bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in the Nigerian Auto/biography
Authors: Dasylva Ademola O. , Oriaku Remy 
Published: April 2010

AbstractEvery society has its means and methods of chronicling events, and lives, in a way peculiar to it. Despite the considerable shift in contextual paradigms that foreground the quill of the non‐literate era and the cursor of the twenty‐first century, the Nigerian auto/biography as life‐portrait has stuck to and remained faithful to its traditional role of projecting a major personage, as well as archiving and documenting key social and historical events. So far studies in the Nigerian auto/biography have continued to lay emphasis on its prose narrative form. This paper argues that by virtue of its idiosyncrasies, auto/biographical narratives are not limited to the prose (non‐fictional) literary sub‐genre. Rather, auto/biographies are to be found in other generic forms of literature. It argues further that this sub‐generic form of literature pre‐dates the colonial era, and that most, if not all, forms of Nigerian literature, oral and written, are either steeped in auto/biography or characterized by it. The argument in this paper is that because auto/biographies focus on the lives of significant persons in society they reflect the cultural values, aesthetic trends and practices of the people as well as their socio‐historical epochs. It concludes by demonstrating how the tilt towards self‐presentation makes this form reflect the dissonance in points of views and the myriad conflicts that characterize the Nigerian society at the same time that it enhances dialogue between the author/subjects of auto/biography and the public.
Validation of the WHOQOL‐BREF among women following childbirth
Authors: WEBSTER Joan , NICHOLAS Catherine , VELACOTT Catherine , CRIDLAND Noelle , FAWCETT Lisa 
Published: April 2010

Background:  There is increasing interest in measuring quality of life (QOL) in clinical settings and in clinical trials. None of the commonly used QOL instruments has been validated for use postnatally.Aim:  To assess the psychometric properties of the 26‐item WHOQOL‐BREF (short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment) among women following childbirth.Methods:  Using a prospective cohort design, we recruited 320 women within the first few days of childbirth. At six weeks postpartum, participants were asked to complete the WHOQOL‐BREF, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Index and the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index. Validation of the WHOQOL‐BREF included an analysis of internal consistency, discriminate validity, convergent validity and an examination of the domain structure.Results:  In all, 221 (69.1%) women returned their six‐week questionnaire. All domains of the WHOQOL‐BREF met reliability standards (alpha coefficient exceeding 0.70). The questionnaire discriminated well between known groups (depressed women and non‐depressed women. P ≤ 0.000) and demonstrated satisfactory correlations with the Australian Unity Wellbeing index (r ≥ 0.45). The domain structure of the WHOQOL‐BREF was also valid in this population of new mothers, with moderate‐to‐high correlation between individual items and the domain structure to which the items were originally assigned.Conclusion:  The WHOQOL‐BRF is a well‐accepted and valid instrument in this population and may be used in postnatal clinical settings or for assessing intervention effects in research studies.
Long‐term outcomes of patients who failed to attend following midurethral sling surgery – A comparative study and analysis of risk factors for non‐attendance
Authors: STAV Kobi , DWYER Peter L. , ROSAMILIA Anna , LEE Joseph 
Published: April 2010

Background and aims:  To assess long‐term subjective cure and subjective complication rates of women who underwent midurethral sling (MUS) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in those who failed to attend (FTA) versus those who attended for postoperative follow‐up. Predictive factors for non‐attendance were identified.Methods:  A total of 1225 consecutive women with urodynamic SUI had a synthetic MUS at our institution between 1999 and 2007. Patients were interviewed via phone call with a structured questionnaire. Comparison between FTA and non‐FTA patients was performed and multivariate analysis was utilised to identify risk factors for non‐attendance.Results:  Univariate analysis revealed that the FTA rate was lower in patients who underwent concomitant prolapse surgery (29% vs. 84%, P < 0.001), FTA patients were younger (mean age 56 vs. 67 years, P < 0.001) and more depressed (14% vs. 4%, P < 0.05). At a mean follow‐up of 50 ± 24 months, the subjective cure rate was similar between the two groups (84% vs. 86%, NS). The incidence of overactive bladder symptoms was significantly higher in the non‐FTA patients (34% vs. 6%P < 0.001). Isolated sling procedure (OR = 2.71, P < 0.01) and age <50 years (OR = 3.15, P < 0.05) were significant predictors for failed attendance.Conclusions:  Our results indicate that the subjective cure rate is similar between non‐FTA and FTA patients subsequent to a MUS procedure. However, the rate of overactive bladder symptoms is higher in the non‐FTA patients. Isolated MUS procedure and younger age are significant risk factors of failure to attend in the longer term.
Is there a correlation between bacterial vaginosis and preterm labour in women in the Otago region of New Zealand?
Authors: LIM Kah Heng , BROOKS Heather , MCDOUGAL Rebecca , BURTON Jeremy , DEVENISH Celia , DE SILVA Thilinie 
Published: April 2010

