bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phase 1 Trial and Pharmacokinetic Study of Cediranib, an Orally Bioavailable Pan–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor, in Children and Adolescents With Refractory Solid Tumors
Authors: Fox Elizabeth , Aplenc Richard , Bagatell Rochelle , Chuk Meredith K. , Dombi Eva , Goodspeed Wendy , Goodwin Anne , Kromplewski Marie , Jayaprakash Nalini , Marotti Marcelo , Brown Kathryn H. , Wenrich Barbara , Adamson Peter C. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Balis Frank M.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

To determine the toxicity profile, dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of cediranib administered orally, once daily, continuously in children and adolescents with solid tumors.

Patients and Methods

Children and adolescents with refractory solid tumors, excluding primary brain tumors, were eligible. DLT at the starting dose of 12 mg/m2/d resulted in de-escalation to 8 mg/m2/d and subsequent re-escalation to 12 and 17 mg/m2/d. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were performed during cycle 1. Response was evaluated using WHO criteria.

Results

Sixteen patients (median age, 15 years; range, 8 to 18 years) were evaluable for toxicity. DLTs (grade 3 nausea, vomiting, fatigue in one; hypertension and prolonged corrected QT interval in another) occurred in patients initially enrolled at 12 mg/m2/d. Subsequently, 8 mg/m2/d was well tolerated in three patients. An additional seven patients were enrolled at 12 mg/m2/d; one had DLT (grade 3 diarrhea). At 17 mg/m2/d, two of four patients had DLTs (grade 3 nausea; intolerable grade 2 fatigue). Non–dose-limiting toxicities included left ventricular dysfunction, elevated thyroid stimulating hormone, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, weight loss, and headache. The MTD of cediranib was 12 mg/m2/d (adult fixed dose equivalent, 20 mg). At 12 mg/m2/d, the median area under the plasma concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0-∞) was 900 ng·h/mL, which is similar to adults receiving 20 mg. Objective responses were observed in patients with Ewing sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and osteosarcoma.

Conclusion

The recommended monotherapy dose of cediranib for children with extracranial solid tumors is 12 mg/m2/d administered orally, once daily, continuously. A phase II study is in development.
Accrual Experience of National Cancer Institute Cooperative Group Phase III Trials Activated From 2000 to 2007
Authors: Korn Edward L. , Freidlin Boris , Mooney Margaret , Abrams Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Recent reports have suggested that 40% or more of National Cancer Institute (NCI) –sponsored Cooperative Group phase III trials failed to achieve their accrual goals. We examine in detail the accrual experience of the Cooperative Group phase III trials.

Patients and Methods

All Cooperative Group phase III trials activated from 2000 to 2007 were examined for their accrual experience. For trials that stopped accrual with < 90% of their accrual goal, the reasons for having < 90% accrual were documented. We focus on trials that ended with < 90% accrual because of inadequate accrual rates rather than for other reasons, such as an interim monitoring analysis by an independent data monitoring committee that stops the trial early because one treatment is clearly superior.

Results

There were 191 trials activated from 2000 to 2007. We project that 22.0% of these trials will have < 90% accrual because of inadequate accrual rates. We project that there will be 176,627 patients eventually accrued on the 191 trials (current accrual, 154,579) and that 2,991of these patients will be on trials that have < 90% accrual because of inadequate accrual rates (1.7%). For nonpediatric cancer trials, the corresponding percentages are 26.7% and 2.0%.

Conclusion

We find that insufficient accrual rates are not as high as previously reported and that only a small proportion of patients were enrolled on trials that ended with insufficient accrual because of an inadequate accrual rate. NCI has implemented new procedures to reduce the number of trials that fail to reach their accrual goals and to minimize the number of patients accrued on these trials.
Characterisation of a new regulator of BDNF signalling, Sprouty3, involved in axonal morphogenesis in vivo
Authors: Panagiotaki Niki , Dajas-Bailador Federico , Amaya Enrique , Papalopulu Nancy , Dorey Karel
Published: November 2010

During development, many organs, including the kidney, lung and mammary gland, need to branch in a regulated manner to be functional. Multicellular branching involves changes in cell shape, proliferation and migration. Axonal branching, however, is a unicellular process that is mediated by changes in cell shape alone and as such appears very different to multicellular branching. Sprouty (Spry) family members are well-characterised negative regulators of Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signalling. Knockout of Spry1, 2 and 4 in mouse result in branching defects in different organs, indicating an important role of RTK signalling in controlling branching pattern. We report here that Spry3, a previously uncharacterised member of the Spry family plays a role in axonal branching. We found that spry3 is expressed specifically in the trigeminal nerve and in spinal motor and sensory neurons in a Brain-derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF)-dependent manner. Knockdown of Spry3 expression causes an excess of axonal branching in spinal cord motoneurons in vivo. Furthermore, Spry3 inhibits the ability of BDNF to induce filopodia in Xenopus spinal cord neurons. Biochemically, we show that Spry3 represses calcium release downstream of BDNF signalling. Altogether, we have found that Spry3 plays an important role in the regulation of axonal branching of motoneurons in vivo, raising the possibility of unexpected conservation in the involvement of intracellular regulators of RTK signalling in multicellular and unicellular branching.
Prohibitin1 acts as a neural crest specifier in Xenopus development by repressing the transcription factor E2F1
Authors: Schneider Martina , Schambony Alexandra , Wedlich Doris
Published: November 2010

