bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of early and late kainic acid‐induced status epilepticus with the noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist GYKI 52466
Authors: Fritsch Brita , Stott Jeffrey J. , Joelle Donofrio Joy , Rogawski Michael A. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryPurpose: Benzodiazepines such as diazepam may fail to effectively treat status epilepticus because benzodiazepine‐sensitive GABAAreceptors are progressively internalized with continued seizure activity. Ionotropic glutamate receptors, including AMPA receptors, are externalized, so that AMPA receptor antagonists, which are broad‐spectrum anticonvulsants, could be more effective treatments for status epilepticus. We assessed the ability of the noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist GYKI 52466 to protect against kainic acid–induced status epilepticus in mice.Methods: Groups of animals treated with kainic acid received GYKI 52466 (50 mg/kg followed in 15 min by 50 mg/kg) or diazepam (25 mg/kg followed in 20 min by 12.5 mg/kg) beginning at 5 min of continuous seizure activity or 25 min later. The duration of seizure activity was determined by EEG recording from epidural cortical electrodes.Results: Both GYKI 52466 and diazepam rapidly terminated electrographic and behavioral seizures when administered early. However, diazepam‐treated animals exhibited more seizure recurrences. With late administration, GYKI 52466 also rapidly terminated seizures and they seldom recurred, whereas diazepam was slow to produce seizure control and recurrences were common. Although both treatments caused sedation, GYKI 52466‐treated animals retained neurological responsiveness whereas diazepam‐treated animals did not. GYKI 52466 did not affect blood pressure whereas diazepam caused a sustained drop in mean arterial pressure.Discussion: Noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonists represent a promising approach for early treatment of status epilepticus; they may also be effective at later times when there is refractoriness to benzodiazepines.
Nonagenarian Siblings and Their Offspring Display Lower Risk of Mortality and Morbidity than Sporadic Nonagenarians: The Leiden Longevity Study
Authors: Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Van Heemst Diana , Rozing Maarten P. , Frölich Marijke , Mooijaart Simon P. , Blauw Gerard‐Jan , Beekman Marian , Heijmans Bastiaan T. , De Craen Anton J.M. , Slagboom P. Eline ,   for the Leiden Longevity Study Group
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVES: To compare the risk of mortality of nonagenarian siblings with that of sporadic nonagenarians (not selected on having a nonagenarian sibling) and to compare the prevalence of morbidity in their offspring with that of the offsprings' partners.DESIGN: Longitudinal (mortality risk) and cross‐sectional (disease prevalence).SETTING: Nationwide sample.PARTICIPANTS: The Leiden Longevity Study consists of 991 nonagenarian siblings derived from 420 Caucasian families, 1,365 of their offspring, and 621 of the offsprings' partners. In the Leiden 85‐plus Study, 599 subjects aged 85 were included, of whom 275 attained the age of 90 (sporadic nonagenarians).MEASUREMENTS: All nonagenarian siblings and sporadic nonagenarians were followed for mortality (with a mean±standard deviation follow‐up time of 2.7±1.4 years and 3.0±1.5 years, respectively). Information on medical history and medication use was collected for offspring and their partners.RESULTS: Nonagenarian siblings had a 41% lower risk of mortality (P<.001) than sporadic nonagenarians. The offspring of nonagenarian siblings had a lower prevalence of myocardial infarction (2.4% vs 4.1%, P=.03), hypertension (23.0% vs 27.5%, P=.01), diabetes mellitus (4.4% vs 7.6%, P=.004), and use of cardiovascular medication (23.0% vs 28.9%, P=.003) than their partners.CONCLUSION: The lower mortality rate of nonagenarian siblings and lower prevalence of morbidity in their middle‐aged offspring reinforce the notion that resilience against disease and death have similar underlying biology that is determined by genetic or familial factors.
Scaring Them into Learning!? Using a Snake Screen to Enhance the Knowledge Transfer Effectiveness of a Web Interface
Authors: Kock Ned , Chatelain‐Jardón Ruth , Carmona Jesus 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTIt seems that surprise events have the potential to turn short‐term memories into long‐term memories, an unusual phenomenon that may have limited but interesting applications in learning tasks. This surprise‐enhanced cognition phenomenon is theoretically modeled based on the notion that many human mental traits have evolved through natural selection; a mathematical analysis building on Price's covariance theorem is employed in this modeling effort. Additionally, the phenomenon is discussed in the context of an online learning task, based on a study involving 186 student participants. A simulated threat was incorporated into a human–computer interface with the goal of increasing the interface's knowledge‐transfer effectiveness. The participants were asked to review Web‐based learning modules and subsequently take a test on what they had learned. Data from six learning modules in two experimental conditions were contrasted. In the treatment condition, a Web‐based screen with a snake in attack position was used to surprise the participants; the snake screen was absent in the control condition. As predicted, the participants in the treatment condition did significantly better in the test for the modules immediately before and after the snake screen than the participants in the control condition. These findings are extrapolated to classroom applications in general. Ethical considerations are also discussed.
Regular Moderate Intake of Red Wine is Linked to a Better Women’s Sexual Health
Authors: Mondaini Nicola , Cai Tommaso , Gontero Paolo , Gavazzi Andrea , Lombardi Giuseppe , Boddi Vieri , Bartoletti Riccardo 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
While some evidence does exist for a positive correlation between moderate wine intake and men’s sexual health, there is no study addressing the potential correlation between red wine intake and women’s sexual function.

