bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual Dysfunction in Women During Dialysis and After Renal Transplantation
Authors: Filocamo Maria Teresa , Zanazzi Maria , Li Marzi Vincenzo , Lombardi Giuseppe , Del Popolo Giulio , Mancini Giovanni , Salvadori Maurizio , Nicita Giulio 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Disorders of the reproductive system and menstrual abnormalities often associated with loss of libido and inability to reach orgasm are common in adults of both sexes with an end-stage renal disease. These symptoms may significantly contribute to depression and reduce the sexual activity of women.

Aim
To determine if sexual function, as well as hormonal status, improves after kidney transplantation, comparing a group of pre-menopausal women during dialysis and after a successful renal transplantation.

Methods
We enrolled 58 women that received kidney transplantation. Patients included were 18–45 years old, on hemodialysis for more than 6 months following a fully functioning kidney transplantation, and on a stable corticosteroids immunosuppressive regimen for at least 6 months. All women underwent a general and urogynecological examination, a hormonal profile determination, and filled out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and a Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire administered during dialysis and 12 months after transplantation.

Main Outcome Measures
We evaluated the prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction according to the FSFI cutoff points, sexual hormonal status, and menstrual status during dialysis and 12 months after kidney transplantation.

Results
Nineteen out of 58 women left the study prematurely. Thirty-nine women (mean age 36 ± 5.9 years) completed the study. A total of 74% of the patients had menstrual disturbances during dialysis, as opposed to 45% after transplantation (P &lt; 0.001). Sixteen out of 39 (41%) patients acknowledged having an active sexual life during dialysis. Thirty-four out of 39 (88%) transplanted patients acknowledged having an active sexual life (Fischer’s exact test P = 0.000039). The hormonal profile and FSFI results improved significantly after transplantation.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that a successful transplantation should improve the sexual life in women with chronic renal failure.
Determining Critical Incident Nursing Interventions for the Critical Care Setting: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wong Elizabeth , Scott Lynne M. , Briseno Jennifer R. , Crawford Cecelia L. , Hsu Jin‐Wen Y. 
Published: July 2009

PURPOSE.  The purpose of this research survey was to determine which Adult Critical Care Core Nursing Interventions (ACCCNIs) in the Nursing Interventions Classification constitutes a critical incident nursing intervention (CINI). A CINI is defined as any indirect or direct care registered nurse (RN)‐initiated treatment performed in response to a life‐threatening nursing diagnosis.METHODS.  A list of ACCCNIs were sent to 50 critical care RNs in two survey rounds. Responses >80% for each ACCCNI was determined to be a CINI.FINDINGS.  Forty‐one ACCCNIs were determined to be CINIs.CONCLUSIONS.  It is recommended that CINIs be included as a separate Nursing Intervention Classification category to reflect current nursing practice.IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE.  CINIs can enhance RN competency, education, and vigilance, thereby preventing or decreasing the number of deaths that occur from critical incidents.
Perspective: Implementation of Nursing Language in Long‐Term Care and Nursing Education
Authors: Aizenstein Shirley 
Published: July 2009

