bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mass spectrometry measurement of plasma hepcidin for the prediction of iron overload
Authors: Floreani Annarosa , Navaglia Filippo , Rizzotto Erik Rosa , Basso Daniela , Chiaramonte Maria , Padoan Andrea , Petridis Ioannis , Cazzagon Nora , Testa Roberto , Marra Maurizio , Plebani Mario 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background: Hepcidin has emerged as the primary regulator of iron homeostasis. Previous studies on assessing urinary hepcidin are limited. We developed a method for quantifying hepcidin-25 (Hep-25) in plasma using surface-enhanced laser-desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF/MS) and a 25-AA peptide as reference standard. The aims of the study were 1) to assess the performance of this method in different conditions of iron metabolism disorders; 2) to assess the diagnostic validity of non-invasive serum biomarkers in the identification of iron overload.

Methods: Validation of the method was performed in 10 patients with type I hemochromatosis (HE) and in 177 subjects previously enrolled in a general population epidemiological study. Among the latter group, 17 had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 10 had chronic hepatitis C, and 150 subjects had normal ultrasound, normal liver function tests (LFTs), an alcohol intake <20 g ethanol/day and were negative for the C282Y mutation. The following biomarkers were assayed in each case: plasma Hep-25, C282Y and H63D mutations of the HFE gene; serum iron, ferritin (SF), transferrin saturation, transaminases, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides.

Results: Plasma Hep-25 concentrations were higher in HCV+ patients (26.3±7.2 nmol/L) than in controls, and correlated positively with SF (p<0.001). H63D heterozygous subjects revealed a pattern of iron overload that was significantly higher than H63D wild type subjects. Analyzing the data with the Biomarker Pattern 5.0.2. software to identify the most significant biomarkers for discriminating between HE cases and controls allowed us to produce an algorithm with four terminal nodes, which included glucose >4.8 mmol/L and Hep-25/SF ratio ≤6.6 as the main splitters. These variables enabled the correct diagnosis of HE with 100% sensitivity, 93% specificity and an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.993.

Conclusions: Our plasma Hep-25 mass spectrometry method yields measurements that reflect pathological and genetic influences; simple non-invasive biomarkers (Hep-25/SF ratio and glucose) can predict the presence of HE.
APOA5 −1131T/C polymorphism is associated with coronary artery disease in a Chinese population: a meta-analysis
Authors: Guanghua Zhai , Meifen Li , Chaowang Zhu 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background: Functional studies suggest that the APOA5 −1131T/C polymorphism plays an important role in triglyceride (TG) metabolism, which is an event contributing to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, genetic evidence of its effect on CAD is inconsistent. To assess this correlation, we performed a meta-analysis of published data.

Methods: A comprehensive meta-analysis was performed on nine published studies, with a total sample of 2049 subjects and 2373 controls using a fixed effect model.

Results: Under the fixed effect model, the risk of the disease was significantly higher in subjects with CC genotype in comparison with both TT (OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.64–2.41) and TC (OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.22–1.80) subjects. Compared with TT homozygotes, there was 43% increase in the incidence of CAD (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.26–1.61) of C carriers (CC+TC). There was no heterogeneity for these effect estimates.

Conclusions: Our findings support the view that −1131T/C polymorphism of the APOA5 gene is associated with CAD and the C allele might be a genetic risk factor that increases susceptibility to CAD.
Crystalluria: prevalence, different types of crystals and the role of infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Verdesca Simona , Fogazzi Giovanni B. , Garigali Giuseppe , Messa Piergiorgio , Daudon Michel 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Background: Studies on the frequency of the different types of urinary crystals and the role of Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM) for identification are few. We describe the results of a retrospective study on the prevalence and typology of crystalluria and on the role of FTIRM.

Methods: Urinary crystals were identified using the combined knowledge of crystal morphology, birefringence features and urine pH (combined approach). When this was inconclusive, FTIRM was performed.

Results: Crystalluria was found in 807 out of 9834 samples (8.2%). In 793, the combined approach identified “typical” crystals, while in 14 FTIRM was needed to identify “atypical” crystals. Among “typical crystals”, calcium oxalate (75.9%), uric acid (25.9%) and amorphous urates (7.9%), alone or in combination, were the most frequent. Brushite, ammonium biurate and cystine were the most rare (0.1%–0.7%). FTIRM identified 12 of 14 atypical crystals: three crystals were due to a drug (amoxicillin, indinavir, doubtful phenytoloxamine); four were due to calcium oxalate mono- or bihydrate, uric acid bihydrate or struvite; five were due to calcium carbonate, Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein, or rare salt combinations.

