bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Sexual Functioning Profile of a Nonforensic Sample of Individuals Reporting Sexual Aggression Against Women
Authors: Carvalho Joana , Quinta-Gomes Ana , Nobre Pedro J. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual offenders are believed to present marked sexual difficulties. However, most of the studies characterizing sex offenders' sexual functioning were conducted with samples of documented/incarcerated sexual aggressors. At the present state of the knowledge there is limited information on the sexual functioning profile of individuals reporting some form of sexual violence but who were not documented/apprehended by the judicial system.

Aim
The aim of this preliminary study was to characterize a sample of community sexual aggressors (college students) according to their sexual functioning. Results were expected to add information about the relationship between sexual functioning and sexual violence, and to impact strategies aimed at preventing sexual aggression on college campus.

Methods
One hundred sixty-one male college students participated in a cross-sectional study. Students were recruited at a Portuguese university using nonrandom methods. Among these students, 35 reported sexual aggression against women. The measures were completed individually and anonymously.

Main Outcome Measures
Participants completed a modified version of the International Index of Erectile Function, the Sexual Inhibition and Sexual Excitation Scales, the Sexual Self-Consciousness Scale, the Questionnaire of Cognitive Schema Activation in Sexual Context, and the Sexual-Esteem Scale.

Results
Results indicated that students reporting sexual aggression against women presented significantly more erectile and orgasmic difficulties, and more sexual inhibition due to the threat of performance failure than the control peers. Additionally, students reporting sexual aggression presented more sexual embarrassment, and more schemas of undesirability and incompetence.

Conclusions
Results pointed toward a possible relationship between sexual violence as reported by college students and sexual performance anxiety. These findings are expected to impact conceptual models on sexual aggression perpetrated by nonforensic individuals.
Epidemiological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in Egypt: a retrospective analysis of 1313 cases
Authors: Shaker Mohamed K. , Abdella Heba M. , Khalifa Mohamed O. , Dorry Ahmed K. El 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumours worldwide. Egypt has the highest prevalence of HCV in the world and the prevalence of HCC is increasing in the last years. The aim was to study epidemiological characteristics of HCC in Egypt.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 1456 Egyptian patients with HCC was done. Records of 1313 patients (1035 males, 278 females; median age 56 years) fulfilling diagnostic criteria for HCC were analysed for clinical, aetiological, radiological and tumour characteristics.ResultsThe majority of cases (75%) were from rural areas. The most frequent age category affected by HCC was between 51 and 60 years (45.7%); 50% of the patients reported accidental discovery of their hepatic focal lesions. The major presenting symptom was newly developed right hypochondrial pain (66.3%). HCV Ab was detected in 91.32% of the studied patients while HVB infection was reported in 2.51%. 59.3% of patients had AFP levels below 200 ng/ml (the diagnostic level). On studying tumour characteristics, the right lobe of the liver was more frequently occupied by the focal lesions (75.4%) than the left lobe (15.7%) and 12.5% of patients had bilobar affection. Five hundred and six patients (38.6%) had more than one hepatic focal lesion and 228 patients (17.4%) had tumours occupying >50% of the liver.ConclusionHCC is a major health problem in Egypt and its incidence is increasing. The high prevalence of HCV infection makes screening programmes and surveillance of those patients a very important tool to early detect cases of small HCCs.
Role of proton pump inhibitors in the occurrence and the prognosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites
Authors: de Vos Marie , De Vroey Bénédicte , Garcia Béatrice Garcia , Roy Clothilde , Kidd François , Henrion Jean , Deltenre Pierre 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) facilitate intestinal bacterial translocation. No robust data exist demonstrating that PPIs increase the risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and that PPIs worsen the prognosis of SBP patients. PPI use might be unsuitable for cirrhotic patients.AimsTo analyse: (i) the role of PPIs in the occurrence of SBP in cirrhotic patients; (ii) their impact on the prognosis of SBP patients; and (iii) the suitability of their use.MethodsIn this retrospective case‐control study, PPI use was first assessed in cirrhotic patients consecutively admitted with SBP (group I) and in a control group that included the same number of uninfected cirrhotic patients with ascites (group II). Afterwards, the impact of PPIs on SBP was assessed in group I by comparing survival of patients with and without PPIs.ResultsA total of 102 patients were included, 51 in each group. (i) SBP patients were more frequently treated by PPIs than controls (49 vs. 25%, P = 0.014). (ii) In group I, patients with (n = 25) and without (n = 26) PPIs had similar survival rates at 1 month (64.0 ± 9.6% vs. 59.4 ± 10.0%), 3 months (41.2 ± 10.2% vs. 44.6 ± 10.6%), and 1 year (26.6 ± 9.6% vs. 28.9 ± 10.1%), and similar median age at death (53 vs. 57 years). (iii) The reason for PPI use was inappropriate or undocumented in 34% of group I and II.ConclusionsProton pump inhibitors were more frequently used in SBP patients than in controls, but did not influence the prognosis in SBP. Overuse of PPIs was encountered in one‐third of cirrhotic patients and should be avoided.
The only girl in the room: how paradigmatic trajectories deter female students from surgical careers
Authors: Hill Elspeth , Vaughan Suzanne 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesOver 60% of UK medical students are female, yet only 33% of applicants to surgical training are women. Role modelling, differing educational experiences and disidentification in female medical students have been implicated in this disparity. We are yet to fully understand the mechanisms that link students’ experiences with national trends in career choices. We employ a hitherto unused concept from the theory of communities of practice: paradigmatic trajectories. These are visible career paths provided by a community and are cited by Wenger as potentially the most influential factors shaping the learning of newcomers. We pioneer the use of this theoretical tool in answering the research question: How do paradigmatic trajectories shape female medical students’ experiences of surgery and subsequent career intentions?MethodsThis qualitative study comprised a secondary analysis of data sourced from 19 clinical medical students. During individual, in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews, we explored these students’ experiences at medical school. We carried out thematic analysis using sensitising concepts from communities of practice theory, notably that of ‘paradigmatic trajectories’.ResultsFemale students’ experiences of surgery were strongly gendered; they were positioned as ‘other’ in the surgical domain. Four key processes – seeing, hearing, doing and imagining – facilitated the formation of paradigmatic trajectories, on which students could draw when making career decisions. Female students were unable to see or identify with other women in surgery. They heard about challenges to being a female surgeon, lacked experiences of participation, and struggled to imagine a future in which they would be successful surgeons. Thus, based on paradigmatic trajectories constructed from exposure to surgery, they self‐selected out of surgical careers. By contrast, male students had experiences of ‘hands‐in’ participation and were not marginalised by paradigmatic trajectories.ConclusionsThe concept of the paradigmatic trajectory is a useful theoretical tool with which to understand how students’ experiences shape career decisions. Paradigmatic trajectories within surgery deter female students from embarking on careers in surgery.
Advancing the objective structured clinical examination: sequential testing in theory and practice
Authors: Pell Godfrey , Fuller Richard , Homer Matthew , Roberts Trudie 
Published: May 2013