PURPOSE.  This article describes one nurse's experiences of returning to school after a 10‐year absence, her introduction to nursing theory and terminology, and her subsequent implementation of nursing language in a long‐term care setting and later experiences in teaching nursing language to students.DATA SOURCES.  A 21‐year career as a long‐term care nurse coincided with the evolution of the new organization North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International, and she found herself in a position to implement nursing diagnosis in the long‐term care setting. Practice experiences and pertinent nursing references and resources were used in clinical implementation and in teaching nursing students.DATA SYNTHESIS.  The author reviewed the implementation and teaching of nursing language from a personal historical perspective.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE.  The author's experiences and perspectives on implementation of nursing language in clinical practice and in teaching provide information and a perspective for nurses and students involved in these processes.
Phenology, Lignotubers, and Water Relations of Cochlospermum vitifolium, a Pioneer Tropical Dry Forest Tree in Costa Rica
Authors: Fallas‐Cedeño Lottie , Michele Holbrook N. , Rocha Oscar J. , Vásquez Nelly , Gutiérrez‐Soto Marco V. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTWe examined structural and physiological traits relevant to the phenology of the tropical dry forest (TDF) pioneer tree Cochlospermum vitifolium. Despite marked seasonality in rainfall, meristem activity occurred throughout the year. Leaves were produced almost continuously during the rainy season, while leaf shedding started early during drought, before changes in soil water content were observed. Phenological activity under drought included flowering and fruiting of leafless trees; bud break and shoot extension took place before the end of the dry season. Low wood density of C. vitifolium stems (0.17 g/cm3) and lignotubers (0.14 g/cm3) provided water and starch storage needed to support phenological events such as branch extension, leaf flushing, and reproduction during the dry season, and probably also contributed to survival following mechanical damage and fire, typical of early TDF successional stages. Lignotuber water and starch contents showed substantial seasonal variation, declining from the beginning of the dry season to their lowest levels at the time of reproduction and dry‐season flushing. Stems progressively replaced lignotubers as main storage organs as tree size increased. Evidence for a role of water stores in buffering daily water deficits was weak. Leaf water potentials remained above −1.2 MPa and stomatal conductance below 350 mmol/m2/s, suggesting that gas exchange during the rainy season was limited to prevent xylem cavitation. Leaf shedding occurred when early‐morning and mid‐day ΨL converged at the rainy–dry season transition, without changes in lignotuber or soil water content, suggesting that leaves of C. vitifolium are closely tuned to atmospheric drought.
Caring for Stroke Survivors: Baseline and 1-Year Determinants of Caregiver Burden
Authors: Rigby H. , Gubitz G. , Eskes G. , Reidy Y. , Christian C. , Grover V. , Phillips S. 
Published: July 2009

