bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facing the diagnostic challenge: Nerve ultrasound in diabetic patients with neuropathic symptoms
Authors: Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Kerasnoudis Antonios , Behrendt Volker , Labedi Adnan , Ayzenberg Ilya , Gold Ralf , Yoon Min‐Suk 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We describe the nerve ultrasound findings in patients with type II diabetes mellitus who have neuropathic symptoms and signs. Methods: Fifty‐five healthy controls and 44 diabetic patients underwent clinical, sonographic, and electrophysiological evaluation. Patients were studied at a mean of 14.3 years after disease onset. Results: Nerve ultrasound revealed increased cross‐sectional area (CSA) in peripheral nerves at compression sites (although no clinical symptoms were present) and noncompression sites. No correlation was detected between sonographic and electrophysiological findings. A CSA increase of the tibial nerve in the popliteal fossa was detected in 5 patients with neuropathic symptoms, although electrophysiology was normal. Conclusions: Nerve ultrasound revealed crucial morphological alterations in diabetic patients. CSA enlargement at compression sites indicates subclinical nerve affection and may indicate susceptibility to entrapment syndromes. CSA increase at noncompression sites despite normal electrophysiology suggests early morphological abnormalities. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm our results. Muscle Nerve, 2015 Muscle Nerve 54: 18–24, 2016 Muscle Nerve 54: 18–24, 2016
Does motivation predict outcome of pelvic floor muscle retraining?
Authors: te West Nevine I.D. , Parkin Katrina , Hayes Wendy , Costa Daniel S.J. , Kasparian Nadine A. , Moore Kate H. 
Published: November 2015

AimsAlthough pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is effective for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), patients need to be motivated to obtain cure. An instrument to assess motivation in such patients was published in 2009: the Incontinence Treatment Motivation Questionnaire (ITMQ). The ITMQ consists of five domains: (i) positive attitudes toward PFMT; (ii) reasons for not doing PFMT; (iii) difficulties living with incontinence; (iv) desire for treatment; and (v) incontinence severity influencing motivation. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between ITMQ scores and treatment success.MethodsAfter referral for PFMT, women with SUI completed the ITMQ. Pre‐ and post‐treatment outcomes were the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) score and a 24‐hr pad test. Correlations between ITMQ scores and baseline, as well as post‐treatment change in ICIQ scores and pad test results were examined. Additionally, the demographics of non‐participants, participants, and patients lost to follow‐up were compared.ResultsOf 85 recruits, 18 did not complete the ITMQ, 14 were lost to follow‐up, thus 53 completed the PFMT programme and undertook either one or both outcomes. Pre‐treatment, severity on ICIQ correlated with total ITMQ (ρ = 0.33, P = 0.01). Post‐treatment change in pad test was inversely correlated with Domain 2 (ρ = −0.33, P = 0.03).ConclusionsThe pre‐treatment severity of incontinence was significantly associated with motivation for treatment. Unfortunately, post‐treatment change correlated with only one domain of the questionnaire. Further modification of the ITMQ is envisaged. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:316–321, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduction of urgency severity is the most important factor in the subjective therapeutic outcome of intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injection for overactive bladder
Authors: Jiang Yuan‐Hong , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: November 2015

AimsThis study investigated the relationship between the subjective outcome assessment and objective parameters after intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injection in patients with overactive bladder (OAB).MethodsA total of 77 consecutive patients with urodynamically confirmed detrusor overactivity were treated with intravesical 100 U of onabotulinumtoxinA in 20 divided injections (5 U in 0.5 ml normal saline each) at different sites sparing the trigone. The primary end‐point was the change in the Global Response Assessment (GRA) 3 months after treatment. All patients were monitored monthly after treatment for up to 6 months. Patients were divided into successful and failed treatment groups according to change in their GRA (≥2 and ≤1, respectively) at 3 months. The changes in voiding diary variables, Urgency Severity Score (USS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), maximal