bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Guidelines of the First International Consensus Conference on Endovenous Thermal Ablation for Varicose Vein Disease – ETAV Consensus Meeting 2012
Authors: Pavlović Miloš D , Schuller-Petrović Sanja , Pichot Olivier , Rabe Eberhard , Maurins Uldis , Morrison Nick , Pannier Felizitas 
Published: February 2014

Aim: Endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) procedures are catheter-directed, ultrasound (US)-guided thermal methods for treatment in varicose veins disease. Radiofrequency, laser or steam energy thermally denatures vein wall collagen, leading first to vein wall inflammation, then fibrosis and finally to occlusion. The aim of this guideline is to give evidence-based recommendations for ETA procedures. Methods: These guidelines were drafted during a consensus meeting of a group of experts in the field of ETA in June 2012 (Hvar, Croatia) under the auspices of the International Union of Phlebology (IUP). These guidelines review the present state of knowledge as reflected in peer-reviewed published medical literature. The recommendations of these guidelines are graded according to the American College of Chest Physicians Task Force recommendations on Grading Strength of Recommendations and Quality of Evidence in Clinical Guidelines. Results: Recommendations on the use of ETA procedures were made based on the quality of evidence for efficacy, safety, tolerability, cosmetic outcome, patient satisfaction/preference and, where appropriate, on the experts' opinion. Health economics were not considered, since differences in national health systems and pricing make it difficult to form general conclusions that are relevant at an international level.
What justifies a hospital admission at the end of life? A focus group study on perspectives of family physicians and nurses
Authors: Reyniers Thijs , Houttekier Dirk , Cohen Joachim , Pasman H Roeline , Deliens Luc 
Published: February 2014

Background: Despite a majority preferring not to die in hospital and health policies aimed at increasing home death, the proportion of hospital deaths remains high. Gaining insight into professional caregiver perspectives about what justifies them could be helpful in understanding the persistently high rates of such hospital admissions and hospital deaths. Aim: To explore the perspectives of nurses from nursing homes, home care and hospitals, and family physicians concerning hospital admissions at the end of life and the circumstances in which they consider them to be justified. Design: Focus groups, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a constant comparative approach. Setting/participants: Five focus groups were held with family physicians (n = 39), two focus groups (n = 16) with nurses from different care settings (nursing home, home care and hospital) and one with nursing home nurses (n = 7) in Belgium. Results: Participants indicated that although they considered death at home or in the nursing home of residence the most preferable outcome, there are a number of scenarios that they consider to justify a hospital admission at the end of life: when the patient prefers a hospital admission, when the caring capacity of the care setting is considered to be inadequate and when one of a number of acute medical situations occurs. Conclusion: A number of situations have been identified in which nurses and family physicians consider a hospital admission to be justified. Adequate advance care planning and improved psychosocial support to both family and professional caregivers could reduce the number of hospital deaths.
Early identification of palliative care needs by family physicians: A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators from the perspective of family physicians, community nurses, and patients
Authors: Beernaert Kim , Deliens Luc , De Vleminck Aline , Devroey Dirk , Pardon Koen , Van den Block Lieve , Cohen Joachim 
Published: February 2014

Background: There is a growing recognition that a palliative care approach should be initiated early and not just in the terminal phase for patients with life-limiting diseases. Family physicians then play a central role in identifying and managing palliative care needs, but appear to not identify them accurately or in a timely manner. Aim: To explore the barriers to and facilitators of the early identification by family physicians of the palliative care needs. Design, setting, and participants: Six focus groups (four with family physicians, n = 20, and two with community nurses, n = 12) and 18 interviews with patients with cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, and dementia were held. Thematic analysis was used to derive themes that covered barriers and facilitators. Results: Key barriers and facilitators found relate to communication styles, the perceived role of a family physician, and continuity of care. Family physicians do not systematically assess non-acute care needs, and patients do not mention them or try to mask them from the family physician. This is embedded within a predominant perception among patients, nurses, and family physicians of the family physician as the person to appeal to in acute and standard follow-up situations rather than for palliative care needs. Family physicians also seemed to pay more often attention to palliative care needs of patients in a terminal phase. Conclusion: The current practice of palliative care in Belgium is far from the presently considered ideal palliative care approaches. Facilitators such as proactive communication and communication tools could contribute to the development of guidelines for family physicians and policymakers in primary care.
Health and well-being in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). What public health support do SMEs really need?
Authors: Holt Maxine , Powell Susan 
Published: February 2014

