bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of referral pathways in patients diagnosed with urological cancer
Authors: Somov P , Irwin P 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To compare the clinical pathways of patients referred under the two-week rule (2WR) with those referred in a standard manner and subsequently diagnosed as having urological cancer. Patients and methods: A retrospective case note review was undertaken of 209 patients coded as having urological cancer over a six-month period. Patients that were not referred through either pathway, who had no symptoms or signs suspicious of cancer or who did not have a newly-diagnosed cancer during this period were excluded. The dates of relevant clinical events within each patient pathway were recorded and compared (e.g. dates of referral, first clinic appointment, diagnosis and first treatment). Results: Of the 209 cases reviewed, 58 cases were excluded. Eighty-two cases were referred through the standard referral pathway and 69 by the 2WR. Overall, patients referred through the 2WR pathway were seen sooner, had their cancer diagnosed earlier and received treatment more quickly than those referred through the standard route. However, the delay between diagnosis and treatment was similar for both groups. Prostate cancer accounted for two thirds of diagnoses, with 54% of 2WR referrals having advanced disease and 66% of cases with localised disease being referred by the standard route. Conclusion: The 2WR accelerates all clinical event times but with little clinical advantage to the patient. The 2WR for suspected cancer should be abandoned in favour of retention of the existing 18-week standard for the commencement of treatment following referral.
The need for a post-operative thromboembolic event registry? A five-year retrospective tertiary institution study of venothromboembolic events within 30 days of major urological surgery
Authors: O’Kelly F , Hennessey D , Thomas AZ , Cullen IM , Walsh B , Smyth LG , McDermott TED , Grainger R , Lynch TH 
Published: February 2013

Background: Recent evidence has suggested that the use of extended (≤ 28 ± seven days) post-operative low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) therapy following major abdominal/pelvic surgery can significantly reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). However, there is still significant discordance as to optimal LMWH duration among general and urological surgeons. There is marked variation over prescribing practices within urological surgery, and prospective studies have not reached a consensus. We aimed to determine if there was a significant prevalence of symptomatic thromboembolic events post-major urological surgery. Materials and methods: A five-year retrospective audit of major urological cases undertaken in our institution sought to examine the number of vascular complications encountered within 30 ± seven days of surgery by patients on standard thromboprophylactic therapy. Results: A total of 439 major surgical cases were carried out, of which 79% were oncological. Ninety-three per cent of patients had at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor. There was one post-operative clinically evident DVT (0.22%) and no PEs in this cohort. Conclusion: Our results suggest that symptomatic thromboembolic events post-major urological surgery may be infrequent. However, there is the need for a comprehensive multi-centre prospective study to examine for thromboembolic events post-discharge. As such, we must recommend careful patient selection in determining who would benefit from extended thromboprophylaxis.
Urinary retention following transperineal template prostate biopsy – study of risk factors
Authors: Willis Susan , Bott Simon , Montgomery Bruce 
Published: February 2013

Background: As greater numbers of transperineal template prostate biopsies (TTPBs) are being performed, we have noticed that a considerable number of patients experience urinary retention post-procedure. We wanted to quantify this, and to examine factors that might predict which patients will experience retention. Patients and methods: Data analysis was performed on a prospectively maintained database on 93 consecutive patients undergoing template prostate biopsy over a 12-month period. Results: Mean patient age was 66 years (range 46–79). Mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 8.34 ng/ml (1–31), mean transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) volume 51 cc (10–133) and mean number of cores 52 (11–84). Twenty-five patients had muscle relaxant as part of their anaesthetic (27%). Fifteen patients had haematuria immediately post-procedure (16%). Twenty-six procedures were performed by a urology trainee (28%). Sixteen patients experienced retention post-template biopsy (17%). Their mean age was 67 years, mean PSA 8.9 ng/ml, mean TRUS volume 68 cc and mean number of cores 58. Of the retention group, 10 patients had muscle relaxant (63%), one patient had haematuria (6%) and four procedures were performed by a trainee (25%). Factors that significantly correlated with retention were TRUS volume ( r = 0.36, p = 0.0004) and the use of muscle relaxant ( r = 0.37, p = 0.0003). Age, PSA, number of cores taken, haematuria post-biopsy, and intra-operative furosemide, paracetamol, diclofenac, morphine and dexamethasone were not correlated with retention ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with higher TRUS volumes are at increased risk of retention post-TTPB and should be counselled accordingly. Due to anti-muscarinic effects, muscle relaxants should not be used.
Fifth Toe Deformities
Authors: Talusan Paul G. , Milewski Matthew D. , Reach John S. 
Published: February 2013

