bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weber’s law implies neural discharge more regular than a Poisson process
Authors: Kang Jing , Wu Jianhua , Smerieri Anteo , Feng Jianfeng 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWeber’s law is one of the basic laws in psychophysics, but the link between this psychophysical behavior and the neuronal response has not yet been established. In this paper, we carried out an analysis on the spike train statistics when Weber’s law holds, and found that the efferent spike train of a single neuron is less variable than a Poisson process. For population neurons, Weber’s law is satisfied only when the population size is small (< 10 neurons). However, if the population neurons share a weak correlation in their discharges and individual neuronal spike train is more regular than a Poisson process, Weber’s law is true without any restriction on the population size. Biased competition attractor network also demonstrates that the coefficient of variation of interspike interval in the winning pool should be less than one for the validity of Weber’s law. Our work links Weber’s law with neural firing property quantitatively, shedding light on the relation between psychophysical behavior and neuronal responses.
Reduced air leakage by adjusting the cuff pressure in pediatric laryngeal mask airways during spontaneous ventilation
Authors: HOCKINGS LISEN , HEANEY MAIREAD , CHAMBERS NEIL A. , ERB THOMAS O. , Von UNGERN‐STERNBERG BRITTA S. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryBackground:  Optimal inflation of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) cuff should allow ventilation with low leakage volumes and minimal airway morbidity. Manufacturer’s recommendations vary, and clinical end‐points have been shown to be associated with cuff hyperinflation and increased leak around the LMA. However, measurement of the intra‐cuff pressure of the LMA is not routine in most pediatric institutions, and the optimal intra‐cuff pressure in the LMA has not been determined in clinical studies.Methods:  This was a prospective audit in100 pediatric patients undergoing elective general anesthesia breathing spontaneously via LMA (size 1.5–3). Cuff pressure within the LMA was adjusted using a calibrated pressure gauge to three different values (60, 40, and 20 cmH2O) within the manufacturers’ recommended LMA cuff pressure range (≤60 cmH2O). Three corresponding inspiratory and expiratory tidal volumes were recorded, and the differences were calculated as the ‘leak volume’.Results:  Compared with 20 and 60 cmH2O intra‐cuff pressure, measured leakage volumes were the lowest at cuff inflation pressures of 40 cmH2O [median (range) 0.42 (0.09–1.00) ml·kg−1] in most patients (83%), while 17% of children demonstrated minimally smaller leakages at 20 cmH2O [0.51 (0.11–1.79) ml·kg−1]. Maximum leakage values occurred with cuff pressures of 60 cmH2O in all groups [0.65 (0.18–1.27) ml·kg−1] and were not associated with the smallest value of air leakage in any patient.Conclusion:  Using cuff manometry, an intra‐cuff pressure of 40 cmH2O was associated with reduced leak around the LMA while higher (60 cmH2O) and lower (20 cmH2O) cuff pressures resulted in higher leak volumes during spontaneous ventilation. In spontaneously breathing children, reducing the intra‐cuff pressure of pediatric‐sized LMAs even below the manufacturers’ recommendations allows ventilation with minimized leakage around the LMA cuff.
Measuring negative behavior change: a pilot study determining feasibility and baseline rate in measures of quality of life and behavior of children after day case ENT surgery and anesthesia
Authors: Lo E. , Howard K. , Davidson A. 
