bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of lifestyle changes including specific dietary intervention and physical activity in the management of patients with chronic hepatitis C - a randomized trial
Authors: Rusu Emilia , Jinga Mariana , Enache Georgiana , Rusu Florin , Dragomir Andreea Diana , Ancuta Ioan , Draguţ Ramona , Parpala Cristina , Nan Raluca , Sima Irina , Ateia Simona , Stoica Victor , Cheţa Dan Mircea , Radulian Gabriela 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
In patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), obesity is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, fatty liver disease and progression of fibrosis. The objective of this study was to compare a normoglucidic low-calorie diet (NGLCD) with a low-fat diet (LFD) among participants with CHC. Aimed to measure the impact of dietary changes in reduction of insulin resistance, obesity but also in steatosis and fibrosis.

Methods
Randomized, controlled trial in three medical centers with assessments at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Participants were patients over 35 years with chronic hepatitis C (n = 120) with BMI over 25 kg/m2. We evaluated the effects of NGLCD vs. LFD in weight management and metabolic improvement. The primary endpoint was to measure the impact of dietary changes through nutritional intervention in reversibility of insulin resistance, obesity, steatosis, and fibrosis. We performed anthropometric measurements, fasting glucose profile, serum lipids, liver profile, blood count at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Steatosis was evaluated using ultrasonographic criteria. Liver fibrosis was non-invasively assessed.

Results
After 6 and 12 months of intervention, both groups had a significant decrease in caloric consumption. At 6 months, weight loss was greater in the NGLCD group (−5.02 ± 3.43 kg vs. −4.1 ± 2.6 kg; p = 0.002) compared to the LFD group. At 1-year, however, weight loss was similar in both groups (−3.9 ± 3.3 kg vs. −3.1 ± 2.6 kg; p = 0.139). At 12 months, fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, and HOMA-IR had significant improvements in both groups. With both diets aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) decreased with significant differences; also there were significant improvements in AST/ALT ratio, Forns fibrosis index. The two diets were associated with reduction of both the prevalence and the severity of steatosis (all p < 0.001). At 12 months, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides improved in both groups (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions
The present study establishes the benefits of low-calorie diet and low-fat diet in management of patients with hepatitis C regarding improvement of insulin resistance, steatosis and also fibrosis.
Overweight or obese patients with CHC undergoing a lifestyle intervention (specific dietary intervention and physical activity) for 1-year had significant improvements in body weight, lipid and hepatic profile.

Trial registration

PNCI2-3343/41008/2007
Cucurbitacin covalent bonding to cysteine thiols: the filamentous-actin severing protein Cofilin1 as an exemplary target
Authors: Gabrielsen Mads , Schuldt Maike , Munro June , Borucka Dagmara , Cameron Jenifer , Baugh Mark , Mleczak Andrzej , Lilla Sergio , Morrice Nicholas , Olson Michael F 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Cucurbitacins are a class of triterpenoid natural compounds with potent bioactivities that led to their use as traditional remedies, and which continue to attract considerable attention as chemical biology tools and potential therapeutics. One obvious target is the actin-cytoskeleton; treatment with cucurbitacins results in cytoskeletal rearrangements that impact upon motility and cell morphology.

Findings
Cucurbitacin reacted with protein cysteine thiols as well as dithiothreitol, and we propose that the cucurbitacin mechanism of action is through broad protein thiol modifications that could result in inhibition of numerous protein targets. An example of such a target protein is Cofilin1, whose filamentous actin severing activity is inhibited by cucurbitacin conjugation.

