bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary function and health-related quality of life of patients after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: two methods of assessment for 112 patients with up to six years of follow-up
Authors: Kass-Iliyya Antoine , Vasdev Nikhil , Soomro Naeem , Durkan Garrett C 
Published: February 2013

Background: Wide variation exists between methods of assessment of urinary function following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Objective: To assess post-operative urinary function and quality of life (QOL) after LRP using validated questionnaires and compare these results with subjective assessments obtained during outpatient consultations. Design, setting and participants: Between January 2004 and December 2009, 200 men with organ-confined prostate cancer underwent LRP at our centre. Post-operative urinary function and QOL were evaluated using validated questionnaires (ICIQ-MLUTS and FACT-P). Data regarding urinary function, which were collected at the outpatient clinic (OPC), were also available for these 112 patients. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Objective post-operative urinary function obtained from validated questionnaires using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to evaluate the impact of urinary symptoms on QOL. Results and limitations: Based on the validated questionnaires, 75% (75/112) of patients had low incontinence scores (0 to 8/24) at a mean follow-up of 37 months. On subjective assessment at the OPC, 82% (92/112) of patients were considered dry (pad free). The majority of patients had a high QOL score (109–156), indicating good quality of life. Urinary symptoms’ severity was significantly correlated with QOL, where severe symptoms were associated with lower QOL. A literature search revealed wide discrepancies in the assessment of functional outcomes following LRP rendering comparison between studies extremely difficult. Conclusions: The functional outcomes of LRP vary depending on the assessment used. There continues to be a lack of congruity between the methodologies used in the literature and few studies published have used validated questionnaires.
Patient reported outcomes of abobotulinumtoxinA injection treatment for idiopathic detrusor overactivity: a pragmatic approach to management in secondary care
Authors: Irwin P , Somov P , Ekwueme K 
Published: February 2013

Aims: To evaluate the medium and long-term results of abobotulinumtoxinA (aboBTX-A) injection treatment in the management of refractory overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms owing to idiopathic detrusor overactivity. Methods: Prospective data were collected from consecutive patients who underwent intravesical injection of 250 units of aboBTX-A under general anaesthetic for OAB symptoms that were refractory to antimuscarinic therapy. Overactive bladder symptom scores (OABSS), Likhart quality of life (QoL) indices and post-void residual volumes (PVR) were compared before and 6 weeks after treatment. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to compare changes in OABSS, QoL and PVR from baseline scores. Results: Seventy-three patients received 93 aboBTX-A injection treatments over a 5-year period. Overall, OABSS and QoL improved by a mean of 3.7 + 4.17 ( p<0.001) and 2.1 + 2.06 ( p<0.001), respectively. An improvement in the combined OABSS and QoL scores of two or more points was observed following 68 (70.8%) procedures. De novo self-catheterisation was required following 16 procedures (16.8%) but was discontinued by 3 months in nine cases. In patients undergoing repeat injection treatment, the mean (+ SD) duration of symptomatic relief (until the resumption of antimuscarinic therapy) was 12.3 + 9.8 months, while the mean (+ SD) interval between injection treatments was 26.7 ± 14.3 months. Conclusion: AbobotulinumtoxinA injection treatment, employing a dose of 250 units per treatment, confers results that compare very favourably with those reported for onobotulinumtoxinA.
In Vivo Kinematics of the Talocrural and Subtalar Joints With Functional Ankle Instability During Weight-Bearing Ankle Internal Rotation
Authors: Kobayashi Takumi , No Yumi , Yoneta Kei , Sadakiyo Masashi , Gamada Kazuyoshi 
Published: February 2013

Functional ankle instability (FAI) may involve abnormal kinematics. However, reliable quantitative data for kinematics of FAI have not been reported. The objective of this study was to determine if the abnormal kinematics exist in the talocrural and subtalar joints in patients with FAI. Five male subjects with unilateral FAI (a mean age of 33.4 ± 13.2 years) were enrolled. All subjects were examined with stress radiography and found to have no mechanical ankle instability (MAI). Lateral radiography at weight-bearing ankle internal rotation of 0° and 20° was taken with the ankle at 30° dorsiflexion and 30° plantar flexion. Patients underwent computed tomography scan at 1.0 mm slice pitch spanning distal one third of the lower leg and the distal end of the calcaneus. Three-dimensional (3D) kinematics of the talocrural and subtalar joints as well as the ankle joint complex (AJC) were determined using a 3D-to-2D registration technique using a 3D-to-2D registration technique with 3D bone models and plain radiography. FAI joints in ankle dorsiflexion demonstrated significantly greater subtalar internal rotation from 0° to 20° internal rotation. No statistical differences in plantar flexion were detected in talocrural, subtalar or ankle joint complex kinematics between the FAI and contralateral healthy joints. During ankle internal rotation in dorsiflexion, FAI joints demonstrated greater subtalar internal rotation. The FAI joints without mechanical instability presented abnormal kinematics. This suggests that abnormal kinematics of the FAI joints may contribute to chronic instability. FAI joints may involve unrecognized abnormal subtalar kinematics during internal rotation in ankle dorsiflexion which may contribute to chronic instability and frequent feelings of instability. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level IV, Cross-sectional
Instability Resistance Training Across the Exercise Continuum
Authors: Behm David G. , Colado Sanchez Juan Carlos 
Published: February 2013

