bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Emotional and Relationship Problems in Peyronie's Disease
Authors: Smith James F. , Walsh Thomas J. , Conti Simon L. , Turek Paul , Lue Tom 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Peyronie's disease (PD) occurs in 3–9% of all men. Little is known regarding the specific psychological or emotional disruptions to sexuality associated with PD.

Aim
Our primary aim was to identify risk factors associated with psychosocial difficulties in men with PD.

Methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled patients from a single clinical practice. Detailed medical histories, physical examinations, and a PD-specific questionnaire were used to define clinical characteristics. Odds ratios (ORs) were used as a measure of association.

Main Outcome Measures
Emotional and relationship problems were determined by “yes” or “no” answers to two specific questions.

Results
The mean age of all PD patients (N = 245) was 54.4 years (range 19.4–75.6); 62% were married, and 59% presented within 2 years of disease onset. The overall prevalence of emotional and relationship problems attributable to PD was 81% and 54%, respectively. Among men who had relationship problems, the prevalence of emotional problems was 93%. In men with emotional problems due to PD, relationship issues were observed in 62%. Multivariable analysis revealed that emotional difficulties (OR 6.9, P &lt; 0.001) and ability to have intercourse (OR 0.4, P = 0.004) were independently associated with relationship problems. Relationship problems (OR 8.0, P &lt; 0.001) and loss of penile length (OR 2.7, P = 0.02) were significant independent predictors of emotional problems after adjustment for the ability to maintain erections, low libido, and penile pain.

Conclusions
Among men with PD, there is a very high prevalence of emotional and relationship problems. Loss of penile length and inability to have intercourse are strong predictors of these problems and as such make ideal targets for intervention. Medical and surgical therapies may enhance quality of life through their ability to improve sexual function. Further research will characterize the ways in which individual symptoms affect emotional and psychological well-being.
Male Partners of Women with Provoked Vestibulodynia: Attributions for Pain and Their Implications for Dyadic Adjustment, Sexual Satisfaction, and Psychological Distress
Authors: Jodoin Mélanie , Bergeron Sophie , Khalifé Samir , Dupuis Marie-José , Desrochers Geneviève , Leclerc Bianca 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Provoked vestibulodynia is a female genital pain condition that results in sexual dysfunction and impacts negatively on the couple. Although patients' causal attributions have been linked to worse psychosexual outcomes, no study has documented the male partners' perspective of this distressing problem and its potential influence on their psychosexual adaptation.

Aim
To identify whether male partners' attributions for vestibulodynia are possible predictors of their dyadic adjustment, sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, and psychological distress, as well as of women's pain and sexual functioning.

Methods
Thirty-eight women with vestibulodynia first completed measures of pain intensity and sexual functioning. Male partners responded to mailed questionnaires assessing their own attributions for genital pain as well as their psychological distress, relationship adjustment, sexual functioning, and sexual satisfaction.

Main Outcome Measures
Women completed the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Attributions of male partners were measured using an adapted version of the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ)—Partner Version. Men also filled out the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), the Sexual History Form (SHF), and the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction (GMSEX).

Results
All four negative attribution dimensions and higher levels of women's pain intensity successfully predicted increased psychological distress in male partners. Higher levels of both internal and global attributions were associated with men's poorer dyadic adjustment, whereas global and stable attributions were related to their lower sexual satisfaction. Attributions failed to significantly predict sexual functioning in male partners and women's pain and sexual functioning.

Conclusion
Evaluation and treatment of sexual pain problems should involve both partners and should explore the role of negative attributions.
Urogynecology and Sexual Function Research. How Are We Doing?
Authors: Lowenstein Lior , Pierce Kristen , Pauls Rachel 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) negatively impact health-related quality of life by affecting daily activities, body image, and sexual relationships.

Aim
To evaluate interest in sexual function (SF) research among urogynecologists.

