bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unconscious Classical Conditioning of Sexual Arousal: Evidence for the Conditioning of Female Genital Arousal to Subliminally Presented Sexual Stimuli
Authors: Both Stephanie , Spiering Mark , Laan Ellen , Belcome Sarah , Van Den Heuvel Birre , Everaerd Walter 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTIntroductionAlthough the assumption that sexual behavior is at least partly learned is common across theories of sexual behavior, classical conditioning of sexual response in women has been seldom studied.AimThe study of unconscious classical conditioning of appetitive sexual responses in women.Main Outcome MeasuresVaginal pulse amplitude assessed by vaginal photoplethysmography, and ratings of sexual affective value.MethodsPavlovian conditioning was examined in 18 sexually functional women by using two erotic pictures as conditional stimuli (CSs) and genital vibrotactile stimulation as unconditional stimulus (US). During the acquisition phase, the CSs were presented briefly (30 ms) and were masked by an immediately following masking stimulus. Only one CS (the CS+) was followed by the US during the acquisition phase. Conditioned responses were assessed during the extinction phase with supraliminal presentations of the CS+ and the CS−.ResultsVaginal pulse amplitude was higher in response to the CS+ than during the CS− during the first extinction trial. There was no conditioning effect on ratings of affective value.ConclusionThe experiment demonstrates evidence for unconscious conditioning of genital responses in women, but no evidence for evaluative conditioning. The results add to the limited evidence for classical conditioning of sexual arousal in women, and to increasing evidence for associative emotional learning without awareness.
The Treatment of Sleep-Related Painful Erections
Authors: van Driel Mels F. , Beck Jack J. , Elzevier Henk W. , van der Hoeven Johannes H. , Nijman J.M. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
As specialists in male genital problems, urologists and sexologists will most likely to be involved in the treatment of males presenting with sleep-related painful erections (SRPEs). This means that this phenomenon needs to be recognized by urologists and sexologists, and that they should have knowledge of the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Aim
To review the literature on SRPE and to find the best pharmacological treatment.

Methods
Four personal clinical observations from two clinics and 29 other cases with SRPE found in PubMed were analyzed, especially regarding the results of pharmacological treatment.

Main Outcome Measures
The results of pharmacological treatment.

Results
Many of the various treatments proved to be ineffective and only a few showed efficacy for a few weeks or months. The only effective drugs in the long term were baclofen, clonazepam, and clozapine.

Conclusions
Until now, the phenomenon of SRPE is not well understood. The rarity of the published cases undoubtedly does not reflect the actual occurrence of SRPE. Controlled double-blind pharmacological trials are needed, and long-term follow-up including polysomnography coupled with nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity monitoring may provide further information about SRPE.
Review of Studies of Androgen Treatment of Female-to-Male Transsexuals: Effects and Risks of Administration of Androgens to Females
Authors: Gooren Louis J.G. , Giltay Erik J. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Testosterone supplementation in ovariectomized or elderly women may improve their sense of well-being and libido, muscle mass and strength, and bone mineral density. Naturally, androgens may have virilizing effects in women. It is often believed that androgens have deleterious effects on cardiovascular risks.

Aim
To obtain an inventory of the effects of administration of testosterone on female biological functions.

Methods
We reviewed here our publications on the effects of high-dose androgen administration to female-to-male transsexuals treated between 1975 and 2004 (N=712). Annual accrual was at a steady rate of 22–30 persons. Dosages administered were far above those suited for women.

Main Outcome Measures
There was special focus on the potential negative effects on cardiovascular risk markers.

Results
The standard treatment was administration of testosterone esters, 250 mg/2–3 weeks, parenterally). With this dose, virilizing effects on the skin and clitoris were prominent. Spatial ability improved, while verbal fluency deteriorated. The ovaries developed polycystic characteristics. Adequate dosages of testosterone preserved bone mass in females. Androgens increased kallikreins, such as prostate-specific antigen, in female reproductive tissues. High-dose testosterone administration appeared to increase weight, visceral fat, and hematocrit, decrease high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increase endothelin-1, increase C-reactive protein, and increase total homocysteine. But blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, fibrinolytic markers, arterial stiffness, and levels of von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, and interleukin-6 remained largely unchanged.

