bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Multinational Population Survey of Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time
Authors: Waldinger Marcel D. , Quinn Paul , Dilleen Maria , Mundayat Rajiv , Schweitzer Dave H. , Boolell Mitradev 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), defined as the time between the start of vaginal intromission and the start of intravaginal ejaculation, is increasingly used in clinical trials to assess the amount of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced ejaculation delay in men with premature ejaculation. Prospectively, stopwatch assessment of IELTs has superior accuracy compared with retrospective questionnaire and spontaneous reported latency. However, the IELT distribution in the general male population has not been previously assessed.

Aim
To determine the stopwatch assessed-IELT distribution in large random male cohorts of different countries.

Methods
A total of 500 couples were recruited from five countries: the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, and the United States. Enrolled men were aged 18 years or older, had a stable heterosexual relationship for at least 6 months, with regular sexual intercourse. The surveyed population were not included or excluded by their ejaculatory status and comorbidities. This survey was performed on a “normal” general population. Sexual events and stopwatch-timed IELTs during a 4-week period were recorded, as well as circumcision status and condom use.

Main Outcome Measures
The IELT, circumcision status, and condom use.

Results
The distribution of the IELT in all the five countries was positively skewed, with a median IELT of 5.4 minutes (range, 0.55–44.1 minutes). The median IELT decreased significantly with age, from 6.5 minutes in the 18–30 years group, to 4.3 minutes in the group older than 51 years (P &lt; 0.0001). The median IELT varied between countries, with the median value for Turkey being the lowest, i.e., 3.7 minutes (0.9–30.4 minutes), which was significantly different from each of the other countries. Comparison of circumcised (N = 98) and not-circumcised (N = 261) men in countries excluding Turkey resulted in median IELT values of 6.7 minutes (0.7–44.1 minutes) in circumcised compared with 6.0 minutes (0.5–37.4 minutes) in not-circumcised men (not significant). The median IELT value was not affected by condom use.

Conclusion
The IELT distribution is positively skewed. The overall median value was 5.4 minutes but with differences between countries. For all five countries, median IELT values were independent of condom usage. In countries excluding Turkey, the median IELT values were independent of circumcision status.
Antibiotic Coating Reduces Penile Prosthesis Infection
Authors: Droggin Dmitry , Shabsigh Ridwan , Anastasiadis Aristotelis G. 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT

Aim
To evaluate the efficacy of a new antibiotic-coated (rifampicin + monocycline) penile prosthesis in prevention of bacterial adhesion and reduction of penile prosthesis infection.

Methods
In a retrospective analysis of medical records of men who had undergone implantation of American Medical Systems (AMS) inflatable penile prostheses between July 1990 and November 2003, we compared patients with AMS antibiotic-coated prostheses and patients with AMS nonantibiotic-coated prostheses. A total of 152 men aged from 27 to 79 years with erectile dysfunction underwent implantation of the AMS inflatable penile prosthesis. Fifty-eight patients received the antibiotic-coated prosthesis between July 2001 and November 2003, and 94 patients received the nonantibiotic-coated prosthesis between July 1990 and June 2001.

Results
In most cases infection was present; it was detected 1–2 days or up to 3–6 months after implantation. Complications including infection, which required surgical intervention, were observed in 15 patients of the nonantibiotic-coated prosthesis group (three reoperations for infection), and  noninfection-related  failure  in  five  patients  of  the  antibiotic-coated  prosthesis  group.  In the nonantibiotic-coated prosthesis group of patients, time to infection ranged from 1 day to 6 months (mean 3.5 months). The antibiotic-coated prosthesis group of patients immediately after surgery and during the short- and intermediate-term follow-up had no infection of the penile prosthesis.

Conclusions
We suggest that the antibiotic locally delivered from the prosthesis coating might be an effective supplement for prevention of prosthesis-related infection in penile prosthesis surgery.
Premature Ejaculation—Does Country of Origin Tell Us Anything About Etiology?
Authors: Richardson Daniel , Goldmeier David 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Premature ejaculation is a common sexual problem. The etiology of this condition is unclear. It has been suggested that some racial groups may be more at risk than others. We had a clinical impression that in our unit in London, UK, there was a preponderance of men from Islamic and Asian backgrounds.

