bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychopathic traits, victim distress and aggression in children
Authors: Van Baardewijk Yoast , Stegge Hedy , Bushman Brad J. , Vermeiren Robert 
Published: January 2009

Background:  The relationship between psychopathic traits and aggression in children may be explained by their reduced sensitivity to signs of distress in others. Emotional cues such as fear and sadness function to make the perpetrator aware of the victim’s distress and supposedly inhibit aggression. As children high in psychopathic traits show a reduced sensitivity to others’ distress, these important interpersonal signals cannot perform their aggression inhibiting function. The present experiment tested the hypothesis that aggression in children with psychopathic traits can be attenuated by making distress cues more salient.Methods:  N = 224 participants from the community (53 % boys, M age = 10.81 years, SD = 0.92) played a computer‐based competitive reaction‐time game against a simulated opponent by blasting him or her with loud noise through a headphone. The salience of the opponent’s distress was increased for half of the participants (randomly selected) by a written message expressing his or her fear. Psychopathic traits were assessed using the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory – Child Version (Van Baardewijk et al., 2008).Results:  As expected, regression analysis showed that psychopathic traits were strongly related to aggression in the no distress condition but not in the distress condition. Thus, the relation between psychopathic traits and aggression depended upon the salience of the opponent’s distress.Conclusions:  It was concluded that children with psychopathic traits are indeed prone to act aggressively, but also that this aggression is dynamic and is dependent upon circumstances. Their aggression can be attenuated by a salient display of others’ distress. These results suggest that empathy based treatment techniques may reduce aggression in children with psychopathic traits.
Surviving north of the natural range: the importance of density independence in determining population size
Authors: Unnsteinsdottir E. R. , Hersteinsson P. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe relative importance of density‐dependent and ‐independent processes in determining population density has been predicted to vary according to whether the population concerned is located near the centre or the periphery of the species' range. Thus, density‐independent processes should be more pronounced near the periphery. The long‐tailed wood mouseApodemus sylvaticusin Iceland is at the northern and western edge of its geographical range. We estimated the autumn population density in an open habitat in south‐western Iceland in 9 years out of 10 during 1996–2005 in order to monitor the annual maximum population size. Furthermore, we estimated population density and survival atc. 5‐week intervals from September 2001 to October 2003 and from September 2004 to November 2005 in order to reveal the causes of variation in maximum population size. The estimated autumn population density was low, ranging from 2.7 to 8.9 mice ha−1while spring densities ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 mice ha−1. Apparent monthly survival probabilities ranged from 0.4 to 0.7 per month in autumn and 0.7 to 0.9 in winter. Our results suggest that low temperature in early winter (October–December) is the major determinant of population density in the following autumn, explaining 74% of the variation in autumn population density. No significant correlation was found between either the NAO index or the NAO winter index and variation in wood mouse population density in autumn. Differential mortality in early winter results in variation in spring population size. This study shows clear evidence of density‐independent control of a mammal population at the edge of its geographical range as opposed to the mostly density‐dependent control previously recorded near its centre of distribution.
To feed or to wrap? Female silk cues elicit male nuptial gift construction in a semiaquatic trechaleid spider
Authors: Albo M. J. , Costa‐Schmidt L. E. , Costa F. G. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBy wrapping prey and offering it as a nuptial gift, males can obtain mating and/or parental benefits despite some costs. Males of the Neotropical semiaquatic spiderParatrechalea ornata(Trechaleidae) offer females a nuptial gift consisting of a prey item wrapped in silk. What stimulus inhibits males from feeding and elicits gift construction? We hypothesized that signals associated with female silk threads could affect decision‐making by males. We investigated three groups of males carrying a captured prey under different experimental treatments. In the treatment S, males were exposed to an arena with female silk; in SF, males were exposed to both silk and a female confined in a cell, and in the control group, males were exposed to a clean arena. Gift construction was observed only in the S and SF groups, with a similar occurrence rate. After touching females (SF group), males did not change their pattern of gift construction. Gift construction occurrence increased with male and female age. The results lead us to assume that the existence of chemical cues associated with female silk elicits male searching behaviour and gift construction, allowing males to decide between eating or wrapping prey according to the possibility of a sexual encounter. Anticipating gift construction, males are ready to mate, diminishing the risks of predation, female desertion or male–male scramble competition. The effect of age on behavioural variation and the rate of construction is discussed.
Cardiac modulation of startle eye blink
Authors: Schulz André , Lass‐Hennemann Johanna , Nees Frauke , Blumenthal Terry D. , Berger Willi , Schachinger Hartmut 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAs an alternative to interoceptive paradigms that depend on the participants' active cooperation, two studies are presented to show that startle methodology may be employed to study visceral afferent processing. The first study of 38 volunteers showed that startle responses were smaller when elicited during cardiac systole as compared to diastole. In the second study, 31 diabetic patients were divided into two groups, having normal or diminished (<6 ms/mmHg) baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Patients with normal BRS showed the same results found in healthy volunteers. Diabetic patients with diminished BRS did not show this pattern. Because diminished BRS is an indicator of impaired baro‐afferent signal transmission, it is concluded that cardiac modulation of startle is associated with intact baro‐afferent feedback. Thus, pre‐attentive startle methodology is feasible to study visceral afferent processing originating from the cardiovascular system.
Alpha power is influenced by performance errors
Authors: Carp Joshua , Compton Rebecca J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractError commission evokes changes in event‐related potentials, autonomic nervous system activity, and behavior, presumably reflecting the operation of a cognitive control network. Here we test the hypothesis that errors lead to increased cortical arousal, measurable as changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha band power. Participants performed a Stroop task while EEG was recorded. Following correct responses, alpha power increased and then decreased in a quadratic pattern, implying transient mental disengagement during the intertrial interval. This trend was absent following errors, which elicited significantly less alpha power than correct trials. Moreover, post‐error alpha power was a better predictor of individual differences in post‐error slowing than the error‐related negativity (ERN), whereas the ERN was a better predictor of post‐error accuracy than alpha power. These findings imply that changes in cortical arousal play a unique role in modulating post‐error behavior.
Self‐reported and P3 event‐related potential evaluations of condoms: Does what we say match how we feel?
Authors: Lust Sarah A. , Bartholow Bruce D. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractResearch consistently reveals positive self‐reported condom evaluations, yet such evaluations often do not predict condom use. Whereas positive self‐reports likely reflect social norms regarding prevention of diseases and pregnancy, psychophysiological measures might better assess spontaneous condom evaluations. Here, participants completed a visual oddball task in which condoms and alcoholic beverages were infrequent targets among neutral, positive, and negative context images. Although self‐reported condom evaluations were very positive, condom images presented in a negative context produced a smaller P3 than condom images presented in a neutral or positive context, suggesting that spontaneous condom evaluations were more negative than positive. The P3 elicited by alcohol images indicated positive evaluations. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of evaluations and point to the utility of ERPs for assessing health‐related attitudes.
The maternal Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with a reduced risk of spina bifida in the offspring
Authors: Vujkovic M , Steegers EA , Looman CW , Ocké MC , van der Spek PJ , Steegers‐Theunissen RP 
Published: January 2009

