bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropeptide Y in the noradrenergic neurones induces obesity and inhibits sympathetic tone in mice
Authors: Vähätalo L. H. , Ruohonen S. T. , Mäkelä S. , Kovalainen M. , Huotari A. , Mäkelä K. A. , Määttä J. A. , Miinalainen I. , Gilsbach R. , Hein L. , Ailanen L. , Mattila M. , Eerola K. , Röyttä M. , Ruohonen S. , Herzig K. ‐H. , Savontaus E. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimNeuropeptide Y (NPY) co‐localized with noradrenaline in central and sympathetic nervous systems seems to play a role in the control of energy metabolism. In this study, the aim was to elucidate the effects and pathophysiological mechanisms of increased NPY in catecholaminergic neurones on accumulation of body adiposity.MethodsTransgenic mice overexpressing NPY under the dopamine‐beta‐hydroxylase promoter (OE‐NPYDβH) and wild‐type control mice were followed for body weight gain and body fat content. Food intake, energy expenditure, physical activity, body temperature, serum lipid content and markers of glucose homoeostasis were monitored. Thermogenic and lipolytic responses in adipose tissues, and urine catecholamine and tissue catecholamine synthesizing enzyme levels were analysed as indices of sympathetic tone.ResultsHomozygous OE‐NPYDβH mice showed significant obesity accompanied with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Increased adiposity was explained by neither increased food intake or fat absorption nor by decreased total energy expenditure or physical activity. Adipocyte hypertrophy and decreased circulating lipid levels suggested decreased lipolysis and increased lipid uptake. Brown adipose tissue thermogenic capacity was decreased and brown adipocytes filled with lipids. Enhanced response to adrenergic stimuli, downregulation of catecholamine synthesizing enzyme expressions in the brainstem and lower adrenaline excretion supported the notion of low basal catecholaminergic activity.ConclusionIncreased NPY in catecholaminergic neurones induces obesity that seems to be a result of preferential fat storage. These results support the role of NPY as a direct effector in peripheral tissues and an inhibitor of sympathetic activity in the pathogenesis of obesity.
Review article: portal vein obstruction – epidemiology, pathogenesis, natural history, prognosis and treatment
Authors: Kumar A. , Sharma P. , Arora A. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBackgroundPortal vein obstruction may be due to portal vein thrombosis (PVT) or its sequale, the portal cavernoma. PVT is a common complication in liver cirrhosis, however, it may also occur as a primary vascular disorder, in absence of any liver disease.AimTo review the current knowledge on nomenclature, etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup and management of adult patients with obstruction in the portal vein, either as a primary vascular disease in adults, or as a complication of liver cirrhosis.MethodsA structured search in PubMed was performed using defined keywords (portal vein obstruction, extra‐hepatic portal vein obstruction, PVT and portal cavernoma), including full text articles and abstracts in English language.ResultsSeveral causes, operating both at local and systemic level, might play an important role in the pathogenesis of PVT. Frequently, more than one risk factor could be identified; however, occasionally no single factor is discernible. Diagnosis of portal vein obstruction depends on clinical presentation, imaging and laboratory investigations. Prompt treatment greatly affects the patient's outcome.ConclusionsPortal vein obstruction occurring either due to thrombosis in the portal vein or due to the portal cavernoma, can contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with or without cirrhosis. In recent years our understanding of etio‐pathogenesis of portal vein obstruction has evolved tremendously, which has led to significant improvement in treatment outcomes. There are still areas where more studies are needed to better clarify the management issues of portal vein obstruction.
