bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of age at onset of bipolar I disorder on functioning and clinical presentation
Authors: Biffin Frances , Tahtalian Steven , Filia Kate , Fitzgerald Paul B. , de Castella Anthony R. , Filia Sacha , Berk Michael , Dodd Seetal , Callaly Pam , Berk Lesley , Kelin Katarina , Smith Meg , Montgomery William , Kulkarni Jayashri 
Published: August 2009

Objectives:Recent studies have proposed the existence of three distinct subgroups of bipolar 1 disorder based on age at onset (AAO). The present study aims to investigate potential clinical and functional differences between these subgroups in an Australian sample.Methods:Participants (n= 239) were enrolled in the Bipolar Comprehensive Outcomes Study (BCOS), a 2-year longitudinal, observational, cross-sectional study. Assessment measures included the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD21), Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI-BP), SF-36, SLICE/Life Scale, and the EuroQol (EQ-5D). Participants were also asked about their age at the first major affective episode.Results:Three AAO groups were compared: early (AAO < 20, mean = 15.5 ± 2.72; 44.4% of the participants); intermediate (AAO 20–39, mean = 26.1 ± 4.8; 48.14% of the participants) and late (AAO > 40, mean = 50.6 ± 9.04; 7.4% of the participants). Higher rates of depression, suicidal ideation and binge drinking were reported by the early AAO group. This group also reported poorer quality of life in a number of areas. The early AAO group had a predominant depressive initial polarity and the intermediate group had a manic predominance.Conclusion:Early AAO is associated with an adverse outcome.
Moving Beyond Resistance to Restraint Minimization: A Case Study of Change Management in Aged Care
Authors: Johnson Susan , Ostaszkiewicz Joan , O'Connell Beverly 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT Aim: This case study describes a quality initiative to minimize restraint in an Australian residential aged care facility. Approach: The process of improving practice is examined with reference to the literature on implementation of research into practice and change management. The differences between planned and emergent approaches to change management are discussed. The concepts of resistance and attractors are explored in relation to our experiences of managing the change process in this initiative. The importance of the interpersonal interactions that were involved in facilitating the change process is highlighted. Implications: Recommendations are offered for dealing with change management processes in clinical environments, particularly the need to move beyond an individual mind‐set to a systems‐based approach for quality initiatives in residential aged care.
Cannabis Use and Sexual Health
Authors: Smith Anthony M.A. , Ferris Jason A. , Simpson Judy M. , Shelley Julia , Pitts Marian K. , Richters Juliet 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit substance worldwide. Despite this, its impact on sexual health is largely unknown.

Aim
The aim of this article is to examine the association between cannabis use and a range of sexual health outcomes.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures include the number of sexual partners in the past year, condom use at most recent vaginal or anal intercourse, diagnosis with a sexually transmissible infection in the previous year, and the occurrence of sexual problems.

Methods
Method used in this article includes a computer-assisted telephone survey of 8,656 Australians aged 16–64 years resident in Australian households with a fixed telephone line.

Results
Of the 8,650 who answered the questions about cannabis use, 754 (8.7%) reported cannabis use in the previous year with 126 (1.5%) reporting daily use, 126 reported (1.5%) weekly use, and 502 (5.8%) reported use less often than weekly. After adjusting for demographic factors, daily cannabis use compared with no use was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting two or more sexual partners in the previous year in both men (adjusted odds ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.11–3.89; P = 0.02) and women (2.58, 1.08–6.18; P = 0.03). Daily cannabis use was associated with reporting a diagnosis of a sexually transmissible infection in women but not men (7.19, 1.28–40.31; P = 0.02 and 1.45, 0.17–12.42; P = 0.74, respectively). Frequency of cannabis use was unrelated to sexual problems in women but daily use vs. no use was associated with increased reporting among men of an inability to reach orgasm (3.94, 1.71–9.07; P &lt; 0.01), reaching orgasm too quickly (2.68, 1.41–5.08; P &lt; 0.01), and too slowly (2.05, 1.02–4.12; P = 0.04).

