bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to radiotherapy utilization: Consumer perceptions of issues influencing radiotherapy‐related decisions
Authors: Sundaresan Puma , King Madeleine , Stockler Martin , Costa Daniel , Milross Christopher 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimsRadiation therapy (RT) is an essential and cost‐effective cancer treatment, but it is underutilized in Australia. We aimed to quantify consumers’ perceptions of factors that influence RT decisions.MethodsA cross‐sectional, survey‐based study was conducted in March–August 2012. Potential participants were invited to complete an electronic survey disseminated through multiple patient support and advocacy groups throughout New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Study invitations were also placed in local newspapers across NSW with hard copy surveys mailed to respondents. Current or past cancer patients (and carers) who had been offered RT were eligible to participate regardless of their RT decision.ResultsOf the 1191 participants (electronic, n = 1153; hard copy, n = 38), 91% were female, most (88%) were current or past patients, and 78% had accepted RT. Issues commonly perceived to be moderate to strong influencers of RT decisions were: concern about acute and long‐term side effects; management of side effects; fear and anxiety regarding RT; lack of awareness of RT; lack of local availability of RT; and lack of RT information resources. Those who declined RT were significantly more likely to highlight practical difficulties with receiving RT.ConclusionsAlthough availability of RT is well recognized, other issues such as fear and anxiety about RT and perceived side effects appear to feature prominently in consumers’ decisions. Perceived practical difficulties with receiving RT may have influenced those who declined RT. There may be a need for information resources, support services and interventions to increase awareness of RT.
Ovarian cancer study dropouts had worse health‐related quality of life and psychosocial symptoms at baseline and over time
Authors: Mercieca‐Bebber Rebecca L , Price Melanie A , Bell Melanie L , King Madeleine T , Webb Penelope M , Butow Phyllis N ,   on behalf of the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study (AOCS) Group
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimsParticipant drop out is a major barrier to high‐quality patient‐reported outcome (PRO) data analysis in cancer research as patients with worsening health are more likely to dropout. To test the hypothesis that ovarian cancer patients with worse PROs would drop out earlier, we examined how patients differed by time of dropout on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), anxiety, depression, optimism and insomnia.MethodsThis analysis included 619 participants, stratified by time of dropout, from the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study – Quality of Life substudy, in which participants completed PRO questionnaires at three‐monthly intervals for 21 months. Trends in PROs over time were examined. Pearson correlations examined the relationship between time of dropout and baseline PROs. Multiple linear regression models including age, disease stage and time since diagnosis examined relationships between baseline and final PRO scores, and final PRO scores and dropout group.ResultsParticipants who dropped out earlier had significantly worse baseline HRQOL (p < 0.0001) and higher depression (p < 0.0001). For all five PROs, final scores were significantly associated with baseline scores (p < 0.0001). Time of dropout was significantly associated with final HRQOL (p = 0.003), anxiety (p = 0.05), depression (p = 0.02) and optimism (p = 0.02) scores. Depression, HRQOL and anxiety worsened at a faster rate overtime in dropouts than study completers.ConclusionsPoorer HRQOL and higher depression at baseline, and final HRQOL, anxiety, depression and optimism scores were predictive of time of dropout. These results highlight the importance of collecting auxiliary data to inform careful and considered handling of missing PRO data during analysis, interpretation and reporting.
