bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of theRivalta test for feline infectious peritonitis
Authors: Fischer Yvonne , Sauter‐Louis Carola , Hartmann Katrin 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundTheRivalta test has been used routinely inEurope to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats with effusions, but its diagnostic accuracy is uncertain.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of theRivalta test forFIPand to identify correlations between a positiveRivalta test and variables measured in effusion fluid and peripheral blood.MethodsIn this retrospective study, medical records of cats with effusions were reviewed, and cats with conclusive results for theRivalta test were included. The prevalence ofFIPin this population was determined, and sensitivity, specificity, andPPVandNPVof theRivalta test were calculated. Variables measured in effusion fluid and peripheral blood were compared between cats that had positive or negative Rivalta tests using theMann–WhitneyU‐test and multivariate analysis.ResultsOf 851 cats with effusions, 782 had conclusively positive or negative results for theRivalta test. A definitive final diagnosis was made in 497 of these cats. Prevalence ofFIPin cats with effusion and a conclusiveRivalta test result was 34.6%. TheRivalta test had a sensitivity of 91.3%, specificity of 65.5%,PPVof 58.4%, andNPVof 93.4% for the diagnosis ofFIP. These values increased when cats with lymphoma or bacterial infections were excluded, or when only cats ≤ 2 years were considered. Increased effusion cholesterol concentration and specific gravity as well as decreased serum albumin:globulin ratio and hyperbilirubinemia were positively correlated with positiveRivalta test results.ConclusionsSensitivity, specificity, andPPVof theRivalta test for the diagnosis ofFIPwere lower than previously reported except when used in young cats. The components in effusions that lead to a positiveRivalta test remain unknown, but the positivity is not simply related to high total protein concentration.
Thyroid hormone concentrations differ between donkeys and horses
Authors: MENDOZA F. J. , PEREZ‐ECIJA R. A. , TORIBIO R. E. , ESTEPA J. C. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:Reference intervals for thyroid hormones (TH) concentrations have not been previously established for donkeys, leading to potential misdiagnosis of thyroid disease.Objectives:To determine the normal values of TH in healthy adult donkeys and compare them to TH values from healthy adult horses.Methods:Thirty‐eight healthy Andalusian donkeys and 19 healthy Andalusian horses from 2 different farms were used. Donkeys were divided into 3 age groups: <5, 5–10 and >11 years and into 2 gender groups. Serum concentrations of fT3, tT3, rT3, fT4 and tT4 were quantified by radioimmunoassay. All blood samples were collected the same day in the morning. None of the animals had received any treatment for 30 days prior to sampling or had any history of disease. Both farms were in close proximity and under similar management. Differences between groups were determined using a one‐way ANOVA analysis followed by Fisher's LSD test. P<0.05 was considered significant.Results:Serum TH concentrations were higher in donkeys than in horses (P<0.01). Donkeys <5 years had higher serum rT3, fT4 and tT4 concentrations than donkeys >5 years (P<0.05). Furthermore, older donkeys (>11 years) had lower serum fT3 and tT3 concentrations than younger donkeys’ groups (<5 and 5–10 years, P<0.05). TH concentrations were not different between genders (fT3: P = 0.06; tT3: P = 0.08; rT3: P = 0.15; fT4: P = 0.89; and tT4: P = 0.19).Conclusions:Thyroid hormone concentrations are different between healthy adult donkeys and horses.Potential relevance:Establishing species‐specific TH reference ranges is important when evaluating clinicopathologic data in equids in order to avoid the misdiagnosis of thyroid gland dysfunction. Further studies to elucidate the physiological mechanisms leading to these differences are warranted.
