bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bilateral Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Functional Assessment of the Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendons a Minimum of 6 Years After Ipsilateral Harvest for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Åhlén Martina , Lidén Mattias , Bovaller Åke , Sernert Ninni , Kartus Jüri 
Published: June 2012

Background: Previous studies are contradictory in terms of the function, regeneration potential, insertion point, and cross-sectional area of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons after harvest for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Hypotheses: In the long term, the tendons will regenerate in most patients with a more proximal point of insertion, the cross-sectional area of the tendons will be smaller compared with the nonoperated contralateral side, and the patients will be weaker in terms of the internal rotation and deep flexion of the knee. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Nineteen patients (9 women and 10 men) who had undergone ACL reconstruction a minimum of 6 years earlier, median 8.5 years (range, 6-11 years), with ipsilateral semitendinosus and gracilis autografts, underwent bilateral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of their knees. An experienced, independent musculoskeletal radiologist evaluated all MRI examinations. To evaluate the function, strength measurements in deep knee flexion and internal rotation were performed using an isokinetic strength-testing machine. Results: The semitendinosus tendon had regenerated in 17 of 19 (89%) patients and the gracilis tendon in 18 of 19 (95%) patients, as seen on MRI. There were no significant differences between the point of insertion for the tendons on the operated and nonoperated sides. The cross-sectional areas of the regenerated tendons revealed no significant differences compared with the normal tendons on the contralateral side, as measured 4 cm above the joint line. The patients were significantly weaker in terms of deep knee flexion at 60 and 180 deg/sec, but they were stronger in terms of internal rotation of the tibia at 60 deg/sec in the operated leg compared with the nonoperated leg. Conclusion: The semitendinosus and gracilis tendons regenerated in the majority of patients and regained an almost normal point of insertion on the pes anserinus a minimum of 6 years after harvest. The regenerated tendons had a cross-sectional area similar to that on the nonoperated contralateral side. The patients revealed a strength deficit in deep knee flexion but not in internal rotation.
Correlation of blood counts with vascular complications in essential thrombocythemia: analysis of the prospective PT1 cohort
Authors: Campbell Peter J. , MacLean Cathy , Beer Philip A. , Buck Georgina , Wheatley Keith , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Forsyth Cecily , Harrison Claire N. , Green Anthony R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractEssential thrombocythemia, a myeloproliferative neoplasm, is associated with increased platelet count and risk of thrombosis or hemorrhage. Cytoreductive therapy aims to normalize platelet counts despite there being only a minimal association between platelet count and complication rates. Evidence is increasing for a correlation between WBC count and thrombosis, but prospective data are lacking. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between vascular complications and 21 887 longitudinal blood counts in a prospective, multicenter cohort of 776 essential thrombocythemia patients. After correction for confounding variables, no association was seen between blood counts at diagnosis and future complications. However, platelet count outside of the normal range during follow-up was associated with an immediate risk of major hemorrhage (P = .0005) but not thrombosis (P = .7). Elevated WBC count during follow-up was correlated with thrombosis (P = .05) and major hemorrhage (P = .01). These data imply that the aim of cytoreduction in essential thrombocythemia should be to keep the platelet count, and arguably the WBC count, within the normal range. This study is registered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials Number Registry (www.isrctn.org) as number 72251782.
A low level of serum total testosterone is independently associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kim Sunmi , Kwon Hyuktae , Park Jin-Ho , Cho Belong , Kim Donghee , Oh Seung-Won , Lee Cheol Min , Choi Ho-Chun 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
The association between low serum testosterone levels, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and metabolic syndrome is now well known. However, the relationship between hepatic steatosis and serum testosterone levels has not been extensively studied. Our aim was to investigate the association of serum total testosterone levels with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), adjusting for the influence of VAT and insulin resistance.

Methods
This study is a retrospective observational cross-sectional one of healthy Korean men and was conducted at the Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center. We used data obtained from 495 men who were at least 20 years of age and who had undergone blood testing, abdominal computed tomography, and ultrasonography. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association of serum total testosterone levels with NAFLD.

