bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of recovery from two types of general anesthesia for ambulatory dental surgery in children: a double‐blind, randomized trial
Authors: KÖNIG MATTHIAS W. , VARUGHESE ANNA M. , BRENNEN KATHLEEN A. , BARCLAY SEAN , SHACKLEFORD T. MICHAEL , SAMUELS PAUL J. , GORMAN KRISTIN , ELLIS JILLIAN , WANG YU , NICK TODD G. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryBackground:  Pediatric dental procedures are increasingly performed under general anesthesia because of the inability to cooperate, situational anxiety, or other behavioral problems. Volatile anesthetics have been associated with emergence delirium in children, whereas the use of propofol for anesthetic maintenance has been shown to reduce the incidence of emergence delirium after other types of surgeries. The aim of this study is to compare a sevoflurane‐based anesthetic with a propofol‐based technique as it relates to the incidence of emergence delirium and the quality of recovery after pediatric dental surgery, in patients who present with risk factors for perioperative behavioral issues.Methods:  We prospectively collected data of 179 pediatric patients scheduled for ambulatory dental surgery using a double‐blind and randomized trial design. Subjects were anesthetized following standardized protocols for either a sevoflurane‐ or a propofol‐based technique. The incidence of emergency delirium, as measured by the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium score, was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), number of nursing interventions in the recovery room, time to discharge readiness, and parental satisfaction.Results:  We found no difference in the incidence of emergence delirium after both types of anesthesia. However, use of sevoflurane significantly increased both the risk of PONV and the number of postoperative nursing interventions. Discharge criteria were met about 10 min earlier in patients anesthetized with sevoflurane. Parental satisfaction was equally high with both anesthesia regimens.Conclusions:  A propofol‐based anesthetic technique did not lead to a lower incidence of emergence delirium after dental surgery in children but did result in significantly less PONV and fewer postoperative nursing interventions.
A quantitative analysis of body mass index and colorectal cancer: findings from 56 observational studies
Authors: Ning Y. , Wang L. , Giovannucci E. L. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryTo perform a systematic review of studies reporting on the association between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of colorectal cancer, we conducted a meta‐analysis and meta‐regression analysis. The identified 56 studies were conducted among 7 213 335 individuals including 93 812 cases. Compared with BMI <  23.0 kg m−2, BMI of 23.0–24.9, 25.0–27.4, 27.5–29.9 and ≥30.0 kg m−2 were associated with 14%, 19%, 24% and 41% increased risks, respectively. Asians and premenopausal women had sharply increased risk from BMI < 23 kg m−2 to general ‘normal’ range (23–25 kg m−2). Each 5 kg m−2 increment was associated with 18% increased risk. Meta‐regression analysis indicated that the association was stronger for colon than rectal cancer (P < 0.001), for men than women (P < 0.001), for self‐reported BMI than directly measured BMI (P < 0.001), and for studies adjusting for physical activity than not adjusting (P < 0.001). The variation of the reported risk estimates for the association can be partly explained by cancer site, sex, women menopausal status, BMI assessment and adjustment of confounding variables.
The Banking Relationship's Role in the Choice of the Target's Advisor in Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Forte Gianfranco , Iannotta Giuliano , Navone Marco 
Published: June 2009

Abstract We analyse the factors influencing the target company's choice of bank advisor in mergers and acquisitions (M&As). We first examine the choice of hiring an advisor, which is nontrivial, since in one‐third of transactions our sample target companies did not hire one. We also analyse the choice to hire as advisor a bank with a strong prior relationship with the company (i.e., the main bank). Using data on 473 European M&A transactions completed in the period 1994–2003, we find evidence that the decision to hire an advisor depends on three main factors: (i) the intensity of the previous banking relationship, (ii) the reputation of the bidder company's advisor, and (iii) the complexity of the deal. We also investigate the impact of the bank advisor on shareholder wealth. We find that the abnormal returns of target company shareholders increase with the intensity of the previous banking relationship, thus indicating a ‘certification role’ on the part of investment banks.
