bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competence assessment of nursing graduates of Jordanian universities
Authors: Safadi Reema , Jaradeh Malak , Bandak Amal , Froelicher Erika 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis cross‐sectional survey assessed the level of competence of nursing graduates of Jordanian universities (2001–2004 cohorts) in relation to the type of university, sex, hospital type, and working area. A convenience sample (n = 258) of full‐time nurses (6 months–4 years' experience) was selected from public, private, and teaching hospitals. A specifically designed tool with a rating scale of 1–5 was used to evaluate the nurses' competence in five nursing competencies (management, professionalism, problem‐solving, nursing process, and knowledge of basic skills). The findings showed a satisfactory competency level with no significant differences related to the type of university or sex. General ward nurses scored significantly better than those in intensive care units in relation to management, professionalism, and nursing process, while the teaching hospital nurses showed significantly better performance in professionalism and management skills than did the nurses in the other two sectors. We recommend that nurse recruitment policies should consider individual competencies rather than innate characteristics in their selection of employees.
Obesity and mobility disability in the older adult
Authors: Vincent H. K. , Vincent K. R. , Lamb K. M. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryMobility disability is becoming prevalent in the obese older population (≥60 years of age). We included a total of 13 cross‐sectional and 15 longitudinal studies based on actual physical assessments of mobility in the obese older population in this review. We systematically examined existing evidence of which adiposity estimate best predicted mobility disability. Cross‐sectional studies (82–4000 participants) showed poorer lower extremity mobility with increasing obesity severity in both men and women. All longitudinal studies (1–22 years) except for one, reported relationships between adiposity and declining mobility. While different physical tests made interpretation challenging, a consistent finding was that walking, stair climbing and chair rise ability were compromised with obesity, especially if the body mass index (BMI) exceeded 35 kg m−2. More studies found that obese women were at an increased risk for mobility impairment than men. Existing evidence suggests that BMI and waist circumference are emerging as the more consistent predictors of the onset or worsening of mobility disability. Limited interventional evidence shows that weight loss is related with increased mobility and lower extremity function. Additional longitudinal studies are warranted that address overall body composition fat and muscle mass or change on future disability.
Local Composite Quantile Regression Smoothing: An Efficient and Safe Alternative to Local Polynomial Regression
Authors: Kai Bo , Li Runze , Zou Hui 
Published: January 2010

SummaryLocal polynomial regression is a useful non-parametric regression tool to explore fine data structures and has been widely used in practice. We propose a new non-parametric regression technique called local composite quantile regression smoothing to improve local polynomial regression further. Sampling properties of the estimation procedure proposed are studied. We derive the asymptotic bias, variance and normality of the estimate proposed. The asymptotic relative efficiency of the estimate with respect to local polynomial regression is investigated. It is shown that the estimate can be much more efficient than the local polynomial regression estimate for various non-normal errors, while being almost as efficient as the local polynomial regression estimate for normal errors. Simulation is conducted to examine the performance of the estimates proposed. The simulation results are consistent with our theoretical findings. A real data example is used to illustrate the method proposed.
Interictal dysphoric disorder and periictal dysphoric symptoms in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Mula Marco , Jauch Regina , Cavanna Andrea , Gaus Verena , Kretz Rebekka , Collimedaglia Laura , Barbagli Davide , Cantello Roberto , Monaco Francesco , Schmitz Bettina 
Published: January 2010