Aim
We therefore undertook a retrospective analysis of our clinic population over an eighteen-month period.

Methods
A total of 123 patients were identified with a clinical diagnosis of PE based on the DSM-IV and UK national guidelines.

Main Outcome Measure
Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively: parameters of patients seen in the previous 18 months were identified, including self-identified ethnicity and age. Patient-defined ethnicity was compared with the ethnicity of self-referring patients attending our general sexual health services (outpatients), and also with local population census data.

Results
A total of 60% of patients were from Islamic or Asian backgrounds but 12% and 11% came from those racial groups in local population census data and our general clinic population respectively (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
It thus appears that there is a preponderance of men from Islamic and Asian backgrounds presenting to our unit with premature ejaculation. The reasons for this are unclear. Possible mechanisms include psychosocial, familial, or genetic influences.
Cyclic Nucleotide Signaling in Cavernous Smooth Muscle
Authors: Lin Ching-Shwun , Lin Guiting , Lue Tom F. 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Penile erection depends on cavernous smooth muscle relaxation that is principally regulated by cyclic nucleotide signaling. It is hoped that a comprehensive review of publications relevant to this subject will be helpful to both scientists and clinicians who are interested in the sciences of erectile function/dysfunction.

Aims
To review the roles of extracellular signaling molecules, their receptors, intracellular effectors, and phosphodiesterases in cyclic nucleotide signaling that leads to cavernous smooth muscle relaxation. The involvement of these molecules in the development of erectile dysfunction and the possibility of using them as therapeutic agents or targets are also discussed.

Methods
Entrez, the search engine for life sciences, was used to search for publications relevant to the topics of this review. Keywords used in the searches included vascular, cavernous, penis, smooth muscle, signaling molecules (adenosine, nitric oxide, etc.), and key elements in the cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways (cAMP, cGMP, cyclases, PKG, PKA, etc.). Articles that are dedicated to the study of erectile function/dysfunction were prioritized for citation.

Results
More than 1,000 articles were identified, many of which are studies of the vascular system and are therefore reviewed but not cited. Studies on erectile function have identified both cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathways in cavernous smooth muscle. Many signaling molecules of these two pathways have been shown capable of inducing erection when administered intracavernously. However, for sexually induced erection, nitric oxide (NO) is the responsible signaling molecule and it passes on the signal through soluble guanyl cyclase (sGC), cGMP, and protein kinase G (PKG).

Conclusions
The NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG pathway is principally responsible for sexually stimulated erection. Detumescence is mainly carried out by the degradation of cGMP by phosphodiesterase 5. Both cAMP and cGMP signaling pathways are susceptible to genetic and biochemical alterations in association with erectile dysfunction. Several key elements along these pathways are potential therapeutic targets.
Pattern of Endocrinal Changes in Patients with Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: El-Sakka Ahmed I. , Hassoba Howayda M. , Sayed Hisham M. , Tayeb Khalid A. 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Many patients with endocrinal changes (endocrinopathy) have some degrees of sexual dysfunction that necessitate assessment and treatment.

Aim
To assess the prevalence, and identify the pattern, of endocrinopathy in patients with sexual dysfunction in our community.

Methods
A total of 1,248 male patients with sexual dysfunction were enrolled in this study. Patients were screened for erectile dysfunction (ED) and sexual desire by the erectile function and the sexual desire domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IEEF). Patients underwent routine laboratory investigations as well as total testosterone and prolactin assessment. All patients were referred to an endocrinologist for clinical and biochemical assessment of their endocrine function. The evaluation consisted of comprehensive history taking, physical examination, and, as needed, laboratory investigations.

Results
Mean ages ± SD were 51.9 ± 12.2 and 52.3 ± 11.7 years for patients with and without endocrinopathy, respectively. Of the study population, 23.8% had endocrinopathy. The most frequent endocrinal changes were low testosterone level (15%), hyperprolactinemia (13.7%), and hypothyroidism (3.1%). There were significant associations between endocrinopathy and obesity, smoking, low desire, and premature ejaculation (P &lt; 0.05 for each). Also, significant associations were found between low desire and low testosterone level, hyperprolactinemia, and hypothyroidism (P &lt; 0.05 for each). Hyperprolactinemia was significantly associated with premature ejaculation (P &lt; 0.05) but not with low testosterone level (P &gt; 0.05).
There was no significant association between endocrinopathy and age, cigarette smoking (number and duration), and ED (duration, severity, type of onset, and progression) (P &gt; 0.05 for each).

