bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of an α-amino-ɛ-caprolactam racemase with broad substrate specificity from Citreicella sp. SE45
Authors: Payoungkiattikun Wisarut , Okazaki Seiji , Ina Atsutoshi , H-Kittikun Aran , Asano Yasuhisa 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
α-Amino-ε-caprolactam (ACL) racemizing activity was detected in a putative dialkylglycine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.64) from Citreicella sp. SE45. The encoding gene of the enzyme was cloned and transformed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The molecular mass of the enzyme was shown to be 47.4 kDa on SDS–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzymatic properties including pH and thermal optimum and stabilities were determined. This enzyme acted on a broad range of amino acid amides, particularly unbranched amino acid amides including l-alanine amide and l-serine amide with a specific activity of 17.5 and 21.6 U/mg, respectively. The K m and V max values for d- and l-ACL were 5.3 and 2.17 mM, and 769 and 558 μmol/min.mg protein, respectively. Moreover, the turn over number (K cat) and catalytic efficiency (K cat/K m) of purified ACL racemase from Citreicella sp. SE45 using l-ACL as a substrate were 465 S−1 and 214 S−1mM−1, respectively. The new ACL racemase from Citreicella sp. SE45 has a potential to be used as the biocatalytic application.
Effects of long‐term experimental warming on plants and soil microbes in a cool temperate semi‐natural grassland in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Mayuko , Suminokura Nobuhiko , Tanami Kenta , Yoshitake Shinpei , Masuda Shingo , Tomotsune Mitsutoshi , Koizumi Hiroshi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractTo clarify the effects of long‐term warming on ecosystem matter cycling, we conducted an in situ 7‐year experimental warming (2009–2015) using infrared heaters in a cool temperate semi‐natural grassland in Japan. We measured plant aboveground biomass, soil total C and N, soil inorganic N (NH4+‐N and NO3−‐N), and soil microbial biomass for 7 years (2009–2015). We also measured heterotrophic respiration for 2 years (2013–2014) and assessed net N mineralization and nitrification in 2015. We found that warming immediately increased plant aboveground biomass, but this effect ceased in 2013. However, the soil microbial biomass was continuously depressed by warming. Soil inorganic N concentrations in warmed plots substantially increased in the later years of the experiment (2013–2015) and the potential net N mineralization rate was also higher than in the earlier years. In contrast, heterotrophic respiration decreased with warming in 2013–2014. Our observations indicate that long‐term warming has a contrasting effect on plants and soil microbes. In addition, the warming could have different effects on subterranean C and N cycling. To enhance the accuracy of estimation of future climate change, it is essential to continuously observe the warming effects on ecosystems and to focus on the change in subterranean C and N cycling.
Investigation on the laser ablation of SiC ceramics using micro‐Raman mapping technique
Authors: Fu Chaoli , Yang Yong , Huang Zhengren , Liu Guiling , Zhang Hui , Jiang Fang , Wei Yuquan , Jiao Zheng 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Research on the laser ablation behavior of SiC ceramics has great significance for the improvement of their anti-laser ability as high-performance mirrors in space and lasers, or the laser surface micro-machining technology as electronic components in micro-electron mechanical systems (MEMS). In this work, the laser ablation of SiC ceramics has been performed by using laser pulses of 12 ns duration at 1064 nm. The laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) below 0.1 J/cm2 was obtained by 1-on-1 mode and its damage morphology appeared in the form of “burning crater” with a clear boundary. Micro-Raman mapping technique was first introduced in our study on the laser ablation mechanisms of SiC surface by identifying physical and chemical changes between uninjured and laser-ablated areas. It has been concluded that during the ablation process, SiC surface mainly underwent decomposition to the elemental Si and C, accompanied by some transformation of crystal orientation. The oxidation of SiC also took place but only in small amount on the edges of target region, while there was no hint of SiO2 in the center with higher energy density, maybe because of deficiency of O2 atmosphere in the ablated area, elimination of SiO2 by carbon at 1505 °C, or evaporating at 2230 °C.