Overlapping fifth toe is thought to be a congenital deformity characterized by the proximal phalanx dorsally subluxating and adducting on the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint. Overlapping fifth toes may present as asymptomatic figments of parental concern, but not infrequently this deformity may be painful and disabling in both the pediatric and adult population. Pediatric overlapping fifth toe often corrects with normal ambulation and physicians only need to intervene if symptomatic deformity persists. Nonoperative optimization with strapping, splinting, and shoe modification would be reasonable first-line treatments. Surgical intervention including osteoclysis, percutaneous tenotomy, capsulotomy, syndacilization, tissue rearrangements, tendon transfers, phalangectomy, and toe amputation are indicated only after optimization of less invasive measures. Underlapping fifth toe (or “curly” toe) deformity is also felt to be congenital. In most cases, underlapping fifth toes are noticed by parents and family members early in infancy. The proximal phalanx in underlapping toes is typically in varus at the metatarsophalangeal joint with flexion. It is not uncommon for a rotational malalignment to be present (supination/pronation) as judged by the nailbeds. Similar to overlapping toes, pediatric underlappers commonly correct with reassurance and benign neglect up to age 6. Intervention is warranted in the setting of persistent pain and footwear difficulty. Accommodative shoes, absorbing cushions, and functional modification are the mainstays of nonoperative management. Operative intervention may consist of osteoclysis, percutaneous flexor tenotomy, capsulotomy, tissue rearrangements, tendon transfers, removal of symptomatic spurs, osteotomies, and amputation. After exhaustive review of the published literature, it is clear that fifth toe deformities (whether overlapping or underlapping) have not been extensively studied. No gold standard approach exists in treatment. Prospective research using larger numbers of patients with detailed outcome metrics are needed. Surgeons should carefully tailor surgical intervention to patient specific pathology. Levels of Evidence: Expert Opinion, Level V
Urinary tract infection following flexible cystoscopy: a comparison between sterilised cystoscopes and disposable sterile sheaths
Authors: McCombie Steve P , Carmichael Jack P , Banerjee Srijit , Wood Sarah J 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The objective of this article is to compare the incidence of post-cystoscopy urinary tract infections (UTIs) between cystoscopes sterilised between patients and cystoscopes that use removable sterile sheath technology. Patients and methods: A total of 200 patients undergoing flexible cystoscopy at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (Norwich, UK) between November 2011 and March 2012 were identified prospectively as part of an ongoing audit of the department’s services. One hundred patients were recruited from day procedure lists, using KeyMed® cystoscopes sterilised between patients (sterilised scope, SS); 100 patients were recruited from a ‘one-stop’ urology clinic, using a Vision Sciences® CST-5000 cystoscope with disposable sterile Endosheath® technology (removable sheath, RS). Mid-stream urine (MSUs) samples and patient symptoms were recorded prior to the cystoscopy and at least three days following the cystoscopy. Results: No significant difference was found in the incidence of new MSU-confirmed UTI (2.7% (SS) vs. 2.0% (RS)). In those undergoing their first cystoscopy, no significant differences were found in either new symptoms (34.1% (SS) vs. 36.7% (RS)) or requirement for antibiotics (13.6% (SS) vs. 13.0% (RS)). Conclusion: Flexible cystoscopy using removable sterile sheath technology does not have a higher incidence of UTI compared to a cystoscope sterilised between patients. The introduction of cystoscopes using this technology can therefore safely transform flexible cystoscopy into an outpatient clinic procedure.
Neurocarta: aggregating and sharing disease-gene relations for the neurosciences
Authors: Portales-Casamar Elodie , Ch’ng Carolyn , Lui Frances , St-Georges Nicolas , Zoubarev Anton , Lai Artemis Y , Lee Mark , Kwok Cathy , Kwok Willie , Tseng Luchia , Pavlidis Paul 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Understanding the genetic basis of diseases is key to the development of better diagnoses and treatments. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of the existing data linking genes to phenotypes is available through online public resources and, when available, it is scattered across multiple access tools.

