bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Legitimacy‐as‐Feeling: How Affect Leads to Vertical Legitimacy Spillovers in Transnational Governance
Authors: Haack Patrick , Pfarrer Michael D. , Scherer Andreas Georg 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTransnational governance schemes (TGSs) are interorganizational networks of public and/or private actors that jointly regulate global public policy issues, such as the prevention of human rights violations and the protection of ecosystems. Considering that TGSs mainly address issues of public concern, the general public represents a major source of legitimacy in transnational governance. We theorize how members of the general public, whom we conceptualize as intuiters, apply heuristics to bestow legitimacy on TGSs. Given the difficulty of assessing TGSs, we argue that intuiters draw on affect‐based responses towards a TGS's better‐known network affiliates, such as participating business firms, to judge the legitimacy of the TGS as a whole. This substitution produces a ‘vertical’ legitimacy spillover. More specifically, we examine the heuristic process of judgment underlying vertical spillovers in TGSs and derive implications for the legitimacy construct and the analysis of spillover phenomena.
The STAGE Technique (Superficial Tunica Albuginea Geometric-Based Excision) for the Correction of Biplanar Congenital Penile Curvature
Authors: Kuehhas Franklin Emmanuel , Egydio Paulo Henrique 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Congenital penile curvature can present with both uniplanar and biplanar defects, the latter of which entails more technically demanding surgery.

Aim
The study aims to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of our novel superficial tunica albuginea geometric-based excision (STAGE) technique based on multiple, small, superficial elliptical tunica albuginea excisions and geometrical principles for correcting biplanar congenital penile curvature.

Methods
The study represents a retrospective analysis of 145 patients with disabling congenital biplanar ventrolateral (n = 131; 90.3%) or dorsolateral (n = 14; 9.7%) curvature of the penis, which underwent stepwise STAGEs between June 2006 and March 2012. Multiple 3-mm elliptical excisions of the superficial tunica albuginea were performed without compromising the inner layer of the tunica albuginea, thus resulting in a stepwise correction of the curvature and improved distribution of the bending force of the curvature.

Main Outcome Measures
Functional outcome regarding penile straightening, erectile function, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Furthermore, clinical data concerning the early postoperative outcome were analyzed retrospectively.

Results
The mean follow-up period was 21 months (range 6–62 months). Mean age at surgery was 23.8 years (range 15–47 years). Mean degree of curvature was 65° (range 45–90°). There was no recurrent curvature. Complete correction of the penile axis was obtained in 98.6% (n = 143). No change in erectile function according to International Index of Erectile Function-5 score was visible (P = 0.748). The mean loss of penile length was 0.7 cm (range 0.3–0.9 cm). The excellent functional outcomes resulted in a high level of patient satisfaction, including improved self-esteem, libido, sexual intercourse, and psychosexual relief. Two patients had a residual curvature of up to 30° requiring a reoperation. No intra- or postoperative complications were encountered.

Conclusions
We recommend the STAGE technique as the optimal surgical intervention for correcting both uniplanar and biplanar congenital deviations.
Evaluation of Sexual Functions of the Pregnant Women
Authors: Tosun Güleroğlu Funda , Gördeles Beşer Nalan 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Pregnant women may avoid sexual intercourse or may unavoidably undergo problems in their sexual lives because of various complaints they suffer from.

Aim
The study aims to evaluate sexual functions of the pregnant women and to determine the factors that negatively affect their sexual health.

Methods
This is a descriptive research study conducted to evaluate sexual functions of pregnant women. Three hundred six pregnant women admitted to the Women Birth Polyclinics within the Women Birth and Children's Hospital between October 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011 were included in the study. The data were gathered using a personal information form and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Kruskall–Wallis variance analysis and Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for the statistical analysis.

Main Outcomes Measures
The main outcome is an assessment of the FSFI domains in pregnancy and relationships between pregnancy complaints and sexual functions.

