bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In lumbosacral plexus injuries can we identify indicators that predict spontaneous recovery or the need for surgical treatment? Results from a clinical study on 72 patients
Authors: Zollino Gianluca , Ferraresi Stefano , Garozzo Debora 
Published: January 2014

Background Post-traumatic lumbosacral plexus injuries seem to be rare events, spontaneously recovering in high percentage: as surgery is often challenging and results in poor outcome, many Authors have advocated conservative treatment only. Nevertheless surgery should not be ruled out: in invalidating injuries, it can restore basic function in the lower extremities.Therefore, it might be necessary to establish guidelines for the management and the indication to surgery in such cases.This study aims to identify indicators predicting spontaneous recovery or the need for surgery.
Method The clinical and radiological data of 72 patients with a post-traumatic lumbosacral plexus injury were reviewed. A follow up equal or superior to 3 years is available in 42 cases.
Results Lumbosacral plexus injuries mostly occurred during road accidents. The incidence of associated lesions was relevant: bone injuries were found in 85% of patients, internal lesions in 30% and vascular injuries in 8%.Lumbosacral trunk and sacral plexus palsies were the most frequent injury patterns.Root avulsions were revealed in 23% of cases and only in sacral plexus and complete lumbosacral plexus injuries: L5 and S1 were the roots more prone to avulsions.About 70% of cases recovered spontaneously, mostly in 18 months. Spontaneous recovery was the rule in lumbar plexus and lumbosacral trunk injuries (where root avulsions never occurred) or in sacral and complete lumbosacral plexus palsies due to compression injuries.The causative mechanism correlated with the injury pattern, the associated bone injury being often predictive of the severity of the nerve injury.Lumbosacral plexus injuries occurred in car crashes were generally associated with fractures causing compression on the nerves, thus resulting in injuries often amenable of spontaneous recovery.Motorcycle accidents implied high kinetic energy traumas where traction played an important role, as the high percentage of sacroiliac joint separations demonstrated (found in more than 50% of cases and always associated to root avulsions).Loss of sphincteral control and excruciating leg pain were also invariably associated with avulsions.
Conclusions Clinical and radiological data can help to predict the occurrence of spontaneous recovery or the need for surgery in post-traumatic lumbosacral plexus injuries.
MicroRNA-26a negatively regulates toll-like receptor 3 expression of rat macrophages and ameliorates pristane induced arthritis in rats
Authors: Jiang Congshan , Zhu Wenhua , Xu Jing , Wang Bo , Hou Weikun , Zhang Rui , Zhong Nannan , Ning Qilan , Han Yan , Yu Hongchuan , Sun Jian , Meng Liesu , Lu Shemin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Abnormal toll-like receptor (TLR)3 signaling plays an indispensable role in pathogenesis of both experimental and human rheumatoid arthritis, and microRNAs (miRNAs) might orchestrate this signaling pathway. This study was performed to determine the relationship between miR-26a and TLR3 in rat macrophages and to observe effects of miR-26a mimic on pristane induced arthritis (PIA) in rats.

Methods
Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the direct interaction between miR-26a (a candidate miRNA to target tlr3 mRNA) and tlr3 3′UTR. MiR-26a regulation on TLR3 gene expression was determined using RT-qPCR and Western blotting after miR-26a mimics and inhibitors were transfected into rat macrophage line NR8383 cells. Poly I:C (TLR3 ligand) was used to trigger TLR3 activation, and mRNA expression of its downstream cytokines interferon (ifn)-β and tumor necrosis factor (tnf)-α was accordingly detected to determine the regulation of TLR3 signaling. Expressions of TLR3 and miR-26a were detected during rat bone marrow derived macrophage (BMDM) induction, in pristane stimulated NR8383 cells and spleens from methotrexate (MTX) treated PIA rats. A miR-26a mimic was administrated intraperitoneally to PIA rats, and arthritis severity was evaluated by macroscopic or microscopic observations.

