bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nodular lesions due to infestation by Dirofilaria repens in dogs from Italy
Authors: Albanese Francesco , Abramo Francesca , Braglia Christian , Caporali Chiara , Venco Luigi , Vercelli Antonella , Ghibaudo Giovanni , Leone Federico , Carrani Francesco , Giannelli Alessio , Otranto Domenico 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundCanine subcutaneous dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria repens is an important cause of human dirofilariosis in the Old World.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical and pathological features of infestation by D. repens in dogs with cutaneous nodules and to discuss key diagnostic procedures.AnimalsSixteen privately owned dogs of different breeds, ages and genders with subcutaneous nodules were positive for D. repens on at least one diagnostic test.MethodsDiagnostic tests included cytological examination of fine‐needle aspiration biopsies, detection of circulating larvae by Knott's test, morphological and molecular identification of adult parasites and microfilariae, and histopathological examination of excised nodules.ResultsTwelve animals were positive for D. repens microfilariae, using cytology and at least one other diagnostic test. Four of twelve dogs screened by Knott's test had circulating D. repens microfilariae, and three of them were co‐infected with Dirofilaria immitis. In eight dogs, adult nematodes were morphologically identified as D. repens. Nodular panniculitis was observed in all cases, with nodules containing either one or several cross‐sections of nematodes and microfilariae. The nematodes extracted were identified as D. repens by an RT‐PCR on the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS‐2).Conclusions and clinical importanceAdults and larvae of D. repens can induce skin nodules in dogs, and these lesions should be carefully evaluated in endemic areas. Clinicians should be aware that correct tissue sampling (including the storage of part of a sample in ethanol instead of formalin) is pivotal to achievement of a specific diagnosis. Cytology of fine‐needle tissue aspirates was shown to be useful.
Full Genome Sequence of Giant Panda Rotavirus Strain CH-1
Authors: Guo Ling , Yan Qigui , Yang Shaolin , Wang Chengdong , Chen Shijie , Yang Xiaonong , Hou Rong , Quan Zifang , Hao Zhongxiang 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT
We report here the complete genomic sequence of the giant panda rotavirus strain CH-1. This work is the first to document the complete genomic sequence (segments 1 to 11) of the CH-1 strain, which offers an effective platform for providing authentic research experiences to novice scientists.
Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Strain LCT-EC59
Authors: Li Tianzhi , Chen Jiapeng , Chang De , Fang Xiangqun , Wang Junfeng , Guo Yinghua , Su Longxiang , Xu Guogang , Wang Yajuan , Chen Zhenhong , Liu Changting 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe space environment is a very special condition under which many organisms change many features.Escherichia coliis employed widely as a prokaryotic model organism in the fields of biotechnology and microbiology. Here, we present the draft genome sequence ofE. colistrain LCT-EC59 exposed to space conditions.
A FAST STRAIGHT-SKELETON ALGORITHM BASED ON GENERALIZED MOTORCYCLE GRAPHS
Authors: HUBER STEFAN , HELD MARTIN 
Published: February 2013

This paper deals with the fast computation of straight skeletons of planar straight-line graphs (PSLGs) at an industrial-strength level. We discuss both the theoretical foundations of our algorithm and the engineering aspects of our implementation Bone. Our investigation starts with an analysis of the triangulation-based algorithm by Aichholzer and Aurenhammer and we prove the existence of flip-event-free Steiner triangulations. This result motivates a careful generalization of motorcycle graphs such that their intimate geometric connection to straight skeletons is maintained. Based on the generalized motorcycle graph, we devise a non-procedural characterization of straight skeletons of PSLGs and we discuss how to obtain a discretized version of a straight skeleton by means of graphics rendering. Most importantly, this generalization allows us to present a fast and easy-to-implement straight-skeleton algorithm.We implemented our algorithm in C++ based on floating-point arithmetic. Extensive benchmarks with our code Bone demonstrate an [Formula: see text] time complexity and [Formula: see text] memory footprint on 22 300 datasets of diverse characteristics. This is a linear factor better than the implementation provided by CGAL 4.0, which shows an [Formula: see text] time complexity and an [Formula: see text] memory footprint; the CGAL code has been the only fully-functional straight-skeleton code so far. In particular, on datasets with ten thousand vertices, Bone requires about 0.2–0.6 seconds instead of 4–7 minutes consumed by the CGAL code, and Bone uses only 20 MB heap memory instead of several gigabytes. We conclude our paper with a discussion of the engineering aspects and principles that make Bone reliable enough to compute the straight skeleton of datasets comprising a few million vertices on a desktop computer.
PRIMARY REPAIR OF ZONE I FLEXOR TENDON INJURIES
Authors: Bidwai A. S. C , Feldberg L. 
Published: February 2013

