bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medial Epicondyle Morphology in Elite Overhead Athletes
Authors: Makhni Eric C. , Khanna Krishn , Simpson Michael T. , Redler Lauren H. , Anakwenze Oke A. , Li Richard , Ahmad Christopher S. 
Published: January 2014

Background: Prior studies have attempted to determine morphological characteristics of the medial epicondyle in overhead athletes, but no study has reported on precise quantitative differences between elite overhead athletes and control patients. Hypothesis: The medial epicondyle in overhead athletes is larger in volume than those of control patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Computer simulation modeling from advanced (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) imaging of the elbow of 37 patients (22 elite overhead athletes, 15 control patients) was performed to provide detailed assessment of the morphological characteristics of the medial epicondyle. Several quantitative metrics regarding the medial epicondyle were measured and compared across both cohorts, including that of epicondyle width (medial-lateral), height (superior-inferior), thickness (anterior-posterior), volume, percentage cortical volume, and morphology of the inferior slope of the epicondyle. Results: The medial epicondyle in overhead athletes was significantly larger than that found in nonathlete controls (4976 vs 3682 mm3; P = .001). There was no significance between the 2 cohorts in medial-lateral width (16.8 vs 16.6 mm; P = .68), but there was a difference in anterior-posterior thickness (16.96 vs 14.40 mm; P = .001) and superior-inferior height (39.55 vs 35.86 mm; P = .09) in athletes versus controls. The epicondyle volume was 97.9% cortical bone in athletes compared with 82.3% in control patients ( P < .001). There were no differences in the morphology of the inferior epicondyle slope between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The medial epicondyle in overhead athletes is larger in volume and anterior-posterior thickness than those of control patients. Additionally, the medial epicondyle is comprised nearly entirely of cortical bone in overhead athletes. Clinical Relevance: These quantitative findings support the theory of adaptive remodeling in skeletally immature overhead athletes.
Characterization of Rhizobium grahamii extrachromosomal replicons and their transfer among rhizobia
Authors: Althabegoiti María Julia , Ormeño-Orrillo Ernesto , Lozano Luis , Torres Tejerizo Gonzalo , Rogel Marco Antonio , Mora Jaime , Martínez-Romero Esperanza 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background

Rhizobium grahamii belongs to a new phylogenetic group of rhizobia together with Rhizobium mesoamericanum and other species. R. grahamii has a broad-host-range that includes Leucaena leucocephala and Phaseolus vulgaris, although it is a poor competitor for P. vulgaris nodulation in the presence of Rhizobium etli or Rhizobium phaseoli strains. This work analyzed the genome sequence and transfer properties of R. grahamii plasmids.

Results
Genome sequence was obtained from R. grahamii CCGE502 type strain isolated from Dalea leporina in Mexico. The CCGE502 genome comprises one chromosome and two extrachromosomal replicons (ERs), pRgrCCGE502a and pRgrCCGE502b. Additionally, a plasmid integrated in the CCGE502 chromosome was found. The genomic comparison of ERs from this group showed that gene content is more variable than average nucleotide identity (ANI). Well conserved nod and nif genes were found in R. grahamii and R. mesoamericanum with some differences. R. phaseoli Ch24-10 genes expressed in bacterial cells in roots were found to be conserved in pRgrCCGE502b. Regarding conjugative transfer we were unable to transfer the R. grahamii CCGE502 symbiotic plasmid and its megaplasmid to other rhizobial hosts but we could transfer the symbiotic plasmid to Agrobacterium tumefaciens with transfer dependent on homoserine lactones.

Conclusion
Variable degrees of nucleotide identity and gene content conservation were found among the different R. grahamii CCGE502 replicons in comparison to R. mesoamericanum genomes. The extrachromosomal replicons from R. grahamii were more similar to those found in phylogenetically related Rhizobium species. However, limited similarities of R. grahamii CCGE502 symbiotic plasmid and megaplasmid were observed in other more distant Rhizobium species. The set of conserved genes in R. grahamii comprises some of those that are highly expressed in R. phaseoli on plant roots, suggesting that they play an important role in root colonization.
Factors associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hsu Heng-Jung , Yen Chiung-Hui , Hsu Kuang-Hung , Wu I-Wen , Lee Chin-Chan , Hung Ming-Jui , Sun Chiao-Yin , Chou Chia-Chi , Chen Yung-Chih , Hsieh Ming-Fang , Chen Chun-Yu , Hsu Chiao-Ying , Tsai Chi-Jen , Wu Mai-Szu 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Chronic musculoskeletal (MS) pain is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing haemodialysis. However, epidemiological data for chronic MS pain and factors associated with chronic MS pain in patients with early- or late-stage CKD who are not undergoing dialysis are limited.

