bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and tolerability of udenafil in Turkish men with erectile dysfunction of psychogenic and organic aetiology: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Ortaç M. , Çayan S. , Çalışkan M. K. , Yaman M. Ö. , Okutucu T. M. , Semerci M. B. , Altay A. B. , Balbay M. D. , Özcan M. F. , Kadıoğlu A. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryUdenafil is a potent phosphodiesterase type‐5 inhibitor (PDE5) previously shown in studies conducted in populations of Eastern‐Asian ethnicity, to significantly improve sexual function, in addition to a favourable safety profile. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of udenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), for the first time in a non‐Eastern‐Asian population. In this multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, parallel, placebo‐controlled study conducted in five centres in Turkey, 118 eligible subjects were randomized to receive udenafil 100 mg taken as on‐demand or matching placebo for an 8‐week treatment period. The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline of the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire–Erectile Function Domain (IIEF–EFD) score, secondary efficacy variables were changes from baseline in IIEF Questionnaire Domains' 2–5 scores (Intercourse Satisfaction, Orgasmic Function, Sexual Desire, Overall Sexual Satisfaction) and IIEF Questionnaire Grand Total score, changes from baseline in penetration success rates (SEP2) and intercourse completion rates (SEP3) and evaluation of responses to the global assessment question (GAQ). Patients treated with udenafil demonstrated significantly higher increase in the IIEF–EFD scores compared with placebo‐treated subjects [4.0 (95% CI: 1.3–6.6; p = 0.003)]. Similarly, greater improvements were observed in the scores for SEP2 [0.65 (95% CI: 0.02–1.3, p = 0.043)], SEP3 [0.9 (95% CI: 0.3–1.5, p = 0.003)] and two other IIEF Questionnaire Domains (Domain 4: Sexual Desire, Domain 5: Overall Sexual Satisfaction). The proportion of positive responses to the GAQ was greater in the udenafil compared to the placebo group (72.2% vs. 49.1%, p = 0.014). The most frequent treatment‐emergent adverse events were headache, flushing and rhinorrhea, all of mild or moderate severity. This is the first study to demonstrate in a non‐Eastern‐Asian population that udenafil 100 mg taken as on‐demand can effectively improve erectile function and is well tolerated.
When the Agent Knows Better than the Principal: The Effect of Education and Seniority on European Parliament Rapporteur Assignment
Authors: Daniel William T. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis article examines the assignment of legislative rapporteurships to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Original data sources are used to test the assumption that committee reports are routinely awarded to MEPs with higher levels of education and seniority at the European level. The hypotheses are supported by an extensive multivariate regression analysis, which also demonstrates the increasing value of rapporteurships, following the initiation of Parliament's veto player status under co‐decision. The article surpasses existing accounts of committee work in the European Parliament to include data on the individual balance of legislative power for the legislature's full history, 1979–2009.
The Year that Israel Considered Joining the European Economic Community
Authors: Pardo Sharon 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe history of Israel–EU relations has received considerable scholarly attention. The conventional starting point for this history is almost invariably April 1958, when Israel became the third country in the world to request the establishment of a diplomatic mission in Brussels. The background and the lead up to that request, however, have been largely neglected. The article seeks to fill this scholarly lacuna by relating the hitherto untold story of Israel's exploration in 1957 of the possibility of obtaining full economic and political EEC membership. A centrepiece of the article is the revelation of the 1957 clandestine meeting(s) between Shimon Peres, then director general of the Israeli Ministry of Defence and special envoy of Prime Minister David Ben‐Gurion, and Jean Monnet, in which the two discussed possible full Israeli membership in the EEC. The article is based on some newly revealed archival documents and interviews with former high‐ranking Israeli officials.
