bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15): Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Version
Authors: Quinta Gomes Ana Luísa , Nobre Pedro 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is a brief, reliable, and multidimensional scale for assessing sexual function in men in both research and clinical trials.

Aim
The objective of the present study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the IIEF.

Methods
A total of 1,363 Portuguese men participated in this study (a clinical sample of 37 men and a community sample of 1,326 men).

Main Outcome Measures
All participants completed a questionnaire regarding demographic information and the IIEF.

Results
Principal component analysis using varimax rotation indicated a two-factor structure explaining approximately 55% of the total variance (one factor encompassing erection and orgasmic function domains of the original IIEF, and a second factor corresponding to sexual desire, intercourse, and overall satisfaction). The differentiated factor structure with five separate domains of sexual function was not replicated in the Portuguese version. The two-factor model and the original five-factor model of male sexual function were assessed with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and overall acceptable fits were demonstrated for both models. However, despite a non-optimal performance, CFA provided a better support for the five-factor solution as the model that best fitted the data. An important lack of discriminant validity evidenced by high intercorrelations among dimensions was detected in both models, suggesting a substantial overlap among factors. Reliability studies showed good internal consistency for the five subscales, and test–retest reliability analysis supported the stability of the measure over time. Discriminant validity confirmed the ability of both subscales to differentiate men with erectile dysfunction from matched controls.

Conclusions
Results suggested that the Portuguese version of the IIEF has adequate psychometric properties, and its use is recommended for clinical and research purposes. Further studies are needed in order to elucidate the association among dimensions of male sexual function and, ultimately, to offer a clearer conceptualization of male’s sexual response.
Comparison of Acetate‐Free Citrate Hemodialysis and Bicarbonate Hemodialysis Regarding the Effect of Intra‐Dialysis Hypotension and Post‐Dialysis Malaise
Authors: Daimon Shoichiro , Dan Kazushi , Kawano Mitsuhiro 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCompared with acetate dialysate, bicarbonate dialysate has shown beneficial effects in reducing the morbidity associated with dialysis, but a small amount of acetate in bicarbonate dialysate may evoke hypotension or malaise. Acetate‐free citrate hemodialysis (AFHD) may avoid these problems. In 44 hemodialysis patients bicarbonate hemodialysis (BHD) was conducted for three months, followed by a switch to AFHD for three months, and a further switch to bicarbonate hemodialysis (ReBHD). In BHD, AFHD and ReBHD, intra‐dialysis hypotension and post‐dialysis malaise were determined (hypotension: intra‐dialysis systolic blood pressure (SBP) was expressed as a percentage of SBP at the start of hemodialysis, malaise was assessed by a self‐reported 0 to 3 scale, 0: absence of malaise, 3: unbearable malaise). Compared with BHD, AFHD patients complained of less malaise but the intra‐dialysis blood pressure change did not differ significantly (malaise: BHD 0.73 ± 0.76 vs. AFHD 0.32 ± 0.47, P < 0.0001, end hemodialysis SBP: BHD 93.6 ± 8.9 vs. AFHD 93.8 ± 10.1, P = NS). After switching to ReBHD from AFHD, the malaise score increased (AFHD 0.32 ± 0.47 vs. ReBHD 0.77 ± 0.89, P < 0.0001) and the intra‐dialysis blood pressure dropped markedly (end hemodialysis SBP: AFHD 93.8 ± 10.1 vs. ReBHD 87.3 ± 10.5, P < 0.0001). Malaise was very severe in five patients who could not continue ReBHD. After ten days under ReBHD, ReBHD was changed to AFHD again in all patients. Although the exact mechanisms are not known, AFHD may be preferable to BHD to prevent hemodialysis‐induced hypotension and malaise.
