bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequencing of RAS/RAF pathway genes in primary colorectal cancer and matched liver and lung metastases
Authors: Knijn Nikki , van de Water Carlijn , van Vliet Shannon , Meijer Jos , Riemersma Sietske , Tebar Maria , Punt Cornelis , Mekenkamp Leonie , Simmer Femke , Nagtegaal Iris
Published: September 2019

Background

Mutations in the RAS/RAF pathway predict resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibodies in colorectal cancer (CRC), and may be targets for future therapies. This study investigates concordance of BRAF, HRAS, KRAS, NRAS and PIK3CA mutation status in primary CRC with matched liver (n = 274), lung (n = 114) or combined liver and lung metastases (n = 14).

Methods

Next generation sequencing was performed on DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded CRC and matched liver and/or lung metastases, for recurrent mutations in BRAF, HRAS, KRAS, NRAS and PIK3CA and using the single-molecule molecular inversion probe method.

Results

Paired sequencing results on all five genes were reached in 249 of the 402 cases (62%). The obtained number of unique reads was not always sufficient to confidently call the absence or presence of mutations for all regions of interest. The mutational status of matched pairs was highly concordant; 91.1% concordance for all five genes, 95.5% for KRAS, 99.1% for NRAS. Lung metastases more often harboured RAS mutations compared to liver metastases (71% vs. 48%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In this large series of CRC we show that both primary tumors and corresponding metastases can be used to determine the mutational status for targeted therapy, given the high concordance rates. Next generation sequencing including a single molecule tags is feasible, however in combination with archival formalin-fixed paraffin embedded material is limited by coverage depth.
Group B streptococcus is the most common pathogen for septic arthritis with unique clinical characteristics: data from 12 years retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ruksasakul Rungkan , Narongroeknawin Pongthorn , Assavatanabodee Paijit , Chaiamnuay Sumapa
Published: September 2019

Background

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) emerged as the frequent pathogen for septic arthritis. There was no study comparing risks, clinical presentations and outcomes between GBS septic arthritis and other bacterial septic arthritis.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the differences in risks, clinical presentations, and outcomes of GBS septic arthritis and other bacterial septic arthritis, and identify independent risks and clinical presentations suggesting GBS septic arthritis.

Method

Medical records of patients diagnosed with non-gonococcal bacterial arthritis admitted in Phramongkutklao Hospital during 2006–2018 were reviewed. Associated risks, clinical presentations and outcomes were compared between GBS septic arthritis (GBS group) and other bacterial septic arthritis (other bacterial group).

Result

Two hundred and thirty one cases of non-gonococcal bacterial arthritis confirmed by positive joint fluid cultures and/or hemocultures were included. The three most common pathogens were GBS (37.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (23.4%) and Streptococcus viridans (7.4%). GBS group was more commonly found in rainy season than other bacterial group. Patients in GBS group were less likely to have underlying diseases and had more number of involved joints than those in other bacterial group. The clinical presentations more commonly found in GBS group than other bacterial group were oligo-polyarthritis, upper extremities joint involvement, axial joint involvement, tenosynovitis and central nervous system involvement.

Multivariate analysis found the independent associated factors of GBS arthritis are tenosynovitis, oligo-polyarthritis and rainy season.

Conclusions

GBS is now the most common pathogen for bacterial septic arthritis. The independent associated factors of GBS arthritis were oligo-polyarthritis, tenosynovitis and rainy season.
Molecular mechanisms of proteinopathies across neurodegenerative disease: a review
Authors: Marsh Alexander P.
Published: September 2019

Background

Although there is a range of different symptoms across neurodegenerative diseases, they have been noted to have common pathogenic features. An archetypal feature shared between these diseases is protein misfolding; however, the mechanism behind the proteins abnormalities is still under investigation. There is an emerging hypothesis in the literature that the mechanisms that lead to protein misfolding may be shared across neurodegenerative processes, suggesting a common underlying pathology.

Main body

This review discusses the literature to date of the shared features of protein misfolding, failures in proteostasis, and potential propagation pathways across the main neurodegenerative disorders.

Conclusion

The current data suggests, despite overarching processes being shared, that the molecular events implicated in protein pathology are distinct across common neurodegenerative disorders.
Clinical outcomes of catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in very young population compared to older population: a prospective study
Authors: Allam Lamyaa , Samir Rania , Ali Ahmed Nabil
Published: September 2019

Background

Data on procedural characteristics and clinical outcome of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in adults younger than 35 years has not been sufficiently addressed. The aim is to assess procedural characteristics and clinical outcome of catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in young adults in comparison to older adults.

Results

Seventy-six consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) at Ain Shams University Hospitals from 2013 till 2016. They were divided into the two groups, young population group (mean age 31.6 ± 4.2 years, 77% men) and older population group (mean age 49 ± 8.4 years, 74% men). Clinical data before and during the procedure were recorded. Follow-up was based on outpatient visits including 24 h Holter, ECG at 3, 6, and, 12 months post single ablation procedure. Recurrence was defined as any AF/atrial tachycardia episode > 30 s following a 3-month blanking period. Body mass index, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and left atrial volume were higher in the older population group [P values 0.019, < 0.001, and 0.001, respectively]. The presence of low-voltage areas was found only in 22% of the older population group and not in the younger group [P 0.02]. All patients were followed up for 1 year; 1-year arrhythmia-free survival after a single procedure was 83.3% (25/30) and 78.3% (36/46) in the older group [P 0.75]. No complications were recorded in both groups. Redo AF ablation were done for four patients in the old group and one patient in the young group.

