bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: State of the Science Symposium on Aging and Developmental Disabilities1
Authors: Heller Tamar , Janicki Matthew P. , Marks Beth , Hammel Joy , Factor Alan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe overall goal of the 2007 State of the Science Symposium on Aging with Developmental Disabilities: Charting Lifespan Trajectories and Supportive Environments for Healthy Community Living (held in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.) was to increase the understanding and definition of how to improve the health, psychosocial well‐being, and community participation of older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The symposium consisted of four main tracks (neurodevelopmental conditions; health care services, health promotion needs, and health literacy; family support and intergenerational caregiving; and environmental barriers and supports to community living). The symposium's participants recommended a greater focus on a research agenda that would serve to increase the knowledge on the lifespan trajectory for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and on identifying methods for developing and assessing effectiveness of practices and policies for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and their service providers.
(TTA)n Polymorphism in 3‐Hydroxy‐3‐Methylglutaryl‐Coenzyme A and Response to Atorvastatin in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Noriega Viviana , Pennanen Christian , Sánchez María Pilar , Chiong Mario , Llancaqueo Marcelo , Lavandero Sergio , Prieto Juan Carlos 
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  3‐Hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitors have been used clinically for lowering total and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Interindividual pharmacological differences observed with this treatment have been attributed to genetic differences. The aim of this study was to assess the association in the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction by atorvastatin and (TTA)n polymorphism in the 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase gene in patients with coronary artery disease. Changes in total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and free F2‐isoprostanes were also evaluated. In an open study, patients received 40 mg atorvastatin daily for 8 weeks. Genotyping was done through polymerase chain reaction. The genotype distribution of the 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (TTA)n polymorphism was: >10/>10 in 22 out of 64 patients (34%), >10/10 in 14 out of 64 patients (22%) and 10/10 in 28 out of 64 patients (44%). The reduction of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by atorvastatin was not different between allelic variants (TTA)n repeat polymorphism. Reductions in high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein were observed in atorvastatin‐treated patients with alleles >10/>10 and 10/10. Free F2‐isoprostanes and total cholesterol were also significantly lower after treatment for all alleles, irrespective of type of polymorphism. In conclusion, the changes induced by atorvastatin treatment on low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and free F2‐isoprostane concentrations were not related to the presence of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase polymorphism (TTA)n.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors and Erectile Dysfunction: The Connection
Authors: Erdemir Fikret , Harbin Andrew , Hellstrom Wayne JG 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common problem affecting middle-aged and elderly men. First-line medical therapy includes α 1blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs), such as finasteride and dutasteride. 5ARI use has been associated with adverse sexual outcomes, including erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD), and decreased libido.

Aim
To clarify the association between sexual adverse effects (AEs) and 5ARIs through review of literature concerning 5ARIs and to review the proposed mechanisms of these effects.

Methods
A comprehensive literature review, using MEDLINE and PUBMED search engines, was conducted for all publications concerning 5ARIs and sexual AEs.

Main Outcome Measure
Sexual adverse effects, such as ED, EjD, and decreased libido, were the measured outcomes of this literature review.

Results
Sexual AEs are reported in clinical trials at rates of 2.1% to 38%. The most common sexual AE is ED, followed by EjD and decreased libido. These effects occur early in therapy and attenuate over time. A proposed mechanism for sexual dysfunction involves decreased nitric oxide synthase activity due to decreased dihydrotestosterone.