Method
A cross-sectional study to evaluate the prevalence of chronic MS pain and factors associated with chronic MS pain in patients with early- and late-stage CKD who were not undergoing dialysis, was conducted. In addition, the distribution of pain severity among patients with different stages of CKD was evaluated.

Results
Of the 456 CKD patients studied, 53.3% (n = 243/456) had chronic MS pain. Chronic MS pain was independently and significantly associated with hyperuricemia as co-morbidity, as well as with the calcium × phosphate product levels. In CKD patients with hyperuricemia, chronic MS pain showed a negative, independent significant association with diabetes mellitus as a co-morbidity (odds ratio: 0.413, p = 0.020). However, in the CKD patients without hyperuricemia as a co-morbidity, chronic MS pain showed an independent significant association with the calcium × phosphate product levels (odds ratio: 1.093, p = 0.027). Furthermore, stage-5 CKD patients seemed to experience more severe chronic MS pain than patients with other stages of CKD.

Conclusion
Chronic MS pain is common in CKD patients. Chronic MS pain was independently and significantly associated with hyperuricemia as co-morbidity, and with the calcium × phosphate product levels in early- and late-stage CKD patients who were not on dialysis.
Genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax population in Anhui province of China
Authors: Huang Bo , Huang Shiguang , Su Xin-zhuan , Guo Hong , Xu Yucheng , Xu Fei , Hu Xuchu , Yang Yaming , Wang Shanqing , Lu Fangli 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Although the numbers of malaria cases in China have been declining in recent years, outbreaks of Plasmodium vivax malaria were still being reported in rural areas south of the Yellow River. To better understand the transmission dynamics of P. vivax parasites in China, the extent of genetic diversity of P. vivax populations circulating in Bozhou of Anhui province of China were investigated using three polymorphic genetic markers: merozoite surface proteins 1 and 3α (pvmsp-1 and pvmsp-3α) and circumsporozoite protein (pvcsp).

Methods
Forty-five P. vivax clinical isolates from Bouzhou of Anhui province were collected from 2009 to 2010 and were analysed using PCR/RFLP or DNA sequencing.

Results
Seven and six distinct allelic variants were identified using PCR/RFLP analysis of pvmsp-3α with Hha I and Alu I, respectively. DNA sequence analysis of pvmsp-1 (variable block 5) revealed that there were Sal-I and recombinant types but not Belem type, and seven distinct allelic variants in pvmsp-1 were detected, with recombinant subtype 2 (R2) being predominant (66.7%). All the isolates carried pvcsp with VK210 type but not VK247 or P. vivax-like types in the samples. Sequence analysis of pvcsp gene revealed 12 distinct allelic variants, with VK210-1 being predominant (41.5%).

Conclusions
The present data indicate that there is some degree of genetic diversity among P. vivax populations in Anhui province of China. The genetic data obtained may assist in the surveillance of P. vivax infection in endemic areas or in tracking potential future disease outbreak.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of layered basic zinc acetate nanosheets and their thermal decomposition into nanocrystalline ZnO
Authors: Tarat Afshin , Nettle Chris J , Bryant Daniel TJ , Jones Daniel R , Penny Mark W , Brown Richard A , Majitha Ravish , Meissner Kenith E , Maffeis Thierry GG 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
We have developed a low-cost technique using a conventional microwave oven to grow layered basic zinc acetate (LBZA) nanosheets (NSs) from a zinc acetate, zinc nitrate and HMTA solution in only 2 min. The as-grown crystals and their pyrolytic decomposition into ZnO nanocrystalline NSs are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL). SEM and AFM measurements show that the LBZA NSs have typical lateral dimensions of 1 to 5 μm and thickness of 20 to 100 nm. Annealing in air from 200°C to 1,000°C results in the formation of ZnO nanocrystalline NSs, with a nanocrystallite size ranging from 16 nm at 200°C to 104 nm at 1,000°C, as determined by SEM. SEM shows evidence of sintering at 600°C. PL shows that the shape of the visible band is greatly affected by the annealing temperature and that the exciton band to defect band intensity ratio is maximum at 400°C and decreases by a factor of 15 after annealing at 600°C. The shape and thickness of the ZnO nanocrystalline NSs are the same as LBZA NSs. This structure provides a high surface-to-volume ratio of interconnected nanoparticles that is favorable for applications requiring high specific area and low resistivity such as gas sensing and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). We show that resistive gas sensors fabricated with the ZnO NSs showed a response of 1.12 and 1.65 to 12.5 ppm and 200 ppm of CO at 350°C in dry air, respectively, and that DSCs also fabricated from the material had an overall efficiency of 1.3%.