SummaryPurpose:  The issue of phenomenology of mood disorders in epilepsy still remains controversial. It has been suggested that a subgroup of patients may develop an affective syndrome also known as interictal dysphoric disorder (IDD). However, the number of behavioral changes that may occur around the ictus needs to be taken into account for an accurate distinction between “true” psychiatric phenomenology and periictal phenomena. This study aimed at identifying clinical correlates of the IDD, with special attention to the relationship between symptoms and seizures.Methods:  A sample of 142 consecutive adult outpatients with epilepsy were assessed using the Interictal Dysphoric Disorder Inventory (IDDI), a 38‐item, self‐report questionnaire specifically developed to evaluate presence and severity of IDD symptoms as well as their habitual association with seizures (coded as before, after, during, or when seizure‐free) and their duration.Results:  IDD was diagnosed in 31 subjects but symptoms showed a clear‐cut relationship with epileptic seizures in 54.8% of cases, leading to an operative distinction between true IDD and periictal dysphoric symptoms (PDS). There was no significant difference among patients with IDD, PDS, or those without psychopathology. In the IDD group, symptoms were chronic and unremitting in one‐third of cases, with labile affective symptoms being correlated with age at onset of seizures (rho = −0.612, p = 0.020) and duration of the epilepsy (rho = 0.833, p < 0.001).Discussion:  An operative distinction between IDD and PDS bears the opportunity to identify different clinical endophenotypes that may have different prognoses and require different treatment strategies.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Effects of Cyclic Versus Sustained Estrogen Administration on Peripheral Immune Functions in Ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Li Jing , McMurray Robert W. 
Published: January 2010

Citation Li J, McMurray RW. Effects of cyclic versus sustained estrogen administration on peripheral immune functions in ovariectomized mice. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 274–281Problem  Estrogens have multiple influences on immune functions. We aimed to compare the effects of cyclic versus sustained estrogen treatments under the same accumulated dose on peripheral immune functions in ovariectomized mice.Method of study  Ovariectomized adult Balb/c mice were treated with estradiol (E2) by s.c. injection once every 4 days (total 44.8 μg) or by pellet implantation (total 44.2 μg). After 6 weeks of treatment, all animals were immunized with DNP‐KLH. Peripheral immune functions were assessed 10 days later.Results  Both cyclic and sustained E2 treatments significantly reduced the percentage of splenic B220+sIgM+ cells, enhanced IFN‐γ production and suppressed IL‐6 secretion from Con A‐stimulated splenocytes, and increased serum anti‐DNP antibody levels. No differences were found in the above responses or in uterine weight gain between the two regimens of E2 administration.Conclusion  There are no differential effects on peripheral immune functions between cyclic and sustained estrogen administration under the same total dose.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Suppression of Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity in Postpartum Women
Authors: Groer Maureen , El‐Badri Nagwa , Djeu Julie , Harrington Monalisa , Van Eepoel Jeanne 
Published: January 2010

Citation Groer M, El‐Badri N, Djeu J, Harrington M, Van Eepoel J. Suppression of natural killer cell cytotoxicity in postpartum women. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 209–213Problem  Natural Killer (NK) cell numbers and cytotoxicity are suppressed during pregnancy. Little is known about postpartum NK number and function.Method of study  Postpartum women (n = 39) were studied at one week and then monthly over the first six postpartum months. The standard natural killer cell cytotoxicity assay (NKCA) was performed. This is a Cr51 release assay from K562 cells cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).Results  Data indicate suppression of NK cytotoxicity in postpartum women. Cytotoxicity at each effector:target (E:T) ratio showed a drop from 1 week postpartum, reaching a nadir at around 2 months, and a trend towards recovery of cytotoxicity from 3 to 6 months. Lytic units (LUs) from pre‐incubated cells from postpartum women were lower than age‐matched, non‐pregnant, non‐postpartum controls through the fifth postpartum month.Conclusion  These data suggest that the postpartum period, like pregnancy, is characterized by decreased NK cytotoxicity activity. This suppressed NK cytotoxic effect may result as a response to interaction with tolerized fetal microchimeric cells accumulated during pregnancy in maternal blood and tissues.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Assessment Outcomes in Women With and Without Provoked Vestibulodynia and the Impact of a Physical Therapy Program
Authors: Gentilcore-Saulnier Evelyne , McLean Linda , Goldfinger Corrie , Pukall Caroline F. , Chamberlain Susan 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Physical therapy (PT) may reduce the pain associated with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) based on previous findings that pelvic floor muscle dysfunction (PFMD) is associated with PVD symptoms.

Aims
The goals of this study were: (i) to determine whether women with and without PVD differ on measures of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) behavior; and (ii) to assess the impact of PT treatment for women with PVD on these measures.