Results
Men in the low serum testosterone quintile were at a higher risk for NAFLD than men in the highest serum testosterone quintile. After adjusting for age, smoking, diabetes, exercise, BMI, triglycerides, and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, subjects with serum testosterone levels in the lowest quintile had an odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 5.12 (2.43–10.77) for NAFLD (p value, 0.0004). The inverse association between serum testosterone and NAFLD was attenuated by further adjustment for variables including VAT; however, it remained statistically significant (OR (95% CI): 4.52 (2.09–9.80) in the lowest quintile; p value=0.004).

Conclusions
A low serum total testosterone level was independently associated with NAFLD. This report is the first one suggesting the association remains unchanged even after controlling for VAT and insulin resistance.
Novel mutations in natriuretic peptide receptor-2 gene underlie acromesomelic dysplasia, type maroteaux
Authors: Khan Saadullah , Ali Raja Hussain , Abbasi Sanaullah , Nawaz Muhammad , Muhammad Noor , Ahmad Wasim 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are peptide hormones that exert their biological actions by binding to three types of cell surface natriuretic peptide receptors (NPRs). The receptor NPR-B binding C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) acts locally as a paracrine and/or autocrine regulator in a wide variety of tissues. Mutations in the gene NPR2 have been shown to cause acromesomelic dysplasia-type Maroteaux (AMDM), an autosomal recessive skeletal disproportionate dwarfism disorder in humans.

Methods
In the study, presented here, genotyping of six consanguineous families of Pakistani origin with AMDM was carried out using polymorphic microsatellite markers, which are closely linked to the gene NPR2 on chromosome 9p21-p12. To screen for mutations in the gene NPR2, all of its coding exons and splice junction sites were PCR amplified from genomic DNA of affected and unaffected individuals of the families and sequenced.

Results
Sequence analysis of the gene NPR2 identified a novel missence mutation (p.T907M) in five families, and a splice donor site mutation c.2986 + 2 T > G in the other family.

Conclusion
We have described two novel mutations in the gene NPR2. The presence of the same mutation (p.T907M) and haplotype in five families (A, B, C, D, E) is suggestive of a founder effect.
Role of polymorphisms of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, TLR9, toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain containing adaptor protein (TIRAP) and FCGR2A genes in malaria susceptibility and severity in Burundian children
Authors: Esposito Susanna , Molteni Claudio Giuseppe , Zampiero Alberto , Baggi Elena , Lavizzari Anna , Semino Margherita , Daleno Cristina , Groppo Michela , Scala Alessia , Terranova Leonardo , Miozzo Monica , Pelucchi Claudio , Principi Nicola 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is one of the leading causes of human morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, predominantly in tropical and sub-tropical countries. As genetic variations in the toll-like receptors (TLRs)-signalling pathway have been associated with either susceptibility or resistance to several infectious and inflammatory diseases, the supposition is that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR2, TLR4, TLR9, Toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain containing adaptor protein (TIRAP) and FCGR2A could modulate malaria susceptibility and severity.

Methods
This study was planned to make a further contribution to solving the problem of the real role of the most common polymorphisms of TLR4, TLR9, TIRAP and FCGR2A genes in modulating the risk of malaria and disease severity in children from Burundi, Central Africa. All the paediatric patients aged six months to 10 years admitted to the hospital of Kiremba, Burundi, between February 2011 and September 2011, for fever and suspicion of acute malaria were screened for malaria parasitaemia by light microscopy of thick and thin blood smears. In children with malaria and in uninfected controls enrolled during the study period in the same hospital, blood samples were obtained on filter paper and TLR4 Asp299Gly rs4986790, TLR9 G1174A rs352139, T-1486 C rs187084 TLR9 T-1237 C rs5743836, TIRAP Ser180Leu rs8177374 and the FCGR2A His131Arg rs1801274 polymorphisms were studied using an ABI PRISM 7900 HT Fast Real-time instrument.

