bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel high‐resolution anorectal manometry parameter based on a three‐dimensional integrated pressurized volume of a spatiotemporal plot, for predicting balloon expulsion in asymptomatic normal individuals
Authors: Jung Kee Wook , Joo Segyeong , Yang Dong‐Hoon , Yoon In Ja , Seo So Young , Kim Seon‐Ok , Lee Jungbok , Lee Hyo Jeong , Kim Kyung Jo , Ye Byong Duk , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Kim Jin‐Ho , Myung Seung‐Jae 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundAnorectal manometry with simulated evacuation (SE) has limited applicability in predicting balloon expulsion (BE) test results. The newly developed high‐resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) technique can yield spatiotemporal plots with three‐dimensional pressurization. We aimed to define new parameters based on three‐dimensional integrated pressurized volume (IPV) for predicting the BE test results in asymptomatic normal individuals.MethodsFifty‐four asymptomatic healthy individuals were prospectively enrolled. BE tests were performed using 50 mL of water, and a requirement of more than 1 min was considered as delayed BE. HRAM profiles were converted into ASCII files and analyzed using a MATLAB program. A three‐dimensional IPV was plotted after transforming the data to a cubic spline interpolation followed by resampling the manometry position at 0.1‐cm intervals.Key ResultsEight of the 54 (15%) individuals demonstrated delayed BE. Conventional manometric profiles did not differ significantly between cases of early and delayed BE. Receiver‐operator characteristic curve analysis revealed that the ratio of the IPVs of the upper 1 cm to the lower 4 cm of the anorectal canal with balloon distension was more predictable of the BE results (area under curve, 0.73: 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.92; p = 0.04) than the other IPVs or their ratios.Conclusions & InferencesThe newly developed IPV methods could predict delayed BE tests during SE better than the conventional parameters defined on the basis of linear waves. Well‐designed prospective trials on a large number of subjects are warranted to validate the clinical application of this novel parameter.
Down‐regulation of A‐type potassium channel in gastric‐specific DRG neurons in a rat model of functional dyspepsia
Authors: Li S. , Chen J. D. Z. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough without evidence of organic structural abnormalities, pain or discomfort is a prominent symptom of functional dyspepsia and considered to reflect visceral hypersensitivity whose underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we studied electrophysiological properties and expression of voltage‐gated potassium channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a rat model of functional dyspepsia induced by neonatal gastric irritation.MethodsMale Sprague‐Dawley rat pups at 10‐day old received 0.1% iodoacetamide (IA) or vehicle by oral gavage for 6 days and studied at adulthood. Retrograde tracer‐labeled gastric‐specific T8–T12 DRG neurons were harvested for the patch‐clamp study in voltage and current‐clamp modes and protein expression of K+ channel in T8–T12 DRGs was examined by western blotting.Key Results(1) Gastric specific but not non‐gastric DRG neurons showed an enhanced excitability in neonatal IA‐treated rats compared to the control: depolarized resting membrane potentials, a lower current threshold for action potential (AP) activation, and an increase in the number of APs in response to current stimulation. (2) The current density of tetraethylammonium insensitive (transiently inactivating A‐type current), but not the tetraethylammonium sensitive (slow‐inactivating delayed rectifier K+ currents), was significantly smaller in IA‐treated rats (65.4 ± 6.9 pA/pF), compared to that of control (93.1 ± 8.3 pA/pF). (3) Protein expression of KV4.3 was down‐regulated in IA‐treated rats.Conclusions & InferencesA‐type potassium channels are significantly down‐regulated in the gastric‐specific DRG neurons in adult rats with mild neonatal gastric irritation, which in part contribute to the enhanced DRG neuron excitabilities that leads to the development of gastric hypersensitivity.
Decreased L‐type calcium current in antral smooth muscle cells of STZ‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Li S. , Chen J. D. Z. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) is associated with antral hypomotility. L‐type Ca2+ channels play an important role in generation of action potentials and activation of contractions. This study was designed to investigate if the function of the L‐type Ca2+ channels of antral circular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is impaired in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats.MethodsEight weeks after the injection of STZ or vehicle, whole‐cell patch clamp was used to record Ca2+ currents, and isometric tension recording was used to measure Ca2+ influx‐induced contractions in circular muscle strips. Solid gastric emptying was measured in diabetic and control rats. Protein expression of Ca2+αlC‐subunit in antral smooth muscles was compared between diabetic and control rats.Key Results(1) Solid gastric emptying, independent of age or bodyweight, was slower in the diabetic rats, even after acute correction of hyperglycemia. (2) Verapamil, a potent calcium channel blocker, dose dependently reduced solid gastric emptying in normal rats. (3) Current density of L‐type Ca2+ channel at 10 mV in antral circular SMCs was significantly decreased in the diabetic rats (−9.8 ± 0.7 pA/pF vs −15.9 ± 1.0 pA/pF in control, p < 0.001). However, protein expression of the Ca2+ channel in antral muscles did not differ between diabetic and control rats. (4) Contractile responses to 1 and 3 mM [Ca2+] were significantly reduced in the diabetic antral circular muscle strips, indicative of reduced Ca2+ influx.Conclusions & InferencesThese data suggested that the decreased L‐type Ca2+ current in antral SMCs may contribute to antral hypomotility in STZ‐induced diabetic rats.
Involvement of two‐component signalling systems in the regulation of stomatal aperture by light in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Marchadier Elodie , Hetherington Alistair M. 
Published: April 2014