Aim
The aim of our study was to assess whether there is a tie between daily red wine intake and sexual function in a sample of healthy Italian women, living in the Chianti area (Tuscany) not complaining of any sexual disorders.

Methods
We recruited 798 women (age 18–50), living in the Chianti area (Tuscany), not complaining of any sexual disorders. We divided the participants into three groups: daily moderate (one to two glasses) red wine intake (group 1); teetotallers (group 2); and daily intake of more than two glasses of red wine and/or other types of alcoholic drinks (including white wine), as well as of those reporting occasional drinking (group 3).

Main Outcome Measures
All participants completed anonymously the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and were asked to report on their amount and type of alcohol consumption.

Results
Group 1 had significantly higher total (P = 0.001), as well as desire and lubrication domain (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) FSFI scores than participants in groups 2 and 3. No significant differences between the groups were observed concerning sexual arousal, satisfaction, pain, and orgasm. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between age, alcohol consumption (P = 0.009), and a better score at questionnaire examination. During multivariate analysis, alcohol consumption was identified as an independent prognostic parameter (P = 0.002) in predicting the better score at questionnaire examination.

Conclusions
The finding that regular moderate intake of red wine is associated with higher FSFI scores for both sexual desire, lubrication, and overall sexual function as compared to the teetotaller status is intriguing. While this finding needs to be interpreted with some caution, because of the small sample size, self-reported data, and the lack of support from laboratory exams, it nevertheless suggests a potential relationship between red wine consumption and better sexuality.
Sexual Function Improvement Following Surgery for Stress Incontinence: The Relevance of Coital Incontinence
Authors: Bekker Milou , Beck Jacky , Putter Hein , Venema Pieter , à Nijeholt August Lycklama , Pelger Rob , Elzevier Henk 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Little is known about the impact of surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) on female sexual function, and results are conflicting.

Aims
We aimed to clarify the impact of surgery for SUI on female sexual function.

Methods
We analyzed data collected from two studies evaluating sexual function in women after placement of the tension-free vaginal tape, tension-free vaginal tape obturator, or transobturator suburethral tape. A nonvalidated sexual questionnaire developed by Lemack, translated into Dutch, was mailed to all patients 3–12 months after the procedure.

Main Outcome Measures
Pre- and postoperative results of a nonvalidated sexual questionnaire.