Conclusions

Catheter ablation of AF in very young adults is associated with higher 1-year success rates but comparable to success rates in older populations. AF ablation for PAF is effective in very young adults.
Horizon extraction using ordered clustering on a directed and colored graph
Authors: Liu Zhining , Song Chengyun , Li Kunhong , She Bin , Yao Xingmiao , Qian Feng , Hu Guangmin
Published: September 2019

Extracting horizons from a seismic image has been playing an important role in seismic interpretation. However, how to fully use global-level information contained in the seismic images such as the order of horizon sequences is not well-studied in existing works. To address this issue, we have developed a novel method based on a directed and colored graph, which encodes effective context information for horizon extraction. Following the commonly used framework, which generates horizon patches and then groups them into horizons, we first build a directed and colored graph by representing horizon patches as vertices. In addition, edges in the graph encode the relative spatial positions of horizon patches. This graph explicitly captures the geologic context, which guides the grouping of the horizon patches. Then, we conduct premerging to group horizon patches through matching some predefined subgraph patterns that are designed to capture some special spatial distributions of horizon patches. Finally, we have developed an ordered clustering method to group the rest of the horizon patches into horizons based on the pairwise similarities of horizon patches while preserving geologic reasonability. Experiments on real seismic data indicate that our method can outperform the autotracking approach solely based on the similarity of local waveforms and can correctly pick the horizons even across the fault without any crossing, which demonstrates the effectiveness of exploring the spatial information, i.e., the order of horizon sequences and special spatial distribution of horizon patches.
Seismic chronostratigraphy at reservoir scale: Lessons from a realistic seismic modeling of mixed clastic-carbonate strata in the Permian Basin, West Texas and New Mexico, USA
Authors: Zeng Hongliu , He Yawen , Kerans Charles , Janson Xavier
Published: September 2019

We tested the validity of tracking seismic events as representations of chronostratigraphic surfaces at the subseismic, high-frequency-cycle level. A high-resolution geocellular model was generated from approximately 400 m of mixed clastic-carbonate sequences in the San Andres and Grayburg Formations in the Permian Basin, with 0.3–0.6 m layering and minimal upscaling. Realistic stratigraphic framework, facies, and velocity volumes were created by geostatistically mapping data from outcrop and subsurface sources while honoring state-of-the-art principles of stratigraphic and sedimentary analyses. Using the synthetic seismic data of different frequencies, the potential and pitfalls of using autotracked seismic horizons in building high-resolution reservoir models were tested. At the reservoir (meter) scale, the seismic reflections from flatter and thicker sediments with less facies and velocity heterogeneities tend to follow geologic-time surfaces; on the contrary, reflections from where thin sediments dip against flat strata with more facies and velocity heterogeneities tend to follow lithostratigraphy. For the latter seismic-guided reservoir modeling is not very precise, even with data as high as 140 Hz frequency. Therefore, for seismic-assisted reservoir prediction and modeling, the interpretation of seismic events is useful, but well calibration is critical.
Analysis of Predictive Biomarkers in Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma From Southern Brazil Reveals a Distinct Profile From Other Regions of the Country
Authors: Andreis Tiago F. , Correa Bruno S. , Vianna Fernanda S. , De-Paris Fernanda , Siebert Marina , Leistner-Segal Sandra , Hahn Eriza C. , Ulbrich Jane M. , Rivero Luis F.R. , De Oliveira Francine H. , Lorandi Vinícius , Ashton-Prolla Patricia , Macedo Gabriel S.
Published: September 2019

PURPOSE

Adenocarcinoma is the most common histologic subtype of non–small-cell lung cancer, representing 40% of all diagnoses. Several biomarkers are currently used to determine patient eligibility for targeted treatments, including analysis of molecular alterations in EGFR and ALK, as well as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein expression. Epidemiologic data reporting the frequency of these biomarkers in Brazilian patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are limited, and existing studies predominantly included patients from the southeast region of the country.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The goal of this study was to investigate the frequency of somatic mutations in the EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF genes, ALK, and PD-L1 expression in a series of Brazilian patients diagnosed with LUAD predominantly recruited from centers in southern Brazil. Molecular analysis of the EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF genes was performed by next-generation sequencing using DNA extracted from tumor tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect ALK and PD-L1 expression.

