bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Four new earthworm species of the genus Amynthas (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) from Kinmen, Taiwan
Authors: SHEN HUEI-PING , CHANG CHIH-HAN , LI CHI-LUN , CHIH WEN-JAY , CHEN JIUN-HONG 
Published: January 2013

Four new species of terrestrial earthworms belonging to the genus Amynthas were collected on the islands of Kinmen and Lieyu, Taiwan from March to November, 2008. They are Amynthas kinmenensis sp. nov., Amynthas wuhumontis sp. nov., Amynthas wujhouensis sp. nov., and Amynthas taiwumontis sp. nov. Amynthas kinmenensis sp. nov. is quadrithecal and is the most abundant earthworm widely distributed on the main island of Kinmen. It has numerous small genital papillae and is closely related to Amynthas polyglandularis (Tsai, 1964) from northern Taiwan. Amynthas wuhumontis sp. nov. is sexthecal and is distributed only in areas around Mt. Wuhu and Mt. Taiwu in east Kinmen. It has male pores each surrounded by three genital papillae: one anterior, one posterior and one medial. Amynthas wujhouensis sp. nov. and Amynthas taiwumontis sp. nov. are octothecal. The former has a sporadic distribution in Kinmen while the latter was only found in areas around Mt. Taiwu. Amynthas wujhouensis sp. nov. has a pair of large genital papillae closely adjacent to the crescent or semicircular shaped male porophores in XVIII. Amynthas taiwumontis sp. nov. has simple male pore structure and no genital papillae or genital markings. DNA barcodes (the 5’ end sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) from type specimens and other materials of the first three species are also reported.
Munidopsis kareenae, a new species of seamount squat lobster from New Zealand with a key to the New Zealand species of Munidopsis (Crustacea: Decapoda: Munidopsidae)
Authors: AHYONG SHANE T. 
Published: January 2013

A new species of the squat lobster genus Munidopsis is described from Nukuhou Seamount, North Island, New Zealand. The new species is allied to members of the “Galathodes group” within Munidopsis that share a flattened, distally trifid rostrum, an unarmed carapace surface (apart from paired epigastric spines in some species), unarmed abdominal tergites and absence of pereopodal epipods. The new species is readily separated from these species by the combination of unarmed lateral carapace margins posterior to the anterolateral spine, absence of epigastric spines, and prominently spinose extensor margins of the pereopod 2–4 meri. Fourteen species of Munidopsis are now recorded from New Zealand; a key to the New Zealand species is provided.
Differences between episodic and chronic tension-type headaches in nociceptive-specific trigeminal pathways
Authors: Sohn Jong Hee , Choi Hui Chul , Kim Chul Ho 
Published: January 2013

Background The trigeminal nociceptive system plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of tension-type headaches (TTH). Objective This study investigated and compared nociceptive-specific trigeminal pathways in patients with episodic and chronic TTH (ETTH and CTTH, respectively) using the nociceptive blink reflex (nBR) and nociceptive trigeminocervical reflex (nTCR). Methods We recorded nBR and nTCR in patients with ETTH and CTTH, and healthy controls using concentric electrodes and subsequently compared the threshold (i.e. sensory, pain) and parameters of reflex (i.e. the R2 component of the nBR and the late responses of the nTCR). Results Women with ETTH ( n = 40) and CTTH ( n = 32) and age-matched controls ( n = 40) were recruited. CTTH patients displayed significantly lower amplitude and area under the curve (AUC) values of the R2 component for the nBR compared with those displayed by ETTH patients and controls ( p < 0.05). Moreover, the amplitude and AUC of the R2 component was negatively correlated with the frequency of headaches, whereas the latency of the R2 component for the nBR was positively correlated with the frequency and duration of headaches in the TTH groups ( p < 0.05). However, no significant differences in the late response parameters (i.e. latency, duration, amplitude, or AUC) were noted between the groups in terms of the nTCR. Conclusions R2 suppression associated with CTTH suggests decreased brainstem excitability. This may be the result of excessive descending inhibitory influences.
Treatment With Platelet-Rich Plasma Is More Effective Than Placebo for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Patel Sandeep , Dhillon Mandeep S. , Aggarwal Sameer , Marwaha Neelam , Jain Ashish 
Published: January 2013

