bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
La fonction d'évaluation dans l'administration publique québécoise : analyse de la cohérence du système d'actions
Authors: Smits Pernelle , Jacob Steve 
Published: March 2014

SommaireCet article analyse la fonction d'évaluation dans l'administration publique du Québec au cours des années 2000 comme un système organisé d'actions (valeurs, environnement, ressources et modalités, pratique, effets) avec ses cohérences et incohérences. Trois constats émergent : les activités de soutien de la pratique évaluative de la part des ministères centraux sont quasiment absentes, la transparence auprès des citoyens dans le processus évaluatif est peu présente, la réalisation et l'utilisation d'évaluations de portée stratégique parait peu fréquente. Cet article met en évidence certaines cohérences et incohérences d'une fonction de gestion, et propose une façon directe et systématique de souligner les points à améliorer.AbstractIn this article, we analyze the evaluation function within the Quebec public administration during the 2000s as an organized action system (values, environment, resources and procedures, practice, impacts) with its consistencies and inconsistencies. Three findings emerge: the support that central agencies give to the evaluation practice is almost non‐existent; the transparency of the evaluation process for the citizens is barely noticeable; and the undertaking and use of the strategic use of evaluations seem rare. This article brings the attention to some consistencies/inconsistencies of the management function, and suggests a direct and systematic way to highlight what needs to be improved.
Vitamin D status is independently associated with plasma glutathione and cysteine thiol/disulphide redox status in adults
Authors: Alvarez Jessica A. , Chowdhury Ritam , Jones Dean P. , Martin Greg S. , Brigham Kenneth L. , Binongo José N. , Ziegler Thomas R. , Tangpricha Vin 
Published: March 2014

SummaryObjectiveRedox status and inflammation are important in the pathophysiology of numerous chronic diseases. Epidemiological studies have linked vitamin D status to a number of chronic diseases. We aimed to examine the relationships between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and circulating thiol/disulphide redox status and biomarkers of inflammation.DesignThis was a cross‐sectional study of N = 693 adults (449 females, 244 males) in an apparently healthy, working cohort in Atlanta, GA. Plasma glutathione (GSH), cysteine (Cys) and their associated disulphides were determined with high‐performance liquid chromatography, and their redox potentials (Eh GSSG and Eh CySS) were calculated using the Nernst equation. Serum inflammatory markers included interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and tumour necrosis factor‐α, assayed on a multiplex platform, and C‐reactive protein (CRP), assayed commercially. Relationships were assessed with multiple linear regression analyses.ResultsSerum 25(OH)D was positively associated with plasma GSH (β ± SE: 0·002 ± 0·0004) and negatively associated with plasma Eh GSSG (β ± SE: −0·06 ± 0·01) and Cys (β ± SE: −0·01 ± 0·003) (P < 0·001 for all); statistical significance remained after adjusting for age, gender, race, percentage body fat and traditional cardiovascular risk factors (P = 0·01–0·02). The inverse relationship between serum 25(OH)D and CRP was confounded by percentage body fat, and full adjustment for covariates attenuated serum 25(OH)D relationships with other inflammatory markers to nonstatistical significance.ConclusionsSerum 25(OH)D concentrations were independently associated with major plasma thiol/disulphide redox systems, suggesting that vitamin D status may be involved in redox‐mediated pathophysiology.
Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products – part 1: Achillea millefolium–Curcuma longa
Authors: Calapai Gioacchino , Miroddi Marco , Minciullo Paola L. , Caputi Achille P. , Gangemi Sebastiano , Schmidt Richard J. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThis review focuses on contact dermatitis as an adverse effect of a selection of topically used herbal medicinal products for which the European Medicines Agency has completed an evaluation up to the end of November 2013 and for which a Community herbal monograph has been produced. Part 1: Achillea millefolium L.–Curcuma longa L.
The impact of genetic polymorphisms, diltiazem, and demographic variables on everolimus trough concentrations in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Schoeppler Kelly E. , Aquilante Christina L. , Kiser Tyree H. , Fish Douglas N. , Zamora Martin R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractEverolimus (EVR) has inter‐individual pharmacokinetic (PK) variability and a narrow therapeutic index. The study objective was to determine whether genetic polymorphisms, co‐medications, and/or demographic variables accounted for inter‐individual variability in EVR PK in lung transplant recipients (LTxR). LTxR were genotyped for ABCB1 c.1236C>T, ABCB1 c.2677G>T/A, ABCB1 c.3435C>T, CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A5*3, CYP2C8*2/*3/*4, and pregnane X receptor (NR1I2) c.44477T>C, c.63396C>T, c.69789A>G polymorphisms. The primary outcome was the difference in dose‐adjusted EVR levels (EVR L/D) between ABCB1 diplotype groups (2 vs. 1 vs. 0 copies of the 1236C/2677G/3435C haplotype). Sixty‐five LTxR were included. There was no significant difference in EVR L/D between ABCB1 CGC diplotype groups (CGC/CGC = 2.4 ± 1.1 [n = 9] vs. CGC/XXX = 2.5 ± 1.7 [n = 36] vs. XXX/XXX = 2.7 ± 1.7 ng/mL per mg/d [n = 20]; p = 0.9). CYP3A5*3, CYP3A4*1B, CYP2C8*3/*4, and NR1I2 polymorphisms were not associated with EVR L/D. EVR L/D was 3.4 ± 1.7 in LTxR receiving diltiazem (DILT) vs. 1.8 ± 1.1 ng/mL per mg/d in LTxR not receiving DILT (p <0.001). Demographic variables, including cystic fibrosis, were not associated with EVR PK. DILT use increased EVR L/D, but selected polymorphisms in ABCB1, CYP3A5, CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and NR1I2 did not affect EVR L/D in LTxR. Genotyping LTxR for these polymorphisms is unlikely to aid clinicians in optimizing EVR therapy.
Species‐specific separation of lake plankton reveals divergent food assimilation patterns in rotifers
Authors: Burian Alfred , Kainz Martin J. , Schagerl Michael , Yasindi Andrew 
Published: March 2014