Conclusion
Endocrinopathy is not a rare condition among ambulatory patients with sexual dysfunction. This study provides a quantitative estimate of endocrinopathy in ambulatory patients with sexual dysfunction.
A History of Sexual Medicine in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bancroft John 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT
The history of sexual medicine in the United Kingdom since the 19th century is reviewed, with particular reference to masturbation, homosexuality, contraception, and in the past four decades, the treatment of sexual dysfunction. The medical profession's tendency to deal with sexual issues according to the sociopolitical and moral issues of the time is emphasized, and whereas “sex negativism” has prevailed within the medical profession for most of this historical period, there has been a succession of individuals within the profession who have presented a more positive approach to defining and promoting sexual health. Four tracks within sexual medicine over the past 30 years are described: the psychoanalytic approach of the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine, modern “sex therapy,” psychophysiological sex research, and the involvement of andrology in the assessment and treatment of erectile dysfunction. The impact of Viagra is seen as the most recent chapter in this history.
Identification, Molecular Characterization, and Experimental Transmission of a New Hemoplasma Isolate from a Cat with Hemolytic Anemia in Switzerland
Authors: Willi Barbara , Boretti Felicitas S. , Cattori Valentino , Tasker Séverine , Meli Marina L. , Reusch Claudia , Lutz Hans , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACTRecently, there has been a growing interest in hemotropic mycoplasmal species (also known as the hemoplasmas), the causative agents of infectious anemia in several mammalian species. In felids, two different hemoplasma species have been recognized:Mycoplasma haemofelis(formerlyHaemobartonella felis) and “CandidatusMycoplasma haemominutum.” Recently developed molecular methods have allowed sensitive and specific identification and quantification of these agents in feline blood samples. In applying these methods to an epidemiological study surveying the Swiss pet cat population for hemoplasma infection, we discovered a third novel and unique feline hemoplasma isolate in a blood sample collected from a cat that had exhibited clinical signs of severe hemolytic anemia. This agent was readily transmitted via intravenous inoculation to two specific-pathogen-free cats. One of these cats was immunocompromised by the administration of methylprednisolone acetate prior to inoculation, and this cat developed severe anemia. The other immunocompetent cat showed a moderate decrease in packed cell volume. Additionally, an increase in red blood cell osmotic fragility was observed. Sequencing of the entire 16S rRNA gene of the new hemoplasma isolate and phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolate was most closely related to two rodent hemotropic mycoplasmal species,M. coccoidesandM. haemomuris. A quantitative real-time PCR assay specific for this newly discovered agent was developed, which will be a prerequisite for the diagnosis of infections with the new hemoplasma isolate.
Comparison of Qualitative (COBAS AMPLICOR HCV 2.0 versus VERSANT HCV RNA) and Quantitative (COBAS AMPLICOR HCV Monitor 2.0 versus VERSANT HCV RNA 3.0) Assays for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Detection and Quantification: Impact on Diagnosis and Treatment of HCV Infections
Authors: Desombere Isabelle , Van Vlierberghe Hans , Couvent Sibyl , Clinckspoor Filip , Leroux-Roels Geert 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACTQuantitative measurements of serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA are becoming increasingly important in the management of HCV-infected patients. Here we compared two quantitative assays, the COBAS AMPLICOR HCV Monitor 2.0 assay (Roche Diagnostics) and the branched DNA-based VERSANT HCV RNA 3.0 assay (Bayer Diagnostics) for HCV RNA measurement in 344 samples derived from 120 patients with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. The overall concordance between the results of the two tests was 95%, and the HCV RNA titers within the dynamic ranges of the assays correlated very well (r2= 0.86). Furthermore, both tests performed equally well in determining an early viral response at week 1 or 4 during antiviral therapy. We also compared two qualitative HCV RNA detection assays: the COBAS AMPLICOR HCV 2.0 assay versus the transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)-based VERSANT HCV RNA qualitative assay. Stored samples from sustained responders to interferon-ribavirin therapy were retested by the HCV TMA assay and were found to contain no detectable HCV RNA, demonstrating complete concordance between the results of PCR and TMA. However, HCV RNA was detected by the TMA assay in end-of-treatment (ETR) samples from 33% of patients with relapses who were HCV RNA negative according to the COBAS AMPLICOR assay. This observation suggests that a TMA assay can lead to a more correct definition of the ETR response.
Characterization of
Clostridium botulinum
Strains Associated with an Infant Botulism Case in the United Kingdom
Authors: Johnson Eric A. , Tepp William H. , Bradshaw Marite , Gilbert Richard J. , Cook Paul E. , McIntosh E. David G. 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT

The sixth case of infant botulism in the United Kingdom was reported in 2001. The case was caused by a type B strain of
Clostridium botulinum
. Strains of
C. botulinum
were isolated from the baby's feces and from foodstuffs in the household in an attempt to document transmission. The aims of this study were to characterize the strains of
C. botulinum
associated with the botulism case. This was performed using a variety of techniques, including
C. botulinum
culture phenotypic properties, neurotoxin characterization, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) banding patterns. Cultures associated with this case as well as isolates from stored and historical samples were analyzed and compared.
C. botulinum
type B PFGE patterns from the infant and from an opened container of infant formula were indistinguishable, while the PFGE profile of a strain presumably isolated from an unopened archival container was unique. The results suggest that the unopened brand of formula was not the source for transmission of spores to the infant and that the strain was distinct from previous botulism cases in the United Kingdom. Since environmental testing was not performed, it is not possible to deduce other sources of transmission.
Distribution of
Nocardia
Species in Clinical Samples and Their Routine Rapid Identification in the Laboratory
Authors: Wauters Georges , Avesani Véronique , Charlier Jacqueline , Janssens Michèle , Vaneechoutte Mario , Delmée Michel 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT

Eighty-six
Nocardia
strains isolated from clinical samples in Belgium were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Eighty-three (96%) strains belonged to only six
Nocardia
species:
N. farcinica
(38 [44%]),
N. nova
(19 [22%]),
N. cyriacigeorgica
(13 [15%]),
N. brasiliensis
(6 [6.9%]),
N. abscessus
(5 [5.8%]), and
N. paucivorans
(2 [2.3%]). A gallery of nine conventional and enzymatic tests was developed for the rapid identification of the most common species isolated during this survey. Pyrrolidonyl aminopeptidase, γ-glutamyl aminopeptidase, α-mannosidase, and α-glucosidase were found to be highly discriminating and could be used to develop an identification scheme.
Pet Dogs and Chicken Meat as Reservoirs ofCampylobacterspp. in Barbados
Authors: Workman Suzanne N. , Mathison George E. , Lavoie Marc C. 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACTCampylobacterspp. are the second most common pathogen isolated from stools of patients with gastroenteritis in Barbados. The aim of this study was to identify reservoirs ofCampylobacterand the likely source(s) of human infection. Fecal specimens from 596 animals and 311 samples of animal food products were analyzed for the presence ofCampylobacterspp. by standard culture techniques. Isolates were characterized by conventional phenotypic tests, confirmed by latex agglutination and PCR with genus-specific primers, and identified by the use of species-specific primers. High isolation rates were obtained for chickens (94.2%), pigs (90.5%), dogs (46.9%), cats (37.3%), and wild birds (39.3%).Campylobacterwas also recovered from monkeys (17.1%) and sheep (4.2%) but not from cows. Chicken meat was frequently contaminated withCampylobacter(58.4%), but its recovery from other animal food products was rare.Campylobacter jejuniwas the most commonly identified species in humans (63.6%), chickens (86.6%), dogs (51.5%), and chicken meat (79.8%). Porcine isolates were predominantlyC. coli(98.4%), while cats harbored mainlyC. upsaliensisandC. helveticus. Wild birds alone carried urease-positive thermophilic campylobacters.C. jejuniandC. coliisolates from different sources were compared with isolates from humans by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA typing with the primers OPA 11 and HLWL 85. Genotyping revealed similarities between isolates from chicken meat and those from humans and could not distinguish between two clinical isolates and four canine strains. Our results suggest that dogs are significant reservoirs ofCampylobacterand contribute to human enteric infections and that chicken meat is a likely vehicle for the transmission of campylobacters to humans.
Novel Chemically Modified Liquid Medium That Will Support the Growth of Seven
Bartonella
Species
Authors: Maggi Ricardo G. , Duncan Ashlee W. , Breitschwerdt Edward B. 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT

Bacteria of the genus
Bartonella
, a member of the
Alphaproteobacteria
, are fastidious, gram-negative, aerobic bacilli that comprise numerous species, subspecies, and subtypes. In human and veterinary medicine, species isolation remains a vital component of the diagnostic and therapeutic management of
Bartonella
infection. We describe a novel, chemically modified, insect-based liquid culture medium that supports the growth of at least seven
Bartonella
species. This medium will also support cocultures consisting of different
Bartonella
species, and it facilitated the primary isolation of
Bartonella henselae
from blood and aqueous fluid of naturally infected cats. This liquid growth medium may provide an advantage over conventional direct blood agar plating for the diagnostic confirmation of bartonellosis.
Multilocus Sequence Typing for Studying Genetic Relationships among
Yersinia
Species
Authors: Kotetishvili Mamuka , Kreger Arnold , Wauters Georges , Morris J. Glenn , Sulakvelidze Alexander , Stine O. Colin 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACT

The intra- and interspecies genetic relationships of 58 strains representing all currently known species of the genus
Yersinia
were examined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), using sequence data from 16S RNA,
glnA
,
gyrB
,
recA
, and Y-HSP60 loci.
Yersinia
aldovae
,
Y. bercovieri
,
Y. intermedia
,
Y. pestis
,
Y. pseudotuberculosis
,
Y. rohdei
, and
Y. ruckeri
were genetically more homogeneous than were
Y. enterocolitica
,
Y. frederiksenii
,
Y. kristensenii
, and
Y. mollaretii
. The MLST data concerning the genetic relatedness within and among various species of
Yersinia
support the idea that
Y. pestis
and
Y. pseudotuberculosis
are two lineages within the same species rather than two distinct species.
Y. ruckeri
is the genetically most distant species within the genus. There was evidence of O-antigen switching and genetic recombination within and among various species of
Yersinia
. The genetic relatedness data obtained by MLST of the four housekeeping genes and 16S RNA agreed in most, but not all, instances. MLST was better suited for determining genetic relatedness among yersiniae than was 16S RNA analysis. Some strains of
Y. frederiksenii
and
Y. kristensenii
are genetically less related to other strains within those species, compared to strains of all other species within the genus. The taxonomic standing of these strains should be further examined because they may represent currently unrecognized
Yersinia
species.
Novel Multipurpose Methodology for Detection of Mycobacteria in Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Specimens by Smear Microscopy, Culture, and PCR
Authors: Chakravorty Soumitesh , Tyagi Jaya Sivaswami 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACTA novel, robust, reproducible, and multipurposeuniversalsampleprocessing (USP) methodology for highly sensitive smear microscopy, culturing on solid and liquid media, and inhibition-free PCR which is suitable for the laboratory diagnosis of both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) has been developed. This method exploits the chaotropic properties of guanidinium hydrochloride for sample processing and involves incubating the specimen with USP solution, concentrating bacilli by centrifugation, and using the processed specimen for smear microscopy, culture, and PCR. The detection limit for acid-fast bacilli in spiked sputum by smear microscopy is approximately 300 bacilli per ml of specimen. USP solution-treated specimens are fully compatible with culturing on solid and liquid media. High-quality, PCR-amplifiable mycobacterial DNA can be isolated from all types of clinical specimens processed with USP solution. The method has been extensively validated with both pulmonary and extrapulmonary specimens. Furthermore, the USP method is also compatible with smear microscopy, culture, and PCR of mycobacteria other than tubercle bacilli. In summary, the USP method provides smear microscopy, culture, and nucleic acid amplification technologies with a single sample-processing platform and, to the best of our knowledge, is the only method of its kind described to date. It is expected to be useful for the laboratory diagnosis of TB and other mycobacterial diseases by conventional and modern methods.