Conclusions: Crystalluria is not rare and most crystals can be identified by the combined approach. Occasionally, identification of crystals will require FTIRM.
Effect of metal ions on some pharmacologically relevant interactions involving fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Authors: Seedher Neelam , Agarwal Pooja 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground:Complexation of five metal cations, Fe3+, Al3+, Zn2+, Cu2+and Mg2+with four fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin, sparfloxacin, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and enrofloxacin and human serum albumin (HSA) has been studied for better understanding of bioavailability of drugs interacting with metals and proteins.Methods:The binding parameters have been determined using fluorescence and ultraviolet absorption spectroscopic techniques. The effect of metal cations on the interaction of fluoroquinolones with HSA has also been investigated.Results:The association constants were of the order of 102–104for the fluoroquinolone-metal ion interaction. For a given drug, the chelation potential of Al3+was highest, whereas that of Mg2+was lowest. At a metal ion/drug ratio of 1:1, approximately 50%–73% of metal ion was bound per mole drug in most cases. In the case of HSA-metal ion interaction, for Fe3+and Zn2+ions, there was only one class of binding site, whereas for Al3+and Cu2+ions, two types of binding sites were found. The relative affinity of various metal ions was found to vary as Al3+>Cu2+>Zn2+>Fe3+. The extent of binding was found to be independent of the charge on the ion. Owing to very weak quenching of fluorescence, the association constant for the interaction of Mg2+ion could not be determined by this technique. The binding affinity of all the fluoroquinolones to HSA was found to increase in the presence of Cu2+ions, whereas all other metal ions decreased the binding ­affinity with the exception of levofloxacin in the presence of Zn2+and Al3+ions. Increase in the binding affinity indicated that the metal ions facilitate HSA-fluoroquinolone interaction and fluoroquinolones probably interact with HSA via a metal ion bridge. Decrease in the binding affinity, by contrast, can either be due to the fact that fluoroquinolone-metal ion complex inhibits fluoroquinolone-HSA interaction or metal ions produce conformational changes in the HSA molecule.Conclusions:Results indicate that metal chelate formation can cause significant reduction in the antimicrobial activity of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Alteration in the HSA-fluoroquinolone binding affinity in the presence of metal ions could have significant pharmacological effects. Quantitative estimate of the magnitude of interaction of different metal ions could also be obtained from the data.
ZR Vertretung ohne Vertretungsmacht
Authors: Petersen Jens 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Nachdem in früheren Aufsätzen Botenschaft und Stellvertretung, das Offenkundigkeitsprinzip sowie Bestand und Umfang der Vertretungsmacht dargestellt wurden, behandelt der vorliegende Beitrag den für die Fallbearbeitung besonders wichtigen Bereich der Vertretung ohne Vertretungsmacht.
Increased mammographic breast density in acromegaly: quantitative and qualitative assessment
Authors: Tagliafico Alberto , Calabrese Massimo , Tagliafico Giulio , Resmini Eugenia , Martinoli Carlo , Rebora Alberto , Colao Annamaria , Pivonello Rosario , Ferone Diego 
Published: December 2010

