Siripen , CHANPONGSANG Somchai 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTExperiments were performed to examine the effects of long‐term treatment with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on milk plasmin–plasminogen and milk composition by one injection of 500 mg of rbST in every 14 days throughout lactation in crossbred Holstein cattle. The animals receiving rbST gave a greater milk yield and rate of blood flow to the udder during early lactation than the control group. The milk lactose concentration remained constant while the milk protein concentration increased as lactation advanced in both groups. The level of milk fat in rbST‐treated animals was significantly greater than in controls in the early lactation period (P < 0.05). The milk sodium and chloride concentrations of the rbST‐treated animals significantly decreased in early lactation as compared with the control animals. The sodium : potassium ratio of the rbST‐treated animals was significantly lower than those of control animals in the early lactation (P < 0.05) and it markedly increased in late lactation. As lactation advanced, the concentration of plasmin in the milk gradually increased, while the milk plasminogen concentration significantly increased in both groups. The plasminogen : plasmin ratio decreased in the control animals while it increased in the rbST‐treated animals as lactation advanced. These findings demonstrate that rbST is involved the activity of the plasmin–plasminogen system but is not involved in maintaining tissue integrity in the mammary gland during late lactation in crossbred dairy cattle.
Shearing male lambs in the cold season improves the carcass yield without affecting fattening performance
Authors: ÇAM Mehmet Akif , OLFAZ Mustafa , GARIPOGLU Ali Vaiz 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThis research was carried out to determine the effects of shearing of different genotypes of male lambs (one from pure Karayaka stock and two from its crossbreed) in winter on bodyweight gain, feed consumtion, feed conversion efficiency, rectal temperature and carcass yield. A total of 21 lambs aged 8 months were allocated randomly to experimental groups according to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement for shorn and unshorn animals. The lambs were fed grass hay (100 g/lamb/day) and commercial concentrate feed ad libitum during a 54‐day of fattening period. The lambs were shorn in the middle of the experiment (27 days after beginning the trial). The interaction between the shearing treatment × genotype of the studied parameters was found to be insignificant. The shearing process increased the rectal temperature (P < 0.01), hot carcass yield (P < 0.05) and dressing percentage (P < 0.05) and decreased the weight of the edible inner organs (P < 0.01). Some of these parameters were affected by the genotypes. It was concluded that shearing male lambs in the winter can have a beneficial effect on the hot carcass weight and dressing percentage without affecting fattening performance, and the performance of Karayaka lambs and its crossbred male lambs were similar under the conditions of the present study.
Differences of behavior, use of resources and physical conditions between dominant and subordinate hens in furnished cages
Authors: SHIMMURA Tsuyoshi , EGUCHI Yusuke , UETAKE Katsuji , TANAKA Toshio 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe objective of the present study was to search for differences in the behavior, use of resources and the physical condition between dominant and subordinate birds in furnished cages. In total, 60 commercial White Leghorn layers were used. At the age of 54 weeks, these birds were divided into two groups. Each group consisted of six cages with four birds per cage and six cages with six birds per cage. The dominance hierarchy was measured, to identify the highest dominant bird and the lowest subordinate bird in the hierarchy of each furnished cage. Behavioral observations using scanning techniques at 10 min intervals were conducted on the birds at 57 and 67 weeks of age for 3 days, respectively. Their physical condition (bodyweight and claw length) was also measured. Dominant birds used the dust bath more (P < 0.1) and nest box less (P < 0.01) than subordinate birds did. The use of the nest box decreased for subordinate birds from 57 to 67 weeks of age (P < 0.05). The dominant birds performed aggression and exploring more frequently than the subordinate birds (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). In the comfort behaviors, the dominant birds performed dust‐bathing, as well as the using the dust bath, more than subordinate birds did (P < 0.1). In their exploring behavior, including scratching and litter pecking, dominant birds performed both behaviors more frequently, as well as using the dust bath and dust‐bathing in it, than subordinate birds did (P < 0.1 and P < 0.05, respectively). Aggression decreased for dominant birds from 57 to 67 weeks of age. In contrast, eating (P < 0.1) as well as drinking (P < 0.1) and other comfort behaviors (P < 0.1) increased for subordinate birds from 57 to 67 weeks of age. There was no significant difference between dominant and subordinate birds in their physical conditions. In conclusion, dominant birds had priority to use the dust box compared with the subordinate birds in the furnished cages. Conversely, the subordinate birds stayed in the nest box more than the dominant birds did. In the furnished cages, equipping the nest box was important not only for the birds to perform nesting behavior, but also for the subordinate birds to use the facility as a refuge especially just after introduction to the cage.
Behavior, performance and physical condition of laying hens in conventional and small furnished cages
Authors: SHIMMURA Tsuyoshi , EGUCHI Yusuke , UETAKE Katsuji , TANAKA Toshio 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present study was to compare the welfare level and performance of laying hens between conventional and small furnished cages. At the age of 54 weeks, 120 White Leghorn layers were divided into four groups: four (C4) or six hens/cage in conventional cages and four or six (F6) hens/cage in furnished cages. Their behavior, number of steps taken, performance and physical condition were measured. Sham dust‐bathing was greater in conventional cages than in furnished cages (P = 0.05) and dust‐bathing, litter scratching and litter pecking were also observed in furnished cages. Other comfort behavior, moving and number of steps taken were more frequent in the four‐hen cages than in the six‐hen cages (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Though egg production and egg mass in C4 and F6 were lower than in the other groups, no significant differences were found in the other production measurements. Bodyweight gain was larger in the four‐hen cages than the six‐hen cages (P < 0.01). In conclusion, behavior was not restricted in the furnished cages, but activity and bodyweight gain were affected by group size (density) rather than cage design. Hereafter, the studies on suitable density in each cage design, using young layers, are required.
Continuing Medical Education: Key Methodological Issues in Sexual Medicine Research (CME)
Authors: DeRogatis Leonard R. , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

