bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cigarette Smoking Decreases the Genital Vascularization in Young Healthy, Eumenorrheic Women
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Battaglia Bruno , Mancini Fulvia , Persico Nicola , Nappi Rossella E. , Paradisi Roberto , Venturoli Stefano 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Cigarette smoking is a major health hazard and may impair the normal sexual response.

Aim
To evaluate (in the early follicular phase, and independently from sexual stimulation) in young, eumenorrheic, healthy, lean women the general and genital vascular effects of the smoking habit.

Methods
One hundred thirty-seven patients undertook, in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (day 3–5): the administration of the two-factor Italian McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ); two-dimensional (2-D) color Doppler evaluation of the ophthalmic, carotid, uterine, clitoral, and labia minora arteries; three-dimensional (3-D) analysis of clitoral and labia minora vascularization; and blood pressure evaluation. Fasting blood samples were drawn to test plasma estradiol, androstenedione, and testosterone circulating levels.

Main Outcome Measures
The two-factor Italian MFSQ; the pulsatility index (PI) of internal carotid, ophthalmic, uterine, clitoral, and labia minora arteries; the vascularization index (VI), the flow index (FI), and the vascularization flow index (VFI) of clitoral body and labia minora, blood pressure measurement, and hormonal assay.

Results
The subjects were divided in: nonsmokers (Group I; N=72); current (&gt;2 years) light smokers—1 to 10 cigarettes/day—(Group II; N=35); and current heavy smokers—&gt; 10 cigarettes/day—(Group III; N=30). The 2-D Doppler analysis of the ophthalmic and internal carotid arteries showed significant increased resistance in Group III compared with Group II and Group I. The genital vessels (uterine, clitoral, and labium minus arteries) showed the lowest PIs in the nonsmokers. The 3-D power Doppler histogram analysis of clitoral and labium minus blood flow showed the worst vascular indices (VI, FI, VFI) in the heavy smokers.

Conclusions
Cigarette smoking may favor a reduced central and peripheral tissue perfusion with consequent increased risk of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases and with genital vessels stiffness and impaired sexual performances.
Sexual Function in Women with Type 1 Diabetes Matched with a Control Group: Depressive and Psychosocial Aspects
Authors: Tagliabue Milena , Gottero Cristina , Zuffranieri Marco , Negro Manuela , Carletto Sara , Picci Rocco L. , Tomelini Michela , Bertaina Silvana , Pucci Enrico , Trento Marina , Ostacoli Luca 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes, despite its important consequences to their quality of life, has been investigated only recently with conflicting results about its prevalence and association with complications and psychological factors.

Aims
To assess the prevalence of the alteration of sexual function and the influence of metabolic control and psychological factors on female sexuality.

Methods
Seventy-seven adult Italian women with type 1 diabetes, matched with a control group (n=77), completed questionnaires evaluating sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index, FSFI), depressive symptoms (Self-Rating Depression Scale, SRDS), social and family support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), and diabetes-related quality of life (Diabetes Quality of Life). Clinical and metabolic data were collected.

Main Outcome Measures
Prevalence and magnitude of sexual dysfunction in terms of alteration of sexual functioning as measured by the FSFI scores.

Results
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was similar in diabetes and control groups (33.8% vs. 39.0%, not significant), except for higher SRDS scores in the diabetes group (47.39 ± 11.96 vs. 43.82 ± 10.66; P =0.047). Diabetic patients with an alteration of sexual function showed a significantly higher SRDS score (53.58 ± 14.11 vs. 44.24± 9.38, P =0.004). Depression symptoms and good glycemic control (A1C&lt;7.0%) were predictors of alteration of sexual function only in diabetic patients (odds ratio [OR]=1.082; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.028–1.140; OR=5.085; 95% CI: 1.087–23.789), since we have not found any significant predictor of sexual dysfunction in the control group.

