bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forme fruste of isolated right ventricular endomyocardial fibrosis: a case report
Authors: Bunte Matthew , Liao Kenneth , Manivel J Carlos , Missov Emil 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Endomyocardial fibrosis is a neglected tropical disease of unknown etiology and poor prognosis. It is endemic of tropical climates where it is the most common cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy in the second and fourth decades of life. A forme fruste of the disease is thought to be present in temperate climates where the diagnosis remains exceedingly rare.

Case presentation
We describe a case of isolated right ventricular endomyocardial fibrosis in a 27-year-old Caucasian man from a temperate climate who presented initially with frank hemoptysis and pulmonary thromboembolic disease. We further describe the approach utilized in the diagnosis, the surgical treatment and the outcome of the disease.

Conclusions
We conclude that endomyocardial fibrosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of apical cardiomyopathies in patients from temperate climates.
The use of everolimus to target carcinogenic pathways in a patient with renal cell carcinoma and tuberous sclerosis complex: a case report
Authors: Kim Hye Sook , Kim Seung Tae , Kang Seok Ho , Sung Deuk Jae , Kim Chul Hwan , Shin Sang Won , Kim Yeul Hong , Cho Won Yong , Park Kyong Hwa 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntroductionAn increased understanding of the genetic pathways involved in renal cell carcinoma has resulted in the development of various drugs that target relevant signaling cascades for the specific treatment of this disease. However, no validated predictive markers have been identified to guide the decision whether patients should receive vascular endothelial growth factor–targeted therapy or mammalian target of rapamycin–targeted therapy. We present what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of renal cell carcinoma in a patient with tuberous sclerosis complex who was successfully treated with everolimus.Case presentationThe patient was a 49-year-old Korean woman with tuberous sclerosis complex and recurrent renal cell carcinoma. The patient was treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib followed by the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus. This treatment resulted in a prolonged response and significant clinical benefit. Notably, everolimus ameliorated the symptoms related not only to renal cell carcinoma but also to tuberous sclerosis complex.ConclusionThis case provides a rationale for the use of everolimus as first-line treatment for this specific patient population in order to target the correct pathway involved in carcinogenesis.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the coastal sea water, the surface sediment and Mudskipper Boleophthalmus dussumieri from coastal areas of the Persian Gulf: source investigation, composition pattern and spatial distribution
Authors: Sinaei Mahmood , Mashinchian Ali 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Persian Gulf is an exposed and stressed area as a result of oil pollution and other fossil fuels containing PAHs. The susceptibility of using mudskippers to monitor marine pollution, like PAHs, points to the fact that mudskippers are able to accumulate and record the PAHs presented in the coastal environments.

Methods
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined in the coastal waters, the sediments and biota (i.e., Boleophthalmus dussumieri) along the coast of the Persian Gulf. PAHs concentrations were measured with HPLC method.

Results
Total PAH concentrations in the sea water, the sediments, the liver and the gill tissues ranged between 0.80-18.34 μg/l, 113.50-3384.34 ng g-1 (d w), 3.99-46.64 ng g-1 (d w) and 3.11-17.76 ng g-1 (d w), respectively. PAHs distribution patterns in the sediment and the liver tissue samples were dominated by three-and four-ring structures whereas two-and three-rings were dominated in the water and the gill.

Conclusions
This finding revealed a negative eco-risk effects occasionally occur in this area. The higher presence of low condensate ring structures reflected a predominant origin of petrogenic and some cases of pyrolitic sources.
Suppressed Bone Turnover in Obesity: A Link to Energy Metabolism? A Case-Control Study
Authors: Viljakainen Heli , Ivaska Kaisa K. , Paldánius Päivi , Lipsanen-Nyman Marita , Saukkonen Tero , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Andersson Sture , Laitinen Kalevi , Mäkitie Outi 
Published: March 2014

Context:
Observations in rodents suggest that osteocalcin (OC) participates in glucose metabolism. Based on human studies, it remains unclear whether circulating OC is simply a bone turnover marker (BTM) or also a mediator in interactions between the skeleton and glucose homeostasis.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to determine the responses of BTMs, including OC, to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in a case-control setting.

