bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient and clinician views on the quality of foot health care for rheumatoid arthritis outpatients: a mixed methods service evaluation
Authors: de Souza Savia , Williams Ruth , Lempp Heidi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundFeet are often the first site of joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and get progressively worse if unmanaged, leading to permanent disability and negatively impacting patients' quality of life. Podiatrists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and management of foot and ankle problems, however, RA outpatients often rely on referral from rheumatology clinicians to gain access to musculoskeletal podiatry services on the UK National Health Service (NHS). Therefore, the aim of this evaluation was to identify the foot health needs of rheumatoid arthritis patients and if they are being met by rheumatology clinicians.MethodsA mixed methods approach was used: collecting qualitative data from patients and quantitative data from clinicians. Two focus groups were conducted with nine RA patients from a tertiary rheumatology outpatient clinic in the UK and the data were thematically analysed to inform a clinician survey. Thirteen rheumatology clinicians, from the same centre, completed the online survey. Resultant data were analysed to produce descriptive statistics.ResultsPatient focus group data generated four main themes: (1) need for foot health information, (2) feet ignored during routine consultations, (3) frequency of foot examination and (4) access to podiatry. Survey data highlighted that (i) 69–85 % of clinicians provided patients with foot health information sometimes, (ii) feet were examined in 47 % of routine consultations, (iii) 54 % of clinicians did not examine feet routinely because they are not included in the disease activity score with 28 joints (DAS‐28), (iv) 31 % of clinicians referred patients to podiatry upon RA diagnosis, (v) 0 % of clinicians referred patients to podiatry for periodic review, (vi) 54 % of clinicians believed patients will self‐report foot problems and (vii) 62 % of clinicians felt competent in foot examination.ConclusionsRA patients' foot health needs were not being fully met by rheumatology clinicians. Patients want foot health information and easy access to podiatry services. Rheumatology outpatient consultations need to have a wider focus than the DAS‐28 and incorporate foot examination as standard. Clinicians need to ensure they have sufficient training and follow current national foot health guidance to provide optimal foot health care and outcomes for their RA patients.
Existence and higher arity iteration for total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in uniformly convex hyperbolic spaces
Authors: Khan Muhammad Aqeel Ahmad , Fukhar-ud-din Hafiz , Kalsoom Amna 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis paper provides a fixed point theorem and iterative construction of a common fixed point for a general class of nonlinear mappings in the setup of uniformly convex hyperbolic spaces. We translate a multi-step iteration, essentially due to Chidume and Ofoedu (J. Math. Anal. Appl. 333:128-141, 2007) in such a setting for the approximation of common fixed points of a finite family of total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings. As a consequence, we establish strong and △-convergence results which extend and generalize various corresponding results established in the current literature.
Visual monitoring of civil infrastructure systems via camera-equipped Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): a review of related works
Authors: Ham Youngjib , Han Kevin K. , Lin Jacob J , Golparvar-Fard Mani 
Published: January 2016

AbstractOver the past few years, the application of camera-equipped Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for visually monitoring construction and operation of buildings, bridges, and other types of civil infrastructure systems has exponentially grown. These platforms can frequently survey construction sites, monitor work-in-progress, create documents for safety, and inspect existing structures, particularly for hard-to-reach areas. The purpose of this paper is to provide a concise review of the most recent methods that streamline collection, analysis, visualization, and communication of the visual data captured from these platforms, with and without using Building Information Models (BIM) as a priori information. Specifically, the most relevant works from Civil Engineering, Computer Vision, and Robotics communities are presented and compared in terms of their potential to lead to automatic construction monitoring and civil infrastructure condition assessment.
Polymorphism rs2274911 of GPRC6A as a Novel Risk Factor for Testis Failure
Authors: De Toni Luca , Di Nisio Andrea , Speltra Elena , Rocca Maria Santa , Ghezzi Marco , Zuccarello Daniela , Turiaco Nunzio , Ferlin Alberto , Foresta Carlo 
Published: January 2016

Abstract

Context:
The G protein-coupled receptor GPRC6A is an emerging effector with multiple endocrine roles, including stimulation of T production from the testis. Recently, two men with an inactivating mutation (F464Y) of GPRC6A have been identified, and they showed primary testicular failure and deranged spermatogenesis. Furthermore, one of them also reported cryptorchidism at birth. In addition, a polymorphism (rs2274911, Pro91Ser) in GPRC6A is associated with prostate cancer, a typical androgen-sensitive cancer.

