bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture therapy for infants: a preliminary report on reasons for consultation, feasibility, and tolerability
Authors: Gentry Katherine R. , McGinn Kathleen L. , Kundu Anjana , Lynn Anne M. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryObjectives/aims:  The aim of this retrospective review was to determine the feasibility, safety, and potential therapeutic effects of acupuncture in an inpatient infant population and to obtain data that would support the design of a randomized, controlled trial of acupuncture in infants.Background:  Hospitalized infants are often exposed to sedative and analgesic medications to facilitate intensive and invasive medical care. With increasing concern about the potential neurotoxic effects of common analgesic and sedative medications, minimizing an infant’s exposure to such agents is desirable. Acupuncture can be therapeutic in adults and children, but data in infants are lacking.Methods/materials:  We performed a retrospective chart review of infants who received acupuncture during hospitalizations between 2008 and 2010. Demographic data, diagnoses, reason for acupuncture consult, ventilator settings, sedative/analgesic medication regimens, details of acupuncture therapy, and adverse effects were among data collected.Results:  Ten infants were identified in this review, seven of whom had agitation issues, two of whom had feeding difficulties, and one had both symptoms. Six of the eight infants with agitation had a decrease in the use of sedative and analgesic medications over the acupuncture therapy period, and four of five initially requiring mechanical ventilation were successfully weaned. One of the three infants with oral aversion transitioned rapidly to oral intake. Acupuncture therapy was well tolerated, and there were no complications observed.Conclusions:  In this small group of hospitalized infants, acupuncture was found to be safe, well tolerated, and therapeutic. More studies are warranted to define the role of acupuncture in this population.
Short‐term outcome following percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence: a single‐centre prospective study
Authors: Hotouras A. , Thaha M. A. , Boyle D. J. , Allison M. E. , Currie A. , Knowles C. H. , Chan C. L. H. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim  Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is increasingly being used as a treatment for faecal incontinence (FI). The evidence for its efficacy is limited to a few studies involving small numbers of patients. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of PTNS in patients with urge, passive and mixed FI.Method  A prospective cohort of 100 patients with FI was studied. Continence scores were determined before treatment and following 12 sessions of PTNS using a validated questionnaire [Cleveland Clinic Florida (CCF)‐FI score]. The deferment time and average number of weekly incontinence episodes before and after 12 sessions of treatment were estimated from a bowel dairy kept by the patient. Quality of life was assessed prior to and on completion of 12 sessions of PTNS using a validated questionnaire [Rockwood Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life (QoL)].Results  One hundred patients (88 women) of median age of 57 years were included. Patients with urge FI (n = 25) and mixed FI (n = 60) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the mean CCF‐FI score (11.0 ± 4.1 to 8.3 ± 4.8 and 12.8 ± 3.7 to 9.1 ± 4.4) with an associated improvement in the QoL score. This effect was not observed in patients with purely passive FI (n = 15).Conclusion  The study demonstrates that PTNS benefits patients with urge and mixed FI, at least in the short term.
Linagliptin monotherapy provides superior glycaemic control versus placebo or voglibose with comparable safety in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, placebo and active comparator‐controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Kawamori R. , Inagaki N. , Araki E. , Watada H. , Hayashi N. , Horie Y. , Sarashina A. , Gong Y. , von Eynatten M. , Woerle H. J. , Dugi K. A. 