Treatment with Cardiotonic Pills® after Ischemia‐Reperfusion Ameliorates Myocardial Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Wei Xiao‐Hong , Liu Yu‐Ying , Li Quan , Yan Li , Hu Bai‐He , Pan Chun‐Shui , Li Zhi‐Xin , Chang Xin , Fan Jing‐Yu , Zhao Na , Sun Kai , Huang Ping , Wang Chuan‐She , Fan Tai‐Ping , Han Jing‐Yan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe present study was designed to evaluate whether CP was beneficial in alleviating myocardial fibrosis following I/R injury.MethodsSprague–Dawley rats were subjected to 30 minutes occlusion of the LADCA, followed by reperfusion. CP (0.4 or 0.8 g/kg) was daily administered starting from three hour after reperfusion until day 6. Coronary venular diameter, RBC velocity, albumin leakage, MBF, heart function, myocardial infarction and fibrosis size, myocardium ultrastructure, MPO activity, and MDA level were evaluated. The expression of MCP‐1, RP S19, TGF‐β1, P‐Smad3, Smad4, MMP‐9 and α‐SMA, and the infiltration of leukocytes were examined.ResultsCP post‐treatment ameliorated I/R‐induced myocardial RBC velocity reduction, MBF decrease, cardiac dysfunction, and albumin leakage increase. Moreover, myocardial infarction and fibrosis size, MPO activity, MDA level, the expression of RP S19, TGF‐β1, P‐Smad3, Smad4, MMP‐9 and α‐SMA, the number of CD68‐positive cells increased significantly after I/R, and myocardium collagen deposition was observed on day 6 after reperfusion. All the alterations after I/R were significantly ameliorated by CP.ConclusionsPost‐treatment with CP ameliorates I/R‐induced myocardial fibrosis, suggesting that CP may be applied as an option for preventing cardiac remodeling after I/R injury.
‘all in the Same Boat—: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Attitudes and Experiences in Group Acupuncture Clinics
Authors: Asprey Anthea , Paterson Charlotte , White Adrian 
Published: August 2012

Background Group acupuncture clinics have been introduced in a London hospital and in two general practices in Hertfordshire for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Encouraging preliminary reports have been published of the efficacy of the treatment delivered in this setting but its acceptability to patients has not yet been established. The aim was to investigate the acceptability and perceived advantages and disadvantages of acupuncture delivered in the group setting for the treatment of knee OA. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 patients in their own homes and with four nurses over the telephone. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, fully anonymised and analysed thematically. Results Group acupuncture was delivered with enthusiasm by nurses, was acceptable and popular with patients and recognised to be cost-efficient. Factors affecting acceptability were situational, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Situational factors included adequacy of the physical space used, flexibility of the appointment system and the changing and adaptable nature of the group. Interpersonal factors were mutual support, the exchange of information, the provision of mixed or single-sex sessions and the role of the acupuncture nurse. Intrapersonal factors that increased acceptability were less clear, but nurses expressed the view that the group setting was less suitable for patients with complex conditions or severe pain. Conclusions Acceptability is very high and may be maximised by taking a number of factors into account: full information should be provided before treatment begins; flexibility should be maintained in the appointment system and different levels of contact between fellow patients should be fostered; sufficient space and staffing should be provided and single-sex groups used wherever possible.
Do Not Judge According to Appearance: Patients— Preference of a Doctor's Face Does Not Influence Their Assessment of the Patient–doctor Relationship
Authors: Lee Soon-Ho , Chang Dong-Seon , Kang O-Seok , Kim Hwa-Hyun , Kim Hackjin , Lee Hyejung , Park Hi-Joon , Chae Younbyoung 
Published: August 2012

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate whether a patient's preference for a doctor's face is associated with better assessments of relational empathy in the patient–doctor relationship after the first clinical consultation. Methods A total of 110 patients enrolled in a traditional Korean medical clinic participated in the study. Patients’ preference for doctors’ faces was assessed by a two alternative forced choice (2AFC) task, with 60 different pairs of six different Asian male doctors’ faces. One of the six doctors then carried out the initial clinical consultation for these patients. The patient–doctor relationship was assessed using the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure. Results The data of all patients’ simulated preferences for a doctor's face and their assessment values of a doctor's relational empathy was compared, and no significant correlation was found between both values (r=−0.024, p>0.809). Conclusions These findings suggest that the perceived empathy in the patient–doctor relationship is not influenced by the patient's preference for a certain doctor's face. The first impression of a doctor is often determined by his appearance and look. However, whether or not the patient particularly prefers a doctor's face does not seem to matter in developing a good patient–doctor relationship.