Aims: Health and well-being in the workplace is a concept that is understood as a fundamental business case for a productive, happy and healthy workforce. The workplace is also a setting by which knowledge and skills about health can be disseminated to assist people, in improving their health and well-being. Public health professionals are in a position to develop workplace health and well-being interventions, which support those in jobs and those seeking employment. They can also influence the extent to which work and the workplace affects health and well-being outcomes. This article aims to identify the main health and well-being needs of a sample of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Greater Manchester and the support that public health professionals can offer. Methods: The research adopted a Health Needs Assessment (HNA) approach using convenience and opportunistic sampling methods, from the list of SMEs in Greater Manchester. The SMEs varied in size and type of business, and 91 telephone interviews, using semi-structured questions, were used to collect data which identified the health and well-being needs of a sample of SMEs in Greater Manchester. This research resulted in qualitative data using thematic analysis. Results: Two key themes emerged from the study. Acute seasonal sickness was the most pressing reason for employee absence from work (viruses, flu, seasonal disorders) for the SMEs in this research. This accumulated to the theme of sickness presenteeism. This research highlighted that employees will present at work with acute illness that requires rest, is easily transmitted to other employees and most likely will take a longer time to recover from as cross infection and re-infection occur. A subsidiary theme was that of authenticity and the reporting of sickness, contributing further to sickness presenteeism as employees seek to legitimise their illness. Conclusion: This article provides issues which are specific to SMEs in Greater Manchester. In particular, the pressing problem of sickness absence and sickness presenteeism is related to seasonal illness and the effects these have on SMEs in Greater Manchester. Public health preventative services such as the provision of flu vaccines may be one way of supporting SMEs with acute seasonal episodes of illness.
Coccidiomycosis infection of the patella mimicking a neoplasm – two case reports
Authors: Li Yi-Chen , Calvert George , Hanrahan Christopher J , Jones Kevin B , Randall Robert Lor 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundCoccidioidomycosis is an endemic fungal infection in the southwestern of United States. Most infections are asymptomatic or manifest with mild respiratory complaints. Rare cases may cause extrapulmonary or disseminated disease. We report two cases of knee involvement that presented as isolated lytic lesions of the patella mimicking neoplasms.Case PresentationThe first case, a 27 year-old immunocompetent male had progressive left anterior knee pain for four months. The second case was a 78 year-old male had left anterior knee pain for three months. Both of them had visited general physicians without conclusive diagnosis. A low attenuation lytic lesion in the patella was demonstrated on their image studies, and the initial radiologist’s interpretation was suggestive of a primary bony neoplasm. The patients were referred for orthopaedic oncology consultation. The first case had a past episode of pulmonary coccioidomycosis 2 years prior, while the second case had no previous coccioidal infection history but lived in an endemic area, the central valley of California. Surgical biopsy was performed in both cases due to diagnostic uncertainty. Final pathologic examination revealed large thick walled spherules filled with endospores establishing the final diagnosis of extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis.ConclusionsThough history and laboratory findings are supportive, definitive diagnosis still depends on growth in culture or endospores identified on histology. We suggest that orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists keep in mind that chronic fungal infections can mimic osseous neoplasm by imaging.
Amelioration of azoxymethane induced-carcinogenesis by reducing oxidative stress in rat colon by natural extracts
Authors: Waly Mostafa I , Al-Rawahi Amani S , Al Riyami Marwa , Al-Kindi Mohamed A , Al-Issaei Halima K , Farooq Sardar A , Al-Alawi Ahmed , Rahman Mohammad S 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Azoxymethane (AOM) is a potent carcinogenic agent commonly used to induce colon cancer in rats; the cytotoxicity of AOM is considered to mediate oxidative stress. This study investigated the chemopreventive effect of three natural extracts [pomegranate peel extract (PomPE), papaya peel extract (PapPE) and seaweed extract (SE)] against AOM-induced oxidative stress and carcinogenesis in rat colon.