Regional Authority, Transnational Lobbying and the Allocation of Structural Funds in the European Union
Authors: Chalmers Adam William 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe allocation of European Union (EU) structural funds is subject to fierce regional lobbying. This article examines the extent to which regions with greater political authority are better able to lobby for funds than their weaker counterparts. Existing research acknowledging the importance of regional authority in these processes has used inadequate indicators. This analysis, drawing on the Regional Authority Index, is the first to use regional‐level data disaggregating between regional authority as self‐rule and shared‐rule. It also uses data that measure the lobbying capacity of regions' Brussels‐based lobbying offices. Controlling for a battery of competing and control variables, Tobit regression analyses of 181 regions receiving funds in the 2007–13 period suggest that regional authority expressed as shared‐rule, but not self‐rule, has a significant impact on the allocation of structural funds in the EU.
Prevalence of being underweight and overweight and obesity at diagnosis in UK patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia 1985–2002
Authors: Aldhafiri F. K. , McColl J. H. , Reilly J. J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundBeing underweight or overweight and obesity at diagnosis may all worsen prognosis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), although no studies have estimated the prevalence of an unhealthy weight status at diagnosis in large representative samples using contemporary definitions of weight status based on body mass index (BMI) for age.MethodsThe present study comprised a retrospective study that aimed to estimate prevalence of being underweight and overweight and obesity at diagnosis for patients with childhood ALL on three successive UK treatment trials: UKALL X (1985–1990; n = 1033), UKALL XI (1990–1997; n = 2031), UKALL 97/99 (1997–2002; n = 898).The BMI for age was used to define weight status with both UK 1990 BMI for age reference data and the Cole‐International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) definitions.ResultsThe prevalence of being underweight was 6% in the most recent trial for which data were available. The prevalence of being overweight and obesity was 35% in the most recent trial when expressed using Cole‐IOTF definitions and 41% when expressed relative to UK 1990 reference data.ConclusionsEven with highly conservative estimates, >40% of all UK patients with ALL were underweight, overweight or obese at diagnosis in the most recent trial for which UK data are available (UKALL 97/99, 1997–2002).
Systematic review of knowledge, confidence and education in nutritional genomics for students and professionals in nutrition and dietetics
Authors: Wright O. R. L. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis review examines knowledge and confidence of nutrition and dietetics professionals in nutritional genomics and evaluates the teaching strategies in this field within nutrition and dietetics university programmes and professional development courses internationally.MethodsA systematic search of 10 literature databases was conducted from January 2000 to December 2012 to identify original research. Any studies of either nutrition and/or dietetics students or dietitians/nutritionists investigating current levels of knowledge or confidence in nutritional genomics, or strategies to improve learning and/or confidence in this area, were eligible.ResultsEighteen articles (15 separate studies) met the inclusion criteria. Three articles were assessed as negative, eight as neutral and seven as positive according to the American Dietetics Association Quality Criteria Checklist. The overall ranking of evidence was low. Dietitians have low involvement, knowledge and confidence in nutritional genomics, and evidence for educational strategies is limited and methodologically weak.ConclusionsThere is a need to develop training pathways and material to up‐skill nutrition and/or dietetics students and nutrition and/or dietetics professionals in nutritional genomics through multidisciplinary collaboration with content area experts. There is a paucity of high quality evidence on optimum teaching strategies; however, methods promoting repetitive exposure to nutritional genomics material, problem‐solving, collaborative and case‐based learning are most promising for university and professional development programmes.
