bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Potential Risk Factors of Female Sexual Difficulties: An Urban Iranian Population-Based Study
Authors: Goshtasebi Azita , Vahdaninia Mariam , Rahimi Foroshani Abbas 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Female sexual dysfunction is common, a multifactorial phenomenon with a potential to cause marital strain, impaired fertility, and poor quality of life. Epidemiologic data are scarce and little is known about the prevalence of sexual difficulties and the exact role of putative risk factors in Iran.

Aim
To determine the prevalence of female sexual difficulties and the potential risk factors in an urban Iranian population.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was performed in the province of Kohgilooyeh–Boyerahmad (KB) in the southwest of Iran and involved sexually active urban women aged 15 years and over, selected via a quota-based cluster sampling method. The study used an ad hoc questionnaire covering the demographic and reproductive variables as well as the data related to sexual difficulties. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models. The main outcome measures were the prevalence rates and the predictors of sexual difficulties.

Main Outcome Measures
The prevalence of female sexual difficulties and the associated risk factors.

Results
One thousand four hundred fifty-six sexually active women living in the urban areas of KB province in 2005 were selected. The mean age of the sample was 34.04 ± 9.2 (16–71) years and the mean number of completed grades was 7.18 (±4.8). More than 52% of the participants had experienced at least one type of sexual difficulty. The greatest and smallest frequencies were observed for orgasm difficulty (21.3%, confidence interval[CI]0.95 = 19.2–23.4%) and lubrication difficulty (11.9%, CI0.95 = 10.2–13.6%). Age, education, contraceptive modality, and obstetric/gynecologic procedures were all associated with at least one type of sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion
Similar to previous studies, we found a relatively high prevalence of sexual difficulties in this urban population of low socioeconomic status. However, our results concerning the role of some demographic and reproductive variables in producing sexual difficulties were different from those reported by other researchers.
Short Term Impact on Female Sexual Function of Pelvic Floor Reconstruction with the Prolift Procedure
Authors: Su Tsung-Hsien , Lau Hui-Hsuan , Huang Wen-Chu , Chen Shwu-Shiuang , Lin Tzu-Yin , Hsieh Ching-Hung , Yeh Ching-Ying 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The Prolift system is an effective and safe procedure using mesh reinforcement for vaginal reconstruction of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), but its effect on sexual function is unclear.

Aim
To evaluate the impact of transvaginal pelvic reconstruction with Prolift on female sexual function at 6 months post-operatively.

Methods
Thirty-three sexually active women who underwent Prolift mesh pelvic floor reconstruction for symptomatic POP were evaluated before and 6 months after surgery. Their sexual function was assessed by using the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) before and after surgery. The quality of life was also evaluated with the short forms of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) as a control for efficacy of the procedure. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system was used to evaluate the degree of prolapse.

Main Outcome Measures
PISQ-12 scores at 6 months post-operatively.

Results
The total PISQ-12 score decreased from 29.5 ± 9.0 to 19.3 ± 14.7 (P &lt; 0.001), indicating worsening of sexual function 6 months post-operatively. The behavioral, physical, and partner-related domains of PISQ-12 were each significantly reduced (5.2 ± 3.7 vs. 2.9 ± 3.7, P = 0.016; 15.4 ± 4.7 vs. 10.4 ± 8.6, P = 0.001; 8.9 ± 3.8 vs. 6.4 ± 5.5, P = 0.01, respectively). UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores were significantly improved at the 6-month follow-up, as was anatomic recovery. Of the 33 subjects, 24 (73%) had worse sexual function 6 months after the procedure.

