bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Auditory and vestibular manifestations of Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease
Authors: Al Dousary S 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIntroduction and aims:Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease is a chronic disorder involving the eye and the central nervous, auditory, vestibular and integumentary systems. This study aimed to determine the auditory and vestibular manifestations of this disease.Methods:Twenty-four patients diagnosed with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease were assessed for auditory and vestibular dysfunction.Results:Uveitis presents in all cases. Sensory hearing loss was present in 50 per cent of cases, tinnitus in 42 per cent, vertigo in 17 per cent and headache in 17 per cent. Nine patients received systemic steroids. Six patients who were treated early regained their hearing, but three patients whose treatment was delayed did not. One patient with bilateral profound hearing loss underwent cochlear implantation, and achieved excellent post-implantation hearing.Conclusion:There is a high incidence of cochlear and vestibular end-organ involvement in patients with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease. The adequacy and timing of treatment has a significant effect on the disease outcome. Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease appears to affect the inner ear end-organ. Patients who develop bilateral profound sensory hearing loss are suitable candidates for cochlear implantation.
Northward invasion of the parasitic deer ked (Lipoptena cervi), is there geographical variation in pupal size and development duration?
Authors: KAUNISTO SIRPA , HÄRKÖNEN LAURA , NIEMELÄ PEKKA , ROININEN HEIKKI , YLÖNEN HANNU 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYThe deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is a common ectoparasite of cervids. During the last decades the species has rapidly invaded in northern Europe, especially in Finland, towards the north and increased its prevalence on the moose population. Consequently, during this rapid invasion the deer ked has faced more severe climatic conditions. We studied whether pupal size (measured as pupal weight) and pupal development duration of the deer ked varies along historical invasion zones and temperature zones towards north in Finland. Moreover, we explored possible size- and gender-dependent variation in pupal development duration. We divided wild-collected pupae in respect to their origin in two ways: (1) temperature zones (from south-west to colder north-east) and (2) invasion history (from early to late establishment). We reared pupae in the controlled laboratory conditions in identical temperature and light conditions. Pupal size decreased towards north and the smaller pupae developed faster. However, the results do not show differences in pupal size or developmental characteristics between the invasion zones. This supports the idea of rapid developmental plasticity of the deer ked and that not the invasion history but the current temperature regime determines the life history of the deer ked when invading towards a colder environment.
Availability of data assessing the prevalence and trends of overweight and obesity among European adolescents
Authors: Lien Nanna , Henriksen Hege B , Nymoen Lena L , Wind Marianne , Klepp Knut-Inge 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo review recent data on objectively measured overweight/obesity in national representative samples of European adolescents (aged 10–18 years), as well as availability of studies assessing trends in overweight/obesity in this target group. Attention was paid to the ability of the data to describe the obesity epidemic, especially in sociodemographic subgroups.Design/setting/subjectsData on prevalence and trends in overweight/obesity among adolescents in the twenty-seven European Community member states, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, available as scientific publications as well as reports or unpublished data by the end of 2009, were retrieved. Reports on the most recent objectively measured data from national representative samples were selected and described with regard to the years of data collection, sample sizes, response rates, age ranges included, trends by age, type of measures of overweight/obesity, sociodemographic variables and the sources of information.ResultsObjectively measured data on national representative samples were identified for only half of the countries, and the trend studies were mainly conducted applying subnational samples. Most studies used the criteria from the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) to define overweight/obesity, but the age ranges studied and the years of data collection varied, and information on sample sizes and response rates were often not presented. Data on trends of overweight/obesity over time are increasing, and the most recent studies indicate that the prevalence rate of overweight/obesity has stabilized. Few studies reported data by sociodemographic subgroups other than gender and age.ConclusionsObjectively measured data on national representative samples of adolescents appear scattered, and there is a large heterogeneity with respect to the quality and comparability of available data. Increasing use of the IOTF criteria for overweight/obesity contributes to improved comparability across studies. Data by sociodemographic subgroups, and in particular by socio-economic status, are scarce.
