bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its correlation with clinical symptoms and endoscopic findings in patients with chronic radiation proctitis
Authors: Trzcinski R. , Dziki A. , Brys M. , Moszynska‐Zielinska M. , Chalubinska‐Fendler J. , Mik M. , Kujawski R. , Dziki L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a key proangiogenic factor and determine whether there is any correlation between its expression and clinical symptoms or endoscopic changes in patients with chronic radiation proctitis (ChRP).MethodFifty patients who had all undergone radiotherapy for prostate, cervical or uterine cancer were included in the study (37 women, 13 men). There was a control group of 20 patients (9 women, 11 men). The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG/EORTC) scoring system was used for grading the severity of the proctitis. Endoscopic scoring of late rectal mucosal damage was performed using Gilinsky's classification. Serum levels of VEGF were analysed by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method.ResultsMost patients presented with Grade 1 symptoms. Endoscopic assessment showed that most patients had Grade 1 late rectal mucosal damage. The predominant endoscopic finding was the presence of telangiectasia. Assessment of VEGF correlation between the control group and the degrees of endoscopic changes showed statistically significant differences for all three degrees (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0251 and P = 0.0005, respectively). Due to the small numbers of patients with Grades 2 and 3 symptoms using the RTOG/EORTC scoring system, they were grouped with Grades 1 and 4 respectively forming two groups for statistical purposes. VEGF expression differed significantly between controls and group I and between controls and group II (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0009, respectively).ConclusionA significant increase in VEGF expression was found to correlate with clinical symptoms and endoscopic rectal mucosa changes in patients with ChRP, suggesting that it may play an important role in pathological angiogenesis.
Reassessing risks and benefits of living kidney donors with a history of thyroid cancer
Authors: Adler Joel T. , Yeh Heidi , Barbesino Giuseppe , Lubitz Carrie C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMany potential and willing living kidney donors are excluded from donating for a history of malignancy. There is appropriate caution toward patients with a history of malignancy because of concern for transmission of donor‐derived malignancy. Thyroid cancer is common and increasing in incidence, and outcomes are very good in otherwise young, healthy potential donors. We review the evidence and guidelines regarding recurrence and transmission risk of thyroid cancer, and then we suggest a standardized guideline for otherwise healthy donors with a history of thyroid malignancy.
Effectiveness of furosemide in attenuating exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage in horses when administered at 4‐ and 24‐h prior to high‐speed training
Authors: Knych H. K. , Wilson W. D. , Vale A. , Kass P. H. , Arthur R. M. , Jones J. H. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryBackgroundDue to the high prevalence ofEIPHin racehorses and its potential impact on the horse's health, furosemide administration is permitted up to 4‐h prior to post time in most North American racing jurisdictions. Anecdotal reports suggest that administration of furosemide 24‐h prior to strenuous exercise may be equally effective in decreasing the severity ofEIPH.ObjectivesTo 1) compare the efficacy of furosemide in reducing the presence and severity ofEIPHwhen administered 4‐ or 24‐h prior to strenuous exercise 2) characterise electrolyte and blood parameters following administration of furosemide at 4‐ and 24‐h prior to exercise.Study design3‐way crossover.MethodsFifteen Thoroughbred racehorses received 5 mL of 0.9% NaCl or 250 mg of furosemide either 4‐ or 24‐h prior to a 5‐furlong simulated race. Blood samples were collected prior to and post‐run for determination of furosemide, lactate, haemoglobin and electrolyte concentrations. One‐hour post‐race, an endoscopic exam and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed. Horses were assigned anEIPHscore based on predetermined criteria and the number of red blood cells inBALfluid was determined.ResultsEndoscopicEIPHscores were lower in the 4‐h vs. the 24‐h (P = 0.03) furosemide groups.RBCcounts inBALfluid were lower in the 4‐h furosemide vs. saline treatment groups (P = 0.01) but no difference was noted between the saline and 24‐h furosemide groups (P = 0.3), nor between the 4‐ and 24‐h groups (P = 0.5).Main limitationsSmall sample size and large range of running times for the 5‐furlong work.ConclusionsWhile none of the treatments preventedEIPH, endoscopic scores andRBCcounts inBALfluid support the efficacy of furosemide in reducing the severity ofEIPH. Endoscopic scores were lower in the 4‐h furosemide group compared with 24‐h administration. Red blood cell counts were lower in the 4‐h furosemide group compared with saline treatment.
