bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing and Validating a Taiwan Version of the Female Sexual Function Index for Pregnant Women
Authors: Chang Shiow-Ru , Chang Ting-Chen , Chen Kuang-Ho , Lin Ho-Hsiung 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Health professionals should pay more attention to the sexual concerns of pregnant women. An assessment instrument for female sexual function is needed for pregnant women in the Taiwanese population.

Aim
To translate the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) from English to traditional Chinese, and to evaluate the reliability and validity of this new version for pregnant women.

Methods
Test–retest reliability of the newly developed Taiwan version of the FSFI for pregnant women was assessed in 55 pregnant women who completed this version of the questionnaire at two time points within 4 weeks. The internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Taiwan version of the FSFI in a medical center in Taiwan were evaluated using a random sample of 121 pregnant women.

Main Outcome Measures
Reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, Kappa statistics, McNemar’s test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Construct validity was verified by factor analysis using the principal component option.

Results
The Taiwan version of the FSFI showed adequate test–retest reliability for pregnant women. The Pearson correlation coefficient of the total score was 0.69, Kappa statistics showed good reproducibility for most items, and McNemar’s test confirmed that there were no significant differences in the test–retest pair for the 19 items of the scale. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was excellent (Cronbach’s [alpha] = 0.96). Three factors were identified with eigenvalues ≥1.03, explaining 87.10% of the total variance. The first, second, and third factors were “coitus,”“satisfaction,” and “desire”, accounting for 72.32%, 9.37%, and 5.42% of the variance, respectively.

Conclusion
The results provided evidence of the validity and reliability of the Taiwan version of the FSFI for pregnant women. The questionnaire is a suitable instrument for measuring the sexual function of pregnant women and will be useful in research, teaching, and clinical practice.
Correlates of Sexually Related Personal Distress in Women with Low Sexual Desire
Authors: Rosen Raymond C. , Shifren Jan L. , Monz Brigitta U. , Odom Dawn M. , Russo Patricia A. , Johannes Catherine B. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual distress is an important component of diagnostic criteria for sexual dysfunctions, but little is known about the factors associated with sexual distress in women with low sexual desire.

Aim
To investigate the correlates of sexual distress in women with self-reported low sexual desire.

Methods
The Prevalence of Female Sexual Problems Associated with Distress and Determinants of Treatment Seeking study was a cross-sectional, nationally representative, mailed survey of U.S. adult women. There were 31,581 respondents (response rate 63.2%) to the 42-item questionnaire that measured sexual function, sexual distress, demographic, and health-related factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the correlates of distress.

Main Outcome Measures
Low sexual desire was defined as a response of “never” or “rarely” to the question, “How often do you desire to engage in sexual activity?” Sexual distress was measured with the Female Sexual Distress Scale (range 0–48), with a score of 15 or higher indicating presence of distress.

Results
Of 10,429 women with low desire, 2,868 (27.5%) had sexual distress (mean age 48.6 years, 81% with a current partner). Women without distress were 10 years older on average, and 44% had a current partner. Having a partner was strongly related to distress (odds ratio 4.6, 95% confidence interval 4.1–5.2). Other correlates were age, race, current depression, anxiety, lower social functioning, hormonal medication use, urinary incontinence, and concurrent sexual problems (arousal or orgasm). Dissatisfaction with sex life was more common in women with low desire and distress (65%) than in those without distress (20%).