ContextMammographic density is a strong independent risk factor for breast cancer, whose prevalence in acromegaly is still controversial.ObjectiveTo compare breast density in premenopausal acromegalic patients and controls and to determine whether density correlated with disease duration, GH, and IGF1 levels.Design, setting and participantsA prospective study involving 30 patients and 60 controls matched for age and body mass index.InterventionsA quantitative computer-aided mammographic density estimation (MDEST) and a qualitative blind evaluation by two experienced radiologists using the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) was performed. Totally, 60 (acromegaly) and 120 (controls) craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique mammograms were evaluated in both patients and controls.Main outcome measuresBreast density.ResultsPatients showed a significantly (P<0.01) increased mammographic breast density with both methods (MDEST: 0.33±0.21% and BI-RADS category: 2.81±0.78) in comparison with controls (MDEST: 0.26±0.19% and BI-RADS category: 2.35±0.61). The agreement between the two methods and inter-observer agreement between the two radiologists were excellent (k=0.63 and k=0.85). In patients grouped according to disease activity (17 controlled and 13 uncontrolled) and medical therapy (15 treated and 15 untreated), no differences were found. All these groups had significantly increased mammographic breast density compared with controls (P<0.01).A positive correlation was found between mammographic breast density, IGF1 values and disease duration (r=0.29 and r=0.39), whereas it was not found with GH (r=−0.02).ConclusionsMammographic breast density in premenopausal acromegalic patients is significantly higher than controls and positively correlated with IGF1 and disease duration.
Evolution of the Genomic Recombination Rate in Murid Rodents
Authors: Dumont Beth L , Payseur Bret A 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Although very closely related species can differ in their fine-scale patterns of recombination hotspots, variation in the average genomic recombination rate among recently diverged taxa has rarely been surveyed. We measured recombination rates in eight species that collectively represent several temporal scales of divergence within a single rodent family, Muridae. We used a cytological approach that enables in situ visualization of crossovers at meiosis to quantify recombination rates in multiple males from each rodent group. We uncovered large differences in genomic recombination rate between rodent species, which were independent of karyotypic variation. The divergence in genomic recombination rate that we document is not proportional to DNA sequence divergence, suggesting that recombination has evolved at variable rates along the murid phylogeny. Additionally, we document significant variation in genomic recombination rate both within and between subspecies of house mice. Recombination rates estimated in F1 hybrids reveal evidence for sex-linked loci contributing to the evolution of recombination in house mice. Our results provide one of the first detailed portraits of genomic-scale recombination rate variation within a single mammalian family and demonstrate that the low recombination rates in laboratory mice and rats reflect a more general reduction in recombination rate across murid rodents.
Use of Skeletal Surveys to Evaluate for Physical Abuse: Analysis of 703 Consecutive Skeletal Surveys
Authors: Duffy Shanna O. , Squires Janet , Fromkin Janet B. , Berger Rachel P. 
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVES:The goals were to assess the use of the skeletal survey (SS) to evaluate for physical abuse in a large consecutive sample, to identify characteristics of children most likely to have unsuspected fractures, and to determine how often SS results influenced directly the decision to make a diagnosis of abuse.METHODS:A retrospective, descriptive study of a consecutive sample of children who underwent an SS at a single children's hospital over 4 years was performed. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, SS results, and effects of SS results on clinical diagnoses were collected. A positive SS result was defined as a SS which identified a previously unsuspected fracture(s).RESULTS:Of the 703 SSs, 10.8% yielded positive results. Children &lt;6 months of age, children with an apparent life-threatening event or seizure, and children with suspected abusive head trauma had the highest rates of positive SS results. Of children with positive SS results, 79% had ≥1 healing fracture.CONCLUSIONS:This is the largest study to date to describe the use of the SS. Almost 11% of SS results were positive. The SS results influenced directly the decision to make a diagnosis of abuse for 50% of children with positive SS results. These data, combined with the high morbidity rates for missed abuse and the large proportion of children with healing fractures detected through SS, suggest that broader use of SS, particularly for high-risk populations, may be warranted.
Adherence to the HPV Vaccine Dosing Intervals and Factors Associated With Completion of 3 Doses
Authors: Widdice Lea E. , Bernstein David I. , Leonard Anthony C. , Marsolo Keith A. , Kahn Jessica A. 
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:
The objectives of this study were to determine (1) adherence to the immunization schedule for the human papillomavirus quadrivalent vaccine and (2) factors associated with completion of the 3-dose series.

METHODS:
This was a retrospective review of health information records from an academic medical center. The sample included all 9- to 26-year-old female patients who initiated vaccination within 2 years after quadrivalent vaccine availability. Multivariable logistic regression models were estimated to determine associations with completion of the 3-dose series within 7 and 12 months.

RESULTS:
Among the 3297 female patients who initiated vaccination with human papillomavirus quadrivalent vaccine, 67% self-identified as black and 29% self-identified as white. Fewer than 3% of vaccine doses were received earlier than recommended, but &gt;50% of doses were received late. Completion rates were 14% by 7 months and 28% by 12 months. Independent predictors of completion by 7 months included white versus black race (odds ratio [OR]: 2.04 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64–2.56]; P &lt; .001), use of contraception that required intramuscular injections every 3 months (OR: 1.53 [95% CI: 1.12–1.95]; P &lt; .001), and private versus public insurance (OR: 1.31 [95% CI: 1.06–1.63]; P &lt; .05). Age and clinic type were not independent predictors of completion.

