bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Statins on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cui Yuanshan , Zong Huantao , Yan Huilei , Zhang Yong 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Introduction
It is not known if statins will improve symptoms in patients with established erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of statins on ED.

Methods
A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of statins for the treatment of ED. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

Main Outcome Measures
Six publications involving a total of 462 patients were used in the analysis, including three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared statins with placebo and three RCTs that compared statins plus sildenafil with placebo plus sildenafil.

Results
For the comparison of statins (+/− sildenafil) with placebo (+/− sildenafil), the mean International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) (the standardized mean difference [SMD] = 3.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.65 to 4.80, P &lt; 0.0001) indicated that statins (+/− sildenafil) showed statistically significantly greater improvements in the mean IIEF-5 compared with placebo (+/− sildenafil). For the comparison of statins with placebo, the mean IIEF-5 (SMD = 2.13, 95% CI = −1.46 to 5.73, P = 0.24) indicated that there was no significant difference in erectile function between the statins and placebo. For the comparison of statins plus sildenafil with placebo plus sildenafil, the mean IIEF-5 (SMD = 3.60, 95% CI = 2.64 to 4.56, P &lt; 0.00001), the IIEF domain (SMD = 4.88, 95%CI = 3.01 to 6.74, P &lt; 0.00001), and the global efficacy question (odds ratio = 6.44, 95% CI = 2.92 to 14.23, P &lt; 0.00001) showed that compared with placebo plus sildenafil, statins plus sildenafil clearly improved erectile function.

Conclusions
This meta-analysis indicates that statins (+/− sildenafil) may improve ED compared with placebo (+/− sildenafil).
A Zero‐Fluoroscopy Approach to Cavotricuspid Isthmus Catheter Ablation: Comparative Analysis of Two Electroanatomical Mapping Systems
Authors: MACÍAS ROSA , URIBE INÉS , TERCEDOR LUIS , JIMÉNEZ‐JÁIMEZ JUAN , BARRIO TERESA , ÁLVAREZ MIGUEL 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundElectroanatomical mapping systems have reduced the amount of fluoroscopy required to ablate the cavotricuspid isthmus. The aims of this study are to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a zero‐fluoroscopy approach to cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation using the Carto®3 system (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) and to compare the results of this approach with those of the zero‐fluoroscopy approach using the Ensite‐NavX™ system (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA).MethodsTwenty consecutive procedures guided by the Carto®3 system (Group A) were compared with two case‐control groups matched from 146 procedures guided with the Ensite‐NavX™ system. Group B consisted of 20 matched procedures from the first 50 procedures performed in the electrophysiology unit, and Group C consisted of 20 matched procedures from the last 50 procedures. Acute success (bidirectional block), complications, and recurrences were analyzed. The procedure times were also compared.ResultsThere were no differences in the rates of acute success (95%, 100%, and 100%, respectively), complications (0%, 5%, and 0%), and recurrences (5.2%, 0%, and 5%) in the three groups. A zero‐fluoroscopy approach was attempted in all procedures, and electroanatomical mapping made it possible to successfully avoid fluoroscopy in 90% of the procedures in Group A, 85% in B, and 95% in C. The total procedure time was shorter in Group C. The fluoroscopy and radiofrequency times were not different.ConclusionsA zero‐fluoroscopy approach to cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation using the Carto®3 system is feasible in most procedures. This approach has similar results to the zero‐fluoroscopy approach using the Ensite‐NavX™ system.
Sensor‐based assessment of herbicide effects
Authors: Streibig J C , Rasmussen J , Andújar D , Andreasen C , Berge T W , Chachalis D , Dittmann T , Gerhards R , Giselsson T M , Hamouz P , Jaeger‐Hansen C , Jensen K , Jørgensen R N , Keller M , Laursen M , Midtiby H S , Nielsen J , Müller S , Nordmeyer H , Peteinatos G , Papadopoulos A , Svensgaard J , Weis M , Christensen S 
Published: March 2014