Methods
Eleven women with PVD and 11 control women completed an assessment evaluating PFM behavior using surface electromyography (SEMG) recordings and a digital intravaginal assessment. Women with PVD repeated the assessment after they had undergone eight PT treatment sessions of manual therapy, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, dilator insertions, and home exercises.

Main Outcome Measures
Superficial and deep PFM SEMG tonic activity and phasic activity in response to a painful pressure stimulus, PFM digital assessment variables (tone, flexibility, relaxation capacity, and strength).

Results
At pretreatment, women with PVD had higher tonic SEMG activity in their superficial PFMs compared with the control group, whereas no differences were found in the deep PFMs. Both groups demonstrated contractile responses to the painful pressure stimulus that were significantly higher in the superficial as compared with the deep PFMs, with the responses in the PVD group being higher than those in control women. Women with PVD had higher PFM tone, decreased PFM flexibility and lower PFM relaxation capacity compared with control women. Posttreatment improvements included less PFM responsiveness to pain, less PFM tone, improved vaginal flexibility, and improved PFM relaxation capacity, such that women with PVD no longer differed from controls on these measures.

Conclusion
Women with PVD demonstrated altered PFM behavior when compared with controls, providing empirical evidence of PFMD, especially at the superficial layer. A PT rehabilitation program specifically targeting PFMD normalized PFM behavior in women with PVD.
Abortions and Contraception Use Among Czech and Romanian Women: Comparison of Representative National Studies
Authors: Hollá Kateřina , Weiss Petr , Unzeitig Vít , Cibula David 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
This article presents the results of representative national studies comparing the behavior and attitudes of Czech and Romanian women regarding abortion and contraception use.

Aim
Describe the attitudes to abortion and incidence of abortion in female population of these countries.

Methods
Independently and anonymously conducted questionnaire with 1,011 Czech and 1,001 Romanian women, with the participants’ age from 15 to 50 years. The sample represented both Czech and Romanian female populations with respect to age, education, and the size of their place of residence.

Main Outcome Measures
Questionnaire studies awareness, attitudes, and behavior related to the area of sexual life, contraception, and family planning.

Results
Based on the acquired information, it can be postulated that Romanian women, despite having a less liberal opinion on abortions than their Czech peers, undergo abortion more often than Czech women (Romanian 28%, Czech 16%), are less informed about potential side effects, and more often use less reliable methods of contraception (the so-called “natural contraception”—vs. hormonal contraception, which is the method of choice of Czech women).

Conclusion
These results indicate that despite more liberal attitudes toward abortion, Czech women have less frequent incidence of abortion than Romanian women and they have more relevant information about contraception and their sexual behavior is more conscious and responsible.
Bulbocavernosus Reflex to Stimulation of Prostatic Urethra in Patients with Lifelong Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Zhou Changkuo , Jiang Xianzhou , Xu Zhishun , Guo Lihua , Chen Jing , Wang Hongqiang , Zhang Dongqing , Shi Benkang 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) is a prevalent sexual dysfunction among men, while its precise pathologic mechanisms have remained poorly understood.

Aim
In our study, the correlation between excitability of bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) to stimulation of the prostatic urethra and LPE was studied.

Methods
Twenty normal potent male volunteers and 42 patients with LPE were studied by inserting a specially designed Foley catheter with two electrodes mounted on its distal surface (intraurethral catheter electrode) into bladder to evoke the BCR to stimulation of prostatic urethra. Also, sensitivity of glans penis to electrical stimulation was detected by two surface electrodes.

Main Outcome Measures
Sensory thresholds of BCR to stimulation of prostatic urethra, thresholds to evoke stable BCR, latencies of BCR, and sensory thresholds of glans penis to electrical stimulation.

