bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of the type 2 deiodinase Thr92Ala polymorphism with type 2 diabetes: case–control study and meta-analysis
Authors: Dora José Miguel , Machado Walter Escouto , Rheinheimer Jakeline , Crispim Daisy , Maia Ana Luiza 
Published: June 2010

ObjectiveThe type 2 deiodinase (D2) is a key enzyme for intracellular triiodothyronine (T3) generation. A single-nucleotide polymorphism in D2 (Thr92Ala) has been associated with increased insulin resistance in nondiabetic and type 2 diabetes (DM2) subjects. Our aim was to evaluate whether the D2 Thr92Ala polymorphism is associated with increased risk for DM2.Design and methodsA case–control study with 1057 DM2 and 516 nondiabetic subjects was performed. All participants underwent genotyping of the D2 Thr92Ala polymorphism. Additionally, systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature for genetic association studies of D2 Thr92Ala polymorphism and DM2 were performed in Medline, Embase, LiLacs, and SciELO, and major meeting databases using the terms ‘rs225014’ odds ratio (OR) ‘thr92ala’ OR ‘T92A’ OR ‘dio2 a/g’.ResultsIn the case–control study, the frequencies of D2 Ala92Ala homozygous were 16.4% (n=173) versus 12.0% (n=62) in DM2 versus controls respectively resulting in an adjusted OR of 1.41 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.03–1.94, P=0.03). The literature search identified three studies that analyzed the association of the D2 Thr92Ala polymorphism with DM2, with the following effect estimates: Mentuccia (OR 1.40 (95% CI 0.78–2.51)), Grarup (OR 1.09 (95% CI 0.92–1.29)), and Maia (OR 1.22 (95% CI 0.78–1.92)). The pooled effect of the four studies resulted in an OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.03–1.36, P=0.02).ConclusionsOur results indicate that in a case–control study, the homozygosity for D2 Thr92Ala polymorphism is associated with increased risk for DM2. These results were confirmed by a meta-analysis including 11 033 individuals, and support a role for intracellular T3 concentration in skeletal muscle on DM2 pathogenesis.
Prolonged and Exclusive Breastfeeding Reduces the Risk of Infectious Diseases in Infancy
Authors: Duijts Liesbeth , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Hofman Albert , Moll Henriëtte A. 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE:To examine the associations of duration of exclusive breastfeeding with infections in the upper respiratory (URTI), lower respiratory (LRTI), and gastrointestinal tracts (GI) in infancy.METHODS:This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study from fetal life onward in the Netherlands. Rates of breastfeeding during the first 6 months (never; partial for &lt;4 months, not thereafter; partial for 4–6 months; exclusive for 4 months, not thereafter; exclusive for 4 months, partial thereafter; and exclusive for 6 months) and doctor-attended infections in the URTI, LRTI, and GI until the age of 12 months were assessed by questionnaires and available for 4164 subjects.RESULTS:Compared with never-breastfed infants, those who were breastfed exclusively until the age of 4 months and partially thereafter had lower risks of infections in the URTI, LRTI, and GI until the age of 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.65 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51–0.83]; aOR: 0.50 [CI: 0.32–0.79]; and aOR: 0.41 [CI: 0.26–0.64], respectively) and of LRTI infections between the ages of 7 and 12 months (aOR: 0.46 [CI: 0.31–0.69]). Similar tendencies were observed for infants who were exclusively breastfed for 6 months or longer. Partial breastfeeding, even for 6 months, did not result in significantly lower risks of these infections.CONCLUSIONS:Exclusive breastfeeding until the age of 4 months and partially thereafter was associated with a significant reduction of respiratory and gastrointestinal morbidity in infants. Our findings support health-policy strategies to promote exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months, but preferably 6 months, in industrialized countries.
Yield of Lumbar Puncture Among Children Who Present With Their First Complex Febrile Seizure
Authors: Kimia Amir , Ben-Joseph Elana Pearl , Rudloe Tiffany , Capraro Andrew , Sarco Dean , Hummel David , Johnston Patrick , Harper Marvin B. 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE:To assess the rate of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) among children who present with their first complex febrile seizure (CFS).DESIGN AND METHODS:This study was a retrospective, cohort review of patients aged 6 to 60 months who were evaluated in a pediatric emergency department (ED) between 1995 and 2008 for their first CFS. Cases were identified by using a computerized text search followed by a manual chart review. Exclusion criteria included prior history of nonfebrile seizures, an immunocompromised state, an underlying illness associated with seizures or altered mental status, or trauma. Data extracted included age, gender, seizure features, the number of previous simple febrile seizures, temperature, a family history of seizures, findings on physical examination, laboratory and imaging study results, and ED diagnosis and disposition.RESULTS:We identified 526 patients. The median age was 17 months (interquartile range: 13–24), and 44% were female. Ninety patients (17%) had a previous history of simple febrile seizures. Of the patients, 340 (64%) had a lumbar puncture (LP). The patients' median white blood cell count during a CFS was 1 cell per μL (interquartile range: 1–2), and 14 patients had CSF pleocytosis (2.7% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–4.5]). Three patients had ABM (0.9% [95% CI: 0.2–2.8]). Two had Streptococcus pneumoniae in a culture of their cerebrospinal fluid. Among these 2 patients, 1 was nonresponsive during presentation, and the other had a bulging fontanel and apnea. The third child appeared well; however, her blood culture grew S pneumoniae and failed the LP test. None of the patients for whom an LP was not attempted subsequently returned to the hospital with a diagnosis of ABM (0% [95% CI: 0, 0.9]).CONCLUSION:Few patients who experienced a CFS had ABM in the absence of other signs or symptoms.
Effect of Hypothermia on Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalogram in Infants With Asphyxia
Authors: Thoresen Marianne , Hellström-Westas Lena , Liu Xun , de Vries Linda S. 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVES:
Amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) at &lt;6 hours is the best single outcome predictor in term infants with perinatal asphyxia at normothermia. Hypothermia has been used to treat those infants and proved to improve their outcome. The objectives of this study were to compare the predictive value of aEEG at &lt;6 hours on outcomes in normothermia- and hypothermia-treated infants and to investigate the best outcome predictor (time to normal trace or sleep–wake cycling [SWC]) in normothermia- and hypothermia-treated infants.