Results
The results indicated that the mean age of the pregnant women was 25.6 ± 5.4 and their length of marriage was 5.93 ± 5.4 years. The study revealed that 88.9% of the pregnant women had sexual desire disorders, 86.9% had sexual arousal disorder, 42.8% had lubrication disorders, 69.6% had orgasm disorders, and 48% had sexual satisfaction disorders.
Statistically significant differences were found in correlations between FSFI medians and the characteristics of the pregnant women in terms of age, educational level, length and type of marriage, and gestational week. There were also statistically significant differences in correlations between the pregnancy characteristics in terms of backache, constipation, respiratory difficulty, leg ache, and cramp problems (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
It was determined that the sexual lives of the pregnant women were negatively affected not only by factors such as old age, low educational status, arranged marriages lasting for more than 10 years, undesired pregnancy, and gestational week but also by health problems such as backache, constipation, respiratory difficulty, leg ache, and cramp problems.
History of Syphilis: Between Poetry and Medicine
Authors: Maatouk Ismael , Moutran Roy 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Introduction
The origin of syphilis is a matter of debate and two “historical” hypotheses explain its emergence.

Aim
We present here a review about syphilis history.

Methods
A review of literature about syphilis history using the following keywords: “syphilis,” “history,” and “treponema.”

Results
The Columbian opinion is that syphilis came from the New World (America) with the crews of Christopher Columbus's fleet. As Naples fell before the invading army of Charles the VIII in 1495, a plague broke out among the French leader's troops. When the army disbanded shortly after the campaign, the troops, composed largely of mercenaries, returned to their homes and disseminated the disease across Europe. Indeed, there were reports that indigenous peoples of the New World suffered from a similar condition.

Conclusion
Regardless of the Columbian and the Pre-Columbian theories, syphilis remains an international disease, growing nowadays with HIV infection. Despite history, politics, paleopathology and molecular approaches, the origin of the disease remains an enigma.
Counseling Reduces HPV Persistence in Coinfected Couples
Authors: Garolla Andrea , Pizzol Damiano , Vasoin Francesca , Barzon Luisa , Bertoldo Alessandro , Foresta Carlo 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a very common sexually transmitted disease. A variable concordance and clearance time between partners of infected heterosexual couples have been shown.

Aim
Aims of this study were evaluation of prevalent sites of HPV infection, frequency, genotype concordance, and course of viral infection in counseled and non-counseled infected heterosexual couples.

Methods
Prospective, controlled study among 74 consecutive HPV-infected heterosexual couples seeking their first medical intervention for sexually transmitted infections.

Main Outcome Measures
HPV detection and genotyping were performed at enrollment and during 24 months follow-up by polymerase chain reaction and INNO-LiPA assay in samples obtained from both partners. Samples were collected in males from coronal sulcus, urethra, semen, and oropharynx, and from cervix and oropharynx in females. Moreover, HPV fluorescence in situ hybridization was analyzed on semen samples.

Results
The study was completed by 49 couples. The specific HPV-type concordance among infected couples was 69.4%. Among couples who declared performing oral sex, oropharyngeal infection was 22.7% of couples, and was more prevalent in females than males (18.1% and 4.5%, respectively). Thereafter, couples were randomly divided in two groups: a control group of 24 couples followed up for HPV-related lesions, and an experimental group counseled of 25 couples followed up for HPV-related lesions and counseled to avoid known risk factors for HPV infection. In patients who received counseling, the number of infected sites diminished faster during the follow-up and a higher number of couples had clearance. Only in the counseled group were there no infected couples at the end of the 24-month follow-up period.

