bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Observational and High-Resolution Model Analysis of Gale Wind Events in the Gulf of California
Authors: Cohen Ariel E. , Cangialosi John P. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch (TAFB) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, provides high-seas forecasts to portions of the eastern Pacific Ocean, including the Gulf of California. These forecasts include wind velocity and significant wave height forecasts and are initiated by forecast winds of at least 20 kt (10.3 m s−1) or significant wave heights of at least 8 ft (2.4 m). The Gulf of California is a commonly traveled area, where winds are highly modulated by nearby terrain variations. This provides a unique forecast challenge, especially in the absence of regular surface observations. In October and November 2008, the NOAA R/V David Starr Jordan was stationed in the Gulf of California and occasionally reported gale force winds [34–47 kt (17.5–24.2 m s−1)], which operational models regularly missed. A ship log of these events provided the basis for determining mean and anomaly fields for a handful of meteorological variables, from which a conceptual model for the synoptic-scale environment supporting these events is presented. An index based on the mean sea level pressure (MSLP) difference between Ely, Nevada, and Yuma, Arizona, was developed to measure the potential for gales, which was found to be statistically significant in discriminating between “gale” and “marginal wind” events. The fifth-generation NCAR–Pennsylvania State University Mesoscale Model (MM5) is used to conduct doubly nested high-resolution simulations centered on the Gulf of California. These simulations appeared to resolve the gales better than traditional global model guidance, lending credence toward the need for high-resolution modeling in areas of highly variable terrain. Relatively small errors were found in MM5 output using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) data as verification.
Molecular events associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in the absence of Epstein-Barr virus genome
Authors: Lin Jung-Chung , Liao Shuen-Kuei , Lee En-Huei , Hung Man-Shan , Sayion Yiyang , Chen Hung-Chang , Kang Chen-Chen , Huang Liang-Sheng , Cherng Jaw-Ming 
Published: November 2009

AbstractEpithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important process in tumor metastasis. The EMT-related events associated with metastasis of NPC in the absence of EBV have not been elucidated. We established an EBV-negative NPC cell line from a bone marrow biopsy of an NPC patient. Using a Matrigel system we isolated an invasive and non-invasive sublines, designated NPC-BM29 and NPC-BM00. NPC-BM29 acquired an invasive-like phenotype characterized by EMT, marked by down-regulation of E-cadherin and β-catenin with concomitant increased expression of Ets1. NPC-BM29 cells expressed ≥ 10-fold higher of MMP-9 than NPC-BM00 cells. NPC-BM29 cells grew better in 2% serum than NPC-BM00 cells, with a population doubling-time of 26.8 h and 30.7 h, respectively. A marked reduction in colony-formation ability of NPC-BM00 cells compared to NPC-BM29 was observed. Wound-healing assay revealed that NPC-BM29 cells displayed higher motility than NPC-BM00 and the motility was further enhanced by cell treatment with TPA, a PKC activator. Cell surface markers and tumor-associated molecules, AE3, MAK6 and sialyl-Tn, were up-regulated in NPC-BM29 cells, whereas the expression of HLA-DR and CD54 was significantly increased in NPC-BM00 cells. NPC-BM29 consistently released higher levels of IL-8 and IL-10 than NPC-BM00, with low levels of IL-1α expression in both cell lines. Higher level of VEGF production was detected in NPC-BM00 than NPC-BM29 cells. These data show that EBV is not required for exhibiting multiple metastatic phenotypes associated with EMT. More studies that target right molecules/signalings associated with the EMT may offer new therapeutic intervention options for NPC invasion and metastasis.
Prevention of elastase-induced emphysema in placenta growth factor knock-out mice
Authors: Cheng Shih Lung , Wang Hao Chien , Yu Chong Jen , Tsao Po Nien , Carmeliet Peter , Cheng Shi Jung , Yang Pan Chyr 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Although both animal and human studies suggested the association between placenta growth factor (PlGF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially lung emphysema, the role of PlGF in the pathogenesis of emphysema remains to be clarified. This study hypothesizes that blocking PlGF prevents the development of emphysema.

