bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbiota analysis of Caspian Sea yogurt, a ropy fermented milk circulated in Japan
Authors: UCHIDA Kenji , AKASHI Keiko , MOTOSHIMA Hidemasa , URASHIMA Tadasu , ARAI Ikichi , SAITO Tadao 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTWe analyzed the microbiota of domestic ropy fermented milk, Caspian Sea yogurt (or ‘kasupikai yohguruto’ in Japanese), circulated in Japan. We collected six varieties from five localities. Lactococcus (L) lactis ssp. cremoris was isolated from all samples as the dominant strain at levels of 108−109 CFU/g. We show this strain produces an extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) that causes the unique characteristic viscosity of the product. From analysis of the RAPD pattern of 60 bacterial isolates from the six samples, we found that 59 strains from a total of 60 isolates were identical and produced this viscosity. Furthermore, PFGE analysis of representative strains from each sample indicated that the isolates could be classified into four subgroups. This suggests these L. lactis ssp. cremoris strains found in Caspian Sea yogurt may have been slightly mutated during subculture in Japan. In addition, Lactobacillus (L.) sakei ssp. sakei were isolated from three samples; L. plantarum, Gluconoacetobacter sacchari and Acetobacter aceti were isolated from two samples; and L. paracasei, L. kefiri, Leuconostoc (Leu.) mesenteroides were isolated from one sample.
Cloning of PRL and VIP cDNAs of the Java sparrow (Padda oryzivora)
Authors: HIYAMA Gen , SATO Tsukasa , ZADWORNY David , KANSAKU Norio 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTComplementary DNA (cDNA) of prolactin (PRL) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) of the Java sparrow were cloned and sequenced. The proximal region of the PRL promoter was also identified. Java sparrow PRL was found to have 88.3, 88.3, and 89.1% sequence identity at the cDNA level to PRL of chicken, turkey, and duck, respectively. The predicted amino acid sequence had an overall similarity with a comparable region of chicken (91.4%), turkey (88.9%) and duck (92.0%) PRL. Based on the cDNA sequence and genomic structure of the chicken PRL gene, the proximal promoter was characterized. Sequence analysis of the proximal region of Java sparrow PRL promoter revealed a high degree of similarity to that of chicken, turkey and duck PRL promoters. Moreover, cDNA of prepro‐VIP was also cloned and sequenced. Java sparrow prepro‐VIP shows high similarity to chicken and turkey prepro‐VIP. However, the region upstream of the 5′ untranslated region of Java sparrow prepro‐VIP did not show similarity to that of chicken. These results suggest that the mechanisms, which regulate expression of the VIP gene, may be different between precocial and altricial birds, but expression of the PRL gene may be widely conserved in avian species.
Improved conception rates in sows inseminated with cryopreserved boar spermatozoa prepared with a more optimal combination of osmolality and glycerol in the freezing extender
Authors: OKAZAKI Tetsuji , ABE Shouhachiro , SHIMADA Masayuki 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTCryoprotectant agents (CPAs) are added in freezing extenders to prevent intracellular ice crystal formation. However, it has been reported that high dose of CPAs confer toxicity on spermatozoa. Recently, the reduction of intracellular water by a high osmolality solution has also resulted in the suppression of ice crystal formation in spermatozoa, suggesting that the optimal combination of glycerol concentration and freezing extender osmolality could contribute to the development of effective sperm cryopreservation techniques. In this study, we investigated the motility, membrane and acrosomal integrity of frozen‐thawed boar spermatozoa treated with freezing extender (NSF) of varying osmolalities (300, 400, 500 mOsm/kg) and final concentrations of glycerol (0.5, 1, 2, 3%). The spermatozoa that were treated at 400 mOsm/kg and 2% glycerol showed significantly higher rates of motility and membrane integrity compared with those in other treatment groups. In addition, the conception and implantation rates of swine artificially inseminated with spermatozoa frozen by the novel freezing extender (conception; 79%, implantation; 57.5%) were significantly higher than those of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa treated in the conventional NSF (300 mOsm/kg, 3% glycerol) (conception; 29%, implantation; 33.8%). From these results, we concluded that the novel hyperosmotic (400 mOsm/kg) and low‐glycerol (final concentration 2%) freezing extender is beneficial for the cryopreservation of boar spermatozoa.