Longitudinal associations of energy balance-related behaviours and cross-sectional associations of clusters and body mass index in Norwegian adolescents
Authors: van der Sluis Maria E , Lien Nanna , Twisk Jos WR , Steenhuis Ingrid HM , Bere Elling , Klepp Knut-Inge , Wind Marianne 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundInsight into the role of energy balance-related behaviours (EBRB) is of great importance when it comes to prevention of weight gain and design of interventions tailored to target these behaviours.ObjectivesFirst, the present study examines the longitudinal association of four EBRB in Norwegian adolescents. Second, it aims to examine whether clusters of EBRB are cross-sectionally associated with being overweight.DesignThe present study is part of the ‘Fruits and Vegetables Make the Marks’ project. The study sample consists of twenty control schools in two Norwegian counties.MethodsSurvey questionnaires were completed by 884 pupils with an average age at baseline, September 2001, of 11·8 years. In the follow-up surveys in May 2002 and May 2005, a total of 809 and 724 adolescents participated, respectively. Four EBRB were measured: habitual fruit and vegetable intake, snacking and soda consumption, television and computer use and physical activity.ResultsResults of the associations between EBRB were similar for boys and girls. The odds, ranging from 1·14 to 12·06, were mostly significant. One out of four clusters, the unhealthy cluster, was significantly and cross-sectionally associated with overweight and obesity.ConclusionsLongitudinal associations of EBRB show that it is important to start early with interventions that aim to prevent unhealthy behaviours becoming habitual. These behaviours should be targeted at the same time as they tend to co-occur. More research, preferably longitudinal and more objective, is needed to investigate associations between health behaviours and body weight among adolescents.
Post-emergence weed control through abrasion with an approved organic fertilizer
Authors: Forcella Frank , James Trevor , Rahman Anis 
Published: September 2010

AbstractCorn gluten meal (CGM) is an approved organic fertilizer and pre-emergence herbicide that can be manufactured in the form of grit. This grit was tested for its ability to abrade seedlings of the summer annual weedy grass, Setaria pumila, when plants were in the 1- to 5-leaf stages of growth. CGM was propelled at air pressures of 250–750 kPa at distances of 30–60 cm from the plants. Established seedlings of S. pumila were controlled more effectively when grit was applied at 500 and 750 kPa than at 250 kPa, as well as when the applicator's nozzle was 30 cm from the plants compared to 60 cm distance. Seedling growth and dry weights were greatly reduced by exposures to grit at 60 cm and 500 kPa for 2 s or less, and seedlings were nearly completely destroyed at 30 cm distance and 750 kPa. CGM, a soft grit, was as effective for abrading seedlings as fine quartz sand, a hard grit. CGM had little pre-emergence herbicidal effect on S. pumila. Although regrowth can occur in S. pumila after abrasion by grit, the initial grit-induced stunting is sufficient to allow competing crop plants, like maize, to escape competition and suppress the weed. Consequently, CGM may be an effective form of soft grit for post-emergence abrasion of seedlings of summer annual grass weeds in organic row crops, while simultaneously supplying the crop with fertilizer.
PP2B/calcineurin-mediated desensitization of TRPV1 does not require AKAP150
Authors: Por Elaine D. , Samelson Bret K. , Belugin Sergei , Akopian Armen N. , Scott John D. , Jeske Nathaniel A. 