bladder capacity (MBC), post‐void residual (PVR) volume, and voiding efficiency (VE) were compared between groups at each time point.ResultsOverall, USS, OABSS, and MBC improved after treatment. Three months after BoNT‐A injection, 49 (64%) patients reported an improvement in the GRA of 2 (n = 30) or 3 (n = 19). Patients with GRA ≥ 2 had significant improvements in OABSS at 3 months, and USS, OABSS, urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and urgency episodes at 6 months compared with patients with GRA ≤ 1. No significant difference in MBC, PVR, or VE was noted between groups at 3 or 6 months.ConclusionsSubjectively successful treatment outcomes of intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injection for OAB patients were associated with improvement in OAB symptoms but not increased bladder capacity. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:338–343, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A lack of ‘glue’ misplaces Rab27A to cause islet dysfunction in diabetes
Authors: Kowluru Anjaneyulu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractGlucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) involves interplay between metabolic and cationic events. Several lines of evidence suggest novel regulatory roles for small G proteins (Rac1, Cdc42, Rab27A) in cytoskeletal remodelling and docking of insulin granules on the plasma membrane for insulin secretion. Emerging evidence implicates novel roles for post‐translational prenylation (farnesylation and geranylgeranylation) of G proteins for their targeting to appropriate membranous compartments. While several recent studies were focused on prenylating enzymes in the islet β‐cell, a significant knowledge gap exists on the regulatory roles and function of enzymes that mediate intracellular generation of prenyl pyrophosphate substrates (farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphates) for prenyltransferases. Recent work published in The Journal of Pathology by Jiang and associates highlights requisite roles for geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPPS) in islet β‐cell function in health and diabetes. These studies are timely and will form the basis for a series of new investigations to further validate roles for G‐protein prenylation in GSIS under physiological conditions. They also pave the path towards the identification of potential defects in these signalling pathways in β‐cell models of impaired insulin secretion including metabolic stress and diabetes. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pediatric Colorectal Carcinoma is Associated With Excellent Outcome in the Context of Cancer Predisposition Syndromes
Authors: Weber Marie L. , Schneider Dominik T. , Offenmüller Sonja , Kaatsch Peter , Einsiedel Hagen Graf , Benesch Martin , Claviez Alexander , Ebinger Martin , Kramm Christof , Kratz Christian , Lawlor Jennifer , Leuschner Ivo , Merkel Susanne , Metzler Markus , Nustede Rainer , Petsch Sabine , Seeger Karl‐Heinz , Schlegel Paul‐Gerhardt , Suttorp Meinolf , Zolk Oliver , Brecht Ines B. 
Published: November 2015

IntroductionColorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the second most common adult cancer in Germany, however, it is extremely rare in children and adolescents. In these patients, previous literature describes aggressive behavior and diagnosis at advanced stage.MethodThirty‐one patients with CRC age ≤ 18 years and treated between 1990 and 2012 have been identified through the structures and registries of the German Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology.ResultsThe age range was 9–18 years (median 13.5 years); the median follow‐up time was 43.9 months (range 1–124 months). Twenty‐six patients (84%) were tested for a genetic tumor syndrome (GTS); of these, 11 patients (35% of all patients) tested positive (eight cases of Lynch syndrome, one patient with familial adenomatous polyposis, two patients with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency). An unfavorable histology was reported in 55% of the records (n = 17), a poor differentiation (grade III) in 68% of carcinoma (n = 21). Overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival at 5 years was 52.0% and 65.6%, respectively. Five‐year survival according to stage was 100% in stage II (n = 2), 100% in stage III (n = 13), and 12.9% in stage IV (n = 15; P < 0.001). Five‐year OS in patients with and without a defined GTS was 100% and 36.5% (P = 0.019), respectively.ConclusionChildren and adolescents with CRC are frequently diagnosed in advanced stages and have an unfavorable prognosis. In this study, a high percentage of pediatric CRC patients presented with a tumor predisposition syndrome and showed an especially favorable OS.
