bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual Function in Women 3 Days and 6 Weeks After Childbirth: A Prospective Longitudinal Study Using the Taiwan Version of the Female Sexual Function Index
Authors: Chang Shiow-Ru , Chang Ting-Chen , Chen Kuang-Ho , Lin Ho-Hsiung 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Childbirth impacts sexual function in women, but few reports have addressed sexual function shortly after childbirth.

Aim
Using the Taiwan version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFIT), this study aimed to describe women’s sexual function and to examine differences between groups in sexual function shortly after delivery.

Methods
A prospective longitudinal investigation was performed in women who completed the FSFIT, a numeric analog scale, the Taiwan version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and a demographic questionnaire in a Taiwanese medical center at 3 days and 6 weeks postpartum.

Main Outcome Measures
Using a general linear model, differences were tested between groups, including those defined by delivery mode, type of feeding, depression score, pain score, and birth history.

Results
After adjusting for covariates, (i) significant differences in sexual function and desire were found between the vaginal delivery and Cesarean section groups at day 3 and week 6 postpartum (P = 0.0419 and &lt;0.0001, respectively); (ii) differences in desire and satisfaction between the tubal ligation and not groups were significant at both time points (P = 0.0346 and 0.0338); (iii) differences in sexual function and sexual activity or intercourse between low and high CES-D scores were significant at 6 weeks postpartum (P = 0.0040 and 0.0043, respectively); and (iv) differences between pain level groups in sexual activity or intercourse and desire were significant at 6 weeks (P = 0.0493 and 0.0004). At 3 days postpartum, significant differences between educational level and ethnic groups were observed (P = 0.0002 and 0.0414).

Conclusions
The results showed significant differences in sexual function shortly after delivery between groups based on delivery method, tubal ligation, depression, pain, ethnicity, and educational level. This information may help health professionals to be more aware of women’s perception of sexuality and may foster sensitivity in assessing their sexual function after childbirth.
Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β Type I Receptor Kinase (ALK5) Inhibitor Alleviates Profibrotic TGF-β1 Responses in Fibroblasts Derived from Peyronie’s Plaque
Authors: Piao Shuguang , Choi Min Ji , Tumurbaatar Munkhbayar , Kim Woo Jean , Jin Hai-Rong , Shin Sun Hwa , Tuvshintur Buyankhuu , Yin Guo Nan , Song Jae Sook , Kwon Mi-Hye , Lee Sang-Jin , Han Jee-Young , Kim Seong-Jin , Ryu Ji-Kan , Suh Jun-Kyu 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has been identified as an important fibrogenic cytokine associated with Peyronie’s disease (PD).

Aim
The aim of this study was to study the differential expression of the TGF-β1 and Smad transcription factors in plaque tissue from PD patients and to determine the antifibrotic effect of SKI2162 (SK Chemicals, Seoul, South Korea), a novel small-molecule inhibitor of activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5), a type I receptor of TGF-β, in primary fibroblasts derived from human PD plaque.

Methods
Plaque tissue was isolated from five PD patients, and tunica albuginea tissue was obtained from four control patients. Plaque tissues from a patient with PD were used for primary fibroblast culture. Fibroblasts were pretreated with SKI2162 (10 µM) and then stimulated with TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL).

Main Outcome Measures
The plaque or tunica albuginea tissue was stained with Masson’s trichrome or antibody to TGF-β1, phospho-Smad2 (P-Smad2), and P-Smad3. Protein was extracted from treated fibroblasts for Western blotting, and the membranes were probed with antibody to P-Smad2/Smad2, P-Smad3/Smad3, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen IV. We also determined the inhibitory effect of SKI2162 on TGF-β1-induced nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 in fibroblasts.

Results
The plaque tissue from PD patients showed higher TGF-β1, P-Smad2, and P-Smad3 immunoreactivity than did the tunica albuginea tissue from control patients. SKI2162 not only blocked TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2 and Smad3, but also inhibited the production of extracellular matrix markers in fibroblasts derived from human PD plaque.