How does gatekeeper training improve suicide prevention for elderly people in nursing homes? A controlled study in 24 centres
Authors: Chauliac N. , Brochard N. , Payet C. ,   The EGEE (Étude Gatekeepers en EHPAD) study group, Margue Y. , Bordin P. , Depraz P. , Dumont A. , Kroupa E. , Pacaut-Troncin M. , Polo P. , Straub S. , Boissin J. , Burtin C. , Montoya G. , Rivière A. , Didier C. , Fournel C. , Durand C. , Barrellon M. , Amigues O. , Brosson A. , Mahé E. , Haxaire O. , Bonnot C. , Defaux M. , Rougier D. , Gaultier A. , Gutierrez A. , Pozo M. , Lefèvre V. , Nier A. , Bolzan S. , Liautaud M. , Barbosa S. , Garcia S. , Anfreville A. , Mazille S. , Durantet C. , Morlon M. , Gaboriau C. , Halbert C. , Cholvy M. , Milinkovich P. , Martin L. , Maury-Abello L. , Toulier B. , Kerleguer V. , Gabriel S. , Duclos A. , Terra J.-L. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe death rate due to suicide in elderly people is particularly high. As part of suicide selective prevention measures for at-risk populations, the WHO recommends training “gatekeepers”.MethodsIn order to assess the impact of gatekeeper training for members of staff, we carried out a controlled quasi-experimental study over the course of one year, comparing 12 nursing homes where at least 30% of the staff had undergone gatekeeper training with 12 nursing homes without trained staff. We collected data about the residents considered to be suicidal, their management further to being identified, as well as measures taken at nursing home level to prevent suicide.ResultsThe two nursing home groups did not present significantly different characteristics. In the nursing homes with trained staff, the staff were deemed to be better prepared to approach suicidal individuals. The detection of suicidal residents relied more on the whole staff and less on the psychologist alone when compared to nursing homes without trained staff. A significantly larger number of measures were taken to manage suicidal residents in the trained nursing homes. Suicidal residents were more frequently referred to the psychologist. Trained nursing homes put in place significantly more suicide prevention measures at an institutional level.ConclusionsHaving trained gatekeepers has an impact not only for the trained individuals but also for the whole institution where they work, both in terms of managing suicidal residents and routine suicide prevention measures.
Host government impact on the logistics performance of international humanitarian organisations
Authors: Dube N. , Van der Vaart T. , Teunter R.H. , Van Wassenhove L.N. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractHost governments severely impact international relief operations. An openness to assistance can lead to the timely delivery of aid whereas a reluctance to receive assistance can have devastating consequences. With lives at stake and no time to lose in humanitarian crises, understanding the host government's impact on the logistics performance of international humanitarian organisations (IHOs) is crucial. In this paper, we present an in‐depth multiple‐case study that explores this aspect. Results show that host government actions are explained by their dependency on IHOs and the levels of tensions between their interests (i.e., conflicting strategic goals). In addition, a host government's regulatory and enforcement capabilities are important for ensuring that they can safeguard their interests. We derive four stances that host governments can adopt in regulating logistics‐related activities: non‐restrictive, opportunistic, selectively accommodating and uncompromising. Each of these has different implications for the logistics performance of IHOs.
Initial Validation of the Sexual Pleasure Scale in Clinical and Non-Clinical Samples of Partnered Heterosexual People
Authors: Pascoal Patrícia M. , Sanchez Diana T. , Raposo Catarina Fonseca , Pechorro Pedro 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual pleasure is a central aspect of human sexuality; however, no validated measurements exist that assess sexual pleasure. We present a preliminary validation study of the psychometric properties of a Sexual Pleasure Scale (SPS), based on the three items developed by Sanchez, Crocker and Boike to measure sexual pleasure. The SPS is a brief and easy-to-implement instrument that assesses the extent of sexual pleasure experienced from sexual relationships, sexual activities, and sexual intimacy.