Soft nanocomposites: nanoparticles to tune gel properties
Authors: da Silva Marcelo A , Dreiss Cécile A 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe demand for new, soft materials with bespoke physical and biological characteristics and functionality has fuelled the research into nanocomposite hydrogels. ‘Soft’ nanocomposites – nanoparticles within a hydrated, polymeric gel matrix – offer a simple, yet versatile, platform for the design of materials with specific – and tunable – properties. Indeed, the ‘soft’ properties of the matrix can be combined with the inherent functionality of the nanoparticles (drug loading, antimicrobial, light refraction etc.) or give rise to altogether new characteristics (toughness, optical properties, self‐healing etc.) evolved from the synergistic interaction of the polymer chains with the particles. In this review, we report the evolution and achievements of nanocomposite gels, with a focus on mechanisms and structure. The review is therefore structured around the properties resulting from the gel/nanoparticle association, rather than a classification based on applications or specific types of polymer or nanoparticles. How can nanoparticles tune mechanical, optical, biological properties or impart stimuli‐responsiveness to a polymer gel matrix − and how is this behaviour linked to the underlying structure? © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Crystalline silicon PV module degradation after 20 years of field exposure studied by electrical tests, electroluminescence, and LBIC
Authors: Pozza Alberto , Sample Tony 
Published: November 2015

AbstractStandardized tests to assure the reliability of photovoltaic modules and to detect possible early failures of modules when exposed in the field, due to design flaws or to the use of non‐appropriate materials, have played an important role in the successful growth of photovoltaic market in recent years. In order for this growth to be sustainable in coming years, it is crucial to keep the confidence of investors in standard well‐established technologies and to increase confidence in new emerging technologies. For these reasons, there is an ongoing work for the improvement of current tests and for the development of new ones, which besides assuring module reliability in the field, have also the aim of predicting their lifetime. The analysis of degradation of modules that were field exposed over a long period of time is fundamental to identify the degradation mechanisms and to collect statistics on modules behavior. This work focuses on the analysis of the change of the photovoltaic module electrical characteristics after approximately 20 years of field exposure, considering differences in the design of cells that were used for the production of these modules, which were identified by detailed visual inspection. Failure modes were investigated by comprehensive visual inspection and the use of spatially resolved analysis techniques as follows: laser beam‐induced current and electroluminescence. The main failure mode identified was yellowing of the encapsulant. © 2015 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
From sensitivity to resistance – factors affecting the response of Conyza spp. to glyphosate
Authors: Kleinman Ziv , Ben‐Ami Gadi , Rubin Baruch 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDConyza bonariensis and C. canadensis are troublesome weeds, particularly in fields with minimum tillage, on roadsides and in perennial crops. The distribution of these difficult‐to‐control species is further increased by the spread of glyphosate‐resistant populations. A preliminary investigation has demonstrated the existence of various degrees of glyphosate tolerance/resistance in these populations, underscoring the need to examine the relationship between glyphosate efficacy and plant growth conditions.RESULTSIn populations exposed to glyphosate at different temperatures, glyphosate tolerance increased linearly as the temperature was increased, whereas when grown under the same temperatures, they largely responded similarly to the herbicide. Furthermore, the sensitivity of plants to glyphosate decreased significantly with plant age and increased following temporal exposure to shading. Dose–response studies confirmed the glyphosate resistance of four C. bonariensis populations that were 8–30 times more resistant to glyphosate than the most glyphosate‐sensitive population. These populations retained their characteristic glyphosate resistance even under unfavourable growth conditions.CONCLUSIONThese findings indicate that the effect of glyphosate on both Conyza species is strongly linked to growing conditions. This has great importance for our understanding of glyphosate resistance and for control of these weeds in agricultural systems. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Transient Canonical Wnt Stimulation Enriches Human Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cell Isolates for Osteoprogenitors
