bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Partial exchange transfusion results in increased cerebral oxygenation and faster peripheral microcirculation in newborns with polycythemia
Authors: Ergenekon Ebru , Hirfanoglu Ibrahim Murat , Turan Ozden , Beken Serdar , Gucuyener Kıvılcım , Atalay Yıldız 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to assess cerebral and peripheral oxygenation, by using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and microcirculation by using side stream dark field (SDF) imaging in newborns with polycythemia before and after partial exchange transfusion (PET) therapy to investigate treatment effect on tissue oxygenation and microcirculation.Methods:  Polycythemic newborns with venous haematocrit (Htc) >70% or ≥65% with symptoms were included. NIRS measurements for cerebral and peripheral oxygenation and SDF recordings for microcirculatory flow assessment were obtained before and after PET. Fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) was calculated based on tissue oxygenation index and oxygen saturation. Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis.Results:  Fifteen newborns were included. Cerebral tissue oxygenation index, microvascular flow index and % of vessels with hyperdynamic flow increased after PET; median (range): 61.27 (51.36–61.87) versus 64.54 (54.1–74.38), 2.74 (2.46–3) versus 3.22 (2.64–3.75) and 0 (0–2.8) versus 3 (0–99.3), respectively. Whereas cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (CFTOE), % of vessels with sluggish flow decreased after treatment; 0.36 (0.22–0.44) versus 0.31 (0.17–0.46), 1.4 (0–69) versus 0 (0–0.9), respectively. Peripheral oxygenation was unchanged.Conclusion:  Partial exchange transfusion improves microcirculation in polycythemic newborns. Cerebral oxygenation increases and cFTOE decreases suggesting increased blood flow. Microvascular flow increases possibly representing reactive hyperperfusion after hemodilution. Whether these effects are beneficial require further research.
The clinical benefit of evaluating health‐related quality‐of‐life in children with problematic severe asthma
Authors: Nordlund B , Konradsen JR , Pedroletti C , Kull I , Hedlin G 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAim:  To evaluate health‐related quality‐of‐life (HR‐QoL) and the asthma control test (ACT) in children with problematic severe asthma and those with controlled asthma and to identify whether clinical characteristics show correlations with these measurements.Methods:  This multicentre cross‐sectional study included 93 children in total, 54 with problematic severe asthma and 39 age‐matched with controlled asthma. Subjects completed the Paediatric Asthma Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire as well as a standardized health questionnaire and the ACT. Objective measurements of exhaled nitric oxide, specific sensitization, pulmonary function and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness to methacholine were also taken.Results:  HR‐QoL was reduced in children with problematic severe asthma (5.4 vs. 6.7, p < 0.001), particularly for girls (5.1 vs. 5.6 for boys, p = 0.02), and their ACT scores were also lower (17 vs. 23, p < 0.001) compared with those of subjects with controlled asthma. A HR‐QoL score <6.2 discriminated problematic severe asthma from controlled asthma with 85% sensitivity and 97% specificity, as did the ACT score <20 (79% sensitivity and 94% specificity). Objective measures and other clinical characteristics were weakly associated with HR‐QoL or ACT score.Conclusion:  Subjective measurements of HR‐QoL and asthma control are both equally useful in differentiating children with problematic severe asthma from those with controlled asthma.
A phytosociological and phytogeographical survey of the coastal vegetation of western North America: beach and dune vegetation from Baja California to Alaska
Authors: Peinado Manuel , Ocaña‐Peinado Francisco Manuel , Aguirre Juan Luis , Delgadillo José , Macías Miguel Ángel , Díaz‐Santiago Gustavo 
Published: May 2011