Sex‐specific growth in chicks of the sexually dimorphic Black‐tailed Godwit
Authors: Loonstra A. H. Jelle , Verhoeven Mo A. , Piersma Theunis 
Published: September 2017

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is common in birds and has been linked to various selective forces. Nevertheless, the question of how and when the sexes start to differentiate from each other is poorly studied. This is a critical knowledge gap, as sex differences in growth may cause different responses to similar ecological conditions. In this study, we describe the sex‐specific growth – based on body mass and five morphometric measurements – of 56 captive Black‐tailed GodwitLimosa limosa limosachicks raised underad libitumfood conditions, and conclude that all six growth curves are sex‐specific. Females are the larger sex in terms of body mass and skeletal body size. To test whether sex‐specific growth leads to sex‐specific susceptibility to environmental conditions, we compared the age‐specific sizes of male and female chicks in the wild with those of Black‐tailed Godwits reared in captivity. We then tested for a relationship between residual growth and relative hatching date, age, sex and habitat type in which the wild chicks were born. Early‐hatched chicks were relatively bigger and in better condition than late‐hatched chicks, but body condition and size were not affected by natal habitat type. Female chicks deviated more negatively from the sex‐specific growth curves than male chicks for body mass and total‐head length. This suggests that the growth of the larger females is more susceptible to limiting environmental conditions. On average, the deviations of wild chicks from the predicted growth curves were negative for all measurements, which suggests that conditions are limiting in the current agricultural landscape. We argue that in estimating growth curves for sexually dimorphic species, it is critical first to make accurate sex and age determinations.
In vivo evaluation of some biophysical parameters of the facial skin of Indian women. Part I: variability with age and geographical locations
Authors: Colomb L. , Flament F. , Wagle A. , Agrawal D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundIndia is a large country (a subcontinent) of about 3.3 million km2 that covers large ranges in latitude and longitude. The last Indian census counted about 1.21 billion of inhabitants of many origins, creating a vast human diversity and skin types, the variability of which having been previously established. The present study aimed at deepening this knowledge through a set of biophysical measurements to describe, along the skin ageing process, the specificities of various Indian subjects living in different geographical locations.MethodsA total of 1204 women, aged 18–84 years, of all socio‐economic status, were recruited in four Indian cities (Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi). Measurements of face skin colour properties, elastic properties, sebum production, skin pores and microrelief roughness were performed.ResultsWith regard skin colour, this study indicates, with age, a darkening of very low amplitude that leads to an increased skin colour heterogeneity. In all subjects, at all ages, the ocular region (dark circles) presents a much darker pigmentation than the cheeks, creating a contrast that appears constant at all ages. In addition to an increased skin colour heterogeneity, a progressive alteration of the skin surface relief, increased sizes of skin pores, a loss of skin elasticity and a drop in sebum production, post‐menopause, are observed.ConclusionsThis study confirms, in Indian women, some skin ageing measurements found on women from other ethnic groups (i.e. sebum, firmness, wrinkles and pores size) and also identifies some Indian specificities: a high and constant contrast between the ocular region and the cheek colour, associated to a very slow darkening effect along the lifespan.