Results
A total of 602 patients and 337 controls were enrolled. Among the malaria cases, 553 (91.9 %) were considered as suffering from uncomplicated and 49 (8.1 %) from severe malaria. TLR9 T1237C rs5743836CC was associated with an increased risk of developing malaria (p = 0.03), although it was found with the same frequency in uncomplicated and severe malaria cases. No other differences were found in all alleles studied and in genotype frequencies between malaria cases and uninfected controls as well as between uncomplicated and severe malaria cases.

Conclusions
TLR9 T1237C seems to condition susceptibility to malaria in Burundian children but not its severity, whereas none of the assessed SNPs of TLR4, TIRAP and FCGR2A seem to influence susceptibility to malaria and disease severity in this population.
Long-term outcome and toxicity of hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy as a boost treatment for head and neck cancer: the importance of boost volume assessment
Authors: Lee Dong Soo , Kim Yeon Sil , Cheon Jae Seok , Song Jin Ho , Son Seok Hyun , Jang Ji Sun , Kang Young Nam , Kang Jing Hyoung , Jung So Lyoung , Yoo Ie Ryung , Jang Hong Seok 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to report the long-term clinical outcomes of patients who received stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as a boost treatment for head and neck cancer.

Materials and methods
Between March 2004 and July 2007, 26 patients with locally advanced, medically inoperable head and neck cancer or gross residual tumors in close proximity to critical structures following head and neck surgery were treated with SBRT as a boost treatment. All patients were initially treated with standard external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). SBRT boost was prescribed to the median 80% isodose line with a median dose of 21 (range 10–25) Gy in 2–5 (median, 5) fractions.

Results
The median follow-up after SBRT was 56 (range 27.6 − 80.2) months. The distribution of treatment sites in 26 patients was as follows: the nasopharynx, including the base of the skull in 10 (38.5%); nasal cavity or paranasal sinus in 8 (30.8%); periorbit in 4 (15.4%); tongue in 3 (11.5%); and oropharyngeal wall in 1 (3.8%). The median EBRT dose before SBRT was 50.4 Gy (range 39.6 − 70.2). The major response rate was 100% with 21 (80.8%) complete responses (CR). Severe (grade ≥ 3) late toxicities developed in 9 (34.6%) patients, and SBRT boost volume was a significant parameter predicting severe late complication.

Conclusions
The present study demonstrates that a modern SBRT boost is a highly efficient tool for local tumor control. However, we observed a high frequency of serious late complications. More optimized dose fractionation schedule and patient selection are required to achieve excellent local control without significant late morbidities in head and neck boost treatment.
The empowerment of translational research: lessons from laminopathies
Authors: Benedetti Sara , Bernasconi Pia , Bertini Enrico , Biagini Elena , Boriani Giuseppe , Capanni Cristina , Carboni Nicola , Cenacchi Giovanna , Columbaro Marta , D'Adamo Monica , D’Amico Adele , D’Apice Maria Rosaria , Fontana Marianna , Gambineri Alessandra , Lattanzi Giovanna , Liguori Rocco , Maraldi Nadir M , Mazzanti Laura , Mercuri Eugenio , Mongini Tiziana , Morandi Lucia O , Neri Iria , Nigro Giovanni , Novelli Giuseppe , Ortolani Michela , Pasquali Renato , Pini Antonella , Petrini Stefania , Politano Luisa , Previtali Stefano , Pucci Lisa , Rapezzi Claudio , Ricci Giulia , Rodolico Carmelo , Sbraccia Paolo , Scarano Emanuela , Siciliano Gabriele , Squarzoni Stefano , Toscano Antonio , Vercelli Liliana , Ziacchi Matteo 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The need for a collaborative approach to complex inherited diseases collectively referred to as laminopathies, encouraged Italian researchers, geneticists, physicians and patients to join in the Italian Network for Laminopathies, in 2009. Here, we highlight the advantages and added value of such a multidisciplinary effort to understand pathogenesis, clinical aspects and try to find a cure for Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, Mandibuloacral dysplasia, Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria and forms of lamin-linked cardiomyopathy, neuropathy and lipodystrophy.
The effectiveness of ultrasonography in verifying the placement of a nasogastric tube in patients with low consciousness at an emergency center
Authors: Kim Hyung Min , So Byung Hak , Jeong Won Jung , Choi Se Min , Park Kyu Nam 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of using auscultation, pH measurements of gastric aspirates, and ultrasonography as physical examination methods to verify nasogastric tube(NGT) placement in emergency room patients with low consciousness who require NGT insertion.