Conclusion
In light of the pivotal role of TGF-β and Smads in the pathogenesis of PD, pharmacologic inhibition of ALK5 may represent a novel targeted approach to treating PD.
The Relationship between Lifelong Premature Ejaculation and Monosymptomatic Enuresis
Authors: Gökçe Ahmet , Ekmekcioglu Oguz 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTIntroductionAlthough both biological and psychological factors are important in the etiologies, the underlying physiopathologies of lifelong premature ejaculation (PE) and monosymptomatic enuresis (ME) are not completely understood.AimThe aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of ME in men diagnosed with lifelong PE and relationships of these two conditions.MethodsBetween December 2008 and November 2009, we designed a prospective randomized study in 51 patients who had presented with lifelong PE and in age-matched 106 healthy control cases without PE. If the patient declared that he ejaculated less than 1 minute more than half of his intercourse attempts, he was enrolled in the study.Main Outcome MeasuresAll subjects included in this study underwent general and urological physical examinations and were asked about their history of ME. The frequency of enuresis was graded using the following criteria: (i) 1–2 times/week as infrequent; (ii) 3–5 times/week as moderate; and (iii) 6–7 times/week as severe. Only patients with primary ME were evaluated.ResultsOf the 51 premature ejaculator men, 19 (37.2%) had a history of ME. Among these 19 men, five (26.3%) had severe, six (31.6%) had moderate, and eight (42.1%) had infrequent enuresis. Of the 106 control cases, 16 (15.1%) had a history of ME and of these 16 patients, three (18.7%) had severe, five (31.2%) had moderate, and eight (50%) had infrequent enuresis. Compared with control population (15.1%), the prevalence of ME in the premature ejaculators (37.2%) was more than twofold higher (P &lt;0.005).ConclusionWe have found a significant increase in ME prevalence in lifelong premature ejaculators. A common deficiency of inhibitory signal processing in the central nervous system may underlie both inability to inhibit the ejaculation and micturition in these patients or genetic predisposition may play a significant role. Further prospective studies are needed to explain the relationship between lifelong PE and ME.
Assessment of endothelial function and blood metabolite status following acute ingestion of a fructose‐containing beverage
Authors: Bidwell A. J. , Holmstrup M. E. , Doyle R. P. , Fairchild T. J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAim:  Fructose intake has increased concurrent with sugar intake and this increase has been implicated in contributing to the development of metabolic syndrome risk factors. Recent evidence suggests a role for uric acid (UA) as a potential mediator via suppression of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The aim of this study was to explore this hypothesis by measuring changes in UA concentration and systemic NO bioavailability as well as endothelial function in response to acute ingestion of a glucose‐fructose beverage.Methods:  Ten young (26.80 ± 4.80 years), non‐obese (body mass index: 25.1 ± 2.55 kg m−2; percent body fat: 13.5 ± 6.9%) male subjects ingested either a glucose (100 g dextrose in 300 mL) or isocaloric glucose‐fructose (glucose : fructose; 45 : 55 g in 300 mL) beverage. Blood was sampled pre‐ and every 15‐min post‐ingestion per 90 min and assayed for glucose, lactate, fructose, total nitrate/nitrate, UA and blood lipids. Forearm blood flow and pulse‐wave velocity were recorded prior to and at 30 and 45 min time intervals post‐ingestion, respectively, while heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded every 15 min.Results:  The glucose‐fructose ingestion was associated with a significant (P < 0.05) increase in plasma lactate concentration and altered free fatty acid levels when compared with glucose‐only ingestion. However, UA was not significantly different (P = 0.08) between conditions (AUC: −1018 ± 1675 vs. 2171 ± 1270 μmol L−1 per 90 min for glucose and glucose‐fructose conditions respectively). Consequently, no significant (P < 0.05) difference in endothelial function or systemic NO bioavailability was observed.Conclusion:  Acute consumption of a fructose‐containing beverage was not associated with significantly altered UA concentration, endothelial function or systemic NO bioavailability.
P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (ABCG2) Localize in the Microvessels Forming the Blood‐Tumor Barrier in Ependymomas
Authors: Ginguené Carole , Champier Jacques , Maallem Said , Strazielle Nathalie , Jouvet Anne , Fèvre‐Montange Michelle , Ghersi‐Egea Jean‐François 
Published: March 2010