Occurrence of cases with peri‐implant mucositis or peri‐implantitis in a 21–26 years follow‐up study
Authors: Renvert Stefan , Lindahl Christel , Persson Gösta Rutger 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimTo determine the prevalence and development of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis and to assess risk factors over time.Materials and MethodsThe study is a longitudinal case series assessing the occurrence and diagnosis of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis.ResultsA total of 218 of 294 patients who had received dental implants between 1988 and 1992 were examined between 2000 and 2002 (examination II; 9–14 years after the first examination). At examination III (20–26 years after examination I, on average 23.3 years), 86 individuals were re‐examined. The diagnosis of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis at examination III was 54.7% and 22.1%, respectively. Surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis after examination II resulted in a bone gain for two of 12 individuals. Individuals with ≥3 implants at examination II were at risk for peri‐implantitis at examination III (P< 0.05). Radiographic evidence of periodontitis (p = 0.40), a diagnosis of peri‐implant mucositis (p = .77) or smoking (p = .86) at examination II were not predictive of peri‐implantitis at examination III.ConclusionsThe diagnosis and occurrence of peri‐implantitis and peri‐implant mucositis were high. Healthy conditions at implants after 9–14 years were predictive of future implant health.
Documenting the prevalence of hiatal hernia and oesophageal abnormalities in brachycephalic dogs using fluoroscopy
Authors: Reeve E. J. , Sutton D. , Friend E. J. , Warren‐Smith C. M. R. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesTo report the prevalence of abnormal fluoroscopic findings in brachycephalic dogs that were presented to a referral hospital for obstructive airway syndrome.MethodsHospital records between May 2013 and November 2015 identified 36 brachycephalic dogs investigated for obstructive airway disease: 21 French bulldogs, six bulldogs, four Boston terriers, two pugs, two boxers and one shih‐tzu. The presence or absence of hiatal hernia, delayed oesophageal transit, gastro‐oesophageal reflux and redundant oesophagus were recorded.ResultsOf the 36 dogs, 16 had hiatal hernia, all of which were French bulldogs; 31 dogs had delayed oesophageal transit time, 27 had gastro‐oesophageal reflux, and four had redundant oesophagus.Clinical SignificanceClinical Significance: The prevalence of hiatal hernia is higher than expected in the French bulldog, and there was a high prevalence of oesophageal disease in this group in general. These results suggest a need to investigate similar cases for evidence of gastrointestinal disease that may also require attention.
Prevalence of overactive bladder in China, Taiwan and South Korea: Results from a cross‐sectional, population‐based study
Authors: Chuang Yao‐Chi , Liu Shih‐Ping , Lee Kyu‐Sung , Liao Limin , Wang Jianye , Yoo Tag Keun , Chu Romeo , Sumarsono Budiwan 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) in individuals aged ≥40 years in China, Taiwan, and South Korea.MethodsThe present cross‐sectional population‐representative Internet‐based study investigated OAB symptoms in men and women aged ≥40 years using the overactive bladder symptom score. Additional instruments included the International Index of Erectile Function (men only) and the Sexual Quality of Life – Female (women only) questionnaires, as well as Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC).ResultsIn all, 8284 individuals participated in the study. The prevalence of OAB was 20.8% overall (women 22.1%, men 19.5%) and increased significantly with age, from 10.8% in those aged 40–44 years to 27.9% in those aged >60 years (P = .001). The presence of comorbid conditions (e.g. neurological disease, diabetes) was associated with a significantly increased prevalence of OAB. Increasing symptom severity was associated with significantly worsening patient perception of bladder condition responses. Just under half (48%) of those with no OAB had no lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), whereas 88% of those with severe symptoms had all 3 LUTS (International Continence Society definition) symptom categories (voiding, post‐micturition, and storage symptoms). Of those without OAB, 10% reported visiting healthcare professionals for urinary symptoms, compared with 64% of those with severe OAB symptoms (P = .001). Increased symptom severity was significantly associated with lower sexual quality of life in both men and women.ConclusionsOAB symptoms were found to affect 1 in 5 individuals aged ≥40 years in China, Taiwan, and South Korea, becoming more common with increasing age. The results suggest that many more individuals with OAB could benefit by consulting healthcare professionals.