Published: March 2010

Aim:  To determine the feasibility and baseline rate in measures of quality of life and behavior of children after day case ENT surgery and anaesthesia.Background:  Negative behavior change post anesthesia has been reported in previous studies to varying degrees [1–3]. Variation may be because of the scales used to measure change. The Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ) [4] has been commonly used to detect these behavior changes. Another scale, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales version 4.0 (pedsql) [5] is a validated quality of life questionnaire. It may prove superior in measuring behavior change post anesthesia but has not been used in this context. The comparative feasibility of using the scales and baseline rates of behavior is yet to be determined in this setting.Methods:  The population was pediatric ENT day surgeries. After informed consent, demographic and medical data were collected. Questionnaires were performed preoperatively (Baseline), and postoperatively (Day 7 and 30).Results:  Neither scale found evidence for substantial negative behavior change, with some negative changes in anxiety domains on the PHBQ and negative changes on the functional domains of the pedsql. Surprisingly, many children showed improvement in behavior. Both scales were equally feasible. Overall return rate was <50%.Conclusion:  This pilot data can provide some baseline rates and data on feasibility to plan future intervention studies. In these studies, the anxiety domain of PHBQ may be the best scale to use but small changes indicate large numbers would be needed and particular strategies would be needed to increase follow‐up.References 1 Kotiniemi LH, Ryhanen PT, Moilanen IK. Behavioural changes in children following day‐case surgery: a 4‐week follow‐up of 551 children. Anaesthesia 1997;52(10): 970‐6.2 Kain ZN, Caldwell‐Andrews AA, Maranets I, McClain B, Gaal D, Mayes LC et al. Preoperative anxiety and emergence delirium and postoperative maladaptive behaviors. Anesthesia & Analgesia. 2004 of contents, 2004; 99(6): 1648‐54.3 Stargatt R, Davidson AJ, Huang GH, Czarnecki C, Gibson MA, Stewart SA et al. A cohort study of the incidence and risk factors for negative behavior changes in children after general anesthesia. Paediatric Anaesthesia 2006; 16(8): 846‐59.4 Vernon DT, Schulman JL, Foley JM. Changes in children's behavior after hospitalization. Some dimensions of response and their correlates. American Journal of Diseases of Children 1966; 111(6): 581‐93.5 Varni JW, Seid M, Knight TS, Uzark K, Szer IS. The PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales: sensitivity, responsiveness, and impact on clinical decision‐making. Journal of Behavioral Medicine 2002; 25(2): 175‐93.
Implicit memory formation in children during anesthesia
Authors: Pham X. , Smith K.R. , Sheppard S.J. , Bradshaw C. , Lo E. , Davidson A.J. 
Published: March 2010

Aim:  To determine whether there is implicit memory formation in children during anesthesia.Background:  Previous work with adults has found that cognitive processing may persist despite clinically adequate anesthesia, resulting in the formation of implicit memories that cannot be consciously recalled but may be revealed by changes in behavior [1]. Because of methodological limitations in the few pediatric studies that have been conducted, it remains unclear whether this also occurs in children [2,3]. Implicit memories may play a role in postoperative negative behavior changes in children [4].Methods:  The ‘degraded auditory stimulus recognition task’ has been validated for the detection of implicit memories in a pediatric anesthetic setting [5]. Three hundred and twelve children, aged 5 to 12 years old, were randomly assigned to be played either a sheep sound or white noise continuously through headphones during general anesthesia. On recovery, children were played a sheep sound degraded by a white noise mask that progressively decreased over 60 s, with the outcome being time taken to correctly recognize the sound.Results:  Three hundred children completed the task. A comparison of the distribution of recognition times between the two groups found little evidence that intraoperative exposure to a sheep sound was associated with postoperative time to recognition of a degraded sheep sound (hazard ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval of 0.90–1.40, P = 0.28).Conclusions:  No evidence was found for implicit memory formation in children during anesthesia. It is increasingly likely that the clinical implications of this phenomenon are less of a concern for pediatric anesthetists.References 1 Andrade J, Deeprose C. Unconscious memory formation during anaesthesia. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol 2007; 21(3):385‐401.2 Andrade J, Deeprose C, Barker I. Awareness and memory function during paediatric anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth 2008; 100(3):389‐96.3 L opez U, Habre W, Laurencon M, Willems SJ, Schmidt C, Van der Linden M et al. Does implicit memory during anaesthesia persist in children? Br J Anaesth 2009; 102(3):379‐84.4 Stargatt R. A cohort study of the incidence and risk factors for negative behavior changes in children after general anesthesia. Paediatr Anaesth 2006; 16(8):846‐59.5 Phelan L, Sheppard SJ, Davidson AJ. A new degraded auditory stimulus test to measure implicit memory during anaesthesia in children. Anaesth Intensive Care 2009; 37(1):60‐5.
