bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of rehabilitation on the perceived level of fatigue of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pasiut Szymon , Juda Katarzyna , Mirek Elżbieta , Szymura Jadwiga 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFatigue is one of the three major symptoms affecting about 70-90% of multiple sclerosis patients (MS, ICD-10 G35), and a predominant symptom in nearly 50% of the patients. Fatigue is defined as a subjective feeling of lack of energy to start and continue an activity, which is not related to depression, or muscle weakening. There are similarities and differences between the fatigue experienced by healthy individuals, and the fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients. In both instances, fatigue becomes more intense as a result of stress, or physical and mental effort. Fatigue usually subsides after a rest, or a good night’s sleep. In MS patients, fatigue can be caused by even light physical, or mental exertion, and it takes longer than normal to go away. Rest, or sleep do not reduce its intensity.The main objective of the study was to assess the effect of a two-week rehabilitation programme on the perceived level of fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients.The study included 32 patients with clinically confirmed MS who underwent a comprehensive 2-week rehabilitation programme. The study was conducted at the “Ostoja” Centre for Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Wola Batorska from 15 July to 13 October 2013. It was based on a self-designed questionnaire which contained the basic patient data (age, sex), information on duration of the disease, type of MS the patient had been diagnosed with, as well as the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale, and the Fatigue Severity Scale. The respondents were assessed twice: on the first and last day of their stay in the Centre. The statistical analysis was carried out using the STATISTICA 10.0 software.The analysis revealed a statistically highly significant dependence between the two-week rehabilitation programme and the perceived level of fatigue. This means that the perceived level of fatigue in MS patients was significantly reduced as a result of the rehabilitation programme used.After the two-week rehabilitation programme, the perceived level of fatigue in MS patients significantly decreased. The two-week rehabilitation programme significantly reduced the number of patients suffering from chronic fatigue symptoms as assessed on the Fatigue Severity Scale.
Rheological properties and crystallization behaviors of long chain branched polyethylene prepared by melt branching reaction
Authors: Liang Xiao-kun , Luo Zhu , Yang Le , Wei Jiang-tao , Yuan Xia , Zheng Qiang 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Long chain branched polyethylene (LCBPE) without gel was prepared by melt branching reaction in a Haake torque rheometer in the presence of peroxide and different multi-functional acrylate monomers, and the optimal reaction time was determined according to the transient torque curves. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results indicated that multi-functional monomers had been grafted onto HDPE backbone. Rheometer, 13C NMR, and high-temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT-GPC) coupled with triple detectors were used to characterize the microstructure of the LCBPE. The results showed the LCB content and the degree of branching increased with the increasing of functionality of the multi-functional monomers. Moreover, the LCBPE samples exhibited higher apparent zero shear rate activation energy and clear strain-hardening behavior compared with pure HDPE. Various rheological plots including viscosity, storage modulus, loss angle, and Cole-Cole plots were used to distinguish LCBPE from linear HDPE. A possible mechanism for melt branching reaction was also discussed in this paper. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM) were used to study the influences of LCB on the crystallization behavior and crystal morphology of all samples. It was found that the melt temperature and crystal morphologies of LCBPE were evidently different from that of pure HDPE due to the introduction of LCB.
CXCL13 levels are more increased in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of patients with acute infectious than in non-infectious diseases of the central nervous system
Authors: Țilea Brîndușa , Voidăzan Septimiu , Bălașa Rodica , Huțanu Adina , Fodor Andrea 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Background: During the acute inflammatory process, the CXCL13 chemokine plays an important role in B cell recruitment within the central nervous system (CNS).

Objective: The objective of the study consisted of the evaluation of CXCL13 chemokine cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and plasma levels in patients with acute infectious and non-infectious neurological diseases correlated with pleocytosis and CSF protein levels.

Material and method: This retrospective study was conducted over one year and included 72 patients. Thirty-eight patients (52.8%) suffering from infectious neurological disease, acute viral and bacterial meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and 34 patients (44.2%) diagnosed with non-infectious neurological diseases.
CXCL13 chemokine CSF and plasma levels were determined through the ELISA technique with the Human CXCL13/BLC/BCA-1 kit. CSF cell count, glucose and protein levels, along with anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies were monitored using the ELISA technique.

Results: CXCL13 chemokine levels in the CSF of patients with acute infectious neurological diseases showed a median value of 23.07 pg/mL, which was significantly higher in comparison with the median value of 11.5 pg/mL of patients with noninfectious neurological diseases (p-0.03). CXCL13 median plasma concentration in patients with infectious neurological diseases was 108.1 pg/mL, in comparison with the second patient category, 50.7 pg/ml (p-0.001). We observed a statistically significant association between CXCL13 concentrations, CSF cell count and proteins. The higher the CXCL13 chemokine level, the more increased the cell count was.

