bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual Activities, Sexual and Life Satisfaction, and Successful Aging in Women
Authors: Woloski-Wruble Anna C. , Oliel Yulia , Leefsma Miriam , Hochner-Celnikier Drorith 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexuality for women at all ages is a vital aspect of life satisfaction and is based upon continuing growth, development, and adaptation. The successful aging model includes physical, mental/emotional, and social well-being. There is no known published literature on the topic of sexual activities of older women and its implications on life and sexual satisfaction.

Aim
To investigate the sexual activities of older women in Israel, their levels of sexual satisfaction and life satisfaction, and to examine the relationship between the level of sexual activities, sexual satisfaction, and life satisfaction.

Main Outcome Measure
Components of the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory, and the Life Satisfaction Index.

Methods
A descriptive, correlational study guided by the theory of “successful aging” by Havighurst (1961) was conducted using a convenience sample of 127 women who attended a menopause clinic for routine and follow up care.

Results
The research findings described older women as being involved in varied, though limited, sexual activities. There was no significant relationship discovered between the number of sexual activities and age. The level of sexual satisfaction of the studied sample was found to be above the mean score. Most of the women reported good sexual/intimate communication with their partners. Women were not satisfied with the limited variety in their sex life. Women reported a high level of life satisfaction. Ultimately, a positive significant correlation was discovered between sexual satisfaction and level of current sexual activity, and between sexual satisfaction and life satisfaction.

Conclusions
Older women are interested in continuing their sexual activities. It is a component of life satisfaction. The desire for sexual variety suggested an important area for patient education. Couple communication was deemed a priority. Health providers should include sexual health issues in their discussions with clients of all ages.
Pentoxifylline Attenuates Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Stimulated Elastogenesis in Human Tunica Albuginea-Derived Fibroblasts Part 2: Interference in a TGF-β1/Smad-Dependent Mechanism and Downregulation of AAT1
Authors: Lin Guiting , Shindel Alan W. , Banie Lia , Ning Hongxiu , Huang Yun-Ching , Liu Gang , Lin Ching-Shwun , Lue Tom F. 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) contributes to the pathogenesis of Peyronie’s disease (PD). Pentoxifylline (PTX) antagonizes the effects of TGF-β1 and has been utilized in our clinic for the management of PD although the mechanisms of action are not entirely clear.

Aim
We studied cell-signaling pathways through which TGF-β1 and PTX mediate collagen metabolism, elastin expression, and elastogenesis in tunica albuginea-derived fibroblasts (TADFs).

Methods
TADFs from men with and without PD were cultured and treated with TGF-β1 and PTX as monotherapy at differing concentrations and time points. Combination treatment (TGF-β1 followed by PTX and vice versa) was also investigated.

Main Outcome Measures
Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were utilized to assess differences in elastin metabolism and cellular signaling between groups. Alpha-1 antitrypin (AAT1) expression was assayed.

Results
At doses greater than 0.1 ng/Ml, TGF-β1 increased messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression of elastin in a time-dependent fashion in TADF. PTX did not interfere with TGF-β1 mediated upregulation of elastin mRNA and protein in TADF. However, pretreatment of TADF with PTX was associated with decreased expression of AAT1, decreased activity of the Smad1/5 pathway, and enhanced phosphorylation of the inhibitory Smad6.