Summary

Two‐component signalling (TCS) systems play important roles in cytokinin and ethylene signalling in Arabidopsis thaliana. Although the involvement of histidine kinases (AHKs) in drought stress responses has been described, their role and that of histidine phosphotransferases (AHPs) in guard cell signalling remain to be fully elucidated.

Here, we investigated the roles of TCS genes, the histidine phosphotransferase AHP2 and the histidine kinases AHK2 and AHK3, previously reported to play roles in cytokinin and abscisic acid (ABA) signalling.

We show that AHP2 is present in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and is involved in light‐induced opening. We also present evidence that there is some redistribution of AHP2 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm on addition of ABA. In addition, we provide data to support a role for the cytokinin receptors AHK2 and AHK3 in light‐induced stomatal opening and, by inference, in controlling the stomatal sensitivity to ABA.

Our results provide new insights into the operation of TCS in plants, cross‐talk in stomatal signalling and, in particular, the process of light‐induced stomatal opening.
Optical quality and visual performance with customised soft contact lenses for keratoconus
Authors: Jinabhai Amit , O'Donnell Clare , Tromans Cindy , Radhakrishnan Hema 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPurposeThis study investigated how aberration‐controlling, customised soft contact lenses corrected higher‐order ocular aberrations and visual performance in keratoconic patients compared to other forms of refractive correction (spectacles and rigid gas‐permeable lenses).MethodsTwenty‐two patients (16 rigid gas‐permeable contact lens wearers and six spectacle wearers) were fitted with standard toric soft lenses and customised lenses (designed to correct 3rd‐order coma aberrations). In the rigid gas‐permeable lens‐wearing patients, ocular aberrations were measured without lenses, with the patient's habitual lenses and with the study lenses (Hartmann‐Shack aberrometry). In the spectacle‐wearing patients, ocular aberrations were measured both with and without the study lenses. LogMAR visual acuity (high‐contrast and low‐contrast) was evaluated with the patient wearing their habitual correction (of either spectacles or rigid gas‐permeable contact lenses) and with the study lenses.ResultsIn the contact lens wearers, the habitual rigid gas‐permeable lenses and customised lenses provided significant reductions in 3rd‐order coma root‐mean‐square (RMS) error, 3rd‐order RMS and higher‐order RMS error (p ≤ 0.004). In the spectacle wearers, the standard toric lenses and customised lenses significantly reduced 3rd‐order RMS and higher‐order RMS errors (p ≤ 0.005). The spectacle wearers showed no significant differences in visual performance measured between their habitual spectacles and the study lenses. However, in the contact lens wearers, the habitual rigid gas‐permeable lenses and standard toric lenses provided significantly better high‐contrast acuities compared to the customised lenses (p ≤ 0.006).ConclusionsThe customised lenses provided substantial reductions in ocular aberrations in these keratoconic patients; however, the poor visual performances achieved with these lenses are most likely to be due to small, on‐eye lens decentrations.
A Novel Elastin Gene Mutation in a Vietnamese Patient with Cutis Laxa
Authors: Siefring Mark L. , Lawrence Elizabeth C. , Nguyen Tom C. , Lu Doanh , Pham Giang , Lorenchick Christa , Levine Kara L. , Urban Zsolt 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe report a 3‐year‐old girl from Vietnam with severe congenital cutis laxa; no cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurologic, or visceral involvement; and no family history of cutis laxa. Mutational analysis of the elastin gene identified heterozygosity for a previously unreported de novo c.2184delT mutation in exon 30 not present in either parent.
The effects of age on the neural correlates of feedback processing in a naturalistic gambling game
Authors: West Robert , Tiernan Brandy N. , Kieffaber Paul D. , Bailey Kira , Anderson Stephen 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe examined age‐related differences in the spatiotemporal distribution of event‐related brain potentials (ERPs) related to feedback processing in a virtual blackjack game. The behavioral data revealed that older adults were less risk seeking than younger adults both within and across trials. Age‐related differences were observed in the amplitude of several ERP components (P2‐FN‐P3a, P3a, slow wave activity) related to feedback processing. These components were localized to the anterior and posterior cingulate, the occipital cortex, and the inferior and medial frontal cortices. The effects of aging on the ERPs ranged from 200–2,000 ms after feedback onset. Our findings indicate that aging affects the activity of a distributed neural network that underpins processing the valence and motivational significance of feedback related to risky decisions.
Active Women before/after an Intervention Designed to Restore Menstrual Function: Resting Metabolic Rate and Comparison of Four Methods to Quantify Energy Expenditure and Energy Availability
Authors: Guebels Charlotte P. , Kam Lynn C. , Maddalozzo Gianni F. , Manore Melinda M. 
Published: April 2014