Objective:
To study the possible association between rs2274911 polymorphism and male fertility and/or cryptorchidism.

Design, Patients, Settings:
A total of 611 subjects, including 343 infertile patients, 197 normozoospermic controls, and 71 cryptorchid newborns, were retrospectively selected.

Methods:
Sequencing analysis for rs2274911 polymorphism and F464Y mutation, and serum levels of FSH, LH, and T were assessed. In vitro functional studies for rs2274911 and F464Y were also performed.

Results:
Homozygous subjects for the risk allele A of rs2274911 had a 4.60-fold increased risk of oligozoospermia and 3.52-fold increased risk of cryptorchidism. A significant trend for increased levels of LH in the GA and AA genotypes, compared with GG homozygotes, was detected in men with azoospermia/cryptozoospermia (P for trend = .027), further supporting an association with primary testicular failure. The mutation F464Y was found in one cryptorchid child (one in 71; 1.41%). Functional studies showed that the A allele of rs2274911 and the F464Y substitution were associated with lower exposition of the receptor on the cell membrane and a reduced downstream phosphorylation of ERK1/2 with respect to wild type.

Conclusion:
Our results suggest that GPRC6A inactivation or sub-function contributes to reduced exposure to androgens, leading to cryptorchidism during fetal life and/or low sperm production in adulthood.
Gait kinetics of above- and below-branch quadrupedal locomotion in lemurid primates
Authors: Granatosky Michael C. , Tripp Cameron H. , Schmitt Daniel 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTFor primates and other mammals moving on relatively thin branches, the ability to effectively adopt both above- and below-branch locomotion is seen as critical for successful arboreal locomotion, and has been considered an important step prior to the evolution of specialized suspensory locomotion within our Order. Yet, little information exists on the ways in which limb mechanics change when animals shift from above- to below-branch quadrupedal locomotion. This study tested the hypothesis that vertical force magnitude and distribution do not vary between locomotor modes, but that the propulsive and braking roles of the forelimb change when animals shift from above- to below-branch quadrupedal locomotion. We collected kinetic data on two lemur species (Varecia variegata and Lemur catta) walking above and below an instrumented arboreal runway. Values for peak vertical, braking and propulsive forces as well as horizontal impulses were collected for each limb. When walking below branch, both species demonstrated a significant shift in limb kinetics compared with above-branch movement. The forelimb became both the primary weight-bearing limb and propulsive organ, while the hindlimb reduced its weight-bearing role and became the primary braking limb. This shift in force distribution represents a shift toward mechanics associated with bimanual suspensory locomotion, a locomotor mode unusual to primates and central to human evolution. The ability to make this change is not accompanied by significant anatomical changes, and thus likely represents an underlying mechanical flexibility present in most primates.
Angiogenic Effect of Bioactive Borate Glass Microfibers and Beads in the Hairless Mouse
Authors: Watters Richard J. , Brown Roger F. , Day Delbert E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this project was to investigate the angiogenic mechanism of bioactive borate glass for soft tissue repair in a ‘hairless’ SKH1 mouse model. Subcutaneous microvascular responses to bioactive glass microfibers (45S5, 13-93B3, and 13-93B3Cu) and bioactive glass beads (13-93, 13-93B3, and 13-93B3Cu) were assessed via: noninvasive imaging of skin microvasculature; histomorphometry of microvascular densities; and quantitative PCR measurements of mRNA expression of VEGF and FGF-2 cytokines. Live imaging via dorsal skin windows showed the formation at twoweeks of a halo-like structure infused with microvessels surrounding implanted boratebased 13-93B3 and 13-93B3Cu glass beads, a response not observed with silicate-based 13-93 glass beads. Quantitative histomorphometry of tissues implanted with plugs of 45S5, 13-93B3, and 13-93B3Cu glass microfibers revealed microvascular densities that were 1.6-, 2.3-, and 2.7-times higher, respectively, than the sham control valueswhereas 13-93, 13-93B3, and 13-93B3Cu glass beads caused the microvascular density to increase 1.3-, 1.6-, and 2.5-fold, respectively, relative to sham controls. Quantitative PCR measurements indicate a marginally significant increased expression of VEGF mRNA in tissues with 13-93B3Cu glass beads, an outcome that supported the hypothesis that copper-doped borate glass could promote VEGF expression followed by angiogenesis for enhanced wound healing.
Sub-micron sized saccharide fibres via electrospinning
Authors: Lepe Pablo G. T. , Tucker Nick , Simmons Lyall , Watson Andrew J. A. , Fairbanks Antony J. , Staiger Mark P. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this work, the production of continuous submicron diameter saccharide fibres is shown to be possible using the electrospinning process. The mechanism for the formation of electrospun polymer fibres is usually attributed to the physical entanglement of long molecular chains. The ability to electrospin continuous fibre from a low molecular weight saccharides was an unexpected phenomenon. The formation of sub-micron diameter “sugar syrup” fibres was observed in situ using highspeed video. The trajectory of the electrospun saccharide fibre was observed to follow that typical of electrospun polymers. Based on initial food grade glucose syrup tests, various solutions based on combinations of syrup components, i.e. mono-, di- and tri-saccharides, were investigated to map out materials and electrospinning conditions thatwould lead to the formation of fibre. Thiswork demonstrated that sucrose exhibits the highest propensity for fibre formation during electrospinning amongst the various types of saccharide solutions studied. The possibility of electrospinning low molecular weight saccharides into sub-micron fibres has implications for the electrospinability of supramolecular polymers and other biomaterials.