Conclusion
Expression of elastin mRNA and protein is upregulated in TADF by TGF-β1. PTX has no effect on elastin production but attenuates elastogenesis in TADF through an AAT1-related mechanism.
Role for Tyrosine Kinases in Contraction of Rat Penile Small Arteries
Authors: Villalba Nuria , Kun Attila , Stankevicius Edgaras , Simonsen Ulf 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe devasting effect of cancer and treatment thereof contribute to sexual dysfunction. Recently, a series of tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been approved either as add-on or for targeted treatment of cancer. However, tyrosine kinases are not only important for cell growth and proliferation, but also in regulation of vascular tone.AimThe present study investigated whether tyrosine kinases contribute to contractility in rat penile arteries, and addressed whether they are involved in calcium entry and/or related to the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway.MethodsSegments of the rat dorsal penile artery were mounted in microvascular myographs for simultaneous measurements of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and tension, and tyrosine kinase activity, and phosphorylation of 20-kDa myosin light chain (MLC20) was measured in dorsal penile artery homogenates.Main Outcome MeasuresIn vitro evidence for contractility and changes in intracellular Ca2+ in small penile arteries.ResultsSodium vanadate (Na3VO4, 1 mM), a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, increased [Ca2+]i and tension. A l-type calcium channel blocker, nifedipine (1 µM), markedly reduced Na3VO4-evoked increases in [Ca2+]i and tension. A thromboxane analog, U46619, increased TK activity. In contrast to the inactive analogue, genistein, a general TK inhibitor, concentration-dependently reduced both U46619-evoked contraction, and [Ca2+]i. U46619-induced contraction was markedly inhibited by tyrphostin A23 and bis-tyrphostin, whereas there was no effect of the tyrosine kinase c-Src inhibitor, herbimycin A. Tyrphostin A23 suppressed U46619-mediated phosphorylation of MLC20.ConclusionsThis study suggests that activation of tyrosine kinases is involved in contraction of rat penile smooth muscle probably by regulation of calcium entry through l-type calcium channels. These findings may have implications for the selections of novel add on anticancer treatments, e.g., inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, and for novel approaches to treat erectile dysfunction.
The Impact of Sexual Orientation on Sexuality and Sexual Practices in North American Medical Students
Authors: Breyer Benjamin N. , Smith James F. , Eisenberg Michael L. , Ando Kathryn A. , Rowen Tami S. , Shindel Alan W. 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There has been limited investigation of the sexuality and sexual dysfunction in non-heterosexual subjects by the sexual medicine community. Additional research in these populations is needed.

Aims
To investigate and compare sexuality and sexual function in students of varying sexual orientations.

Methods
An internet-based survey on sexuality was administered to medical students in North American between the months of February and July of 2008.

Main Outcome Measures
All subjects provided information on their ethnodemographic characteristics, sexual orientation, and sexual history. Subjects also completed a series of widely-utilized instruments for the assessment of human sexuality (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF], Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI], Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool [PEDT], Index of Sex Life [ISL]).

Results
There were 2,276 completed responses to the question on sexual orientation. 13.2% of male respondents and 4.7% of female respondents reported a homosexual orientation; 2.5% of male and 5.7% of female respondents reported a bisexual orientation. Many heterosexual males and females reported same-sex sexual experiences (4% and 10%, respectively). Opposite-sex experiences were very common in the male and female homosexual population (37% and 44%, respectively). The prevalence of premature ejaculation (PEDT &gt; 8) was similar among heterosexual and homosexual men (16% and 17%, P = 0.7, respectively). Erectile dysfunction (IIEF-EF&lt;26) was more common in homosexual men relative to heterosexual men (24% vs. 12%, P = 0.02). High risk for female sexual dysfunction (FSFI&lt;26.55) was more common in heterosexual and bisexual women compared with lesbians (51%, 45%, and 29%, respectively, P = 0.005).

Conclusion
In this survey of highly educated young professionals, numerous similarities and some important differences in sexuality and sexual function were noted based on sexual orientation. It is unclear whether the dissimilarities represent differing relative prevalence of sexual problems or discrepancies in patterns of sex behavior and interpretation of the survey questions.
Efficacy and Safety of Tadalafil for Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Lombardi Giuseppe , Macchiarella Angelo , Del Popolo Giulio 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Data are sparse concerning the effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for erectile dysfunction (ED) in subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Aim
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tadalafil use in subjects with ED because of MS.

