bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complete coding sequence and molecular analysis of hepatitis A virus from a chimpanzee with fulminant hepatitis
Authors: Theamboonlers Apiradee , Abe Kenji , Thongmee Chittima , Poovorawan Yong 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground  Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infects both humans and non‐human primates, in experimentally infected chimpanzees is typically milder than in humans. In 1982, Abe and Shikata reported a first case of a chimpanzee with fulminant hepatitis caused by spontaneous HAV infection, and the underlying mechanisms of the disease remain unknown.Methods  To characterize denoted CFH‐HAV, we conducted cloning and near full‐length sequence analysis.Results  Phylogenetic analyses of VP1‐2A and complete sequence comparison between various genotypes and the sample sequence showed clustering in genotype IB. Based on BLAST analysis, the sequence was most closely related to the wild‐type (HM175/WT) isolate. Amino acid and nucleic acid similarities were 99.8% and 94.41%, respectively.Conclusions  The chimpanzee may have been infected with human HAV genotype IB. The substitutions in VP2, VP4, 2B, 2C, and 3D, which may enhance virus proliferation, contributed to disease severity culminating in fulminant hepatic failure.
Elucidation of the time course of adenosine deaminase APOBEC3G and viral infectivity factor vif in HIV‐2287‐infected infant macaques
Authors: Endsley Aaron N. , Ho Rodney J.Y. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground  Although the interactions of cellular cytidine deaminase A3G and viral infection factor (vif) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were reported, regulation of A3G after in vivo HIV infection and disease progression is not known.Methods  Time courses of plasma virus, CD4+ T lymphocyte Macaca levels, and concentrations of A3G and vif transcripts were determined in infant macaques infected with HIV‐2287. These in vivo results were compared with those collected in vitro in HIV‐2‐infected T cells.Results  Human immunodeficiency virus‐infected macaques exhibited plasma viremia (≥108 copies/ml) followed by a precipitous CD4+ T‐cell (from 40–70 to ≤5%) decline. An initial increase in A3G transcripts coincides with early increases in virus and vif RNA. As virus load continues to increase, A3G RNA decreases but recovers at a later phase as virus level stabilizes. Pearson correlation analysis revealed strong interactions of A3G–CD4, vif–CD4, and A3G–vif.Conclusions  There is a time‐dependent A3G and vif RNA interaction throughout the course of HIV infection.
Sexual Behaviors Among Older Adults in Spain: Results from a Population-Based National Sexual Health Survey
Authors: Palacios-Ceña Domingo , Carrasco-Garrido Pilar , Hernández-Barrera Valentín , Alonso-Blanco Cristina , Jiménez-García Rodrigo , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The Spanish National Sexual Health Survey (SNSHS) is designed to examine sexual activity, sexual behaviors, and sexual health among the Spanish population.

Aim
To describe sexual activity and behaviors of Spaniards aged ≥65 years old focusing on gender differences.

Methods
A population-based descriptive study was conducted using individual data from the SNSHS. The number of subjects aged ≥65 years included was 1,939 (1,118 women, 821 men).

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual activity, frequency, sexual behaviors, sexual practices, and reasons for lack of sexual activity were assessed from questions included in the survey. Subjects who reported having any sexual practice including giving or receiving kissing and hugging, vaginal intercourse, oral sex, or masturbation, with at least one partner in the previous 12 months were considered as sexually active. We analyzed sociodemographic characteristics, self-rated physical and sexual health, comorbid conditions, and medications using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results
Overall, 62.3% of men and 37.4% of elderly women were sexually active (P &lt; 0.01). The prevalence of sexual inactivity significantly increased with age (P &lt; 0.01, odds ratio [OR] 5.8, 95% confidence interval 3.8–9.05 men; 6.37, 3.9–10.4 women). Not having a partner was a predictor of sexual inactivity (OR 5.79, 3.98–8.42 men; OR 12.0, 8.4–17.2 women). Worse self-rated sexual health, suffering ≥2 comorbid conditions, and taking ≥2 medications were associated with higher probability of reporting no sexual activity in both men and women. The most common sexual practices were kissing, hugging, and vaginal intercourse. The most common reasons for sexual inactivity were: partner was physically ill (23%), lack of interest (21%), and the man was a widower (23%).