Published: December 2011

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of linagliptin 5 and 10 mg vs. placebo and voglibose in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: This study enrolled patients with inadequately controlled T2DM who were previously treated with one or two oral antidiabetics or were drug naÏve. After a 2 to 4‐week washout and placebo run‐in, 561 patients were randomized (2 : 2 : 2 : 1) to double‐blind treatment with linagliptin 5 or 10 mg qd, voglibose 0.2 mg tid or placebo. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with linagliptin vs. placebo after 12 weeks and vs. voglibose after 26 weeks.Results: Baseline characteristics were well balanced across treatment groups (overall mean HbA1c was 8.01%). The adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) treatment differences at week 12 were −0.87% (−1.04, −0.70; p < 0.0001) and −0.88% (−1.05, −0.71; p < 0.0001) for linagliptin 5 and 10 mg vs. placebo and at week 26 were −0.32% (−0.49, −0.15; p = 0.0003) and −0.39% (−0.56, −0.21; p < 0.0001) for linagliptin 5 and 10 mg vs. voglibose. At week 12, mean HbA1c was 7.58, 7.48 and 8.34% in patients receiving linagliptin 5 mg, linagliptin 10 mg and placebo, respectively. At week 26, mean HbA1c was 7.63% with linagliptin 5 mg, 7.50% with linagliptin 10 mg and 7.91% with voglibose. Drug‐related adverse event rates were comparable across treatment groups over 12 weeks (9.4% linagliptin 5 mg, 8.8% linagliptin 10 mg and 10.0% placebo) and 26 weeks (11.3% linagliptin 5 mg, 10.6% linagliptin 10 mg and 18.5% voglibose). There were no documented cases of hypoglycaemia.Conclusions: Linagliptin showed superior glucose‐lowering efficacy and comparable safety and tolerability to both placebo and voglibose in Japanese patients with T2DM.
Global patterns of mobile carbon stores in trees at the high‐elevation tree line
Authors: Hoch Günter , Körner Christian 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTAim  Across all latitudes, high‐elevation tree lines represent a drastic change in the dominant plant life‐form, from upright trees to low‐stature alpine plants. Although associated with low temperatures, the physiological mechanisms controlling this boundary are still not clear. The growth‐limitation hypothesis assumes a direct low‐temperature restriction of tissue formation at otherwise sufficient photoassimilation. In order to test this hypothesis, we present a global synthesis of previously published and new data on tree carbon supply status at high‐elevation tree lines.Location  Global; 13 regions between 68° N and 45° S.Methods  Late‐season concentrations of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) in foliage and branch wood were measured at three elevations across the tree line ecotones, from upper tall forests (timber line) to the edges of aborescent tree growth (tree line). Year‐round records of −10 cm soil temperatures were taken at the tree line.Results  Despite large differences in elevation and season length, the mean growing season temperature at the tree line was similar (approximately 6.6 °C) between all sites. NSC concentrations were not depleted at any of the elevation gradients between timber line and tree line, indicating no shortage of C at the uppermost tree stands. Tested across all sites, NSC concentrations in fact significantly increased with elevation. On average, NSC increased by 18% in leaves and 26% in branch wood from the lowest to the highest stands, primarily due to higher starch concentrations rather than free sugars. Hence, these responses do not reflect osmotic adjustments to lower temperatures at the end of the growing season.Main conclusions  This global data set contributes to a mechanistic understanding of tree line formation based on biological principles across climatic zones and tree genera. No evidence of C shortage was found at the high‐elevation tree line in either seasonal and non‐seasonal regions. The increasing trend of NSC concentrations with elevation is in line with the growth‐limitation hypothesis.
The role of maternal factors in sibling relationship quality: a multilevel study of multiple dyads per family
Authors: Jenkins Jennifer , Rasbash Jon , Leckie George , Gass Krista , Dunn Judy 
Published: December 2011

Background:  Although many children grow up with more than one sibling, we do not yet know if sibling dyads within families show similarities to one another on sibling affection and hostility. In the present study the hypotheses were tested that (a) there will be significant between family variation in change in sibling affection and hostility and (b) this between family variation will be explained by maternal affective climate, operationalized as positive and negative ambient parenting, differential parenting and maternal malaise.Methods:  A general population sample of families with single and multiple sibling dyads were visited twice, 2 years apart. Up to 2 children in a family acted as informants; 253 relationships were rated in 118 families. A cross‐classified, multilevel model was fit to separate between‐family and within‐family variance in sibling relationships while simultaneously controlling for informant and partner influences.Results:  Thirty‐seven percent of the variance in change in sibling affection and 32% of the variance in change in sibling hostility was between family variance. The measured maternal affective climate including, maternal malaise and maternal ambient and differential hostility and affection explained between family differences.Conclusions:  Sibling relationship quality clusters in families and is partly explained by maternal affective climate.