Methods
Ninety-six MS patients with ED after a 4-week treatment-free period were given tadalafil 10 mg. All patients were re-evaluated after 4 weeks. Those with a score lower than 26 on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) and with less than 75% of total successful sexual attempts assessed by the Sexual Encounter Profile Questions 2 and 3 (SEP2-3) had their dosage of tadalafil increased to 20 mg, whereas responding subjects continued with 10 mg. Subsequently, all patients had a final follow-up visit after 8 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures
SEP2-3, IIEF-15 questionnaire. The Life Satisfaction Checklist (LSC) questionnaire composed of eight questions was used prior to starting tadalafil and at the end of the 12-week treatment.

Results
Ninety-two subjects completed the study. Seventy-two responded, 30 of whom used 10 mg. Two subjects discontinued the therapy because of moderate side effects: one suffered from headache and one from tachycardia. Responding patients reached a significant statistical improvement in all follow-ups compared with baseline on the erectile domain and overall sexual satisfaction scores of the IIEF-15 using the Wilcoxon test P &lt;0.01. Furthermore, they showed statistical improvement through the Wilcoxon test P &lt;0.01 on the sexual life, family life, and partner relationship questions of the LSC compared with baseline.

Conclusion
Tadalafil is an effective and safe treatment for males with MS suffering from ED. Further studies are needed on MS patients to evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term use, and to detect predictable parameters for the success of PDE5 inhibitors.
AMS 700CX/CXM Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Has High Mechanical Reliability at Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Kim Dong Suk , Yang Kwang Mo , Chung Hyun Jin , Choi Hyun Min , Choi Young Deuk , Choi Hyung Ki 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
AMS 700CX/CXM inflatable penile prosthesis is increasingly applied for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, there are a few long-term survival data of the inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) over 10 years.

Aim
To determine the long-term mechanical reliability of AMS 700CX/CXM inflatable penile prosthesis in patients with ED.

Methods
A total of 438 consecutive patients with ED received implantation of an AMS 700CX/CXM penile prosthesis at our institution from January 1991 to April 2009. In 397 patients (90.7%), the medical records were available and current status of penile prosthesis could be obtained by a direct telephone interview. The overall and mechanical survival rates of penile prosthesis were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier method.

Main Outcome Measures
Assessing the mechanical and overall survival rates of the AMS 700CX/CXM penile prosthesis using Kaplan–Meier analysis, and looking for clinical factors related to survival of the CX/CXM using log-rank test.

Results
Mean age of 397 patients was 63.1 years (range, 24-93) and follow-up duration was 113 months (range 1-219). Eighty-two patients (20.6%) experienced mechanical failure at a median follow-up of 82 months. Mechanical survival rate of the penile prosthesis was 97.6%, 93.2% and 78.2% at 3, 5, and 10 years after implantation, respectively. 12 patients (3.0%) experienced nonmechanical failure including infections, tissue erosion resulting in cylinder protrusion at the meatus and chronic discomfort. Overall survival rate of the penile prosthesis was 95.0%, 91.0% and 75.5% at 3, 5, and 10 years after implantation, respectively. Patients with neurogenic cause for ED showed lower median overall survival of penile prosthesis compared with patients with non-neurogenic cause. Patient age, obesity, and diabetes mellitus had no association with overall survival of penile prosthesis after implantation.

Conclusions
The AMS 700CX/CXM could be accepted and applied in more patients as a reliable treatment alternative of ED.
Exercise prescription and the patient with type 2 diabetes: A clinical approach to optimizing patient outcomes
Authors: Waryasz Gregory R. , McDermott Ann Yelmokas 
Published: April 2010

