bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-term Improvement of Erectile Dysfunction by Viewing Humorous Films in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Kimata Hajime 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by eczema, pruritus and cutaneous hyperreactivity to allergic triggers. We and others have reported that psychogenic stress aggravates these symptoms, while viewing humorous films alleviates them. We have also found that many AD patients suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). ED exhibits multifactorial etiologies, including psychogenic stress and reduction of serum testosterone levels.

Aims
This study assessed the effects of viewing humorous films on ED in patients with AD.

Main Outcome Measures
The effects of viewing humorous films on International Index Erectile Function (IIEF) domain (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction) were studied.

Methods
Subjects comprised 36 AD patients with ED and their healthy wives. Randomly assigned 18 patients and their healthy wives first viewed humorous films on three consecutive days (Days 1–3). After 2 weeks, they viewed control nonhumorous weather information films on three consecutive days (Days 1–3). Alternatively, other 18 patients and their wives first viewed control films on three consecutive days, and after 2 weeks they viewed humorous films on three consecutive days. Severity of ED and serum testosterone and estradiol levels were assessed 1 day before viewing (Day −1) and 1–4 days after viewing (Days 4–7).

Results
Viewing humorous films significantly improved the IIEF domain in association with increased serum testosterone levels and decreased serum estradiol levels on Day 4, while viewing control films failed to do so. However, this effect was short-term. After 4 days of viewing (Day 7), no improvement in ED or modulation of serum sex hormone levels was observed.

Conclusions
Viewing humorous films improved ED in AD patients in association with increased serum testosterone levels and decreased serum estradiol levels. These results may be useful for the study and treatment of ED.
What is the “True” Prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunctions and Does the Way We Assess These Conditions Have an Impact?
Authors: Hayes Richard D. , Dennerstein Lorraine , Bennett Catherine M. , Fairley Christopher K. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
A wide range of prevalence estimates of female sexual dysfunctions (FSD) have been reported.

Aim
Compare instruments used to assess FSD to determine if differences between instruments contribute to variation in reported prevalence.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual Function Questionnaire combined with Female Sexual Distress Scale (SFQ-FSDS) was our gold standard, validated instrument for assessing FSD. Alternatives were SFQ alone and two sets of simple questions adapted from Laumann et al. 1994.

Methods
A postal survey was administered to a random sample of 356 Australian women aged 20 to 70 years.

Results
When assessed by SFQ-FSDS, prevalence estimates (95% confidence intervals) of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, sexual arousal disorder (lubrication), orgasmic disorder, and dyspareunia were 16% (12% to 20%), 7% (5% to 11%), 8% (6% to 12%), and 1% (0.5% to 3%), respectively. Prevalence estimates varied across alternative instruments for these disorders: 32% to 58%, 16% to 32%, 16% to 33%, and 3% to 23%, respectively. Compared with SFQ-FSDS alternative instruments produced higher estimates of desire, arousal and orgasm disorders and displayed a range of sensitivities (0.25 to 1.0), specificities (0.48 to 0.99), positive predictive values (0.01 to 0.56), and negative predictive values (0.95 to 1.0) across the disorders investigated. Kappa statistics comparing SFQ-FSDS and alternative instruments ranged from 0 to 0.71 but were predominantly 0.44 or less. Changing recall from previous month to 1 month or more in the previous year produced higher estimates for all disorders investigated. Including sexual distress produced lower estimates for desire, arousal, and orgasm disorders.

