bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurophysiological evidence for generalized sensory neuronopathy in cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and bilateral vestibular areflexia syndrome
Authors: Szmulewicz David J. , Seiderer Linda , Halmagyi G. Michael , Storey Elsdon , Roberts Leslie 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and bilateral vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is a recently described multisystem ataxia defined by the presence of cerebellar ataxia, bilateral vestibulopathy, and a somatosensory deficit. The characteristic clinical sign is an abnormal visually enhanced vestibuloocular reflex. The somatosensory deficit contributes to a significant level of disability in CANVAS. Methods: This study was a neurophysiological investigation of 14 patients with CANVAS. Results: Findings revealed uniformly absent sensory nerve action potentials in all limbs, abnormal blink reflexes in 13 of 14 patients, and abnormal masseter reflexes in 6 of 11 patients. Tibial H‐reflexes were absent in 11 of 14 patients. Somatosensory evoked potentials were abnormal in 10 of the 11 patients tested, and brainstem auditory evoked responses were abnormal in 3 of 8. Cutaneous silent period responses were abnormal in 7 of 14 patients. Conclusions: We suggest that a sensory neuronopathy should be sought in cerebellar and/or vestibular ataxias, particularly where the degree of ataxia is out of proportion to the clinically identified cerebellar and/or vestibular dysfunction. Muscle Nerve 51: 600–603, 2015
Comparison of 2‐limb versus 3‐limb electrodiagnostic studies in the evaluation of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Vo Mary L. , Hanineva Aneliya , Chin Russell L. , Carey Bridget T. , Latov Norman , Langsdorf Jennifer A. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTIntroductionEuropean Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society electrodiagnostic (EDx) criteria for the definite diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) require the presence of demyelinating findings (DF) in at least 2 nerves. Data are lacking, however, regarding the optimal number of nerves to test.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed EDx data from 53 patients with CIDP and compared the number of DF found on 2‐ and 3‐limb testing.ResultsA median of 3 (range 2–5) DF were found on 2‐limb testing compared with 5 (range 4–7) DF when 3 limbs were evaluated. Two‐limb EDx studies were sufficient to diagnose definite CIDP in 92.3% of typical, 84.2% of asymmetric, and 66.7% of distal phenotypes. Testing a third limb increased diagnostic certainty in 11 patients (20.8%) to definite CIDP.ConclusionsThree‐limb testing may increase diagnostic sensitivity of definite CIDP, especially in patients with atypical phenotypes. Larger prospective studies are needed to better assess the benefit of performing 3‐limb EDx studies. Muscle Nerve 51: 549–553, 2015
Sonography in carpal tunnel syndrome with normal nerve conduction studies
Authors: Al‐Hashel Jasem Y. , Rashad Hanaa M. , Nouh Mohamed R. , Amro Hanan A. , Khuraibet Adnan J. , Shamov Todor , Tzvetanov Plamen , Rousseff Rossen T. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTIntroductionWe assessed the yield of high‐resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) in patients with clinically definite carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and normal nerve conduction studies (NCS).MethodsThis blinded, prospective, cross‐sectional study involved 35 patients (60 hands) with clinically definite CTS and normal NCS, and 20 controls (40 hands). Cross‐sectional area (CSAs) of the median nerve at the level of the pisiform bone and flexor retinaculum thickness (FRT) were measured.ResultsCSA was abnormal in 48.6% of patients (confidence interval 32.0–65.2%, P = 0.95). FRT was increased in only 34.3% (18.3–49.7%), but was independently abnormal in 2 patients. CSA abnormalities correlated with positive provocative tests and sensory loss. The HRUS changes were mild.ConclusionsHRUS confirms clinically diagnosed CTS in about half of the patients with normal NCS. Muscle Nerve 51: 592–597, 2015
Impact of sympathetic dysfunction in the etiology of overactive bladder in women: A preliminary study
Authors: Ates Erhan , Ipekci Tumay , Akin Yigit , Kizilay Ferah , Kukul Erdal , Guntekin Erol 
Published: August 2014

