bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insulin Resistance Is an Independent Predictor of Severe Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and of Erectile Dysfunction: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Russo Giorgio Ivan , Cimino Sebastiano , Fragalà Eugenia , Privitera Salvatore , La Vignera Sandro , Condorelli Rosita , Calogero Aldo E. , Castelli Tommaso , Favilla Vincenzo , Morgia Giuseppe 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Several studies have linked the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), erectile dysfunction (ED), and the presence of insulin resistance (IR) due to an underlined metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Aim
This study aims to determine the relationship between IR, sexual function, and LUTS and to demonstrate the ability of IR in predicting ED and severe LUTS.

Methods
Between January 2008 to January 2013, 544 consecutive patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia-related LUTS were enrolled. LUTS and sexual function of the patients were evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). MetS was defined by the International Diabetes Federation. IR was defined as a homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index of 3 or greater.

Main Outcome Measures
Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess significant predictors of severe LUTS (IPSS ≥20) and ED (IIEF-Erectile Function [IIEF-EF] &lt;26), including MetS component, prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen, total testosterone, and HOMA index.

Results
IR patients resulted in higher values of IPSS (19.0 vs. 15.0; P &lt; 0.01), IPSS-storage (6.0 vs. 5.0; P &lt; 0.01), IPSS-voiding (12.0 vs. 9.0; P &lt; 0.01), total prostate volume (54.8 vs. 36.5; P &lt; 0.01), and lower values of IIEF-EF (17.0 vs. 20.0; P &lt; 0.01), IIEF-Intercourse Satisfaction (3.0 vs. 10.0; P &lt; 0.01), IIEF-Orgasmic Function (8.0 vs. 9.0; P &lt; 0.01), IIEF-Overall Satisfaction (6.0 vs. 8.0; P &lt; 0.01), and total testosterone (3.83 vs. 4.44; P &lt; 0.01). IR was demonstrated to be a strong predictor of ED (IIEF-EF &lt;26) (odds ratio [OR] = 6.20, P &lt; 0.01) after adjusting for confounding factors. Finally, IR was also an independent predictor of severe LUTS (IPSS ≥20) (OR = 2.0, P &lt; 0.01) after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusions
IR patients are at high risk of having severe LUTS and contemporary sexual dysfunctions. We strongly suggest to prevent LUTS and ED by reducing insulin resistance.
Clinical features associated with radiological response to sorafenib in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a large multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Takeda Haruhiko , Nishikawa Hiroki , Osaki Yukio , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Joko Kouji , Ogawa Chikara , Taniguchi Hiroyoshi , Orito Etsuro , Uchida Yasushi , Izumi Namiki ,   Japanese Red Cross Liver Study Group
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsThere have been no established predictive factors of responders to sorafenib in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate the factors predicting a good response to sorafenib in Japanese patients with HCC.MethodsA total of 465 patients with unresectable HCC in the Japanese Red Cross Liver Study Group were treated with sorafenib between January 2008 and August 2013, and 316 patients with sufficient clinical data were analysed. To determine the factors predicting a good response, the relationships between radiological response and the following clinicopathological factors were analysed: age, gender, performance status, liver function, tumour status and decrease in serum alpha‐foetoprotein (AFP) level after 1 month.ResultsThis study included 259 males and 57 females with a median age of 70 years (range, 37–90 years), of which 191 (60.4%) were classified as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C, and 271 (85.8%) had Child‐Pugh class A liver function. The median overall survival time was 307 days and progression‐free survival time was 109 days. According to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours, four patients achieved a complete response, 51 achieved a partial response, 136 had stable disease and 125 had progressive disease. Multivariate analysis identified female gender (P = 0.003) and decreased serum AFP level after 1 month (P = 0.042) as independent predictors of a complete or partial response.ConclusionOur results suggest female gender and a decrease in serum AFP level are independent predictors of good response to sorafenib.