Conclusions
Frequent cannabis use is associated with higher numbers of sexual partners for both men and women, and difficulties in men’s ability to orgasm as desired.
Effects of Weight Loss Intervention on Erectile Function in Older Men with Type 2 Diabetes in the Look AHEAD Trial
Authors: Wing Rena R. , Rosen Raymond C. , Fava Joseph L. , Bahnson Judy , Brancati Frederick , Gendrano Isaias Noel C. , Kitabchi Abbas , Schneider Stephen H. , Wadden Thomas A. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Overweight men with diabetes often report erectile dysfunction (ED), but few studies have examined effects of weight loss on this problem.

Aim
This study examined 1-year changes in erectile function (EF) in overweight/obese men with type 2 diabetes participating in the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) trial.

Methods
Participants in Look AHEAD were randomly assigned to a control condition involving diabetes support and education (DSE) or to intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) involving group and individual sessions to reduce weight and increase physical activity. Men from five of the clinical sites in Look AHEAD completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) at baseline (N=372) and at 1 year (N=306) (82%).

Main Outcome Measures
Changes in EF as reported on the EF subscale of the IIEF.

Results
At 1 year, the ILI group lost a greater percent of initial body weight (9.9% vs. 0.6 %) and had greater improvements in fitness (22.7% vs. 4.6%) than DSE. EF improved more in ILI (17.3 ± 7.6 at baseline; 18.6 ± 8.1 at 1 year) than in DSE (18.3 ± 7.6 at baseline; 18.4 ± 8.0 at 1 year); P = 0.04 and P = 0.06 after adjusting for baseline differences. Using established norms for none (i.e., normal EF), and three grades (i.e., mild, moderate, and severe) ED, 8% of men in ILI reported a worsening of EF from baseline to 1 year, 70% stayed in the same category, and 22% reported improvements. In contrast, 20% of DSE reported worsening, 57% stayed in the same category, and 23% improved (P = 0.006).

Conclusion
In this sample of older overweight/obese diabetic men, weight loss intervention was mildly helpful in maintaining EF.
The Place of Female Sexual Dysfunction in the Urological Practice: Results of a Dutch Survey
Authors: Bekker Milou , Beck Jacky , Putter Hein , Van Driel Mels , Pelger Rob , Lycklama à Nijeholt August , Elzevier Henk 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a highly prevalent and often underestimated problem. There is a strong association between urological complaints and FSD.

Aims
The purpose of this survey was to evaluate how Dutch urologists address FSD in their daily practice.

Methods
We performed an anonymous survey study. A 17-item anonymous questionnaire was mailed to all 405 registered members of the Dutch Urology Association (urologists and residents in urology).

Main Outcome Measures
The survey results.

Results
One hundred eighty-six complete surveys of eligible respondents were returned (45.9% response rate). Ten respondents (5.5%) stated that they ask each female patient for sexual function; 87.1% stated that they ask for sexual function when a patient complains about lower abdominal pain (87.2%), incontinence (75.8%), urgency or frequency (70.5%), or urinary tract infections (65.8%). Many respondents (40.3%) do not think that FSD is meaningful in a urological practice. The majority of respondents (91%) underestimate the frequency of FSD in a urological clinic. Respondents who believe the frequency of FSD to be at least 30% tend to ask more often for sexual function than the rest of the group (P = 0.08).

Conclusion
Overall, many urologists do not consistently ask each female patient for sexual function and underestimate the prevalence of FSD. For the majority of the members of the Dutch Urological Association, FSD is not part of routine urological practice. There is, therefore, a need for better implementation of education and training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Due to C677T Mutation of the MTHFR Gene with Vitamin B6 and Folic acid in Patients Non Responders to PDE5i
Authors: Lombardo Francesco , Tsamatropoulos Petros , Piroli Emanuela , Culasso Franco , Jannini Emmanuele Angelo , Dondero Franco , Lenzi Andrea , Gandini Loredana 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Epidemiological studies conducted on erectile dysfunction (ED) have demonstrated its close correlation with cardiovascular disease. Since hyperhomocysteinemia is considered an important cardiovascular risk factor, it could also be involved in the pathogenesis of ED.