Description
Neurocarta is a knowledgebase that consolidates information on genes and phenotypes across multiple resources and allows tracking and exploring of the associations. The system enables automatic and manual curation of evidence supporting each association, as well as user-enabled entry of their own annotations. Phenotypes are recorded using controlled vocabularies such as the Disease Ontology to facilitate computational inference and linking to external data sources. The gene-to-phenotype associations are filtered by stringent criteria to focus on the annotations most likely to be relevant. Neurocarta is constantly growing and currently holds more than 30,000 lines of evidence linking over 7,000 genes to 2,000 different phenotypes.

Conclusions
Neurocarta is a one-stop shop for researchers looking for candidate genes for any disorder of interest. In Neurocarta, they can review the evidence linking genes to phenotypes and filter out the evidence they’re not interested in. In addition, researchers can enter their own annotations from their experiments and analyze them in the context of existing public annotations. Neurocarta’s in-depth annotation of neurodevelopmental disorders makes it a unique resource for neuroscientists working on brain development.
The role of interactions between bacterial chaperone, aspartate aminotransferase, and viral protein during virus infection in high temperature environment: the interactions between bacterium and virus proteins
Authors: Chen Yanjiang , Wei Dahai , Wang Yiqian , Zhang Xiaobo 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The life cycle of a bacteriophage has tightly programmed steps to help virus infect its host through the interactions between the bacteriophage and its host proteins. However, bacteriophage–host protein interactions in high temperature environment remain poorly understood. To address this issue, the protein interaction between the thermophilic bacteriophage GVE2 and its host thermophilic Geobacillus sp. E263 from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent was characterized.

Results
This investigation showed that the host’s aspartate aminotransferase (AST), chaperone GroEL, and viral capsid protein VP371 formed a linearly interacted complex. The results indicated that the VP371-GroEL-AST complex were up-regulated and co-localized in the GVE2 infection of Geobacillus sp. E263.

Conclusions
As reported, the VP371 is a capsid protein of GVE2 and the host AST is essential for the GVE2 infection. Therefore, our study revealed that the phage could use the anti-stress system of its host to protect the virus reproduction in a high-temperature environment for the first time.
Regional differences in prostaglandin E2 metabolism in human colorectal cancer liver metastases
Authors: Young Alastair L , Chalmers Claire R , Hawcroft Gillian , Perry Sarah L , Treanor Darren , Toogood Giles J , Jones Pamela F , Hull Mark A 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Prostaglandin (PG) E2 plays a critical role in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Activity of the rate-limiting enzyme for PGE2 catabolism (15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase [15-PGDH]) is dependent on availability of NAD+. We tested the hypothesis that there is intra-tumoral variability in PGE2 content, as well as in levels and activity of 15-PGDH, in human CRC liver metastases (CRCLM). To understand possible underlying mechanisms, we investigated the relationship between hypoxia, 15-PGDH and PGE2 in human CRC cells in vitro.

Methods
Tissue from the periphery and centre of 20 human CRCLM was analysed for PGE2 levels, 15-PGDH and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression, 15-PGDH activity, and NAD+/NADH levels. EMT of LIM1863 human CRC cells was induced by transforming growth factor (TGF) β.

Results
PGE2 levels were significantly higher in the centre of CRCLM compared with peripheral tissue (P = 0.04). There were increased levels of 15-PGDH protein in the centre of CRCLM associated with reduced 15-PGDH activity and low NAD+/NADH levels. There was no significant heterogeneity in COX-2 protein expression. NAD+ availability controlled 15-PGDH activity in human CRC cells in vitro. Hypoxia induced 15-PGDH expression in human CRC cells and promoted EMT, in a similar manner to PGE2. Combined 15-PGDH expression and loss of membranous E-cadherin (EMT biomarker) were present in the centre of human CRCLM in vivo.

