bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiographic Study of the Size of the First Metatarso-Digital Segment in Feet with Incipient Hallux Limitus
Authors: Munuera Pedro V. , Domínguez Gabriel , Castillo Jose M. 
Published: April 2014

Background: The aim of this study is to confirm whether the absolute and relative lengths of the first metatarso-digital segment is greater than normal in incipient hallux limitus deformity.
Methods: In a sample of 144 dorsoplantar radiographs under weightbearing conditions (94 of normal feet and 50 of feet with a slightly stiff hallux), measurements were made of the relative first metatarsal protrusion, the length and width of the first metatarsal and of the proximal phalanx of the hallux, the length of the distal phalanx of the hallux, and the total length of the hallux.
Results: There were significant differences between the two types of feet in the relative first metatarsal protrusion, the width of the first metatarsal, the length and width of the proximal phalanx of the hallux, the length of the distal phalanx, and the total length of the hallux.
Conclusion: The size of the first metatarso-digital segment could be implicated in the development of hallux limitus deformity. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 97(6): 460–468, 2007)
A Comparison of Vitamin D Levels in Nondiabetic and Diabetic Patient Populations
Authors: Yoho Robert M. , Frerichs Jill , Dodson Nicholas B. , Greenhagen Robert , Geletta Simon 
Published: April 2014

Background: This study was designed to compare the vitamin D levels in a cohort of nondiabetic patients to populations of diabetic patients with and without Charcot neuroarthropathy.
Methods: A total of 41 participants (22 male, 19 female) with a mean ± SD age of 59 ± 9.43 years had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels tested. Fifteen participants composed the nondiabetic group; 13, the group with diabetes but without Charcot neuroarthropathy; and 13, the group with both diabetes and Charcot neuroarthropathy.
Results: The results of the study showed that the vitamin D levels in both diabetic populations were significantly lower (P &lt; .05) than the nondiabetic population. There was no statistical difference between the group with diabetes but without Charcot foot disease and the group with both diabetes and Charcot neuroarthropathy.
Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, given the importance of vitamin D in bone metabolism and the osseous consequences associated with diabetes, as well as other systems affected by low levels of vitamin D in the diabetic patient, it appears that vitamin D levels should be monitored in diabetic patients. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(1): 35–41, 2009)
Arthrodesis of Neuropathic Ankle Joint by Ilizarov Fixator in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Karapinar Hasan , Sener Muhittin , Kazimoglu Cemal , Akgun Ulas 
Published: April 2014

Background: Fusion of the neuropathic ankle joint is extremely difficult and associated with many complications. The use of the Ilizarov fixator in ankle fusion for patients with neuropathic arthropathy is not clear. We aimed to evaluate the results of the Ilizarov method for ankle arthrodesis in diabetic patients with neuropathic arthropathy.
Methods: We report the results of neuropathic ankle joint arthrodesis performed with the Ilizarov apparatus in 11 patients. The mean age of the patients was 51 years (range, 35–67 years), all patients were diabetic, and they all had a history of ankle trauma unresponsive to conservative treatment. Deformity and instability of the ankle resulting in a nonplantigrade foot was the operative indication.
Results: Solid fusion was obtained in all patients except one, at an average of 16.1 weeks (range, 12–20 weeks). At final follow-up, excellent results were obtained in three patients, good in six, fair in one, and poor in one. No major complication occured.
Conclusions: The Ilizarov fixator may be an alternative and effective means for neuropathic ankle arthrodesis, especially when the usage of internal fixation methods have some limitations. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(1): 42–48, 2009)
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Interdigital Neuroma
Authors: Fridman Robert , Cain Jarrett D. , Weil Lowell 
Published: April 2014