Results
A total of 136 sexually active women completed the questionnaires. Compared with preoperative responses, we observed no significant changes postsurgical regarding frequency of sexual intercourse or satisfaction of sexual intercourse, although a significant postoperative decrease in urinary coital incontinence (P ≤ 0.001) was found. Postoperatively, 29 women (21.3%) reported improved sexual intercourse, and eight women (5.9%) complained of a worsening. There was a significant higher rate of preoperative coital incontinence (86.2% women with coital incontinence) in the group of women who reported improved intercourse (P = 0.01).

Conclusion
Women with coital incontinence show a significant higher improvement in sexual function after surgery for SUI compared to women without coital incontinence. Our results suggest that improvement in coital incontinence results in improvement of sexual function. Therefore, coital incontinence is a prognostic factor for improvement of sexual function following incontinence surgery.
Frequency and Correlates of Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ogbera Anthonia Okeoghene , Chinenye Sonny , Akinlade Akinleye , Eregie Aihanuwa , Awobusuyi Jacob 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important but understudied aspect of DM complications in women with DM.

Aim
This report is an attempt to document the prevalence, clinical correlates, and determinants of SD in a cross sectional study of women with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures were demographic, clinical parameters, psychological morbidity, and frequency of SD.

Methods
A total of 58 married women with type 2 DM and 30 age-matched women who did not have DM had their sexual function and psychological status assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and General Health questionnaires (GHQ 12) respectively. Glycemic control was assessed using glycosylated hemoglobin.

Results
The prevalence of SD in women with DM and in the control population was 88% and 80%, respectively. The mean (standard deviation) FSFI score in the women with DM was significantly lower than that of the control group (16.2 [9.5] vs. 21 [8.5], P = 0.02). Women with DM attempted sex less frequently than those in the control group. Poor mental health status which was found to be associated with SD was noted more in women with DM than those in the control group.

Conclusions
SD is high in women with and without DM. A possible determinant of SD in women with DM is psychological morbidity.
Using Nursing Interventions Classification as a Framework to Revise the Belgian Nursing Minimum Data Set
Authors: Van den Heede Koen , Michiels Dominik , Thonon Olivier , Sermeus Walter 
Published: July 2009

