bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foot Biomechanics in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lázaro-Martínez José Luis , Aragón-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Beneit-Montesinos Juan Vicente , González-Jurado Maximo A. , Morales Esther García , Hernández David Martínez 
Published: April 2014

Background:We sought to identify the biomechanical characteristics of the feet of patients with diabetes mellitus and the interrelationship with diabetic neuropathy by determining the range of joint mobility and the presence and locations of calluses and foot deformities.Methods:This observational comparative study involved 281 patients with diabetes mellitus who underwent neurologic and vascular examinations. Joint mobility studies were performed, and deformities and hyperkeratosis locations were assessed.Results:No substantial differences were found between patients with and without neuropathy in joint mobility range. Neuropathy was seen as a risk factor only in the passive range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (mean ± SD: 57.2° ± 19.5° versus 50.3° ± 22.5°, P = .008). Mean ± SD ankle joint mobility values were similar in both groups (83.0° ± 5.2° versus 82.8° ± 9.3°, P = .826). Patients without neuropathy had a higher rate of foot deformities such as hallux abductus valgus and hammer toes. There was also a higher presence of calluses in patients without neuropathy (82.8% versus 72.6%; P = .039).Conclusions:Diabetic neuropathy was not related to limited joint mobility and the presence of calluses. Patients with neuropathy did not show a higher risk of any of the deformities examined. These findings suggest that the etiology of biomechanical alterations in diabetic people is complex and may involve several anatomically and pathologically predisposing factors. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 101(3): 208–214, 2011)
Reducing the Pain of Local 1% Lidocaine Infiltration with a Preceding Bacteriostatic Saline Injection
Authors: Barrett Stephen L. , Maxka Jim , Mieras Jamie N. , Cooper Kimbal E. 
Published: April 2014

Background:
Lidocaine injection for local anesthesia is a common podiatric medical procedure. We tested the hypothesis that injection of bacteriostatic saline solution containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol before the lidocaine infiltration can reduce the burning caused by lidocaine injection.

Methods:
This double-blind prospective trial involved 45 participants who each received four injections in two areas of the dorsum of the foot and rated the perceived pain on a visual analog scale. The order of the injections was designed to disguise the control and intervention arms of the study.

Results:
The sensation of the lidocaine injection after the injection of saline was reduced significantly (P = .028). The percentage of lidocaine injections with visual analog scale scores of 0 increased by 36% after preinjection with bacteriostatic saline solution containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol.

Conclusions:
The fact that 40% of the intervention visual analog scale pain scores for lidocaine injections were 0 suggests that a near painless lidocaine injection technique is an achievable goal and that the present technique is a simple and inexpensive method of reducing the pain of lidocaine injections. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 101(3): 223–230, 2011)
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Ankle
Authors: Hao Da-Peng , Zhang Jian-Zhong , Xu Wen-Jian , Wang Zhen-Chang , Wang Xue-Na 
Published: April 2014

Background:Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of the ankle is a rare benign proliferative growth of the synovium. Studies of the radiologic characteristics of ankle PVNS are sparse.Methods:To characterize the radiologic features of ankle PVNS, five patients with histologically proven ankle PVNS were retrospectively studied. The features of their radiographs, computed tomographic scans, and magnetic resonance images were reviewed, with emphasis on the morphological features, extension, margin, bone involvement, signal intensity, and degree of magnetic resonance enhancement.Results:All five lesions were diffuse, affecting the ankle and distal tibiofibular joint; three lesions also involved the subtalar joint. Radiography demonstrated extrinsic bone erosions with marginal sclerosis of the involved joints in all of the patients, but computed tomography identified this much better than did radiography. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple lobulated soft-tissue masses in all of the cases. These soft-tissue masses surrounded the flexor hallux longus tendon and were hypointense on T1-weighted images, with a heterogeneous signal in two cases and homogenous hypointensity in three cases on fat-suppressed T2-weighted images. In one patient who underwent gadolinium-enhanced imaging, the masses showed intense enhancement.Conclusions:Magnetic resonance imaging is the best way to reveal ankle PVNS. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of predominant hypointensity on all pulse sequences and standard radiography findings of bone erosion with marginal sclerosis are characteristic. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 101(3): 252–258, 2011)
Development of a Novel Rating System to Assess Lower-limb Comfort
Authors: Kinchington Michael , Ball Kevin , Naughton Geraldine 
Published: April 2014