Aim
To study the role of the C677T MTHFR mutation with subsequent hyperhomocysteinemia in the determination of ED.

Methods
We studied 75 consecutive patients presenting with ED. Patients were interviewed using the International Index of Erectile Function. Blood samples were drawn for determination of MTHFR gene C677T mutation, homocysteine (Hcy) and folate levels. Penile color Doppler was also performed.

Main Outcome Methods
Patients were administered sildenafil citrate for 2 months. The nonresponders were treated with combination of sildenafil, vitamin B6, and folic acid for 6 weeks. Patients were split into three groups, A, B, and C on the basis on their MTHFR genotype, and in a further group defined as “sildenafil nonresponders” (NR).

Results
We found 20 patients homozygous for mutant MTHFR 677T, 36 heterozygous, and 19 wild type. Difference in baseline values for Hcy and folic acid was found between groups A and B, and A and C. The NR group (18 patients from group A and B), presented high levels of Hcy and low levels of folic acid. After combination treatment 16 of them (88.9%) revealed an improvement in the IIEF questionnaire. Moreover, it was measured a significant difference between the values of Hcy and folic acid at the baseline and at the end of the study for the nonresponders.

Conclusions
Hyperhomocysteinemia in patients homozygotes for the C677T mutation may interfere with erection mechanisms and thus be responsible for ED. In case of hyperhomocysteinemia associated with low levels of folates, the administration of PDE5 inhibitors may fail if not preceded by the correction of the alterated levels of Hcy and folates.
Positive and negative effects of livestock grazing on plant diversity of Mongolian nomadic pasturelands along a slope with soil moisture gradient
Authors: Fujita Noboru , Amartuvshin Narantsetsegiin , Yamada Yasuhiro , Matsui Kiyoshi , Sakai Shoko , Yamamura Norio 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTo examine different effects of herbivorous large mammals’ grazing pressure on plant diversity along a slope in a Mongolian nomadic pasture, we compared species richness, Simpson’s index of diversity, and the total plant coverage of plants between protected pasture from livestock grazing and grazed pasture on the near ridge, upper slope, lower slope, foot slope and valley bottom. The species richness and Simpson’s index of diversity decreased and the total coverage increased downwardly with increase in pasture soil moisture along the slope. The species richness of the protected pasture decreased, changed little, and increased on the near ridge and the upper slope, the lower slope and the foot slope, and the valley bottom, respectively. Simpson’s index of diversity of the protected pasture decreased compared with the grazed pasture only on the valley bottom. The total coverage became lower in the grazed pasture. As the reason for our results, we discuss positive and negative effects of livestock grazing on the species diversity of plants. The positive effect is shown on the valley bottom, where soil moisture and plant growth becomes high with the total coverage over 100%, due to relaxing indirectly the competitive exclusion among plants due to the grazing of dominant plants. The negative effect is obtained on the near ridge and the upper slope, where the soil moisture and the plant growth are low, because of elimination of some plants from the pasture by direct grazing damage.
Pasture height distribution of grazed tropical native grammas in Veracruz State, Mexico
Authors: Castillo Epigmenio , Valles Braulio , Jarillo Jesús , Ocaña Eleazar 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPasture height measurement and its statistical distribution have been neglected topics in tropical pasture research. Thus, the objective of this study was to fit the single normal (SN), double normal (DN), log normal (LN), gamma (GM) and Weibull (WB) models to relative frequency distributions of pasture height (PHT, cm) of native gramma pastures of the Mexican humid tropics. PHT measurements were done in a study where fixed rotational grazing was used (3‐day grazing/27‐day rest paddock–1) at three stocking rates of two, three and four F1 (Holstein × Zebu) cows ha−1. Two paddocks per stocking rate were used. Approximately 400 PHT measurements were done on each paddock, before (22 times) and after (23 times) grazing. The models were fit by least squares, using the Marquardt–Lavenberg iteration. The Akaike’s information criterion corrected (AICc) was used to select the model with the best fit. Before grazing, the models with the best fit were the DN and the GM, and after grazing, the best fit was shown by the DN and the LN. With respect to stocking rate, the best models were: LN and GM for two cows ha−1; DN and LN for three cows ha−1; and DN for four cows ha−1. However, the differences between the AICc values of the model with the best fit and the second in rank were small; thus, either could fit the data equally well. In conclusion, PHT of native gramma pastures did not distribute normally, and either the double normal or the log normal models can be used as means to describe the PHT frequency distributions of this type of pastures.
