bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its relationship with leisure time physical activity among Peruvian adults
Authors: Gelaye B. , Revilla L. , Lopez T. , Sanchez S. , Williams M. A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have suggested an inverse relationship between physical activity and MetS. However, these findings were inconsistent, and few investigators have examined these associations among South Americans. We estimated the prevalence of MetS and its association with leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among Peruvian adults.Materials and methods  This cross‐sectional study of 1675 individuals (619 men and 1056 women) was conducted among residents in Lima and Callao, Peru. Information about LTPA, socio‐demographical and other lifestyle characteristics was collected by interview. The presence of MetS was defined using the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.Results  Overall, the prevalence of MetS was 26·9% and was more common among women (29·9%) than men (21·6%). Habitual participation in LTPA was associated with a 23% reduced risk of MetS (OR = 0·77; 95% CI: 0·60–1·03). There was an inverse trend of MetS risk with amount of LTPA (P = 0·016). Compared with non‐exercisers, those who exercised <150 min/week had a 21% reduced risk of MetS (AOR = 0·79; 95% CI 0·60–1·04). Individuals who exercised ≥150 min/week, compared with non‐exercisers, had a 42% reduced risk of MetS (AOR = 0·58; 95% CI: 0·36–0·93). Associations of similar magnitudes were observed when men and women were studied separately.Conclusion  These data document a high prevalence of MetS and suggest an association with LTPA among urban dwelling Peruvians. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these observations and to examine interventions that may promote increased physical activity in this population.
Feather micro‐organisms and uropygial antimicrobial defences in a colonial passerine bird
Authors: Møller Anders P. , Czirjak Gabor Á. , Heeb Philipp 
Published: June 2009

Summary1. The relationship between the composition of communities of micro‐organisms and their hosts remains poorly understood. We conducted extensive field studies of feather‐degrading bacteria, other cultivable bacteria, and fungi on the plumage of a migratory bird, the barn swallowHirundo rusticaLinnaeus, to understand the association between micro‐organisms, host sociality and host antimicrobial defences, as reflected by the size of the uropygial gland.2. The abundance of feather‐degrading bacteria, but not other cultivable bacteria or fungi, decreased with increasing size of the uropygial gland.3. Females had more feather‐degrading bacteria than males.4. Barn swallows living in larger colonies had more feather‐degrading bacteria than less social conspecifics.5. These findings suggest that the uropygial gland plays a specific role in regulating the abundance of feather‐degrading bacteria that furthermore depends on the social environment of the host.
Carotenoid and melanin‐based ornaments signal similar aspects of male quality in two populations of the common yellowthroat
Authors: Dunn Peter O. , Garvin Julia C. , Whittingham Linda A. , Freeman‐Gallant Corey R. , Hasselquist Dennis 
Published: June 2009

Summary 1. Female preferences for particular male ornaments may shift between populations as a consequence of ecological differences that change the reliability and detectability of the ornament, but few studies have examined how ornaments function in different populations. 2. We examined the signalling function of male plumage ornaments in a warbler, the common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), breeding in New York (NY) and Wisconsin (WI), USA. Males have two prominent ornaments: a black facial mask pigmented with melanin and a yellow bib pigmented by carotenoids. Previous studies in WI indicate that the size of the mask, and not the bib, is primarily related to female choice and male reproductive success. In NY, however, the pattern is reversed and attributes of the bib (size and colour), and not the mask, are the target of sexual selection. 3. We found that brightness of the yellow bib was the best signal of humoral immunity (immunoglobulin G) in NY and mask size was the best signal in WI, after controlling for breeding experience and capture date. Thus, similar aspects of male quality appeared to be signalled by different ornaments in different populations. 4. There was no difference between populations in the level of plasma carotenoids or the prevalence of malarial parasites, which may affect the costs and benefits of choosing males with particular ornaments in each location. 5. Even though females in different populations prefer different ornaments produced by different types of pigments, these ornaments appear to be signalling similar aspects of male quality. Our results caution against inferring the function of particular ornaments based simply on their type of pigment.
Inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 impairs the expression of essential plasma cell transcription factors and human B‐lymphocyte differentiation
Authors: Bernard Matthew P. , Phipps Richard P. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryCyclooxygenase (Cox) inhibitors are among the most widely used and commonly prescribed medications. Relatively little is understood about their influence on human immune responses. Herein, we discovered a novel and important mechanism whereby non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) blunt human B‐cell antibody production. We demonstrate that the Cox‐2 selective small molecule inhibitors SC‐58125 and NS‐398 attenuate the production of human antibody isotypes including immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4. In addition, inhibition of Cox‐2 significantly reduced the generation of CD38+ IgM+ and CD38+ IgG+ antibody‐secreting cells. Interestingly, we discovered that inhibition of Cox‐2 activity in normal human B cells severely reduced the messenger RNA and protein levels of the essential plasma cell transcription factor, Blimp‐1. These observations were mirrored in Cox‐2‐deficient mice, which had reduced CD138+ plasma cells and a near loss of Blimp‐1 expression. These new findings demonstrate a critical role for Cox‐2 in the terminal differentiation of human B lymphocytes to antibody‐secreting plasma cells. The use of NSAIDs may adversely influence the efficacy of vaccines, especially in the immunocompromised, elderly and when vaccines are weakly immunogenic.
Setting priorities for health interventions in developing countries: a review of empirical studies
Authors: Youngkong Sitaporn , Kapiriri Lydia , Baltussen Rob 
Published: June 2009

SummaryObjective  To assess and summarize empirical studies on priority‐setting in developing countries.Methods  Literature review of empirical studies on priority‐setting of health interventions in developing countries in Medline and EMBASE (Ovid) databases.Results  Eighteen studies were identified and classified according to their characteristics and methodological approaches. All studies were published after 1999, mostly between 2006 and 2008. Study objectives and methodologies varied considerably. Most studies identified sets of relevant criteria for priority‐setting (17/18) and involved different stakeholders as respondents (11/18). Studies used qualitative (8/15) or quantitative (3/15) techniques, or combinations of these (4/15) to elicit preferences from respondents. In a few studies, respondents deliberated on results (3/18). A minority of studies (7/18) resulted in a rank ordering of interventions.Conclusions  This review has revealed an increase in the number of empirical studies on priority‐setting in developing countries in the past decade. Methods for explicit priority‐setting are developing, being reported and are verifiable and replicable and can potentially lead to solutions for ad hoc policy‐making in health care in many developing countries.
Therapeutic itineraries of patients with ulcerated forms of Mycobacterium ulcerans (Buruli ulcer) disease in a rural health zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Kibadi Kapay , Boelaert Marleen , Kayinua Makanzu , Minuku Jean‐Bedel , Muyembe‐Tamfum Jean‐Jacques , Portaels Françoise , Lefèvre Pierre 
Published: June 2009

SummaryObjective  To describe lay perceptions of the ulcerated forms of Mycobacterium ulcerans, commonly called Buruli ulcer (BU), and therapeutic itineraries of BU patients in a rural area of the Democratic Republic of Congo.Methods  Qualitative research consisting of semi‐structured interviews of 19 patients with clinical signs of BU and 12 in‐depth interviews of confirmed cases allowing for a detailed reconstruction of the itineraries followed.Results  The first symptoms of BU are perceived as mild. The perceived seriousness of the disease increases as the ulceration persists, increases in size or results in complications. Knowledge about the biomedical aetiology of the disease is scarce; it is commonly believed to be due to witches’ attacks or bad fate. Four therapeutic paths are taken: self‐medication, traditional therapy, the church and the health centre. However lay perception, recourse to traditional treatments and self‐medication only partially explain the long delays in diagnosis (on average 6 months); the main problem lies with health providers, particularly the lack of proper diagnostic capability.Conclusions  Diagnostic capabilities at health centre level need to be strengthened through training and supervision. Engaging with the population and the traditional healers would render health promotion messages on BU more relevant and culturally acceptable.