AimsWe investigated the effects of autonomic sympathetic dysfunction in the etiology of overactive bladder (OAB) in women, by assessing the sympathetic skin response (SSR).MethodsIn total, 40 women with OAB and 15 volunteers were enrolled. Group 1 (n = 20) consisted of patients who benefitted from oral anticholinergics, Group 2 (n = 20) consisted of patients who were refractory to oral anticholinergics, and the volunteers (n = 15) were the control group. All patients were asked to complete OAB‐SF questionnaires. The absence of SSR was accepted as significant. Detailed physical examinations including neurological examinations were performed. All patients underwent SSR tests on the skin of the hands, feet, and genital area in our neurology department using electromyography, and SSR responses were recorded. Statistical significance was accepted at P < 0.05.ResultsThe mean age was 47.2 ± 12.4 years. In total, 55 women were evaluated (20 in Group 1, 20 in Group 2, and 15 in the control group). Mean OAB scores were similar between groups 1 and 2, although urgency was significantly higher in Group 2 than 1. The absence of SSR was significantly higher in Group 2 than 1 (P = 0.01). Impaired SSR was observed more commonly in Group 2 than 1. All controls had normal SSRs.ConclusionsRegional dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system may be part of OAB's etiology. SSR may be a candidate test for determining early OAB, and may also be useful for predicting antimuscarinic‐refractory patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:26–28, 2016. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of steam on structure and mechanical properties of biomedical block copolymers
Authors: Todros Silvia , Venturato Chiara , Natali Arturo N. , Pace Giuseppe , Di Noto Vito 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe effect of steam on the micro‐phase structure and mechanical properties of different block copolymers used in biomedical devices is investigated via FT‐IR, tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Steam sterilization, commonly performed on medical devices and simulated in this work, affects the copolymers' morphology, due to high temperature and humidity conditions. FT‐IR analysis reveals that steam induces a modification in the crystalline conformations of copolymers with a pre‐existing hydrogen bonding network, that is, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and poly(ether‐block‐amide) (PEBA), while it does not significantly affect the domain conformation in styrenic block copolymers (SEBS), due to weak interaction with water. As a consequence, relevant changes of the mechanical properties, closely related to the microdomain structure, are found for TPU and PEBA after sterilization, while SEBS mechanical behavior remains stable, as demonstrated by tensile tests and DMA results. For this reason, SEBS is suggested as the best choice in terms of durability in biomedical applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1337–1346
Predictors of unmet needs and psychological distress in adolescent and young adult siblings of people diagnosed with cancer
Authors: McDonald F. E. J. , Patterson P. , White K. J. , Butow P. , Bell M. L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurposePredictors of psychological distress and unmet needs amongst adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who have a brother or sister diagnosed with cancer were examined.MethodsThere were 106 AYAs (12–24 years old) who completed questionnaires covering demographics, psychological distress (Kessler 10), unmet needs (Sibling Cancer Needs Instrument) and family relationships (Family Relationship Index; Adult Sibling Relationship Questionnaire; Sibling Perception Questionnaire (SPQ)). Three models were analysed (demographic variables, cancer‐specific variables and family functioning variables) using multiple linear regression to determine the role of the variables in predicting psychological distress and unmet needs.ResultsUnmet needs were higher for AYA siblings when treatment was current or a relapse had occurred. Higher scores on the SPQ‐Interpersonal subscale indicating a perceived decrease in the quality of relationships with parents and others were associated with higher levels of distress and unmet needs. The age and gender of the AYA sibling, whether it was their brother or sister who was diagnosed with cancer, the age difference between them, the number of parents living with the AYA sibling, parental birth country, time since diagnosis, Family Relationship Index, Adult Sibling Relationship Questionnaire and the SPQ‐Communication subscale did not significantly impact outcome variables.ConclusionsThese results highlight the variables that can assist in identifying AYA siblings of cancer patients who are at risk and have a greater need for psychosocial assistance. Variables that may be associated with increased distress and unmet needs are reported to assist with future research. The results are also useful in informing the development of targeted psychosocial support for AYA siblings of cancer patients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The chicken model of spontaneous ovarian cancer
Authors: Hawkridge Adam M. 
