bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Osteological Examinations on the Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus Shaw 1805) with Special Reference to Skeletal Alterations Conditioned by Breeding
Authors: Bartels T. , Cramer K. , Wolf P. , Hässig M. , Boos A. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe aims of this study were to examine the skeleton of domesticated budgerigars of phenotypically different breeding types, to describe the expression of skeletal changes and to discuss the results with special reference to the causes and effects of breed‐conditioned alterations. Complete skeletons of 39 adult budgerigars of both sexes were the object of our research. The examinations demonstrated that almost all metrically sized skeleton dimensions of budgerigars of the exhibition type were increased significantly, compared with those of the non‐exhibition type. Only for the scapula significant length differences between the budgerigars of both breeding types could not be verified. It can be stated that the measuring parameters ‘occipital width’, ‘maxilla length’, ‘skull length’ and ‘prefrontal width’ are suitable for the characterization of exhibition budgerigars. However, sexual dimorphisms could be verified in only three parameters (width of the pars symphysialis mandibulae, height of the skull, width of the skull within the range of the occiput). It has to be clarified in future studies to what extent the changes in the skeleton of budgerigars of the exhibition type have already had consequences for their flying ability, metabolism, health and well‐being.
Ejaculatory dysfunction in men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Rosen Raymond C. , Fitzpatrick John M. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVETo assess, using the psychometrically validated Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ), the prevalence of ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) and bother due to EjD in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and to assess predictors of EjD in this population.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 5999 sexually active men with LUTS completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) which rates LUTS severity, and the MSHQ long‐form, which evaluates seven EjD symptoms and bother due to EjD. Concomitant intake of medical treatments for BPH and previous BPH‐related surgery were collected. The impact of treatments on EjD was compared to a control group (i.e. no previous BPH‐related surgery and no medical treatment for BPH). The relationship between EjD, bother due to EjD and selected clinical characteristics was analysed using multiple regression analysis.RESULTSEjD was highly prevalent and bothersome in men with LUTS, with decreased force of ejaculation (77.9%) and decreased amount of semen (74.4%) being the most commonly reported symptoms. LUTS severity was the strongest predictor of EjD and bother due to EjD. EjD was considered a problem by 35.6%, 51.6% and 64.1% of men with mild, moderate and severe LUTS, respectively (P < 0.001). EjD (except pain/discomfort on ejaculation) and bother due to EjD were also strongly related to age. Men with previous BPH‐related surgery and men treated with a 5α‐reductase inhibitor plus an α1‐blocker or tamsulosin alone showed the highest rates of dry ejaculation (67.4%, 57.2% and 52.3%, respectively) compared to controls (31.6%, P < 0.001). Conversely, in men treated with alfuzosin, most EjD symptoms were significantly lower than in controls. Bother due to EjD was also significantly lower with alfuzosin than in controls (34.4% vs 53.1%, P < 0.001) while there was no significant difference for other treatments.CONCLUSIONSEjD is highly prevalent and bothersome in sexually active men with LUTS, and is strongly related to LUTS severity and age. Treatment options for BPH do not have the same effect on EjD. EjD should be considered in the initial evaluation and clinical management of men with LUTS.
Erectile function after posterior urethroplasty for pelvic fracture‐urethral distraction defect injuries
Authors: Anger Jennifer T. , Sherman Neil D. , Dielubanza Elodi , Webster George D. 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVETo determine the specific effect of pelvic fracture‐urethral distraction defect (PFUDD) injuries on erectile function (EF) in men after pelvic fractures, and to compare EF to that found in other studies of men who sustained pelvic fractures, as currently the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and PFUDD has not been elucidated using validated questionnaires.PATIENTS AND METHODSWith approval from the institutional review board, patients who sustained a PFUDD injury and had a posterior urethroplasty from 1990 to 2004 were identified from a database. Patients were contacted by telephone, and those who were willing to participate were given the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Using unpaired Student’s t‐tests, IIEF scores were compared to normal controls, and to results of other studies of men sustaining pelvic fractures.RESULTSIn all, 26 men completed the IIEF, among whom EF was compromised in 14 (54%), including eight with severe ED (31%). Orgasmic function and ejaculation was maintained. Men with a PFUDD had significantly worse EF than men in other series with pelvic fractures.CONCLUSIONSMen who sustain a PFUDD are at significantly greater risk of ED than those with no urethral distraction injury. Men with PFUDD injuries represent a target population for early penile rehabilitation programmes.
