bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serological and clinical characteristics of children with peanut sensitization in an Asian community
Authors: Chiang Wen Chin , Pons Laurent , Kidon Mona Iancovici , Liew Woei Kang , Goh Anne , Wesley Burks A. 
Published: August 2009

Chiang WC, Pons L, Kidon MI, Liew WK, Goh A, Wesley Burks A. Serological and clinical characteristics of children with peanut sensitization in an Asian community. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e429–e438. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/SIn the past two decades, peanut allergy prevalence has increased in the West but has been perceived as having remained low in Asia. To review the clinical presentation of Asian children with peanut hypersensitivity and measure their IgE responses to major peanut allergens. We enrolled 31 children presenting with various allergies and a positive skin prick test to peanut from the Children’s hospital outpatient allergy clinic in Singapore. A detailed questionnaire was completed by parents. The children’s serum IgE specific to native Ara h 1, native Ara h 2, and recombinant Ara h 3 were detected using ELISA. Of the 31 patients, 19 had previously documented reactions to peanuts, while 12 had no previous clinical reaction. Most, 89.5% (17/19) of first reactions featured skin changes (urticaria, erythema, angioedema), but only 36.8% (7/19) involved skin symptoms alone. Respiratory symptoms and GI symptoms occurred in 42.1% and 26.3% of patients respectively and did not occur as the sole manifestation of reaction. The most common GI manifestation was emesis, present in 26.3% (5/19) of subjects. Two children experienced impaired consciousness with systemic, anaphylactic events. Although most sought treatment for their first peanut reaction only one patient received epinephrine. Half of our patients reported a subsequent accidental ingestion after the diagnosis of peanut allergy, with a median time from diagnosis to first accidental ingestion of 4 months and a reported increased severity of reaction in approximately half of the repeat exposures. Eighty‐seven percent of children had specific IgE directed against at least one of the major peanut allergens. Among all patients, 87.1% had IgE specific to both Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 and 54.8% to rAra h 3. Asian children with peanut sensitization have clinically similar presentations and respond to the same major allergenic proteins as their Western counterparts. The perceived differences between the populations in this context do not stem from divergent clinical or immunological responses.
Mineral classification from quantitative X‐ray maps using neural network: Application to volcanic rocks
Authors: Tsuji Takeshi , Yamaguchi Haruka , Ishii Teruaki , Matsuoka Toshifumi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe developed a mineral classification technique of electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) maps in order to reveal the mineral textures and compositions of volcanic rocks. In the case of lithologies such as basalt that include several kinds of minerals, X‐ray intensities of several elements derived from EPMA must be considered simultaneously to determine the mineral map. In this research, we used a Kohonen self‐organizing map (SOM) to classify minerals in the thin‐sections from several X‐ray intensity maps. The SOM is a type of artificial neural network that is trained using unsupervised training to produce a two‐dimensional representation of multi‐dimensional input data. The classified mineral maps of in situ oceanic basalts of the Juan de Fuca Plate allowed us to quantify mineralogical and textural differences among the marginal and central parts of the pillow basalts and the massive flow basalt. One advantage of mineral classification using a SOM is that relatively many minerals can be estimated from limited input elements. By applying our method to altered basalt which contains multiple minerals, we successfully classify eight minerals in thin‐section.
Geophysical implications of Izu–Bonin mantle wedge hydration from chemical geodynamic modeling
Authors: Hebert Laura B. , Gurnis Michael 
Published: August 2009

AbstractUsing two‐dimensional dynamic models of the Northern Izu–Bonin (NIB) subduction zone, we show that a particular localized low‐viscosity (ηLV =  3.3 × 1019 − 4.0 × 1020 Pa s), low‐density (Δρ ∼ −10 kg/m3 relative to ambient mantle) geometry within the wedge is required to match surface observations of topography, gravity, and geoid anomalies. The hydration structure resulting in this low‐viscosity, low‐density geometry develops due to fluid release into the wedge within a depth interval from 150 to 350 km and is consistent with results from coupled geochemical and geodynamic modeling of the NIB subduction system and from previous uncoupled models of the wedge beneath the Japan arcs. The source of the fluids can be either subducting lithospheric serpentinite or stable hydrous phases in the wedge such as serpentine or chlorite. On the basis of this modeling, predictions can be made as to the specific low‐viscosity geometries associated with geophysical surface observables for other subduction zones based on regional subduction parameters such as subducting slab age.
Management of cow's milk protein allergy in infants and young children: An expert panel perspective
Authors: Allen Katrina J , Davidson Geoffrey P , Day Andrew S , Hill David J , Kemp Andrew S , Peake Jane E , Prescott Susan L , Shugg Albert , Sinn John KH , Heine Ralf G 
Published: August 2009

