bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maintenance of Erectile Function after Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate for Obstructive Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Kavoussi Parviz K. , Hermans Michael R. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with the greenlight laser has become a popular alternative to the standard transurethral resection of the prostate for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our initial results of postoperative erectile function are presented.

Aim
To prospectively evaluate the postoperative erectile function of the first 105 consecutive patients undergoing PVP at Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, Scott & White Memorial Hospital, using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire.

Methods
Institutional Review Board approved this case series of 105 consecutive patients who underwent PVP. The men were divided into three groups depending on their preoperative bladder management: Group N—catheter free (N = 86), Group Y—indwelling catheters (N = 8), and Group clean intermittent catheterization (CIC)—performing clean intermittent catheterization (N = 11).

Main Outcome Measures
SHIM scores were obtained and compared preoperatively and at 12-month follow-up visit.

Results
The mean age of the 86 patients in group N, who did not require an indwelling catheter or CIC preoperatively, was 71.8 years. Their mean preoperative SHIM score was 10.7, and was 10.4 postoperatively. The mean age of the eight patients who were in group Y, who did require an indwelling catheter preoperatively, was 76.8. Their mean preoperative SHIM score was 10.5, and improved to 23 postoperatively. The mean age of the 11 patients in group CIC, who performed CIC preoperatively, was 71.8 years. Their mean preoperative SHIM score was 6.0, and was 5.8 postoperatively.

Conclusions
Sexual function was maintained by patients who underwent PVP for obstructive BPH and who were catheter free or required CIC preoperatively, and was improved for men who had indwelling catheters preoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative sexual function after PVP for men with either mild or no erectile dysfunction preoperatively.
Factors Associated With Gender Differences in Parent‐Adolescent Relationships That Delay First Intercourse in Japan
Authors: Nagamatsu Miyuki , Saito Hisako , Sato Takeshi 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTBackground:  To determine the factors associated with gender differences in parent‐adolescent relationships that delay first intercourse in Japan.Methods:  Japanese high school students aged 15‐18 years (female = 632 and male = 636) completed a questionnaire that evaluated the relationship with their parents. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the parent‐adolescent relationship (including the quality of parent‐adolescent communication, the frequency of parent‐adolescent sexual communication, parental disapproval of the adolescent’s sexual behavior, parental monitoring, parental psychological control/autonomy, and satisfaction with the parent‐adolescent relationship) and the adolescent’s sexual behavior. We explored student gender differences in each of the relationship patterns: mother‐female student, mother‐male student, father‐female student, and father‐male student.Results:  Parental monitoring was statistically associated with delay of first intercourse in female students. While the same influences were present for male students, they also were influenced by parental disapproval of the adolescent’s sexual behavior. Furthermore, more parental communication about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was related to delaying an adolescent’s first intercourse except for the relationship of father‐female student.Conclusions:  This study suggests that gender differences in parent‐adolescent relationships delay first intercourse in Japan.
Insulin-like Growth Factor–Binding Protein-2 Is a Target for the Immunomodulation of Breast Cancer
Authors: Park Kyong Hwa , Gad Ekram , Goodell Vivian , Dang Yushe , Wild Thayer , Higgins Doreen , Fintak Patty , Childs Jennifer , dela Rosa Corazon , Disis Mary L. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Breast cancer is immunogenic and well suited to treatment via immunomodulation. The disease is often treated to remission and time to relapse is generally measured in years in many cases. Immune-based therapeutics, such as cancer vaccines, may be able to affect the clinical progression of micrometastatic disease. Immune targets must be identified that have the potential to inhibit tumor growth. Insulin-like growth factor–binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) has direct effects on breast cancer proliferation via stimulation of critical signaling pathways. We questioned whether IGFBP-2 was an immune target in breast cancer. IGFBP-2–specific IgG antibody immunity was preferentially detected in breast cancer patients compared with controls (P = 0.0008). To evaluate for the presence of T-cell immunity, we identified potential pan-HLA-DR binding epitopes derived from IGFBP-2 and tested the peptides for immunogenicity. The majority of epitopes elicited peptide-specific T cells in both patients and controls and had high sequence homology to bacterial pathogens. IGFBP-2 peptide-specific T cells could respond to naturally processed and presented IGFBP-2 protein, indicating that these peptides were native epitopes of IGFBP-2. Finally, both immunization with IGFBP-2 peptides as well as adoptive transfer of IGFBP-2–competent T cells mediated an antitumor effect in a transgenic mouse model of breast cancer. This is the first report of IGFBP-2 as a human tumor antigen that may be a functional therapeutic target in breast cancer. [Cancer Res 2008;68(20):8400–9]
Nicotine Promotes Mammary Tumor Migration via a Signaling Cascade Involving Protein Kinase C and cdc42
Authors: Guo Jinjin , Ibaragi Soichiro , Zhu Tongbo , Luo Ling-Yu , Hu Guo-Fu , Huppi Petra S. , Chen Chang Yan 
Published: October 2008