Final outcomes of patients with low‐risk prostate cancer suitable for active surveillance but treated surgically
Authors: Louie‐Johnsun Mark , Neill Mischel , Treurnicht Karien , Jarmulowicz Michael , Eden Christopher 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVETo study the outcomes of a contemporary cohort of patients referred from around the UK with low‐risk prostate cancer consistent with the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines for active surveillance but who were treated with laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) in a single surgeon series.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom 1080 consecutive patients who underwent LRP between March 2000 and April 2008, 549 patients (51%) had low preoperative risk disease (PSA level <10 ng/mL, clinical stage ≤T2a and biopsy Gleason score ≤6). The pathological outcomes of these 549 patients as well as a subgroup of 74 patients with preoperative prediction of ‘insignificant’ disease were assessed.RESULTSThe mean age of the patients was 61 years, the mean (range) PSA level was 6.1 (1–9) ng/mL; 38% of patients were staged as cT2a. In all, 126 patients (23%) were upgraded on final pathology to Gleason score ≥7. In all, 29 patients (5%) had extraprostatic extension with seminal vesicle invasion in five (0.9%). Of the 74 patients with preoperative prediction of insignificant disease, 61% had significant disease with 16% upgraded to an intermediate‐risk group. Overall, there were positive margins in 44 patients (8.0%) and biochemical failure occurred in six patients (1.1%) with a median follow‐up of 28 months.CONCLUSIONIn this contemporary UK cohort of patients with apparently low‐ or favourable‐risk prostate cancer, 23% will have higher grade disease than preoperatively predicted. Even though active surveillance is increasingly being recommended for managing low‐risk localized prostate cancer, patients and their physicians need to be aware of the potential for harbouring more significant disease.
The mutational archive in proviral DNA does not change during 24 months of continuous or intermittent highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Palmisano L , Giuliano M , Galluzzo CM , Amici R , Andreotti M , Weimer LE , Pirillo MF , Fragola V , Bucciardini R , Vella S 
Published: May 2009

Objectives
The aim of the study was to determine the modifications of the mutational archive in proviral HIV‐1 DNA occurring during 24 months of intermittent or continuous highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).Methods
The study population included subjects enrolled in the Istituto Superiore di Sanità Pulsed Antiretroviral Therapy (ISS PART) clinical trial. All of these patients were on first‐line HAART and had plasma HIV‐1 RNA below 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL. A genotypic resistance test was performed on HIV‐1 DNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at baseline and after 24 months of follow‐up. Resistance‐associated mutations (RAMs) were defined according to the International AIDS Society (IAS) USA classification.Results
Sixty‐nine subjects were included in the study [36 enrolled in arm A of the ISS PART (continuous HAART) and 33 enrolled in arm B (intermittent HAART)]. No major modifications of the mutational archive were found in either group after 24 months of follow‐up, in terms of both the proportion of subjects with mutations and the total number of mutations.Conclusions
In this patient population, the mutational archive in HIV‐1 DNA extracted from PBMC was stable for 24 months, irrespective of HAART modality, whether continuous or intermittent.
Does medial prefrontal cortex activity during self‐knowledge reference reflect the uniqueness of self‐knowledge?1
Authors: NAKAO TAKASHI , MIYATANI MAKOTO , NAKAO MIZUKI , TAKEZAWA TOMOHIRO , MARUISHI MASAHARU , MURANAKA HIROYUKI , DOJO HIROFUMI 
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  For this study, functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to examine whether medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) activity during self‐knowledge reference reflects the uniqueness of self‐knowledge. Experiment 1 investigated neural activity during self‐knowledge reference (“Does the word describe you?”) and self‐monitoring (“Does the word make you feel pleasant?”). The results showed that self‐knowledge reference and self‐monitoring activate common neural substrates within the MPFC. Experiment 2 compared neural activity produced by self‐knowledge reference, other‐knowledge (acquaintance‐knowledge) reference (“Does this word describe the person?”), and evaluation (“Is this word socially desirable?”). Results showed no increase in MPFC activity during self‐knowledge reference relative to other‐knowledge reference. Furthermore, self‐knowledge reference and other‐knowledge reference share common neural substrates within the MPFC. The results described indicate that it is unlikely that MPFC activity during self‐knowledge reference reflects the uniqueness of self‐knowledge. The feature, as reflected in MPFC activity, is discussed.
How strong is the comparison‐to‐the‐strongest heuristic?: An empirical test of the comparison‐ to‐the‐strongest heuristic in probability judgment1,2
Authors: NAKAMURA KUNINORI , YAMAGISHI KIMIHIKO 
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Windschitl and Wells (1998) proposed that the pairwise comparison between the focal and strongest alternative outcomes plays an important role in probability judgment. However, their studies did not control the effects of alternative outcomes other than the strongest one. This article tested whether only the strongest alternative outcome would affect probability judgment, using a variable selection method in a multiple regression analysis. Study 1 reanalyzed the results of Windschitl and Young (2001) and showed that only the strongest alternative outcome affects probability judgment. In Study 2, a new experiment was conducted to modify the methodological problems in Study 1. The results of Study 2 were identical to those of Study 1. All these results consistently supported the comparison hypothesis.
