bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular epidemiology of Orientia tsutsugamushi in chiggers and ticks from domestic rodents in Shandong, northern China
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhao Zhong-Tang , Yang Hui-Li , Zhang Ai-Hua , Xu Xing-Qu , Meng Xiang-Peng , Zhang Hai-Yu , Wang Xian-Jun , Li Zhong , Ding Shu-Jun , Yang Li , Zhang Lu-Yan 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Scrub typhus is endemic to a 13,000,000-km2 area of the Asia-Pacific region, and causes an annual incidence of 1 million people. The mortality rate of scrub typhus ranges from 6.1% to 25% in Southeast Asia. Natural infection of Orientia tsutsugamushi has been identified in domestic rodents in Shandong Province. However, infestation of chiggers and ticks on the domestic rodents and prevalence and genotypes of O. tsutsugamushi in these Acarina remain unclear.

Methods
During September 2010 to March 2012, 3134 chiggers and 89 ticks were collected from domestic rodents captured in three counties of Shandong Province. We amplified and sequenced the 56-kDa type-specific antigen gene of O. tsutsugamushi from DNA samples of these Acarina and designated to genotype according to sequence analysis.

Results
Overall, the infestation rate of chiggers on domestic rodents was 17.0%, and the chigger index was 5.38. The infestation rate of ticks on rodents was 3.1%. Natural infection of O. tsutsugamushi was found in Leptotrombidium taishanicum, L. linhuaikongense, L. intermedium, L. scutellare, L. palpale, and Ixodes spp., the minimum positive rates of which were 5.9%, 3.2%, 1.2%, 0.8%, 0.8%, and 2.2%, respectively. Kawasaki-like genotypes were predominant in chiggers and ticks on domestic rodents, which were detected from L. taishanicum, L. intermedium, L. scutellare, L. palpale, and Ixodes spp. Shimokoshi-like genotype was detected from L. palpale.

Conclusions
In the present study we investigated the infestation of chiggers and ticks on domestic rodents in Shandong Province, and identified the prevalence and genotypes of O. tsutsugamushi in the Acarina. Infestation of vector chiggers in domestic rodents, prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi in infested chiggers, and high nucleotide homologies among the O. tsutsugamushi sequences from the Acarina, their animal hosts and scrub typhus patients, implied that domestic rodents may play an important role in the transmission of scrub typhus in Shandong, China. Further studies are needed to verify the vector significance of chiggers and ticks that tested positive for O. tsutsugamushi, and to assess the risk of human exposure to chiggers and ticks on domestic rodents.
The metabolic phenotype of rodent sepsis: cause for concern?
Authors: Zolfaghari Parjam S , Pinto Bernardo Bollen , Dyson Alex , Singer Mervyn 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Purpose
Rodent models of sepsis are frequently used to investigate pathophysiological mechanisms and to evaluate putative therapeutic strategies. However, preclinical efficacy in these models has failed to translate to the clinical setting. We thus questioned the representativeness of such models and herein report a detailed comparison of the metabolic and cardiovascular phenotypes of long-term faecal peritonitis in fluid-resuscitated rats and mice with similar mortality profiles.

Methods
We conducted prospective laboratory-controlled studies in adult male Wistar rats and C57 black mice. Animals were made septic by intraperitoneal injection of faecal slurry. Rats received continuous intravenous fluid resuscitation, whereas mice received intermittent fluid boluses subcutaneously. Sham-treated animals served as controls. Survival was assessed over 72 h. In separate studies, whole body metabolism (O2 consumption, CO2 production) was measured over 24 h with echocardiography performed at early (6 h) and established (24 h) phases of sepsis. Blood gas analysis was performed at 6 h (rats) and 24 h (rats, mice).