Conclusions
Age has a curvilinear relationship with distress, and the strongest correlate of sexual distress was having a current partner. Sexual distress and dissatisfaction with sex life are strongly correlated. Distress is higher in women with low sexual desire in a partner relationship; further research on this factor is needed.
Trends of Superoxide Dismutase and Soluble Protein of Aquatic Plants in Lakes of Different Trophic Levels in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Wu Ai‐Ping , Cao Te , Wu Shi‐Kai , Ni Le‐Yi , Xie Ping 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA limnological study was carried out to determine the responses of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and soluble protein (SP) contents of 11 common aquatic plants to eutrophication stress. Field investigation in 12 lakes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River was carried out from March to September 2004. Our results indicated that non‐submersed (emergent and floating‐leafed) plants and submersed plants showed different responses to eutrophication stress. Both SOD activities of the non‐submersed and submersed plants were negatively correlated with their SP contents (P< 0.000 1). SP contents of non‐submersed plants were significantly correlated with all nitrogen variables in the water (P< 0.05), whereas SP contents of submersed plants were only significantly correlated with carbon variables as well as ammonium and Secchi depth (SD) in water (P< 0.05). Only SOD activities of submersed plants were decreased with decline of SD in water (P< 0.001). Our results indicate that the decline of SOD activities of submersed plants were mainly caused by light limitation, this showed a coincidence with the decline of macrophytes in eutrophic lakes, which might imply that the antioxidant system of the submersed plants were impaired under eutrophication stress.
Overexpressing HRS1 Confers Hypersensitivity to Low Phosphate‐Elicited Inhibition of Primary Root Growth in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Liu Hong , Yang Huixia , Wu Chongming , Feng Juanjuan , Liu Xin , Qin Huanju , Wang Daowen 
Published: March 2009

Abstract Phosphate (Pi) deficiency causes dramatic root system architecture (RSA) changes in higher plants. Here we report that overexpression of HRS1 leads to enhanced sensitivity to low Pi‐elicited inhibition of primary root growth in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. Bioinformatic investigations uncovered that HRS1 and its six homologs encode putative G2‐like transcription factors in Arabidopsis. Analysis of promoter::GUS reporter lines revealed that HRS1 transcripts were present mainly in the root hair region and root hair cells under Pi‐sufficient conditions. Pi deprivation increased HRS1 expression level and expanded its expression domain. Although HRS1 knockout mutant did not differ from wild type (WT) control irrespective of Pi status, its overexpression lines were significantly more susceptible to low Pi‐elicited primary root shortening. In both WT and HRS1 overexpression seedlings, low Pi‐induced primary root shortening was accompanied by enhanced root hair cell differentiation, but this enhancement occurred to a greater extent in the latter genotype. Collectively, our data suggest that HRS1 may be involved in the modulation of primary root and root hair growth in Pi‐deprived Arabidopsis seedlings, and provide useful clues for further research into the function of HRS1 and its homologs and the mechanisms behind RSA changes under Pi‐deficient conditions.
Impacts of sampling location within a faeces on DNA quality in two carnivore species
Authors: STENGLEIN J. L. , DE BARBA M. , AUSBAND D. E. , WAITS L. P. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe investigated the influence of sampling location within a faeces on DNA quality by sampling from both the outside and inside of 25 brown bear (Ursus arctos) scats and the side and the tip of 30 grey wolf (Canis lupus) scats. The outside of the bear scat and side of the wolf scat had significantly lower nuclear DNA microsatellite allelic dropout error rates (U. arctos: P = 0.017;C. lupus: P = 0.025) and significantly higher finalized genotyping success rates (U. arctos: P = 0.017;C. lupus: P = 0.012) than the tip and inside of the scat. A review of the faecal DNA literature indicated that <45% of studies report the sampling location within a faeces indicating that this methodological consideration is currently underappreciated. Based on our results, we recommend sampling from the side of canid scats and the outside portion of ursid scats to obtain higher quality DNA samples. The sampling location within a faeces should be carefully considered and reported as it can directly influence laboratory costs and efficiency, as well as the ability to obtain reliable genotypes.
Hematologic, serum biochemical, and cortisol changes associated with anticipation of exercise and short duration high‐intensity exercise in sled dogs
Authors: Angle Craig T. , Wakshlag Joseph J. , Gillette Robert L. , Stokol Tracy , Geske Sue , Adkins Terry O. , Gregor Cara 
Published: March 2009

