bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Study on the Association Between Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) and Erectile Dysfunction: Results from a Large Study in Elderly Chinese in Southern China
Authors: Wong Samuel Y. , Leung Jason C. , Woo Jean 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although many cross-sectional studies have been conducted on the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfucntion (ED), no studies were prospective in Asia.

Aim
The relationship between LUTS and ED is examined using a prospective cohort of 2000 Chinese men.

Methods
Baseline and 4-year data from a large prospective cohort study of 2000 Chinese elderly men were analyzed. A total of 1,736 subjects were included in the current analysis after excluding those with history of bladder or prostate cancer, or urological surgery, and those who used alpha blockers or anti-androgen.

Main Outcome Measures
LUTS were measured at baseline by the International Prostatic Symptom Score and ED was measured using one question on impotence at the end of 4 years.

Results
A dose–response relationship was observed for the relationship between baseline severity of LUTS and severity of ED at follow-up with those who had more severe LUTS at baseline with an increased odds of having more severe ED (odd ratio [OR] = 1.86, confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–2.97 for mild LUTS at baseline; OR = 2.95, CI: 1.81–4.81 for moderate LUTS at baseline; and OR = 3.82, CI: 2.00–7.27 for severe LUTS at baseline). Other baseline factors that were statistically significantly associated with ED included body mass index (OR = 1.13, CI: 1.01–1.26), hypertension (OR = 1.30, CI: 1.02–1.65) and diabetes (OR = 1.44, CI: 1.07–1.93).

Conclusion
The presence of LUTS is associated with ED with more severe LUTS being associated with higher degree of ED in men.
Lipoxin A4 inhibited hepatocyte growth factor‐induced invasion of human hepatoma cells
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Yan , Li Yong‐Sheng , Wu Ping , Wang Hong‐Mei , Cai Zhen‐Yu , Xu Fang‐Yun , Ye Du‐Yun 
Published: April 2009

Aim:  Inflammation is a critical component of tumor progression. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) has been approved for potent anti‐inflammatory properties. Recently, it was reported that LXA4 repressed the expression and activity of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), which is essential for invasion. However, there are few reports dealing with its effects on cancer. To explore whether LXA4 regulate invasion, the effects of LXA4 and its receptor agonist BML‐111 on hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)‐induced invasion of hepatoma cells and the possible mechanisms were researched.Methods:  Lipoxin A4 receptor (ALX) expression in HepG2 cells were measured through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Cytotoxicity of LXA4 and BML‐111 to HepG2 cells was detected by MTT and (3H)‐TdR incorporation assay. Cell migration and invasion assays were performed using a Boyden chemotaxis chamber. COX‐2 expression was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Moreover, the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2, MMP‐9, IκBα and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 were observed via western blot, and NF‐κB transcriptional activity was tested by transfections and luciferase activities assay.Results:  ALX expression was detected in HepG2 cells, and suitable concentrations of LXA4 and BML‐111 had no cytotoxicity to cells. LXA4 and BML‐111 inhibited HGF‐induced migration and invasion; downregulated COX‐2, MMP‐2 and ‐9; restrained HGF‐induced IκBα degradation, NF‐κB translocation and the transcriptional activity of NF‐κB in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, exogenous PGE2 could reverse the inhibitory effects of LXA4 also BML‐111 on HGF‐induced invasion and migration partially.Conclusion:  LXA4 inhibited HGF‐induced invasion of HepG2 cells through NF‐κB/COX‐2 signaling pathway partially.
An Inductive Design Exploration Method for Robust Multiscale Materials Design
Authors: Choi Haejin , McDowell David L. , Allen Janet K. , Rosen David , Mistree Farrokh 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Synthesis of hierarchical materials and products is an emerging systems design paradigm, which includes multiscale (quantum to continuum level) material simulation and product analysis models, uncertainty in the models, and the propagation of this uncertainty through the model chain. In order to support integrated multiscale materials and product design under uncertainty, we propose an inductive design exploration method (IDEM) in this paper. In IDEM, feasible ranged sets of specifications are found in a step-by-step, top-down (inductive) manner. In this method, a designer identifies feasible ranges for the interconnecting variables between the final two models in a model chain. Once feasible ranges of interconnecting variables between these two models are found, then, using this information, feasible ranges of interconnecting variables between the next to the last model and the model immediately preceding it are found. This process is continued until feasible ranged values for the input variables for the first model in the model chain are found. In IDEM, ranged sets of design specifications, instead of an optimal point solution, are identified for each segment of a multilevel design process. Hence, computer intensive calculations can be easily parallelized since the process of uncertainty analysis is decoupled from the design exploration process in IDEM. The method is demonstrated with the example of designing multifunctional energetic structural materials based on a chain of microscale and continuum level simulation models.
Multifunctional Topology Design of Cellular Material Structures
Authors: Seepersad Carolyn Conner , Allen Janet K. , McDowell David L. , Mistree Farrokh 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Prismatic cellular or honeycomb materials exhibit favorable properties for multifunctional applications such as ultralight load bearing combined with active cooling. Since these properties are strongly dependent on the underlying cellular structure, design methods are needed for tailoring cellular topologies with customized multifunctional properties. Topology optimization methods are available for synthesizing the form of a cellular structure—including the size, shape, and connectivity of cell walls and openings—rather than specifying these features a priori. To date, the application of these methods for cellular materials design has been limited primarily to elastic and thermoelastic properties, and limitations of classic topology optimization methods prevent a direct application to many other phenomena such as conjugate heat transfer with internal convection. In this paper, a practical, two-stage topology design approach is introduced for applications that require customized multifunctional properties. In the first stage, robust topology design methods are used to design flexible cellular topology with customized structural properties. Dimensional and topological flexibility is embodied in the form of robust ranges of cell wall dimensions and robust permutations of a nominal cellular topology. In the second design stage, the flexibility is used to improve the heat transfer characteristics of the design via addition/removal of cell walls and adjustment of cellular dimensions without degrading structural performance. The method is applied to design stiff, actively cooled prismatic cellular materials for the combustor liners of next-generation gas turbine engines.
Kinematic Synthesis of Planar, Shape-Changing Rigid-Body Mechanisms
Authors: Murray Andrew P. , Schmiedeler James P. , Korte Brian M. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
This paper presents a kinematic procedure to synthesize planar mechanisms, composed of rigid links and revolute joints, capable of approximating a shape change defined by a set of curves. These “morphing curves”, referred to as design profiles, differ from each other by a combination of rigid-body displacement and shape change. Design profiles are converted to piecewise linear curves, referred to as target profiles, that can be readily manipulated. In the segmentation phase, the geometry of rigid links that approximate the shapes of corresponding segments from each target profile is determined. In the mechanization phase, these rigid links are joined together at their end points with revolute joints to form a single chain. Dyads are then added to reduce the number of degrees of freedom (DOF’s) to any desired value, typically 1. The approach can be applied to any number of design profiles that can be approximated with any number of rigid links, which can then be used to construct a mechanism with any number of DOF’s. Naturally, greater difficulty is encountered for larger numbers of design profiles and/or links and for more dramatic changes in shape. The procedure is demonstrated with examples of single-DOF mechanisms approximating shape changes between two and three design profiles.
Molecular and biochemical characterization of Iranian surfactin-producingBacillus subtilisisolates and evaluation of their biocontrol potential againstAspergillus flavusandColletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Mohammadipour Matin , Mousivand Maryam , Salehi Jouzani Gholamreza , Abbasalizadeh Saeed 
Published: April 2009