Prohibitin 1 (phb1), which was initially described as an inhibitor of cell proliferation, is a highly conserved protein found in multiple cellular compartments. In the nucleus it interacts with the transcriptional regulators Rb and E2F1 and controls cell proliferation and apoptosis. Here we unravel an unexpected novel function for phb1 in Xenopus cranial neural crest (CNC) development. Xphb1 is maternally expressed; zygotically expressed neurula stage transcripts accumulate in the CNC and the neural tube. Knockdown of Xphb1 by antisense morpholino injection results in the loss of foxD3, snail2 and twist expression, whereas expression of c-myc, AP-2 and snail1 remains unaffected. Xphb2, its closest relative, cannot substitute for Xphb1, underlining the specificity of Xphb1 function. Epistatic analyses place Xphb1 downstream of c-myc and upstream of foxD3, snail2 and twist. To elucidate which subdomain in Xphb1 is required for neural crest gene regulation we generated deletion mutants and tested their rescue ability in Xphb1 morphants. The E2F1-binding domain was found to be necessary for Xphb1 function in neural crest development. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments reveal that Xphb1 represses E2F1 activity; suppression of E2F1 through Xphb1 is required for twist, snail2 and foxD3 expression in the CNC. With the Xphb1 dependency of a subset of CNC specifiers downstream of c-myc, we have identified a new branching point in the neural crest gene regulatory network.
Disruption of an N-acetyltransferase gene in the silkworm reveals a novel role in pigmentation
Authors: Zhan Shuai , Guo Qiuhong , Li Minghui , Li Muwang , Li Jianyong , Miao Xuexia , Huang Yongping
Published: November 2010

The pigmentation of insects has served as an excellent model for the study of morphological trait evolution and developmental biology. The melanism (mln) mutant of the silkworm Bombyx mori is notable for its strong black coloration, phenotypic differences between larval and adult stages, and its widespread use in strain selection. Here, we report the genetic and molecular bases for the formation of the mln morphological trait. Fine mapping revealed that an arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) gene co-segregates with the black coloration patterns. Coding sequence variations and expression profiles of AANAT are also associated with the melanic phenotypes. A 126 bp deletion in the mln genome causes two alternatively spliced transcripts with premature terminations. An enzymatic assay demonstrated the absolute loss of AANAT activity in the mutant proteins. We also performed RNA interference of AANAT in wild-type pupae and observed a significant proportion of adults with ectopic black coloration. These findings indicate that functional deletion of this AANAT gene accounts for the mln mutation in silkworm. AANAT is also involved in a parallel melanin synthesis pathway in which ebony plays a role, whereas no pigmentation defect has been reported in the Drosophila model or in other insects to date. To the best of our knowledge, the mln mutation is the first characterized mutant phenotype of insects with AANAT, and this result contributes to our understanding of dopamine metabolism and melanin pattern polymorphisms.
Acute sinusitis: pitfalls in diagnosis and management
Authors: Hawthorne Maurice R , Ahmad Noweed
Published: November 2010

Acute sinusitis is one of the most common conditions that can present to a wide variety of clinicians ranging from general practitioners, Accident and Emergency, physicians, ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists to intensivists and even neurosurgeons. Delayed diagnosis with failure to recognize and manage (albeit rare) complications can be devastating for patients, potentially resulting in blindness or even death. Management of the condition itself can lead to complications. This article reviews the current guidelines for diagnosis and management of acute sinusitis with emphasis on medicolegal aspects. Adverse events affecting patients with acute sinusitis are also presented illustrating the challenges in the assessment and management of this condition.
Colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Dighe Shwetal , Baig Mirza Khurrum , Miles Anthony , McFall Malcolm , Sains Parvinder
Published: November 2010

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in the UK, with 35,000 diagnoses and 16,000 deaths per year. It costs the National Health Service (NHS) expenditure of more than £300 million pounds in surgical, adjuvant and palliative treatment. The disease is uniquely placed for screening strategies, as 70–90% of the tumours arise from premalignant, adenomatous polyps. This transformation may take 10 years or more and provides us with a window of opportunity to detect early tumours (Dukes' A) and also prevent cancer development by excision and removal of premalignant polyps during colonoscopy. The NHS Bowel Screening Programme in the UK is based on the principle of secondary prevention whereby detection and treatment of existing preneoplastic and early neoplastic lesions would result in reduction of prevalence and improvement in survival of patients with colorectal cancer.
Improving health literacy reduces risk and improves patient safety
Authors: Phillips Jim
Published: November 2010

The concept of the expert patient and self-management has a key role to play in improving patient safety. Empowered health literate patients are more likely to ask questions, to check medication, and accurately report on side-effects and adverse reactions. In addition they are likely to be proactive in their own care and managing their home environment to reduce risk of harm. Greater benefit could be gained by input into the design of patient education and rehabilitation programmes from those responsible in NHS trusts and other bodies for managing risk.
Plasma Myeloperoxidase Predicts Incident Cardiovascular Risks in Stable Patients Undergoing Medical Management for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Tang WH Wilson , Wu Yuping , Nicholls Stephen J , Hazen Stanley L
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentrations predict adverse clinical outcomes in the setting of acute coronary syndromes and heart failure, but the prognostic role of MPO in stable patients with known atherosclerotic burden is unclear.