Unraveling the effect of genes and environment in the transmission of parental antisocial behavior to children’s conduct disturbance, depression and hyperactivity
Authors: Silberg Judy L. , Maes Hermine , Eaves Lindon J. 
Published: December 2011

Background:  A critical issue in devising effective interventions for the treatment of children’s behavioral and emotional problems identifying genuine family environmental factors that place children at risk. In most twin and family studies, environmental factors are confounded with both direct genetic risk from parents and the indirect effect of genes influencing parents’ ability to provide an optimal rearing environment. The present study was undertaken to determine whether parental psychopathology, specifically parental antisocial behavior (ASP), is a genuine environmental risk factor for juvenile conduct disturbance, depression and hyperactivity, or whether the association between parental ASP and children’s behavioral and emotional problems can be explained as a secondary consequence of the intergenerational transmission of genetic factors.Methods:  An extended children of twins design comprised of data collected on 2,674 adult female and male twins, their spouses, and 2,454 of their children was used to test whether genetic and/or family environmental factors best accounted for the association between parental antisocial behavior and children’s behavioral problems. An age‐matched sample of 2,826 juvenile twin pairs from the Virginia Twin Study of Adolescent Behavioral Development was also included to examine developmental differences in gene expression by partitioning child‐specific transmissible effects from those effects that persist into adulthood. The fit of alternative models was evaluated using the statistical program Mx.Results:  We found distinct patterns of transmission between parental antisocial behavior and juvenile conduct, depression and hyperactivity. Genetic and family environmental factors accounted for the resemblance between parents’ ASP and children’s conduct disturbance. Family environmental factors alone explained the association between child depression and parental ASP, and the impact of parental ASP on hyperactivity was entirely genetic.Conclusions:  These findings underscore differences in the contribution of genetic and environmental factors on the patterns of association between parental antisocial behavior and juvenile psychopathology, having important clinical implications for the prevention and amelioration of child behavioral and emotional problems.
The prion protein unstructured N‐terminal region is a broad‐spectrum molecular sensor with diverse and contrasting potential functions
Authors: Béland Maxime , Roucou Xavier 
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 853–868.AbstractThe physiological function of the prion protein (PrPC) and its conversion into its infectious form (PrPSc) are central issues to understanding the pathogenesis of prion diseases. The N‐terminal moiety of PrPC (NH2‐PrPC) is an unstructured region with the characteristic of interacting with a broad range of partners. These interactions endow PrPC with multifunctional and sometimes contrasting capabilities, including neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. Recently, binding of β‐sheet rich conformers to NH2‐PrPC demonstrated a probable neurotoxic function for PrPC in Alzheimer’s disease. NH2‐PrPC also enhances the propagation of prions in vivo and is the target of the most potent antiprion compounds. Another level of complexity is provided by endoproteolysis and release of most of NH2‐PrPC into the extracellular space. Further studies will be necessary to understand how NH2‐PrPC regulates the physiological function of PrPC and how it is involved in the corruption of its normal function in diseases.
The deletion of STOP/MAP6 protein in mice triggers highly altered mood and impaired cognitive performances
Authors: Fournet Vincent , Schweitzer Annie , Chevarin Caroline , Deloulme Jean‐Christophe , Hamon Michel , Giros Bruno , Andrieux Annie , Martres Marie‐Pascale 
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 99–114.AbstractThe microtubule‐associated Stable Tubulie Only Polypeptide (STOP; also known as MAP6) protein plays a key role in neuron architecture and synaptic plasticity, the dysfunctions of which are thought to be implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric diseases. The deletion of STOP in mice leads to severe disorders reminiscent of several schizophrenia‐like symptoms, which are also associated with differential alterations of the serotonergic tone in somas versus terminals. In STOP knockout (KO) compared with wild‐type mice, serotonin (5‐HT) markers are found to be markedly accumulated in the raphe nuclei and, in contrast, deeply depleted in all serotonergic projection areas. In the present study, we carefully examined whether the 5‐HT imbalance would lead to behavioral consequences evocative of mood and/or cognitive disorders. We showed that STOP KO mice exhibited depression‐like behavior, associated with a decreased anxiety‐status in validated paradigms. In addition, although STOP KO mice had a preserved very short‐term memory, they failed to perform well in all other learning and memory tasks. We also showed that STOP KO mice exhibited regional imbalance of the norepinephrine tone as observed for 5‐HT. As a consequence, mutant mice were hypersensitive to acute antidepressants with different selectivity. Altogether, these data indicate that the deletion of STOP protein in mice caused deep alterations in mood and cognitive performances and that STOP protein might have a crucial role in the 5‐HT and norepinephrine networks development.