Conclusions
Our studies demonstrated that, while some markers of cardiovascular risk factors showed a shift to a more negative risk profile, others were not affected. Androgen effects on cardiovascular risk markers are therefore not universally negative, and it is reasonable to assume that the latter effects will not be negative with the much lower doses suited for administration to women.
Analytical performances of the d‐dimer assay for the Immulite 2000 automated immunoassay analyser
Authors: LIPPI G. , SALVAGNO G. L. , ROSSI L. , MONTAGNANA M. , FRANCHINI M. , GUIDI G. C. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryWe evaluated the analytical performances of a new commercial chemiluminescent enzyme immunometric assay for d‐dimer measurement on the Immulite 2000 automated analyser. The within‐ and between‐run coefficients of variations for low, intermediate and high d‐dimer concentrations ranged from 2.2% to 5.1% and from 2.9% to 6.0% respectively. The assay was proven linear in a range of d‐dimer concentrations comprised between 324 and 7602 ng/ml. Comparison of samples collected in either 0.109 mol/l sodium citrate or lithium–heparin tubes by Bland–Altman plots and nonparametric regression analysis (y = 0.858x − 39, r = 0.997; P < 0.0001) revealed a minimum bias, almost completely attributable to the dilution effect of the anticoagulant. Results of 56 outpatients’ citrated plasma samples analysed with the Immulite 2000 d‐dimer assay were compared with those of the current reference commercial immunoassay on the Mini Vidas Immunoanalyser. Although the nonparametric regression according to the method of Passing and Bablok and the relative Spearman's correlation coefficient was satisfactory (Immulite = 1.001 × Vidas − 181; r = 0.937, P < 0.001), some random discrepancies could be observed in Bland–Altman plots analysis. The analytical accuracy, calculated as the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), was 0.961 (P < 0.0001). On the basis of the results of the present evaluation, we conclude that the analytical performances and the main technical features of new Immulite 2000 d‐dimer assay make it a suitable method for the rapid quantification of d‐dimer in clinical laboratories.
Acid activation of protyrosinase from Aspergillus oryzae: homo‐tetrameric protyrosinase is converted to active dimers with an essential intersubunit disulfide bond at acidic pH
Authors: Tatara Yota , Namba Takeshi , Yamagata Youhei , Yoshida Takashi , Uchida Takafumi , Ichishima Eiji 
Published: October 2007