METHODS

We examined plasma MPO concentrations and their relationship with prevalent significant coronary artery disease (defined as >50% stenosis in any coronary vessel) and incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including death, myocardial infarction, and stroke, in a 3-year prospective follow-up study of 1895 patients undergoing elective coronary angiography.

RESULTS

The median plasma MPO concentration was 101 pmol/L (interquartile range 68–187 pmol/L). Patients with plasma MPO concentrations >322 pmol/L (14.6% of population) had increased risk of developing future MACEs [hazard ratio (HR) 1.78, 95% CI 1.33–2.37, P < 0.001], and MPO as a single variable predictor of MACE showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.67. After adjusting for traditional cardiac risk factors, creatinine clearance, B-type natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), increased MPO concentrations remained significantly associated with incident MACEs over the ensuing 3-year period (HR 1.71; 95% CI 1.27–2.30, P < 0.001). In patients with increased hsCRP, MPO ≤322 pmol/L was associated with lower event rates than observed with MPO >322 pmol/L.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma MPO concentrations provide independent prognostic value for the prediction of long-term incident MACEs in a stable, medically managed patient population with coronary artery disease. In individuals with increased hsCRP concentrations, we observed lower risk of incident MACEs when concomitant MPO concentrations were low vs when MPO concentrations were high.
The real fashion trends in a global context
Authors: Future Concept Lab
Published: November 2010

This summary presentation is based on an annual series of seminars at the Future Concept Lab.
Probleme der PSA-Bestimmung bei älteren Patienten: was ist sinnvoll? / PSA measurements in elderly patients: what makes sense?
Authors: Maruschke Matthias , Hakenberg Oliver W.
Published: November 2010

Das Prostatakarzinom ist der beim Mann heute am häufigsten diagnostizierte Tumor, dessen biologische Aggressivität primär wesentlich vom Tumorvolumen bestimmt wird. Aufgrund der verbreiteten PSA-basierten Frühdiagnostik sind heute bei Diagnosestellung zwei Drittel aller Prostatakarzinome organbegrenzt und damit kurativ therapierbar. Eine entscheidende Bedeutung hat daher die empfohlene PSA-Bestimmung bei Männern zwischen dem 40. und 75. Lebensjahr mit noch mindestens zehnjähriger Lebenserwartung und dem Willen zur Durchführung von notwendiger Diagnostik und Therapie bei auffälligen Befunden. Einen großen Stellenwert hat die regelmäßige PSA-Bestimmung bei bekannten Prostatakarzinomen ohne aktive Therapie unter Überwachungsmanagement, nach kurativer Lokaltherapie zur Verlaufskontrolle und zur Rezidivdiagnostik sowie bei systemischer Erkrankung zur Therapiekontrolle unter Hormonablation und/oder Chemotherapie.
Translation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) into molecular diagnostics / Umsetzung von Next Generation Sequencing in der molekularen Diagnostik
Authors: Kotschote Stefan , Wagner Carola , Marschall Christoph , Mayer Karin , Hirv Kaimo , Kerick Martin , Timmermann Bernd , Klein Hanns-Georg
Published: November 2010

In the past 5 years, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been established as a valuable tool for several research applications. Commercially available platforms from Helicos, Illumina, Life Technologies, Pacific Biosciencies, and Roche allow for massively parallel sequencing and analysis in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics. As in most projects, data throughput of the sequencers is not the limiting factor; genomic DNA samples are directly prepared for sequencing without prior conditioning. However, there are some applications such as targeted resequencing that do not require sequencing of whole genomes. Therefore, a technology called target enrichment was established more than 2 years ago. Different PCR- or hybridization-based approaches were further commercially developed and refined. The combination of this method with NGS can improve analysis of disease-related gene sets in molecular diagnostics by reducing time and costs. By taking advantage of the enormous data output, several genes and patients can be analyzed in parallel in one single instrument run.
Anti-AQP4-Antikörper als Biomarker zur Früherkennung von Neuromyelitis Optica-Spektrum-Erkrankungen / AQP4-IgG antibodies as biomarkers for early diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Mader Simone , Deisenhammer Florian , Reindl Markus
Published: November 2010

Die Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), eine entzündliche, demyelinisierende Erkrankung, welche insbesondere durch den selektiven Befall des Sehnervs und Rückenmarks charakterisiert ist, wird fälschlicherweise häufig als schwere Form der Multiplen Sklerose (MS) diagnostiziert. Die Entdeckung der AQP4-Antikörper im Serum von NMO und Hochrisiko (HR)-Patienten ermöglichte erstmals eine frühzeitige Dia-gnose und spezielle Behandlung. In diesem Artikel möchten wir einen Überblick über die diagnostische und therapeutische Bedeutung von AQP4-Antikörpern im Serum und Li-quor von NMO und HR-Patienten geben und deren Relevanz für den Krankheitsverlauf diskutieren.
Serum proteome changes in acromegalic patients following transsphenoidal surgery: novel biomarkers of disease activity
Authors: Cruz-Topete Diana , Christensen Britt , Sackmann-Sala Lucila , Okada Shigeru , Jorgensen Jens Otto L , Kopchick John J
Published: November 2010

Context

Transsphenoidal adenomectomy is the primary treatment for acromegaly. However, assessment of the therapeutical outcome remains problematic since the existing biomarkers of disease activity frequently show discordant results.