The characterization of surfactin-producing Bacillus subtilis isolates collected from different ecological zones of Iran is presented. Characterization was performed using blood agar, PCR, drop-collapse, and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses, and the isolates’ biocontrol effects against the aflatoxin-producing agent Aspergillus flavus and the citrus antracnosis agent Colletotrichum gloeosporioides were studied. In total, 290 B. subtilis isolates were isolated from phylosphere and rhizosphere samples collected from fields and gardens of 5 provinces of Iran. Blood agar assays showed that 185 isolates produced different biosurfactants. Isolates containing the sfp gene, coding for surfactin, were detected using the PCR method. It was found that 14 different isolates contained the sfp gene. Drop-collapse assays, which detect isolates with high production of surfactin, showed that 7 isolates produced high levels of surfactin. It was found from HPLC analysis that the isolates containin the sfp gene produced between 55 and 1610 mg of surfactin per litre of broth medium. Four isolates, named BS119m, BS116l, N3dn, and BS113c, produced more than 1000 mg of surfactin per litre of broth. The highest surfactin production level was observed for isolate BS119m (1610 mg/L). The antagonistic potential of the sfp gene-containing isolates was determined using dual culture and chloroform vapour methods. Our bioassay results indicated that isolate BS119m showed high inhibitory effects against A. flavus (100%) and C. gloeosporioides (88%). Furthermore, the effect of purified surfactin on the growth of A. flavus was evaluated. Mycelia growth was considerably reduced with increasing concentration of surfactin, and 36%, 54%, 84%, and 100% inhibitions of mycelia growth were, respectively, observed at 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/L after 7 days of incubation.
Characterization of bacterial and fungal communities in composted biosolids over a 2 year period using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
Authors: Novinscak Amy , DeCoste Nadine J. , Surette Céline , Filion Martin 
Published: April 2009