Design and Patients:
Thirty-four normoglycemic young adults [mean age 19 y (SD 2.3)] with severe childhood-onset obesity and their gender- and age-matched nonobese controls underwent a standard 2-hour OGTT.

Main Outcome Measures:
Glucose, insulin, and six BTMs including total and carboxylated OC (cOC) were determined at baseline and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes during OGTT.

Results:
The obese and control subjects were similar in height; the mean body mass indices were 40.4 and 21.9 kg/m2, respectively. The homeostasis model assessment index was 2.7 times greater in the obese subjects. All BTMs, except bone-specific alkaline phophatase, were lower in the obese subjects compared with the controls: the differences at baseline were 40%, 35%, 17%, 31%, and 32% for N-terminal propeptides of type I collagen, cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, total OC, and carboxylated OC (P &lt; .05 for all) after adjusting for whole-body bone area. All BTMs decreased during OGTT. The relative values for the OGTT responses for total, but not for cOC (measured as area under the curve) differed between the two groups (P = .029 and P = .139, respectively): the decrease in total OC during the OGTT was less pronounced in the obese subjects. Responses in other BTMs were similar between the groups. No associations were observed between glucose metabolism and OCs during OGTT with linear regression.

Conclusions:
Bone turnover markers were substantially lower in obese subjects compared with controls. Total OC and cOC showed less pronounced decrease during the OGTT in obese subjects compared with controls, whereas other BTMs responded similarly in the two groups. The role of OC, if anything, in glucose homeostasis is indirect and may be mediated via other factors than glucose or insulin.
Incidence and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism Among Taiwan Osteoporotic Fracture Population under Osteoporosis Pharmacological Treatments
Authors: Lin Tzu-Chieh , Lee Cheng-Han , Yang Chyun-Yu , Yang Yea-Huei Kao , Lin Swu-Jane 
Published: March 2014

Context:
There was no clear evidence for the association between oral bisphosphonates or raloxifene and venous thromboembolism (VTE). There might also be ethnic differences in VTE risk.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence and risk of VTEs for different classes of osteoporosis drugs in the Taiwanese osteoporotic fracture population.

Design:
This was a retrospective cohort study from 2003 to 2007, with up to 6 years follow-up.

Setting:
Enrollees were participants in Taiwan National Health Insurance.

Patients:
Patients older than 50 years who had vertebral or hip fractures and were new to osteoporosis therapy were recruited.

Intervention:
Patients were classified into the alendronate, calcitonin, or raloxifene group according to exposure after follow-up.

Main Outcome Measure:
The primary outcome of our study was all incident VTEs, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare the relative VTE risk among alendronate, raloxifene, and calcitonin groups under an on-treatment scenario.

Results:
There were 25 443, 9642, and 31 900 patients in the alendronate, raloxifene, and calcitonin groups, and the mean age was 74.5 years (SD, 9.6). The incidence of VTE in the alendronate, raloxifene, and calcitonin groups was 11.2, 8.5, and 18.8 per 10 000 person-years. Results from Cox analyses showed that alendronate or raloxifene recipients did not have a higher risk for VTE than calcitonin recipients (adjusted hazard ratio for alendronate, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–1.51; adjusted hazard ratio for raloxifene, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–1.28).