Aim
To assess the validity of the SPS in a subgroup of patients diagnosed with sexual dysfunction (n = 89) and a non-clinical community sample (n = 188) of Portuguese men and women.

Methods
We provide an initial examination of the reliability (eg, Cronbach α), convergent validity (eg, with measurements of sexual satisfaction), and divergent validity (eg, with measurements of body satisfaction) of the SPS.

Main Outcome Measures
The survey included a sociodemographic questionnaire and a set of questionnaires to test the psychometric properties of the SPS.

Results
The reliability study showed a high Cronbach value (α = 0.94). Convergent validity of the SPS with the measurements described showed mostly moderate to high statistically significant positive correlations, whereas the criterion-related validity showed the expected low non-significant correlation. The results also showed that the SPS shows strong sensitivity to discriminate people with from those without sexual problems.

Conclusion
Results from the clinical population indicate that the SPS has good psychometric qualities and is a reliable measurement of sexual pleasure with applicability in clinical practice and clinical research but shows little variability within the community sample.
Is Risk of Artificial Urethral Sphincter Cuff Erosion Higher in Patients with Penile Prosthesis?
Authors: Sundaram Varun , Cordon Billy H. , Hofer Matthias D. , Morey Allen F. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Frequently encountered morbidities after prostatectomy include stress urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Patients with severe disease may undergo placement of both a penile prosthesis (PP) and an artificial urethral sphincter (AUS).

Aim
We hypothesized that concomitant PP may promote AUS cuff erosion by impaired corporal blood flow and/or direct pressure on the cuff. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of AUS cuff erosion in patients with and without a PP.

Methods
We reviewed 366 AUS operations at our tertiary center between 2007 and 2015 with a mean follow-up of 41 months (range 6–104). Included in the analysis were first-time AUS cuff erosions. Patients with recurrent erosions, AUS revisions, and iatrogenic erosions were excluded. In a separate analysis, we analyzed AUS explantations for all causes. Cohorts were compared by demographic information, preoperative characteristics, and rates of erosion and explantation.

Main Outcome Measures
Erosion confirmed by cystourethroscopy and explantation of the AUS for all causes.

Results
Among 366 AUS surgeries at a mean follow-up of 41 months, there were 248 (67.8%) AUS alone cases compared to 118 (32.2%) AUS and PP cases (AUS/PP). Sixty-two patients met exclusion criteria for first-time cuff erosion. Among 304 evaluable AUS patients, we found a significantly higher rate of erosion in the AUS/PP group (11/95, 11.6%) compared to the AUS alone group (9/209, 4.3%, P = .037). When examining explantations for all causes in the entire cohort (n = 366), we observed a significantly higher rate of device removal, (20/118, 17%) in the AUS/PP group compared to the AUS group (23/248, 9.2%, P = .044).

Conclusion
AUS/PP patients appear to have a higher risk of AUS cuff erosion and explantation compared to men with AUS alone.
Blood Pressure, Sexual Activity, and Dysfunction in Women with Hypertension: Baseline Findings From the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)
Authors: Foy Capri G. , Newman Jill C. , Berlowitz Dan R. , Russell Laurie P. , Kimmel Paul L. , Wadley Virginia G. , Thomas Holly N. , Lerner Alan J. , Riley William T. ,   SPRINT Study Research Group
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual function, an important component of quality of life, is gaining increased research and clinical attention in older women with hypertension.

Aim
To assess the association between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and other variables, and sexual activity and sexual dysfunction in hypertensive women.

Methods
Baseline analysis of 635 women participants of a larger randomized clinical trial of 9361 men and women.

Main Outcome Measures
Self-reported sexual activity (yes/no), and sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI).

Results
452 participants (71.2%) reported having no sexual activity during the previous 4 weeks. The mean (SD) FSFI score for sexually active participants was 25.3 (6.0), and 52.6% of the sample reported a FSFI score ≤26.55 designating sexual dysfunction. In logistic regression models, SBP was not significantly associated with sexual activity (AOR = 1.002; P &gt; .05). Older age (AOR = 0.95, P &lt; .05), and lower education (AOR for &lt; high school vs college degree = 0.29, P &lt; .05) were associated with lower odds of being sexually active, as was living alone versus living with others (AOR = 0.56, P &lt; .05). Higher weekly alcohol consumption was associated with increased odds of being sexually active (AOR = 1.39; P &lt; .05). In logistic regression models among sexually active participants, SBP was not associated with sexual dysfunction (AOR = 1.01; P &gt; .05). Higher depressive symptoms from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was associated with higher odds of sexual dysfunction (AOR = 1.24, P &lt; .05), as was increased number of physical comorbidities (AOR = 1.25, P &lt; .05). Diuretic use was associated with lower odds of being sexually active in participants with chronic kidney disease (AOR = 0.33, P &lt; .05).

