bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlates of low testosterone in men with chronic spinal cord injury
Authors: Barbonetti A. , Vassallo M. R. C. , Pacca F. , Cavallo F. , Costanzo M. , Felzani G. , Francavilla S. , Francavilla F. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryAlthough high rates of serum testosterone deficiency have been reported in men with spinal cord injury (SCI), its determinants and attributes are not yet established. The aim of this study was to recognize, among putative determinants and attributes of androgen deficiency, those significantly associated to low testosterone after adjustment for confounders recognizable in men with chronic SCI. A biochemical androgen deficiency (total testosterone <300 ng/dL) was exhibited by 18 of 51 patients (35.3%). Significant correlates of testosterone levels were as follows: weekly leisure time physical activity (LTPA) explored by the LTPA Questionnaire for people with SCI, body mass index (BMI), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), triglycerides and sexual symptoms, explored by the aging males' symptom (AMS) questionnaire. At the multiple linear regression analysis, among putative determinants of low testosterone, only weekly LTPA and BMI exhibited a significant association with testosterone levels, explaining 54.2 and 9.0% of testosterone variability respectively. At the linear regression models, among various putative attributes of androgen deficiency, only lower sexual desire and, at a lesser extent, higher HOMA‐IR, exhibited significant associations with lower testosterone levels, after adjustment for BMI, age, comorbidities and weekly LTPA. In conclusion, poor LTPA, high BMI and low sexual desire are independent predictors of low testosterone in men with chronic SCI. This is relevant to clinical practice, as all these features are routinely assessed in rehabilitation settings for SCI. As poor LTPA and high BMI are modifiable life‐style related risk factors, prospective studies could clarify whether life‐style modification could increase the level of testosterone and improve the low sexual desire, relevant clinical attribute of low testosterone in men with SCI.
Prevalence and predictors of concomitant low sexual desire/interest and new‐onset erectile dysfunction – a picture from the everyday clinical practice
Authors: Salonia A. , Clementi M. C. , Ventimiglia E. , Colicchia M. , Capogrosso P. , Castiglione F. , Castagna G. , Boeri L. , Suardi N. , Cantiello F. , Damiano R. , Montorsi F. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryPrevalence and risk factors of concomitant primary low sexual desire/interest (LSD/I) and subsequent new‐onset erectile dysfunction (ED) in men have been only partially investigated. We looked at the sociodemographic and clinical predictors of the concomitant condition of primary LSD/I – defined as the reduction in the usual level of SD/I which precedes ED or another sexual dysfunction – and new‐onset ED (LSD/I + ED) in a cohort of consecutive Caucasian‐European patients seeking their first medical help for sexual dysfunction at a single outpatient clinic in the everyday clinical practice setting. Data from 439 sexually active patients were analysed. Health‐significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Patients' LSD/I were evaluated according to the findings of a comprehensive sexual history. Moreover, patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the prevalence and predictors of LSD/I + ED as compared with ED only. Of the 439 men, LSD/I + ED was observed in 33 (4.2%) individuals. One of three men with LSD/I + ED was younger than 40 years. Patients complaining of LSD/I + ED or ED alone did not differ in terms of hormonal milieu. No significant differences emerged between groups in terms of sexual orientation, rates of stable sexual relationships, educational status, recreational habits and comorbid sexual dysfunctions. Patients with LSD/I + ED had significantly lower IIEF‐sexual desire and IIEF‐overall satisfaction scores than ED‐only individuals (all p ≤ 0.003). At multivariable analysis younger age and severe CCI scores emerged as independent predictors of LSD/I + ED (all p ≤ 0.04). These findings showed that primary LSD/I is concomitant with new‐onset ED in less than 5% of men seeking first medical help. Younger age and severe CCI emerged as independent predictors of LSD/I + ED. Patients with both conditions reported an impaired overall sexual satisfaction.
Glans‐reconstruction with preputial flap is superior to primary closure for post‐surgical restoration of male sexual function in glans‐preserving surgery
Authors: Yang J. , Chen J. , Wu X.‐F. , Song N.‐J. , Li Q. , Qiao D. , Zhang J.‐Y. , Song N.‐H. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryWe conducted this study to investigate whether glans‐reconstruction with preputial flap would be more helpful for post‐operative restoration of patients' sexual potency than primary closure. From 2007 to 2013 at four centres, 46 cases reconstructed with preputial flap and 59 with primary closure were selected for the investigation from 142 consecutive cases of superficial glans cancer, with the largest diameter of lesion ≤2.5 cm, who undergoing glans‐preserving surgery (GPS). Subjective evaluation for patients' sexual performance was investigated using the International Index of Erectile Function‐15. Objective evaluation was carried out by the Audio Visual Sexual Stimulation test with RigiScan‐Plus. The degree of satisfaction for penile appearance and patients' confidence and partners' acceptability for intercourse were evaluated by 5‐point scales. Patients with preputial flap reconstruction showed significant better performance in three domains (orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction, all p < 0.05) and significantly higher ratios of appearance satisfaction (78.3% vs. 57.6%, p = 0.026) and intercourse confidence (69.6% vs. 49.2%, p = 0.035) compared with those undergoing primary closure at post‐operative month 6 ends. Their sexual partners in the preputial flap group also exhibited significantly higher ratios of appearance satisfaction than in the primary closure group (67.4% vs. 42.4%, p = 0.011). Reconstruction with preputial flap contributes to a more acceptable cosmetic appearance of the penis and minimizes post‐operative negative psychological impediments. Patients can benefit more from reconstruction with preputial flap than primary closure. Glans‐reconstruction with preputial flap should be considered the primary reconstruction technique in GPS.
Association between periodontitis and preeclampsia in never‐smokers: a prospective study
Authors: Ha Jung‐Eun , Jun Jong‐Kwan , Ko Hyun‐Joo , Paik Dai‐Il , Bae Kwang‐Hak 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this prospective study was to investigate the relationship between periodontitis and preeclampsia in never‐smokers.Materials and MethodsPregnant women were recruited at 21 to 24 weeks of gestation from March 2009 to June 2013. Information on demographics, health behaviours, obstetric history, and systemic diseases that can influence periodontal status and preeclampsia was collected. Full‐mouth periodontal probing was performed by two trained examiners. The inter‐examiner Kappa value was 0.822 for clinical attachment loss (CAL). Periodontitis was defined as clinical periodontal attachment loss (CAL) of 4.0 mm or greater on 2 or more sites not on the same tooth. Information on the occurrence of preeclampsia was collected by five obstetricians.ResultsWe studied a total of 283 subjects, comprised of 67 subjects with periodontitis and 216 subjects without periodontitis. Of these, 13 (4.6%) women were diagnosed with preeclampsia. After adjusting for all confounders, the adjusted odds ratio of periodontitis for preeclampsia was 5.56 (95% confidence interval of 1.49–20.71).ConclusionsThere was a significant relationship between periodontitis and the occurrence of preeclampsia among never‐smokers.
Effect of Insulin‐Induced Hypoglycaemia on the Peripheral Nervous System: Focus on Adaptive Mechanisms, Pathogenesis and Histopathological Changes
Authors: Jensen V. F. H. , Mølck A.‐M. , Bøgh I. B. , Lykkesfeldt J. 
Published: June 2014

Insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia (IIH) is a common acute side effect in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients, especially during intensive insulin therapy. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) depends on glucose as its primary energy source during normoglycaemia and, consequently, it may be particularly susceptible toIIHdamage. Possible mechanisms for adaption of thePNStoIIHinclude increased glucose uptake, utilisation of alternative energy substrates and the use of Schwann cell glycogen as a local glucose reserve. However, these potential adaptive mechanisms become insufficient when the hypoglycaemic state exceeds a certain level of severity and duration, resulting in a sensory‐motor neuropathy with associated skeletal muscle atrophy. Large myelinated motor fibres appear to be particularly vulnerable. Thus, although thePNSis not an obligate glucose consumer, as is the brain, it appears to be more prone toIIHthan the central nervous system when hypoglycaemia is not severe (blood glucose level ≤ 2 mm), possibly reflecting a preferential protection of the brain during periods of inadequate glucose availability. With a primary focus on evidence from experimental animal studies investigating nondiabeticIIH, the present review discusses the effect ofIIHon thePNSwith a focus on adaptive mechanisms, pathogenesis and histological changes.
CEO Succession Mechanisms, Organizational Context, and Performance: A Socio‐Emotional Wealth Perspective on Family‐Controlled Firms
Authors: Minichilli Alessandro , Nordqvist Mattias , Corbetta Guido , Amore Mario Daniele 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis article extends the literature on CEO succession and financial performance by addressing corporate owners' mixed motives and desires to protect their interest in being in business. We draw on a Socio‐Emotional Wealth (SEW) perspective to investigate how the choice of one of three succession mechanisms – relay succession, ‘horse races’ among internal CEO candidates, and hiring from outside – may effectively balance trade‐offs between corporate owners' non‐financial SEW motives and the firm's financial performance. We find that implementing one of these succession mechanisms reduces the negative impact that typically characterizes CEO transitions in family firms. We also show that family presence on the board of directors offsets the benefits of having selected these balancing succession mechanisms, in either placing too much emphasis on SEW, or creating negative dynamics that make the chosen succession mechanisms less effective.
Parental Influence on Friendships Between Native and Immigrant Adolescents
Authors: Smith Sanne , Maas Ineke , van Tubergen Frank 
Published: June 2014