KV channel trafficking and control of vascular tone
Authors: Hasan Raquibul , Jaggar Jonathan H. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMembrane potential is a principal regulator of arterial contractility. Arterial smooth muscle cells express several different types of ion channel that control membrane potential, including KV channels. KV channel activation leads to membrane hyperpolarization, resulting in inhibition of voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels, a reduction in [Ca2+]i, and vasodilation. In contrast, KV channel inhibition leads to membrane depolarization and vasoconstriction. The ability of KV channels to regulate arterial contractility is dependent upon the number of plasma membrane‐resident channels and their open probability. Here, we will discuss mechanisms that alter the surface abundance of KV channel proteins in arterial smooth muscle cells and the functional consequences of such regulation. Cellular processes that will be described include those that modulate KV channel transcription, retrograde and anterograde trafficking, and protein degradation.
Expression of GnRH receptor in the canine corpus luteum, and luteal function following deslorelin acetate‐induced puberty delay
Authors: Kaya D , Gram A , Kowalewski MP , Schäfer‐Somi S , Kuru M , Boos A , Aslan S 
Published: September 2017

ContentsThe goals of this study were as follows: (Experiment 1) to examine the basic capability of canine corpora lutea (CL) to respond to GnRH by assessing expression of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor (GnRH‐R) in luteal samples collected throughout the luteal lifespan from non‐pregnant dogs, and (Experiment 2) to investigate the effects of pre‐pubertal application of the GnRH agonist deslorelin acetate on luteal function following the first oestrus. Mature CL were collected during the mid‐luteal phase (days 30–45) from treated and control bitches. Transcript levels of several factors were determined: estrogen receptors (ESR1/ERα, ESR2/ERβ), progesterone (P4)‐receptor (PGR), prolactin receptor (PRLR), PGE2‐synthase (PTGES) and PGE2 receptors (PTGER2/EP2, PTGER4/EP4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) and VEGF receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2/PTGS2), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) and 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD). Additionally, levels of Kisspeptin 1 (Kiss1) and its receptor (KISS1‐R) were evaluated. Although generally low, GnRH‐R expression was time dependent and was elevated during early dioestrus, with a significant decrease towards luteal regression. In deslorelin‐treated and control dogs, its expression was either low or frequently below the detection limit. EP2 and VEGFR1 were higher in the treated group, which could be caused by a feedback mechanism after long‐term suppression of reproductive activity. Despite large individual variations, 3βHSD was higher in the deslorelin‐treated group. This, along with unchanged STAR expression, was apparently not mirrored in increased luteal functionality, because similar P4 levels were detected in both groups. Finally, the deslorelin‐mediated long‐term delay of puberty does not have negative carry‐over effects on subsequent ovarian functionality in bitches.
Technocracy, democracy, and public policy:An evaluation of public participation in retrospective regulatory review
Authors: DeMenno Mercy B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRetrospective review of existing regulations is an increasingly common aspect of the regulatory policy cycle. As with prospective regulatory policymaking, public participation is a central feature of many retrospective review initiatives. Despite its theoretical and practical significance, participation in retrospective review has received little scholarly attention. This paper presents the first systematic assessment of participation in United States retrospective regulatory review. Utilizing content analysis of an original dataset of government documents and public input produced pursuant to Executive Orders 13563, 13579, and 13610, the paper analyzes participatory institutional design, the level and composition of participants, and participation processes. The results suggest that retrospective review participation processes largely reflected the modes of stakeholder outreach and engagement employed in prospective regulatory policymaking, but resulted in comparatively low levels of participation. Consistent with the purposes enumerated in the executive orders, participation processes facilitated information exchange and were relatively representative of and responsive to stakeholders.