AbstractQuestions: What is the floristic composition of the plant communities that inhabit the beaches and dunes of the Pacific coast of North America? What are their ecological relationships in the zonal and successional gradients typical of coastal dune systems? Does climate affect the latitudinal distribution of the azonal vegetation? What other environmental factors influence their distribution on the regional or local scale?Location: Pacific coast of North America, from Baja California (23°02′ N) to Cook Inlet, Alaska (61°30′ N).Methods: A total of 1730 phytosociological relevés were obtained by sampling 279 coastal localities. In all localities, zonation was interpreted by considering transects from the shoreline inland. Through traditional phytosociological tabular classification and average linkage clustering, relevés were syntaxonomically classified. Syntaxa, supported by fidelity calculations, are described and interpreted according to their phytogeographical distribution, their relationships with macrobioclimate (MB) and bioclimates (BIO), and to the topographic and ecological gradients typical of coastal sandy areas.Results: Our bioclimate analysis served to define four MB and 11 BIO, each characterized by a particular type of potential natural vegetation. By floristically analysing the 522 vascular taxa detected, these were related to 16 phytogeographical elements. Syntaxonomically, the communities observed comprise 74 vegetation types, 70 of which are considered associations characterized by their diagnostic combination of species. These associations were classified into 24 alliances, 16 orders and 12 phytosociological classes. Two new classes, five new orders, 10 new alliances and 34 new associations are presented. Some syntaxa have been revised or validated.Conclusions: The coastal vegetation of the northern Pacific shows a distribution that is mainly linked to the four MB of the latitudinal gradient examined. Higher syntaxa are preferentially linked to a macrobioclimate, although some edaphic factors determine that some occupy two different but geographically close bioclimate zones. Regional factors, such as alkaline sands, induce the appearance of specialized vegetation types rich in endemic plants.
Erectile Dysfunction after Plaque Incision and Grafting: Short-term Assessment of Incidence and Predictors
Authors: Flores Stefan , Choi Judy , Alex Byron , Mulhall John P. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Plaque incision and grafting (PIG) surgery for Peyronie's disease (PD) is a recognized management strategy. One of the recognized complications of PIG surgery is the development of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
To determine the incidence of ED after PIG surgery and attempt to define predictors of ED development.

Methods
All patients underwent preoperative cavernosometry. Grafting was performed with either cadaveric pericardium (Tutoplast) or intestinal submucosa (Surgisis). Prior to 2006, the procedure used an H-type incision, whereas after this date, the Egydio approach has been used.

Main Outcome Measures
Men undergoing PIG completed preoperative and 6-month postoperative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires.

Results
56 patients were analyzed. Mean patient and partner ages were 57 ± 22 and 54 ± 18 years, respectively. Mean duration of PD at the time of PIG was 22 ± 9 months. Seventy-five percent had curvature alone, 11% had hourglass/indentation deformity, and the remainder had combined curvature/indentation. Mean preoperative curvature was 52 ± 23°. Fifty-two had grafting with Tutoplast, while four had grafting with Surgisis. All men at baseline were capable of generating a penetration rigidity erection. Preoperatively, 50% of men had cavernosal insufficiency and 21% had venous leak (baseline and postoperative erectile function [EF] domain scores were 23 ± 4 and 17 ± 9, respectively [P &lt; 0.01]). Forty-six percent of men experienced a ≥6-point decrease in EF domain score after PIG. The predictors of a ≥6-point reduction in IIEF-EF domain score on multivariable analysis were degree of preoperative curvature, type of plaque incision, patient age, and baseline venous leak.

Conclusions
Almost one-half of men had significant reduction in their erectile rigidity after PIG. Reduction was predicted by larger baseline curvature, the Egydio plaque incision technique, older patient age, and the presence of venous leak at baseline. Based on these data, we discourage older men, those with venous leak, and those with profound curvature from considering PIG surgery.
Content Validity of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Authors: Revicki Dennis A. , Margolis Mary K. , Bush Elizabeth N. , DeRogatis Leonard R. , Hanes Vladimir 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) has consistently been shown to have discriminant validity, test–retest reliability, and internal consistency as a measure of female sexual function. However, the content validity (relevance, clarity, comprehensiveness) of the instrument in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) must also be established.

Aim
The aim of this study were to assess the content validity of the FSFI, specifically the FSFI desire domain, in pre- and postmenopausal women with HSDD.