Methods
The study included 47 patients who were all over 18 years of age. In all patients, tube placement was verified by chest X-rays. Auscultation, pH analysis of gastric aspirates, and ultrasonography were conducted on each patient in random order. The mean patient age was 57.62 ± 17.24 years, and 28 males (59.6%) and 19 females (40.4%) were included. The NGT was inserted by an emergency room resident. For pH testing, gastric aspirates were dropped onto litmus paper, and the resulting color of the paper was compared with a reference table. Ultrasonography was performed by an emergency medicine specialist, and the chest X-ray examination was interpreted by a different emergency medicine specialist who did not conduct the ultrasonography test. The results of the auscultation, gastric aspirate pH, and ultrasonography examinations were compared with the results of the chest x-ray examination.

Results
The sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 33.3%, respectively, for auscultation and 86.4% and 66.7%, respectively, for ultrasonography. Kappa values were the highest for auscultation at 0.484 compared to chest x-rays, followed by 0.299 for ultrasonography and 0.444 for pH analysis of the gastric aspirate. The ultrasonography has a positive predictive value of 97.4% and a negative predictive value of 25%.

Conclusions
Ultrasonography is useful for confirming the results of auscultation after NGT insertion among patients with low consciousness at an emergency center. When ultrasound findings suggest that the NGT placement is not gastric, additional chest X-ray should be performed.
Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy improves insulin resistance, beta cell function and insulin signaling in active rheumatoid arthritis patients with high insulin resistance
Authors: Stagakis Ilias , Bertsias George , Karvounaris Stylianos , Kavousanaki Melina , Virla Dimitra , Raptopoulou Amalia , Kardassis Dimitrios , Boumpas Dimitrios T , Sidiropoulos Prodromos I 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Prevalence of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome has been reported to be high in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a pro-inflammatory cytokine with a major pathogenetic role in RA, may promote insulin resistance by inducing Ser312 phosphorylation (p-Ser312) of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and downregulating phosphorylated (p-)AKT. We examined whether anti-TNF therapy improves insulin resistance in RA patients and assessed changes in the insulin signaling cascade.

Methods

Prospective study of RA patients receiving anti-TNF agents (infliximab, n = 49, adalimumab, n = 11, or etanercept, n = 1) due to high disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28 > 5.1). A complete biochemical profile was obtained at weeks 0 and 12 of treatment. Insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta cell function were measured by the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR), the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) and the HOMA-B respectively. Protein extracts from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assayed by western blot for p-Ser312 IRS-1 and p-AKT. RA patients treated with abatacept (CTLA4.Ig) were used as a control group for insulin signaling studies.

Results

At study entry, RA patients with high insulin resistance (HOMA-IR above median) had significantly higher mean DAS28 (P = 0.011), serum triglycerides (P = 0.015), and systolic blood pressure levels (P = 0.024) than patients with low insulin resistance. After 12 weeks of anti-TNF therapy, patients with high insulin resistance demonstrated significant reduction in HOMA-IR (P < 0.001), HOMA-B (P = 0.001), serum triglycerides (P = 0.039), and increase in QUICKI (P < 0.001) and serum HDL-C (P = 0.022). Western blot analysis in seven active RA patients with high insulin resistance showed reduction in p-Ser312 IRS-1 (P = 0.043) and increase in p-AKT (P = 0.001) over the study period. In contrast, the effect of CTLA4.Ig on p-Ser312 IRS-1 and p-AKT levels was variable.