RESULTS

Analysis of 619 tumors identified KRAS mutations in 189 (30.2%), EGFR mutations in 120 (19.16%), and BRAF mutations in 19 (3%). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated ALK and PD-L1 expression in 4% and 35.1% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the molecular epidemiology of patients with LUAD from southern Brazil and the largest assessing the frequency of multiple predictive biomarkers for this tumor in the country. The study also reveals a distinct mutation profile compared with data originating from other regions of Brazil.
Left-Wing Wittgenstein
Authors: Williams Bernard
Published: September 2019

Writing in the wake of the breakup of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, the moral philosopher Bernard Williams considers the opposing claims of Rawlsian liberalism, with its emphasis on pluralism and procedural fairness, and communitarianism, which instead promotes more or less culturally homogeneous societies formed around shared values. Williams shares the communitarians’ critique of Rawls’s theory as excessively abstract, questioning whether a rational commitment to pluralism as the most just social arrangement can serve as a sufficiently binding social force. He simultaneously resists, however, the conservative tendencies of the communitarians, particularly their dismissal of ethically motivated social critique. Grounded in the late philosophy of Wittgenstein, communitarians reject foundationalism, the notion that beliefs can be philosophically justified, instead regarding ideologically driven social arrangements as the result of inherently particular historical and environmental conditions. This perspective precludes rational reevaluation of a society’s status quo; if a society’s adoption of values does not depend on philosophically grounded principles, neither can those values be altered through a process of collective moral reasoning. For Williams, however, because pluralism is a condition of modern life with which even culturally homogenous communities must contend, members of modern societies are aware of alternatives to their own social model, leaving a space for self-critical reassessment. Finally, Williams suggests that the desire of cultural minorities for separate states in the post-Soviet geopolitical landscape underscores the limits of both pluralism and communitarianism, limits that all of us will need to grapple with as we confront the immediate social and political realities of modernity.
The fusogenic synapse at a glance
Authors: Kim Ji Hoon , Chen Elizabeth H.
Published: September 2019

Cell–cell fusion is a fundamental process underlying fertilization, development, regeneration and physiology of metazoans. It is a multi-step process involving cell recognition and adhesion, actin cytoskeletal rearrangements, fusogen engagement, lipid mixing and fusion pore formation, ultimately resulting in the integration of two fusion partners. Here, we focus on the asymmetric actin cytoskeletal rearrangements at the site of fusion, known as the fusogenic synapse, which was first discovered during myoblast fusion in Drosophila embryos and later also found in mammalian muscle and non-muscle cells. At the asymmetric fusogenic synapse, actin-propelled invasive membrane protrusions from an attacking fusion partner trigger actomyosin-based mechanosensory responses in the receiving cell. The interplay between the invasive and resisting forces generated by the two fusion partners puts the fusogenic synapse under high mechanical tension and brings the two cell membranes into close proximity, promoting the engagement of fusogens to initiate fusion pore formation. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we highlight the molecular, cellular and biophysical events at the asymmetric fusogenic synapse using Drosophila myoblast fusion as a model.
TGFβ-induced fibroblast activation requires persistent and targeted HDAC-mediated gene repression
Authors: Jones Dakota L. , Haak Andrew J. , Caporarello Nunzia , Choi Kyoung M. , Ye Zhenqing , Yan Huihuang , Varelas Xaralabos , Ordog Tamas , Ligresti Giovanni , Tschumperlin Daniel J.
Published: September 2019

Tissue fibrosis is a chronic disease driven by persistent fibroblast activation that has recently been linked to epigenetic modifications. Here, we screened a small library of epigenetic small-molecule modulators to identify compounds capable of inhibiting or reversing TGFβ-mediated fibroblast activation. We identified pracinostat, an HDAC inhibitor, as a potent attenuator of lung fibroblast activation and confirmed its efficacy in patient-derived fibroblasts isolated from fibrotic lung tissue. Mechanistically, we found that HDAC-dependent transcriptional repression was an early and essential event in TGFβ-mediated fibroblast activation. Treatment of lung fibroblasts with pracinostat broadly attenuated TGFβ-mediated epigenetic repression and promoted fibroblast quiescence. We confirmed a specific role for HDAC-dependent histone deacetylation in the promoter region of the anti-fibrotic gene PPARGC1A (PGC1α) in response to TGFβ stimulation. Finally, we identified HDAC7 as a key factor whose siRNA-mediated knockdown attenuates fibroblast activation without altering global histone acetylation. Together, these results provide novel mechanistic insight into the essential role HDACs play in TGFβ-mediated fibroblast activation via targeted gene repression.
From injury to full repair: nerve regeneration and functional recovery in the common octopus, Octopus vulgaris
Authors: Imperadore Pamela , Parazzoli Dario , Oldani Amanda , Duebbert Michael , Büschges Ansgar , Fiorito Graziano
Published: September 2019

Spontaneous nerve regeneration in cephalopod molluscs occurs in a relative short time after injury, achieving functional recovery of the lost capacities. In particular, transection of the pallial nerve in the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) determines loss and subsequent restoring of two functions fundamental for survival, i.e., breathing and skin patterning, the latter involved in communication between animals and concealing. The phenomena occurring after lesion have been investigated in a series of previous studies, but a complete analysis of the changes occurring at the level of the axons and the effects on animals’ appearance during the whole regenerative process is still missing. Our goal is to determine the course of events following injury, from impairment to full recovery.

