bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of gastric slow waves with manual acupuncture at acupuncture points ST36 and PC6 – A randomized single blind controlled trial
Authors: Witt C. M. , Meissner K. , Pach D. , Thiele C. , Lüdtke R. , Ghadiyali Z. , Deter H.‐C. , Zimmermann‐Viehoff F. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  To investigate the effects of stimulated and non‐stimulated manual acupuncture at ST36 and PC6 on gastric myoelectrical activity and autonomic function.Methods  A total of 65 healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to a 1: 1: 2 ratio to receive either 15 min of verum acupuncture (VA) with stimulation followed by 15 min of VA without stimulation (nsVA), or 15 min of nsVA followed by 15 min of VA with stimulation (sVA), or 30 min of sham acupuncture (SA). Measures of autonomic function included electrogastrogram, electrocardiogram, impedance cardiography and assessment of blood pressure, breathing frequency, and electrodermal activity. Outcome parameters were compared between VA and SA, and between sVA and nsVA. The percentage of regular gastric slow waves (normogastria) was defined as the primary outcome.Key Results  The percentage of normogastria was not significantly different between VA and SA. Differences in secondary outcomes such as power spectrum of gastric slow waves and heart rate variability parameters were pronounced in the comparison of sVA and nsVA. During sVA, the percentage of normogastria was lower (P = 0.005), the percentage of bradygastria was higher (P = 0.003) and power ratio was higher (P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure was lower (P = 0.039) and RMSSD was higher (P < 0.001) as compared with nsVA.Conclusions & Inferences  Our study suggests that manual stimulation of acupuncture needles at ST36 and PC6 affects gastric myoelectrical as well as cardiac activities in healthy volunteers. The effect of stimulation in acupuncture deserves further investigation.
Prenatal negative life events increases cord blood IgE: interactions with dust mite allergen and maternal atopy
Authors: Peters J. L. , Cohen S. , Staudenmayer J. , Hosen J. , Platts‐Mills T. A. E. , Wright R. J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundPrenatal exposure to both stress and aeroallergens (dust mite) may modulate the fetal immune system. These exposures may interact to affect the newborn immune response. We examined associations between prenatal maternal stress and cord blood total IgE in 403 predominately low‐income minority infants enrolled in the Asthma Coalition on Community, Environment, and Social Stress (ACCESS) project. We also examined potential modifying effects of maternal atopy and maternal dust mite exposure.MethodsThe Crisis in Family Systems survey was administered to mothers prenatally, and a negative life event domain score was derived to characterize stress. Dust mite allergen was quantified in dust from pregnant mothers' bedrooms. Cord blood was analyzed for total IgE. Using linear regression, we modeled the relationship of stress with cord blood IgE and interactions of stress with dust mite and/or maternal atopy, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsHigher prenatal maternal stress (β = 0.09; P = 0.01) was associated with increased cord blood IgE. The interactive effects between stress and dust mite groups (high vs low) were significantly different for children of atopic vs nonatopic mothers (P for three‐way interaction = 0.005). Among children of atopic mothers, the positive association between stress and IgE was stronger in the high dust mite group. In children of mothers without a history of atopy, the positive association between stress and IgE was most evident in the low allergen group.ConclusionsPrenatal stress was independently associated with elevated cord blood IgE. Mechanisms underlying stress effects on fetal immunomodulation may differ based on maternal atopic status.