Conclusion
The connection between 5ARIs and sexual dysfunction is apparent upon review of the literature. Though theories have been proposed, little is known about the exact mechanisms behind 5ARI-related sexual dysfunction. Since the connection between 5ARIs and sexual AEs is established in the literature, future research should be directed toward deciphering the pathophysiologic mechanisms. When more basic science knowledge is attained in this area, the focus can shift toward prevention and treatment.
Eastern Approaches for Enhancing Women's Sexuality: Mindfulness, Acupuncture, and Yoga (CME)
Authors: Brotto Lori A. , Krychman Michael , Jacobson Pamela 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionA significant proportion of women report unsatisfying sexual experiences despite no obvious difficulties in the traditional components of sexual response (desire, arousal, and orgasm). Some suggest that nongoal-oriented spiritual elements to sexuality might fill the gap that more contemporary forms of treatment are not addressing.AimEastern techniques including mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga, are Eastern techniques, which have been applied to women's sexuality. Here, we review the literature on their efficacy.MethodsOur search revealed two empirical studies of mindfulness, two of acupuncture, and one of yoga in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.Main Outcome MeasureLiterature review of empirical sources.ResultsMindfulness significantly improves several aspects of sexual response and reduces sexual distress in women with sexual desire and arousal disorders. In women with provoked vestibulodynia, acupuncture significantly reduces pain and improves quality of life. There is also a case series of acupuncture significantly improving desire among women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Although yoga has only been empirically examined and found to be effective for treating sexual dysfunction (premature ejaculation) in men, numerous historical books cite benefits of yoga for women's sexuality.ConclusionsThe empirical literature supporting Eastern techniques, such as mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga, for women's sexual complaints and loss of satisfaction is sparse but promising. Future research should aim to empirically support Eastern techniques in women's sexuality.
Optimization of Full‐Scale Permanganate ISCO System Operation: Laboratory and Numerical Studies
Authors: Heiderscheidt Jeffrey L. , Crimi Michelle , Siegrist Robert L. , Singletary Michael A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractLaboratory characterization studies, one‐dimensional flow‐through studies, and numerical model simulations were conducted to examine site conditions and system features that may have adversely affected in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) performance at the Naval Training Center’s (NTC) Operable Unit 4 located in Orlando, Florida, and to identify potential ISCO system modifications to achieve the desired remediation performance. At the NTC site, ISCO was implemented using vertical injection wells to deliver potassium permanganate into a ground water zone for treatment of tetrachloroethylene and its breakdown products. However, oxidant distribution was much more limited than anticipated. Characterization studies revealed that the ground water zone being treated by ISCO was very fine sand with a small effective particle size and low uniformity coefficient, along with a high organic carbon content, high natural oxidant demand (NOD), and a high ground water dissolved solids concentration, all of which contributed to full‐scale ISCO application difficulties. These site conditions contributed to injection well permeability loss and an inability to achieve the design oxidant injection flow rate, limiting the actual oxidant distribution at the site. Flow‐through experiments demonstrated that more favorable oxidant delivery and distribution conditions are enabled by applying a lower oxidant concentration at a faster delivery rate for a greater number of pore volumes. Numerical simulations, run for a variety of conditions (injection/extraction well flow rates, injected oxidant concentration, amount of NOD present, and NOD oxidation rate), also revealed that low–oxidant concentration injection at a high flow rate is a more effective method to deliver the required mass of oxidant to the target treatment zone.
Long‐Term Leakage of DDT and Other Pesticides from a Tree Nursery Landfill
Authors: Haarstad K. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA landfill consisting mainly of organic waste from a tree nursery and containing an estimated 900 kg of DDT (1,1‐(2,2,2‐trichloroethylidene)bis(4‐chlorobenzene) has been monitored since 1994. Downstream ground water was sampled from four wells. More than 10 years of monitoring of two of the wells is presented in the report, in addition to sampling of the waste. A total of seven pesticides were detected in the ground water. In addition to DDT, there were two other insecticides and four fungicides occurring in the ground water downstream of the landfill. The maximum concentration of pesticides was 3.76 μg/L of which 2.70 μg/L was permethrin in October 2000. The maximum concentration of DDT in the ground water was 0.52 μg/L, indicating that the leachate DDT concentrations probably exceed the water solubility of the compound. The investigation shows that the practice of establishing local landfills of waste from nurseries is environmentally unsafe. In 2002, the landfill was covered with clayey soil and vegetated. It seems that this has stabilized the pesticide concentrations in the ground water and removed the occurrence of extreme values. However, the vegetated soil layer has not been able to prevent the leakage of pesticides to the ground water, still present 5 years later.
Diagnosing vocal cord dysfunction in young athletes
Authors: Rhodes Rea Kae 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPurpose: To provide an overview of the pathophysiology, steps in making a diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment methods for vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) in young athletes.Data sources: Review of published literature about VCD and exercise‐induced asthma (EIA) and a case study.Conclusions: The clinical presentation of VCD is often confusing. A young athlete who is having difficulty “catching his breath” may have more than EIA. Young athletes who have been previously diagnosed with EIA may actually have VCD.Implications for practice: The ability to correctly differentiate VCD from other causes of respiratory distress can lead to accurate interventions, save precious time in an acute situation, and promote long‐term control of this condition.
Saying “no” to professional recommendations: Client values, beliefs, and evidence‐based practice
Authors: Michaels Cathy , McEwen Marylyn Morris , McArthur Donna Behler 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this article is to explore the phenomenon of saying “no” to secondary prevention recommended by healthcare providers.Data sources: Extracted findings from two qualitative studies in which participants have said “no” to provider recommendations for secondary prevention, specifically screening mammograms or treatment for latent tuberculosis infection, are discussed.Conclusions: Although these two studies focus on different aspects of secondary prevention, both studies emphasize how client values and beliefs impact health decisions. In evidence‐based practice (EBP), both scientific evidence and client values and beliefs must be considered. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have the skill set and are in a position to assist clients to mediate between their values and beliefs and current scientific evidence.Implications for practice: Several findings from the two qualitative studies are relevant for practice: qualitative studies provide information about values and beliefs for EBP, and findings from these particular qualitative studies demonstrated that women were protective about their health even though their values and beliefs did not align with current scientific evidence. Through client narratives, NPs can facilitate clients aligning personal values and beliefs with current scientific evidence in relationship to caring for self.
Only in Congenial Soil: The Microenvironment in Brain Tumorigenesis
Authors: Rubin Joshua B. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMicroenvironmental or stromal influences on tumor formation and growth have become an active area of research. The use of mouse models of human cancers to study the role of the microenvironment will yield unique insights into this aspect of tumor biology and should identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of human cancers. In the following, the author review the natural history of two pediatric brain tumors, optic pathway glioma in neurofibromatosis type 1 and medulloblastoma in Gorlin's Syndrome, whose patterns of growth suggest that microenvironmental factors are essential for tumor formation. Each of these brain tumors is faithfully modeled in genetically engineered mice and the use of these mouse models to investigate the role of the microenvironment should yield exciting new insights into this important field of study.
Brain Tumor Susceptibility: the Role of Genetic Factors and Uses of Mouse Models to Unravel Risk
Authors: Reilly Karlyne M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBrain tumors are relatively rare but deadly cancers, and present challenges in the determination of risk factors in the population. These tumors are inherently difficult to cure because of their protected location in the brain, with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy options carrying potentially lasting morbidity for patients and incomplete cure of the tumor. The development of methods to prevent or detect brain tumors at an early stage is extremely important to reduce damage to the brain from the tumor and the therapy. Developing effective prevention or early detection methods requires a deep understanding of the risk factors for brain tumors. This review explores the difficulties in assessing risk factors in rare diseases such as brain tumors, and discusses how mouse models of cancer can aid in a better understanding of genetic risk factors for brain tumors.
Evaluation of anterior segment parameter changes using the Pentacam after uneventful phacoemulsification
Authors: Doganay Selim , Bozgul Firat Penpegul , Emre Sinan , Yologlu Saim 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  This study set out to evaluate the influences of uneventful phacoemulsification on the anterior segment parameters obtained with the Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera and intraocular pressure (IOP).Methods:  A total of 42 eyes of 34 patients (26 men, eight women) were evaluated preoperatively, and at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively with the Pentacam. Intraocular pressure was measured with the Goldmann applanation tonometer. The non‐parametric paired t‐test was used to compare preoperative and 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐month postoperative measurements of anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA) width, central corneal thickness (CCT), the central 3‐, 5‐ and 7‐mm corneal volume (CV), pupil size, and IOP. Pearson’s correlation test was used to evaluate the relationships between IOP and ACD, ACV and ACA width.Results:  The differences between ACD, ACV, ACA and IOP values taken preoperatively and those taken postoperatively at 1, 3 and 6 months were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The differences between CCT, central 3‐, 5‐ and 7‐mm CV, and pupil size measurements taken preoperatively and those taken postoperatively at 1, 3 and 6 months were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The decrease in IOP was not correlated with the changes in ACD, ACV and ACA (p > 0.05).Conclusions:  Uneventful phacoemulsification significantly reduced IOP, increased ACD and ACV, and widened the ACA. However, alterations in CV, CCT and pupil size values were not statistically significant. Alterations in ACD, ACV, ACA and IOP remain stable after the first month of surgery.
Changes in optic nerve head blood flow induced by the combined therapy of latanoprost and beta blockers
Authors: Sugiyama Tetsuya , Kojima Shota , Ishida Osamu , Ikeda Tsunehiko 
Published: December 2008