Indium Mineralization in the Yejiwei Sn‐Polymetallic Deposit of the Shizhuyuan Orefield, Southern Hunan, China
Authors: Liu Jianping , Rong Yanan , Gu Xiangping , Shao Yongjun , Lai Jianqing , Chen Weikang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe Yejiwei deposit, which is located in the southern Hunan W–Sn–Pb–Zn Metallogenic Belt in south China, is a large‐scale porphyry–skarn–veinlet‐type deposit containing 806 t In. Mineralization occurs as porphyry‐type Sn (stockworks), skarn‐type Sn–Cu, marble‐hosted‐type Sn–Cu (veinlet), and vein‐type Pb–Zn ores. Thirty‐five ore samples were collected from the Yejiwei deposit for bulk and mineral chemical composition, microscopic observation and electron microprobe analyses. The porphyry‐type Sn ores contain variable amounts of In (2.3–76 ppm; mean of 17.4 ppm) with local In enrichment (226 ppm) and 1000 × In/Zn values are 3.8–52.4. The skarn‐type Cu–Sn ore is richest in In (12.3–214 ppm; mean of 114 ppm), and 1000 × In/Zn values are 2.4–117. In contrast, the In content of the marble‐hosted‐type Cu–Sn ores is relatively low (7.4–34.9 ppm; mean of 20.3 ppm), and 1000 × In/Zn is in the range of 0.61–5.5, and the vein‐type Pb–Zn ores in the external zone contain the lowest In contents (7.2–17.0 ppm; mean of 12.1 ppm) with 1000 × In/Zn values of 0.07–0.09. The ore minerals in the deposit include pyrite, pyrrhotite, cassiterite, and In‐bearing minerals of sphalerite, chalcopyrite, and stannite. Although only trace amounts of sphalerite are hosted in the porphyry ores, the sphalerite contains the highest In content (0.27–10.1 wt.% In) in the deposit. We observed the highest In contents of all In‐bearing sphalerite reported in China. The In contents of sphalerite in the skarn‐type ore range from 0.15 to 0.56 wt.%, whereas the marble‐hosted‐, and vein‐type ores have lower In contents (0.00–0.04, and 0.03–0.06 wt.%, respectively). The In resources of the Yejiwei deposit are mainly hosted in skarn ores of the No. 31 and No. 32 orebodies. The genesis of In in the Yejiwei deposit was closely related to the shallow intrusive environment of related igneous rocks. As W–Sn–Mo–Bi–Cu–Pb–Zn–Ag mineralization is widespread in south Hunan, this study would suggest a focus on skarn‐type Sn–Zn deposits for the future prospecting of In resources.
Testing Independence of Covariates and Errors in Non‐parametric Regression
Authors: Dhar Subhra Sankar , Bergsma Wicher , Dassios Angelos 
Published: October 2017

AbstractConsider a non‐parametric regression modelY=m(X)+ϵ, wheremis an unknown regression function,Yis a real‐valued response variable,Xis a real covariate, andϵis the error term. In this article, we extend the usual tests for homoscedasticity by developing consistent tests for independence betweenXandϵ. Further, we investigate the local power of the proposed tests using Le Cam's contiguous alternatives. An asymptotic power study under local alternatives along with extensive finite sample simulation study shows that the performance of the new tests is competitive with existing ones. Furthermore, the practicality of the new tests is shown using two real data sets.
Social centrality and aggressive behavior in the elementary school: Gender segregation, social structure, and psychological factors
Authors: Molano Andres , Jones Stephanie M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we build on key findings in the sociological literature regarding different patterns of association between social centrality and overt aggressive behavior in the context of same‐and‐cross gender social interactions. We explore these associations in a population of urban elementary school students ( = 8.62,SD = 0.69,N = 848), while addressing claims that the role of psychological factors is overstated in this literature. Our results indicate that, on average, social centrality is positively associated with aggressive behavior for boys, but negatively for girls. We also find a moderating effect indicating that the proportion of male peers with whom participants are reported to hang around, as well as their own gender play a role in the association between social centrality and aggression. These findings are discussed in the context of an ecological perspective on human development in which interactions among individuals, their social groups, and key environments are viewed as central to shaping developmental pathways.