Published: August 2014

The chicken is a unique experimental model for studying the spontaneous onset and progression of ovarian cancer (OVC). The prevalence of OVC in chickens can range from 5 to 35% depending on age, genetic strain, reproductive history, and diet. Furthermore, the chicken presents epidemiological, morphological, and molecular traits that are similar to human OVC making it a relevant experimental model for translation research. Similarities to humans include associated increased risk of OVC with the number of ovulations, common histopathological subtypes including high‐grade serous, and molecular‐level markers or pathways such as CA‐125 expression and p53 mutation frequency. Collectively, the similarities between chicken and human OVC combined with a tightly controlled genetic background and predictable onset window provides an outstanding experimental model for studying the early events and progression of spontaneous OVC tumors under controlled environmental conditions. This review will cover the existing literature on OVC in the chicken and highlight potential opportunities for further exploitation (e.g. biomarkers, prevention, treatment, and genomics).
Interest in Genetic Testing in Ashkenazi Jewish Parkinson's Disease Patients and Their Unaffected Relatives
Authors: Gupte Manisha , Alcalay Roy N. , Mejia‐Santana Helen , Raymond Deborah , Saunders‐Pullman Rachel , Roos Ernest , Orbe‐Reily Martha , Tang Ming‐X , Mirelman Anat , Ozelius Laurie , Orr‐Urtreger Avi , Clark Lorraine , Giladi Nir , Bressman Susan , Marder Karen 
Published: August 2014

AbstractOur objective was to explore interest in genetic testing among Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) Parkinson's Disease (PD) cases and first‐degree relatives, as genetic testing for LRRK2 G2019S is widely available. Approximately 18 % of AJ PD cases carry G2019S mutations; penetrance estimations vary between 24 and 100 % by age 80. A Genetic Attitude Questionnaire (GAQ) was administered at two New York sites to PD families unaware of LRRK2 G2019S mutation status. The association of G2019S, age, education, gender and family history of PD with desire for genetic testing (outcome) was modeled using logistic regression. One‐hundred eleven PD cases and 77 relatives completed the GAQ. Both PD cases and relatives had excellent PD‐specific genetic knowledge. Among PD, 32.6 % “definitely” and 41.1 % “probably” wanted testing, if offered “now.” Among relatives, 23.6 % “definitely” and 36.1 % “probably” wanted testing “now.” Desire for testing in relatives increased incrementally based on hypothetical risk of PD. The most important reasons for testing in probands and relatives were: if it influenced medication response, identifying no mutation, and early prevention and treatment. In logistic regression, older age was associated with less desire for testing in probands OR = 0.921 95%CI 0.868–0.977, p = 0.009. Both probands and relatives express interest in genetic testing, despite no link to current treatment or prevention.
Evaluation of the Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Different Seed and Nut Cakes from the Edible Oil Industry
Authors: Sarkis Júlia R. , Côrrea Ana Paula F. , Michel Iuri , Brandeli Adriano , Tessaro Isabel C. , Marczak Ligia D. F. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe objective of this work was to extract water‐soluble compounds from different seed and nut cakes under the same conditions and compare the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the cake extracts. Seed cakes of sunflower, pumpkin, flaxseed and defatted sesame, and nut cakes of almond, pecan, macadamia and hazelnut were used in the experiments. Extracts were obtained by solid–liquid extraction with a water/ethanol solution (20:80, v/v). Total phenolic content, flavonoids, flavan‐3‐ols and condensed tannins in the extracts were determined using spectrophotometric analysis. Antioxidant properties of the extracts were determined by the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging methods, and by determination of the reducing power and chelating activity. The extract from pecan nut cake presented the highest amounts of all compounds analyzed, followed by sunflower seed and hazelnut cake extracts. These samples also had the highest effects on the ABTS and DPPH radicals, as well as the uppermost reducing powers. The extracts from pecan nut and sunflower and sesame seeds were analyzed using HPLC and individual phenolics were further characterized.