Background:Comfort evaluation techniques are commonplace in medicine. However, measures of lower-limb comfort are infrequently used in the sporting environment. The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument for measuring lower-limb comfort, which will extend previous work in the field of injury awareness.Methods:A lower-limb comfort index (LLCI) was developed for use in the environment of elite sport. Forty professional footballers participated in development of the index. The study had three components. A critical appraisal of the literature established the need for an LLCI. The second phase involved 20 professional footballers establishing and testing the components of the comfort index as an instrument for measuring comfort.Results:Nonparametric statistics (the McNemar test) in phase 2 indicated that the LLCI demonstrated good responsiveness to suitability (P = .019) and ease of use (P &lt; .01). After a high level of agreement for responses, the third stage required 20 players to pilot test the reliability of the LLCI in a controlled environment. Repeated measures of difference between two periods for sum comfort (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99) and individual anatomical segments (κ = 0.72–1) provided confidence that the comfort index was reliable.Conclusions:The LLCI showed good trait construct to provide confidence to conduct a future study to investigate interrater consistency in a wider cohort of professional footballers under different conditions, such as match-day and training-week environments. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 101(5): 371–384, 2011)
Hallux Limitus and Its Relationship with the Internal Rotational Pattern of the Lower Limb
Authors: Lafuente Guillermo , Munuera Pedro V. , Dominguez Gabriel , Reina Maria , Lafuente Blanca 
Published: April 2014

Background:The aims of this study were to determine whether individuals with mild hallux limitus show a diminished capacity of internal rotation of the lower limb compared with those without hallux limitus and whether individuals with mild hallux limitus show an increased foot progression angle.Methods:In 80 study participants (35 with normal feet and 45 with mild hallux limitus), the capacity of internal rotation of the lower limb (internal rotational pattern), hallux dorsiflexion, and the foot progression angle were measured. The values for internal rotational pattern and foot progression angle were compared between the two study groups, and the correlations between these variables were studied.Results:The capacity of internal rotation of the lower limb was significantly lesser in patients with mild hallux limitus (P &lt; .0001). There was no significant difference in foot progression angle between the two groups (P = .115). The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.638 (P &lt; .0001) for the relationship between internal rotational pattern and hallux dorsiflexion.Conclusions:Patients with mild hallux limitus had a lesser capacity of internal rotation of the lower extremity than did individuals in the control group. The more limited the internal rotational pattern of the lower limb, the more limited was hallux dorsiflexion. The foot progression angle was similar in both groups. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 101(6): 467–474, 2011)
Effects of Nonslip Socks on the Gait Patterns of Older People When Walking on a Slippery Surface
Authors: Hatton Anna L. , Sturnieks Daina L. , Lord Stephen R. , Lo Joanne C.M. , Menz Hylton B. , Menant Jasmine C. 
Published: April 2014

Background:
Slips are a common cause of falls, and nonslip socks have been marketed to prevent slips in older people. However, few studies have investigated the biomechanical and clinical effects of walking in nonslip socks. This study aimed to examine gait parameters in older people walking on a slippery surface wearing nonslip socks compared with standard sock and barefoot conditions.

Methods:
Fifteen older people completed five trials of the fast-paced Timed Up and Go test while barefoot and while wearing standard socks and nonslip socks. Kinematic data (step length, heel horizontal velocity at heel strike, and foot-floor angle at heel strike) and clinical data (total Timed Up and Go test time, total number of steps, number of steps in turn, and observed slips, trips, or falls) were collected.

Results:
Performance on the Timed Up and Go test did not differ between the barefoot and nonslip sock conditions; however, participants walked more slowly and took shorter steps when wearing standard socks. Participants rated nonslip socks to feel less slippery than barefoot and standard socks.

Conclusions:
Compared with wearing standard socks, wearing nonslip socks improves gait performance and may be beneficial in reducing the risk of slipping in older people. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 103(6): 471–479, 2013)
Effectiveness of Foot and Ankle Exercise Programs on Reducing the Risk of Falling in Older Adults
Authors: Schwenk Michael , Jordan Elise DeHaven , Honarvararaghi Bahareh , Mohler Jane , Armstrong David G. , Najafi Bijan 
Published: April 2014

Background:
Foot and ankle (FA) exercise programs might reduce the risk of falling in older adults. We sought to systematically review the current literature on FA exercise programs targeted at reducing the risk of falling in older adults.

Methods:
A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed database, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Articles were included based on the following criteria: 1) randomized controlled trial, 2) FA exercise program, and 3) use of fall risk–related motor outcomes (strength, balance, flexibility, and functional ability) or use of falls as an outcome. Weighted effect sizes (d) were calculated across studies for estimating the overall effect of FA exercises on the most frequently reported motor outcome parameters.

Results:
Eight publications met the inclusion criteria. Small to moderate overall effects were found for balance (d = 0.46, P &lt; .001) and ankle flexibility (d = 0.29, P = .006). No significant overall effects were found for ankle plantarflexor strength (d = 0.11, P = .223) and walking performance (d = −0.05, P = .404). Controversial results were reported for other functional measures. Effects varied depending on the type of intervention. Only one study reported improved ankle evertor strength and a significant reduction in falls.