Objective

To discover novel serum biomarkers of disease activity in acromegalic patients before and after surgery.

Design

Serum samples of eight newly diagnosed acromegaly patients before and after transsphenoidal surgery were analyzed for proteomic changes by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Protein spots displaying statistically significant changes, pre- versus post-surgery, were identified by mass spectrometry (MS), tandem MS (MS/MS), and western blot analysis.

Results

Six protein spots displaying decreased intensities after surgery were identified as transthyretin (two isoforms), haptoglobin α2, β-hemoglobin, and apolipoprotein A-1 (two isoforms). One protein spot, identified as complement C4B precursor, was increased after the surgery.

Conclusions

Seven serum protein spots were differentially expressed following surgery in acromegalic patients. The identified proteins represent potential novel biomarkers to assess the effectiveness of surgical treatment in acromegalic individuals. Future studies will validate the use of the identified proteins as biomarkers of disease activity after medical treatment of acromegaly.
Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in metabolic syndrome in Zahedan, southeast Iran
Authors: Hashemi Mohammad , Kordi-Tamandani Dor Mohammad , Sharifi Nooshin , Moazeni-Roodi Abdolkarim , Kaykhaei Mahmoud-Ali , Narouie Behzad , Torkmanzehi Adam
Published: November 2010

Objective

Paraoxonase (PON) is associated with high-density lipoprotein and protects serum lipid from oxidation. The aim of this study was to determine serum PON, arylesterase (ARE) activities, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in metabolic syndrome (MES).

Methods

This case–control study was performed on 106 patients with MES and 231 healthy subjects. Serum PON and ARE activities were determined spectrophotometrically. TAC was determined using ferric reducing ability of plasma assay.

Results

The results showed that serum PON activity was significantly lower in patients with MES (69.62±59.86 IU/l) than healthy subjects (91.64±77.45 IU/l) (P<0.05). The serum ARE activity in MES and normal subjects were 45.23±23.24 and 65.69±31.10 kU/l respectively. The ARE activity was significantly lower in patients with MES than normal subjects (P<0.0001). No significant differences were observed between MES and normal subjects regarding TAC.

Conclusion

The lower PON and ARE activities in MES may be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which remains to be cleared.
Prediction of incident diabetes mellitus by baseline IGF1 levels
Authors: Schneider Harald Jörn , Friedrich Nele , Klotsche Jens , Schipf Sabine , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Sievers Caroline , Pieper Lars , März Winfried , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Stalla Günter Karl , Wallaschofski Henri
Published: November 2010

Objective

IGF1 is associated with metabolic parameters and involved in glucose metabolism. Low-IGF1 has been implicated in the etiology of glucose intolerance and subjects with pathological causes of either low- or high-IGF1 are at risk of diabetes. We hypothesized that both low- and high-IGF1 levels increase the risk of diabetes and aimed to assess the role of IGF1 in the risk of developing diabetes in a large prospective study.

Design

An analysis of two prospective cohort studies, the DETECT study and SHIP.

Methods

We measured IGF1 levels in 7777 nondiabetic subjects and assessed incident diabetes mellitus during follow-up.

Results

There were 464 cases of incident diabetes during 32 229 person-years (time of follow-up in the DETECT study and SHIP: 4.5 and 5 years respectively). There was no heterogeneity between both studies (P>0.4). The hazard ratios (HRs) of incident diabetes in subjects with IGF1 levels below the 10th or above the 90th age- and sex-specific percentile, compared to subjects with intermediate IGF1 levels, were 1.44 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.94) and 1.55 (95% CI 1.06–2.06) respectively, after multiple adjustment. After further adjustment for metabolic parameters, the HR for low-IGF1 became insignificant. Analysis of IGF1 quintiles revealed a U-shaped association of IGF1 with risk of diabetes. Results remained similar after exclusion of patients with onset of new diabetes within 1 year or with borderline glucose or HbA1c levels at baseline.

Conclusions

Subjects with low- or high-IGF1 level are at increased risk of developing diabetes.
Gestational Age and Basic School Achievements: A National Follow-up Study in Denmark
Authors: Mathiasen René , Hansen Bo M. , Andersen Anne-Marie N. Nybo , Forman Julie L. , Greisen Gorm
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Children born at <32 weeks' gestation are at increased risk of intellectual impairment. Few studies have focused on the majority of preterm children born at 32 to 36 weeks' gestation. We aimed to investigate the association between the full range of gestational ages at birth and the risk of not completing basic school.

METHODS:

This longitudinal, register-based study included all live-born infants in Denmark from 1988 to 1989. Data were obtained from national registers. School achievements were evaluated by using the examination marks. The association between gestational age and not completing basic school was estimated, taking into account the effect of their parents' educational level, being small for gestational age, plurality, and cerebral palsy.

RESULTS:

The cohort constituted 120 585 infants, of whom 118 281 (98.6%) were alive in 2007. Of these infants, 5.01% (n = 5.928) were born before 37 weeks' gestation. Of the subjects born before 37 weeks' gestation, 11.5% (95% confidence interval: 10.7–12.4) did not complete basic school compared with 7.5% (95% confidence interval: 7.3–7.6) of those born at term. The percentage of subjects who did not complete basic school increased with decreasing gestational age. The increase was steeper at <31 weeks (4.2% per week) than at 31 to 36 weeks' gestation (0.5% per week).

