bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coastal–marine discontinuities, critical patch size and isolation: implications for marine otter conservation
Authors: Medina‐Vogel G. , Merino L. O. , Monsalve Alarcón R. , Vianna J. de A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe consequences of habitat fragmentation include reduced habitat availability, increased isolation and patch extinction. This study investigates the occupancy patterns of Lontra felina, a little known and endangered marine otter, on naturally discontinuous habitat and the relationship between otter occupancy and rocky seashore patches, patch size and isolation and human influences. Marine otter occupancy was determined through direct sightings and the presence/absence of spraints, and measured by logistic regression and general linear models. The study was conducted in Chile between 28°S and 40°S, and consisted of eight study sites. Within these sites, a total of 23 rocky seashore patches, 2.3–63.8 km long, were surveyed from January 2005 to March 2006. The strongest predictors of marine otter occurrence were rocky seashore patches larger than 5 km long and <6 km apart. These networks should be no farther than 20 km from contiguous (without sandy beaches) rocky seashore patches over 15 km long.
Hind limb scaling of kangaroos and wallabies (superfamily Macropodoidea): implications for hopping performance, safety factor and elastic savings
Authors: McGowan C. P. , Skinner J. , Biewener A. A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine hind limb scaling of the musculoskeletal system in the Macropodoidea, the superfamily containing wallabies and kangaroos, to re‐examine the effect of size on the locomotor mechanics and physiology of marsupial hopping. Morphometric musculoskeletal analyses were conducted of 15 species and skeletal specimens of 21 species spanning a size range from 0.8 to 80 kg that included representatives of 12 of the 16 extant genera of macropodoids. We found that unlike other groups, macropodoids are able to match force demands associated with increasing body size primarily through a combination of positive allometry in muscle area and muscle moment arms. Isometric scaling of primary hind limb bones suggests, however, that larger species experience relatively greater bone stresses. Muscle to tendon area ratios of the ankle extensors scale with strong positive allometry, indicating that peak tendon stresses also increase with increasing body size but to a lesser degree than previously reported. Consistent with previous morphological and experimental studies, large macropodoids are therefore better suited for elastic strain energy recovery but operate at lower safety factors, which likely poses an upper limit to body size. Scaling patterns for extant macropodoids suggest that extinct giant kangaroos (~250 kg) were likely limited in locomotor capacity.
Phenotypic variability and craniofacial dysmorphology: increased shape variance in a mouse model for cleft lip
Authors: Parsons Trish E. , Kristensen Erika , Hornung Lynnette , Diewert Virginia M. , Boyd Steven K. , German Rebecca Z. , Hallgrímsson Benedikt 
Published: January 2008

AbstractCleft lip and palate (CL/P), as is true of many craniofacial malformations in humans, is etiologically complex and highly variable in expression. A/WySn mice are an intriguing model for human CL/P because they develop this dysmorphology with a variable expression pattern, incomplete penetrance and frequent unilateral expression on a homogeneous genetic background. The developmental basis for this variation in expression is unknown, but of great significance for understanding such expression patterns in humans. As a step towards this goal, this study used three‐dimensional geometric morphometric and novel high throughput morphometric techniques based on three‐dimensional computed microtomography of mouse embryos to analyze craniofacial shape variation during primary palate formation. Our analysis confirmed previous findings based on two‐dimensional analyses that the midface in A/WySn embryos, and the maxillary prominence in particular, is relatively reduced in size and appears to be developmentally delayed. In addition, we find that shape variance is increased in A/WySn embryos during primary palate formation compared to both C57BL/6J mice and the F1 crosses between these strains. If the reduction in midfacial growth caused by the Wnt9b hypomorphic mutation pushes A/WySn mice closer on average to the threshold for cleft lip formation, the elevated shape variance may explain why some, but not all, embryos develop the dysmorphology in a genetically homogeneous inbred line of mice.