Summary

The analysis of functional groups with a resolution to the individual species level is a basic requirement to better understand complex interactions in aquatic food webs. Species‐specific stable isotope analyses are currently applied to analyse the trophic role of large zooplankton or fish species, but technical constraints complicate their application to smaller‐sized plankton.

We investigated rotifer food assimilation during a short‐term microzooplankton bloom in the East African soda lake Nakuru by developing a method for species‐specific sampling of rotifers.

The two dominant rotifers, Brachionus plicatilis and Brachionus dimidiatus, were separated to single‐species samples (purity >95%) and significantly differed in their isotopic values (4.1‰ in δ13C and 1.5‰ in δ15N). Bayesian mixing models indicated that isotopic differences were caused by different assimilation of filamentous cyanobacteria and particles <2 μm and underlined the importance of species‐specific sampling of smaller plankton compartments.

A main difference was that the filamentous cyanobacterium Arthrospira fusiformis, which frequently forms blooms in African soda lakes, was an important food source for the larger‐sized B. plicatilis (48%), whereas it was hardly ingested by B. dimidiatus. Overall, A. fusiformis was, relative to its biomass, assimilated to small extents, demonstrating a high grazing resistance of this species.

In combination with high population densities, these results demonstrate a strong potential of rotifer blooms to shape phytoplankton communities and are the first in situ demonstration of a quantitatively important direct trophic link between rotifers and filamentous cyanobacteria.
Beta diversity of urban floras among European and non‐European cities
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , Aronson Myla F. J. , Williams Nicholas S. G. , Celesti‐Grapow Laura , Cilliers Sarel , Clarkson Bruce D. , Dolan Rebecca W. , Hipp Andrew , Klotz Stefan , Kühn Ingolf , Pyšek Petr , Siebert Stefan , Winter Marten 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimCities represent an ideal study system for assessing how intensive land‐use change and biotic interchange have altered beta diversity at broad geographic extents. Here we test the hypothesis that floras in cities located in disparate regions of the globe are being homogenized by species classified as invasive (naturalized species that have spread over a large area) or as a European archaeophyte (species introduced into Europe before ad 1500 from the Mediterranean Basin). We also test the prediction that the global influences of European activities (colonization, agriculture, commerce) have supported this outcome.LocationOne hundred and ten cities world‐wide.MethodsWe examined the richness and composition of urban floras among European (n = 85) and non‐European cities (n = 25) for species classified as native or non‐native, or further classified as European archaeophyte or invasive. We modelled how geographic, climatic and anthropogenic factors were related to compositional similarity between European and non‐European cities.ResultsWe found that most plants in the cities we examined, particularly non‐European cities, were native and unique to each city. Non‐native species were similarly unique, but occurred in much lower proportions relative to natives. Although European archaeophytes and invasive species also occurred in lower proportions, they had similar compositions among cities. European archaeophytes were most prevalent in European cities, but were most similar among non‐European cities. Contrasting European and non‐European cities, geography and climate were most relevant for native and invasive species, whereas climate and agriculture were most relevant for European archaeophytes.Main conclusionsCities in disparate regions of the globe retain regionally distinct native and non‐native plant assemblages, while invasive species, and especially European archaeophytes, were associated with lower beta diversity among cities. These findings suggest that intensive land‐use change and biotic interchange, shaped through European influences, have had a world‐wide effect on the beta diversity of urban plant assemblages.
Trigeminal Autonomic Headaches Caused by a Multinodular Goiter – A Case Report
Authors: Smit Roelof A.J. , Treurniet Frank E.E. , Koppen Hille 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThough thyroid growths are considered to be a frequent cause of Horner's syndrome, concurrent headache attacks are not commonly seen.CaseA 63‐year‐old woman presented with severe, daily occurring, unilateral headache attacks with ipsilateral Horner's syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging arteriography showed a multinodular goiter displacing the left common carotid artery.ConclusionThis case exemplifies the combination of headache attacks and Horner's syndrome due to mechanical pressure of an enlarged thyroid, mimicking the symptoms both of carotid dissection as well as trigeminal autonomic cephalgias like paroxysmal hemicrania.
A qualitative study of community pharmacy perceptions of the Electronic Prescriptions Service in England
Authors: Harvey Jasmine , Avery Anthony J , Barber Nick 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Objectives
To explore attitudes and perceptions of early adopters of the Electronic Prescription Service (release two) in England (EPS2). EPS2 is information technology that allows community pharmacies to download and dispense electronically written prescriptions from general practices. When the prescriber writes a prescription electronically, it is sent and stored on a national central database, commonly called the Spine. The community pharmacy that the patient nominates is then able to download the prescription and dispense to the patient.

Method
In-depth interviews were conducted with professionals from eight early adopter community pharmacies in the midlands and north of England, and 56 hours of non-participant observations were recorded as field notes. Each interview transcript was coded using a line-by-line approach. Overall, 37 200 words were analysed from 10 transcripts using a ‘bottom up’ approach to identify key perceptions. Field notes from the observation were analysed thematically and were used to verify interview findings.

Key findings
Findings follow a narrative which shows that (a) early adopter pharmacies had to cope with challenges such as missing EPS2 prescriptions, (b) despite this, they perceived EPS2 as helpful in streamlining pharmacy workflow and (c) were therefore keen to retain EPS2.

Conclusions
Initial user perception of EPS2 provides a key message on the likelihood of the system being adopted beyond these eight pharmacies. Our findings provide key information for other pharmacies in the adoption process, and policymakers on the potential of EPS2 to achieve its goals and become sustainable in terms of its value to community pharmacies.
A Novel Oscillatory Pressure‐Assisted Hot Pressing for Preparation of High‐Performance Ceramics
Authors: Xie Zhipeng , Li Shuang , An Linan 
Published: March 2014

We report a novel oscillatory pressure‐assisted hot‐pressing process for preparing high‐quality ceramics. Compared with the samples prepared by conventional pressureless sintering (PS) and hot‐pressing (HP), the zirconia ceramic prepared by oscillatory pressure‐assisted hot‐pressing (OPAHP) exhibited a higher density, smaller grain size, and more homogeneous structure. More remarkably, the strength of the OPAHP sample reached 1556 MPa, which is much higher than the samples prepared by other two techniques. The results suggest that OPAHP is a more effective technique for preparing high‐quality zirconia, which is likely applicable to other material systems.
Associations of Hemodynamic Load and Ventricular Repolarization in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Essential Hypertension: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Antonakis Velissaris , Tsioufis Costas , Tsiachris Dimitris , Andrikou Ioannis , Fantaki Maria , Dagres Nikos , Vrachnis Nikos , Stefanadis Christodoulos 
Published: March 2014