CONCLUSIONS:

The risk of not completing basic school increased with decreasing gestational age. The risk was moderate at ≥31 weeks' gestation and increased steeply at <31 weeks' gestation. The increase at <31 weeks' gestation was only partly explained by cerebral palsy.
Wartime Military Deployment and Increased Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Complaints
Authors: Gorman Gregory H. , Eide Matilda , Hisle-Gorman Elizabeth
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

Children of military personnel face stress when a parent deploys.

OBJECTIVE:

Our goal was to determine the effect of parental military deployment on the relative rate of outpatient visits for mental and behavioral health disorders in children aged 3 to 8 years.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study. Records of children of active-duty personnel during fiscal years 2006 and 2007 were linked with their parent's deployment records. Mental and behavioral health visits were identified by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of visits per year according to parental deployment status was determined with random-effects negative binomial regression modeling with longitudinal data analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 642 397 children aged 3 to 8 years and 442 722 military parents were included. Mean child age was 5.0 years (SD: 1.9 years); 50.6% were male, and 68.0% were white. Ninety percent of the parents were male, and 90.5% were married; 32.0% of the parents were deployed during the study. There were 1 049 081 person-years with 611 115 mental and behavioral health visits (0.6 visit per year). The IRR of mental and behavioral health visits for children with a deployed parent compared with when a parent was home was 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.14; P < .001). IRRs of pediatric anxiety, behavioral, and stress disorders when a parent deployed were 1.14 (95% CI: 0.98–1.32; P = .095), 1.19 (95% CI: 1.07–1.32; P < .001), and 1.18 (95% CI: 1.10–1.26; P < .001), respectively. Older children and children with military fathers and married parents had larger increases in rates of mental and behavioral health visits during parental deployments. In contrast, the overall outpatient rate and rates of visits for other diagnoses decreased when a parent was deployed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mental and behavioral health visits increased by 11% in these children when a military parent deployed; behavioral disorders increased 19% and stress disorders increased 18%. Rates especially increased in older children and children of married and male military parents.
Risk of Renal Scarring in Children With a First Urinary Tract Infection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shaikh Nader , Ewing Amy L. , Bhatnagar Sonika , Hoberman Alejandro
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

To our knowledge, the risk of renal scarring in children with a urinary tract infection (UTI) has not been systematically studied.

OBJECTIVE:

To review the prevalence of acute and chronic renal imaging abnormalities in children after an initial UTI.

METHODS:

We searched Medline and Embase for English-, French-, and Spanish-language articles using the following terms: “Technetium 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA),” “DMSA,” “dimercaptosuccinic,” “scintigra*,” “pyelonephritis,” and “urinary tract infection.” We included articles if they reported data on the prevalence of abnormalities on acute-phase (≤15 days) or follow-up (>5 months) DMSA renal scans in children aged 0 to 18 years after an initial UTI. Two evaluators independently reviewed data from each article.

RESULTS:

Of 1533 articles found by the search strategy, 325 full-text articles were reviewed; 33 studies met all inclusion criteria. Among children with an initial episode of UTI, 57% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50–64) had changes consistent with acute pyelonephritis on the acute-phase DMSA renal scan and 15% (95% CI: 11–18) had evidence of renal scarring on the follow-up DMSA scan. Children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were significantly more likely to develop pyelonephritis (relative risk [RR]: 1.5 [95% CI: 1.1–1.9]) and renal scarring (RR: 2.6 [95% CI: 1.7–3.9]) compared with children with no VUR. Children with VUR grades III or higher were more likely to develop scarring than children with lower grades of VUR (RR: 2.1 [95% CI: 1.4–3.2]).

CONCLUSIONS:

The pooled prevalence values provided from this study provide a basis for an evidence-based approach to the management of children with this frequently occurring condition.
Infant Feeding Methods and Maternal Sleep and Daytime Functioning
Authors: Montgomery-Downs Hawley E. , Clawges Heather M. , Santy Eleanor E.
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Our purpose was to explore maternal actigraphically measured sleep, subjective sleep reports, and daytime functioning on the basis of current feeding method status during postpartum weeks 2 through 12.

METHODS:

Objectively measured total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and fragmentation, subjectively reported numbers of nocturnal awakenings, total nocturnal wake time, and sleep quality, and sleepiness/fatigue measured by using the fatigue visual analog scale, the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, or the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were assessed.

RESULTS:

We did not find differences between women who were exclusively breastfeeding, exclusively formula feeding, or using a combination of the 2 methods, with respect to the assessed parameters.

CONCLUSIONS:

Efforts to encourage women to breastfeed should include information about sleep. Specifically, women should be told that choosing to formula feed does not equate with improved sleep. The risks of not breastfeeding should be weighed against the cumulative lack of evidence indicating any benefit of formula feeding on maternal sleep.
Learning and Attention Problems Among Children With Pediatric Primary Hypertension
Authors: Adams Heather R. , Szilagyi Peter G. , Gebhardt Laura , Lande Marc B.
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The objective was to determine whether children with sustained primary hypertension are at increased risk for learning disabilities (LDs), as a school-related manifestation of neurocognitive problems.