Urinary incontinence in older adults receiving home care diagnosis and strategies
Authors: Du Moulin Monique François Marie Thérése , Hamers Johan Peter Herman , Ambergen Antonius Wilhelmus , Halfens Ruud Jozef Gerardus 
Published: May 2009

Introduction:  Urinary incontinence (UI) is a major health problem mostly affecting older people. With the shift toward healthcare delivery in the home setting, it is necessary for home healthcare workers to know how to manage UI in the elderly. Little is known about the care for patients receiving home care suffering from UI. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of UI in older adults receiving home care and to gain insight into caring for patients with UI.Method:  A cross‐sectional survey using data from the Dutch National Prevalence Measurement of Health Care Problems was conducted.Results:  Of the 2866 patients, 46% were suffering from UI. In 49% of these patients the type of UI was diagnosed. Patients with a diagnosis suffered more from their UI and were offered more strategies when compared with patients without a diagnosis. Most patients used pads. Relatively few patients were offered bladder training or pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME).Discussion:  Urinary incontinence is a highly prevalent condition in older patients receiving home care. In half of the patients with UI no diagnosis regarding the type of incontinence was made. However, to treat or manage UI it is essential to assess the type of UI, as UI is treatable even in older people. As this study had a cross‐sectional design, only strategies being offered at a fixed point in time are documented.Conclusion:  Despite studies reporting the success of behavioural interventions for adults suffering from UI, most patients use pads. With the aging of the population and the increasing number of older adults suffering from UI, home care agencies need to acquire the knowledge and skills to address UI.
Nurses’ experiences and perceptions of influencing barriers to postoperative pain management
Authors: Rejeh Nahid , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Mohammadi Eesa , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan , Anoosheh Moniereh 
Published: May 2009

Despite decades of research and the availability of effective analgesic approaches, many patients continue to experience moderate to severe pain after surgery. Greater research efforts are needed to identify the factors that impede effective pain management. Despite the fact that a variety of research and clinical studies on all aspects of pain have been conducted in many countries, the factors affecting pain management have not been completely identified.Aim:  To identify nurses’ experiences and perceptions about the barriers to postoperative pain management.Methods:  A qualitative approach was adopted using content analysis of semi‐structured interviews carried out with 26 Iranian registered nurses from three large educational hospitals in Tehran city. The data were analysed using constant comparative method.Findings:  Ninety‐three primary codes were achieved. Four main themes emerged from the data. From the participants’ points of view, ‘lack of educational preparation’, ‘nurses’ limited authority’, ‘limited nurse–patient relationship’, and ‘disturbances in pain management interventions’ are considered barriers to pain management.Conclusion:  The conclusion embraces implications for clinical practice to improve the knowledge of nurses and nursing manager and insight in postoperative pain management. Clearly, programmes for change must address not only knowledge improvement, but also the wider complex influences on barriers to pain management.
Combined therapy of silymarin and desferrioxamine in patients with β‐thalassemia major: a randomized double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Gharagozloo Marjan , Moayedi Behjat , Zakerinia Maryam , Hamidi Mehrdad , Karimi Mehran , Maracy Mohammad , Amirghofran Zahra 
Published: May 2009

AbstractSilymarin, a flavonolignan complex isolated from Silybum marianum, has a strong antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and iron chelating activities. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic activity of orally administered silymarin in patients with thalassemia major under conventional iron chelation therapy. A 3‐month randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial was conducted in 59 β‐thalassemia major patients in two well‐matched groups. Patients were randomized to receive a silymarin tablet (140 mg) three times a day plus conventional desferrioxamine therapy. The second group received the same therapy but a placebo tablet instead of silymarin. Clinical laboratory tests were assessed at the beginning and the end of the trial, except for serum ferritin level that was assessed at the middle of the trial as well. Results of this study revealed that the combined therapy was well tolerated and more effective than desferrioxamine in reducing serum ferritin level. Significant improvement in liver alkaline phosphatase and glutathione levels of red blood cells was also observed in silymarin‐treated β‐thalassemia patients. However, no significant difference in serum ferritin levels was detected between silymarin and placebo groups after 1.5 and 3 months treatment, probably because of insufficient sample size to detect subtle changes in ferritin levels between groups. This is the first report showing the beneficial effects of silymarin in thalassemia patients and suggests that silymarin in combination with desferrioxamine can be safely and effectively used in the treatment of iron‐loaded patients.