Enhanced susceptibility of obese mice to glycidamide‐induced sperm chromatin damage without increased oxidative stress
Authors: Gutzkow K. B. , Duale N. , Danielsen T. , von Stedingk H. , Shahzadi S. , Instanes C. , Olsen A.‐K. , Steffensen I.‐L. , Hofer T. , Törnqvist M. , Brunborg G. , Lindeman B. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryDiet‐induced obesity is known to impair male reproduction and may aggravate the male reproductive toxicity of the food contaminant acrylamide. Exposure of male mice to acrylamide induces paternally mediated pre‐ and post‐implantation losses because of spermatozoal toxicity and these effects are potentiated in mice fed a high‐fat diet. Glycidamide – an acrylamide metabolite – is the primary mediator of reproductive effects in males. The mechanisms causing the interaction between diet and acrylamide are not clear. However, diet‐induced obesity is associated with oxidative stress in male reproductive tissues which might contribute to increased germ cell susceptibility. In this study, we investigated whether a moderate diet‐induced obesity regimen could interfere with glycidamide‐induced spermatozoal toxicity and increase oxidative stress. For this purpose, sperm chromatin integrity, oxidised DNA and protein levels, transcript levels of oxidative stress responsive genes and glycidamide‐induced DNA and haemoglobin adducts were analysed in samples from male mice exposed to a high‐fat diet for 6 weeks in combination with a single glycidamide exposure 7 days prior to sacrifice. We found that glycidamide‐induced sperm DNA fragmentation was markedly higher in obese than in lean mice. However, the levels of oxidised DNA and/or protein in blood, liver and testicular tissue was lower in obese than in lean mice. Accompanying the reduced level of oxidised macromolecules, the transcript levels of several oxidative stress‐related genes were altered in the liver and testis from obese mice suggesting induction of an antioxidant response in these animals. The haemoglobin‐glycidamide adduct levels were higher in obese than in lean animals, whereas obesity did not seem to increase the level of glycidamide‐induced DNA adducts. These findings show that a moderate diet‐induced obesity regimen may potentiate glycidamide‐induced sperm cells toxicity and suggest that the increase in glycidamide‐induced sperm toxicity observed in obese mice does not depend on overt oxidative stress.
Protective effect of crocetin on bovine spermatozoa against oxidative stress during in vitro fertilization
Authors: Sapanidou V. , Taitzoglou I. , Tsakmakidis I. , Kourtzelis I. , Fletouris D. , Theodoridis A. , Lavrentiadou S. , Tsantarliotou M. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryOxidative stress is one of the major factors that contribute to poor semen quality and low rates of in vitro fertilization. Crocetin, a main constituent of saffron (Crocus sativusL.) possesses potent antioxidant activity, by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or enhancing the activity of intracellular antioxidant enzymes. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effect of crocetin on the quality characteristics of bull spermatozoa and fertilization rate. For this reason, frozen/thawed bovine spermatozoa were incubated with crocetin (1, 2.5, and 5 μm), for 120 or 240 min, in the presence of a negative control, and evaluated in terms of motility, viability, acrosomal status,DNAfragmentation index, intracellularROS, and lipid peroxidation. In order to evaluate the impact of crocetin on cleavage and blastocyst rate, the compound was added in theIVFmedium at the previously identified optimal concentration (2.5 μm). The results indicate that incubation of spermatozoa with 2.5 μmof crocetin resulted in a statistically significant lower production of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, lower lipid peroxidation, and in better maintenance of motility parameters, viability, and acrosomal integrity, with a very small number of cells withDNAfragmentation, compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The presence of crocetin (2.5 μm) in the fertilization medium also resulted in a significant increase in acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa and blastocyst production, compared to the control group (p < 0.01). These data indicate that crocetin (2.5 μm) positively affects bovine sperm quality characteristics during a 240‐min incubation and improves its fertilizing ability, directly and/or indirectly, by regulatingROSconcentration and lipid peroxidation.
