bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explanations for less small fibre neuropathy in South Asian versus European subjects with type 2 diabetes in the UK
Authors: Fadavi Hassan , Tavakoli Mitra , Foden Philip , Ferdousi Maryam , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Jeziorska Maria , Chaturvedi Nishi , Boulton Andrew J.M. , Malik Rayaz A. , Abbott Caroline A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundLow foot ulcer risk in South Asian, compared with European, people with type 2 diabetes in the UK has been attributed to their lower levels of neuropathy. We have undertaken a detailed study of corneal nerve morphology and neuropathy risk factors, to establish the basis of preserved small nerve fibre function in South Asians versus Europeans.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional, population‐based study, age‐ and sex‐matched South Asians (n = 77) and Europeans (n = 78) with type 2 diabetes underwent neuropathy assessment using corneal confocal microscopy, symptoms, signs, quantitative sensory testing, electrophysiology and autonomic function testing. Multivariable linear regression analyses determined factors accounting for ethnic differences in small fibre damage.ResultsCorneal nerve fibre length (22.0 ± 7.9 vs. 19.3 ± 6.3 mm/mm2; P = 0.037), corneal nerve branch density (geometric mean (range): 60.0 (4.7‐246.2) vs. 46.0 (3.1‐129.2) no./mm2; P = 0.021) and heart rate variability (geometric mean (range): 7.9 (1.4‐27.7) vs. 6.5 (1.5‐22.0); P = 0.044), were significantly higher in South Asians vs. Europeans. All other neuropathy measures did not differ, except for better sural nerve amplitude in South Asians (geometric mean (range): 10.0 (1.3‐43.0) vs. 7.2 (1.0‐30.0); P = 0.006). Variables with the greatest impact on attenuating the P value for age‐ and HbA1C‐adjusted ethnic difference in corneal nerve fibre length (P = 0.032) were pack‐years smoked (P = 0.13), BMI (P = 0.062) and triglyceride levels (P = 0.062).ConclusionsSouth Asians have better preserved small nerve fibre integrity than equivalent Europeans; furthermore, classic, modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease are the main contributors to these ethnic differences. We suggest that improved autonomic neurogenic control of cutaneous blood flow in Asians may contribute to their protection against foot ulcers.
Detection of FGFR2 : FAM76A Fusion Gene in Circulating Tumor RNA Based on Catalytic Signal Amplification of Graphene Oxide‐loaded Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Gorgannezhad Lena , Umer Muhammad , Kamal Masud Mostafa , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Tanaka S. , Yamauchi Y. , Salomon Carlos , Kline Richard , Nguyen Nam‐Trung , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCirculating tumor nucleic acids (ctNAs) are promising biomarkers for minimally invasive cancer assessment. The FGFR2 : FAM76A fusion gene is one of the highly promising ovarian cancer biomarkers detectable in ctNAs. Herein, we introduce a new amplification‐free electrochemical assay for the detection of FGFR2 : FAM76A fusion gene in ctNAs extracted from ovarian cancer patients. The assay relies on the electrocatalytic activity of a new class of superparamagnetic graphene‐loaded iron oxide nanoparticles (GO‐NPFe2O3). After isolation and purification, the target RNA was directly adsorbed onto the GO‐NPFe2O3 surface through graphene‐RNA affinity interaction. The electrocatalytic signal was achieved by the reduction of surface‐attached ruthenium hexaammine(III) chloride which was further amplified by using the ferricyanide redox system. Our assay depicted an excellent detection sensitivity down to 1.0 fM, high specificity and excellent reproducibility (% RSD=<5 %, for n=3). The analytical performance of our method was validated with standard qRT‐PCR analysis. We believe that this newly developed assay would be practically applicable in clinical research.