Objective  The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis whether a maternal dietary pattern is associated with the risk of spina bifida (SB) in the offspring.Design  Case–control study.Setting  Eight clinic sites in the Netherlands, 1999–2001.Sample  A total of 50 mothers of children with SB and 81 control mothers.Methods  Maternal food intakes were obtained by food frequency questionnaires at the standardised study moment of 14 months after the birth of the index child. Principal component factor analysis (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR) were used to identify dietary patterns.Main outcome measures  Maternal biomarkers were used as response measures in the RRR analysis and composed of serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate, serum vitamin B12 and total plasma homocysteine. The strength of the use of the dietary pattern in association with SB risk was estimated by odds ratios and 95% CI with the highest quartiles of the dietary pattern as reference.Results  A predominantly Mediterranean dietary pattern was identified by both PCA and RRR. Those dietary patterns were highly correlated (r = 0.51, P < 0.001) and characterised by joint intakes of fruit, vegetables, vegetable oil, alcohol, fish, legumes and cereals and low intakes of potatoes and sweets. We observed a significantly increased risk of SB offspring in mothers with a weak use of the Mediterranean dietary pattern, OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.2–6.1) and OR 3.5 (95% CI 1.5–7.9). The Mediterranean dietary pattern was correlated with higher levels of serum and RBC folate, serum vitamin B12 and lower plasma homocysteine.Conclusion  The Mediterranean dietary pattern seems to be associated with reduction in the risk of offspring being affected by SB.
Preferred strategies of men and women for managing chlamydial infection
Authors: Melvin L , Cameron ST , Glasier A , Scott G , Johnstone A , Elton R 
Published: January 2009

