bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of cognitive impairment on health-related quality of life in neurological disease
Authors: Mitchell Alex J. , Kemp Steven , Benito-León Julián , Reuber Markus 
Published: January 2010

Mitchell AJ, Kemp S, Benito-León J, Reuber M. The influence of cognitive impairment on health-related quality of life in neurological disease.Background:Cognitive impairment is the most consistent neurological complication of acquired and degenerative brain disorders. Historically, most focus was on dementia but now has been broadened to include the important construct of mild cognitive impairment.Methods:Systematic search and review of articles linked quality of life (QoL) and cognitive complications of neurological disorders. We excluded QoL in dementia.Results:Our search identified 249 publications. Most research examined patients with brain tumours, stroke, epilepsy, head injury, Huntington's disease, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Results suggested that the majority of patients with epilepsy, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke and head injury have subtle cognitive deficits early in their disease course. These cognitive complaints are often overlooked by clinicians. In many cases, the cognitive impairment is progressive but it can also be relapsing-remitting and in some cases reversible. Despite the importance of severe cognitive impairment in the form of dementia, there is now increasing recognition of a broad spectrum of impairment, including those with subclinical or mild cognitive impairment. Even mild cognitive difficulties can have functional and psychiatric consequences–especially when they are persistent and untreated. Specific cognitive deficits such an inattention, dysexecutive function and processing speed may affect a number of quality of life (QoL) domains. For example, cognitive impairment influences return to work, interpersonal relationships and leisure activities. In addition, fear of future cognitive decline may also impact upon QoL.Conclusions:We recommend further development of simple tools to screen for cognitive impairments in each neurological condition. We also recommend that a thorough cognitive assessment should be a part of routine clinical practice in those caring for individuals with neurological disorders.
Pharmacotherapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Eardley Ian , Donatucci Craig , Corbin Jackie , El-Meliegy Amr , Hatzimouratidis Konstantinos , McVary Kevin , Munarriz Ricardo , Lee Sung Won 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTIntroductionPharmacotherapy is the usual initial therapy for most men with erectile dysfunction.AimTo review the current data relating to the efficacy, tolerability and safety of drugs used in the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction.MethodsA critical review of the literature relating to the use of pharmacotherapeutic agents was undertaken by a committee of eight experts from five countries, building on prior reviews.Main Outcome MeasuresExpert opinion and recommendations were based on grading of evidence-based literature, internal committee dialogue, open presentation, and debate.ResultsAlmost all currently available evidence relates to sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are first-line therapy for most men with erectile dysfunction who do not have a specific contraindication to their use. There is no evidence of significant differences in efficacy, safety, and tolerability between the PDE5 inhibitors and apomorphine. Intracavernosal injection therapy with alprostadil should be offered to patients as second line therapy for erectile dysfunction. Intraurethral alprostadil is a less effective treatment than intracavernosal alprostadil for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction.ConclusionsPDE5 inhibitors are effective, safe, and well-tolerated therapies for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction. Apomorphine, intracavernosal injection therapy with alprostadil, and intraurethral alprostadil are all effective and well-tolerated treatments for men with erectile dysfunction. We recommend some standardization of the assessment of psychosocial outcomes within clinical trials in the field of erectile dysfunction.
REVIEW: Utilization of Pharmacotherapy for Erectile Dysfunction Following Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Prasad Michaella M. , Prasad Sandip M. , Hevelone Nathanael D. , Gu Xiangmei , Weinberg Aaron C. , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Palapattu Ganesh S. , Hu Jim C. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Pharmacotherapies improve sexual function following treatments for localized prostate cancer; however, patterns of care remain unknown.

Aim
To ascertain post-treatment utilization of pharmacotherapies for erectile dysfunction (ED) using a population-based approach.

Methods
We identified 38,958 men who underwent definitive treatment for localized prostate cancer during 2003–2006 from the MarketScan Medstat data.