Geological Setting and Origin of Mo–W–Cu Deposits in the Honggor–Shamai District, Inner Mongolia, North China
Authors: NIE Feng‐Jun , JIANG Si‐Hong 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTwenty‐one Mo–W–Cu deposits and prospects have been discovered in the Honggor–Shamai district, Inner Mongolia, north China during past 5 years. This district is located in the central and western parts of the Chagan Obo–Aoyoute–Chaobulen tectono‐magmatic belt, which is part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The Mo–W–Cu deposits in the district are associated with Mesozoic granitoid intrusions and occur as veins, stockwork, and dissemination. The geological features of these newly discovered deposits are similar to porphyry‐type deposits worldwide. Two mineralization events have been identified: Indosinian (235–224 Ma) and Yanshanian (137–131 Ma). It is proposed that these deposits and prospects in the Honggor–Shamai district were related to the post‐collisional extension linked to the Indosinian orogeny during the Middle–Late Triassic period, but some of those deposits were overprinted by mineralization associated with the Cretaceous magmatic‐hydrothermal (Yanshanian) event.
He–Ar Isotope Composition of Pyrite and Wolframite in the Tieshanlong Tungsten Deposit, Jiangxi, China: Implications for Fluid Evolution
Authors: LI Guanglai , HUA Renmin , ZHANG Wenlan , HU Dongquan , WEI Xinglin , HUANG Xiao'e , XIE Lei , YAO Junming , WANG Xudong 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe Tieshanlong tungsten‐polymetallic deposit is a large wolframite deposit of quartz vein type located in southern Jiangxi, South China. It is genetically related to a high‐K S‐type granite. Seven pyrite and two wolframite samples, selected for He and Ar isotope analyses, yielded 3He/4He values of 0.04–0.98 Ra, 40Ar/36Ar ratios of 293.5–368.0, and 38Ar/36Ar ratios of 0.176–0.193. These data indicate that the ore‐forming fluids associated with the deposit did not result from a simple mixing of the crustal‐ and mantle‐derived end‐member fluids, but that primeval meteoric fluids were also involved in the generation of the associated granitic magma by partial melting of crustal metasedimentary rocks. Further investigations show that only minimal He from the mantle was added during generation of the associated granitic magma. It is postulated that boiling and second mixing with “new” meteoric fluids took place during migration of magmatic‐hydrothermal fluids into wall‐rock fractures, resulting in a drastic decrease of their metal transport capacity, which triggered the tungsten‐polymetallic mineralization.
Formation of the Dongmozhazhua Pb–Zn Deposit in the Thrust‐Fold Setting of the Tibetan Plateau, China: Evidence from Fluid Inclusion and Stable Isotope Data
Authors: LIU YingChao , HOU ZengQian , YANG ZhuSen , TIAN ShiHong , YANG TianNan , SONG YuCai , ZHANG HongRui , CARRANZA Emmanuel John M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe Dongmozhazhua deposit, the largest Pb–Zn deposit in south Qinghai, China, is stratabound, carbonate‐hosted and associated with epigenetic dolomitization and silicification of Lower–Middle Permian—Upper Triassic limestones in the hanging walls of a Cenozoic thrust fault system. The mineralization is localized in a Cenozoic thrust‐folded belt along the northeastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, which was formed due to the India–Asia plate collision during the early Tertiary. The deposit comprises 16 orebodies with variable thicknesses (1.5–26.3 m) and lengths (160–1820 m). The ores occur as dissemination, vein, and breccia cement. The main sulfide assemblage is sphalerite + galena + pyrite + marcasite ± chalcopyrite ± tetrahedrite, and gangue minerals consist mainly of calcite, dolomite, barite, and quartz. Samples of pre‐ to post‐ore stages calcite yielded δ13C and δ18O values that are, respectively, similar to and lower than those yielded by the host limestones, suggesting that the calcite formed from fluids derived from carbonate dissolution. Fluid inclusions in calcite and sphalerite in the polymetallic sulfidization stage mostly comprise liquid and gas phases at room temperature, with moderate homogenization temperatures (100–140°C) and high salinities (21–28 wt% NaCl eq.). Micro‐thermometric fluid inclusion data point to polysaline brines as ore‐forming fluids. The δD and δ18O values of ore fluids, cation compositions of fluid inclusions, and geological information suggest two main possible fluid sources, namely basinal brines and evaporated seawater. The fluid inclusion data and regional geology suggest that basinal brines derived from Tertiary basins located southeast of the Dongmozhazhua deposit migrated along deep detachment zones of the regional thrust system, leached substantial base metals from country rocks, and finally ascended along thrust faults at Dongmozhazhua. There, the base‐metal‐rich basinal brines mixed with bacterially‐reduced H2S‐bearing fluids derived from evaporated seawater preserved in the Permo–Triassic carbonate strata. The mixing of the two fluids resulted in Pb–Zn mineralization. The Dongmozhazhua Pb–Zn deposit has many characteristics that are similar to MVT Pb–Zn deposits worldwide.