Abstract.Purpose To assess the effects of combined therapy with latanoprost and beta blockers on optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow in normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG) patients.Methods Intraocular pressure (IOP), ONH blood flow (laser speckle flowgraphy) and blood pressure were measured in 15 eyes of 15 NTG patients (41–76 years old) before treatment or after a 1‐month washout period. Similar measurements were performed at 2 months after the commencement of treatment with latanoprost and at 3 months after the start of combined therapy of latanoprost with 0.5% timolol or 2% carteolol in a crossover study using the envelope method. Measurement was carried out 2–3 hr after the morning application of eyedrops.Results Latanoprost decreased IOP with no significant change in ONH blood flow. Concomitant use of timolol or carteolol further decreased IOP with no significant difference between these two drugs. Only the combined therapy of latanoprost with carteolol significantly (p < 0.01) increased ONH blood flow by approximately 10%, compared to initial levels. There was no significant change in mean blood pressure, ocular perfusion pressure or pulse rate as a result of these therapies.Conclusion: Topical latanoprost–carteolol combined therapy increased ONH blood flow in NTG patients, unlike latanoprost–timolol therapy. Because ocular perfusion pressure was unchanged, direct vasodilative effects were suspected as the mechanism.
A Bioinformatician's Guide to Metagenomics
Authors: Kunin Victor , Copeland Alex , Lapidus Alla , Mavromatis Konstantinos , Hugenholtz Philip 
Published: December 2008