AbstractNicotine, one of the major components in tobacco, is at high concentrations in the bloodstream of cigarette smokers. However, the mechanisms of how nicotine affects tumor development and whether nicotine is a potential carcinogen for malignancies induced by secondhand smoking are not fully understood yet. Here, we investigate the signaling pathways by which nicotine potentiates tumorigenesis in human mammary epithelial-like MCF10A or cancerous MCF7 cells. We show that human MCF10A and MCF7 cells both express four subunits of nicotine acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). The treatment of these cells with nicotine enhances the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) α without altering the expression level of this kinase. Nicotine also stimulates [3H]thymidine incorporation into the genome of these cells as well as forces serum-starved cells to enter S phase of the cell cycle, resulting in growth promotion. Importantly, on nicotine treatment, the mobility of MCF10A and MCF7 cells is enhanced, which can be blocked by the addition of nAChR or PKC inhibitor. Experiments using small interfering RNA knockdown or ectopic expression of cdc42 showed that cdc42 functions as a downstream effector of PKC and is crucial in the regulation of nicotine-mediated migratory activity in the cells. Together, our findings suggest that nicotine, through interacting with its receptor, initiates a signaling cascade that involves PKC and cdc42 and consequently promotes migration in mammary epithelial or tumor cells. [Cancer Res 2008;68(20):8473–81]
Emerging Role of miR-106b-25/miR-17-92 Clusters in the Control of Transforming Growth Factor β Signaling
Authors: Petrocca Fabio , Vecchione Andrea , Croce Carlo M. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Inactivation of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) tumor suppressor pathway is a main step in the development of a variety of human tumors. The miR-106b-25 and miR-17-92 clusters are emerging as key modulators of TGFβ signaling in gastrointestinal and other tumors, interfering with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis when overexpressed in cancer cells. Genetic ablation of these microRNAs (miRNAs) reveals their physiologic role in the control of liver and central nervous system apoptosis, supporting the notion that miRNA-based homeostatic mechanisms can be usurped by cancer cells to resist TGFβ tumor suppression. [Cancer Res 2008;68(20):8191–4]
Health Law in Europe: From the Present to the Future
Authors: Gevers Sjef 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis article deals with the development of health law in Europe, and in particular with its future: what challenges are waiting us and are we able to cope with them? After identifying what makes health law different from other disciplines, the first part discusses how it has developed and where we stand now, both at the national and at the European level. The second part focuses on the future. After touching upon a number of societal developments and the increasing ‘Europeanisation’ and globalisation of health issues, it addresses the question how we should anticipate the challenges ahead.
Downstream Development Associated with the Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Harr Patrick A. , Dea Jonathan M. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The movement of a tropical cyclone into the midlatitudes involves interactions among many complex physical processes over a variety of space and time scales. Furthermore, the extratropical transition (ET) of a tropical cyclone may also result in a high-amplitude Rossby wave response that can extend to near-hemispheric scales. After an ET event occurs over the western portion of a Northern Hemisphere ocean basin, the high-amplitude downstream response often forces anomalous midlatitude circulations for periods of days to a week. These circulations may then be related to high-impact weather events far downstream of the forcing by the ET event. In this study, downstream development following ET events over the western North Pacific Ocean is examined. Local eddy kinetic energy analyses are conducted on four cases of North Pacific tropical cyclones of varying characteristics during ET into varying midlatitude flow characteristics during 15 July–30 September 2005. The goal is to examine the impact of each case on downstream development across the North Pacific during a period in which these events might increase the midlatitude cyclogenesis across the North Pacific during a season in which cyclogenesis is typically weak. Four typhoon (TY) cases from the summer of 2005 are chosen to represent the wide spectrum of variability in ET. This includes a case (TY Nabi 14W) that directly resulted in an intense midlatitude cyclone, a case in which a weak midlatitude cyclone resulted (TY Banyan 07W), a case in which the decaying tropical cyclone was absorbed into the midlatitude flow (TY Guchol 12W), and a case (TY Saola 17W) in which the tropical cyclone decayed under the influence of strong vertical wind shear. The variability in downstream response to each ET case is related to specific physical characteristics associated with the evolution of the ET process and the phasing between the poleward-moving tropical cyclone and the midlatitude circulation into which it is moving. A case of downstream development that occurred during September 2005 without an ET event is compared with the four ET cases.
Using a Scale-Selective Filter for Dynamical Downscaling with the Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model
Authors: Thatcher Marcus , McGregor John L. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
This article examines dynamical downscaling with a scale-selective filter in the Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM). In this study, 1D and 2D scale-selective filters have been implemented using a convolution-based scheme, since a convolution can be readily evaluated in terms of CCAM’s native conformal cubic coordinates. The downscaling accuracy of 1D and 2D scale-selective filters is evaluated after downscaling NCEP Global Forecast System analyses for 2006 from 200-km resolution to 60-km resolution over Australia. The 1D scale-selective filter scheme was found to downscale the analyses with similar accuracy to a 2D filter but required significantly fewer computations. The 1D and 2D scale-selective filters were also found to downscale the analyses more accurately than a far-field nudging scheme (i.e., analogous to a boundary-value nudging approach). It is concluded that when the model is required to reproduce the host model behavior above a specified length scale then the use of an appropriately designed 1D scale-selective filter can be a computationally efficient approach to dynamical downscaling for models having a cube-based geometry.
Switching first-line disease-modifying therapy after failure: impact on the course of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gajofatto A , Bacchetti P , Grimes B , High A , Waubant E 
Published: October 2008