A method to establish the relationship between chronological age and stage of union from radiographic assessment of epiphyseal fusion at the knee: an Irish population study
Authors: O’Connor J. E. , Bogue C. , Spence L. D. , Last J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractCharacteristic changes during epiphyseal union provide a skeletal age, which when compared with age‐based standards provides an estimation of chronological age. Currently there are no data on epiphyseal union for the purposes of age estimation specific to an Irish population. This cross‐sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between stage of epiphyseal union at the knee joint and chronological age in a modern Irish population. A novel radiographic method that sub‐divides the continuum of development into five specific stages of union is presented. Anteroposterior and lateral knee radiographs of 148 males and 86 females, aged 9–19 years, were examined. Fusion was scored as Stage 0, non‐union; Stage 1, beginning union; Stage 2, active union; Stage 3, recent union; or Stage 4, complete union. Stage of epiphyseal union is correlated with chronological age in both males and females. Mean age gradually increases with each stage of union and also varies between male and female subjects. A statistically significant difference in mean age was recorded between stages when compared to the previous stage, for the three epiphyses. Irish children are comparable to those from previously published studies with epiphyseal union in females occurring earlier than males. A significant difference was noted between the mean age of union for males and females for each of Stages 1 and 2 for the femur and Stages 0, 1, 2 and 3 for the tibia and the fibula. The results also suggest that the stages of union occur at earlier ages in this Irish population. Implementation of standardized methodology is necessary to investigate if this is due to a secular or population variation in maturation or to a methodology which clearly identifies five stages of union.
Histological and elemental analyses of impaired bone mineralization in klotho‐deficient mice
Authors: Suzuki Hironobu , Amizuka Norio , Oda Kimimitsu , Noda Masaki , Ohshima Hayato , Maeda Takeyasu 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe klotho gene‐deficient mouse is known as an animal model for an accelerated gerontic state, mimicking osteoporosis, skin atrophy, ectopic calcification, and gonadal dysplasia. To elucidate the influence of klotho deficiency on bone mineralization, we examined the ultrastructures of osteoblasts and bone matrices in addition to performing the elemental mapping of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in the bone. Under anesthesia, 4‐ and 5‐week‐old klotho‐deficient mice (klotho−/–mice) and their wild‐type littermates were perfused with either 4% paraformaldehyde for light microscopic observation or 4% paraformaldehyde and 0.0125% glutaraldehyde for electron microscopic observation. The femurs and tibiae were processed for both observations. Paraffin sections were subject to alkaline phosphatase and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase histochemistry. Semithin and ultrathin sections obtained from epoxy resin‐embedded specimens were used for detecting mineralization – according to von Kossa's staining method – and for elemental mapping by electron probe micro‐analyzer, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase‐positive plump osteoblasts adjacent to the growth plate normally developed cell organelles in the klotho−/–metaphyses. This, however, contrasted with the flattened osteoblasts covering the metaphyseal trabeculae and accompanied by small tartrate resistant acid phosphatase‐positive osteoclasts. The wild‐type mice displayed the mineralized matrix at the zone of hypertrophic chondrocyte of the growth plate and well‐mineralized metaphyseal trabeculae parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone. Alternatively, the klotho−/–mice demonstrated a thick mineralized matrix from the proliferative zone of the growth plate as well as the large non‐mineralized area in the metaphyseal trabeculae. Consistently, electron probe micro‐analysis verified sporadic distributions of higher or lower concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in each trabecule of the klotho−/–mice. The distribution of magnesium, however, was almost uniform. Under transmission electron microscopy, osteoblasts on the metaphyseal trabeculae displayed less‐developed cell organelles in the klotho−/–mice. Thus, the klotho deficiency appears not only to reduce osteoblastic population, but also to disturb bone mineralization.
Five large Chinese biomedical bibliographic databases: accessibility and coverage
Authors: Xia Jun , Wright Judith , Adams Clive E. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackground:   Much biomedical research is now undertaken in China.Methods:   Five large biomedical databases originating from China (cbm, cmcc, cnki, vip and wanfang) are described and their utility and accessibility investigated.Results:   These databases index 2500 journals largely not familiar to medline users. Free access, search features, record selection, ease of downloading and cost of subscription varies considerably between databases.Conclusion:   Searches in all databases benefit from the use of simplified Chinese and all provide links to full text articles. Less than 6% of the 2500 journals in the five databases were listed as being indexed for medline.