Context:  While an association between bacterial vaginosis and preterm labour has been established, the relative contribution of this condition remains controversial.Objective:  To determine whether bacterial vaginosis is likely to be an important contributing factor in preterm births in Otago, New Zealand, a region with a historically high rate of such births.Design and setting:  Women receiving antenatal care from Queen Mary Maternity Services were studied prospectively. Cases were women presenting with preterm labour or premature rupture of membranes. Controls had uncomplicated pregnancies and delivered at term.Patients and methods:  Vaginal swabs from 44 cases and 72 controls were examined by amplification of bacterial 16S rRNA genes followed by denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis. Atopobium vaginae, a bacterial vaginosis‐associated bacterium, was detected in a separate polymerase chain reaction. Nugent Gram stain scoring of vaginal swabs from 44 cases and 69 controls was also carried out.Results:  Denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis revealed three major types of band profiles corresponding to normal, intermediate and bacterial vaginosis microflorae. There were significantly more cases with bacterial vaginosis band profiles compared with controls (P = 0.024). More cases had intermediate or bacterial vaginosis Nugent scores compared with controls (P = 0.022). Conversely, controls were more likely to have normal scores than cases (P = 0.022). Atopobium vaginae was equally distributed between the cases and controls.Conclusions:  Women in the Otago region undergoing preterm labour were approximately twice as likely to have a bacterial vaginosis type vaginal microflora as controls. In preterm labour, the incidence of bacterial vaginosis was comparable with that found elsewhere, suggesting that current guidelines for treatment and detection of this condition are appropriate.
Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations of Nursing Home Residents: Frequency, Causes, and Costs
Authors: Ouslander Joseph G. , Lamb Gerri , Perloe Mary , Givens JoVonn H. , Kluge Linda , Rutland Tracy , Atherly Adam , Saliba Debra 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine the frequency and reasons for potentially avoidable hospitalizations of nursing home (NH) residents.DESIGN: Medical records were reviewed as a component of a project designed to develop and pilot test clinical practice tools for reducing potentially avoidable hospitalization.SETTING: NHs in Georgia.PARTICIPANTS: In 10 NHs with high and 10 with low hospitalization rates, 10 hospitalizations were randomly selected, including long‐ and short‐stay residents.MEASUREMENTS: Ratings using a structured review by expert NH clinicians.RESULTS: Of the 200 hospitalizations, 134 (67.0%) were rated as potentially avoidable. Panel members cited lack of on‐site availability of primary care clinicians, inability to obtain timely laboratory tests and intravenous fluids, problems with quality of care in assessing acute changes, and uncertain benefits of hospitalization as causes of these potentially avoidable hospitalizations.CONCLUSION: In this sample of NH residents, experienced long‐term care clinicians commonly rated hospitalizations as potentially avoidable. Support for NH infrastructure, clinical practice and communication tools for health professionals, increased attention to reducing the frequency of medically futile care, and financial and other incentives for NHs and their affiliated hospitals are needed to improve care, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and avoid unnecessary healthcare expenditures in this population.
Adiponectin Isoforms in Elderly Patients with or without Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Rizza Stefano , Gigli Fabrizio , Galli Angelica , Micchelini Barbara , Lauro Davide , Lauro Renato , Federici Massimo 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To study the distribution of adiponectin isoforms in a group of very old patients.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Geriatric ambulatory clinic of the Department of Medicine at Policlinico “Tor Vergata.”PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eight elderly adults (mean age 85.0±3.2) with or without a history of a previous myocardial infarction as proof of established coronary artery disease (CAD) at least 3 months before entry into the study. Accordingly, subjects were divided into CAD positive (CAD+, n=50) and CAD negative (CAD−, n=58).MEASUREMENT: Assessment of adiponectin isoforms along with metabolic, lipid, and inflammatory profiles.RESULTS: CAD+ subjects had significantly higher levels of total adiponectin (Tot‐Ad) and low‐molecular‐weight adiponectin (LMW‐Ad) than CAD− subjects (P=.008 for both). LMW‐Ad