bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study on the efficacy and safety of calcium dobesilate in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Rabe Eberhard , Ballarini Stefania , Lehr Lorenz 
Published: May 2015

Objective To show the superiority of 500 mg calcium dobesilate vs. placebo in reduction of edema of the lower limbs in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical and Pathophysiological classes C3/C4. Methods A total of 351 patients were randomized (n = 174 calcium dobesilate, n = 177 placebo). Active treatment was 500 mg calcium dobesilate, three times daily for 12 weeks, with a 12-week follow-up. Results At the end of treatment, the relative volume change in the most pathological leg was −0.6 ± 4.8% with calcium dobesilate compared to −0.3 ± 3.3% with placebo (p = 0.09). At the end of follow-up, this was −1.01 ± 5.4% for calcium dobesilate vs. −0.08 ± 3.5% for placebo (p = 0.002). Conclusions Calcium dobesilate treatment resulted in no significant volume change in the most pathological leg between baseline and end of treatment. However, the calcium dobesilate group showed a significantly greater volume decrease in the most pathological leg at the end of follow-up. Calcium dobesilate was well-tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with previously published data.
Comparison of Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With and Without Subchondral Cyst
Authors: Lee Keun-bae , Park Hyeong-won , Cho Hyun-jong , Seon Jong-keun 
Published: May 2015

Background: Although various treatment modalities for an osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) with a subchondral cyst have been recommended previously, the primary treatment methods for such conditions have yet to be conclusively determined. Moreover, few comprehensive studies have compared the outcomes of cases where patients were treated with microfracture for OLT with and without subchondral cysts. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic microfractures performed as a primary treatment for OLT with a subchondral cyst. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 102 patients (102 ankles) who underwent arthroscopic microfracture for small to midsized OLT. The ankles were divided into a cyst group (45 ankles) and a noncyst group (57 ankles).The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, visual analog scale (VAS), and Ankle Activity Score (AAS) were used to compare the clinical outcomes between the groups over a mean follow-up period of 48 months. Results: The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores were 64.8 in the cyst group and 66.2 in the noncyst group preoperatively. These improved to 91.8 and 91.3, respectively, at the final follow-up. The mean VAS scores were 7.5 in the cyst group and 7.3 in the noncyst group preoperatively; these improved to 2.3 and 2.2, respectively, at the final follow-up. The mean AAS in the cyst group and the noncyst group improved from 2.7 and 2.6 preoperatively to 6.7 and 6.5 at the final follow-up, respectively. In terms of radiographic stage improvements, the cyst group showed no change in 18 ankles (40%) and showed improvements of 1 grade in 13 ankles (28.9%), 2 grades in 9 ankles (20%), 3 grades in 3 ankles (6.7%), and 4 grades in 2 ankles (4.4%). The noncyst group showed no change in 17 ankles (29.8%) and showed improvements of 1 grade in 11 ankles (19.3%), 2 grades in 11 ankles (19.3%), 3 grades in 14 ankles (24.6%), and 4 grades in 4 ankles (7.0%). No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of the AOFAS score, VAS score, AAS, or radiographic stage improvements. Conclusion: OLT with and without subchondral cysts treated with arthroscopic microfracture showed similarly good clinical results. The study results suggest that microfracture could be a primary treatment strategy for treating small to midsized OLT regardless of the existence of subchondral cysts.
Nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward aged sexuality in Flemish nursing homes
Authors: Mahieu Lieslot , de Casterlé Bernadette Dierckx , Acke Jolien , Vandermarliere Hanne , Van Elssen Kim , Fieuws Steffen , Gastmans Chris 
Published: May 2015

Background: Admission to a nursing home does not necessarily diminish an older person’s desire for sexual expression and fulfillment. Given that nursing staff directly and indirectly influence the range of acceptable sexual expressions of nursing home residents, their knowledge and attitudes toward aged sexuality can have far-reaching effects on both the quality of care they provide to residents and the self-image and well-being of these residents. Research objectives: To investigate nursing staff’s knowledge and attitudes toward aged sexuality, to determine whether certain sociodemographic factors of the nursing staff relate to their knowledge and attitudes toward later-life sexuality, and to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes. Research design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey study. Research participants and research context: The administered questionnaire collected sociodemographic data and data from an adapted, Dutch version of the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale. Data were collected from November 2011 through April 2012. A total of 43 geographically dispersed nursing homes in Flanders, Belgium, participated. Out of a potential research sample of 2228 nursing staff respondents, 1166 participated. Ethical considerations: The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine of the KU Leuven. Findings: Nursing staff appeared to be moderately knowledgeable about aged sexuality and displayed a rather positive attitude toward sexuality in older people. Significant relationships between various variables were found both at univariable and multivariable levels. Knowledge and attitudes proved to be positively related, indicating that a higher level of knowledge of aged sexuality is associated with a more positive attitude toward sexuality in later life. Discussion: Research findings are discussed within a broader international context. Conclusion: There is room for improvement for both nursing staff’s knowledge and attitudes toward aged sexuality. This might be aided by appropriate educational interventions. Our results identified different target groups of nursing home staff for these interventions.
The relationship between the polymorphisms of the CYP17A1 gene and hypertension: A meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Chuan-Fang , Xie Xiang , Ma Yi-Tong , Yang Yi-Ning , Li Xiao-Mei , Fu Zhen-Yan , Liu Fen , Chen Bang-Dang , Gai Min-Tao 
Published: May 2015