Background:Many studies have demonstrated changes in clinicopathologic variables in response to exercise in athletic dogs. These changes have been attributed to the duration and intensity of exercise. However, inconsistencies in the timing of collection of resting blood samples can be a confounding variable when interpreting results.Objectives:The objectives of this study were to determine whether hematologic and biochemical data in sled dogs are influenced by (1) anticipation of an exercise event or (2) short‐duration high‐intensity exercise.Methods:Blood samples were collected into EDTA tubes and tubes without anticoagulant from sled dogs at rest, immediately before a 3‐mile run (preexercise), and immediately after the run (postexercise). A CBC, biochemical profile (including electrolytes, glucose, proteins, creatinine, urea, enzymes, cholesterol, and total bilirubin), and serum cortisol concentration were measured using standard methods on automated analyzers.Results:Significant increases in sodium, chloride, albumin, calcium, and cortisol concentration were observed in preexercise samples when compared with resting samples. Hyperglycemia and a further rise in serum cortisol concentration occurred immediately postexercise.Conclusions:The results of this study indicate that anticipation of exercise affects several biochemical analytes, emphasizing the importance of appropriate timing of baseline blood samples. The pronounced hyperglycemia immediately after short‐duration exercise may be a breed‐ or exercise‐dependent phenomenon.
Evaluation of platelet function screening tests to detect platelet procoagulant deficiency in dogs with Scott syndrome
Authors: Brooks Marjory B. , Randolph John , Warner Karen , Center Sharon 
Published: March 2009

Background: Clinical diagnosis of platelet dysfunction is complex and technically challenging. The wide repertoire of platelet responses requires a test panel to assess different parameters of platelet reactivity. While “global” hemostasis analyzers and whole blood assays have potential for testing platelet function, their ability to evaluate platelet procoagulant activity is ill‐defined.Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether platelet procoagulant deficiency, the pathophysiologic defect of Scott syndrome, could be detected in point‐of‐care and whole blood assays.Methods: Study subjects were 4 Scott syndrome‐affected German Shepherds and 8 control dogs. We evaluated 2 point‐of‐care instruments: the platelet function analyzer (PFA‐100) and thromboelastograph (TEG). TEG analysis was performed on recalcified citrated whole blood with and without tissue‐factor activation. A whole blood flow cytometric assay was configured to detect thrombin‐induced platelet P‐selectin expression and platelet‐derived microparticle release. Cytometric samples were analyzed after 1 hour and 1 day of storage.Results: We found no significant differences between Scott and control dogs in PFA‐100 COL/ADP closure times or in any TEG parameter in tissue‐factor–activated samples. In nonactivated samples, mean clotting time (K) and time to maximal rate of thrombus generation were significantly prolonged in Scott dogs; however, values overlapped with those of control dogs. Cytometric analysis of samples from Scott dogs showed significantly diminished platelet‐derived microparticle release. Samples from all dogs reanalyzed after 1 day of storage had nonspecific increases in basal P‐selectin expression and vesiculation.Conclusion: A whole blood cytometric assay to detect stimulated platelet microparticle release can be used to screen for Scott syndrome. However, platelet activation artifacts preclude overnight storage for next‐day analysis.
Molecular Investigations ofRickettsia helveticaInfection in Dogs, Foxes, Humans, andIxodesTicks