Mutational and gene expression analysis of mtrDEF, omcA and mtrCAB during arsenate and iron reduction in Shewanella sp. ANA‐3
Authors: Reyes Carolina , Murphy Julie N. , Saltikov Chad W. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryArsenate respiration and Fe(III) reduction are important processes that influence the fate and transport of arsenic in the environment. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of arsenate on Fe(III) reduction using arsenate and Fe(III) reduction deficient mutants of Shewanella sp. strain ANA‐3. Ferrihydrite reduction in the absence of arsenate was similar for an arsenate reduction mutant (arrA and arsC deletion strain of ANA‐3) compared with wild‐type ANA‐3. However, the presence of arsenate adsorbed onto ferrihydrite impeded Fe(III) reduction for the arsenate reduction mutant but not in the wild‐type. In an Fe(III) reduction mutant (mtrDEF, omcA, mtrCAB null mutant of ANA‐3), arsenate was reduced similarly to wild‐type ANA‐3 indicating the Fe(III) reduction pathway is not required for ferrihydrite‐associated arsenate reduction. Expression analysis of the mtr/omc gene cluster of ANA‐3 showed that omcA and mtrCAB were expressed under soluble Fe(III), ferrihydrite and arsenate growth conditions and not in aerobically grown cells. Expression of arrA was greater with ferrihydrite pre‐adsorbed with arsenate relative to ferrihydrite only. Lastly, arrA and mtrA were simultaneously induced in cells shifted to anaerobic conditions and exposed to soluble Fe(III) and arsenate. These observations suggest that, unlike Fe(III), arsenate can co‐induce operons (arr and mtr) implicated in arsenic mobilization.
Production of therapeutic proteins in algae, analysis of expression of seven human proteins in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Rasala Beth A. , Muto Machiko , Lee Philip A. , Jager Michal , Cardoso Rosa M.F. , Behnke Craig A. , Kirk Peter , Hokanson Craig A. , Crea Roberto , Mendez Michael , Mayfield Stephen P. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryRecombinant proteins are widely used today in many industries, including the biopharmaceutical industry, and can be expressed in bacteria, yeasts, mammalian and insect cell cultures, or in transgenic plants and animals. In addition, transgenic algae have also been shown to support recombinant protein expression, both from the nuclear and chloroplast genomes. However, to date, there are only a few reports on recombinant proteins expressed in the algal chloroplast. It is unclear whether this is because of few attempts or of limitations of the system that preclude expression of many proteins. Thus, we sought to assess the versatility of transgenic algae as a recombinant protein production platform. To do this, we tested whether the algal chloroplast could support the expression of a diverse set of current or potential human therapeutic proteins. Of the seven proteins chosen, >50% expressed at levels sufficient for commercial production. Three expressed at 2%–3% of total soluble protein, while a forth protein accumulated to similar levels when translationally fused to a well‐expressed serum amyloid protein. All of the algal chloroplast‐expressed proteins are soluble and showed biological activity comparable to that of the same proteins expressed using traditional production platforms. Thus, the success rate, expression levels, and bioactivity achieved demonstrate the utility of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a robust platform for human therapeutic protein production.
The involvement of human RECQL4 in DNA double‐strand break repair
Authors: Singh Dharmendra Kumar , Karmakar Parimal , Aamann Maria , Schurman Shepherd H. , May Alfred , Croteau Deborah L. , Burks Lynnette , Plon Sharon E. , Bohr Vilhelm A. 
Published: March 2010

SummaryRothmund–Thomson syndrome (RTS) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disorder associated with mutation in RECQL4 gene, a member of the human RecQ helicases. The disease is characterized by genomic instability, skeletal abnormalities and predisposition to malignant tumors, especially osteosarcomas. The precise role of RECQL4 in cellular pathways is largely unknown; however, recent evidence suggests its involvement in multiple DNA metabolic pathways. This study investigates the roles of RECQL4 in DNA double‐strand break (DSB) repair. The results show that RECQL4‐deficient fibroblasts are moderately sensitive to γ‐irradiation and accumulate more γH2AX and 53BP1 foci than control fibroblasts. This is suggestive of defects in efficient repair of DSB’s in the RECQL4‐deficient fibroblasts. Real time imaging of live cells using laser confocal microscopy shows that RECQL4 is recruited early to laser‐induced DSBs and remains for a shorter duration than WRN and BLM, indicating its distinct role in repair of DSBs. Endogenous RECQL4 also colocalizes with γH2AX at the site of DSBs. The RECQL4 domain responsible for its DNA damage localization has been mapped to the unique N‐terminus domain between amino acids 363–492, which shares no homology to recruitment domains of WRN and BLM to the DSBs. Further, the recruitment of RECQL4 to laser‐induced DNA damage is independent of functional WRN, BLM or ATM proteins. These results suggest distinct cellular dynamics for RECQL4 protein at the site of laser‐induced DSB and that it might play important roles in efficient repair of DSB’s.