Main Outcome Measures
The rate of abstracts presented at national meetings that dealt with SF over a 5-year period.

Methods
We reviewed all abstracts presented as an oral podium, moderated poster, and nonmoderated posters at meetings of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons (SGS) and American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) between 2002 and 2007. Abstracts involving SF outcomes were categorized according to conference year, type of pelvic floor dysfunction, and type of intervention. The Friedman test was used to compare groups with respect to percentages.

Results
During the study period, the number of abstracts related to SF increased significantly at both meetings. In 2002, there were no studies reported SF outcomes at the SGS meeting, and only 3% (four) of studies at AUGS meeting dealt with SF. Subsequently, in 2007, 10% (nine) and 9% (15) of the abstracts presented at the SGS and AUGS meetings, respectively, addressed SF (P &lt; 0.001 and P &lt; 0.003, respectively). The majority of the studies (60–70%) presented at both meetings investigated the relationship between SF and various surgical interventions for POP and stress UI.

Conclusion
Disorders of the female pelvic floor, such as UI and POP, can influence SF and satisfaction. Our study demonstrates that the awareness and interest of urogynecologists in this area have been increasing steadily. However, most pelvic floor research presentations still do not mention SF in their outcome. Since surgery alone cannot treat the majority of women with sexual dysfunction, there is a need for collaborative work among urogynecologists, gynecologists, female urologists, and sexual therapists.
Pelvic Ischemia Is Measurable and Symptomatic in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Novel Application of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: De Elise J.B. , Hou Ping , Estrera Anthony L. , Sdringola Stefano , Kramer Larry A. , Graves Daniel E. , Westney O Lenaine 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Pelvic ischemia can manifest as vascular-mediated erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and is associated with cardiac ischemia.

Aims
We aimed to develop a dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) technique to measure pelvic perfusion in benign tissue.

Methods
Nine men with coronary artery disease (CAD) were compared with nine without. Images were acquired at 3T with T1-weighted DCE-MRI for perfusion. Two-compartment pharmacokinetic modeling was employed to fit signal enhancement from prostate, corpus cavernosal, and spongiosal tissues.

Main Outcome Measures
Perfusion parameters and validated pelvic symptom scores were compared.

Results
The mean International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) total score was worse in CAD (41.3 ± 19.7) vs. controls (59.4 ± 14.9, P = 0.04). The IIEF erectile function domain score trended to worse in CAD (13.7 ± 9.7) vs. controls (22.0 ± 9.9, P = 0.09). The mean total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) trended to worse in CAD patients (13.2) than controls (7.0) (P = 0.10). Magnetic resonance perfusion analysis demonstrated lower mean maximal percent enhancement to P &lt; 0.0001 in the CAD group vs. controls for all the following comparisons: prostate in CAD (22.4 ± 0.4) vs. controls (26.3 ± 0.1); cavernosal tissue in CAD (9.3 ± 0.2) vs. controls (16.6 ± 0.8); and spongiosal tissue in CAD (20.6 ± 1.2) vs. controls (24.0 ± 0.6). Comparison of mean wash-in rates in the unit of 10−3/second was also highly significant (P &lt; 0.0001 for all tissues): prostate in CAD (574.0 ± 18.0) was lower than controls (1,035.0 ± 29.0); slower wash-in rates were seen in CAD cavernosal (58.0 ± 4.0 vs. 139.0 ± 9.0 in controls) and spongiosal tissue (134.0 ± 6.0 vs. 278.0 ± 12.0 in controls).

Conclusion
These initial data demonstrate that pelvic perfusion can be measured in noncancerous tissues, and that perfusion correlates with validated measures of ED and LUTS.
Erectile Dysfunction and Comorbidities in Aging Men: An Urban Cross-Sectional Study in Malaysia
Authors: Khoo Ee Ming , Tan Hui Meng , Low Wah Yun 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED), lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), cardiovascular disease (CVD), depression, and androgen deficiency are common conditions affecting aging men over 50 years. However, data were limited in developing countries.