Genomic and transcriptomic alterations following hybridisation and genome doubling in trigenomic allohexaploid Brassica carinata × Brassica rapa
Authors: Xu Y. , Zhao Q. , Mei S. , Wang J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAllopolyploidisation is a prominent evolutionary force that involves two major events: interspecific hybridisation and genome doubling. Both events have important functional consequences in shaping the genomic architecture of the neo‐allopolyploids. The respective effects of hybridisation and genome doubling upon genomic and transcriptomic changes in Brassica allopolyploids are unresolved. In this study, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), methylation‐sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) and cDNA‐AFLP approaches were used to track genetic, epigenetic and transcriptional changes in both allohexaploid Brassica (ArArBcBcCcCc genome) and triploid hybrids (ArBcCc genome). Results from these groups were compared with each other and also to their parents Brassica carinata (BBCC genome) and Brassica rapa (AA genome). Rapid and dramatic genetic, DNA methylation and gene expression changes were detected in the triploid hybrids. During the shift from triploidy to allohexaploidy, some of the hybridisation‐induced alterations underwent reversion. Additionally, novel genetic, epigenetic and transcriptional alterations were also detected. The proportions of A‐genome‐specific DNA methylation and gene expression alterations were significantly greater than those of BC‐genome‐specific alterations in the triploid hybrids. However, the two parental genomes were equally affected during the ploidy shift. Hemi‐CCG methylation changes induced by hybridisation were recovered after genome doubling. Full‐CG methylation changes were a more general process initiated in the hybrid and continued after genome doubling. These results indicate that genome doubling could ameliorate genomic and transcriptomic alterations induced by hybridisation and instigate additional alterations in trigenomic Brassica allohexaploids. Moreover, genome doubling also modified hybridisation‐induced progenitor genome‐biased alterations and epigenetic alteration characteristics.
Prolonged Parental Feeding in Tool‐Using New Caledonian Crows
Authors: Hunt Gavin R. , Holzhaider Jennifer C. , Gray Russell D. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAccording to life‐history theory, the duration of extended parental feeding is determined by the costs and benefits of maximising reproductive success. Therefore, the length of regular parental provisioning should be correlated with the time required for juveniles to acquire the skills that they need to be independent. The relatively few cases of extremely prolonged parental feeding in both land and sea birds appear to be consistent with this prediction because they are associated with learning‐intensive foraging techniques. New Caledonian crows have the most intricate tool manufacture techniques amongst non‐human animals and juveniles take over 1 yr to reach adult‐like proficiency in their tool skills. We investigated the prediction that this species also should have prolonged parental provisioning. We found that these crows have one of the longest known periods of regular extended parental provisioning in birds. Some parents regularly fed juveniles for up to 10 mo post‐fledging. Humans also stand out amongst primates because of their learning‐intensive foraging strategies and an extended period of juvenile dependence. The independently evolved association between a relatively high level of technological skill in foraging and prolonged juvenile provisioning in both humans and New Caledonian crows raises the possibility that these two characteristics might be causally related.
Therapeutic targeting of the complement system in age‐related macular degeneration: a review
Authors: Troutbeck Robyn , Al‐Qureshi Salmaan , Guymer Robyn H 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe last decade has produced pivotal change in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of global blindness. In this time, the complement system has featured as a unifying theme for several elements of new evidence: initially, the discovery of complement proteins within drusen and subsequently, the association between AMD and mutations in various complement pathway genes, most notably complement factor H. Increasingly, a wealth of data are pointing towards a role for chronic local inflammation and complement activation in the patho‐aetiology of AMD. These findings have paved the way for the exploration of a new paradigm of therapy in AMD management; targeting of specific molecular constituents in the complement pathway thus producing dampening or inhibition of the inflammatory response. Such an approach has the potential to intervene earlier in the disease process and ideally before vision is compromised. In this review we discuss the role of the complement system in AMD, novel therapies in preclinical evaluation and clinical trial, and whether these have a part to play in reducing the burden of disease.
Unconscious response priming by shape depends on geniculostriate visual projection
Authors: Koivisto Mika , Henriksson Linda , Revonsuo Antti , Railo Henry 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIt has been suggested that unconscious visual processing of some stimulus features might occur without the contribution of early visual cortex (V1/V2). In the present study, the causal role of V1/V2 in unconscious processing of simple shapes in intact human brain was studied by applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on early visual cortex or lateral occipital cortex (LO) while observers performed a metacontrast‐masked response priming task with arrow figures as visual stimuli. Magnetic stimulation of V1/V2 impaired masked priming 30–90 ms after the onset of the prime. Stimulation of LO reduced the magnitude of masked priming at 90–120 ms, but this effect occurred only in the early parts of the priming experiment. A control task measuring the visibility of masked primes indicated that the orientation of masked primes could not be consciously discriminated and that TMS did not influence the conscious visibility of the primes indirectly by reducing the effectiveness of the mask in the critical time windows. We conclude that feedforward sweep of processing from V1/V2 (30–90 ms) to LO (90 ms and above) is necessary for unconscious priming of shape, whereas conscious perception requires also the contribution of recurrent (feedback) processing.