Methods
Two single-visit content validation studies were conducted in the United States. Eligible premenopausal (both studies) and postmenopausal (second study only) women with HSDD completed the FSFI followed by one-on-one, face-to-face cognitive debriefing interviews including open-ended questions to capture information on their perceptions of the instrument. Information on women's experiences of decreased sexual desire was also captured.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures of this study were the women's ratings of the clarity, ease of understanding, comprehensiveness, and relevance of the 19 items of the FSFI.

Results
Interviews with 15 premenopausal women (first study), and 30 pre- and 31 postmenopausal women (second study), were analyzed. Across the whole sample, most women (80–100%) found every item of the FSFI clear and easy to understand. The majority (53–70%) felt that the FSFI captured all their feelings about decreased sexual desire and other sexual problems, and most (84–90%) indicated that additional questions were unnecessary. Most women in both studies (93–100%) reported that the two items comprising the FSFI desire domain were clear, easy to understand, and were relevant to them. The majority of women thought that a recall period of ≥7 days is most relevant for recall of their sexual desire.

Conclusions
These studies establish the content validity of the FSFI in pre- and postmenopausal women with HSDD, supporting the use of this instrument as a measure of sexual function in women with this condition.
Risk Factors for Low Sexual Function Among Urban Chinese Women: A Hospital-Based Investigation
Authors: Lianjun Pan , Aixia Zhang , Zhong Wang , Feng Pan , Li Bao , Xiaona Yan 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual dysfunction is a common problem affecting women's quality of life. However, reports on sexual dysfunction and its risk factors in Chinese women are scarce in the literature.

Aim
To identify the potential risk factors for low sexual function in urban Chinese women.

Methods
A cross-sectional hospital-based survey was conducted in Nanjing, China. Data on sexual function and related variables of 1,457 women from the urban district of Nanjing city were obtained. Potential risk factors for low sexual function were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Main Outcome Measure
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual function, and the median of the FSFI score was used as a cutoff to define women with low sexual function.

Results
The mean FSFI total score was 23.25 ± 4.00 (median = 22.8). Multivariate analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.840 for 40–49 years; 5.006 for 50–60 years), depression (OR 1.896), low education level (primary or secondary school only, OR 1.450), alcohol use (OR 2.671), menopause or postmenopause (OR 3.157), chronic medical disease (OR 1.605), poor health status of partner (OR 3.358), presence of sexual dysfunction in partner (OR 4.604), dystocia (OR 3.109), and living apart from the partner (OR 1.316) were independent risk factors for low sexual function of women in urban China. By contrast, better communication with the partner regarding sex (OR 0.531) was a protective factor.

Conclusion
Low sexual function for urban Chinese women was associated with multiple variables. Women who communicated more frequently with their partner were less likely to have low sexual function.
Higher Expression of mRNA and Protein of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in Old Rat Penile Tissues: Implications for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Pu Xiao-Yong , Zheng Xiang-Guang , Zhang Yan , Xiao Heng-Jun , Xu Zhan-Ping , Liu Jiu-Ming , Wang Huai-Peng , Wen An-Ming , Zhou Xiang-Xue , Wu Yi-Long 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Previous studies have confirmed the gene transfer of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and the IGF-1 protein can improve the erectile function in aging rats. IGF binding protein (BP)-3 can regulates the availability of IGF-I. The higher expression of IGFBP-3 may play an important role in erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
The study aimed to investigate the mRNA and protein expression of IGFBP-3 in young and old rat penile tissues and assess the alteration of the penile structure and the NO-guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic-monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathways-related marker in ED associated with aging.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures for this study were the expression of IGFBP-3, morphological changes, NO-cGMP signaling pathways-related marker, erectile responses were determined.

Methods
Traditional reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR were performed to examine the mRNA expression of the IGFBP-3. The Western blot was used to confirm the protein expression. Immunohistochemistry was also performed to identify the cellular localization of the encoded protein. The percentage of smooth muscle in corpus cavernosum tissue, the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and concentration of cGMP in penile tissue were also analyzed.