Conclusions
The implications of these results are that cucurbitacins are unlikely to be improved for selectivity by medicinal chemistry and that their use as chemical biology probes to analyse the role of specific signalling pathways should be undertaken with caution.
Electroacupuncture for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: study protocol for a pilot multicentre randomized, patient-assessor-blinded, controlled trial
Authors: Kim Joo-Hee , Kim Eun-Jung , Seo Byung-Kwan , Lee Sanghun , Lee Seunghoon , Jung So-Young , Lee Min-Hee , Kim Ae-Ran , Park Hyo-Ju , Shin Mi-Suk , Choi Sun-Mi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the main dose-limiting side effect of neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. CIPN can lead not only to loss of physical function, difficulties in activities of daily living (ADLs), and decreased quality of life, but also to dose reduction, delay or even cessation of treatment. Currently, there are few proven effective treatments for CIPN. This randomized controlled clinical trial is designed to evaluate the effects and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for patients with CIPN.Methods/designThis is a multicenter, two-armed, parallel-design, patient-assessor-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. Forty eligible patients with CIPN will be randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to the EA or sham EA arms. During the treatment phase, patients will undergo eight sessions ofverumEA or sham EA twice weekly for four weeks, and then will be followed-up for eight weeks. Electrical stimulation in the EA group will consist of a mixed frequency of 2/120 Hz and 80% of bearable intensity. Sham EA will be applied to non-acupoints, with shallow needle insertion and no current. All outcomes and analyses of results will be assessed by researchers blinded to treatment allocation. The effects of EA on CIPN will be evaluated according to both subjective and objective outcome measures. The primary outcome measure will be the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life questionnaire to assess CIPN (QLQ-CIPN20). The secondary outcome measures will be the results on the numerical rating scale, the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, the nerve conduction study, and the EORTC QLQ-C30, as well as the patient’s global impression of change and adverse events. Safety will be assessed at each visit.DiscussionThe results of this on-going study will provide clinical evidence for the effects and safety of EA for CIPN compared with sham EA.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service:KCT0000506
Survey of bluetongue virus infection in free-ranging wild ruminants in Switzerland
Authors: Casaubon Julien , Chaignat Valérie , Vogt Hans-Rudolf , Michel Adam O , Thür Barbara , Ryser-Degiorgis Marie-Pierre 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
In 2006, bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) was detected for the first time in central Europe. Measures to control the infection in livestock were implemented in Switzerland but the question was raised whether free-ranging wildlife could be a maintenance host for BTV-8. Furthermore Toggenburg orbivirus (TOV), considered as a potential 25th BTV serotype, was detected in 2007 in domestic goats in Switzerland and wild ruminants were considered a potential source of infection. To assess prevalences of BTV-8 and TOV infections in wildlife, we conducted a serological and virological survey in red deer, roe deer, Alpine chamois and Alpine ibex between 2009 and 2011. Because samples originating from wildlife carcasses are often of poor quality, we also documented the influence of hemolysis on test results, and evaluated the usefulness of confirmatory tests.

Results
Ten out of 1,898 animals (0.5%, 95% confidence interval 0.3-1.0%) had detectable antibodies against BTV-8 and BTV-8 RNA was found in two chamois and one roe deer (0.3%, 0.1-0.8%). Seroprevalence was highest among red deer, and the majority of positive wild animals were sampled close to areas where outbreaks had been reported in livestock. Most samples were hemolytic and the range of the optical density percentage values obtained in the screening test increased with increasing hemolysis. Confirmatory tests significantly increased specificity of the testing procedure and proved to be applicable even on poor quality samples. Nearly all samples confirmed as positive had an optical density percentage value greater than 50% in the ELISA screening.

Conclusions
Prevalence of BTV-8 infection was low, and none of the tested animals were positive for TOV. Currently, wild ruminants are apparently not a reservoir for these viruses in Switzerland. However, we report for the first time BTV-8 RNA in Alpine chamois. This animal was found at high altitude and far from a domestic outbreak, which suggests that the virus could spread into/through the Alps. Regarding testing procedures, hemolysis did not significantly affect test results but confirmatory tests proved to be necessary to obtain reliable prevalence estimates. The cut-off value recommended by the manufacturer for the screening test was applicable for wildlife samples.
Severe hyperkalemia following colon diversion surgery in a patient undergoing chronic hemodialysis: a case report
Authors: Kononowa Nina , Dickenmann Michael J , Kim Min Jeong 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Potassium (K+) homeostasis in healthy subjects is maintained mainly by urinary excretion of K+. In patients with end-stage renal disease, the intestinal tract might assume an accessory K+ excretory role in the face of declining renal excretory function. Here, we report the case of a patient with end-stage renal disease who developed severe hyperkalemia following colon diversion surgery.

