bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐related dermal collagen changes during development, maturation and ageing – a morphometric and comparative study
Authors: Marcos‐Garcés V. , Molina Aguilar P. , Bea Serrano C. , García Bustos V. , Benavent Seguí J. , Ferrández Izquierdo A. , Ruiz‐Saurí A. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe tissue organisation of dermal collagen is gaining importance as a contributing factor both in development and ageing, as well as in skin maturation processes. In this work we aim to study different representative parameters of this structural organisation in 45 human skin samples of assorted ages, by means of image analysis. The variation of these parameters on the basis of age was assessed using several regression models (linear, quadratic and cubic). The area occupied by collagen was significantly reduced as a function of age in the papillary dermis (R2 = 0.437, P < 0.0001), as well as the thickness of the collagen bundles (R2 = 0.461, P < 0.0001), following statistical models of cubic and quadratic regression, respectively. The width of the papillary dermis increased in a significant manner over a linear regression model (R2 = 0.26, P < 0.0001). In the reticular dermis, the cubic regression indicated a significant decline (R2 = 0.392, P = 0.002) of the area filled with collagen according to the age. Both collagen thickness and bundle orientation parameters fit a quadratic regression over the age in a significant way (R2 = 0.433 and R2 = 0.334, respectively, both P < 0.0001). The width of the reticular dermis followed also a significant quadratic distribution according to age (R2 = 0.193, P = 0.011). These parameters could partially explain the lifelong functional changes taking place in the skin and propose a baseline providing a useful entry point for future investigation.
Adenosine A2B and A3 receptor location at the mouse neuromuscular junction
Authors: Garcia Neus , Priego Mercedes , Hurtado Erica , Obis Teresa , Santafe Manel M. , Tomàs Marta , Lanuza Maria Angel , Tomàs Josep 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTo date, four subtypes of adenosine receptors have been cloned (A1R, A2AR, A2BR, and A3R). In a previous study we used confocal immunocytochemistry to identify A1R and A2AR receptors at mouse neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). The data shows that these receptors are localized differently in the three cells (muscle, nerve and glia) that configure the NMJs. A1R localizes in the terminal teloglial Schwann cell and nerve terminal, whereas A2AR localizes in the postsynaptic muscle and in the axon and nerve terminal. Here, we use Western blotting to investigate the presence of A2BR and A3R receptors in striated muscle and immunohistochemistry to localize them in the three cells of the adult neuromuscular synapse. The data show that A2BR and A3R receptors are present in the nerve terminal and muscle cells at the NMJs. Neither A2BR nor A3R receptors are localized in the Schwann cells. Thus, the four subtypes of adenosine receptors are present in the motor endings. The presence of these receptors in the neuromuscular synapse allows the receptors to be involved in the modulation of transmitter release.
Successful pregnancy in a woman with uterine scarring by transverse fundal cesarean section
Authors: Nishida Ryutaro , Morikawa Mamoru , Yamada Takahiro , Takeda Masamitsu , Akaishi Rina , Cho Kazutoshi , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThere has been only one case to date of pregnancy outcome after fundal transverse cesarean section (FTC). We report a pregnancy established after FTC. The FTC was performed at gestational week (GW) 24 in this patient's first pregnancy, but the uterus was preserved. Magnetic resonance imaging studies performed four times in her second pregnancy consistently showed part of the uterine fundus in which the muscle layer was interrupted. Concern regarding spontaneous uterine rupture in the absence of labor pains prompted us to interrupt her pregnancy at GW 31+5, delivering a premature, but otherwise healthy female infant, weighing 1832 g. The infant required transient intratracheal intubation for respiratory distress syndrome (for less than 1 h), but had an otherwise uneventful clinical course. Two cases, including ours, suggest that successful pregnancy outcome is feasible at least in some women with uterine scarring due to FTC.