It is hypothesized that exercise-related menstrual dysfunction (ExMD) results from low energy availability (EA), defined as energy intake (EI)—exercise energy expenditure (EEE). When EI is too low, resting metabolic rate (RMR) may be reduced to conserve energy.Purpose:To measure changes in RMR and EA, using four methods to quantify EEE, before/after a 6-month diet intervention aimed at restoring menses in women with ExMD; eumenorrheic (Eumen) active controls (n = 9) were also measured.Methods:Active women with ExMD (n = 8) consumed +360 kcal/d (supplement) for 6 months; RMR was measured 2 times at 0 months/6 months. EI and total energy expenditure (TEE) were estimated using 7-day diet/activity records, with EA assessed using four methods to quantify EEE.Results:At baseline, groups did not differ for age, gynecological age, body weight, lean/fat mass, VO2max, EI and EA, but mean TEE was higher in ExMD (58.3 ± 4.4kcal/kgFFM/d; Eumen = 50.6 ± 2.4; p < .001) and energy balance (EB) more negative (–10.3 ± 6.9 kcal/kgFFM/d; Eumen=-3.0 ± 9.7; p = .049). RMR was higher in ExMD (31.3 ± 1.8 kcal/kgFFM/d) vs. Eumen (29.1 ± 1.9; p < .02). The intervention increased weight (1.6 ± 2.0kg; p = .029), but there were no significant changes in EA (0-month range = 28.2–36.7 kcal/kgFFM/d; 6-month range = 30.0–45.4; p > .05), EB (6 months = –0.7 ± 15.1 kcal/kgFFM/d) or RMR (0 months = 1515 ± 142; 6 months = 1522 ± 134 kcal/d). Assessment of EA varied dramatically (~30%) by method used.Conclusions:For the ExMD group, EI and weight increased with +360 kcal/d for 6 months, but there were no significant changes in EB, EA or RMR. No threshold EA value was associated with ExMD. Future research should include TEE, EB and clearly quantifying EEE (e.g.,>4 MET) if EA is measured.
Effects of Resveratrol in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Skeletal Muscle SIRT1 Expression and Energy Expenditure
Authors: Goh Kian Peng , Lee Hwei Yee , Lau Dawn Pingxi , Supaat Wilma , Chan Yiong Huak , Koh Angela Fang Yung 
Published: April 2014

