bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corneal Confocal Microscopy – A Novel, Noninvasive Method to Assess Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Inceu Georgeta , Demea Horea , Veresiu Ioan Andrei 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Background and aims. This article aims to compare corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) with acknowledged tests of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), to assess corneal nerve morphology using CCM in diabetic patients, and to underline possible correlations between clinical and biological parameters, diabetes duration and DPN severity. Material and methods. A total of 90 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study for whom we measured anthropometric parameters and we performed laboratory measurements (tests). The patients were assessed for diabetic peripheral neuropathy using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Testing (SWMT), Rapid-Current Perception Threshold (R-CPT) measurements using the Neurometer®, and CCM. We stratified the patients according to DPN severity, based on four parameters extracted after image analysis. Results. A higher percentage of patients were diagnosed with DPN using CCM (88.8%), compared with SWMT and R-CPT measurement (17.8% and 40% respectively). The incidence of DPN detected with CCM was considerable in patients with normal protective sensation and with normal R-CPT values. Conclusions. Our study showed that corneal confocal microscopy is a useful noninvasive method for diabetic neuropathy assessement in early stages. It was proven to directly quantify small fiber pathology, and to stratify neuropathic severity, and therefore can be used as a new, reliable tool in the diagnosis, clinical evaluation, and follow-up of peripheral diabetic neuropathy.
Multifactorial Analysis of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Group of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Maxim George Razvan , Dumea Elena , Bosneagu Andreea , Ciucea Mihaela , Parepa Irinel Raluca , Petcu Cristian Lucian , Mitroi-Maxim Corina , Georgescu Dan Emanoil , Serafinceanu Cristian 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Background and Aims: Acute myocardial infarction is one of the main causes of mortality worldwide, atherosclerosis being the most common mechanism of coronary artery obstruction. Many cardiovascular (CV) risk factors are associated with these pathogenic processes. The aim of our study was to investigate a group of patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction in terms of the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and Methods: We investigated 97 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 30 persons without AMI (control group) for CV risk parameters (metabolic syndrome, diabetes, sedentary, dyslipidemia, glycosylated hemoglobin- HbA1c), and the risk of developing AMI. Results: We found statistically significant differences (p<0.05) for the patients with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, high level of total cholesterol, LDLc, HbA1c, low level of HDLc for the risk to develop AMI. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need to implement measures of primary and secondary prevention, and carry out a strict control of cardiovascular risk factors as well as implicitly improve the therapeutic conduct.
The Progression of Diabetic Microvascular Complications and Increased Vascular Stiffness
Authors: Georgescu Olivia , Clătici Gabriel , Nica Cătălin , Fica Simona 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus it might be helpful to use, for risk stratification, non-invasive techniques as markers of early atherosclerosis. Arterial stiffness shows the functional vascular properties and can be estimated by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIX). Typical for type 2 diabetes is premature arterial stiffening which appears before the onset of clinically micro or macrovascular disease and is increased in the presence of microvascular complications. Further studies are needed to determine whether therapeutic interventions for reducing vascular stiffness may decrease the cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Spinal intramedullary cavernomas. Personal experience reffering to six cases
Authors: Iacob G. , Olarescu Angela 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Despite cavernous malformations of the CNS are pathologically similar, intramedullary cavernous malformations are very rare lesions, increasingly recognized after introduction of magnetic resonance image, generating gradual neurological decline, with severe deficits or acute loss of spinal function. We report our experience on six patients with intramedullary cavernomas defining the spectrum of presenting symptoms and signs analyzing the role of surgery as a treatment for these lesions. We present our experience with 2 cervical and 4 thoracal spinal intramedullary cavernoma from 2010 to 2014 searching history, onset of clinical manifestation, neurological status, radiological findings, operation, and clinical outcome. Among 6 patients male were 2 cases; female 4 cases; mean age was 42 years (range 25-72 years); mean duration of symptoms were 1,5 years (range 5 days and 2 years) with slowly progressive neurological decline. In two cases there was acute onset of neurological compromise. In all cases diagnosis was made on MRI and lesions were possible to be radically excised and gently extracted from the hemosiderin-stained bed inside of the spinal cord via a laminectomy and midline myelotomy with microsurgical techniques. The surgical outcome on a mean duration of follow up of 12 months were: for 4 cases - the patients neurological conditions remarkably improved 1 month later, for 2 cases no improvement were remarked. No recurrent hemorrhages were recorded. A follow-up MRI examination was made in all cases to confirm complete removal of the cavernous angioma. Spinal intramedullary cavernoma should be early recognized by MRI, can be positioned in a precarious position and generate significant neurologic deficits than cranial cavernomas. For symptomatic intramedullary cavernous malformations extended to the dorsal surface of the spinal cord, total resection with microsurgical techniques can offer good or excellent outcome, restoring neurological status and to stop chronic deterioration and acute rebleeding. To asymptomatic patients with deeper lesions which entail a higher operative risk, but also a surgically manageable cause of myelopathy a closed observation is mandatory.