Background Caregiver burden following stroke can have significant adverse health consequences for caregivers and threatens the recovery and successful rehabilitation of patients. Our objective was to identify patient factors that contribute to higher levels of caregiver burden. Methods We prospectively studied patients admitted to our stroke unit over a 2-year period (2001-2002). Data were collected at baseline and at 1 year. Caregiver burden was measured at 1 year using the Relatives Stress Scale (completed by 155 caregivers) and the Bakas Caregiver Outcomes Scale (143 caregivers). Explanatory patient factors at baseline included sociodemographic status, stroke severity, stroke sub-type, functional disability (Barthel Index), functional handicap (Oxford Handicap Scale and Modified Rankin Scale), and cognitive status (orientation, clock drawing). At 1 year, mental health and health-related quality of life were assessed using the Fatigue Impact Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Global Deterioration Scale, and 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Results The baseline patient factors predictive of caregiver burden by multiple regression analysis were older patient age ( P<0·01), male gender ( P<0·05), ischemic stroke ( P<0·05), urinary incontinence ( P<0·0001), and impaired clock drawing ( P<0·05). At 1 year, significant correlates of caregiver burden were older patient age ( P<0·05), male gender ( P<0·01), poor mental health ( P<0·05), functional handicap ( P<0·05), and functional disability ( P<0·001). Conclusions The functional status of patients can be used to identify caregivers at risk of caregiver burden. Patient demographic variables, cognitive function, and mental health status may further expose vulnerable caregivers. These factors should be considered in the development of strategies to offset caregiver burden.
Prospects for ASEAN–China Free Trade Area: A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Park Donghyun , Park Innwon , Estrada Gemma Esther B. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe current global financial and economic crisis is giving new life to initiatives that promote closer economic integration among East Asian countries. A significant example is the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA), which is set to come into effect around 2010. ACFTA aims to boost trade between two economies that are partners as well as competitors: ASEAN and China. In the present paper, we use insights from customs union theory in a qualitative analysis considering whether ACFTA would benefit both sides. We also apply a computable general equilibrium model to perform a quantitative analysis of the same issue. Both our qualitative and quantitative analyses provide grounds for guarded optimism regarding ACFTA's prospects as a vehicle for strengthening the economic partnership between ASEAN and China.
Intracellular Degradation of Elastin by Cathepsin K in Skin Fibroblasts— A Possible Role in Photoaging
Authors: Codriansky Katerine A. , Quintanilla‐Dieck Maria J. , Gan Stephanie , Keady Michelle , Bhawan Jag , Rünger Thomas M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSolar elastosis is observed in the dermis of photoaged skin and is characterized by an accumulation of abnormal elastin in the extracellular space. Several proteases that degrade elastin in the extracellular space have been implicated in its formation. The lysosomal protease cathepsin K (catK) has recently been described to be highly expressed in skin fibroblasts under certain pathologic conditions. As cat K is one of the most potent mammalian elastases, we hypothesized that catK‐mediated intracellular elastin degradation may play a role in the formation of solar elastosis. Immunostaining of cultured skin fibroblasts incubated with labeled elastin demonstrated internalization of extracellular elastin to lysosomes and its degradation by catK. Induction of catK expression in fibroblasts was observed both in vitro and in vivo after exposure to longwave UVA. In contrast to fibroblasts from young donors, cells from old donors failed to activate catK in response to UVA. These data suggest a role of intracellular elastin degradation by catK in the formation of solar elastosis. We propose that an age‐related decline in catK activity, in particular after UV exposure, may promote the formation of actinic elastosis through a decline of orderly intracellular elastin degradation and subsequent accumulation of elastin in the extracellular space.
Retracted:Genistein improves liver function and attenuates non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in a rat model of insulin resistance
Authors: MOHAMED SALIH Sumiyabanu , NALLASAMY Palanisamy , MUNIYANDI Pooranaperundevi , PERIYASAMI Viswanathan , CARANI VENKATRAMAN Anuradha 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground: The high fructose‐fed rat is widely used as a model of insulin resistance. Genistein, a soy isoflavone, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in this model. The present study investigated whether genistein could prevent fatty liver disease in this model.Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed a diet containing starch (control) or 60% fructose (insulin‐resistant model). Fifteen days later, rats in each dietary group were divided into two groups and were treated with either genistein (1 mg/kg per day) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or 30% DMSO alone. After 60 days, markers of liver injury, oxidative stress, interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, lipids, lipoprotein profile, nitrite, and nitrosothiol in the plasma and liver were quantified. Liver sections were examined for 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) expression and pathological lesions.Results: Fructose‐fed rats displayed hyperlipidemia, significant changes in plasma lipoprotein profile, and increases in IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels compared with control. In addition, the accumulation of lipids, liver injury, a decline in liver function, inactivation of the glyoxalase system, depletion of antioxidants, and increased 3‐NT expression were observed in the fructose‐fed group. Administration of genistein to fructose‐fed rats significantly reduced these biochemical and histological abnormalities.Conclusions: Genistein activates the antioxidant profile, decreases IL‐6 and TNF‐α concentrations, prevents oxidative damage, and ameliorates fatty liver in insulin‐resistant rats.
Television watching and incident diabetes: Findings from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Potsdam Study*
Authors: FORD Earl S. , SCHULZE Matthias B. , KRÖGER Janine , PISCHON Tobias , BERGMANN Manuela M. , BOEING Heiner 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to examine whether the amount of time spent watching television is a potential risk factor for incident diabetes and to what extent this association may be explained by obesity.Methods:  We used data for 23 855 men and women from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Potsdam Study. During an average of 7.8 years of follow‐up, 927 participants developed diabetes. Incident diabetes was identified on the basis of self‐report and was verified by contacting the patient’s attending physician. The amount of time spent watching television was self‐reported.Results:  The mean time that the participants who developed diabetes watched television was 2.4 h/week, compared with 2.0 h/week for those who did not develop diabetes (P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, educational status, smoking status, alcohol use, occupational activity, physical activity, the intake of various foods, and systolic blood pressure, the adjusted hazard ratio for diabetes among participants who watched ≥4 h/day of television compared with those who watched <1 h/day was 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17–2.27]. After additional adjustment for waist circumference and body mass index, the hazard ratio was reduced to 1.14 (95% CI: 0.81–1.61).Conclusions:  In the present study, the amount of time spent watching television was an independent predictor of incident diabetes only in models that adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and systolic blood pressure. The attenuation of the association after adjusting for anthropometric measures may represent an explanatory mechanism for our findings.
Horizontal transmission of Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia) from worker honeybees to queens (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Higes Mariano , Martín‐Hernández Raquel , García‐Palencia Pilar , Marín Pilar , Meana Aránzazu 
Published: July 2009