Background: We sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy as a therapeutic treatment for destroying Morton’s neuroma.
Methods: Twenty-five patients (25 feet) were included in the study. Indications for participation were more than 8 months of conservative care with a visual analog scale pain score of 4 or greater. The mean overall pain score on a modified visual analog scale was 6.9 preoperatively.
Results: Thirteen patients were randomized to the active group and 12 to the sham group. Two patients in the sham group were lost to follow-up. Post-treatment evaluations were performed at 1, 6, and 12 weeks by a blinded investigator (L.W.). The end point evaluation parameter was the reduction in visual analog scale score. The treatment group showed a significant difference before and after extracorporeal shockwave therapy (P &lt; .0001). The sham group did not have a significant difference after 12 weeks (P = .1218).
Conclusions: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a possible alternative to surgical excision for Morton’s neuroma. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(3): 191–193, 2009)
Equine Pericardium Collagen Wound Dressing in the Treatment of the Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Wound
Authors: Fleischli John G. , Laughlin Terese J. , Fleischli Jeffery W. 
Published: April 2014

Background: Treatment of diabetic foot wounds remains a major health-care issue, with diabetic foot ulcers representing the most common causal pathway to lower-extremity amputation. Although several investigations have examined topical collagen-based dressings, none have specifically looked at equine pericardium. We, therefore, evaluated the effect of the equine pericardium dressing on neuropathic foot wounds.
Methods: Twenty-three consecutive patients with 34 neuropathic foot wounds were evaluated as part of a pilot study. An equine pericardium dressing was applied in a standard manner, and the patients followed a standard postapplication treatment protocol. Changes in wound size were recorded when the equine dressing was removed and 4 and 12 weeks after application. Patients underwent dressing changes every 3 to 4 days until healed or for 12 weeks.
Results: Thirty-two wounds in 22 patients were prospectively available for evaluation. On enrollment, the median wound size was 299 mm2. When the equine material was removed (mean, 2.9 weeks), 30 of the wounds (94%) had improved, with a median size of 115 mm2 and an average reduction in size of 44.3% (P &lt; .0001). At 4 weeks, the average decrease in wound size was 52.3% (P &lt; .0001). At 12 weeks, 15 wounds (47%) had healed.
Conclusions: This first report of equine pericardium used to treat neuropathic foot ulcerations demonstrates that the equine pericardium dressing is a safe and beneficial treatment for neuropathic wounds. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(4): 301–305, 2009)
Comparison of Male and Female Foot Shape
Authors: Luo Gangming , Houston Vern L. , Mussman Martin , Garbarini Maryanne , Beattie Aaron C. , Thongpop Chaiya 
Published: April 2014

Background: Morphological and geometric differences between male and female feet can be the decisive factor of whether well-fitting, functional, and comfortable footwear is available for both men and women.
Methods: Optical scans, plaster wrap casts, and a set of manual measurements from the right feet of 51 female participants, aged 20 to 59 years (32 ± 10.2 years), and 39 male participants, aged 22 to 71 years (47.1 ± 12.1 years), were taken to determine which parameters were the most significant in characterizing pedal geometry and which had the largest difference between male and female feet.
Results: Analysis showed that the heel-to-ball length (ball length) of the male participants’ feet (181.5 mm) was significantly longer, on average, than that of the female participants’ feet (165.0 mm). The width of the male paticipants’ feet at the ball, instep, and heel regions, as well as the ball circumference, normalized by the ball length, were all significantly larger on average, than the female test participants’ feet. However, toe region, instep, and medial and lateral malleoli heights were larger, on average, for the female participants than for the male. The results show that female feet differ in size and shape from male feet and are not algebraically scaled, smaller versions of male feet, as is often assumed.
Conclusions: The study shows that the average male participants’ feet are longer than that of the female participants’ feet, while the female feet are relatively narrower but higher than those of the male participants. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 99(5): 383–390, 2009)
An Open-label, Three-arm Pilot Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Topical Microcyn Rx Wound Care versus Oral Levofloxacin versus Combined Therapy for Mild Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Landsman Adam , Blume Peter A. , Jordan Douglas A. , Vayser Dean , Gutierrez Andres 
Published: April 2014

