bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single Center Outcomes after Reconstructive Surgical Correction of Adult Acquired Buried Penis: Measurements of Erectile Function, Depression, and Quality of Life
Authors: Rybak James , Larsen Stephen , Yu Michelle , Levine Laurence A. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Management of adult acquired buried penis is a troublesome situation for both patient and surgeon. The buried penis has been associated with significant erectile and voiding dysfunction, depression, and overall poor quality of life (QOL).

Aim
To identify outcomes following reconstructive surgery with release of buried penis, escutcheonectomy, and circumcision with or without skin grafting.

Methods
We retrospectively identified 11 patients treated by a single surgeon between 2007 and 2011, patient ages were 44–69; complete data review was available on all 11.

Outcome Measures
Validated European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 15 QOL, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) surveys assessed patient QOL, depression, and erectile function pre- and postoperatively.

Results
Mean body mass index (BMI) was 48.8 (42.4–64.6). Mean operative time was 191 minutes (139–272). Mean length of stay was 2.1 days. Ten of 11 patients required phallic skin grafting. There was one perioperative complication resulting in respiratory failure and overnight stay in the intensive care unit. Wound complications were seen in 2/11 patients, and 1 needed surgical debridement for superficial wound infection. Skin graft take was seen in 100% of the patients. Ninety-one percent of patients noted significant improvement in voiding postoperatively. Ninety-one percent of patients reported significant erectile dysfunction preoperatively. Subsequently, IIEF scores improved post surgery by an average of 7.7 points. Clinical depression was noted to be present in 7/11 patients preoperatively and 2/11 postoperatively based on CES-D surveys. QOL improved significantly in 10/11 compared with preoperative baseline; however, many patients noted significant difficulties based on their weight and other comorbidities.

Conclusions
Management of adult acquired buried penis is a challenging, yet correctable problem. In our series it appears that by using established surgical techniques we were able to achieve significant improvements in erectile function, QOL, and measures of depression.
A methodology for the semi‐automatic digital image analysis of fragmental impactites
Authors: Chanou A. , Osinski G. R. , Grieve R. A. F. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA semi‐automated digital image analysis method is developed for the comparative textural study of impact melt‐bearing breccias. This method uses the freeware software ImageJ developed by the National Institute of Health (NIH). Digital image analysis is performed on scans of hand samples (10–15 cm across), based on macroscopic interpretations of the rock components. All image processing and segmentation are done semi‐automatically, with the least possible manual intervention. The areal fraction of components is estimated and modal abundances can be deduced, where the physical optical properties (e.g., contrast, color) of the samples allow it. Other parameters that can be measured include, for example, clast size, clast‐preferred orientations, average box‐counting dimension or fragment shape complexity, and nearest neighbor distances (NnD). This semi‐automated method allows the analysis of a larger number of samples in a relatively short time. Textures, granulometry, and shape descriptors are of considerable importance in rock characterization. The methodology is used to determine the variations of the physical characteristics of some examples of fragmental impactites.
An unusual clast in lunar meteorite MacAlpine Hills 88105: A unique lunar sample or projectile debris?
Authors: Joy K. H. , Crawford I. A. , Huss G. R. , Nagashima K. , Taylor G. J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractLunar meteorite MacAlpine Hills (MAC) 88105 is a well‐studied feldspathic regolith breccia dominated by rock and mineral fragments from the lunar highlands. Thin section MAC 88105,159 contains a small rock fragment, 400 × 350 μm in size, which is compositionally anomalous compared with other MAC 88105 lithic components. The clast is composed of olivine and plagioclase with minor pyroxene and interstitial devitrified glass component. It is magnesian, akin to samples in the lunar High Mg‐Suite, and also alkali‐rich, akin to samples in the lunar High Alkali Suite. It could represent a small fragment of late‐stage interstitial melt from an Mg‐Suite parent lithology. However, olivine and pyroxene in the clast have Fe/Mn ratios and minor element concentrations that are different from known types of lunar lithologies. As Fe/Mn ratios are notably indicative of planetary origin, the clast could either (1) have a unique lunar magmatic source, or (2) have a nonlunar origin (i.e., consist of achondritic meteorite debris that survived delivery to the lunar surface). Both hypotheses are considered and discussed.
Cryptococcus gattii VGII in a Plathymenia reticulata hollow in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Anzai Mariana Caselli , Lazéra Márcia dos Santos , Wanke Bodo , Trilles Luciana , Dutra Valéria , de Paula Daphine Ariadne Jesus , Nakazato Luciano , Takahara Doracilde Terumi , Simi Walquirya Borges , Hahn Rosane Christine 
Published: February 2014