Conclusions:
Evidence suggests that FA exercise can improve certain fall risk–related motor outcomes and reduce falls. Limited effects on strength and functional ability might be related to insufficient training intensity and lack of adherence. Further studies that include progressive strength and flexibility training are necessary to validate which FA exercise programs are most effective at preventing falls. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 103(6): 534–547, 2013)
Measurement of Autophagy by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Warnes Gary 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn recent years, flow cytometry has been used to detect the presence of autophagy mainly by the fluorescent antibody labeling of the autophagy marker, the microtubule associated protein LC3‐II. Here we describe the indirect antibody labeling of LC3‐II in cells displaying drug‐induced autophagy by the use of rapamycin and chloroquine, as well as cells undergoing serum starvation. Although the mechanism of action of LysoTracker dyes is not fully understood, lysosomal mass increases during the autophagic process to enable the cell to produce autolysosomes. Given that LC3‐II and LysoTracker are measuring different biological events in the autophagic process, they surprisingly both up‐regulated during autophagic process. This approach shows that although LysoTracker dyes do not specifically label lysosomes or autophagosomes within the cell, they allow the simultaneous measurement of an autophagy related process and other live cell functions, which is not possible with the standard LC3‐II antibody technique. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 68:9.45.1‐9.45.10. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Immunophenotyping of Paucicellular Samples
Authors: Stacchini Alessandra , Demurtas Anna , Aliberti Sabrina 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTImmunophenotyping of paucicellular samples may represent a diagnostic challenge in the flow cytometry (FC) laboratory routine, as the scarcity of cells limits the number of tests that can be performed. Specimens such as fine needle aspirates (FNA), human body fluids (BF), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or ocular fluid (OF) sent for FC investigations in the case of suspicion of lymphoma, or for lymphoma monitoring, may contain very low numbers of cells. In these cases, it is mandatory to obtain the largest amount possible of useful information from a single tube. The basic protocol described in this unit provides a method that combines the use of multiple monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with a Boolean gating strategy to identify and quantify the main lymphocyte populations, as well as to detect lymphomatous B cells or any aberrant T cell expression, if present, in paucicellular samples. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 68:9.46.1‐9.46.14. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
How useful are complex flood damage models?
Authors: Schröter Kai , Kreibich Heidi , Vogel Kristin , Riggelsen Carsten , Scherbaum Frank , Merz Bruno 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe investigate the usefulness of complex flood damage models for predicting relative damage to residential buildings in a spatial and temporal transfer context. We apply eight different flood damage models to predict relative building damage for five historic flood events in two different regions of Germany. Model complexity is measured in terms of the number of explanatory variables which varies from 1 variable up to 10 variables which are singled out from 28 candidate variables. Model validation is based on empirical damage data, whereas observation uncertainty is taken into consideration. The comparison of model predictive performance shows that additional explanatory variables besides the water depth improve the predictive capability in a spatial and temporal transfer context, i.e., when the models are transferred to different regions and different flood events. Concerning the trade‐off between predictive capability and reliability the model structure seem more important than the number of explanatory variables. Among the models considered, the reliability of Bayesian network‐based predictions in space‐time transfer is larger than for the remaining models, and the uncertainties associated with damage predictions are reflected more completely.
Supporting Adult Independence in the Community for Individuals With High‐Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Loomis James W. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractResearch finds that outcomes related to independence for adults with autism are generally fair to poor. For adults with high‐functioning autism, functional independence in adulthood is one of the most important long‐term goals to pursue in our educational and clinical programming. With these skills, individuals can lead more self‐determined, satisfying, and productive lives while reducing the burden on families and agencies to provide care. Independence rests on the ability to master functional skills that allow them to care for themselves, live in their own residence, support themselves through employment, and successfully participate in chosen social and recreational activities. Studies find that cognitive abilities, social skills, communication ability, and adaptive competencies predict better outcomes and greater independence in adulthood. Programming for independence should start early in childhood, become the primary focus during adolescence, and continue as needed throughout the adult years. Comprehensive educational and clinical programming should emphasize communication, initiation, self‐regulation, motivation, higher‐order cognition/judgment, and adaptive skills.