Does Mefloquine (Lariam®) Therapy Improve the Prognosis of Human JC Polyomavirus-Induced Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy?
Authors: Kalvatchev Zlatko N. , Tsekov Iliya T. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is ademyelinating disease caused by infection with Polyomavirus hominis 2, popularly known as JC virus (JCV). The disease is usually fatal as it develops due to the progressive destruction of oligodendrocytes in multiple brain foci. Several substances that show effect against JCV have been investigated. However, only the antimalarial drug mefloquine has been reported to significantly influence the viral replication both in vitro and following in vivo therapy with good penetration and distribution of the drug at efficacious concentrations into the central nervous system (CNS). The current material presents some of the available published data, suggesting that the activity of mefloquine against JCV be considered for treatment of patients with PML.
Experimental Model of Blunt Chest Trauma in Rats
Authors: Novakov Ivan P. , Delev Delyan P. , Bachurska Svitlana Y. , Staikov Dmitrii G. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The aim of the study was to present our own experimental model of blunt chest trauma in small laboratory animals. Fifteen Wistar albino rats (body weight 290.0-320.0 g) were used in the experiment. An originally designed platform was used to inflict blunt thoracic trauma in the rats. Gross examination and histological evaluation of the heart and lung were performed. It was established that blunt chest trauma caused three thoracic injuries: bilateral lung contusion, myocardial contusion and hemopericardium. These thoracic injuries occurred as a result from direct compression of the chest wall towards the lung and the heart. The severity of lung parenchymal and myocardial pathological findings depended on the energy of blunt chest trauma. The study presents a reproducible small-animal experimental model of blunt chest trauma. The model gives opportunities for further studying different aspects of lung and myocardial contusion.
Family Factors and Risk Sexual Behaviour in Students Aged 12-18
Authors: Simeonova Joana I. , Tzvetanova Nevena V. , Tzvetanova Yanka I. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify family factors determining risk sexual behavior among students aged 12- 18 in Veliko Turnovo region. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014. Three hundred and ten students were included in a representative sample of students attending seven schools in Veliko Turnovo region. The respondents filled in a self-administered questionnaire, designed to collect data on family interactions, acts of sexual coercion, parental social status and their influence on the sexual behavior of the students. Data were processed using SPSS.v.19. Parametric and non-parametric statistical methods were applied. About one-fifth of the students were nurtured in incomplete families. History of a sexually transmitted diseases correlated with type of family (p<0.05). Poorer family interactions (rare family dinners and no conversations about sex) determined acts of risk sexual behavior - accidental contraceptive use during sex and postponing an obstetric examination (p<0.05). Students reporting sexual coercion had also had frequent casual sexual intercourse (p<0.05). Identifying family factors is of essential importance in planning effective sexual health education at school.
A Prospective Study on 25 Hydroxyvitamin D Serum Levels in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Slavov Georgi S. , Manova Maria G. , Trenova Anastasiya G. , Kostadinova Ivanka I. , Pavlov Pavel I. , Mateva Nonka G. , Zahariev Zahari I. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
To assess the changes in the serum concentrations of 25(ОH)D in relapse and remission and their relation to the degree of neurological deficit. We analyzed 53 subjects (30 controls and 23 patients) from October 2012 to Маy 2013. Diagnosis was based on McDonald 2010 criteria. The severity of neurological deficit was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Serum concentrations of 25(ОH)D (nmol/l) were measured by ELISA once in controls and twice in patients - in relapse and remission. Mean levels in all groups were in the mild to moderate deficiency range, being lowest in the patients in relapse (controls 31.46±7.3; relapse 26.93±7.44; remission 28.06±7.28). There was a trend for lower levels of 25(ОH)D in healthy females in comparison to their male counterparts, and in female patients in relapse as compared to males (female controls - 26.56±8.4, male controls - 41.35±11.86; females in relapse - 26.33±10.03, males in relapse - 28.06±11.08). Negative statistically significant correlations between the concentrations of 25(ОH)D during relapse and remission and the degree of neurological deficit in the corresponding period were found (cc. -0.593, Sig 0.03, relapse; -0.46, Sig 0.024, remission). Assessment of the risk for development of MS, regarding the 25(ОH)D showed protective effect with respect to the risk of disease occurrence (ОR: 04125 relapse; 0.578 remission).
Glycinergic Neurotransmission: A Potent Regulator of Embryonic Motor Neuron Dendritic Morphology and Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Fogarty Matthew J. , Kanjhan Refik , Bellingham Mark C. , Noakes Peter G. 
Published: January 2016