Summary Aspergillus oryzae protyrosinase (pro‐TY) has a unique feature that the proenzyme is activated under conditions of acidic pH. The pro‐TY was inactive at pH 7.0. The latent enzyme was activated at pH 3.0, and was slightly activated by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The molecular masses of the pro‐TY and acid‐activated tyrosinase (acid‐TY) were 266 and 165 kDa, respectively, as estimated by gel‐filtration chromatography. The CD spectra showed that the tertiary and/or quaternary structure was changed after the acid activation. On the basis of these results, we deduce that the intersubunit polar interaction is disrupted at pH 3.0, and that the tetrameric pro‐TY dissociates to dimers. Tryptophan fluorescence spectra and binding assay of 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalene sulfonic acid (ANS) suggested that hydrophobic amino acid residues of the active site were exposed to solvent after acid treatment. It was likely that Cys108 formed an intermolecular disulfide bond between the subunits of dimeric acid‐TY. The dimerization of acid‐TY involving the intermolecular disulfide bond is essential for the activity.
The significance of Nrf2 pathway in (photo)‐oxidative stress response in melanocytes and keratinocytes of the human epidermis
Authors: Marrot Laurent , Jones Christophe , Perez Philippe , Meunier Jean‐Roch 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThe expression of genes encoding antioxidant and/or phase 2 detoxifying enzymes can be enhanced in response to various environmental stresses. The main transcription factor involved in this response is nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 activity is negatively regulated by the protein Kelch‐like‐Ech‐associated‐protein 1 (Keap1). While the roles of Nrf2 and phase 2 genes in chemoprevention of carcinogenesis have been well described; only few studies have dealt with their role in skin cancer. Normal human keratinocytes (NHK) and melanocytes (NHM) were treated by chemical inducers of the Nrf2 pathway or by small interfering RNAs (siRNA) used to knock down Keap1 mRNA. The above treatments resulted in significant stimulation of NQO‐1 (NADPH‐Quinone‐Oxidoreductase 1) gene expression. GCL (γ‐Glutamyl‐cysteinyl‐ligase) gene was also induced but interestingly increased mRNA encoding the catalytic, heavy subunit GCLC was mainly stimulated in NHK, whereas the mRNA encoding the modifier, light subunit GCLM was mostly induced in NHM. HO‐1 (Heme Oxygenase 1) gene induction was relatively strong in NHM, but generally absent in NHK, except when the cells were subjected to cytotoxic doses of the above chemicals. Exposure to solar UV (UVB + UVA, 300–400 nm) or to UVA alone (320–400 nm) confirmed this trend, but interestingly, at doses where cell growth reduction was comparable, UVA was generally more efficient than solar UV in inducing phase 2 genes. When siRNAs directed against Nrf2 were used, a strong down‐regulation of NQO‐1 expression was observed in both, NHM and NHK, whereas reduction of HO‐1 expression was mainly detected in NHM. To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing phase 2 gene modulation in NHK and NHM. The results hereby presented should contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in skin adaptation to environmental stress.
Managing situations of acute blood loss with limited resources
Authors: FENTON PAUL M. 
Published: October 2007

SUMMARYDeath from acute blood loss is a common event in many parts of the world. Most of the half‐million‐plus maternal deaths worldwide are due to postpartum hemorrhage. While a state of general nonreportage exists in under‐resourced countries, it is clear that shortage of blood and trained clinical manpower are important causes of mortality, even for those lucky few who do make it to hospital. These factors and methods of resuscitation are considered in this review of the clinical scene and simple techniques available to treat hemorrhagic shock in under‐resourced countries.
Anemia in sepsis: the importance of red blood cell membrane changes
Authors: PIAGNERELLI MICHAEL , BOUDJELTIA KARIM ZOUAOUI , GULBIS BÉATRICE , VANHAEVERBEEK MICHEL , VINCENT JEAN‐LOUIS 
Published: October 2007

SUMMARYAnemia is a common problem in acutely ill patients, especially in those who develop sepsis. There are many factors contributing to the development of anemia in these patients, including blood sampling and other losses, decreased red blood cell (RBC) synthesis, and possibly increased destruction. Increased RBC uptake may be due to changes in RBC morphology and the RBC membrane during inflammatory processes. In particular, a rapid increase in RBC sphericity correlated with a decreased surface carbohydrate membrane content and alterations in the lipid bilayer with increased peroxidation and phosphatidylserine exposure in the outer leaflet of the membrane. Better understanding of these alterations could facilitate new strategies to prevent the development of anemia in sepsis.
Saline versus balanced hydroxyethyl starch: does it matter?
Authors: BOLDT JOACHIM 
Published: October 2007

SUMMARYThe type of fluid used for correcting hypovolemia is still a matter of debate. There is increasing evidence that the choice of fluid may result in the development of hyperchloremic acidosis. As the base excess has been shown to be a valuable tool to diagnose circulatory derangements, development of metabolic acidosis by unbalanced fluids should be avoided because a low base excess caused by the choice of fluid is limiting this diagnostic armamentarium. Additionally, infusion of considerable amounts of volume with a non‐physiologic electrolyte composition appears to be associated with negative effects on coagulation, bleeding, blood flow, renal and gut function as well as on patient comfort. New light on this issue is shed by the introduction of a balanced volume replacement concept. This concept includes administration of balanced crystalloids and balanced colloids when necessary. As hydroxyethyl starch (HES), the colloid most commonly used in Europe, is solved in non‐physiologic saline solution, HES cannot fulfill the idea of a complete balanced volume replacement strategy. Preparing HES in a balanced solvent is supposed to reduce some substance‐specific negative effects. At present, information on the value of a total balanced volume replacement strategy is limited. Although it remains to be elucidated whether high doses or repetitive use of such a fluid replacement concept would be of advantage compared with a non‐balanced regimen with regard to mortality and morbidity, there are no arguments for refusing a balanced, plasma‐adapted volume replacement concept including a balanced HES.
Ordering suicide: media reporting of family assisted suicide in Britain
Authors: Banerjee Albert , Birenbaum-Carmeli Daphna 
Published: October 2007