Background:This randomized, prospective, multicenter, open-label study was designed to test whether a topical, electrolyzed, superoxidized solution (Microcyn Rx) is a safe and effective treatment for mildly infected diabetic foot ulcers.Methods:Sixty-seven patients with ulcers were randomized into three groups. Patients with wounds irrigated with Microcyn Rx alone were compared with patients treated with oral levofloxacin plus normal saline wound irrigation and with patients treated with oral levofloxacin plus Microcyn Rx wound irrigation. Patients were evaluated on day 3, at the end of treatment on day 10 (visit 3), and 14 days after completion of therapy for test of cure (visit 4).Results:In the intention-to-treat sample at visit 3, the clinical success rate was higher in the Microcyn Rx alone group (75.0%) than in the saline plus levofloxacin group (57.1%) or in the Microcyn Rx plus levofloxacin group (64.0%). Results at visit 4 were similar. In the clinically evaluable population, the clinical success rate at visit 3 (end of treatment) for patients treated with Microcyn Rx alone was 77.8% versus 61.1% for the levofloxacin group. The clinical success rate at visit 4 (test of cure) for patients treated with Microcyn Rx alone was 93.3% versus 56.3% for levofloxacin plus saline–treated patients. This study was not statistically powered, but the high clinical success rate (93.3%) and the P value (P = .033) suggest that the difference is meaningfully positive for Microcyn Rx–treated patients.Conclusions:Microcyn Rx is safe and at least as effective as oral levofloxacin for mild diabetic foot infections. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 101(6): 484–496, 2011)
Reconstruction of Pacific Ocean bottom water salinity during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Insua Tania Lado , Spivack Arthur J. , Graham Dennis , D'Hondt Steven , Moran Kathryn 
Published: March 2014

AbstractKnowledge of salinity in the deep ocean is important for understanding past ocean circulation and climate. Based on sedimentary pore fluid chloride measurements of a single Pacific site, Adkins et al. () suggested that, during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the Pacific deep bottom water was saltier than expected based on lower sea level alone. Here we present high‐resolution salinity profiles from five sites in the South, Equatorial, and North Pacific Ocean. Our study greatly constrains understanding of LGM salinity in the Pacific Ocean. Our results show that LGM chloride concentrations of deep Pacific bottom water were 4.09 ± 0.4% greater than today's values. Pacific Ocean bottom water salinity was also indistinguishable from being homogeneous across the wide range of latitudes studied here. These LGM salinity reconstructions are on average slightly higher (~1.4 to 1% higher) than expected from sea level of the time, which is generally inferred to have been ~120 to ~135 m lower than today.
The Demand for Pork Products in Canada: Discount Promotions and Cannibalization
Authors: Hailu Getu , Vyn Richard J. , Ma Yong 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTWe estimate the effectiveness of offering discounts on the demand for featured pork products using Ipsos‐Reid's Consumer Panel of Canada data for a 1‐year period from April 2007 to March 2008, and explore whether there are any positive or negative spillover effects on non‐featured products because of these discounts. We find strong evidence that, as expected, discounts increase the purchases of the featured products. However, we find that offering discounts may have cannibalistic effects – negative cross‐discount effects – on non‐featured products, and that these effects vary considerably among pork products. From the retailers’ perspective, as profit margins have become smaller, our results indicate the need to develop a promotion strategy that minimizes the cannibalistic effects from discounts.
Follicular lymphoma: 2014 update on diagnosis and management
Authors: Freedman Arnold 
Published: March 2014