Relationships between tropomyosin and myosin heavy chain isoforms in bovine skeletal muscle
Authors: OE Mika , NAKAJIMA Ikuyo , MUROYA Susumu , SHIBATA Masahiro , CHIKUNI Koich 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThe composition of tropomyosin (TPM) and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms was analyzed in 10 physiologically different bovine muscles (masseter, diaphragm, tongue, semispinalis, pectoralis profundus, biceps femoris, psoas major, semimembranosus, longissimus thoracis and semitendinosus) to clarify the relationships between TPM and MyHC isoforms in different muscle fiber types. The content of TPM1 and TPM3 was different in muscles according to their function in muscle contraction, although the content of TPM2 was constantly about 50% of the total TPM in all muscles. The content of TPM1 was higher in semimembranosus, longissimus thoracis and semitendinosus, while that of TPM3 was higher in masseter and diaphragm. The high positive correlation between MyHC‐slow content and TPM3 content (r = 0.92) suggested a coexpression of TPM3 and MyHC‐slow isoforms in a muscle fiber. MyHC‐slow and TPM3 were expressed at the same level in masseter and diaphragm, whereas there was more TPM3 than MyHC‐slow in tongue and semispinalis, so it appears that the excess TPM3 in tongue and semispinalis is expressed with other MyHC isoforms. MyHC‐2a was the only fast type isoform expressed in tongue and semispinalis. Therefore, the excess TPM3 was composed of myofibrils with MyHC‐2a. The results suggested that a fiber expressing MyHC‐2a would be regulated delicately by changing the TPM isoform types.
London Murders: A Predictable Pattern?
Authors: Spiegelhalter David , Barnett Arthur 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Four stabbings to death in a single day. Ninety murders in 7 months. Shocking figures—or are they? Knife crime makes the headlines almost daily but are Londoners really at increased risk of being murdered? David Spiegelhalter and Arthur Barnett investigate—and find a predictable pattern of murder.
Using Quality of Life to Evaluate Outcomes and Measure Effectiveness
Authors: Kober Ralph , Eggleton Ian R. C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEvaluating the outcomes achieved by service providers who assist people with intellectual disabilities is extremely important in terms of ascertaining whether service providers achieve their goals. Furthermore, knowledge of the outcomes achieved by service providers better equips those charged with managing them to make strategic decisions to fulfill their accountability obligations for the best use of limited resources. The authors provide support for the emerging view that quality of life is an outcome measure that can be utilized to assess service providers' performance. To do this they modified a performance measurement framework to illustrate how quality of life can be incorporated in a comprehensive analysis of the outcomes achieved by various stakeholders of the service provider. They then used three examples drawn from the literature (relating to employment services, the U.S. state of Nebraska, and family quality of life), to highlight how this framework could be applied. Ideas are also presented on other areas where a comprehensive stakeholder analysis, incorporating quality of life measures, could form part of a service provider's performance evaluation. The authors review some issues that should be considered in relation to the implementation of a comprehensive performance measurement system that incorporates quality of life as one of the outcome measures.
Family Quality of Life Empowered by Family‐Oriented Support
Authors: Schippers Alice , Van Boheemen Marleen 
Published: March 2009