Conclusions
Prevalence estimates of FSD varied substantially across instruments. Relatively low positive predictive values and kappa statistics combined with a broad range of sensitivities and specificities indicated that different instruments identified different subgroups. Consequently, the instruments researchers choose when assessing FSD may affect prevalence estimates and risk factors they report.
A new ultracool white dwarf discovered in the SuperCOSMOS Sky Survey
Authors: Rowell N. R. , Kilic M. , Hambly N. C. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
We present BJ, R59F and IN photometry, and optical and near-infrared spectroscopy, of a new ultracool white dwarf (UCWD) discovered in the SuperCOSMOS Sky Survey. The spectrum of SSS J1556−0806 shows strong flux suppression due to the presence of collisionally induced absorption by molecular hydrogen, a feature characteristic of the cool, high-density environments found in the atmospheres of UCWDs. SSS J1556−0806 therefore joins a list of less than 10 UCWDs displaying extreme flux suppression. Synthetic model fitting suggests an effective temperature of &lt;3000 K, which if true would make this one of the coolest white dwarf currently known. We also exploit the similarity between the spectral energy distributions of SSS J1556−0806 and the well-studied UCWD LHS 3250 to aid in the determination of the atmospheric parameters in a regime where models consistently fail to reproduce observations. SSS J1556−0806 is relatively bright (R∼ 17.8), making it particularly amenable to follow up observations to obtain trigonometric parallax and infrared photometry.
DRYING CHARACTERISTICS AND DRYING QUALITY OF KIDNEY BEANS USING A TWO‐STAGE MICROWAVE PROCESS
Authors: WANG J. , WANG Y.W. , WANG J.W. , HE X.L. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT The study focuses on describing the microwave drying characteristics of kidney beans and discussing the effect of drying power and initial mass on drying quality. When the power level increased, the dehydration rate increased while the drying energy consumption and the initial mass decreased. There were two falling rate periods during drying of kidney beans. The first falling rate period was at a moisture content of more than 2.0 (dry basis [d.b.]), and the second falling rate period was at a moisture content of less than 2.0 (d.b.). The same water loss will consume more energy when the moisture content is less than 2.0 (d.b.). The quadratic orthogonal regression experiment was conducted, and models of effect of first‐stage drying load‐power, second‐stage drying load‐power and first‐stage drying time on sensory quality, rehydration ratio and energy consumption rate (three indices) were established. First‐stage drying load‐power, second‐stage drying load‐power and first‐stage drying time affected the three indices. For the three indices, the drying factor combination is different. First‐stage drying load‐power is slightly lower for high sensory quality. Second‐stage drying load‐power should be lower for high sensory quality and higher for low energy consumption rate. First‐stage drying timeshould be long for high sensory quality and moderate for low energy consumption rate and high rehydration ratio. To obtain better results for the three indices, the first‐stage power should differ from the second‐stage power in drying factor combination. This implies that the alternative microwave power drying on kidney beans should be used. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSMajor disadvantages of hot‐air drying of kidney beans are low energy efficiency, lengthy drying time during the falling rate period and inferior quality of the dried kidney bean. The application of microwave as a heat source produces a fast drying rate and higher drying quality. It can be employed because kidney beans are sensitive to microwave. Little detailed information was available on the alternative microwave power drying on food products, including drying of kidney beans by microwave.The results of this study will show the effect of drying power and initial mass of kidney beans on drying quality. For sensory quality, rehydration ratio of kidney beans and energy consumption rate, the drying factor combination is different. To obtain better results in the three indices, the first‐stage (early drying) power should differ from the second‐stage (later drying) power under microwave drying. This implies that the alternative microwave power drying on kidney beans should be used.
Body Mass Index in Rural First Grade Schoolchildren: Progressive Increase in Boys
Authors: Smith Derek T. , Vendela Mandolyn Jade , Todd Bartee R. , Carr Lucas J. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:
Context:

Childhood overweight is a global health problem. Monitoring of childhood body mass index (BMI) may help identify critical time periods during which excess body weight is accumulated. Purpose: To examine changes in mean BMI and the prevalence of at‐risk‐for overweight in repeated cross‐sectional samples of rural first grade schoolchildren between 1999 and 2004. Methods: BMI was determined in 479 first graders from a rural Wyoming school district. BMI and gender‐specific BMI‐for‐age percentiles were determined and evaluated over the 6 years. Children were also classified as normal or at‐risk‐for overweight according to CDC classification procedures. Findings: From 1999 to 2004, there was a significant increase in the average BMI of first graders, 15.8 ± 2.2 kg/m2 versus 16.8 ± 2.2 kg/m2, respectively (P < .05). First grade boys had a progressive increase in BMI from 1999 to 2004 (15.6 ± 2.2 kg/m2 compared to 17.3 ± 2.2 kg/m2, respectively), but no change was evident for first grade girls. There was an approximate 4‐fold increase in the percentage of rural first grade boys classified as at‐risk‐for overweight between 1999 and 2004. Conclusions: A progressive increase in the BMI and the significant increase in prevalence of at‐risk‐for overweight in rural first grade boys highlight the need for future gender and age group‐specific investigations. Focus should be given to primary prevention programs targeting potentially vulnerable time periods when excess weight gain may be occurring.
Training Health Care Professionals to Manage Overweight Adolescents: Experience in Rural Georgia Communities
Authors: Dennison David A. , Yin Zenong , Kibbe Debra , Burns Susan , Trowbridge Frederick 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:
Context:

The obesity epidemic threatens the present and future health of adolescents in the United States. Yet, health care providers lack specific training for pediatric obesity assessment and management. Purpose: This study examined the adherence of rural Georgia primary care practitioners to an overweight adolescent management protocol. The study also documented the prevalence of obesity‐associated physiological and behavioral risk factors among overweight adolescent patients. Methods: Ten rural clinics (58 providers) were recruited and received a 90‐minute adolescent overweight assessment and management training session. Select biochemical, dietary, physical activity, and physical inactivity behaviors were assessed in overweight adolescent patients. Medical charts were abstracted to assess practitioner compliance with an overweight assessment protocol and patient adherence to a 16‐week follow‐up visit. Findings: Providers were receptive to training and complied with the recommended protocol. Eighty‐five overweight adolescents were assessed, but only 49 (57%) completed the scheduled 16‐week follow‐up visit. Physical, biochemical, and behavioral assessments revealed that 13%‐27% of the participants had abnormal levels of lipids, fasting glucose, and glucose/insulin ratio, and 80.5% had waist circumferences above the 90th percentile. Conclusions: Practitioners complied with the assessment and follow‐up protocol, leading to the discovery of previously unrecognized risk factors in many overweight adolescent patients. Lack of patient adherence to follow‐up was the greatest limiting factor for obesity management. Further efforts are needed to implement and evaluate training to improve the management of adolescent overweight, especially in rural communities.
The Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Obesity in Rural Childbearing Women
Authors: Olson Christine M. , Strawderman Myla S. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:
Context:

While food insecurity and obesity have been shown to be positively associated in women, little is known about the direction of the causal relationship between these 2 constructs. Purpose: To clarify the direction of the causal relationship between food insecurity and obesity. Methods: Chi‐square and logistic regression analysis of data from a cohort of 622 healthy childbearing women living in a 10‐county rural area of upstate New York and followed from early pregnancy until 2 years postpartum. Findings: Obesity in early pregnancy was associated with increased risk of food insecurity at 2 years postpartum. Initial food insecurity was not associated with increased risk of obesity at 2 years postpartum. Women who were both obese and food insecure in early pregnancy were at greatest risk of major weight gain over the pregnancy and postpartum period. Conclusions: Obesity appears to lead to food insecurity rather than the converse. Obesity combined with food insecurity present the greatest risk for major weight gain in this sample of childbearing women.
Community Partnerships, Food Pantries, and an Evidence‐Based Intervention to Increase Mammography Among Rural Women
Authors: Bencivenga Marcyann , DeRubis Susan , Leach Patricia , Lotito Lisa , Shoemaker Charles , Lengerich Eugene J. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACT:
Context:

Multiple national agencies and organizations recommend that women age 40 years and older have an annual screening mammogram. Women who are poor, less educated, lack a usual source of care, and reside in rural Appalachia are less likely to have had a recent mammogram. Purpose: To increase use of mammography among a rural Appalachian population. Methods: Formed in 1992, the Indiana County Cancer Coalition (ICCC) serves the cancer control needs of medically underserved families in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, through collaborative partnerships. During 2005, the ICCC adapted and implemented the American Cancer Society's Tell a Friend® program in a network of 18 local food pantries of the Indiana County Community Action Program. Findings: Of 302 age‐eligible women, 158 (52.4%) were in need of scheduling a mammogram. Of the 158 women, 138 (87.3%) received a mammogram as a result of the adapted Tell A Friend® program. Three (2.2%) women were diagnosed with breast cancer and received treatment. The number of breast cancer screenings provided to underserved Indiana County residents increased by 46 (28.2%) during 2005. Conclusions: Implementation of this evidence‐based intervention in a network of local food pantries successfully provided mammography to rural women and demonstrated potential impact from a community cancer coalition in Appalachia. The initiative worked closely with local partners who are affiliated with a national infrastructure, thereby suggesting potential future dissemination.
Duodenal phytohaemagglutinin (red kidney bean lectin) stimulates gallbladder contraction in humans
Authors: Purhonen A. K. , Herzig K. H. , Gabius H. J. , André S. , Ketterer S. , Matzinger D. , Beglinger C. , Hildebrand P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim:  Lectins, carbohydrate‐specific proteins without enzymatic activity on the ligand, are daily ingested plant proteins which survive the passage through the gastrointestinal tract in a biologically active form. Their binding to glycan determinants of natural glycoconjugates can trigger biological effects. The lectin phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) is abundantly present in red kidney beans and induces cholecystokinin (CCK) release in rats. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of intraduodenal administration of PHA on plasma CCK levels and gallbladder contraction in humans and to elucidate potential mechanisms of action.Methods:  Five healthy volunteers underwent four studies. After a basal intraduodenal saline infusion for 30 min, PHA or heat‐inactivated PHA was infused in increasing doses: 150 μg, 1.5 mg and 15 mg for 30 min each. Intravenous saline, CCK1 receptor antagonist dexloxiglumide or atropine were administered in random order. Gallbladder volumes were measured by ultrasonography and plasma CCK levels by radioimmunoassay.Results:  Intraduodenal PHA induced gallbladder contraction in a dose‐dependent fashion starting with the lowest dose. The highest dose reduced the gallbladder volume to 65.3 ± 9.4% of basal volume (P < 0.001) whereas heat‐inactivated PHA did not have any effect. Blocking CCK1 or muscarinic receptors completely abolished PHA‐stimulated gallbladder contraction (dexloxiglumide 208.7 ± 23.7%; atropine 104 ± 7.0% of basal volume) while none of the treatments affected CCK levels.Conclusion:  Duodenal administration of PHA potently stimulates gallbladder contraction in humans. This contraction is mediated via cholinergic pathway.
To both be like a captain and fellow worker of the caring team: the meaning of Nurse Assistants’ expectations of Registered Nurses in Swedish residential care homes
Authors: Karlsson Inger , Ekman Sirkka‐Liisa , Fagerberg Ingegerd 
Published: February 2008