Objective: With the development of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) concerning hypertension, a growing number of susceptibility genes related to hypertension have been revealed. Subsequently, several studies have investigated the association between CYP17A1 rs1004467 heritable variation and hypertension; however, the results have been inconsistent. In this study, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the association between the CYP17A1 rs1004467 polymorphism and hypertension risk. Methods: The PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Embase databases as well as China Wanfang, Weipu and the Chinese Journal Full-text Database were used to retrieve all publications from 2005 to 2013 related to case-control studies that reported a link between the risk factors for hypertension and the CYP17A1 polymorphism. All association studies were identified, and a meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan 5.0 estimate for odds ratios (ORs) to determine whether the A allele predicts hypertension outcomes. Results: Three articles including five studies (totaling 4495 patients and 3529 controls) were identified. The overall effect suggested that rs1004467 was significantly associated with hypertension (OR=1.22, 95%CI 1.08–1.38, p=0.001). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis confirmed the significant association between a polymorphism of the CYP17A1 gene and hypertension susceptibility. The CYP17A1 A allele should be considered a risk factor for hypertension.
Surgical Management of Freiberg’s Infraction
Authors: Schade Valerie L. 
Published: May 2015

Avascular necrosis of the second metatarsal head was first described by Freiberg in 1913. Conservative treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, reduced activity, padding, orthotics, and immobilization. Should conservative treatment fail, a wide variety of surgical procedures exist; however, the optimal procedure is unknown. This systematic review was undertaken to determine which surgical procedure allows for the best resolution of symptoms and return to activity. Included studies were restricted to articles published in English language peer-reviewed journals that consecutively enrolled patients of all ages, with Freiberg’s infraction of any stage, who underwent operative treatment, and had a mean follow-up of greater than or equal to 12 months duration. Eighty-five publications were identified, of which 38 (44.7%) met all the inclusion criteria. Surgical techniques and outcomes were grouped into joint sparing and joint destructive procedures. A total of 70 joint destructive procedures were performed with a combined mean follow-up time of 15.0 months. A greater than 70% resolution of pain and full return to activity was reported. A total of 257 joint sparing procedures were performed with a combined mean follow-up of 30.4 months. A greater than 90% resolution of pain and full return to activity was reported. Results of this systematic review reveal that the results of joint sparing procedures are reported more often and appear to have a better prognosis for symptom resolution and return to activity. Smillie stage was not consistently reported, making it difficult to determine its effect on procedure selection. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Systematic review of Level IV studies
Management of epididymo-orchitis in three different clinical settings: Streamlining pathways and improving care
Authors: Blach O , Ali A , Goubet S , Nawrocki J , Richardson D , Thomas P 
Published: May 2015