Acupuncture for Treatment of Hospital-Induced Constipation in Children: A Retrospective Case Series Study
Authors: Anders Eric Falk , Findeisen Annette , Nowak Andreas , Rüdiger Mario , Usichenko Taras Ivanovich 
Published: August 2012

Objective Acupuncture is a promising option in the treatment of functional bowel disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptance of acupuncture for the treatment of hospital-induced constipation (HIC) in children. Methods Bilateral stimulation of acupuncture point LI11 was applied in 10 children with HIC using fixed indwelling acupuncture needles (0.9 mm long) before considering starting conventional local constipation therapy with laxative suppositories. The clinical records were studied retrospectively for feasibility, acceptance and effectiveness of acupuncture. Results Acupuncture was feasible in all children and application of the indwelling needles was tolerated without fear. Side effects were not observed. After a median of 3 days of HIC, all children defaecated within 2 h after LI11 stimulation. No patient required conventional local constipation therapy. Conclusions Acupuncture for the treatment of HIC is feasible and acceptable. Its effect should be verified in a randomised controlled trial.
MEN1 Gene Replacement Therapy Reduces Proliferation Rates in a Mouse Model of Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Walls Gerard V. , Lemos Manuel C. , Javid Mahsa , Bazan-Peregrino Miriam , Jeyabalan Jeshmi , Reed Anita A.C. , Harding Brian , Tyler Damian J. , Stuckey Daniel J. , Piret Sian , Christie Paul T. , Ansorge Olaf , Clarke Kieran , Seymour Len , Thakker Rajesh V. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is characterized by the combined occurrence of pituitary, pancreatic, and parathyroid tumors showing loss of heterozygosity in the putative tumor suppressor gene MEN1. This gene encodes the protein menin, the overexpression of which inhibits cell proliferation in vitro. In this study, we conducted a preclinical evaluation of MEN1 gene therapy in pituitary tumors of Men1+/− mice, using a recombinant nonreplicating adenoviral serotype 5 vector that contained the murine Men1 cDNA under control of a cytomegalovirus promoter (Men1.rAd5). Pituitary tumors in 55 Men1+/− female mice received a transauricular intratumoral injection of Men1.rAd5 or control treatments, followed by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdUrd) in drinking water for four weeks before magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immunohistochemical analysis. Immediate procedure-related and 4-week mortalities were similar in all groups, indicating that the adenoviral gene therapy was not associated with a higher mortality. Menin expression was higher in the Men1.rAd5-treated mice when compared with other groups. Daily proliferation rates assessed by BrdUrd incorporation were reduced significantly in Men1.rAd5-injected tumors relative to control-treated tumors. In contrast, apoptotic rates, immune T-cell response, and tumor volumes remained similar in all groups. Our findings establish that MEN1 gene replacement therapy can generate menin expression in pituitary tumors, and significantly reduce tumor cell proliferation. Cancer Res; 72(19); 5060–8. ©2012 AACR.
Mechanistic Basis for Overcoming Platinum Resistance Using Copper Chelating Agents
Authors: Liang Zheng D. , Long Yan , Tsai Wen-Bin , Fu Siqing , Kurzrock Razelle , Gagea-Iurascu Mihai , Zhang Fan , Chen Helen H.W. , Hennessy Bryan T. , Mills Gordon B. , Savaraj Niramol , Kuo Macus Tien 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPlatinum-based antitumor agents are widely used in cancer chemotherapy. Drug resistance is a major obstacle to the successful use of these agents because once drug resistance develops, other effective treatment options are limited. Recently, we conducted a clinical trial using a copper-lowering agent to overcome platinum drug resistance in ovarian cancer patients and the preliminary results are encouraging. In supporting this clinical study, using three pairs of cisplatin (cDDP)-resistant cell lines and two ovarian cancer cell lines derived from patients who had failed in platinum-based chemotherapy, we showed that cDDP resistance associated with reduced expression of the high-affinity copper transporter (hCtr1), which is also a cDDP transporter, can be preferentially resensitized by copper-lowering agents because of enhanced hCtr1 expression, as compared with their drug-sensitive counterparts. Such a preferential induction of hCtr1 expression in cDDP-resistant variants by copper chelation can be explained by the mammalian copper homeostasis regulatory mechanism. Enhanced cell-killing efficacy by a copper-lowering agent was also observed in animal xenografts bearing cDDP-resistant cells. Finally, by analyzing a public gene expression dataset, we found that ovarian cancer patients with elevated levels of hCtr1 in their tumors, but not ATP7A and ATP7B, had more favorable outcomes after platinum drug treatment than those expressing low hCtr1 levels. This study reveals the mechanistic basis for using copper chelation to overcome cDDP resistance in clinical investigations. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(11); 2483–94. ©2012 AACR.