Composting is a microbial process that converts organic waste into a nutrient-rich end product used in horticultural and agricultural applications. The diversity and long-term succession of microorganisms found in composted biosolids has been less characterized than other composts. In this study, bacterial and fungal communities found in composted biosolids aging from 1 to 24 months were studied using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and sequencing. The results revealed high levels of diversity, where 53 bacterial species belonging to 10 phyla and 21 fungal species belonging to 4 phyla were identified. Significant differences were observed when comparing the bacterial DGGE patterns of young compost samples, whereas no differences were observed in samples over 8 months. For fungal patterns, no significant differences were observed during the first 4 months of composting, but the diversity then significantly shifted until 24 months. The results indicate that patterns of bacterial species vary during the first few months of composting, whereas fungal patterns generally vary throughout the whole process, except during early stages. The description of the main microbial groups found in composted biosolids could find various applications, including the discovery of biotechnologically relevant microorganisms and the development of novel markers allowing quantitative monitoring of key microorganisms.
Dibutylphthalate and Tween 80 alter ultrastructure inCandida albicans: implications for peroxisome proliferation
Authors: Blaize Jonathan , L’Amoreaux William J. , Downey Maureen , McCoy Elena C. 
Published: April 2009

Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental pollutants associated with endocrine disruption and peroxisome proliferation in experimental animals. In yeasts exposed to environmental chemicals, including phthalates, alterations in cell growth, cellular morphology, and H2O2detoxification occur. Nutrient availability also influences diverse cellular processes. Differences in responses to environmental stress between Candida albicans and the model yeast, Saccharomyces cerevesiae , have been reported. In this study, we chose C. albicans as an alternate model for testing estrogen-like chemicals because of its high affinity estrogen-binding protein and, in contrast to S. cerevesiae, estrogens are not growth inhibitory for C. albicans. Cultures were grown in either yeast nitrogen dextrose (YND; phosphate limiting) or YNDP (YND plus 100 mmol/L inorganic phosphate). For chemical testing, 0.5% dibutylphthalate (DBP), 0.05% Tween 80, or a combination of the two (DBPT) were incorporated in growth media to investigate the effects of these estrogenic agents on cell proliferation, morphology, and catalase demonstration. We observed significant differences in cell growth related to DBP and changes in cell wall thickness related to both Tween 80 and phosphate. We describe ultrastructural changes including detachment of the outer yeast cell wall layer and presence of putative peroxisomes. Our findings support the proposal that C. albicans may be particularly suitable for use in studies involving cellular responses associated with exposure to estrogenic chemicals contained in complex mixtures.
What Are the Social Consequences of Stroke for Working-Aged Adults?
Authors: Daniel Katie , Wolfe Charles D.A. , Busch Markus A. , McKevitt Christopher 
Published: April 2009

Background and Purpose—Approximately one fourth of strokes occur in people aged <65 years. UK current policy calls for services that meet the specific needs of working-aged adults with stroke. We aimed to identify the social consequences of stroke in working-aged adults, which might subsequently inform the development and evaluation of services for this group.Methods—We reviewed quantitative and qualitative studies identifying social consequences for working-aged adults with stroke using multiple search strategies (electronic databases, bibliographic references, hand searches). Social consequences were defined as those pertaining to the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domain “participation.” Two authors reviewed articles using a standardized matrix for data extraction.Results—Seventy-eight studies were included: 66 were quantitative observational studies, 2 were quantitative interventional studies, 9 were qualitative studies, and one used mixed methods. Seventy studies reported data on return to work after stroke with proportions ranging from 0% to 100%. Other categories of social consequences included negative impact on family relationships (5% to 54%), deterioration in sexual life (5% to 76%), economic difficulties (24% to 33%), and deterioration in leisure activities (15% to 79%).Conclusions—Methodological variations account for the wide range of rates of return to work after stroke. There is limited evidence of the negative impact of stroke on other aspects of social participation. Robust estimates of the prevalence of such outcomes are required to inform the development of appropriate interventions. We propose strategies by which methodology and reporting in this field might be improved.
Safety of botulinum toxin type A among children with spasticity secondary to cerebral palsy: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Albavera-Hernández Cidronio , Rodríguez Jorge M , Idrovo Alvaro J 
Published: April 2009