Electrochemical Approach on Mechanism of an Oral Progestin in Aqueous Media and its Fully Validated Detection via a Carbon‐Metal Based Composite Sensor
Authors: Bakirhan Nurgul K. , Celik Melek Sirin Baymak , Celik Hayati , Uslu Bengi , Ozkan Sibel A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDienogest is a synthetic oral progestogen with unique pharmacological properties that is used orally in the treatment of endometrosis. The first time, the detailed electrochemical mechanism of dienogest is investigated in different aqueous mediums. Different progestins were used to understand completely oxidation mechanism. The electrochemical oxidation of dienogest was investigated systematically by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and square wave voltammetry. A simple adsorptive stripping square wave voltammetry method has been developed for the fully validated direct determination of dienogest in Visanne Tablets for the first time. Nano based sensor was fabricated with reduced graphene oxide, gold and carboxylic acid functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotube materials, and were used on glassy carbon electrode that performed sensitive and validated analysis of dienogest by adsorptive stripping square wave voltammetry. Validation parameters were investigated in detail. The results yielded good precision, accuracy and reproducibility. Calibration range was found as 2.00×10−7 M to 6.00×10−6 M, with LOD and LOQ values as 1.88×10−8 M and 6.27×10−8 M, respectively. In the future, the developed sensor can be applied in different media such as environment, soil and water for the detection of some progestins or hormones by researchers.
Reproductive tolerance in male primates: Old paradigms and new evidence
Authors: Port Markus , Schülke Oliver , Ostner Julia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWithin social groups of primates, males commonly compete over reproduction, but they may also rely on cooperation with other males. Theory suggests that it may be adaptive for male primates to tolerate some reproduction by other males if reproductive tolerance fosters cooperation, particularly that dominant males yield so‐called reproductive concessions to subordinates to entice their cooperation. We review four recent studies that claimed to have found evidence for reproductive concessions or similar forms of reproductive tolerance. However, upon critical reevaluation of their results, no study provides conclusive support for reproductive concessions as predicted by theoretical models. Yet two studies demonstrated a form of reproductive tolerance that cannot be explained by any of the existing models, and that seems to have evolved only in multi‐male, multi‐female societies with diverse strategic options for males. Our article provides guidance how to study this form of reproductive tolerance in the absence of a unifying model.
The evaluation of sewage sludge application as a fertilizer for broad bean (Faba sativa Bernh.) crops
Authors: Eid Ebrahem M. , Alrumman Sulaiman A. , El‐Bebany Ahmed F. , Fawy Khaled F. , Taher Mostafa A. , Hesham Abd El‐Latif , El‐Shaboury Gamal A. , Ahmed Mohamed T. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAlthough several studies have examined the effect of sewage sludge (SS) application on various legume crops, there is insufficient information confirming the agronomic and environmental sustainability of SS usage in a broad bean cultivation systems. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was completed to assess the soil heavy metal (HM) pools, growth, yield, and HM uptake of Faba sativa Bernh. (broad bean) grown in the agricultural soils supplemented with SS in comparison to control soils (nonamended). The experimental design was completely randomized with six replicates. The amendment with SS significantly elevated the organic matter (OM) content, soil salinity and Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations, although the soil pH decreased. As allowed by the Council of European Communities, the concentrations of the determined HMs were less than the accepted limit for SS used in agriculture. Generally, SS applications of up to 120 t/ha produced a considerable increase in the growth measurements and biomass of broad bean. However, the broad bean biomass, shoot height, number of branches, root length, absolute growth rate, number of leaves, and leaf area declined in reaction to a rate of 150 t/ha. The HM concentrations in various tissues of broad bean plants exposed to SS were significantly higher than those in the untreated plants. However, most HM concentrations were inside the permissible limits and did not overcome the maximum levels of phytotoxic. The broad bean was recognized by a bioaccumulation factor less than 1.0 for the majority of the HMs. The translocation factors for the determined HMs (excluding for Al, Co, and Pb in stems and leaves) were less than 1.0. Therefore, the SS utilized in this study could be used as a fertilizer for broad bean crops and could as well act as a replacement manner for SS elimination.
Domestic low‐fat “frying” alternatives: Impact on potatoes composition
Authors: Santos Carla S. P. , Cunha Sara C. , Casal Susana 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTwo low‐fat “frying” alternatives to deep‐frying were tested using two domestic equipment (microwave grill and convective oven), with fresh potatoes and four different frying oils (sunflower, soybean, canola, and olive oil). Potatoes composition was compared concerning nutrients, bioactivity, and fat oxidation. Fat reduction achieved 80% on both methods, directly associated with a decrease in oil natural bioactive components (vitamin E, fatty acids) and degraded lipids (oxidized triglycerides, polymers, aldehydes, etc.). Both microwave grill and oven cooking preserved potatoes and oil health attributes better than deep‐frying, particularly ascorbic acid, tocopherols, and total phenolics. Additionally, a significantly lower formation of acrylamide (−55% microwave grill and −76% oven) and oxidized lipids (oxidized triglycerides and unsaturated aldehydes) was observed, with microwave receiving higher sensory scores than the convective oven. This work sustains the possibility of using domestic equipment (microwave grill and oven) as healthier “frying” alternatives to deep‐frying.