Case presentation
A 56-year-old Caucasian woman undergoing hemodialysis experienced ischemic colitis, leading to ileocecal resection and a temporary ileostomy. She made a good recovery and her dietary intake improved. However, her pre-dialysis serum K+ level three weeks later was 7.2mmol/L, which was much higher than her previous level (range 4.9 to 6.1mmol/L). Despite dietary restriction of K+ and use of oral cation-exchange resin and low K+ dialysate, her serum K+ level remained high (6.1 to 8.3mmol/L). Six months later, her bowel continuity was restored and her serum K+ decreased to the previous level. Her fecal K+ concentration before and after stoma reversal showed a marked difference: 23mmol/L before and 60mmol/L after.

Conclusions
We assume that the severe hyperkalemia seen in our patient was caused by reduced colonic K+ secretion due to the colon diversion. Our patient’s case demonstrates the importance of colonic K+ secretion for the maintenance of K+ homeostasis in patients with end-stage renal disease.
MTA1 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Song Qingcui , Zhang Hong , Wang Min , Song Wen , Ying Min , Fang Yuan , Li Yiyi , Chao Yilan , Zhu Xiaoxia 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe prognostic value of metastasis-associated gene 1 (MTA1) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been suggested. However, there is still no direct evidence that MTA1 promotes NPC growth in vivo. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function of MTA1 in the regulation of NPC cell proliferation and tumorigenesisin vitroandin vivo.MethodsStable MTA1 knockdown or overexpression NPC cell lines were employed. The effects of MTA1 depletion or overexpression on cell proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle progression were examined by MTT, colony formation and flow cytometry assay. The effects of MTA1 depletion on tumor growth in vivo were examined in mouse xenograft model.ResultsMTA1knockdown or overexpression drastically changed the proliferation, colony formation and cell cycle of NPC cellsin vitro. MTA1depletion significantly suppressed NPC tumorigenesisin vivo.ConclusionMTA1 promotes NPC cell proliferation via enhancing G1 to S phase transition, leading to increased tumor growth. Targeting MTA1 is a promising approach to reduce tumor burden of NPC.
Risk factors for acute kidney injury in critically ill patients receiving high intravenous doses of colistin methanesulfonate and/or other nephrotoxic antibiotics: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rocco Monica , Montini Luca , Alessandri Elisa , Venditti Mario , Laderchi Amalia , De Gennaro Pascale , Raponi Giammarco , Vitale Michela , Pietropaoli Paolo , Antonelli Massimo 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Use of colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) was abandoned in the 1970s because of excessive nephrotoxicity, but it has been reintroduced as a last-resort treatment for extensively drug-resistant infections caused by gram-negative bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia). We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate risk factors for new-onset acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients receiving high intravenous doses of colistin methanesulfonate and/or other nephrotoxic antibiotics.

Methods
The cohort consisted of 279 adults admitted to two general ICUs in teaching hospitals between 1 April 2009 and 30 June 2011 with 1) no evidence on admission of acute or chronic kidney disease; and 2) treatment for more than seven days with CMS and/or other nephrotoxic antimicrobials (NAs, that is, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with this outcome.

Results
The 279 cases that met the inclusion criteria included 147 patients treated with CMS, alone (n = 90) or with NAs (n = 57), and 132 treated with NAs alone. The 111 (40%) who developed AKI were significantly older and had significantly higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) scores than those who did not develop AKI, but rates of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure were similar in the two groups. The final logistic regression model showed that in the 147 patients who received CMS alone or with NAs, onset of AKI during the ICU stay was associated with septic shock and with SAPS II scores ≥43. Similar results were obtained in the 222 patients treated with CMS alone or NAs alone.