Through imaging of the traced damaged nerves we were able to characterize the pathways followed by fibres during regeneration and end-target re-innervation, while electrophysiology and behavioural observations highlighted regaining of functional reconnections between central brain and periphery, using the contralateral nerve in the same animal as internal control. The final architecture of a fully regenerated pallial nerve does not exactly mirror the original structure, however, functionality returns to match the phenotype of an intact octopus with no observable impact on the behaviour of the animal.

Our findings provide new important scenario for the study of regeneration in cephalopods and highlight octopus pallial nerve as a valuable ‘model’ among invertebrates.
Thermal tolerance in the urban heat island: thermal sensitivity varies ontogenetically and differs between embryos of two sympatric ectotherms
Authors: Hall Joshua M. , Warner Daniel A.
Published: September 2019

Most studies of thermal tolerance use adults, but early-life stages (e.g. embryos) are often more sensitive to thermal agitation. Studies that examine effects on embryos rarely assess the potential for thermal tolerance to change with ontogeny or how effects differ among sympatric species, and often utilize unrealistic temperature treatments. We used thermal fluctuations from nests within the urban-heat island to determine how thermal tolerance of embryos changes across development and differs among two sympatric lizard species (Anolis sagrei and A. cristatellus). We applied fluctuations that varied in frequency and magnitude at different times during development and measured effects on embryo physiology, egg survival, and hatchling morphology, growth, and survival. Thermal tolerance differed between the species by∼2 °C: embryos of A. sagrei, a lizard that prefers warmer, open-canopy microhabitats, were more robust to thermal stress than embryos of A. cristatellus, which prefers cooler, closed-canopy microhabitats. Moreover, thermal tolerance changed through development; however, the nature of this change differed between the species. For A. cristatellus, thermal tolerance was greatest mid-development. For A. sagrei the relationship was not statistically clear. The greatest effects of thermal stress were on embryo and hatchling survival and embryo physiology. Hatchling morphology and growth were less affected. Inter-specific responses and the timing of stochastic thermal events with respect to development have important effects on egg mortality. Thus, research that integrates ecologically-meaningful thermal treatments, considers multiple life-history stages, and examines interspecific responses will be critical to make robust predictions of the impacts of global change on wildlife.
Balneotherapy – medical, scientific, educational and economic relevance reflected by more than 250 articles published in Balneo Research Journal
Authors: MUNTEANU Constantin , MUNTEANU Diana , HOTETEU Mihail , DOGARU Gabriela
Published: September 2019

Introduction. Balneology has a long European and Asian tradition and Romania can be the cornerstone of international bridges in this area due to its geographical position, legendary tradition and extraordinary natural resources of all kind. The use of thermal and mineral springs on the territory of the country for health and treatment purposes is a tradition with a history of more than two thousand years. Unique spa resources, such as thermal and mineral springs, mud, mofettes, saline microclimate and bioclimate (sedative or relaxing, exciting of marine seaside or plains, stimulant or tonic), are used successfully in the sphere of health care services, preventive medical actions, rehabilitation and wellness. Legend of Hercule bathing in Cerna's waters is a proof of the use of thermal waters long before the Roman conquest. This tradition exists in almost all civilizations. Today it maintains its usefulness and is spread across all continents, mainly in the Middle East and South and East Europe, Asia (Middle East, Japan, China, Turkey), South America (Argentina, Mexico, Colombia) and North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia) (244-249).
Material and method. This article is a sistematic and summarizing review of all published articles by Balneo Research Journal in its ten years of existence, from november 2010 until September 2019. All the ten volumes and more than 250 articles were analized in order to understand the main thematic of the articles, the more usefull scientific concepts, the realistic benefits of the published articles for the development of Balneology.
Results and discussions. Analizing an article database of about 250 publised articles in Balneo Research Journal can be of real impact on the development of the field of Balneology but also can drive the future of the jurnal to better understand its implications in the scientific arena.
Conclusions. Main scientific concepts with which Balneology is operating, interdisciplinary connections and interests were focused on ideas to have in mind by the authors and readers of this article.
Key words: Balneology, Balneotherapy, Balneo Research Journal, Natural therapeutic factors, Balneary Resort,
Complementary therapeutic approaches in asthma
Authors: MAIEREAN Anca , CIUMARNEAN Lorena , ALEXESCU Teodora Gabriela , DOMOKOS Bianca , RAJNOVEANU Ruxandra , ARGHIR Oana , TODEA Doina , BUZOIANU Anca Dana , DOGARU Gabriela , BORDEA Roxana Ioana
Published: September 2019