and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein were positively correlated, even after adjustment for waist circumference, sex, glomerular filtration rate, and presence of diabetes mellitus (correlation coefficient (r)=0.25, P=.05). This association was not confirmed when CAD+ subjects were analyzed alone. A positive association was found in CAD+ subjects between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin (HMW‐Ad), and Tot‐Ad (r=0.798 and r=0.795, P<.001 for all) but not LMW‐Ad.CONCLUSION: Distribution of adiponectin isoforms differed in populations of elderly subjects according to the presence of coronary atherosclerosis. The data support the hypothesis for a protective role of LMW‐Ad during aging, although additional studies are needed to definitively clarify whether LMW‐Ad plays a protective role in older people with a history of CAD.
Immigrant Status and Intention to Leave of Nursing Assistants in U.S. Nursing Homes
Authors: Sloane Philip D. , Williams Christianna S. , Zimmerman Sheryl 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To better understand the characteristics and perceptions of immigrants working as nursing assistants in U.S. nursing homes and to determine whether immigrant status is linked to job turnover.DESIGN: Analysis of interview data from a nationally representative sample of nursing assistants working in U.S. nursing homes.SETTING: Five hundred eighty‐two nursing homes included in the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey.PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand eight hundred eighty‐one nursing assistants.MEASUREMENTS: Proportion of respondents who were non‐U.S. born or naturalized citizens and relationship between these characteristics and measures of job satisfaction and intention to leave within the subsequent year.RESULTS: Fourteen percent (13.9%) of nursing assistants employed in U.S. nursing homes were immigrants. Immigrants tended to be better educated; more often male, nonwhite, and Hispanic; and concentrated in large, urban facilities than nonimmigrants. They reported feeling less respected by residents and families but not less respected by supervisors, and they were more likely to report intention to leave the job within 1 year. In multivariate analyses, demographic factors, length of time on the job, and noncitizen status were independently associated with plans to leave within a year.CONCLUSION: Attention to the unique factors associated with immigrant status, such as the need to improve communication and garner respect from patients and families, can assist policy‐makers, facility administrators, and medical directors in more effectively attracting, training, and supporting this growing segment of the nursing assistant labor pool.
Tooth Loss and Periodontal Disease Predict Poor Cognitive Function in Older Men
Authors: Kaye Elizabeth Krall , Valencia Aileen , Baba Nivine , Spiro Avron , Dietrich Thomas , Garcia Raul I. 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether rates of tooth loss, periodontal disease progression, and caries incidence predict cognitive decline in men.DESIGN: Prospective study.SETTING: Community‐dwelling men enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Dental Longitudinal Study.PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred ninety‐seven dentate men aged 28 to 70 at study baseline who have been followed up to 32 years.MEASUREMENTS: Oral examinations were conducted approximately every 3 years. Periodontal disease measures included probing pocket depth and radiographic alveolar bone height. Participants underwent cognitive testing beginning in 1993. Low cognitive status was defined as less than 25 points or less than 90% of the age‐ and education‐specific median on the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and less than 10 points on a spatial copying task.RESULTS: Each tooth lost per decade since the baseline dental examination increased the risks of low MMSE score (hazard ratio (HR)=1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01–1.18) and low spatial copying score (HR=1.12, CI=1.05–1.18). Risks were greater per additional tooth with progression of alveolar bone loss (spatial copying: HR=1.03, CI=1.01–1.06), probing pocket depth (MMSE: HR=1.04, CI=1.01–1.09; spatial copying: HR=1.04, CI=1.01–1.06), and caries (spatial copying: HR=1.05, CI=1.01–1.08). Risks were consistently higher in men who were older than 45.5 at baseline than in younger men.CONCLUSION: Risk of cognitive decline in older men increases as more teeth are lost. Periodontal disease and caries, major reasons for tooth loss, are also related to cognitive decline.
Isolation and Identification of Three By‐products Found in Methylamphetamine Synthesized by the Emde Route
Authors: Salouros Helen , Collins Michael , George Adrian V. , Davies Stephen 
Published: April 2010