Gaseous emissions, growth performance and pork quality of pigs housed in deep‐litter system compared to concrete‐floor system
Authors: Zhou Chuanshe , Hu Jinjie , Zhang Bin , Tan Zhiliang 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study measured gaseous emissions, growth performance and pork quality in a deep‐litter system and concrete‐floor system. Three hundred and twenty weaned piglets with an average body weight (BW) of 6.0 ± 0.3 kg were assigned randomly into three treatments. Treatments 1 and 2 included four pens with 20 pigs for each pen respectively in the deep‐litter system, and the ratio of sawdust to chaff was 5:5 and 3:7 for treatments 1 and 2 respectively, the probiotics inoculated into the fermentation bedding for both treatments were composed of Saccharomycetes, Bacillus subtilis and Actinomycetes; treatment 3 was the conventional concrete‐floor system including eight pens with 20 pigs for each pen. The concentration of NH3 and CO2 in the deep‐litter system was significantly (P < 0.001) lower than that in the concrete‐floor system. The ratio of feed to gain for pigs raised in the deep‐litter system was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that for pigs housed in the concrete‐floor system. The carcass weight and length, color score and rate of cooking meat for pork from the deep‐litter system were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those from the concrete‐floor system. Results indicate that pigs raised in the deep‐litter system had some animal welfare improvements and an odor nuisance reduction; in the meantime, pork quality also improved from the deep‐litter system compared to the pigs housed in the concrete‐floor system.
Evaluation of embryonic age and the effects of different proteases on the isolation and primary culture of chicken intestinal epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Yuan Chao , He Qiang , Li Jun‐ming , Azzam Mahmoud Mostafa , Lu Jian‐jun , Zou Xiao‐ting 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe present study evaluates the effects of embryonic age and proteolytic enzymes on the isolation and primary culture of chicken enterocyte and to establish an effective technique for chicken intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) cultivation. Fourteen‐day‐old, 16‐day‐old and 18‐day‐old embryos (average weight: 52.23 ± 0.76 g, 50.86 ± 0.99 g, 48.98 ± 1.03 g) were the source for preparation of enterocyte culture, and trypsin‐ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, collagenase, thermolysin and combination of collagenase and thermolysin were used for digestion medium. Optimal culture protocols were determined by qualitative assays of proliferation. Cells isolated by using 14‐day‐old embryo and collagenase obtain the best attachment and growth in culture, and the production of continuously growing IEC cultures. Thus, we conclude that the use of collagenase as a dissociating enzyme and 14‐day‐old embryo as a source can be advantageously applied to the isolation of chicken IEC and this method may be useful for various applications and basic studies of the intestinal tract concerning such objects as physiology, immunology and toxicology.
Correlations between the behavior of recreational horses, the physiological parameters and summer atmospheric conditions
Authors: Janczarek Iwona , Wilk Izabela , Zalewska Edyta , Bocian Krzysztof 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe aim of this paper was to select atmospheric factors and their values, which may disrupt the correct behavior and physiological condition of recreational horses. The studies were carried out from 1July until 1September on 16Anglo‐Arabian geldings. Each day, from 09.00 to 10.00 hours, the horses worked under saddle. The riders and the authors gave a qualitative behavioral assessment for each horse. Mood and willingness to work were evaluated. The quantitative assessment was called ‘incorrect behavior of the horse while riding’ (IBHR). The percentage time of duration and the number of occurrences of the features while riding were calculated. Heart rate, body temperature and respiratory rate were taken at 08.00 hours (resting measurement) and at 10.05 hours (post‐exercise measurement). Air temperature, relative air humidity, wind speed and atmospheric pressure were measured at 08.00 and 10.00 hours. The results showed that adverse changes in the behavior of recreational horses can occur if the horse is ridden when the air temperature is above 26°C and when wind speeds exceed 5.5 m/s. Such conditions may cause a reduction in the mood and willingness to work in horses. Physiological parameters like heart rate and body temperature seem to be more sensitive indicators of the horse body reaction to the weather than behavioral reactions.