Aim. To describe the expectations of and to illuminate the meaning of the Nurse Assistants’ (NA) expectations of Registered Nurses (RN) who are responsible for the care of older people living in residential care homes in Sweden.Background. Older people in Sweden who are provided with residential care are extremely frail and incapable of independent living. Therefore, when providing care, RN and NA encounter older people who require a great deal of care. An important precondition for the provision of satisfactory care is to have adequate collaboration between NAs and RNs and their expectations of each other. In this paper, the focus is on the NAs expectations of the RNs.Method. The study is based on a qualitative approach and a phenomenological‐hermeneutical method. Ten NAs were interviewed and asked to narrate as freely as possible, about their expectations of RNs. The narratives were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. The analytical process includes the following steps; naïve reading, structural analysis, comprehensive understanding and reflection.Results. The RNs were expected to take responsibility for being fellow human beings and experts in providing care as well as always available to participate in caring. The RNs were expected to make stand‐alone decisions and create a sense of safety for both older people and the NAs and have the courage to work alone and create a safe environment for both the older people and the NAs. The meaning of these expectations was that the RNs are like a captain in providing care, but at the same time, fellow workers.Conclusion. When the RNs do not meet the NAs expectations, there is a risk of conflict and therefore also a risk that an unsafe environment being created when caring for older people.
Engaging older people with dementia in research: myth or possibility
Authors: Cowdell Fiona 
Published: February 2008

Aim. The aim of this paper was to explore a range of strategies that were used to enable older people with dementia to become actively engaged in research ‘with’ rather than ‘on’ them.Background. It is well recognized that the prevalence of dementia in older adults is increasing. This increase is reflected by a huge rise in the amount of research in this area. The biomedical model continues to dominate dementia research; however, the last two decades have seen an increased interest in studies that seek the views of people with dementia. A review of literature that has actively engaged people with dementia suggests that research can be conducted in such ways that are both ethical and meaningful. These studies demonstrate that this group has a valuable contribution to research studies.Discussion. This literature establishes that it is possible to engage people with dementia in research, the majority of studies have tended to focus on those in the earlier stages of the disease. This paper demonstrates, through the use of a set of criteria which were specifically developed to evaluate this type of work, how people even with advanced dementia were engaged in research about their experience of acute hospital care in ways that were both meaningful and ethical.Conclusion. This paper demonstrates that it is possible to actively engage older people with dementia, even those in the more advanced stages of the disease, in research. It is essential that researchers understand ethical principles and are able to apply these sensitively and flexibly.
Still going strong: perceptions of the body among 85‐year‐old people in Sweden
Authors: Santamäki Fischer Regina , Altin Elisabeth , Ragnarsson Carina , Lundman Berit 
Published: February 2008

Background. Studies on the lived experience of an aging body are scarce.Aim and objectives. The aim of this study was to illuminate the experiences of the body among elderly people.Design. This study is part of the Umeå 85+ Study, a cross‐sectional investigation into successful aging and threats against successful aging. The present study has an explorative design.Methods. The text from 40 thematic interviews with 85‐year‐olds was analysed using qualitative content analysis.Results. Two themes and seven subthemes were developed. The theme:Still going strongencompassed the subthemes of Exercising and being active, Caring for one’s body, Standing on one’s own two feet and Feeling healthy. The theme:Adapting to a failing bodyencompassed the subthemes of Not being able to perform activities and manage by oneself, Feeling fatigued and Compensating for bodily decline.Conclusions. The participants felt that the body was still a source of pleasure, in spite of its defects. Assistive devices were important for the maintenance of independence when the body declined.Relevance to clinical practice. When caring for elderly people with declining bodily function, it is important to have appropriate and well‐tested equipment in readiness.