Keeping Up with the Joneses: A Model and a Test of Collective Accounting Fraud
Authors: Fernandes Nuno , Guedes José 
Published: June 2009

Abstract This paper explains the variations in incidence of accounting fraud across economic settings by putting the behaviour and motivation of managers under the microscope. To safeguard their reputation in the managerial labour market, managers of firms that perform poorly are prone to fraudulently inflate earnings if they expect the economy to be strong, since that raises the likelihood of peers reporting high performance. A realised level of economic activity, on the other hand, counteracts this tendency on the part of managers to overstate earnings, by reducing the number of firms that actually perform poorly. We term these two effects the incentive effect and the need effect, respectively. The two effects yield a distinctive relationship between the incidence of accounting fraud and macroeconomic conditions. Specifically, the fraction of firms fraudulently over‐reporting earnings is positively related to expected economic performance and negatively related to realised economic performance. The incentive and need effects on collective fraud are examined empirically by relating proxies of the aggregate incidence of accounting fraud to expected and realised GDP growth rates. The results unambiguously support the predicted influence of macroeconomic performance.
Collateral in Monetary Policy Operations
Authors: Callado‐Muñoz Francisco J. , Restoy Fernando 
Published: June 2009

Abstract We present a portfolio decision model for banks that permits us to estimate the costs associated with the need to collateralise loans from the central bank. This allows us to calibrate the difference between a restrictive collateral eligibility framework for open market operations, such as that applied by the FED, with a more flexible approach such as that of Eurosystem. We also document that there could potentially appear relevant cost differences between the various collateral mobilisation procedures (pooling and earmarking) that currently coexist in the eurozone.
Benford’s Law as an Indicator of Fraud in Economics
Authors: Tödter Karl-Heinz 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Contrary to intuition, first digits of randomly selected data are not uniformly distributed but follow a logarithmically declining pattern, known as Benford’s law. This law is increasingly used as a ‘doping check’ for detecting fraudulent data in business and administration. Benford’s law also applies to regression coefficients and standard errors in empirical economics. This article reviews Benford’s law and examines its potential as an indicator of fraud in economic research. Evidence from a sample of recently published articles shows that a surprisingly large proportion of first digits, but not of second digits, contradicts Benford’s law.
The effect of service quality on trust and commitment varying across generations
Authors: Cho Jinsook E. , Hu Haiyan 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWe examine the effect of service quality on consumer trust and commitment in the context of obtaining a financial loan and how these relationships vary across different generational cohorts. We find that the service quality offered by a loan officer has a significant effect on consumer trust towards a financial institution, which in turn influences consumer commitment to a financial institution for a future transaction. We also find that relative strengths of a few paths in the model differ across different age cohorts, indicating some generational variability in the relationship between service quality, trust and commitment.
An examination of the effects of partitioned country of origin on consumer product quality perceptions
Authors: Chowdhury Humayun K. , Ahmed Jashim U. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper deals with the effects of partitioned country‐of‐origin associations on consumer product quality evaluations. The main objective of this research is to examine the cognitive processes by which country‐of‐origin information influences the consumer's evaluation of a product. To study the psychological process by which the country‐of‐origin associations are integrated in the formation of related behavioural deliberation, a hypothetical structural model was developed. The model contains seven theoretical constructs, i.e. country of design, perceived product sophistication, country of assembly, perceived manufacturing excellence, country of parts, perceived product quality and perceived product design. Data were analysed via structural equation models using Analysis of MOment Structures (AMOS) 5.0. Results show that countries that already have positioned themselves around a reputation for technological innovation related to product development and manufacturing may expect consumers to transfer those associations to new products from the country.