Asthma is defined by The Initiative for Asthma (GINA 2018) as a heterogeneous disease, which include chronic airway inflammation and a history of respiratory symptoms. In the last decades asthma had a rise in prevalence, becoming one of the most frequent diagnosed diseases in the world. The main goals of asthma management are to achieve good symptom control, minimize the risks of exacerbations, decrease rescue medication intake, improve the quality of life by decreasing respiratory system inflammation and ameliorating the patient’s lung function. Beside effective medications, asthma continues to impair quality of life for most patients. Due to the difficulty of controlling symptoms and exacerbations, the need of developing complementary options of treatment is increasing in order to achieve an optimum control and a lower risk of acute episodes or fatal events. Pulmonary rehabilitation is suggested for asthma patients when adequate medical therapy poorly control the symptoms and mental, physical or social consequences of illness persist during the daily life. The following non-drug therapy components are included in the rehabilitation program: physical training, comprehensive smoking cessation program, comprehensive patient education, respiratory physiotherapy, psychosocial support and comprehensive nutritional counseling. These complementary therapies have been proven to improve muscle strength, exercise capacity and symptomatology. Also, it has been associated to fewer exacerbations and a lower use of rescue medication, leading to a better quality of life. Key words: asthma, quality of life, symptomatology, rehabilitation, physiotherapy,
A different approach to the use of elastic bands in the recovery of lower lumbar discopathy
Authors: ROTARIU Mariana , TURNEA Marius , IONITE Catalin
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Lower lumbar discopathies are in continuous growth among both young people and elderly. Causes that have led to an increase in the incidence of this pathology include: lack of exercise, nutrition, excessive use of computers and mobile phones, etc. The increased incidence of pathology led us to identify an attractive kinetotherapeutic treatment protocol that initially reduced the symptoms of this condition, and subsequently allowed the patients’ complete recovery.
The present study was conducted on 33 patients diagnosed with lower lumbar discopathy. They received two evaluations, and between these, the patients performed a kinetic program consisting of elastic band exercises along with general neuroproprioceptive muscle relaxation techniques.
The data obtained were inventoried and processed using statistical programs. The comparison of the initial and final results, as well as the data obtained from statistical processing showed an improvement of the symptomatology and the orientation of patients towards a complete recovery.

Key words: lower lumbar discopathy, elastic bands, treatment protocol, statistical analysis
Treatment of malocclusions in the temporal period of bite, children with speech disorders by means of myogymnastics and face tapping.
Authors: LYKHOTA Kostiantyn , PETRYCHENKO Oleksandra , ARDYKUTSE Vasylyna , MYKHAILOVSKA Larysa , KUTSIUK Anatoii
Published: September 2019

Introduction: The article deals with the current problems of modern orthodontics, aimed at increasing the effectiveness of treatment of sagittal anomalies of bite, which are complicated by speech disorders, patients in the period of bite. The effectiveness of the proposed methods of treatment is investigated, and their complex approach to the correction of this pathology is evaluated.
Materials and methods: We were taken on the treatment of 47 children with temporary bite, aged 3 to 5 years old, who experienced dental anomalies in combination with organic dyslallia. Depending on the pathology of bite, patients were divided into subgroups A and B. Subgroup A included children with distal bite, to subgroup B - with mesial.
According to the chosen method of orthodontic treatment, patients of experimental groups were additionally divided into 2 subgroups. In 1 subgroup included children, the treatment of which was carried out according to the proposed method, to 2 subgroups - according to the standard.
The control group included 11 children with physiological bites of similar age without speech disorders.
Results: The effectiveness of proposed schemes of orthodontic and logopedic rehabilitation was proved by clinical, anthropometric and functional indicators, which were determined prior to and at different times after starting treatment. Clinical efficacy of performed orthodontic treatment is established on the term of treatment, normalization of articulation motility, normalization of anthropometric indices, normalization of palatogram characteristics, indexes of functional activity of the tooth-jaw system, normalization of occlusal ratios of dentitions.
Conclusion: Using the proposed method of orthodontic treatment (with the use of orthodontic equipment in combination with modified myogymnastics and facial tapping), the dynamics of all the studied parameters correlated with the timing of the pathology elimination and indicated an increased effectiveness of treatment in applying the proposed method, namely: all patients had normalization forms of dental arches, normalized indexes of width and length of the dental arc. Immediately after the end of the treatment, electromyographic indices were normalized and occlusive relationships restored. Similar indicators for those who were treated according to the standard method, although they showed positive dynamics, but differed both from the indicators of persons who were treated according to the proposed method, and from the indicators of the control group.
Key words: maxillofacial area, malocclusions, sagittal anomalies, speech disorders, tapping,
Efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections in the rehabilitation programme of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: ONU Ilie , MATEI Daniela , GALACTION Anca
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a disease of wear and tear, leading to disability and ultimate surgical treatment. KOA has multiple etiologies and is considered a disorder of physiological processes that is manifested by progressive lesions of articular cartilage caused by chondrolysis, synovial membrane inflammation and subchondral osteophytes production. Modalities that limit the progression of the KOA and rehabilitation are a constant interest for clinicians and medical researchers. Various physical therapies and pharmacological strategies are currently used for pain management, with no clear benefit in terms of inhibiting disease progression. In this context, the use of exogenous hyaluronic acid (HA) (that is a vital component of the synovial fluid and involved in lubricating all synovial joints) has been explored as viable alternative to alleviate knee pain and temporarily restore knee function. In the following, we will review the use of HA injections associated with the physiotherapeutic recovery plan in the treatment of KOA. The therapeutic effects of the HA is still a matter of debate in the field, with no consensus being reached so far and thus, difficult to evaluate. However, much research has to be done to understand the therapeutic efficacy of HA alone or in combination with physical therapies and the role that other factors may play in unraveling its beneficial effects on the KOA.
Key words: knee, osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid, physiotherapy, rehabilitation,
Cardiac rehabilitation in elderly athletes. Analysis of eldery participation in Wizz Air Cluj-Napoca Marathon
Authors: CHAN Keith Andrew , CISMARU Gabriel , ISTRATOAIE Sabina , PUIU Mihai , GUSETU Gabriel , CALOIAN 2, Bogdan , COMSA Horatiu , FRANGU Florina , GURZAU Diana , MARTIS Alexandru , POP Dana , ZDRENGHEA Dumitru , ROSU Radu
Published: September 2019