PACS

81.07.-b; 62.23.Kn; 61.82.Fk
Neurobiological Mechanisms of the Onset of Puberty in Primates*
Authors: Terasawa Ei , Fernandez David L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAn increase in pulsatile release of LHRH is essential for the onset of puberty. However, the mechanism controlling the pubertal increase in LHRH release is still unclear. In primates the LHRH neurosecretory system is already active during the neonatal period but subsequently enters a dormant state in the juvenile/prepubertal period. Neither gonadal steroid hormones nor the absence of facilitatory neuronal inputs to LHRH neurons is responsible for the low levels of LHRH release before the onset of puberty in primates. Recent studies suggest that during the prepubertal period an inhibitory neuronal system suppresses LHRH release and that during the subsequent maturation of the hypothalamus this prepubertal inhibition is removed, allowing the adult pattern of pulsatile LHRH release. In fact,γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) appears to be an inhibitory neurotransmitter responsible for restricting LHRH release before the onset of puberty in female rhesus monkeys. In addition, it appears that the reduction in tonic GABA inhibition allows an increase in the release of glutamate as well as other neurotransmitters, which contributes to the increase in pubertal LHRH release. In this review, developmental changes in several neurotransmitter systems controlling pulsatile LHRH release are extensively reviewed.
Estrogen and Spermatogenesis*
Authors: O’Donnell Liza , Robertson Kirsten M. , Jones Margaret E. , Simpson Evan R. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAlthough it has been known for many years that estrogen administration has deleterious effects on male fertility, data from transgenic mice deficient in estrogen receptors or aromatase point to an essential physiological role for estrogen in male fertility. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the localization of estrogen receptors and aromatase in the testis in an effort to understand the likely sites of estrogen action. The review also discusses the many studies that have used models employing the administration of estrogenic substances to show that male fertility is responsive to estrogen, thus providing a mechanism by which inappropriate exposure to estrogenic substances may cause adverse effects on spermatogenesis and male fertility. The reproductive phenotypes of mice deficient in estrogen receptors α and/or β and aromatase are also compared to evaluate the physiological role of estrogen in male fertility. The review focuses on the effects of estrogen administration or deprivation, primarily in rodents, on the hypothalamo-pituitary-testis axis, testicular function (including Leydig cell, Sertoli cell, and germ cell development and function), and in the development and function of the efferent ductules and epididymis. The requirement for estrogen in normal male sexual behavior is also reviewed, along with the somewhat limited data on the fertility of men who lack either the capacity to produce or respond to estrogen. This review highlights the ability of exogenous estrogen exposure to perturb spermatogenesis and male fertility, as well as the emerging physiological role of estrogens in male fertility, suggesting that, in this local context, estrogenic substances should also be considered “male hormones.”
Free Fatty Acids Inhibit Growth Hormone/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-5 Signaling in Human Muscle: A Potential Feedback Mechanism
Authors: Møller Niels , Gormsen Lars C. , Schmitz Ole , Lund Sten , Jørgensen Jens Otto L. , Jessen Niels 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Context:
Stimulation of lipolysis, leading to increased blood concentrations of free fatty acids (FFAs), is a primary effect of GH and phosphorylation of intracellular signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-5 is a primary mediator of the effects of GH.

Objective:
Based on preliminary results, we intended to test whether FFAs exert a negative feedback inhibition of STAT5 phosphorylation in skeletal muscle.

Design and Participants:
Eight healthy young men were investigated for 8 h on four occasions at four different FFA levels in a single blind, randomized manner. Acipimox was used to suppress FFA levels and Intralipid was infused to obtain appropriate FFA concentrations. Somatostatin was infused to control GH levels and GH, insulin, and glucagon were replaced. Muscle biopsies were taken after 8 h and compared with a fifth biopsy taken under normal basal conditions.