DNA barcoding of endangered Indian Paphiopedilum species
Authors: PARVEEN IFFAT , SINGH HEMANT K. , RAGHUVANSHI SAURABH , PRADHAN UDAI C. , BABBAR SHASHI B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe indiscriminate collections of Paphiopedilum species from the wild for their exotic ornamental flowers have rendered these plants endangered. Although the trade of these endangered species from the wild is strictly forbidden, it continues unabated in one or other forms that elude the current identification methods. DNA barcoding that offers identification of a species even if only a small fragment of the organism at any stage of development is available could be of great utility in scrutinizing the illegal trade of both endangered plant and animal species. Therefore, this study was undertaken to develop DNA barcodes of Indian species of Paphiopedilum along with their three natural hybrids using loci from both the chloroplast and nuclear genomes. The five loci tested for their potential as effective barcodes were RNA polymerase‐β subunit (rpoB), RNA polymerase‐β’ subunit (rpoC1), Rubisco large subunit (rbcL) and maturase K (matK) from the chloroplast genome and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) from the nuclear genome. The intra‐ and inter‐specific divergence values and species discrimination rates were calculated by Kimura 2 parameter (K2P) method using mega 4.0. The matK with 0.9% average inter‐specific divergence value yielded 100% species resolution, thus could distinguish all the eight species of Paphiopedilum unequivocally. The species identification capability of these sequences was further confirmed as each of the matK sequences was found to be unique for the species when a blast analysis of these sequences was carried out on NCBI. nrITS, although had 4.4% average inter‐specific divergence value, afforded only 50% species resolution. DNA barcodes of the three hybrids also reflected their parentage.
Chelex without boiling, a rapid and easy technique to obtain stable amplifiable DNA from small amounts of ethanol‐stored spiders
Authors: CASQUET JULIANE , THEBAUD CHRISTOPHE , GILLESPIE ROSEMARY G. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDNA barcoding projects require high‐throughput generation of sequence data to assemble the comprehensive reference databases that are required to perform large‐scale biodiversity inventories and molecular ecology studies. With the advent of new sequencing technologies, the extraction step, which often requires a considerable amount of time and money, represents a significant bottleneck in many studies. Here, we present a one‐step Chelex double‐stranded DNA extraction protocol that is quick, cheap, easy and works with a small quantity of ethanol‐stored tissue. We developed this protocol by removing the denaturation step appearing in classic methods. This modification reduces the number of handling steps to one, thus simplifying the extraction procedure and reducing the risk of sample contamination, and yields double‐stranded DNA instead of the single‐stranded form that classical Chelex extraction protocols usually release. DNA obtained through our method is then suitable for long‐term conservation (over 1.5 years). We tested our protocol on a highly diverse genus of spiders comprised of mainly very small species. We also apply the method to two other genera of spiders, one with average size species, the other one with giant species, to test the efficacy of the method with varying amounts of input tissue. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of this DNA extraction technique when working with arthropods.
Deficiency of NG2+ Cells Contributes to the Susceptibility of Stroke‐Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Wang Pei , Tian Wei‐Wei , Song Jie , Guan Yun‐Feng , Miao Chao‐Yu 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYAims: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the NG2+ cells, a class of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, is involved in the pathophysiology of stroke in stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR‐SP). Methods: SHR‐SP, SHR, Wistar‐Kyoto rats (WKY), and C57BJ/6 mice were used. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to evaluate the number of NG2+ cells in frozen brain sections. Demyelination was evaluated by Sudan black staining and serum level of myelin basic protein. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to prepare experimental stroke model. Results: The number of NG2+ cells was significantly decreased in infarct core and increased in penumbra in WKY rats after MCAO. In brain sections of 6‐month‐old SHR‐SP, the number of NG2+ cells was significantly (P < 0.01) less than that in age‐matched SHR and WKY rats. However, this phenomenon was not observed in 3‐month‐old rats. Demyelination was found in 6‐month‐old SHR‐SP but not in 3‐month‐old SHR‐SP. Pharmacological treatment of cuprizone in mice induced demyelination and enlargement of cerebral infarction after MCAO. Conclusion: The decline of NG2+ cells may cause demyelination and contribute to the susceptibility of SHR‐SP to ischemic brain injury.