Factors impacting job satisfaction among nurses from a tertiary care centre
Authors: Kaddourah Bayan T , Khalidi Aziza , Abu‐Shaheen Amani K , Al‐Tannir Mohamad A 
Published: June 2013

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the level of job satisfaction and the impact of personal characteristics and work environment on job satisfaction among nurses.BackgroundJob satisfaction among nurses is of paramount importance to providers of health care because satisfied nurses appear to be endowed with the physical and emotional dexterity and the effort needed to perform their tasks that will enhance the quality of care provided to the patient.DesignA cross‐sectional survey.MethodsThe study included nurses of both genders with at least one year of nursing experience, serving in all shifts of various clinical settings (n = 178 nurses). A modified version of measure of nurses' job satisfaction, developed by Whitley and Putzier, was used to assess the effect of personal characteristics profile and work environment on job satisfaction.ResultsA total of 140 nurses were (response rate = 78·7%) entered into final data analysis. The study showed that 111 participants (79·3%) were significantly satisfied in their current jobs. Furthermore, 65 nurses (46·4%) were not satisfied with their salaries, and almost half the nurses were not pleased with the nurse/patient ratio, autonomy and enough time to discuss problems with staff.ConclusionThis study revealed that almost 50% of nurses are overworked, are unsatisfied with their salaries, and have limited autonomy and inadequate communication with superiors. Strategies must be formulated by hospital and government authorities to decrease workload and empower nurses in controlling their practice in order to retain nurses in their jobs.Relevance to clinical practiceThe management must provide positive leadership and understand the local issues that affect nurses in order to enhance retaining and avoid shortage. This can be reflected positively on nursing clinical practice and ultimately patient health status.
Niche divergence by deep‐sea octocorals in the genus Callogorgia across the continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Quattrini Andrea M. , Georgian Samuel E. , Byrnes Luke , Stevens Alex , Falco Rosalia , Cordes Erik E. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractEnvironmental variables that are correlated with depth have been suggested to be among the major forces underlying speciation in the deep sea. This study incorporated phylogenetics and ecological niche models (ENM) to examine whether congeneric species of Callogorgia (Octocorallia: Primnoidae) occupy different ecological niches across the continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and whether this niche divergence could be important in the evolution of these closely related species. Callogorgia americana americana, Callogorgia americana delta and Callogorgia gracilis were documented at 13 sites in the GoM (250–1000 m) from specimen collections and extensive video observations. On a first order, these species were separated by depth, with C. gracilis occurring at the shallowest sites, C. a. americana at mid‐depths and C. a. delta at the deepest sites. Callogorgia a. delta was associated with areas of increased seep activity, whereas C. gracilis and C. a. americana were associated with narrow, yet warmer, temperature ranges and did not occur near cold seeps. ENM background and identity tests revealed little to no overlap in ecological niches between species. Temporal calibration of the phylogeny revealed the formation of the Isthmus of Panama was a vicariance event that may explain some of the patterns of speciation within this genus. These results elucidate the potential mechanisms for speciation in the deep sea, emphasizing both bathymetric speciation and vicariance events in the evolution of a genus across multiple regions.
Practical care work and existential issues in palliative care: experiences of nursing assistants
Authors: Åhsberg Elizabeth , Carlsson Maria 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundDespite increasing international interest in palliative care, little focus has been given to the role of nursing assistants, nor to research on existential issues.Aims and objectivesTo investigate nursing assistants' experiences of existential issues in palliative care.DesignAn explorative study using focus group discussions as data. Seven nursing assistants working in a palliative care unit and a nursing home participated on three occasions.MethodData were analysed using a content analysis approach.ResultsTwo overlapping domains were extracted: practical care, interpreted in themes as meeting others, the patient's body and organisational boundaries; and existential issues, interpreted as the difficult part, the valuable part and death and dying. Communication seemed to be a theme central to both domains.ConclusionsThe results indicate that nursing assistants may give existential support in addition to practical aspects of care. The intimate interactions inherent in practical aspects of personal care create opportunities for meaningful conversations. Such conversations may constitute existential support for patients and a meaningful task for staff.Implications for practiceIt is important that nursing assistants are given an opportunity for further education and time for reflection. The simple intervention in the present study, that is, focus group discussions, gave them an opportunity to reflect upon their work. Education in gentle massage, for example, can also be suggested as it may improve non‐verbal contact and be beneficial for dying patients.