Methods
Pulmonary emphysema was induced in PlGF knock-out (KO) and wild type (WT) mice by intra-tracheal instillation of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE). A group of KO mice was then treated with exogenous PlGF and WT mice with neutralizing anti-VEGFR1 antibody. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and VEGF were quantified. Apoptosis measurement and immuno-histochemical staining for VEGF R1 and R2 were performed in emphysematous lung tissues.

Results
After 4 weeks of PPE instillation, lung airspaces enlarged more significantly in WT than in KO mice. The levels of TNF-α and MMP-9, but not VEGF, increased in the lungs of WT compared with those of KO mice. There was also increased in apoptosis of alveolar septal cells in WT mice. Instillation of exogenous PlGF in KO mice restored the emphysematous changes. The expression of both VEGF R1 and R2 decreased in the emphysematous lungs.

Conclusion
In this animal model, pulmonary emphysema is prevented by depleting PlGF. When exogenous PlGF is administered to PlGF KO mice, emphysema re-develops, implying that PlGF contributes to the pathogenesis of emphysema.
Immunization protected well nourished mice but not undernourished ones from lung injury in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) infection
Authors: França Thais Graziela Donegá , Ishikawa Larissa Lumi Watanabe , Zorzella-Pezavento Sofia Fernanda Gonçalves , Chiuso-Minicucci Fernanda , Guerino Clara Pires Fujiara , da Cunha Maria de Lourdes Ribeiro de Souza , Sartori Alexandrina 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background

Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-resistant (MRSA) has been frequently isolated from endotracheal and lung puncture aspirates in malnourished children with pneumonia. In this work we evaluated the susceptibility of undernourished BALB/c mice and its ability to mount a protective immunity against MRSA with emphasis on the lung involvement.

Results
BALB/c mice submitted to a 20% dietary restriction during 20 days presented a significant decrease in body weight, lymphocyte number and also atrophy in thymus and intestinal epithelium. Determination of bacterial load by the number of colony forming units (CFU) indicated a similar susceptibility whereas the findings of Gram stain clearly suggested a higher amount of bacteria in the lungs of normal mice than in the undernourished ones. Immunization reduced bacterial growth in the lungs of normal mice but not in the undernourished ones. Histopathological analysis showed that inflammation appeared in the lungs from normal mice only after infection and that immunization prevented this pulmonary inflammatory process. On the other hand, undernourished mice presented lung inflammation even before infection. In addition, the degree of this inflammatory process did not change with infection or previous immunization.

Conclusion
Our results indicated that lung injury during MRSA infection is prevented by previous immunization in well nourished but not in undernourished mice.
Characterization of microsatellites and gene contents from genome shotgun sequences of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)
Authors: Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke , Somta Prakit , Uthaipaisanwong Pichahpuk , Chanprasert Juntima , Sangsrakru Duangjai , Seehalak Worapa , Sommanas Warunee , Tragoonrung Somvong , Srinives Peerasak 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Mungbean is an important economical crop in Asia. However, genomic research has lagged behind other crop species due to the lack of polymorphic DNA markers found in this crop. The objective of this work is to develop and characterize microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from genome shotgun sequencing of mungbean.

Result
We have generated and characterized a total of 470,024 genome shotgun sequences covering 100.5 Mb of the mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) genome using 454 sequencing technology. We identified 1,493 SSR motifs that could be used as potential molecular markers. Among 192 tested primer pairs in 17 mungbean accessions, 60 loci revealed polymorphism with polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranging from 0.0555 to 0.6907 with an average of 0.2594. Majority of microsatellite markers were transferable in Vigna species, whereas transferability rates were only 22.90% and 24.43% in Phaseolus vulgaris and Glycine max, respectively. We also used 16 SSR loci to evaluate phylogenetic relationship of 35 genotypes of the Asian Vigna group. The genome survey sequences were further analyzed to search for gene content. The evidence suggested 1,542 gene fragments have been sequence tagged, that fell within intersected existing gene models and shared sequence homology with other proteins in the database. Furthermore, potential microRNAs that could regulate developmental stages and environmental responses were discovered from this dataset.