Effect of annual applications of pelletized dolomitic lime on soil chemical properties and grass productivity
Authors: Higgins S. , Morrison S. , Watson C. J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractLime in pelletized form is potentially more convenient for farmers than ground limestone, as it can be applied using conventional fertilizer‐spreading equipment. Pelletized lime is intended to maintain an optimum soil pH when applied annually at a rate of 350 kg lime/ha/yr. Interactions between lime and N fertilizer rate were examined by applying 0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg N/ha/yr (as calcium ammonium nitrate) in combination with 0, 175, 350 and 525 kg pelletized dolomitic lime/ha/yr over 3 yr to a permanent grassland sward used for silage production in County Down, Northern Ireland. Equal rates of ground lime, from the same source as the pelletized lime, were applied as a comparison. Effects on soil chemical properties, grass dry matter (DM) yield and herbage nutrient removal were examined. Lime maintained or slightly increased the soil pH, particularly in the top 2.5 cm of the profile, but there was no difference in the performance of pelletized lime compared to ground lime in any of the parameters measured. Lime had no significant effect on grass DM yield or grass quality; however, there was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in yield at the first cut, particularly in year 2, when the highest lime rate (525 kg lime/ha/yr) was applied in the absence of N fertilizer. The dolomitic nature of the lime (11% Mg) resulted in significant (P < 0.001) increases in soil and herbage magnesium levels, and this could be beneficial for reducing the incidence of grass tetany in grazing animals. The P content of the herbage was also significantly higher in plots receiving lime, which suggests that lime may have enhanced the mineralization of P or stimulated root growth.
Management of asthma by pregnant women attending an Australian maternity hospital
Authors: Sawicki Emilia , Stewart Kay , Wong Swee , Paul Eldho , Leung Laura , George Johnson 
Published: December 2011

Aims:  The safety of preventive asthma medicines during pregnancy has already been established. The aim of this study was to assess asthma management by women during pregnancy.
Methods:  Pregnant women attending the out‐patient clinics of an Australian maternity hospital completed a questionnaire about their asthma medication use and symptoms. Parameters associated with changes in asthma medicine use are presented as odds ratio with a 95% confidence level. P‐values <0.05 indicated statistical significance.
Results:  Participants (n = 102) self‐reported worsening of their asthma symptoms during pregnancy compared with the pre‐pregnancy period, both during the day (P = 0.003) and night (P = 0.044). The number of participants whose asthma was treated by a medical professional decreased from 81 (79.4%) before pregnancy to 67 (65.7%) during pregnancy (P = 0.008). The use of regular asthma medicines (preventers and symptom controllers alone or in combination) decreased during pregnancy (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively), while the use of intermittent therapies (relievers) increased (P = 0.004) during pregnancy.Being treated by a medical professional during pregnancy (P = 0.033), a history of asthma medicine use before pregnancy (P = 0.015) and younger age of first asthma diagnosis (P = 0.046) were associated with the use of asthma medicines during pregnancy.
Conclusions:  Despite worsening of asthma symptoms, many pregnant women do not take regular preventive asthma medicines. Ongoing assessment of asthma control during pregnancy, medication review and adjustments in therapy by health professionals might facilitate asthma management.
Differential Effects of Single Versus Repeated Alcohol Withdrawal on the Expression of Endocannabinoid System‐Related Genes in the Rat Amygdala
Authors: Serrano Antonia , Rivera Patricia , Pavon Francisco J. , Decara Juan , Suárez Juan , Rodriguez de Fonseca Fernando , Parsons Loren H. 