Main Outcome Measures
We compared the use of ED pharmacotherapy at baseline (up to 3 months prior) and up to 30 months following radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiotherapy (RT) for localized prostate cancer by utilizing National Drug Classification codes for phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5I), intracavernosal injectable therapies (IT), urethral suppositories and vacuum erection devices (VED). In adjusted analyses, we controlled for the effect of age, comorbidity, type of treatment, health plan and use of adjuvant hormone therapy on the use of pharmacotherapies.

Results
Men undergoing RP vs. RT were younger with less co-morbid conditions. Utilization of PDE5I was up to three times greater for men undergoing RP vs. RT, 25.6% vs. 8.8%, (P &lt;0.0001) in the first post-treatment year, and usage of these agents was greatest for men undergoing minimally-invasive RP procedures. A higher percentage of men also used IT, suppositories and VED after RP vs. RT (P &lt;0.001). However, more men in the RT group received adjuvant hormonal therapy (39.53% vs. 5.25% for RP, P &lt;0.01). In adjusted analyses, men undergoing RP vs. RT were more than two times likely (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.98, 2.26) to use PDE5I post-treatment while men on adjuvant hormonal therapy were less likely to use PDE5I (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.70–0.79, P &lt;0.0001).

Conclusion
Men undergoing RP vs. RT, particularly minimally-invasive RP, are more likely to employ IT, suppositories, VED, and PDE5I pharmacotherapy post-treatment.
3-D Volumetric and Vascular Analysis of the Urethrovaginal Space in Young Women With or Without Vaginal Orgasm
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Nappi Rossella Elena , Mancini Fulvia , Alvisi Stefania , Del Forno Simona , Battaglia Bruno , Venturoli Stefano 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe existence of the G-spot is controversial.AimTo evaluate, by the use of three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasonography, the anatomic structures of the urethrovaginal space.MethodsNineteen (Group I) eumenorrheic young women who experienced, and 20 (Group II) who did not experience a vaginal orgasm underwent two-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D ultrasonography and color Doppler analysis of the urethrovaginal space and of the clitoris during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.Main Outcome Measures2-D ultrasonographic evaluation of the urethrovaginal space, and color Doppler evaluation of the urethrovaginal main feeding artery and dorsal clitoral arteries; 3-D volume calculation of the urethrovaginal space, and 3-D power Doppler analysis of vascular indices of the urethrovaginal space and clitoral body (vascularization index, flow index, vascularization flow index); hormonal evaluation.ResultsThe 3-D reconstruction of the urethrovaginal space demonstrated a gland-like aspect with small feeding vessels. The total length (19.1 ± 2.7 mm vs. 17.5 ± 2.1 mm; P = 0.047), measured with 2-D ultrasound, and the 3-D mean volume (0.59 ± 0.13 mL vs. 0.26 ± 0.07 mL; P &lt;0.001) of the structures contained in the urethrovaginal space were significantly higher in Group I than in Group II. The mean time since the last intercourse was 31 ± 9 hours in Group I and 18 ± 3 hours (P = 0.033) in Group II. The urethrovaginal space vascularization, the clitoral volume and vascularization, and the circulating hormonal values did not significantly differ among the two groups. The mean volume of the structures contained in the urethrovaginal space was correlated with time since intercourse (r = 0.685; P = 0.021) and with serum testosterone (r = 0.637; P = 0.032) and androstenedione (r = 0.744; P = 0.011).ConclusionsThe structures we observed in the urethrovaginal space have a gland-like aspect and their volume is correlated with both serum androgen concentrations and time since intercourse.
Pyrosequencing reveals a contrasted bacterial diversity between oak rhizosphere and surrounding soil
Authors: Uroz Stéphane , Buée Marc , Murat Claude , Frey‐Klett Pascale , Martin Francis 
Published: January 2010