SummaryLittle is known about the ecology of agents of cryptococcosis in Mato Grosso, without any data regarding to the sources of both agents in the environment. This study aimed to investigate Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans associated with decay in tree hollows within the urban area of three different cities of Mato Grosso. Seventy‐two environmental samples collected from 72 living trees in the cities of Cuiabá, Várzea Grande and Chapada dos Guimarães were sampled and analysed. One tree (Plathymenia reticulata, Leguminosae) in the city of Cuiabá yielded 19 colonies identified as C. gattii molecular type VGII. The isolation of C. gattii VGII in the downtown city of Cuiabá is important because it fits in the Northern Macroregion, suggesting expanding and urbanisation of this genotype in different Brazilian cities.
PIFs get BRright: PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs as integrators of light and hormonal signals
Authors: de Lucas Miguel , Prat Salomé 
Published: February 2014

SummaryLight and temperature, in coordination with the endogenous clock and the hormones gibberellin (GA) and brassinosteroids (BRs), modulate plant growth and development by affecting the expression of multiple cell wall‐ and auxin‐related genes. PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORS (PIFs) play a central role in the activation of these genes, the activity of these factors being regulated by the circadian clock and phytochrome‐mediated protein destabilization. GA signaling is also integrated at the level of PIFs; the DELLA repressors are found to bind these factors and impair their DNA‐binding ability. The recent finding that PIFs are co‐activated by BES1 and BZR1 highlights a further role of these regulators in BR signal integration, and reveals that PIFs act in a concerted manner with the BR‐related BES1/BZR1 factors to activate auxin synthesis and transport at the gene expression level, and synergistically activate several genes with a role in cell expansion. Auxins feed back into this growth regulatory module by inducing GA biosynthesis and BES1/BZR1 gene expression, in addition to directly regulating several of these growth pathway gene targets. An exciting challenge in the future will be to understand how this growth program is dynamically regulated in time and space to orchestrate differential organ expansion and to provide plants with adaptation flexibility.