Results
Direct target relationship between miR-26a and tlr3 mRNA in rats was confirmed. Modifications of miR-26a function by transfection of miR-26a mimics and inhibitors exhibited corresponding repression and augmentation of TLR3 and its signaling downstream cytokine expressions in NR8383 cells. The alteration of miR-26a expression was negatively related with TLR3 expression during BMDM induction, in pristane-primed NR8383 cells and PIA rat spleens. Moreover, both abnormal expressions were rescued in MTX treated arthritis rat spleens. The miR-26a mimic treatment displayed the depression of TLR3 expression and ameliorated the disease severity in the rats with pristane induced arthritis.

Conclusions
MiR-26a negatively regulates TLR3 signaling via targeting of TLR3 itself in rat macrophages, and this finding provides a novel insight into abnormal TLR3 overexpression during experimental arthritis.
Oral delivery of oligomeric procyanidins in Apple Poly® enhances type I IFN responses in vivo
Authors: Snyder Deann T , Robison Amanda , Kemoli Sharon , Kimmel Emily , Holderness Jeff , Jutila Mark A , Hedges Jodi F 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTType I IFN signaling is a central pathway that provides critical innate protection from viral and bacterial infection and can have regulatory outcomes in inflammatory settings. We determined previously that OPCs contained in the dietary supplement APP enhanced responses to type I IFN in vitro. Here, we confirm that OPCs from two different sources significantly increased pSTAT1, whereas a monomeric form of procyanidin did not. We hypothesized that similar responses could be induced in vivo following ingestion of APP. Ingestion of APP before injection of polyI:C enhanced in vivo responses to type I IFNs in mice. When human subjects ingested APP, enhanced responses to type I IFN and enhanced pSTAT1 ex vivo were detected, whereas ingestion of RES, a monomeric polyphenol, induced minimal such changes. Polyphenols are best known for induction of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses; however, our findings suggest a unique, nonantioxidant aspect of OPCs that is broadly applicable to many disease settings. The capacity of oral OPCs to enhance type I IFN signaling in vivo can augment innate protection and may, in part, contribute to the noted anti-inflammatory outcome of ingestion of OPCs from many sources.
The influence of chromatic background on the photosensitivity of tilapia erythrophores
Authors: Chen Shyh-Chi , Hornsby Mark A. W. , Robertson R. Meldrum , Hawryshyn Craig W. 
Published: January 2014

Summary
Non-mammalian vertebrates and invertebrates use extraretinal photoreceptors to detect light and perform diverse non-image-forming functions. Compared to well-studied visual systems, the effect of ambient light conditions on photosensory systems of extraretinal photoreceptors is poorly understood. Chromatophores are photosensitive dermal pigment cells that play an important role in the formation of body color patterns to fit the surrounding environment. Here, we used tilapia erythrophores to investigate the relationship between environmental light and chromatophore photoresponses. All erythrophores from three spectral conditions aggregated their pigment granules in UV/short wavelengths and dispersed in middle/long wavelengths. Unlike retinal visual systems, environmental light did not change the usage of the primary opsins responsible for aggregation and dispersion. In addition, short wavelength-rich and red-shifted background conditions led to an inhibitory effect on erythrophore photoresponses. We suggest that, as extraretinal photoreceptors for non-image-forming functions, chromatophores directly adjust their photoresponse sensitivity via changes in opsin expression levels rather than opsin types when environmental light changes.
Facile Preparation of Ionic Liquid Containing Silsesquioxane Framework
Authors: Ishii Takuhiro , Mizumo Tomonobu , Kaneko Yoshiro 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
An ionic liquid containing silsesquioxane framework (SQ-IL) was successfully prepared by the hydrolytic condensation of trimethyl[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride in aqueous solution of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI). The energy-dispersive X-ray analysis of SQ-IL indicated that the molar ratio of quaternary ammonium cation to TFSI anion in SQ-IL was ca. 1:1. The 29Si NMR spectrum of SQ-IL showed two broad peaks in T2 and T3 regions. The weight-average molecular weight estimated by static light-scattering measurement was ca. 1.8 × 103. In addition, the X-ray diffraction pattern of SQ-IL did not show any diffraction peaks. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that SQ-IL was an amorphous oligomeric silsesquioxane compound containing equimolar quaternary ammonium cations and TFSI anions. The differential scanning calorimetry thermogram of SQ-IL exhibited an endotherm peak due to glass transition at 15 °C, and SQ-IL showed fluidity over ca. 35 °C, indicating that SQ-IL was fluid below 100 °C (i.e., an ionic liquid). In the thermogravimetric analyses, the temperatures of thermal decomposition of SQ-IL were higher than those of N,N,N-trimethyl-N-propylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, which is an ionic liquid compound with the same structure as that of the side chains of SQ-IL. This result indicated that the silsesquioxane framework could suppress thermal degradation.
Rs7903146 variant of TCF7L2 gene and rs18012824 variant of PPARG2 gene (Pro12Ala) are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Novosibirsk population
Authors: Bondar' Irina Arkad'evna , Filipenko Maksim Leonidovich , Shabel'nikova Olesya Yur'evna , Sokolova Ekaterina Alexandrovna 
Published: January 2014