An Index‐Based Model for Determining the Investment Benchmark of Renewable Energy Projects in South Africa
Authors: Fay John , Kumar Umesh 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIn a globalised world, financial markets observe the optimal level of asset allocation and returns based on risk inherent in the economies. Whether public or private investors, they need to have an optimal return on their investment given the finite resources. In relatively new sectors like grid‐connected renewable energy, many investors face difficulty in assessing proper return, making them more averse to financing such projects, affecting transborder project development opportunities. In developing countries like South Africa, which has tremendous potential for renewable energy projects, an arbitrary choice of the required rate of return for project evaluations can negatively affect funding decisions. This paper explores an index‐based model to make fair estimates of the required equity benchmark internal rate of return (IRR) using financial markets observation for renewable energy projects in South Africa. The index‐based model is parsimonious and captures common macroeconomic factors. More specifically, it provides a simple and effective mechanism to calculate IRR for renewable energy projects given different gestation periods.
Antibody specific for the glycophorin A complex mediates intravenous immune globulin–resistant anemia in a murine model
Authors: Chen Xi , Ghaffar Hasan , Jen Chao‐Ching , Lazarus Alan H. 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundTherapy for patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA) remains a major challenge. Patients with glycophorin A (GPA)‐specific immunoglobulin G antibodies can have severe hemolysis, which may occur by mechanisms independent from traditional macrophage‐dependent Fcγ receptor (FcγR)‐mediated extravascular hemolysis. As intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is known to display its beneficial effects in FcγR‐mediated cytopenias, and IVIG responses in AHA are inconsistent at best, we sought to gain insight into the mechanism of anemia by a GPA complex–specific monoclonal antibody (TER119) in a mouse model of immune hemolytic anemia and evaluate the therapeutic effect of IVIG.Study Design and MethodsThe anemic effect of the TER119 antibody was studied in vitro by incubation of mouse RBC with the antibody and in vivo by infusing the antibody into normal mice versus mice genetically deficient for the Fc receptor γ chain (Fcγ), complement C3, mice naturally deficient in complement C5, and splenectomized mice. IVIG efficacy in anemia was determined by treating mice with an intensive IVIG dosing regimen.ResultsThe TER119‐mediated anemia was independent of classical FcγR‐, C3‐, and C5‐dependent mechanisms, but occurred by a mechanism consistent with RBC agglutination. In accordance with agglutination, the presence of the spleen accelerated the anemia observed but anemia could still occur in splenectomized mice. IVIG did not significantly affect the induction of anemia by TER119.ConclusionThe mechanism of anemia induced by AHA‐causing antibodies may be an important factor to consider in the response to therapy with IVIG.
Evaluation for a Novel Methicillin Resistance (
mecC
) Homologue in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Obtained from Injured Military Personnel
Authors: Ganesan Anuradha , Crawford Katrina , Mende Katrin , Murray Clinton K. , Lloyd Bradley , Ellis Michael , Tribble David R. , Weintrob Amy C. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

A total of 102 methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) isolates collected from 50 injured service members (June 2009 to December 2011) at U.S. military treatment facilities were analyzed for the conventional
mecA
gene and
mecC
homologue by using standard PCR-based methods. The prevalence of the
mecC
homologue was zero.
Dendritic Cell Subtypes from Lymph Nodes and Blood Show Contrasted Gene Expression Programs upon Bluetongue Virus Infection
Authors: Ruscanu Suzana , Jouneau Luc , Urien Céline , Bourge Mickael , Lecardonnel Jérôme , Moroldo Marco , Loup Benoit , Dalod Marc , Elhmouzi-Younes Jamila , Bevilacqua Claudia , Hope Jayne , Vitour Damien , Zientara Stéphan , Meyer Gilles , Schwartz-Cornil Isabelle 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTHuman and animal hemorrhagic viruses initially target dendritic cells (DCs). It has been proposed, but not documented, that both plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and conventional DCs (cDCs) may participate in the cytokine storm encountered in these infections. In order to evaluate the contribution of DCs in hemorrhagic virus pathogenesis, we performed a genome-wide expression analysis during infection by Bluetongue virus (BTV), a double-stranded RNA virus that induces hemorrhagic fever in sheep and initially infects cDCs. Both pDCs and cDCs accumulated in regional lymph nodes and spleen during BTV infection. The gene response profiles were performed at the onset of the disease and markedly differed with the DC subtypes and their lymphoid organ location. An integrative knowledge-based analysis revealed that blood pDCs displayed a gene signature related to activation of systemic inflammation and permeability of vasculature. In contrast, the gene profile of pDCs and cDCs in lymph nodes was oriented to inhibition of inflammation, whereas spleen cDCs did not show a clear functional orientation. These analyses indicate that tissue location and DC subtype affect the functional gene expression program induced by BTV and suggest the involvement of blood pDCs in the inflammation and plasma leakage/hemorrhage during BTV infection in the real natural host of the virus. These findings open the avenue to target DCs for therapeutic interventions in viral hemorrhagic diseases.