Dopaminergic modulation of ganglion‐cell photoreceptors in rat
Authors: Van Hook Matthew J. , Wong Kwoon Y. , Berson David M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA novel class of photoreceptors, the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), express the photopigment melanopsin and drive non‐image‐forming responses to light such as circadian photoentrainment, the pupillary light reflex and suppression of nocturnal melatonin production in the pineal. Because dendrites from one subclass of these cells – the M1‐type ipRGCs – make presumptive synaptic contacts at sites of dopamine release from dopaminergic amacrine cells, they are prime targets for modulation by dopamine, a neuromodulator implicated in retinal circadian rhythms and light adaptation. In patch‐clamp recordings from ipRGCs in intact rat retinas, dopamine attenuated the melanopsin‐based photocurrent. We confirmed that this was the result of direct action on ipRGCs by replicating the effect in dissociated ipRGCs that were isolated from influences of other retinal neurons. In these recordings, the D1‐family dopamine receptor agonist SKF38393 attenuated the photocurrent, caused a modest depolarization, and reduced the input resistance of ipRGCs. The D2‐family agonist quinpirole had no effect on the photocurrent. Single‐cell reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction revealed that the majority of ipRGCs tested expressed drd1a, the gene coding for the D1a dopamine receptor. This finding was supported by immunohistochemical localization of D1a receptor protein in melanopsin‐expressing ganglion cells. Finally, the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin, applied in combination with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX (isobutylmethylxanthine), mimicked the effects of SKF38393 on the ipRGC photocurrent, membrane potential and input resistance, consistent with a D1‐receptor signaling pathway. These data suggest that dopamine, acting via D1‐family receptors, alters the responses of ipRGCs and thus of non‐image‐forming vision.
An optimum time for intravenous cannulation after induction with sevoflurane in children
Authors: Joshi Ashutosh , Lee Sumin , Pawar Dilip 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBackground:  It is a common practice to perform inhalational induction with sevoflurane followed by intravenous cannulation in children. However, there is little information regarding the time at which the intravenous cannulation can be attempted safely after sevoflurane induction.Aim:  To determine the optimal time for safe intravenous cannulation in children induced with sevoflurane.Methods:  Pediatric patients aged 4–10 years receiving sevoflurane inhalational induction for elective cases were recruited. General anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane and oxygen via mask, then intravenous cannulation was attempted. The time for intravenous cannulation was determined by the use of up‐and‐down method using 30 s as a step size. Intravenous cannulation without any movement, coughing, or laryngospasm was considered successful. The up‐and‐down sequences were analyzed by the probit test.Results:  The time for effective intravenous cannulation in 50% patients was 1.90 min (95% confidence limits, 1.24–2.41 min). The time for effective cannulation in 95% of patient population was 3.32 min (95% confidence limits, 2.68–6.77 min).Conclusion:  We recommend an optimal time of 3.5 min for attempting intravenous cannulation after the loss of eyelash reflex with sevoflurane induction.