Conclusions: CXCL13 levels in the CSF was significantly increased in patients with acute infectious neurological diseases compared with patients with non-infectious diseases. Moreover, CXCL13 chemokine concentration was significantly correlated with the number of cells and proteins in the CSF of patients suffering from neuroinfections.
Microbial biofilm in human health - an updated theoretical and practical insight
Authors: Licker Monica , Moldovan Roxana , Hogea Elena , Muntean Delia , Horhat Florin , Baditoiu Luminița , Rogobete Alexandru Florin , Tîrziu Emil , Zambori Csilla 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The term biofilm designates an aggregate of microorganisms belonging to one or more species which adhere to various surfaces but also to each another. These microbial communities are included and interconnected within an organic structure known as slime, composed of protein substances, polysaccharides, and DNA.
The Center for Disease prevention and control considers infections with bacteria in biofilms among the 7 most important challenges which must be overcome in order to improve the safety of health services. The risk of microbial biofilm development exists for a long list of medical devices and equipment, as well as in certain diseases such as cystic fibrosis. An aggravating aspect is represented by the almost 1,000 times higher antimicrobial resistance of bacteria growing and multiplying within biofilms. Thus, in case of biofilm-infected medical devices, the resistance to antimicrobial treatments requires the removal of the device which essentially means the failure of the exploratory or therapeutic intervention in question.
The role of microbial biofilms in medical pathology is a subject that raises interest for both researchers and clinicians in order to establish new methods for prevention and treatment of biofilms. This paper is intended as an overview in the management of microbial biofilms, presenting future insights, with technological progress in microscopy, molecular genetics, and genome analysis. Therefore the present paper will focus on describing the mechanisms involved in biofilm development, biofilm related infections, methods of detection and quantification of microbial communities and therapeutical approaches.
GJB2 and GJB6 genes mutations in children with non-syndromic hearing loss
Authors: Lazăr Călin , Popp Radu , Al-Khzouz Camelia , Mihuț Gheorghe , Grigorescu-Sido Paula 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Introduction. At the moment there is not enough data in Romania about the incidence of the main genetic mutations which can cause hearing loss.

Objective. The current research aims to determine on a representative sample the prevalence of two mutations of genes GJB2 -c.35delG and p.W24X- and two mutations of genes GJB6 -del(GJB6-D13S1830), del(GJB6-D13S1854) respectively - in patients with congenital nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss (CNSHL).

Methods: The sample group included 179 children with CNSHL. The evaluation consist in: a.Clinical, laboratory and imagistic examination; b.ENT exam and audiological evaluation. c.Two methods (semi-nested PCR technique followed by RFLP, validated with ARMS-PCR analysis) for detection of c.35delG and pW24X mutations; d.PCR-multiplex technique for detecting del(GJB6-D13S1830) and del (GJB6-D13S1854).

Results: The audiological diagnosis was: profound hearing loss in 116 patients (64.8%), severe hearing loss in 29 children (16.2%) and moderate hearing loss in 34 patients (representing 19% of the trial patients). The prevalence for the three mutations was: 27.3 % for c.35delG, 3.6 % for p.W24X and 0.28% for del(GJB6-D13S1830). The detection of the three mutations (two on GJB2 gene and one on GJB 6 gene) has allowed to establish the genetic cause for deafness in 45 patients, representing 25.14% of the sample group. Our study is reporting the first case in Romania with a mutation of gene GJB6. Mutation del(GJB6-D13S1854) lacked in all 179 patients.