Background: Specific growth factors have been proposed as therapeutic proteins for cartilage repair. Hypothesis: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) provides symptomatic relief in early osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 78 patients (156 knees) with bilateral OA were divided randomly into 3 groups. Group A (52 knees) received a single injection of PRP, group B (50 knees) received 2 injections of PRP 3 weeks apart, and group C (46 knees) received a single injection of normal saline. White blood cell (WBC)–filtered PRP with a platelet count 3 times that of baseline (PRP type 4B) was administered in all. All the groups were homogeneous and comparable in baseline characteristics. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire before treatment and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. They were also evaluated for pain by a visual analog scale, and overall satisfaction with the procedure and complications were noted. Results: Statistically significant improvement in all WOMAC parameters was noted in groups A and B within 2 to 3 weeks and lasting until the final follow-up at 6 months, with slight worsening at the 6-month follow-up. The mean WOMAC scores (pain, stiffness, physical function, and total score) for group A at baseline were 10.18, 3.12, 36.56, and 49.86, respectively, and at final follow-up were 5.00, 2.10, 20.08, and 27.18, respectively, showing significant improvement. Similar improvement was noted in group B (mean WOMAC scores at baseline: 10.62, 3.50, 39.10, and 53.20, respectively; mean WOMAC scores at final follow-up: 6.18, 1.88, 22.40, and 30.48, respectively). In group C, the mean WOMAC scores deteriorated from baseline (9.04, 2.70, 33.80, and 45.54, respectively) to final follow-up (10.87, 2.76, 39.46, and 53.09, respectively). The 3 groups were compared with each other, and no improvement was noted in group C as compared with groups A and B ( P < .001). There was no difference between groups A and B, and there was no influence of age, sex, weight, or body mass index on the outcome. Knees with Ahlback grade 1 fared better than those with grade 2. Mild complications such as nausea and dizziness, which were of short duration, were observed in 6 patients (22.2%) in group A and 11 patients (44%) in group B. Conclusion: A single dose of WBC-filtered PRP in concentrations of 10 times the normal amount is as effective as 2 injections to alleviate symptoms in early knee OA. The results, however, deteriorate after 6 months. Both groups treated with PRP had better results than did the group injected with saline only.
Therapeutic Advantage in Selective Ligament Augmentation for Partial Tears of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Mifune Yutaka , Ota Shusuke , Takayama Koji , Hoshino Yuichi , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kuroda Ryosuke , Kurosaka Masahiro , Fu Freddie H. , Huard Johnny 
Published: January 2013