Parental influence on friendships between native (N = 5,683) and immigrant (N = 3,371) adolescents (aged ± 15) was investigated with the CILS4EU data of pupils in German and Dutch school classes (N = 446) and parents. The researchers examined whether parents affect friendships across group boundaries by shaping the structural opportunities to establish out‐group friends and their children's out‐group attitudes. The results show that if parents have more out‐group friends and if they consider it less important to maintain in‐group traditions, their children have more out‐group friends. Part of this relationship is mediated by children's out‐group attitudes. Some evidence is found that the opportunity structure mediates the relationship between parental characteristics and adolescent out‐group friendship.
Are vitamin D levels affected by acute bacterial infections in children?
Authors: Binfield Alex , Aird Carolyn , Murdoch David R , Elder Peter , Walls Tony 
Published: June 2014

AimsVitamin D deficiency is associated with infectious diseases; however, it is not known whether vitamin D levels are affected by acute infection. Our aim was to establish whether 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels taken during an acute bacterial infection are representative of baseline levels.MethodsThirty children between 6 months and 15 years of age with proven bacterial infections presenting to a tertiary paediatric referral centre had 25OHD levels taken during their acute infection and again 1 month later provided that they had recovered from their infection, had no subsequent infections and had not been taking vitamin supplements. 25OHD levels were measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.ResultsMean 25OHD at enrolment was 67.5 nmol/L (standard deviation (SD) 22.0), and mean 25OHD at 1 month follow up was 72.7 nmol/L (SD 25.8) (paired t‐test P = 0.25). C‐reactive protein levels were recorded in 29/30 patients at enrolment (mean 85.1 mg/L, SD 83.5) and 25/30 patients at follow‐up (mean 4.0 mg/L, SD 3.3) (paired t‐test P = 0.002). The ethnicity of the participants was New Zealand European or European Other, 26; Samoan, 2; Maori, 1; and Chinese, 1.ConclusionsIn children, 25OHD levels are not affected by acute bacterial infections; 25OHD levels taken during acute bacterial infection are representative of baseline levels. 25OHD levels collected during acute bacterial infection provide reliable information for case‐control studies.
Localization of the Androgen-Synthesizing Enzymes, Androgen Receptor, and Sex Steroids in the Vagina: Possible Implications for the Treatment of Postmenopausal Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Bertin Jonathan , Dury Alain Y. , Ouellet Johanne , Pelletier Georges , Labrie Fernand 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Introduction
To better understand the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of the intravaginal administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) observed in postmenopausal women on sexual dysfunction.