Partially trombosed glomus type spinal arteriovenous malformation – case presentation
Authors: Gorgan M.R. , Bucur Narcisa , Cristescu Catioara , Giovani A. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Spinal AVM are very rare vascular lesions and most o the studies give reports on only a few cases. Given their localization between the spinal tracts and the gray matter core of the medulla and their multiple feeders from posterior and anterior spinal arteries they are amongst the most difficult surgical pathology in the nervous sistem. We present the case of a 60 years old male with a glomus type T10-L2 spinal AVM that presented with motor deficit in the lower limbs and urinary incontinence. The partially thrombosed lesion was completely resected without previous embolisation, and the patient was walking with assistance at discharge. This is a rare case that presented with progressive neurological deterioration consistent with an ischemic rather than a hemorrhagic event. Microsurgery is a better option than conservative treatment in these rare cases of spontaneous occlusion of intramedullary arteriovenous malformations.
Giant hyperostosis after sphenoid ridge en plaque meningioma removal
Authors: Adam Danil , Papacocea Toma , Hornea Ioana , Moisescu Cristiana 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Meningioma is in most cases a benign tumor of the central nervous system with two growth patterns: en masse and en plaque. Hyperostosis is associated in 13 - 49 % of the cases with en plaque meningioma. We describe the case of a 47 years old woman with meningotelial sphenoid ridge meningioma which was totally removed. At the first admission she presented with no neurological deficits, seizures and a mild right exophthalmos. This had an indolent growth. After 10 years, the patient was readmitted for headache, blurred vision and right exophthalmos. Skull X-rays and brain MRI revealed an important thickening of the right superior orbit wall and sphenoid ridge. She underwent a new surgery. There was no intradural tumor found. Instead, bones of the superior and lateral right orbit walls were very hiperostotic. A hole of 3/2 cm in the right superior orbital wall was drilled and the orbital cavity was decompressed. In the postoperative period, the symptoms were remitted and the exophthalmos reduced. We discuss the causes and management of hyperostosis associated with meningiomas.