SummaryHorizontal transmission from worker honeybees to queens is confirmed in a laboratory essay as a possible route of Nosema ceranae infection in field colonies and pathological repercussions on honeybee queens are described. Lesions are only detected in the epithelial ventricular layer of the infected queens and death occurs within 3 weeks when the nurse workers are experimentally and collectively infected with approximately 5000 viable spores per bee. These data suggest that the higher number of infected house bees, the higher risk of transmission to queens. The presented data may explain the role of house honeybees in natural queen infection, although it is probably that a high proportion of infected house bees must be required to infect the queen.
Current status and activity regarding natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in Japan
Authors: Kitano Seigo , Tajiri Hisao , Yasuda Kazuhiro , Ikdeda Kiichi , Sumiyama Kazuki , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Saida Yoshihisa ,   Japan NOTES working group for white paper constitution
Published: July 2009

Abstract:Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a new, minimally invasive technique in the field of gastroenterological surgery. Research on NOTES has rapidly progressed all over the world. A joint committee on NOTES organized by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery (JSES) and the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) established Japan NOTES to encourage the responsible development and safe adoption of NOTES into clinical practice. This paper provides an overview of the current activity in regard to NOTES in Japan.
Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery in Asia
Authors: Chowbey Pradeep 
Published: July 2009

Abstract:Often coexisting in developing countries with under‐nutrition, obesity is a complex condition, with serious medical, social, psychological and economic implications1. This has led to the dual burden of fighting against both under and over‐nutrition. It is widely recognized today that bariatric surgery is the only safe and effective approach to treatment of morbid obesity5. This article discusses the scope, evolution and current status of Bariatric Surgery in Asia
Triple Combination of Oseltamivir, Amantadine, and Ribavirin Displays Synergistic Activity against Multiple Influenza Virus Strains In Vitro
Authors: Nguyen Jack T. , Hoopes Justin D. , Smee Donald F. , Prichard Mark N. , Driebe Elizabeth M. , Engelthaler David M. , Le Minh H. , Keim Paul S. , Spence R. Paul , Went Gregory T. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThe recurring emergence of influenza virus strains that are resistant to available antiviral medications has become a global health concern, especially in light of the potential for a new influenza virus pandemic. Currently, virtually all circulating strains of influenza A virus in the United States are resistant to either of the two major classes of anti-influenza drugs (adamantanes and neuraminidase inhibitors). Thus, new therapeutic approaches that can be rapidly deployed and that will address the issue of recurring resistance should be developed. We have tested double and triple combinations of the approved anti-influenza drugs oseltamivir and amantadine together with ribavirin against three influenza virus strains using cytopathic effect inhibition assays in MDCK cells. We selected A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) and A/Sydney/05/97 (H3N2) as representatives of the wild-type versions of the predominant circulating seasonal influenza virus strains and A/Duck/MN/1525/81 (H5N1) as a representative of avian influenza virus strains. Dose-response curves were generated for all drug combinations, and the degree of drug interaction was quantified using a model that calculates the synergy (or antagonism) between the drugs in double and triple combinations. This report demonstrates that a triple combination of antivirals was highly synergistic against influenza A virus. Importantly, the synergy of the triple combination was 2- to 13-fold greater than the synergy of any double combination depending on the influenza virus subtype. These data support the investigation of a novel combination of oseltamivir, amantadine, and ribavirin as an effective treatment for both seasonal and pandemic influenza virus, allowing the efficient use of the existing drug supplies.
Paradoxical Effect of Isoniazid on the Activity of Rifampin-Pyrazinamide Combination in a Mouse Model of Tuberculosis
Authors: Almeida Deepak , Nuermberger Eric , Tasneen Rokeya , Rosenthal Ian , Tyagi Sandeep , Williams Kathy , Peloquin Charles , Grosset Jacques 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