The evolution of QT interval and its dispersion (QTd) were studied in 135 newly diagnosed nondiabetic patients, as well as the relationship between changes of these left ventricular (LV) repolarization parameters with blood pressure (BP) and LV mass changes, which were prospectively studied for a median period of 3.8 years. At baseline and at last follow‐up visit, all patients underwent ambulatory BP monitoring, echocardiographic assessment, and 12‐lead electrocardiography. At the end of follow‐up, responders of antihypertensive treatment based on a reduced 24‐hour systolic BP (n=122) exhibited a reduction in LV mass index (by 7.6 g/m2, P<.001) and corrected QT (by 4.3, P=.038), while corrected QTd was unchanged. In nonresponders (n=13), although no difference in LV mass index was observed, corrected QT increased by 12.4 ms (P=.048) and corrected QTd by 8.2 ms (P=.027). Changes in parameters of LV repolarization were related to BP changes but not to changes of myocardial size.
Period 2 is essential to maintain early endothelial progenitor cell function in vitro and angiogenesis after myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Sun Yuan‐Yuan , Bai Wen‐Wu , Wang Bo , Lu Xiao‐Ting , Xing Yi‐Fan , Cheng Wen , Liu Xiao‐Qiong , Zhao Yu‐Xia 
Published: March 2014

AbstractCellular therapeutic neovascularization has been successfully performed in clinical trials for patients with ischaemia diseases. Despite the vast knowledge of cardiovascular disease and circadian biology, the role of the circadian clock in regulating angiogenesis in myocardial infarction (MI) remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of Period 2 (Per2) in endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) function. Flow cytometry revealed lower circulating EPC proportion in per2−/− than in wild‐type (WT) mice. PER2 was abundantly expressed in early EPCs in mice. In vitro, EPCs from per2−/− mice showed impaired proliferation, migration, tube formation and adhesion. Western blot analysis demonstrated inhibited PI3k/Akt/FoxO signalling and reduced C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) protein level in EPCs of per2−/− mice. The impaired proliferation was blocked by activated PI3K/Akt/FoxO signalling. Direct interaction of CXCR4 and PER2 was detected in WT EPCs. To further study the effect of per2 on in vivo EPC survival and angiogenesis, we injected saline or DiI‐labelled WT or per2−/− EPC intramyocardially into mice with induced MI. Per2−/− reduced the retention of transplanted EPCs in the myocardium, which was associated with significantly reduced DiI expression in the myocardium of MI mice. Decreased angiogenesis in the myocardium of per2−/− EPC‐treated mice coincided with decreased LV function and increased infarct size in the myocardium. Per2 may be a key factor in maintaining EPC function in vitro and in therapeutic angiogenesis in vivo.
Distribution, prevalence and intensity of Anguillicola crassus (Nematoda) infection in Anguilla anguilla in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Becerra‐Jurado G. , Cruikshanks R. , O'Leary C. , Kelly F. , Poole R. , Gargan P. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study is the first comprehensive documentation of the geographical range of Anguillicola crassus in its host, the European eel Anguilla anguilla, in the Republic of Ireland. The prevalence and intensity of infections across 234 sites and 93 river basins in Ireland comprising rivers, lakes and transitional waters (estuaries) were analysed. While only 32% of the river basins were affected by this nematode, they correspond to 74% of the total wetted area. Significant differences in infection levels among water body types were found with lakes and transitional waters yielding the highest values, which can be attributed to the proportions of juvenile (total length, LT < 300 mm) A. anguilla caught. There were no significant differences in infection levels between water body types for adult A. anguilla or between sexes for any water body type. Prevalence was significantly lower in juvenile compared with adult A. anguilla captured in rivers and a positive correlation between infection levels and host size‐classes was found. Future efforts should focus on monitoring the spread of A. crassus infections and assessing the swimbladder health of A. anguilla in Ireland.