How a sharp rostral dimorphism affects the life history, population structure and adaptability of a small shrimp: the case study of Hippolyte sapphica
Authors: Liasko Roman , Anastasiadou Chryssa , Ntakis Alexandros , Leonardos Ioannis D. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe rostrum shows a large variation across caridean shrimps; however, our knowledge about the biological significance of this morphological structure is very limited, and information on its genetic control is completely absent. The present study concentrates on an unusual rostral dimorphism in a population of small Mediterranean caridean shrimp and combines laboratory and field observations. Analysis of lab‐reared offspring supports the hypothesis that the post‐larval elongation of the rostrum is controlled by a single genetic locus, with the long dentate rostrum representing the recessive state and the short larval‐like rostrum representing the completely dominant state. The short rostrum is a sparsely distributed character; our results obtained from field studies suggest that it reduces the viability and probability of egg‐bearing among large females but, unexpectedly, the specimens with a short rostrum show consistently more rapid sex differentiation and a significantly higher propensity to become males. Therefore, it has to be concluded that, under certain conditions, a single emergent character could influence the species evolution in a rather complex manner, thus affecting the life history, population structure and dynamics and mortality in certain subgroups. In turn, the genetic factors responsible for the different phenotypes would tend to be segregated through different subpopulations and size classes, thus partially escaping the negative selective pressure.
Moving beyond perceptions: internalized stigma in the irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Taft T. H. , Riehl M. E. , Dowjotas K. L. , Keefer L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundInternalized stigma (IS) is an important construct in the chronic illness literature with implications for several patient reported outcomes. To date, no study exists evaluating IS in patients with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).MethodsTwo hundred and forty three online and clinical participants completed the following questionnaires: the IS scale for mental illness (ISMI; modified for IBS), perceived stigma scale for IBS, NIH‐PROMIS Anxiety and Depression Scales, IBS quality of life scale, and the Perceived Health Competence Scale. Demographical and clinical data were also collected.Key ResultsThe modified ISMI was reliable and valid in this population. Participants reported both perceived and IS. Alienation was most reported, followed by social withdrawal and discrimination experiences. IS predicted 25–40% of the variance in psychological functioning, quality of life, healthcare utilization, and health competence when controlling for stigma perception and disease variables. IBS patients perceived more stigma from personal relations than healthcare providers. Hispanic participants reported more perceived stigma, indicating there may be cultural differences in IBS‐related stigma experience. Symptom severity, disruptiveness, and treatment choices are also implicated in stigma perception and internalization.Conclusions & InferencesPatients with IBS report both perceived and IS with alienation most reported. However, IS significantly predicts several patient outcomes when controlling for PS. Cultural and illness traits may influence how stigma is perceived and internalized. Future research is warranted.
Mapping of the Left‐Sided Phrenic Nerve Course in Patients Undergoing Left Atrial Catheter Ablations
Authors: HUEMER MARTIN , WUTZLER ALEXANDER , PARWANI ABDUL S. , ATTANASIO PHILIPP , HAVERKAMP WILHELM , BOLDT LEIF‐HENDRIK 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundCatheter ablation of atrial fibrillation has been associated with left‐sided phrenic nerve palsy. Knowledge of the individual left phrenic nerve course therefore is essential to prevent nerve injury. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of an intraprocedural pace mapping and reconstruction of the left phrenic nerve course and to characterize which anatomical areas are affected.MethodsIn patients undergoing left atrial catheter ablation, a three‐dimensional map of the left atrial anatomical structures was created. The left‐sided phrenic nerve course was determined by high‐output pace mapping and reconstructed in the map.ResultsIn this study, 40 patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial tachycardias were included. Left phrenic nerve capture was observed in 23 (57.5%) patients. Phrenic nerve was captured in 22 (55%) patients inside the left atrial appendage, in 22 (55%) in distal parts, in 21 (53%) in medial parts, and in two (5%) in ostial parts of the appendage. In three (7.5%) patients, capture was found in the distal coronary sinus and in one (2.5%) patient in the left atrium near the left atrial appendage ostium. Ablation target was changed due to direct spatial relationship to the phrenic nerve in three (7.5%) patients. No phrenic nerve palsy was observed.ConclusionsLeft‐sided phrenic nerve capture was found inside and around the left atrial appendage in the majority of patients and additionally in the distal coronary sinus. Phrenic nerve mapping and reconstruction can easily be performed and should be considered prior catheter ablations in potential affected areas.