Tailored NbO2 Modified Pt/Graphene as Highly Stable Electrocatalyst Towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Sun J. , Sun W. , Du L. , Du C. , Gao Y. , Yin G. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe stability issues of electrocatalysts caused by the severe corrosion of support materials (commonly carbon materials) were regarded as the main reasons accounting for the failure of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell during operation. In this paper, a simple one‐pot method was developed to synthesize NbO2‐graphene composite support material, which Pt nanoparticles were then facilely deposited to compose the triple phase boundary (TPB) to provide excellent structure for performance enhancement. The morphology, structure and composition were conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). Meanwhile the electrochemical behavior was estimated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and accelerated degradation test (ADT). Such Pt‐NbO2‐graphene catalyst exhibits the enhancement of both long‐term stability and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity remarkably. Particularly, the LSV polarization curve of Pt‐NbO2‐graphene catalyst almost has no degradation after ADT for 10,000 cycles. Meanwhile, as a comparison, Pt‐graphene and commercial Pt‐C (20%) catalysts present negative shift of half‐wave potential for 37 mV and 160 mV. Moreover, the half‐wave potential of Pt‐NbO2‐graphene is observed to negatively shift for only 17 mV until performing ADT of 18,000 cycles. This catalyst is a promising candidate for practical fuel cell applications.
Continuous Bioelectricity Generation from Phenol‐Contaminated Water by Mediator‐Less Microbial Fuel Cells: A Comparative Study between Air‐Cathode and Bio‐Cathode Systems
Authors: Ziaedini A. , Rashedi H. , Alaie E. , Zeinali M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDue to metabolic activity of bacteria, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can directly generate electricity by converting chemical energy of a biodegradable substrate to electrical energy. Simultaneous production of clean energy and wastewater treatment can be accomplished in these systems. In this study, phenol (100 ‐ 1,000 ppm) as a toxic model of wastewater pollutant compounds was used as the sole source of carbon and energy for growth of bacteria and concomitant power generation in a dual‐chamber MFC. Experiments were conducted in two lab‐scale systems including an air‐cathode and a bio‐cathode MFC operating in continuous mode. Anode and bio‐cathode chambers were inoculated with aerobic activated sludge from an industrial wastewater treatment plant. The highest output power was obtained at a phenol concentration of 700 ppm in both air‐cathode (25 mW m−2) and bio‐cathode (5 mW m−2) MFCs without using any co‐substrate for the first time confirming the higher performance of the air‐cathode electrode in oxygen reduction reaction. Phenol removal efficiency for an influent concentration of 700 ,ppm with an HRT of 125 min was 59.0% and 71.8% in bio‐cathode and air‐cathode MFCs, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry results confirmed involvement of both soluble and membrane‐bound mediator components in electrochemical activity of anodic biofilm.
An efficient and accurate method for robust inter‐dataset brain extraction and comparisons with 9 other methods
Authors: Novosad Philip , Collins D. Louis ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2018

AbstractBrain extraction is an important first step in many magnetic resonance neuroimaging studies. Due to variability in brain morphology and in the appearance of the brain due to differences in scanner acquisition parameters, the development of a generally applicable brain extraction algorithm has proven challenging. Learning‐based brain extraction algorithms in particular perform well when the target and training images are sufficiently similar, but often perform worse when this condition is not met. In this study, we propose a new patch‐based multi‐atlas segmentation method for brain extraction which is specifically developed for accurate and robust processing across datasets. Using a diverse collection of labeled images from 5 different datasets, extensive comparisons were made with 9 other commonly used brain extraction methods, both before and after applying error correction (a machine learning method for automatically correcting segmentation errors) to each method. The proposed method performed equal to or better than the other methods in each of two segmentation scenarios: a challenging inter‐dataset segmentation scenario in which no dataset‐specific atlases were used (mean Dice coefficient 98.57%, volumetric correlation 0.994 across datasets following error correction), and an intra‐dataset segmentation scenario in which only dataset‐specific atlases were used (mean Dice coefficient 99.02%, volumetric correlation 0.998 across datasets following error correction). Furthermore, combined with error correction, the proposed method runs in less than one‐tenth of the time required by the other top‐performing methods in the challenging inter‐dataset comparisons. Validation on an independent multi‐centre dataset also confirmed the excellent performance of the proposed method.