METHODS:
Seventy-four infants were recruited by using the CoolCap entry criteria, and their outcomes were assessed by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II at 18 months. The aEEG was recorded for 72 hours. Patterns and voltages of aEEG backgrounds were assessed.

RESULTS:
The positive predictive value of an abnormal aEEG pattern at the age of 3 to 6 hours was 84% for normothermia and 59% for hypothermia. Moderate abnormal voltage background at 3 to 6 hours of age did not predict outcome. The recovery time to normal background pattern was the best predictor of poor outcome (96.2% in hypothermia, 90.9% in normothermia). Never developing SWC always predicted poor outcome. Time to SWC was a better outcome predictor for infants who were treated with hypothermia (88.5%) than with normothermia (63.6%).

CONCLUSIONS:
Early aEEG patterns can be used to predict outcome for infants treated with normothermia but not hypothermia. Infants with good outcome had normalized background pattern by 24 hours when treated with normothermia and by 48 hours when treated with hypothermia.
Errors of Diagnosis in Pediatric Practice: A Multisite Survey
Authors: Singh Hardeep , Thomas Eric J. , Wilson Lindsey , Kelly P. Adam , Pietz Kenneth , Elkeeb Dena , Singhal Geeta 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE:
We surveyed pediatricians to elicit their perceptions regarding frequency, contributing factors, and potential system- and provider-based solutions to address diagnostic errors.

METHODS:
Academic, community, and trainee pediatricians (N = 1362) at 3 tertiary care institutions and 109 affiliated clinics were invited to complete the survey anonymously through an Internet survey administration service between November 2008 and May 2009.

RESULTS:
The overall response rate was 53% (N = 726). More than one-half (54%) of respondents reported that they made a diagnostic error at least once or twice per month; this frequency was markedly higher (77%) among trainees. Almost one-half (45%) of respondents reported diagnostic errors that harmed patients at least once or twice per year. Failure to gather information through history, physical examination, or chart review was the most-commonly reported process breakdown, whereas inadequate care coordination and teamwork was the most-commonly reported system factor. Viral illnesses being diagnosed as bacterial illnesses was the most-commonly reported diagnostic error, followed by misdiagnosis of medication side effects, psychiatric disorders, and appendicitis. Physicians ranked access to electronic health records and close follow-up of patients as strategies most likely to be effective in preventing diagnostic errors.