Implementation and usefulness of single‐access laparoscopic segmental and total colectomy
Authors: Baig M. N. , Moftah M. , Deasy J. , McNamara D. A. , Cahill R. A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim  Single‐access laparoscopic surgery is a recent vogue in the field of minimally invasive colorectal surgery. While selected series have indicated feasibility, we prospectively examined its usefulness for resectional surgery in routine practice.Method  All patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection over a 12‐month period were considered for a single‐access approach by a single surgical team in a university hospital. This utilized a ‘glove’ port via a 3–5 cm periumbilical or stomal site incision, with standard rigid laparoscopic instruments then being used.Results  Of 76 planned laparoscopic colorectal resections, 35 (47%) were performed by this single‐incision laparoscopic modality without disruption of theatre list efficiency or surgical training obligations. The mean (range) age and body mass index of these 25 consecutive right‐sided resections, eight total colectomies (seven urgent operations) and two anterior resections was 58 (22–82) years and 23.9 (18.6–36.2) kg/m2, respectively. The modal postoperative day of discharge was 4. For right‐sided resections, the mean (range) postoperative stay in those undergoing surgery for benign disease was 4.0 days, while for those undergoing operation for neoplasia (n = 18, mean age 71 years) it was 5.8 days and the average lymph node harvest was 13. Use of the glove port reduced trocar cost by 58% (€60/£53) by allowing the use of trocar sleeves alone without obturators.Conclusion  Single‐incision laparoscopic surgery is an effective option for abdominal surgery and seems especially suited for laparoscopic‐assisted right‐sided colonic resections. The glove port technique facilitates procedural frequency and familiarity and proves economically favourable.
Weight status of European preschool children and associations with family demographics and energy balance‐related behaviours: a pooled analysis of six European studies
Authors: van Stralen M. M. , te Velde S. J. , van Nassau F. , Brug J. , Grammatikaki E. , Maes L. , De Bourdeaudhuij I. , Verbestel V. , Galcheva S. , Iotova V. , Koletzko B. V. , von Kries R. , Bayer O. , Kulaga Z. , Serra‐Majem L. , Sánchez‐Villegas A. , Ribas‐Barba L. , Manios Y. , Chinapaw M. J. M. ,   ToyBox‐study group
Published: February 2012

SummaryThis study aimed to (i) gain insight in the prevalence of overweight indices in European preschoolers (4–7 years); (ii) identify energy balance‐related behaviours associated with overweight/obesity; and (iii) identify children at risk for overweight/obesity. Secondary analyses of six European data sets were conducted according to standardized protocols. Based on objectively measured height and weight, prevalence of overweight and obesity across the countries ranged from 8% to 30% and 1% to 13%, respectively, with highest rates in Southern European countries (i.e. Spain and Greece). Positive associations between sedentary behaviours and overweight indices were found. Physical activity and dietary behaviours were not associated, possibly because of methodological limitations. Children of parents with high body mass index or low socioeconomic status were at increased risk of overweight/obesity. In conclusion, large differences in prevalence of overweight and obesity among preschoolers across Europe were observed. Future obesity prevention interventions in preschoolers should target screen time giving specific attention to children from overweight and/or low socioeconomic status parents. There is a need for high methodological quality studies, preferably with a long‐term prospective design using sensitive, valid and reliable measures of behaviours, assessing whether and which physical activity and dietary behaviours are associated with overweight in preschoolers.
Influencing factors of screen time in preschool children: an exploration of parents' perceptions through focus groups in six European countries
Authors: De Decker E. , De Craemer M. , De Bourdeaudhuij I. , Wijndaele K. , Duvinage K. , Koletzko B. , Grammatikaki E. , Iotova V. , Usheva N. , Fernández‐Alvira J. M. , Zych K. , Manios Y. , Cardon G. ,   ToyBox‐study group
Published: February 2012

SummaryPreschoolers already spend significant proportions of their waking hours being sedentary. Screen time (i.e. television/DVD viewing and computer use) has been negatively associated with several health outcomes but interventions aiming to reduce preschoolers' sedentary behaviour are scarce. This study aimed to explore parents' perceptions of their preschool children's screen time. One hundred twenty‐two parents of low and medium‐high socioeconomic status from six European countries with children between 4 and 6 years old were involved in 24 focus groups. Following a qualitative content analysis, the available information and key findings were centrally analysed. Results showed that children tend to like watching television (TV) and most parents do not express worries about their children's TV viewing time. Education is considered to be the main benefit of watching TV and in general, parents only have informal rules about TV viewing. Computer and active games use are less frequent compared with TV viewing. No univocal results are found about the influence of siblings or friends on children's screen time. Weather conditions and parental habits at home are the most important factors influencing children's screen time. Alternatives for screen activities and information on how to set rules for screen time should be provided to parents to assist them in decreasing their preschool children's screen time.
