bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex Müllerian malformation without any present classification: Unilateral ovarian and tubal absence with an arcuate uterus
Authors: Tanaka Yusuke , Koyama Shinsuke , Kobayashi Masaki , Kubota Satoshi , Nakamura Ryo , Isobe Masanori , Shiki Yasuhiko 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMüllerian duct anomalies are known to cause infertility and reproductive problems. The true incidence of such abnormalities is not well defined. The most widely accepted method of classification for a Müllerian duct anomaly is the American Society of Reproductive Medicine classification (1988). However, there are some rare anomalies inconsistent with the current classification.Herein, we report a rare case of Müllerian duct anomaly, unilateral ovarian and tubal absence with an arcuate uterus. The failure of the Müllerian ducts to canalize can also lead to the development of a unicornuate uterus and adnexal agenesis. An arcuate uterus indicates incomplete septal absorption after normal fusion of the Müllerian ducts. Therefore, its coexistence with adnexal absence and an arcuate uterus is considered to be extremely unlikely.
State Policies About Physical Activity Minutes in Physical Education or During School
Authors: Carlson Jordan A. , Sallis James F. , Chriqui Jamie F. , Schneider Linda , McDermid Lindsey C. , Agron Peggy 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchool policies can change practices on a relatively permanent basis. This study investigated adoption and implementation of state‐level policies specifying minutes (or percent) of physical activity in physical education (PE) or during school.METHODSPolicies were identified from existing databases and rated as having weak, moderate, or strong wording. Interviews with state‐level PE coordinators were conducted to investigate the level of implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of the identified policies.RESULTSSixteen states had a policy that met inclusion criteria (19 policies total); 11 states had a policy addressing minutes of physical activity during school, 2 had a policy addressing percent of PE time to be spent in physical activity, and 3 had policies addressing both. None of the 19 policies were rated as having strong wording and 5 were rated as having moderate wording. The range in minutes of physical activity per week addressed in the policies was 60 to 300. Four of the 5 (elementary) and 5 of 5 (middle) policies addressing percent of PE spent physically active specified 50%. The only monitoring efforts reported consisted of schools self‐reporting progress to the state.CONCLUSIONSMore states need to adopt school physical activity policies and policy language needs to be more specific to prevent potential loopholes. Monitoring and evaluation strategies, beyond school self‐report, are likely needed for these policies to lead to increases in physical activity.
Assessment of the Efficacy of Combination Therapy with Folic Acid and Tadalafil for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction in Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hamidi Madani Ali , Asadolahzade Ahmad , Mokhtari Gholamreza , Shahrokhi Damavand Reza , Farzan Alireza , Esmaeili Samaneh 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors PDE5Is are less effective in diabetic men with erectile dysfunction (ED); however, the effect of combination therapy with folic acid and PDE5Is in these patients has not been investigated.

Aim
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with folic acid and tadalafil for the management of ED in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods
Eighty-three patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and ED were included in this randomized double-blind clinical trial. They were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was treated with tadalafil 10 mg every other day plus folic acid 5 mg daily and group B received tadalafil 10 mg every other day plus placebo daily for 3 months. The mean International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores before and after treatment in each groups were recorded. Men with diagnosis of psychological ED, spinal cord injury, or who used folic acid in the past 3 months and patients with any contradiction for use of PDE5Is were excluded.

Main Outcomes Measures
The cross tabulation and independent t-test were used to evaluate the difference between baseline characteristic of the patients in the two groups. Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and Mann–Whitney U-test were used to evaluate the IIEF score and also its changes before and after treatment in the two groups.

Results
The mean IIEF scores before and after treatment were 11.65 ± 2.67 and 16.80 ± 4.03 in group A (P &lt; 0.001) and 12.70 ± 2.31 and 14.37 ± 2.17 in group B (P &lt; 0.001), respectively. The difference of mean IIEF score after treatment between the two groups was significant (16.80 ± 4.03 vs. 14.37 ± 2.17 in groups A and B, respectively) (P = 0.002). Also, the mean IIEF score was significantly increased in group A as compared with group B (5.14 ± 3.84 vs. 1.68 ± 0.99 in groups A and B, respectively) (P &lt; 0.001). Both folic acid and tadalafil were well tolerated by all the patients.