Conclusion:
This retrospective analysis found that the incidence of VTE in Taiwanese patients with osteoporosis was low, and the risk of VTE was similar across alendronate, raloxifene, and calcitonin recipients in patients with osteoporotic fractures who were new to osteoporosis therapy.
Cross-talk between adipose tissue and the HPA axis in obesity and overt hypercortisolemic states
Authors: Vicennati Valentina , Garelli Silvia , Rinaldi Eleonora , Di Dalmazi Guido , Pagotto Uberto , Pasquali Renato 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
In addition to its roles in providing insulation and mechanical support, adipose tissue (AT) has been recognised as the major site for storage of surplus fuel. Since leptin was discovered, white AT (WAT) has been recognised as an endocrine organ and an important source of biologically active substances with local and/or systemic action called adipokines. The metabolic and endocrine activities of AT are under the control of several hormones: a particular role has been played by glucocorticoids (GC), which able to participate, along with other hormones, both in recruitment of progenitor cells and in differentiation and secretive activities. AT is also able to generate cortisol from cortisone through 11β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase (11β-HSD). There are controversial reports in the literature, showing a hyperactivity of 11β-HSD in obesity. It has been postulated that obesity, particularly the visceral body fat distribution (V-BFD), may be considered a maladaptation to stress exposure, thus leading to hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and higher-than-normal cortisol levels. In this review, we will examine the cross-talk between the HPA axis and AT, their relationship under stressful events, depending on steroid hormones and different adipokine secretions.
A MITE Transposon Insertion Is Associated with Differential Methylation at the Maize Flowering Time QTLVgt1
Authors: Castelletti Sara , Tuberosa Roberto , Pindo Massimo , Salvi Silvio 
Published: March 2014

AbstractOne of the major quantitative trait loci for flowering time in maize, the Vegetative to generative transition 1 (Vgt1) locus, corresponds to an upstream (70 kb) noncoding regulatory element of ZmRap2.7, a repressor of flowering. At Vgt1, a miniature transposon (MITE) insertion into a conserved noncoding sequence was previously found to be highly associated with early flowering in independent studies. Because cytosine methylation is known to be associated with transposons and to influence gene expression, we aimed to investigate how DNA methylation patterns in wild-type and mutant Vgt1 correlate with ZmRap2.7 expression. The methylation state at Vgt1 was assayed in leaf samples of maize inbred and F1 hybrid samples, and at the syntenic region in sorghum. The Vgt1-linked conserved noncoding sequence was very scarcely methylated both in maize and sorghum. However, in the early maize Vgt1 allele, the region immediately flanking the highly methylated MITE insertion was significantly more methylated and showed features of methylation spreading. Allele-specific expression assays revealed that the presence of the MITE and its heavy methylation appear to be linked to altered ZmRap2.7 transcription. Although not providing proof of causative connection, our results associate transposon-linked differential methylation with allelic state and gene expression at a major flowering time quantitative trait locus in maize.
Classical Versus Laparoscopic Approach in Retroperitoneal Lesions - Advantages and Limitations
Authors: C Crăciun , L Azamfirei , Mf Coroș , Rc Crăciun 
Published: March 2014

Abstract Background: At present, the laparoscopic intervention in retroperitoneal primitive tumors, abscesses, haematomas and retroperitoneal effusions is still a challenge. The purpose of this paper is to identify the differences between laparoscopic and conventional surgical interventions in diseases of the retroperitoneum. Material and method: The study follows a retrospective analysis of various retroperitoneal interventions performed on 62 patients between 2010-2012 in the Surgery Clinic 1 of Mures County Hospital. We have chosen from the casuistry the cases with tumoral diseases or nontumoral and divided the patients into two groups: group I who had undergone classic interventions and group II who had undergone laparoscopic procedures. We studied the clinical medical records, surgical protocols and anatomopathological results. Results: For 2010 we extracted 23 cases (39,2% classical interventions), for 2011-21 patients (31,4% classic) and for 2012 -18 cases (29,4% classical interventions). According to the type of the disease, 30 classical interventions were performed for tumoral formations and 21 interventions for non-tumoral formations. Laparoscopic tumoral cases included three tumors and a retroperitoneal metastasis,while the non-tumoral were represented by 7 urohaematic effusions as a result of percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures. Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery of retroperitoneal lesions is minimally invasive, the postoperative evolution of patients is favorable, without major complications.. Classical intervention of retroperitoneal lesions is indicated in large haematomas, abscesses, and big invasive tumors with vascular factor which does not allow the use of laparoscopic technique
The Characteristics of Amiodarone-induced Thyrotoxicosis in a Moderate Iodine Deficit Area
Authors: Ancuța-Elena Cota , Oana-Maria Căpraru , Ionela Pașcanu 
Published: March 2014