Eighty-two patients who were treated by suture repair for Zone I flexor tendon injuries over a ten-year period were identified, to determine the incidence of post-operative surgical complications and subsequent re-operations. Eighty-five percent of patients completed 12 weeks follow-up post-surgery. Of these patients almost all had good to excellent outcome in terms of total active movement (TAM). However when assessing the range of motion at the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ), only 23% could be classified as having good or excellent results at final follow-up. A total of six patients (7.32%) required surgery for tendon repair complications. This study illustrates that DIPJ ROM is more indicative of functional recovery after tendon repair in flexor Zone I. Given the DIPJ is important in providing a fine pinch and a span pinch grip movements, patients should be counselled for inability to perform these functions post-tendon repair.
The Role of SST Structure in Convectively Coupled Kelvin–Rossby Waves and Its Implications for MJO Formation
Authors: Kang In-Sik , Liu Fei , Ahn Min-Seop , Yang Young-Min , Wang Bin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The dynamics of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) are investigated using an aqua-planet general circulation model (GCM) and a simple one-and-a-half-layer model with a first-baroclinic mode and a planetary boundary layer. The aqua-planet GCM with zonally symmetric SST conditions simulates tropical intraseasonal disturbances with a dominant time scale of about 20 days, which is much faster than that of the observed MJO, although the GCM with realistic surface boundary conditions is shown to reproduce the observed MJO reasonably well. The SST with a broader meridional structure slows down the propagation speed. Several experiments done with various zonally symmetric surface boundary conditions showed that the meridional structure of the SST in fact is a control factor for the propagation characteristics of the MJO. With a simple theoretical model for the MJO, it is shown that the instability of the moist coupled Kelvin–Rossby waves depends on the SST structure, which determines the lower-level moisture field. The SST with a narrow meridional structure prefers to enhance only the fast eastward Kelvin wave, while the broader SST provides enough off-equatorial moisture for the growth of the Rossby component, which couples strongly with the Kelvin component and slows down the eastward modes. The SST influences the coupled Kelvin–Rossby waves through changes in the moist static stability of the free atmosphere and the frictional moisture convergence in the planetary boundary layer. The present results suggest that the essential dynamics of the MJO are rooted in a convectively coupled Kelvin–Rossby wave packet with frictional moisture convergence.
Atlantic Warm Pool Variability in the CMIP5 Simulations
Authors: Liu Hailong , Wang Chunzai , Lee Sang-Ki , Enfield David 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis study investigates Atlantic warm pool (AWP) variability in the historical run of 19 coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) submitted to phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). As with the CGCMs in phase 3 (CMIP3), most models suffer from the cold SST bias in the AWP region and also show very weak AWP variability as represented by the AWP area index. However, for the seasonal cycle the AWP SST bias of model ensemble and model sensitivities are decreased compared with CMIP3, indicating that the CGCMs are improved. The origin of the cold SST bias in the AWP region remains unknown, but among the CGCMs in CMIP5 excess (insufficient) high-level cloud simulation decreases (enhances) the cold SST bias in the AWP region through the warming effect of the high-level cloud radiative forcing. Thus, the AWP SST bias in CMIP5 is more modulated by an erroneous radiation balance due to misrepresentation of high-level clouds rather than low-level clouds as in