Aim. To investigate the association of polymorphisms in TCF7L2 and PPARG2 genes with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Novosibirsk population. Materials and Methods. We examined 391 patients with T2DM and 556 individuals with normal glucose metabolism. Allelic identification was performed with TaqMan technique, implementing allele-specific real-time PCR. Results. Analysis shows that allelic frequency distribution of rs1801282 variant of PPARG2 gene and rs7903146 variant of TCF7L2 differs significantly between the study and control groups (OR [CI 95%]=1.44 [1.12?1.85], p=0.005 and OR [CI 95%]=1.57 [1.17?2.10], p=0.003, respectively). T2DM patients with T/T genotype of rs7903146 variant of TCF7L2 gene had lower BMI (p=0.02). Observed combination of risk alleles reached 99%. Combined beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance genotypes were identified in 56% of tested subjects, isolated insulin resistance ? in 42.2% of subjects, and isolated beta-cell dysfunction ? in 0.8% of subjects. Conclusion. Our data shows that carrier state of 12Pro rs1801284 variant of PPARG2 gene and T-allele rs7903146 variant of TCF7L2 gene are associated with T2DM in Novosibirsk population, increasing its risk 1.44 and 1.57 times, respectively. Combination of these polymorphisms was observed in 99% of patients with T2DM.
Markers for gastrointestinal autoimmune disorders in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Derevyanko Olga Sergeevna , Dalantaeva Nadezhda Sergeevna , Pekareva Elena Vladimirovna , Ivanova Olga Nikolaevna , Goncharov Nikolay Petrovich , Nikonova Tatiana Vasil'evna , Smirnova Olga Mikhailovna 
Published: January 2014

Aim. to assess the occurrence of autoantibodies characteristic of autoimmune pancreatitis and gastritis in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and to analyze clinical features of positive subjects. Materials and Methods. 84 patients (39 male, 45 female) with T1DM were subdivided into two groups and underwent biochemical, immunologic and instrumental examination. Results. Markers for gastrointestinal autoimmune disorders were found to be highly prevalent in patients with T1DM, even in those asymptomatic according to instrumental diagnostic methods. Conclusion. Our data suggests that T1DM patients are at higher risk of corresponding, possibly asymptomatic autoimmune disorders.
Morphology of bronchial epithelium in rodent streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pivovarova Oksana Anatolyevna , Mankovsky Boris Nikitich 
Published: January 2014

Aim. To study the morphology of bronchial epithelium in a rodent streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods. . Diabetes mellitus was introduced in 47 white Wistar rats aged 5?6 months (body weight 234.0?2.64 g). 43 white Wistar rats of the same age were used as control subjects (body weight 242.0?2.13). Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (SIGMA, USA) 60 mg/kg in 0.1 M citrate buffer, pH 4.5. Results. A statistically significant decrease in the total epithelial area by 25.9% was observed in the study group, accompanied by a reduction of the supranuclear zone by 22.1% vs. the control group. Conclusion. We found that bronchial mucous membrane in rodents with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus exhibits signs of atrophy and partial loss of mucous production by bronchial secretory cells.
The effects of structured self-monitoring of blood glucose on therapeutic effectiveness and adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus initiating insulin treatment
Authors: Suvorova Lyudmila Alexandrovna , Petrov Alexander Vladimirovich , Strongin Leonid Grigor'evich 
Published: January 2014