Objective: This study represents the first direct comparison of management of epididymo-orchitis (EO) by Accident and Emergency (A&E), Urology and Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) departments in a large tertiary care centre, and their compliance with international guidelines. Methods: Case notes of patients with EO who attended A&E, Urology and GUM between January and June 2014 were analysed retrospectively. Results: A total of 127 men were seen (median age: 33, range: 15–79). Forty-four attended A&E (median age: 35), 30 Urology (median age: 37), and 53 GUM (median age: 31). MSU was sent in 17/44 (38.6%) of A&E, 11/30(36.7%) of Urology, and 35/53(66%) of GUM patients. Fifty-three of 53 (100%) of GUM, 14/44 (31.8%) of A&E and four of 30 (13.3%) of Urology patients had chlamydia and gonorrhoea NAAT testing. Of these, 90.9% of A&E, 93.3% of Urology and 100% of GUM patients were prescribed antibiotics. Twelve A&E and one Urology patient were referred to GUM. Conversely, only three of 11 A&E and zero of five GUM patients aged over 50 were referred for urological follow-up. Conclusion: The management of EO, especially in younger men at risk of STIs by A&E and Urology, and older men at risk of urological problems by GUM, is an area for significant improvement. Closer co-operation between departments, unifying local management protocols, abandoning the traditional demographic divide, and ensuring effective referral pathways are essential to improving care.
Cost-effectiveness of stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) for the treatment of chronic cluster headache: a model-based analysis based on the Pathway CH-1 study
Authors: Pietzsch Jan B. , Garner Abigail , Gaul Charly , May Arne 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn the recent Pathway CH-1 study, on-demand stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) by means of an implantable neurostimulation system was proven to be a safe and effective therapy for the treatment of chronic cluster headache. Our objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of SPG stimulation in the German healthcare system when compared to medical management.MethodsClinical data from the Pathway CH-1 study were used as input for a model-based projection of the cost-effectiveness of SPG stimulation through 5 years. Medical management as the comparator treatment was modeled on the basis of clinical events observed during the baseline period of CH-1. The costs of treatment were derived from a previously published cluster headache costing study and 2014 medication, neurostimulator, and procedure costs. We computed the 5-year incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in euros per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), with costs and effects discounted at 3 % per year.ResultsSPG stimulation was projected to add 0.325 QALYs over the study period, while adding €889 in cost, resulting in a 5-year ICER of €2,736 per QALY gained. Longer follow-up periods, higher baseline attack frequency, and higher utilization of attack-aborting medications led to overall cost savings. SPG stimulation was found either cost-effective or cost-saving across all scenarios investigated in sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsOur model-based analysis suggests that SPG stimulation for the treatment of chronic cluster headache, under the assumption of sustained therapy effectiveness, leads to meaningful gains in health-related quality of life and is a cost-effective treatment strategy in the German healthcare system.
Visible Thrombolysis Acceleration of a Nanomachine Powered by Light-Driving F0F1-ATPase Motor
Authors: Duan Xiaoxia , Liu Lifeng , Jiang Weijian , Yue Jiachang 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
We report on thrombolysis acceleration of a nanomachine powered by light-driving δ-subunit-free F0F1-ATPase motor. It is composed of a mechanical device, locating device, energy storage device, and propeller. The rotory δ-subunit-free F0F1-ATPase motor acts as a mechanical device, which was obtained by reconstructing an original chromatophore extracted from Rhodospirillum rubrum. We found that the bioactivity of the F0F1-ATPase motor improved greatly after reconstruction. The zeta potential of the nanomachine is about −23.4 mV. Cytotoxicity induced by the nanomachine was measured using cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay. The A549 cells incubated with different fractional concentrations of the nanomachine within 48 h did not show obvious cytotoxicity. The locating device helps the nanomachine bind to the thrombi. Energy was easily stored by exposing the nanomachine to 600-nm-wavelength irradiation, which promoted activity of the motor. The rotation of the long propeller accelerated thrombolysis of a blood clot in vitro in the presence of urokinase (UK). This result was based on visual inspection and confirmed by a series of tests.
InteractiVenn: a web-based tool for the analysis of sets through Venn diagrams
Authors: Heberle Henry , Meirelles Gabriela Vaz , da Silva Felipe R , Telles Guilherme P , Minghim Rosane 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Background
Set comparisons permeate a large number of data analysis workflows, in particular workflows in biological sciences. Venn diagrams are frequently employed for such analysis but current tools are limited.

Results
We have developed InteractiVenn, a more flexible tool for interacting with Venn diagrams including up to six sets. It offers a clean interface for Venn diagram construction and enables analysis of set unions while preserving the shape of the diagram. Set unions are useful to reveal differences and similarities among sets and may be guided in our tool by a tree or by a list of set unions. The tool also allows obtaining subsets’ elements, saving and loading sets for further analyses, and exporting the diagram in vector and image formats. InteractiVenn has been used to analyze two biological datasets, but it may serve set analysis in a broad range of domains.

Conclusions
InteractiVenn allows set unions in Venn diagrams to be explored thoroughly, by consequence extending the ability to analyze combinations of sets with additional observations, yielded by novel interactions between joined sets. InteractiVenn is freely available online at: www.interactivenn.net.
Sex chromosome-to-autosome transposition events counter Y-chromosome gene loss in mammals
Authors: Hughes Jennifer F , Skaletsky Helen , Koutseva Natalia , Pyntikova Tatyana , Page David C 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Background
Although the mammalian X and Y chromosomes evolved from a single pair of autosomes, they are highly differentiated: the Y chromosome is dramatically smaller than the X and has lost most of its genes. The surviving genes are a specialized set with extraordinary evolutionary longevity. Most mammalian lineages have experienced delayed, or relatively recent, loss of at least one conserved Y-linked gene. An extreme example of this phenomenon is in the Japanese spiny rat, where the Y chromosome has disappeared altogether. In this species, many Y-linked genes were rescued by transposition to new genomic locations, but until our work presented here, this has been considered an isolated case.

