bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Pharmacogenetics in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus / ULOGA FARMAKOGENETIKE U LEČNJU DIJABETES MELITUSA
Authors: Topić Elizabeta 
Published: November 2013

Summary
Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous group of disorders in which particular disease phenotypes can be characterized by a specific etiology and/or pathogenesis of the disease, but in many cases its classification is greatly impeded due to significant phenotype overlapping. Diabetes is a wordwide epidemic with significant health and economic consequences. The frequency of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is much higher than type 1 diabetes (T1D). In adults, around 285 million people suffer from T2DM with a projected rise to 438 million in the next 20 years. A variety of pharmacological treatments exist for patients with T2D, in addition to dietary and physical activity. Pharmacologically, diabetes is treated with nine major classes of approved drugs, including insulin and its analogues, sulfonylureas, biguanides, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), meglitinides, a-glucosidase inhibitors, amylin analogues, incretin hormone mimetics, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors. Treatment strategy for T2D is based mostly on oral hypoglycemic drug (OHD) efficacy assessed usually by HbA1c and/or fasting plasma glucose. The patients are often treated with more than one OHD in combination with the purpose to receive more effective treatment. Characterization of drug response is expected to substantially increase the ability to provide patients with the most effective treatment strategy. If pharmacogenetic testing for diabetes drugs could be used to predict treatment outcome, appropriate measures could be taken to treat T2D more efficiently. To date, major pharmacogenetic studies have focused on response to sulfonylureas, biguanides, and TZDs, the most used OHD. A comprehensive review of the pharmacogenetic studies of specific OHD is presented in this article. Understanding the pharmacogenetics of these drugs will provide critical baseline information for the development and implementation of a genetic screening program into therapeutic decision making, enabling a personalized medicine approach for T2D patients.
Preliminary Observations on the Family Mormyridae in Oyan Dam Lake (Nigeria)
Authors: Olopade Olaniyi Alaba 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to investigate the abundance, distribution, diversity and condition factor of Mormyrids in Oyan Dam lake, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The fish were sampled from the catches of the fishermen in Oyan Dam lake, which used gillnets of 30-80 mm laterally stretched mesh size. The fish were sampled monthly between February and September 2011, at two different sites (Imala and Ibaro). The results revealed that a total number of 100 fishes of six species belonging to the family Mormyridae were collected. Numerically, catches were dominated by Mormyrus rume (34%), Hyperopisus bebe (30%) and Petrocephalus bane (24%). Together, these species comprised 88% of all collected individuals. Marcusenius ihuysi was rare and least in number representing 1% of the fish caught. The results showed that only four species were recorded in the dry season, namely Mormyrus rume, Hyperopisus bebe, Petrocephalus bane and Mormyrus deliciosus while five species were recorded in the wet season particularly in September. Mormyrus deliciosus, was not recorded in the wet season. In terms of body weight, the highest mean value was recorded for Mormyrus deliciosus (435.71 ± 95.71), followed by Mormyrus rume (143.82 ± 5.55) and Hyperopisus bebe (123.5 ± 5.26) while Petrocephalus bane was the least one (95.00 ± 8.56). The results also showed that the condition factor during the wet season (4.18) was higher than the condition factor of the dry season (3.51). Simpson’s index was used to determine the species richness, while Shannon-Wiener’s Index was used to evaluate species diversity; species evenness was equally evaluated using Pielou’s Index. The indices of diversity included (d) = 0.31 and 0.23, H = 1.18 and 1.53 and E = 0.851 and 0.853 respectively for the two sites at Oyan Dam lake. The estimates from these indices indicated a low fish species composition and richness, also unevenness in the population of Mormyrids in Oyan Dam lake. Therefore, it will be advisable to regulate the activities of fishers in the water body to allow future increase in the abundance of this species.
Diversity and Abundance Patterns of Amphibians in Rehabilitated Quarries of Bamburi Near Mombasa (Kenya)
Authors: Ong’Oa Dominic Otwori , Ng’Endo Rossa Nyoike , Muya Shadrack Muvui , Nyoike Mathew Mugechi , Malomz Patrick Kenyatta , Osiemo Zipporah Lagat 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
Amphibians are sensitive to changes in the environment and are, therefore, excellent indicators of success in restoring degraded habitats. As such, a clear understanding on how amphibian populations respond to changes in the environment is required. In order for conservationists to establish if the declining trends are changing, biodiversity recovery studies are essential especially in reclaimed habitats. This study focused on the recovery of amphibians, particularly on frogs, in reclaimed quarries of the Bamburi Cement Plant near Mombasa whereby the diversity, species abundances and composition at different stages of quarry re-establishment were assessed.