METHODS:

A total of 201 children 10 to 18 years of age who were referred because of elevated blood pressure (BP) were included. Patients were categorized as having or not having hypertension, on the basis of BP evaluation at the initial hypertension clinic visit and subsequent confirmation of sustained elevated BP outside the clinic setting. Parents reported whether their child had a provider-confirmed LD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

RESULTS:

A total of 101 children without hypertension and 100 children with hypertension were evaluated; 18% of the children (n = 37) had LDs. In comparison with children without hypertension, children with hypertension were significantly more likely to have LDs (18% vs 9%; P < .001), irrespective of comorbid ADHD. With adjustment for demographic variables and obesity, the odds of having LDs were elevated for subjects with hypertension, in comparison with subjects without hypertension (odds ratio: 4.1 [95% confidence interval: 1.8–9.4]).

CONCLUSIONS:

The rate of LDs, with or without ADHD treatment, was significantly higher for children with sustained primary hypertension, compared with children without hypertension. These findings add to the growing evidence for an association between primary hypertension and cognitive function and may inform treatment and monitoring decisions for these children who may be at risk for learning problems.
Estimating Crop Water Use of Cotton in the Texas High Plains
Authors: Rajan Nithya , Maas Stephan J. , Kathilankal James C.
Published: November 2010

The growth and yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the semiarid Texas High Plains is driven by the amount of water available to the crop through rainfall and irrigation. Various methods have been developed for quantifying the crop water use (CWU) of agricultural crops. In this study, we described a method for estimating CWU that uses a modified version of the Penman–Monteith Equation. In this method, CWU is equal to the transpiration of a well‐watered crop with complete ground cover (determined from ambient environmental conditions) multiplied by the amount of plant canopy present (quantified by crop ground cover) and a parameter (Fs) related to the effects of stomatal closure. For irrigated and dryland cotton that are acclimated to their respective environments, Fs ≈ 1. This suggests that control of canopy leaf area is a primary mechanism for acclimating to the surrounding environment. When Fs < 1, the plant is not acclimated with its environment and must rely on stomatal closure to conserve available water in the root zone. The method was developed using surface energy balance data and remotely sensed crop ground cover for three fields near Lubbock, TX. This method could be used in irrigation scheduling where irrigation is used to replace the daily CWU of a crop. This approach might be superior to the standard crop coefficient approach because it could use remotely sensed crop ground cover as a “spectral crop coefficient” that would make the resulting estimates of CWU specific to individual fields.
Apparent Nitrogen Recovery from Fall‐Applied Ammoniated Phosphates and Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizers
Authors: Fernández Fabián G. , Hoeft Robert G. , Randall Gyles W. , Vetsch Jeffrey , Greer Kristin , Nafziger Emerson D. , Villamil Maria B.
Published: November 2010

Phosphorus fertilizer is frequently fall‐applied for corn (Zea mays L.). Diammonium‐(DAP) or monoammonium‐phosphates (MAP) are the preferred P fertilizers and the N in MAP and DAP is assumed to be available for corn. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of application time on availability of ammoniated‐phosphate N to the crop in two different environments. In a laboratory study, MAP and DAP at rates of 70 and 140 mg N kg−1soil were incubated at either 80 or 120% field capacity (FC). Nitrification proceeded rapidly in all treatments, but nitrate levels fell to near zero by 8 wk at 120% FC while remaining above 50% after 16 wk at 80% FC. In a 3‐yr study at Waseca, MN and Urbana, IL with a factorial combination of three N sources [DAP, MAP, ammonium‐sulfate (AMS)], two application times (fall, spring), and two N rates (45, 90 kg N ha−1), N rate and application time, but not N source, affected grain yield and inorganic soil‐N concentrations. Yields were 0.71 and 0.37 Mg ha−1 greater for spring than fall applications at Urbana and Waseca, respectively. Late May soil‐N recovery ranged from 31 to 35 and 90 to 100% for fall and spring applications, respectively. It thus appears that only about one‐third of N applied in the fall as ammoniated phosphates at typical rates is available to the next year's corn crop in Corn Belt mollisols. Colder, drier fall to spring conditions may increase this proportion, while warmer, wetter conditions would be expected to lower availability.
Accounting for Spatial Variability in Breeding Trials: A Simulation Study
Authors: Gezan Salvador A. , White Timothy L. , Huber Dudley A.
Published: November 2010

Several techniques to control for spatial heterogeneity in breeding trials were compared through the use of simulated data for a field site with 256 genotypes (i.e., treatments). Various experimental designs, error structures, and polynomial functions were modeled. The error structures studied included first‐order autoregressive with and without measurement error (or nugget) and independent errors. Also, several nearest neighbor methods (Papadakis [PAP] and moving average [MA]) were used. The results indicated that, of models with independent errors, row‐column designs gave the best correlation between the predicted and true treatment effects (CORR). Once the autoregressive error structure, with or without nugget, was incorporated, CORR values were even higher. Also, failing to incorporate the nugget produced bias in the correlation parameters of the error structure. Nearest neighbor technique were also among the best options, where some variants of the Papadakis method were almost as good as models that incorporated the error structure.
Nitrate‐Induced Iron Deficiency in Soybean Varieties with Varying Iron‐Stress Responses
Authors: Wiersma John V.
Published: November 2010