SUMMARYAs random shotgun metagenomic projects proliferate and become the dominant source of publicly available sequence data, procedures for the best practices in their execution and analysis become increasingly important. Based on our experience at the Joint Genome Institute, we describe the chain of decisions accompanying a metagenomic project from the viewpoint of the bioinformatic analysis step by step. We guide the reader through a standard workflow for a metagenomic project beginning with presequencing considerations such as community composition and sequence data type that will greatly influence downstream analyses. We proceed with recommendations for sampling and data generation including sample and metadata collection, community profiling, construction of shotgun libraries, and sequencing strategies. We then discuss the application of generic sequence processing steps (read preprocessing, assembly, and gene prediction and annotation) to metagenomic data sets in contrast to genome projects. Different types of data analyses particular to metagenomes are then presented, including binning, dominant population analysis, and gene-centric analysis. Finally, data management issues are presented and discussed. We hope that this review will assist bioinformaticians and biologists in making better-informed decisions on their journey during a metagenomic project.
UPPER LIMB MORBIDITY AS A DIRECT CONSEQUENCE OF INTRAVENOUS DRUG ABUSE
Authors: Buckland Aaron , Barton Richard , McCombe David 
Published: December 2008

Aim: To quantify and qualify the types of upper limb injuries admitted to hospital as a direct result of illicit intravenous drug use (IVDU).Method: A retrospective case series identified all inpatient admissions for upper limb injuries as a direct result of IVDU over a two-year period. The type of injury, procedures, complications, co-morbidities, relevant investigations and other notable events during admission and follow-up were identified.Results: Thirty-six people were admitted with upper limb injuries. Infective presentations (abscess, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis) were most common. Other injuries were due to accidental intra-arterial injection, soft-tissue necrosis and compartment syndrome.Microbiological analysis from abscesses showed a high frequency of multiple organisms, and most commonly identified Streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and anaerobes.These patients had high rates of hepatitis C, malnutrition, psychiatric and behavioural co-morbidities; 77% were lost to follow-up.Conclusion: The most common injuries from IVDU are infections, and ischaemia. High rates of concurrent medical and psychosocial co-morbidities add further challenges to effective patient care.
IMAGE TRANSMISSION THROUGH MC-CDMA CHANNEL: AN IMAGE QUALITY EVALUATION
Authors: OH TICK HUI , TAN KIM GEOK 
Published: December 2008

The multicarrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) system is considered as an advancement in mobile communication system. Seen as the next generation communication technology after the 3G, signals can be easily transmitted and received using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) device without increasing the transmitter and receiver complexities. Besides, the MC-CDMA system provides good spectral efficiency. If the number of sub-carriers and the spacing between sub-carriers are chosen properly, it is unlikely that all the sub-carriers will be in deep fade. Thus, it provides frequency diversity. Frequency diversity means that frequencies separated by more than the coherence bandwidth of the channel will be uncorrelated and thus will not experience the same fades. Three types of MC-CDMA systems were proposed — MC-CDMA, multicarrier DS-CDMA and multitone CDMA. In MC-CDMA systems, the transmitter spreads the user data over different sub-carriers using spreading code (Hadamard Walsh code) in frequency domain. The multicarrier DS-CDMA system spreads the S/P converted data streams using spreading code in time domain. This scheme is proposed for uplink communication because this scheme can provide quasi-synchronization. In the MT-CDMA scheme, the S/P converted data stream is spread in time domain so that the spectrum of each sub-carrier prior to spreading operation can satisfy the orthogonality condition with minimum frequency separation. Thus, the spectrum of each sub-carrier no longer satisfies the orthogonality condition. MC-CDMA uses longer spreading code as compared to other schemes and thus accommodates more users. The JPEG2000 still image compression is a new image compression technique which is optimized not only for efficiency, but also for scalability and interoperability in network and mobile environment. This standard can provide superior low bit rate performance and continuous-tone and bi-level compression. Because of the robustness to bit errors, JPEG2000 is widely used in wireless communication channel.