Conclusions

Anti-TNF therapy improved insulin sensitivity and reversed defects in the insulin signaling cascade in RA patients with active disease and high insulin resistance. The impact of these biochemical changes in modifying cardiovascular disease burden in active RA patients remains to be seen.
Investigation of the role of endosomal Toll-like receptors in murine collagen-induced arthritis reveals a potential role for TLR7 in disease maintenance
Authors: Alzabin Saba , Kong Philip , Medghalchi Mino , Palfreeman Andrew , Williams Richard , Sacre Sandra 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Endosomal toll-like receptors (TLRs) have recently emerged as potential contributors to the inflammation observed in human and rodent models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aims to evaluate the role of endosomal TLRs and in particular TLR7 in the murine collagen induced arthritis (CIA) model.

Methods
CIA was induced by injection of collagen in complete Freund's adjuvant. To investigate the effect of endosomal TLRs in the CIA model, mianserin was administered daily from the day of disease onset. The specific role of TLR7 was examined by inducing CIA in TLR7-deficient mice. Disease progression was assessed by measuring clinical score, paw swelling, serum anti-collagen antibodies histological parameters, cytokine production and the percentage of T regulatory (Treg) cells.

Results
Therapeutic administration of mianserin to arthritic animals demonstrated a highly protective effect on paw swelling and joint destruction. TLR7-/- mice developed a mild arthritis, where the clinical score and paw swelling were significantly compromised in comparison to the control group. The amelioration of arthritis by mianserin and TLR7 deficiency both corresponded with a reduction in IL-17 responses, histological and clinical scores, and paw swelling.

Conclusions
These data highlight the potential role for endosomal TLRs in the maintenance of inflammation in RA and support the concept of a role for TLR7 in experimental arthritis models. This study also illustrates the potential benefit that may be afforded by therapeutically inhibiting the endosomal TLRs in RA.
On the domain of meromorphy of
a multivariate Euler product of Igusa type
Authors: Delabarre Ludovic 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
This work is an answer to a problem posed by N. Kurokawa and H. Ochiai concerning the natural boundary of meromorphy of a multivariate Euler product of Igusa type. More generally, we introduce and determine the maximal domain of meromorphy of a class of multivariate non-uniform Euler products.
Platinum organometallic compounds: classification and analysis of crystallographic and structural data. Part I. Monomeric Pt(0) and partly of Pt(II) with PtC4, PtA3B and PtC2A2 chromophores
Authors: Melnik Milan , Holloway Clive E. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis review covers over 110 monomeric Pt(0) organometallics and 220 monomeric Pt(II) organometallics. The predominant geometry for Pt(0) is square planar, with some examples of two-, five-, and six-coordinated. The monomeric Pt(II) organometallics in the review covers only those with the chromophores PtC4, PtA3B and PtC2A2. The most common ligand, besides C donor ligands, which are of a wide variety, is PPh3. At least two types of isomerism occur in the platinum organometallics analysed in this review: cis-trans and distortion. Relations between Pt-ligand bond distances, bond angles and transeffect are discussed regarding steric and electronic influence.
CEO Pay, Managerial Power, and SFAS 123(R)
Authors: Skantz Terrance R. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT
This study presents evidence that option expensing, whether voluntary under SFAS 123 or mandatory under SFAS 123(R), is associated with changes in CEO compensation that are beneficial to shareholders. I find that the reporting benefits of aggregate-employee option grants under SFAS 123 are associated with the change in the mix of CEO option grants and stock grants that occurs after SFAS 123(R), suggesting that reporting benefits of option grants may have influenced some CEO compensation decisions. Additionally, I find that the reduction in CEO pay after SFAS 123(R) is greater when shareholders have more power to act in their own best interest and when there is evidence of pre-expensing CEO compensation rents. The findings suggest that SFAS 123 may have encouraged inefficient, CEO-preferential pay practices and that SFAS 123(R) may have contributed to a reduction in CEO compensation inefficiencies.
Data Availability: All data are publicly available.