DeRogatis LR, and Burnett AL. Key methodological issues in sexual medicine research
The field of research in sexual medicine has grown dramatically in the past decade to a point where we now have a substantial armamentarium of pharmacologic and psychological interventions available for the treatment of sexual dysfunctions in men. Concomitantly, numerous new compounds are in advanced stages of clinical development to expand the spectrum of treatment options for women's sexual dysfunctions as well. We believe we have reached a point in our overall research agenda where it may be useful to reappraise certain aspects of our clinical research methodology. We have performed this with a view toward identifying a number of key issues that we believe represent continuing impediments to sustained growth in sexual medicine research, and we have made recommendations concerning implementing tactics and strategies that we believe will help overcome these methodological barriers to continued progress. We do not view the suggestions made here as definitive resolutions to the problems identified, but rather as progressive ideas that will enable our research to continue to move forward.
The Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction Among Hypertensive and Prehypertensive Men Aged 25–40 Years
Authors: Heruti Rafi J. , Sharabi Yehonatan , Arbel Yaron , Shochat Tzipi , Swartzon Michael , Brenner Galit , Justo Dan 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypertension (HTN) are common and associated among men aged 40–70 years. Data on the prevalence of ED among younger hypertensive and prehypertensive men are limited.

Aim
To study the prevalence of ED in a large-scale population of hypertensive and prehypertensive men aged 25–40 years.

Main Outcome Measures
ED severity, systolic blood pressures (SBPs), diastolic blood pressures (DBPs), and mean arterial blood pressures (MAPs).

Methods
Israel Defense Force personnel, aged 25 years and older, go through routine health checks at the Staff Periodic Health Examination Center (SPEC) every 3–5 years, including measuring blood pressure and completing the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire in order to detect HTN and ED, respectively, and assess its severity. Pre-HTN was defined as SBP 120–139 mm Hg or DBP 80–89 mm Hg. HTN was defined as SBP ≥140 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥90 mm Hg.