Conclusions
There is significant intra-tumoral heterogeneity in PGE2 content, 15-PGDH activity and NAD+ availability in human CRCLM. Tumour micro-environment (including hypoxia)-driven differences in PGE2 metabolism should be targeted for novel treatment of advanced CRC.
Ganghwaljetongyeum, an anti-arthritic remedy, attenuates synoviocyte proliferation and reduces the production of proinflammatory mediators in macrophages: the therapeutic effect of GHJTY on rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jeoung Bo-Ram , Lee Kyung Dong , Na Chang-Su , Kim Young-Eok , Kim BoA , Kim Young Ran 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Ganghwaljetongyeum (GHJTY), a complex herbal decoction, is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, the action mechanism of GHJTY is not still unclear on rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we examined the beneficial effects and the action mechanisms of GHJTY on synoviocyte proliferation and inflammatory mediators.

Methods
To test the effect of GHJTY on synoviocyte proliferation, HIG-82 cells, rabbit knee synovial membrane cells, were treated with GHJTY under IL-1β. To evaluate the effects of GHJTY on proinflammatory mediators, we tested cytokine levels in RAW264.7 cells.

Results
Proliferation of HIG-82 cells was significantly inhibited by GHJTY treatment. We found that GHJTY caused cytoskeleton damage to HIG-82 cells. In contrast, treatment of GHJTY did not show any cytotoxicity to other different origin cell lines, HeLa and RAW264.7 cells. GHJTY inhibited IL-1β-mediated NF-κB activation in HIG-82 cells and reduced the LPS-mediated production of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-12, and NO in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, the expression of cyclooxygenase in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells was also decreased by GHJTY treatment.

Conclusions
These results suggest that GHJTY might effectively attenuate rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory mediators and the proliferation of synoviocytes.
Measuring global health-related quality of life in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant: a longitudinal study
Authors: Rodday Angie Mae , Terrin Norma , Parsons Susan K ,   on behalf of the Journeys to Recovery Study and the HSCT-CHESS™ Study
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundPediatric health-related quality of life (HRQL) measures explore multiple domains of HRQL. To ease administration, burden, and implementation, we created a 7-item unidimensional global HRQL scale for children. This paper evaluates the psychometric properties of the global HRQL scale in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and describes the trajectory of global HRQL scores over the 12-month course following HSCT.MethodsAs part of two longitudinal HSCT studies, HRQL was collected on 312 parent–child dyads using the Child Health Ratings Inventories. Parents of children aged 5–18 completed the pediatric global HRQL scale about their child and 117 adolescents completed the scale themselves. Psychometric properties were compared across both raters. Two repeated measures models were built to describe trajectories of (1) global HRQL for all children based on parent proxy report and (2) global HRQL for adolescents based on adolescent self-report and parent proxy report.ResultsInternal consistency reliability was high for parent proxy report and adolescent self-report (Cronbach’s alpha 0.9, 0.8, respectively). Unidimensionality was verified using principal components analysis. Both models indicated decreased global HRQL in the presence of early complications related to HSCT and Model 1 further indicated decreased HRQL in the presence of later complications. Model 2 showed that parent proxies reported lower global HRQL scores than adolescent self-report.ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated the unidimensionality and strong psychometric properties of a 7-item global HRQL scale in a sample of children undergoing HSCT. Despite its brevity, scale scores vary in clinically meaningful ways. Future applications of this scale are encouraged.
Invasive lobular carcinoma arising in accessory breast tissue
Authors: Devine Catriona , Courtney Carol-Ann , Deb Rahul , Agrawal Amit 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundLobular carcinoma in accessory breast tissue is a rare occurrence. We present such a case in a 61-year-old woman.Case presentationA skin nodule in the axillary skin on excision biopsy revealed invasive lobular carcinoma.ConclusionsCarcinoma in accessory breast tissue is uncommon especially invasive lobular type. A high index of suspicion may avoid late diagnosis.
In situ synthesis of P3HT-capped CdSe superstructures and their application in solar cells
Authors: Peng Yanling , Song Guosheng , Hu Xianghua , He Guanjie , Chen Zhigang , Xu Xiaofeng , Hu Junqing 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Organic/inorganic hybrid solar cells have great potentials to revolutionize solar cells, but their use has been limited by inefficient electron/hole transfer due to the presence of long aliphatic ligands and unsatisfying continuous interpenetrating networks. To solve this problem, herein, we have developed a one-pot route for in situ synthesis of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)-capped CdSe superstructures, in which P3HT acts directly as the ligands. These CdSe superstructures are in fact constructed from numerous CdSe nanoparticles. The presence of P3HT ligands has no obvious adverse effects on the morphologies and phases of CdSe superstructures. Importantly, higher content of P3HT ligands results in stronger photoabsorption and fluorescent intensity of CdSe superstructure samples. Subsequently, P3HT-capped CdSe superstructures prepared with 50 mg P3HT were used as a model material to fabricate the solar cell with a structure of PEDOT:PSS/P3HT-capped CdSe superstructures: P3HT/Al. This cell gives a power conversion efficiency of 1.32%.
Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among HIV/AIDS patients with pre-ART and on-ART attending dessie hospital ART clinic, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Missaye Assefa , Dagnew Mulat , Alemu Abebe , Alemu Agersew 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Intestinal parasites are a major concern in most developing countries where HIV/AIDS case are concentrate and almost 80% of AIDS patients die of AIDS-related infections. In the absence of ART, HIV/AIDS patients in developing countries unfortunately continue to suffer from the consequences of opportunistic parasites. But this prevalence has dramatically decreased in countries where antiretroviral agents are widely available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasite and risk factor among pre- ART and on ART adult HIV/ AIDS patients attending ART clinic in Dessie hospital.