Methods
Eighty Sprague–Dawley rats (aged 4 weeks) were randomly divided into 8 groups (10 rats/group). Control group was fed a basal diet; AOM-treated group was fed a basal diet and received AOM intraperitonial injections for two weeks at a dose of 15 mg/kg bodyweight, whereas the other six groups were received oral supplementation of PomPE, PapPE or SE, in the presence or absence of AOM injection. All animals were continuously fed ad-libitum until aged 16 weeks, then all rats were sacrificed and the colon tissues were examined microscopically for pathological changes and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) development, genotoxicity (induced micronuclei (MN) cells enumeration), and glutathione and lipid peroxidation.

Results
Our results showed that AOM-induced ACF development and pathological changes in the colonic mucosal tissues, increased bone marrow MN cells and oxidative stress (glutathione depletion, lipid peroxidation) in rat colonic cells. The concomitant treatment of AOM with PomPE, PapPE or SE significantly ameliorated the cytotoxic effects of AOM.

Conclusions
The results of this study provide in-vivo evidence that PomPE, PapPE and SE reduced the AOM-induced colon cancer in rats, through their potent anti-oxidant activities.
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yi Junlin , Huang Xiaodong , Gao Li , Luo Jingwei , Zhang Shiping , Wang Kai , Qu Yuan , Xiao Jianping , Xu Guozhen 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objective
To compare the treatment outcomes of intensity-modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost (IMRT-SIB) alone to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods
From November 2001 to December 2009, 333 patients with pathologically diagnosed, locoregionally advanced NPC were treated by IMRT-SIB with or without weekly cisplatin concurrent chemotherapy at our institute. Among them, 62 patients received neo- or adjuvant chemotherapy or molecular target drugs were excluded from this analysis. There were 129 patients received IMRT-SIB alone, and 142 patients received IMRT-SIB with weekly cisplatin 30 mg/m2 for 7 weeks. The radiotherapy protocol was identical for each group.

Results
There were no significant differences in survival between CCRT and IMRT-SIB group in terms of gender, T/N classifications and concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The 5-year local control (LC), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) for the entire group were 87.0%, 79.4%, 69.7 and 83.3%, respectively. The LC, OS, DFS and DMFS for CCRT and IMRT-SIB alone groups were 80.6% vs. 90.8% (P = 0.10), 71.7% vs. 83.2% (P = 0.201), 63.9% vs. 74.6% (P = 0.07), and 79.6% vs. 86.0% (P = 0.27), respectively.

Conclusion
Compared to CCRT, IMRT-SIB alone had demonstrated similar disease LC, OS, DFS and DMFS in locoregionally advanced NPC. Careful radiation target volume design and simultaneous integrated boost may play a role that overrides the benefit from concurrent chemotherapy. Further investigation with randomized study is necessary to determine whether IMRT-SIB alone can achieve similar outcomes of concurrent chemoradiotherapy.
Endophthalmitis after open globe injuries: changes in microbiological spectrum and isolate susceptibility patterns over 14 years
Authors: Jindal Animesh , Pathengay Avinash , Mithal Kopal , Jalali Subhadra , Mathai Annie , Pappuru Rajeev Reddy , Narayanan Raja , Chhablani Jay , Motukupally Swapna R , Sharma Savitri , Das Taraprasad , Flynn Harry W 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiologic spectrum and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates in post-traumatic endophthalmitis and compare with our earlier published report. A retrospective review was conducted on 581 consecutive patients with culture-proven post-traumatic endophthalmitis at L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, India, from January 2006 to March 2013.