CONCLUSION:
Pediatricians reported making diagnostic errors relatively frequently, and patient harm from these errors was not uncommon.
Influence of Licensed Characters on Children's Taste and Snack Preferences
Authors: Roberto Christina A. , Baik Jenny , Harris Jennifer L. , Brownell Kelly D. 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE:
The goal was to study how popular licensed cartoon characters appearing on food packaging affect young children's taste and snack preferences.

METHODS:
Forty 4- to 6-year-old children tasted 3 pairs of identical foods (graham crackers, gummy fruit snacks, and carrots) presented in packages either with or without a popular cartoon character. Children tasted both food items in each pair and indicated whether the 2 foods tasted the same or one tasted better. Children then selected which of the food items they would prefer to eat for a snack.

RESULTS:
Children significantly preferred the taste of foods that had popular cartoon characters on the packaging, compared with the same foods without characters. The majority of children selected the food sample with a licensed character on it for their snack, but the effects were weaker for carrots than for gummy fruit snacks and graham crackers.

CONCLUSIONS:
Branding food packages with licensed characters substantially influences young children's taste preferences and snack selection and does so most strongly for energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. These findings suggest that the use of licensed characters to advertise junk food to children should be restricted.
Measurement Issues in Trials of Pediatric Acute Diarrheal Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Johnston Bradley C. , Shamseer Larissa , da Costa Bruno R. , Tsuyuki Ross T. , Vohra Sunita 
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND:Worldwide, diarrheal diseases rank second among conditions that afflict children. Despite the disease burden, there is limited consensus on how to define and measure pediatric acute diarrhea in trials.OBJECTIVES:In RCTs of children involving acute diarrhea as the primary outcome, we documented (1) how acute diarrhea and its resolution were defined, (2) all primary outcomes, (3) the psychometric properties of instruments used to measure acute diarrhea and (4) the methodologic quality of included trials, as reported.METHODS:We searched CENTRAL, Embase, Global Health, and Medline from inception to February 2009. English-language RCTs of children younger than 19 years that measured acute diarrhea as a primary outcome were chosen.RESULTS:We identified 138 RCTs reporting on 1 or more primary outcomes related to pediatric acute diarrhea/diseases. Included trials used 64 unique definitions of diarrhea, 69 unique definitions of diarrhea resolution, and 46 unique primary outcomes. The majority of included trials evaluated short-term clinical disease activity (incidence and duration of diarrhea), laboratory outcomes, or a composite of these end points. Thirty-two trials used instruments (eg, single and multidomain scoring systems) to support assessment of disease activity. Of these, 3 trials stated that their instrument was valid; however, none of the trials (or their citations) reported evidence of this validity. The overall methodologic quality of included trials was good.CONCLUSIONS:Even in what would be considered methodologically sound clinical trials, definitions of diarrhea, primary outcomes, and instruments employed in RCTs of pediatric acute diarrhea are heterogeneous, lack evidence of validity, and focus on indices that may not be important to participants.
N-carbamylglutamate Augments Ureagenesis and Reduces Ammonia and Glutamine in Propionic Acidemia
Authors: Mew Nicholas Ah , McCarter Robert , Daikhin Yevgeny , Nissim Itzhak , Yudkoff Marc , Tuchman Mendel 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVES:The objective of this study was to determine whether N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) reduces plasma levels of ammonia and glutamine and increases the rate of ureagenesis in patients with propionic acidemia (PA).METHODS:Identical 4-hour studies were performed before and immediately after a 3-day trial of oral NCG in 7 patients with PA. An oral bolus of [13C]sodium acetate was administered at the start of each study, and sequential blood samples were obtained to measure [13C]urea, ammonia, urea, and amino acids.RESULTS:With longitudinal mixed-effects linear regression, peak [13C]urea increased after treatment with NCG (from 2.2 to 3.8 μM; P &lt; .0005). There were concomitant decreases in mean plasma ammonia (59–43 μM; P &lt; .018) and glutamine (552–331 μM; P &lt; .0005).CONCLUSIONS:NCG augments ureagenesis and decreases plasma ammonia and glutamine in patients with PA. The drug may serve as an important therapeutic adjunct in the treatment of acute hyperammonemia in this disorder.
Foot morphology and substrate adhesion in the Madagascan hissing cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa
Authors: van Casteren Adam , Codd Jonathan R. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Insects are successful terrestrial organisms able to locomote over a wide range of obstacles and substrates. This study investigated how foot morphology (tarsal structure) correlates with substrate adhesion and ecological niche in the Madagascan hissing cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa Schaum (Blattaria: Blaberidae). Using light and scanning electron microscopy, the morphology of the different structures of the tarsus of G. portentosa was analysed. Using an Instron® universal testing machine, a series of peak force experiments were then conducted to record the force required to lift the cockroaches off different substrates. G. portentosa was pulled off 10 different substrates, which consisted of smooth Perspex; Perspex scored at 1cm intervals; Perspex hatched at 1 cm, 0.5 cm, and 1 mm intervals; Perspex abraded with fine grade sandpaper; Perspex abraded with coarse grade sandpaper; wood; glass; and Teflon. A clear relationship was seen where an increase in scoring on the Perspex caused a decrease in adhesive ability of G. portentosa. This may be due to there being adequate contact area for the attachment of the pads and to allow the claws to engage. The results obtained suggest that to achieve the greatest adhesion to substrates, G. portentosa uses a combined effect of both adhesive pads and pretarsal claws. Adhesion to a wide range of substrates appears to be an adaptation to life as a wingless forest floor dweller.
On the differential advantages of evergreenness and deciduousness in mediterranean oak woodlands: a flux perspective
Authors: Baldocchi Dennis D. , Ma Siyan , Rambal Serge , Misson Laurent , Ourcival Jean-Marc , Limousin Jean-Marc , Pereira Joao , Papale Dario 
Published: June 2010