Genetic Driver Events in Premalignancy: LOH Validated for Marking the Risk of Oral Cancer
Authors: Cavenee Webster K. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In this issue of the journal (beginning on page 1081), Zhang and colleagues extend the 30-year-old discovery of LOH profiles to provide validated markers of oral premalignant lesion risk for cancer. They prospectively show a dramatic difference in cancer progression between high-risk lesions (LOH) and low-risk (non-LOH) lesions (P = 0.002). This work has important implications for oral cancer prevention and risk modeling and for understanding genetic driver events in premalignancy. Cancer Prev Res; 5(9); 1073–4. ©2012 AACR.
Validation of LOH Profiles for Assessing Oral Cancer Risk
Authors: Lingen Mark W. , Szabo Eva 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This perspective examines the report by Zhang and colleagues in this issue of the journal (beginning on page 1081) on the validation and refinement of a set of risk markers for oral premalignant lesion progression that incorporates loss of heterozygosity markers. The perspective also discusses some of the challenges and opportunities of incorporating predictive biomarkers into monitoring and refined enrollment criteria for prevention studies. Cancer Prev Res; 5(9); 1075–7. ©2012 AACR.
Remote Ischemic Perconditioning Is Effective Alone and in Combination With Intravenous Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in Murine Model of Embolic Stroke
Authors: Hoda Md Nasrul , Siddiqui Shahneela , Herberg Samuel , Periyasamy-Thandavan Sudharsan , Bhatia Kanchan , Hafez Sherif S. , Johnson Maribeth H. , Hill William D. , Ergul Adviye , Fagan Susan C. , Hess David C. 
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose—
Remote ischemic conditioning is cardioprotective in myocardial infarction and neuroprotective in mechanical occlusion models of stroke. However, there is no report on its therapeutic potential in a physiologically relevant embolic stroke model (embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion) in combination with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA).

Methods—

We tested remote ischemic perconditioning therapy (RIPerC) at 2 hours after embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion in the mouse with and without intravenous tPA at 4 hours. We assessed cerebral blood flow up to 6 hours, neurological deficits, injury size, and phosphorylation of Akt (Serine
473
) as a prosurvival signal in the ischemic hemisphere at 48 hours poststroke.

Results—
RIPerC therapy alone improved the cerebral blood flow and neurological outcomes. tPA alone at 4 hours did not significantly improve the neurological outcome even after successful thrombolysis. Individual treatments with RIPerC and intravenous tPA reduced the infarct size (25.7% and 23.8%, respectively). Combination therapy of RIPerC and tPA resulted in additive effects in further improving the neurological outcome and reducing the infarct size (50%). All the therapeutic treatments upregulated phosphorylation of Akt in the ischemic hemisphere.

Conclusions—
RIPerC is effective alone after embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion and has additive effects in combination with intravenous tPA. RIPerC may be a simple, safe, and inexpensive combination therapy with intravenous tPA.
How Good Are Our Conceptual Models of Orographic Cloud Seeding?
Authors: Rangno Arthur L. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Some of the complexities of clouds and precipitation that have been encountered in field projects are reviewed. These complexities highlight areas of cloud microstructure and precipitation development that need to be better understood before adequate conceptual or numerical models of orographic cloud seeding can be developed. Some concerns about cloud sampling with regard to the evolutionary behavior of supercooled clouds from water to ice are also discussed.
Review of Wintertime Orographic Cloud Seeding
Authors: Elliott Robert D. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This review provides a sketchy background of orographic weather modification activities prior to the 1960s, followed by a more critical review of major orographic projects carried out and reported in the scientific literature during the past 25 years. In the earlier of these major projects, evaluation of results had been based largely upon comparisons of seeded and nonseeded precipitation experimental units stratified by various sounding-derived parameters in an attempt to amplify the physical significance of the seeding effects within various sub-types of orographic clouds.