Abnormal Daily Temperature and Concern about Climate Change Across the United States
Authors: Brooks Jeremy , Oxley Douglas , Vedlitz Arnold , Zahran Sammy , Lindsey Charles 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe relatively low level of concern about climate change among Americans has important implications for climate policy. While many studies have examined individual characteristics associated with climate change attitudes, fewer studies have considered the effects of environmental conditions on such attitudes. Here, we use two national samples of American adults to explore the impact of abnormal daily temperatures on levels of concern about climate change. We test the hypotheses that (1) abnormally warm temperatures, and (2) both abnormally warm and abnormally cool temperatures are associated with higher levels of concern. Using a generalized ordinal logit, we find that the quadratic form of deviation from mean temperature on the date of the survey is significantly associated with higher levels of concern, thus supporting the second hypothesis. We discuss several theoretical frameworks that may explain this result including availability bias, mental models, and implicit stimuli, and the implications for climate policy.
Integrating the herbicide imazapic and the fungal pathogen Pyrenophora semeniperda to control Bromus tectorum
Authors: Ehlert K A , Mangold J M , Engel R E 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBromus tectorum is a winter annual grass that affects rangeland in western North America. A glasshouse pot experiment was conducted that integrated imazapic application and inoculation of the soil‐borne fungal pathogen, Pyrenophora semeniperda, for the purpose of providing greater control of B. tectorum. We hypothesised that P. semeniperda inoculation would reduce B. tectorum emergence and integration of imazapic and P. semeniperda would result in a greater reduction in B. tectorum biomass and density compared with either treatment applied alone. This study revealed that P. semeniperda significantly reduced B. tectorum emergence and density and the responses were greatest for seed placed below the soil surface. Further, B. tectorum biomass was similar between imazapic and P. semeniperda treatments. This indicates that P. semeniperda could be applied in advance of B. tectorum germination and emergence. After emergence, imazapic application could reduce B. tectorum biomass and kill seedlings. A two‐pronged approach to controlling B. tectorum that combines P. semeniperda inoculation and post‐emergent imazapic application may provide a greater opportunity to limit invasion of this weed in rangeland of western North America. Future work should be directed towards the pathogen–plant relationship and how it relates to integrating biological control with traditional methods, towards the effect of varying P. semeniperda inoculum and imazapic rates and lastly, to how environmental conditions in the field may affect implementation and efficacy of this two‐pronged approach.
Complex B-splines and Hurwitz zeta functions
Authors: Forster B. , Garunkštis R. , Massopust P. , Steuding J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe characterize nonempty open subsets of the complex plane where the sum $\zeta (s, \alpha )+ {e}^{\pm i\pi s} \hspace{0.167em} \zeta (s, 1- \alpha )$ of Hurwitz zeta functions has no zeros in $s$ for all $0\leq \alpha \leq 1$. This problem is motivated by the construction of fundamental cardinal splines of complex order $s$.
Relationship Between Built Environment, Physical Activity, Adiposity, and Health in Adults Aged 46–80 in Shanghai, China
Authors: Ying Zhang , Ning Liu Dong , Xin Liu 
Published: May 2014

Background:Seldom studies are about the relationship between built environment and physical activity, weight, and health outcome in meso- and microscales.Methods:1100 residents aged 46 to 80 were recruited from 80 neighborhoods of 13 selected communities of Shanghai, China. An analysis of the relationship between dependent variables (physical activity, Body Mass Index [BMI], overweight/obesity, weight, and health outcomes) and independent variables (involved a geographic-information-system-derived measure of built environment) was conducted with hierarchical linear models.Results:Street connectivity was positively associated with physical activity (P < .01). River proximity was inversely related with overweight/obesity (P = .0220). Parkland and square proximity have a significant relationship with physical activity (P = .0270, .0010), BMI (P = .0260, .0130), and overweight/obesity (P = .0020, .0470). Land-use mix was positively associated with physical activity (P < .01) and inversely associated with BMI (P = .0240) and overweight/obesity (P = .0440). Green and open spaces were positively related with BMI (P < .01) and health status (P < .01). For residential style, residents living in a village were more likely to have a lower BMI and overweight/obesity than those living in an urban old or newer residential building. The direct effect of square proximity is much stronger than the indirect effect on BMI through physical activity.Conclusions:The findings can help planners build more pedestrian-friendly communities. They are also useful for creating interventions that are sensitive to possible environmental barriers to physical activity in older adults.