Letrozole versus clomiphene citrate for unexplained infertility: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Aihai , Zheng Chao , Lang Junzhe , Chen Wenbing 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe objective of this study is to investigate and compare the effectiveness of letrozole and clomiphene citrate for improving fertility outcomes, including pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, multiple pregnancy rate, and incidence rate of adverse events, number of dominant follicles, endometrial thickness at hCG day and serum E2 on hCG day. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CNKI and CBMdisc databases were searched up to March 2013. Randomized controlled trials comparing letrozole with clomiphene in women with unexplained infertility were included. Pooled relative risk, mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. We found that there are no differences in pregnancy, miscarriage and multiple pregnancy rates, incidence rate of adverse events, number of dominant follicles (>18 mm) and endometrial thickness at hCG day in women with unexplained infertility between letrozole and clomiphene regimens. The mean (±standard deviation) concentration of serum E2 on hCG day was lower in those treated with letrozole than those with clomiphene. The subgroup of 2.5 mg letrozole displayed a statistically significant higher rate of clinical pregnancy as compared with 100 mg of clomiphene. The results of this study conclude that letrozole is as effective as clomiphene in women with unexplained infertility. Letrozole at a dose of 2.5 mg seems more effective. Further high‐quality studies assessing the possible effectiveness of letrozole in selected groups of patients are warranted.
Reductions in serum levels of LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, triglycerides and lipoprotein(a) in hypercholesterolaemic patients treated with the liver‐selective thyroid hormone receptor agonist eprotirome
Authors: Angelin Bo , Kristensen Jens D. , Eriksson Mats , Carlsson Bo , Klein Irwin , Olsson Anders G. , Chester Ridgway E. , Ladenson Paul W. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundLiver‐selective thyromimetic agents could provide a new approach for treating dyslipidaemia.MethodsWe performed a multicentre, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of eprotirome, a liver‐selective thyroid hormone receptor agonist, in 98 patients with primary hypercholesterolaemia. After previous drug wash‐out and dietary run‐in, patients received 100 or 200 μg day−1 eprotirome or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary end‐point was change in serum LDL cholesterol; secondary end‐points included changes in other lipid parameters and safety measures.ResultsEprotirome treatment at 100 and 200 μg daily reduced serum LDL cholesterol levels by 23 ± 5% and 31 ± 4%, respectively, compared with 2 ± 6% for placebo (P < 0.0001). Similar reductions were seen in non‐HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein (apo) B, whereas serum levels of HDL cholesterol and apo A‐I were unchanged. There were also considerable reductions in serum triglycerides and lipoprotein(a), in particular in patients with elevated levels at baseline. There was no evidence of adverse effects on heart or bone and no changes in serum thyrotropin or triiodothyronine, although the thyroxine level decreased. Low‐grade increases in liver enzymes were evident in most patients.ConclusionIn hypercholesterolaemic patients, the liver‐selective thyromimetic eprotirome decreased serum levels of atherogenic lipoproteins without signs of extra‐hepatic side effects. Selective stimulation of hepatic thyroid hormone receptors may be an attractive way to modulate lipid metabolism in hyperlipidaemia.
Diagnostic value of MRI in dogs with inflammatory nasal disease
Authors: Furtado A. R. R. , Caine A. , Herrtage M. E. 
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVESTo determine the value of low‐field magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating sino‐nasal aspergillosis from lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis in dogs.METHODSA retrospective study of 41 dogs (25 with lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis and 16 with sino‐nasal aspergillosis) that underwent magnetic resonance imaging scan of the nasal cavity was conducted. On magnetic resonance imaging, turbinate destruction was classified as mild, moderate or severe. The cribriform plate and vomer destruction were classified as present or absent. The intensity of fluid accumulation and turbinates was classified on T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted images as hypointense, hyperintense and isointense based on the brightest area on the same slice.RESULTSTurbinate destruction was significantly (P=0·005) associated with sino‐nasal aspergillosis. On T1‐weighted images, sino‐nasal aspergillosis was associated with turbinate hyperintensity, while lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis was significantly (P=0·007) associated with hypointensity. On T2‐weighted images, this feature was shown not to be relevant.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThis study has demonstrated that turbinate destruction is the most reliable feature to differentiate sino‐nasal aspergillosis from lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis and that T1‐weighted image was the most useful sequence.