AbstractProfessional services for persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) have begun to attach more importance to their environment. The concept of (family‐related) quality of life proved to link very well with this idea and lent itself to constructing and evaluating services. One outcome was the emergence of equal partnerships between families, service providers, and other parties in the community. Within this context, the authors explored and described positive practices in supporting young adults with IDs by realizing their personal future plans based on partnerships, the concept of quality of life, and community support. Nine families were followed over a 2‐year period (2004–2006). Face‐to‐face interviews and a survey were conducted with young adults, family members, and professional supporters. Each family was individually supported in the realization of a personal future plan by an “intermediary” or go‐between. The results indicated the importance of partnerships among the participants. In creating such partnerships, all participants can be in control, although all parties involved needed extra support to enhance quality of life.
Utility of Logic Models to Plan Quality of Life Outcome Evaluations
Authors: Isaacs Barry , Clark Cinda , Correia Susana , Flannery John 
Published: March 2009

AbstractQuality of life is widely accepted as an important concept in the evaluation of health and social services provided to persons with intellectual disabilities. While quality of life has been studied as a service outcome and measure of program improvement, its application to multiple levels of program delivery and evaluation remain unclear and can be difficult for community‐based agencies that lack resources. An approach using program logic models and including program staff can build evaluation capacity. Logic models can be used to link service components with relevant quality of life outcomes at short‐term, intermediate, and long‐term points in service delivery. The models can then guide the development of evaluation plans. A case example of how this approach is being used at a service agency in Toronto, Canada, is described. An explanation of how an agenda for quality of life program evaluation developed within the agency is provided, and links between service activities and quality of life outcomes are described. The integration of program logic models into an expanded organizational model defines how quality of life data can influence decision making about programs at the service, organizational, and system levels.
Survey Outcomes and Cross‐National Comparisons of Quality of Life With Respect to People With Intellectual Disabilities in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Yueh‐Ching , Schalock Robert 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAs studies of the quality of life (QoL) of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Taiwan have been limited, the authors assessed how Taiwanese adults with ID experience their QoL, including comparisons with their counterparts in other countries. The study involved administering the Cross‐Cultural QoL Indicators Survey and the Quality of Life Questionnaire in 2004 and 2005 to a total of 481 adults with ID who either were living with their family or residing within a facility. Results indicated that the domain of “social inclusion” was the lowest for both adults using residential services or living with family. In addition, Taiwanese residents with ID have lower levels of overall QoL, particularly among those living in institutions; although they were easily satisfied with their lives, compared with their counterparts in other countries. The authors recommend that the improvement of QoL among persons with ID in Taiwan must not be ignored by the policy makers, practitioners, and their families, particularly with respect to enabling individuals with ID to be more included in society.
Quality of Life: From Concept to Future Applications in the Field of Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Verdugo Miguel A. , Schalock Robert L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe authors consider conclusions reached with respect to quality of life (QoL); these are examined in terms of both the past and present developments and within the context of three major areas. These three are (1) application of QoL through support and intervention; (2) the application to family QoL and the development of a working model; and (3) application of QoL for policy and evaluation. These conclusions are examined in relation to implications for public policy in terms of support and intervention, measurement and evaluation, with particular focus on a greater understanding and acceptance of the implications and structure involved in the QoL model and the importance of family QoL. The authors maintain that this should entail the development of applications that are empirically based and, wherever possible, take into account the complexity of mediator variables.
Development and Initial Validation of the Vaginal Penetration Cognition Questionnaire (VPCQ) in a Sample of Women with Vaginismus and Dyspareunia
Authors: Klaassen Maaike , Ter Kuile Moniek M. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTIntroductionAlthough the relevance of cognitions has been implicated in the etiology, explanatory models, and treatment of female sexual pain disorders, an instrument that assesses vaginal penetration cognitions is nonexistent.AimThe aim of this study was to develop and to investigate the psychometric properties of the Vaginal Penetration Cognition Questionnaire (VPCQ). The VPCQ was explicitly designed to assess cognitions regarding vaginal penetration in women with vaginismus and dyspareunia.MethodsA sample of 247 Dutch women with a female sexual dysfunction (FSD; 122 women with lifelong vaginismus and 125 women with dyspareunia) and 117 women without sexual complaints completed the questionnaire. Factor analyses were only conducted in the sample of women with FSD. Validation measures were conducted in both women with and without FSD.Main Outcome MeasureAll women completed the VPCQ and several additional questions regarding biographic and complaint characteristics.ResultsConduction of factor analyses yielded five subscales regarding cognitions about vaginal penetration: “control cognitions,”“catastrophic and pain cognitions,”“self-image cognitions,”“positive cognitions,” and “genital incompatibility cognitions.” Reliability of these five VPCQ subscales ranged from 0.70 to 0.83, and the test–retest correlations were satisfactory. The five VPCQ subscales were reasonably stable across demographic variables and demonstrated good discriminant validity. All five subscales were able to detect significant differences between women with and without FSD. Additionally, the four subscales of the VPCQ concerning negative cognitions demonstrated the ability to differentiate between the two samples of women with FSD. Women with lifelong vaginismus reported lower levels of perceived penetration control and higher levels of catastrophic and pain cognitions, negative self-image cognitions, and genital incompatibility cognitions, when compared with women with dyspareunia.ConclusionsThe present study indicates that the VPCQ is a valid and reliable brief self-report measure for assessing cognitions regarding vaginal penetration in women with vaginismus or dyspareunia.
Impact on Erectile Function and Sexual Quality of Life of Couples: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Tadalafil Taken Once Daily
Authors: Rubio-Aurioles Eusebio , Kim Edward D. , Rosen Raymond C. , Porst Harmut , Burns Patrick , Zeigler Haoyue , Wong David G. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Clinical research on erectile dysfunction (ED) has focused primarily on the male and the impact of treatment on their erectile function (EF) and sexual quality of life. However, ED affects the quality of life of both the male and the female partner. The literature examining the impact on the female partner resulting from treating the male’s ED is somewhat limited.