Frequency‐specific alterations of regional homogeneity in subcortical stroke patients with different outcomes in hand function
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Tang Chaozheng , Yin Dazhi , Wu Jie , Gong Jiayu , Sun Limin , Jia Jie , Xu Dongrong , Fan Mingxia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEmerging evidence has suggested that abnormalities in regional spontaneous brain activity following stroke may be detected by intrinsic low‐frequency oscillations (LFO) in resting‐state functional MRI (R‐fMRI). However, the relationship between hand function outcomes following stroke and local LFO synchronization in different frequency bands is poorly understood. In this study, we performed R‐fMRI to examine the regional homogeneity (ReHo) at three different frequency bands (slow‐5: .01–.027 Hz; slow‐4: .027–.08 Hz; and typical band: .01–.1 Hz) in 26 stroke patients with completely paralyzed hands (CPH) and 26 matched patients with partially paralyzed hands (PPH). Compared to the PPH group, decreased ReHo in the bilateral cerebellum posterior lobes and the contralesional cerebellum anterior lobe was observed in the slow‐5 band and the slow‐4 band in the CPH group, respectively. The mean ReHo values in these regions were positively correlated with the Fugl‐Meyer assessment (FMA) scores. In contrast, increased ReHo in the contralesional supplementary motor area and the contralesional superior temporal gyrus was observed in the slow‐4 band and the slow‐5 band, respectively. The mean ReHo values in these regions were negatively correlated with the FMA scores. Importantly, significant interactions were identified between the frequency bands and the subgroups of patients in the contralesional precentral gyrus and middle frontal gyrus. These findings indicate that frequency‐dependent R‐fMRI patterns may serve as potential biomarkers of the neural substrates associated with hand function outcomes following stroke.
Barriers to adequate first aid for paediatric burns at the scene of the injury
Authors: Frear Cody C. , Griffin Bronwyn , Watt Kerrianne , Kimble Roy 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIssue AddressedThe recommended first aid for burns, consisting of 20 minutes of cool running water (CRW) delivered within three hours of the injury, offers a simple yet effective means of improving health outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine patient and injury characteristics associated with inadequate CRW therapy among children with thermal burns, with the goal of identifying populations at greatest risk of undertreatment.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed on children treated at a large tertiary paediatric burns centre. First aid was evaluated as either “adequate” or “inadequate”, and then descriptive analyses were conducted to examine differences between the groups in age, ethnicity, location and socioeconomic status, among others.ResultsFrom 2013 to 2016, the families of 2522 patients were interviewed. Overall, 31.3% of children received adequate CRW at the scene of the injury. Provision of adequate CRW did not significantly differ with sex, ethnicity or nationality. Factors that were associated with inadequate first aid included very young age and early adolescence (P < 0.001), rural or remote location (P = 0.045), low socioeconomic status (P = 0.030), radiant heat and flame burns (P < 0.001), as well as burns occurring at recreational sites, on farm/trade/industrial properties and in the street (P = 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough most burns occurred in close proximity to sources of CRW, first aid was poor across all demographics. The highest levels of undertreatment were found in children aged 0‐2, adolescents aged 15‐16, those living rurally or remotely, and the socioeconomically disadvantaged.So what?The study highlights the need for improved public education of first aid for burn injuries.