Authors: Janeczek Agnieszka A. , Tare Rahul S. , Scarpa Edoardo , Moreno-Jimenez Ines , Rowland Caroline A. , Jenner Dominic , Newman Tracey A. , Oreffo Richard O. C. , Evans Nicholas D. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway is an attractive anabolic therapeutic strategy for bone. Emerging data suggest that activation of the Wnt signaling pathway promotes bone mineral accrual in osteoporotic patients. The effect of Wnt stimulation in fracture healing is less clear as Wnt signaling has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on osteogenesis. Here, we tested the hypothesis that transient Wnt stimulation promotes the expansion and osteogenesis of a Wnt-responsive stem cell population present in human bone marrow. Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) were isolated from patients undergoing hip arthroplasty and exposed to Wnt3A protein. The effect of Wnt pathway stimulation was determined by measuring the frequency of stem cells within the BMMNC populations by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and colony forming unit fibroblast (CFU-F) assays, before determining their osteogenic capacity in in vitro differentiation experiments. We found that putative skeletal stem cells in BMMNC isolates exhibited elevated Wnt pathway activity compared with the population as whole. Wnt stimulation resulted in an increase in the frequency of skeletal stem cells marked by the STRO-1bright/Glycophorin A− phenotype. Osteogenesis was elevated in stromal cell populations arising from BMMNCs transiently stimulated by Wnt3A protein, but sustained stimulation inhibited osteogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that Wnt stimulation could be used as a therapeutic approach by transient targeting of stem cell populations during early fracture healing, but that inappropriate stimulation may prevent osteogenesis.
Video Highlight: https://youtu.be/Wcs-crLvXbQ
From toilet insecurity to toilet security: creating safe sanitation for women and girls
Authors: O'Reilly Kathleen 
Published: November 2015

For women and girls in low‐income areas, the consequences of inadequate sanitation include fear of harassment, experiences of violence, and psychosocial stress. When safe, usable toilets are not available, women and girls face three types of toilet insecurity: (1) the material reality for many women and girls that they do not have access to a toilet; (2) the risk of venturing out for open defecation if there is no toilet; and (3) having access to a public toilet, but one that is unusable (e.g., filthy) or unsafe (e.g., insufficient lighting), so that women and girls accept the risk of going for open defecation. WIREs Water 2016, 3:19–24. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1122This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation
Synthesis and Characterization of Two Distinct 2D Nickel(II) Coordination Polymers From Dicarboxylate and Flexible Bis(imidazole) Ligands
Authors: Hu Ju‐Meng , Zhao Yan‐Qian , Baoyi Yu , Van Hecke Kristof , Cui Guang‐Hua 
Published: November 2015

AbstractTwo nickel(II) coordination polymers, formulated as {[Ni2(bix)2(tbta)2(H2O)4]·0.25H2O}n (1) and [Ni2(bix)(aip)2(H2O)2]n (2) [bix = 1, 4‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene, H2tbta = tetrabromoterephthalic acid, H2aip = 5‐aminoisophthalic acid] were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods, IR spectroscopy, TGA, and elemental analysis. Complex 1 exhibits a 2D (4, 4) layer with {44.62} topology. Complex 2 shows 2D (3, 4)‐connected 3,4L83 sheets, which are finally extended into an unusual (5, 6)‐connected 3D supramolecular network by classic hydrogen bond interactions. Fluorescence, UV/Vis diffuse reflection spectra, and catalytic properties of two complexes for the degradation of the methyl orange dye in a photo‐Fenton‐like process were investigated.