CMIP3. AWP variability is assessed as in the authors' previous study in the aspects of spectral analysis, interannual variability, multidecadal variability, and comparison of the remote connections with ENSO and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) against observations. In observations the maximum influences of the NAO and ENSO on the AWP take place in boreal spring. For some CGCMs these influences erroneously last to late summer. The effect of this overestimated remote forcing can be seen in the variability statistics as shown in the rotated EOF patterns from the models. It is concluded that the NCAR Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4), the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) Model E, version 2, coupled with the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) ocean model (GISS-E2H), and the GISS Model E, version 2, coupled with the Russell ocean model (GISS-E2R) are the best three models of CMIP5 in simulating AWP variability.
Evaluation of Precipitation Estimation Accuracy in Reanalyses, Satellite Products, and an Ensemble Method for Regions in Australia and South and East Asia
Authors: Peña-Arancibia Jorge L. , van Dijk Albert I. J. M. , Renzullo Luigi J. , Mulligan Mark 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Precipitation estimates from reanalyses and satellite observations are routinely used in hydrologic applications, but their accuracy is seldom systematically evaluated. This study used high-resolution gauge-only daily precipitation analyses for Australia (SILO) and South and East Asia [Asian Precipitation—Highly-Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation (APHRODITE)] to calculate the daily detection and accuracy metrics for three reanalyses [ECMWF Re-Analysis Interim (ERA-Interim), Japanese 25-yr Reanalysis (JRA-25), and NCEP–Department of Energy (DOE) Global Reanalysis 2] and three satellite-based precipitation products [Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42V6, Climate Prediction Center morphing technique (CMORPH), and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Imagery Using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN)]. A depth-frequency-adjusted ensemble mean of the reanalyses and satellite products was also evaluated. Reanalyses precipitation from ERA-Interim in southern Australia (SAu) and northern Australasia (NAu) showed higher detection performance. JRA-25 had a better performance in South and East Asia (SEA) except for the monsoon period, in which satellite estimates from TRMM and CMORPH outperformed the reanalyses. In terms of accuracy metrics (correlation coefficient, root-mean-square difference, and a precipitation intensity proxy, which is the ratio of monthly precipitation amount to total days with precipitation) and over the three subdomains, the depth-frequency-adjusted ensemble mean generally outperformed or was nearly as good as any of the single members. The results of the ensemble show that additional information is captured from the different precipitation products. This finding suggests that, depending on precipitation regime and location, combining (re)analysis and satellite products can lead to better precipitation estimates and, thus, more accurate hydrological applications than selecting any single product.
Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activity of Piper longum root aqueous extract in STZ induced diabetic rats
Authors: Nabi Shaik Abdul , Kasetti Ramesh Babu , Sirasanagandla Swapna , Tilak Thandaiah Krishna , Kumar Malaka Venkateshwarulu Jyothi , Rao Chippada Appa 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The available drugs for diabetes, Insulin or Oral hypoglycemic agents have one or more side effects. Search for new antidiabetic drugs with minimal or no side effects from medicinal plants is a challenge according to WHO recommendations. In this aspect, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Piper longum root aqueous extract (PlrAqe) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.