We assessed the differential advantages of deciduousness and evergreenness by examining 26 site‐years of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and energy flux measurements from five comparable oak woodlands in France, Italy, Portugal, and California (USA). On average, the evergreen and deciduous oak woodlands assimilated and respired similar amounts of carbon while using similar amounts of water. These results suggest that evergreen and deciduous woodlands have specific, and similar, ecological costs in mediterranean climates, and that both leaf habits are able to meet these costs.What are the mechanisms behind these findings? Deciduous oaks compensated for having a shorter growing season by attaining a greater capacity to assimilate carbon for a given amount of intercepted solar radiation during the well‐watered spring period; at saturating light levels, deciduous oaks gained carbon at six times the rate of evergreen oaks. Otherwise, the two leaf habits experienced similar efficiencies in carbon use (the change in carbon respired per change in carbon assimilated), water use (the change in carbon assimilation per change in water evaporated), and rainfall use (the change in evaporation per change in rainfall).Overall, leaf area index, rather than leaf habit, was the significant factor in determining the absolute magnitude of carbon gained and water lost by each evergreen and deciduous oak woodland over an annual interval; the closed canopies assimilated and respired more carbon and transpired more water than the open canopies.Both deciduous and evergreen mediterranean oaks survive in their seasonally hot/dry, wet/cool native range by ensuring that actual evaporation is less than the supply of water. This feat is accomplished by adjusting the leaf area index to reduce total water loss at the landscape scale, by down‐regulating photosynthesis, respiration, and stomatal conductance with progressive seasonal soil water deficits, and by extending their root systems to tap groundwater.
A new parameterization for estimating co‐occurrence of interacting species
Authors: Waddle J. Hardin , Dorazio Robert M. , Walls Susan C. , Rice Kenneth G. , Beauchamp Jeff , Schuman Melinda J. , Mazzotti Frank J. 
Published: June 2010