Conclusions
In severely ill ICU patients without pre-existing renal disease who receive CMS high-dose for more than seven days, CMS therapy does not appear to be a risk factor for this outcome. Instead, the development of AKI was strongly correlated with the presence of septic shock and with the severity of the patients as reflected by the SAPS II score.
Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of Intracranial Aneurysmal Bleb Formation
Authors: Russell Jeremy H. , Kelson Neil , Barry Mark , Pearcy Mark , Fletcher David F. , Winter Craig D. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
The management of unruptured aneurysms is controversial, with the decision to treat influenced by aneurysm characteristics including size and morphology. Aneurysmal bleb formation is thought to be associated with an increased risk of rupture.

OBJECTIVE:
To correlate computational fluid dynamic (CFD) indices with bleb formation.

METHODS:
Anatomic models were constructed from 3-dimensional rotational angiography data in 27 patients with cerebral aneurysms harboring a single bleb. Additional models representing the aneurysm before bleb formation were constructed by digitally removing the bleb. We characterized hemodynamic features of models both with and without the blebs using CFDs. Flow structure, wall shear stress (WSS), pressure, and oscillatory shear index (OSI) were analyzed.

RESULTS:
There was a statistically significant association between bleb location at or adjacent to the point of maximal WSS (74%, P = .019), irrespective of rupture status. Aneurysmal blebs were related to the inflow or outflow jet in 89% of cases (P &lt; .001), whereas 11% were unrelated. Maximal wall pressure and OSI were not significantly related to bleb location. The bleb region attained a lower WSS after its formation in 96% of cases (P &lt; .001) and was also lower than the average aneurysm WSS in 86% of cases (P &lt; .001).

CONCLUSION:
Cerebral aneurysm blebs generally form at or adjacent to the point of maximal WSS and are aligned with major flow structures. Wall pressure and OSI do not contribute to determining bleb location. The measurement of WSS using CFD models may potentially predict bleb formation and thus improve the assessment of rupture risk in unruptured aneurysms.
Combined Direct and Indirect Bypass for Moyamoya
Authors: Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , Singh Amritha , Rifai Hashem , Thulborn Keith R. , Alaraj Ali , Aletich Victor , Charbel Fady T. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
The optimal revascularization strategy for symptomatic adult moyamoya remains controversial. Whereas direct bypass offers immediate revascularization, indirect bypass can effectively induce collaterals over time.

OBJECTIVE:
Using angiography and quantitative magnetic resonance angiography, we examined the relative contributions of direct and indirect bypass in moyamoya patients after combined direct superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass and indirect encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS).

METHODS:
A retrospective review of moyamoya patients undergoing combined STA-MCA bypass and EDAS was conducted, excluding pediatric patients and hemorrhagic presentation. Patients with quantitative magnetic resonance angiography measurements of the direct bypass immediately and &gt; 6 months postoperatively were included. Angiographic follow-up, when available, was used to assess EDAS collaterals at similar time intervals.

RESULTS:
Of 16 hemispheres in 13 patients, 11 (69%) demonstrated a significant (&gt; 50%) decline in direct bypass flow at &gt; 6 months compared with baseline, averaging a drop from 99 ± 35 to12 ± 7 mL/min. Conversely, angiography in these hemispheres demonstrated prominent indirect collaterals, in concert with shrinkage of the STA graft. Decline in flow was apparent at a median of 9 months but was evident as early as 2 to 3 months.