Context: Instability resistance training (IRT; unstable surfaces and devices to strengthen the core or trunk muscles) is popular in fitness training facilities. Objective: To examine contradictory IRT recommendations for health enthusiasts and rehabilitation. Data Sources: A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, SPORT Discus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from 1990 to 2012. Study Selection: Databases were searched using key terms, including “balance,” “stability,” “instability,” “resistance training,” “core,” “trunk,” and “functional performance.” Additionally, relevant articles were extracted from reference lists. Data Extraction: To be included, research questions addressed the effect of balance or IRT on performance, healthy and active participants, and physiologic or performance outcome measures and had to be published in English in a peer-reviewed journal. Results: There is a dichotomy of opinions on the effectiveness and application of instability devices and conditions for health and performance training. Balance training without resistance has been shown to improve not only balance but functional performance as well. IRT studies document similar training adaptations as stable resistance training programs with recreationally active individuals. Similar progressions with lower resistance may improve balance and stability, increase core activation, and improve motor control. Conclusion: IRT is highly recommended for youth, elderly, recreationally active individuals, and highly trained enthusiasts.
Does design matter? Systematic evaluation of the impact of analytical choices on effect estimates in observational studies
Authors: Madigan David , Ryan Patrick B. , Schuemie Martijn 
Published: February 2013

Background: Clinical studies that use observational databases, such as administrative claims and electronic health records, to evaluate the effects of medical products have become commonplace. These studies begin by selecting a particular study design, such as a case control, cohort, or self-controlled design, and different authors can and do choose different designs for the same clinical question. Furthermore, published papers invariably report the study design but do not discuss the rationale for the specific choice. Studies of the same clinical question with different designs, however, can generate different results, sometimes with strikingly different implications. Even within a specific study design, authors make many different analytic choices and these too can profoundly impact results. In this paper, we systematically study heterogeneity due to the type of study design and due to analytic choices within study design. Methods and findings: We conducted our analysis in 10 observational healthcare databases but mostly present our results in the context of the GE Centricity EMR database, an electronic health record database containing data for 11.2 million lives. We considered the impact of three different study design choices on estimates of associations between bisphosphonates and four particular health outcomes for which there is no evidence of an association. We show that applying alternative study designs can yield discrepant results, in terms of direction and significance of association. We also highlight that while traditional univariate sensitivity analysis may not show substantial variation, systematic assessment of all analytical choices within a study design can yield inconsistent results ranging from statistically significant decreased risk to statistically significant increased risk. Our findings show that clinical studies using observational databases can be sensitive both to study design choices and to specific analytic choices within study design. Conclusion: More attention is needed to consider how design choices may be impacting results and, when possible, investigators should examine a wide array of possible choices to confirm that significant findings are consistently identified.
Changing prognosis of renal cell carcinoma: a single-centre experience over 25 years
Authors: Charlesworth Philip JS , Sullivan Mark E , Protheroe Andrew , Turner Gareth DH , Roberts Ian SD , Kilbey Neviana , Harris Adrian L , Cranston David 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The objective of this research is to examine renal cancer nephrectomies over 25 years in our centre and the factors underlying changes in disease-specific survival. Patients and methods: Retrospective data analysis was performed on all patients undergoing nephrectomies at our institution for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) from 1983 to 2007. Data extracted from the Cancer Research Uro-Oncology Database (CRUD©) provided survival, clinical and prognostic information including tumour diameter, Fuhrman grade, WHO staging and age. Results: Analysis of 664 RCCs demonstrated a clear change in kidney cancer-specific survival over the past 25 years, with five-year survival improving from 42% (1983–1986) to 73% (1999–2002). The number of RCC nephrectomies has increased 10 fold. There was no significant change in operative mortality, age, grade, stage or mean tumour size. However, there was a five-fold increase in tumours <6 cm, corresponding to an equal-fold decrease in tumours 6–8 cm, but no change in tumours >8 cm. Tumour size >8 cm was a significant adverse prognostic marker. Conclusions: A 30% improvement in RCC cancer-specific survival has been seen in our centre over the last 25 years. This change relates to a shift to smaller tumours, lower histological grades and a higher volume of cases.
RNAi screening uncovers Dhx9 as a modifier of ABT-737 resistance in an Eμ-myc/Bcl-2 mouse model
Authors: Mills John R. , Malina Abba , Lee Teresa , Di Paola Domenic , Larsson Ola , Miething Cornelius , Grosse Frank , Tang Hengli , Zannis-Hadjopoulos Maria , Lowe Scott W. , Pelletier Jerry 
Published: February 2013