Aims
To investigate the prevalence of ED, LUTS, chronic diseases, depression, androgen deficiency symptoms, and lifestyle of aging men in Malaysia, and to examine their associations with sociodemographic factors.

Main Outcome Measures
ED, LUTS, chronic diseases, depression, positive Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire

Methods
A randomized survey of 351 men using structured questionnaires consisting of self-reported medical conditions, International Index for Erectile Function-5, International Prostate Symptom Score, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, and St Louis University questionnaire for ADAM. Blood samples were taken for glucose, lipid, prostate specific antigen (PSA), and hormones.

Results
Mean age was 58 ± 7 years. Prevalence of ED was 70.1% (mild ED 32.8%, mild to moderate ED 17.7%, moderate ED 5.1%, and severe ED 14.5%). There were 29% of men with moderate and severe LUTS; 11.1% had severe depression; 25.4% scored positive on ADAM questionnaire; 30.2% self-reported hypertension, 21.4% self-reported diabetes mellitus; 10.8% self-reported coronary artery disease; 19.1% were smokers; and 34% consumed alcohol. There were 78.6% of men that are overweight and obese; 28.8% had a fasting blood sugar (FBS) ≥6.1 mmol/L, 70.1% had total cholesterol &gt;5.2 mmol/L, 19.1% had total testosterone ≥11.0 nmoL/L, 14.0% had calculated free testosterone &lt;0.0225 nmoL/dL; 4% had PSA &gt; 4 µg/L; 9.4% had insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level below age specific range, 5.1% had abnormal sex hormone binding globulin (&lt;15 nmoL/L and &gt;70 nmol/L). ED was found to be significantly associated with LUTS, depression (P &lt; 0.001 respectively). Similarly, LUTS was significantly associated with depression and ADAM questionnaire status (P &lt; 0.001 respectively); and ADAM questionnaire status was also significantly associated with depression (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
ED, LUTS, depression, and androgen deficiency symptoms are common in urban aging men. As these conditions are possibly interrelated, strategies for early disease prevention and detection are warranted when one disease presents.
Determinants of Sexual Satisfaction in a Sample of German Women
Authors: Philippsohn Susanne , Hartmann Uwe 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The literature provides little information about the meaning of sexual satisfaction in women despite debates on new concepts of female sexual experience and on modifications in the classification systems of female sexual dysfunction. Often, not even a differentiation is made between satisfaction with one’s sex life or sexual relationship in general and sexual satisfaction related to a specific sexual activity.

Aim
To differentiate between satisfaction with sex life in general and sexual satisfaction from sexual intercourse, petting, or masturbation. To gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and experience of sexual satisfaction derived from these specific sexual activities.

Methods
A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 102 German women of different age groups (median age group: 31–35) and education levels.

Main Outcome Measures
A multidimensional questionnaire addressing the subjective feelings that constitute sexual satisfaction in women.

Results
The analysis of sexual satisfaction from sexual intercourse yielded two dimensions: (i) feeling close to one’s partner; and (ii) positive bodily and emotional experiences. Regarding satisfaction with one’s sex life in general, 70% of the variance could be explained by sexual satisfaction through sexual intercourse and frequency of sexual intercourse. Sexual satisfaction and orgasm frequency proved to be interdependent but not identical.

Conclusions
As a contribution to a better understanding of the complex nature of female sexual satisfaction, our results indicate that sexual intercourse is a far more important activity and source of satisfaction in female sexual life than petting or masturbation.
Psychophysiological Assessment of Sexual Function in Women After Radiotherapy and Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study on Four Patients
Authors: Breukink Stephanie O. , Wouda Jan C. , Van Der Werf - Eldering Marieke J. , Van De Wiel Harry B.M. , Bouma Esther M.C. , Pierie Jean Pierre-EN , Wiggers Theo , Meijerink Jeroen W.J.H.J. , Weijmar Schultz Willibrord C.M. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The potential contribution of psychological and anatomical changes to sexual dysfunction in female patients following short-term preoperative radiotherapy (5 × 5 Gy) and total mesorectal excision (TME) is not clear.