The Burden of False-Positive Results in Analog and Digital Screening Mammography: Experience of the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program
Authors: Payne Jennifer I. , Martin Tetyana , Caines Judy S. , Duggan Ryan 
Published: August 2014

Purpose The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care released recommendations for breast cancer screening, in part, based on harms associated with screening. The purpose of this study was to describe the rate of false-positive (FP) screening mammograms and to describe the extent of the investigations after an FP. Methods A cohort was identified that consisted of all screening mammograms performed through the Screening Program (2000-2011) with patients ages 40-69 years at screening. Rates of FP screening mammograms were calculated as well as rates of further investigations required, including additional imaging, needle core biopsy, and surgery. Analyses were stratified by 10-year age group, screening status (first vs rescreen), and technology. Results A total of 608,088 screening mammograms were included. The FP rate varied by age group, and decreased with increasing age (digital, 40-49 years old, FP = 8.0%; 50-59 years old, FP = 6.3%; 60-69 years old, FP = 4.6%). The FP rate also varied by screening status (digital, first screen, FP = 12.0%; rescreen, FP = 5.6%), and this difference was consistent across age groups. The need for further investigation varied by age group, with invasive procedures being more heavily used as women age (digital, rescreen group, surgery: 40-49 years old, 1.1%; 50-59 years old 1.6%, 60-69 years old, 1.8%). Conclusions Both the FP screening mammogram rate and the degree to which further investigation was required varied by age group and screening status. Reporting on these rates should form part of the evaluation of screening performance.
A bill of rights for patients with obstetric fistula
Authors: Wall L. Lewis 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAccording to the seven categories of vulnerability proposed by Kipnis (cognitive, juridical, deferential, medical, allocational, social, and infrastructural), and the four generally accepted principles of biomedical ethics (respect, beneficence, non‐maleficence, and fairness), women with obstetric fistulas are an exceptionally vulnerable population. Therefore, they merit special consideration in both clinical care and research settings. Adoption of a formal bill of rights for patients with fistula similar to the one proposed in the present report should be encouraged at all facilities where these women are treated. Acknowledgment of their rights would help to improve their care and end the abuses they are exposed to in institutional settings.
Complex chromosomal rearrangements in couples affected by recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Nonaka Taro , Ooki Izumi , Enomoto Takayuki , Takakuwa Koichi 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the proportion of couples affected by recurrent spontaneous abortion in which one partner carries balanced translocations among three chromosomes.MethodsIn a retrospective study, G‐banded chromosome complements were analyzed for couples affected by recurrent spontaneous abortion who were referred to Niigata University Hospital, Japan, between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2011. The frequency of couples in whom one of the partners carried balanced translocations among three chromosomes was determined, and the clinical outcomes for affected couples who subsequently achieved term pregnancies were reviewed.ResultsOf 1415 couples with recurrent spontaneous abortion during the study period, there were two (0.1%) in which one of the partners (the woman in both cases) carried balanced translocations among three chromosomes. Both couples achieved a subsequent pregnancy that continued successfully and resulted in a phenotypically normal neonate.ConclusionThe frequency of balanced translocations among three chromosomes was estimated to be approximately 0.1% in a population affected by recurrent spontaneous abortion. With appropriate treatment based on careful examinations, affected couples can go on to achieve a successful pregnancy outcome.
Integrated miRNA and mRNA profiling of tumor‐educated macrophages identifies prognostic subgroups in estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Bleckmann Annalen , Leha Andreas , Artmann Stephan , Menck Kerstin , Salinas-Riester Gabriela , Binder Claudia , Pukrop Tobias , Beissbarth Tim , Klemm Florian 
Published: August 2014

IntroductionVarious studies have identified aberrantly expressed miRNAs in breast cancer and demonstrated an association between distinct miRNAs and malignant progression as well as metastasis. Even though tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) are known mediators of these processes, little is known regarding their miRNA expression upon education by malignant cells in vivo.MethodsWe profiled miRNA and mRNA expression of in vitro tumor‐educated macrophages (TEM) by indirectly co‐culturing with estrogen‐receptor‐positive (ER+) MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. The prognostic power of the resulting miRNA list was investigated in primary breast cancer datasets and compared to other signatures. Furthermore, miRNA expression levels were correlated to mRNA expression of macrophage markers and the impact on prognosis was assessed.ResultsThrough the evaluation of the group effects between differentially‐expressed miRNAs and their target mRNAs in TEM, the power of detecting regulated miRNAs was greatly increased. The resulting list of 96 miRNAs predicts disease‐free survival (DFS) in external datasets of ER+ breast cancer patients and performs well in comparison with other miRNA signatures. Clustering with the predefined miRNA list revealed a significant difference in survival between the two resulting patient groups. Furthermore, an optimized miRNA list, based on correlations with macrophages markers, proved even more capable at identifying patient clusters significantly differing in DFS.ConclusionsIn vitro profiling of TEM and subsequent bioinformatic verification identified miRNAs with a high prognostic power for DFS when transferred into the clinical setting of primary breast cancer. The resulting miRNAs not only verify previously established findings but also lead to new prognostic markers. Furthermore, our data suggest that TAM contribute to the total miRNA expression profile of ER + breast cancers.