CASH HOARDS AND CHANGES IN INVESTORS' OUTLOOK
Authors: Asem Ebenezer , Alam Shamsul 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDeclining markets reflect declines in investors' outlook for firm prospects, increasing their expectation that firms will waste excess cash. In contrast, excess cash is useful in mitigating financial distress associated with poor earnings. We find an inverted U‐shaped relation between stock return and excess cash in declining markets, suggesting the positive effect of excess cash dominates at low levels of cash, while the negative effect dominates at high levels. We also document an inverted U‐shaped relation for firms with weak shareholder power and firms with high information asymmetry in advancing markets. These suggest investors' desire for cash reserves is limited.
Food frequency questionnaire as an indicator of the serum composition of essential n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in early pregnancy, according to body mass index
Authors: Lepsch J. , Vaz J. S. , Moreira J. D. , Pinto T. J. P. , Soares‐Mota M. , Kac G. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated whether food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) may be indicative of the serum composition of essential n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in early pregnancy and if correlations are affected by body mass index (BMI).MethodsThe present study comprised a prospective cohort conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The sample was composed of 248 women, aged 20–40 years, between 6 and the 13 weeks of gestation. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated FFQ. Fatty acid serum compositions were determined in fasting serum samples, employing a high‐throughput robotic direct methylation coupled with fast gas‐liquid chromatography. Spearman's correlation (rs) was used to assess the relationship between fatty acid intake and corresponding serum composition. Women were classified according to BMI (kg m–2) as underweight/normal weight (BMI < 25 kg m–2; n = 139) or excessive weight (BMI ≥ 25 kg m–2; n = 109).ResultsIn the total sample, dietary report was significantly correlated with the serum composition of total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA; rs = 0.232, P < 0.001), linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n‐6; rs = 0.271, P < 0.001), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n‐3; rs = 0.263, P < 0.001) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n‐3; rs = 0.209, P = 0.001). When analyses were stratified by BMI, significant correlations between FFQ and serum composition among underweight/normal weight women were observed for total PUFA (rs= 0.323, P < 0.001), LA (rs = 0.322, P < 0.001), EPA (rs = 0.352, P < 0.001) and DHA (rs = 0.176, P = 0.039). Among women of excessive weight, significant correlations were observed only for alpha linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n‐3; rs = 0.199, P = 0.040) and DHA (rs = 0.236, P = 0.014).ConclusionsFFQ in early pregnancy may be used as a possible indicator of serum concentrations of fatty acids. Higher correlations were observed among underweight/normal weight women.
Duration of Erection: Does It Really Matter? A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Assess the Impact of Vardenafil ODT on Duration of Erection and Its Correlation with Patients' and Partners' Sexual Quality of Life and Duration of Intercourse: The VADEOPEN Study
Authors: Martin-Morales Antonio , Gutiérrez-Hernández Pedro , Romero-Otero Javier , Romero-Martín José A. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Stopwatch-assessed duration of erection has been proposed as an objective and reliable efficacy end point for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments.