Three level spinal dysraphism: multiple composite Type 1 and Type 2 split cord malformatıon
Authors: Alatas I. , Gundag M. , Canaz H. , Emel E. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
It has reported an uncommon case a 3 year-old girl a composite split cord malformation (SCM) with two different levels of SCM type1 and one level SCM type2, tight filum and sacral dermal sinus. The patient was admitted with a hypertrichosis and hyperpigmented patch. MRI of whole spine and brain was done. SCM type1 at T 7 and L2 levels and SCM typ2 at T11 level were removed then tight filum was cut and dermal sinus was excised at different sites during the same surge
Pregnant woman with an intracranial meningioma – case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dumitrescu Bogdan Constantin , Tataranu Ligia Gabriela , Gorgan Mircea Radu 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
It is about a 33-year-old female, with a 36 weeks uncomplicated pregnancy and with signs of increased intracranial pressure. Hours after admission and an obstetric evaluation, uterine contraction started and the patient was taken to the delivery room, where she presented a partial motor seizure on the left side with secondary generalization and urine emission. A caesarean section was performed without fetal or maternal complications. The urgent MRI gadolinium-enhanced brain scan revealed a 39/50/54 mm tumoral mass having an aspect of an anterior third falx cerebri meningioma. The patient was transferred to our neurosurgical department and afterwards surgery was performed with gross total removal of the tumoral mass. Histological examination revealed atypical meningioma with direct invasion into the adjacent brain parenchyma. A week later she was discharged from the hospital in good condition. One month after surgery, a contrastenhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain did not reveal any signs of tumor recurrence or residual tumor. Our recommendation is for postpartum surgery when is possible. Urgent neurosurgical interventions should be made in case of patients with malignant tumors, active hydrocephalus or benign intracranial tumor such as meningioma associated with signs of impending herniation, progress
Bilateral traumatic paralysis of abducent nerves and clivus fracture: Case Report
Authors: Calderon-Miranda Willen Guillermo , Alvis-Miranda Hernando Raphael , Alcala-Cerra Gabriel , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael 
Published: January 2015

AbstractClivus fractures are a rare pathology, frecuently associated tohigh power trauma. Such injuries may be associated with vascular and cranial nerves lesions. The abducens nerve is particularly vulnerable to traumatic injuries due to its long intracranial course, since their real origin until the lateral rectus muscle. The unilateral abducens nerve palsy of 1- 2-7% occurs in patients with cranial trauma, bilateral paralysis is rare. We report a patient who presented bilateral abducens nerve palsy associated with a clivus fracture
Abnormalities in soluble CD147 / MMPs / TIMPs axis in Ankylosing Spondylitis patients with and without a history of Acute Anterior Uveitis / Anomalii ale axei CD147 solubil / MMPs / TIMPs la pacienții cu spondilită anchilozantă cu sau fără uveită acută anterioară
Authors: Mitulescu Traian Costin , Voinea Liliana Mary , Predeteanu Denisa , Banica Leontina Mirela , Stavaru Crina , Matache Cristiana 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAnkylosing Spondylitis (AS) is the prototype of the axial form of spondyloarthritis. Despite extensive studies, complex mechanisms related to abnormal cellular and molecular processes in AS are not completely understood. Among proinflammatory mediators such as proinflammatory cytokines, NOS-2, chemokines, which lead to inflammation, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in inflammatory processes that characterize AS. Therefore, we purposed to evaluate whether the disruption of extracellular MMPs inducer (EMMPRIN/CD147), MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) homeostasis play a role in the evolution of AS especially in patients with a history of Acute Anterior Uveitis (AAU). For this purpose sera from AS patients and from healthy donors (HDs) were assessed for soluble CD147 (sCD147), MMP-3 and TIMP-1 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for the activity of MMP-2 and -9 gelatinases by gelatin zymography. The experimental results showed that the levels of sCD147, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 were significantly increased in AS patients compared to HDs. sCD147 as well as the ratio MMP-2/sCD147 differentiated AS patients with a history of AAU from those without it. The ratios MMP-2/sCD147, MMP-3/sCD147 and MMP-3/TIMP-1 suggested an imbalance between MMPs and their regulators in AS patients. These results suggest that MMPs/sCD147 ratios could be potential biomarkers to strengthen the characterization of AS patients and to predict disease evolution. Positive or negative correlations between some of the experimental and/or clinical features of AS patients and the therapy also highlight the usefulness of the evaluation of these biomarkers to identify an individualized and efficient therapy.