Conclusion
Sexual function in diabetic patients with ED treated with the combination of tadalafil and folic acid improved significantly as compared with the placebo group. The use of folic acid and tadalafil is safe.
Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 4 Enhances Clitoral and Vaginal Blood Flow Responses to Dorsal Clitoral Nerve Stimulation or PGE1 in Anesthetized Female Rats
Authors: Castiglione Fabio , Bergamini Alice , Russo Andrea , La Croce Giovanni , Castagna Giulia , Colciago Giorgia , Salonia Andrea , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco , Hedlund Petter 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Cyclic adenosine 3′5′ monophosphate (cAMP) is produced by adenylate cyclase after activation by, e.g., vasoactive intestinal polypeptide or prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). The cAMP-degrading phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) is expressed in the vagina and clitoris, but no information is available on the functional role for PDE4-related signals in the female neurovascular genital response.

Aim
The aim of this study is to study the effect of inhibition of PDE4 with rolipram on nerve- and PGE1-induced vaginal and clitoral blood flow responses of rat.

Methods
Measure of clitoral and vaginal blood flow and blood pressure in anesthetized rats during activation of the dorsal clitoral nerve (DCN) before and after intraperitoneal administration of rolipram or sildenafil (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors [PDE5]) and nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor). Effect by topical administration of PGE1 on genital blood flow was also evaluated.

Main Outcome Measure
Blood flow was recorded as tissue perfusion units (TPU) by a Laser Doppler Flowmeter. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was recorded (cmH2O) in the carotid artery. Blood flow responses are expressed as TPU/MAP. Unpaired t-test and an analysis of variance were used.

Results
Compared with control stimulations, rolipram (0.3 mg/kg) caused a twofold increase in peak blood flow (P &lt; 0.05) and fourfold increase of the rate of clitoral blood flow during activation of the DCN (P &lt; 0.05). Simultaneously, a twofold increase in peak blood flow and threefold increase in rate of blood flow were noted in the vagina (P &lt; 0.05). Similar effects were noted for sildenafil (0.2 mg/kg) (P &lt; 0.05). Inhibitory effects by L-NNA (60 mg/kg) on blood flow responses to DCN activation were significantly lower for rats treated with rolipram than with sildenafil (P &lt; 0.05). PGE1-induced (10 μg) blood flow responses were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in rats treated with rolipram than with sildenafil.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that the cAMP/PDE4 system may be of similar functional importance as the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate/PDE5 pathway for neurovascular genital responses of the female rat.
Superoxide Anion Production by NADPH Oxidase Plays a Major Role in Erectile Dysfunction in Middle-Aged Rats: Prevention by Antioxidant Therapy
Authors: Silva Fábio H. , Mónica Fabíola Z. , Báu Fernando R. , Brugnerotto Ana F. , Priviero Fernanda B.M. , Toque Haroldo A. , Antunes Edson 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases progressively with aging, but the ED pathophysiology at its early stages is still poorly investigated.

Aim
This study aimed to evaluate the functional and molecular alterations of erectile function at middle age, focusing on the contribution of oxidative stress in erectile tissue for the ED.

Methods
Young (3.5-month) and middle-aged (10-month) male Wistar rats were used. Rat corpus cavernosum (RCC) was dissected free and mounted in 10-mL organ baths containing Krebs solution. Intracavernosal pressure (ICP) in anesthetized rats was evaluated.

Main Outcome Measures
Concentration–response curves to endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent agents, as well as to electrical field stimulation (EFS), were obtained in RCC strips. Measurement of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and expressions of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS), gp91phox and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) expressions in RCC were evaluated.