Conclusions
This study confirms that HPV infection affects many sites in both males and females and shows a significant prevalence of oropharyngeal infection in couples performing oral sex. Targeted counseling in heterosexual couples appears to reduce the number of infected sites and to speed up viral clearance.
Metformin inhibits hepatitis B virus protein production and replication in human hepatoma cells
Authors: Xun Y.‐H. , Zhang Y.‐J. , Pan Q.‐C. , Mao R.‐C. , Qin Y.‐L. , Liu H.‐Y. , Zhang Y.‐M. , Yu Y.‐S. , Tang Z.‐H. , Lu M.‐J. , Zang G.‐Q. , Zhang J.‐M. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryHepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) plays an important role in maintaining the tolerance and may interfere with host innate and adaptive immune responses; therefore, novel therapeutic strategies to reduce HBsAg loads in patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) are emerging as an attractive but challenging issue. Metformin could regulate hepatic metabolism while the latter interacts with HBV infection. We hypothesized that metformin could affect HBsAg expression and HBV replication and may work synergistically when combined with current antivirals. In our study, a notably inhibitory effect on HBsAg production, as well as a moderate inhibition in HBV replication and HBeAg expression was observed following metformin treatment. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) for extracellular HBsAg and intracellular HBsAg in HBV‐producing HepG2.2.15 cells was 2.85 mm and 2.75 mm, respectively, with a similarly selective index of about 18. When administered in combination, metformin enhanced the inhibitory effects of interferon‐α2b on HBsAg expression and HBV replication and provided a complimentary role in HBsAg expression for lamivudine (LMV). This novel action of metformin derives partially from its inhibition on multiple HBV cis‐acting elements. By the virtues of preferably hepatocyte distribution and safety profile, collectively, our results suggest that metformin would be potentially clinically helpful as an HBsAg production inhibitor.
Botulinum Toxin A Intradetrusor Injection for Treating Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity, A Single Centre Experience
Authors: MOSLI Hisham A. , AWAD Mohannad A. , REZK Mamdouh M. , ALSABBAN Abdulrahman E. , TAYIB Abdulmalik M. S. , ABDULWAHAB Mohammed H. , ASSIRI Moayad A. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Botulinum Toxin A (BoNTA) intradetrusor injections in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity.MethodsAll patients provided clinical history and voiding diary, submitted to clinical examination, urine culture; serum creatinine; imaging, including plain abdominal X‐rays, abdomino‐pelvic ultrasonography and voiding cystourethrogram; and urodynamic tests (CMG) . They were managed by intradetrusor injections of BoNTA. For the typical patient, 300 units of BoNTA were injected through 30 injections of 10 u/mL intradetrusally into equally spaced sites of the bladder wall, excluding the trigone, under cystoscopic guidance. Patients were commenced clean intermittent catheterizations (CICs) every 4–6 h post‐injection. Follow up included voiding diaries, abdomino‐pelvic ultrasonography, serum creatinine and CMG, were completed for all patients at 6 and 12 weeks. This study used IBM SPSS Version 20.0 for statistical analysis.ResultsForty‐five patients (28 males and 17 females) with a mean age of 19.6 years were subjected to BoNTA intradetrusor injections. A good clinical response (dry patient either completely or more than 50% of the period between CICs) was observed in 68.9 and 66.7% of the patients after 6 and 12 weeks of follow up, respectively. In the group that responded well, the mean bladder volume increased post‐injection by 48.2% and the mean maximum intravesical pressure decreased to 35.3 cm H2O, a 33.4% improvement. No patients had side‐effects related to BoNTA or to the procedure, and no patients experienced a deterioration of their renal functions.ConclusionsIntradetrusor BoNTA injections provide a good clinical response. The urodynamic parameters significantly improved in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity.