ContextModels of short‐term remediation for failing students are typically associated with improvements in candidate performance at retest. However, the process is costly to deliver, particularly for performance retests with objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), and there is increasing evidence that these traditional models are associated with the longitudinal underperformance of candidates.MethodsRather than a traditional OSCE model, sequential testing involves a shorter ‘screening’ format, with an additional ‘sequential’ test for candidates who fail to meet the screening standard. For those tested twice, overall pass/fail decisions are then based on results on the full sequence of tests. In this study, the impacts of sequential assessment on student performance, cost of assessment delivery and overall reliability were modelled using data sourced from a final graduating OSCE in an undergraduate medical degree programme.ResultsInitial modelling using pre‐existing OSCE data predicted significant improvements in reliability in the critical area, reflected in pilot results: 13.5% of students (n = 228) were required to sit the sequential OSCE. One student (0.4%) was identified as representing a false positive result (i.e. under the previous system this student would have passed the OSCE but failed on extended testing). Nine students (3.9%) who would have required OSCE retests under the prior system passed the full sequence and were therefore able to graduate at the normal time without loss of earnings. Overall reliability was estimated as 0.79 for the full test sequence. Significant cost savings were realised.ConclusionsSequential testing in OSCEs increases reliability for borderline students because the increased number of observations implies that ‘observed’ student marks are closer to ‘true’ marks. However, the station‐level quality of the assessment needs to be sufficiently high for the full benefits in terms of reliability to be achieved. The introduction of such a system has financial benefits, good validity inferences and has proved acceptable to students and other stakeholders.
Admission criteria and diversity in medical school
Authors: O'Neill Lotte , Vonsild Maria C , Wallstedt Birgitta , Dornan Tim 
Published: May 2013

ContextThe under‐representation in medical education of students from lower socio‐economic backgrounds is an important social issue. There is currently little evidence about whether changes in admission strategies might increase the diversity of the medical student population. Denmark introduced an ‘attribute‐based’ admission track to make it easier for students who may not be eligible for admission on the ‘grade‐based’ track to be admitted on the basis of attributes other than academic performance. The aim of this research was to examine whether there were significant differences in the social composition of student cohorts admitted via each of the two tracks during the years 2002–2007.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 1074 medical students admitted during 2002–2007 to the University of Southern Denmark medical school. Of these, 454 were admitted by grade‐based selection and 620 were selected on attributes other than grades. To explore the social mix of candidates admitted on each of the two tracks, respectively, we obtained information on social indices associated with educational attainment in Denmark (ethnic origin, father's education, mother's education, parenthood, parents living together, parent in receipt of social benefits).ResultsSelection strategy (grade‐based or attribute‐based) had no statistically significant effect on the social diversity of the medical student population.ConclusionsThe choice of admission criteria may not be very important to widening access and increasing social diversity in medical schools. Attracting a sufficiently diverse applicant pool may represent a better strategy for increasing diversity in the student population.
Curricular transformations in medical school: an exploration of the promotion of change in Brazil
Authors: Alves Claudia L , Belisário Soraya A , Abreu Daisy M X , Lemos José M C , D'Ávila Luciana S , Goulart Lúcia M H F 
Published: May 2013