Purpose: To review the current recommendations for physical activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and propose methods to optimize compliance, reduce the pharmaceutical burden, and improve the general health and well‐being of patients with T2DM. Data sources: PubMed, SportDiscus, Ovid MEDLINE, Psychinfo, Web of Science, LexisNexis, and EBM reviews. Conclusions: T2DM is a condition in which physical activity has been documented to improve patient outcomes, yet research has noted that healthcare professionals inadequately address this issue, resulting in physical activity being an underutilized therapy. Implications for practice: An exercise prescription consists of mode (type), frequency, intensity, duration, and progression. Determining the appropriate mode depends upon patient preference and safety issues regarding the state of T2DM or other conditions. Frequency, intensity, and duration are specific to the type of activity and should be tailored to the patient's abilities to safely perform the activity. Finally, the health professional addresses periodic progression in order to maintain the exercise stimulus needed to promote continued health improvements and prevent “plateauing.” In this article, on the basis of the current scientific research, we propose recommendations that enable healthcare professionals to advocate for their patients with T2DM by offering safe and effective treatment options.
Diagnostic algorithm for the evaluation of hematuria
Authors: Shen Xinying 
Published: April 2010

Purpose: To present a logical and cost‐effective diagnostic approach for primary care physicians to a common symptom, hematuria. Data source: Selected research, review articles, as well as medical textbooks and current government guidelines. Conclusion: Dipstick test and microscopic urinalysis are two common screening tests for hematuria. Once hematuria is discovered, its etiology should be investigated through a comprehensive history, a focused physical examination, laboratory studies, and radiographic imaging. Microscopic urinalysis is simple yet important in distinguishing glomerular from nonglomerular sources of bleeding. Intravenous urography, renal ultrasonography, or computed tomography may be needed to determine the location and characteristics of lesions. Cytoscopy is important in evaluating lower urinary tract lesions. Implications for practice: Hematuria is a frequently encountered symptom that has a broad differential diagnosis ranging from insignificant etiology to potentially life‐threatening neoplastic lesions. A systematic method can be useful in efficiently and cost‐effectively managing hematuria. Early and appropriate diagnosis of this common symptom results in improved clinical outcomes.
Cardiovascular risk in minority and underserved women in Appalachian Tennessee: A descriptive study
Authors: Pearson Tamera Lea 
Published: April 2010

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to translate current knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk factors, screening, and prevention to a disparate population of women and to ascertain the cardiovascular health status and risk factors in a sample of minority and underserved Appalachian women. Data sources: Demographic data were collected from a voluntary sample of women from a disparate population living in Appalachian Tennessee. A coronary risk profile recorded family health history, personal health history, and lifestyle habits affecting risk for cardiovascular disease. Physiologic measurements included body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol levels, ankle brachial index, and carotid artery stenosis. Conclusions: Women in Appalachia Tennessee from a disparate population have high risks for heart disease and stroke. This is a critical time to address any modifiable risk factors and aggressively treat underlying cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Implications for practice: Nurse practitioners (NPs) often provide primary care to women who may not be aware of their cardiovascular risks or actual disease. NPs can ensure that their practice incorporates primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention through screening, individual health education, and aggressive evidence‐based treatment plans for women.
Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values: Diagnosing purple mange
Authors: Collier Jill , Huebscher Roxana 
Published: April 2010

Purpose: To shed light on several epidemiological terms for better understanding of diagnostic testing measures by using a mythical condition, “purple mange.” Data sources: Scientific literature related to epidemiology and statistical tests. Conclusions: Nurse practitioners (NPs) use the concepts of sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPEC), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) daily in primary care and specialty areas. In addition, PPV and NPV vary with the prevalence of a condition. At times, NPs misunderstand the meaning of these terms. Implications for practice: In order to develop appropriate treatment plans, an understanding of the concepts of SEN, SPEC, PPV, and NPV is important for interpreting test results. The authors have used this mythical condition purple mange as a teaching tool for NP students.
Improving the Evaluation of Rural Development Policy Pour une meilleure évaluation de la politique de développement rural Die Evaluation der Politik zur Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums verbessern
Authors: Blandford David , Boisvert Richard N. , Hill Berkeley 
Published: April 2010