Prevalence of Inguinal Hernia in Adult Men in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
Authors: Ohene‐Yeboah Michael , Beard Jessica H. , Frimpong‐Twumasi Benjamin , Koranteng Adofo , Mensah Samuel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundInguinal hernia is thought to be common in rural Ghana, though no recent data exist on hernia prevalence in the country. This information is needed to guide policy and increase access to safe hernia repair in Ghana and other low‐resource settings.MethodsAdult men randomly selected from the Barekese sub‐district of Ashanti Region, Ghana were examined by surgeons for the presence of inguinal hernia. Men with hernia completed a survey on demographics, knowledge of the disease, and barriers to surgical treatment.ResultsA total of 803 participants were examined, while 105 participants completed the survey. The prevalence of inguinal hernia was 10.8 % (95 % CI 8.0, 13.6 %), and 2.2 % (95 % CI 0, 5.4 %) of participants had scars indicative of previous repair, making the overall prevalence of treated and untreated inguinal hernia 13.0 % (95 % CI 10.2, 15.7 %). Prevalence of inguinal hernia increased with age; 35.4 % (95 % CI 23.6, 47.2 %) of men aged 65 and older had inguinal hernia. Untreated inguinal hernia was associated with lower socio‐economic status. Of those with inguinal hernia, 52.4 % did not know the cause of hernia. The most common reason cited for failing to seek medical care was cost (48.2 %).ConclusionAlthough inguinal hernia is common among adult men living in rural Ghana, surgical repair rates are low. We propose a multi‐faceted public health campaign aimed at increasing access to safe hernia repair in Ghana. This approach includes a training program of non‐surgeons in inguinal hernia repair headed by the Ghana Hernia Society and could be adapted for use in other low‐resource settings
Integrating mass spectrometry and genomics for cyanobacterial metabolite discovery
Authors: Moss Nathan A , Bertin Matthew J , Kleigrewe Karin , Leão Tiago F , Gerwick Lena , Gerwick William H 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Filamentous marine cyanobacteria produce bioactive natural products with both potential therapeutic value and capacity to be harmful to human health. Genome sequencing has revealed that cyanobacteria have the capacity to produce many more secondary metabolites than have been characterized. The biosynthetic pathways that encode cyanobacterial natural products are mostly uncharacterized, and lack of cyanobacterial genetic tools has largely prevented their heterologous expression. Hence, a combination of cutting edge and traditional techniques has been required to elucidate their secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways. Here, we review the discovery and refined biochemical understanding of the olefin synthase and fatty acid ACP reductase/aldehyde deformylating oxygenase pathways to hydrocarbons, and the curacin A, jamaicamide A, lyngbyabellin, columbamide, and a trans-acyltransferase macrolactone pathway encoding phormidolide. We integrate into this discussion the use of genomics, mass spectrometric networking, biochemical characterization, and isolation and structure elucidation techniques.
Citizen science: a new approach to advance ecology, education, and conservation
Authors: Kobori Hiromi , Dickinson Janis L. , Washitani Izumi , Sakurai Ryo , Amano Tatsuya , Komatsu Naoya , Kitamura Wataru , Takagawa Shinichi , Koyama Kazuo , Ogawara Takao , Miller‐Rushing A. J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCitizen science has a long history in the ecological sciences and has made substantial contributions to science, education, and society. Developments in information technology during the last few decades have created new opportunities for citizen science to engage ever larger audiences of volunteers to help address some of ecology's most pressing issues, such as global environmental change. Using online tools, volunteers can find projects that match their interests and learn the skills and protocols required to develop questions, collect data, submit data, and help process and analyze data online. Citizen science has become increasingly important for its ability to engage large numbers of volunteers to generate observations at scales or resolutions unattainable by individual researchers. As a coupled natural and human approach, citizen science can also help researchers access local knowledge and implement conservation projects that might be impossible otherwise. In Japan, however, the value of citizen science to science and society is still underappreciated. Here we present case studies of citizen science in Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and describe how citizen science is used to tackle key questions in ecology and conservation, including spatial and macro‐ecology, management of threatened and invasive species, and monitoring of biodiversity. We also discuss the importance of data quality, volunteer recruitment, program evaluation, and the integration of science and human systems in citizen science projects. Finally, we outline some of the primary challenges facing citizen science and its future.