The information trail of the ‘Freshman 15’—a systematic review of a health myth within the research and popular literature
Authors: Brown Cecelia 
Published: January 2008

AbstractQuestion:   How does health misinformation become part of the American and Canadian vernacular?Data sources and selection:   Twenty‐three databases were searched for articles discussing university freshmen weight gain. Research articles were examined for methodology, number and gender of the participants and weight gain. Popular press articles were reviewed for the types of information published: expert/anecdotal, weight gain, nutrition, exercise, health and alcohol. A timeline of article publication dates was generated.Results:   Twenty peer‐reviewed, 19 magazine, 146 newspaper, and 141 university newspaper articles were discovered. Appearance of media articles about the ‘Freshman 15’ mirrored the peer‐reviewed articles, yet the information did not reliably depict the research. Research indicated a weight gain of less than five pounds (2.268 kg), while half of the popular press publications claimed a 15‐pound (6.804 kg) weight gain. The misinformation was frequently accompanied by information about achieving weight control through diet, exercise, stress reduction and alcohol avoidance.Conclusion:   Understanding of how the concept of the ‘Freshman 15’ developed indicates that remediation efforts are needed. Collaborative efforts between health science and academic librarians, faculty and journalists to construct new paradigms for the translation of scientific evidence into information that individuals can use for decisions about health and well‐being is suggested.
Aquaporin 1 – a novel player in spinal cord injury
Authors: Nesic O. , Lee J. , Unabia G. C. , Johnson K. , Ye Z. , Vergara L. , Hulsebosch C. E. , Perez‐Polo J. R. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe role of water channel aquaporin 1 (AQP‐1) in uninjured or injured spinal cords is unknown. AQP‐1 is weakly expressed in neurons and gray matter astrocytes, and more so in white matter astrocytes in uninjured spinal cords, a novel finding. As reported before, AQP‐1 is also present in ependymal cells, but most abundantly in small diameter sensory fibers of the dorsal horn. Rat contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) induced persistent and significant four‐ to eightfold increases in AQP‐1 levels at the site of injury (T10) persisting up to 11 months post‐contusion, a novel finding. Delayed AQP‐1 increases were also found in cervical and lumbar segments, suggesting the spreading of AQP‐1 changes over time after SCI. Given that the antioxidant melatonin significantly decreased SCI‐induced AQP‐1 increases and that hypoxia inducible factor‐1α was increased in acutely and chronically injured spinal cords, we propose that chronic hypoxia contributes to persistent AQP‐1 increases after SCI. Interestingly; AQP‐1 levels were not affected by long‐lasting hypertonicity that significantly increased astrocytic AQP‐4, suggesting that the primary role of AQP‐1 is not regulating isotonicity in spinal cords. Based on our results we propose possible novel roles for AQP‐1 in the injured spinal cords: (i) in neuronal and astrocytic swelling, as AQP‐1 was increased in all surviving neurons and reactive astrocytes after SCI and (ii) in the development of the neuropathic pain after SCI. We have shown that decreased AQP‐1 in melatonin‐treated SCI rats correlated with decreased AQP‐1 immunolabeling in the dorsal horns sensory afferents, and with significantly decreased mechanical allodynia, suggesting a possible link between AQP‐1 and chronic neuropathic pain after SCI.
Regulated interactions of the norepineprhine transporter by the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons
Authors: Jeannotte Alexis M. , Sidhu Anita 
Published: January 2008

AbstractOne role of the actin cytoskeleton is to maintain the structural morphology and activity of the pre‐synaptic terminal. We sought to determine if the actin cytoskeleton plays a role in regulating interactions between the norepinephrine transporter (NET) and alpha‐Synuclein (α‐Syn), two proteins expressed in the pre‐synaptic terminal. In cells transfected with either 0.5 μg/mL or 3 μg/mL of α‐Syn and 1 μg/mL of NET DNA, treatment with cytochalasin D, an actin depolymerizing agent, caused a dose‐dependent decrease and increase, respectively, in [3H]‐NE uptake. Protein interactions between NET, β‐actin, and α‐Syn were modified, along with levels of surface transporters. Treatment of primary brainstem neurons and frontal cortex synaptosomes with cytochalasin D caused a 115% and 28% increase, respectively, in NET activity. Depolymerization of both actin and microtubules did not alter NET activity in cells with 0.5 μg/mL α‐Syn, but caused an increase in [3H]‐NE uptake in cells transfected with 3 μg/mL of α‐Syn and primary neurons. This is the first direct demonstration of NET activity being regulated via actin and modulated by interactions with α‐Syn.