Results
Similar survival curves were seen in both rodent models with approximately 75% mortality at 72 h. In mice, sepsis caused severity-dependent falls in core temperature and global metabolism. Oxygen consumption in severely septic mice fell by 38% within 2 h, and 80% at 22 h compared with baseline values. This was only partially restored by external warming. By contrast, septic rats maintained core temperature; only severely affected animals showed a pre-mortem decline in oxygen consumption. Significant myocardial dysfunction was seen in mice during early and established sepsis, whereas peak velocity and other hemodynamic variables in rats were similar at 6 h and significantly worse by 24 h in severely septic animals only.

Conclusions
Markedly differing metabolic and cardiovascular profiles were seen in long-term fluid-resuscitated rat and mouse models of bacterial sepsis despite similar mortality. The mouse model, in particular, does not represent the human condition. We urge caution in applying findings in murine models to septic patients, both with regard to our understanding of pathophysiology and the failure to translate preclinical efficacy into successful clinical trials.
Isolation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) alleles required for neuronal maintenance in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Swick Lance L. , Kazgan Nevzat , Onyenwoke Rob U. , Brenman Jay E. 
Published: October 2013

Summary
The maintenance of energetic homeostasis in the face of limited available nutrients is a complex problem faced by all organisms. One important mechanism to maintain energetic homeostasis involves the activation of the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a cell-autonomous energy sensor that is highly sensitive to and regulated by the ATP to ADP and ATP to AMP ratios. However, the genetic analysis of AMPK signaling in vertebrates has been complicated by the existence of multiple redundant AMPK subunits. Here, we describe the identification of mutations in the single Drosophila melanogaster AMPK catalytic subunit (AMPKα) and their implications for neural maintenance and integrity. This article provides a citation replacement for previously published ampkα alleles, transgenes and neuronal phenotypes, which remain accurate; however, they were used in a previously published study that has subsequently been retracted (Mirouse et al., 2013).
Adequacy of fine-needle aspiration specimens for human papillomavirus infection molecular testing in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lastra Ricardo R. , Pramick Michelle R. , Nakashima Megan O. , Weinstein Gregory S. , Montone Kathleen T. , LiVolsi Virginia A. , Baloch Zubair W. 
Published: October 2013

Background:
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Positive HPV status has been associated with increased response to treatment and improved prognosis in terms of recurrence-free and overall survival. In certain instances, diagnosis is performed through fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes with metastatic carcinoma, often demonstrating extensive tumor necrosis. We evaluated the effect of tumor necrosis on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) adequacy for HPV molecular testing.

Materials and Methods:
Retrospective review of the pathology files at our institution identified cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) on which HPV DNA molecular testing was performed. The cases were classified according to percent tumor necrosis into three categories (<10% necrosis, 10-70% necrosis and >70% necrosis) and the percentage of cases with adequate HPV DNA for molecular testing in each of the categories was compared. When available, p16 immunohistochemistry performed on the cases was compared with HPV status by molecular testing.

Results:
A total of 70 cases from 67 patients were included in the study. Adequate DNA for molecular HPV testing was obtained from samples of 47 cases (67%) while samples from 23 cases (33%) were inadequate for molecular testing. Of the adequate samples, 36 (77%) were positive and 11 (23%) were negative for high-risk HPV. Adequate DNA for testing was obtained in 22 out of 33 cases showing no necrosis (67%), 10 out of 16 cases showing partial necrosis (63%) and in 13 out of 17 cases showing extensive necrosis (76%).