Understanding the process of strengthening multi‐sectoral efforts for anemia reduction: Qualitative findings from Sierra Leone and Uganda
Authors: Sarkar Danya , Murphy Hillary , Fisseha Teemar , Koroma Aminata S. , Hodges Mary H. , Adero Nancy , Ngalombi Sarah , Nabakooza Jane , Wun Jolene , Namaste Sorrel M.L. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAnemia is a significant global health problem, and progress to reduce it has been slow. A multi‐sectoral, context‐specific, and country‐led approach is recommended to effectively address anemia, but there is limited documentation of how this has worked in practice. We present key findings and lessons learned from Sierra Leone and Uganda's experiences establishing national‐level anemia coordination platforms. A longitudinal collective case study methodology was used, with in‐depth interviews of National Anemia Working Group members in both countries; data was analyzed to distill the salient lessons learned across countries. Similar factors were identified in the 2 countries. Setting the agenda was an important first step, accomplished by using country‐specific anemia‐related data and obtaining multi‐sectoral commitment. Establishment of a cohesive coordination structure provided an effective platform to prioritize and align anemia activities. Strong, committed leadership and representation of diverse stakeholders was essential to maintain the legitimacy of anemia efforts. The main barriers to the policy‐making process included misalignment of sectoral mandates, differences in work cultures, as well as competing priorities and increased staff workload. Sierra Leone and Uganda's experiences contribute to the global evidence base for anemia coordination and planning at the national level, particularly around linking health and non‐health sectors and developing multi‐sectoral platforms. It remains to be seen how and to what extent resulting policies in Sierra Leone and Uganda will translate to implementation.
Student Conceptualizations of Task, Audience, and Self in Writing College Admissions Essays
Authors: Aukerman Maren , Beach Richard 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe authors examined how high school seniors conceptualized the task of writing college admissions essays, the audience for that writing, and themselves as potentially college‐worthy writers. In a survey and related interviews, students revealed more emphasis on generic good writing than on the narrative argument genre that college admissions personnel often privilege. Students who wrote to address a specific college admissions audience varied considerably in how they conceptualized this set of readers, and many students did not write with a particular audience in mind. Students who emphasized the pivotal role of writing quality were often equivocal about their chances of being convincing. These findings suggest that teachers should help students learn about the narrative argument genre, build students' familiarity with admissions readers as audiences, and support students' sense of self‐efficacy in academic writing. Recommendations for reshaping college admissions are also included.
The Effects of Long-term Administration of rhPTH(1-84) in Hypoparathyroidism by Bone Histomorphometry
Authors: Rubin Mishaela R , Zhou Hua , Cusano Natalie E , Majeed Rukshana , Omeragic Beatriz , Gomez Maximo , Nickolas Thomas L , Dempster David W , Bilezikian John P 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disorder that is associated with abnormal bone properties. Recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-84) [rhPTH(1-84)] in short-term studies has beneficial skeletal effects. Although rhPTH(1-84) will likely be used indefinitely, long-term effects on skeletal microstructure are unknown. We therefore studied histomorphometric changes with transiliac crest bone biopsies before and after 8.3 ± 1 years of rhPTH(1-84) in 13 hypoparathyroid subjects compared with 45 controls. Before institution of rhPTH(1-84), skeletal remodeling indices were markedly suppressed. With long-term treatment, indices of bone remodeling increased. Mineralizing surface increased by 26-fold (0.3 ± 1 to 7.9 ± 7%, p = 0.003), bone formation rate increased by 15-fold (0.003 ± 0.01 to 0.047 ± 0.05 μm2/μm/day, p = 0.007), osteoid width doubled (1.9 ± 1 to 4.3 ± 1 lamellae, p = 0.017), and osteoid surface tripled (3.3 ± 3 to 10.8 ± 6%, p = 0.011). Bone resorption as measured by eroded surface increased (4.6 ± 2 to 7.5 ± 3%, p = 0.021). Structural changes demonstrated intratrabecular tunneling, with increases in cancellous bone volume (19.6 ± 5 to 29.1 ± 11%, p = 0.017) and trabecular number (1.8 ± 1 to 2.5 ± 1 #/mm, p = 0.025). Cortical porosity tended to increase (6.3 ± 5 to 9.5 ± 3%, p = 0.07). Mineralizing surface, osteoid surface, and eroded surface surpassed control levels, as did cancellous bone volume, trabecular number, and cortical porosity. These data, the first to reflect such long exposure of any PTH for any disease, illustrate that PTH establishes and maintains a new skeletal state for at least 8 years in hypoparathyroidism. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.