Aims
To determine the efficacy of tadalafil 5 mg taken once daily compared with placebo on men’s EF and sexual quality of life, and to determine the impact of this treatment on the female partner’s sexual quality of life.

Main Outcome Measures
The co-primary outcome measures for this study were changes from baseline to end point in the EF domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) question 2 (SEP-2) and question 3 (SEP-3), and the Sexual Quality of Life (SQoL) domain of the Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire (SLQQ) (subject and partner).

Methods
Following a 4-week treatment-free run-in phase, 342 subjects and their partners were randomly assigned to either placebo (N = 78) or tadalafil 5 mg (N = 264) for 12 weeks. The subjects’ and partners’ responses to study measures were collected throughout the study.

Results
Compared with placebo, tadalafil-treated subjects showed a significant improvement on efficacy measures (P &lt; 0.001) including changes in the IIEF-EF, SEP-2 and SEP-3. In addition, the sexual quality of life of men and their female partners, as measured by the SQoL domain, was significantly improved with tadalafil 5 mg taken once daily (P &lt; 0.001) compared with placebo.

Conclusions
Tadalafil 5 mg once daily significantly improved EF and sexual quality of life for men with ED. In addition, the sexual quality of life of the female partners of the men treated with tadalafil was significantly improved.
Hypergonadotropic Hypogonadism in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2: A Case Report
Authors: Kwon Do-Young , Park Moon Ho 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The association between cerebellar ataxia and hypogonadism is seen rarely and is not well recognized. Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is an autosomal dominantly inherited, progressive ataxia disorder, and SCA type 2 (SCA2) characteristically presents with a highly variable phenotype with multisystemic involvement. Although the clinical spectrum of SCA2 is broad, hypogonadism has not been reported as an accompanying symptom.

Aim
To report a case study that describes hypergonadotropic hypogonadism as a non-neurological manifestation of cerebellar ataxia in a patient with a hereditary trinucleotide repeat expansion disorder, SCA2.

Methods
Case report of a man admitted to an academic medical center.

Results
A 45-year-old man with a history of azoospermia in work-up for infertility was admitted for evaluation of a left-side hand tremor, instability on walking and impaired balance. Upon physical examination, the patient had a micropenis about 3 cm in length and had decreased testicular size (12 cc each) on orchidometry, but normal secondary sexual characteristics and average stature. Laboratory tests showed the presence of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. A brain magnetic resonance imaging scan showed marked atrophy involving both the cerebellum and pons. Genetic analysis for hereditary ataxia demonstrated the presence of a 37 CAG triplet expansion in the mutated allele (genotype 22/37) in the SCA2 gene, confirming the diagnosis of SCA2.