Construct Validity of the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Gastrointestinal Symptom Scales in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Nagaraja Vivek , Hays Ron D. , Khanna Puja P. , Spiegel Brennan M. R. , Chang Lin , Melmed Gil Y. , Bolus Roger , Khanna Dinesh 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveGastrointestinal (GI) involvement is common in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). The Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) GI symptom item bank captures upper and lower GI symptoms (reflux, disrupted swallowing, nausea/vomiting, belly pain, gas/bloating/flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and fecal incontinence). The objective of this study was to evaluate the construct validity of the PROMIS GI bank in SSc.MethodsA total of 167 patients with SSc were administered the PROMIS GI bank and the University of California, Los Angeles, Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Gastrointestinal Scale (GIT 2.0) instrument. GIT 2.0 is a multi‐item instrument that measures SSc‐associated GI symptoms. Product‐moment correlations and a multitrait–multimethod analysis of the PROMIS GI scales with the GIT 2.0 symptom scales were used to evaluate convergent and discriminant validity.ResultsPatients with SSc GI involvement had PROMIS GI scale scores 0.2–0.7 SD worse than the US general population. Correlations among scales measuring the same domains for the PROMIS GI and GIT 2.0 measures were large, ranging from 0.61 to 0.87 (average r = 0.77). The average correlation between different symptom scales was 0.22, supporting discriminant validity.ConclusionThis study provides support for the construct validity of the PROMIS GI scales in SSc. Future research is needed to assess the responsiveness to change of these scales in patients with SSc.
Relationship Between Homocysteine Levels and Hypertension in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Sabio José Mario , Vargas‐Hitos José Antonio , Martinez‐Bordonado Josefina , Navarrete‐Navarrete Nuria , Díaz‐Chamorro Antonio , Olvera‐Porcel Carmen , Zamora‐Pasadas Mónica , Jiménez‐Alonso Juan 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveHomocysteine has been linked to atherosclerosis and hypertension (HT) in the general population. However, there is limited evidence regarding the effect of homocysteine on blood pressure and arterial stiffness in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We examined whether homocysteine is associated with HT and arterial stiffness in women with SLE.MethodsIn total, 99 women with SLE without a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus and 101 matched controls were included in this cross‐sectional study. Participants were analyzed for homocysteine levels, cardiovascular risk factors, and arterial stiffness assessed by means of carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Associations between homocysteine, systolic blood pressure (SBP), PWV, and HT were tested using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsHomocysteine levels (mean ± SD 12.3 ± 4.8 versus 9.3 ± 3.8 μmoles/liter), PWV (mean ± SD 7.54 ± 1.1 versus 7.10 ± 1.1 meters/second), SBP (mean ± SD 119 ± 13 versus 115 ± 12 mm Hg), and the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia (23% versus 7%) and HT (43% versus 12%) were significantly higher in women with SLE (P< 0.050 for all). In the univariate analysis, homocysteine correlated positively with SBP (P= 0.001) and PWV (P= 0.023) in women with SLE but not in controls. In the multiple linear regression analysis, SBP was independently associated with homocysteine and body mass index (BMI) in women with SLE. Similarly, in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, homocysteine levels (or hyperhomocysteinemia), BMI, and daily prednisone dose were independently associated with HT in women with SLE.ConclusionHomocysteine was independently associated with SBP and HT in women with SLE, but not in controls. Elevated homocysteine levels could increase the risk of HT in SLE.
Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase Catalyzed Synthesis of Amino Acids by an MIO‐Cofactor Independent Pathway
Authors: Lovelock Sarah L. , Lloyd Richard C. , Turner Nicholas J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPhenylalanine ammonia lyases (PALs) belong to a family of 4‐methylideneimidazole‐5‐one (MIO) cofactor dependent enzymes which are responsible for the conversion of L‐phenylalanine into trans‐cinnamic acid in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Under conditions of high ammonia concentration, this deamination reaction is reversible and hence there is considerable interest in the development of PALs as biocatalysts for the enantioselective synthesis of non‐natural amino acids. Herein the discovery of a previously unobserved competing MIO‐independent reaction pathway, which proceeds in a non‐stereoselective manner and results in the generation of both L‐ and D‐phenylalanine derivatives, is described. The mechanism of the MIO‐independent pathway is explored through isotopic‐labeling studies and mutagenesis of key active‐site residues. The results obtained are consistent with amino acid deamination occurring by a stepwise E1cB elimination mechanism.
Room‐Temperature Carbide‐Derived Carbon Synthesis by Electrochemical Etching of MAX Phases
Authors: Lukatskaya Maria R. , Halim Joseph , Dyatkin Boris , Naguib Michael , Buranova Yulia S. , Barsoum Michel W. , Gogotsi Yury 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPorous carbons are widely used in energy storage and gas separation applications, but their synthesis always involves high temperatures. Herein we electrochemically selectively extract, at ambient temperature, the metal atoms from the ternary layered carbides, Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC and Ti3SiC2 (MAX phases). The result is a predominantly amorphous carbide‐derived carbon, with a narrow distribution of micropores. The latter is produced by placing the carbides in HF, HCl or NaCl solutions and applying anodic potentials. The pores that form when Ti3AlC2 is etched in dilute HF are around 0.5 nm in diameter. This approach forgoes energy‐intensive thermal treatments and presents a novel method for developing carbons with finely tuned pores for a variety of applications, such as supercapacitor, battery electrodes or CO2 capture.