Key Points
A focused RNAi screen identifies Dhx9 as a regulator of ABT-737 sensitivity in Eµ-myc/Bcl-2 lymphomas. Dhx9 suppression activates an apoptotic signal through the Chk1/p53 replicative stress pathway in Myc-driven cells.
De novo assembly and characterization of transcriptome using Illumina paired-end sequencing and identification of CesA gene in ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud)
Authors: Liu Touming , Zhu Siyuan , Tang Qingming , Chen Ping , Yu Yongting , Tang Shouwei 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Ramie fiber, extracted from vegetative organ stem bast, is one of the most important natural fibers. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of the vegetative growth of the ramie and the formation and development of bast fiber is essential for improving the yield and quality of the ramie fiber. However, only 418 expressed tag sequences (ESTs) of ramie deposited in public databases are far from sufficient to understand the molecular mechanisms. Thus, high-throughput transcriptome sequencing is essential to generate enormous ramie transcript sequences for the purpose of gene discovery, especially genes such as the cellulose synthase (CesA) gene.

Results
Using Illumina paired-end sequencing, about 53 million sequencing reads were generated. De novo assembly yielded 43,990 unigenes with an average length of 824 bp. By sequence similarity searching for known proteins, a total of 34,192 (77.7%) genes were annotated for their function. Out of these annotated unigenes, 16,050 and 13,042 unigenes were assigned to gene ontology and clusters of orthologous group, respectively. Searching against the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway database (KEGG) indicated that 19,846 unigenes were mapped to 126 KEGG pathways, and 565 genes were assigned to http://starch and sucrose metabolic pathway which was related with cellulose biosynthesis. Additionally, 51 CesA genes involved in cellulose biosynthesis were identified. Analysis of tissue-specific expression pattern of the 51 CesA genes revealed that there were 36 genes with a relatively high expression levels in the stem bark, which suggests that they are most likely responsible for the biosynthesis of bast fiber.

Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to characterize the ramie transcriptome and the substantial amount of transcripts obtained will accelerate the understanding of the ramie vegetative growth and development mechanism. Moreover, discovery of the 36 CesA genes with relatively high expression levels in the stem bark will present an opportunity to understand the ramie bast fiber formation and development mechanisms.
Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial of the effect of retinol and vitamin D supplementation on treatment in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients with diabetes
Authors: Wang Qiuzhen , Ma Aiguo , Bygbjerg Ib Christian , Han Xiuxia , Liu Yufeng , Zhao Shanliang , Cai Jing 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The association between pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) has been previously attracted much attention. Diabetes alters immunity to tuberculosis, leading to more frequent treatment failure in TB patients with DM. Moreover, TB and DM often coincide with micronutrients deficiencies, such as retinol and vitamin D, which are especially important to immunity of the body and may influence pancreas β-cell function. However, the effects of retinol and vitamin D supplementation in active TB patients with diabetes on treatment outcomes, immune and nutrition state are still uncertain. We are conducting a randomized controlled trial of vitamin A and/or D in active PTB patients with DM in a network of 4 TB treatment clinics to determine whether the supplementation could improve the outcome in the patients.

Methods/design
This is a 2×2 factorial trial. We plan to enroll 400 active PTB patients with DM, and randomize them to VA (2000 IU daily retinol); VD (400 IU daily cholecalciferol); VAD (2000 IU daily retinol plus 400 IU cholecalciferol) or control (placebo) group. Our primary outcome measure is the efficacy of anti-tuberculosis treatment and ameliorating of glucose metabolism, and the secondary outcome measure being immune and nutrition status of the subjects. Of the first 37 subjects enrolled: 8 have been randomized to VA, 10 to VD, 9 to VAD and 10 to control. To date, the sample is 97.3% Han Chinese and 91.9% female. The average fasting plasma glucose level is 12.19 mmol/L.

Discussion
This paper describes the design and rationale of a randomized clinical trial comparing VA and/or VD supplementation to active pulmonary TB patients with DM. Our trial will allow rigorous evaluation of the efficacy of the supplementation to active TB and DM therapy for improving clinical outcomes and immunological condition. This detailed description of trial methodology can serve as a template for the development of future treatment scheme for active TB patient with DM.

Trial registration

ChiCTR-TRC-12002546
Antibacterial effects of silver diamine fluoride on multi-species cariogenic biofilm on caries
Authors: Mei May Lei , Li Quan-li , Chu Chun-Hung , Lo EdwardChin-Man , Samaranayake Lakshman Perera 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Backgrounds
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has clinical success in arresting dentin caries, this study aimed to investigate its mechanism of action.