Conclusion: The prevalence data obtained in the current research are comparable to data communicated by studies from other European countries.
Can we find accessible and relevant markers for sepsis outcome?
Authors: Cioară Andreea Paula , Flonta Mirela , Binder Astrid , Pop Andreea , Siladi Violeta , Todor Nicolae , Cristea Victor , Lupse Mihaela 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Background and Aim: Sepsis is a life-threatening disease with high mortality, therefore establishing early diagnostic and finding reliable prognostic biomarkers is vital. We aimed to investigate the prognostic role, as a single value, of serum procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, serum lactate, platelets number and serum glucose level in septic patients, all measured in the first 24 hours after hospital admittance.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 241 adult patients with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock. We use data from patients observation sheets. Data that were collected include: demographic parameters, comorbidities, necessity of mechanical ventilation and laboratory variables. We performed the statistical analysis with the chi square test for nonparametric data and to analyse the accuracy of prediction we used the receiver - operator curves with the level of significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: From 241 patients with a median age of 68 years, 127 (52.69%) were male.113 patients had severe sepsis. 89 patients (36.9%) died and male had an increase mortality rate. Most cases were respiratory sepsis (45.20%). The highest mortality rate was in septic shock (51.2%). Procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and glucose serum level at admittance were not correlated with mortality. The serum levels of creatinine >1.67 mg/dL and serum lactate >1.9 mmol/L at admittance were correlated with mortality (p < 0.01). The cutoff value of 121×103/uL platelets number was also correlated with mortality (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that serum creatinine, serum lactate and the platelets number could be used as prognostic markers in septic patients at admittance.
OXA-48-Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae infections - the first cases diagnosed in Romanian National Institute of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Popescu Cristina , Popescu Gabriel Adrian , Dorobăț Olga , Rafilă Alexandru , Tănase Diana , Mikula Claudia , Weissensteiner Gudrun , Huhulescu Steliana 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
We report first description of clinical cases of OXA-48 carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae originating from patients hospitalized in the most important Infectious Diseases Hospital from Romania, between December 2012 and March 2013. All strains were isolated from patients who were previously admitted in surgical wards. None of the patients had been admitted in a hospital outside of Romania.
The Robin, Erithacus Rubecula (Passeriformes, Turdidae), as a Component of Heterotrophic Consortia of Forest Cenoses, Northeast Ukraine. Part 2
Authors: Chaplygina A. B. , Yuzyk D. I. , Savynska N. O. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The role of the robin as a determinant of heterotrophic consortia is considered. The robin is a consort of determinants of autotrophic consortia, which core is represented mostly by dominating species of deciduous trees (Quercus robur Linnaeus, 1753, Tilia cordata Miller, 1768, Acer platanoides Linnaeus, 1753, Acer campestre Linnaeus, 1753), and also by sedges (Carex sp.) and grasses (Poaceae), connected with the determinants by fabric links. The robin also belongs to the concentr of the second and higher orders as a component of forest biogeocenoses and it is also the main determinant in species composition of the insects inhabiting bird nests. As a result of the taxonomic analysis of invertebrates in the robin nests, it has been found out that the most numerous class was Insecta (9 orders and 27 families), with the dominance of Coleoptera (30.7 %). The nidicolous fauna of the robin (38 species) was dominated by zoophages along with parasites and hematophages such as Hippoboscidae (46.4 %). The percentage of phytophages and saprophages among the invertebrate nest inhabitants was somewhat less (21 % each), then followed necrophages (12 %). Zoophages and parasites also dominated according to the number of objects in the nests (42 %; n = 150), the less was the portion of phytophages (34 %), saprophages (18 %), and necrophages (6 %). The highest number of species and objects of zoophages was recorded for climax and mature biocenoses (oak forests in NNP “HL” and pine cenoses in NNP “H””).
New Details of the Eurasian Beaver’s, Castor Fiber (Rodentia, Castoridae), Expansion in the Lowland Part of Transcarpathia, Ukraine
Authors: Barkasi Z. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The present paper contains information on a new beaver colony discovered in the Chornyi mochar tract, which is located in the lowland part of Transcarpathia (= Zakarpattia Region). This rodent species disappeared from the territory of Transcarpathia most likely in the 18th century. Its first reappearance was recorded in 2003. Since, the Eurasian beaver has demonstrated a rapid expansion, primarily along the main rivers. The discovered by us colony allows to suggest that the beaver is continuing its dispersal, entering far into the main river’s tributaries and other shallower water bodies. Consequently, we are witnessing not only the expansion of the species’ geographical range, but also the enlargement of the number of habitat types occupied by the animal. The possibilities and supposed consequences of the species’ further expansion within the tract are shown as well.
Key to the Species of Ukrainian Notodontid Moths (Lepidoptera, Notodontidae) On the Egg Characters
Authors: Dolinskaya I. V. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
A key for identification of 39 species from 20 genera of Ukrainian notodontid moths based on the the eggs is provided. Reliable diagnostic characters, which do not disappear with the injury of eggs or eggs preserved for a long time in alcohol were used. The characters as egg shape, egg and chorion colour, shape of gnawed holes in eggs before setting out of caterpillars, the type of oviposition and the chorionic sculpture are applied. Clear characters that are typical for the live eggs, which vary in the process of egg development are revealed. These are characters of egg colour and pattern. In the key such characters are kept by stable signs that do not disappear aft er eggs traumatizing. The key is illustrated in details with photographs made using a digital camera and scanning electron microscope.
Development Stability and Cytogenetic Homeostasis of Perca Fluviatilis (Perciformes, Percidae) in the Rivers of Rivne Region
Authors: Klimenko M. O. , Biedunkova O. O. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The article presents the results of the study on nuclear damages or injuries of red blood cells (RBCs) and asymmetry of meristic characters of the European perch (Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus 1758) that lives in small and medium rivers of Rivne Region. The research has found that the species representatives living in the small rivers demonstrated worse cytogenetic homeostasis indicators compared to the fish from the medium rivers: the lowest frequency of P. fluviatilis’ nuclear damages appeared to be 4.25 times higher for the individuals living in the small rivers given the noticeable excess of spontaneous mutations by average damage frequency. Fish morphological homeostasis demonstrates a tendency to injuries in small rivers as well. The functional relationships between the studied parameters which have been established by the author were “close” for the fish from the small rivers and primary “moderate” for the fish from the medium rivers. It is concluded that the enhanced activity of the stressors existing in the water environment affects the physiological state of the P. fluviatilis species.
Sex Differences in Microglia Activity within the Periaqueductal Gray of the Rat: A Potential Mechanism Driving the Dimorphic Effects of Morphine
Authors: Doyle Hillary H. , Eidson Lori N. , Sinkiewicz David M. , Murphy Anne Z. 
Published: February 2017