Lack of Prion Infectivity in Fixed Heart Tissue from Patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease or Amyloid Heart Disease
Authors: Priola Suzette A. , Ward Anne E. , McCall Sherman A. , Trifilo Matthew , Choi Young Pyo , Solforosi Laura , Williamson R. Anthony , Cruite Justin T. , Oldstone Michael B. A. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

In most forms of prion disease, infectivity is present primarily in the central nervous system or immune system organs such as spleen and lymph node. However, a transgenic mouse model of prion disease has demonstrated that prion infectivity can also be present as amyloid deposits in heart tissue. Deposition of infectious prions as amyloid in human heart tissue would be a significant public health concern. Although abnormal disease-associated prion protein (PrP
Sc
) has not been detected in heart tissue from several amyloid heart disease patients, it has been observed in the heart tissue of a patient with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (sCJD), the most common form of human prion disease. In order to determine whether prion infectivity can be found in heart tissue, we have inoculated formaldehyde fixed brain and heart tissue from two sCJD patients, as well as prion protein positive fixed heart tissue from two amyloid heart disease patients, into transgenic mice overexpressing the human prion protein. Although the sCJD brain samples led to clinical or subclinical prion infection and deposition of PrP
Sc
in the brain, none of the inoculated heart samples resulted in disease or the accumulation of PrP
Sc
. Thus, our results suggest that prion infectivity is not likely present in cardiac tissue from sCJD or amyloid heart disease patients.
Encephalomyocarditis Virus Disrupts Stress Granules, the Critical Platform for Triggering Antiviral Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Ng Chen Seng , Jogi Michihiko , Yoo Ji-Seung , Onomoto Koji , Koike Satoshi , Iwasaki Takuya , Yoneyama Mitsutoshi , Kato Hiroki , Fujita Takashi 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT
In response to stress, cells induce ribonucleoprotein aggregates, termed stress granules (SGs). SGs are transient loci containing translation-stalled mRNA, which is eventually degraded or recycled for translation. Infection of some viruses, including influenza A virus with a deletion of nonstructural protein 1 (IAVΔNS1), induces SG-like protein aggregates. Previously, we showed that IAVΔNS1-induced SGs are required for efficient induction of type I interferon (IFN). Here, we investigated SG formation by different viruses using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Ras-Gap SH3 domain binding protein 1 (GFP-G3BP1) as an SG probe. HeLa cells stably expressing GFP-G3BP1 were infected with different viruses, and GFP fluorescence was monitored live with time-lapse microscopy. SG formations by different viruses was classified into 4 different patterns: no SG formation, stable SG formation, transient SG formation, and alternate SG formation. We focused on encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) infection, which exhibited transient SG formation. We found that EMCV disrupts SGs by cleavage of G3BP1 at late stages of infection (>8 h) through a mechanism similar to that used by poliovirus. Expression of a G3BP1 mutant that is resistant to the cleavage conferred persistent formation of SGs as well as an enhanced induction of IFN and other cytokines at late stages of infection. Additionally, knockdown of endogenous G3BP1 blocked SG formation with an attenuated induction of IFN and potentiated viral replication. Taken together, our findings suggest a critical role of SGs as an antiviral platform and shed light on one of the mechanisms by which a virus interferes with host stress and subsequent antiviral responses.