PURPOSE.  To develop the revised Belgian nursing minimum data set (B‐NMDS).METHODS.  The Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC, 2nd edition) was used as a framework. Six expert nurse panels (cardiology, oncology, intensive care, pediatrics, geriatrics, chronic care) were consulted. Seventy‐nine panelists completed standardized e‐mail questionnaires and discussed results in face‐to‐face meetings.FINDINGS.  We initially selected 256 of 433 NIC interventions. After panel discussions, plenary meetings, and pretesting, the revised B‐NMDS (alpha version) contained 79 items covering 22 NIC classes and 196 NIC interventions.CONCLUSIONS.  Consensus building promoted acceptance of the B‐NMDS, while the NIC provided a good theoretical basis and guaranteed international comparability.IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE.  The revised B‐NMDS instrument can be used to visualize nursing activities in different applications (e.g., financing, staffing allocation).DOELSTELLING.  Ontwikkeling van een nieuwe versie van de Minimale Verpleegkundige Gegevens (MVG).METHODE.  De Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC, 2nd editie) werd gebruikt als raamwerk. Zes experten panels (cardiologie, oncologie, intensieve zorgen, pediatrie, geriatrie, chronische zorg) werden geraadpleegd. Zeven‐en‐negentig panelleden vulden gestandaardiseerde e‐mail vragenlijsten in en bediscussieerden de resultaten in werkgroepvergaderingen.RESULTATEN.  We selecteerden initieel 256 van de 433 NIC‐interventies. Na panel‐discussies, plenaire vergaderingen, en pre‐tests, bevatte de herziene MVG (alpha versie) 79 items uit 22 NIC klassen en 196 NIC‐interventies.CONCLUSIES.  Het draagvlak voor de herziene versie van MVG werd gecreëerd door het nastreven van consensus. Het gebruik van NIC vormde hierbij een geode theoretische basis en verhoogt het internationaal karakter van de nieuwe MVG.IMPLICATIES VOOR DE VERPLEEGKUNDIGE PRAKTIJK.  De nieuwe MVG kan gebruikt worden om de dagelijkse verpleegkundige praktijk zichtbaar te maken in verschillende beleidsdomeinen (e.g., financiering, toewijzing personeel).
Prevalence of Tree Regeneration by Sprouting and Seeding Along a Rainfall Gradient in Hawai'i
Authors: Busby Posy E. , Vitousek Peter , Dirzo Rodolfo 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTDrought stress in tropical dry forests is thought to result in greater asexual regeneration via vegetative sprouting (e.g., basal, root, and branch layering) than occurs in moister tropical forests. We tested this hypothesis by examining the prevalence of tree sprouting and seeding in tropical forests located along a rainfall gradient on the island of Hawai'i. Additionally, we examined the potential for novel disturbance, feral pig Sus scrofa rooting and trampling, to alter patterns in tree regeneration mode. We found greater sprouting (in terms of relative density and basal area) in dry forests than in mesic and wet forests, supporting the hypothesis. We also found that feral pig disturbance is negatively correlated with the relative density and basal area of seedlings in wet forests, but is positively correlated with the relative importance of sprouting, and the richness and diversity of sprouting species. Our results suggest rainfall regimes may be an important factor controlling broad‐scale patterns in tree regeneration mode, and that exotic ungulates can significantly modify such patterns with potential consequences for the structure and dynamics of tree populations and communities.
MICROWAVE‐ASSISTED EXTRACTION AND LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY/MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS OF FLAVONOIDS FROM GRAPEFRUIT PEEL
Authors: WANG ZHIDAN , SHANG QINGKUN , WANG WENLAN , FENG XUEJIAO 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT The flavonoids of grapefruit peel were obtained by microwave‐assisted extraction. Five constituents have been identified by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis such as hesperitin‐7‐O‐glucoside, isonaringin, naringin, 2′,5′‐dihydroxy‐3,4′,5,6,7‐pentamethoxyflavone and neoeriocitrin. The last two compounds are reported first in grapefruit peel. The effects of solvent, time, ratio of solvent to material (liquid/solid) and output power on the extraction were investigated. The results show that the better extraction conditions are: 80% (v/v) ethanol as extraction solvent; 3 min of extraction time, 25:1 (mL/g) as the ratio of liquid to solid; and 560 W of microwave output power. Microwave‐assisted extraction is more efficient for getting flavonoids from grapefruit peel than reflux and ultrasonic extraction methods. The yield of optimized microwave‐assisted extraction reached 5.81%. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSGrapefruit is one of the delicious fruits with abundant nutrition, such as vitamin C, carbohydrate and a small quantity of some special compounds. It may have some beneficial effects on human health, with anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer properties, or may act as agents of other mechanisms contributing to cardio‐protective action. The main use of grapefruit in food industries is to make fresh juice or citrus‐based drinks. The peels are often used to feed animals or are thrown away directly. Very large amounts of wastes are formed every year, because almost half of the grapefruit is composed of peels. It is reported that grapefruit peels contain a high concentrationof phenolic compounds. It is significant to find a feasible way to obtain these useful compounds from peel wastes to increase their value. In our work, microwave‐assisted extraction of flavonoids from grapefruit peel is established and discussed. The extraction yield is higher than that of using traditional extraction methods. So, the results of this paper are very helpful in utilizing and making great use of natural resources.
INFLUENCE OF OPERATING PARAMETERS ON CLARIFICATION OF CARROT JUICE BY MICROFILTRATION PROCESS