FoxO1 is involved in the antineoplastic effect of calorie restriction
Authors: Yamaza Haruyoshi , Komatsu Toshimitsu , Wakita Saori , Kijogi Carole , Park Seongjoon , Hayashi Hiroko , Chiba Takuya , Mori Ryoichi , Furuyama Tatsuo , Mori Nozomu , Shimokawa Isao 
Published: March 2010

SummaryThe FoxO transcription factors may be involved in the antiaging effect of calorie restriction (CR) in mammals. To test the hypothesis, we used FoxO1 knockout heterozygotic (HT) mice, in which the FoxO1 mRNA level was reduced by 50%, or less, of that in wild‐type (WT) mouse tissues. The WT and HT mice were fed ad libitum (AL) or 30% CR diets from 12 weeks of age. Aging‐ and CR‐related changes in body weight, food intake, blood glucose, and insulin concentrations were similar between the WT and HT mice in the lifespan study. The response to oxidative stress, induced by intraperitoneal injection of 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NPA), was evaluated in the liver and hippocampus at 6 months of age. Several of the selected FoxO1‐target genes for cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, apoptosis, and stress resistance were up‐regulated in the WT‐CR tissues after 3‐NPA injection, while the effect was mostly diminished in the HT‐CR tissues. Of these gene products, we focused on the nuclear p21 protein level in the liver and confirmed its up‐regulation only in the WT‐CR mice in response to oxidative stress. The lifespan did not differ significantly between the WT and HT mice in AL or CR conditions. However, the antineoplastic effect of CR, as indicated by reduced incidence of tumors at death in the WT‐CR mice, was mostly abrogated in the HT‐CR mice. The present results suggest a role for FoxO1 in the antineoplastic effect of CR through the induction of genes responsible for protection against oxidative and genotoxic stress.
RETRACTED: Pioglitazone improves lipid and insulin levels in overweight rats on a high cholesterol and fructose diet by decreasing hepatic inflammation
Authors: Collino Massimo , Aragno Manuela , Castiglia Sara , Miglio Gianluca , Tomasinelli Chiara , Boccuzzi Giuseppe , Thiemermann Christoph , Fantozzi Roberto 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Nutrient overload leads to obesity and insulin resistance. Pioglitazone, a selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ agonist, is currently used to manage insulin resistance, but the specific molecular mechanisms activated by PPARγ are not yet fully understood. Recent studies suggest the involvement of suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)‐3 in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the hepatic signalling pathway activated by PPARγ activation in a non‐genetic insulin‐resistant animal model.Experimental approach:  Male Wistar rats were maintained on a high‐cholesterol fructose (HCF) diet for 15 weeks. Pioglitazone (3 mg·kg−1) was administered orally for the last 4 weeks of this diet. At the end of the treatment, serum was collected for biochemical analysis. Levels of PPARγ, SOCS‐3, pro‐inflammatory markers, insulin receptor substrate‐2 and Akt/glycogen synthase kinase‐3β phosphorylation were assesed in rat liver.Key results:  Rats fed the HCF diet exhibited hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Pioglitazone administration evoked a significant improvement in lipid metabolism and insulin responsiveness. This was accompanied by reduced hepatic expression of SOCS‐3, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α and markers of neutrophil infiltration. Diet‐induced PPARγ expression was unaffected by the pioglitazone treatment.Conclusion and implications:  Chronic pioglitazone administration reduced hepatic inflammatory responses in rats fed a HCF diet. These effects were associated with changes in hepatic expression of SOCS‐3, which may be a crucial link between the reduced local inflammation and the improved insulin signalling.This article is commented on by Chatterjee, pp. 1889–1891 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00739.x
Hospital admissions for respiratory conditions in children and outdoor air pollution in Southwest Milan, Italy
Authors: Giovannini M , Sala M , Riva E , Radaelli G 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAim:  To evaluate whether a relationship exists in hospital admissions for respiratory conditions in children with outdoor pollution in the Southwest Milan, Italy.Methods:  Daily count of hospital admissions for asthma, upper or lower respiratory diseases (LRD) occurred among children aged ≤14 years at the San Paolo Hospital during 2007–2008 was recorded. Pollutants included the particular matter of <10 μm diameter, ozone, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), reported on the same day of admission and 1 up to 5 days before admission. The moving weekly average (MWA) was also considered.Results:  Total respiratory admissions were associated with the same day level of CO (30.6% increase per 1 mg/m3 increase, 95% confidence interval, 3.9–69.9%) and with the MWA of NO2 (9.0% increase per 10 μg/m3 increase, 1.2–16.8%). The effect of CO was stronger on upper respiratory diseases (URD) (lag 0, 21.3% increase, 6.4–38.3%). The effect of NO2 was stronger on LRD (MWA, 5.3% increase, 0.9–10.2%). Multipollutant models confirmed the role of CO on URD and that of NO2 on LRD.Conclusion:  Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide may be associated with emergency hospital admissions for respiratory conditions among children in Southwest Milan.