The later major projects are still underway with no final evaluations having been presented. However, a wealth of significant data analyses have been reported that provide important insights into the various natural and seeding precipitation mechanisms. Much of this is attributable to the new observational tools in use, which include airborne and ground microphysical sensors, doppler radar, and microwave radiometers.
Hypercooling in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer: Beyond Broadband Emissivity Schemes
Authors: Ponnulakshmi V. K. , Singh D. K. , Mukund V. , Sreenivas K. R. , Subramanian G. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
In an accompanying paper by Ponnulakshmi et al., the prevailing flux emissivity scheme for nonblack surfaces was shown to include an erroneous reflected flux term. The error leads to a spurious cooling within the opaque bands; an expression for the correct broadband-reflected flux was given that eliminated this spurious cooling contribution. Herein, it is shown that the error is generic in nature, and is relevant to any frequency-parameterized radiation scheme applied to nonblack surfaces; such schemes are typically used in longwave radiation budget calculations. The correct reflected flux, previously developed within the framework of a broadband emissivity scheme in Ponnulakshmi et al., is generalized here so as to be applicable to any frequency-parameterized radiation model. The error is illustrated by comparing the bandwise fluxes, obtained using the prevailing and correct narrowband formulations, for a model (tropical) atmosphere. The flux discrepancy is the smallest for opaque bands within which the participating medium emits like a blackbody, and it is largest in frequency intervals where the medium is nearly transparent.
The Effects of Altimeter Instrument Noise on the Estimation of the Wavenumber Spectrum of Sea Surface Height
Authors: Xu Yongsheng , Fu Lee-Lueng 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The wavenumber spectrum of sea surface height (SSH) observed by satellite altimetry was analyzed by Xu and Fu. The spectral shape in the wavelength range of 70–250 km was approximated by a power law, representing a regime governed by geostrophic turbulence theories. The effects of altimeter instrument noise were assumed insignificant at wavelengths longer than 70 km. The authors reexamined the assumption in the study. Using nearly simultaneous observations made by Jason-1 and Jason-2 during their cross-calibration phase, this study found that the white noise level of altimetry measurement was best estimated from the spectral values at wavelengths from 25 to 35 km. After removing a white noise level based on such estimate from the SSH spectrum, the spectral slope values changed significantly over most of the oceans. A key finding is that the spectral slopes are generally steeper than k−2 (k is wavenumber) poleward of the 20° latitudes, where flatter spectral slopes in some regions have previously caused problems for dynamic interpretations. The new results indicate that the spectral slopes in the core regions of the major ocean current systems have values between the original geostrophic turbulence theory and the surface quasigeostrophic theory. The near k−4 spectrum suggests that the sea surface height variability at these wavelengths in the high eddy energy regions might be governed by frontogenesis.
Improved Imaging and Image Analysis System for Application to Measurement of Small Ice Crystals
Authors: Kuhn T. , Grishin I. , Sloan J. J. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Accurate knowledge of ice particle size and shape distribution is required for understanding of atmospheric microphysical processes. While larger ice particles are easily measured with a variety of sensors, the measurement of small ice particles with sizes down to a few micrometers remains challenging. Here the authors report the development of a system that measures the size and shape of small ice particles using a novel combination of high-resolution imaging and high-speed automated image classification. The optical system has a pixel resolution of 0.2 μm and a resolving power of approximately 1 μm. This imaging instrument is integrated into a cryogenic flow tube that allows precise control of experimental conditions.
This study also describes an automated method for the high-speed analysis of high-resolution particle images. Each particle is located in the image using a Sobel edge detector, the border is vectorized, and a polygon representing the border is found. The vertices of this polygon are expressed in complex coordinates, and an analytic implementation of Fourier shape descriptors is used for piecewise integration along the edges of the polygon.
The authors demonstrate the capabilities of this system in a study of the early-stage growth of ice particles, which are grown for approximately 1 min at fixed temperature and saturated water vapor concentrations in the cryogenic flowtube. Ice particle shapes and size distributions are reported and compared with habit diagrams found in the literature. The capability of the shape recognition system is verified by comparison with manual classification.