Combined effects of silymarin and methylsulfonylmethane in the management of rosacea: clinical and instrumental evaluation
Authors: Berardesca Enzo , Cameli Norma , Cavallotti Claudia , Levy Jean Luc , Piérard Gérald E , De Paoli Ambrosi Gianfranco 
Published: January 2008

SummaryObjective  This study aims to evaluate a topical treatment based on silymarin/methylsulfonilmethane (S‐MSM) to improve erythematous‐telangiectactic rosacea.Methods  Forty‐six patients affected by stage I–III rosacea entered this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Subjects were treated for 1 month. Clinical and instrumental evaluations were done at baseline, after 10 and 20 days, and at the end of the study. Itching, stinging, erythema, and papules were investigated clinically as well as hydration and erythema instrumentally with capacitance and color measurements.Results  A statistically significant improvement was observed in many clinical and instrumental parameters investigated (P < 0.001). In particular, improvement of skin redness, papules, itching, hydration, and skin color occurred.Conclusions  The combination of silymarin and S‐MSM can be useful in managing symptoms and condition of rosacea skin, especially in the rosacea subtype 1 erythemato‐telangiectatic phase. The action can be considered multicentric and multiphase because of the direct modulating action on cytokines and angiokines normally involved and up‐regulated in the case of such skin condition.
Effects of caffeine and siloxanetriol alginate caffeine, as anticellulite agents, on fatty tissue: histological evaluation
Authors: Velasco Maria Valéria Robles , Tano Clara Tsugmi Nakamura , Machado‐Santelli Gláucia Maria , Consiglieri Vladi Olga , Kaneko Telma Mary , Baby André Rolim 
Published: January 2008

SummaryBackground  Cellulite is a physiological condition that presents etiologic plurality. Caffeine and its derivatives are used in anticellulite cosmetics due to their lipolytic activity on fatty cells. Siloxanetriol alginate caffeine (SAC) is a silanol derived from organic silicon. Radicals primarily from SAC are caffeine and the mannuronic acid.Aims  This study aims to analyze the effects of caffeine and siloxanetriol alginate caffeine on fatty tissue by histological evaluation.Methods  Formulations were developed with caffeine, caffeine + sodium benzoate or SAC and were applied topically for 21 days on Wistar female mice. The study regarded the histological aspects by determination of diameter and number of fatty cells with a light microscope.Results  Emulsion with caffeine caused a reduction of 17% on the diameter of the fatty cells compared with the control. The emulsion with caffeine + sodium benzoate did not cause alterations on cell diameter. Emulsion with SAC provoked reduction on fatty cell diameters of 16%. No significant alterations were observed on the diameter of the fatty cells treated with gels, although it was noticed that gel with SAC promoted a reduction of 26% on the number of fatty cells.Conclusions  Emulsion with SAC was considered more indicated to promote the lipolytic action on fatty tissue, acting as a complement to treat cellulite. When sodium benzoate was added to the preparations, it inhibited the caffeine efficiency. Gel was not an adequate vehicle to be incorporated with caffeine and SAC.
Cohort study on patient response to botulinum toxin cosmetic therapy
Authors: Lee Heidi , Saladi Rao N , Fox Joshua L 
Published: January 2008

SummaryBackground  Botulinum toxin (BTX) therapy is currently the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States. However, few studies exist regarding post‐procedure perceptions of the patients’ BTX therapy.Objective  The aim of this cohort study was to determine patients’ responses from pre‐ to post‐BTX treatment experience.Methods and materials  One hundred twenty‐three BTX patients of six different dermatologic cosmetic practices in various boroughs of New York and Long Island in the state of New York completed the questionnaire. Six hundred eighty‐three surveys were sent out, and 123 completed surveys were obtained. Numerous questions were asked regarding how patients felt and responded towards the overall procedure of their BTX therapy.Results  Eighty‐eight percent of patients were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their dermatologists. Sixty‐five percent of patients felt over 60% improvement in areas treated. Fifty‐eight percent of patients anticipated making repeat visits, whereas the biggest concern for returning was due to the expensive cost of BTX.Conclusion  Our study correlated with previous studies done on retention rate of BTX cosmetic patients and satisfaction level on areas treated. The cost of BTX remained one of the primary concerns for repeat visits. Most patients were happy with their visits to the dermatology offices for BTX procedure, although things can be done to further enhance their visits and the likelihood that they will return.