Population Estimates of Meeting Strength Training and Aerobic Guidelines, by Gender and Cancer Survivorship Status: Findings From the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)
Authors: Ottenbacher Allison , Yu Mandi , Moser Richard P. , Phillips Siobhan M. , Alfano Catherine , Perna Frank M. 
Published: May 2014

Background:Evidence is building that strength training may reduce complications associated with cancer such as fatigue, muscle wasting, and lymphedema, particularly among breast and prostate cancer survivors. Population estimates are available for rates of aerobic physical activity; however, data on strength training in this population are limited. The objective of this study was to identify rates of meeting public health recommendations for strength training and aerobic activity among cancer survivors and individuals with no cancer history.Methods:Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), Iteration 4 Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 were combined to conduct the analyses. Missing data were imputed, and weighted statistical analyses were conducted in SAS.Results:The proportion of individuals meeting both strength training and aerobic guidelines were low for both cancer survivors and those without a history of cancer. The odds of meeting strength training guidelines were significantly lower for women with a history of any cancer except breast, compared with women with no history of cancer (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.51−0.96).Conclusions:More work needs to be done to understand why women with cancers other than breast, may be less inclined to engage in aerobic physical activity and strength training.
Draft Genome Sequence of Acid-Tolerant Clostridium drakei SL1
T
, a Potential Chemical Producer through Syngas Fermentation
Authors: Jeong Yujin , Song Yoseb , Shin Hyeon Seok , Cho Byung-Kwan 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Clostridium drakei
SL1
T
is a strictly anaerobic, H
2
-utilizing, and acid-tolerant acetogen isolated from an acidic sediment that is a potential platform for commodity chemical production from syngas fermentation. The draft genome sequence of this strain will enable determination of the acid resistance and autotrophic pathway of the acetogen.
Genome Sequence of a Novel Iflavirus from mRNA Sequencing of the Butterfly
Heliconius erato
Authors: Smith Gilbert , Macias-Muñoz Aide , Briscoe Adriana D. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the genome sequence of a novel iflavirus strain recovered from the neotropical butterfly
Heliconius erato
. The coding DNA sequence (CDS) of the iflavirus genome was 8,895 nucleotides in length, encoding a polyprotein that was 2,965 amino acids long.
Draft Genome Sequence of Clostridium scatologenes ATCC 25775, a Chemolithoautotrophic Acetogenic Bacterium Producing 3-Methylindole and 4-Methylphenol
Authors: Song Yoseb , Jeong Yujin , Shin Hyeon Seok , Cho Byung-Kwan 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Clostridium scatologenes
ATCC 25775 is a strictly anaerobic and chemolithoautotrophic acetogenic bacterium that converts syngas into multi-carbon compounds such as acetate, indole, 3-methylindole, and 4-methylphenol. Here we report the draft genome sequence of
C. scatologenes
ATCC 25775 (7.3 Mbp) to elucidate its metabolic pathway for syngas fermentation.
Complete Genome Sequence of Coprothermobacter proteolyticus DSM 5265
Authors: Alexiev Alexandra , Coil David A. , Badger Jonathan H. , Enticknap Julie , Ward Naomi , Robb Frank T. , Eisen Jonathan A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Here we present the complete 1,424,912-bp genome sequence of
Coprothermobacter proteolyticus
DSM 5265, isolated from a thermophilic digester fermenting tannery wastes and cattle manure.