The dynamics of some oxidative stress markers in 3, 6 and 12-months alcohol abstinent patients: possible relevance for the usage of antioxidants in alcohol withdrawal / Dinamica unor markeri ai stresului oxidativ la 3, 6 şi 12 luni de abstinenţă de la alcool: posibila relevanţă a utilizării de antioxidanţi
Authors: Petrariu Florin , Alexinschi Ovidiu , Chirita Roxana , Chirita Vasile , Ciobica Alin , Padurariu Manuela , Lefter Radu , Dobrin Romeo , Popescu Radu , Anton Emil , Arcan Oana , Timofte Daniel 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWhile the exact relevance of the oxidative stress markers after the complex processes of alcohol withdrawal is still controversial, in the present report we were interested in studying the relevance of oxidative stress status in the alcohol withdrawal processes, by determining some oxidative stress markers after 3, 6 and 12 months of abstinence. 62 patients were selected, all of them males. Thus, 33 (baseline), 14 (3 months), 14 (6 months) and 15 (12 months) patients, while the control group (n=32) included healthy, sex and aged-matched subjects. Regarding superoxid dismutase, we observed a significant group difference (p<0.0001), together with an increase in all 3 cases of time-abstinence, as compared to baseline results: (p<0.0001-3 months), (p<0.0001-6 months) and (p<0.0001- 12 months). Also for glutathione peroxidase, we observed a significant overall effect of the abstinence in our groups (p=0.0003), plus an increase especially at 6 months (p=0.03) and 12 months (p=0.006). Regarding malondialdehyde, as a main marker for the lipid peroxidation processes, we found significant differences between our groups (p<0.0001), together with a decrease in all 3 cases, compared to the baseline group (p=0.003), (p=0.01) and (p=0.0002). In conclusion, this confirms the increased oxidative stress status in alcoholic patients and even more importantly, we showed that there is a significant and progressive decrease in the oxidative stress status at 3, 6 and 12 months after the withdrawal process, as demonstrated by the increased levels of antioxidant enzymes and decreased rate of lipid peroxidation, when compared to baseline values.
α-HPV positivity analysis in a group of patients with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers / Analiza pozitivităţii α-HPV la un grup de pacienţi cu tumori cutanate melanocitare şi non-melanocitare
Authors: Rotaru Maria , Iancu Gabriela , Mihalache Manuela , Anton Gabriela , Morariu Silviu 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackground. Medical research has shown a continuous increase in the incidence of skin cancers, especially among young individuals. One of the ethiopathogenic factors that cause skin carcinogenesis could be the infection with some genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV). Methods. In our study, we have analyzed alpha (α) - HPV positivity and HPV genotypes identified in melanocytic (MSC) and nonmelanocytic skin cancers (NMSC). The results were then compared with results obtained from the control group. The study included 40 cases of MSC and NMSC found in the data base of our hospital, and 40 healthy patients. In all of the cases, we identified the HPV DNA by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the viral genotypes by using α -HPV primers by Linear Array Roche kit. Results. The average α-HPV positivity in tumors was 32.50%, higher than in other studies published to date. The squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lot had the highest α-HPV positivity (40%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (35%) and malignant melanoma (MM) (20%). The comparative analysis between skin cancer-HPV positive (32.50%) and the control group-HPV positive (15%) revealed a positivity of HPV in the tumors group (32.50%) that was higher by a ratio of 2.16. By viral genotyping, we identified high-risk HPV only in BCC and MM (in all α-HPV samples), but not in SCC samples. Conclusions. In our study, α-HPV in NMSC and MSC was positive in 32.50% of the cases; in 46.15% of these, it was possible to identify HPV genotypes. The high-risk HPV genotypes observed in these patients were HPV 16, 35, 58 and 59.
Poverty and Wealth from the Perspective of Selected Psychological Concepts of Value
Authors: Kuświk Justyna 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to discuss the issues associated with the psychological aspect of possessions. The basic question of our consideration refers to the place which poverty and wealth occupy among human values. In particular, the analysis of this article includes recognition of Milton Rokeach and Shalom H. Schwartz.