Objective:To explore the relationship between the presentation of suffering and support for euthanasia in the British news media.Method:Data was retrieved by searching the British newspaper database LexisNexis from 1996 to 2000. Twenty-nine articles covering three cases of family assisted suicide (FAS) were found. Presentations of suffering were analysed employing Heidegger’s distinction between technological ordering and poetic revealing.Findings:With few exceptions, the press constructed the complex terrain of FAS as an orderly or orderable performance. This was enabled by containing the contradictions of FAS through a number of journalistic strategies: treating degenerative dying as an aberrant condition, smoothing over botched attempts, locating the object of ethical evaluation in persons, not contexts, abbreviating the decision making process, constructing community consensus and marginalising opposing views.Conclusion:The findings of this study support the view that news reporting of FAS is not neutral or inconsequential. In particular, those reports presenting FAS as an orderly, rational performance were biased in favor of technical solutions by way of the legalisation of euthanasia and/or the involvement of medical professionals. In contrast, while news reports sensitive to contradiction did not necessarily oppose euthanasia, they were less inclined to overtly support technical solutions, recognising the importance of a trial to address the complexity of FAS.
Are smooth pursuit eye movements altered in chronic whiplash-associated disorders? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kongsted A. , Jørgensen L.V. , Bendix T. , Korsholm L. , Leboeuf-Yde C. 
Published: November 2007

Objective : To evaluate whether smooth pursuit eye movements differed between patients with long-lasting whiplash-associated disorders and controls when using a purely computerized method for the eye movement analysis. Design : Cross-sectional study comparing patients with whiplash-associated disorders and controls who had not been exposed to head or neck trauma and had no notable neck complaints. Methods : Smooth pursuit eye movements were registered while the subjects were seated with and without rotated cervical spine. Subjects : Thirty-four patients with whiplash-associated disorders with symptoms more than six months after a car collision and 60 controls. Results : Smooth pursuit eye movements were almost identical in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders and controls, both when the neck was rotated and in the neutral position. Conclusion : Disturbed smooth pursuit eye movements do not appear to be a distinct feature in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders. This is in contrast to results of previous studies and may be due to the fact that analyses were performed in a computerized and objective manner. Other possible reasons for the discrepancy to previous studies are discussed.
Prognostic factors of long-term functioning and productivity after traumatic brain injury: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Willemse-van Son Agnes H.P. , Ribbers Gerard M. , Verhagen Arianne P. , Stam Henk J. 
Published: November 2007

Objective: To systematically review prospective cohort studies that investigated prognostic factors associated with long-term activity limitations or participation restrictions and productivity after a traumatic brain injury. Data sources: PubMed and Psychinfo were searched from 1995 to April 2005, and references were checked. Review methods: Publications were selected if the study assessed prognostic factors for activity limitations or participation restrictions at least one year post injury; outcome was measured with another or additional measure besides the Glasgow Outcome Scale; the design was a prospective cohort study of adult traumatic brain injury patients; the article was a full-text article written in English, French, German or Dutch. Two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality. A study was considered as `high quality' if it satisfied at least half of the maximum available quality score. Results: Thirty-five articles reporting on 14 cohorts were included. Due to heterogeneity in prognostic factors and outcome measures, a best-evidence synthesis was performed. All cohorts were of high quality. Strong evidence for predicting disability was found for older age, pre-injury unemployment, pre-injury substance abuse, and more disability at rehabilitation discharge. Strong prognostic factors for being non-productive were pre-injury unemployment, longer post-traumatic amnesia, more disability at rehabilitation admission, and pre-injury substance abuse. Conclusion: Older age, pre-injury unemployment, pre-injury substance abuse and more disability at rehabilitation discharge are important predictors of long-term disability. Pre-injury unemployment, longer post-traumatic amnesia, more disability at rehabilitation admission and pre-injury substance abuse are important predictors of being non-productive.
Human polyomavirus BK in patients with lupus nephritis: clinical and histological correlations
Authors: Colla L. , Mesiano P. , Morellini V. , Besso L. , Cavallo R. , Bergallo M. , Costa C. , Merlino C. , Marcuccio C. , Fop F. , Lanfranco G. , Segoloni G.P. , Canavese C. , Stratta P. 
Published: October 2007