Managing cattle grazing and overstorey cover for the conversion of pine monocultures into mixedMediterranean woodlands
Authors: Osem Yagil , Fogel Tom , Moshe Yossi , Brant Shlomo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractQuestionA large proportion (70%) of coniferous forest area in Israel is used for livestock grazing. Recently, the possibility of managing these monospecific plantations to form mixed conifer–broad‐leaved woodlands via natural regeneration processes has been considered. In light of this we pose the question, how does the interaction of cattle grazing and overstorey thinning (hereafter, thinning) affect natural regeneration in east Mediterranean pine plantations?LocationMenashe region, Mediterranean Israel (rainfall = 600 mm·yr−1).MethodsThe experiment was carried out in a mature (50 yr)Pinus brutiaplantation. Ten plots (0.25 ha) were selected, representing thinned (five plots, ≈100 trees·ha−1, leaf area index,LAI≈3) and non‐thinned (five plots, ≈230 trees·ha−1,LAI≈6) forest patches. Paired 100‐m2subplots were positioned within each plot, one of which was fenced to exclude cattle grazing while the other remained available for grazing. Recruitment, growth and shoot water potential of pines and broad‐leaved tree species were measured after 10 yr of grazing exclusion.ResultsThe density of newly emerged (up to 3‐mo‐old) pine seedlings was decreased by thinning but not affected by grazing. However, pine sapling (established seedlings) density and height were increased by thinning and decreased by grazing. Sapling density of the dominant native oakQuercus ithaburensiswas reduced by both thinning and grazing. Thinning enhanced the growth ofQ. ithaburensissaplings while grazing restricted their height. Grazing and thinning had no significant effect on the total sapling density of broad‐leaved tree species, but grazing restricted their height and reduced species richness. Grazing reduced topsoil water content in non‐thinned plots but had no effect in the thinned plots. Grazing increased the water potential of pine seedlings while thinning reduced it. Both grazing and thinning had no effect on the water potential of maturePistacia lentiscusshrubs.ConclusionsNatural regeneration within east Mediterranean pine plantations is limited by both dense overstorey cover and cattle grazing. While grazing exclusion is necessary for the establishment and early growth of recruits, reintroduction of grazing at later phases may facilitate the development of young forests by controlling competition.
Grassland restoration by seeding: seed source and growth form matter more than density
Authors: Walker Emer A. , Hermann Julia‐Maria , Kollmann Johannes 
Published: December 2014

AbstractQuestionWhat is the relative significance of seed source, growth form and seeding density in contributing to restoration of calcareous grasslands?LocationExperimental field site on calcareous gravel in the lowlands north of Munich (S Germany).MethodsThe research question was investigated using a dominant grass (Festuca rubra) and three subordinate forbs (Buphthalmum salicifolium, Dianthus carthusianorum, Linum perenne). A randomized split‐block design consisting of six blocks was established with two growth forms of F. rubra (rhizomatous, tussock) from two sources (cultivars, ‘regional’ plants from the region of the field experiment) seeded at two densities (800, 1600 seed·m−2) and inter‐seeded with forbs from cultivar and regional sources (100 seed·m−2). Each combination of plant source, growth form and seeding density of the dominant species was replicated six times. Individual numbers of F. rubra (Year 1), the subordinate species (Year 1 and Year 2) and the spontaneously invading alien plant Erigeron annuus (Year 2) were counted, and total cover of vascular plants in each subplot and average number of flowers per area were recorded in Year 2.ResultsRegional seed generally had higher establishment than the cultivar counterpart in both the dominant and subordinate species. Growth form and seeding density of F. rubra differed little in their effects on establishment of the forbs, but fewer E. annuus invaded subplots with regional F. rubra, and subplots with the tussock growth form. Only in D. carthusianorum did regional rather than cultivar subordinates produce more flowers.ConclusionsSeed source and growth form are the most significant factors for designing seed mixtures for restoration of calcareous grasslands.