Association Between Penile Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI-Derived Quantitative Parameters and Self-Reported Sexual Function in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer
Authors: Vargas Hebert Alberto , Donati Olivio F. , Wibmer Andreas , Goldman Debra A. , Mulhall John P. , Sala Evis , Hricak Hedvig 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The high incidence of prostate cancer, coupled with excellent prostate cancer control rates, has resulted in growing interest in nononcological survivorship issues such as sexual function. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being performed for local staging of prostate cancer, and due to the close anatomical relationship to the prostate, penile enhancement is often depicted in prostate MRI.

Aim
To evaluate the associations between quantitative perfusion-related parameters derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI of the penis and self-reported sexual function in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer.

Methods
This retrospective study included 50 patients who underwent DCE-MRI for prostate cancer staging before prostatectomy. The following perfusion-related parameters were calculated: volume transfer constant (Ktrans), rate constant (kep), extracellular-extravascular volume fraction (ve), contrast enhancement ratio (CER), area under the gadolinium curve after 180 seconds (AUC180), and slope of the time/signal intensity curve of the corpora cavernosa. Associations between perfusion-related parameters and self-reported sexual function were evaluated using the Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test.

Main Outcome Measures
Patient responses to the sexual function domain of the Prostate Quality of Life survey.

Results
Five of the six DCE-MRI parameters (Ktrans, ve, CER, AUC180, and slope) were significantly associated with the overall score from the sexual domain of the survey (P = 0.0020–0.0252). CER, AUC180, and slope were significantly associated with the answers to all six questions (P = 0.0020–0.0483), ve was significantly associated with the answers to five of six questions (P = 0.0036–0.1029), and Ktrans was significantly associated with the answers to three of six questions (P = 0.0252–0.1023). kep was not significantly associated with the overall survey score (P = 0.7665) or the answers to any individual questions (P = 0.4885–0.8073).

Conclusion
Penile DCE-MRI parameters were significantly associated with self-reported sexual function in patients with prostate cancer. These parameters are readily available when performing prostate MRI for staging and may be relevant to the management of patients considering prostate cancer therapies.
Effects of climatic conditions on sex ratios in nests of broad‐snouted caiman
Authors: Simoncini M. S. , Cruz F. B. , Larriera A. , Piña C. I. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCaiman latirostris has temperature‐dependent sex determination and is potentially susceptible to environmental temperature fluctuations and, thus, to the global climate change phenomena. Considering the potential consequences of increasing temperatures for Ca. latirostris offspring, we examined the effects of climatic conditions on sex ratios produced by caimans in wild nests and in particular how climate variables affect nest temperature and the percentage of females produced. We also explored the potential consequences of a hypothetic 0.5 and 1.0°C increase in nest temperature on caiman populations. The proportion of females produced from nests in the wild varied among reproductive seasons, as mean nest temperatures varied between 27.1 and 33.9°C. However, after seven seasons the sex ratio biased toward females, and only during extreme events (strong El Niño Southern Oscillation event, La Niña) was there a reduction in the percentage of females produced in the wild. In the hypothetic scenarios of global warming, we predict a decrease of unisexual female nests, with nests containing both sexes or unisexual male nests becoming more frequent. Entire clutches might be lost if nest temperatures rise above 34.5°C for extended periods. However, it is possible that females modify their nesting timing and behavior to select thermally suitable nest environments.