Methods
Diabetes was induced in male Wister albino rats by intraperitoneal administration of STZ (50 mg/kg.b.w). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured by glucose-oxidase & peroxidase reactive strips. Serum biochemical parameters such as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were estimated. The activities of liver and kidney functional markers were measured. The statistical analysis of results was carried out using Student t-test and one-way analysis (ANOVA) followed by DMRT.

Results
During the short term study the aqueous extract at a dosage of 200 mg/kg.b.w was found to possess significant antidiabetic activity after 6 h of the treatment. The administration of aqueous extract at the same dose for 30 days in STZ induced diabetic rats resulted in a significant decrease in FBG levels with the corrections of diabetic dyslipidemia compared to untreated diabetic rats. There was a significant decrease in the activities of liver and renal functional markers in diabetic treated rats compared to untreated diabetic rats indicating the protective role of the aqueous extract against liver and kidney damage and its non-toxic property.

Conclusions
From the above results it is concluded that the plant extract is capable of managing hyperglycemia and complications of diabetes in STZ induced diabetic rats. Hence this plant may be considered as one of the potential sources for the isolation of new oral anti hypoglycemic agent(s).
Changes of serum angiogenic factors concentrations in patients with diabetes and unstable angina pectoris
Authors: Gui Chun , Li Shi-kang , Nong Qin-ling , Du Fang , Zhu Li-guang , Zeng Zhi-yu 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Backgroud
Diabetic microvascular changes are considered to be influenced by angiogenic factors. As a compensatory mechanism, the expression of some angiogenic factors are elevated in ischemic myocardium. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of serum angiogenic factors, and the association among these angiogenic factors, the severity of coronary artery stenosis and collateral vessels form in patients with diabetes and unstable angina pectoris (UAP).

Methods
42 patients with diabetes (diabetes group), 57 patients with UAP (UAP group), and 36 age-matched healthy people (control group) were selected. Serum concentrations of angiogenic factors were measured using cytokine array technology. The severity of coronary artery stenosis was scored using the angiographic Gensini score. Coronary collateral vessels were scored according to Rentrop's classification.

Results
No significant differences in the serum concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), angiogenin, angiostatin, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) were detected between control group and diabetes group. But in patients with diabetes complicated with UAP and in patients with UAP without diabetes, serum concentrations of VEGF and Ang-2 were elevated (p < 0.01, p < 0.01). Only serum Ang-2 concentrations were significantly correlated with Gensini score (r=0.585, p < 0.001), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (r=0.501, p < 0.001), left ventricular end systolic diameter (r=0.563, p < 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (r=−0.523, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Serum concentrations of VEGF and Ang-2 were increased, and diabetes didn’t affect this increases in patients with UAP. Serum Ang-2 concentrations were correlated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis.
Murine norovirus infection does not cause major disruptions in the murine intestinal microbiota
Authors: Nelson Adam M , Elftman Michael D , Pinto Amelia K , Baldridge Megan , Hooper Patrick , Kuczynski Justin , Petrosino Joseph F , Young Vincent B , Wobus Christiane E 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Murine norovirus (MNV) is the most common gastrointestinal pathogen of research mice and can alter research outcomes in biomedical mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite indications that an altered microbiota is a risk factor for IBD, the response of the murine intestinal microbiota to MNV infection has not been examined. Microbiota disruption caused by MNV infection could introduce the confounding effects observed in research experiments. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of MNV infection on the intestinal microbiota of wild-type mice.

Results
The composition of the intestinal microbiota was assessed over time in both outbred Swiss Webster and inbred C57BL/6 mice following MNV infection. Mice were infected with both persistent and non-persistent MNV strains and tissue-associated or fecal-associated microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA-encoding gene pyrosequencing. Analysis of intestinal bacterial communities in infected mice at the phylum and family level showed no major differences to uninfected controls, both in tissue-associated samples and feces, and also over time following infection, demonstrating that the intestinal microbiota of wild-type mice is highly resistant to disruption following MNV infection.