AbstractEpendymomas are neuroepithelial tumors that arise from the ependymal layer bordering the cerebral ventricles and spinal canal. Intracranial ependymoma represents a major encephalic tumor in children, while spinal ependymoma develops more frequently in adults. To understand the pharmacoresistance that characterizes this tumoral entity, we analyzed the level of expression and localization of three major efflux transport proteins with a multidrug resistance function, P‐glycoprotein, multidrug resistance‐related protein 1 (MRP1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), in a series of 25 ependymomas from both children and adults. Real‐time‐PCR analysis showed that all three genes were expressed in all tumors, with no apparent correlation between the level of expression and either age or tumor grade. The MRP1 transcript was expressed at a significantly higher level in spinal tumors than in intracranial tumors. The expression of the proteins corresponding to these genes was confirmed by Western blot analysis. In an immunohistochemical study, P‐glycoprotein and BCRP were shown to be associated with the tumoral vessels, where they presented a luminal localization, a prerequisite for their efflux drug activity into the blood. These data indicate that a biochemical, transporter‐dependent blood–tumor barrier may exist in ependymomas, which may reduce the tumoral bioavailability of lipophilic and amphiphilic anticancer drugs.
Effect of Solid Fat Content on Structure in Ice Creams Containing Palm Kernel Oil and High‐Oleic Sunflower Oil
Authors: Sung Kristine K. , Goff H. Douglas 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  The development of a structural fat network in ice cream as influenced by the solid:liquid fat ratio at the time of freezing/whipping was investigated. The solid fat content was varied with blends of a hard fraction of palm kernel oil (PKO) and high‐oleic sunflower oil ranging from 40% to 100% PKO. Fat globule size and adsorbed protein levels in mix and overrun, fat destabilization, meltdown resistance, and air bubble size in ice cream were measured. It was found that blends comprising 60% to 80% solid fat produced the highest rates of fat destabilization that could be described as partial coalescence (as opposed to coalescence), lowest rates of meltdown, and smallest air bubble sizes. Lower levels of solid fat produced fat destabilization that was better characterized as coalescence, leading to loss of structural integrity, whereas higher levels of solid fat led to lower levels of fat network formation and thus also to reduced structural integrity.Practical Application: Blends of highly saturated palm kernel oil and monounsaturated high‐oleic sunflower oil were used to modify the solid:liquid ratio of fat blends used for ice cream manufacture. Blends that contained 60% to 80% solid fat at freezing/whipping temperatures produced optimal structures leading to low rates of meltdown. This provides a useful reference for manufacturers to help in the selection of appropriate fat blends for nondairy‐fat ice cream.
Cultural Sociology and Other Disciplines: Interdisciplinarity in the Cultural Sciences
Authors: Crane Diana 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe subject of this article is the relationship between cultural sociology and approaches to culture in other social science disciplines. What are the characteristics of the theoretical environment, in which cultural sociology is operating? The article begins by reviewing the literature on interdisciplinarity. Many authors argue that interdisciplinarity is increasing or should be increasing, but the general consensus is that disciplinary isolation is the norm. From this perspective, the relationships between disciplines can be understood in terms of trading zones, in which fields in different disciplines have little in common, theoretically, or empirically. Interdisciplinary communication in ‘trading zones’ requires that participants laboriously construct a set of terms that permits them to exchange ideas. Alternatively, I propose that clusters of fields in different disciplines are linked by free‐floating paradigms. Participants in disciplines that share ‘free‐floating paradigms’ are able to communicate with one another more readily. The article presents evidence for the second interpretation, drawn from survey articles in disciplinary handbooks. Disciplines and fields in which the study of culture draws from the same pool of paradigms and models and shares a set of lines of inquiry with cultural sociology include traditional disciplines, such as anthropology, communication, geography, history and psychology, and interdisciplinary fields, such as cultural studies, communication, feminist theory, material culture, science studies, and visual culture. Interdisciplinary fields – particularly cultural studies – perform an important role in diffusing paradigms across disciplinary boundaries. Free‐floating paradigms are associated with the work of major theorists, such as Lévi‐Strauss, Barthes, Foucault, Bourdieu, Lyotard, Baudrillard, Clifford Geertz, Bruno Latour, Adorno, Gramsci, and Habermas.
Visualization approaches for communicating real‐time flood forecasting level and inundation information
Authors: Leedal D. , Neal J. , Beven K. , Young P. , Bates P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe January 2005 flood event in the Eden catchment (UK) has focused considerable research effort towards strengthening and extending operational flood forecasting in the region. The Eden catchment has become a key study site within the remit of phase two of the Flood Risk Management Research Consortium. This paper presents a synthesis of results incorporating model uncertainty analysis, computationally efficient real‐time data assimilation/forecasting algorithms, two‐dimensional (2D) inundation modelling, and data visualization for decision support. The emphasis here is on methods of presenting information from a new generation of probabilistic flood forecasting models. Using Environment Agency rain and river‐level gauge data, a data‐based mechanistic model is identified and incorporated into a modified Kalman Filter (KF) data assimilation algorithm designed for real‐time flood forecasting applications. The KF process generates forecasts within a probabilistic framework. A simulation of the 6‐h ahead forecast for river levels at Sheepmount (Carlisle) covering the January 2005 flood event is presented together with methods of visualizing the associated uncertainty. These methods are then coupled to the 2D hydrodynamic LISFLOOD‐FP model to produce real‐time flood inundation maps. The value of incorporating probabilistic information is emphasized.
Making conservation physiology relevant to policy makers and conservation practitioners
Authors: Cooke Steven J. , O’Connor Constance M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe recognition that physiological tools and knowledge have the potential to inform conservation policy has led to the definition of the nascent discipline of “conservation physiology.” Indeed, conservation physiology has much to offer policy makers because of the rigorous experimental approach and the focus on elucidating cause‐and‐effect relationships. However, there remain a number of challenges that might retard the adoption of this approach. Here, we identify these challenges and suggest a path for both physiologists and conservation practitioners to integrate their respective fields. One issue is that threat assessments and conservation actions tend to focus on populations or species, whereas physiology tends to focus on individuals, cells, or molecules. Physiologists must determine if and how the physiology of individual organisms can influence population‐level processes. It is also necessary to validate more tools in the “conservation physiology toolbox,” and ensure a thorough understanding of the physiological biomarkers applied to conservation efforts. Research on imperiled taxa will be more useful to those making management decisions, rather than research focused on model species. We also recommend changes in the education of physiologists such that physiologists understand the process of policy making, and the needs of conservation practitioners.
The biodiversity bank cannot be a lending bank
Authors: Bekessy Sarah A. , Wintle Brendan A. , Lindenmayer David B. , Mccarthy Michael A. , Colyvan Mark , Burgman Mark A. , Possingham Hugh P. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract“Offsetting” habitat destruction has widespread appeal as an instrument for balancing economic growth with biodiversity conservation. Requiring proponents to pay the nontrivial costs of habitat loss encourages sensitive planning approaches. Offsetting, biobanking, and biodiverse carbon sequestration schemes will play an important role in conserving biodiversity under increasing human pressures. However, untenable assumptions in existing schemes are undermining their benefits. Policies that allow habitat destruction to be offset by the protection of existing habitat are guaranteed to result in further loss of biodiversity. Similarly, schemes that allow trading the immediate loss of existing habitat for restoration projects that promise future habitat will, at best, result in time lags in the availability of habitat that increases extinction risks, or at worst, fail to achieve the offset at all. We detail concerns about existing approaches and describe how offsetting and trading policies can be improved to provide genuine benefits for biodiversity. Due to uncertainties about the way in which restored vegetation matures, we propose that the biodiversity bank should be a savings bank. Accrued biodiversity values should be demonstrated before they can be used to offset biodiversity losses. We provide recommendations about how this could be achieved in practice.
Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Benazepril in the Treatment of Chronic Renal Insufficiency in Cats
Authors: Mizutani Hisashi , Koyama Hidekazu , Watanabe Toshifumi , Kitagawa Hitoshi , Nakano Masakazu , Kajiwara Keita , King Jonathan N. 
Published: March 2010