Conclusion
The Prolift procedure provided an effective anatomic cure of POP, but it had an adverse effect on sexual function at 6 months after surgery.
The Use of the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) with Cardiac Patients Receiving Home Health Care
Authors: Schneider Julia Stocker , Slowik Linda Haynes 
Published: July 2009

PURPOSE.  To identify Nursing Interventions Classification interventions (NICs) commonly provided to cardiac home care patients and to explore differences among patients with coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and patients with other cardiac disorders.METHODS.  The NICs provided to cardiac home care patients were recorded and analyzed to determine differences in frequencies across cardiac diagnoses.FINDINGS.  Frequent NICs provided in cardiac home care are similar across diagnoses, and include tissue perfusion management and patient education NICs. Variations can be detected and involve fluid monitoring/management, exercise promotion/teaching, and cardiac care NICs.CONCLUSIONS.  Differences in nursing care among patients with similar medical diagnoses can be detected using NIC.IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE.  Relevant knowledge of nursing care can be gleaned from analyzing NIC data generated in practice and can be used to plan, evaluate, and determine the effectiveness of nursing care.
FOAM‐MAT FREEZE‐DRYING OF APPLE JUICE PART 1: EXPERIMENTAL DATA AND ANN SIMULATIONS
Authors: RAHARITSIFA NARINDRA , RATTI CRISTINA 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT Freeze‐drying of foamed and nonfoamed apple juice was studied in order to assess if there is a reduction in process time due to foaming. Foams were prepared by whipping apple juice with methylcellulose or egg albumin at different concentrations. Foamed and nonfoamed juice samples having different thickness and different initial weight were frozen at −40C and then freeze‐dried at 20C during 48 h under vacuum. Sample weight loss and temperature were followed at different process times. A mathematical model based on artificial neural networks was developed to represent foam kinetics and temperature curves during freeze‐drying. Foaming reduced process time if the comparison was done at equal sample thickness. However, lower density of foamed materials decreases weight load to the dryer. Unfortunately, the optimization of the process did not permit the determination of a practical minimal foam sample thickness to enhance both drying rate and dryer throughput. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSFruit juice powders have a large application in the food and nutraceutical industries. These powders are used as instant beverages, ingredients for bakery or extruded products and to incorporate in pharmaceutical tablets. Freeze‐drying is an excellent process to obtain a high‐quality fruit juice powder because it offers extraordinary nutritional, structure and sensorial qualities when compared with products of alternative drying process: air, vacuum, microwave and osmotic drying. However, the process cost is expensive due to the long drying times under vacuum. Process acceleration through optimization is therefore necessary in order to obtain high quality in the final products but at lower costs. This study aims to decrease the cost of the freeze‐drying process by using foaming prior to processing to increase the drying rate.
EFFECT OF ELECTRIC CURRENT OF OHMIC HEATING ON NONTHERMAL INJURY TO STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILUS IN MILK
Authors: SUN HUIXIAN , MASUDA FUYUHIKO , KAWAMURA SHUSO , HIMOTO JUN‐ICHI , ASANO KOZO , KIMURA TOSHINORI 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT We previously reported that ohmic heating had not only a thermal lethal effect but also a nonthermal lethal effect on microorganisms because of the electric current. In order to find the reasons for these lethal effects, experiments on milk sterilization were conducted with Streptococcus thermophilus 21072. Sublethal‐ohmic heating and lethal‐hot‐water heating treatment (ohmic and hot‐water treatment), and sublethal‐hot‐water heating and lethal‐hot‐water heating treatment (hot‐water treatment as a control), were carried out under the condition of identical temperature histories. Microbial counts and calculated decimal reduction times indicated that the ohmic and hot‐water treatment had significantly higher lethality than the hot‐water treatment. However, no sterilizing effect of the electric current on microorganisms was observed during sublethal‐ohmic heating treatment. Compared to sublethal‐hot‐water heating treatment, larger amounts of adenosine triphosphate and lactate dehydrogenase were exuded when the cells were subjected to sublethal‐ohmic heating treatment. Therefore, the electric current of sublethal‐ohmic heating treatment increased the permeability of the cell membrane, resulting in nonthermal injury to S. thermophilus cell membrane.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis technology of ohmic heating will widely apply to milk and other liquid pasteurizations, based on the advantages of rapid and uniform heating, a significant sterilizing effect and a reduction in thermal damage to products compared with conventional heating. The technology of ohmic heating is promising as a more effective and cheaper method for the pasteurization of liquid type food products than conventional methods.
MILLING QUALITY OF HULLED WHEAT BULGUR WITH STONE MILL
Authors: UNAL H. GURAN , SACILIK KAMIL 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT In recent years, hulled wheat species have increased in importance because of their advantageous features as underutilized crops which have provided additional income to farmers and also contributed to agricultural diversification. Einkorn and emmer as two hulled wheat species have been used in this study. The milling quality of these hulled wheats was determined on fixed top stone and fixed bottom stone (FBS) mills at 1.75‐ and 2.5‐mm stone gap levels. The effects of parameters such as stone mill type, stone gap and milling quality of hulled wheat species have been studied. The obtained products have been classified as coarse (over 2 mm), medium (under 2 mm–over 1 mm), fine (under 1 mm) and husky. It reveals that FBS mill has ground in little particles and more unsteadily. This study also indicates that the grinding of emmer has brought along smaller particles due to its spindly structure and 1.75‐mm stone gap has been thought more acceptable because of the less husky product. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONHulled wheat species are very important due to their high nutrition potential. As compared with common wheat, hulled wheats are generally more resistant to diseases and have the ability to withstand drought so they can grow in harsh environments and poor soil. Hulled wheat is especially used for bulgur production because of its delicious taste. The milling operation is one of the most important steps in bulgur production. It needs abrasive mills because of its husky structure. In this study, milling quality of two hulled wheat (emmer and einkorn) bulgurs was determined on stone mills. We believe that the results of this research provide insights into the production of marketable bulgur and the choosing of suitable bulgur mill.
FOAM‐MAT FREEZE‐DRYING OF APPLE JUICE PART 2: STABILITY OF DRY PRODUCTS DURING STORAGE
Authors: RAHARITSIFA NARINDRA , RATTI CRISTINA 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT Sorption isotherms at 5, 20 and 35C and glass transition temperature as a function of water content were evaluated for foamed (3% egg white and 1% methylcellulose) and nonfoamed freeze‐dried apple juice by using the static gravimetric method and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Equilibrium isotherms were fitted to the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer equation, whereas glass transition temperature to the Gordon–Taylor model. After freeze‐drying at 20C during 48 h, the dry products were stored at different temperatures (5 and 20C) under ambient conditions or vacuum. The nutritional, physical and structural properties were assessed before and at the end of the freeze‐drying process and after storage by determining vitamin C content, solubility, color and microstructure. Freeze‐dried nonfoamed juice retained more vitamin C and was more soluble than foamed products after freeze‐drying. However, foam‐mat juice powders presented higher stability during storage at 20C, which agreed with their higher values of glass transition temperature. Freeze‐dried juice stored at this temperature collapsed showing a decrease in solubility and a marked color change. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSQuality of dry products depends largely on how they are stored (relative humidity, temperature, presence of light and vacuum). Degradation of flavor, color and texture occur under adverse storage conditions. Nutritional compounds such as vitamins or unsaturated fats could also be negatively affected because of oxidation reactions, which could be a function of the dehydration method or the pretreatment used to manufacture the dry product. The determination stability and quality degradation of foamed and nonfoamed apple juice products during freeze‐drying and storage of the dry products will complete the evaluation of foaming as a potential pretreatment for freeze‐drying.
Deep Vein Thrombosis in Stroke Patients Admitted to a Rehabilitation Unit in Singapore
Authors: Kong K.-H. , Chua S. G. K. , Earnest A. 
Published: July 2009