Abstract:This article describes the isolation and structural elucidation of three compounds produced during the synthesis of methylamphetamine by the so‐called “Emde” procedure. The “Emde” procedure involves the preparation of the intermediate chloropseudoephedrine or chloroephedrine from ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, respectively. The intermediates are then reduced to methylamphetamine with hydrogen under pressure in the presence of a catalyst. The by‐product compounds were isolated from methylamphetamine by column chromatography and liquid chromatography (LC). Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C NMR), and nanospray quadrupole‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry (Q‐TOF‐MS) were used to identify them as two stereoisomers of the compound N, N′‐dimethyl‐3,4‐diphenylhexane‐2,5‐diamine and N‐methyl‐1‐{4‐[2‐(methylamino)propyl]phenyl}‐1‐phenylpropan‐2‐amine.
Aspergillus PCR testing: results from a prospective PCR study within the AmBiLoad trial
Authors: Hummel Margit , Spiess Birgit , Cornely Oliver A. , Dittmer Martin , Mörz Handan , Buchheidt Dieter 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectives:  Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in severely immunocompromised patients and is difficult to diagnose. The significance of molecular methods for diagnosis of IFI is still controversial. In a subset of patients treated within the AmBiLoad Trial, samples were investigated prospectively by a nested Aspergillus PCR assay to re‐evaluate the significance of PCR in this setting.Patients and methods:  In the randomized, prospective multicenter AmBiLoad trial, patients with proven or probable IFI were randomized to receive liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AMB) 3 or 10 mg/kg QD for 14 d followed by L‐AMB 3 mg/kg QD. From 91 patients, 459 serial samples (98% blood samples) were investigated by a nested PCR assay for Aspergillus DNA. All samples were investigated in our laboratory with a previously described nested and a quantitative PCR assay. As required by the study protocol, serial Aspergillus antigen galactomannan was performed. IFI was defined according to modified EORTC/MSG 2002 criteria as applied in the AmBiLoad trial.Results:  Seven and 52 patients had proven and probable IFI according to modified EORTC/MSG criteria, respectively. The median number of samples investigated per patient was 4. Seventy percent of samples were obtained during treatment with antifungal study medication. Forty‐three samples gave positive PCR results. Patients with an unfavorable outcome had a significantly higher rate of positive PCR results (48% versus 21%).Conclusions:  The sensitivity of Aspergillus PCR testing is limited during antifungal therapy. The tendency for persistently positive PCR results to indicate a poor prognosis has to be confirmed in further studies.
Understanding the Effects of Sildenafil Treatment on Erection Maintenance and Erection Hardness
Authors: Claes Hubert I.M. , Goldstein Irwin , Althof Stanley E. , Berner Michael M. , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Bushmakin Andrew G. , Symonds Tara , Schnetzler Gabriel 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to attain and/or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Although intuitively related, the link between erection hardness and erection maintenance has not been formally established and quantified.