Conclusion:
Our study found that HPV molecular testing is not influenced by percent tumor necrosis or method by which FNA was performed. We believe that a portion of the FNA specimen obtained from head and neck lesions diagnosed as SCC during the rapid on-site evaluation should be sent for HPV DNA testing, independent of the amount of tumor necrosis, thus guaranteeing availability of specimen for HPV testing.
Vertical transport mechanisms of black carbon over East Asia in spring during the A‐FORCE aircraft campaign
Authors: Oshima N. , Koike M. , Kondo Y. , Nakamura H. , Moteki N. , Matsui H. , Takegawa N. , Kita K. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMechanisms of vertical transport of black carbon (BC) aerosols and their three‐dimensional transport pathways over East Asia in spring were examined through numerical simulations for the Aerosol Radiative Forcing in East Asia (A‐FORCE) aircraft campaign in March–April 2009 using a modified version of the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system. The simulations reproduced the spatial distributions of mass concentration of BC and its transport efficiency observed by the A‐FORCE campaign reasonably well, including its vertical and latitudinal gradients and dependency on precipitation amount that air parcels experienced during the transport. During the A‐FORCE period, two types of pronounced upward BC mass fluxes from the planetary boundary layer (PBL) to the free troposphere were found over northeastern and inland‐southern China. Over northeastern China, cyclones with modest precipitation were the primary uplifting mechanism of BC. Over inland‐southern China, both cumulus convection and orographic uplifting along the slopes of the Tibetan Plateau played important roles in the upward transport of BC, despite its efficient wet deposition due to a large amount of precipitation supported by an abundant moisture supply by the low‐level southerlies. In addition to the midlatitude (35–45°N) eastward outflow within the PBL (21% BC removal by precipitation during transport), the uplifting of BC over northeastern and inland‐southern China and the subsequent BC transport by the midlatitude lower tropospheric (50% BC removal) and subtropical (25–35°N) midtropospheric westerlies (67% BC removal), respectively, provided the major transport pathways for BC export from continental East Asia to the Pacific.
Altitude dependency of future snow cover changes over Central Japan evaluated by a regional climate model
Authors: Kawase Hiroaki , Hara Masayuki , Yoshikane Takao , Ishizaki Noriko N. , Uno Fumichika , Hatsushika Hiroaki , Kimura Fujio 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe Sea of Japan side of Central Japan is one of the heaviest snowfall areas in the world. We investigate near‐future snow cover changes on the Sea of Japan side using a regional climate model. We perform the pseudo global warming (PGW) downscaling based on the five global climate models (GCMs). The changes in snow cover strongly depend on the elevation; decrease in the ratios of snow cover is larger in the lower elevations. The decrease ratios of the maximum accumulated snowfall in the short term, such as 1 day, are smaller than those in the long term, such as 1 week. We conduct the PGW experiments focusing on specific periods when a 2 K warming at 850 hPa is projected by the individual GCMs (PGW‐2K85). The PGW‐2K85 experiments show different changes in precipitation, resulting in snow cover changes in spite of similar warming conditions. Simplified sensitivity experiments that assume homogenous warming of the atmosphere (2 K) and the sea surface show that the altitude dependency of snow cover changes is similar to that in the PGW‐2K85 experiments, while the uncertainty of changes in the sea surface temperature influences the snow cover changes both in the lower and higher elevations. The decrease in snowfall is, however, underestimated in the simplified sensitivity experiments as compared with the PGW experiments. Most GCMs project an increase in dry static stability and some GCMs project an anticyclonic anomaly over Central Japan, indicating the inhibition of precipitation, including snowfall, in the PGW experiments.
Positive feedbacks between phosphorus deposition and forest canopy trapping, evidence from Southern Mexico
Authors: Runyan Christiane W. , D'Odorico Paolo , Vandecar Karen L. , Das Rishiraj , Schmook Birgit , Lawrence Deborah 
Published: October 2013