Authors: HABIBI ALIREZA , AROUJALIAN ABDOLREZA , RAISI AHMADREZA , ZOKAEE FARZIN 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT The clarification of carrot juice by cross‐flow microfiltration process was studied to determine the influence of different operating parameters such as transmembrane pressure (TMP) (1.5, 4.5 and 7.5 bar), cross‐flow velocity, which corresponds with Reynolds number, (300, 1,500 and 2,500) and feed temperature (20, 30 and 40C) on the flux and permeate properties. Results showed that the investigated parameters had a positive effect on the permeate flux. The TMP and temperature effects on the permeate flux was lower than the cross‐flow velocity effect. The permeate properties such as viscosity, density, pH and total soluble solid did not significantly change with variation in operating parameters, but permeate color and clarity was considerably affected at various treatment conditions. Eventually, the statistical analysis indicated that the interactional effect of cross‐flow velocity and TMP on the permeate flux was significant. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe polymeric membranes can be used in the microfiltration process for the clarification and stabilization of carrot juice. The membrane processes for clarification purposes represent a valid alternative to the use of traditional fining agents such as gelatin, bentonite and silica sol. It is because of environmental problems resulting from disposal of these fining agents as well as other difficulties that are confronted in separation processes. Clarified carrot juice coming from the microfiltration process can be commercialized or submitted to a concentration process in order to obtain a suitable product for the preparation of juices and beverages.
Why China Should Invest Its Foreign Exchange Reserves in the Major US Banks
Authors: Chen Qiangbing 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe subprime mortgage crisis and the resultant inflationary monetary policy in the USA have left the Chinese economy subject to four risks in particular. First, China's exports to the USA might continue to decline. Second, in the medium term, the higher US inflation rate will lead to a weak dollar, which will negatively affect China's exports. Third, in the long term, when the US Federal Reserve decreases money supply to control inflation, the US economy might enter another recession, hurting China's exports further. Fourth, China's foreign exchange reserve assets might suffer heavy losses when the US inflation rate rises. Conventional foreign exchange investment strategies are insufficient for dealing with these four risks. Investment by China in the major US banks is suggested in the present paper. This strategy would mitigate if not eliminate all four risks. China could gain considerable financial returns on investments with only moderate risk.
Government Policies and Private Enterprise Development in China: 2003–2006
Authors: Zhao Shiyong 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe relationship between government policy and economic development has been along‐standing topic of academic research and policy debate. The government of a transitional economy plays an important role in the process of economic development. Over the past three decades, the Chinese economy has been growing very rapidly, in particular because of the rapid development of the private sector. However, the performance of private enterprises is still affected by government policies. In the present paper, we examine the changes in large Chinese private enterprises' performance during 2003–2006 and test the determinants of such changes. We conclude that the Chinese Government's discriminating policies against private enterprises are the main cause of the private sector's downturn.
Does Financial Intermediation Development Increase Per Capita Income in Rural China?
Authors: Pan Suwen , Rejesus Roderick M. , He Xiurong 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis paper investigates the impacts of financial intermediary (or banking) development on village‐level per capita income using a Chinese dataset for selected years between 1993 and 2006. The empirical results from a random effect regression model indicate that mean per capita income in rural villages follows an inverted U‐shaped path as financial intermediation develops. However, using a pooled quantile regression approach, we find that median per capita income in rural villages follows a positive linear path, rather than an inverted U‐shaped path, as financial intermediation develops. The positive linear effect of financial intermediary development is observed at the lower and higher ends of the conditional per capita income distribution. This suggests that development of financial intermediation in China might not have statistically significant differential effects in low‐income or high‐income rural villages.
Independent regulation of hair and skin color by two G protein‐coupled pathways
Authors: Van Raamsdonk Catherine D. , Barsh Gregory S. , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Ito Shosuke 
Published: July 2009

SummaryHair color and skin color are frequently coordinated in mammalian species. To explore this, we have studied mutations in two different G protein coupled pathways, each of which affects the darkness of both hair and skin color. In each mouse mutant (GnaqDsk1,Gna11Dsk7,andMc1re), we analyzed the melanocyte density and the concentrations of eumelanin (black pigment) and pheomelanin (yellow pigment) in the hair or skin to determine the mechanisms regulating pigmentation. Surprisingly, we discovered that each mutation affects hair and skin color differently. Furthermore, we have found that in the epidermis, the melanocortin signaling pathway does not couple the synthesis of eumelanin with pheomelanin, as it does in hair follicles. Even by shared signaling pathways, hair and skin melanocytes are regulated quite independently.