SummarySeveral reports have highlighted that forest soil samples are more phylum‐rich than agricultural soil samples. However, little is known about the structure and richness of the bacterial communities in forest soil. Using high‐throughput next generation 454 pyrosequencing, we deeply investigated the diversity of bacterial communities colonizing the oak rhizosphere niche and the surrounding soil. From three spatially independent soil samples, we obtained over 300 000 partial 16S rRNA gene sequences. The most abundant bacterial groups were the Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria and unclassified bacteria. Multifactorial analysis of the relative proportions of the different phyla revealed a net differentiation of the bacterial communities present in the rhizosphere and soil environments, suggesting an oak rhizosphere effect. Significantly more β‐, γ‐ and unclassified Proteobacteria inhabited the rhizosphere when compared with the surrounding soil. Conversely, significantly more unclassified bacteria were detected in the bulk soil than in the rhizosphere, demonstrating that the soil remains a challenging reservoir of complexity. This work increases our understanding of the niche effect on bacterial diversity and on the rare phylogenetic groups inhabiting the soil.
Efficacy of Rifampin and Its Combinations with Imipenem, Sulbactam, and Colistin in Experimental Models of Infection Caused by Imipenem-Resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Pachón-Ibáñez María E. , Docobo-Pérez Fernando , López-Rojas Rafael , Domínguez-Herrera Juan , Jiménez-Mejias Manuel E. , García-Curiel Andrés , Pichardo Cristina , Jiménez Luis , Pachón Jerónimo 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

There are currently no defined optimal therapies available for multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Acinetobacter baumannii
infections. We evaluated the efficacy of rifampin, imipenem, sulbactam, colistin, and their combinations against MDR
A. baumannii
in experimental pneumonia and meningitis models. The bactericidal
in vitro
activities of rifampin, imipenem, sulbactam, colistin, and their combinations were tested using time-kill curves. Murine pneumonia and rabbit meningitis models were evaluated using the
A. baummnnii
strain Ab1327 (with MICs for rifampin, imipenem, sulbactam, and colistin of 4, 32, 32, and 0.5 mg/liter, respectively). Mice were treated with the four antimicrobials and their combinations. For the meningitis model, the efficacies of colistin, rifampin and its combinations with imipenem, sulbactam, or colistin, and of imipenem plus sulbactam were assayed. In the pneumonia model, compared to the control group, (i) rifampin alone, (ii) rifampin along with imipenem, sulbactam, or colistin, (iii) colistin, or (iv) imipenem plus sulbactam significantly reduced lung bacterial concentrations (10.6 ± 0.27 [controls] versus 3.05 ± 1.91, 2.07 ± 1.82, 2.41 ± 1.37, 3.4 ± 3.07, 6.82 ± 3.4, and 4.22 ± 2.72 log
10
CFU/g, respectively [means ± standard deviations]), increased sterile blood cultures (0% versus 78.6%, 100%, 93.3%, 93.8%, 73.3%, and 50%), and improved survival (0% versus 71.4%, 60%, 46.7%, 43.8%, 40%, and 85.7%). In the meningitis model rifampin alone or rifampin plus colistin reduced cerebrospinal fluid bacterial counts (−2.6 and −4.4 log
10
CFU/ml). Rifampin in monotherapy or with imipenem, sulbactam, or colistin showed efficacy against MDR
A. baumannii
in experimental models of pneumonia and meningitis. Imipenem or sulbactam may be appropriate for combined treatment when using rifampin.
Source of Nitrous Oxide Emissions during the Cow Manure Composting Process as Revealed by Isotopomer Analysis of and
amoA
Abundance in Betaproteobacterial Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria
Authors: Maeda Koki , Toyoda Sakae , Shimojima Ryosuke , Osada Takashi , Hanajima Dai , Morioka Riki , Yoshida Naohiro 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