Aims
To identify the distribution of the androgen-synthesizing enzymes as well as androgen receptor (AR) and measure steroid levels in the monkey vagina.

Methods
The cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis), the closest model to the human, has been used to measure the expression levels of steroidogenic enzymes and androgen receptor by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (n = 4), confirmed by immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence (n = 3). DHEA and its androgenic metabolites were quantified by LC-MS/MS (n = 4).

Main Outcome Measures
The presence of SRD5A1, SRD5A2, HSD17B3, AR as well as nerve fibers (PGP 9.5) was investigated, and steroid levels were measured.

Results
AR is widely distributed within the vaginal epithelium and also in the lamina propria with a lower expression in the muscularis layer and blood vessel walls. Androgen-forming enzymes, on the other hand, are expressed in the vaginal stratified squamous epithelium at a relatively high level where they are uniformly distributed from the basal membrane up to the superficial keratinized cells. The enzymes are at a lower level in blood vessel walls and zona muscularis where nerve fibers are localized. DHEA and its androgen metabolites are present at biologically significant concentrations in the monkey vagina.

Conclusion
The enzymes responsible for androgen formation as well as AR are at the highest level in the superficial layer of the stratified epithelium and muscularis layers of the vagina. These data provide a potential explanation for the described role of androgens in regulating vaginal lubrication, smooth muscle activity, blood flow, and the neuronal activity potentially involved in the correction of sexual dysfunction.
Correlation between Erection Hardness Score and Nocturnal Penile Tumescence Measurement
Authors: Matsuda Yohei , Hisasue Shin-ichi , Kumamoto Yoshiaki , Kobayashi Ko , Hashimoto Kohei , Sato Yoshikazu , Masumori Naoya 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and the Sexual Health Inventory for men (SHIM) are patient-reported outcome scoring systems for erectile function. It is unclear which is more reliable for predicting the objective erectile function.

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the EHS could predict objective erectile function by measuring the maximal penile circumferential change (MPCC) with an erectometer.

Methods
The study included 98 patients who visited our clinic from 2005 to 2010. The erectile function was evaluated using the SHIM, EHS, and MPCC. The MPCC was measured with the largest circumferential change of three consecutive occurrences of nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) determined using the erectometer.

Main Outcome Measures
We defined erectile dysfunction (ED) as MPCC &lt; 20 mm and carried out multivariate analysis using logistic regression analysis to clarify the predictors for ED, with the variables including age, the SHIM score, and the EHS. We compared the tendency for MPCC ≥ 20 mm when EHS was 3 or more with that when EHS was 2 or less.

Results
The median age of the patients was 59.5 years (range 18–83). In logistic regression analysis, the EHS was the only predictor for ED with MPCC &lt; 20 mm. The mean EHS in the MPCC &lt; 20 mm group was 1.64 ± 0.20 (mean ± SEM) and that in the MPCC ≥ 20 mm group was 2.46 ± 0.13 (P = 0.0018). There was a correlation between the EHS and the MPCC (correlation coefficient = 0.33). In comparison with the group having an EHS of 2 or less, that with an EHS of 3 or more tended to have MPCC ≥ 20 mm (P = 0.013).