The study area was divided into three zones based on the 13-year interval since the beginning of the rehabilitation process. Transect surveys and time-constrained search and size method were used for sampling 20 randomly selected sites. Sampling was done during the rainy and the dry seasons, with searches conducted between 900 and 1,600 hours during the day and between 1,800 to 2,100 hours at night. Recording of basic morphological data of collected specimens was done in the field to aid in grouping specimens before voucher materials were preserved in 10% formalin and stored in 70% alcohol. Further identifications and confirmations matching specimens to species were carried out using specialized classification keys from the National Museum of Kenya.
Twelve species were encountered across the three zones, with Ptychadena anchietae and Phrynobatrachus acridoides, respectively, the most abundant. It was also noted that amphibian diversity across the quarries was independent of the age of ecological reestablishment (r = -0.5). This is indicated by the higher amphibian diversity in the south and north quarries (N = 1050 and 506 respectively) despite their relatively younger age since reestablishment compared to the central quarry (N = 438). Lower diversity in the central quarry, although the oldest, may be largely attributed to human disturbance. Additionally, exotic plantations across the study area are poor in species since they are monocultures and, thus, not heterogeneous enough to support higher anuran diversity. Since amphibians act as one of the best measure of environmental health, rehabilitation process in the quarries need to embrace mechanisms that support maximum biodiversity recovery such as replanting of more indigenous tree species as opposed to only exotic monocultures.
The Influence of Some Environmental Variables on Diversity of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera Assemblages - Vişeu Basin Case Study
Authors: Curtean-Bănăduc Angela , Olosutean Horea 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT
The study analyses the influence of certain biotope parameters, such as hydromorphological characteristics, channel modification, bank vegetation and riverine land use, on the diversity of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) larvae communities, in the case of the Vişeu Basin.
The results show that river bed embankments, mineral substrate exploitation, and forest exploitation of the hillsides of the river basin cause a loss in diversity of EPT communities. Based on the principle that simplification of the structure of these communities has a negative impact on the self-regulating capacity of the lotic system, several steps are necessary in order to preserve the diversity of EPT communities in the types of Carpathian rivers analysed: preserving the natural morphodynamics of the river bed, limiting substrate exploitation, avoiding changes in the substrate structure due to the extraction of boulders and large cobbles from the riverbed and preserving riparian tree vegetation on the river banks.
The Definition and Application of Pilates Exercise to Treat People With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Delphi Survey of Australian Physical Therapists
Authors: Wells Cherie , Kolt Gregory S. , Marshall Paul , Bialocerkowski Andrea 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundPilates exercise is recommended for people with chronic low back pain (CLBP). In the literature, however, Pilates exercise is described and applied differently to treat people with CLBP. These differences in the definition and application of Pilates exercise make it difficult to evaluate its effectiveness.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to establish consensus regarding the definition and application of Pilates exercise to treat people with CLBP.MethodsA panel of Australian physical therapists who are experienced in treating people with CLBP using Pilates exercise were surveyed using the Delphi technique. Three electronic questionnaires were used to collect the respondents' opinions. Answers to open-ended questions were analyzed thematically, combined with systematic literature review findings, and translated into statements about Pilates exercise for people with CLBP. Participants then rated their level of agreement with these statements using a 6-point Likert scale. Consensus was achieved when 70% of the panel members strongly agreed, agreed, or somewhat agreed (or strongly disagreed, disagreed, or somewhat disagreed) with an item.ResultsThirty physical therapists completed all 3 questionnaires and reached consensus on the majority of items. Participants agreed that Pilates exercise requires body awareness, breathing, movement control, posture, and education. It was recommended that people with CLBP should undertake supervised sessions for 30 to 60 minutes, twice per week, for 3 to 6 months. Participants also suggested that people with CLBP would benefit from individualized assessment and exercise prescription, supervision and functional integration of exercises, and use of specialized equipment.LimitationsItem consensus does not guarantee the accuracy of findings. This survey reflects the opinion of only 30 physical therapists and requires validation in future trials.ConclusionThese findings contribute to a better understanding of Pilates exercise and how it is utilized by physical therapists to treat people with CLBP. This information provides direction for future research into Pilates exercise, but findings need to be interpreted within the context of study limitations.