Background Options for non-responders to relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) first-line disease-modifying therapies (DMT) are limited. We explored whether switching first-line DMT is effective. Methods Patients with RRMS who first received interferon-beta (IFNB) or glatiramer acetate (GA) were classified in three categories: DMT change because of suboptimal response, DMT change because of other reasons, and no DMT change during follow-up. Outcomes included annualized relapse rate (ARR) and relapse-free proportions. Results We identified 597 patients who initiated first-line DMT. For patients who did not change DMT ( n = 240), pre-DMT and on-DMT median ARR were 0.50 and 0 ( P < 0.0001). At 24 months, 76% (95%CI = 69–81%) of patients who did not change DMT were relapse-free. Of the 155 who switched because of suboptimal response, 101 switched to another first-line DMT. Median ARR pre-DMT, on first DMT and second DMT were: 0.50, 0.55, and 0.25 for switchers from IFNB to GA (IFNB/GA, n = 12) (pre-DMT versus first DMT: P = 0.92; first versus second DMT: P = 0.31); 0.90, 0.50, and 0 for switchers from GA to IFNB (GA/IFNB, n = 18; P = 0.19; P = 0.01); 0.50, 0.68, and 0 for switchers from an IFNB to another IFNB (IFNB/IFNB’, n = 71; P = 0.34; P = 0.02). Estimated relapse-free proportion after 24 months of treatment was 42% (95%CI=15–66%) during the period on IFNB versus 53% (95%CI = 17–80%) on GA for IFNB/GA ( P = 0.21); 12% (95%CI = 0–40%) on GA versus 87% (95%CI = 59–97%) on IFNB for GA/IFNB ( P = 0.001); and 41% (95%CI = 29–52%) on initial IFNB versus 67% (95%CI = 53–79%) on subsequent IFNB for IFNB/IFNB’ ( P = 0.0001). Conclusions Switching first-line DMT in patients with RRMS failing initial therapy may be effective in many cases.
ICF components of corresponding outcome measures in flexor tendon rehabilitation – a systematic review
Authors: Oltman Renée , Neises Gudrun , Scheible Daniel , Mehrtens Gerhard , Grüneberg Christian 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) delivers a holistic approach to health conditions. The objective of the present study is to provide an overview of flexor tendon rehabilitation outcome measures with respect to ICF components. Furthermore, it aims to investigate to which extent current assessments measure aspects of health according to these components primarily focussing onactivityandparticipation.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted to identify all studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Studies were only included if they assessed more thanbody function and body structureand referred to the ICF componentsactivityandparticipation. The outcome measures were analysed and their linkage to the ICF components were investigated to examine to which degree aspects of health outcome as defined by the ICF were considered.ResultsAs anticipated, the application of outcome measures after flexor tendon repair is non conform. In many studies the emphasis still lies on physical impairment neglecting activity limitations and participation restrictions.Aspects of health after flexor tendon repair could be assessed more adequately and cover patients' needs more sufficiently by choosing outcome measures which refer to all aspects of functioning.ConclusionThe ICF can help to identify aspects of health which are not being considered. The ICF can help promote further development of adequate outcome measures including activity limitation and participation restrictions by targeting patient centred goals and respecting patients' needs.
beta1-integrin mediates myelin-associated glycoprotein signaling in neuronal growth cones
Authors: Goh Eyleen LK , Young Ju Kim , Kuwako Kenichiro , Tessier-Lavigne Marc , He Zhigang , Griffin John W , Ming Guo-li 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Several myelin-associated factors that inhibit axon growth of mature neurons, including Nogo66, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMgp), can associate with a common GPI-linked protein Nogo-66 receptor (NgR). Accumulating evidence suggests that myelin inhibitors also signal through unknown NgR-independent mechanisms. Here we show that MAG, a RGD tri-peptide containing protein, forms a complex with β1-integrin to mediate axonal growth cone turning responses of several neuronal types. Mutations that alter the RGD motif in MAG or inhibition of β1-integrin function, but not removal of NgRs, abolish these MAG-dependent events. In contrast, OMgp-induced repulsion is not affected by inhibition of b1-integrin function. We further show that MAG stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which in turn is required for MAG-induced growth cone turning. These studies identify β1-integrin as a specific mediator for MAG in growth cone turning responses, acting through FAK activation.
Attempted Suicide by Poisoning in the Sofia Region
Authors: Milev V. , Mikhov D. 
Published: October 2008