The relationship between a dissociated optic nerve fibre layer appearance after macular hole surgery and Muller cell debris on peeled internal limiting membrane
Authors: Steel David H. W. , Dinah Christiana , White Kathryn , Avery Peter J. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPurposeA dissociated optic nerve fibre layer (DONFL) is a characteristic change noted in inner retinal morphology after internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. It is thought to be due to trauma to Muller cells as the ILM is peeled from their attached end plates. In this study, we aimed to determine the extent and size of Muller cell debris on the retinal side of excised ILM and assess whether this correlated with the extent of DONFL observed postoperatively.MethodProspective single centre study of a consecutive series of patients undergoing macular hole surgery. Transmission electron microscopy of the ILM was used to assess Muller cell debris and postoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) to assess the extent of DONFL. A variety of other pre‐ and postoperative features was also included.ResultsThirty‐nine patients were analysed. There were retinal dimples characteristic of DONFL detected on SD‐OCT in all 39 eyes. The portion of the retinal side of the ILM specimen covered by cellular debris ranged from 12% to 49%, with a median of 28%. Using linear regression, the percentage of retinal debris, the size of the debris and the postoperative visual acuity were significantly positively associated with the DONFL score. The total R squared for the model was 63.9%.ConclusionThe extent of DONFL observed postoperatively can be partly explained by the amount of retinal side cellular debris on the retinal side of the peeled ILM. Surgical strategies which minimize this material could reduce the extent of DONFL.
Structural and biomechanical corneal differences between patients suffering from primary congenital glaucoma and healthy volunteers
Authors: Perucho‐González Lucía , Sáenz‐Francés Federico , Morales‐Fernández Laura , Martínez‐de‐la‐Casa José María , Méndez‐Hernández Carmen D. , Santos‐Bueso Enrique , Brookes John L. , García‐Feijoó Julián 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether a set of ocular morphometric and biomechanical variables are able to discriminate between healthy volunteers and patients suffering from primary congenital glaucoma (PCG).MethodsCase–control study in which 66 patients with PCG and 94 age‐matched healthy subjects were evaluated using ocular response analyser (ORA) to record corneal biomechanical properties. Topographic corneal variables were obtained using the Pentacam in both groups. To determine the ability to discern between both groups, a multivariate binary logistic model was constructed. The outcome was the diagnosis of PCG and the predictors; the corneal variables analysed along with their first‐term interactions. Sensitivity and specificity of this model along with the area under the receiver characteristic operating curve (AUC of ROC) were determined.ResultsThe best model to discriminate between both groups included the following predictors: corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), posterior maximum elevation (PME), anterior maximum elevation (AME) and central corneal thickness (CCT). This model, for a cut‐point of 50%, presents a sensitivity of 86.67%, a specificity of 86.89% and an AUC of the ROC curve of 93.16% [95% confidence interval (CI): 88.97–97.35]. The adjusted odds ratios of those predictors which showed a significant discriminating capacity were as follows: for CH, 0.27 (95% confidence interval: 0.15–0.46); for CRF, 2.13 (95% CI: 1.33–3.40); for PME, 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01–1.12); and for AME, 1.35 (95% CI: 1.10–1.66).ConclusionCorneal hysteresis (CH), CRF, PME and AME are able to discern between patients with PCG and healthy controls. This fact suggests that there are structural and biomechanical differences between these groups.
No evidence for thrombophilia in patients with retinal venous occlusion: a systematic GRADE‐based review
Authors: Kirkegaard Kirstine , Heegaard Steffen , Hvas Anne‐Mette 
Published: August 2016

AbstractRetinal venous occlusion represents a common retinal disorder that untreated often leads to severely reduced vision. While general risk factors for vascular disease are known to increase the risk of an event, the role of thrombophilia is controversial. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for thrombophilia investigation in patients presenting with retinal venous occlusion. Eligible studies were identified by a MESH‐based search in PubMed 11–13 of March 2015. The level of evidence was stated according to the guidelines published by the GRADE working group using three levels for quality of evidence: high, moderate and low. A total of 118 studies relating to the study question were identified. After excluding case stories, commentaries, cross‐sectional studies and reviews/expert opinions, 28 original papers and two meta‐analyses were included in the final qualitative synthesis. The majority of studies were small case–control studies, and only one large cohort study was identified. No randomized controlled trials were retrieved. All the studies were categorized as low quality of evidence. Systematic thrombophilia screening in patients presenting with retinal venous occlusion cannot be recommended.