Using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to Classify Participants of a Questionnaire Survey with Regard to Their Individual Inclination to Respond at Random
Authors: Górkiewicz Maciej 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
In this study, the well-known CES-D depression scale was considered as a prototypical tool for assessing an individual’s inclination to respond at random. It was postulated that the set of the responses obtained from the participants of a questionnaire survey could be divided into three classes: the honest responses class; the pure random class, characterized by the same prob- ability of each admissible score; the smart random class, characterized by the same distribution of the probability of scores as in the honest responses class. A two-step classifying procedure was recommended. According to this procedure, the first step should be to separate the pure random responses from the others. As needed, at the second step the smart random responses should be separated from the honest responses. The CES-D scale consists of sixteen direct questions and four reverse questions, each question with four admissible score values, 0, 1, 2, or 3. The material for the analyses includes all of the 4 294 967 296 possible arrangements of the four scores for the sixteen direct questions, and all of the 256 arrangements of the four scores for the four reverse questions, and all of the possible 49 · 13 = 637 pairs of the possible values of the mean scores from the sixteen direct questions and from the four reverse questions, respectively. It was assumed, without loss of generality, that the honest responses to the sixteen direct questions lead to the resulting distribution: P = (8/16; 5/16; 2/16; 1/16), for a score equal to 0, 1, 2, or 3, respectively. The original iterative procedure was used to compute the exact distributions of the mean scores in the pure random class, and in the smart random class. The discriminant ability to dis- tinguish between the two classes was characterized with the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. In result, the excellent discriminant properties of the CES-D were confirmed. The area under the ROC curve was estimated equal to AUC = 0.98 with standard error SE = 0.004 for the screening of the pure random responses from all of the others, and equal to AUC = 0.87 with standard error SE = 0.006 for the purpose of distinguishing the smart random responses from the honest ones.
The Use of Joinpoint Regression Analysis in the Mortality Study of Developmental Age Population in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, 2003–2012
Authors: Genowska Agnieszka , Jamiołkowski Jacek , Zalewska Magdalena , Rodakowska Ewa , Kurpiewska Kamila , Szpak Andrzej , Maciorkowska Elżbieta 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The youngest population in society is recognized as that at the healthiest stage of life but is burdened by the occurrence of premature death that should be avoidable. There is a need to use adequate statistical methods in assessing the health status of the population of developmental age. The aim of the study was to analyze trends of mortality in children and adolescents by age and gender in the Podlaskie Voivodeship in the years 2003-2012 by joinpoint regression and to identify the causes of mortality. The mortality rate was analysed according to gender and the age groups: 0, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14 and 15-19 years in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. The data were obtained from the Central Statistical Office for the period 2003-2012. Differences in mortality levels between age and gender subgroups were obtained by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Join- point regression was used to analyze the trends in mortality. The nomenclature of ICD-10 was used to assess the causes of mortality of children and adolescents. In the Podlaskie Voivodeship in the years 2003-2012 in the 0-19-year-old age group, the highest proportion of deaths (42.4%) occurred during the first year of life. There were differences in mortality rates between boys (8.0/104) and girls (3.1/104) in the 15-19-year-old age group (p < 0.01), and also between the 1-14-year-old and 15-19-year-old age groups (p < 0.01), both among boys (2.1/104 vs. 8.0/104) and girls (1.5/104 vs. 3.1/104). Monotonous trends were shown regarding total mortality rates in infants. There was a drop in the mortality rate of infant girls (AAPC = 5.3%, p < 0.05) and boys (AAPC = 4.7%, p < 0.05). Changes in the direction of the total mortality rate trend were visible in the population of boys aged 1-14 years, in which, between 2003 and 2010, a significant reduction in mortality (AAPC = 9.5%) was observed, while in the years 2010-2012 the trend was not significant. No statistical evidence was found that mortality changed among girls in the 1-14-year-old and 15-19-year-old age groups. Deaths in infancy were due to perinatal conditions and congenital mal- formations. The main causes of mortality in the 1-19-year-old age group were external causes, mainly traffic accidents and intentional self-harm. Joinpoint regression indicated a uniform decrease of mortality in the years 2003-2012 except for boys from 1-14 years old, for whom the decreasing trend was for the years 2003-2010 with subsequent stabilization. The main problems are still infant deaths due to perinatal conditions, traffic accidents and intentional self-harm in boys in the 15-19-year-old age group.