Published: September 2010

Activation of protein kinases and phosphatases at the plasma membrane often initiates agonist-dependent signalling events. In sensory neurons, AKAP150 (A-kinase-anchoring protein 150) orientates PKA (protein kinase A), PKC (protein kinase C) and the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent PP2B (protein phosphatase 2B, also known as calcineurin) towards membrane-associated substrates. Recent evidence indicates that AKAP150-anchored PKA and PKC phosphorylate and sensitize the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential subfamily V type 1 channel, also known as the capsaicin receptor). In the present study, we explore the hypothesis that an AKAP150-associated pool of PP2B catalyses the dephosphorylation and desensitization of TRPV1. Biochemical, electrophysiological and cell-based experiments indicate that PP2B associates with AKAP150 and TRPV1 in cultured TG (trigeminal ganglia) neurons. Gene silencing of AKAP150 reduces basal phosphorylation of TRPV1. However, functional studies in neurons isolated from AKAP150−/− mice indicate that the anchoring protein is not required for pharmacological desensitization of TRPV1. Behavioural analysis of AKAP150−/− mice further support this notion, demonstrating that agonist-stimulated desensitization of TRPV1 is sensitive to PP2B inhibition and does not rely on AKAP150. These findings allow us to conclude that pharmacological desensitization of TRPV1 by PP2B may involve additional regulatory components.
Magnetic Resonance Enterography for Suspected Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Horsthuis Karin , de Ridder Lissy , Smets Anne MJB , van Leeuwen Maarten S , Benninga Marc A , Houwen Roderick HJ , Littooij Annemieke S , Nievelstein Rutger AJ , Stoker Jaap 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the study was to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in diagnosing and differentiating pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The secondary aims were to determine the accuracy of MRE in grading disease activity and determine the interobserver agreement for individual MRE parameters.Patients and Methods:Pediatric patients scheduled to undergo esophagogastroduodenoscopy, ileocolonoscopy with biopsies, and barium enteroclysis for suspected IBD were included and underwent MRE. MRE images were evaluated by 3 observers. The accuracy of MRE was calculated using the clinical diagnosis based on endoscopic, histopathological, and barium enteroclysis examinations as reference standard.Results:Thirty‐three patients were available for analysis. IBD was correctly diagnosed in, respectively, 61%, 61%, and 91% of the patients by the 3 observers, with a specificity of 80%, 90%, and 60%. Differentiation between Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) was accurately done in, respectively, 67%, 53%, and 80% of patients with CD and 0%, 14%, and 43% of patients with UC. Disease activity was understaged on MRE in the majority of patients. Intraclass correlation coefficients for measurements of bowel thickness were 0.52 (observer 1–2; observer 1–3) and 0.34 (observer 2–3). Interobserver agreement on bowel wall enhancement and stenosis was moderate to good (κ 0.59, 0.56, and 0.56 and κ 0.62, 0.32, 0.30, respectively).Conclusions:Sensitivity and specificity values of MRE for diagnosing pediatric IBD were moderate to good. CD, but not UC, was accurately diagnosed by MRE in a large proportion of patients. Activity was understaged in a large proportion of patients. Interobserver agreement for individual MRE parameters was fair to good.
Eosinophil Counts in Upper Digestive Mucosa of Western European Children: Variations With Age, Organs, Symptoms, Helicobacter pylori Status, and Pathological Findings
Authors: Kalach N , Huvenne H , Gosset P , Papadopoulos S , Dehecq E , Decoster A , Creusy C , Dupont C 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAim:The aim of the study was to measure the number of eosinophils per high‐power field (eos/HPF) according to age, organs, and clinical symptoms and to compare the results to histological characteristics of the upper digestive tract mucosa in children.Patients and Methods:A systematic prospective assessment of 284 esophagus, 342 antrum, 453 corpus, and 167 duodenum biopsies was carried out in 316 girls and 366 boys referred for endoscopy (median age 9 months), eos/HPF, and histological analysis.Results:Counts (mean–max SD) were as follows: esophagus 1.73 to 50 eos/HPF (5.35), antrum 3.27 to 40 (4.7), corpus 2.11 to 38 (3.76), and duodenum 4.80 to 46 (7.7). Counts >15 eos/HPF were found in 2.8% esophagi, 3.5% corpora, 4.9% antra, and 10.7% duodena. Duodenal eos/HPF were significantly higher than those of esophageal, corporeal, and antral. Mucosal eos/HPF increased with age in esophagus and antrum. The highest esophageal eos/HPF were significantly associated with recurrent abdominal pain, and with anemia in antrum, corpus, and duodenum. Major and/or minor histological features of eosinophilic esophagitis were seen in 9 of 10 esophagi with 5 to 15 eos/HPF and 7 of 8 esophagi with >15 eos/HPF. Eosinophils per high‐power field were significantly correlated with histological antral and corporeal gastric inflammation. Helicobacter pylori–positive children had higher eosinophils per high‐power field than H pylori negative ones both in esophagus and in antrum.Conclusions:The present study shows that in a western European country mucosal hypereosinophilia is rare. Mucosal eosinophil counts increase from esophagus to duodenum, and also with age in esophagus and antrum. The highest eos/HPF in the esophagus are associated with recurrent abdominal pain and in the corpus, antrum, and duodenum with anemia. Features of eosinophilic esophagitis are rare but detectable in association with counts as low as 6 eos/HPF.