CTLA4 gene polymorphisms and soluble CTLA4 protein in Behcet’s disease
Authors: Park K. S. , Baek J. A. , Do J. E. , Bang D. , Lee E.‐S. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractCytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4; CD152) is a costimulatory molecule expressed on activated T cells that plays a key inhibitory role during T lymphocyte activation. The gene encoding for CTLA4 has been suggested as a candidate for conferring susceptibility to autoinflammatory diseases. We investigated the polymorphisms of the CTLA4 gene [promoter region (−1722 T/C, −1661 A/G and −318 C/T) and exon 1 (+49 G/A)] and the differences of serum soluble sCTLA4 levels in 285 patients with Behcet’s disease (BD) and 287 controls. The frequency of the CTLA4 −1661 GG genotype was significantly higher in BD patients than in controls [P = 0.019, odds ratio (OR) = 5.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–23.86]. Also, the genotype frequency for CTLA4 −1722 TC was significantly higher (P = 0.014, OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.13–2.99), while CTLA4 −1722 CC was significantly lower (P = 0.018, OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.20–0.87) in BD patients with ocular lesions compared with patients without this symptom. Serum sCTLA4 levels in BD patients were significantly lower, especially in BD patients with the CTLA4 +49 G allele, than those in healthy controls (P < 0.05). Although our understanding of the role of the CTLA4 gene and its protein product in BD is incomplete, these results suggest that single nucleotide polymorphisms of the promoter and exon regions in the CTLA4 gene are candidates that predispose to BD and that sCTLA4 may be related to the immunological abnormalities and disease expressions associated with BD.
Feasibility of a new method to collect exhaled breath condensate in pre‐school children
Authors: Rosias Philippe P. R. , Robroeks Charlotte M. , Van De Kant Kim D. , Rijkers Ger T. , Zimmermann Luc J. , Van Schayck Constant P. , Heynens Jan W. , Jöbsis Quirijn , Dompeling Edward 
Published: June 2009

Rosias PPR, Robroeks CM, van de Kant KD, Rijkers GT, Zimmermann LJ, van Schayck CP, Heynens JW, Jöbsis Q, Dompeling E. Feasibility of a new method to collect exhaled breath condensate in pre‐school children.  Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e235–e244. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/SExhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a promising non‐invasive method to assess respiratory inflammation in adults and children with lung disease. Especially in pre‐school children, condensate collection is hampered by long sampling times because of open‐ended collection systems. We aimed to assess the feasibility of condensate collection in pre‐school children using a closed glass condenser with breath recirculation system, which also collects the residual non‐condensed exhaled breath, and subsequently recirculates it back into the condenser. Condensate was collected before and after breath recirculation in 70 non‐sedated pre‐school children with and without recurrent wheeze. Cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, IL‐13, TNF‐α) were measured in 50 μl samples using ultrasensitive multiplexed liquid bead array. The success rate of condensate collection increased from 64% (without recirculation) to 83% (after breath recirculation), and mean condensate volume from 214 to 465 μl respectively. Detection of cytokines was successful in 95–100% of samples. Cytokine concentrations before and after breath recirculation were not different (p > 0.232). In asthmatic children, only TNF‐α concentrations were significantly decreased, compared to non‐asthmatics. In pre‐school children, the collection of EBC is feasible using a new closed glass condenser with breath recirculation system. This new method may help to assess – non‐invasively – cytokine profiles in asthmatic and non‐asthmatic pre‐school children.
Biomechanical properties of adult‐excised porcine trachea for tracheal xenotransplantation
Authors: Shi Hong‐Can , Deng Wei‐Jun , Pei Chang , Lu Dan , Zhang Xiao‐Jun , Wang Xiao‐Hong , Zeng Yan‐Jun 
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Background:  To investigate and evaluate the biomechanical properties of adult‐excised porcine trachea, thereby providing experimental methods and evidence for biomedical engineering of artificial trachea.Methods:  The TY8000 servo‐handle tension test machine was used to measure biomechanical indices, such as bending stiffness, radial pedestal, and stress‐straining. The residual stress and bursting strength of adult‐excised porcine trachea was evaluated.Results:  Residual stress was retained in the adult‐excised porcine trachea. The force of radial pedestal was detected as 10 N, when the diameter of a 50‐mm trachea was compressed to 50%. The bursting strength decreased from 180 mmHg of pharyngeal portion to 110 mmHg in tracheal carina. When the trachea flexed forward or either right or left by 50°, tension reached 0.296 to 0.131 N and 0.254 to 0.150 N, respectively. The curve of stress‐straining measured, according to computer data and results, suggested that tension was maintained at a low level at 50% strain.Conclusions:  Residual stress was retained in the excised porcine trachea, and the porcine trachea membrane disrupted when pressure in the inner wall increased. The porcine trachea exhibits good radial pedestal force, bending, and elongation properties.