AbstractFor some phosphorus (P)‐limited ecosystems, vegetation can be sustained by atmospheric P inputs. The ability of the canopy to trap airborne particles influences atmospheric P deposition. This dependence suggests a positive feedback, which could impact forest regeneration following deforestation. We examine how the amount of P deposited atmospherically varies as a function of forest canopy characteristics. We quantify the amount of P in bulk deposition (i.e., rainfall and dry deposition) and throughfall from a mature forest and 6 year old successional vegetation stand. To rule out the possibility that P enrichment in throughfall is due to canopy leaching, we construct an artificial forest made of P‐free plastic materials. We then compare throughfall samples collected beneath the artificial forest with those collected beneath the successional vegetation due to similarities in forest characteristics such as height and stem density. Over 1 year, 0.6 ± 0.1 kg P ha−1 yr−1were deposited in the open area, 0.8 ± 0.0 kg P ha−1 yr−1beneath the successional vegetation, 0.5 ± 0.0 kg P ha−1 yr−1beneath the artificial forest, and 1.9 ± 0.0 kg P ha−1yr−1beneath the mature forest. Results also showed an enrichment of P concentration beneath the artificial forest relative to the open area. Atmospheric P sources sustain 37% of the annual P demand in the mature forest, but only 13% in the successional vegetation. Thus, following deforestation, more of the P demand would have to be met from other sources that if unavailable, could lead to conditions where the forest does not recover.
Discovery and epidemiology of PCB poisoning in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Shu‐Tao , Ma Chao‐I , Hsu Steve Kwo‐Hsiung , Wu Shih‐Shium , Hsu Nora Hsu‐Mei , Yeh Ching‐Chuan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAn outbreak of PCB poisoning through consumption of the contaminated rice oil in Central Taiwan was investigated. It covered four counties and there were 1,843 cases by the end of 1980. The highest frequency of incidence occurred during the period from March to July 1979. Severity of clinical manifestations was graded, most patients exhibiting mild or moderate severity. The major age group of the outbreak was between 11 to 20 years old. Most of the victims were students and factory workers. The amount of PCB intake in each victim was estimated to be 0.7 to 1.84 gm and the latent period from the time of intake to the onset of clinical manifestations was approximately three to four months. The patients' blood PCB concentrations ranged from 3 to 1,156 ppb. In 613 patients, 44.37% (272 patients) had PCB levels of 51–100 ppb, and 27.57% (169 patients) had levels over 100 ppb.
Malignant melanoma in the printing industry
Authors: Dubrow Robert 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn an occupational mortality surveillance study, cause‐specific mortality patterns by occupation and industry, among Rhode Island residents who died during the period 1968–78, were examined using the age‐standardized proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) method. A noteworthy finding was an elevated PMR for malignant melanoma among white males in the printing industry (PMR = 460, observed deaths = 6, p< .01). When the results of other epidemiologic studies are reviewed in aggregate, they are consistent with this finding. A wide variety of chemicals, some of which are known or suspected human or animal carcinogens, are used in the printing industry. There is also potential exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The hypothesis of a relationship between malignant melanoma and occupational exposures in the printing industry should be investigated further.
Study of respiratory impairment among pesticide sprayers in mango plantations
Authors: Rastogi Subodh K. , Gupta Brahma N. , Husain Tanveer , Mathur Neeraj , Garg Nikhil 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPulmonary function studies were conducted on 489 pesticide workers engaged in spraying operations on mango plantations. These workers were exposed to a variety of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides. A reference group consisting of 208 controls, belonging to the same socioeconomic stratum, was taken from the same area for purposes of comparison. The results of the study showed 36.5 and 41.5% prevalence of respiratory impairment in the exposed workers and in the controls, respectively. The most common pulmonary impairment among the exposed subjects (18.8%) and controls (16.9%) was of the restrictive type, followed by mixed ventilatory defect. Bronchial obstruction affected 2.5 and 3.7% of the exposed and control populations, respectively. In a comparison of the prevalence of total respiratory impairment in the pesticide workers and the controls, the nonsmokers did not show any significant difference in this study. The prevalence rate of respiratory impairment showed an increasing trend in different exposure groups (p < 0.05), thereby clearly indicating a dose effect. The study revealed that occupational exposure to pesticides had a direct bearing on the respiratory impairment identified in the exposed workers.
Phenoxy Acid Herbicides and Contaminants: Description of the IARC International Register of Workers: IARC Working Group
Authors: Saracci R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAn International Register of Persons Exposed to Phenoxy Herbicides and Contaminants was established in 1984 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in collaboration with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (U.S.A.). The purpose of this Register is to investigate the long‐term hazards associated with exposure to these herbicides and to serve as a system of scientific collaboration at the international level. Presently, 18,972 workers from 19 cohorts in 10 countries are enrolled in this Register. Fifteen cohorts are from companies that manufacture and formulate phenoxy acids or chlorophenols, and four cohorts are sprayers of phenoxy herbicides. Cancer incidence and mortality are the main outcomes of interest, and vital status for members of the Register has periodically been updated. The great advantage of this Register is its large size, facilitating the detection of hazardous effects of exposure.
The perlman syndrome: Familial renal dysplasia with Wilms tumor, fetal gigantism and multiple congenital anomalies
Authors: Neri Giovanni , Martini‐Neri Maria Enrica , Katz Ben E. , Opitz John M. 
Published: October 2013