Aim
To understand the components of erection maintenance through statistical modeling.

Methods
Data from a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of fixed-dose sildenafil (100 or 50 mg, 8 weeks) with open-label extension of flexible-dose sildenafil (100 and 50 mg, 4 weeks) were analyzed. Erection maintenance was assessed with item 4 (how often erection was maintained) or item 5 (difficulty in maintaining erection) of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Erection hardness was assessed with the Erection Hardness Score.

Main Outcome Measures
Longitudinal modeling estimated mean treatment differences averaged over the double-blind phase for sildenafil 100 mg vs. placebo and 50 mg vs. placebo. Statistical mediation analysis was applied to partition the effect of sildenafil (pooled into one treatment group) on erection maintenance directly and indirectly through erection hardness.

Results
Longitudinal mean differences for sildenafil 100 and 50 mg vs. placebo were high (P &lt;0.0001 for each), with large standardized effect sizes (&gt;0.8). Mediation modeling showed that sildenafil treatment affected maintenance directly as well as indirectly via erection hardness, when measured by IIEF item 4 (direct effect, 44.6%; indirect effect, 55.4%) or IIEF item 5 (direct effect, 56.9%; indirect effect, 43.1%).

Conclusions
Sildenafil treatment significantly improved erection maintenance, a physiologic requirement for satisfactory sexual performance. According to our model, only approximately half of the effect of sildenafil on erection maintenance was estimated to be driven through direct effects. Rather, the effect of sildenafil on erection maintenance seems to be substantially driven by erection hardness. Therefore, achievement of optimal initial erection hardness appears to be an important treatment goal for enhancing erection maintenance and achieving successful ED treatment.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Polymorphism and Erectile Dysfunction Complaints in the Brazilian Population
Authors: Andersen Monica L. , Guindalini Camila , Santos-Silva Rogerio , Bittencourt Lia R.A. , Tufik Sergio 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is the major regulator of circulatory homeostasis. An insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the ACE gene has been associated with marked differences in serum ACE levels and with various cardiovascular diseases. Limited and conflicting data have been published on the influence of this genetic variant on the pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
To evaluate a potential association between ACE gene polymorphism and ED complaints in a population-based sample in São Paulo, Brazil.

Main Outcome Measures
The prevalence of ED complaints was estimated according to previously validated 8 item questionnaire.

Methods
A total of 449 men were enrolled in the Epidemiologic Sleep Study and answered an 8-item questionnaire to ascertain sexual performance/ED and satisfaction. ACE gene polymorphism were genotyped using a standard polymerase chain reaction method.

Results
No significant case–control difference was observed for the ACE gene I/D polymorphism either by genotype or allele-wise. Because age is a significant risk factor for ED complaints in our sample, we carried out analyses stratifying the sample by age group. The ID and II genotypes were significantly more frequent in ED complaint cases (88.9%) compared with controls (57.1%) in the men between 40 and 55 years of age. The frequency of the I allele was also significantly higher in individuals complaining of ED (66.7%) compared with men with no complaints (39.0%) (odds ratio=3.12; 95% confidence interval=1.48–6.59). Correction for potential confounding variables, including genetic ancestry, did not affect the strength of the association.

Conclusions
The findings of the present study suggest that the I/D polymorphism or another variant in close linkage disequilibrium with it may play a role in the development of ED in a specific age group and provides progress towards the understanding of the interaction between genetic factors and the risk of ED.
Transglanular Repair of Impending Penile Prosthetic Cylinder Extrusion
Authors: Shindel Alan W. , Brant Will O. , Mwamukonda Kuwong , Bella Anthony J. , Lue Tom F. 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Penile prosthetic devices are highly satisfactory in the management of erectile dysfunction but carry a number of risks including the potential for erosion. In some cases, impending extrusion can be identified and managed before frank erosion occurs.

Aims
To report our results using a transglanular approach for management of impending distal erosion of penile prosthetic devices.

Methods
Patients who presented with impending erosion of penile prosthetics were identified by retrospective chart review. Patients who were managed with a transglanular surgical approach constitute the study group.

Main Outcome Measures
Clinical data were culled from the charts. Identified patients were contacted and were asked a battery of questions regarding their subjective assessment of the treatment’s efficacy.

Results
Six men were identified. Mean age at time of surgery was 56 years. Four men had had implants placed within the past 2 years and two had implants that had been in place for greater than 12 years. Mean operative time was 25 minutes. Four patients were successfully managed with a single repair procedure. Two men required repeat revision surgery. Of men that were available for additional postoperative contact, three of four reported satisfaction with the procedure.

Conclusions
The transglanular approach for repair of impending distal erosion of penile prosthetics is a quick and minimally morbid procedure that produces satisfactory results in the majority of patients. Further refinements of technique will likely lead to greater overall improvement in outcomes.