Conclusions
This study provided data on sexual activity in older Spanish adults and has identified potential factors that appear to influence sexuality in the elderly with some gender differences. Current results can have implications for healthcare providers for addressing these concerns in an effective manner.
Is the Sexual Satisfaction of Postmenopausal Women Enhanced by Physical Exercise and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training?
Authors: Lara Lúcia Alves da Silva , Montenegro Mary Lourdes , Franco Maíra Menezes , Abreu Daniela Cristina Carvalho , Rosa e Silva Ana Carolina Japur de Sá , Ferreira Cristine Homsi Jorge 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Physical exercise including pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training seems to improve the sexual function of women with urinary incontinence. This effect in postmenopausal women who are continent has not yet been determined.

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 3-month physical exercise protocol (PEP) on the sexual function and mood of postmenopausal women.

Methods
Thirty-two sedentary, continent, sexually active women who had undergone menopause no more than 5 years earlier and who had follicle stimulating hormone levels of at least 40 mIU/mL were enrolled into this longitudinal study. All women had the ability to contract their PFMs, as assessed by vaginal bimanual palpation. Muscle strength was graded according to the Oxford Modified Grading Scale (OMGS). A PEP was performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist (M.M.F.) twice weekly for 3 months and at home three times per week. All women completed the Sexual Quotient-Female Version (SQ-F) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before and after the PEP.

Main Outcome Measures
SQ-F to assess sexual function, HASDS to assess mood, and OMGS to grade pelvic floor muscle strength.

Results
Thirty-two women (24 married women, eight women in consensual unions) completed the PEP. Following the PEP, there was a significant increase in OMGS score (2.59 ± 1.24 vs. 3.40 ± 1.32, P &lt; 0.0001) and a significant decrease in the number of women suffering from anxiety (P &lt; 0.01), but there was no effect on sexual function.

Conclusion
Implementation of our PEP seemed to reduce anxiety and improve pelvic floor muscular strength in sedentary and continent postmenopausal women. However, our PEP did not improve sexual function. Uncontrolled variables, such as participation in a long-term relationship and menopause status, may have affected our results. We suggest that a randomized controlled trial be performed to confirm our results.
Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction Among Postmenopausal Women with and Without Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Martelli Valentina , Valisella Sara , Moscatiello Simona , Matteucci Carlotta , Lantadilla Claudia , Costantino Antonietta , Pelusi Giuseppe , Marchesini Giulio , Meriggiola Maria Cristina 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disease characterized by the co-occurrence of impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes, central obesity, high levels of triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein, and hypertension. Its prevalence is higher in menopausal women. We, and others, have recently shown that female sexual dysfunction (FSD) affects menopausal women. Whether the presence of MetS may be linked to a higher risk of FSD in menopausal women is unknown.

Aims
The aims of our study were: (i) to evaluate the prevalence of FSD in women with MetS (based on National Cholesterol Education program-Adult Treatment Panel III 2009 criteria) in comparison with healthy controls and (ii) to evaluate the influence of singular components of MetS on female sexual function.

Methods
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and The Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire were administered to 103 postmenopausal women with MetS and 105 healthy postmenopausal controls (HC). Female sexuality was defined as dysfunctional when FSFI score was &lt;23 and FSDS was &gt;15.

Main Outcome Measures
FSFI and FSDS were completed by women with and without MetS.