Clinical Characteristics of 385 Illnesses of Athletes With Impairment Reported on the WEB‐IISS System During the London 2012 Paralympic Games
Authors: Derman Wayne , Schwellnus Martin , Jordaan Esme 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundPrevention of illness is important for a team physician. However, there are few studies that reported clinical aspects of illness of athletes with impairment.ObjectiveTo describe the clinical characteristics of the 385 illnesses reported on the a novel Web‐based electronic injury and illness capturing system (WEB‐IISS) during the London 2012 Paralympic Games.DesignPart of a large prospective cohort study.SettingLondon 2012 Paralympic Games.ParticipantsTeam physicians of 78 delegations (3329 athletes over 14 days) used WEB‐IISS. Each day, information was recorded, which included daily team size and illness details, system affected, final diagnosis, type and onset of symptoms, training and/or competition days lost, and suspected cause.Main Outcome MeasurementIncidence of illness (illness per 1000 athlete days).ResultsThe incidence of illness in the cohort was 8.3 per 1000 (95% confidence interval, 7.5‐9.1) athlete days, and the percentage of athletes with an illness in this study was 9.2%. Respiratory system illnesses were the most common (39.4%), followed by the digestive system (15.8%), skin and subcutaneous system (11.8%), genitourinary system (8.8%), and nervous system (7.3%). Urinary tract illness was more common in athletes with spinal cord injury (22%) compared with the athletes with other impairments (0%‐5%). Skin and subcutaneous illness varied from 0%‐18% between impairment categories and was highest for athletes with spinal cord injury. Infections accounted for 40.8% of all illness and 19.5% of illness that resulted in a time loss of ≥1 day. In 34% of illnesses, symptoms were present for ≥1 day before being reported to the team physician.ConclusionThe majority of illnesses affected the respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin and subcutaneous, and genitourinary systems, and were mostly infective in nature. The highest number of all illnesses, including skin and subcutaneous illnesses, and urinary tract illnesses, were of athletes with spinal cord injury. Although most illnesses were not time‐loss illnesses, 19.5% of illnesses resulted in ≥1 day lost. Team physicians should be aware that, in many cases of infection reported, the symptoms were already present the day before. A delay in reporting of symptoms >24 hours could have important clinical implications for athletes' medical care.
Descriptive Epidemiology of Paralympic Sports Injuries
Authors: Webborn Nick , Emery Carolyn 
Published: August 2014

AbstractParalympic sports have seen an exponential increase in participation since 16 patients took part in the first Stoke Mandeville Games on the opening day of the 1948 London Olympic Games. More than 4,000 athletes took part in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Few sporting events have seen such rapid evolution. This rapid pace of change also has meant challenges for understanding the injury risks of participation, not only because of the variety of sports, impairment types, the evolution of adapted equipment but also because of the inclusion of additional impairment types and development of new sports over time. Early studies were limited in scope but patterns of injuries are slowly emerging within Winter and Summer Paralympic sports. The IPC's London 2012 study is the largest to date with a prospective cohort study involving 49,910 athlete‐days. The results identified large differences across sports and highlighted the need for longitudinal sport specific studies rather than solely games‐time studies. This will require collaboration with international sports federations to examine injury patterns and risk factors for injury in this population to appropriately inform injury prevention strategies. Further studies will also need to address the impact of sporting participation, injury, and future health.