Objective: To assess the safety of botulinum toxin type A for children with cerebral palsy using data from randomized clinical trials.Data sources: A search was conducted of MEDLINE database for the period January 1990 to February 2008. A complementary search was carried out of references from previous reviews. From 122 articles, 20 randomized clinical trials were selected for the review.Review methods: Two authors independently assessed eligibility of the studies and methodological quality of those according to CONSORT guidelines. For each adverse effect, relative risk was calculated, and when more than one study reported adverse effects, a meta-analysis was carried out. Sensitivity analyses with different continuity corrections factors were performed when zero cases were reported in a study arm.Results: There were 882 participants in the 20 studies included in the meta-analysis. Six studies reported zero adverse effects. Thirty-five different adverse events were reported. Botulinum toxin type A use was related to respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, pharyngytis, asthma, muscle weakness, urinary incontinence, falls, seizures, fever and unspecified pain. Two deaths were reported in the study with higher person-time follow-up (relative risk (RR) 4.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23—95).Conclusions: Botulinum toxin type A has a good safety profile during the first months of use. However the occurrence of adverse events is more frequent among children with cerebral palsy than individuals with other conditions. Severe adverse events are potentially related with the use of botulinum toxin type A, but data are sparse and additional study is required to clarify the causal relation.
A computerized visual perception rehabilitation programme with interactive computer interface using motion tracking technology — a randomized controlled, single-blinded, pilot clinical trial study
Authors: Si Hyun Kang  , Kim Don-Kyu , Kyung Mook Seo  , Kwang Nam Choi  , Jin Yong Yoo  , Sang Yoon Sung  , Heon Jong Park  
Published: April 2009

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a computerized visual perception rehabilitation programme using motion tracking technology for visual perception impairment. Design: Randomized controlled, single-blinded, pilot clinical trial study. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Subjects: Sixteen left hemiplegic patients with visual perceptional impairment. Intervention: Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either (1) participation in a computerized visual perception rehabilitation programme with an interactive patient—computer interface applying motion tracking technology based on the CAMSHIFT algorithm or (2) use of the PSS CogRehab program for three sessions per week, 30 minutes per session for four weeks. There were eight patients in each group. Main measures: Mini-Mental Status Examination, Motor-free Visual Perception Test and Modified Barthel Index were assessed at the beginning and end of the training. A survey was conducted to evaluate the degree of patients' interest using an interest scale. Results: After training, the mean (SD) Motor-free Visual Perception Test score increased significantly in both experimental group (from 65.8 (19.5) to 77.8 (28.7)) and control group (from 68.3 (11.4) to 74.1 (14.8)) (P<0.01). Modified Barthel Index score increased significantly in both groups, with the experimental group recording a higher increase. Mean (SD) interest scale score was greater in the experimental group (2.2 (0.8)) than in the control group (1.3 (0.7)) (P<0.01). Conclusions: A computerized visual perception rehabilitation programme with interactive computer interface using motion tracking technology could be considered as a treatment option for stroke patients with visual perception impairment.
A clinical practice guideline for physiotherapists treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on a systematic review of available evidence
Authors: Langer D. , Hendriks EJM , Burtin C. , Probst V. , van der Schans CP , Paterson WJ , Verhoef-de Wijk MCE , Straver RVM , Klaassen M. , Troosters T. , Decramer M. , Ninane V. , Delguste P. , Muris J. , Gosselink R. 
Published: April 2009

Purpose: Update of a clinical practice guideline for the physiotherapy management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease supporting the clinical decision-making process. Methods: A systematic computerized literature search was performed on different modalities for improving physical exercise capacity, reducing exertional dyspnoea, improving airway clearance and encouraging changes in physical activity behaviour. Methodological quality was scored with the PEDro Scale. Scientific conclusions were graded according to the criteria of the `Dutch Evidence Based Guideline Development Platform'. These, together with practical considerations, were used to formulate recommendations for clinical practice. Results: A total of 103 studies were included in the systematic review, consisting of five meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, 84 randomized controlled trials and 14 uncontrolled studies. Twenty scientific conclusions supported six recommendations on physical exercise training. Nineteen scientific conclusions supported eight recommendations on interventions for reducing dyspnoea. Five scientific conclusions supported seven recommendations concerning treatment modalities to improve mucus clearance, and two scientific conclusions supported two recommendations on strategies for encouraging permanent changes in physical activity behaviour. Conclusions: Strong recommendations support the use of physical exercise training to improve health-related quality of life and functional exercise capacity. Future research should investigate whether additional interventions for reducing exertional dyspnoea have a place as adjuncts to physical exercise training in selected patients. In addition, treatment of impaired mucus clearance, especially during acute exacerbations, requires further research. With the advance of new technologies for objective measurements of physical activities in daily life more research is needed concerning interventions to initiate and maintain physical activity behaviour change during and after supervised physical exercise training programmes
Twenty-year follow-up: an unusual case of nephropathy of antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Lin YQ , Lakshminarayanan S , Yamase H , Palmisano J , Parke A 
Published: April 2009

Nephropathy of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (NAPS) is an increasingly well-recognized aspect of antiphospholipid syndrome. The most characteristic histopathology is that of thrombotic microangiopathy, and thrombosis occurring in the renal vasculature is thought to be the initiating event. Other less common pathologies have been reported, and the mechanisms of these are unclear. Therapy has been largely empiric. We report a case of NAPS in a patient with atypical pathology, who has declined therapy with immunosuppressive agents and anticoagulants and who has maintained normal renal function in 20 years of follow-up.