ContextCurricular transformation is complex and involves many interrelated and influential factors. The idiosyncratic nature of the time‐frame in which curricular change takes place makes it difficult to study these factors systematically. In 2002, the Brazilian government established the Programme of Incentives for Curricular Changes in Medical Schools (PROMED). Nineteen schools participated in the programme and were given resources to finance curricular reforms in an effort to align their course structures with the tenets of the government proposal. This study analyses reforms in coursework among the schools in this cohort in an effort to better understand the impact of such incentive programmes and factors that might influence the degree of impact across institutions.MethodsWe compared data on the schools before and after their participation in PROMED. To facilitate comparison, we used a scheme of axes and vectors to classify the schools according to the profundity of the curricular changes, ranging from the most conservative to the most innovative. The data used for the classification were obtained through document analysis, interviews and focus group discussions.ResultsDifferent trends were observed for each axis. Important changes were noticed in the pedagogic approach axis, particularly in terms of pedagogic changes, which called for the adoption of active teaching and learning methods. The practice scenarios axis also underwent considerable changes, specifically in terms of primary health care. The vector related to production of knowledge pertaining to health system needs showed fewer changes; none of the schools reached stage 3 (effective fulfilment of an educational innovation).ConclusionsThe PROMED initiative provided considerable support for implementing and consolidating curricular reforms that placed greater emphasis on the needs of society and the health care system. The different trends observed revealed the complexity behind curricular transformation and highlighted the need for the collective construction of curricula with the participation of all groups involved.
Functional dissection and evidence for intercellular transfer of the heterocyst‐differentiation PatS morphogen
Authors: Corrales‐Guerrero Laura , Mariscal Vicente , Flores Enrique , Herrero Antonia 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe formation of a diazotrophic cyanobacterial filament represents a simple example of biological development. In Anabaena, a non‐random pattern of one nitrogen‐fixing heterocyst separated by about 10 photosynthetic vegetative cells results from lateral inhibition elicited by the cells differentiating into heterocysts. Key to this process is the patS gene, which has been shown to produce an inhibitor of heterocyst differentiation that involves the C‐terminal RGSGR pentapeptide. Complementation of a ΔpatS Anabaena mutant with different versions of PatS, including point mutations or tag fusions, showed that patS is translated into a 17‐amino acid polypeptide. Alterations in the N‐terminal part of PatS produced inhibition of heterocyst differentiation, thus this part of the peptide appears necessary for proper processing and self‐immunity in the producing cells. Alterations in the C‐terminal part of PatS led to over‐differentiation, thus supporting its role in inhibition of heterocyst differentiation. A polypeptide, produced in proheterocysts, consisting of a methionine followed by the eight, but not the five, terminal amino acids of PatS recreated the full activity of the native peptide. Immunofluorescence detection showed that an RGSGR‐containing peptide accumulated in the cells adjacent to the producing proheterocysts, illustrating intercellular transfer of a morphogen in the cyanobacterial filaments.
Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 inhibits AH neuron excitability
Authors: Khoshdel A. , Verdu E. F. , Kunze W. , McLean P. , Bergonzelli G. , Huizinga J. D. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundBifidobacterium longum (B. longum) NCC3001 can affect behavior and brain biochemistry, but identification of the cellular targets needs further investigation. Our hypothesis was that the communication with the brain might start with action on enteric sensory neurons.MethodsIleal segments from adult mice were used to create a longitudinal muscle‐myenteric‐plexus preparation to expose sensory after‐hyperpolarizing (AH) neurons in the myenteric plexus to allow access with microelectrodes. The intrinsic excitability of AH neurons was tested in response to the perfusion of conditioned media (B. longum culture supernatant) or unconditioned media (growth medium, MRS).Key ResultsB. longum conditioned medium significantly reduced the excitability of AH neurons compared to perfusion with the unconditioned medium. Specifically, a reduction was seen in the number of action potentials fired per depolarizing test pulse, the instantaneous and time‐dependent input resistances and the magnitude of the hyperpolarization‐activated cationic current (Ih).Conclusions & InferencesThe probiotic B. longum reduces excitability of AH sensory neurons likely via opening of potassium channels and closing of hyperpolarization‐activated cation channels.