SummaryNon‐destructive assessment of herbicide effects may be able to support integrated weed management. To test whether effects of herbicides on canopy variables could be detected by sensors, two crops were used as models and treated with herbicides at BBCH 20 using a logarithmic sprayer. Twelve days after spraying at BBCH 25 and 42 days after sowing, nine sensor systems scanned a spring barley and an oilseed rape field experiment sown at different densities and sprayed with increasing field rates of glyphosate and tribenuron‐methyl. The objective was to compare ED50s for crops and weeds derived by the different sensors in relation to crop density and herbicides. Although sensors were not directly developed to detect herbicide symptoms, they all detected changes in canopy colours or height and crop density. Generally ED50s showed the same pattern in response to crop density within herbicide, but there were marked differences between barley and oilseed rape. We suggest that the results of comparing the various sensor outputs could become a stepping stone to future standardisation for the benefit of the research and development of sensors that will detect herbicide effect on crops and weeds, particularly at the most vulnerable stages of development of the canopy.
Risk of Rupture in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Vulnerable Plaques: A Patient Based Fluid Structure Interaction Approach
Authors: Bluestein Danny , Alemu Yared , Xenos Michalis , Rissland Peter , Sheriff Jawaad , Gruberg Luis , Einav Shmuel , Ricotta John J. 
Published: March 2014

In this study we performed two separate fluid structure interaction (FSI) simulations. A patient-specific Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) geometry, and coronary vulnerable plaque (VP) geometry in idealized and in patient based geometries reconstructed from intravascular (IVUS) measurements.
The patient specific AAA FSI simulations were carried out with both isotropic and anisotropic wall properties. An orthotropic material model was used to describe wall properties, closely approximating experimental results of AAA specimens [1]. The results predict larger deformations and stress values for the anisotropic material model as compared to the isotropic one. This difference indicates that the isotropic formulation may underestimate the risk of rupture. The ability to quantify stresses developing within the aneurysm wall based on FSI simulations will help clinicians to reach informed decisions in determining rupture risk of AAA and the need for surgical intervention.
The risk of rupture of vulnerable plaques was studied in both idealized and patient specific geometries using FSI simulations. The idealized model included vessel wall, fibrous cap, and a lipid core. Regions susceptible to failure and the contribution of the various components were studied. The upstream side of the vulnerable plaque fibrous cap had the highest stresses. The presence of a calcified spot embedded within the fibrous cap proper was studied, and was demonstrated to enhance stresses within the fibrous cap, significantly contributing to its risk of rupture.
Routine Testing for Anaerobic Bacteria in Cerebrospinal Fluid Cultures Improves Recovery of Clinically Significant Pathogens
Authors: Pittman Meredith E. , Thomas Benjamin S. , Wallace Meghan A. , Weber Carol J. , Burnham Carey-Ann D. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