Aim. To compare the efficiency of standard and structured approaches to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) initiating insulin treatment. Materials and Methods. This open prospective randomized clinical trial included 51 T2DM patients who initiated insulin therapy in either outpatient or inpatient setting. Subjects were randomized in standard and structured SMBG groups, the structured group used an advanced Accu-Chek 360 View protocol. Evaluation included clinical examination and laboratory testing of HbA1c levels at the beginning of the treatment and after 3 months of the follow-up period. Results. 70% of the structured self-monitoring group and 32% of the control group achieved therapeutic goals (p=0.008). Higher adherence was associated with better glycemic control in both groups ? and vice versa. However, among patients with low adherence, 73% of advanced SMBG group managed to achieve therapeutic goals vs. 19% in the control group (p=0.005). In addition, patients in the structured monitoring group gained less weight as compared to the control (1.0?2.88 kg vs. 3.2?2.56 kg; p=0.005). Conclusion. Structured SMBG commenced at the initiation of insulin therapy improves glycemic control in a greater fraction of patients, especially in those with low adherence to treatment. Structured SMBG also partially alleviates weight gain as side effect of insulin treatment.
Evaluation of glycemic control, quality of life and psychological characteristics in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shishkova Yuliya Andreevna , Motovilin Oleg Gennad'evich , Surkova Elena Viktorovna , Mayorov Alexander Yur'evich 
Published: January 2014

Aim. To identify psychological characteristics associated with better glycemic control and higher quality of life (QoL) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Materials and Methods. The study included 140 T1DM patients (47 males) aged 18 to 28 years. Assessment of the QoL and associated emotional state (ES) was performed by validated localized questionnaires, supplemented with the inventories for evaluation of psychological characteristics. Based on the acquired data we performed a trilateral analysis of glycemic control, QoL and ES, followed by testing of these parameters for correlation with certain psychological characteristics, including disease attitude, mindfulness, self-attitude and self-assessment, coping strategies, autoregulation parameters and the locus of control. Results. In the studied sample, better glycemic control was associated with higher QoL and more favourable ES. We also identified several psychological characteristics associated with an improvement in all three primary parameters, namely: higher level of mindfulness, internal locus of control and ergopathic attitude. Conclusion. The diagnostic inventory for QoL and ES evaluation used in the present study may be helpful for psychological testing in patients with T1DM.
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications among the population of Moscow Region ? a cross-sectional epidemiological study
Authors: Suntsov Yury Ivanovich , Bolotskaya Lyubov' Leonidovna , Rudakova Olga Gennad'evna , Andrianova Ekaterina Andreevna , Tolkacheva Anna Anatol'evna , Kon Irina L'vovna 
Published: January 2014

Aim. To estimate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among the population of Moscow Region, as well as the actual prevalence of diabetes complications in individuals already diagnosed with DM. Materials and Methods. 2403 inhabitants of Stupinksy and Domodedovsky areas aged 30 to 70 years were selected by means of random sampling for the estimation of T2DM prevalence. Another 600 individuals inhabiting Pushkinsky and Serpukhovsky areas were randomly selected for the estimation of the prevalence of DM complications (including patients with T2DM). Clinical screening was performed by the mobile diagnostic team. Results. HbA1c level was tested in all participants. The cut-off point for the diagnosis of DM was set for . HbA1c>6.5% according to the WHO guidelines (2011). 204 individuals (8.49%) met this criterion and were selected for further evaluation by OGTT with the following Results. 28.04% were positive for glycemic disorders, including T2DM (8.53%), IGT (17.07%), IFG (2.44%). The highest prevalence of T2DM was found in the elder group (60?70 years old). The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was estimated at 26.06%, being 2 times higher among T2DM patients than previously calculated for Moscow Region by the Russian State Diabetes Register (13.2%). The microalbuminuria stage of diabetic nephropathy was diagnosed in 46.1% of diabetes patients, being 5 times more prevalent than previously estimated for Moscow Region by the Russian State Diabetes Register (5.84%). Conclusion. The actual prevalence of T2DM in Moscow Region is markedly higher than the registered. The prevalence of diabetes complications is also significantly underestimated. Most patients do not achieve . HbA1c targets (
Vitamin D levels and liver histological alterations in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Nobili Valerio , Giorgio Valentina , Liccardo Daniela , Bedogni Giorgio , Morino Giuseppe , Alisi Anna , Cianfarani Stefano 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between plasma vitamin D (VD) levels and histological liver damage in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Subjects and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, carried out in a tertiary care center for obesity, 73 consecutive overweight and obese children with persistently elevated serum aminotransferase levels and diffusely hyperechogenic liver on ultrasonography were selected for liver biopsy. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis were histologically diagnosed using NAFLD Clinical Research Network (CRN) criteria. The plasma levels of 25-OH-VD were measured by HPLC. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between 25-OH-VD levels and the predictors of interest after correction for age, gender, waist circumference, BMI, and other potential confounders.ResultsThe children (64% males) were aged 8–18 years, and their median BMI was 2.45 SDS. Both parathyroid hormone levels and BMD were within the normal range. All cases of fibrosis were detected in children with NASH. On multivariable linear regression with correction for age, gender, and BMI, 25-OH-VD levels were found to be 9 (95% CI 12–6) ng/ml lower in children with NASH than in those without NASH (P<0.001) and 9 (12–6) ng/ml lower in children with stage 1 fibrosis than in those with stage 0 fibrosis and 9 (13–6) ng/ml lower in children with stage 2 than in those with stage 0 fibrosis (P<0.001 for both).ConclusionVD levels are inversely associated with NASH and fibrosis in children with NAFLD.
Association between GH receptor polymorphism (exon 3 deletion), serum IGF1, semen quality, and reproductive hormone levels in 838 healthy young men
Authors: Andreassen M , Jensen R B , Jørgensen N , Juul A 
Published: January 2014