Efficacy of pitavastatin for the treatment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis with dyslipidemia: An open‐label, pilot study
Authors: Hyogo Hideyuki , Ikegami Tadashi , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Hashimoto Etsuko , Inui Kazuo , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Tokumo Hironori , Hino Fumiaki , Tazuma Susumu 
Published: September 2011

Aim:  Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that encompasses a spectrum of liver disorders characterized by simple steatosis, non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) through cirrhosis, is becoming an important chronic liver disease in Japan. Currently, there is no proven therapy for NASH. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of statin therapy in NASH patients with dyslipidemia.Methods:  Twenty patients with biopsy‐proven NASH with dyslipidemia who agreed to participate in this multicentric prospective study were enrolled. The patients were treated for 12 months with pitavastatin 2 mg/day. Clinical and histological alterations were comparatively evaluated before and after treatment. Standard weight loss counseling was continued during the treatment period. Follow‐up liver biopsy was performed in 13 patients.Results:  Twenty‐five percent of patients had hyperlipoproteinemia type IIa and 75% had hyperlipoproteinemia type IIb at baseline. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase and lipid profiles were significantly improved by the treatment with pitavastatin for 12 months. Especially, these improvements were prominent in NASH patients with hyperlipoproteinemia type IIb. While non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score and fibrosis stage did not change significantly in all patients, they did improve in 54% and 42% in individual patients, respectively.Conclusion:  NASH‐related metabolic parameters improved with therapy including histology in some patients. However, three of 13 patients had progression of fibrosis during the treatment. Our pilot study demonstrated the efficacy of pitavastatin for the treatment of NASH with dyslipidemia, especially with hyperlipoproteinemia type IIb and controlled trials are needed in the future.
Anti‐hypoalbuminemic effect of branched‐chain amino acid granules in patients with liver cirrhosis is independent of dietary energy and protein intake
Authors: Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Ohnishi Yoshifumi , Nakayama Seiichi , Iwase Hiroaki , Nakamura Teiji , Imawari Michio 
Published: September 2011

Aim:  A multicenter prospective intervention study was conducted in 204 patients with uncompensated liver cirrhosis to explore the influence of dietary intake and patient clinical characteristics on improvement of hypoalbuminemia at weeks 12 and 24 of treatment with branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) granules.Methods:  The primary endpoint set in this study was improvement of hypoalbuminemia in patients with liver cirrhosis. The dietary energy and protein intake per day were estimated based on the results of a survey on diet during a 3‐day period preceding the start of the study.Results:  As for the primary endpoint, the mean serum albumin level increased significantly at weeks 12 and 24 of BCAA treatment, compared with the baseline level. The mean Child–Pugh score decreased significantly at weeks 12 and 24 of treatment as compared to the mean baseline score. There was a significant increase in the serum albumin level following treatment with BCAA granules regardless of energy intake and of protein intake. The incidence of ascites and edema significantly decreased in the overall patient population both at weeks 12 and 24 of treatment, compared with the baseline incidence. A subgroup analysis conducted in patients stratified according to changes in the serum albumin level at week 12 of treatment as against baseline showed that the incidence of ascites/edema was significantly reduced not only in the increased albumin group but in the unchanged albumin group.Conclusion:  The present data suggest that the anti‐hypoalbuminemic effect of BCAA treatment in patients with liver cirrhosis is independent of dietary intake.
Incorporating spirituality in psychosocial group intervention for women undergoingin vitrofertilization: A prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Chan Celia H. Y. , Chan Cecilia L. W. , Ng Ernest H. Y. , Ho P. C. , Chan Timothy H. Y. , Lee G. L. , Hui W. H. C. 