Abstract Introduction: Amiodarone (AMI), a class III anti-arrhythmic drug, is associated with a number of side effects, including thyroid dysfunction (both hypo- and hyperthyroidism), which is due to amiodarone's high iodine content and its direct toxic effect on the thyroid. Objective: To evaluate the incidence of Amiodarone induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) (type, rate of occurrence) and to identify the risk factors involved in its occurrence. Material and method: We examined patients treated with amiodarone, between January 2002 and December 2011, who presented to our Department of Endocrinology Târgu Mures for thyroid dysfunctions. Results: The retrospective study included 87 patients with thyroid dysfunctions; 58 (66.7%) patients had AIT and 29 (33.3%) had Amiodarone induced hypothyroidism (AIH). In the AIT group: 35 were women (60.3%), 23 were men (39.7%); the average age was 61.60 ± 12.39 years. Risk factors identified for the AIT group were male gender (RR = OR = 3.8; Chi-squer = 5.7, p = 0.004) and pre-existing thyroid abnormalities (RR = 2.5, Chi-square = 4.1, p = 0.005). The thyroid dysfunction occurrence was heterogeneous (0.2-183 months). The patients with previous thyroid abnormalities developed earlier thyroid dysfunction compared to those with an apparently normal thyroid gland (22.25 ± 4.14 months versus 32.09 ± 7.69 months, p = 0.02, T test). Conclusion: In the context of the specific iodine geoclimatic intake and the area of origin, amiodarone - induced thyroid dysfunction spectrum is dominated by thyrotoxicosis. Screening and monitoring of thyroid function for patiens under chronic amiodarone treatment is necessary
A Survey on the Methanol Content of Home Distilled Alcoholic Beverages in Transylvania (Romania)
Authors: Md Croitoru , Elena Topor , Ibolya Fülöp , Erzsébet Fogarasi 
Published: March 2014

Abstract Objective: Methanol appears in relatively high concentrations in alcoholic beverages obtained from fermented fruits distillates. These products are traditionally home made in many regions in Romania and other EU countries. The chronic use of products with high methanol concentration can be considered a health risk. The purpose of this work was to measure methanol concentration in a Romanian region where brandy-type alcoholic products are made from different fruits (plum, apple, pear, grapes), and to observe if there is a type of product that contains more methanol than the others. Methods: The content of methanol in the tested alcoholic beverages was determined using a gas chromatographic method. Results: Only 18% of the tested 56 samples met UE regulation regarding methanol content of alcoholic beverages (0.4% in alcoholic drinks containing 40% ethanol). The highest concentration of 2.39% was found in a plum brandy. Plum brandies contained significantly higher amounts of methanol than brandies made from other fruits (0.91 vs 0.52%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Home distilled alcoholic beverages obtained from fruits are a health threat due to their high methanol content. Strict regulations and tests should be introduced for such products
Herlant’s Tetrachrome Staining, a Useful Tool for Pituitary Adenoma Diagnosis
Authors: Laura Chinezu , Jacqueline Trouillas , Andrada Loghin , Angela Borda 
Published: March 2014