‘Hello, Mrs. Sarah Jones! We recommend this product!’ Consumers' perceptions about personalized advertising: comparisons across advertisements delivered via three different types of media
Authors: Yu Jay (Hyunjae) , Cude Brenda 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAs new technologies (e.g. online, mobile and interactive TV) develop worldwide, numerous types of personalized advertising, in which companies use an individual's name and/or other types of personal information, have become more popular in many countries. Using many types of information about specific individuals, personalized advertising is designed to convey a customized message at the right time to the right person using diverse media. However, despite its universally increased use, few academic studies have explored the effectiveness of personalized advertising and consumers' response to it. This exploratory study focused on consumers' perceptions of personalized advertising delivered online (e‐mail) and offline (letter and telephone call). The results show that consumers generally have negative perceptions of personalized advertising, regardless of how it is delivered, with the strongest negative reaction to telephone calls.
New challenges in professional cleaning: hygiene quality and monitoring of surfaces in private domestic homes
Authors: Toiviainen‐Laine Erja , Kuisma Risto , Kymäläinen Hanna‐Riitta , Sjöberg Anna‐Maija 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn many countries, changes in the pattern of working lives and ageing of the population increases the need for professional cleaning in private domestic homes. The objective of this study was to obtain basic knowledge concerning professional home cleaning. The study consisted of two parts. First, cleanability of surfaces contaminated with microbiological and organic soils was examined in the laboratory using cleaning cloths, detergents and rapid detection methods with potential for use in conjunction with professional cleaning in private homes. Second, hygienic conditions in three households were screened using the same rapid detection methods as in the laboratory experiments. According to the laboratory study, the cleaning efficiency of the non‐woven cloth was clearly poorer than that of the cleaning cloths containing microfibers. There were differences between the efficacy of the cleaning agents in removal of protein and microbiological soils. Despite the differences between surface topography observed with scanning electron microscopy, differences between the cleanability of the three examined surface materials (steel and two plastic surfaces) were small. In hygiene monitoring, the highest levels of total aerobic bacterial counts were detected in the plughole of the sink, on the eating table in kitchens and along the edge of the toilet washbowl and the cover of toilet seats. Low amounts of Enterobacteriaceae indicating faecal contamination were detected in the toilet and bathroom after cleaning. Moulds were not detected in any of the three households, and the amounts of yeasts were low. Detection methods, microbiological dipslides and the protein test, were well suited to the laboratory study. Furthermore, they complemented each other in the hygiene monitoring. The information obtained will be used for development of better practices in professional home cleaning. Good quality management in professional home cleaning and the cleanliness of surfaces in homes are important factors affecting comfort and safety.
Understanding the role of parental support for IT career decision making using the theory of self‐authorship
Authors: Meszaros Peggy S. , Creamer Elizabeth , Lee Soyoung 
Published: June 2009

AbstractWomen's representation in the information technology (IT) workforce has declined to an all time low of 18.5% in the last 8 years. In order to support women to become interested in, enter and remain in the IT field, this study uses the theory of self‐authorship and path analysis to investigate the role of parental support in influencing IT career choice and interest for a sample of 954 US high school and college women. A 167‐item, paper and pencil Career Decision‐Making Survey was developed, containing 11 four‐point Likert type scales (Cronbach's alpha = 0.58–0.80) designed to measure levels of parental support and a number of factors related to how students consider information in the process of making a career choice. Results document that when all other things are considered, interactions with others, such as counsellors and teachers, about career options did not have a significant effect on career interest that overrode the direction provided by parents. Women were significantly more likely than men to seek input about careers, but encountered developmental dissonance when that advice conflicted with advice provided by trusted others. Implications from this study reveal the need for more parental education in understanding the role of self‐authorship in providing career decision‐making support to young women.