Conclusion
The present study suggests that a common genetic implication may be shared between these neurologic and non-neurologic signs, and there may be various associations between these heterogeneous manifestations. The clinical spectrum of the SCA2 should be widened, and further data collection is needed to elucidate the relationship among the clinical manifestations.
Evaluation of the Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Testosterone Levels in Adult Men
Authors: Halmenschlager Graziele , Rossetto Simone , Lara Gustavo Müller , Rhoden Ernani Luis 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent among men. Many studies have evaluated the effect of cigarette smoking on levels of male reproductive hormones; however, the findings still remain controversial.

Aim
To evaluate the influence of cigarette smoking on serum levels of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), bioavailable testosterone (BT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Methods
A total of 255 men (90 smokers and 165 nonsmokers), aged 30 to 70 years, were investigated. Weight and height were obtained and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Also, waist circumference and hip circumference were measured and waist-to-hip ratio was obtained. Fasting blood samples were drawn for determination of plasmatic glucose levels and serum levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides, albumin, prolactin, TT, SHBG, LH, and FSH. The values of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were determined by Friedwald equation and the values of FT and BT were calculated from TT, SHBG, and albumin. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Main Outcome Measures
The influence of smoking on levels of TT, FT, and BT.

Results
No significant difference was observed in the mean values of TT (P = 0.580), FT (P = 0.869), BT (P = 0.933), SHBG (P = 0.279), LH (P = 0.573), and FSH (P = 0.693) in the different levels of pack-years when compared to nonsmokers. Moreover, after multivariate logistic regression, no association between increased pack-years of smoking and increased odds ratio for occurrence of low hormones and SHBG levels was observed.

Conclusion
In this study, smokers and nonsmokers had similar mean values of androgens, gonadotropins and SHBG. However, it is necessary to standardize pack-years of smoking in order to elucidate the influence of cigarette smoking on sex hormone levels, as well as to minimize differences among studies and to confirm our results.
Artificial Penile Bodies—From Kama Sutra to Modern Times
Authors: Stankov Oliver , Ivanovski Ognen , Popov Zivko 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Artificial penile nodules are defined as inert objects inserted beneath the skin of the penis to enhance the pleasure of female/male sexual partners during intercourse.

Aim
The aim of this article is to present our experience in dealing with artificial penile bodies. We have also reviewed the pertinent literature focusing on social, motivational, and occupational characteristics of individuals adopting this sexual practice, diagnostic dilemmas and the surgical and health side effects of the implantation of artificial penile nodules.

Methods
We performed a computerized MEDLINE search followed by a manual bibliographic review of cross-references. These reports were analyzed and the important findings summarized.

Results
The phenomenon of inserting self-made artificial nodules beneath the skin of the penis was first described in the Kama Sutra, the classic Indian treatise on love. It is most commonly observed among men from Southeast Asia. The occurrence is much less common in western cultures, but it has been reported to occur in Romania, Germany, and among Fijians and Russian immigrants in Israel. Furthermore, four cases of self-inserted artificial penile bodies from our clinical practice are presented and discussed.

Conclusions
The most common motive associated with foreign artificial bodies on the penis is sexual or erotic in nature and that is to enhance the pleasure of female or male sexual partners during sexual intercourse. Most of the reports involve members of low economic groups like gang members, soldiers, drug addicts, sailors, labor workers, and prisoners. Men suffer no serious side effects after insertion, although fixed beads can cause rupture of condoms. For women, the beads can cause abrasions and a few days of postcoital vaginal pain. Penis implants and inserts and other penis augmentation devices are potentially dangerous to both men and women, and of questionable value in bringing pleasure to either, and should be discouraged.