Emerging evidence suggests that central synaptic inputs onto motor neurons (MNs) play an important role in developmental regulation of the final number of MNs and their muscle innervation for a particular motor pool. Here, we describe the effect of genetic deletion of glycinergic neurotransmission on single MN structure and on functional excitatory and inhibitory inputs to MNs. We measured synaptic currents in E18.5 hypoglossal MNs from brain slices using whole-cell patch-clamp recording, followed by dye-filling these same cells with Neurobiotin, to define their morphology by high-resolution confocal imaging and 3D reconstruction. We show that hypoglossal MNs of mice lacking gephyrin display increased dendritic arbor length and branching, increased spiny processes, decreased inhibitory neurotransmission, and increased excitatory neurotransmission. These findings suggest that central glycinergic synaptic activity plays a vital role in regulating MN morphology and glutamatergic central synaptic inputs during late embryonic development.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMNs within the brainstem and spinal cord are responsible for integrating a diverse array of synaptic inputs into discrete contractions of skeletal muscle to achieve coordinated behaviors, such as breathing, vocalization, and locomotion. The last trimesterin uterois critical in neuromotor development, as this is when central and peripheral synaptic connections are made onto and from MNs. At this time-point, using transgenic mice with negligible glycinergic postsynaptic responses, we show that this deficiency leads to abnormally high excitatory neurotransmission and alters the dendritic architecture responsible for coherently integrating these inputs. This study compliments the emerging concept that neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism, epilepsy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) are underpinned by synaptic dysfunction and therefore will be useful to neuroscientists and neurologists alike.
Absence of Neuroplastin-65 Affects Synaptogenesis in Mouse Inner Hair Cells and Causes Profound Hearing Loss
Authors: Carrott Leanne , Bowl Michael R. , Aguilar Carlos , Johnson Stuart L. , Chessum Lauren , West Melissa , Morse Susan , Dorning Joanne , Smart Elizabeth , Hardisty-Hughes Rachel , Ball Greg , Parker Andrew , Barnard Alun R. , MacLaren Robert E. , Wells Sara , Marcotti Walter , Brown Steve D.M. 
Published: January 2016