Contents

Summary
1126

I.
Introduction
1126

II.
Light and phytochrome signaling
1127

III.
Phytochrome regulation of PIF activity
1128

IV.
Developmental processes regulated by PIFs
1128

V.
PIFs and hormonal control of light signaling
1129

VI.
Role of PIFs in diurnal control of cell elongation
1132

VII.
Response to vegetational shade
1135

VIII.
PIF control of responses to elevated temperatures
1136

IX.
Concluding remarks and future perspectives
1136

Acknowledgements
1137

References
1137
Peripheral targets in obesity treatment: a comprehensive update
Authors: Chatzigeorgiou A. , Kandaraki E. , Papavassiliou A. G. , Koutsilieris M. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObesity is a major epidemic of our time and is associated with diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Although weight loss drugs, when accompanied by diet and exercise, could be a very helpful medical tool in treating obese or overweight patients, their usefulness has been questioned due to the complexity of this type of medication, which regards a plethora of issues such as efficacy and safety of the drug and also risks and benefits among different patients. In general, obesity drugs that target peripheral pathophysiological mechanisms can be divided into two main categories. The first category includes anti‐obesity agents able to reduce or limit energy absorption, such as pancreatic lipase and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors. The second category consists of a heterogeneous group of compounds aiming to decrease fat mass by increasing energy expenditure or by redistributing adipose tissue. Angiogenesis inhibitors, beta‐3 receptor agonists, sirtuin‐Iactivators, diazoxide and other molecules belong to this group. The glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists consist the third category of peripheral anti‐obesity agents discussed therein.This review aims to provide a general overview of the molecules and substances that are already or could potentially be used as peripheral anti‐obesity drugs, the molecular mechanisms by which they act, as well as their current stage of development, production and/or availability.
Perforator Pedicled Propeller Flaps for Soft Tissue Coverage of Lower Leg and Foot Defects
Authors: Dong Kai‐xuan , Xu Yong‐qing , Fan Xin‐yu , Xu Long‐jiang , Su Xi‐xiong , Long Hai , Xu Li‐qi , He Xiao‐qing 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficiency of perforator pedicled propeller flaps for soft tissue coverage of lower leg and foot defects.MethodsTwenty patients (12 male, 8 females; mean age 28 years, range, 5–75) with soft tissue defects of the lower leg and foot were retrospectively reviewed. Their defects had been repaired with perforator pedicled propeller flaps from September 2011 to October 2013 and included five cases of injuries caused by spokes, four of infection with postoperative skin necrosis, two of dorsal skin defects caused by heavy objects and nine caused by car accidents. The areas of soft tissue defect were from 2 cm × 8 cm to 10 cm × 20 cm. Fifteen cases had terminal branch of the peroneal artery perforator flaps and five posterior tibia artery perforator flaps, flap size ranging from 5 cm × 11 cm to 12 cm × 28 cm. Color Doppler ultrasound was used to locate all perforator vessels, the calibers of which ranged from 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm.ResultsThe intraoperative coincidence rate of the color Doppler ultrasound was 96.7%. The donor sites were sutured directly in 12 cases and skin grafted in 8. One case had a venous crisis within 24 h that was treated by removal some sutures and drainage. All cases were followed up for 1–18 months; all flaps survived well and pedicles had a satisfactory appearance. The patients were extremely satisfied with the results for repair.ConclusionPerforator pedicled propeller flaps have the advantages over other pedicle flap of being simple, safe, and effective and not involving vascular anastomosis.
New Cage for Posterior Minimally Invasive Lumbar Interbody Fusion: a Study in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Hong Xin , Wu Xiao‐tao , Zhuang Su‐yang , Bao Jun‐ping , Shi Rui 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo design a new type of interbody fusion device made of nickel titanium NiTi shape memory alloy and to compare segmental stiffness after various posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedures in vitro and in vivo.MethodsTwelve sheep lumbar functional spinal units were randomly allocated to four groups. One acted as controls (N); the other three were treated with autogenous iliac crest bone dowel graft (L), a threaded cylindrical titanium (KC) interbody fusion device (TFC) or a new type of interbody fusion device made of NiTi shape memory alloy (NT) containing autogenous iliac crest graft. In addition, 15 sheep were allocated to three groups; one served as controls and the other two underwent TFC (KC) or NiTi‐FC (NT). Nondestructive mechanical tests were performed in pure compression, extension, lateral bending and torsion. The operated spines were photographed regularly to assess changes in interbody height and degree of fusion. The animals were killed at 6 months for histologic testing.ResultsBiomechanical tests showed both the strength and axial stiffness of the NT and KC groups were significantly higher than those of the control group and L group (P < 0.05). When the mechanical performance in torque and torsion of each group were compared, the same results could be obtained. The maximal destructive load of the NiTi‐TFC was 11 200 N and the safety coefficient was above 1.2. Radiological observations revealed that the bone callus around the interbody fusion device were gradually increased postoperatively (2 months, no obvious; 4 months, poorly define; 6 months, dense). The KC and NT group had lost 16% and 16.5% of their postoperative height but remained well above normal disc height (P < 0.05). Histologic examination showed new trabeculation connected with that of the host.ConclusionThe mechanical characteristics of the NiTi‐TFC are excellent and it is safe and reliable.