Towards universal Kangaroo Mother Care: recommendations and report from the First European conference and Seventh International Workshop on Kangaroo Mother Care
Authors: Nyqvist KH , Anderson GC , Bergman N , Cattaneo A , Charpak N , Davanzo R , Ewald U , Ibe O , Ludington‐Hoe S , Mendoza S , Pallás‐Allonso C , Ruiz Peláez JG , Sizun J , Widström A‐M 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe hallmark of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is the kangaroo position: the infant is cared for skin‐to‐skin vertically between the mother’s breasts and below her clothes, 24 h/day, with father/substitute(s) participating as KMC providers. Intermittent KMC (for short periods once or a few times per day, for a variable number of days) is commonly employed in high‐tech neonatal intensive care units. These two modalities should be regarded as a progressive adaptation of the mother‐infant dyad, ideally towards continuous KMC, starting gradually and progressively with intermittent KMC. The other components in KMC are exclusive breastfeeding (ideally) and early discharge in kangaroo position with strict follow‐up. Current evidence allows the following general statements about KMC in affluent and low‐income settings: KMC enhances bonding and attachment; reduces maternal postpartum depression symptoms; enhances infant physiologic stability and reduces pain, increases parental sensitivity to infant cues; contributes to the establishment and longer duration of breastfeeding and has positive effects on infant development and infant/parent interaction. Therefore, intrapartum and postnatal care in all types of settings should adhere to a paradigm of nonseparation of infants and their mothers/families. Preterm/low‐birth‐weight infants should be regarded as extero‐gestational foetuses needing skin‐to‐skin contact to promote maturation.Conclusion:  Kangaroo Mother Care should begin as soon as possible after birth, be applied as continuous skin‐to‐skin contact to the extent that this is possible and appropriate and continue for as long as appropriate.
Association of higher adiposity and wheezing in infants with lower respiratory illnesses
Authors: Jee Hye Mi , Seo Hyun Kyong , Hyun Se Eun , Yoo Eun Gyong , Kim Cheol Hong , Han Man Yong 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAim:  The incidences of asthma and obesity have been steadily increasing over the past two decades, with several studies showing a relationship between these conditions. We investigated the influence of higher weight for height (WFH) Z‐score on wheezing in infants with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI).Methods:  We reviewed the medical charts of all infants younger than l year of age who were admitted with the first episode of LRTI between 2000 and 2008. Subjects were classified into six groups according to WFH Z‐score.Results:  Wheezing was more frequent in infants with higher WFH Z‐scores. Especially, wheezing infants aged 3–6 months and 6–9 months had significantly higher WFH Z‐scores than had their non‐wheezing counterparts (p = 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively). Multivariate logistic regression showed that age (OR = 0.76, p < 0.001), male gender (OR = 1.61, p = 0.005) and WFH Z‐score (OR = 1.12, p = 0.007) were independently associated with wheezing.Conclusion:  In this study we could show that a higher WFH Z‐score was independently associated with wheezing in infancy. Attainment of appropriate weight for age may reduce the risk of wheezing in infants with respiratory diseases.