Setting:
The study was conducted at a university clinical research unit.

Results:
GH concentrations remained steady and comparable in all studies and FFA concentrations varied between 0.01 and 1.71 mmol/liter on the four occasions (P &lt; 0.05). We observed a dose-dependent 40% decrease of STAT5 phosphorylation in skeletal muscle with increasing concentrations of FFAs.

Conclusions:
Our results strongly suggest the existence of a negative feedback loop, whereby effects of GH may be dampened by FFA inhibition of GH-dependent STAT5 phosphorylation. The mechanisms behind and biological consequences of this finding awaits additional studies.
Impact of Resistance to Thyroid Hormone on the Cardiovascular System in Adults
Authors: Pulcrano Melania , Palmieri Emiliano , Mannavola Deborah , Campi Irene , Covelli Danila , Lombardi Gaetano , Biondi Bernadette , Beck-Peccoz Paolo 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Background
The clinical manifestations of resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) are highly variable, and the impact of RTH on the cardiovascular system has been poorly investigated.

Aim
The objective of the study was to evaluate the cardiovascular characteristics of 16 untreated and asymptomatic patients with RTH compared with 16 euthyroid healthy controls to define the cardiovascular involvement in RTH syndrome.

Patients and Methods
Sixteen untreated and asymptomatic RTH patients (eight males; aged 33 ± 12 yr, range 21–45 yr) and 16 controls (nine males; aged 33 ± 5 yr, range 24–42 yr) were enrolled. Clinical data, thyroid status, and echocardiographic results were recorded.

Results
Heart rate was comparable with that of controls, whereas arterial pressure was higher than controls. Mean interventricular septum diastolic thickness and mean left ventricular (LV) posterior wall diastolic thickness were significantly lower in RTH patients than controls with a consequent significant decrease of the mean LV mass and LV mass indexed by body surface area. Patients also had abnormalities of myocardial relaxation as indicated by a significant increase of peak A and consequent reduction of the early to late ratio. Finally, systemic vascular resistance was significantly higher in RTH patients than controls.

Conclusions
Our results suggest the presence of cardiovascular alterations in asymptomatic and untreated RTH patients similar to those reported in hypothyroid patients. Our strict selection likely created a bias in the inclusion of a particular type of RTH patients, who could represent a minority of patients with RTH. However, no correlation was found between the type of mutation and cardiovascular characteristics of RTH patients.
Increased 5α-Reductase Activity and Adrenocortical Drive in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Vassiliadi Dimitra A. , Barber Thomas M. , Hughes Beverly A. , McCarthy Mark I. , Wass John A. H. , Franks Stephen , Nightingale Peter , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Arlt Wiebke , Stewart Paul M. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Context
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism, anovulation and susceptibility to the metabolic syndrome. Altered peripheral cortisol metabolism has been reported in PCOS but also in simple obesity.

Objective
To describe cortisol metabolism and metabolic characteristics of a large PCOS cohort and to delineate the effect of obesity by comparison to BMI-matched controls.

Design
Observational, cross-sectional study.

Setting
Outpatient clinics of two secondary/tertiary care centres

Patients or Other Participants
178 PCOS patients fulfilling Rotterdam criteria and 100 BMI-matched controls.

Intervention
24-h urine collection for steroid metabolite excretion, fasting blood samples followed by an OGTT.

Main Outcome Measures
Urinary steroid metabolites including glucocorticoids and androgens and the ratios reflecting enzymatic activities involved in peripheral cortisol and androgen metabolism, 5α-reductase and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and 2. Circulating levels of glucose, insulin, DHEA, DHEAS and testosterone, calculation of HOMA.

Results
Total androgen metabolites were higher in PCOS compared to BMI-matched controls (4105 ± 2047 vs. 2532 ± 1610 μg/24h for the non-obese, 5547 ± 2911 vs. 2468 ± 1794 μg/24hr for the obese, both p &lt; 0.001). Total glucocorticoid metabolites were higher in obese PCOS vs. controls (10786 ± 3852 vs. 8834 ± 4487 μg/24hr, p = 0.001). 5α-reductase activity correlated with BMI, insulin levels and HOMA. Both obese and non-obese PCOS patients had higher 5α-reductase activity than controls (all p &lt; 0.05). 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities did not differ between PCOS and controls.