Conclusion
In this report, we provided evidence of generating remarkable levels of diverse microsatellite markers and gene content from high throughput genome shotgun sequencing of the mungbean genomic DNA. The markers could be used in germplasm analysis, accessing genetic diversity and linkage mapping of mungbean.
Characteristics and outcome of infants with candiduria in neonatal intensive care - a Paediatric Investigators Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada (PICNIC) study
Authors: Robinson Joan L , Davies H Dele , Barton Michelle , O'Brien Karel , Simpson Kim , Asztalos Elizabeth , Synnes Anne , Rubin Earl , Le Saux Nicole , Hui Charles , Langley Joanne M , Sauve Reg , de Repentigny Louis , Kovacs Lajos , Tan Ben , Richardson Susan E 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
There is limited information in the literature on the presentation and prognosis of candidal urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods
This was a prospective cohort study performed in 13 Canadian NICUs. Infants with candidal UTI without extra-renal candidal infection at presentation were enrolled.

Results
Thirty infants fit the study criteria. Median birth weight and gestational age were 2595 grams (range 575-4255) and 35 weeks (range 24-41) with 10 infants being < 30 weeks gestation. The most common primary underlying diagnosis was congenital heart disease (n = 10). The median age at initial diagnosis was 16 days (range 6-84 days). Renal ultrasonography findings were compatible with possible fungal disease in 15 of the 26 infants (58%) in whom it was performed. Treatment was variable, but fluconazole and either amphotericin B deoxycholate or lipid-based amphotericin B in combination or sequentially were used most frequently. Extra-renal candidiasis subsequently developed in 4 infants. In 2 of these 4 infants, dissemination happened during prolonged courses of anti-fungal therapy. Three of 9 deaths were considered to be related to candidal infection. No recurrences of candiduria or episodes of invasive candidiasis following treatment were documented.

Conclusion
Candidal UTI in the NICU population occurs both in term infants with congenital abnormalities and in preterm infants, and is associated with renal parenchymal disease and extra-renal dissemination. A wide variation in clinical approach was documented in this multicenter study. The overall mortality rate in these infants was significant (30%). In one third of the deaths, Candida infection was deemed to be a contributing factor, suggesting the need for antifungal therapy with repeat evaluation for dissemination in infants who are slow to respond to therapy.
A unified approach to molecular epidemiology investigations: tools and patterns in California as a case study for endemic shigellosis
Authors: Al-Nimri Sawsan , Miller Woutrina A , Byrne Barbara A , Guibert Gerry , Chen Lily 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Shigellosis causes diarrheal disease in humans from both developed and developing countries, and multi-drug resistance is an emerging problem. The objective of this study is to present a unified approach that can be used to characterize endemic and outbreak patterns of shigellosis using use a suite of epidemiologic and molecular techniques. The approach is applied to a California case study example of endemic shigellosis at the population level.

Methods
Epidemiologic patterns were evaluated with respect to demographics, multi-drug resistance, antimicrobial resistance genes, plasmid profiles, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) fingerprints for the 43 Shigella isolates obtained by the Monterey region health departments over the two year period from 2004-2005.

Results
The traditional epidemiologic as well as molecular epidemiologic findings were consistent with endemic as compared to outbreak shigellosis in this population. A steady low level of cases was observed throughout the study period and high diversity was observed among strains. In contrast to most studies in developed countries, the predominant species was Shigella flexneri (51%) followed closely by S. sonnei (49%). Over 95% of Shigella isolates were fully resistant to three or more antimicrobial drug subclasses, and 38% of isolates were resistant to five or more subclasses. More than half of Shigella strains tested carried the tetB, catA, or bla
TEM genes for antimicrobial resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and ampicillin, respectively.