IntroductionGH activity may be involved in male reproductive function. A common genetic polymorphism in the gene encoding the GH receptor (GHR) results in deletion of the entire exon 3 sequence (GHRd3 isoform). The short GHRd3/d3 isoform seems more sensitive compared with full-length receptors (GHRfl/fl).AimTo investigate the associations between GH activity, evaluated by exon 3 GHR polymorphism, and serum IGF1 vs reproductive hormones, semen quality, and pre- and postnatal growth in healthy young males (n=838, mean age: 19.4 years).ResultsCompared with GHRfl/fl homozygous individuals (n=467) GHRd3/d3 homozygous individuals (n=69) tended to have larger semen volume (3.2 (2.4–4.3) vs 3.6 (2.6–4.7) ml, P=0.053) and higher serum inhibin-B levels (208 pg/ml (158–257) vs 227 pg/ml (185–264), P=0.050). Semen quality, levels of gonadotropins, testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin, and IGF1 were not associated with GHRd3 genotype.A twofold increase in serum IGF1 was associated with a 13% (4–23) increase in calculated free testosterone (P=0.004). By contrast IGF1 was inversely associated with serum inhibin-B (P=0.027), but showed no associations to semen quality. GHR genotype and serum IGF1 were not associated with size at birth or final height.ConclusionsGHRd3 polymorphism seemed only to have a weak influence on male reproductive function of borderline significance. The sensitive GHRd3/d3 genotype may slightly increase testicular function, as evaluated by semen volume and levels of inhibin-B, but does not seem to influence Leydig cell steroidogenesis. GHR genotype did not influence pre- and postnatal growth.
Joint Analysis of Binomial and Continuous Traits with a Recursive Model: A Case Study Using Mortality and Litter Size of Pigs
Authors: Varona Luis , Sorensen Daniel 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis work presents a model for the joint analysis of a binomial and a Gaussian trait using a recursive parametrization that leads to a computationally efficient implementation. The model is illustrated in an analysis of mortality and litter size in two breeds of Danish pigs, Landrace and Yorkshire. Available evidence suggests that mortality of piglets increased partly as a result of successful selection for total number of piglets born. In recent years there has been a need to decrease the incidence of mortality in pig-breeding programs. We report estimates of genetic variation at the level of the logit of the probability of mortality and quantify how it is affected by the size of the litter. Several models for mortality are considered and the best fits are obtained by postulating linear and cubic relationships between the logit of the probability of mortality and litter size, for Landrace and Yorkshire, respectively. An interpretation of how the presence of genetic variation affects the probability of mortality in the population is provided and we discuss and quantify the prospects of selecting for reduced mortality, without affecting litter size.