Aim
The aim of this study is to assess vardenafil orodispersible tablets' (ODTs) efficacy in terms of duration of erection and (i) its correlation with other efficacy end points and male and female sexual quality of life (QoL) and (ii) its impact on intercourse duration.

Methods
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study comparing the efficacy and safety of vardenafil ODT 10 mg on-demand over 12 weeks in 127 patients with ED was carried out.

Main Outcome Measures
Primary efficacy end points were stopwatch-assessed duration of erection (min) at any attempt and when leading to successful intercourse, and the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (EF-IIEF) score. Secondary end points were sexual encounter profile (SEP) 3 response rate and male sexual QoL. End points in participating women (N = 46) were stopwatch-assessed duration of intercourse and sexual QoL.

Results
At week 12/last observation carried forward, patients taking vardenafil ODT had longer duration of erections (at any attempt or leading to successful intercourse) vs. placebo (least square mean ± standard error 10.2 ± 0.9 minutes vs. 7.9 ± 1.0 minutes, and 10.4 ± 0.8 vs. 8.3 ± 1.0 minutes, respectively), and significant increases in EF-IIEF scores, the SEP-3 response, and all sexual QoL items. An increased duration of intercourse was also observed. Female sexual QoL improved significantly. Both duration end points strongly correlated with EF-IIEF scores, and the three end points correlated well with SEP-3 response. Correlation was good with sexual QoL scores in men and women and with duration of intercourse, with differences between treatment groups only for duration end points. Safety was similar in both groups.

Conclusion
This study provides further evidence for the consistency and reliability of the stopwatch-assessed duration of erection as an efficacy end point for ED treatments, with “duration of erection leading to successful intercourse” showing better properties than duration at any attempt.