Synthesis and characteristics of precipitation hardened Cu–Cr alloy and multiply hardened Cu–Cr–Al2O3nanocomposite obtained using powder metallurgy techniques
Authors: Božić Dušan , Ružić Jovana , Stašić Jelena , Rajković Višeslava 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe hardening of copper alloy by using powder metallurgy techniques and analysis of its effects on the strength of obtained material are discussed. Prealloyed Cu-0.5 wt.% Cr powder and mechanically alloyed Cu-0.5 wt.% Cr-3 wt.% Al2O3powder were consolidated by means of hot pressing. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used for microstructure characterization of compacts. Hardness and electrical conductivity of both compacts were compared. High strengthening of the Cu–Cr compacts is achieved by aging as a consequence of the influence of precipitation particles rich in chromium. In the case of the Cu–Cr–Al2O3composite it is a consequence of precipitation of particles rich in chromium and the presence of Al2O3dispersoid nanoparticles.
Effect of rhenium addition on the strengthening of chromium–alumina composite materials
Authors: Chmielewski Marcin , Pietrzak Katarzyna , Strojny-Nedza Agata , Dubiel Beata , Czyrska-Filemonowicz Aleksandra 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Chromium–alumina composites are well known for their good mechanical properties in comparison to pure ceramics or metals. These composites are characterized by high hardness and high mechanical strength. The aim of the present work was to improve the properties of chromium–alumina composites even more and expand the range of their possible applications by addition of rhenium. To achieve this goal, chromium–alumina composites containing 2 and 5 vol.% of rhenium were produced via powder metallurgy. The microstructural characterization of the processed material was performed using light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as X-ray diffraction analysis. Measurement of selected properties such as Young's modulus, bend strength and hardness revealed an advantageous influence of rhenium additions. The results are discussed in terms of the influence of rhenium volume content on the microstructure and on the physical and mechanical properties of the chromium–alumina composites. The solid solution is only partially formed. The properties strongly depend on the amount and distribution of both aluminium oxide and rhenium content.
Effect of the Mandrel Rotation Speed and Inner Wall Cooling Rate on the Performance and Structure of Polypropylene Block-Copolymer Pipe
Authors: Han R. , Nie M. , Bai S.-B. , Wang Q. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPolypropylene block-copolymer (PP-B) pipes were prepared using a self-designed rotational extrusion processing system. The experimental results showed that though the crystal morphology in the prepared PP-B pipes did not change compared to conventional extrusion, the molecular chains in amorphous region apparently deviated from the axial direction. As a result, in comparison with the conventional extrusion pipes, the mechanical properties in hoop direction and the resistance to crack growth of rotation extrusion PP-B pipes were greatly improved. Furthermore, both the two mechanical properties improved monotonously with increasing mandrel rotation speed and inner wall cooling rate.
Influence of Mold Temperature on Mold Filling Behavior and Part Properties in Micro Injection Molding
Authors: Meister S. , Drummer D. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
A variety of polymer parts used in microsystems technology is manufactured by injection molding processes. Particularly the high cooling velocity negatively affects the process and the resulting part properties. The scope of this paper is to investigate the influence of the mold temperature during the injection phase on the melt flow and the mold filling as well as on the resulting part properties. The results indicate that an increasing mold temperature supports the filling behavior, although the injection pressure has more impact. An increasing mold temperature also influences the part properties. It was found that a higher mold temperature leads to a more homogeneous and spherulitic structure as well as to an increasing degree of crystallinity. As a consequence the mechanical part properties are affected, too.
Deep brain stimulation in children and young adults with secondary dystonia: the Children's Hospital Los Angeles experience
Authors: Olaya Joffre E. , Christian Eisha , Ferman Diana , Luc Quyen , Krieger Mark D. , Sanger Terence D. , Liker Mark A. 
Published: November 2013