Methods
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among pre-ART and on ART adult HIV/AIDS patients of Dessie Hospital. A total of 272 (136 from each group) study subjects were selected by using systematic random sampling. Stool sample was collected and processed using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration technique and modified Ziehl-Neelson staining techniques. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on Sociodemographic & associated risk factors. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS 16 software and logistic regressions were applied to assess any association between explanatory factors and outcome variables.

Results
The overall prevalence of IP in pre-ART and on-ART was 39% and 17.6%, respectively with significant decrease of intestinal parasite in the ART era (p < 0.001). All Cryptosporidium spps infections were found in the pre-ART patients and significantly associated for lower CD4 <200cells/mm3. Absence of toilet (AOR = 7.57; 95% CI = 1.3,44.22), source of water (AOR = 6.03; 95% CI = 1.14,31.98), living condition (AOR = 13.29, 95% CI = 5.14, 34.35); WHO stage (AOR = 6.06; 95% CI = 2.49,14.74) and ART status (AOR = 7.55; 95% CI = 3.24,17.59) have significant association with prevalence of intestinal parasite.

Conclusion
The overall prevalence of IP was differ by ART status and opportunistic parasite like cryptosporidium spps were found in low CD4 counts in ART naive patients. This study identified some environmental and some clinical finding as determinant factor for IP infections. Therefore, public health measures and adherence to ART should be strengthened to improve the quality of life of these patients.
Development and characterization of the replicon system of Japanese encephalitis live vaccine virus SA14-14-2
Authors: Li Shi-Hua , Li Xiao-Feng , Zhao Hui , Deng Yong-Qiang , Yu Xue-Dong , Zhu Shun-Ya , Jiang Tao , Ye Qing , Qin E-De , Qin Cheng-Feng 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Viral self-replicating sub-genomic replicons represent a powerful tool for studying viral genome replication, antiviral screening and chimeric vaccine development. Many kinds of flavivirus replicons have been developed with broad applications.

Findings
The replicon system of JEV live vaccine strain SA14-14-2 was successfully developed in this study. Two kinds of replicons that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and Renilla luciferase (R.luc) were constructed under the control of SP6 promoter, respectively. Robust EGFP and R.luc signals could be detected in the replicon-transfected BHK-21 cells. Furthermore, the potential effects of selected amino acids in the C-terminal of envelope protein on replication were characterized using the replicon system.

Conclusions
Our results provide a useful platform not only for the study of JEV replication, but also for antiviral screening and chimeric vaccine development.