Background Studies have shown that deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is common after an acute stroke. Less common are studies documenting DVT in stroke patients admitted to rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and risk factors of DVT in stroke patients admitted to a rehabilitation unit in Singapore. Methods A prospective observational single-center study of patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke with lower limb paresis admitted to a rehabilitation center in Singapore. The screening protocol consisted of quantitative D-dimer assay (DDA) within 24–48 h of rehabilitation admission followed by duplex ultrasound scan of the paretic lower extremity if DDA level was elevated (equal or greater than 0·34 μg/ml). Results Altogether, 341 patients were screened at a mean of 23 days poststroke. One hundred and ninety-eight (58·1%) patients had an elevated DDA and all underwent ultrasound scans. The frequency of lower limb DVT was 9% ( 18 ) – seven proximal and 11 distal. DVT was significantly related to higher D-dimer levels ( P = 0029) and cortical strokes ( P = 0·004), but not to age, gender, race, nature of stroke, atrial fibrillation, severity of lower limb weakness, and ambulatory and functional status. No patients had clinical pulmonary embolism during rehabilitation. Conclusions Lower limb DVT is uncommon in stroke patients admitted to rehabilitation in Singapore. Future research should include evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of such a screening protocol.
Quantified T1 As An Adjunct To Apparent Diffusion Coefficient For Early Infarct Detection: A High-Field Magnetic Resonance Study in a Rat Stroke Model
Authors: Kaur J. , Tuor U. I. , Zhao Z. , Petersen J. , Jin A. Y. , Barber P. A. 
Published: July 2009