Findings
A total of 620 isolates from 581 patients were identified (565 bacteria and 55 fungi). The most common isolate was Bacillus spp. (106/620, 17.1%) closely followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (105/620, 16.9%), and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (97/620, 15.6%). In our earlier report, the commonest bacteria included Streptococcus spp. (30/139, 21.6%) and gram-positive coagulase-negative micrococci (26/139, 18.7%). Gram-positive isolates were usually susceptible to vancomycin (98.2%). Gram-negative isolates were generally susceptible to gatifloxacin (92.9%), ofloxacin (89.4%), chloramphenicol (88.6%, Pseudomonas isolates were often resistant), amikacin (83.5%), and ceftazidime (77.2%). Fourteen years ago, the most sensitive antibiotic was ciprofloxacin for both gram-positive bacteria (95.12%) and gram-negative bacteria (100%).

Conclusions
The microbiological spectrum of post-traumatic endophthalmitis has remained unchanged over the last 14 years, and Bacillus spp. continues as the most common infecting organism. Vancomycin is the drug of choice for empiric coverage of gram-positive bacteria. Susceptibility of gram-negative bacteria to commonly used antimicrobials (amikacin and ciprofloxacin) has decreased by 10% - 15% and to ceftazidime has increased by 10.5%.
Will women outrun men in ultra-marathon road races from 50 km to 1,000 km?
Authors: Zingg Matthias Alexander , Karner-Rezek Klaus , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat , Lepers Romuald , Rüst Christoph Alexander 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
It has been assumed that women would be able to outrun men in ultra-marathon running. The present study investigated the sex differences in running speed in ultra-marathons held worldwide from 50 km to 1,000 km. Changes in running speeds and the sex differences in running speeds in the annual fastest finishers in 50 km, 100 km, 200 km and 1,000 km events held worldwide from 1969–2012 were analysed using linear, non-linear and multi-level regression analyses. For the annual fastest and the annual ten fastest finishers, running speeds increased non-linearly in 50 km and 100 km, but not in 200 km and 1,000 km where running speeds remained unchanged for the annual fastest. The sex differences decreased non-linearly in 50 km and 100 km, but not in 200 and 1,000 km where the sex difference remained unchanged for the annual fastest. For the fastest women and men ever, the sex difference in running speed was lowest in 100 km (5.0%) and highest in 50 km (15.4%). For the ten fastest women and men ever, the sex difference was lowest in 100 km (10.0 ± 3.0%) and highest in 200 km (27.3 ± 5.7%). For both the fastest (r2 = 0.003, p = 0.82) and the ten fastest finishers ever (r2 = 0.34, p = 0.41) in 50 km, 100 km, 200 km and 1,000 km, we found no correlation between sex difference in performance and running speed. To summarize, the sex differences in running speeds decreased non-linearly in 50 km and 100 km but remained unchanged in 200 km and 1,000 km, and the sex differences in running speeds showed no change with increasing length of the race distance. These findings suggest that it is very unlikely that women will ever outrun men in ultra-marathons held from 50 km to 100 km.
Effects of prostacyclin on the early inflammatory response in patients with traumatic brain injury-a randomised clinical study
Authors: Wahlström Marie Rodling , Olivecrona Magnus , Ahlm Clas , Bengtsson Anders , Koskinen Lars-Owe D , Naredi Silvana , Hultin Magnus 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objective and design
A prospective, randomised, double-blinded, clinical trial was performed at a level 1 trauma centre to determine if a prostacyclin analogue, epoprostenol (Flolan®), could attenuate systemic inflammatory response in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Subjects
46 patients with severe TBI, randomised to epoprostenol (n = 23) or placebo (n = 23).

Treatment
Epoprostenol, 0.5 ng · kg-1 · min-1, or placebo (saline) was given intravenously for 72 hours and then tapered off over the next 24 hours.

Methods
Interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels were measured over five days. Measurements were made at 24 h intervals ≤24 h after TBI to 97–120 h after TBI.

Results
A significantly lower CRP level was detected in the epoprostenol group compared to the placebo group within 73–96 h (p = 0.04) and within 97–120 h (p = 0.008) after trauma. IL-6 within 73–96 h after TBI was significantly lower in the epoprostenol group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.04). ADMA was significantly increased within 49–72 h and remained elevated, but there was no effect of epoprostenol on ADMA levels. No significant differences between the epoprostenol and placebo groups were detected for IL-8 or sICAM-1.