Objectives:The primary aims of the study were to examine the effect of resveratrol on skeletal muscle SIRT1 expression and energy expenditure in subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Background:Animal and in vivo studies indicate that resveratrol increases SIRT1 expression that stimulates PGC1α activity. Subsequent upregulation of AMPK and GLUT4 expression are associated with improved insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues.Methods:Ten subjects with T2DM were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive 3g resveratrol or placebo daily for 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include measures of AMPK, p-AMPK and GLUT4 expression levels, energy expenditure, physical activity levels, distribution of abdominal adipose tissue and skeletal muscle fiber type composition, body weight, HbA1c, plasma lipid subfraction, adiponectin levels, and insulin sensitivity.Results:There was a significant increase in both SIRT1 expression (2.01 vs. 0.86 arbitrary units [AU], p = .016) and p-AMPK to AMPK expression ratio (2.04 vs. 0.79 AU, p = .032) in the resveratrol group compared with the placebo group. Although the percentage of absolute change (8.6 vs. –13.9%, p = .033) and percentage of predicted resting metabolic rate (RMR; 7.8 vs. –13.9%, p = .013) were increased following resveratrol, there was a significant reduction in average daily activity (–38 vs. 43.2%, p = .028) and step counts (–39.5 vs. 11.8%, p = .047) when compared with placebo.Conclusions:In patients with T2DM, treatment with resveratrol regulates energy expenditure through increased skeletal muscle SIRT1 and AMPK expression. These findings indicate that resveratrol may have beneficial exercise-mimetic effects in patients with T2DM.
Validation of the Fitbit Wireless Activity Tracker for Prediction of Energy Expenditure
Authors: Sasaki Jeffer Eidi , Hickey Amanda , Mavilia Marianna , Tedesco Jacquelynne , John Dinesh , Keadle Sarah Kozey , Freedson Patty S. 
Published: April 2014

Objective:The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of the Fitbit wireless activity tracker in assessing energy expenditure (EE) for different activities.Methods:Twenty participants (10 males, 10 females) wore the Fitbit Classic wireless activity tracker on the hip and the Oxycon Mobile portable metabolic system (criterion). Participants performed walking and running trials on a treadmill and a simulated free-living activity routine. Paired t tests were used to test for differences between estimated (Fitbit) and criterion (Oxycon) kcals for each of the activities.Results:Mean bias for estimated energy expenditure for all activities was −4.5 ± 1.0 kcals/6 min (95% limits of agreement: −25.2 to 15.8 kcals/6 min). The Fitbit significantly underestimated EE for cycling, laundry, raking, treadmill (TM) 3 mph at 5% grade, ascent/descent stairs, and TM 4 mph at 5% grade, and significantly overestimated EE for carrying groceries. Energy expenditure estimated by the Fitbit was not significantly different than EE calculated from the Oxycon Mobile for 9 activities.Conclusion:The Fitbit worn on the hip significantly underestimates EE of activities. The variability in underestimation of EE for the different activities may be problematic for weight loss management applications since accurate EE estimates are important for tracking/monitoring energy deficit.
The Quality of School Physical Activity Policies Within Maryland and Virginia
Authors: Smith Erin M. , Wilburn Grace , Estabrooks Paul A. 
Published: April 2014

Background:Since the adoption of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, many researchers have examined changes in the school nutrition environment; however, far less research has focused on the evaluation of physical activity (PA) policies within public schools.Methods:School district wellness policies (n = 144) of Virginia and Maryland were coded using a previously validated audit tool with a scale of 0 (weakest, least comprehensive) to 1 (strongest, most comprehensive).Results:Mean policy strength was weak (.20 ± .15), and, on average, policies were moderately comprehensive (.40 ± .22). The strongest (.73 ± .44) and most comprehensive (.79 ± .40) policy subgroup addressed daily recess in elementary schools. Virginia had significantly higher scores in 9 policy groups, while Maryland had higher significant policy scores in the 2 following groups: (1) the strength and comprehensiveness of a written physical education (PE) curriculum for each grade level (Ps < .05) and (2) the strength and comprehensiveness of addressing the use of PE waivers (Ps < .05).Conclusions:PA wellness policies in Maryland and Virginia are extremely weak and only moderately comprehensive; it is unlikely that these policies will significantly influence school-based PA.
Parental Practices Encouraging and Discouraging Physical Activity in Hong Kong Chinese Preschoolers
Authors: Suen Yi-nam , Cerin Ester , Wu Sin-lung 
Published: April 2014