Results
ICP was significantly reduced in middle-aged compared with young rats. RCC relaxations to acetylcholine (10−8 to 10−2 M), sodium nitroprusside (10−8 to 10−2 M), sildenafil (10−9 to 10−5 M), BAY 41-2272 (10−9 to 10−5 M), and EFS (4–32 Hz) were decreased in middle-aged group, which were nearly normalized by apocynin (NADPH oxidase inhibitor; 10−4 M) or SOD (75 U/mL). Prolonged treatment with apocynin (85 mg/rat/day, 4 weeks) also restored the impaired relaxations in middle-aged rats. Relaxations to 8-bromoguanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate sodium salt (8-Br-cGMP; 10−8 to 3 × 10−4 M) remained unchanged between groups. Basal and stimulated cGMP production were lower in middle-aged group, an effect fully restored by apocynin and SOD. Protein expression of nNOS and phosphorylated eNOS (p-eNOS) (Ser-1177) reduced, whereas gp91phox mRNA expression increased in RCC from middle-aged rats.

Conclusions
ED in middle-aged rats is associated with decreased NO bioavailability in erectile tissue due to upregulation of NADPH oxidase subunit gp91phox and downregulation of nNOS/p-eNOS. Antioxidant therapies may be a good pharmacological approach to prevent ED at its early stages.
Female Sexual Dysfunction and Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pontiroli Antonio E. , Cortelazzi Donatella , Morabito Alberto 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual dysfunction is reported in diabetic women (female sexual dysfunction [FSD]).

Aim
To examine the frequency of FSD in diabetic women, and its clinical or metabolic correlates, through meta-analysis of available studies.

Methods
We searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and in reference lists of articles and systematic reviews; we considered human clinical studies published as full articles reporting on FSD in diabetic and control women. In total, we considered 26 studies, including 3,168 diabetic and 2,823 control women.

Main Outcome Measures
Frequency of FSD and score of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) as a function of study size, patient details (age, body mass index [BMI], duration of diabetes, metabolic control [HbA1c], chronic complications, Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] score).

Results
Frequency of FSD was higher in type 1 (OR [95%CI] 2.27 [1.23, 4.16]), in type 2 diabetes (2.49 [1.55, 3.99]), and in “any diabetes” (type 1 and 2) women (2.02 [1.49, 2.72]) than in controls for any duration of diabetes. FSFI was lower in type 1 (−0.27 [−0.41, −0.12]), in type 2 diabetes (−0.65 [−0.75, −0.54]), and in “any diabetes” women (−0.80 [−0.88, −0.71]) than in controls. Depression was significantly more frequent in diabetic than in control women. At meta-regression only BMI was significantly associated with effect size (P = 0.005). At weighed regression, the only significant association was found between age and FSFI (P = 0.059). The limitations were as follows: only studies of observational nature were available, and heterogeneity was seen among studies.

Conclusions
FSD is more frequent in diabetic than in control women, but it is still poorly understood; low FSFI is associated with high BMI. Further studies are necessary to better understand risk factors for FSD in diabetic women.
The Identification of Prediabetes Condition with ARIC Algorithm Predicts Long-Term CV Events in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Rastrelli Giulia , Silverii Antonio , Monami Matteo , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) algorithm is one of the most efficient instruments for the prediction of incident type 2 diabetes. Recently, it has been shown to predict another relevant cardiovascular (CV) risk factor, such as chronic kidney disease.

Aim
To verify whether, in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), the use of ARIC diabetes risk score might improve the efficacy in predicting major CV events of other CV risk algorithms specifically developed for the assessment of CV risk.

Methods
A consecutive series of 2,437 men (mean age 52.5 ± 12.9 years) attending our outpatient clinic for sexual dysfunction was retrospectively studied. A subset of this sample (N = 1,687) was enrolled in a longitudinal study (mean follow-up of 4.3 ± 2.6 years).

Main Outcome Measures
The assessment of metabolic risk was evaluated with the ARIC algorithm. The assessment of CV risk was evaluated using the Progetto Cuore risk engine.

Results
In the cross-sectional study, ARIC score was inversely related with testosterone levels, sexual functioning, and penile blood flow. When longitudinal sample was analyzed, higher baseline ARIC score significantly predicted major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) even when subjects with diabetes mellitus at baseline were excluded from the analysis (hazard ratio = 1.522 [1.086–2.135]; P = 0.015 for trend). In addition, among subjects classified as “low risk” (CV risk &lt;20% at 10 years corresponding to &lt;9% at 4.3 years) by Progetto Cuore, a receiving operating curve (ROC) analysis for ARIC (vs. MACE) allowed the identification of a threshold of 0.22, which had a positive predictive value for 4.3-year MACE of 9%. Applying the ARIC score (with a threshold of 0.22) to Progetto Cuore “low-risk” subjects, we could classify as “at high risk” 89.8% of subjects with incident MACE vs. 79.6% with Progetto Cuore only.