Results
During 2001–2004, an overall of 11,252 men, aged 25–40 years, reported to the SPEC, and 5,860 (52.1%) men filled out the SHIM questionnaire. Among responders to the SHIM questionnaire, 1,278 (21.8%) men had low scores (≤21), suggesting ED. Overall, 3021 (51.6%) men had pre-HTN and 557 (9.5%) men had HTN. The prevalence of ED was similar among men with HTN, men with pre-HTN, and men with normal blood pressure: 22.9% vs. 21.3% vs. 22.3%, respectively. In addition, SBPs, DBPs, and MAPs were not associated with the SHIM scores among all men.

Conclusion
The prevalence of ED is not increased among hypertensive and prehypertensive men compared with normotensive men aged 25–40 years. Moreover, higher blood pressures are not associated with worse erections among all men in this age group. Apparently, it takes years for HTN to cause ED.
Persistent Genital Arousal: Disordered or Normative Aspect of Female Sexual Response?
Authors: Leiblum Sandra , Seehuus Martin , Brown Candace 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), previously known as persistent sexual arousal syndrome, is a serious and extremely distressing condition. Clinical experience suggests that there may be a subset of women who experience persistent genital arousal as a normative and not especially distressing part of their sexuality.

Aim
To determine whether there are women who report unprovoked genital arousal and view it as normative, and to identify differences between women who endorse all five features of PGAD vs. those who endorse only some of features.

Main Outcome Measures
Respondents were asked about the nature, onset, duration, and severity of their arousal, and their feelings about PGAD. Overall sexual and relationship satisfaction was assessed, as were scores on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Methods
An on-line, anonymous survey on persistent genital arousal was conducted. Of the 388 respondents, 206 women endorsed all five features of PGAD (PGAD group) and 176 endorsed some, but not all, criteria (non-PGAD group).

Results
The two groups were similar in age, relationship status, and duration. More PGAD than non-PGAD women reported current symptoms and greater symptom severity. Distress ratings were significantly greater for PGAD than non-PGAD women (7.9 vs. 4.7 on a 10-point scale). Forty-eight percent of PGAD vs. 27% of non-PGAD women reported continuous feelings of arousal. Significantly more PGAD women than non-PGAD women endorsed negative feelings about their genital arousal. Women with PGAD reported lower desire, less sexual satisfaction, greater pain, and lower overall scores on the FSFI.

Conclusion
There is a cohort of women who regularly, if intermittently, experience unprovoked and persistent genital arousal and find it mildly pleasurable. Their genital arousal differs from that of women who meet all five criteria for a diagnosis of PGAD. Possible explanations and etiologies for these differing reactions are discussed.
Women's Endorsement of Models of Female Sexual Response: The Nurses' Sexuality Study
Authors: Sand Michael , Fisher William A. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The current Summary of Recommendations on Sexual Dysfunction in Women is conceptually grounded on a model of women's sexual function that has not been empirically tested in samples of women with and without sexual dysfunction.

Aim
The current research represents an initial effort to assess the extent to which women in a community sample endorse current theoretical models of female sexual function based upon work by Masters and Johnson, Kaplan, and Basson as accurately reflecting their own sexual experience.

Main Outcome Measures
Women's endorsement of brief descriptions of current models of female sexual function (Masters and Johnson, Kaplan, and Basson) as accurately reflecting their own sexual experience and their own levels of sexual function or dysfunction as assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Methods
A random sample of 580 Registered Nurses was mailed a 58-item questionnaire which assessed women's perception of the fit of their sexual experience with current models of female sexual response and included the FSFI.

Results
In total, 133 women, of whom 111 had a current man partner, returned responses. Approximately equal proportions of women endorsed the Masters and Johnson, Kaplan, and Basson models of female sexual response as representing their own sexual experience. Women endorsing the Basson model had significantly lower FSFI domain scores than women who endorsed either the Masters and Johnson or Kaplan models.