Published: September 2011

Objectives. This study examined the efficacy of a group intervention, the Integrative Body‐Mind‐Spirit (I‐BMS) intervention, which aims at improving the psychosocial and spiritual well‐being of Chinese women undergoing their first IVF treatment cycle.Design.  The I‐BMS intervention facilitates the search of meaning of life in the context of family and childbearing, as well as the letting go of high IVF expectations. A randomized controlled study of 339 women undergoing first IVF treatment cycle in a local Hong Kong hospital was conducted (intervention:n= 172; no‐intervention control:n= 167).Methods. Assessments of anxiety, perceived importance of childbearing, and spiritual well‐being were made at randomization (T0), on the day starting ovarian stimulations (T1), and on the day undertaking embryo transfer (T2).Results. Comparing T0and T2, interaction analyses showed women who had received the intervention reported lower levels of physical distress, anxiety, and disorientation. They reported being more tranquil and satisfied with their marriage, and saw childbearing as less important compared to women in the control group.Conclusions. These findings suggest that I‐BMS intervention was successful at improving the psychosocial and spiritual well‐being of women undergoing their first IVF treatment cycle. This study highlights the importance of providing integrative fertility treatment that incorporates psychosocial and spiritual dimensions.
New Role of the Disulfide Stress Effector YjbH in β-Lactam Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Göhring Nadine , Fedtke Iris , Xia Guoqing , Jorge Ana M. , Pinho Mariana G. , Bertsche Ute , Peschel Andreas 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
is exposed to multiple antimicrobial compounds, including oxidative burst products and antibiotics. The various mechanisms and regulatory pathways governing susceptibility or resistance are complex and only superficially understood.
Bacillus subtilis
recently has been shown to control disulfide stress responses by the thioredoxin-related YjbH protein, which binds to the transcriptional regulator Spx and controls its degradation via the proteasome-like ClpXP protease. We show that the
S. aureus
YjbH homolog has a role in susceptibility to the disulfide stress-inducing agent diamide that is similar to that in
B. subtilis
, and we demonstrate that the four cysteine residues in YjbH are required for this activity. In addition, the inactivation of YjbH led to moderate resistance to oxacillin and other β-lactam antibiotics, and this phenotypic change was associated with higher penicillin-binding protein 4 levels and increased peptidoglycan cross-linking. Of note, the impact of YjbH on β-lactam susceptibility still was observed when the four cysteines of YjbH were mutated, indicating that the roles of YjbH in disulfide stress and β-lactam resistance rely on different types of interactions. These data suggest that the ClpXP adaptor YjbH has more target proteins than previously thought, and that oxidative burst and β-lactam resistance mechanisms of
S. aureus
are closely linked.
A Novel Benzodioxole-Containing Inhibitor of Toxoplasma gondii Growth Alters the Parasite Cell Cycle
Authors: Kamau Edwin , Meehan Tracy , Lavine Mark D. , Arrizabalaga Gustavo , Mustata Wilson Gabriela , Boyle Jon 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii
is an obligate intracellular parasite that can cause disease in the developing fetus and in immunocompromised humans. Infections can last for the life of the individual, and to date there are no drugs that eliminate the chronic cyst stages that are characteristic of this parasite. In an effort to identify new chemical scaffolds that could form the basis for new therapeutics, we carried out a chemoinformatic screen for compounds that had the potential to interact with members of a superfamily of parasite-secreted kinases and assayed them for growth inhibition
in vitro
. Of 17 candidate compounds, we identified one with potent antiparasitic activity. The compound has a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of ∼2 nM, and structure-function analyses implicate the benzodioxole moiety in its action. The compound does not appear to be cytotoxic to host cells. Using microarray analyses of both parasites and host cells treated with the compound, we found that the levels of very few host cell transcripts are altered by the compound, while a large number of parasite transcripts have a different abundance after compound treatment. Gene ontology analyses of parasite transcripts with a different abundance revealed an enrichment of cell cycle-related genes, suggesting that the compound alters progression of the parasite through the cell cycle. Assaying the nuclear content of treated parasites demonstrated that compound treatment significantly increased the percentage of parasites in the S/M phase of the cell cycle compared to controls. This compound and its analogs represent a novel scaffold with antiparasitic activity.