Retinoids regulate human amniotic tissue‐type plasminogen activator gene by a two‐step mechanism
Authors: Borel Valerie , Marceau Geoffroy , Gallot Denis , Blanchon Loïc , Sapin Vincent 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe collagenolytic effects of the tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA) leading to extracellular matrix degradation are clearly involved in the physiopathology of human foetal membranes rupture. Nevertheless, the regulation of t‐PA gene expression in extraembryonic developmental contexts remains unknown. The aim of our study is to propose the retinoic acids (RAs) as molecular regulators of t‐PA expression in foetal membranes. RA induced t‐PA mRNA and proteins in a time‐dependent manner in amniotic membrane explants and Wistar Institute Susan Hayflick (WISH) cells. Furthermore, the use of cycloheximide revealed a two‐step regulation of t‐PA gene. Gene reporter assays confirmed that the RA‐induced t‐PA gene expression occurred through interactions of retinoid receptors (RARs and RXRs) with a DR5 response element located at –7 kb from the transcription site. Site‐directed mutagenesis of this region of the t‐PA promoter showed that SP1 factor was also retinoid‐mediated induction, and immunoprecipitation assays revealed that SP1 and RAR/RXR interacted physically. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that interactions between RARs, RXRs and t‐PA promoter were time dependent: RAR‐α/RXR‐α bound DR5 motif before and up to 12 hrs of RA exposure, and RAR‐β/RXR‐α bound DR5 response element after 12 hrs of RA treatment. Finally, experiments using shRNA and RAR‐β‐specific antagonist revealed that reducing RAR‐β induction decreased t‐PA induction. Altogether, our results established that the RA‐mediated regulation of t‐PA in human foetal membranes occurred through two steps, with a major role played by RAR‐β.
Immune cells and angiogenesis
Authors: Ribatti Domenico , Crivellato Enrico 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Introduction
The importance of angiogenesis in physiological and pathological conditions
The contribution of immune cells to angiogenesis in inflammation and tumour growth
Neutrophils
Basophils
Eosinophils
Monocytes‐macrophages
Lymphocytes
Dendritic cells
The contribution of progenitor cells and adult cell transdifferentiation
Mast cells
Platelets
Conclusions

Both innate and adaptive immune cells are involved in the mechanisms of endothelial cell proliferation, migration and activation, through the production and release of a large spectrum of pro‐angiogenic mediators. These may create the specific microenvironment that favours an increased rate of tissue vascularization. In this review, we will focus on the immune cell component of the angiogenic process in inflammation and tumour growth. As angiogenesis is the result of a net balance between the activities exerted by positive and negative regulators, we will also provide information on some antiangiogenic properties of immune cells that may be utilized for a potential pharmacological use as antiangiogenic agents in inflammation as well as in cancer.
PPARδ promotes wound healing by up‐regulating TGF‐β1‐dependent or ‐independent expression of extracellular matrix proteins
Authors: Ham Sun Ah , Kim Hyo Jung , Kim Hyun Joon , Kang Eun Sil , Eun So Young , Kim Gil Hyeong , Park Myung Hyun , Woo Im Sun , Kim Hye Jung , Chang Ki Churl , Lee Jae Heun , Seo Han Geuk 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAlthough the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) δ has been implicated in the wound healing process, its exact role and mechanism of action have not been fully elucidated. Our previous findings showed that PPARδ induces the expression of the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, which has been implicated in the deposit of extracellular matrix proteins. Here, we demonstrate that administration of GW501516, a specific PPARδ ligand, significantly promoted wound closure in the experimental mouse and had a profound effect on the expression of collagen types I and III, alpha‐smooth muscle actin, pSmad3 and TGF‐β1, which play a pivotal role in wound healing processes. Activation of PPARδ increased migration of human epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in in vitro scrape‐wounding assays. Addition of a specific ALK5 receptor inhibitor SB431542 significantly suppressed GW501516‐induced migration of human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. In these cells, activated PPARδ also induced the expression of collagen types I and III and fibronectin in a TGF‐β1‐dependent or ‐independent manner. The effect of PPARδ on the expression of type III collagen was dually regulated by the direct binding of PPARδ and Smad3 to a direct repeat‐1 site and a Smad‐binding element, respectively, of the type III gene promoter. Taken together, these results demonstrated that PPARδ plays an important role in skin wound healing in vivo and that it functions by accelerating extracellular matrix‐mediated cellular interactions in a process mediated by the TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling‐dependent or ‐ independent pathway.