Background
Dystonia is a movement disorder in which involuntary sustained or intermittent muscle contractions cause twisting and repetitive movements, abnormal postures, or both. It can be classified as primary or secondary. There is no cure for dystonia and the goal of treatment is to provide a better quality of life for the patient.
Surgical intervention is considered for patients in whom an adequate trial of medical treatment has failed. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), specifically of the globus pallidus interna (GPi), has been shown to be extremely effective in primary generalized dystonia. There is much less evidence for the use of DBS in patients with secondary dystonia. However, given the large number of patients with secondary dystonia, the significant burden on the patients and their families, and the potential for DBS to improve their functional status and comfort level, it is important to continue to investigate the use of DBS in the realm of secondary dystonia.

Object
The objective of this study is to review a series of cases involving patients with secondary dystonia who have been treated with pallidal DBS.

Methods
A retrospective review of 9 patients with secondary dystonia who received treatment with DBS between February 2011 and February 2013 was performed. Preoperative and postoperative videos were scored using the Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale (BADS) and Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) by a neurologist specializing in movement disorders. In addition, the patients' families completed a subjective questionnaire to assess the perceived benefit of DBS.

Results
The average age at DBS unit implantation was 15.1 years (range 6–20 years). The average time to follow-up for the BADS evaluation from battery implantation was 3.8 months (median 3 months). The average time to follow-up for the subjective benefit evaluation was 10.6 months (median 9.5 months). The mean BADS scores improved by 9% from 26.5 to 24 (p = 0.04), and the mean BFMDRS scores improved by 9.3% (p = 0.055). Of note, even in patients with minimal functional improvement, there seemed to be decreased contractures and spasms leading to improved comfort. There were no complications such as infections or hematoma in this case series. In the subjective benefit evaluation, 3 patients' families reported “good” benefit, 4 reported “minimal” benefit, and 1 reported no benefit.

Conclusions
These early results of GPi stimulation in a series of 9 patients suggest that DBS is useful in the treatment of secondary generalized dystonia in children and young adults. Objective improvements in BADS and BFMDRS scores are demonstrated in some patients with generalized secondary dystonia but not in others. Larger follow-up studies of DBS for secondary dystonia, focusing on patient age, history, etiology, and patterns of dystonia, are needed to learn which patients will respond best to DBS.
Comprehensive analysis of neurobehavior associated with histomorphological alterations in a chronic constrictive nerve injury model through use of the CatWalk XT system
Authors: Chiang Chien-Yi , Sheu Meei-Ling , Cheng Fu-Chou , Chen Chun-Jung , Su Hong-Lin , Sheehan Jason , Pan Hung-Chuan 
Published: November 2013

Object
Neuropathic pain is debilitating, and when chronic, it significantly affects the patient physically, psychologically, and socially. The neurobehavior of animals used as a model for chronic constriction injury seems analogous to the neurobehavior of humans with neuropathic pain. However, no data depicting the severity of histomorphological alterations of the nervous system associated with graded changes in neurobehavior are available. To determine the severity of histomorphological alteration related to neurobehavior, the authors created a model of chronic constrictive injury of varying intensity in rats and used the CatWalk XT system to evaluate neurobehavior.