Objectives  To determine men and women’s preferred strategies for managing chlamydial infection: partner notification (patient referral), postal testing kit (PTK) or patient‐delivered partner medication (PDPM).Design  Interviewer‐conducted questionnaires (women) and anonymous, self‐administered questionnaires (men).Population  Women infected with chlamydia who were participating in a randomised study assigning partners to patient referral, PTK or PDPM. Men attending genitourinary medicine, family planning and fracture clinics in Edinburgh.Methods  Men and women were asked their preferred strategy for testing/treating sexual partners (patient referral, PTK or PDPM) if they or their partner had a positive chlamydia test. Women were also asked the reasons for their choice and whether partners were satisfied with the intervention received.Main outcome measures  Reported preferences of men and women for testing/treating partners.Results  Response rates were 97 and 81% for the women’s questionnaires at study entry and 6 months, respectively, and 81% for the men’s questionnaires. Of 174 women responding, 67% preferred PDPM for partners and 57% would prefer PDPM for themselves. The main reasons were that PDPM allows simpler, more convenient and faster treatment. Women reported that 65% of partners were satisfied with whichever intervention they received. Of 293 men responding, 70% would choose patient referral for partners and 53% would prefer patient referral for themselves. Men previously tested for chlamydia were significantly more likely to choose PDPM (n = 22) than those never tested (n = 7); P < 0.001. Only 3% of women and 9% of men preferred PTKs for partners.Conclusion  The results suggest that women prefer PDPM and men, at least hypothetically, prefer patient referral. PTK appears unpopular with both sexes.
Comparison of maternal mortality between migrating population and permanent residents in Shanghai, China, 1996–2005
Authors: Zhu L , Qin M , Du L , Jia W , Yang Q , Walker MC , Wen SW 
Published: January 2009

Objective  Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Shanghai residents has been declining in the past two decades and has reached levels comparable to developed countries. The MMR in migrating population in Shanghai remains high, however. The objectives of this study were to compare the trends of MMR between residents and migrating population in Shanghai from 1996 to 2005 and to explore the reasons for the dramatic differences in MMR between the two groups living in the same city.Design  Retrospective cohort study.Setting  Shanghai, China.Population  A total of 902 807 pregnancies with live births in Shanghai in the period of 1996–2005.Methods  We first compared the overall MMR between migrating population and permanent residents in Shanghai and examined temporal trends of MMR in the two subpopulations. We then compared the causes and maternal characteristics of maternal deaths between the two subpopulations.Main outcome measures  Maternal mortality and cause of death.Results  A total of 902 807 live births and 243 maternal deaths were recorded in Shanghai in the period of 1996 to 2005, with an average MMR of 26.66 per 100 000 live births. The MMR in Shanghai residents declined dramatically from 22.47 per 100 000 in 1996 to 1.64 per 100 000 live births in 2005 (P < 0.01), while the MMR in migrating population was reduced only moderately from 54.68 per 100 000 live births to 48.46 per 100 000 (P > 0.05). The main causes of maternal deaths in migrating population were postpartum haemorrhage (39.9%), pregnancy‐induced hypertension (9.8%), and puerperal infection (9.3%), whereas the main causes of maternal death of Shanghai residents were chronic heart and liver diseases (20.0%), postpartum haemorrhage (12.9%), and amniotic fluid embolism (12.9%). Among the maternal death cases in migrating women, 60% had elementary education or less, 22% were unemployed, 65% had no prenatal visit, 44% gave a birth at home, and 12% of the deaths occurred at home.Conclusion  Lack of access to quality maternity care, especially for the effective management of postpartum haemorrhage, is the main reason for the high MMR in migrating population in Shanghai.
Systematic analysis of research underfunding in maternal and perinatal health
Authors: Fisk NM , Atun R 
Published: January 2009

Background  Little published evidence supports the widely held contention that research in pregnancy is underfunded compared with other disease areas.Objectives  To assess absolute and relative government and charitable funding for maternal and perinatal research in the UK and internationally.Search strategy, selection criteria, data collection, and analysis  Major research funding bodies and alliances were identified from an Internet search and discussions with opinion leaders/senior investigators. Websites and annual reports were reviewed for details of strategy, research spend, grants awarded, and allocation to maternal and/or perinatal disease using generic and disease‐specific search terms.Main results  Within the imprecision in the data sets, ≤1% of health research spend in the UK was on maternal/perinatal health. Other countries fared better with 1–4% investment, although nonexclusive categorisation may render this an overestimate. In low‐resource settings, government funders focused on infectious disease but not maternal and perinatal health despite high relative disease burden, while global philanthropy concentrated on service provision rather than research. Although research expenditure has been deemed as appropriate for ‘reproductive health’ disease burden in the UK, there are no data on the equity of maternal/perinatal research spend against disease burden, which globally may justify a manyfold increase.Author’s conclusions  This systematic review of research expenditure and priorities from national and international funding bodies suggests relative underinvestment in maternal/perinatal health. Contributing factors include the low political priority given to women’s health, the challenging nature of clinical research in pregnancy, and research capacity dearth as a consequence of chronic underinvestment.
‘Blood On The Tracks’ from corpora lutea to endometriomas*
Authors: Vercellini P , Somigliana E , Vigano P , Abbiati A , Barbara G , Fedele L 
Published: January 2009