Lateral Patellar Translation Effects after Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy of Torn Discoid Lateral Meniscus
Authors: Fan Zhi‐ying , Wang Yi , Dong Qi‐rong , Chen Ming , Jin Zhi‐gao , Wang Yi‐gang 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy of torn discoid lateral meniscus on patellar tracking.MethodsIn all, 112 patients (112 knees) who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy participated in the study. All subjects were examined with standing weight‐bearing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preoperatively and one month postoperation. Axial‐plane images through the maximum width of the patella and the maximum dorsal area of the femoral condyles were superimposed and the bisect offset index used to quantify patellar translation. Differences between pre‐ and postoperation in the bisect offset indexes were calculated and compared by Student's paired t‐test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsBefore surgery, the mean bisect offset index was 0.574 (0.437–0.692). One month postoperation, the mean bisect offset index was 0.622 (0.510–0.801). The postoperation bisect offset index increased by an average of 0.048 (−0.018 to 0.129) compared with the preoperation value; this difference is statistically significant result (t = 18.33, P < 0.01).ConclusionAfter arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, the patella translates more lateral to the femoral trochlear groove. These results suggest that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy may result in patellar maltracking.
Does Spinal Alignment Influence Acetabular Orientation: a Study of Spinopelvic Variables and Sagittal Acetabular Version
Authors: Radcliff Kristen E , Kepler Christopher K , Hellman Michael , Restrepo Camilo , Jung Kwang Am , Vaccaro Alexander R , Albert Todd J , Parvizi Javad 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveAlthough hip alignment and spinal alignment have been studied individually, there is little information concerning the relationship between them. The questions addressed in this study are: (i) Is there a reproducible measure of sagittal plane acetabular orientation; (ii) Is sagittal plane acetabular orientation determined more by pelvic incidence (PI) or acetabular wall coverage?MethodsData on patients who had undergone screening by CT scan of the pelvis for non‐orthopedic indications from 2005–2010 were retrospectively studied. There were 164 patients of mean age 59 years (range, 27–87). Patients with pelvic trauma, hip arthroplasty or other hip pathology were excluded. Measurements of relevant acetabular and spinopelvic variables were made in the sagittal plane. The sacro‐acetabular angle (SA) was defined as the angle between a tangent line to the anterior and posterior walls of the acetabulum and the S1 endplate. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine which factors contribute to SA angle.ResultsThe mean sacro‐acetabular angle was 72° (SD = 14.8°). Center edge angles (CEAs) were measured at the anterior and posterior walls of the acetabulum. Mean anterior CEA was 69° (SD = 8.3°) and posterior CEA 107° (SD = 16.4°). Regression analysis revealed the largest significant predictors of SA angle were PI and A‐CEA.ConclusionsSagittal acetabular orientation is related to spino‐pelvic balance and morphological characteristics. Increased PI or posterior wall coverage corresponds to a more vertical acetabular orientation. Sagittal plane acetabular alignment may be an important variable in achieving favorable results after reconstruction.
Finite element, occlusal, microwear and microstructural analyses indicate that conodont microstructure is adapted to dental function
Authors: Martínez‐Pérez Carlos , Rayfield Emily J. , Purnell Mark A. , Donoghue Philip C. J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractConodonts constitute the earliest evidence of skeletal biomineralization in the vertebrate evolutionary lineage, manifest as a feeding apparatus of tooth‐like elements comprised of enamel‐ and dentine‐like tissues that evolved in parallel with these canonical tissues in other total‐group gnathostomes. As such, this remarkable example of evolutionary parallelism affords a natural experiment in which to explore the constraints on vertebrate skeletal evolution. Using finite element analysis, informed by occlusal and microwear analyses, we tested the hypothesis that coincidence of complex dental function and microstructural differentiation in the enamel‐like tissues of conodonts and other vertebrates is a consequence of functional adaptation. Our results show topological co‐variation in the patterns of stress distribution and crystallite orientation. In regions of high stress, such as the apex of the basal cavity and inner parts of the platform, the crown tissue comprises interwoven prisms, discontinuities between which would have acted to decussate cracks, preventing propagation. These results inform a general occlusal model for platform conodont elements and demonstrate that the complex microstructure of conodont crown tissue is an adaptation to the dental functions that the elements performed.
Activation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor glycine site temporally ameliorates neuropsychiatric symptoms of Parkinson's disease with dementia
Authors: Tsai Chon‐Haw , Huang Hui‐Chun , Liu Bey‐Ling , Li Chia‐Ing , Lu Ming‐Kuei , Chen Xianxiu , Tsai Mu‐Chieh , Yang Yu‐Wan , Lane Hsien‐Yuan 
Published: February 2014