Direct Medical Costs of Constipation From Childhood to Early Adulthood: A Population‐based Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Choung Rok Seon , Shah Nilay D , Chitkara Denesh , Branda Megan E , Van Tilburg Miranda A , Whitehead William E , Katusic Slavica K , Locke G Richard , Talley Nicholas J 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTBackground:Although direct medical costs for constipation‐related medical visits are thought to be high, to date there have been no studies examining whether longitudinal resource use is persistently elevated in children with constipation. Our aim was to estimate the incremental direct medical costs and types of health care use associated with constipation from childhood to early adulthood.Methods:A nested case‐control study was conducted to evaluate the incremental costs associated with constipation. The original sample consisted of 5718 children in a population‐based birth cohort who were born during 1976 to 1982 in Rochester, MN. The cases included individuals who presented to medical facilities with constipation. The controls were matched and randomly selected among all noncases in the sample. Direct medical costs for cases and controls were collected from the time subjects were between 5 and 18 years of age or until the subject emigrated from the community.Results:We identified 250 cases with a diagnosis of constipation in the birth cohort. Although the mean inpatient costs for cases were $9994 (95% Confidence interval [CI] 2538–37,201) compared with $2391 (95% CI 923–7452) for controls (P = 0.22) during the time period, the mean outpatient costs for cases were $13,927 (95% CI 11,325–16,525) compared with $3448 (95% CI 3771–4621) for controls (P < 0.001) during the same time period. The mean annual number of emergency department visits for cases was 0.66 (95% CI 0.62–0.70) compared with 0.34 (95% CI 0.32–0.35) for controls (P < 0.0001).Conclusions:Individuals with constipation have higher medical care use. Outpatient costs and emergency department use were significantly greater for individuals with constipation from childhood to early adulthood.
Effect of Surgical Portosystemic Shunt on Prevalence of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Children With Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction: Assessment by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Psychometry
Authors: Srivastava Anshu , Yadav Santosh Kumar , Lal Richa , Yachha Surender Kumar , Thomas Michael A , Saraswat Vivek A , Gupta Rakesh K 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of surgical portosystemic shunt (PSS) on the prevalence of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction.Patients and Methods:Forty‐two children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (17 with surgical PSS, 25 without surgical shunt) and 20 healthy children were evaluated with blood ammonia (BA), psychometry, 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy, critical flicker frequency (CFF), and diffusion tensor imaging. Serum tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 were measured in 10 patients and 8 controls.Results:Patients with surgical PSS had significantly higher BA and glutamine/creatine on 1H‐MR spectroscopy than those without surgical shunt. Both groups of patients had significantly higher BA and glutamate/creatine than controls. Myoinositol was reduced in patients with surgical PSS. MHE was present in 41% cases with and 32% cases without surgical PSS (p‐ns). Raised mean diffusivity on diffusion tensor imaging signifying low‐grade cerebral edema was seen only in MHE cases. Patients had significantly higher serum tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 levels than controls. CFF was abnormal in 5 of 15 patients with MHE.Conclusions:Patients with surgical PSS have significantly higher BA and Glx/creatine than those without surgical PSS. MHE prevalence was higher in surgically shunted than in the nonshunted patients, but the difference was not significant. Cerebral edema is present in patients with MHE. CFF has limited diagnostic utility for MHE in children.