Avermectin exerts anti‐inflammatory effect by downregulating the nuclear transcription factor kappa‐B and mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation pathway
Authors: Ci Xinxin , Li Hongyu , Yu Qinlei , Zhang Xuemei , Yu Lu , Chen Na , Song Yu , Deng Xuming 
Published: May 2009

AbstractLipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce mouse macrophages to produce a number of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Immunopharmacological studies can provide new information on the immunomodulatory activities of some drugs, including their effect on cytokine productions. For this reason, we first investigated the efficacy of avermectin on cytokine levels induced by LPS in vitro, and we found that avermectin can significantly regulate tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐10, but has no significant effect on IL‐6. We further investigated the effects of the drug on the major signal transduction pathways associated with inflammation: nuclear transcription factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) and the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases, extracellular signal regulated kinase, p38 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). RAW 264.7 cells were pretreated with 0.625, 1.25 or 5 mg/L avermectin 1 h prior to treatment with 1 mg/L LPS. Thirty minutes later, cells were fixed, and NF‐κB activation was measured by immunocytochemical analysis, or cells were collected and MAP‐kinase activation was measured by western blot. Signal transduction studies showed that avermectin significantly inhibits NF‐κB p65 translocation into the nucleus and inhibits JNK and p38 phosphorylation protein expression. Therefore, avermectin may inhibit LPS‐induced production of inflammatory cytokines by blocking NF‐κB and MAP‐kinase in RAW 264.7 cells.
Does the Under‐ or Overrepresentation of Minority Physicians across Geographical Areas Affect the Location Decisions of Minority Physicians?
Authors: Brown Timothy , Liu Jenny X. , Scheffler Richard M. 
Published: May 2009

Objective. To determine whether variation in the representation of minority physicians across geographical areas in California affects the location decisions of minority physicians.Data Sources. We analyzed data on 9,806 residents and 53,606 patient‐care physicians from the 1997–2003 American Medical Association Masterfiles for California along with data from the California Department of Finance, RAND, and other sources.Study Design. We estimated departure models using linear probability models and destination models using conditional logit. Each model controlled for physician and county characteristics. Parameters of interest include the interactions of physician race/ethnicity with area‐level minority physician representation for the corresponding race/ethnicity.Principal Findings. Departure models show that black and Hispanic physicians are more likely to remain in an area as the level of representation of physicians from their respective groups worsens. The destination models show that black, Asian, and Hispanic physicians tend to move to areas where the level of representation is similar to that of their previous location.Conclusions. Black and Hispanic physicians are influenced by the level of representation of physicians from their respective groups in their location decisions and tend to locate where needed.
Ca2+/calcineurin regulation of cloned vascular KATP channels: crosstalk with the protein kinase A pathway
Authors: Orie NN , Thomas AM , Perrino BA , Tinker A , Clapp LH 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Vascular ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are activated by cyclic AMP elevating vasodilators through protein kinase A (PKA). Direct channel phosphorylation is a critical mechanism, though the phosphatase opposing these effects is unknown. Previously, we reported that calcineurin, a Ca2+‐dependent phosphatase, inhibits KATP channels, though neither the site nor the calcineurin isoform involved is established. Given that the type‐2 regulatory (RII) subunit of PKA is a substrate for calcineurin we considered whether calcineurin regulates channel activity through interacting with PKA.Experimental approach:  Whole‐cell recordings were made in HEK‐293 cells stably expressing the vascular KATP channel (KIR6.1/SUR2B). The effect of intracellular Ca2+ and modulators of the calcineurin and PKA pathway on glibenclamide‐sensitive currents were examined.Key results:  Constitutively active calcineurin Aα but not Aβ significantly attenuated KATP currents activated by low intracellular Ca2+, whereas calcineurin inhibitors had the opposite effect. PKA inhibitors reduced basal KATP currents and responses to calcineurin inhibitors, consistent with the notion that some calcineurin action involves inhibition of PKA. However, raising intracellular Ca2+ (equivalent to increasing calcineurin activity), almost completely inhibited KATP channel activation induced by the catalytic subunit of PKA, whose enzymatic activity is independent of the RII subunit. In vitro phosphorylation experiments showed calcineurin could directly dephosphorylate a site in Kir6.1 that was previously phosphorylated by PKA.Conclusions and implications:  Calcineurin Aα regulates KIR6.1/SUR2B by inhibiting PKA‐dependent phosphorylation of the channel as well as PKA itself. Such a mechanism is likely to directly oppose the action of vasodilators on the KATP channel. British Journal of Pharmacology (2009) 157, 554–564; doi:10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2009.00221.x; published online 7 May 2009This article is commented on by Tammaro, pp. 551–553 of this issue and is part of a themed section on Endothelium in Pharmacology. For a list of all articles in this section see the end of this paper, or visit: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009