A molecular analysis of betaproteobacterial ammonia oxidizers and a N
2
O isotopomer analysis were conducted to study the sources of N
2
O emissions during the cow manure composting process. Much NO
2
−
-N and NO
3
−
-N and the
Nitrosomonas europaea
-like
amoA
gene were detected at the surface, especially at the top of the composting pile, suggesting that these ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) significantly contribute to the nitrification which occurs at the surface layer of compost piles. However, the
15
N site preference within the asymmetric N
2
O molecule (SP = δ
15
N
α
− δ
15
N
β
, where
15
N
α
and
15
N
β
represent the
15
N/
14
N ratios at the center and end sites of the nitrogen atoms, respectively) indicated that the source of N
2
O emissions just after the compost was turned originated mainly from the denitrification process. Based on these results, the reduction of accumulated NO
2
−
-N or NO
3
−
-N after turning was identified as the main source of N
2
O emissions. The site preference and bulk δ
15
N results also indicate that the rate of N
2
O reduction was relatively low, and an increased value for the site preference indicates that the nitrification which occurred mainly in the surface layer of the pile partially contributed to N
2
O emissions between the turnings.
Cryptococcus neoformansVariants Generated by Phenotypic Switching Differ in Virulence through Effects on Macrophage Activation
Authors: Guerrero A. , Jain N. , Wang X. , Fries B. C. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTMacrophages have a central role in the pathogenesis of cryptococcosis since they are an important line of defense, serve as a site for fungal replication, and also can contribute to tissue damage. The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction of macrophages with cells from smooth-colony variants (SM) and mucoid-colony variants (MC) arising from phenotypic switching ofCryptococcus neoformans. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) isolated from SM- and MC-infected mice exhibited differences in gene and surface expression of PD-L1, PD-L2, and major histocompatibility class II (MHC-II). PD-L1 and PD-L2 are the ligands for PD1 and are differentially regulated in Th1- and Th2-type cells. In addition, macrophage activation in SM- and MC-infected mice was characterized as alternatively activated. Flow cytometric and cytokine analysis demonstrated that MC infection was associated with the emergence of Th17 cells and higher levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in lung tissue, which were reduced by AM depletion. In conclusion, our results indicate that macrophages play a significant role in maintaining damage-promoting inflammation in the lung during MC infection, which ultimately results in death.
Superdormant Spores of
Bacillus
Species Germinate Normally with High Pressure, Peptidoglycan Fragments, and Bryostatin
Authors: Wei Jie , Shah Ishita M. , Ghosh Sonali , Dworkin Jonathan , Hoover Dallas G. , Setlow Peter 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

Superdormant spores of
Bacillus cereus
and
Bacillus subtilis
germinated just as well as dormant spores with pressures of 150 or 500 MPa and with or without heat activation. Superdormant
B. subtilis
spores also germinated as well as dormant spores with peptidoglycan fragments or bryostatin, a Ser/Thr protein kinase activator.
Diffusion superélastique des électrons sur les états métastables nsnp 3P0,2 des atomes de magnésium et de strontium
Authors: Shafranyosh I. I. , Marushka V. I. 
Published: January 2010