Distribution and feeding patterns of juvenile parrotfish on algal‐dominated coral reefs
Authors: Feitosa João L.L. , Ferreira Beatrice P. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBy the consumption of algae, parrotfishes open space for young coral settlement and growth, thus playing a central role on the maintenance of coral reefs. However, juvenile parrotfish ecology is often overlooked due to the difficulty discerning species during this phase. Herein, we present the first attempt to investigate changes in habitat use and diet that happen to juveniles of the Redeye parrotfish Sparisoma axillare, focusing on four zones within an algal‐dominated reef: the macroalgal beds, back reef, reef flat, and fore reef. Smaller S. axillare juveniles (<5 cm) preferred to inhabit the macroalgal beds and the reef flat, whereas juveniles larger than 5 cm were more abundant in the back and fore reefs due to distinct post‐settlement habitat conditions. Aggressive interactions with the territorial damselfish Stegastes fuscus were the primary driving factor of juvenile distribution and feeding rates. Attack rates increased with juvenile size and the lowest bite rates were observed in zones with higher densities of territorial damselfish. In previous studies, the persistence of parrotfish recruits in habitats dominated by damselfish was reduced, but newly settled parrotfish occurred more densely within the damselfish domain by behaving as a cryptic reef fish. As these juveniles grew, their bite rates increased, a change associated with a shift from cryptic to roving behavior. Feeding preferences were determined by substrate cover, where juveniles fed on available food sources in each habitat. Juveniles relied on jointed calcareous algae in habitats dominated by these algae, a pattern not observed for thick leathery algae. Filamentous algae were the preferred food for smaller fish; for individuals greater than 10 cm, a higher ingestion of sand was observed. Most studies evaluating the functional role of parrotfish do not consider species feeding preferences. However, the potential for a species to turn an impacted reef back to a coral‐dominated phase is influenced by their food selection, which is dependent on the algal species composition.
Botrytis species: relentless necrotrophic thugs or endophytes gone rogue?
Authors: van Kan Jan A. L. , Shaw Michael W. , Grant‐Downton Robert T. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryPlant pathology has a long‐standing tradition of classifying microbes as pathogens, endophytes or saprophytes. Lifestyles of pathogens are categorized as biotrophic, necrotrophic or hemibiotrophic. Botrytis species are considered by many to be archetypal examples of necrotrophic fungi, with B. cinerea being the most extensively studied species because of its broad host range and economic impact. In this review, we discuss recent work which illustrates that B. cinerea is capable of colonizing plants internally, presumably as an endophyte, without causing any disease or stress symptoms. The extent of the facultative endophytic behaviour of B. cinerea and its relevance in the ecology and disease epidemiology may be vastly underestimated. Moreover, we discuss the recent discovery of a novel Botrytis species, B. deweyae, which normally grows as an endophyte in ornamental daylilies (Hemerocallis), but displays facultative pathogenic behaviour, and is increasingly causing economic damage. We propose that the emergence of endophytes ‘gone rogue’ as novel diseases may be related to increased inbreeding of hybrid lines and reduced genetic diversity. These observations lead us to argue that the sometimes inflexible classification of pathogenic microbes by their lifestyles requires serious reconsideration. There is much more variety to the interactions of Botrytis with its hosts than the eye (or the plant pathologist) can see, and this may be true for other microbes interacting with plants.
Theoretical model of the contributions of corneal asphericity and anterior chamber depth to peripheral wavefront aberrations
Authors: He Ji C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to theoretically model the contributions of corneal asphericity (Q) and anterior chamber depth to peripheral wavefront aberrations.MethodsRay‐tracing was performed on a model eye using a customised MatLab program to calculate Zernike aberrations up to the 5th order across ±60° of the horizontal visual field. The corneal Q was varied from −0.5 to 0.8, and the anterior chamber depth was changed from 2.05 to 4.05 mm while axial length was held constant. Spherical equivalent refractive error derived from Zernike defocus was used to estimate peripheral refraction.ResultsRelative to axial Zernike aberrations, both defocus and astigmatism in the peripheral field increased with the corneal Q value, but the increases in relative peripheral astigmatism were much smaller in amplitude than relative peripheral defocus. Anterior chamber depth shortening caused the relative peripheral defocus and astigmatism to increase toward more positive values, although the changes in relative peripheral astigmatism with anterior chamber depth were small. Combination of the variations in both corneal Q and anterior chamber depth does not produce linear sum of the changes in relative peripheral defocus. The relative peripheral refractive error was more myopic when either the corneal Q was increased or the anterior chamber depth was shortened. The changes in relative peripheral x‐axis coma, trefoil and spherical aberration with corneal Q value were complex but were barely changed with anterior chamber depth within the central 60° visual field.ConclusionsBoth corneal asphericity and anterior chamber depth play important roles in determining peripheral wavefront aberrations. The two factors nonlinearly interact to affect peripheral aberrations. Higher corneal Q and/or shorter anterior chamber depth tend to produce relatively more myopic peripheral refraction. Increasing the Q value of the anterior surface of a contact lens might provide an interesting intervention to slow myopia progression.