Objective  To detect a direct transition from a haemorrhagic corpus luteum to an endometriotic cyst by serial transvaginal ultrasonographic scans.Design  Prospective observational study.Setting  An academic tertiary care and referral centre for women with endometriosis.Population  One hundred and nine women younger than 40 years, with regular menstrual cycles, undergoing first‐line surgery for endometriomas, and not wanting postoperative oral contraception.Methods  Three‐monthly transvaginal ultrasonography during the luteal phase for 2 years after surgery.Main outcome measure  Sonographic identification of progression from a haemorrhagic corpus luteum to a recurrent endometriotic cyst.Results  A haemorrhagic corpus luteum was identified in 13 women. Serial ultrasonographic scans demonstrated transition to an endometriotic cyst in 11 (85%) instances and resorption in two. A unilateral endometriotic cyst without previous detection of a cystic corpus luteum was observed in 14 women.Conclusions  Bleeding from a corpus luteum appears to be a critical event in the development of endometriomas.
Continuous versus interrupted sutures for repair of episiotomy or second‐degree perineal tears: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Valenzuela P , Saiz Puente MS , Valero JL , Azorín R , Ortega R , Guijarro R 
Published: January 2009

Objective  To evaluate the repair techniques of continuous and interrupted methods for episiotomy or perineal tears.Design  A randomised controlled trial.Setting  The Hospital Universitario Principe de Asturias, a state hospital belonging to the community of Madrid.Sample  Four hundred forty‐five women who had undergone vaginal deliveries with episiotomies or second‐grade tearing of the perineum between September 2005 and July 2007.Methods  One group was repaired with continuous, nonlocking sutures involving the vagina, perineum, and subcutaneous tissues. The other group had continuous, locking sutures of the vagina, interrupted sutures in the perineal muscles, and interrupted transcutaneous sutures. The threads used for stitching were identical in both groups.Main outcome measures  The participants were questioned regarding the sensation of pain and the use of painkillers on the second and the tenth days, and 3 months postpartum.Results  When comparing the group with continuous suture to the group with interrupted sutures, the differences included less repair time (1 minute; P= 0.017) and less suture material used (relative risk [RR], 3.2, 95% CI: 2.6–4.0). The comparison of pain on the second and tenth days, and 3 months postpartum were not statistically different between the two techniques (RR, 1.08, 95% CI: 0.74–1.57; RR, 0.96, 95% CI: 0.59–1.55; and RR, 0.68, 95% CI: 0.19–2.46, respectively).Conclusions  Although we did not demonstrate that one technique was better than the other in the incidence of pain in the short or long term, we showed that episiotomy and perineal tear repairs with continuous suturing were quicker and used less suture material without an increase in complication than interrupted suturing.
Families’ perceptions of given information in relation to their child’s head injury
Authors: Falk Ann‐Charlotte , Von Wendt Lennart , Söderkvist Birgitta Klang 
Published: January 2009

Information and effective communication is an essential element in treating children in hospital. Researches have shown that parents who are well informed and well prepared were less anxious, a fact that was found to decrease the child’s level of stress. Studies in the head injury population reveal that not only patients but their families need support such as general information about a head injury but also individual support, independent of the severity of the head injury.Aim:  To describe the families’ perceptions of information provided in relation to a head injury during their visit at the emergency department at Astrid Lindgren children’s hospital.Design:  Retrospective, descriptive study.Method:  Postal questionnaires at 3 months posthead injury.Results:  There were 96 families that participated, 51 families with children <5 years and 45 families with children >5 years. Eighty‐five per cent of all families understood the information concerning head injury they had been given during the visit to the emergency department. However, only 69% received the information they needed about head injury in children before discharge from the emergency department. There were significant differences between the two age groups as to whether or not the information was addressed to the child or that the information was age appropriate. The results from our study should be interpreted with caution because of the relatively low number of respondents and the fact that the study was conducted using a questionnaire. Another limitation is the fact that we asked for the information 3 months posthead injury.Conclusions:  Most families do understand the information that was provided and they also generally received the information they needed. However, they had not received information about common symptoms after a head injury. Strategies to improve information to families who experience a childhood head injury therefore seem necessary.