Background Thrombolytic treatment for acute stroke has focused attention on accurate identification of injured vs. salvageable brain tissue, particularly if reperfusion occurs. However, our knowledge of differences in acute magnetic resonance imaging changes between transient and permanent ischemia and how they reflect permanently damaged tissue remain incomplete. Aims and/or hypothesis Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics vary widely following ischemia and, at acute times, T1, T2 or apparent diffusion coefficient quantification may differentiate viable tissue from that destined to infarct. Methods High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 9·4T following permanent or transient (90 min) middle cerebral artery occlusion in spontaneously hypertensive male rats or Wistar rats. Within 30 min, quantified maps of the apparent diffusion coefficient, T1, and T2 were performed and measures determined for sequences in the infarct and compared with that in the contralateral region. Lesion area for each magnetic resonance imaging sequence (T1, T2, apparent diffusion coefficient, and perfusion maps) was delineated for different time points using quantitative threshold measures and compared with final histological damage. Results Early extensive changes in T1 following both transient and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion provided a sensitive early indicator of the final infarct area. Following reperfusion, small but measurable early T2 changes indicative of early development of vasogenic edema occurred in the transient but not permanent groups. In transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, at 70 min apparent diffusion coefficient decreased ( P<0·001) and then pseudonormalized at 150 min. In permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, apparent diffusion coefficient declined over time. Lesion area detected using T1 maps exceeded that with T2 and apparent diffusion coefficient at 70 and 150 min in both groups ( P<0·001). Conclusions The results indicate that, independent of reperfusion, quantified T1 is superior for detecting early ischemic changes that are not necessarily detected with T2 or apparent diffusion coefficient.
Productivity Spillovers from FDI in China: Regional Differences and Threshold Effects
Authors: Qi Jianhong , Zheng Yingmei , Laurenceson James , Li Hong 
Published: July 2009