The Effect of the Intracervical Application of Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone or Luteinizing Hormone on the Pattern of Expression of Gonadotrophin Receptors in the Cervix of Non‐Pregnant Ewes
Authors: Leethongdee S , Khalid M , Scaramuzzi RJ 
Published: April 2014

ContentsDuring the periovulatory period, the cervix relaxes in response to changes in circulating concentrations of reproductive hormones. The present study investigated the role of gonadotrophins in cervical function by examining the expression of follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and their mRNAs following intracervical treatment with either FSH or LH. Eighteen ewes were assigned to four groups, and they were then treated with progestagen sponges and PMSG to synchronize their oestrous cycles. Intracervical treatments were given 24 h after sponge removal as follows: Group 1: FSH 2 mg; Group 2: LH 2 mg; Group 3: Vehicle and Group 4: Control. Cervices were collected 54 h after sponge removal and then divided into three regions. The expression of FSHR and LHR was determined by immunohistochemistry and FSHR mRNA and LH mRNA by in situ hybridization. The expression of LHR, FSHR and their respective mRNAs was compared in six tissue layers (luminal epithelium, subepithelial stroma, circular, longitudinal and transverse muscle and serosa) and in three cervical regions (vaginal, mid and uterine). The results showed that FSH increased transcription of the FSHR gene and the levels of its receptor, but only in subepithelial stroma of the cervix. FSH also increased the levels of LHR in the cervix, but only in the muscle layers. LH had no effect on the levels of FSHR despite the fact that it did increase the level of transcription of the FSHR gene and LH also increased the levels of its own receptor in the cervix, but only in the muscle layers, and this action was independent of increased levels of transcription of the LHR gene. These findings suggest multiple levels of regulation of cervical LH and FSH receptors and that the gonadotrophins may have a role in relaxation of the cervix during oestrus by regulating their own receptors.
Injured but not Entitled to Legal Insurance Compensation – Ornamental Institutions and Migrant Workers’ Informal Channels inChina
Authors: Sun Li , Liu Tao 
Published: April 2014

AbstractDue to the rapid industrialization and urbanization ofChina, an estimated 252 million farmers have migrated from impoverished rural areas to prosperous urban regions, seeking off‐farm employment. InChina, these are referred to as migrant workers. Workers’ compensation insurance law represents one of the most vital formal institutions forChinese migrant workers. Through in‐depth interviews with migrant workers and employers, the authors find that instead of making a formal claim based on workers’ compensation insurance law, most injured migrant workers adopt informal channels (e.g. bargaining, negotiation, threats, violence) to receive compensation from employers. Even when migrant workers are insured in accordance with the law, they may be denied legal insurance compensation and thus turn to informal private settlement. Generally, the amount of compensation acquired by means of informal private settlement is significantly smaller than that awarded in the case of legal insurance compensation. This practice reveals that, like some other formal institutions inChina, workers’ compensation insurance law is merely a symbolic ornament, window‐dressing for the public, which are referred to as ‘ornamental institutions'. In the way they are designed, set up and funded, these ornamental institutions can easily prove illusory since they conceal an anarchic world wherein diverse informal channels of social actors emerge, which reflect the reality ofChinese society. Therefore, only through deep empirical research, like this study, can one see beyond the facade of modernity in contemporaryChina, observe the reality of social actors, and reflect upon the functioning of ornamental institutions.