Toric intraocular lens implantation in children with developmental cataract and preexisting corneal astigmatism
Authors: Ram Jagat , Singh Rishiraj , Gupta Rohit , Bhutani Garvit , Gupta Parul Chawla , Sukhija Jaspreet 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effect of toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation on the refractive outcomes in children with cataract and preexisting corneal astigmatism.MethodsWe included children between the age group of 8–14 years who were randomized into group I (toric) and group II (non‐toric), in which toric and spherical IOLs were implanted, respectively, after phacoaspiration. Primary outcome measure was comparison of preoperative keratometric and postoperative refractive cylinder. Secondary outcome measure was comparison of pre‐ and postoperative visual outcome.ResultsThis study included 21 eyes of 17 children with developmental cataract. The mean spherical power of the toric IOLs implanted in the group I was 22.42 ± 4.84 D (range 12.50–29.00 D) and the mean cylindrical power of toric IOL was 3.37 ± 1.43 D (range 1.50–6.00D). The mean spherical power implanted in non‐toric (group II) was 20.70 ± 7.09 D (range 10–31D). Mean preoperative keratometric cylinder in group I was 2.99 ± 0.96 D (range 1.85–5.12 D) and in group II it was 3.35 ± 0.63 D (range 2.03D–4.33 D) (p = 0.31) while the mean refractive cylinder at one year postoperatively in group I was 0.50 ± 0.39 D (range 0.00–1.00 D) and in group II it was 2.05 ± 0.39 D (range 1.25D–2.50 D; p = 0.006). Twelve months postoperatively, group I had a mean spherical equivalent (SE) 0.41 ± 0.26 D (range 0.00–0.88 D) and group II had 1.8 ± 1.03 D (range 0.63–4.00 D) (p = 0.002). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) improved from 0.94 log MAR ± 0.51 (range 0.60–2.00) to 0.43 log MAR ± 0.33 (range 0.00–1.00) in the group I at the end of 1 year and in group II, it improved from 1.52 log MAR ± 1.12 to 0.75 log MAR ± 0.70 (range 0.00–2.00) at the end of 1 year. Corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA) improved in group I from 0.72 log MAR ± 0.17 (range 0.48–1.00) to 0.19 log MAR ± 0.26 (range 0.00‐ 0.78) at the end of one year while in group II, it improved from 1.33 ± 1.08 (range 0.18–3.00) to 0.49 log MAR ± 0.80 (range 0.00–2.00) at the end of 1 year.ConclusionsToric IOL implantation in children significantly reduces postoperative astigmatism and thereby improves visual outcome.
Reproductive biology of Philodryas patagoniensis (Snakes: Dipsadidae) in south Brazil: male reproductive cycle
Authors: Loebens Luiza , Cechin Sonia Zanini , Theis Tiago Felipe , Moura Livia Bataioli , Almeida‐Santos Selma Maria 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe male reproductive cycle of Philodryas patagoniensis in south Brazil was described through morpho‐anatomical and histological analysis of individuals deposited in zoological collections. Spermatogenesis occurred during late autumn–winter (June–September) and spermiogenesis occurred in spring–summer (October–March). The volume of the testes was smaller (quiescent) in winter, while the tubular diameter and the epithelial height of the seminiferous tubule were larger in summer (January–March). The ductus deferens presented spermatozoa all over the year and had no seasonal variation in diameter. The length of the kidney was larger in winter–spring (July–December), although the tubular diameter and epithelium height of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) were larger only in winter (July–September). Total testicular regression was observed in late autumn (May), simultaneously with the peak in SSK. Therefore, at the individual level, males exhibit a discontinuous cyclical reproduction. Considering the population level, the reproductive cycle is seasonal semisynchronous, with most of the individuals showing a reproductive peak in spring–summer (October–March). Here, we present evidence to support the importance of the microscopic approach to reproductive cycle studies. Finally, we discuss the intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing P. patagoniensis reproductive patterns.