Results
The mean sensory thresholds of BCR to stimulation of prostatic urethra, thresholds to evoke stable BCR, latencies of BCR, and sensory thresholds of glans penis were 12.38 ± 3.71 mA (0.2 ms in duration,1 Hz), 23.81 ± 5.55 mA (0.2 ms, 1 Hz), 70.48 ± 6.33 ms, and 11.89 ± 2.26 mA (0.04 ms in duration,3 Hz) in the patients with LPE, respectively, and were 18.20 ± 2.68 mA (0.2 ms, 1 Hz), 34.76 ± 4.15 mA (0.2 ms, 1 Hz), 71.20 ± 5.77 ms, and 14.16 ± 1.94 mA (0.04 ms, 3 Hz) in the normal potent men, respectively (mean ± SD). Statistically significant differences were seen regarding the sensory thresholds of BCR to stimulation of prostatic urethra, the thresholds to evoke stable BCR and the sensory thresholds of glans penis between the two groups (P &lt;0.001). No statistically significant differences were seen regarding the latencies of BCR between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Patients with LPE might have hyperexcitable BCR to stimulation of prostatic urethra, which is probably one of the important factors for its etiology.
Impact of Nonorganic Erectile Dysfunction on Spouses: A Study from India
Authors: Avasthi Ajit , Grover Sandeep , Kaur Rajinder , Prakash Om , Kulhara P. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The overall outcome of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) depends a lot on participation in treatment of their partners/spouses. However, psychosexual functioning of partners/spouses has received scant attention.

Aim
To study the psychosexual functioning of spouses of men with nonorganic ED in terms of their sexual satisfaction, psychological problems, marital adjustment, quality of life, and level of dysfunction.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures for the partners of men with ED were symptom questionnaire, marital questionnaire (KDS-15 marital questionnaire), sexuality scale, quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction questionnaire, dyadic adjustment scale, and dysfunction analysis questionnaire.

Method
Spouses of men with ED (n=50) and spouses of men without any psychosexual dysfunction (n=50) were compared for sexual and marital function, quality of life, and dyadic adjustment. The psychological impact was assessed by symptom questionnaire.

Results
Spouses of men with ED have significantly lower levels of marital and sexual satisfaction and higher levels of psychiatric symptoms than controls. Furthermore, the spouses of men with nonorganic ED also report poor quality of life in most domains of life and had higher level of dysfunction.

Conclusion
Our findings support the Western data with regard to the psychosexual functioning of spouses/partners of men with ED and suggest that spouses/partners of men with ED should also be assessed thoroughly.
Characterization of VEGF and Angiopoietins Expression in Human Corpus Cavernosum during Aging
Authors: Tomada Nuno , Tomada Inês , Cruz Francisco , Vendeira Pedro , Neves Delminda 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTIntroduction and ObjectivesErectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent and age-related disease, caused by endothelial dysfunction and impaired cavernous angiogenesis. However, cellular and molecular changes involved in erectile pathophysiology in aging male remain to be elucidated.AimTo characterize the vascular organization, concomitantly with analysis of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) and Angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) in young and aged human corpus cavernosum.MethodsHuman penile fragments were removed from patients submitted to penile deviation surgery (11 cases; 58–70 years) and from potential organ donors (four cases; 18–28 years) without ED or risk factors for ED. Smooth muscle and connective tissue were assessed by Masson’s trichrome staining and computer-assisted histomorphometry. Dual immunostaining for specific markers of endothelium (von Willebrand factor) and smooth muscle cell (alpha-actin), VEGF, Ang1 and Ang2 was assayed by fluorescence microscopy. Semi-quantification of expression of angiogenic factors was performed by Western blotting.Main Outcome MeasuresExpression of VEGF and Angiopoietins in human corpus cavernosum, using a combination of histologic stainings, and molecular biology tools in order to achieve a better understanding of cavernosal tissue remodeling with aging.ResultsAged human corpus cavernosum presented wider sinusoidal spaces, loss of muscle cell bundles, and increased connective tissue content. Ang1 was scarcely expressed in small clusters in smooth muscle cell cytoplasm with identical localization in both studied groups. VEGF expression was abundant in smooth muscle cell and its expression markedly decreased in aged tissue, contrasting with the expression of angiopoietins that increased in the aged corpus cavernosum.ConclusionsImmunoflourescent studies of cellular markers and growth factors help clarifying vascular organization and angiogenesis mechanisms in erectile tissue. Our findings demonstrate that the organization pattern of vascular endothelium and smooth muscle components of cavernosal tissue modifies during aging. Ang1 and Ang2 upregulation in human-aged penile tissue suggest a VEGF-independent vascular remodeling mechanism.
Preoperative Clinical and Diagnostic Characteristics of Patients Who Require Delayed IPP after Primary Peyronies Repair
Authors: Alphs Hannah H. , Navai Neema , Köhler Tobias S. , McVary Kevin T. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Penile vascular abnormalities occur in a high proportion of patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD). Penile duplex ultrasonography (PDU) and dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography (DICC) are tools that can be used to help tailor individualized treatment for patients undergoing surgical intervention for their PD. However, precisely which parameters can be used to predict those patients with PD at risk for developing erectile dysfunction (ED) after intervention without inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has not been previously elucidated.