Resistance to beet armyworm in a chickpea recombinant inbred line population
Authors: Clement S. L. , Sharma H. C. , Muehlbauer F. J. , Elberson L. R. , Mattinson D. S. , Fellman J. K. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBeet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), is an economic pest of chickpea, Cicer arietinum L., in Mexico and the Indian subcontinent. Larvae feed on the vegetative and reproductive stages of chickpea and the development of plant resistance is a priority in the management of this pest. Forty‐two recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a chickpea recombinant inbred line population (CRIL‐7) developed from a cross between FLIP 84‐92C (susceptible C. arietinum) and PI 599072 (resistant C. reticulatum Lad. accession) were rated resistant (nine lines with post‐trial larval weights 0.42–0.59 mg), moderately resistant/susceptible (25 lines, larval weights 0.61–0.99 mg) and susceptible (eight lines, larval weights 1.01–2.17 mg) to beet armyworm larvae in a general glasshouse screening. Resistance and susceptibility of entries (RILs in the CRIL‐7 population, parents, checks) was based on the average weight gain and fate of early‐stage larvae on pre‐flowering plants. In a growth chamber trial, early‐instar larval weight gain differed significantly (P < 0.0001) among entries (12 RILs, parents, checks), with mean weights from 0.80 mg (resistant RIL) to 4.03 mg (susceptible kabuli cultivar). There were no significant differences (P = 0.0836) in larval mortality among the entries in the growth chamber trial, although mortality rates were 28.2–61.9%. Flavonoid and isoflavonoid extractions and analyses did not clarify the role played by these phytochemicals in chickpea resistance to S. exigua. The requisite high levels of resistance to S. exigua and other pests for breeding resistant culivars may reside in the CRIL‐7 population.
NovelSCN1Amutations in Indonesian patients with severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy
Authors: Herini Elisabeth Siti , Gunadi  , Van Kempen Marjan J.A. , Yusoff Surini , Sutaryo  , Sunartini  , Patria Suryono Yudha , Matsuo Masafumi , Lindhout Dick , Nishio Hisahide 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground: Severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SMEI) and borderline SMEI (SMEB) are caused by a mutation inSCN1A, which encodes a voltage‐gated sodium channel α1‐subunit protein. Although many mutations inSCN1Ahave been associated with clinical features of SMEI or SMEB from different ethnic groups, there have been no such reports from the South‐East Asian populations so far.Methods: Patients 1 and 2 were Indonesian children diagnosed as having SMEI and SMEB based on their clinical features.SCN1Awas screened for mutations using a combination of polymerase chain reaction and denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography. Nucleotide substitutions were confirmed on direct sequencing.Results: In patient 1, a G‐to‐A heterozygous transition was detected at nucleotide 4834 (c.4834G>A) in exon 25, leading to substitution of valine with isoleucine at amino acid position 1612 (p.V1612I) in the SCN1A protein. In patient 2 a T‐to‐G heterozygous transversion was identified at nucleotide 5266 (c.5266T>G) in exon 26, leading to substitution of cysteine with glycine at amino acid 1756 (p.C1756G) in the SCN1A protein. Both amino acid substitutions might disrupt these highly conserved regions in species from drosophila to human, leading to dysfunction of the protein. p.V1612I and p.C1756G were determined as disease‐causing mutations due to their absence in the control population.Conclusion: The first cases of SMEI and SMEB are reported in South‐East Asian populations. Two novelSCN1Amutations are also identified in these patients, p.V1612I and p.C1756G, which may lead to neuronal excitability or convulsions.