Conclusion
This study shows how epidemiologic patterns at the host and bacterial population levels can be used to investigate endemic as compared to outbreak patterns of shigellosis in a community. Information gathered as part of such investigations will be instrumental in identifying emerging antimicrobial resistance, for developing treatment guidelines appropriate for that community, and to provide baseline data with which to compare outbreak strains in the future.
Access to malaria treatment in young children of rural Burkina Faso
Authors: Tipke Maike , Louis Valérie R , Yé Maurice , De Allegri Manuela , Beiersmann Claudia , Sié Ali , Mueller Olaf , Jahn Albrecht 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Effective and timely treatment is an essential aspect of malaria control, but remains a challenge in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to describe young children's access to malaria treatment in Nouna Health District, Burkina Faso.

Methods
In February/March 2006, a survey was conducted in a representative sample of 1,052 households.

Results
Overall 149/1052 (14%) households reported the current possession of anti-malarial medicine, which was significantly associated with urban area, literacy of household head, having young children, and high socio-economic status. Out of a total of 802 children under five years, at least one malaria episode was reported for 239 (30%) within the last month. Overall 95% of children received treatment, either modern (72%), traditional (18%) or mixed (5%). Most of the medicines were provided as home treatment by the caregiver and half of children received some type of modern treatment within 24 hours of the occurrence of first symptoms. Despite a recent policy change to artemisinin-based combination therapy, modern anti-malarials consisted mainly of chloroquine (93%). Modern drugs were obtained more often from a health facility in localities with a health facility compared to those without (60% vs. 25.6%, p < 0.001). In contrast, beside informal providers, volunteer community health workers (CHW) were the main source of modern medicine in localities without a health centre (28% vs. 3%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Access to modern health services providing quality controlled effective combination therapies against malaria needs to be strengthened in rural Africa, which should include a re-investigation of the role of CHW 30 years after Alma Ata.
Specific subsets of immune cells in human decidua differ between normal pregnancy and preeclampsia - a prospective observational study
Authors: Rieger Lorenz , Segerer Sabine , Bernar Thomas , Kapp Michaela , Majic Monika , Morr Ann-Katrin , Dietl Johannes , Kämmerer Ulrike 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundChanges in the balance of decidual leucocyte populations may lead to an unfavourable uterine microenvironment which may be associated with the development of preeclampsia (PE). In this study, we therefore investigated the leucocyte subpopulations in decidual tissues of 33 women with preeclampsia and 66 control patients.MethodsDecidua was either obtained via curettage during cesarean section or dissected from the surface of the basal plate of the placenta after spontaneous delivery. We used FACS analysis to quantify decidual leukocytes (CD45), NK cells (CD56+/CD16+ and CD56++/CD16-), antigen presenting cells (HLA-DR, DC-Sign, CD14) and T/B cells (CD8, CD4, alpha-beta-T-cell receptor, gamma-delta-T-cell receptor, CD25, CD19).ResultsThe number of decidual cytotoxic CD8+T-lymphocytes (P < 0.02), alpha-beta -T-cell receptor positive T cells (P < 0.03) and of CD56+/CD16+ NK cells (P < 0.03) was lower in decidua from women with PE than in decidua from control patients.ConclusionThe observed reduction of specific leucocyte subsets could create a microenvironment which is unfavourable for an appropriate placentation and could thereby be involved in the development of preeclamptic symptoms.
Fhl5/Act, a CREM-binding transcriptional activator required for normal sperm maturation and morphology, is not essential for testicular gene expression
Authors: Lardenois Aurélie , Chalmel Frédéric , Demougin Philippe , Kotaja Noora , Sassone-Corsi Paolo , Primig Michael 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
The LIM domain protein Fhl5 was previously found to interact with CREM, a DNA binding transcriptional regulator necessary for spermiogenesis in mammals. Co-transfection experiments using heterologous promoter constructs indicated a role for Fhl5 in transcriptional up-regulation of CREM-dependent testicular genes. Male mice lacking Fhl5 were reported to be fertile but displayed partially abnormal sperm maturation and morphology.

Methods
To identify Fhl5 testicular target genes we carried out two whole-genome expression profiling experiments using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays and total testis samples from Fhl5 wild-type versus homozygous mutant mice first in different and then in isogenic strain backgrounds.