Disease overviewFollicular lymphoma is generally an indolent B cell lymphoproliferative disorder of transformed follicular center B cells. Follicular lymphoma (FL) is characterized by diffuse lymphoadenopathy, bone marrow involvement, splenomegaly, and less commonly other extranodal sites of involvement. In general cytopenias can occur but constitutional symptoms of fever, nightsweats, and weight loss are uncommon.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on histology of preferably a biopsy of a lymph node. Immunohistochemical staining is positive in virtually all cases for cell surface CD19, CD20, CD10, and monoclonal immunoglobulin, as well as cytoplasmic expression of bcl‐2 protein. The overwhelming majority of cases have the characteristic t(14;18) translocation involving the IgH/bcl‐2 genes.Risk stratificationThe Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index prognostic model for FL uses five independent predictors of inferior survival: age >60 years, hemoglobin <12 g/dL, serum LDH > normal, Ann Arbor stage III/IV, number of involved nodal areas > 4. The presence of 0, 1, 2, and ≥ 3 adverse factors defines low, intermediate, and high‐risk disease. With the use of more modern therapies, outcomes have improved.Risk‐adapted therapyObservation continues to be adequate for asymptomatic patients with low bulk disease and no cytopenias. For patients needing therapy, most patients are treated with chemotherapy plus rituximab, which has improved response rates, duration of response and overall survival. Randomized studies have shown additional benefit for maintenance rituximab both following chemotherapy‐rituximab and single agent rituximab. Experimental therapies as well as stem cell transplantation (SCT) are considered for recurrent disease. Am. J. Hematol. 89:430–436, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New insights into phenol–formaldehyde‐based gel systems with ammonium salt for low‐temperature reservoirs
Authors: Ren Qiang , Jia Hu , Yu Di , Pu Wan‐Fen , Wang Li‐Li , Li Bin , Yang Jian‐Jun , Ni Ji‐Hui , Chen Lei 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTPolymer gels are effective tools that are still widely used in mature oilfield development to stop unwanted fluid production from oil and gas wells, but conventional gelant formulations have become increasingly difficult to apply at low and ultralow temperatures. Because of this situation, the gelation performance of phenol–formaldehyde‐based gel systems at a low temperature of 25°C is discussed in this article. The results show that the gelation time and strength of the gel systems can be perfectly controlled by the adjustment of the polymer concentration, the molecular weight, the crosslinking agent concentration, the ammonium salt concentration, and the composition. The polymer concentration and molecular weight can affect not only the gelation time and the gel strength but also its stability. The ammonium salt concentration affected not only the gelation time but also its viscosity before a detectable gel formed. Among them, the polymer concentration was the most important factor affecting the gel stability. For low‐temperature reservoirs, the phenol–formaldehyde‐based gel system achieved a much longer gelation time. Polymer gels formulated with a combination of 0.2–0.4 wt % polymer, 0.5–1.0 wt % formaldehyde or phenol–formaldehyde, and 0.1–0.6 wt % ammonium salt, and we added 0.02–0.03 wt % resorcinol to provide a gelation time between 2 h and 2 days. The maximum gel strength reached code I. The results of this study suggest that the formaldehyde‐based gel system could be used effectively in low‐temperature reservoirs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40657.
Improved thermomechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite using amino functionalized XDCNT
Authors: Hossain Mohammad K. , Chowdhury Md Mahmudur R. , Salam Mahmud B. , Malone Johnathan , Hosur Mahesh V. , Jeelani Shaik , Bolden Nydeia W. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTCarbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites (CFEC) are fabricated infusing up to 0.40 wt % amino‐functionalized XD‐grade carbon nanotubes (XDCNT) using the compression molding process. Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and thermomechanical properties of these composites are evaluated through short beam shear and dynamic–mechanical thermal analysis tests. XDCNTs are infused into Epon 862 resin using a mechanical stirrer followed by sonication. After the sonication, the mixture was placed in a three roll milling processor for three successive cycles at 140 rpm for uniform dispersion of CNTs. Epikure W curing agent was then added to the resin using a high‐speed mechanical stirrer. Finally, the fiber was reinforced with the modified resin using the compressive mold. ILSS was observed to increase by 22% at 0.3 wt % XDCNT loading. Thermal properties, including storage modulus, glass transition temperature, and crosslink density demonstrated linear enhancement up to the 0.3 wt % XDCNT loading. Scanning electron microscopy revealed better interfacial bonding in the CNT‐loaded CFEC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40709.