Cardiac rehabilitation remains an indispensable tool of the cardiologist’s arsenal for improving cardiovascular health in his patients. The range of applications of cardiac rehabilitation has increased over time. In recent years outstanding athletic performances of elderly people have been reported. In this article we present the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation for elderly population and for elderly athletes. We also make an analysis of the elderly participation in WizzAir Cluj-Napoca Marathon: number of finishers, best running time, evolution of running time over years, male-to-female ratio participation and results.
Key words: cardiac rehabilitation, elderly, marathon, semimarathon, Wizz Air,
Predictors for early motor improvement in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: STANESCU Ioana C. , BULBOACA Angelo C. , DOGARU Gabriela B. , GUSETU Gabriel , FODOR Dana M.
Published: September 2019

Disability as a stroke consequence is reported by 3% males and 2% females in general population. Motor deficits are common in stroke patients, but their complete recovery is seen only in a minority of cases. Assessment of motor deficits uses clinical methods, especially standardized scales, but also electrophysiological and imagistic methods. The motor recovery is a continuous process, maximal in the first month after stroke, decreasing gradually over the first 6 months. Most powerful predictors for motor recovery are clinical parameters: severity of motor deficit, onset of first voluntary movements after stroke in the first 48-72 hours, a continuous improvement in motor function during the first 8 weeks, a good postural control during the first month, young age, male sex, left hemispheric stroke and absence of other neurological impairments are strong positive predictors. Presence of motor-evoked potentials in paretic muscles and imagistic parameters as location, stroke volume and motor pathways integrity are paraclinical predictors for recovery. There are no specific biomarker which is efficient in predicting recovery. In patients with poor chances for recovery according to actual predictors, the development of more precise algorithms to assess functional outcome is needed, in order to support the choice of appropriate methods and intensity of rehabilitation treatment. Key words: ischemic stroke rehabilitation, functional assessment, motor improvement, recovery predictors, prognostic factors,
Genetic polymorphisms and their influence on therapeutic response to alendronate-a pilot study
Authors: CIUBEAN Alina Deniza , IRSAY Laszlo , UNGUR Rodica Ana , CIORTEA Viorela Mihaela , BORDA Ileana Monica , DOGARU Bombonica Gabriela , TRIFA Adrian Pavel , BUZOIANU Anca Dana
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Osteoporosis has a strong genetic contribution, and several genes have been shown to influence bone mineral density. Variants in the human genome are considered important causes of differences in drug responses observed in clinical practice. In terms of bone mineral density, about 26–53% of patients do not respond to amino-bisphosphonate therapies, of which alendronate is the most widely used. Material and method: The current study is prospective, observational, analytical, longitudinal and cohort type. It included 25 postmenopausal women treated with alendronate for 1 year. Bone mineral density at lumbar spine and proximal femur was measured and bone turnover markers (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen and procollagen 1N-terminal propeptide) were evaluated at 0 and 12 months of treatment. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms in osteoporosis-candidate genes were genotyped (FDPS rs2297480, LRP5 rs3736228, SOST rs1234612, VKORC1 rs9934438, GGPS1 rs10925503 and RANKL rs2277439). Treatment response was evaluated by percentage changes in bone mineral density and bone turnover markers. Results: The heterozygous CT of FDPS rs2297480 showed lower increases in BMD values in the lumbar spine region and the homozygous CC of the GGPS1 rs10925503 showed lower increases in terms of BMD at the total hip region. No association was found for LRP5 rs3736228, SOST rs1234612, VKORC1 rs9934438 and RANKL rs2277439. Conclusions: Romanian postmenopausal women with osteoporosis carrying the CT genotype of FDPS rs2297480 or the CC genotype of GGPS1 rs10925503 could have an unsatisfactory response to alendronate treatment. Key words: osteoporosis; genetic polymorphism; alendronate; bone mineral density; bone turnover markers,
Association between polymorphisms in GGPS1 and RANKL genes and postmenopausal osteoporosis in Romanian women
Authors: CIUBEAN Alina Deniza , IRSAY Laszlo , UNGUR Rodica Ana , CIORTEA Viorela Mihaela , BORDA Ileana Monica , DOGARU  1, Bombonica Gabriela , TRIFA Adrian Pavel , BUZOIANU Anca Dana
Published: September 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the relationship between bone mineral density, fragility fractures, fracture risk and polymorphisms of two osteoporosis-candidate genes (GGPS1 and RANKL) in Romanian women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Methods: An analytical, prospective, transversal, observational, case-control study on 364 postmenopausal women, of which 228 were previously diagnosed with osteoporosis, was carried out between June 2016 and August 2017 in Cluj Napoca, Romania. Clinical data and blood samples were collected from all study participants. Polymorphisms in GGPS1 and RANKL genes were genotyped using TaqMan SNP Genotyping assays, run on a QuantStudio 3 real-time PCR machine.
Results: The CT genotype in GGPS1 rs10925503 was associated with significant lower bone mineral density values at lumbar spine and femoral neck sites and a higher fracture risk compared to controls. No significant association was found between genotypes of RANKL rs2277439 with bone mineral density or fracture risk compared to the healthy controls.
Conclusions: Our study showed a strong association between low bone mineral density and genotype CT of GGPS1 rs10925503 polymorphisms. No association was found for RANKL rs2277439 polymorphism.
Oxidative stress/antioxidant balance implication in reducing of intra-ocular pressure in patients with stroke, nicergoline therapy and open-angle glaucoma
Authors: BULBOACA Adriana Elena , NICULA 3, Cristina , BULBOACA Angelo , BLIDARU Mihai , BOARESCU Paul Mihai , FESTILA Dana , DOGARU Gabriela , STANESCU Ioana
Published: September 2019