To investigate the antagonism between isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (rifampicin) (RIF)-pyrazinamide (PZA) combination observed in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
-infected mice, extensive pharmacokinetic studies of INH were performed and followed by experiments to assess the impact of increasing doses of INH on the antimicrobial activity of RIF-PZA combination. INH at 6.25 mg/kg of body weight produced a maximum concentration of drug in serum (
C
max
) value of 4 μg/ml and an area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC
0-24
) value of 4.9 μg·h/ml, the former being close to the
C
max
value observed after the standard 5-mg/kg dose in humans. INH at 25 mg/kg produced a
C
max
value of 22 μg/ml and an AUC
0-24
value of 29 μg·h/ml, the latter being close to the AUC observed after a 5-mg/kg dose of INH in humans with the slow acetylation phenotype. Beginning 2 weeks after aerosol infection with
M. tuberculosis
, mice were treated for 8 weeks with INH at twofold-increasing doses, ranging from 1.56 to 50 mg/kg, either alone or in combination with RIF-PZA. Given alone, INH exhibited dose-dependent activity. Combined with RIF-PZA, INH exhibited dose-dependent antagonism of RIF-PZA activity. To determine the individual components of RIF-PZA combination with which INH was antagonistic, mice were treated for 8 weeks with RIF alone, PZA alone, RIF-PZA, and INH at 3.125, 12.5, or 50 mg/kg either alone or combined with RIF or PZA. Addition of INH to RIF had additive activity, whereas addition of INH to PZA resulted in a negative interaction. Finally, a 10-mg/kg dose of INH in mice may best represent the 5-mg/kg dose in humans and decrease the antagonism of INH with RIF-PZA.
Furanone at Subinhibitory Concentrations Enhances Staphylococcal Biofilm Formation by
luxS
Repression
Authors: Kuehl Richard , Al-Bataineh Sameer , Gordon Oliver , Luginbuehl Reto , Otto Michael , Textor Marcus , Landmann Regine 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Brominated furanones from marine algae inhibit multicellular behaviors of gram-negative bacteria such as biofilm formation and quorum sensing (QS) without affecting their growth. The interaction of furanone with QS in gram-positive bacteria is unknown. Staphylococci have two QS systems,
agr
and
luxS
, which lower biofilm formation by two different pathways, RNAIII upregulation and bacterial detachment, and polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) reduction, respectively. We synthesized natural furanone compound 2 [(5
Z
)-4-bromo-5-(bromomethylene)-3-butyl-2(5
H
)-furanone] from
Delisea pulchra
and three analogues to investigate their effect on biofilm formation in gram-positive bacteria. Compound 2, but not the analogues, enhanced the biofilms of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
1457 and 047 and of
S. aureus
Newman at concentrations between 1.25 and 20 μM. We show the growth inhibition of
S. epidermidis
and
S. aureus
by free furanone and demonstrate bactericidal activity. An induction of biofilm occurred at concentrations of 10 to 20% of the MIC and correlated with an increase in PIA. The biofilm effect was
agr
independent. It was due to interference with
luxS
, as shown by reduced
luxS
expression in the presence of compound 2 and independence of the strong biofilm formation in a
luxS
mutant upon furanone addition. Poly(
l
-lysine)-grafted/poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted furanone was ineffective on biofilm and not bactericidal, indicating the necessity for free furanone. Free furanone was similarly toxic for murine fibroblasts as for staphylococci, excluding a therapeutic application of this compound. In summary, we observed a biofilm enhancement by furanone in staphylococci at subinhibitory concentrations, which was manifested by an increase in PIA and dependent on
luxS
.