Diagnostic performance of urinary kidney injury molecule‐1 and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin for acute kidney injury in an obstructive nephropathy patient
Authors: Xue Wei , Xie Yuanyuan , Wang Qin , Xu Weijia , Mou Shan , Ni Zhaohui 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimWe investigated the diagnostic performance of urinary kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) for acute kidney injury (AKI) in 90 obstructive nephropathy patients.MethodsUrine samples were obtained preoperatively and 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h postoperatively, and urinary KIM‐1 and NGAL contents were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and corrected against urine creatinine content. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the area under the curve (AUCs) of urinary KIM‐1 and NGAL for AKI.ResultsThe baseline urinary KIM‐1 contents were higher in AKI patients than non‐AKI patients (P < 0.01). Urinary NGAL contents were also higher in AKI patients than non‐AKI patients (P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of urinary KIM‐1 was 0.900 (P = 0.004) and at a cutoff of 338.26 pg/mg Cr, the sensitivity was 90% and the specificity was 75%. The AUC of urinary NGAL was 0.900 (P = 0.004) and at a cutoff of 261.76 ng/mg Cr, the sensitivity was 90% and the specificity was 87.5%. The combined AUC of urinary KIM‐1 and NGAL was 0.938 (P = 0.002) with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 100%. Cox regression analysis revealed that urinary KIM‐1content 72 h after operation correlated with the prognosis of AKI patients (P = 0.009). When kidney viability was stratified by urinary KIM‐1 content 72 h postoperatively, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with a urinary content of KIM‐1 < 138.20 pg/mg had a higher kidney viability rate than those with a urinary content of KIM‐1 > 138.20 pg/mg.ConclusionUrinary KIM‐1 and NGAL had a good accuracy for detecting AKI. KIM‐1 72 h postoperatively can predict the renal outcome of obstructive nephropathy.
Effects and mechanisms of gastric electrical stimulation on visceral pain in a rodent model of gastric hyperalgesia secondary to chemically induced mucosal ulceration
Authors: Sun Y. , Tan Y. , Song G. , Chen J. D. Z. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundGastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been suggested as a potential treatment for patients with gastric motility disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the effects and mechanisms of GES on visceral pain in awaken rats.MethodsUnder anesthesia, acetic acid was injected into the submucosal layer of the stomach wall in Sprague–Dawley (SD) male rats. Each rat was chronically placed with an intragastric balloon and two pairs of electrodes on gastric serosa for GES and at the neck muscles for electromyography (EMG) recordings respectively. The study was composed of four experiments. Exp 1 was designed to determine optimal GES parameters in reducing EMG response to gastric distention (GD). Exp 2 was performed to investigate the effect of GES on gastric tone/accommodation. Exp 3 was to investigate if the opioid pathway was involved in the analgesic effects of GES. Exp 4 was to assess the effectiveness of GES on the spinal cord neurons (T9‐T10) responding to GD.Key Results(i) Gastric electrical stimulation with a train on of 0.1 s and off of 0.4 s, 0.25 ms, 100 Hz, and 6 mA significantly reduced GD‐induced EMG responses at GD 40, 60, and 80 mmHg. (ii) The inhibitory effects of GES on the GD‐induced EMG responses were blocked by Naloxone. (iii) GES inhibited 90% of high‐threshold (HT) spinal neurons in response to GD. However, GES with the same parameters only suppressed 36.3% low‐threshold (LT) neuronal response to GD.Conclusions & InferencesGastric electrical stimulation with optimal parameters inhibits visceral pain; the analgesic effect of GES on visceral pain is mediated via the endogenous opioid system and the suppression of spinal afferent neuronal activities.
C3 photosynthesis in the desert plant Rhazya stricta is fully functional at high temperatures and light intensities
Authors: Lawson Tracy , Davey Phillip A. , Yates Steven A. , Bechtold Ulrike , Baeshen Mohammed , Baeshen Nabih , Mutwakil Mohammed Z. , Sabir Jamal , Baker Neil R. , Mullineaux Philip M. 
Published: October 2013