Data on 9235 persons who had attempted suicide and been admitted to hospital over an eight-year period showed that a female:male ratio of 4:1 in young subjects gradually decreased with age; from the age of 79, the number of men slightly exceeded the number of women. More than half the attempts were made by people aged under 24, and the same proportion was unmarried. Attempts occurred mainly after 2 p.m., with the maximum frequency between 8 p.m. and midnight; over the week, the smallest number was on Saturdays. There was a slight seasonal variation, with the highest number in March and the lowest in August.British Journal of Psychiatry (1992), 160, 560–562
Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse
Authors: Smith Jeanette , Hucker Stephen 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundRecent research from North America has demonstrated higher than expected rates of drug and alcohol abuse among the seriously mentally ill. Schizophrenics appear to be particularly susceptible to the negative effects of substance abuse. These include psychiatric and social complications, with antisocial behaviour, particularly violence emerging as one of the most worrying features. This review examines the strength of the association and explores the possible explanations for the apparent link between schizophrenia, substance abuse and violence.MethodThe literature was searched using Medline, supplemented with a manual literature search.ResultsVery few articles specifically approached the problem of violence among substance abusing schizophrenics, but over 80 papers were identified which were helpful in exploring the link between dangerous behaviour and substance abuse by schizophrenics.ConclusionsWhile there is circumstantial evidence to support the hypothesis that schizophrenics who abuse drugs or alcohol are at an increased risk of behaving violently, longitudinal studies are required to facilitate a better understanding of the mediating mechanisms.
Psychopathy – a Neurobiological Perspective
Authors: Dolan Mairead 
Published: October 2008

Background.Diagnostic and conceptual issues relating to psychopathy are widely debated, but advances in our understanding of the aetiology are limited.Method.A PSYCHLIT computerised database search of publications covering five decades was supplemented by tracing back through references from existing review work.Results.Over 200 articles were extracted, and 95 were selected for review.Conclusions.It is timely to evaluate the rôle of brain dysfunction. Biological determinants are under-researched and the lack of consistency in operational definitions in published research precludes anything more than tentative conclusions about the genetic, biochemical or electrophysiological correlates of psychopathy and antisocial behaviour. A multi-modal research programme is required in the search for a comprehensive model of psychopathy that can guide both research efforts and clinical interventions.
The Nithsdale Schizophrenia Surveys
Authors: McCreadie R. G. , Williamson D. J. , Athawes R. W. B. , Connolly M. A. , Tilak-Singh D. 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundA population of adult schizophrenic patients was assessed to discover how the patients viewed their childhood, whether their view differed from non-schizophrenic adults, and to determine any association between parental rearing practices as perceived by the patient, childhood personality as perceived by the mother, and current symptoms. Type and level of expressed emotion shown by parents towards patients was also examined.MethodParental attitudes, as perceived by 50 schizophrenic patients, were assessed by the EMBU scale. Patients' premorbid personality and social adjustment were assessed through interviews with patients' mothers by the Scale for the Assessment of Premorbid Schizoid and Schizotypal Traits and the Premorbid Social Adjustment Scale. Current symptoms were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Subjective Deficit Syndrome Scale.ResultsPatients saw little difference between fathers' and mothers' attitudes. There was a positive correlation between parental rejection and overprotection, and a negative correlation between rejection and warmth. There were no significant correlations between parental rearing attitudes and patients' childhood personality; there was a significant correlation between parental attitudes and current symptoms. Rejection and overprotection were associated with more severe, warmth with less severe symptoms, especially so for positive schizophrenic symptoms and general psychopathology. Although there was no association between the general level of expressed emotion shown by the parent towards the adult patient, and patients' perceived parental rearing attitudes, parents with high expressed emotion on the basis of hostility had higher rejection scores on the parental rearing attitudes scale.ConclusionsSchizophrenic patients saw their parents as showing much less warmth, and the severity of current symptoms was associated with perceived parental rearing attitudes. The hostility component of high expressed emotion may be a parental trait which exists before the illness begins.