Behaviour change interventions to promote prescribing of generic drugs: a rapid evidence synthesis and systematic review
Authors: Moe-Byrne Thirimon , Chambers Duncan , Harden Melissa , McDaid Catriona 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo summarise evidence on the effectiveness of behaviour change interventions to encourage prescribing of generic forms of prescription drugs where clinically appropriate in the UK National Health Service (NHS) and similar settings.DesignSystematic review.Search strategyWe conducted a rapid evidence synthesis in two stages: First, we searched databases, such as the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), for systematic reviews of interventions that reported outcomes related to utilisation of generic drugs. In the second stage, we searched several databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify primary studies of any interventions not covered by systematic reviews.Data extraction and quality assessmentData were extracted into a standardised data extraction form. Standardised quality assessment tools were used to assess study quality. Two reviewers were involved in data extraction and quality assessment.Results10 reviews were included for the initial evidence synthesis, but most were of limited usefulness to our focused review question. One review evaluated the effect of prescribing policies using financial incentives and showed an increase in generic prescribing. Thirteen primary studies of other interventions were included for the rapid review. Two studies showed an increase in percentage of overall generic prescribing with an educational intervention; two studies showed an improvement in generic prescribing rates when physicians collaborated with pharmacists, though in one study this was not statistically significant; two US studies showed improvements in generic prescribing with electronic prescribing. Five out of seven studies showed positive results with multifaceted interventions.ConclusionsThe existing evidence remains insufficient to determine which behaviour change intervention or combination of interventions is most effective due to methodological weaknesses and conflicting results. Based on the evidence, financial incentives with educational intervention and audit/feedback look promising but decision-makers should take into account the practicality and costs of the interventions before implementation.
General practitioners’ use of absolute risk versus individual risk factors in cardiovascular disease prevention: an experimental study
Authors: Jansen Jesse , Bonner Carissa , McKinn Shannon , Irwig Les , Glasziou Paul , Doust Jenny , Teixeira-Pinto Armando , Hayen Andrew , Turner Robin , McCaffery Kirsten 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo understand general practitioners’ (GPs) use of individual risk factors (blood pressure and cholesterol levels) versus absolute risk in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk management decision-making.DesignRandomised experiment. Absolute risk, systolic blood pressure (SBP), cholesterol ratio (total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (TC/HDL)) and age were systematically varied in hypothetical cases. High absolute risk was defined as 5-year risk of a cardiovascular event >15%, high blood pressure levels varied between SBP 147 and 179 mm Hg and high cholesterol (TC/HDL ratio) between 6.5 and 7.2 mmol/L.Setting4 GP conferences in Australia.Participants144 Australian GPs.OutcomesGPs indicated whether they would prescribe cholesterol and/or blood pressure lowering medication. Analyses involved logistic regression.ResultsFor patients with high blood pressure: 93% (95% CI 86% to 96%) of high absolute risk patients and 83% (95% CI 76% to 88%) of lower absolute risk patients were prescribed blood pressure medication. Conversely, 30% (95% CI 25% to 36%) of lower blood pressure patients were prescribed blood pressure medication if absolute risk was high and 4% (95% CI 3% to 5%) if lower. 69% of high cholesterol/high absolute risk patients were prescribed cholesterol medication (95% CI 61% to 77%) versus 34% of high cholesterol/lower absolute risk patients (95% CI 28% to 41%). 36% of patients with lower cholesterol (95% CI 30% to 43%) were prescribed cholesterol medication if absolute risk was high versus 10% if lower (95% CI 8% to 13%).ConclusionsGPs’ decision-making was more consistent with the management of individual risk factors than an absolute risk approach, especially when prescribing blood pressure medication. The results suggest medical treatment of lower risk patients (5-year risk of CVD event <15%) with mildly elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels is likely to occur even when an absolute risk assessment is specifically provided. The results indicate a need for improving uptake of absolute risk guidelines and GP understanding of the rationale for using absolute risk.