AimWe have previously found that sarcosine, a glycine transporter I inhibitor, can improve the psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the agent can also ameliorate neuropsychiatric symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with dementia.MethodsAn 8‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted in patients who had PD with dementia (PD‐D). Neuropsychiatric manifestations were measured before and at week 2 (V1), week 4 (V2) and week 8 (V3) after treatment. Linear regression with the generalized estimating equations was applied for data analysis.ResultsFifteen patients were randomized into a sarcosine group; the other 15 into a placebo group. The generalized estimating equations model revealed significant differences in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (P = 0.049) at V1 and Neuropsychiatry Inventory (P = 0.039) at V2 between the treatment and placebo groups. By excluding the advanced patients from analysis, there were significant differences in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale V2 (P = 0.004) and V3 (P = 0.040), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale V1 (P = 0.014) and V2 (P = 0.047), Neuropsychiatry Inventory V1 (P = 0.002) and V2 (P < 0.001) and Behavior Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale V2 (P = 0.025) in favor of sarcosine.ConclusionSarcosine temporally improved depression and neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD‐D patients without exacerbating the motor or cognitive features; the beneficial effects were more prominent in patients with mild–moderate severity. Enhancement of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor–glycine cascade may lead to a novel path for the management of PD‐D.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging study of external source memory and its relation to cognitive insight in non‐clinical subjects
Authors: Buchy Lisa , Hawco Colin , Bodnar Michael , Izadi Sarah , Dell'Elce Jennifer , Messina Katrina , Lepage Martin 
Published: February 2014

AimPrevious research has linked cognitive insight (a measure of self‐reflectiveness and self‐certainty) in psychosis with neurocognitive and neuroanatomical disturbances in the fronto‐hippocampal neural network. The authors’ goal was to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural correlates of cognitive insight during an external source memory paradigm in non‐clinical subjects.MethodsAt encoding, 24 non‐clinical subjects travelled through a virtual city where they came across 20 separate people, each paired with a unique object in a distinct location. fMRI data were then acquired while participants viewed images of the city, and completed source recognition memory judgments of where and with whom objects were seen, which is known to involve prefrontal cortex. Cognitive insight was assessed with the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale.ResultsExternal source memory was associated with neural activity in a widespread network consisting of frontal cortex, including ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), temporal and occipital cortices. Activation in VLPFC correlated with higher self‐reflectiveness and activation in midbrain correlated with lower self‐certainty during source memory attributions. Neither self‐reflectiveness nor self‐certainty significantly correlated with source memory accuracy.ConclusionBy means of virtual reality and in the context of an external source memory paradigm, the study identified a preliminary functional neural basis for cognitive insight in the VLPFC in healthy people that accords with our fronto‐hippocampal theoretical model as well as recent neuroimaging data in people with psychosis. The results may facilitate the understanding of the role of neural mechanisms in psychotic disorders associated with cognitive insight distortions.