Results
The prevalence of women with sexual dysfunction was higher in MetS women than HC (39/103 [37.9%] vs. 20/105 [19%], P = 0.003). The prevalence of both pathological scores in every FSFI domain and FSDS score was higher in MetS women than HC. The logistic regression, considering age and the length of relationship as a common starting point, shows that higher levels of triglycerides are linked to a higher risk of presenting FSD (odds ratio = 2.007 95% confidence interval [1.033–3.901]) in the whole population.

Conclusions
Our preliminary results suggest that prevalence of FSD is higher in women with MetS in comparison with healthy controls. Higher levels of triglycerides are linked to a higher risk of presenting FSD.
Impact of Plasmakinetic Enucleation of the Prostate (PKEP) on Sexual Function: Results of a Prospective Trial
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Ma Wenjing , Xuan Xujun , Ou Lili , Liang Yeping , Zeng Guohua 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Recent data have shown that plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP) is a novel and effective procedure for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); however, data on patient sexual function after PKEP remain scarce.

Aims
This study aims to evaluate the impact of PKEP on sexual function in men with lower urinary tract symptoms because of BPH.

Methods
One hundred eighty-six consecutive patients who underwent the PKEP procedure were prospectively enrolled in this study. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) and the International Prostate Symptom Score with quality of life scores were completed and compared preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. At each follow-up visit, maximum urinary flow rates, transrectal ultrasound-assessed prostate volume, postvoid residual urine volume, and serum prostate-specific antigen level were also measured and compared with the baseline.

Main Outcome Measures
The IIEF global score and its five domains scores were evaluated for each patient, and the Friedman test or chi-square test was used to identify changes from the baseline.

Results
There was a slight and nonsignificant increase in the IIEF global score and four of its five domains scores (i.e., erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction) at each postoperative assessment (P &gt; 0.05 for all). However, a statistically significant reduction was observed in the orgasmic function domain score of IIEF at 3 months (P = 0.016), 6 months (P &lt; 0.001), and 12 months (P &lt; 0.001), respectively, along with the corresponding retrograde ejaculation rates of 48.7%, 49.4%, and 48.8%.

Conclusions
PKEP has no negative influence on the quality of erections measured by the self-administered IIEF questionnaire, but it significantly lowers the orgasmic function domain score, reflecting probably postoperative retrograde ejaculation. These findings are important in preoperative counseling of the patients undergoing PKEP for symptomatic BPH.
Design and Fabrication of a Nitrogen Monoxide Measurement Device Based on Low Temperature Co‐Fired Ceramics
Authors: Geiling Thomas , Welker Tilo , Bartsch Heike , Müller Jens 
Published: October 2011