Authors: Boretti Felicitas S. , Perreten Andrea , Meli Marina L. , Cattori Valentino , Willi Barbara , Wengi Nicole , Hornok Sándor , Honegger Hanspeter , Hegglin Daniel , Woelfel Roman , Reusch Claudia E. , Lutz Hans , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTRickettsia helvetica, a tick-borne member of the spotted-fever-group rickettsiae, is a suspected pathogen in humans; however, its role in animals is unknown. The aims of this study were to establish aR. helvetica-specific real-time TaqMan PCR assay and apply it to the analysis of tick vectors (to determine potential exposure risk) and blood samples fromCanidaeand humans (to determine prevalence of infection). The newly designed 23S rRNA gene assay forR. helveticawas more sensitive than a published citrate synthase gene (gltA) assay for several rickettsiae. Blood samples from 884 dogs, 58 foxes, and 214 human patients and 2,073 ticks (Ixodesspp.) collected from either vegetation or animals were analyzed. Although the maximal likelihood estimate of prevalence was 12% in unfed ticks and 36% in ticks collected from animals, none of the 1,156 blood samples tested PCR positive. Ticks from cats were more frequently PCR positive than ticks from dogs. Sequencing of the 23S rRNA and/or thegltAgene of 17 tick pools confirmed the presence ofR. helvetica. Additionally,Rickettsia monacensis, which has not been previously found in Switzerland, was identified. In conclusion,R. helveticawas frequently detected in the tick population but not in blood samples. Nevertheless, due to the broad host range ofIxodesticks and the high rate of infestation with this agent (i.e.,R. helveticawas 13 times more frequent in unfed ticks than the tick-borne encephalitis virus), many mammals may be exposed toR. helvetica. The PCR assay described here represents an important tool for studying this topic.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Rugose Small-Colony Variants Have Adaptations That Likely Promote Persistence in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Authors: Starkey Melissa , Hickman Jason H. , Ma Luyan , Zhang Niu , De Long Susan , Hinz Aaron , Palacios Sergio , Manoil Colin , Kirisits Mary Jo , Starner Timothy D. , Wozniak Daniel J. , Harwood Caroline S. , Parsek Matthew R. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is recognized for its ability to colonize diverse habitats, ranging from soil to immunocompromised people. The formation of surface-associated communities called biofilms is one factor thought to enhance colonization and persistence in these diverse environments. Another factor is the ability of
P. aeruginosa
to diversify genetically, generating phenotypically distinct subpopulations. One manifestation of diversification is the appearance of colony morphology variants on solid medium. Both laboratory biofilm growth and chronic cystic fibrosis (CF) airway infections produce rugose small-colony variants (RSCVs) characterized by wrinkled, small colonies and an elevated capacity to form biofilms. Previous reports vary on the characteristics attributable to RSCVs. Here we report a detailed comparison of clonally related wild-type and RSCV strains isolated from both CF sputum and laboratory biofilm cultures. The clinical RSCV had many characteristics in common with biofilm RSCVs. Transcriptional profiling and Biolog phenotypic analysis revealed that RSCVs display increased expression of the
pel
and
psl
polysaccharide gene clusters, decreased expression of motility functions, and a defect in growth on some amino acid and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates as sole carbon sources. RSCVs also elicited a reduced chemokine response from polarized airway epithelium cells compared to wild-type strains. A common feature of all RSCVs analyzed in this study is increased levels of the intracellular signaling molecule cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP). To assess the global transcriptional effects of elevated c-di-GMP levels, we engineered an RSCV strain that had elevated c-di-GMP levels but did not autoaggregate. Our results showed that about 50 genes are differentially expressed in response to elevated intracellular c-di-GMP levels. Among these genes are the
pel
and
psl
genes, which are upregulated, and flagellum and pilus genes, which are downregulated. RSCV traits such as increased exopolysaccharide production leading to antibiotic tolerance, altered metabolism, and reduced immunogenicity may contribute to increased persistence in biofilms and in the airways of CF lungs.
Identification of the Asparagine Synthase Responsible for
d
-Asp Amidation in the
Lactococcus lactis
Peptidoglycan Interpeptide Crossbridge
Authors: Veiga Patrick , Erkelenz Michael , Bernard Elvis , Courtin Pascal , Kulakauskas Saulius , Chapot-Chartier Marie-Pierre 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