Planting soybean [(Glycine max (L.) Merr.] into Fe chlorosis‐prone soils where soybean has seldom, if ever, been grown may require special precautions to establish effective Bradyrhizonium japonicum populations, while simultaneously providing adequate levels of N for the current crop. However, adding fertilizer N likely will increase rhizosphere pH and [ OH− ] and, thus, promote Fe deficiency. Our objective was to determine whether varieties (Vs) that differed in Fe efficiency also differed in their response to added N fertilizer when grown on chlorosis‐prone soils. Six varieties (2 Fe efficient, 2 moderately Fe efficient, and 2 Fe inefficient) and six rates of fertilizer N (0, 34, 68, 102, 136, and 170 kg N ha−1) were evaluated during 2003, 2004, and 2005 using soils belonging to the soil subgroup, Aeric Calciaquolls. Growing conditions in 2004 were colder and wetter than either 2003 or 2005, whereas DTPA‐extractable Fe was twofold greater in 2004. Extractable Fe did not necessarily reflect available Fe as relative chlorophyll concentrations (SPAD readings), seed number and weight, and grain yield were all significantly (P < 0.05) less in 2004. Nodulation decreased linearly in response to added N for all varieties, regardless of their Fe efficiency characterization or yearly growing conditions. SPAD readings differed markedly among Vs (22.1–33.8), but showed little response to increasing nitrogen rates (NR) (27.8–30.7). Plant height, seed number, and grain yield all decreased linearly in response to increasing NRs for Fe‐inefficient Vs, whereas these responses in Fe‐efficient and moderately efficient Vs changed little as NR increased. Our results strongly suggest that N should not be applied when Fe‐inefficient Vs are grown on Fe chlorosis‐prone soils.
Unique Dairy Applications of Eastern Gamagrass Forages in Central Wisconsin: II. Nutritive Value and Energy Density
Authors: Coblentz Wayne K. , Hoffman Patrick C. , Jokela William E. , Bertram Michael G.
Published: November 2010

Recently, perennial warm‐season grasses have received considerable interest, largely through bioenergy initiatives, but their suitability for limiting caloric intake by fiber‐demanding livestock classes, such as dairy replacement heifers (Bos taurus) and/or dry cows has not been explored. Our objectives were to evaluate eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] forages harvested from nine single‐ or double‐harvest systems with four N fertilization regimes for macromineral, protein, and fiber composition, and then to estimate the energy densities for these forages by the summative approach. Across the 3‐yr trial, concentrations of neutral‐detergent fiber (NDF) from single‐harvest systems increased with mostly linear (P < 0.001) and quadratic (P = 0.010) effects of harvest date, reaching maximum concentrations ranging from 746 to 801 g kg−1 by early or mid‐August. Similarly, concentrations of lignin increased with delayed harvest dates across single‐harvest systems in predominantly linear (P < 0.001) patterns. Generally, concentrations of lignin were lower than reported for eastern gamagrass forages grown at more southerly latitudes, and ranged from 37.5 to 46.0 g kg−1 in mid‐August. As a result, estimates of total digestible nutrients (TDN) determined by the acid‐detergent lignin option for calculating truly digestible fiber remained relatively high through mid‐August (582 g kg−1). Adjusting truly digestible fiber on the basis of the alternate in vitro 48‐h neutral‐detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) approach resulted in reduced TDN estimates for eastern gamagrass. In northern climates, eastern gamagrass forages have large concentrations of NDF, and could be used to dilute dietary energy for livestock species with low or moderate energy requirements.
Cumulative and Residual Effects of Swine Slurry and Mineral Nitrogen in Irrigated Maize
Authors: Yagüe María R. , Quílez D.
Published: November 2010

Swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) slurry (SS) combined with mineral N fertilizers is a common fertilization practice in irrigated monoculture maize (Zea mays L.) in northeastern Spain. This study was designed to analyze the cumulative and residual response of sprinkler‐irrigated maize to SS application. A 4‐yr field experiment was setup with 16 treatments combining four SS rates between 30 and 120 Mg ha−1 and eight mineral N rates between 0 and 350 kg N ha−1 Maximum yields (10.2–11.7 Mg ha−1) and also critical rate of N fertilization (0 −179 kg N ha−1) varied between years. Application of 30 Mg SS ha−1 at presowing complemented with 175 kg mineral N ha−1 at side‐dressing was the sole SS treatment reaching maximum yield for all years. Significant precipitation in spring 2003 (119 mm) leached the applied N at sowing and maize responded only to the N applied at side‐dressing. The 4‐yr average maximum N fertilization rate that does not promote soil nitrate accumulation was established at 134 kg N ha−1 yr−1 Two years after the last SS application maize yield (average 5.7 Mg ha−1) did not differ from the control treatment (6.3 Mg ha−1); that is, no residual effects were detected 2 yr after SS application. The best maize N fertilization strategy was the application before sowing of a low SS rate that would cover the whole maize PK needs and initial N needs (30 Mg ha−1 of fattening farm SS), complemented with the required amounts of mineral N at side‐dressing.
Body condition of cows in production cycle
Authors: Novakovic Z. , Sretenovic Lj. , Aleksic S. , Petrovic M.M. , Pantelic V. , Ostojic-Andric D. , Niksic D.
Published: November 2010