SummaryImproving the Evaluation of Rural Development PolicyA previous EuroChoices (Vol. 7, No. 1) compared and contrasted approaches to rural development policy in the EU and US. This Special Issue focuses on the evaluation of these policies, drawing on a workshop held in June 2009 at OECD Conference Center in Paris. Evaluation is an activity that runs parallel with policymaking and is capable of contributing to effectiveness and efficiency at all stages. Evaluators, wherever they work and whatever aspect of rural development is their focus, face some common technical problems. These include multiple (and often ill‐defined) policy objectives, the choice of appropriate indicators (especially the need to distinguish between outputs and outcomes), how to establish baseline values, where to draw boundaries in terms of impact and time, and the identification of additionality and causality. Ensuring that lessons learned from evaluation are actually applied is problematic. Experiences covered in this Issue include the use of macro and case‐study approaches, and various schemes (investment in human and social capital, and agri‐environment and forestry). There is an inherent tension between using a common approach across countries and regions in the interests of comparability and the flexibility needed to capture all the relevant factors in the diverse situations in which rural development actions take place.
Evaluation of Agri‐Environment and Forestry Schemes with Multiple Objectives L’évaluation de programmes agroenvironnementaux et forestiers aux objectifs multiples Die Evaluation von Agrarumwelt‐ und Forstwirtschaftsprogrammen mit multiplen Zielen
Authors: Mortimer Simon , Mauchline Alice , Park Julian , Finn John , Edwards David , Morris Jake 
Published: April 2010

SummaryEvaluation of Agri‐Environment and Forestry Schemes with Multiple ObjectivesThe evaluation of EU policy in the area of rural land use management often encounters problems of multiple and poorly articulated objectives. Agri‐environmental policy has a range of aims, including natural resource protection, biodiversity conservation and the protection and enhancement of landscape quality. Forestry policy, in addition to production and environmental objectives, increasingly has social aims, including enhancement of human health and wellbeing, lifelong learning, and the cultural and amenity value of the landscape. Many of these aims are intangible, making them hard to define and quantify. This article describes two approaches for dealing with such situations, both of which rely on substantial participation by stakeholders. The first is the Agri‐Environment Footprint Index, a form of multi‐criteria participatory approach. The other, applied here to forestry, has been the development of ‘multi‐purpose’ approaches to evaluation, which respond to the diverse needs of stakeholders through the use of mixed methods and a broad suite of indicators, selected through a participatory process. Each makes use of case studies and involves stakeholders in the evaluation process, thereby enhancing their commitment to the programmes and increasing their sustainability. Both also demonstrate more ‘holistic’ approaches to evaluation than the formal methods prescribed in the EU Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
View from an Oversight Agency on Evaluation of Rural Development Programmes Point de vue d’une agence de surveillance sur l’évaluation de la politique de développement rural Aus der Sicht einer Aufsichtsbehörde Zur Evaluation von Programmen zur Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums
Authors: Offutt Susan 
Published: April 2010

SummaryView from an Oversight Agency on Evaluation of Rural Development ProgrammesCentral government budgets will be highly constrained in the wake of stimulus spending and recession. Fiscal imperatives will increasingly drive the need to reconsider government policy fundamentals. There will be greater scrutiny of public programmes, including those addressing rural development, as decision makers weigh future options for action. Questions will be raised about the efficacy and efficiency of public programmes in meeting their goals, and the results of objective evaluation will be at a premium. Assessment is within the competency of many entities, but national audit agencies offer advantages in performing evaluations to support public deliberation and dialogue. The audit agency perspective is one that is independent from the branch of government that is responsible for programme execution. This independence is necessary but not sufficient for ensuring that evaluations are fair and balanced. An effective audit agency adheres strictly to professional standards of review and referencing and adopts procedures to guarantee that all facts and analyses are thoroughly checked for accuracy. Thus, an audit agency operates with a consistency in approach that may distinguish it from other potential performers of evaluation. This implies that audit agencies may have an increasingly important role to play in evaluating rural development programmes.