Methods
Using a computer-controlled artificial mouth, we studied the effect of 38% SDF on cariogenic biofilms and dentin carious lesions. We used five common cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Actinomyces naeslundii) to form a cariogenic biofilm that generated carious lesions with a depth of approximately 70 um on human dentin blocks. We applied 38% SDF to the lesions in the test group and water to those in the control group. The blocks were incubated in the artificial mouth for 21 days before evaluation. Microbial kinetics, architecture, viability and distribution were evaluated every 7 days using colony forming unit (CFU), scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The physical properties of the carious lesions were evaluated with microhardness testing, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR).

Results
The CFU results revealed fewer colony forming units in the test group compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy showed less bacterial growth in the test group, and confluent cariogenic biofilm in the control group (p < 0.01). The microhardness and weight percentages of calcium and phosphorus in the test group from the outermost 50mum were higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). EDS showed that calcium and phosphous were higher in outer 50 mum in test groups than in the control FTIR revealed less exposed collagen I in the test lesions compared with the control group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions
38% SDF inhibits multi-species cariogenic biofilm formation on dentin carious lesions and reduces the demineralization process.
Psychometric validation of the Self-Care Inventory-Revised (SCI-R) in UK adults with type 2 diabetes using data from the AT.LANTUS Follow-on study
Authors: Khagram Leena , Martin Colin R , Davies Melanie J , Speight Jane 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Achieving optimal outcomes in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) involves several demanding self-care behaviours, e.g. managing diet, activity, medications, monitoring glucose levels, footcare. The Self-Care Inventory-Revised (SCI-R) is valid for use in people with T2DM in the US. Our aim was to determine its suitability for use in the UK.

Methods
353 people with T2DM participated in the AT.LANTUS Follow-on study, completing measures of diabetes self-care (SCI-R), generic and diabetes-specific well-being (W-BQ28), and diabetes treatment satisfaction (DTSQ). Statistical analyses were conducted to explore structure, reliability, and validity of the SCI-R.

Results
Principal components analysis indicated a 13-item scale (items loading >0.39) with satisfactory internal consistency reliability (α = 0.77), although neither this model nor any alternatives were confirmed in the confirmatory factor analysis. Acceptability was high (>95% completion for all but one item); ceiling effects were demonstrated for six items. As expected, convergent validity (correlations between self-care behaviours) was found for few items. Divergent validity was supported by expected low correlations between SCI-R total and well-being (rs = 0.02-0.21) and treatment satisfaction (rs = 0.29). Known-groups validity was partially supported with significant differences in SCI-R total by HbA1c (≤7.5% (58 mmol/mol): 72 ± 11, >7.5% (58 mmol/mol): 68 ± 14, p < 0.05) and diabetes duration (≤16 years: 67 ± 13, >16 years: 71 ± 12, p < 0.001) but not by presence/absence of complications or by insulin treatment algorithm.

Conclusions
The SCI-R is a brief, valid and reliable measure of self-care in people with T2DM in the UK. However, ceiling effects raise concerns about its potential for responsiveness in clinical trials. Individual items may be more useful clinically than the total score.
Invasive colon cancer, but not non-invasive adenomas induce a gradient effect of Wnt pathway receptor frizzled 1 (Fz1) expression in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Planutis Kestutis , Planutiene Marina , Nguyen Anthony V , Moyer Mary Pat , Holcombe Randall F 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundWnt signaling in the colon cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) may affect cancer biologic properties including invasion and metastatic dissemination. Prior reports have suggested that the expression of select frizzled (Fz) receptors may be altered in cancers and in the TME.MethodsColon cancer, colonic adenoma and normal colonic mucosal specimens were obtained under institutional review board approval and analyzed for the expression of Fz1 and Fz2 by confocal fluorescent immunohistochemistry and Wnt-specific membrane array. In vitro, the effect of Wnt3a on Fz1 expression was examined in normal-derived NCM460 cells by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.ResultsFz1 was expressed in colon cancer and villous adenomas but not in more benign tubular adenomas. Fz1 expression was seen in normal colonic mucosa in close proximity to colon cancer, but not villous or tubular adenomas. Normal colonic mucosa distant from colon cancer did not express Fz1. Fz2 was expressed ubiquitously in cancer, adenomas and normal colonic mucosa. Fz1 expression was induced by Wnt3a in a normal colon mucosa-derived cell line in vitro.ConclusionsFz1 is a Wnt responsive gene in colon-derived tissues. Fz1 expression exhibited increased expression in normal mucosa only in close proximity to colon cancer. This field effect was not seen with pre-malignant adenomas and may be due to Wnt/β-catenin signaling within the TME. Fz1 may represent a new TME-directed therapeutic target for patients with colon cancer.