Mentalization in children and mothers in the context of trauma: An initial study of the validity of the Child Reflective Functioning Scale
Authors: Ensink Karin , Normandin Lina , Target Mary , Fonagy Peter , Sabourin Stéphane , Berthelot Nicolas 
Published: December 2014

This study examined the validity of theChildReflectiveFunctioningScale (CRFS:Ensink,Target, &Oandason, 2013,Child reflective functioning scale scoring manual: for application to the Child Attachment Interview.London,UK:AnnaFreudCentre –UniversityCollegeLondon), a measure designed to assess reflective functioning (RF) or mentalization during middle childhood. Participants were 94 mother–child dyads divided into two subgroups; 46 dyads where children had histories of intrafamilial (n = 22 dyads) or extrafamilial (n = 24 dyads) sexual abuse, and a community control group composed of 48 mother–child dyads.RFof children and their mothers was assessed using videotaped and transcribed data gathered using the Child Attachment Interview and the Parent Development Interview (PDI:Slade,Aber,Bresi,Berger, &Kaplan, 2004,The parent development interview‐Revised.NewYork,NY:TheCityUniversity ofNewYork). The findings indicate that theCRFSproved reliable, with excellent intraclass correlation coefficients for generalRF, as well asRFregarding self and others. Significant differences inRFwere found between sexually abused children and the control group, and also between children who had experienced intrafamilial and extrafamilial sexual abuse. This provides support for the discriminant validity of theCRFS. Furthermore, maternalRFwas associated with childRF. Both abuse and maternalRFmade significant contributions to predicting children'sRFregarding themselves, but child sexual abuse was the only variable that made a significant contribution to explaining variance in children'sRFregarding others.
Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15 521 men
Authors: Veale David , Miles Sarah , Bramley Sally , Muir Gordon , Hodsoll John 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo systematically review and create nomograms of flaccid and erect penile size measurements.MethodsStudy key eligibility criteria: measurement of penis size by a health professional using a standard procedure; a minimum of 50 participants per sample. Exclusion criteria: samples with a congenital or acquired penile abnormality, previous surgery, complaint of small penis size or erectile dysfunction. Synthesis methods: calculation of a weighted mean and pooled standard deviation (sd) and simulation of 20 000 observations from the normal distribution to generate nomograms of penis size.ResultsNomograms for flaccid pendulous [n = 10 704, mean (sd) 9.16 (1.57) cm] and stretched length [n = 14 160, mean (sd) 13.24 (1.89) cm], erect length [n = 692, mean (sd) 13.12 (1.66) cm], flaccid circumference [n = 9407, mean (sd) 9.31 (0.90) cm], and erect circumference [n = 381, mean (sd) 11.66 (1.10) cm] were constructed. Consistent and strongest significant correlation was between flaccid stretched or erect length and height, which ranged from r = 0.2 to 0.6. Limitations: relatively few erect measurements were conducted in a clinical setting and the greatest variability between studies was seen with flaccid stretched length.ConclusionsPenis size nomograms may be useful in clinical and therapeutic settings to counsel men and for academic research.
Demographic and socio‐economic differences between men seeking infertility evaluation and those seeking surgical sterilization: from the National Survey of Family Growth
Authors: Hotaling James M. , Patel Darshan P. , Brant William O. , Myers Jeremy B. , Cullen Mark R. , Eisenberg Michael L. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo identify differences in demographic and socio‐economic factors between men seeking infertility evaluation and those undergoing vasectomy, to address disparities in access to these services.Patients and MethodsData from Cycle 6 and Cycle 7 (2002 and 2006–2008) of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) were reviewed. The NSFG is a multistage probability survey designed to capture a nationally representative sample of households with men and women aged 15–45 years in the USA. The variables analysed included age, body mass index, self‐reported health, alcohol use, race, religious affiliation, marital status, number of offspring, educational attainment, income level, insurance status and metropolitan home designation. Our primary outcome was the correlation of these demographic and socio‐economic factors with evaluation for male infertility or vasectomy.ResultsOf the 11 067 men identified through the NSFG, 466 men (4.2%) sought infertility evaluation, representing 2 187 455 men nationally, and 326 (2.9%) underwent a vasectomy, representing 1 510 386 men nationally. Those seeking infertility evaluation were more likely to be younger and have fewer children (P = 0.001, 0.001) and less likely to be currently married (78 vs 74%; P = 0.010) or ever married (89 vs 97%; P = 0.002). Men undergoing a vasectomy were more likely to be white (86 vs 70%; P = 0.001). Men seeking infertility evaluation were more likely to have a college or graduate degree compared with men undergoing a vasectomy (68 vs 64%; P = 0.015). There was no difference between the two groups for all other variables.ConclusionWhile differences in demographic characteristics such as age, offspring number and marital status were identified, measures of health, socio‐economic status, religion and insurance were similar between men undergoing vasectomy and those seeking infertility services. These factors help characterize the utilization of male reproductive health services in the USA and may help address disparities in access to these services and improve public health strategies.