We show that in
Lactococcus lactis
, the gene
asnH
encodes the asparagine synthase involved in amidation of
d
-Asp present in peptidoglycan side chains and crossbridges. The level of
d
-Asp amidation in peptidoglycan has a strong effect on the sensitivity of bacteria to endogenous autolysins and to the cationic antimicrobials nisin and lysozyme.
Diversifying and Stabilizing Selection of Sialidase and
N
-Acetylneuraminate Catabolism in
Mycoplasma synoviae
Authors: May Meghan , Brown Daniel R. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Sialidase activity varies widely among strains and tends to correlate with strain virulence in the avian pathogen
Mycoplasma synoviae
. To characterize the forms of selection acting on enzymes required for sialic acid scavenging and catabolism, the ratios of nonsynonymous (

K
a

) to synonymous (

K
s

) mutation frequency were calculated for codons in the sialidase gene of 16 strains of
M. synoviae
and for its nearly identical homolog in four strains of
Mycoplasma gallisepticum
. The

K
a

/

K
s

(ω) values for the linked genes required for nutritive
N
-acetylneuraminate catabolism (
nanA
,
nagC
,
nanE
,
nagA
, and
nagB
) from nine strains of
M. synoviae
were also determined. To provide context, ω was determined for all corresponding genes of 26 strains of
Clostridium perfringens
and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
. Bayesian models of sequence evolution showed that only the sialidase of
M. synoviae
was under significant (
P
< 0.001) diversifying selection, while the
M. synoviae
genes for
N
-acetylneuraminate catabolism and all genes examined from
M. gallisepticum
,
C. perfringens
, and
S. pneumoniae
were under neutral to stabilizing selection. Diversifying selection acting on the sialidase of
M. synoviae
, but not on the sialidase of
M. gallisepticum
or the sialidases or other enzymes essential for sialic acid scavenging in other
Firmicutes
, is evidence that variation in specific activity of the enzyme is perpetuated by a nonnutritive function in
M. synoviae
that is influenced by the genomic context of the organism.
Regulation of the
Bacillus subtilis
Divergent
yetL
and
yetM
Genes by a Transcriptional Repressor, YetL, in Response to Flavonoids
Authors: Hirooka Kazutake , Danjo Yusuke , Hanano Yuki , Kunikane Satoshi , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Tojo Shigeo , Fujita Yasutaro 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

DNA microarray analysis revealed that transcription of the
Bacillus subtilis yetM
gene encoding a putative flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent monooxygenase was triggered by certain flavonoids during culture and was derepressed by disruption of the
yetL
gene in the opposite orientation situated immediately upstream of
yetM
, which encodes a putative MarR family transcriptional regulator. In vitro analyses, including DNase I footprinting and gel retardation analysis, indicated that YetL binds specifically to corresponding single sites in the divergent
yetL
and
yetM
promoter regions, with higher affinity to the
yetM
region; the former region overlaps the Shine-Dalgarno sequence of
yetL
, and the latter region contains a perfect 18-bp palindromic sequence (TAGTTAGGCGCCTAACTA). In vitro gel retardation and in vivo
lacZ
fusion analyses indicated that some flavonoids (kaempferol, apigenin, and luteolin) effectively inhibit YetL binding to the
yetM cis
sequence, but quercetin, galangin, and chrysin do not inhibit this binding, implying that the 4-hydroxyl group on the B-ring of the flavone structure is indispensable for this inhibition and that the coexistence of the 3-hydroxyl groups on the B- and C-rings does not allow antagonism of YetL.
The Conserved Sporulation Protein YneE Inhibits DNA Replication in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Rahn-Lee Lilah , Gorbatyuk Boris , Skovgaard Ole , Losick Richard 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Cells of
Bacillus subtilis
triggered to sporulate under conditions of rapid growth undergo a marked decrease in chromosome copy number, which was partially relieved by a mutation in the sporulation-induced gene
yneE
. Cells engineered to express
yneE
during growth were impaired in viability and produced anucleate cells. We conclude that YneE is an inhibitor of DNA replication.
Researchers’ preferences and attitudes on ethical aspects of genomics research: a comparative study between the USA and Spain
Authors: Ruiz-Canela M , Valle-Mansilla J I , Sulmasy D P 
Published: March 2009

Introduction:The use of human samples in genomic research has increased ethical debate about informed consent (IC) requirements and the information that subjects should receive regarding the results of the research. However, there are no quantitative data regarding researchers’ attitudes about these issues.Methods:We present the results of a survey of 104 US and 100 Spanish researchers who had published genomic epidemiology studies in 61 journals during 2006.Results:Researchers preferred a broader IC than the IC they had actually obtained in their published papers. US authors were more likely than their Spanish colleagues to support obtaining a broad IC, covering either any future research project or any projects related to a group of diseases (67.6% vs 43%; adjusted OR  = 4.84, 95% CI, 2.32 to 10.12). A slight majority of researchers (55.8%) supported informing participants about individual genomic results only if the reliability and clinical validity of the information had been established. Men were more likely than women to believe that patients should be informed of research results even if these conditions were not met (adjusted OR  = 2.89, 95% CI  = 1.46 to 5.72).Conclusions:This study provides evidence of a wide range of views among scientists regarding some controversial ethical issues related to genomic research, suggesting the need for more study, debate and education. In the interim, journals might consider including the investigators’ policies regarding these ethical issues in the papers they publish in the field of genomic epidemiology.