Conclusions
Administration of the prostacyclin analogue epoprostenol significantly decreased CRP and, to some extent, IL-6 levels in patients with severe TBI compared to placebo. These findings indicate an interesting option for treatment of TBI and warrants future larger studies.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier,NCT01363583
Spatial response of the globally-endangered Sokoke Pipit (Anthus sokokensis van Someren, 1921) to habitat modification in an Eastern Arc Coastal Forest
Authors: Otieno Nickson Erick , Ngala David , Mwalimu Alex 
Published: February 2014

The Arabuko-Sokoke forest is the largest relic of a formerly larger contiguous East African coastal forest. It forms part of the Eastern Arc Forest system which is a global biodiversity hotspot with considerable species endemism. As one of the most important bird habitats in Africa, it hosts nine globally-threatened and four regionally threatened species. Despite such conservation significance, the forest is undergoing rapid modification and habitat loss mainly from anthropogenic pressures, with negative impacts on sensitive species such as the Sokoke Pipit (Anthus sokokensis). This study examined impacts of change in habitat quality on the species’ population and spatial occurrence within three blocks of Brachystegia woodland in the forest. Over a three week period, six 1-km transects were used to estimate the species’ population in relation to major habitat quality variables. Sokoke Pipits occurred at an overall mean density of 0.72±0.15 birds/ha with an estimated population of 5,544 in the Brachystegia woodland. Tree logging intensity was the key cause of the degradation of the Sokoke Pipit’s critical habitat, which affected its density (R2 = 0.663, ß = -0.814, p = 0.048). The species also preferred sites covered with deep floor litter (R2 = 0.769, ß = 0.877, p = 0.021) even in areas with low tree canopy height, but showed no clumped distribution (χ2(2, 0.05) = 2.061). Sites with intensive elephant activity, which leads to tree felling and clearing of the understorey, had low Sokoke Pipit densities. We conclude that although human-driven tree removal is a major driver of degradation of the Sokoke Pipit’s critical habitat, elephant activity may be an important additional factor in this process. Long term conservation strategies for the species will require stricter control of logging but management of the population and dispersal of elephants across the forest, especially in Brachystegia woodland, may also be helpful.
Prijelomi ključne kosti u zdrave donošene novorođenčadi
Authors: Zakanj Zora 
Published: February 2014

Porođajne ozljede su čest razlog novorođenačkog pobola u inače zdrave novorođenčadi, s incidencijom od 0,2% do 37%. Prijelomključne kosti je najčešći među ozljedama kostiju u novorođenčeta. Cilj ove retrospektivne analize je utvrđivanje učestalosti prijelomaključne kosti u rodilištu naše ustanove tijekom jedne godine i prikaz perinatalnih okolnosti u kojima smo zabilježili te ozljede. Ujednogodišnjem razdoblju (od 01. 01.-31. 12. 2010.), u rodilištu je evidentirano 19-ero novorođenčadi s prijelomom ključne kosti.Analizirali smo podatke s majčine strane i s one novorođenčeta. Učestalost prijeloma ključne kosti u našem ispitivanju je 0,7%. Desnostrani prijelom je češći nego ljevostrani (61,7% : 36,8%). Nema statistički značajne razlike u porođajnoj masi dječaka i djevojčicas prijelomom ključne kosti (χ2=3,753, p>0,05). Samo jedno novorođenče s prijelomom ključne kosti rođeno je carskim rezom, a svaostala su rođena prirodnim putem (94,7%). Dvoje novorođenčadi (10,5%) imalo je frakturu zelenog drveta, a 17-ero (89,5%) imalo jepotpunu frakturu. Jedno dijete je uz prijelom ključne kosti imalo i prijelom lopatice. Kod ostalih ispitanika nisu nađeni drugi prijelomini koštane anomalije. Nijedno dijete nije imalo pridruženu Erbovu paralizu. Svi su prijelomi zacijeljeli bez komplikacija. Prijelomiključne kosti u novorođenačkoj dobi u našem rodilištu su na donjoj granici pojavnosti u odnosu na rezultate dosadašnjih studija iprognostički su povoljan oblik porođajne ozljede.