Experimental results are presented on electron superplastic diffusion processes on nsnp 3P0,2 metastable states in magnesium and strontium atoms. An electron spectrometer with right angle crossed beams for electrons and atoms was used, the electron energy ranging between 0.15 and 2.0 eV. For the first time, superelastic electron diffusion cross-sections were measured on metastable magnesium and strontium atoms, with maximum values of (3.0 ± 1.8) × 10−16 cm2 and (20 ± 12) × 10−16 cm2, respectively. We have observed resonances, associated with the formation of negative ions, on the energy fonctions of the diffusion cross-sections for superelastic electron diffusion at 0.4 eV and 0.45 eV on Mg and Sr, respectively.
Equivalent Extensions to Caristi-Kirk's Fixed Point Theorem, Ekeland's Variational Principle, and Takahashi's Minimization Theorem
Authors: Wu Zili 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWith a recent result of Suzuki (2001) we extend Caristi-Kirk's fixed point theorem, Ekeland's variational principle, and Takahashi's minimization theorem in a complete metric space by replacing the distance with a "Equation missing"-distance. In addition, these extensions are shown to be equivalent. When the "Equation missing"-distance is l.s.c. in its second variable, they are applicable to establish more equivalent results about the generalized weak sharp minima and error bounds, which are in turn useful for extending some existing results such as the petal theorem.
Overexpression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Rat Oral Cancers and Prevention of Oral Carcinogenesis in Rats by Selective and Nonselective COX Inhibitors
Authors: McCormick David L. , Phillips Jonathan M. , Horn Thomas L. , Johnson William D. , Steele Vernon E. , Lubet Ronald A. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinomas induced in rats by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (NQO) show substantial overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) when compared with adjacent phenotypically normal oral tissues. By contrast, neither 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) nor 12-LOX is overexpressed in rat oral cancers. Two chemoprevention studies were done to test the resulting hypothesis that COX-2 is a useful target for oral cancer chemoprevention in the rat. In both studies, male F344 rats received drinking water exposure to NQO (20 ppm) for 10 weeks, followed by administration of chemopreventive agents from week 10 until study termination at week 26. In the first study, groups of rats were fed basal diet (control), or basal diet supplemented with the selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (500 or 1,500 mg/kg diet), the nonselective COX inhibitor piroxicam (50 or 150 mg/kg diet), or the 5-LOX inhibitor zileuton (2,000 mg/kg diet). In the second study, rats were fed basal diet (control) or basal diet supplemented with nitric oxide–naproxen (180 or 90 mg/kg diet), a nonselective COX inhibitor that shows reduced gastrointestinal toxicity. When compared with dietary controls, celecoxib decreased oral cancer incidence, cancer invasion score, and cancer-related mortality. Piroxicam decreased cancer-related mortality and cancer invasion score, whereas nitric oxide–naproxen decreased oral cancer incidence and cancer invasion score. By contrast, zileuton showed no chemopreventive activity by any parameter assessed. These data show that both selective and nonselective inhibitors of COX-2 can prevent NQO-induced oral carcinogenesis in rats. The chemopreventive activity of COX inhibitors may be linked to overexpression of their enzymatic target in incipient oral neoplasms. Cancer Prev Res; 3(1); 73–81.
After the Deconstruction of Christendom
Authors: Nessan Craig L. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn this article Craig L. Nessan of Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, USA reflects on five elements of a "new paradigm" of Christianity in our postmodern, post-Christendom world: First, the new paradigm will be based on interreligious dialogue and on consensus "from below"--i.e. from those who suffer. Second, it will include "admiration" of those who are different (religiously, in gender, in race, etc.). Third, the new paradigm of Christianity will include care for the earth as the home that humans share with a complex web of other created realities. Fourth, it will include care for the basic physical needs of all people, most fundamentally by providing food for those who are hungry. Finally, Christianity as it is emerging will include nonviolence as the norm for human relationships and for addressing conflict.
Culture, Ethnicity, and Inculturation
Authors: Pranger Jan H. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis article discusses the concept "inculturation" from both a critical and constructive perspective. It is concerned with the ideas about "culture" and cultural or ethnic identity that underlie the discourse and practice of inculturation. While inculturation is an important hermeneutical and theological principle it is necessary to be critical of the way in which theologians sometimes employ these notions, in particular in situations of ethnic conflict. The article juxtaposes essentialist and static assumptions about ethnic identity and culture underlying projects of inculturation in Sri Lanka with theoretical, postcolonial perspectives on such identities as "negotiated" or "constructed" in an ongoing cultural process. It considers the possible implications of such a perspective for the practices of inculturation in Sri Lanka, as well as the consequences for the theoretical understanding of the concept inculturation itself. The article criticizes the understanding of cultural or ethnic identity as the foundation of theological inculturation, and raises the question what does constitute such a basis. It argues, first, for an emphasis on the theological basis of inculturation in God's incarnation and saving presence in human cultures. Second, difference of culture rather than cultural identity should constitute the basis for the local construction of theology. Third, it argues that claims for theological difference are always voiced within, and therefore already presuppose, ecumenical or catholic relationships and structures of communication. The article concludes by arguing, on the basis of a "globalized" and postcolonial concept of culture, for an understanding of inculturation that includes other than cultural or ethnic identities as part of its concern with culture, as well as socioeconomic and political processes. It is hoped that a revision of the concept of inculturation along these lines may be more helpful in situations of ethnic conflict, and may also help to bring a convergence between the understanding of inculturation and contextualization.