Conclusions
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in our type 1 diabetes patients' sample is similar to those reported in other studies. Diabetic patients are similar to healthy people except for higher depression scores. Further studies are necessary to understand whether the correlation between an alteration of sexual function and good glycemic control may be related to the role of control as a mental attitude.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the abilities‐focused approach to morning care of people with dementia
Authors: Sidani Souraya , Streiner David , LeClerc Chantale 
Published: April 2011

sidani s., streiner d. & leclerc c. (2012) Evaluating the effectiveness of the abilities‐focused approach to morning care of people with dementia. International Journal of Older People Nursing7, 37–45 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2011.00273.xBackground and purpose.  The abilities‐focused approach demonstrated efficacy in promoting engagement of residents with dementia in care. The extent to which these resident outcomes can be replicated when the abilities‐focused approach is implemented by nursing staff under the conditions of day‐to‐day practice was investigated in this study. The aim was to examine changes in resident outcomes before and after nursing staff’ implementation of the abilities‐focused approach and the contribution of this approach to resident outcomes.Methods.  A one‐group pretest–post‐test design was used. Observational data were obtained from 65 residents with dementia. The data pertained to the implementation of abilities‐focused strategies during episodes of morning care and residents’ level of agitation, participation in morning care and physical and psychosocial functioning.Results.  The number of abilities‐focused strategies used during morning care increased at post‐test. No clinically important changes in resident outcomes were observed over time. However, the implementation of some strategies was associated with residents’ participation in care and functioning at post‐test. The results provided preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of the abilities‐focused approach in maintaining functioning in people with dementia. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanism underlying the effects of this person‐centred approach to care on resident outcomes.Implications for practice.  Implementation of the abilities‐focused approach assists people with dementia to participate in morning care.
Relationship between thickness of fibrosis and epithelial dysplasia in oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Jayasooriya Primali Rukmal , Nadeeka Jayasinghe Kadawatha Arachchige , Mudiyanselage Tilakaratne Wanninayaka 
Published: April 2011

Abstract Aim:  Although oral submucous fibrosis is characterized by fibrosis of the subepithelial connective tissue, the overlying epithelial changes contribute to malignant transformation. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between thickness of fibrosis and epithelial changes in oral submucous fibrosis.Methods:  The relationship between thickness of fibrosis and presence or absence of epithelial dysplasia was evaluated in 107 biopsies containing histopathologically‐confirmed oral submucous fibrosis. The results were analyzed using Student’s t‐test or χ2‐test.Results:  Fifty‐seven percent (61/107) of oral submucous fibrosis lesions showed a non‐dysplastic overlying epithelium, while 43% (46/107) showed varying degrees of epithelial dysplasia. The mean thickness of fibrosis of non‐dysplastic lesions was 0.91 ± 0.41 mm (mean ± standard deviation) and ranged from 0.25 to 1.9 mm. However, the mean thickness of fibrosis of dysplastic lesions was 1.17 ± 0.52 mm and ranged from 0.48 to 3 mm. The results revealed a significant increase in the incidence of epithelial dysplasia as the thickness of fibrosis increased (P = 0.004). As such, the lesions that showed increased fibrosis were more likely to present with epithelial dysplasia.Conclusions:  The advancement of fibrosis increases the risk of development of epithelial dysplasia in oral submucous fibrosis.
Is unhealthy substance use associated with failure to receive cancer screening and flu vaccination? A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Lasser Karen E , Kim Theresa W , Alford Daniel P , Cabral Howard , Saitz Richard , Samet Jeffrey H 
Published: April 2011