AbstractEconomic theory posits numerous channels through which FDI might create positive spillovers for domestic firms. However, the results of empirical studies that have sought to document these spillovers have been mixed. One explanation for this variation is that the capacity of domestic firms to absorb spillovers might vary. In the present paper, we explore these issues in the case of China. Aside from being one of the world's leading hosts of foreign direct investment, China makes for an interesting case study because its provinces vary greatly with respect to those factors most commonly held to influence absorptive capacity, such as the initial level of technology in domestic firms. This paper begins by empirically establishing that the spillovers from foreign direct investment do indeed vary across provinces. Threshold values for various factors that influence absorptive capacity factors are then estimated and it is found that conditions in many provinces presently fall short of these values. This provides an obvious focus of attention for China's policy‐makers.
Photochemical Reactions Involved in the Phototoxicity of the Anticonvulsant and Antidepressant Drug Lamotrigine (Lamictal®)
Authors: Bilski Piotr J. , Wolak M. A. , Zhang V. , Moore D. E. , Chignell C. F. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractLamotrigine (LTG) [3,5‐diamino‐6‐(2,3‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,2,4‐triazine], an anticonvulsant and antidepressant drug Lamictal®, produces a (photo)toxic response in some patients. LTG absorbs UV light, generating singlet oxygen (1O2) with a quantum yield of 0.22 in CH2Cl2, 0.11 in MeCN and 0.01 in D2O. A small production of superoxide radical anion was also detected in acetonitrile. Thus, LTG is a moderate photosensitizer producing phototoxicity and oxidizing linoleic acid. LTG is a weak1O2quencher (kq = 3.2 × 105 m−1 s−1in MeCN), but its photodecomposition products in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) quenched1O2very efficiently. Upon intense UV irradiation from a xenon lamp, LTG was photobleached rapidly in DMSO and slowly in acetonitrile, alcohol and water. The rate increased significantly when laser pulses at 266 nm were employed. The photobleaching products generated1O2twice as strongly as LTG. Photobleaching was usually accompanied by the release of chloride anions, which increased in the presence of ascorbic acid. This suggests the formation of aryl radicalsviadechlorination, a process which may be responsible for the photoallergic response observed in some patients. Our results demonstrate that LTG is a moderate generator of1O2prone to photodechlorination, especially in a reducing environment, which can contribute to the reported phototoxicity of LTG.
Serum concentrations of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone and prevalent metabolic syndrome among adults in the United States
Authors: FORD Earl S. , ZHAO Guixiang , LI Chaoyang , PEARSON William S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground:  Some reports suggest that concentrations of vitamin D are inversely, whereas concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH) are directly, associated with prevalent metabolic syndrome. Because of lingering uncertainty about these associations, we examined the cross‐sectional associations between serum concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and PTH with metabolic syndrome in a representative sample of adults in the US.Methods:  We used data from 1705 participants in the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Vitamin D was measured by radioimmunoassay, whereas PTH was measured using an electrochemiluminescent process.Results:  The mean concentration of vitamin D for participants with and without metabolic syndrome was 20.3 and 22.9 ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.001). The mean concentration of PTH for participants with and without metabolic syndrome was 44.5 and 41.0 pg/mL, respectively (P = 0.002). The age‐adjusted mean concentrations of vitamin D (P for linear trend <0.001) decreased linearly, whereas PTH (P for linear trend = 0.002) increased linearly, as the number of components of metabolic syndrome increased. After adjusting for age, gender, physical activity, urinary albumin creatinine ratio, and concentrations of C‐reactive protein and calcium, concentrations in the highest quintile of vitamin D [prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44–0.79], but not PTH (PR = 1.18; 95% CI 0.97–1.43), was significantly associated with prevalent metabolic syndrome.Conclusion:  Concentrations of vitamin D, but not PTH, were significantly associated with prevalent metabolic syndrome among US adults.
Retinal arterioles have impaired reactivity to hyperoxia in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Justesen Birgitte L. , Mistry Paresh , Chaturvedi Nish , Thom Simon A. , Witt Nicholas , Köhler Dennis , Hughes Alun D. , Sjølie Anne Katrin 
Published: July 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  Diabetes has adverse effects on the retinal microvasculature. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of inhalation of hypoxic, hyperoxic and normoxic–hypercapnic gas mixtures on retinal vessel diameter in people with and without diabetes.Methods:  Sixty‐one participants (aged 24–50 years) 29 with (male : female ratio 2.6 : 1) and 32 without (male : female ratio 0.7 : 1) diabetes, inhaled hypoxic, hyperoxic and normoxic–hypercapnic gas mixtures for 3–5 mins. The diameters of arterioles and venules were measured using digital retinal images taken before and after gas inhalation.Results:  There was no significant difference in the diameters of arterioles and venules prior to gas inhalation in people with and without diabetes. Inhalation of the hyperoxic gas mixture caused a statistically significant decrease in arteriolar and venular diameters without altering mean arterial pressure significantly. Arteriolar vasoconstriction in response to the hyperoxic gas mixture was significantly reduced in people with diabetes (3.95% versus 7.75%; p = 0.04), but venular vasoconstriction did not differ significantly. A hypoxic gas mixture caused increased arteriolar and venular diameter and a normoxic–hypercapnic gas mixture had no significant effect on vessel diameter. Responses to hypoxic and normoxic–hypercapnic gas did not differ significantly between diabetes and non‐diabetes subjects.Conclusions:  Type 1 diabetes impairs retinal arteriolar responses to hyperoxia. Abnormalities in retinal arteriolar reactivity in response to oxygen may play a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy and this technique may represent a simple means of identifying early abnormalities in the reactivity of retinal arterioles in diabetes.