Methods
A total of 60 Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250–300 g each, were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 groups that would receive sham surgery or 1, 2, 3, or 4 ligatures of 3-0 chromic gut loosely ligated around the left sciatic nerve. Neurobehavior was assessed by CatWalk XT, thermal hyperalgesia, and mechanic allodynia before injury and periodically after injury. The nerve tissue from skin to dorsal spinal cord was obtained for histomorphological analysis 1 week after injury, and brain evoked potentials were analyzed 4 weeks after injury.

Results.
Significant differences in expression of nerve growth factor existed in skin, and the differences were associated with the intensity of nerve injury. After injury, expression of cluster of differentiation 68 and tumor necrosis factor–α was increased, and expression of S100 protein in the middle of the injured nerve was decreased. Increased expression of synaptophysin in the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal spinal cord correlated with the intensity of injury. The amplitude of sensory evoked potential increased with greater severity of nerve damage. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia did not differ significantly among treatment groups at various time points. CatWalk XT gait analysis indicated significant differences for print areas, maximum contact maximum intensity, stand phase, swing phase, single stance, and regular index, with sham and/or intragroup comparisons.

Conclusions.
Histomorphological and electrophysiological alterations were associated with severity of nerve damage. Subtle neurobehavioral differences were detected by the CatWalk XT system but not by mechanical allodynia or thermal hyperalgesia. Thus, the CatWalk XT system should be a useful tool for monitoring changes in neuropathic pain, especially subtle alterations.
A management strategy for intraventricular subependymal giant cell astrocytomas in tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Harter David H. , Bassani Luigi , Rodgers Shaun D. , Roth Jonathan , Devinsky Orrin , Carlson Chad , Wisoff Jeffery H. , Weiner Howard L. 
Published: November 2013

Object
Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are benign tumors, most commonly associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). The vast majority of these tumors arise from the lateral ependymal surface adjacent to the foramen of Monro, therefore potentially encroaching on one or both foramina, and resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus that necessitates surgical decompression. The indications for surgery, intraoperative considerations, and evolution of the authors' management paradigm are presented.

Methods
Patients with TSC who underwent craniotomy for SEGA resection at New York University Langone Medical Center between January 1997 and March 2011 were identified. Preoperative imaging, clinical characteristics, management decisions, operative procedures, and outcomes were reviewed.

Results
Eighteen patients with TSC underwent 22 primary tumor resections for SEGAs. The indication for surgery was meaningful radiographic tumor progression in 16 of 21 cases. The average age at the time of operation was 10.3 years. Average follow-up duration was 52 months (range 12–124 months). The operative approach was intrahemispheric-transcallosal in 16 cases, transcortical-transventricular in 5, and neuroendoscopic in 1. Nine tumors were on the right, 9 on the left, and 3 were bilateral. Gross-total resection was documented in 16 of 22 cases in our series, with radical subtotal resection achieved in 4 cases, and subtotal resection (STR) in 2 cases. Two patients had undergone ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement preoperatively and 7 patients required shunt placement after surgery for moderate to severe ventriculomegaly. Two patients experienced tumor progression requiring reoperation; both of these patients had initially undergone STR.

Conclusions
The authors present their management strategy for TSC patients with SEGAs. Select patients underwent microsurgical resection of SEGAs with acceptable morbidity. Gross-total resection or radical STR was achieved in 90.9% of our series (20 of 22 primary tumor resections), with no recurrences in this group. Approximately half of our patient series required CSF diversionary procedures. There were no instances of permanent neurological morbidity associated with surgery.