Published: December 2011

Background:  Endogenous cannabinoids such as anandamide and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) exert important regulatory influences on neuronal signaling, participate in short‐ and long‐term forms of neuroplasticity, and modulate stress responses and affective behavior in part through the modulation of neurotransmission in the amygdala. Alcohol consumption alters brain endocannabinoid levels, and alcohol dependence is associated with dysregulated amygdalar function, stress responsivity, and affective control.Methods:  The consequence of long‐term alcohol consumption on the expression of genes related to endocannabinoid signaling was investigated using quantitative RT‐PCR analyses of amygdala tissue. Two groups of ethanol (EtOH)‐exposed rats were generated by maintenance on an EtOH liquid diet (10%): the first group received continuous access to EtOH for 15 days, whereas the second group was given intermittent access to the EtOH diet (5 d/wk for 3 weeks). Control subjects were maintained on an isocaloric EtOH‐free liquid diet. To provide an initial profile of acute withdrawal, amygdala tissue was harvested following either 6 or 24 hours of EtOH withdrawal.Results:  Acute EtOH withdrawal was associated with significant changes in mRNA expression for various components of the endogenous cannabinoid system in the amygdala. Specifically, reductions in mRNA expression for the primary clearance routes for anandamide and 2‐AG (fatty acid amide hydrolase [FAAH] and monoacylglycerol lipase [MAGL], respectively) were evident, as were reductions in mRNA expression for CB1, CB2, and GPR55 receptors. Although similar alterations in FAAH mRNA were evident following either continuous or intermittent EtOH exposure, alterations in MAGL and cannabinoid receptor‐related mRNA (e.g., CB1, CB2, GPR55) were more pronounced following intermittent exposure. In general, greater withdrawal‐associated deficits in mRNA expression were evident following 24 versus 6 hours of withdrawal. No significant changes in mRNA expression for enzymes involved in 2‐AG biosynthesis (e.g., diacylglicerol lipase‐α/β) were found in any condition.Conclusions:  These findings suggest that EtOH dependence and withdrawal are associated with dysregulated endocannabinoid signaling in the amygdala. These alterations may contribute to withdrawal‐related dysregulation of amygdalar neurotransmission.
Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Exposure and Its Removal Induce a Different miRNA Expression Pattern in Primary Cortical Neuronal Cultures
Authors: Guo Yingqiu , Chen Yongxin , Carreon Stephanie , Qiang Mei 
Published: December 2011

Background:  Increasing evidence indicates that repeated exposure to and withdrawal from alcohol can result in persistent molecular and cellular adaptations. One molecular adaptation that occurs is the regulation of gene expression, which is thought to lead to the functional alterations that characterize addiction: tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, craving, and relapse. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recently identified as master regulators of gene expression through post‐transcriptional regulation. However, the role of miRNAs in the neuroadaptations after alcohol removal has not yet been directly addressed.Methods:  We employed a chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) model in primary cortical neuronal cultures to examine the global extent of differential miRNA expression using a TaqMan real‐time PCR miRNA array.Results:  Sixty‐two miRNAs were differentially expressed after 10 days of CIE (CIE10) treatment (n = 42 with false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05 and fold change > 2) and 5 days post‐CIE (P5) treatment (n = 26) compared with untreated control values. Compared to CIE10, ethanol (EtOH) removal experience in P5 induced a distinct expression pattern, including 20 differentially expressed miRNAs, which did not exhibit a significant change at CIE10. The predicted target molecules of EtOH removal‐induced miRNAs function mainly in the regulation of gene transcription, but also function in neuron differentiation, embryonic development, protein phosphorylation, and synaptic plasticity. Interestingly, some of the miRNAs differentially expressed 5 days after CIE treatment were found to cluster on chromosomes near CpG islands, suggesting that they share functional similarity by targeting alcohol‐related genes.Conclusions:  Taken together, these results suggest a potential role of differentially expressed miRNAs in mediating EtOH removal‐related phenotypes.