Background: As a result of recent studies describing the double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), selected ACL augmentation procedures, either anteromedial (AM) or posterolateral (PL), have been introduced as the treatment of choice for partial ACL ruptures. The preserved mechanoreceptor and vascularity of the remnant ACL are considered to provide additional biological benefits. Although enhanced knee joint proprioception in ACL augmented patients has been previously reported, there is no study assessing biological healing advantages of the graft after the ACL augmentation procedure. Hypothesis: Selected ACL augmentation for partial tears can accelerate the healing process of the grafted tendon, which promotes better biomechanical recovery of the tendon, compared with conventional ACL reconstruction of complete tears. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Two rat models were established in this study: an ACL augmentation partial tear model and conventional ACL reconstruction for a complete tear. Biological assessments of cellularity and angiogenesis were measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunostaining, respectively. Additionally, rat-specific type III collagen and α-smooth muscle actin were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining to analyze the healing process, whereas anti-rat neurofilament antigen was assessed to examine proprioceptive recovery. Biological assessments of the augmented and reconstructed grafts were conducted postoperatively at week 2, whereas biomechanical testing was performed postoperatively at week 8. Results: An increase in cellularity and angiogenesis was observed in the augmented grafts compared with the conventionally reconstructed grafts. Also, increased amounts of rat-specific type III collagen, α-smooth muscle actin, and anti-rat neurofilament antigen were expressed in the augmented grafts. Biomechanical testing showed that failure to load was significantly higher in the augmentation group compared with the conventional reconstruction group (augmentation, 15.9 ± 1.0; reconstruction, 7.0 ± 1.3; P < .01). Clinical Relevance: Selected ACL augmentation could be a good choice for the repair of partial ACL injury by preserving the uninjured portion of the ACL, which in turn could maintain the anatomic position of the ligament and its biomechanical function.
Protective effects of alpha lipoic acid versus N-acetylcysteine on ifosfamide-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: El-Sisi Alaa El-Din E , El-Syaad Magda E , El-Desoky Karima I , Moussa Ethar A 
Published: January 2013

Ifosfamide (IFO) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent for treating a variety of pediatric solid tumors. However, its use is limited due to its serious side effect on kidneys. The side-chain oxidation of IFO in renal tubular cells produces a reactive toxic metabolite that is believed to be responsible for its nephrotoxic effect. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the possible underlying mechanisms that may be involved in IFO-induced nephrotoxicity, including free radical generation and the possible role of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) versus N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in protection against this toxicity. Male albino rats were injected intraperitoneally with saline, IFO (50 mg/kg daily for 5 days), IFO + ALA (100 mg/kg daily for 8 days) and IFO + NAC (200 mg/kg daily for 8 days). Kidney malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and glutathione contents and serum biochemical parameters and histopathological analysis were determined. Both ALA and NAC markedly reduced the severity of renal dysfunction induced by IFO. NAC was more nephroprotective than ALA. This study suggests that oxidative stress is possibly involved in the IFO-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The study also suggests the potential therapeutic role for ALA and NAC against IFO-induced nephrotoxicity.
Antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and proliferative effect of curcumin on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats
Authors: Toydemir Toygar , Kanter Mehmet , Erboga Mustafa , Oguz Serhat , Erenoglu Cengiz 
Published: January 2013

The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of curcumin on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats. A total of 24 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham-operated (SH), PH, and PH + curcumin; each group contains eight animals. The rats in curcumin-treated groups were given curcumin (in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight) once a day orally for 7 days, starting 3 days prior to hepatectomy operation. At 7 days after resection, liver samples were collected. The malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) levels were estimated in liver homogenates. Moreover, histopathological examination, mitotic index (MI), proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling, proliferation index (PI), transferase-mediated 2′-deoxyuridine, 5′-triphosphate nick end-labeling assay, and apoptotic index (AI) were evaluated at 7 days after hepatectomy. As a result, curcumin significantly increased MI and PI and significantly decreased AI in PH rats. Additionally, curcumin remarkably inhibited MDA elevation, restored impaired antioxidant SOD activity and GSH level and also attenuated hepatic vacuolar degeneration and sinusoidal congestion. These results suggested that curcumin treatment had a beneficial effect on liver regenerative capacity of the remnant liver tissue after hepatectomy, probably due to its antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and proliferative properties.
A 5-year retrospective evaluation of snakebite cases in Hatay, Turkey
Authors: Karakus Ali , Zeren Cem , Celik M Murat , Arica Secil , Ozden Raif , Duru Mehmet , Tasın Veyis 
Published: January 2013