Biodegradable composites: Morphological, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of composites of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) with curaua fibers after exposure to simulated soil
Authors: Beltrami Lílian V. R. , Bandeira João A. V. , Scienza Lisete C. , Zattera Ademir J. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTComposites produced from biodegradable polymeric matrixes reinforced with vegetable fibers have attractive mechanical properties and are environmentally friendly. This work is directed to the biodegradation of a composite made of a poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) matrix reinforced with curaua fibers (with and without alkaline treatment) in simulated soil. The composites were developed by extrusion and injection and were later buried in simulated soil according to the ASTM G160‐03 method. Scanning electron microscopy showed evidence of microbial attack on the samples surfaces. Infrared spectra showed that the composites biodegradation was mainly caused by erosion of the surface layer resulting from microorganisms activity. Thermogravimetric analysis pointed out reduced thermal stability of the samples, and results of differential scanning calorimetry showed that the degree of crystallinity increases and then decreases progressively throughout the degradation period, indicating that enzymatic degradation primarily occurs in the amorphous phase material and thereafter in the crystalline phase. For curaua composite fibers, reductions in tensile strength and elastic modulus are more significant, indicating that the presence of fibers promotes biodegradation of the curaua fiber. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40712.
CH–π interaction in VQIVYK sequence elucidated by NMR spectroscopy is essential for PHF formation of tau
Authors: Sogawa Koushirou , Minoura Katsuhiko , In Yasuko , Ishida Toshimasa , Taniguchi Taizo , Tomoo Koji 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTOne of the histopathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is higher order neurofibrillary tangles formed by abnormally aggregated tau protein. Investigation of the mechanism of tau aggregation is important for the clarifying the cause of AD and the development of therapeutic drugs. The microtubule‐binding domain, which consists of repeats of similar amino acids (R1–R4) is thought to form the core component of paired helical filament (PHF). The hexapeptide306VQIVYK311 of R3 has been shown to take a key role of promoting tau aggregation and assumed that its CH–π interaction between the side chains of Ile308 and Tyr310 would contribute in stabilizing the filament.In this work, we investigated a short isoform of tau (4RTau), R3, VQIVYK peptide and their mutants by thioflavin S (ThS) fluorescence, and NMR measurements, and proved for the first time that this CH–π interaction stabilizes the filament at the atomic level. In addition, by molecular modeling, we revealed that this interaction further supports an extended amphipathic structure for molecular self‐association during the process of PHF formation of tau protein. The present work indicates new approach that inhibits the CH–π interaction for developing a therapeutic agent for AD. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 102: 288–295, 2014.
Invited review GPCR structural characterization: Using fragments as building blocks to determine a complete structure
Authors: Cohen Leah S. , Fracchiolla Katrina E. , Becker Jeff , Naider Fred 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe structural characterization of G protein‐coupled receptors has surged since the development of methodologies to facilitate the crystallization of these highly helical, seven transmembrane, integral membrane receptors. In the past seven years, eighteen GPCR structures were determined by X‐ray crystallography. The crystal structures represent a static picture of these conformationally flexible signal transducers. Analyses that probe their dynamics and conformational changes require other techniques, in particular solution state nuclear magnetic resonance studies. Such investigations are challenged by the size of GPCRs, their α‐helical structure, which limits resonance dispersion, their tendencies to aggregate in micellar preparations and their conformational heterogeneity. For many years, groups have been studying GPCR fragments as a means to overcome some of these difficulties. The results of these fragment analyses are presented here. Review of the literature reveals that much of the original work depended on circular dichroism, infra‐red spectroscopy and fluorescence approaches. High resolution structures obtained by NMR are compared, where applicable, to the available crystal structures. In most cases, the work done on fragments by biophysical analysis is validated by these comparisons. Our perspective on the field of GPCR fragment analysis is presented together with the future goals that must be considered if work with fragments is continued. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 102: 223–243, 2014.