Conclusion
These are the first data to assess the proportion of a community sample of women who endorse widely accepted models of female sexual response as representing their own sexual experience. Women in this sample were equally likely to endorse each of these different models, emphasizing the heterogeneity of women's sexual response, and highlighting the need for additional research to guide the field's acceptance and application of particular models of female sexuality in particular situations. Women's endorsement of models of female sexual response was correlated with their FSFI scores, and findings suggest that the Basson model, currently advanced by the Second International Consultation on Sexual Medicine, may best reflect women with sexual concerns (e.g., FSFI&lt;26.55), rather than a single normative sexual response pattern.
A Comparison of NCEP-ATPIII and IDF Metabolic Syndrome Definitions with Relation to Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Mannucci Edoardo , Petrone Luisa , Schulman Claude , Balercia Giancarlo , Fisher Alessandra D. , Chiarini Valerio , Forti Gianni , Maggi Mario 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, often associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypogonadism. Recently, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) proposed a substantial revision of the National Cholesterol Education Program–Third Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATPIII) MetS criteria, essentially lowering the diagnostic cutoff values.

Aim
To investigate the associations between these two recently proposed definitions of MetS with the relative risk of arteriogenic ED and hypogonadism in a large cohort of patients with male sexual dysfunction.

Methods
A consecutive series of 1086 patients with sexual dysfunction (mean age 51.9 ± 12.8 years) was studied.

Main Outcome Measures
Several hormonal, biochemical, and instrumental (penile Doppler ultrasound) parameters were studied, along with ANDROTEST, a 12-item validated structured interview, specifically designed for the screening hypogonadism in a sexual dysfunction population. In particular, a score &gt;8 is predictive of low testosterone (&lt;10.4 nmol/L) with a sensitivity and specificity of about 70%.

Results
The prevalence of MetS was 32.0% and 44.7% according to NCEP-ATPIII and IDF criteria, respectively. After adjustment for confounding factors, only NCEP-ATPIII was significantly associated with dynamic prostaglandin E1-stimulated penile flow (Vpmax, B=−7.7 ± 3.8; P &lt;0.05). Patients with MetS defined according to both criteria reported lower total and free testosterone levels, higher prevalence of hypogonadism, and higher ANDROTEST score. However, when IDF, but not NCEP-ATPIII, criteria were fulfilled, the prevalence of hypogonadism was significantly lower than that observed in patients fulfilling both criteria (15.6% vs. 34.8%, respectively; P &lt;0.00001). Conversely, patients fulfilling NCEP-ATPIII, but not IDF, criteria did not show a significant different prevalence of hypogonadism than those positive for both sets of criteria (30.8% vs. 34.8%; P =NS).

Conclusion
In patients with ED, NCEP-ATPIII criteria seem to be a better predictor of hypogonadism and impaired penile blood flow than IDF ones.
A Rational Combination Pharmacotherapy in Men with Erectile Dysfunction Who Initially Failed to Oral Sildenafil Citrate Alone: A Pilot Study
Authors: Taneja Rajesh 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a complex condition wherein men with minimal organic ED may develop a variable degree of psychogenic component sufficient to reduce the efficacy of medical management. A combination of trazodone with sildenafil has been used to overcome both organic as well as psychogenic components, thus improving the results of medical management.

Aim
To evaluate the efficacy of combination of trazodone with sildenafil citrate in treatment of ED in men with initial failure to sildenafil citrate alone.

Main Outcome Measures
The symptoms of ED were evaluated using the Erectile Dysfunction Intensity Scale (EDIS) before and after the treatment.

Methods
Eighteen men with ED who initially failed to respond to sildenafil citrate alone were enrolled in the study between February 2004 and December 2004. All these men were given a priming dose of trazodone for a 2-week period before giving them sildenafil citrate.

Results
Of the 18 men, 12 responded favorably to the above treatment and continued to enjoy good sexual activity while on trazodone and sildenafil. The score on EDIS improved considerably in 12 (66.7%) men, marginally in two (11.1%) men, and did not improve at all in four (22.2%) men.

Conclusions
Priming the patients with trazodone appears to be a reasonably good alternative in patients who have initial failure to oral sildenafil citrate and have been found to have no organic cause of ED. However, large double-blind studies are required to potentiate this hypothesis.