Results
Weak signal differences were detected in non-isogenic samples but no statistically significant expression changes were observed when isogenic Fhl5 mutant and wild-type samples were compared.

Conclusion
The outcome of these experiments suggests that testicular expression profiling is extremely sensitive to the genetic background and that Fhl5 is not essential for testicular gene expression to a level detected by microarray-based measurements. This might be due to redundant function of the related and similarly expressed protein Fhl4.
Plantar erythrodysesthesia with bullous otitis externa, toxicities from sorafenib: a case report
Authors: Carter Corey A , Rajan Arun , Giaccone Giuseppe 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the use of novel agents, such as sorafenib has now demonstrated activity in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. We present a case of a 77-year-old Caucasian male with advanced adenocarcinoma of the lung, who was being treated on clinical trial with single agent sorafenib. After seven weeks of treatment the patient presented to clinic with difficulty walking. Physical exam revealed acral erythema with bollous formation on bilateral soles of his feet. Otoscopic exam revealed bilateral external canal bullous lesion. The patient was diagnosed with plantar erythrodysesthesia with bullous otitis externa, a new toxicities in patients being treated with sorafenib.
Liver abscess caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae: two case reports
Authors: Casella Francesco , Finazzi Luigi , Repetti Valentina , Rubin Giampaolo , DiMarco Maria , Mauro Tiziana , Furlan Raffaello 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Introduction
The present case reports highlight the peculiar aspect of Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess, an emerging disease in United States and Western countries.

Case presentation
We report two cases of Asiatic patients with Klebsiella-associated liver abscesses evaluated at our institution over a one-year period. Both of them had non-specific clinical symptoms at presentation, a peculiar ultrasonographic appearance and successful treatment with early percutaneous drainage.

Conclusion

Klebsiella related liver abscess is an emerging disease with peculiar clinical features. As compared with other bacterial liver abscesses, Klebsiella pneumonia associated pyogenic liver abscess has distinctive risk factors, unique ultrasonographic and computed tomography features and different prognosis.
Band of cacophony - abdominal catastrophe caused by the fibrous band of Meckel's diverticulum: a case report
Authors: Dutta Gautam , Chowdhury Aparna Saha , Panda Mukta 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Introduction
This report calls attention to small bowel necrosis resulting as a complication of formation of an obstructive loop of small bowel around a band of Meckel's diverticulum.

Case presentation
We report a case of an adult in his 5th decade presenting with sharp, colicky abdominal pain. On presentation his vitals were within normal limits, abdomen was non-distended but tender and rigid all over, more on left lower quadrant without any rebound tenderness. Bowel sounds were hypoactive. Rectal exam showed an empty vault. White blood cell count was 9.0 x 103/mm3 with 94.5% neutrophils, Hb of 9.0 gm/dl and Hct of 31.3%, liver and pancreatic enzymes were not elevated. Arterial blood gas did not show any acidosis and lactic acid level was not elevated. X-ray showed a non-obstructive bowel pattern without any free air. Abdominal computed tomography with oral and intravenous gastrograffin showed findings consistent with complete mid to distal small bowel obstruction secondary to a closed loop obstruction. Emergent laparotomy showed a Meckel's diverticulum that had formed a band around a portion of small bowel causing it to twist upon itself and become necrotic.

Conclusion
Histopathology revealed Meckel's diverticulum and benign intestinal tissue with hemorrhagic necrosis.
Primary intraosseous osteolytic meningioma of the skull: a case report
Authors: Sheikhrezaie Abdolreza , Meybodi Ali Tayebi , Hashemi Mohammad , Shafiee Sajad 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Primary intraosseous meningiomas are uncommon. The osteolytic variants of these tumors are even rarer. When one reviews a bony skull lesion, the differential diagnosis is very wide and includes both malignant and benign diseases. In case of primary skull meningioma, correct diagnosis and total resection of the lesion ensures curative therapy. Presented is a case of osteolytic skull lesion not invading the dura that was proved to be a fibrillary meningioma with regions of syncitial pattern.