ObjectiveTo compare cancer screening and flu vaccination among persons with and without unhealthy substance use.DesignThe authors analysed data from 4804 women eligible for mammograms, 4414 eligible for Papanicolou (Pap) smears, 7008 persons eligible for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and 7017 persons eligible for flu vaccination. All patients were screened for unhealthy substance use. The main outcome was completion of cancer screening and flu vaccination.ResultsAmong the 9995 patients eligible for one or more of the preventive services of interest, 10% screened positive for unhealthy substance use. Compared with women without unhealthy substance use, women with unhealthy substance use received mammograms less frequently (75.4% vs 83.8%; p<0.0001), but Pap smears no less frequently (77.9% vs 78.1%). Persons with unhealthy substance use received CRC screening no less frequently (61.7% vs 63.4%), yet received flu vaccination less frequently (44.7% vs 50.4%; p=0.01). In multivariable analyses, women with unhealthy substance use were less likely to receive mammograms (adjusted odds ratio 0.68; 95% CI 0.52 to 0.89), and persons with unhealthy substance use were less likely to receive flu vaccination (adjusted odds ratio 0.81; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.97).ConclusionsUnhealthy substance use is a risk factor for not receiving all appropriate preventive health services.
Survival and growth response of white spruce stock types to site preparation in Alaska
Authors: Youngblood Andrew , Cole Elizabeth , Newton Michael 
Published: April 2011

To identify suitable methods for reforestation, we evaluated the interacting effects of past disturbance, stock types, and site preparation treatments on white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) seedling survival and growth across a range of sites in Alaska. Replicated experiments were established in five regions. At each site, two complete installations differed in time since disturbance: “new” units were harvested immediately before spring planting and “old” units were harvested at least 3 years before planting. We compared mechanical scarification before planting, broadcast herbicide application during the fall before planting, and no site preparation with 1-year-old container-grown seedlings from two sources, 2-year-old bare-root transplants from two sources, and 3-year-old bare-root transplants. Seedlings were followed for 11 years on most sites. Based on meta-analyses, seedling survival increased 10% with herbicide application and 15% with mechanical scarification compared with no site preparation. Scarification and herbicide application increased seedling height by about 28% and 35%, respectively, and increased seedling volume by about 86% and 195%, respectively, compared with no site preparation. Soil temperature did not differ among site preparation methods after the first 7 years. Results suggest that white spruce stands may be successfully restored through a combination of vegetation control and use of quality planting stock.
Characterization of KRAS Rearrangements in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Xiao-Song , Shankar Sunita , Dhanasekaran Saravana M. , Ateeq Bushra , Sasaki Atsuo T. , Jing Xiaojun , Robinson Daniel , Cao Qi , Prensner John R. , Yocum Anastasia K. , Wang Rui , Fries Daniel F. , Han Bo , Asangani Irfan A. , Cao Xuhong , Li Yong , Omenn Gilbert S. , Pflueger Dorothee , Gopalan Anuradha , Reuter Victor E. , Kahoud Emily Rose , Cantley Lewis C. , Rubin Mark A. , Palanisamy Nallasivam , Varambally Sooryanarayana , Chinnaiyan Arul M. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Using an integrative genomics approach called amplification breakpoint ranking and assembly analysis, we nominated KRAS as a gene fusion with the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UBE2L3 in the DU145 cell line, originally derived from prostate cancer metastasis to the brain. Interestingly, analysis of tissues revealed that 2 of 62 metastatic prostate cancers harbored aberrations at the KRAS locus. In DU145 cells, UBE2L3-KRAS produces a fusion protein, a specific knockdown of which attenuates cell invasion and xenograft growth. Ectopic expression of the UBE2L3-KRAS fusion protein exhibits transforming activity in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and RWPE prostate epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. In NIH 3T3 cells, UBE2L3-KRAS attenuates MEK/ERK signaling, commonly engaged by oncogenic mutant KRAS, and instead signals via AKT and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. This is the first report of a gene fusion involving the Ras family, suggesting that this aberration may drive metastatic progression in a rare subset of prostate cancers.
Significance: This is the first description of an oncogenic gene fusion of KRAS, one of the most studied proto-oncogenes. KRAS rearrangement may represent the driving mutation in a rare subset of metastatic prostate cancers, emphasizing the importance of RAS-RAF-MAPK signaling in this disease. Cancer Discovery; 1(1); 35–43. © 2011 AACR.
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Imaging the Endothelial Glycocalyx In Vitro by Rapid Freezing/Freeze Substitution Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Ebong Eno E. , Macaluso Frank P. , Spray David C. , Tarbell John M. 
Published: April 2011