TheNeuroplastingene encodes two synapse-enriched protein isoforms, Np55 and Np65, which are transmembrane glycoproteins that regulate several cellular processes, including the genesis, maintenance, and plasticity of synapses. We found that an absence of Np65 causes early-onset sensorineural hearing loss and prevented the normal synaptogenesis in inner hair cells (IHCs) in the newly identified mouse mutantpitch. In wild-type mice, Np65 is strongly upregulated in the cochlea from around postnatal day 12 (P12), which corresponds to the onset of hearing. Np65 was specifically localized at the presynaptic region of IHCs. We found that the colocalization of presynaptic IHC ribbons and postsynaptic afferent terminals is greatly reduced inpitchmutants. Moreover, IHC exocytosis is also reduced with mutant mice showing lower rates of vesicle release. Np65 appears to have a nonessential role in vision. We propose that Np65, by regulating IHC synaptogenesis, is critical for auditory function in mammals.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn the mammalian cochlea, the sensory inner hair cells (IHCs) encode auditory information. They do this by converting sound wave-induced mechanical motion of their hair bundles into an electrical current. This current generates a receptor potential that controls release of glutamate neurotransmitter from their ribbon synapses onto the auditory afferent fiber. We show that the synapse-enriched protein Np65, encoded by theNeuroplastingene, is localized at the IHC presynaptic region. In mutant mice, absence of Np65 causes early-onset sensorineural hearing loss and prevents normal neurotransmitter release in IHCs and colocalization of presynaptic ribbons with postsynaptic afferents. We identifiedNeuroplastinas a novel deafness gene required for ribbon synapse formation and function, which is critical for sound perception in mammals.
Episodic Memory Retrieval Functionally Relies on Very Rapid Reactivation of Sensory Information
Authors: Waldhauser Gerd T. , Braun Verena , Hanslmayr Simon 
Published: January 2016

Episodic memory retrieval is assumed to rely on the rapid reactivation of sensory information that was present during encoding, a process termed “ecphory.” We investigated the functional relevance of this scarcely understood process in two experiments in human participants. We presented stimuli to the left or right of fixation at encoding, followed by an episodic memory test with centrally presented retrieval cues. This allowed us to track the reactivation of lateralized sensory memory traces during retrieval. Successful episodic retrieval led to a very early (∼100–200 ms) reactivation of lateralized alpha/beta (10–25 Hz) electroencephalographic (EEG) power decreases in the visual cortex contralateral to the visual field at encoding. Applying rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation to interfere with early retrieval processing in the visual cortex led to decreased episodic memory performance specifically for items encoded in the visual field contralateral to the site of stimulation. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that episodic memory functionally relies on very rapid reactivation of sensory information.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRemembering personal experiences requires a “mental time travel” to revisit sensory information perceived in the past. This process is typically described as a controlled, relatively slow process. However, by using electroencephalography to measure neural activity with a high time resolution, we show that such episodic retrieval entails a very rapid reactivation of sensory brain areas. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation to alter brain function during retrieval revealed that this early sensory reactivation is causally relevant for conscious remembering. These results give first neural evidence for a functional, preconscious component of episodic remembering. This provides new insight into the nature of human memory and may help in the understanding of psychiatric conditions that involve the automatic intrusion of unwanted memories.