Reduction of circulating soluble Flt‐1 alleviates preeclampsia‐like symptoms in a mouse model
Authors: Bergmann Astrid , Ahmad Shakil , Cudmore Melissa , Gruber Achim D. , Wittschen Petra , Lindenmaier Werner , Christofori Gerhard , Gross Volkmar , Gonzalves Andrey Ch. da Costa , Gröne Hermann‐Josef , Ahmed Asif , Weich Herbert A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPreeclampsia (PE) is characterized by widespread endothelial damage with hypertension, proteinuria, glomeruloendotheliosis and elevated soluble Flt‐1 (sFlt‐1), a natural occurring antagonist of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Cancer patients receiving anti‐VEGF therapy exhibit similar symptoms. We suggested that a decrease in circulating sFlt‐1 would alleviate the symptoms associated with PE. Adenoviral (Adv) overexpression of sFlt‐1 induced proteinuria, caused glomerular damage and increase in blood pressure in female Balb/c mice. Circulating level of sFlt‐1 above 50 ng/ml plasma induced severe vascular damage and glomerular endotheliosis. Albumin concentration in urine was elevated up to 30‐fold, compared to control AdvGFP‐treated animals. The threshold of kidney damage was in the range of 20–30 ng/ml sFlt‐1 in plasma (8–15 ng/ml in urine). Co‐administration of AdvsFlt‐1 with AdvVEGF to neutralize circulating sFlt‐1 resulted in more than a 70% reduction in free sFlt‐1 in plasma, more than 80% reduction in urine and rescued the damaging effect of sFlt‐1 on the kidneys. This demonstrates that below a critical threshold sFlt‐1 fails to elicit damage to the fenestrated endothelium and that co‐expression of VEGF is able to rescue effects mediated by sFlt‐1 overexpression.
MFTZ‐1 reduces constitutive and inducible HIF‐1α accumulation and VEGF secretion independent of its topoisomerase II inhibition
Authors: Dai Mei , Miao Ze‐Hong , Ren Xuan , Tong Lin‐Jiang , Yang Na , Li Ting , Lin Li‐Ping , Shen Yue‐Mao , Ding Jian 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe macrolide compound MFTZ‐1 has been identified as a novel topoisomerase II (Top2) inhibitor with potent in vitro and in vivo anti‐tumour activities. In this study, we further examined the effects of MFTZ‐1 on hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) accumulation, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and angiogenesis. MFTZ‐1 reduced HIF‐1α accumulation driven by hypoxia or growth factors in human cancer cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that MFTZ‐1 did not affect the degradation of HIF‐1α protein or the level of HIF‐1α mRNA. By contrast, MFTZ‐1 apparently inhibited constitutive and inducible activation of both phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt and p42/p44 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Further studies revealed that MFTZ‐1 abrogated the HIF‐1α‐driven increase in VEGF mRNA and protein secretion. MFTZ‐1 also lowered the basal level of VEGF secretion. The results reveal an important feature that MFTZ‐1 can reduce constitutive, HIF‐1α‐independent VEGF secretion and concurrently antagonize inducible, HIF‐1α‐dependent VEGF secretion. Moreover, MFTZ‐1 disrupted tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated by hypoxia with low‐concentration serum or by serum at normoxia, and inhibited HUVECs migration at normoxia. MFTZ‐1 also prevented microvessel outgrowth from rat aortic ring. These data reflect the potent anti‐angiogenesis of MFTZ‐1 under different conditions. Furthermore, using specific small interfering RNA targeting Top2α or Top2‐defective HL60/MX2 cells, we showed that MFTZ‐1 affected HIF‐1α accumulation and HUVECs tube formation irrelevant to its Top2 inhibition. Taken together, our data collectively reveal that MFTZ‐1 reduces constitutive and inducible HIF‐1α accumulation and VEGF secretion possibly via PI3K‐Akt and MAPK pathways, eliciting anti‐angiogenesis independently of its Top2 inhibition.