Results
We describe eight cases of genes that have relocated to autosomes in mammalian lineages where the corresponding Y-linked gene has been lost. These gene transpositions originated from either the X or Y chromosomes, and are observed in diverse mammalian lineages: occurring at least once in marsupials, apes, and cattle, and at least twice in rodents and marmoset. For two genes - EIF1AX/Y and RPS4X/Y - transposition to autosomes occurred independently in three distinct lineages.

Conclusions
Rescue of Y-linked gene loss through transposition to autosomes has previously been reported for a single isolated rodent species. However, our findings indicate that this compensatory mechanism is widespread among mammalian species. Thus, Y-linked gene loss emerges as an additional driver of gene transposition from the sex chromosomes, a phenomenon thought to be driven primarily by meiotic sex chromosome inactivation.
Slow release anti-fungal skin formulations based on citric acid intercalated layered double hydroxides nanohybrids
Authors: Perera Jayoda , Weerasekera Manjula , Kottegoda Nilwala 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Background
During the past few decades, the occurrence of superficial fungal infections has rapidly increased. As the fungal infections take longer time to get cured, concepts such as designing drugs with extended persistence and controlled release have gained attention. In this context, nanotechnology has been identified as the latest technological revolution which has opened up new pathways for designing new therapeutic materials. Out of the many available nano-structures layered double hydroxides have gained increased scientific attention in applications as slow and controlled release drug formulations. This study focuses on the encapsulation of citric acid which has anti-fungal properties into a Mg-Al- layered double hydroxide (LDH) in order to be used as slow release topical skin formulations.

Results
Citrate ions were encapsulated into Mg-Al LDH using one step co-precipitation reaction. The successful intercalation of citrate ions into the layered structure has been proved referring to the expansion in the interlayer spacing as observed by the shift in the basal peak of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy data suggests the change in the electron density around the carboxylate groups of the citrate ion thus providing evidences for formation of encapsulated hybrid composite. The resulting nanohybrid has been then, introduced into a general body cream formulation containing cocoa-butter. Both citrate LDH and the resulting body cream formulations demonstrated prolonged slow release characteristics up to 8 h in aqueous medium under different pH values (3, 4, and 5) compared to quick and fast release of pure citric acid. It was observed that the slow reelase was most efficient at low pH values. The encapsulation between the nano-layers and citrate ions are the key to the slow release characteristics. The body cream has been tested for the anti-fungal activity against three common Candida species (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis). The novel nanohybrid has shown an improved activity and slow release characteristics up to 48 h against the C. albicans and C. glabrata but not for C. tropicalis.

Conclusion
The study confirms that the citrate ion intercalated LDHs have the potential for use in future slow release antifungal drug formulation.
Existing joint erosions increase the risk of joint space narrowing independently of clinical synovitis in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Landewé Robert , Smolen Josef S , Florentinus Stefan , Chen Su , Guérette Benoît , van der Heijde Désirée 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Clinical synovitis is often associated with damage to bone and cartilage. Previous data have suggested that joint erosions (JE) are more prevalent than joint space narrowing (JSN) and that the two processes are partly independent of each other. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the presence of JE in an individual joint can lead to development of JSN and if existing JSN leads to new onset of JE, in the absence of synovitis.

Methods
The Prospective Multi-Centre Randomised, Double-Blind, Active Comparator-Controlled, Parallel-Groups Study Comparing the Fully Human Monoclonal Anti-TNFα Antibody Adalimumab Given Every Second Week With Methotrexate Given Weekly and the Combination of Adalimumab and Methotrexate Administered Over 2 Years in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (PREMIER) enrolled early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who were randomized to one of three treatments: methotrexate (MTX), adalimumab (ADA), or ADA + MTX. All evaluable joints with JE and JSN measures at 26 and 52 weeks and synovitis assessments from week 26 to 52 were included. Synovitis was assessed every 2–8 weeks by swollen joint counts between weeks 26 and 52. Radiographs were taken at week 26 and 52. Two readers, blinded to time and sequence, scored 14 bilateral joints individually for JE and JSN. Multivariate logistic modeling was used to characterize the dependence of JE/JSN onset at 52 weeks. Analyses were performed based on treatment arm and were also performed within individual joints.

Results
JE and swelling were independently and comparably associated with onset of JSN at week 52. Assessment by individual joints indicated that existing JE, independent of swelling, was significantly associated with JSN onset in higher proportions of metatarsophalangeal (MTP; 7/10) than proximal interphalangeal (PIP; 1/8) or metacarpophalangeal (MCP; 1/10) joints. Treatment with ADA + MTX prevents JE/JSN progression independently of its ability to suppress synovitis and limits JE/JSN onset and progression in joints with existing damage.

Conclusions
Existing JE predisposes individual joints to development of JSN independently of synovitis in the same joint. Weight-bearing MTP joints with JE may be at increased risk for JSN when compared with MCPs and PIPs.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00195663. Registered 13 September 2005.