Aim
In this study we assessed female sexual dysfunction in patients who underwent radiotherapy and TME for rectal cancer.

Main Outcome Measures
Genital arousal was assessed using vaginal videoplethysmography.

Methods
Sexual functioning was examined in four patients who had rectal cancer and underwent radiotherapy and TME. All investigations were done at least 15 months after treatment. The results were compared with an age-matched group of 18 healthy women.

Results
The patients and healthy controls showed comparable changes in vaginal vasocongestion during sexual arousal, though three out of four patients showed a lower mean spectral tension (MST) of the vaginal pulse compared with healthy controls. Subjective sexual arousal was equivalent between the two groups.

Conclusions
In this study the changes of genital and subjective sexual arousal after erotic stimulus condition between patients and healthy controls were not different, though lower MST of the vaginal pulse was found in three out of four patients compared with healthy women. Additional work, however, must be performed to clarify the mechanisms of sexual dysfunction following treatment of rectal cancer.
Abscisic Acid‐mediated Epigenetic Processes in Plant Development and Stress Responses
Authors: Chinnusamy Viswanathan , Gong Zhizhong , Zhu Jian‐Kang 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates diverse plant processes, growth and development under non‐stress conditions and plays a pivotal role in abiotic stress tolerance. Although ABA‐regulated genetic processes are well known, recent discoveries reveal that epigenetic processes are an integral part of ABA‐regulated processes. Epigenetic mechanisms, namely, histone modifications and cytosine DNA methylation‐induced modification of genome give rise to epigenomes, which add diversity and complexity to the genome of organisms. Histone monoubiquitination appears to regulate ABA levels in developing seeds through histone H2B monoubiquitination. ABA and H2B ubiquitination dependent chromatin remodeling regulate seed dormancy. Transcription factor networks necessary for seed maturation are repressed by histone deacetylases (HDACs)‐dependent and PICKLE chromatin remodeling complexes (CRCs), whereas ABA induces the expression of these genes directly or through repression of HDACs. Abiotic stress‐induced ABA regulates stomatal response and stress‐responsive gene expression through HDACs and HOS15‐dependent histone deacetylation, as well as through the ATP‐dependent SWITCH/SUCROSE NONFERMENTING CRC. ABA also probably regulates the abiotic stress response through DNA methylation and short interfering RNA pathways. Further studies on ABA‐regulated epigenome will be of immense use to understand the plant development, stress adaptation and stress memory.
How Plants Cope with Cadmium: Staking All on Metabolism and Gene Expression
Authors: DalCorso Giovanni , Farinati Silvia , Maistri Silvia , Furini Antonella 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Environmental pollution is one of the major problems for human health. Toxic heavy metals are normally present as soil constituents or can also be spread out in the environment by human activity and agricultural techniques. Soil contamination by heavy metals as cadmium, highlights two main aspects: on one side they interfere with the life cycle of plants and therefore reduce crop yields, and on the other hand, once adsorbed and accumulated into the plant tissues, they enter the food chain poisoning animals and humans. Considering this point of view, understanding the mechanism by which plants handle heavy metal exposure, in particular cadmium stress, is a primary goal of plant‐biotechnology research or plant breeders whose aim is to create plants that are able to recover high amounts of heavy metals, which can be used for phytoremediation, or identify crop varieties that do not accumulate toxic metal in grains or fruits. In this review we focus on the main symptoms of cadmium toxicity both on root apparatus and shoots. We elucidate the mechanisms that plants activate to prevent absorption or to detoxify toxic metal ions, such as synthesis of phytochelatins, metallothioneins and enzymes involved in stress response. Finally we consider new plant‐biotechnology applications that can be applied for phytoremediation.
Drought Stress and Preharvest Aflatoxin Contamination in Agricultural Commodity: Genetics, Genomics and Proteomics
Authors: Guo Baozhu , Chen Zhi‐Yuan , Lee R. Dewey , Scully Brian T. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Throughout the world, aflatoxin contamination is considered one of the most serious food safety issues concerning health. Chronic problems with preharvest aflatoxin contamination occur in the southern US, and are particularly troublesome in corn, peanut, cottonseed, and tree nuts. Drought stress is a major factor to contribute to preharvest aflatoxin contamination. Recent studies have demonstrated higher concentration of defense or stress‐related proteins in corn kernels of resistant genotypes compared with susceptible genotypes, suggesting that preharvest field condition (drought or not drought) influences gene expression differently in different genotypes resulting in different levels of “end products”: PR(pathogenesis‐related) proteins in the mature kernels. Because of the complexity of Aspergillus‐plant interactions, better understanding of the mechanisms of genetic resistance will be needed using genomics and proteomics for crop improvement. Genetic improvement of crop resistance to drought stress is one component and will provide a good perspective on the efficacy of control strategy. Proteomic comparisons of corn kernel proteins between resistant or susceptible genotypes to Aspergillus flavus infection have identified stress‐related proteins along with antifungal proteins as associated with kernel resistance. Gene expression studies in developing corn kernels are in agreement with the proteomic studies that defense‐related genes could be upregulated or downregulated by abiotic stresses.
Is Chloroplast Movement in Tobacco Plants Influenced Systemically after Local Illumination or Burning Stress?
Authors: Nauš Jan , Rolencová Monika , Hlaváčková Vladimíra 
Published: October 2008