Conclusions
In patients with ED, identifying prediabetes, even with algorithms, predicts long-term CV events.
Health status and preventative behaviors of immigrants by gender and origin: A Portuguese cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dias Sónia , Gama Ana , Martins Maria O. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMigration has been associated with a greater vulnerability in health. Migrants, especially women, go through several experiences during the migration process and in the host countries that ultimately put their health at risk. This study examines self‐reported health status and preventive behaviors among female and male immigrants in Portugal, and identifies sociodemographic and behavioral factors underlying gender differences. A sample of 1375 immigrants (51.1% women) was studied. Data were analyzed through logistic regression. Good health status was reported by 66.7% of men and by 56.6% of women (P < 0.001). Gender differences were also found across preventative behaviors. Among women and men, reported good health was associated with younger age, African and Brazilian origin (compared to Eastern European), secondary/higher education, no chronic disease, and concern about eating habits. Among women, good health was also associated with perceived sufficient income, no experience of mental illness, and regular physical exercise. When developing health programs to improve immigrants’ health, special attention must be given to existing gender inequalities, and socioeconomic and cultural context, in accordance with their experience of living in the host country over time.
After theDoctorate: A qualitative study investigating nursing research career development inJordan
Authors: Al‐Nawafleh Ahmed , Zeilani Ruqayya S. , Evans Catrin 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThere is a dearth of research exploring the development of postdoctoral nursing research careers in non‐Western contexts. This paper reports on a qualitative study ofJordanian graduates ofUK PhDprograms. Interviews were held with 16 graduates who worked in the nursing faculty of seven different universities inJordan. Participants reported that their doctoral degree had equipped them with confidence and enthusiasm for developing a research career. Mentorship, leadership, and peer support were identified as essential to supporting ongoing research activity. Access to these sources of support was variable and participants also described a range of institutional and organizational structures that directly or indirectly discouraged them from developing research productivity. This research suggests that support for postdoctoral novice researchers is an important area for further attention – forJordanian universities, forUK PhDsupervisors (and their associated academic departments), and for the wider nursing community.
Low/negative expression of DDX3 might predict poor prognosis in non‐smoker patients with oral cancer
Authors: Lee C‐H , Lin S‐H , Yang S‐F , Yang S‐M , Chen M‐K , Lee H , Ko J‐L , Chen C‐J , Yeh K‐T 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveDDX3 has diverse biological functions in translation control, cell growth regulation, and tumor progression. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide with a poor clinical prognosis. The impact of DDX3 expression in OSCC is seldom discussed.Materials and MethodsTumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were obtained from 324 patients with OSCC. In this study, we used immunohistochemical staining methods to investigate the associations between DDX3 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of OSCC.ResultsLow/negative DDX3 expression in tumor cells was significantly associated OSCC patient characteristics including male gender (P < 0.001), smoking (P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (P < 0.001), betel quid chewing (P = 0.002), poor relapse‐free survival (P = 0.001), and poor overall survival (OS) (P = 0.001). Patients with low/negative DDX3 expression, and particularly non‐smoker OSCC patients, had significantly worse OS as defined by the log‐rank test (P = 0.020 for all cases; P = 0.008 for non‐smoker patients). In non‐smoker patients with OSCC, low/negative DDX3 expression in tumor cells was associated with poor prognosis (P = 0.024) and a 3.802‐fold higher death risk, as determined by Cox regression.ConclusionsLow/negative DDX3 expression in tumor cells was significantly associated with aggressive clinical manifestations and might be an independent survival predictor, particularly in non‐smoker patients with OSCC.
A galactose‐specific sugar: phosphotransferase permease is prevalent in the non‐core genome of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Zeng L. , Xue P. , Stanhope M.J. , Burne R.A. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThree genes predicted to encode the A, B and C domains of a sugar : phosphotransferase system (PTS) permease specific for galactose\(EIIGal) were identified in the genomes of 35 of 57 recently sequenced isolates of Streptococcus mutans, the primary etiological agent of human dental caries. Mutants defective in the EIIGal complex were constructed in six of the isolates and showed markedly reduced growth rates on galactose‐based medium relative to the parental strains. An EIIGal‐deficient strain constructed using the invasive serotype f strain OMZ175 (OMZ/IIGal) expressed significantly lower PTS activity when galactose was present as the substrate. Galactose was shown to be an effective inducer of catabolite repression in OMZ175, but not in the EIIGal‐deficient strain. In a mixed‐species competition assay with galactose as the sole carbohydrate source, OMZ/IIGal was less effective than the parental strain at competing with the oral commensal bacterium Streptococcus gordonii, which has a high‐affinity galactose transporter. Hence, a significant proportion of S. mutans strains encode a galactose PTS permease that could enhance the ability of these isolates to compete more effectively with commensal streptococci for galactose in salivary constituents and the diet.
Dispersion and domestication shaped the genome of bread wheat
Authors: Berkman Paul J. , Visendi Paul , Lee Hong C. , Stiller Jiri , Manoli Sahana , Lorenc Michał T. , Lai Kaitao , Batley Jacqueline , Fleury Delphine , Šimková Hana , Kubaláková Marie , Weining Song , Doležel Jaroslav , Edwards David 
Published: January 2013