Snakebites are relatively rare medical emergency cases that might lead to serious consequences. This study aims to evaluate snakebite cases in terms of medical follow-up, antivenom therapy and antivenom reactions. Medical records of patients admitted to emergency department between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010 were retrospectively investigated. Snakebite-related cases of a total of 125 patients were included in the scope of the study. Of the total 125 cases, 54.4% were male and 45.6% were female. Most of cases ( n: 65, 52%) were aged over 30 years, while the mean age was 34.87 ± 19.29 years. Snakebite-related applications to the emergency department were mostly seen in June with 27 cases. Upon admitting, all patients were recorded to be conscious and showing good general conditions; however, they suffered from pain and edema at the site of bite. Of all, 25 patients only suffered from bite injury and ecchymosis due to snakebite. The site of bite was upper extremities in 66 patients (52.8%), whereas it was lower extremities in 58 (46.4%). Of all, antivenom was unnecessary in 25 (20%) patients, while four antivenoms were administered to each of the 23 (18.4%) patients. Furthermore, six (4.8%) patients needed nine antivenom administrations for each. Anaphylaxis ( n: 2, 1.6%), compartment syndrome ( n: 2, 1.6%) and serum sickness ( n: 1, 0.8%) encountered in remaining cases. Of all, 86 (68.8%) patients were hospitalized in the emergency department, while 25 (20.0%) patients were followed up by observation in emergency service. Only one patient was treated and followed up in intensive care unit. Implementation of antivenom therapy is considered unnecessary for the treatment of all snakebite cases. Antivenom reactions and number of related cases might be reduced by continuous close monitoring, appropriate prophylaxis and controlled slow infusion administration of medications.
Effects of asymmetric dimethylarginine on inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10) in rats
Authors: Avci Bahattin , Alacam Hasan , Dilek Ahmet , Kozan Ahmet 
Published: January 2013

This study is intended to examine the effects of administration of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) on the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10. A total of 30 Wistar adult albino rats were used. Group I was administrated ( n = 10) with 1 mg/kg/day of ADMA, group II ( n = 10) was administrated with 2 mg/kg/day of ADMA and the control group was administrated ( n = 10) with 0.9% sodium chloride. ADMA was intraperitoneally administrated for 7 days. The serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 were measured. There was a significant decrease in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 in group I compared with that of the control group ( p < 0.001 ). There was also a significant decrease in the levels of IL-10 in group II compared with that of the control group ( p < 0.05) but the increase was much more distinct in the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α ( p < 0.001). When comparing the groups by the doses given, no difference between the levels of IL-6 and IL-10 in groups I and II ( p > 0.05) was observed; the levels of TNF-α in group II were significantly lower than those of group I (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10, after administration of 1 mg/kg/day and 2 mg/kg/day of ADMA, indicates that ADMA has an effect on inflammation. Increase in ADMA levels in the rats shows that the effects of inflammatory cytokines were suppressed.
Wear performance of alumina-reinforced copper–matrix composites prepared by powder metallurgy
Authors: Zhou Guanghong , Ding Hongyan 
Published: January 2013

Copper–alumina composite materials with improved electrical conductivity and tribological properties were developed. The copper–alumina composite materials were prepared by powder metallurgy using nano-Cu/Al2O3 powder. The powders were deoxidized from CuO/Al2O3 powder synthesized by coprecipitation using NH4HCO3 as precipitator and CuSO4 + NH4Al(SO4)2 as maternal solution. The wear test against 440C stainless steel was performed at room temperature using a ball-on-flat configuration with 300 µm amplitude at various normal loads ranging from 0.1 N to 1 N. The effects of load and mass fraction of Al2O3 on the friction coefficient and wear loss were investigated. Results showed that the wear loss first decreased and then increased with an increase in the mass proportion of Al2O3 from 1% to 5%. Minimum wear loss was found at 2% proportion, in which the electrical conductivity was 82% of the International Annealed Copper Standard. The friction coefficient of the copper increased slightly with an increase in load. By contrast, it first increased and then decreased for the copper–alumina composite materials. The wear loss of the copper–alumina composite materials is always lower than that of copper. The highest relative wearability is 3.13, indicating better wear resistance. The wear mechanism of copper is oxidation wear, whereas that for the copper–alumina composite materials is adhesive wear.
Hemodynamic and genetic analysis in children with idiopathic, heritable, and congenital heart disease associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Pfarr Nicole , Fischer Christine , Ehlken Nicola , Becker-Grünig Tabea , López-González Vanesa , Gorenflo Matthias , Hager Alfred , Hinderhofer Katrin , Miera Oliver , Nagel Christian , Schranz Dietmar , Grünig Ekkehard 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Aim of this prospective study was to compare clinical and genetic findings in children with idiopathic or heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (I/HPAH) with children affected with congenital heart defects associated PAH (CHD-APAH).