IntroductionThe ensuing paper by Professor Giovanni Neri and colleagues was originally published in 1984, American Journal of Medical Genetics 19:195–207. The original article described a new family with a condition that the authors designated as the Perlman syndrome. This disorder, while uncommon, is an important multiple congenital anomaly and dysplasia syndrome; the causative gene was recently identified. This paper is a seminal work and is graciously republished by Wiley‐Blackwell in the Special Festschrift issue honoring Professor' Neri.John C. CareyEditor‐in‐ChiefWe describe a familial syndrome of renal dysplasia, Wilms tumor, hyperplasia of the endocrine pancreas, fetal gigantism, multiple congenital anomalies and mental retardation. This condition was previously described by Perlman et al. [1973, 1975] and we propose to call it the “Perlman syndrome.” It appears to be transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. The possible relationships between dysplasia, neoplasia and malformation are discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of continued medical therapy in patients with refractory chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Smith Kristine A. , Rudmik Luke 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundPatients with refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (RCRS) have persistent symptoms despite best medical therapy. Some evidence suggests continued medical therapy (CMT) is appropriate for patients with RCRS. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of CMT in patients with RCRS who have significant reductions in baseline disease‐specific quality of life (QoL) and would be considered candidates for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).MethodsA prospective longitudinal observational study was undertaken between August 2011 and June 2013. Inclusion criteria: age >18 years, CRS defined by American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) adult sinusitis guidelines, failed medical therapy (defined by a 3‐month minimum of topical intranasal steroid, minimum 7‐day course of systemic corticosteroid, ± 2‐week course of broad spectrum systemic antibiotic), and elected ESS. Primary outcomes were change in disease‐specific QoL and endoscopic scores between enrolment and immediately prior to ESS. Secondary outcomes included medication consumption and work days missed.ResultsA total of 31 patients were enrolled. Following CMT for a mean of 7.1 months, there was an absolute worsening in mean 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT‐22) score between baseline and preoperative follow‐up, 57.6 to 66.1, respectively (p = 0.006). There was a significant worsening of mean endoscopic score between baseline and preoperative follow‐up, 6.9 to 7.7, respectively (p = 0.002). There was an increase in budesonide irrigations along with a reduction in use of topical nasal steroid sprays prior to ESS. Patients experienced a mean increase of 3.6 work days lost while receiving CMT (p = 0.023).ConclusionResults from this study suggest that patients with RCRS who have significant reductions in baseline disease‐specific QoL do not experience clinical improvement while receiving CMT.
Rheological properties of collagen/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (COL/HPMC) blended solutions
Authors: Ding Cuicui , Zhang Min , Li Guoying 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTCollagen/HPMC blends with different HPMC content (HC) were investigated by dynamic responses, creep recovery, thixotropy, and morphological observation. Storage modulus, loss modulus, complex viscosity, and activation energy decreased with the increased HC, while the flow behavior index increased with the increased HC and the dynamic denaturation temperature reached the maximum as HC increased to 50%, indicating that the flowability and thermal stability of collagen solution were improved by the addition of HPMC. However, the blends with higher HC tended to have a relatively lower recovery capacity, and the hysteresis loop areas of the blends were lower than that of collagen (especially when HC > 50%). Additionally, the morphology of collagen/HPMC was examined by both of atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. By combining with these results, it seemed that the rheological and structural properties of collagen/HPMC were related to the hydrogen‐bond interaction and compatibility between collagen and HPMC molecules. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40042.