Effects of year and location on the nutritive value in the first crop of timothy (Phleum pratense L.)
Authors: Ashikaga Kazunori , Tamaki Hiroyuki , Sato Narichika , Tanaka Tsuneki , Deguchi Kenzaburo , Iida Kenji , Sato Koichi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTimothy (Phleum pratense L.) is the most important perennial forage grass grown in Hokkaido, Japan. Hence, the improvement of its nutritive value by breeding could be effective in enhancing animal productivity in the region. Effective improvement of the nutritive value of the grass requires a study on how the relative genotype ranking of the nutritive value changes in different environments. The objective of the present study was to investigate the magnitude of genotype × year interaction (G × Y) and genotype × location interaction (G × L) in the nutritive value of timothy. We grew 15 early‐maturing clones of timothy in Kunneppu in 2004 and 2005 to estimate G × Y and 11 early‐maturing clones in Kunneppu and Nakashibetsu in 2007 to estimate G × L, and analyzed the first crops by near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The ratio of low‐digestible fiber content to organic cell wall content (Ob/OCW), Ob content and water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content were significantly correlated between the 2 years and between the two locations, with non‐significant effects of G × Y and G × L. We conclude that the relative ranking of genotypes in different years and at different locations should be consistent for the traits and that selection for the traits in a single environment should be useful in effective improvement of the nutritive value of timothy.
Induction of tetraploid ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) plants by colchicine treatment of in vitro multiple‐shoot clumps and seedlings
Authors: Ishigaki Genki , Gondo Takahiro , Suenaga Kazuhiro , Akashi Ryo 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTetraploid plants of ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) have been obtained by colchicine treatment of in vitro multiple‐shoot clumps and germinated seedlings. Multiple‐shoot clumps were induced and maintained on MS basal medium with 0.5 mg L−1 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) and 2.0 mg L−1 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP) according to a previous report. The colchicine treatment consisted of culturing multiple‐shoot clumps on MS basal medium containing 0.0125–0.1% colchicine for 12 and 48 h. Surviving multiple‐shoot clumps were regenerated on MS basal medium containing 2.0 mg L−1 BAP. The ploidy level of plants after colchicine treatment was determined by flow cytometry. Eight tetraploid plants were obtained from multiple‐shoot clumps treated with 0.1% colchicine for 12 h. This treatment was identified as the optimum treatment and resulted in the highest frequency (28.6%) of tetraploid plants among the treatments tested on multiple‐shoot clumps. Five tetraploid plants (31.3%) were obtained when seedlings were treated with 0.1% colchicine for 3 h. Although higher concentrations of colchicine and longer durations of colchicine treatment reduced the survival rate of the explants, such treatments increased the frequency of tetraploid plants. A total of 23 tetraploid plants were obtained from 900 different colchicine‐treated multiple‐shoot clumps, and a total of five tetraploid plants were obtained from 300 colchicine‐treated seedlings. Cytological analysis affirmed the results of flow cytometry. Significant differences in leaf blade stomata were observed between diploid and tetraploid ruzigrass.
Spectroscopically and spatially resolved optical line emission in the Superantennae (IRAS 19254-7245)
Authors: Bendo George J. , Clements David L. , Khan Sophia A. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
We present Visible Multi-Object Spectrograph integral-field spectroscopic observations of the ultraluminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG) pair IRAS 19254−7245 (the Superantennae). We resolve Hα, [N ii], [O i] and [S ii] emission both spatially and spectroscopically, and separate the emission into multiple velocity components. We identify spectral line emission characteristic of star formation associated with both galaxies, broad spectral line emission from the nucleus of the southern progenitor and potential outflows with shock-excited spectral features near both nuclei. We estimate that ≲10 per cent of the 24 μm flux density originates from star formation, implying that most of the 24 μm emission originates from the active galactic nuclei in the southern nucleus. We also measure a gas consumption time of ∼1 Gyr, which is consistent with other measurements of ULIRGs.