Background: The continue efforts for long term reducing of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open angle glaucoma, focused the attention on those patients who received different therapies, other that topical drugs for IOP reduction, that can influence this parameter.. The aim of this study was to evaluate the IOP, total oxidative stress and anti-oxidant capacity of plasma before and after nicergoline therapy in patients with ischemic stroke and associated open angle glaucoma.
Material and method: a group of 35 patients with ischemic stroke and chronic open angle glaucoma (under topical beta-blockers therapy) was studied regarding the values of IOP, total oxidative stress (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) before (T1) and after 6 month (T2) of nicergoline therapy.
Results: IOP values for both eyes were significantly reduced when the values of T1 examination were compared with those of T2 assessment. The total oxidative stress parameter was also significantly reduced after nicergoline therapy together with increasing of total antioxidant capacity of plasma.
Conclusions: besides its positive effects on neuronal metabolism for ischemic stroke patients, nicergoline is able to influence the IOP in patients with open angle glaucoma and to improve the plasmatic oxidative stress/antioxidant balance. By this mechanism nicergoiline can contribute to a neuroprotection and better visual function preservation for these patients, improving their chances to neuro-motor rehabilitation and their quality of life.
Pallidopyramidal Syndrome and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia common features and diagnostic approach and therapeutic considerations
Authors: BULBOACA 1,2, Corneliu Angelo , BLIDARU Mihai , FESTILA 4, Dana , BOARESCU Paul Mihai , STANESCU Ioana
Published: September 2019

The neurological diagnosis, can be, in some situations, a challenging one. Clinical presentation for neurological disease, which has no imagistic diagnosis criteria, can develop during several month or years. Therefore, the first evaluation of the patient with neurological symptoms is not always conclusive. Pallidopyramidal syndrome and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) can present common features and diagnostic approach has to be careful. genetic assessment is the gold diagnosis method in some cases. Therapeutic strategies, following a correct diagnosis has to be addressed to improvement the patient's quality of life by rehabilitation methods and medication targeting the pathophysiological processes involvement. The aim of this paper is to discuss the clinical evolution and the diagnosis strategies in hereditary spastic paraplegia.
The role of the balneo-physical-kinetic treatment on the ligamentous stability in osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: CHIRIAC Marius Sorin , BORDEI Petru , CHIRILA 2, Sergiu , HANGAN Tony , ZAMFIRESCU Mihaela
Published: September 2019

Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the disabling conditions with a major impact on the quality of life of the patients. Existing therapies focus on reducing pain and disability caused by the disease. The existence of scores that evaluate the different aspects of patients quality of life are often used in monitoring the treatment and its results.
The study is performed on a batch of 21 patients, between June 2017 and June 2018. They performed a complex rehabilitation program being evaluated every six months by applying the WOMAC questionnaire and performing specific maneuvers.
The study has shown that by performing complex rehabilitation treatments the patients ability to perform some actions as well as their quality of life is improved and the effect following repeated treatments every six months is maintained during two treatments successive treatment.
Experimental model of acute myocardial infarction for evaluation of prevention and rehabilitation strategies in cardiovascular diseases – a pilot study
Authors: BOARESCU Paul-Mihai , BOARESCU Ioana , BOCȘAN 4, Ioana Corina , POP Raluca Maria , GHEBAN 5, Dan , BULBOACĂ Adriana Elena , DOGARU Gabriela , BOLBOACĂ Sorana D.
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an important acute disease of myocardial tissue, that occurs as a result of an imbalance between coronary blood supply and myocardial demand. Isoproterenol (ISO) is a synthetic catecholamine, a beta-adrenergic agonist that produces extensive biochemical, functional, and histological alterations in the heart, characteristic for AMI. The present study has been designed to identify the best dose of ISO that induces electrocardiogram (ECG) alterations, enzymatic reaction, and histopathological changes characteristic of AMI. Material and method: AMI was induced to Wistar-Bratislava white male rats, using three different subcutaneous doses of ISO (85 mg/kg bw, 100 mg/kg bw, and 150 mg/kg bw). ISO was administrated twice, with the second dose at 24h after the initial one. The ECGs were recorded at 24 hours after the last dose of ISO. Blood samples were collected for measurement of creatine kinase (CK), and CK-MB serum levels, and the hearts were excised and prepared for histopathologic examination. Results and discussions: All doses of ISO induced alterations in the ECG patterns such as increased heart rate and prolongation of QT and QTc intervals. Depression of the ST segment coupled with marked T wave inversion were observed at the doses of 100 mg/kg bw and 150 mg/kg bw of ISO. All doses of ISO induced an elevation of CK and CK-MB with highest levels observed for the dose of 150 mg/kg bw. Histopathologic examination revealed subendocardial AMI lesions for all doses tested. Conclusions: ISO in doses of 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg is useful for induction of infarct-like lesion on ECG, increased levels of myocardial necrosis enzymes and morphological changes characteristic for AMI.
The Mozart effect combined with specific kinetic treatment in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: BREDA Xénia Melánia , FODOR Dana Marieta , VERDEŞ ¹, Robert , TĂRTĂMUŞ Dorina , MUREŞAN Dorin-Alexandru , STĂNESCU Ioana C. , CĂPUŞAN Camelia , DUMBRAVĂ PERJU Lăcrămioara
Published: September 2019

Introduction & objectives: Although controversial, the Mozart effect, consisting of an improvement in cognitive abilities in healthy persons, has started to be studied in the case of patients with various neurological, even neurodegenerative diseases (dementia, treatment-refractory epilepsy). There are few data on the Mozart effect in Parkinson’s disease, but the positive results reported for other neurological pathologies have led us to study this subject. The aim of this study is to compare the results of the Mozart effect associated with specific kinetic treatment in the rehabilitation of Parkinson’s disease and the effect of standard kinesiotherapy, results reflected in the impact on the degree of disability, emotional state and quality of life.
Material and method: This was a prospective case-control study, comprising patients with Parkinson’s disease, Hoehn & Yahr stages I-III, included in a motor neurorehabilitation program through the project “The power of hope for patients with Parkinson’s disease” Cluj-Napoca. The patients were assigned to two groups, a control group with specific physiotherapy and the other group receiving the same specific kinetic treatment associated with the Mozart effect, for 2 hours daily, over 14 consecutive days. The patients were assessed using the Schwab & England scale (for the degree of dependence) and the PHQ-9 scale (for depression) before and after therapy.
Results: After 2 weeks of therapy, the patients in the study group had much more obvious, statistically significant improvements in both scores.
Conclusions: Mozart’s music, as an adjuvant intervention to specific kinetic treatment in patients with Parkinson’s disease, had a beneficial effect, ameliorating the degree of disability and emotional status.
The role of dance therapy in the rehabilitation of Parkinson disease patients
Authors: NEMES Bianca Oana , PIRLOG Radu , TARTAMUS Dorina , CAPUSAN Camelia , FODOR Dana Marieta
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Parkinson disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease which requires a complex approach including pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. While kinesiotherapy is a must in Parkinson’s disease patients, dance therapy in rehabilitation programs is not often taken into consideration. Dance therapy is a challenging non-pharmacological treatment which merges physical activity with musical synchronization, socialization , disease acceptance and creativity with daily activities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of dance therapy on the quality of life, functionality and decrease of depression in Parkinson patients.
Material and method: We developed a case control study to evaluate the benefit of dance therapy in Parkinson Patients. The study group consisted in 10 patients from “Puterea Sperantei Project”. The intervention consisted in 40 minutes/day of dance therapy during two weeks. First control group consisted of 10 patients admitted to Cluj-Napoca Rehabilitation Hospital for two weeks. The second control group consisted in 5 patients enrolled in the “Puterea Sperantei Project” which did not attended dance classes. All three groups followed standard therapy: kineto-therapy and ergo-therapy. To assess the effect of dance therapy we used: Beck scale, Parkinson Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and a satisfaction questionnaire which we developed, for the dance therapy.
Results and discussions: In the study group we registered an improvement of depression symptoms (p=0,017) and an increase in the life quality (p=0,005). In the hospital control group and in the “Puterea Speratei Project” control group there was no decrease in the depressions score (p >0,05). However, the quality of life increased also in the control group enrolled in the Rehabilitation Hospital, probably due to medication change. The mean of satisfaction questionnaire for dance therapy in the study group was 39,70 from a maximum of 48 points.
Conclusions: Dance therapy is a holistic non-pharmacological therapy which improves the depression index, the quality of life and functionality of Parkinson disease patients. This initial results raise the possibility of including dance therapy as an alternative of non-pharmacological therapy in the rehabilitation programs for Parkinson Disease Patients.