SummaryDespite the international significance of wheat, its large and complex genome hinders genome sequencing efforts. To assess the impact of selection on this genome, we have assembled genomic regions representing genes for chromosomes 7A, 7B and 7D. We demonstrate that the dispersion of wheat to new environments has shaped the modern wheat genome. Most genes are conserved between the three homoeologous chromosomes. We found differential gene loss that supports current theories on the evolution of wheat, with greater loss observed in the A and B genomes compared with the D. Analysis of intervarietal polymorphisms identified fewer polymorphisms in the D genome, supporting the hypothesis of early gene flow between the tetraploid and hexaploid. The enrichment for genes on the D genome that confer environmental adaptation may be associated with dispersion following wheat domestication. Our results demonstrate the value of applying next‐generation sequencing technologies to assemble gene‐rich regions of complex genomes and investigate polyploid genome evolution. We anticipate the genome‐wide application of this reduced‐complexity syntenic assembly approach will accelerate crop improvement efforts not only in wheat, but also in other polyploid crops of significance.
A retrospective, dual‐isotope approach reveals individual predispositions to winter‐drought induced tree dieback in the southernmost distribution limit of Scots pine
Authors: VOLTAS JORDI , CAMARERO JESÚS JULIO , CARULLA DAVID , AGUILERA MÒNICA , ORTIZ ARACELI , FERRIO JUAN PEDRO 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWinter‐drought induced forest diebacks in the low‐latitude margins of species' distribution ranges can provide new insights into the mechanisms (carbon starvation, hydraulic failure) underlying contrasting tree reactions. We analysed a winter‐drought induced dieback at the Scots pine's southern edge through a dual‐isotope approach (Δ13C and δ18O in tree‐ring cellulose). We hypothesized that a differential long‐term performance, mediated by the interaction between CO2 and climate, determined the fates of individuals during dieback. Declining trees showed a stronger coupling between climate, growth and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (WUEi) than non‐declining individuals that was noticeable for 25 years prior to dieback. The rising stomatal control of water losses with time in declining trees, indicated by negative Δ13C‐δ18O relationships, was likely associated with their native aptitude to grow more and take up more water (suggested by larger tracheid lumen widths) than non‐declining trees and, therefore, to exhibit a greater cavitation risk. Freeze‐thaw episodes occurring in winter 2001 unveiled such physiological differences by triggering dieback in those trees more vulnerable to hydraulic failure. Thus, WUEi tightly modulated growth responses to long‐term warming in declining trees, indicating that co‐occurring individuals were differentially predisposed to winter‐drought mortality. These different performances were unconnected to the depletion of stored carbohydrates.