Intensive Coaching of New Immigrants: An Evaluation Based on Random Program Assignment*
Authors: Joona Pernilla Andersson , Nekby Lena 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to evaluate whether intensive counseling and coaching by Public Employment Service (PES) caseworkers improves the employment opportunities of new immigrants in Sweden. This is tested within the framework of introduction programs for new immigrants. A trial introduction program was implemented from October 2006 to June 2008. Within participating municipalities, new immigrants were randomly assigned into treatment (intensive coaching) or control (regular introduction programs). The results indicate that there are significant treatment effects on employment probabilities as well as on participation in intermediate PES training programs.
Detecting Earnings Management: A New Approach
Authors: DECHOW PATRICIA M. , HUTTON AMY P. , KIM JUNG HOON , SLOAN RICHARD G. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT This paper provides a new approach to test for accrual‐based earnings management. Our approach exploits the inherent property of accrual accounting that any accrual‐based earnings management in one period must reverse in another period. If the researcher has priors concerning the timing of the reversal, incorporating these priors can significantly improve the power and specification of tests for earnings management. Our results indicate that tests incorporating reversals increase test power by around 40% and provide a robust solution for mitigating model misspecification arising from correlated omitted variables.
Detecting Deceptive Discussions in Conference Calls
Authors: LARCKER DAVID F. , ZAKOLYUKINA ANASTASIA A. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTWe estimate linguistic‐based classification models of deceptive discussions during quarterly earnings conference calls. Using data on subsequent financial restatements and a set of criteria to identify severity of accounting problems, we label each call as “truthful” or “deceptive.” Prediction models are then developed with the word categories that have been shown by previous psychological and linguistic research to be related to deception. We find that the out‐of‐sample performance of models based on CEO and/or CFO narratives is significantly better than a random guess by 6–16% and is at least equivalent to models based on financial and accounting variables. The language of deceptive executives exhibits more references to general knowledge, fewer nonextreme positive emotions, and fewer references to shareholder value. In addition, deceptive CEOs use significantly more extreme positive emotion and fewer anxiety words. Finally, a portfolio formed from firms with the highest deception scores from CFO narratives produces an annualized alpha of between −4% and −11%.
Noladin ether, a putative endocannabinoid, enhances motivation to eat after acute systemic administration in rats
Authors: Jones EK , Kirkham TC 
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endocannabinoid systems are strongly implicated in the physiological control of appetite and eating behaviour, with cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists and antagonists, respectively, increasing or decreasing food intake. This study examined the acute actions of the putative endocannabinoid noladin ether on food intake and eating motivation, assessing how it affects the amount of work expended by animals to obtain food.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Non‐deprived male rats were injected systemically with noladin ether to assess its acute effects on ad libitum feeding of a standard laboratory diet. Additionally, the effects of noladin on lever pressing for palatable food were determined using a progressive ratio (PR) operant paradigm.KEY RESULTS Noladin dose dependently increased 2 h food intake, with a significant effect over 1 h after a dose of 0.5 mg·kg−1. In the PR test, this hyperphagic dose of noladin ether promoted sustained high rates of responding and significantly increased the total number of lever presses and break‐point. These latter effects were prevented by pretreatment with 1.0 mg·kg−1 of the selective CB1 antagonist surinabant (SR147778), that alone had no effect on responding.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This is the first report of hyperphagia induced by acute noladin administration, and the first description of behavioural actions in rats. Consistent with prevailing notions about the role of endocannabinoids in appetite, a hyperphagic dose of noladin markedly increased efforts expended by animals to obtain food. Thus, noladin exerts a specific action on eating motivation; possibly promoting eating by increasing the incentive value of food.