The measurement of nitrogen monoxide (NO) concentration levels is an integral part of the elemental analysis. The chemiluminescent reaction with ozone in the gas phase is a well established method for the measurement of atmospheric concentration levels in the range from 4 ppb up to 100 ppm. In this contribution we present the design of a so called micro total analytical system for NO measurements designed in ceramic. Low temperature co‐fired ceramics have proven to be the ideal technology, since they offer high chemical and thermal stability as well as a high degree of freedom of design. The microfluidic system consists of three components: a dielectric barrier discharge device creating ozone, a reaction chamber with a glass window for collecting the emitted radiation, and an exhaust gas treatment consisting of a heated Pt catalyst structure. The contribution focuses on a dielectric barrier for the ozone generator capable of withstanding 600 h of continuous operation, a manufacturing method for gas tight and vacuum proof sealing of cavities, and experimental results utilizing a Pt conductor paste as a catalyst.
Introgression of domesticated alleles into a wild trout genotype and the impact on seasonal survival in natural lakes
Authors: Vandersteen Wendy , Biro Pete , Harris Les , Devlin Robert 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe tested the fitness consequences of introgression of fast‐growing domesticated fish into a wild population. Fry from wild and domesticated rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) crosses, F1 hybrids, and first‐ and second‐generation backcrosses were released into two natural lakes. Parentage analysis using microsatellite loci facilitated the identification of survivors, so fitness was estimated in nature from the first‐feeding stage. Results indicated that under certain conditions, domesticated fish survived at least as well as wild fish within the same environment. Relative growth and survival of the crosses, however, were highly dependent on environment. During the first summer, fastest‐growing crosses had the highest survival, but this trend was reversed after one winter and another summer. Although the F1 hybrids showed evidence of outbreeding depression because of the disruption of local adaptation, there was little evidence of outbreeding depression in the backcrosses, and the second‐generation backcrosses exhibited a wild‐type phenotype. This information is relevant for assessing the multigenerational risk of escaped or released domesticated fish should they successfully interbreed with wild populations and provides information on how to minimize detrimental impacts of a conservation breeding and/or management programme. These data also further understanding of the selection pressures in nature that maintain submaximal rates of growth.
Is Cognitive Science Usefully Cast as Complexity Science?
Authors: Van Orden Guy , Stephen Damian G. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractReaders of TopiCS are invited to join a debate about the utility of ideas and methods of complexity science. The topics of debate include empirical instances of qualitative change in cognitive activity and whether this empirical work demonstrates sufficiently the empirical flags of complexity. In addition, new phenomena discovered by complexity scientists, and motivated by complexity theory, call into question some basic assumptions of conventional cognitive science such as stable equilibria and homogeneous variance. The articles and commentaries that appear in this issue also illustrate a new debate style format for topiCS.
Haptoglobin and fibrinogen concentrations and leukocyte counts in the clinical investigation of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep
Authors: Bastos Bruno L. , Meyer Roberto , Guimarães José E. , Ayres Maria C. , Guedes Maria T. , Moura‐Costa Lilia F. , de Burghgrave Uiara S. , Sena Ludmilla , Azevedo Vasco , Portela Ricardo W. 
Published: October 2011

BackgroundCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisis the etiologic agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), a disease that affects small ruminants and is responsible for economic losses, including condemnation of carcasses and damaged hides.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to determine if serum haptoglobin and plasma fibrinogen concentrations and peripheral blood leukocyte counts are biologic markers ofCLAin sheep.MethodsBlood from 38 clinically healthySanta‐Inês ewes selected and segregated from a commercial flock of 2500 sheep in an area endemic forC. pseudotuberculosiswas collected every 30 days for 6 months. An indirectELISAwas used to detectIgMandIgGantibodies againstC. pseudotuberculosis. Serum haptoglobin concentration was measured using a hemoglobin‐binding assay and plasma fibrinogen concentration by refractometry following heat precipitation. Total leukocyte counts were determined using a hemocytometer, and differential leukocyte counts were performed on smears of peripheral blood.ResultsTwenty‐one sheep were seropositive at the start of the study; 15 became seropositive during the study. Only 2 sheep were seronegative at the conclusion of the study. Haptoglobin and fibrinogen concentrations andWBCcounts were not significantly different for seropositive and seronegative animals. Nine sheep, 5 that were seropositive positive at the start and 4 that became seropositive during the study period, developed abscesses in peripheral lymph nodes. There were 15 animals that became seropositive during the study, and their values did not differ significantly among the 3 phases – seronegative, acute (IgM+/IgG±), and chronic (IgM−/IgG+) – of infection. However, 11 of these sheep did not develop peripheral abscesses and had significantly higher haptoglobin concentrations and lower monocyte counts during the acute phase of the disease than did the 4 sheep that later developed abscesses.ConclusionSerum haptoglobin concentration and monocyte counts may be potential markers for progression ofCLAin sheep.
Normative health-related fitness values for children: analysis of 85347 test results on 9–17-year-old Australians since 1985
Authors: Catley Mark J , Tomkinson Grant R 
Published: October 2011