Conclusions
PCOS is associated with enhanced androgen and cortisol metabolite excretion and increased 5α-reductase activity that cannot be explained by obesity alone. Increased adrenal corticosteroid production represents an important pathogenic pathway in PCOS.
TAC3/TACR3 Mutations Reveal Preferential Activation of GnRH Release by Neurokinin B in Neonatal Life Followed by Reversal in Adulthood
Authors: Gianetti Elena , Tusset Cintia , Noel Sekoni D. , Au Margaret G. , Dwyer Andrew A. , Hughes Virginia A. , Abreu Ana Paula , Carroll Jessica , Trarbach Ericka , Silveira Leticia FG , Costa Elaine MF , de Mendonça Berenice Bilharinho , de Castro Margaret , Lofrano Adriana , Hall Janet E. , Bolu Erol , Ozata Metin , Quinton Richard , Amory John K. , Stewart Susan E. , Arlt Wiebke , Cole Trevor R. , Crowley William F. , Kaiser Ursula B. , Latronico Ana Claudia , Seminara Stephanie B. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Context
Mutations in TAC3 and TACR3 (encoding neurokinin B and its receptor) have been identified in Turkish patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), but broader populations have not yet been tested and genotype-phenotype correlations have not been established.

Objective
A broad cohort of normosmic IHH probands was screened for mutations in TAC3/TACR3 to evaluate the prevalence of such mutations and define the genotype/phenotype relationships.

Design
Sequencing of TAC3/TACR3; in vitro functional assays, neuroendocrine phenotyping.

Setting
Tertiary care centers world-wide.

Patients or other participants
345 probands, 18 family members, 292 controls.

Intervention
Examination of reproductive phenotypes throughout reproductive life and pre/post therapy.

Main Outcome Measure
Rare sequence variants in TAC3/TACR3.

Results
In TACR3, 19 probands harbored 13 distinct coding sequence rare nucleotide variants (3 nonsense mutations, 6 non-synonymous, 4 synonymous [one predicted to affect splicing]). In TAC3, one homozygous single base pair deletion was identified, resulting in complete loss of the neurokinin B decapeptide. Phenotypic information was available on 16 males and 7 females with coding sequence variants in TACR3/TAC3. Of the 16 males, 15 had microphallus; none of the females had spontaneous thelarche. Seven of the 16 males and 5/7 females were assessed after discontinuation of therapy and 6/7 males and 4/5 females demonstrated evidence for reversibility of their hypogonadotropism.

Conclusions
Mutations in the neurokinin B pathway are relatively common as causes of hypogonadism. While the neurokinin B pathway appears essential during early sexual development, its importance in sustaining the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis appears attenuated over time.
XOMA 052, an Anti-IL-1β Monoclonal Antibody, Improves Glucose Control and β-Cell Function in the Diet-Induced Obesity Mouse Model
Authors: Owyang Alexander M. , Maedler Kathrin , Gross Lisa , Yin Johnny , Esposito Lin , Shu Luan , Jadhav Jaaee , Domsgen Erna , Bergemann Jennifer , Lee Steve , Kantak Seema 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
Recent evidence suggests that IL-1β-mediated glucotoxicity plays a critical role in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although previous work has shown that inhibiting IL-1β can lead to improvements in glucose control and β-cell function, we hypothesized that more efficient targeting of IL-1β with a novel monoclonal antibody, XOMA 052, would reveal an effect on additional parameters affecting metabolic disease. In the diet-induced obesity model, XOMA 052 was administered to mice fed either normal or high-fat diet (HFD) for up to 19 wk. XOMA 052 was administered as a prophylactic treatment or as a therapy. Mice were analyzed for glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, insulin secretion, and lipid profile. In addition, the pancreata were analyzed for β-cell apoptosis, proliferation, and β-cell mass. Mice on HFD exhibited elevated glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin secretion, and elevated lipid profile, which were prevented by XOMA 052. XOMA 052 also reduced β-cell apoptosis and increased β-cell proliferation. XOMA 052 maintained the HFDinduced compensatory increase in β-cell mass, while also preventing the loss in β-cell mass seen with extended HFD feeding. Analysis of fasting insulin and glucose levels suggests that XOMA 052 prevented HFD-induced insulin resistance. These studies provide new evidence that targeting IL-1β in vivo could improve insulin sensitivity and lead to β-cell sparing. This is in addition to previously reported benefits on glycemic control. Taken together, the data presented suggest that XOMA 052 could be effective for treating many aspects of type 2 diabetes mellitus.