From Towns to Hotels: Changes in Mining Accommodation Regimes and Their Effects on Labour Union Strategies
Authors: Manky Omar 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA radical shift in the spatial organization of the global mining industry has occurred over the last three decades. I argue that the shift from the traditional mining town, where workers lived close to the mine, to the new model of long distance commuting, where workers are transported in from distant cities for their shifts, transforms labour union strategies. Drawing on an in‐depth case study from Peru, I show that long distance commuting reduces workers’ capacity to mobilize locally by affecting the dynamics in three social spaces: the mining camp, the home and the union hall. Moreover, and in contrast to prior research, I detail how mining unions have developed new compensatory strategies to maintain their bargaining power.
Management of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade 4 urinary adverse events after radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Mayer Erik N. , Tward Jonathan D. , Bassett Mitchell , Lenherr Sara M. , Hotaling James M. , Brant William O. , Lowrance William T. , Myers Jeremy B. 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveTo describe the management of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade 4 urinary adverse events (UAEs) after radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PCa).MethodsWe conducted a single‐centre retrospective review, over a 6‐year period (2010–2015), to identify men with RTOG grade 4 UAEs after RT for PCa. RT was classified as combined therapy (radical prostatectomy [RP] followed by external beam radiotherapy [EBRT], EBRT + low‐dose‐rate [LDR] brachytherapy, EBRT + high‐dose‐rate [HDR] brachytherapy or other combinations of RT) or monotherapy RT. UAEs were classified as outlet (urethral stricture, bladder neck contracture, prostate necrosis, or recto‐urethral fistula) or bladder (contraction, necrosis, fistula, ureteric stricture or haemorrhage) UAEs.ResultsWe identified 73 men with a mean age of 73 years. Of these, 44 (60%) received combined therapy, consisting of RP + EBRT (n = 19), HDR brachytherapy + EBRT (n = 19), LDR brachytherapy + EBRT (n = 5), and other combined RT (n = 1). Twenty‐nine (40%) patients had monotherapy consisting of EBRT (n = 4), HDR brachytherapy (n = 11), LDR brachytherapy (n = 12), or proton beam therapy (n = 2). UAEs were isolated to the bladder in six men (8%), the outlet in 52 men (71%), and to both in 15 men (21%). UAE management included: conservative in 21 (29%), indwelling catheters in 12 (16%), reconstructive in 19 (26%), and urinary diversion (UD) in 23 men (32%). Reconstruction included: ureteric (n = 4), recto‐urethral fistula repair (n = 2), and posterior urethroplasty (n =13), of which 14/16 surgeries (88%) with follow‐up >90 days were successful.ConclusionsAlthough the incidence of RTOG grade 4 UAEs after PCa radiation treatment is not well defined, their associated morbidity is significant, and approximately one third of patients with these high‐grade complications require UD. Conversely, only about a quarter of patients can be managed with conservative strategies or local surgeries. Reconstruction is successful in selected patients.
Potential role of bioactive peptides in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases: a narrative review
Authors: Cicero Arrigo F G , Fogacci Federica , Colletti Alessandro 
Published: August 2016

In the past few years, increasing interest has been directed to bioactive peptides of animal and plant origin: in particular, researchers have focused their attention on their mechanisms of action and potential role in the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and infective diseases. We have developed a search strategy to identify these studies in PubMed (January 1980 to May 2016); particularly those papers presenting comprehensive reviews or meta‐analyses, plus in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials on those bioactive peptides that affect cardiovascular diseases, immunity or cancer, or have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. In this review we have mostly focused on evidence‐based healthy properties of bioactive peptides from different sources. Bioactive peptides derived from fish, milk, meat and plants have demonstrated significant antihypertensive and lipid‐lowering activity in clinical trials. Many bioactive peptides show selective cytotoxic activity against a wide range of cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo, whereas others have immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effects. Furthermore, some peptides exert anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which could aid in the prevention of chronic diseases. However, clinical evidence is at an early stage, and there is a need for solid pharmacokinetic data and for standardized extraction procedures. Further studies on animals and randomized clinical trials are required to confirm these effects, and enable these peptides to be used as preventive or therapeutic treatments.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc