bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Female Outpatients and Personnel at a Colombian Hospital: Correlation with Hormonal Profile
Authors: Garcia Sandra , Moreno Socorro , Aponte Hernan 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a multifactorial entity and an underestimated problem with an overall prevalence between 20% and 50%. Prevalence can change according to the diagnostic criteria used, data collection, and others such as psychological and cultural factors. Population studies of FSD are limited, both in Colombia and in other countries. Nevertheless, because of the prevalence found in other studies, FSD can be considered a public health issue that affects the quality of life of women who suffer from it and their partners.

Aim
To determine the prevalence of FSD and its correlation with the hormonal profile in female outpatients and female staff at San Jose Hospital (Bogotá, Colombia).

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study with endocrine measurements.

Main Outcome Measures
The prevalence of FSD according to the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) cutoff points, and androgenic deficiency defined as women with a proportion of free testosterone below 2%. Demographic characteristics, medical history survey, FSFI, and a hormonal profile that included follicle stimulating hormore (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, estrone, estradiol, sulphate and total dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, sex hormone binding globulin, and total testosterone.

Results
Fifty (49.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 39.4–59.6%) out of 101 participants met the criteria for FSD; in those women with sexual activity in the past 4 weeks, the prevalence of FSD was 37.8% (95% CI: 27.3–49.1%). In the hormone evaluation sample, 29 out of 32 women with sexual activity in the past 4 weeks met the criteria for FSD. Our results suggest that there is independence between the FSFI scores and the proportion of free testosterone.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that FSD in our population has a prevalence as high as that previously reported in the literature; however, because of the sample selection criteria, we could not say that our study results may well reflect the prevalence in our general Colombian population.
Erectile Dysfunction and Men's Health: Developing a Comorbidity Risk Calculator
Authors: Shabsigh Ridwan , Shah Manan , Sand Michael 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Introduction
The association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular risk factors is well established and ED can be considered an early marker for cardiovascular disease.

Aim
To generate a calculator to predict the risk of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia or angina in men with ED, based on an analysis of data from the Men's Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality (MALES) 2004 study.

Main Outcome Measure
A logistic regression model using the variables overall health, ED severity, having/not having a sexual partner, and waist size.

Methods
The MALES was a multinational, population-based study conducted in 2001, in which the prevalence of ED and comorbid medical conditions was assessed in 27,839 men aged 20–75 years. In 2004, the cohort of men with ED (N = 1843) were recontacted and 919 (50%) agreed to participate in the MALES 2004 longitudinal study. Multistep analysis of data from 808 patients was performed, with 289 variables evaluated. Only those variables significantly correlated with outcome and those making clinical sense were retained. A logistic regression model was applied to 90% of the sample; results were validated in the remaining 10% with sensitivity and specificity testing.

Results
Of the 2004 cohort, 20.7% had been diagnosed with diabetes, 44.3% with hypertension, 42.5% with hyperlipidemia, and 25.7% with angina. The following modifiable factors affected the risk of comorbidities, and were therefore included in the risk calculator: health status, waist size, ED severity, and having or not having a sexual partner. Using these variables in the model resulted in a sensitivity of 86.2% and specificity of 54.5%. The primary limitation of the calculator is that it is not a prediction calculator.

Conclusion
Erectile dysfunction is a key factor in calculating the probability of major risks to men's health, such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and angina.
High Cholesterol Feeding in C57/Blc6 Mice Alters Expression within The VEGF Receptor-Ligand Family in Corporal Tissue
Authors: Xie Donghua , Hazarika Surovi , Andrich Amy J. , Padgett Mike E. , Kontos Christopher D. , Donatucci Craig F. , Annex Brian H. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Angiogenesis, the growth and proliferation of blood vessels from existing vascular structures, is mediated by many cytokine growth factors and receptors, among the most important are the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family.

Aim
Decreases in VEGF receptor signaling have been linked to abnormalities in vasoreactivity in corporal tissue, but it is unknown if alterations in the VEGF ligands and/or receptors contribute to this process.

Main Outcome Measures
We sought to determine changes in vasoreactivity and the expression of the family of VEGF ligands and receptors in corporal tissue with cholesterol feeding in C57BL6 mice.

Methods
Twenty-four mice (N = 8/group) were fed a normal diet (Group 1) or a 1.25% high cholesterol diet for 4 (Group 2) or 12 (Group 3) weeks. Isometric tension studies were performed on corporal strips and dose response curves were generated to evaluate endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasoreactivities. Levels of VEGF-A, B, C, D, VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) were detected by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and/or western blot/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Endothelial and smooth muscle cell contents were determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results
At 4 weeks there was a small but significant decrease in endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity. Both mRNA and protein levels of VEGFR-1 were decreased, while VEGF-B was increased in Group 2 vs. Group 1, with no change in VEGF-A or endothelial cell content. By 12 weeks, decreases in both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasoreactivity were evident with decrease in most VEGF ligands (except VEGF-B), receptors, and receptor signaling.

Conclusions
Cholesterol feeding in C57BL6 mice results in alterations in the VEGF receptor-ligand family that may initially serve to limit the degree of vascular injury but these adaptations fail with the continuation of cholesterol feeding.
CHANGES OF OMEGA‐3 FATTY ACID CONTENT AND LIPID COMPOSITION IN CANNED TUNA DURING 12‐MONTH STORAGE
Authors: SIRIAMORNPUN SIRITHON , YANG LIFENG , KUBOLA JITTAWAN , LI DUO 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT The effect of storage time on the concentration and lipid and fatty acid compositions of canned tuna in brine was studied. Lipid and fatty acid were analyzed during 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of storage at room temperature. Concentrations of lipids and total saturated fatty acids were significantly increased after storage for 9 months. The concentrations of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), total n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA were significantly stepwise decreased with increased storage time (P < 0.05); 22:6n‐3 and 22:5n‐3 started to decrease significantly at 6 months, and 20:5n‐3 and 20:4n‐6 decreased at 3 months (P < 0.05). The n‐3/n‐6 ratio significantly decreased from 3.8 at 0 month to 3.2 at 9 months (P < 0.05). Cholesterol ester was significantly increased while the other four classes of lipids, namely, phospholipids, triacylglycerols, free fatty acids and sterols, showed an opposite trend during 12 months of storage. Lipid oxidation measured by peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid value showed gradual increases with storage time. Thus, canned tuna in brine should not be stored more than 6 months with consideration of the stability of n‐3 fatty acids.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSCanned foods are significant dietary items, especially for bush walkers, travelers and armed service personnel. Canned fish, one of the important sources of long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), have an equivalent n‐3 PUFA content as fresh fish. Long‐chain PUFA in fresh fish is unstable and easy to oxidize. Appropriate process produced canned fish have a number of advantages such as odor, taste, shelf life, storage and carrying compared with fresh fish. We have investigated the lipid oxidation and fatty acid alteration sequentially during a 12‐month storage because there has been no such data available in the literature. The data from the present study could provide useful information for industries, consumers and public health workers.
CHLORINATED CONTAMINANTS IN EXTRA‐VIRGIN OLIVE OIL FROM CENTRAL ITALY
Authors: GUERRANTI CRISTIANA , PERRA GUIDO , RENZI MONIA , FOCARDI SILVIA , FOCARDI SILVANO 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT Synthetic chemical compounds, such as organochlorines, are known for their persistence and toxicity. The diet represents, for the general population, the main route of exposure to these contaminants, because organochlorines in food constitute a significant health risk, and olive oil has a high consumption rate among people of the producing countries; the control of residues in olive oil is of great importance. In this study, the presence of residues of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was assessed in samples of extra‐virgin olive oil from Tuscany (central Italy). The analyses revealed the presence of HCB in concentrations below the detection limit; DDT and PCBs were instead present in all samples tested, and PCB concentrations were always higher than those of DDT, from 1.24 to 29.35, and from 0.01 to 1.83 ng/g wet weight, respectively. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBecause organochlorines in food constitute a significant health risk, and olive oil has a high consumption rate among people of the producing countries, the control of residues in olive oil is of great importance. For the first time here, we present data on organochlorine pollution in oil samples collected in Tuscany, and assess the intake ranges of pollutants related to consumption of the oils analyzed. Showing the low contamination levels of Tuscan olive oil, we wish to confirm the high quality of this kind of food lipid.
PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE LEVELS AND THEIR FATTY ACID COMPOSITIONS IN SQUID EGG: A COMPARISON STUDY WITH POLLACK ROE AND STURGEON CAVIAR
Authors: WANG QI , XUE CHANG‐HU , LI ZHAO‐JIE , XU JIE 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT The content of total lipids (TLs), composition of phospholipids (PLs) and main fatty acids of phosphatidylcholine (PC) were determined in egg of squid Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis, roe of Alaska pollack Theragra chatcogramma and caviar of sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedti. The PL content of squid egg (72.0 ± 3.2% of TL) was higher than the other two kinds of fish eggs. A high‐performance liquid chromatography/evaporate light‐scattering detector method was used for qualitative and quantitative analyses of the PLs. The PC content of squid egg (67.50 ± 0.55% of PL) was the highest. Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3, DHA) percentage of PC in squid egg (40.0 ± 0.4 mol %) was much higher than others. The results indicated that squid egg could be used as a new source of PC rich in DHA.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis study compares the phospholipids in egg from the squid Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis with two kinds of known fish eggs. The squid source was abundant in phospholipids, but it is not fully utilized because of the low‐edible value of the meat. The analysis of the phospholipid classes was carried out by using a high‐performance liquid chromatography/evaporative light‐scattering detector. The method has been used in the dairy industry, but is not so common in fish product evaluation. Our results showed that it is quick and sensitive in detecting the fish and shellfish egg phospholipids. Squid egg contained a large amount of phosphatidylcholine and was rich in docosahexaenoic acid, thus may serve as a novel functional lipid for health promotion. Therefore, squid egg may serve as a valuable good source of functional lipids.
Structures of the Chromophore Binding Sites in BLUF Domains as Studied by Molecular Dynamics and Quantum Chemical Calculations†
Authors: Obanayama Kazuya , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Fukushima Kentaro , Sakurai Minoru 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBLUF (blue‐light sensing using FAD) domains constitute a new family of flavin‐based blue light photoreceptors. The photocycle of BLUF is unique in the sense that a few hydrogen bond rearrangements are accompanied by only slight structural changes in the bound chromophore. The hydrogen bond rearrangements upon illumination have been inferred from spectral changes in the chromophore: ∼10 nm redshift of the absorption maximum and ∼16 cm−1 downshift of the C4=O stretching frequency. However, the exact features of the hydrogen bond network around the active site are still the subject of some controversy. In particular, the orientation of a conserved Gln (Gln63 in AppA) is presently one of the most questioned topics in the field. Here we perform molecular dynamics simulations for the wild‐type AppA, AppA1‐124C20S, BlrB and T110078 and furthermore quantum chemical calculations to investigate their spectroscopic properties in the dark and signaling states. On the basis of these results, we reveal the dynamic aspect of hydrogen bonding networks at the active site and propose theoretically reasonable models for the dark and signaling states of the BLUF domains.
Pseudallescheria fusoidea
, a New Cause of Osteomyelitis
Authors: Lindsley Mark D. , Guarro Josep , Khairy Raed N. , Williams JoAnna , Iqbal Naureen , Pancholi Preeti 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

Osteomyelitis resulting from a mold infection often presents as a chronic and indolent disease process. Described here for the first time is a case of osteomyelitis of the foot caused by the mold
Pseudallescheria fusoidea
, which resulted from traumatic implantation after an injury sustained 3 years earlier.
Bovine Mastitis Associated with
Prototheca blaschkeae
Authors: Marques Sara , Silva Eliane , Kraft Christine , Carvalheira Júlio , Videira Arnaldo , Huss Volker A. R. , Thompson Gertrude 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

Bovine mastitis is an important and complex disease responsible for economic losses in the dairy industry. Biotype II strains of the green alga
Prototheca zopfii
can be involved, most often resulting in chronic mastitis of difficult treatment associated with reduced milk production. This type of infection is rare, but the number of reported cases is increasing worldwide. In order to determine the kind of species involved in mastitis by
Prototheca
in northwest Portugal, 41
Prototheca
isolates were genetically characterized. The algae are part of
Prototheca
isolates that were collected during a 6-year period, isolated from the milk of 41 dairy cows in a total of 22 herds with a history of increasing somatic cell counts, mild clinical signs of udder infection, and unsuccessful response to the usual therapy. PCR amplification of the 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), amplified rDNA restriction analysis, and phylogenetic analyses of the 18S rDNA sequences were performed. Thirty-seven isolates were identified as
P. zopfii
var.
hydrocarbonea
and four as
Prototheca blaschkeae
. These data suggest a high incidence of
P. zopfii
var.
hydrocarbonea
mastitis in the region and demonstrate for the first time the involvement of
P. blaschkeae
with bovine mammary gland infections.
Unusually High Prevalence of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin Genes among Methicillin-Sensitive
Staphylococcus aureus
Strains Carried in the Indonesian Population
Authors: Severin Juliëtte A. , Lestari Endang Sri , Kuntaman Kuntaman , Melles Damian C. , Pastink Martijn , Peeters Justine K. , Snijders Susan V. , Hadi Usman , Duerink D. Offra , van Belkum Alex , Verbrugh Henri A. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

Few data on the molecular characteristics and epidemiology of
Staphylococcus aureus
from Indonesia are available. The purpose of the present study was to define
S. aureus
reservoirs in both the Indonesian community and hospital using a collection of 329 nasal carriage isolates obtained during a survey of 3,995 healthy individuals and patients from Java, Indonesia. Only one strain (0.3%) was identified as methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
by
mecA
gene PCR. The Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes were detected in 35 methicillin-sensitive
S. aureus
strains (10.6%). Molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the 329 isolates showed extensive genetic diversity among both PVL-positive and PVL-negative strains. In Surabaya, Indonesia, however, a cluster was identified that was strongly associated with the presence of the PVL locus (
P
< 0.0001). As determined by high-throughput amplified fragment length polymorphism, PVL-positive strains occurred throughout all major AFLP clusters (I to IV). Multilocus sequence typing of a subset of isolates showed that most PVL-positive strains belonged to sequence type (ST) 188, while most PVL-negative isolates belonged to ST45. The high prevalence of PVL-positive
S. aureus
strains in certain regions of Indonesia is of concern since these strains may cause severe infections in the community and in hospitals.
Diverse and Novel Oral Bacterial Species in Blood following Dental Procedures
Authors: Bahrani-Mougeot Farah K. , Paster Bruce J. , Coleman Shirley , Ashar Jignya , Barbuto Sara , Lockhart Peter B. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

We identified oral bacterial species in blood cultures following single-tooth extraction and tooth brushing. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA genes identified 98 different bacterial species recovered from 151 bacteremic subjects. Of interest, 48 of the isolates represented 19 novel species of
Prevotella, Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Capnocytophaga, Selenomonas
, and
Veillonella
.
Performance of Vitek 2 in Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Isolates with Different Mechanisms of β-Lactam Resistance
Authors: Mazzariol Annarita , Aldegheri Marco , Ligozzi Marco , Lo Cascio Giuliana , Koncan Raffaella , Fontana Roberta 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

A total of 78 isolates of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
grouped according to the phenotype for ceftazidime and imipenem susceptibility/resistance were used to assess the accuracy of the Vitek 2 system in antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Comparisons were made with a MIC gradient test for piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftazidime, aztreonam, imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. For the total of 546 isolate-antimicrobial combinations tested, the category agreement was 83.6%, with 2.0, 1.6, and 12.8% very major, major, and minor errors, respectively. Vitek 2 accuracy was influenced differently by the mechanism responsible for resistance, and interpretation of the results in relation to phenotype could improve the performance of the system.
A Glycoconjugate Antigen Based on the Recognition Motif of a Broadly Neutralizing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Antibody, 2G12, Is Immunogenic but Elicits Antibodies Unable To Bind to the Self Glycans of gp120
Authors: Astronomo Rena D. , Lee Hing-Ken , Scanlan Christopher N. , Pantophlet Ralph , Huang Cheng-Yuan , Wilson Ian A. , Blixt Ola , Dwek Raymond A. , Wong Chi-Huey , Burton Dennis R. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

The glycan shield of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp120 contributes to viral evasion from humoral immune responses. However, the shield is recognized by the HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibody (Ab), 2G12, at a relatively conserved cluster of oligomannose glycans. The discovery of 2G12 raises the possibility that a carbohydrate immunogen may be developed that could elicit 2G12-like neutralizing Abs and contribute to an AIDS vaccine. We have previously dissected the fine specificity of 2G12 and reported that the synthetic tetramannoside (Man
4
) that corresponds to the D1 arm of Man
9
GlcNAc
2
inhibits 2G12 binding to gp120 as efficiently as Man
9
GlcNAc
2
itself, indicating the potential use of Man
4
as a building block for creating immunogens. Here, we describe the development of neoglycoconjugates displaying variable copy numbers of Man
4
on bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecules by conjugation to Lys residues. The increased valency enhances the apparent affinity of 2G12 for Man
4
up to a limit which is achieved at ∼10 copies per BSA molecule, beyond which no further enhancement is observed. Immunization of rabbits with BSA-(Man
4
)
14
elicits significant serum Ab titers to Man
4
. However, these Abs are unable to bind gp120. Further analysis reveals that the elicited Abs bind a variety of unbranched and, to a lesser extent, branched Man
9
derivatives but not natural
N
-linked oligomannose containing the chitobiose core. These results suggest that Abs can be readily elicited against the D1 arm; however, potential differences in the presentation of Man
4
on neoglycoconjugates, compared to glycoproteins, poses challenges for eliciting anti-mannose Abs capable of cross-reacting with gp120 and HIV-1.
An Engineered
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Strain Binds the Broadly Neutralizing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Antibody 2G12 and Elicits Mannose-Specific gp120-Binding Antibodies
Authors: Luallen Robert J. , Lin Jianqiao , Fu Hu , Cai Karen K. , Agrawal Caroline , Mboudjeka Innocent , Lee Fang-Hua , Montefiori David , Smith David F. , Doms Robert W. , Geng Yu 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT

The glycan shield of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env) protein serves as a barrier to antibody-mediated neutralization and plays a critical role in transmission and infection. One of the few broadly neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies, 2G12, binds to a carbohydrate epitope consisting of an array of high-mannose glycans exposed on the surface of the gp120 subunit of the Env protein. To produce proteins with exclusively high-mannose carbohydrates, we generated a mutant strain of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
by deleting three genes in the N-glycosylation pathway,
Och1, Mnn1
, and
Mnn4
. Glycan profiling revealed that N-glycans produced by this mutant were almost exclusively Man
8
GlcNAc
2
, and four endogenous glycoproteins that were efficiently recognized by the 2G12 antibody were identified. These yeast proteins, like HIV-1 gp120, contain a large number and high density of N-linked glycans, with glycosidase digestion abrogating 2G12 cross-reactivity. Immunization of rabbits with whole Δ
och1
Δ
mnn1
Δ
mnn4
yeast cells produced sera that recognized a broad range of HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Env glycoproteins, despite no HIV/SIV-related proteins being used in the immunization procedure. Analyses of one of these sera on a glycan array showed strong binding to glycans with terminal Manα1,2Man residues, and binding to gp120 was abrogated by glycosidase removal of high-mannose glycans and terminal Manα1,2Man residues, similar to 2G12. Since
S. cerevisiae
is genetically pliable and can be grown easily and inexpensively, it will be possible to produce new immunogens that recapitulate the 2G12 epitope and may make the glycan shield of HIV Env a practical target for vaccine development.