Objective—
Recent publications questioned the validity of endothelial cell (EC) culture studies of glycocalyx (GCX) function because of findings that GCX in vitro may be substantially thinner than GCX in vivo. The assessment of thickness differences is complicated by GCX collapse during dehydration for traditional electron microscopy. We measured in vitro GCX thickness using rapid freezing/freeze substitution (RF/FS) transmission electron microscopy (TEM), taking advantage of the high spatial resolution provided by TEM and the capability to stably preserve the GCX in its hydrated configuration by RF/FS.

Methods and Results—
Bovine aortic EC (BAEC) and rat fat pad EC were subjected to conventional or RF/FS-TEM. Conventionally preserved BAEC GCX was ≈0.040 μm in thickness. RF/FS-TEM revealed impressively thick BAEC GCX of ≈11 μm and rat fat pad EC GCX of ≈5 μm. RF/FS-TEM also discerned GCX structure and thickness variations due to heparinase III enzyme treatment and extracellular protein removal, respectively. Immunoconfocal studies confirmed that the in vitro GCX is several micrometers thick and is composed of extensive and well-integrated heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and protein layers.

Conclusion—
New observations by RF/FS-TEM reveal substantial GCX layers on cultured EC, supporting their continued use for fundamental studies of GCX and its function in the vasculature.
Neutrophil Activation Is Attenuated by High-Density Lipoprotein and Apolipoprotein A-I in In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Inflammation
Authors: Murphy Andrew J. , Woollard Kevin J. , Suhartoyo Andreas , Stirzaker Roslynn A. , Shaw James , Sviridov Dmitri , Chin-Dusting Jaye P.F. 
Published: April 2011

Objective—
Neutrophils play a key role in the immune response but can undesirably exacerbate inflammation. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are antiinflammatory particles, exerting beneficial cardiovascular influences. We determined whether HDL exerts antiinflammatory effects on neutrophils and explored the mechanisms by which these occur.

Methods and Results—
CD11b on activated human neutrophils was significantly attenuated by apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and HDL. The effects of apoA-I were mediated via ABCA1, whereas the effects of HDL were via scavenger receptor BI. Both were associated with a reduction in the abundance of lipid rafts, and a strong correlation between raft abundance and CD11b activation was observed. ApoA-I and HDL reduced neutrophil adhesion to a platelet monolayer under shear flow, as well as neutrophil spreading and migration. ApoA-I also inhibited leukocyte recruitment to the endothelium in an acute in vivo model of inflammation. Finally, infusion of reconstituted HDL in patients with peripheral vascular disease was demonstrated to significantly attenuate neutrophil activation.

Conclusion—
We describe here a novel role for HDL and apoA-I in regulating neutrophil activation using in vitro, in vivo, and clinical approaches. We also show that these effects of HDL and apoA-I involve a mechanism requiring changes in membrane domain content rather than in cholesterol efflux per se.
Stroke Unit Care Combined With Early Supported Discharge Improves 5-Year Outcome
Authors: Fjærtoft Hild , Rohweder Gitta , Indredavik Bent 
Published: April 2011

Background and Purpose—
Early supported discharge (ESD) seems to be a promising alternative to conventional follow-up care after acute stroke. We have previously shown that stroke unit care combined with ESD has beneficial effects on functional outcome and the use of resources for up to 1 year. The aim of this trial was to evaluate outcome after 5 years.

Methods—
We performed a randomized controlled trial with 320 acute stroke patients allocated to ordinary stroke unit care (160 patients) or stroke unit care with ESD (160 patients). The ESD service consisted of a mobile team that co-coordinated hospital discharge and further rehabilitation during 1 month of follow-up in cooperation with the primary health care. Mortality, residence, and functional outcome including modified Rankin scale were registered after 5 years. All assessments were blinded.