In North America, the widespread use of vaccines targeting
Haemophilus influenzae
type b and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
have dramatically altered the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis, while the methodology for culturing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens has remained largely unchanged. The aims of this study were 2-fold: to document the current epidemiology of bacterial meningitis at a tertiary care medical center and to assess the clinical utility of routinely querying for anaerobes in CSF cultures. To that end, we assessed CSF cultures submitted over a 2-year period. A brucella blood agar (BBA) plate, incubated anaerobically for 5 days, was included in the culture procedure for all CSF specimens during the second year of evaluation. In the pre- and postimplementation years, 2,353 and 2,302 CSF specimens were cultured, with 49 and 99 patients having positive culture results, respectively. The clinical and laboratory data for patients with positive cultures were reviewed. Anaerobic bacteria were isolated in the CSF samples from 33 patients post-BBA compared to two patients pre-BBA (
P
= 0.01). The anaerobic isolates included
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
(
n
= 1),
Propionibacterium
species (
n
= 15), and
Propionibacterium acnes
(
n
= 19) isolates; all of these isolates were recovered on the BBA. Eight of the 35 patients from whom anaerobic organisms were isolated received antimicrobial therapy. Although six of these patients had central nervous system hardware, two patients did not have a history of a neurosurgical procedure and had community-acquired anaerobic bacterial meningitis. This study demonstrates that the simple addition of an anaerobically incubated BBA to the culture of CSF specimens enhances the recovery of clinically significant anaerobic pathogens.
Clinical Evaluation of the Walk-Away Specimen Processor and ESwab for Recovery of Streptococcus agalactiae Isolates in Prenatal Screening Specimens
Authors: Buchan Blake W. , Olson Wendy J. , Mackey Tami-Lea A. , Ledeboer Nathan A. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Rectal/vaginal specimens (
n
= 97) were collected in parallel using ESwab and Liquid Stuart (LS) rayon fiber wrapped swab collection devices. Each collection device was used to directly inoculate culture medium and LIM broth. Medium inoculation by ESwab was conducted using the Walk-Away specimen processor (WASP). Medium inoculation by the LS device was conducted manually. The sensitivities of ESwab and LS upon direct plating were 93.8% and 87.5%, respectively, and increased to 96.9% and 90.6%, respectively, following broth enrichment.
Adjunctive
mecA
PCR for Routine Detection of Methicillin Susceptibility in Clinical Isolates of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci
Authors: Nijjar Chandanjit Kaur , Smith Melvyn Howard , Eltringham Ian Joseph 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Concerns over the reliability of routine sensitivity testing in coagulase-negative staphylococci often lead to the use of potentially less-effective antibiotics as few laboratories have access to routine tests for the
mecA
resistance gene. Although previous studies have shown a reasonable correlation between oxacillin disc and automated sensitivity testing, changing epidemiology and methodology dictate periodic reappraisal of these methods. In the present study, we evaluated two real-time PCR assays against novel targets in the
mecA
gene as an adjunct to routine susceptibility testing using the Vitek II AST-P620 card. All samples were further examined for the presence of the
mecC
gene. Of 118 strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci tested, 81 were oxacillin resistant and 37 oxacillin susceptible by the Vitek II assay compared with 103 positive and 15 negative by
mecA
PCR. In-house PCR results correlated well with a previously published reference PCR, though little correlation was found between
mecA
PCR or Vitek II and PBP 2a latex agglutination. Incubation conditions may have affected the accuracy of the latter test. None of the strains tested were
mecC
PCR positive. The inclusion of dual-target PCRs in the testing algorithm was inexpensive and offered the safest strategy for determining beta-lactam susceptibility in coagulase-negative staphylococci in our laboratory.
Single-Locus-Sequence-Based Typing of
bla
OXA-51-like
Genes for Rapid Assignment of Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolates to International Clonal Lineages
Authors: Pournaras Spyros , Gogou Vasiliki , Giannouli Maria , Dimitroulia Evangelia , Dafopoulou Konstantina , Tsakris Athanasios , Zarrilli Raffaele 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Single-locus
bla
OXA-51-like
sequence-based typing (SBT) was evaluated for its ability to determine correctly sequence types (STs) in
Acinetobacter baumannii
clinical isolates, in comparison with the Pasteur's multilocus sequence typing (MLST) reference method and 3-locus sequence typing (3-LST). The comparative study was performed in 585 multidrug-resistant (MDR)
A. baumannii
clinical isolates recovered from 21 hospitals located throughout Greece, Italy, Lebanon, and Turkey. The isolates belonged to nine clonal complexes (CCs) that correspond to 12 distinct sequence types (STs) and to one singleton ST. These clonal lineages predominate worldwide among nosocomial MDR
A. baumannii
strains. The most common clone was CC2 (ST2 and ST45;
n
= 278 isolates) followed by CC1 (ST1 and ST20;
n
= 155), CC25 (
n
= 65), ST78 (
n
= 62), CC15 (ST15 and ST84;
n
= 9), CC10 (
n
= 4), CC3 (
n
= 4), CC6 (
n
= 3), CC54 (
n
= 3), and CC83 (
n
= 2). Using the
bla
OXA-51-like
SBT method, all 585 isolates of the study were typed and assigned correctly to the nine CCs and the singleton ST78. The 3-LST method was not able to classify isolates belonging to CC6, CC10, CC54, and CC83, which are not yet characterized in its database. The low-cost and convenient
bla
OXA-51-like
SBT method, compared with 3-LST and MLST, discriminated all epidemic and sporadic lineages of our collection and could be effectively applied to type rapidly
A. baumannii
strains.