Methods
Prospectively included were 40 consecutive children with invasively diagnosed I/HPAH or CHD-APAH and 117 relatives. Assessment of family members, pedigree analysis and systematic screening for mutations in TGFß genes were performed.

Results
Five mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor (BMPR2) gene, 2 Activin A receptor type II-like kinase-1 (ACVRL1) mutations and one Endoglin (ENG) mutation were found in the 29 I/HPAH children. Two mutations in BMPR2 and one mutation in ACVRL1 and ENG, respectively, are described for the first time. In the 11 children with CHD-APAH one BMPR2 gene mutation and one Endoglin gene mutation were found. Clinical assessment of relatives revealed familial aggregation of the disease in 6 children with PAH (HPAH) and one CHD-APAH patient. Patients with mutations had a significantly lower PVR.

Conclusion
Mutations in different TGFß genes occurred in 8/29 (27.6%) I/HPAH patients and in 2/11 (18.2%) CHD-APAH patients and may influence the clinical status of the disease. Therefore, genetic analysis in children with PAH, especially in those with I/HPAH, may be of clinical relevance and shows the complexity of the genetic background.
Functional genomics of a generalist parasitic plant: Laser microdissection of host-parasite interface reveals host-specific patterns of parasite gene expression
Authors: Honaas Loren A , Wafula Eric K , Yang Zhenzhen , Der Joshua P , Wickett Norman J , Altman Naomi S , Taylor Christopher G , Yoder John I , Timko Michael P , Westwood James H , dePamphilis Claude W 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Orobanchaceae is the only plant family with members representing the full range of parasitic lifestyles plus a free-living lineage sister to all parasitic lineages, Lindenbergia. A generalist member of this family, and an important parasitic plant model, Triphysaria versicolor regularly feeds upon a wide range of host plants. Here, we compare de novo assembled transcriptomes generated from laser micro-dissected tissues at the host-parasite interface to uncover details of the largely uncharacterized interaction between parasitic plants and their hosts.

Results
The interaction of Triphysaria with the distantly related hosts Zea mays and Medicago truncatula reveals dramatic host-specific gene expression patterns. Relative to above ground tissues, gene families are disproportionally represented at the interface including enrichment for transcription factors and genes of unknown function. Quantitative Real-Time PCR of a T. versicolor β-expansin shows strong differential (120x) upregulation in response to the monocot host Z. mays; a result that is concordant with our read count estimates. Pathogenesis-related proteins, other cell wall modifying enzymes, and orthologs of genes with unknown function (annotated as such in sequenced plant genomes) are among the parasite genes highly expressed by T. versicolor at the parasite-host interface.

Conclusions
Laser capture microdissection makes it possible to sample the small region of cells at the epicenter of parasite host interactions. The results of our analysis suggest that T. versicolor’s generalist strategy involves a reliance on overlapping but distinct gene sets, depending upon the host plant it is parasitizing. The massive upregulation of a T. versicolor β-expansin is suggestive of a mechanism for parasite success on grass hosts. In this preliminary study of the interface transcriptomes, we have shown that T. versicolor, and the Orobanchaceae in general, provide excellent opportunities for the characterization of plant genes with unknown functions.