Background:Regular participation in physical activity (PA) can help reduce the risk of overweight/obesity. Parental practices related to PA are modifiable determinants of preschoolers’ PA that are still not well understood, especially in non-Western cultures. This qualitative explorative study aimed to identify parental practices encouraging or discouraging PA in Hong Kong preschoolers.Methods:Nominal Group Technique (NGT) sessions (n = 45; 6 to 9/group), complemented by a focus group (n = 6) and individual interviews (n = 12), were conducted with primary caregivers (mainly parents) of Hong Kong preschoolers to investigate what parents do to encourage (4 groups) and discourage (2 groups) PA in children. The groups were stratified by low and high neighborhood socioeconomic status. Results: Participants generated 21 and 16 items describing practices encouraging and discouraging preschoolers’ PA, respectively. Parental provision of instrumental, motivational, and conditional support were thought to encourage child’s PA, while parental safety concerns, focus on academic achievement, lack of time and resources, and promotion of sedentary behaviors were thought to discourage child’s PA.Conclusions:Several parental practices that were deemed to encourage or discourage Hong Kong preschoolers’ PA were identified. These can assist with development of a culturally sensitive scale of PA parenting practices and inform future quantitative research.
Which School- and Home-Based Factors in Elementary School–Age Children Predict Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Secondary School–Age Children? A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rutten Cindy , Boen Filip , Seghers Jan 
Published: April 2014

Background:To examine which school- and home-based factors at age 11 to 12 (6th grade, elementary school) predict physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) at age 13 to 14 (8th grade, secondary school).Methods:Data at both time points were collected from 472 children (mean age baseline = 10.97, SD age = 0.41) and their parents. Children and parents completed self-reported questionnaires. Children’s height and weight were measured and children wore a pedometer for 7 days.Results:Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that predominantly boys (β = −.11), children with higher levels of pedometer-determined PA (β = .44) and more parental logistic support (β = .11) at age 11 to 12 displayed higher levels of pedometer-determined PA at age 13 to 14 (R2 = 39.1%). Similar results emerged for self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA (R2 = 36.7%). Finally, lower levels of screen-based SB at age 13 to 14 (R2 = 32.5%) were most strongly related to lower levels of screen-based SB (β = .41), a medium/high socioeconomic status (β = −.18), and higher levels of parental PA explicit modeling (β = −.18) at age 11 to 12.Conclusions:Children’s PA/SB and the supportive role of parents at age 11 to 12 are strong predictors of PA and screen-based SB at age 13 to 14.
Prevalence of Physically Active and Sedentary Adolescents in 10 Eastern Mediterranean Countries and its Relation With Age, Sex, and Body Mass Index
Authors: Subhi Lyutha K. Al , Bose Shekar , Ani Maraim F. Al 
Published: April 2014

Background:A cross-country profile of physical activity and sedentary behavior is lacking within Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) counties. The objectives were to examine prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behavior among adolescents of 10 EMR countries, and to describe potential differences in the 2 factors by sex, age, and BMI.Methods:A total of 23,562 adolescents were included from 10 EMR counties based on completeness of data (physical activity, sedentary behavior, age, sex, weight and height) from the Global school-based student health survey (GSHS).Results:Overall prevalence of physical activity (19%) is low and sedentary behavior is high (29%), with significant differences among counties. Oman had the highest (26%) and Egypt had the lowest (9%) prevalence of active students. Prevalence of sedentary behavior was the highest in United Arab Emirates (40%) and lowest in Pakistan (8%). Physical activity was lower and sedentary behavior was higher among female adolescents. A linear trend was observed between BMI and both physical activity and sedentary behavior; a similar pattern was seen with age.Conclusions:There is a need for interventions to increase the prevalence of adolescents meeting physical activity recommendations in the 10 countries. More investigation is required to understand the cultural context of sex and BMI influence on activity patterns.