ObjectivesTo provide sex- and age-specific normative values for health-related fitness of 9–17-year-old Australians.MethodsA systematic literature search was undertaken to identify peer-reviewed studies reporting health-related fitness data on Australian children since 1985—the year of the last national fitness survey. Only data on reasonably representative s amples of apparently healthy (free from known disease or injury) 9–17-year-old Australians, who were tested using field tests of health-related fitness, were included. Both raw and pseudo data (generated using Monte Carlo simulation) were combined with sex- and age-specific normative centile values generated using the Lambda Mu and Sigma (LMS) method. Sex- and age-related differences were expressed as standardised effect sizes.ResultsNormative values were displayed as tabulated percentiles and as smoothed centile curves for nine health-related fitness tests based on a dataset comprising 85347 test performances. Boys typically scored higher than girls on cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, speed and power tests, but lower on the flexibility test. The magnitude of the age-related changes was generally larger for boys than for girls, especially during the teenage years.ConclusionThis study provides the most up-to-date sex- and age-specific normative centile values for the health-related fitness of Australian children that can be used as benchmark values for health and fitness screening and surveillance systems.
Aortic arch injection with C-arm cone beam CT for radiosurgery treatment planning of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: technical note
Authors: Radvany Martin G , Ehtiati Tina , Huang Judy , Mahesh Mahadevappa , Gailloud Philippe 
Published: October 2011

BackgroundC-arm cone beam CT (CBCT) with selective intra-arterial contrast injection combined with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is currently used for the evaluation and treatment planning of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). In some instances an AVM will derive its blood supply from more than one main cervical artery (carotid and/or vertebral artery) and a single-vessel injection will not adequately demonstrate the entire AVM nidus.MethodsThree patients with cerebral AVM in whom the entire nidus could not be visualized by injection of a single cervical artery are reported. CBCT dataset acquisition was performed by intra-arterial contrast injection in the ascending thoracic aorta through a 5 F pigtail catheter. The injection of diluted iodinated contrast agent (35%) lasted 22 s at a rate of 8 ml/s for a total volume of 176 ml (61.6 ml of contrast agent). The dataset was then processed using standard reconstruction methods.ResultsContrast injection in the ascending aorta during a single CBCT acquisition provided a volumetric dataset adequate for subsequent radiosurgical treatment planning.ConclusionThis is a safe and effective angiographic technique for the acquisition of volumetric datasets using CBCT that are suitable for treatment planning of intracranial AVMs deriving their blood supply from more than one major cervical artery. This technique allows imaging of the entire AVM nidus during a single CBCT acquisition.
Republished error management: Descriptions of verbal communication errors between staff. An analysis of 84 root cause analysis-reports from Danish hospitals
Authors: Rabøl Louise Isager , Andersen Mette Lehmann , Østergaard Doris , Bjørn Brian , Lilja Beth , Mogensen Torben 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Poor teamwork and communication between healthcare staff are correlated to patient safety incidents. However, the organisational factors responsible for these issues are unexplored. Root cause analyses (RCA) use human factors thinking to analyse the systems behind severe patient safety incidents. The objective of this study is to review RCA reports (RCAR) for characteristics of verbal communication errors between hospital staff in an organisational perspective.

Method
Two independent raters analysed 84 RCARs, conducted in six Danish hospitals between 2004 and 2006, for descriptions and characteristics of verbal communication errors such as handover errors and error during teamwork.

Results
Raters found description of verbal communication errors in 44 reports (52%). These included handover errors (35 (86%)), communication errors between different staff groups (19 (43%)), misunderstandings (13 (30%)), communication errors between junior and senior staff members (11 (25%)), hesitance in speaking up (10 (23%)) and communication errors during teamwork (8 (18%)). The kappa values were 0.44–0.78. Unproceduralized communication and information exchange via telephone, related to transfer between units and consults from other specialties, were particularly vulnerable processes.

Conclusion
With the risk of bias in mind, it is concluded that more than half of the RCARs described erroneous verbal communication between staff members as root causes of or contributing factors of severe patient safety incidents. The RCARs rich descriptions of the incidents revealed the organisational factors and needs related to these errors.