Results
The expression levels of IGFBP-3 of mRNA and protein were greatly increased in aging rats compared with young control rats, which is confirmed by traditional RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and Western blot (P &lt; 0.01, respectively). Increased IGFBP-3 protein was localized to the epithelium of the urethra, penile endothelium, and smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum. Significant depletion of the smooth muscle density relative to the connective tissue was also observed in the penis of the aged rats, and the lower activity of NOS and lower concentration of cGMP was also demonstrated accompanied with a significant reduction in the intracavernous pressure.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that the increased mRNA and protein expression of IGFBP-3 in old rats may play a role in ED.
Effects of Hypoxia on Nocturnal Erection Quality: A Case Report from the Manaslu Expedition
Authors: Verratti Vittore , Falone Stefano , Fanò Giorgio , Paoli Antonio , Reggiani Carlo , Tenaglia Raffaele , Di Giulio Camillo 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
High altitude environment represents a fine model to study physiological and pathophysiological effects of oxygen availability on sleep-related erections (SREs).

Aim
To describe altitude-dependent effects on quality of SREs in order to estimate the role of hypoxia in erection physiology.

Methods
A healthy 37-year-old male mountain climber underwent a chronic high altitude-related hypoxia experience during the 43 days of the Manaslu expedition (Nepal). SREs were recorded by RigiScan (Timm Medical Technologies, Inc., Eden Prairie, MN, USA) at altitudes ranging from 0 to 5,800 m above sea level. The erection-related parameters assessed were: number, duration, event duration (% of session), event rigidity %, time rigidity %, tumescence and rigidity activated unit, and event tum % &gt; bline (%).

Main Outcomes Measures
SREs were recorded by RigiScan at altitudes ranging from 0 to 5,800 m above sea level.

Results
Erectile parameters showed an altitude-related reduction during the hypoxic exposure, although all functional alterations were reverted by the return to sea level.

Conclusions
Our case report supports the hypothesis that oxygen availability and delivery could play an important role in the regulation of local penile erection-related mechanisms and that low oxygen levels might be considered an etiological cofactor in erectile dysfunction.
Body mass index and the incidence of influenza‐associated pneumonia in a UK primary care cohort
Authors: Blumentals William A. , Nevitt Alan , Peng Michael M. , Toovey Stephen 
Published: May 2011