CONCLUSIONS:
Adherence to recommended intervals and completion of the vaccine series were low. Lower rates of completion in black patients compared with white patients raises concern that disparities in vaccine completion could exacerbate existing disparities in cervical cancer.
Smoke-Free Air Laws and Asthma Prevalence, Symptoms, and Severity Among Nonsmoking Youth
Authors: Dove Melanie S. , Dockery Douglas W. , Connolly Gregory N. 
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:We investigated the association between smoke-free laws and asthma prevalence, symptoms, and severity among nonsmoking youth (aged 3–15 years).METHODS:We examined data from the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional survey designed to monitor the health and nutritional status of the US population. Survey locations were dichotomized as having or not having at least 1 smoke-free workplace, restaurant, or bar law at the county or state level that covered the entire county population. Asthma prevalence was assessed as self-reported current asthma and as ever having asthma with current symptoms. Asthmatic symptoms included persistent wheeze, chronic night cough, and wheeze-medication use. We also examined asthma severity (asthma attack or emergency-department visit for asthma) and persistent ear infection.RESULTS:Smoke-free laws were not associated with current asthma but were significantly associated with lower odds of asthmatic symptoms (odds ratio [OR]: 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–0.93]) among nonsmoking youth. The association between smoke-free laws and ever having asthma with current symptoms approached significance (OR: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.53–1.03]). Smoke-free laws were associated with lower odds of asthma attacks (OR: 0.66 [95% CI: 0.28–1.56]) and emergency-department visits for asthma (OR: 0.55 [95% CI: 0.27–1.13]), although these results were not statistically significant.CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggest that smoke-free laws reduce asthmatic symptoms, including persistent wheeze, chronic night cough, and wheeze-medication use in nonsmoking youth.
Tobacco-Smoke Exposure in Children Who Live in Multiunit Housing
Authors: Wilson Karen M. , Klein Jonathan D. , Blumkin Aaron K. , Gottlieb Mark , Winickoff Jonathan P. 
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVE:
There is no safe level of secondhand tobacco-smoke exposure, and no previous studies have explored multiunit housing as a potential contributor to secondhand tobacco-smoke exposure in children. We hypothesized that children who live in apartments have higher cotinine levels than those who live in detached homes, when controlling for demographics.

METHODS:
We analyzed data from the 2001–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The housing types we included in our study were detached houses (including mobile homes), attached houses, and apartments. Our study subjects were children between the ages of 6 and 18 years. Cotinine levels were used to assess secondhand tobacco-smoke exposure, and those living with someone who smoked inside the home were excluded. χ2 tests, t tests, and Tobit regression models were used in Stata. Sample weights accounted for the complex survey design.

RESULTS:
Of 5002 children in our study, 73% were exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke. Children living in apartments had an increase in cotinine of 45% over those living in detached houses. This increase was 212% (P &lt; .01) for white residents and 46% (P &lt; .03) for black residents, but there was no significant increase for those of other races/ethnicities. At every cutoff level of cotinine, children in apartments had higher rates of exposure. The exposure effect of housing type was most pronounced at lower levels of cotinine.

CONCLUSIONS:
Most children without known secondhand tobacco-smoke exposure inside the home still showed evidence of tobacco-smoke exposure. Children in apartments had higher mean cotinine levels than children in detached houses. Potential causes for this result could be seepage through walls or shared ventilation systems. Smoking bans in multiunit housing may reduce children's exposure to tobacco smoke.
Child Maltreatment and the Transition to Adult-Based Medical and Mental Health Care
Authors: Christian Cindy W. , Schwarz Donald F. 
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND:Child maltreatment is a public health problem with lifelong health consequences for survivors. Each year, &gt;29 000 adolescents leave foster care via emancipation without achieving family permanency. The previous 30 years of research has revealed the significant physical and mental health consequences of child maltreatment, yet health and well-being have not been a priority for the child welfare system.OBJECTIVES:To describe the health outcomes of maltreated children and those in foster care and barriers to transitioning these adolescents to adult systems of care.METHODS:We reviewed the literature about pediatric and adult health outcomes for maltreated children, barriers to transition, and recent efforts to improve health and well-being for this population.RESULTS:The health of child and adult survivors of child maltreatment is poor. Both physical and mental health problems are significant, and many maltreated children have special health care needs. Barriers to care include medical, child welfare, and social issues. Although children often have complex medical problems, they infrequently have a medical home, their complex health care needs are poorly understood by the child welfare system that is responsible for them, and they lack the family supports that most young adults require for success. Recent federal legislation requires states and local child welfare agencies to assess and improve health and well-being for foster children.CONCLUSIONS:Few successful transition data are available for maltreated children and those in foster care, but opportunities for improvement have been highlighted by recent federal legislation.
A Survey of Psychological Assessment on Interdisciplinary Craniofacial Teams
Authors: Hood Megan M. , Cradock Mary Michaeleen , Vander Wal Jillon S. 
Published: December 2010

Objective To explore the role of mental health professionals on craniofacial teams and determine how craniofacial teams assess for psychological concerns in their patient populations. Design Online and paper surveys. Participants A total of 55 craniofacial team coordinators and 40 mental health professionals who are team members participated in this study. Results Results indicated that teams in 2007 generally viewed psychological services on their teams similarly to teams assessed in 1987. Most teams do not use formal measures in their assessment of psychological concerns, and they provide feedback via discussions with the families. Mental health professionals assess a wide variety of potential areas of concern and are generally satisfied with the referral sources available to their patients. Conclusions Craniofacial teams appear to practice in a manner consistent with professional standards, and these teams seem to value the inclusion of mental health professionals as part of the interdisciplinary team. Implications and limitations including response rate are discussed.