Associated conditions and clinical significance of awake bruxism
Authors: Kwak Yong Tae , Han Il‐Woo , Lee Phil Hyu , Yoon Joon‐Kee , Suk Seung‐Han 
Published: June 2009

Background: Awake bruxism is defined as an oral parafunctional activity that includes clenching and grinding of teeth during wakefulness. Confirming the possible related anatomy and the clinical significance of awake bruxism in geriatric hospitals is the aim of this study.Methods: We analyzed the medical records of 503 patients who were admitted to hospital from April to June 2008. After the recognition of bruxism, the clinical, brain imaging studies and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) of brain single photon emission computed tomography were performed.Results: In each disease group, five of 125 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients (4.0%), three of 11 frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients (27.3%), seven of 230 stroke patients (including two patients related to citalopram, 3.0%), one of 45 Parkinson's disease patients (2.2%) and four of 17 hydrocephalus patients (23.5%) had bruxism. Even though awake bruxism occurred early after stroke onset, it occurred late after AD and FTD onset. This occurred in a far advanced stage of AD, while it occurred in a moderately advanced stage of FTD. SPM analysis in AD and FTD patients with awake bruxism revealed significant hypoperfusion in frontotemporal and other subcortical structures. Surface electromyography recordings from the masseter muscle showed rhythmic regular motor activity at a rate of 1–2/s.Conclusion: This study suggests that awake bruxism is encountered not infrequently in various diseases in geriatric hospitals. It is frequently observed in FTD and normal pressure hydrocephalus, which characteristically shows frontal lobe dysfunction. These facts and SPM analysis show that awake bruxism can be regarded as a frontal neurological sign of various neurological disorders.
A critique of elective pediatric supraglottic airway devices
Authors: WHITE MICHELLE C. , COOK TIM M. , STODDART PETER A. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryIn 1988, when the Laryngeal Mask Airway‐Classic™ (Intavent Orthofix, Maidenhead, UK), was introduced there were only two choices of airway management: tracheal tube or facemask. The supraglottic airway, as we now understand the term, did not exist. Yet, 20 years later, we are faced with an ever increasing choice of supraglottic airway devices (SAD). For many SADs, with the exception of the LMA‐ClassicTM and LMA‐ProsealTM (Intavent Orthofix, Maidenhead, UK), there is a lack of high quality data of efficacy. The best evidence requires a randomized controlled trial comparing a new device against an established alternative, properly powered to detect clinically relevant differences in clinically important outcomes. Such studies in children are very rare. Safety data is even harder to establish particularly for rare events such as aspiration. Therefore, most safety data comes from extended use rather than high quality evidence which inevitably biases against newer devices. For reason of these factors, claims of efficacy and particularly safety must be interpreted cautiously. This narrative review aims to present the evidence surrounding the use of currently available pediatric SADs in routine anesthetic practice.
Sedation and analgesia in the pediatric intensive care unit following laryngotracheal reconstruction
Authors: HAMMER GREGORY B. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryBackground:  Children undergoing laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) may remain electively intubated in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for several days following surgery to facilitate wound healing. These patients require sedation and analgesia with or without neuromuscular blockade inorder to prevent excessive head and neck movement with resultant tension on the tracheal anastomosis. Achieving this level of immobility features in caring for these children.Aim:  The aims of this article are to describe a variety of commonly used sedation and analgesic agents and to provide guidance as to their optimal use following LTR.
The design of pediatric tracheal tubes
Authors: LEONG LISA , BLACK ANN E. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryDifferences in the anatomy and physiology of the young child necessitate specialist equipment and anesthetic equipment is constantly evolving. We will review the factors influencing the design of pediatric tubes and highlight those areas of special interest. There have been pleas for more standardization of tube markings, as this would help with positioning of tubes, especially in small babies, and there are recent advances in this area. Anesthetists need to be aware that there are important differences between tubes so that they take this into account when choosing an appropriate tube. In addition, developments in the design of cuffed tubes are increasingly being used both for routine care and specialist surgery.
A disquisition on sleep‐disordered breathing in children
Authors: LERMAN JERROLD 
Published: June 2009

SummarySleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) is a continuum of breathing abnormalities that affects children and adults. This disorder has been continuously evolving, particularly in children, with new insights in its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes. The purpose of this review is to provide a current framework for pediatric anesthesiologists to address the perioperative needs of these children to ensure their safe conduct through anesthesia.