HIV-1 Vpu Antagonism of Tetherin Inhibits Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxic Responses by Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Alvarez Raymond A. , Hamlin Rebecca E. , Monroe Anthony , Moldt Brian , Hotta Mathew T. , Rodriguez Caprio Gabriela , Fierer Daniel S. , Simon Viviana , Chen Benjamin K. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe type I interferon-inducible factor tetherin retains virus particles on the surfaces of cells infected withvpu-deficient human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). While this mechanism inhibits cell-free viral spread, the immunological implications of tethered virus have not been investigated. We found that surface tetherin expression increased the antibody opsonization ofvpu-deficient HIV-infected cells. The absence of Vpu also stimulated NK cell-activating FcγRIIIa signaling and enhanced NK cell degranulation and NK cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The deletion ofvpuin HIV-1-infected primary CD4+T cells enhanced the levels of antibody binding and Fc receptor signaling mediated by HIV-positive-patient-derived antibodies. The magnitudes of antibody binding and Fc signaling were both highly correlated to the levels of tetherin on the surfaces of infected primary CD4 T cells. The affinity of antibody binding to FcγRIIIa was also found to be critical in mediating efficient Fc activation. These studies implicate Vpu antagonism of tetherin as an ADCC evasion mechanism that prevents antibody-mediated clearance of virally infected cells.IMPORTANCEThe ability of the HIV-1 accessory factor to antagonize tetherin has been considered to primarily function by limiting the spread of virus by preventing the release of cell-free virus. This study supports the hypothesis that a major function of Vpu is to decrease the recognition of infected cells by anti-HIV antibodies at the cell surface, thereby reducing recognition by antibody-dependent clearance by natural killer cells.
Genome Segregation and Packaging Machinery in Acanthamoeba polyphaga Mimivirus Is Reminiscent of Bacterial Apparatus
Authors: Chelikani Venkata , Ranjan Tushar , Zade Amrutraj , Shukla Avi , Kondabagil Kiran 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTGenome packaging is a critical step in the virion assembly process. The putative ATP-driven genome packaging motor ofAcanthamoeba polyphagamimivirus (APMV) and other nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) is a distant ortholog of prokaryotic chromosome segregation motors, such as FtsK and HerA, rather than other viral packaging motors, such as large terminase. Intriguingly, APMV also encodes other components, i.e., three putative serine recombinases and a putative type II topoisomerase, all of which are essential for chromosome segregation in prokaryotes. Based on our analyses of these components and taking the limited available literature into account, here we propose for the first time a model for genome segregation and packaging in APMV that can possibly be extended to NCLDV subfamilies, except perhapsPoxviridaeandAscoviridae. This model might represent a unique variation of the prokaryotic system acquired and contrived by the large DNA viruses of eukaryotes. It is also consistent with previous observations that unicellular eukaryotes, such as amoebae, are melting pots for the advent of chimeric organisms with novel mechanisms.IMPORTANCEExtremely large viruses with DNA genomes infect a wide range of eukaryotes, from human beings to amoebae and from crocodiles to algae. These large DNA viruses, unlike their much smaller cousins, have the capability of making most of the protein components required for their multiplication. Once they infect the cell, these viruses set up viral replication centers, known as viral factories, to carry out their multiplication with very little help from the host. Our sequence analyses show that there is remarkable similarity between prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and large DNA viruses, such as mimivirus, vaccinia virus, and pandoravirus, in the way that they process their newly synthesized genetic material to make sure that only one copy of the complete genome is generated and is meticulously placed inside the newly synthesized viral particle. These findings have important evolutionary implications about the origin and evolution of large viruses.
A Temporospatial Map That Defines Specific Steps at Which Critical Surfaces in the Gag MA and CA Domains Act during Immature HIV-1 Capsid Assembly in Cells
Authors: Robinson Bridget A. , Reed Jonathan C. , Geary Clair D. , Swain J. Victor , Lingappa Jaisri R. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
During HIV-1 assembly, Gag polypeptides target to the plasma membrane, where they multimerize to form immature capsids that undergo budding and maturation. Previous mutational analyses identified residues within the Gag matrix (MA) and capsid (CA) domains that are required for immature capsid assembly, and structural studies showed that these residues are clustered on four exposed surfaces in Gag. Exactly when and where the three critical surfaces in CA function during assembly are not known. Here, we analyzed how mutations in these four critical surfaces affect the formation and stability of assembly intermediates in cells expressing the HIV-1 provirus. The resulting temporospatial map reveals that critical MA residues act during membrane targeting, residues in the C-terminal CA subdomain (CA-CTD) dimer interface are needed for the stability of the first membrane-bound assembly intermediate, CA-CTD base residues are necessary for progression past the first membrane-bound intermediate, and residues in the N-terminal CA subdomain (CA-NTD) stabilize the last membrane-bound intermediate. Importantly, we found that all four critical surfaces act while Gag is associated with the cellular facilitators of assembly ABCE1 and DDX6. When correlated with existing structural data, our findings suggest the following model: Gag dimerizes via the CA-CTD dimer interface just before or during membrane targeting, individual CA-CTD hexamers form soon after membrane targeting, and the CA-NTD hexameric lattice forms just prior to capsid release. This model adds an important new dimension to current structural models by proposing the potential order in which key contacts within the immature capsid lattice are made during assembly in cells.