Background: Chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is a common disease in cats. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) have beneficial effects in humans with CRI by reducing the loss of protein in the urine and increasing life expectancy.Hypothesis: The ACEI benazepril has beneficial effects on survival, clinical variables, or both as compared with placebo in cats with CRI.Animals: 61 cats with naturally occurring CRI.Methods: The cats were enrolled into a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Cats received placebo or 0.5–1 mg/kg benazepril once daily for up to 6 months.Results: Urine protein/urine creatinine ratios were significantly (P< .05) lower with benazepril as compared with placebo at days 120 and 180. Three cats with placebo and 1 cat with benazepril were removed prematurely from the study because of deterioration of CRI or death. Cats were classified into 4 stages of CRI according to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) classification scheme. Incidence rates of cats with IRIS classification stage 2 or stage 3 that remained in stage 2 or 3 without progressing to stage 4 were higher with benazepril (93 ± 5%) as compared with placebo (73 ± 13%).Clinical Importance: These results suggest a potential for benazepril to delay the progression of disease, extend survival time, or both in cats with CRI.
Comparison of Canine Cardiac Troponin I Concentrations as Determined by 3 Analyzers
Authors: Adin Darcy B. , Oyama Mark A. , Sleeper Margaret M. , Milner Rowan J. 
Published: March 2010

Background:Recent interest in cardiac biomarkers has led to the validation of several commercial analyzers for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) evaluation in dogs; however, these analyzers have not been standardized.Hypothesis:It was hypothesized that canine plasma cTnI concentrations as determined by 3 different analyzers would be similar.Animals:Twenty‐three dogs with cardiac disease were studied.Methods:Reconstituted purified canine free cTnI was diluted with canine plasma to 8 concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 0.78, 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, and 25 ng/mL), for analysis by 3 analyzers, the Biosite Triage Meter, the Dade‐Behring Stratus, and the Beckman‐Coulter Access AccuTnI Plasma samples from 23 dogs with cardiac disease were also analyzed for cTnI concentrations on all analyzers.Results:Troponin I concentrations in sick dogs were <0.05–5.72 ng/mL (Biosite), 0.02–11.1 ng/mL (Access), and 0.02–9.73 ng/mL (Stratus). Analyzer results were highly correlated with each other (r= 0.97 to 1.0 for purified dilutions, r= 0.61 to 0.89 for samples from dogs); however, the limits of agreement were wide for both purified dilutions and clinical samples. Recovery was highest for the Access (334–1467%) and lowest for the Biosite (38–60%); Stratus 52–233%. Analyzer variability was lowest for the Access (1.2–10.4%) and highest for the Stratus (4.8–33.6%); Biosite 2.8–16.5%.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Results from this study suggest that although canine cTnI values obtained from the Biosite, Stratus, and Access analyzers are closely correlated, they cannot be directly compared with each other. In the absence of a gold standard none of the analyzers can be considered more correct than the others.