Abstract Chloroplast movement has been studied in many plants mainly in relation to the local light, mechanical or stress effects. Here we investigated possible systemic responses of chloroplast movement to local light or burning stress in tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun). Chloroplast movement was measured using two independent methods: one with a SPAD 502 Chlorophyll meter and another by collimated transmittance at a selected wavelength (676 nm). A sensitive periodic movement of chloroplasts was used in high or low (2 000 or 50 μmol/m2 per s photosynthetically active radiation, respectively) cold white light with periods of 50 or 130 min. Measurements were carried out in the irradiated area, in the non‐irradiated area of the same leaf or in the leaf located on the stem below the irradiated or burned one. No significant changes in systemic chloroplast movement in non‐irradiated parts of the leaf and in the non‐treated leaf were detected. Our data indicate that chloroplast movement in tobacco is dependent dominantly on the intensity and spectral composition of the incident light and on the local stimulation and state of the target tissue. No systemic signal was strong enough to evoke a detectable systemic response in chloroplast movement in distant untreated tissues of tobacco plants.
Transcriptional Regulation and Signaling in Phosphorus Starvation: What About Legumes?
Authors: Valdés‐López Oswaldo , Hernández Georgina 
Published: October 2008

Abstract The availability of soil phosphorus (P), an essential element, is one of the most important requirements for plant growth and crop production. The morphological and physiological adaptations evolved by plants to cope with P starvation have been well characterized. Several P deficiency plant responses are regulated at the transcriptional level. Microarray analysis has generated valuable information on global gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana grown under P‐stress. Despite the identification of P responsive genes, little is known about the regulation of gene expression changes. Four transcription factors, PHR1, WRKY75, ZAT6 and BHLH32, involved in P starvation signaling have been characterized in Arabidopsis, and signaling pathways are deciphered. This review analyzes the current knowledge of transcriptional regulation of P starvation responses in Arabidopsis vis‐à‐vis legumes such as lupine, common bean and Medicago truncatula. The knowledge on regulatory and signaling mechanisms involved in P acquisition and use in legumes will be useful for improvement of these crops, which account for a large proportion of the world's crop production, providing good nutritional quality feed and food.