CONCLUSION:
In this small cohort, a reciprocal relationship between direct STA bypass flow and indirect EDAS collaterals frequently occurred. This substantiates the notion that combined direct/indirect bypass can provide temporally complementary revascularization.
Evaluation of selective extraction methods for recovery of polyphenols from pine
Authors: Fang Wenwen , Hemming Jarl , Reunanen Markku , Eklund Patrik , Pineiro Enma Conde , Poljanšek Ida , Oven Primož , Willför Stefan 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The extraction conditions have been evaluated concerning the recovery of specific polyphenols from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) knots by means of an accelerated solvent extractor. The composition of the extracts was determined by gas chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and high-performance size-exclusion chromatography. The main phenolic compounds are the stilbenes pinosylvin and its monomethyl ether and the lignan nortrachelogenin (NTG), and their amounts vary a lot from sample to sample. The sequential extraction with a nonpolar solvent as a first step for removing the lipophilic compounds was the most efficient approach for the recovery of both pinosylvins and NTG. For food applications, hot water and 85% aqueous ethanol were good solvents for the production of the substances in focus. An industrial knotwood sample from a pulp mill was sequentially extracted with cyclohexane and ethanol/water (95:5) in a large-scale Soxhlet equipment. The results show that the industrial production of pinosylvins and NTG from knots is feasible.
Implications of estrogen receptor alpha and estrogen receptor beta for adipose tissue functions and cardiometabolic complications
Authors: Gao Hui , Dahlman-Wright Karin 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
There is growing evidence that estrogen signaling regulates energy metabolism and exerts important functions in maintaining adipose tissue metabolism, including controlling the distribution of body fat. Changes in the physiological functions of adipose tissue, particularly the white adipose tissue, have been strongly connected to obesity and the development of related cardiometabolic complications. In this review, we will focus on discussing the role of estrogen signaling in regulating adipocyte differentiation, metabolism and its endocrine function with a focus on the possible underlying molecular mechanisms mediated by estrogen receptor α and estrogen receptor β.
Finite Element Analysis of the Achilles Tendon While Running
Authors: Anițaș Răzvan , Lucaciu Do 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIntroduction: The Achilles tendon is the most frequent recipient of traumatic injuries. The aim of this study is to identify and describe the varying load at ankle level and especially at the Achilles tendon’s insertion on the calcaneus.Methods: We conducted a finite element analysis of the Achilles tendon while running, with the aim of revealing maximal loads and strains during a step in a running sequence. A 3D model of the Achilles tendon was built, based on MRI slides of a healthy, injury-free subject, who was asked to run over a force plate in 50 iterations. We used the recorded data to establish maximum loads and strains.Results: We noticed a quick rise of the intra-tendinous load, from almost negligible while airborne and on first ground contact, to roughly 40 MPa in the pre-airborne phase, with possible implications in both treatment and post-injury recovery of Achilles tendon lesions.Conclusions: Our results suggest that while early weight bearing and early exercise routines are a modern approach, care must be given in increasing the loads on the recovering region.
Evaluation of Diagnosing Tuberculosis in Primary Care Medicine in Mureș County, Between 2006 and 2008
Authors: Ács Valeria , Finta Hajnal , Ianosi Edith Simona , Sabău Monica 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Aim: Evaluation of the contribution of general practitioners to the early diagnosis of tuberculosis in the studied period. Analysis of cases not diagnosed as active TB, from those suspected by the general practitioner and the real cases with respiratory lesions.
Material and methods: We conducted an observational epidemiologic study aiming at evaluating the diagnosis of pulmonary TB at the level of primary care medicine.
Results: The difference between conformed TB patients that have been referred with the suspicion of TB and those without suspicion is significant (p <0.0001), and the risk of disease estimated by OR was 21.54. More than half of the patients (139), had positive microscopic examination and culturing, representing 62.61%. In 10.36% microscopic examination was positive and culturing was negative (13 patients). Negative microscopic examination and positive culturing were detected in 5.86% of the patients. The majority of suspected/confirmed new patients were living in urban environments. The urban/rural ratio was 1.27. The reasons why the general practitioner suspected tuberculosis, in the order of frequency, were the following: cough/dry cough, sweating/nocturnal sweating, fever/persisting fever. Among the TB types, we noted the large percentage of patients with infiltrating, nodular tuberculosis confined to the volume of one pulmonary segment (30.78%), and 19.87% of the cases were multicavity tuberculosis; also, we noted the presence of caseous tuberculosis with moderate volumes of infiltrates, confined to a pulmonary lobe (18.27%).
Conclusion: Early diagnosis of tuberculosis in the primary healthcare network is a continuous challenge for the general practitioner.