Aim
To evaluate preoperative vascular parameters that predispose PD patients for developing ED after intervention without IPP.

Methods
Twenty-six patients receiving surgical intervention for their PD at a single center were retrospectively identified. Of these, 11 (42.3%) opted for primary repair without placement of an IPP. Three (27.2%) of these 11 patients went on to develop ED postoperatively.

Main Outcome Measures
We compared various demographic, PDU, and DICC parameters between patients who did and did not fail primary repair of their PD.

Results
Mean age and follow-up of patients who went on to develop ED after repair of PD without IPP were not significantly different (P &lt;0.05). Resistive index (RI) and end diastolic volume were significantly different between these two groups (P &lt;0.05), while peak systolic volume, flow to maintain, and pressure decay were not significantly different. An RI cutoff of &lt;0.80 was found to identify all patients who would later develop ED and fail primary repair without IPP.

Conclusions
Penile vascular assessment can aid in counseling patients about their risk of developing delayed ED after primary repair of PD. In our cohort of patients, PDU provided preoperative risk stratification for postoperative erectile dysfunction in men undergoing Peyronie’s repair without IPP. We propose the prospective study of an RI cutoff to identify patients at risk of failing primary PD repair without IPP.
PCOS and Urethrovaginal Space: 3-D Volumetric and Vascular Analysis
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Nappi Rossella Elena , Mancini Fulvia , Alvisi Stefania , Del Forno Simona , Battaglia Bruno , Venturoli Stefano 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The vaginal orgasm seems to be evocated by the stimulation of the G-spot: a highly sensitive area on the anterior wall of the human vagina. However, the existence of such a spot is controversial.

Aim
To evaluate, by the use of three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasonography, the anatomic structures of the urethrovaginal space both in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients and eumenorrheic non-hirsute controls.

Methods
Twenty-three (Group I) PCOS patients and 25 eumenorrheic young women (Group II) were submitted to two-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D ultrasonography and color Doppler analysis of the urethrovaginal space and of the clitoris.

Main Outcome Measures
2-D ultrasonographic evaluation of the ovaries and of the urethrovaginal space; color Doppler evaluation of the ovarian stromal arteries, urethrovaginal main feeding artery, and dorsal clitoral arteries; 3-D volume calculation of the urethrovaginal space, and 3-D power Doppler analysis of the vascularization index; flow index; and vascularization flow index; hormonal evaluation.

Results
The vaginal orgasm was present in 13/23 (56%) patients in PCOS Group and in 13/25 (52%) in the controls. The 3-D reconstruction of the urethrovaginal space demonstrated a gland-like aspect with small feeding vessels: “female prostate.” The 3-D mean volume of the “female prostate” was significantly higher in Group I (0.48 ± 0.21 mL) than in Group II (0.39 ± 0.19 mL; P = 0.044). The Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLys (VOCAL) built mean volume of the “female prostate” was positively correlated with the time since intercourse (r = 0.486; P = 0.032), with the total length of the urethrovaginal space (r = 0.616; P = 0.025) and with the testosterone (r = 0.424; P = 0.048) circulating values.

Conclusions
The presence of the G-spot and its role in vaginal orgasm remains controversial. In Italians, and normal weight PCOS patients the hyperandrogenism seems to result in ovarian stromal and “female prostate” hyperplasia.