Although morphine remains the primary drug prescribed for alleviation of severe or persistent pain, both preclinical and clinical studies have shown that females require two to three times more morphine than males to produce comparable levels of analgesia. In addition to binding to the neuronal μ-opioid receptor, morphine binds to the innate immune receptor toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) localized primarily on microglia. Morphine action at TLR4 initiates a neuroinflammatory response that directly opposes the analgesic effects of morphine. Here, we test the hypothesis that the attenuated response to morphine observed in females is the result of increased microglia activation in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a central locus mediating the antinociceptive effects of morphine. We report that, whereas no overall sex differences in the density of microglia were noted within the PAG of male or female rats, microglia exhibited a more “activated” phenotype in females at baseline, with the degree of activation a significant predictor of morphine half-maximal antinociceptive dose (ED50) values. Priming microglia with LPS induced greater microglia activation in the PAG of females compared with males and was accompanied by increased transcription levels of IL-1β and a significant rightward shift in the morphine dose–response curve. Blockade of morphine binding to PAG TLR4 with (+)-naloxone potentiated morphine antinociception significantly in females such that no sex differences in ED50were observed. These results demonstrate that PAG microglia are sexually dimorphic in both basal and LPS-induced activation and contribute to the sexually dimorphic effects of morphine in the rat.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe demonstrate that periaqueductal gray (PAG) microglia contribute to the sexually dimorphic effects of morphine. Specifically, we report that increased activation of microglia in the PAG contributes to the attenuated response to morphine observed in females. Our data further implicate the innate immune receptor toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) as an underlying mechanism mediating these effects and establish that TLR4 inhibition in the PAG of females reverses the sex differences in morphine responsiveness. These data suggest novel methods to improve current opioid-based pain management via inhibition of glial TLR4 and illustrate the necessity for sex-specific research and individualized treatment strategies for the management of pain in men and women.
A Unique “Angiotensin-Sensitive” Neuronal Population Coordinates Neuroendocrine, Cardiovascular, and Behavioral Responses to Stress
Authors: de Kloet Annette D. , Wang Lei , Pitra Soledad , Hiller Helmut , Smith Justin A. , Tan Yalun , Nguyen Dani , Cahill Karlena M. , Sumners Colin , Stern Javier E. , Krause Eric G. 
Published: February 2017

Stress elicits neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses that mitigate homeostatic imbalance and ensure survival. However, chronic engagement of such responses promotes psychological, cardiovascular, and metabolic impairments. In recent years, the renin-angiotensin system has emerged as a key mediator of stress responding and its related pathologies, but the neuronal circuits that orchestrate these interactions are not known. These studies combine the use of the Cre-recombinase/loxP system in mice with optogenetics to structurally and functionally characterize angiotensin type-1a receptor-containing neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, the goal being to determine the extent of their involvement in the regulation of stress responses. Initial studies use neuroanatomical techniques to reveal that angiotensin type-1a receptors are localized predominantly to the parvocellular neurosecretory neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. These neurons are almost exclusively glutamatergic and send dense projections to the exterior portion of the median eminence. Furthermore, these neurons largely express corticotrophin-releasing hormone or thyrotropin-releasing hormone and do not express arginine vasopressin or oxytocin. Functionally, optogenetic stimulation of these neurons promotes the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary–adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary–thyroid axes, as well as a rise in systolic blood pressure. When these neurons are optogenetically inhibited, the activity of these neuroendocrine axes are suppressed and anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze is dampened. Collectively, these studies implicate this neuronal population in the integration and coordination of the physiological responses to stress and may therefore serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention for stress-related pathology.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTChronic stress leads to an array of physiological responses that ultimately rouse psychological, cardiovascular, and metabolic impairments. As a consequence, there is an urgent need for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to prevent or dampen deleterious aspects of “stress.” While the renin-angiotensin system has received some attention in this regard, the neural mechanisms by which this endocrine system may impact stress-related pathologies and consequently serve as targets for therapeutic intervention are not clear. The present studies provide substantial insight in this regard. That is, they reveal that a distinct population of angiotensin-sensitive neurons is integral to the coordination of stress responses. The implication is that this neuronal phenotype may serve as a target for stress-related disease.