Glucose‐induced incretin hormone release and insulin sensitivity are impaired in patients with idiopathic gastroparesis: results from a pilot descriptive study
Authors: Prévost G. , Ducrotté P. , Cailleux A. , Khalfi K. , Basuyau J. P. , Lefebvre H. , Kuhn J. M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundIncretin hormones [glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)] released by the gut modulate gastrointestinal motility and influence gastric emptying (GE). Abnormal secretion or sensitivity to these hormones could contribute to the pathogenesis of gastroparesis. The aim of this study was to investigate incretin hormone secretion during a prolonged oral glucose load in non‐diabetic patients with documented idiopathic gastroparesis.MethodsFifteen patients referred for digestive postprandial discomfort with delayed GE demonstrated by a 13C‐labeled octanoate breath test were included and compared with 10 healthy controls. A 75 g oral glucose load was performed, with blood samplings every 30 min for 5 h, to determine glucose, insulin, GIP, and GLP‐1 blood levels.Key ResultsFasting GIP concentration was significantly higher in the patient group (56.1 ± 5.8 pg mL−1 vs 29.9 ± 7.7 pg mL−1, P =0.012). Postglucose load GIP concentrations were also significantly elevated in patients with gastroparesis, whereas GLP‐1 concentrations during fasting and postglucose load conditions were not different to those of healthy controls. Moreover, glucose tolerance during glucose load was abnormal in patients, combining hyperglycemic insulin resistance and hyperinsulinism patterns, while fasting values for glycemia, insulin sensitivity, and insulin concentrations were normal.Conclusions & InferencesPatients with idiopathic gastroparesis exhibit abnormal GIP levels associated with impaired insulin sensitivity during oral glucose load. Further studies are needed to establish the involvement of these defects in the pathophysiology of gastroparesis.
Impact of intestinal electrical stimulation on nutrient‐induced GLP‐1 secretion in vivo
Authors: Sandoval D. , Dunki‐Jacobs A. , Sorrell J. , Seeley R. J. , D'Alessio D. D. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundIncreases in L‐cell release of GLP‐1 are proposed to serve as a negative feedback signal for postprandial changes in gastric emptying and/or motility. Previous ex vivo data suggests that direct electrical stimulation (E‐stim) of ileal segments stimulates secretion of GLP‐1. This suggests potential feed‐forward increases in GLP‐1 driven by intestinal neuronal and/or motor activity.MethodsTo determine if E‐stim could increase GLP‐1 levels in an in vivo setting, we administered E‐stim and nutrients to male Long‐ Evans rats (300–350 g) under general anesthesia.Key ResultsNutrient infusion into the duodenum or ileum significantly increased plasma GLP‐1 levels, but E‐stim applied to these locations did not (P < 0.05). However, the combination of E‐stim and nutrient infusion, in either the ileum or duodenum, significantly increased plasma GLP‐1 when compared to nutrient infusion alone (P < 0.05), and this effect was not blocked by either norepinephrine or atropine. To test the impact of intestinal motor activity, the effect of extra‐luminal mechanical stimulation (M‐stim) on GLP‐1 levels was assessed. In the duodenum, but not the ileum, M‐stim plus nutrient infusion significantly increased GLP‐1 over nutrient infusion or M‐stim alone (P < 0.05).Conclu‐sions & InferencesThus, both E‐ and M‐stim of the duodenum, but only E‐stim of the ileum augmented nutrient‐stimulated GLP‐1 release. These data demonstrate that factors beyond enteral nutrients could contribute to the regulation of GLP‐1 secretion.
A randomised clinical trial to assess the effect of a dual treatment on myopia progression: The Cambridge Anti‐Myopia Study
Authors: Allen Peter M , Radhakrishnan Hema , Price Holly , Rae Sheila , Theagarayan Baskar , Calver Richard I , Sailoganathan Ananth , Latham Keziah , O'Leary Daniel J 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effect of a dual treatment modality for myopia, by improving accommodative functions, on myopia progression.MethodsA double blind randomised control trial was conducted on 96 subjects. The treatment modality for the trial employed custom designed contact lenses which control spherical aberration in an attempt to optimise static accommodation responses during near‐work, and a vision‐training programme to improve accommodation dynamics. Myopia progression was assessed over a 2 year period using cycloplegic autorefraction and biometry.ResultsThe mean progression was found to be −0.33 Dioptres (D) over the 2 years of the study. There was no interaction between contact lens treatment and vision training treatment at 24 months (p = 0.72). There was no significant treatment effect of either Vision Training or Contact Lens Spherical Aberration control on myopia progression.ConclusionsThis study is unable to demonstrate that the progression of myopia can be reduced over a 2 year period by either of the two treatments aimed at improving accommodative function. Neither treatment group (contact lens or vision training) progressed at a slower rate over the 2 years of the study than did the appropriate control group.