Comparison of three videolaryngoscopes: Pentax Airway Scope, C‐MAC™, Glidescope® vs the Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation*
Authors: Teoh W. H. L. , Saxena S. , Shah M. K. , Sia A. T. H. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryWe compared the intubating characteristics of the Pentax Airway Scope, the C‐MAC™ and the Glidescope® with those of the Macintosh laryngoscope in 400 patients without predictors of difficult intubation. We found shorter intubation times with the Airway Scope (mean (SD) 20.6 (11.5) s) compared with the C‐MAC (31.9 (17.6) s) and Glidescope (31.2 (15.0) s), p < 0.001. The median (IQR [range]) score for ease of intubation was significantly lower (better) with the Airway Scope (0 (0–8.75 [0–60])) than with the C‐MAC (10 (0–20 [0–90])) or Glidescope (0 (0–20 [0–80])), p < 0.001. Ease of blade insertion in the C‐MAC (0 (0–0 [0–30])) was superior to that of the Airway Scope (0 (0–0 [0–70])), Macintosh (0 (0–0 [0–80])) or Glidescope (0 (0–10 [0–60])), p = 0.006. More patients had a grade 1 laryngeal view with the Airway Scope (97%) compared with the C‐MAC (87%), Glidescope (78%), or Macintosh (58%), p < 0.001. There were no grade 3 laryngeal views with the Airway Scope. The three videolaryngoscopes had comparable first attempt successful intubation rates: 95% for the Airway Scope, 93% for the C‐MAC and 91% for the Glidescope.
Exploitation of intertidal grazers as a driver of community divergence
Authors: Martins Gustavo M. , Thompson Richard C. , Neto Ana I. , Hawkins Stephen J. , Jenkins Stuart R. 
Published: September 2010

Summary 1. The possibility that different assemblages of species may represent alternative stable states has been the subject of much theoretical and empirical work. Alternative stable states may in theory arise from a perturbation of sufficient magnitude that pushes an assemblage from one stable equilibrium point to another. Overfishing is one such disturbance that can lead to cascading community‐level effects. Yet, whether these different assemblages represent alternative stable states or are the consequence of chronic disturbance from fishing is still a matter of debate. Understanding the mechanisms that drive community stability is fundamental if we are to assess the consequences of anthropogenic impacts on the structure and function of ecosystems to better inform management of disturbed habitats. 2. To investigate the extent to which present‐day community state is stable versus being maintained by chronic exploitation, we manipulated the time and intensity of physical disturbance and grazing by limpets in a system where over‐harvesting of limpets has led to a regional‐scale shift in community structure to one in which algal turfs have replaced barnacles as the primary space occupier in the mid‐intertidal. 3. After a 1‐year period since disturbance was applied, assemblages in disturbed areas were significantly different from undisturbed areas, but the timing of disturbance and its intensity had little effect on the outcome of succession. Undisturbed areas were highly resistant to new colonization and persisted unchanged throughout the study period. 4. Manipulation of limpet abundance in disturbed patches showed that, where present, limpets successfully prevented the recolonization of space by algal turfs. Moreover, there was evidence that grazing by limpets at the turf/open‐rock boundary effectively pushed the turfs back, extending the area of open‐rock. 5. Synthesis and applications. Our findings provide evidence that in this system the dominance by algal turfs does not represent an alternative stable state but that chronic exploitation of limpets leads to the persistence of this community. Conservation strategies aimed at protecting or enhancing limpet abundances (e.g. no‐take marine reserves) should allow the gradual restoration of this community to its pre‐disturbed state.