Abstract Introduction: The morphologic diagnosis of pituitary adenomas (PA) is based on immunohistochemistry (IHC). In Romania, IHC diagnosis of PA is restricted, all of the specific antibodies being very expensive. A histochemical staining, Herlant’s tetrachrome (HTCS), was described several years ago, but it was not widely used for diagnostic purposes because of technical difficulties. The aim of this paper is to bring into discussion this staining, to highlight its benefits, to improve the technical procedures and to establish a protocol, which combining both HTCS and IHC, facilitates the diagnosis of PA and, especially, substantially reduces the costs. Methods: HTCS was performed using normal pituitary glands. The optimal time of staining and the optimal concentration of different solutions were established for each step of the staining. Results: The improved technical procedure of HTCS is described. The staining features of all cellular types of the pituitary gland are depicted and illustrated: the chromophore cells, GH-secreting cells stained in orange, PRL-secreting cells in red-violet and ACTH-cells in dark blue, while cromophobe cells stained light blue. These staining features can be extrapolated to the diagnosis of PAs, as they consist of a proliferation of such cells. Conclusion: HTCS’s benefit is in functional PAs: it can identify GH, PRL, ACTH and TSH-adenomas, according to the cell type staining. A two-step diagnostic protocol is proposed, allowing the use of two, maximum three antibodies, instead of six: first step HTCS, and second step IHC
Clinicians' Choices in Selecting Orthodontic Archwires
Authors: Silvia-Izabella Pop , Mariana Păcurar , Cristina Bratu Dana , Rv Pop , Manuela Chibelean 
Published: March 2014

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the choices made by clinicians in selecting archwires during the initial, intermediate and final stages of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Methods: We carried out a questionnaire-based study at the Orthodontics and Pedodontics Clinic Târgu Mureș, between March 2012 and September 2012. The questionnaires consisted of two parts: the first included questions related to the dimension, alloy used in fabrication, section (round or rectangular) and manufacturer of the archwires used by the orthodontists in their orthodontic practice, the second part was concerned with their personal opinion about the physical properties and disadvantages of the archwires. Results: From a total number of 90 distributed questionnaires, 62 were returned. The majority of clinicians are using stainless steel (SS) and nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) wires in their fixed orthodontic treatments, very few are using beta-titanium (Beta Ti), copper nickel-titanium (Co- NiTi) and esthetic archwires. The preferred dimension seem to be 0.022 inches in the appliance system. Regarding the wire dimensions, 0.014, 0.016 inch wires are mostly used from the round section group and 0.016 × 0.022 inch, 0.017 × 0.025 inch from the rectangular ones. Conclusions: There is a general lack of agreement between the clinicians surveyed regarding the properties of an ideal archwire and the disadvantages of the used wires. The most frequently used alloys seemed to be the SS and NiTi
Evaluation of Child Self-perception Regarding Their Oro-dental Status
Authors: Krisztina Mártha I. , Sorana Roșu , Réka Gyergyay , Katalin Vikárius 
Published: March 2014

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the state of oral health and the self-perception of children regarding their oro-dental status, their knowledge and attitude towards oral health. Methods: A sample of 130 children (11-14 years) and one of their parents were asked to complete a Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ11-14) in Sfântu Gheorghe, Romania. From these, 69 children were examined and data was recorded about Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth (DMFT), oral hygiene, dental malposition and malocclusion, Aesthetic Component of Index of Treatment Need (AC-IOTN). Consent of the parents was obtained. Statistical analyses were performed. Results: The optimal score of CPQ evaluation is 96 and the maximum score achieved was 93, the minimum was 43. 78.10 average score can be graded as medium. As the data points out, most of the children and their parents have a medium knowledge and self-perception. The clinical examination underline the main problems: dental caries (62%), occlusal coloration (23%), dental malposition (17%), rooftop deep bite (14%), dental rotation and crowding (12%), dental plaque and tartar (10%). As far as the AC-IOTN is concerned, 48 of 69 children have no need for treatment, 18 have a high need for treatment, and 3 have a moderate need for treatment. Conclusions: Overall, the children and their parents have a poor oral health knowledge, which is reflected in the medium level of the achieved CPQ scores, in the clinical examination and can be associated with high levels of dental caries and malocclusion