Results—

There was no difference between the groups with modified Rankin scale score ≤2 (
P
=0.213), but there was a trend toward greater improvement in modified Rankin scale score in the ESD group from onset of stroke (38% versus 30%;
P
=0.106). More patients were dead or institutionalized in the ordinary stroke unit care group (
P
=0.032); 158 patients were alive, 84 were in ESD, and 74 were in ordinary stroke unit care. Of the 158 patients alive, a greater proportion were living at home in ESD (86%/70%;
P
=0.019).

Conclusions—
Stroke unit care combined with ESD seems to reduce death and institutional care and to improve patients' chances of living at home 5 years after stroke compared to traditional stroke care. There is a trend toward improved functional outcome in the ESD group.
Five-Year Rehospitalization Outcomes in a Cohort of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lakshminarayan Kamakshi , Schissel Candace , Anderson David C. , Vazquez Gabriela , Jacobs David R. , Ezzeddine Mustapha , Luepker Russell V. , Virnig Beth A. 
Published: April 2011

Background and Purpose—
The purposes of this study were to track mortality and rehospitalizations over 5 years poststroke in a stroke cohort (SC) and compare long-term risks of complications to a matched nonstroke cohort (NSC).

Methods—
A cohort design with a matched NSC comparison was used. The SC constituted a validated database of acute ischemic stroke patients, ≥65 years, hospitalized across 19 Minnesota hospitals in the year 2000. The NSC was constructed from the year 2000 General Medicare Population by matching SC members on age, race, and sex. Both cohorts were tracked across 5 years of Medicare claims data to identify dates and causes of rehospitalization and death dates. Kaplan–Meier survival curves estimated cumulative incidence rates. Cox models calculated adjusted hazard ratios.

Results—
Event rates and adjusted hazard ratios were: mortality: 1 year SC=24%, NSC=4%; 5 years SC=49%, NSC=24% (hazard ratio, 4.4; 95% CI, 3.6 to 5.5). Overall rehospitalization rates were: 1 year SC=49%, NSC=20%; 5 years SC=83%; NSC=63% (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.2 to 3.0). Cause-specific 5-year rehospitalization rates were significantly higher in SC versus NSC for recurrent ischemic stroke, heart failure, cardiac events, any vascular events, pneumonia, and hip fractures. The excess risk of mortality and rehospitalizations in the SC persisted beyond the initial aftermath of the acute stroke (ie, beyond 30 days poststroke) and persisted even after 1 year poststroke. Average acute care Medicare charges in SC were more than doubled those in NSC.

Conclusions—
The high rates of acute care poststroke readmissions indicate a need for trials to prevent long-term complications in stroke survivors.
A Note on the Ocean Surface Roughness Spectrum*
Authors: Hwang Paul A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn a recent study, the dimensionless surface roughness spectrum has been empirically parameterized as a power-law function of the dimensionless wind speed expressed as the ratio of wind friction velocity and phase speed of the surface roughness wave component. The wave-number-dependent proportionality coefficient, A, and exponent, a, of the power-law function are derived from field measurements of the short-wave spectrum. To extend the roughness spectrum model beyond the wavenumber range of field data, analytical functions are formulated such that A and a approach their asymptotic limits: A0 and a0 toward the lowest wavenumber, and A∞ and a∞ toward the highest wavenumber. Of the four asymptotic values, A∞ is considered most questionable for the lack of reference information. When applied to the normalized radar cross-section (NRCS) computation, the results are in good agreement (within about 2 dB) with field data or geophysical model functions (GMFs) for incidence angles between 20° and 40° but significant underestimation occurs for higher incidence angles. The comparison study of NRCS computation offers helpful guidelines for adjusting the asymptotic factors, especially the numerical value of A∞. Improved agreement between the computed NRCS (vertical polarization) using the new roughness spectrum with GMF is expanded to incidence angles between 20° and 60°. The wind speed range of good agreement between calculation and GMF is below about 15 m s−1 for Ku band and about 30 m s−1 for C band.