Bile Acids Initiate Lineage‐Addicted Gastroesophageal Tumorigenesis by Suppressing the EGF Receptor‐AKT Axis
Authors: Gong Li , Debruyne Philip R. , Witek Matthew , Nielsen Karl , Snook Adam , Lin Jieru E. , Bombonati Alessandro , Palazzo Juan , Schulz Stephanie , Waldman Scott A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWhile bile acids are a risk factor for tumorigenesis induced by reflux disease, the mechanisms by which they contribute to neoplasia remain undefined. Here, we reveal that in gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cells bile acids activate a tissue‐specific developmental program defining the intestinal epithelial cell phenotype characterizing GEJ metaplasia. Deoxycholic acid (DCA) inhibited phosphorylation of EGF receptors (EGFRs) suppressing the proto‐oncogene AKT. Suppression of EGFRs and AKT by DCA actuated an intestine‐specific cascade in which NF‐κB transactivated the tissue‐specifi c transcription factor CDX2. In turn, CDX2 orchestrated a lineage‐specific differentiation program encompassing genes characterizing intestinal epithelial cells. Conversely, progression from metaplasia to invasive carcinoma in patients, universally associated with autonomous activation of EGFRs and/or AKT, was coupled with loss of this intestinal program. Thus, bile acids induce intestinal metaplasia at the GEJ by activating the lineage‐specifi c differentiation program involving suppression of EGFR and AKT, activating the NF‐κB‐CDX2 axis. Induction of this axis provides the context for lineage‐addicted tumorigenesis, in which autonomous activation of AKT corrupts adaptive intestinal NF‐κB signaling, amplifying tumorigenic programs.
Islet cell transplantation for Type 1 diabetes
Authors: MATSUMOTO Shinichi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIslet transplantation is an attractive concept for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes because of its potential high efficacy and minimal invasion to patients. The treatment may effectively control blood glucose for brittle Type 1 diabetes, resulting in a marked reduction in hypoglycemic episodes and improvements in HbA1c. In addition, approximately 70% of transplanted Type 1 diabetic patients have achieved insulin independence. However, there are still important issues to be addressed before this treatment is widely applicable, including difficulty in maintaining insulin independence, low islet isolation success rate, multiple donor requirements, and side effects associated with the use of immunosuppressants. Donor shortage is another dilemma. To address the issue of donor shortage, living donor islet transplantation and bioartificial islet transplantation using pig islets are being evaluated. Bioartificial islet transplantation could be the ultimate solution of the donor shortage. Currently, overcoming immunological hurdles, establishing reliable islet isolation methods, and controlling porcine endogenous retrovirus are the primary obstacles to the implementation of this treatment. If bioartificial islet transplant becomes a clinical reality, it may even be applicable in the treatment of select Type 2 diabetic patients. β‐Cell regeneration from naïve pancreas and β‐cell generation from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells are the next‐generation treatments for Type 1 diabetes.
Return to Sport following Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization
Authors: Murray Iain R , McBirnie Julie 
Published: August 2009

Background Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization for anterior instability should enable athletes to return to their full pre-injury level of sport. Methods We reviewed case notes and sent postal questionnaires to establish the recurrent instability rate and also the rate of return to sport in athletes after surgery. Results In 120 procedures, surgery achieved successful stabilization in 88%, but only 51% returned to full sporting activity. Patients aged 30 years or under were twice as likely to return to their pre-injury level of sport than those aged over 30 years. Half of those patients who did not return to sport had no subjective symptoms of instability but were inhibited by fear of further injury alone. Successful stabilization of the shoulder did not always translate into the desired outcome. Conclusion In order to increase the number of athletes returning to sport following primary arthroscopic stabilization of the shoulder, those patients with no restrictive symptoms should be encouraged to return to full activity. We plan to tailor rehabilitation to the specific needs of individual patients and now feel better able to inform athletes deciding on surgery.