Condition of animals is manifested through level of achieved nourishment.
Body condition score (BCS) is a precise method of determination of reserves
of deposited energy in form of subcutaneous fat tissue. Adequate body
reserves are necessary requirement for maximal increase of milk production in
the period of early lactation. Based on BCS we can precisely determine the
number of cows which are bellow weight (excessively thin) or over weight
(excessively fat). Body condition changes during lactation. Cows in early
lactation are in the negative energy balance (NEB). Changes of the body
condition should be over at the end of lactation. Objective is to have cows
in optimal body condition during all production phases. Object of research
was body condition of high yielding cows during production cycle. Realized
sample size was 363 cows of Holstein-Friesian breed. Average BCS value of
cows in dry period was 3.39 (2.37-4.41), at calving 3.56 (2.55-4.63), at
lactation peak 2.30 (1.35-3.16) and in the mid lactation 2.50 (1.35-3.43). In
dry period, most of cows (n=100 or 27.55%) ranged in BCS from 3.26 to 3.50.
During dry period increase of body condition scores of cows occurred. At
calving, most of heads (n=99 or 27.50%) ranged in their BCS from 3.51 to
3.75. During period of early lactation there was a significant decrease of
the body condition of cows. At the peak of lactation a slight increase of
body condition was recorded. At the peak of lactation, most cows (n=125 or
36.76%) ranged in BCS from 2.26 to 2.50. In the mid-lactation period, slight
increase of body condition of cows occurred. During this period, most cows
(n=88 or 27.32%) ranged in their BCS from 2.51 to 2.75. In general, realized
average BCS results according to production phases deviated statistically
significantly from target values.
Evaluation of two herbal spices as feed additives for finisher broilers
Authors: Onu P.N.
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two herbal spices as feed
additives for finisher broilers. 120 5-week old birds were randomly assigned
to four treatments in a completely randomized design. Each group was further
subdivided into three replicates of 10 birds per replicate. Four experimental
diets were formulated such that diet I (T1) which served as the control
contained neither ginger nor garlic. Diets 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) contained 0.25%
garlic and ginger respectively. Diet 4 (T4) contained a combination of 0.25%
of garlic and ginger. Response parameters evaluated include weight gain, feed
intake, feed conversion ratio, blood parameters and carcass characteristics.
The experiment lasted for 35 days. Results showed that birds fed supplemented
diets had significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight gain and superior feed
conversion ratio than birds fed the control diet. There was no significant
(P>0.05) difference in the feed consumption of the birds among the
treatments. The hematological indices, serum biochemistry and carcass
characteristics of the birds among the treatment were not significantly
(P>0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. The results of this study
suggest that ginger and garlic can be included in broiler finisher diets
without adversely affecting the performance of the birds.
Genotypic response of two soybean varieties with reduced content of KTI to application of different nitrogen level
Authors: Randjelovic Violeta , Prodanovic S. , Tomic Z. , Bijelic Z.
Published: November 2010

The aim of this investigation was to estimate the effects of different
amounts of nitrogen on the grain yield and nutritive value in two soybean
genotypes (Laura and Lana). Studied varieties belong to different maturity
groups (Laura is in the group I, while Lana is in the group II) and they both
have reduced content of Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI). Four treatments of
fertilization were tested: 0 kg N ha-1, 30 kg N ha-1, 60 kg N ha-1 and 90 kg
N ha-1. Field trials were carried out in dry land farming, at location
Putinci, during the years 2008 and 2009. In both research years, variety Lana
had higher grain yield and oil content then variety Laura. Method of nitrogen
fertilization has been proved as an effective tool for increasing of grain
yield and protein content in both varieties. The results of the study showed
that application of 90 kg N ha-1 increased the grain yield and protein
content of soybean more than application of other treatments (0, 30 and 60 kg
N ha- 1). All nitrogen fertilization levels decreased the oil content.
Environmental Monitoring and Analysis of Faecal Contamination in an Urban Setting in the City of Bari (Apulia Region, Italy): Health and Hygiene Implications
Authors: Tarsitano Elvira , Greco Grazia , Decaro Nicola , Nicassio Francesco , Lucente Maria Stella , Buonavoglia Canio , Tempesta Maria
Published: November 2010

Few studies have been conducted in Italy to quantify the potential risk associated with dynamics and distribution of pathogens in urban settings. The aim of this study was to acquire data on the environmental faecal contamination in urban ecosystems, by assessing the presence of pathogens in public areas in the city of Bari (Apulia region, Italy). To determine the degree of environmental contamination, samples of dog faeces and bird guano were collected from different areas in the city of Bari (park green areas, playgrounds, public housing areas, parkways, and a school). A total of 152 canine faecal samples, in 54 pools, and two samples of pigeon guano from 66 monitored sites were examined. No samples were found in 12 areas spread over nine sites. Chlamydophila psittaci was detected in seven canine and two pigeon guano samples. Salmonella species were not found. On the other hand, four of 54 canine faecal samples were positive for reovirus. Thirteen canine faecal samples were positive for parasite eggs: 8/54 samples contained Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina eggs and 5/54 samples contained Ancylostoma caninum eggs. Our study showed that public areas are often contaminated by potentially zoonotic pathogens.