Photoepilation: a growing trend in laser‐assisted cosmetic dermatology
Authors: Nouri Keyvan , Vejjabhinanta Voraphol , Patel Shalu S , Singh Anita 
Published: January 2008

SummaryExcess hair is an age‐old condition plaguing both men and women alike, of all races. Conditions such as hirsutism or hypertrichosis, procedures that involve grafted donor sites, transsexual transformations from male to female, and genetics are all responsible for excess or unwanted hair. Previous options for people seeking to remove or lessen the presence of hair have either been painful or resulted in short‐term hair removal. With the recent advent of laser technology, hair removal has been added to the many capabilities of the new generation nonablative lasers and light systems. Lasers are not yet a permanent solution for hair removal, but they are able to provide a safe, fast, and effective method of hair reduction.
How Effective Are Copayments in Reducing Expenditures for Low‐Income Adult Medicaid Beneficiaries? Experience from the Oregon Health Plan
Authors: Wallace Neal T. , McConnell K. John , Gallia Charles A. , Smith Jeanene A. 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. To determine the impact of introducing copayments on medical care use and expenditures for low‐income, adult Medicaid beneficiaries.Data Sources/Study Setting. The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) implemented copayments and other benefit changes for some adult beneficiaries in February 2003.Study Design. Copayment effects were measured as the “difference‐in‐difference” in average monthly service use and expenditures among cohorts of OHP Standard (intervention) and Plus (comparison) beneficiaries.Data Collection/Extraction Methods. There were 10,176 OHP Standard and 10,319 Plus propensity score‐matched subjects enrolled during November 2001–October 2002 and May 2003–April 2004 that were selected and assigned to 59 primary care‐based service areas with aggregate outcomes calculated in six month intervals yielding 472 observations.Results. Total expenditures per person remained unchanged (+2.2 percent, p=.47) despite reductions in use (−2.7 percent, p<.001). Use and expenditures per person decreased for pharmacy (−2.2 percent, p<.001; −10.5 percent, p<.001) but increased for inpatient (+27.3 percent, p<.001; +20.1 percent, p=.03) and hospital outpatient services (+13.5 percent, p<.001; +19.7 percent, p<.001). Ambulatory professional (−7.7 percent, p<.001) and emergency department (−7.9 percent, p=.03) use decreased, yet expenditures remained unchanged (−1.5 percent, p=.75; −2.0 percent, p=.68, respectively) as expenditures per service user rose (+6.6 percent, p=.13; +7.9 percent, p=.03, respectively).Conclusions. In the Oregon Medicaid program applying copayments shifted treatment patterns but did not provide expected savings. Policy makers should use caution in applying copayments to low‐income Medicaid beneficiaries.
Use of Econometric Models to Estimate Expenditure Shares
Authors: Trogdon Justin G. , Finkelstein Eric A. , Hoerger Thomas J. 
Published: January 2008

Objective. To investigate the use of regression models to calculate disease‐specific shares of medical expenditures.Data Sources/Study Setting. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), 2000–2003.Study Design. Theoretical investigation and secondary data analysis.Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Condition files used to define the presence of 10 medical conditions.Principal Findings. Incremental effects of conditions on expenditures, expressed as a fraction of total expenditures, cannot generally be interpreted as shares. When the presence of one condition increases treatment costs for another condition, summing condition‐specific shares leads to double‐counting of expenditures.Conclusions. Condition‐specific shares generated from multiplicative models should not be summed. We provide an algorithm that allows estimates based on these models to be interpreted as shares and summed across conditions.