Polyomavirus BK (BKV) reactivation can occur in immunodeficient patients. Few studies on BKV infection in patients with systemic lupus erytematosus (SLE) nephritis are available. Aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of BKV infection by quantifying viral load and to investigate the association with clinical and histological parameters indicating duration, type and activity of SLE. BKV-DNA was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction in serum (sBKV) and urine (uBKV) specimens from 40 patients with SLE nephritis and 29 healthy controls. Renal function, urinary activity, clinical index of SLE activity [SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score], CD4+/CD8+ ratio, histological classes and duration of SLE nephritis were compared according to the BKV-DNA-positivity. sBKV was present in 15% of SLE patients and in 13.8% of controls; uBKV in 32% of SLE patients and in 17.2% of controls. There was no significant difference in terms of kidney function, urinary activity, SLEDAI score, presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies, CD4+/CD8+ ratio and BKV viremia and/viruria, as well as there was no significant correlation between SLEDAI score, anti-dsDNA antibodies titers and median viral load. Duration of nephropathy tended to be shorter in patients with BKV viremia and/or viruria; proteinuria/creatininuria ratio tended to be higher in patients with positive sBKV and uBKV. BKV-DNA-positivity tended to be more frequent in patients treated with an immunosuppressive agent versus those on steroid treatment. Reactivation of BKV infection can occur in patients with SLE, although prevalence data do not significantly differ from those obtained in the control group. The trend toward an association between BKV infection and degree of proteinuria and less duration of SLE nephritis could indicate a major susceptibility to develop BKV infection in more active phases of the disease. The role of BKV reactivation in terms of clinical parameters and histological pattern, as well as the role of therapeutic protocols in the onset of BKV reactivation and, conversely, the therapeutic implication of BKV reactivation in SLE patients remain to be defined and should be addressed in further studies on a larger number of patients. Lupus (2007) 16, 881—886.
Comprehensive biomarker and genomic analysis identifies p53 status as the major determinant of response to MDM2 inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Saddler Chris , Ouillette Peter , Kujawski Lisa , Shangary Sanjeev , Talpaz Moshe , Kaminski Mark , Erba Harry , Shedden Kerby , Wang Shaomeng , Malek Sami N. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the Western world and remains incurable with conventional therapies. Patients with relapsed or resistant CLL have a significantly shortened lifespan. MDM2 inhibitors have been developed and may have significant potential in the treatment of CLL. Clinical development of these compounds would be aided through knowledge of molecular predictors of activity. To understand determinants of sensitivity or resistance to MDM2 inhibitor therapy in CLL, we comprehensively analyzed a large cohort of CLL patient–derived samples for response to MDM2 inhibition and correlated these responses with clinically important biomarkers. Furthermore, we employed high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays to analyze genomewide changes of copy number and allele status, including that of p53. The results of these studies conclusively demonstrate that p53 status is the major determinant of response to MDM2 inhibitors in CLL. Additional defects in the p53 regulatory cascade do not appear operational in this leukemia. Further, we identify a novel subgroup of patients with CLL with early progressive disease that appears particularly sensitive to MDM2 inhibitor treatment. These data provide definitive evidence for target-specific and predictive activity and a rationale to proceed with this potentially important class of compounds in the treatment of CLL.