Please cite this paper as: Blumentals WA. et al. (2012) Body mass index and the incidence of influenza‐associated pneumonia in a UK primary care cohort. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(1), 28–36.Background  Accumulating data suggest an association between increased BMI/obesity and morbidity in patients with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. Information on metabolic status and prognosis in seasonal influenza is lacking, however.Methods  A retrospective cohort study was carried out using the UK General Practice Research Database. Patients aged ≥18 with ≥1 recorded BMI in the 12–58 kg/m2 range between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2007, were observed for an influenza‐associated pneumonia diagnosis after the date of baseline BMI, including ‘influenza with pneumonia’ or a diagnosis of ‘pneumonia’ up to 30 days after a diagnosis of ‘influenza’.Results  A total of 1 074 315 patients were included, of whom 73·2% were within the reference BMI range or overweight and 2·2% were underweight (<18·5 kg/m2). Pneumonia rates were 32·33–37·48/100 000 in all BMI categories except the underweight (98·29/100 000). Relative to patients with acceptable weight, those who were underweight had an increased pneumonia rate [adjusted IRR = 2·32 (95% CI 1·80–2·94)], while being overweight (BMI = 25·0–29·9 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥ 30·0 kg/m2) was associated with a decreased pneumonia rate [adjusted IRR = 0·77 (95% CI 0·68–0·86) and 0·85 (95% CI 0·73–1·00), respectively]. On the other hand, women and obese women with type 2 diabetes had increased pneumonia rates [adjusted IRR = 1·37 (95% CI 1·08–1·72) and 1·47 (95%CI 1·01–2·06), respectively].Conclusions  In contrast to initial data from pandemic influenza, influenza pneumonia, and pneumonia following influenza were the most common in underweight persons, and an apparent decreased rate of pneumonia was noted with increasing BMI categories. Women with type 2 diabetes had increased rates of pneumonia.
Genetic polymorphisms in antioxidative enzymes are associated to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in smokers independently of asthma
Authors: Malling Tine Halsen , Sigsgaard Torben , Brasch‐Andersen Charlotte , Frischknecht Lone , Andersen Helle Raun , Kruse Torben Arvid , Sherson David , Skadhauge Lars Rauff , Thomsen Gert , Bælum Jesper , Omland Øyvind 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIntroduction:  In this study, we hypothesised that the genotypes coding for low antioxidative enzyme activity are associated with asthma and reduced lung function.Methods:  Using the European Community Respiratory Health Survey protocol, we enlisted 1091 Danish subjects in this cross‐sectional study. Asthma phenotypes were defined as asthma symptoms in combination with steroid usage, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopy. These phenotypes and lung function were analysed with respect to glutathione peroxidase, GPX1 (Pro198Leu, rs1050450), manganese superoxide dismutase, SOD2 (Ala16Val, rs4880) and three glutathione S‐transferases; GSTP1 (Ile105Val, rs1695), GSTT1 (gene copy number) and GSTM1 (gene copy number).Results:  We found no associations between these genotypes and the asthma phenotypes. For the 201 subjects identified as current smokers and recruited via random sampling, an association was seen between increasing number of genotypes coding for high antioxidative enzyme activity (GPX1 Pro/Pro, SOD2 Val/Val, GSTP1 Ile/Ile, GSTT1 two copies, GSTM1 two copies) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)% predicted. The increase in FEV1% predicted was 2.0% (95% confidence interval 0.3–3.8) per genotype. There was no identified significance for the inverse association between FEV1% predicted and number of genotypes coding for low antioxidative enzyme activity.Conclusion:  The present study does not support the hypothesis that asthma is associated with genotypes of these major antioxidative enzymes. However, we speculate that since we see an impact of these genotypes on lung function in young adult smokers, polymorphisms in antioxidative enzymes may contribute to the range of susceptibility of smokers have to Chronic obstructive lung disease.Please cite this paper as: Malling TH, Sigsgaard T, Brasch‐Andersen C, Frischknecht L, Andersen HR, Kruse TA, Sherson D, Skadhauge LR, Thomsen G, Bælum J and Omland Ø. Genetic polymorphisms in antioxidative enzymes are associated to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in smokers independently of asthma. Clin Respir J 2012; 6: 46–55.
Molecular profiling of diatom assemblages in tropical lake sediments using taxon‐specific PCR and Denaturing High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography (PCR‐DHPLC)
Authors: EPP LAURA S. , STOOF‐LEICHSENRING KATHLEEN R. , TRAUTH MARTIN H. , TIEDEMANN RALPH 
Published: May 2011

AbstractHere we present a protocol to genetically detect diatoms in sediments of the Kenyan tropical Lake Naivasha, based on taxon‐specific PCR amplification of short fragments (approximately 100 bp) of the small subunit ribosomal (SSU) gene and subsequent separation of species‐specific PCR products by PCR‐based denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). An evaluation of amplicons differing in primer specificity to diatoms and length of the fragments amplified demonstrated that the number of different diatom sequence types detected after cloning of the PCR products critically depended on the specificity of the primers to diatoms and the length of the amplified fragments whereby shorter fragments yielded more species of diatoms. The DHPLC was able to discriminate between very short amplicons based on the sequence difference, even if the fragments were of identical length and if the amplicons differed only in a small number of nucleotides. Generally, the method identified the dominant sequence types from mixed amplifications. A comparison with microscopic analysis of the sediment samples revealed that the sequence types identified in the molecular assessment corresponded well with the most dominant species. In summary, the PCR‐based DHPLC protocol offers a fast, reliable and cost‐efficient possibility to study DNA from sediments and other environmental samples with unknown organismic content, even for very short DNA fragments.