Conclusion
Younger age, higher education, living with others, and higher weekly alcohol consumption were significantly associated with higher odds of being sexually active in a sample of middle-aged and older women with hypertension. Increased depressive symptoms and increased physical comorbidities were significantly associated with increased odds of sexual dysfunction. SBP was not significantly associated with sexual activity or sexual dysfunction.
The Role of Somatic Symptoms in Sexual Medicine: Somatization as Important Contextual Factor in Male Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Fanni Egidia , Castellini Giovanni , Corona Giovanni , Boddi Valentina , Ricca Valdo , Rastrelli Giulia , Fisher Alessandra Daphne , Cipriani Sarah , Maggi Mario 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
An important feature of somatic symptom disorder is the subjective perception of the physical symptoms and its maladaptive interpretation. Considering that psychological distress is often expressed through somatic symptoms, it is possible that they underlie at least a part of the symptoms in subjects complaining of sexual dysfunction. Nevertheless, studies on the impact of somatoform disorders in sexual dysfunction are scanty.

Aim
To define the psychological, relational, and organic correlates of somatic symptoms in a large sample of patients complaining of sexual problems.

Methods
A consecutive series of 2833 men (mean age 50.2 ± 13.5 years) was retrospectively studied.

Main Outcome Measures
Somatic symptoms were assessed using the “somatized anxiety symptoms” subscale of the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ-S). Several clinical, biochemical, psychological, and relational parameters were studied. Patients were interviewed with the previously validated Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY), and ANDROTEST (a structured interview for the screening of hypogonadism in patients with sexual dysfunction).

Results
Among the 2833 patients studied, subjects scoring higher on somatic symptoms were older, more obese, reporting unhealthy lifestyle (current smoking, alcohol consumption), and a lower education (all P &lt; .05). Moreover, they reported a general impairment of their sexuality more often, including erectile problems (spontaneous or sexual-related), low sexual desire, decreased frequency of intercourse, and perceived reduction of ejaculate volume (all P &lt; .005). Interestingly, we observed a significant association between MHQ-S scoring with a reduced testosterone level and hypogonadism symptoms (both P &lt; .05). Finally, we found a significant association between somatic symptoms and both SIEDY Scales 1 (organic domain of ED) and 3 (intrapsychic domain of ED) (both P &lt; .0001).

Conclusion
The present study demonstrates that the presence of somatic symptoms can represent an important contextual factor in the determination of or in the exacerbation of male sexual dysfunction. High levels of somatic symptoms in subjects with sexual dysfunction can be related to the sexual symptom itself. The consequences of this pattern have great clinical relevance in a sexual medicine setting, considering their severe impact on sexuality.
High Triglycerides Predicts Arteriogenic Erectile Dysfunction and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Subjects with Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Cipriani Sarah , Rastrelli Giulia , Sforza Alessandra , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The atherogenic role of triglycerides (TG) remains controversial. The aim of the present study is to analyze the contribution of TG in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED) and to verify the value of elevated TG in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Methods
An unselected series of 3,990 men attending our outpatient clinic for sexual dysfunction was retrospectively studied. A subset of this sample (n = 1,687) was enrolled in a longitudinal study.

Main Outcome Measures
Several clinical, biochemical, and instrumental (penile color Doppler ultrasound; PCDU) factors were evaluated.

Results
Among the patients studied, after adjustment for confounders, higher TG levels were associated with arteriogenic ED and a higher risk of clinical and biochemical hypogonadism. Conversely, no association between TG and other sexual dysfunctions was observed. When pathological PCDU parameters—including flaccid acceleration (&lt;1.17 m/sec2) or dynamic peak systolic velocity (PSV &lt;35 cm/sec)—were considered, the negative association between impaired penile flow and higher TG levels was confirmed, even when subjects taking lipid-lowering drugs or those with diabetes were excluded from the analysis (OR = 6.343 [1.243;32.362], P = .026 and 3.576 [1.104;11.578]; P = .34 for impaired acceleration and PSV, respectively). Similarly, when the same adjusted models were applied, TG levels were associated with a higher risk of hypogonadism, independently of the definition criteria (OR = 2.892 [1.643;5.410], P &lt; .0001 and 4.853 [1.965;11.990]; P = .001 for total T &lt;12 and 8 nM, respectively). In the longitudinal study, after adjusting for confounders, elevated TG levels (upper quartile: 162–1686 mg/dL) were independently associated with a higher incidence of MACE (HR = 2.469 [1.019;5.981]; P = .045), when compared to the rest of the sample.