Late Triassic initial subduction of the Bangong‐Nujiang Ocean beneath Qiangtang revealed: stratigraphic and geochronological evidence from Gaize, Tibet
Authors: Zeng Min , Zhang Xiang , Cao Hui , Ettensohn Frank R. , Cheng Wenbin , Lang Xinghai 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSedimentological and geochronological studies along a north–south traverse across the Bangong‐Nujiang suture zone (BNSZ) in Gaize, Tibet provide evidence for a Late Triassic–Jurassic accretionary wedge accreted to the south margin of Qiangtang. This wedge, preserved as the Mugagangri Group (MG), records evidence for the northward subduction of the Bangong‐Nujiang Ocean (BNO) beneath Qiangtang. The MG strata comprise two coarser intervals (lower olistostromes and upper conglomerates) intercalated within sandy turbidites, which are consistent with timing and forearc stratigraphy during subduction initiation predicted by geodynamic modelling. Following the model, the northward subduction of the BNO beneath Qiangtang and subsequent arc‐magmatism are inferred to have begun, respectively, at ca. 220 Ma and ca. 210 Ma, with respect to depositional ages constrained by youngest detrital‐zircon ages. The initiation of arc‐magmatism is also supported by provenance transition reflected by sandstone detrital modes and age patterns of detrital zircons. Previously, evidence for an incipient arc was lacking, but the timing of Late Triassic BNO subduction and related arc‐magmatism is coincident with an important Late Triassic magmatic event in central Qiangtang that probably represents the ‘missing’ arc. Other Qiangtang events, such as exhumation of the Qiangtang metamorphic belt as a source area, and development of the Late Triassic Nadigangri deposits and bimodal volcanism, are more easily explained in the tectonic context of early northward subduction of the BNO beneath Qiangtang, beginning at about 220 Ma.
Basin evolution of Upper Cretaceous–Lower Cenozoic strata in the Malargüe fold‐and‐thrust belt: northern Neuquén Basin, Argentina
Authors: Balgord Elizabeth A. , Carrapa Barbara 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe Andean Orogen is the type‐example of an active Cordilleran style margin with a long‐lived retroarc fold‐and‐thrust belt and foreland basin. Timing of initial shortening and foreland basin development in Argentina is diachronous along‐strike, with ages varying by 20–30 Myr. The Neuquén Basin (32°S to 40°S) contains a thick sedimentary sequence ranging in age from late Triassic to Cenozoic, which preserves a record of rift, back arc and foreland basin environments. As much of the primary evidence for initial uplift has been overprinted or covered by younger shortening and volcanic activity, basin strata provide the most complete record of early mountain building. Detailed sedimentology and new maximum depositional ages obtained from detrital zircon U–Pb analyses from the Malargüe fold‐and‐thrust belt (35°S) record a facies change between the marine evaporites of the Huitrín Formation (ca. 122 Ma) and the fluvial sandstones and conglomerates of the Diamante Formation (ca. 95 Ma). A 25–30 Myr unconformity between the Huitrín and Diamante formations represents the transition from post‐rift thermal subsidence to forebulge erosion during initial flexural loading related to crustal shortening and uplift along the magmatic arc to the west by at least 97 ± 2 Ma. This change in basin style is not marked by any significant difference in provenance and detrital zircon signature. A distinct change in detrital zircons, sandstone composition and palaeocurrent direction from west‐directed to east‐directed occurs instead in the middle Diamante Formation and may reflect the Late Cretaceous transition from forebulge derived sediment in the distal foredeep to proximal foredeep material derived from the thrust belt to the west. This change in palaeoflow represents the migration of the forebulge, and therefore, of the foreland basin system between 80 and 90 Ma in the Malargüe area.