Conclusions
The EHS was correlated with the MPCC. The EHS represents the objective erectile function shown by the measurement of NPT.
The Paris CM chondrite: Secondary minerals and asteroidal processing
Authors: Marrocchi Yves , Gounelle Matthieu , Blanchard Ingrid , Caste Florent , Kearsley Anton T. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe report a petrographic and mineralogical survey of Paris, a new CM chondrite considered to be the least‐altered CM identified so far (Hewins et al. ). Compared to other CMs, Paris exhibits (1) a higher concentration of Fe‐Ni metal beads, with nickel contents in the range 4.1–8.1 wt%; (2) the systematic presence of thin lamellae and tiny blebs of pentlandite in pyrrhotite grains; and (3) ubiquitous tochilinite/cronstedtite associations with higher FeO/SiO2 and S/SiO2 ratios. In addition, Paris shows the highest concentration of trapped 36Ar reported so far for a CM chondrite (Hewins et al. ). In combination with the findings of previous studies, our data confirm the reliability of (1) the alteration sequence based on the chemical composition of tochilinite/cronstedtite associations to quantify the fluid alteration processes and (2) the use of Cr content variability in type II ferroan chondrule olivine as a proxy of thermal metamorphism. In contrast, the scales based on (1) the Fe3+ content of serpentine in the matrix to estimate the degree of aqueous alteration and (2) the chemical composition of Fe‐Ni metal beads for quantifying the intensity of the thermal metamorphism are not supported by the characteristics of Paris. It also appears that the amount of trapped 36Ar is a sensitive indicator of the secondary alteration modifications experienced by chondrites, for both aqueous alteration and thermal metamorphism. Considering Paris, our data suggest that this chondrite should be classified as type 2.7 as it suffered limited but significant fluid alteration and only mild thermal metamorphism. These results point out that two separated scales should be used to quantify the degree of the respective role of aqueous alteration and thermal metamorphism in establishing the characteristics of CM chondrites.
The Doctrine of God in San Juan de la Cruz
Authors: Williams A. N. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractJuan de la Cruz is often read as the exponent of apophaticism par excellence and as primarily concerned with spiritual experience and ascetical instruction. Arguably, he is neither. His doctrine of God attests to both the cataphatic and systematic character of his thought. Via examination of key attributes of divine nature such as simplicity, infinity, wisdom, beauty and love, both the scriptural and Thomistic roots of his theology are revealed. His systematic theology is inseparable from his spiritual theology and spiritual teaching, because the ground of both is a doctrine of God that describes the telos of spiritual aspiration.
Designing a safe and sustainable pediatric neurosurgical practice: the English experience
Authors: Young Amber E. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe 2001 Report of the Public Inquiry into children's heart surgery at the Bristol Royal Infirmary 1984–1995 stated that there must be standards for hospitals as a whole and that hospitals, which do not meet these standards, should not be able to offer services within the National Health Service (NHS). In 2013, agreed standards for pediatric neurosurgery were produced. Between 2001 and 2013 several key documents were published, which formed the background to the review that produced these standards:, the ‘Safe and Sustainable’ review. The process had the mission statement, ‘Safe, sustainable and world class. Not ordinary, OK or just good enough.’ In April 2013, the new commissioning structure of NHS England came into being. Clinical Reference Groups (reporting directly into the new structure) and pediatric neurosurgical operational delivery networks are taking the Safe and Sustainable pediatric neurosurgery standards and models of care into practice in England. Effective outcome data collection will allow us to assess whether these networks will improve equity of access for English children to world‐class pediatric neurosurgical care and reduce the variation in outcomes seen at the present time.
Child and family adjustment following pediatric solid organ transplantation: Factors to consider during the early years post‐transplant
Authors: Brosig Cheryl , Pai Ahna , Fairey Elise , Krempien Jennifer , McBride Michael , Lefkowitz Debra S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAdjusting to life after transplant can be challenging to pediatric solid organ transplant recipients and their families. In this review, we discuss a number of important factors to consider during the first 2–3 yr after transplant (defined as the “early years”), including transitioning from hospital to home, returning to physical activity, feeding and nutrition, school reentry, potential cognitive effects of transplant, family functioning, and QOL. We highlight steps that providers can take to optimize child and family adjustment during this period.