Conclusions
This is the first study to describe the intestinal microbiota following MNV infection and demonstrates that acute or persistent MNV infection is not associated with major disruptions of microbial communities in Swiss Webster and C57BL/6 mice.
Endocrine mechanisms in the pathogenesis of primary varicosis
Authors: Schnabl S. , Strölin A. , Busch Ch. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryIntroduction: Varicose veins affect up to 40 % of men and up to 51 % of women. The patho-physiology of primary varicosis (chronic venous insufficiency, CVI) is poorly understood. Here, the available data on possible endocrine mechanisms in healthy and varicose veins are reviewed.Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted in PubMed using the following key words: Chronic venous insufficiency, CVI, chronic venous disease, CVD, varicosis, saphenous vein, pathogenesis, hormone.Results: Several theories ranging from incompetence of the valves to functional, biological or morphologic changes in different layers of the vein wall have been proposed. However, an increasing body of evidence suggests that endocrine mechanisms might be involved in the pathogenesis of primary varicosis. In this respect a growing number of hormones (e.g. estrogen, progesterone, relaxin-2, and oxytocin) and their receptors have been linked to primary varicosis in experimental, pharmacological and histological studies.Conclusion: In summary, endocrine-based mechanisms seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of primary varicosis. This opens up the perspective for pharmacological treatments targeting the various described endocrine regulatory networks.
Cardiac tamponade in a woman with preeclampsia
Authors: Van Winden Kristi R. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is associated with alterations in maternal vascular permeability and can thus cause intravascular volume depletion and pathologic extravascular fluid accumulation. Although typically manifesting as peripheral edema or, in more severe cases, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, preeclampsia-associated vascular abnormalities can theoretically cause abnormal fluid collection in any extravascular space, including the pericardium.

Case: We report the case of a 30-year-old gravida 1 female admitted at 31 weeks 4 days’ gestation with mild preeclampsia, tachycardia, and dyspnea, whose initial workup was only significant for a small pericardial effusion. Over the course of the next 4 weeks, however, the effusion evolved into early cardiac tamponade that required expeditious pericardiotomy and cesarean delivery. The effusion virtually resolved over the first month postpartum.

Conclusion: The case describes a unique presentation of preeclampsia and suggests that echocardiography to evaluate for pericardial effusion be considered in cases of otherwise-unexplained cardiopulmonary symptoms in the setting of preeclampsia. If detected, cardiac tamponade should be managed in association with a multidisciplinary team familiar with the physiology of cardiac tamponade.
Spontaneous hematoma of the rectus abdominal wall in pregnancy
Authors: Grigore Mihaela , Cojocaru Camelia , Mares Alina 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Rectus sheath hematoma is an uncommon and often clinically misdiagnosed cause of abdominal pain. We report such a case of a 42-year-old woman who developed an abdominal-wall hematoma at 32 weeks of gestation. Initially, she was suspected as having a complicated ovarian tumor associated with pregnancy, because of the intense abdominal pain. Both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging proved to be useful in diagnosing rectus sheath hematoma. A conservative management was applied for the rectus sheath hematoma and the patient recovered uneventfully. Although it is a very rare entity, rectus sheath hematoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of every pregnant patient who presents with abdominal pain.
Reasons for Earlier Than Desired Cessation of Breastfeeding
Authors: Odom Erika C. , Li Ruowei , Scanlon Kelley S. , Perrine Cria G. , Grummer-Strawn Laurence 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE:
To describe the prevalence and factors associated with not meeting desired breastfeeding duration.

METHODS:
Data were analyzed from 1177 mothers aged ≥18 years who responded to monthly surveys from pregnancy until their child was 1 year old. When breastfeeding stopped, mothers were asked whether they breastfed as long as they wanted (yes or no) and to rate the importance of 32 reasons for stopping on a 4-point Likert scale. Multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the association between the importance of each reason and the likelihood of mothers not meeting their desired breastfeeding duration.

RESULTS:
Approximately 60% of mothers who stopped breastfeeding did so earlier than desired. Early termination was positively associated with mothers’ concerns regarding: (1) difficulties with lactation; (2) infant nutrition and weight; (3) illness or need to take medicine; and (4) the effort associated with pumping milk.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings indicate that the major reasons why mothers stop breastfeeding before they desire include concerns about maternal or child health (infant nutrition, maternal illness or the need for medicine, and infant illness) and processes associated with breastfeeding (lactation and milk-pumping problems). Continued professional support may be necessary to address these challenges and help mothers meet their desired breastfeeding duration.