Conclusion
Our data suggest an association between elevated TG and arteriogenic ED and its cardiovascular (CV) risk stratification. Whether the use of TG lowering drugs might improve ED and its associated CV risk must be confirmed through specific trials.
Preserved Erectile Function in the Aged Transgenic Rat Harboring Human Tissue Kallikrein 1
Authors: Luan Yang , Ruan Yajun , Wang Tao , Zhuan Li , Wen Zheng , Chen Ruibao , Zhang Yan , Cui Kai , Yang Jun , Wang Shaogang , Liu Jihong , Ye Zhangqun , Wang Daowen 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Human tissue kallikrein 1 (hKLK1) has enormous potential for the protection of vasodilation and endothelial function in the cardiovascular system. Our previous study proved the decreased expression of kallikrein 1 in the corpus cavernosum (CC) of aged rats, but the role of kallikrein 1 in age-related erectile dysfunction remains unknown.

Aim
To explore the effect and underlying mechanisms of hKLK1 on age-related erectile dysfunction.

Methods
Male wild-type Sprague-Dawley rats (WTR) and transgenic rats harboring the hKLK1 gene (TGR) were fed to 4 and 27 months of age, respectively, and divided into four groups: young WTR (yWTR) as the control, young TGR (yTGR), aged WTR (aWTR), and aged TGR (aTGR). Rats' erectile function was evaluated by the cavernous nerve electrostimulation method. Then, CCs were collected for verification of hKLK1 followed by measurement of nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and RhoA-Rho-kinase (ROCK) signaling activities. Masson trichrome staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase 2′-deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nick end labeling assay were conducted to evaluate penile fibrosis and apoptosis.

Main Outcome Measures
Erectile response, NO-cGMP and RhoA-ROCK pathway-related indices, ratio of smooth muscle to collagen, and apoptosis index.

Results
The hKLK1 alleviated the decrease of erectile function in the aWTR group. Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and phospho-eNOS(Ser1177) expressions, NO synthase activity, and NO and cGMP levels were decreased, whereas phospho-eNOS(Thr495), L-type Ca2+ channel, RhoA, ROCK1, ROCK2, and transforming growth factor β1 proteins were increased in the CCs of the aWTR group compared with the control yWTR group. These changes were obviously mitigated in the aTGR group. Moreover, hKLK1 prevented the sharp decrease of the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen and the increase of the apoptosis index in the CCs of the aWTR group.

Conclusion
These results suggest that hKLK1 could play a preventive role in age-related erectile dysfunction by activation of the NO-cGMP pathway and inhibition of the RhoA-ROCK pathway and by antitissue fibrotic and apoptotic effects.
Quantile regression to characterize solanezumab effects in Alzheimer's disease trials
Authors: Chen Yun‐Fei , Ma Xiwen , Sundell Karen , Alaka Karla , Schuh Kory , Raskin Joel , Dean Robert A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroductionIn two solanezumab trials for mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia, 27% of patients had biomarker confirmation of amyloid status. Of these, approximately 25% of mild patients and approximately 10% of moderate patients were amyloid negative and, as a group, did not exhibit clinical progression typical of AD. This post‐hoc analysis describes a statistical surrogate for amyloid status.MethodsQuantile regression was used to examine solanezumab treatment effects at fixed percentiles of varying degrees of clinical progression, with lowest percentiles (minimal progression atypical of AD) and higher percentiles acting as surrogates for amyloid negativity or positivity, respectively.ResultsIn mild patients, solanezumab treatment effect was greater in higher percentiles of progression and less in lowest percentiles (AD‐atypical). In moderate patients, solanezumab did not show effects across most percentiles.DiscussionResults are compatible with design of the ongoing solanezumab EXPEDITION 3 trial that limits patients to those with mild AD dementia and evidence of amyloid pathology.