Models currently used to estimate patterns of species co‐occurrence while accounting for errors in detection of species can be difficult to fit when the effects of covariates on species occurrence probabilities are included. The source of the estimation problems is the particular parameterization used to specify species co‐occurrence probability. We develop a new parameterization for estimating patterns of co‐occurrence of interacting species that allows the effects of covariates to be specified quite naturally without estimation problems. In our model, the occurrence of one species is assumed to depend on the occurrence of another, but the occurrence of the second species is not assumed to depend on the presence of the first species. This pattern of co‐occurrence, wherein one species is dominant and the other is subordinate, can be produced by several types of ecological interactions (predator–prey, parasitism, and so on).A simulation study demonstrated that estimates of species occurrence probabilities were unbiased in samples of 50–100 locations and three surveys per location, provided species are easily detected (probability of detection ≥ 0.5). Higher sample sizes (>200 locations) are needed to achieve unbiasedness when species are more difficult to detect. An analysis of data from treefrog surveys in southern Florida indicated that the occurrence of Cuban treefrogs, an invasive predator species, was highest near the point of its introduction and declined with distance from that location. Sites occupied by Cuban treefrogs were 9.0 times less likely to contain green treefrogs and 15.7 times less likely to contain squirrel treefrogs compared to sites without Cuban treefrogs. The detection probabilities of native treefrog species did not depend on the presence of Cuban treefrogs, suggesting that the native treefrog species are naive to the introduced species.
Regional avian species declines estimated from volunteer‐collected long‐term data using List Length Analysis
Authors: Szabo Judit K. , Vesk Peter A. , Baxter Peter W. J. , Possingham Hugh P. 
Published: June 2010

Long‐term systematic population monitoring data sets are rare but are essential in identifying changes in species abundance. In contrast, community groups and natural history organizations have collected many species lists. These represent a large, untapped source of information on changes in abundance but are generally considered of little value. The major problem with using species lists to detect population changes is that the amount of effort used to obtain the list is often uncontrolled and usually unknown. It has been suggested that using the number of species on the list, the “list length,” can be a measure of effort. This paper significantly extends the utility of Franklin's approach using Bayesian logistic regression. We demonstrate the value of List Length Analysis to model changes in species prevalence (i.e., the proportion of lists on which the species occurs) using bird lists collected by a local bird club over 40 years around Brisbane, southeast Queensland, Australia. We estimate the magnitude and certainty of change for 269 bird species and calculate the probabilities that there have been declines and increases of given magnitudes.List Length Analysis confirmed suspected species declines and increases. This method is an important complement to systematically designed intensive monitoring schemes and provides a means of utilizing data that may otherwise be deemed useless. The results of List Length Analysis can be used for targeting species of conservation concern for listing purposes or for more intensive monitoring. While Bayesian methods are not essential for List Length Analysis, they can offer more flexibility in interrogating the data and are able to provide a range of parameters that are easy to interpret and can facilitate conservation listing and prioritization.
Increased Brain Fatty Acid Uptake in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Karmi Anna , Iozzo Patricia , Viljanen Antti , Hirvonen Jussi , Fielding Barbara A. , Virtanen Kirsi , Oikonen Vesa , Kemppainen Jukka , Viljanen Tapio , Guiducci Letizia , Haaparanta-Solin Merja , Någren Kjell , Solin Olof , Nuutila Pirjo 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE
To test whether brain fatty acid uptake is enhanced in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) and whether weight reduction modifies it.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We measured brain fatty acid uptake in a group of 23 patients with MS and 7 age-matched healthy control subjects during fasting conditions using positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C]-palmitate and [18F]fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid ([18F]-FTHA). Sixteen MS subjects were restudied after 6 weeks of very low calorie diet intervention.

RESULTS
At baseline, brain global fatty acid uptake derived from [18F]-FTHA was 50% higher in patients with MS compared with control subjects. The mean percentage increment was 130% in the white matter, 47% in the gray matter, and uniform across brain regions. In the MS group, the nonoxidized fraction measured using [11C]-palmitate was 86% higher. Brain fatty acid uptake measured with [18F]-FTHA-PET was associated with age, fasting serum insulin, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. Both total and nonoxidized fractions of fatty acid uptake were associated with BMI. Rapid weight reduction decreased brain fatty acid uptake by 17%.

CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first study on humans to observe enhanced brain fatty acid uptake in patients with MS. Both fatty acid uptake and accumulation appear to be increased in MS patients and reversed by weight reduction.