IMPORTANCE
While much is known about the structure of the completed HIV-1 immature capsid and domains of its component Gag proteins, less is known about the sequence of events leading to formation of the HIV-1 immature capsid. Here we used biochemical and ultrastructural analyses to generate a temporospatial map showing the precise order in which four critical surfaces in Gag act during immature capsid formation in provirus-expressing cells. Because three of these surfaces make important contacts in the hexameric lattices that are found in the completed immature capsid, these data allow us to propose a model for the sequence of events leading to formation of the hexameric lattices. By providing a dynamic view of when and where critical Gag-Gag contacts form during the assembly process and how those contacts function in the nascent capsid, our study provides novel insights into how an immature capsid is built in infected cells.
Differential Sensitivities of Tetherin Isoforms to Counteraction by Primate Lentiviruses
Authors: Weinelt Julia , Neil Stuart J. D. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

The mammalian antiviral membrane protein tetherin (BST2/CD317) can be expressed as two isoforms derived from differential translational initiation. The shorter isoform of the human protein (S-tetherin) lacks the first 12 amino acids of the longer (L-tetherin) cytoplasmic tail, which includes a tyrosine motif that acts as both an endocytic recycling signal and a determinant of virus-induced NF-κB activation. S-tetherin is also reported to be less sensitive to the prototypic viral antagonist human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Vpu. Here we analyzed the relative sensitivities of L- and S-tetherins to primate lentiviral countermeasures. We show that the reduced sensitivity of S-tetherin to HIV-1 Vpu is a feature of all group M proteins, including those of transmitted founder viruses, primarily because it cannot be targeted for endosomal degradation owing to the truncation of its cytoplasmic tail. In contrast, both isoforms of the human and rhesus macaque tetherins display the same sensitivity to nondegradative lentiviral countermeasures of HIV-2 and SIVmac, respectively. Surprisingly, however, the Vpu proteins encoded by simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) of African guenons, as well as that from recently isolated highly pathogenic HIV-1 group N, do not discriminate between tetherin isoforms. Together, these data suggest that the group M HIV-1 Vpu primarily adapted to target L-tetherin upon zoonotic transmission from chimpanzees, and further, we speculate that functions specifically associated with this isoform, such as proinflammatory signaling, play key roles in human tetherin's antiviral function
in vivo
.

IMPORTANCE
The ability of HIV-1 and related viruses to counteract a host antiviral protein, tetherin, is strictly maintained. The adaptation of the HIV-1 Vpu protein to counteract human tetherin is thought to have been one of the key events in the establishment of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Recent evidence shows that tetherin is expressed as two isoforms and that Vpu preferentially targets the longer form. Here we show that unlike other virus-encoded countermeasures, such as those from primate viruses related to HIV-1, the enhanced ability to counteract the long tetherin isoform is conserved among HIV-1 strains that make up the majority of the human pandemic. This correlates with the ability of Vpu to induce long tetherin degradation. We speculate that functions associated with the human version of this isoform, such as an inflammatory signaling capacity, selected for Vpu's enhanced targeting of long tetherin during its adaptation to humans.