Summary

The C3 plant Rhazya stricta is native to arid desert environment zones, where it experiences daily extremes of heat, light intensity (PAR) and high vapour pressure deficit (VPD). We measured the photosynthetic parameters in R. stricta in its native environment to assess the mechanisms that permit it to survive in these extreme conditions.

Infrared gas exchange analysis examined diel changes in assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E) on mature leaves of R. stricta. A/ci analysis was used to determine the effect of temperature on carboxylation capacity (Vc,max) and the light‐ and CO2‐saturated rate of photosynthesis (Amax). Combined chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange light response curve analysis at ambient and low oxygen showed that both carboxylation and oxygenation of Rubisco acted as the major sinks for the end products of electron transport.

Physiological analysis in conjunction with gene expression analysis suggested that there are two isoforms of Rubisco activase which may provide an explanation for the ability of R. stricta to maintain Rubisco function at high temperatures.

The potential to exploit this ability to cope with extreme temperatures is discussed in the context of future crop improvement.
Left Atrial Volume Best Predicts Recurrence after Catheter Ablation in Patients with Persistent and Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: KOHÁRI MÁRIA , ZADO ERICA , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. , CALLANS DAVID J. , HAN YUCHI 
Published: October 2013

IntroductionPatients with persistent and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) have a higher recurrence rate after antral pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). We sought to determine the clinical, invasive, and noninvasive diastolic function parameters that are associated with AF recurrence after ablation in patients with persistent and longstanding persistent nonvalvular AF.Methods and ResultsWe studied 125 consecutive patients with persistent and longstanding persistent AF who underwent antral PVI at our institution between April 2009 and April 2011. Standard clinical parameters, left atrial (LA) pressure measured at transseptal puncture, and standard diastolic function parameters on transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) parameters were assessed. TTE was performed in sinus rhythm the first day following radiofrequency catheter ablation. Ablation eliminated AF in 83 of 125 (66.4%) patients (mean age 61.3 ± 8.9, 81% male) during 17.8 ± 7.7 months of follow‐up. Using logistic regression analysis, AF duration prior to ablation (P = 0.04, odds ratio [OR]: 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–1.06) was found to be the only clinical parameter significantly associated with AF recurrence. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, the indexed LA minimum volume of 26 cm3/m2 (P = 0.009, OR: 4.9 95% CI 1.5–16.2) was the only independent imaging parameter associated with AF recurrence.ConclusionIndexed minimal LA volume is highly associated with ablation success in patients with persistent and longstanding persistent AF.
Three‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Optimization Improves Outcome in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Compared to ECG Optimization: A Randomized Comparison
Authors: SONNE CAROLIN , BOTT‐FLUGEL LORENZ , HAUCK SIMON , HADAMITZKY MARTIN , LESEVIC HASEMA , DEMETZ GABRIELE , BRAUN DANIEL , WOLF PETRA , HAUSLEITER JÖRG , SCHÖMIG ALBERT , KOLB CHRISTOF 
Published: October 2013

AimsThere is little consensus on optimal atrioventricular (AV) and ventricular‐to‐ventricular (VV) intervals in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The aim of this study was to examine a novel combination of Doppler echocardiography (DE) and three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) for individualized AV‐ and VV‐interval optimization compared to conventional electrocardiogram (ECG) optimization.MethodsIn this double‐blind, randomized controlled trial, 77 patients (male: 57, age: 68 ± 10 years) with severely reduced ejection fraction (EF), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV, and wide QRS complex (>120 ms) have been included. Patients were randomized to either AV‐ and VV‐interval optimization using DE and 3DE (group 1, n = 39) or ECG (group 2, n = 38). 3DE was performed in all patients for the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) dimensions, EF and systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI), and NYHA class obtained before CRT and after 3 months. Primary endpoint of the study was clinical response to CRT, defined as a reduction of NYHA class by ≥1 score. Secondary endpoints were change of EF, LV volumes, and SDI.ResultsThere were significantly more responders in group 1 (82%) than in group 2 (58%, P = 0.021). Similarly, group 1 showed a larger increase in EF (7.0 ± 6.0% vs 3.4 ± 5.6%, P = 0.015) and a more pronounced reduction of SDI (–4.5 ± 5.9% vs –1.5 ± 5.6%, P = 0.039) than group 2.ConclusionCompared with conventional ECG optimization, this novel echocardiographic optimization protocol resulted in a significantly higher response rate, improved LV systolic function, and may be used to select the optimal AV and VV intervals in CRT.