AbstractCow's milk protein allergy is a condition commonly managed by general practitioners and paediatricians. The diagnosis is usually made in the first 12 months of life. Management of immediate allergic reactions and anaphylaxis includes the prevention of accidental food ingestion and provision of an adrenaline autoinjector, if appropriate. By contrast, the clinical course of delayed food‐allergic manifestations is characterised by chronicity, and is often associated with nutritional or behavioural sequelae. Correct diagnosis of these non‐IgE‐mediated conditions may be delayed due to a lack of reliable diagnostic markers. This review aims to guide clinicians in the: (i) diagnostic evaluation (skin prick testing or measurement of food‐specific serum IgE levels; indications for diagnostic challenges for suspected IgE‐ and non‐IgE‐mediated food allergy), (ii) dietary treatment, (iii) assessment of response to treatment, (iv) differential diagnosis and further diagnostic work‐up in non‐responders, (v) follow‐up assessment of tolerance development and (vi) recommendations for further referral.
Parental awareness and attitudes of food marketing to children: A community attitudes survey of parents in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Kelly Bridget , Chapman Kathy , Hardy Louise L , King Lesley , Farrell Louise 
Published: August 2009

Aim:  To determine parents' attitudes and awareness of food marketing to children.Method:  Computer‐assisted telephone interviews of a random sample of 400 parents of children aged 5–17 years and who were the main grocery buyers for that household, living in NSW, Australia. The main outcome measures included parental awareness and attitudes relating to food marketing to children, the perceived role of government versus industry in food marketing regulation and children's food purchasing requests as a result of exposure to food marketing.Results:  The majority of parents were concerned about food marketing to children, with the highest level of concern registered for the positioning of food at supermarket checkouts (83% of parents concerned). Parental awareness of certain non‐broadcast media food marketing (e.g. print, radio and premium offers) to children was low. The majority of parents (91%) did not trust the industry to protect children from food marketing. Most parents (81%) believed that the government should restrict the use of non‐broadcast media marketing of unhealthy food to children. Parents of younger children were more likely to report that their child asked for advertised food products, compared with parents of adolescents (65% and 48% respectively, P < 0.0001).Conclusions:  Reductions in point of sale food promotions would be welcomed by parents. Raising community awareness of the non‐broadcast media channels used to market food to children is important as part of building family and policy efforts to limit exposure to this otherwise relatively unregulated media environment.
Evaluation of a national resource to identify and study rare diseases: The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit
Authors: He Suwen , Zurynski Yvonne A , Elliott Elizabeth J 
Published: August 2009

Aims:  To evaluate the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU).Methods:  We used criteria recommended by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for evaluating surveillance systems and reviewed productivity, response rates, completeness of the mailing list and impacts of APSU studies. Anonymous evaluation questionnaires were sent to 1260 reporting clinicians, 42 researchers and 86 public health professionals to seek their feedback as users of the APSU.Results:  APSU provides national epidemiological and clinical data about rare childhood conditions that inform public health policy and clinical practice. Between 2000 and 2007, APSU data were disseminated in 106 journal articles, 207 scientific presentations and 85 media items. Of paediatricians and paediatric sub‐specialists actively practicing in Australia and listed as Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, 92% participate in APSU surveillance. An average 96% of monthly report cards were returned per annum since 2000. Sensitivity of case ascertainment was difficult to calculate for many conditions because alternative sources of ascertainment do not exist. Evaluation questionnaires were returned by 818 (65%) reporting clinicians, who believe APSU is valuable for generating knowledge 665 (81%), identifying research priorities 635 (78%), guiding clinical practice 572 (70%) and informing public health policy 575 (70%). Similar responses were received from researchers and public health professionals.Conclusions:  The APSU fulfils its objectives and meets relevant CDC criteria for usefulness, simplicity, acceptability and representativeness, sensitivity and timeliness of data quality. However, stability is threatened by lack of continuing core funding. APSU is highly productive and valued by child health clinicians, researchers and public health professionals.
The learning environment of paediatric trainees in New Zealand
Authors: Pinnock Ralph , Reed Peter , Wright Matthew 
Published: August 2009

Aims:  To assess the learning environment of New Zealand paediatric trainees, examine the factors influencing the trainee's perceptions of their learning environment and to assess the suitability of using the Postgraduate Hospital Education Environment Measure (PHEEM) in New Zealand.Methods:  Paediatric trainees completed the PHEEM questionnaire and returned this anonymously by email.Results:  Both basic and advanced trainees' perceptions of the environment were generally positive but significant concerns were identified. There were differences in perceptions of the learning environment between the basic and advanced trainees and between sites with more than six trainees compared with those with six or fewer trainees. The PHEEM is practical to use, showed good internal consistency and was acceptable to trainees.Conclusions:  Both basic and advanced trainees perceived the learning environment positively but significant concerns must be addressed.The advanced trainees perceived the overall learning environment and the teaching they receive more positively than basic trainees. Trainees at smaller hospitals perceived that their social supports were better than at larger hospitals.The PHEEM can be used to assess the paediatric training environment in New Zealand.
Acute pancreatitis associated with varicella infection in an immunocompetent child
Authors: Franco João , Fernandes Ricardo , Oliveira Marta , Alves Ana Dias , Braga Manuela , Soares Isabel , Calhau Paulo 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAcute pancreatitis associated with varicella‐zoster infection is a rare event, particularly in immunocompetent children. We report on a case of acute pancreatitis in a 6‐year old girl presenting with acute abdominal pain less than 72 hours after the onset of a typical vesicular rash. The diagnosis was confirmed through hyperamylasaemia, ultrasonographic findings of oedematous pancreatitis and acute seroconversion to varicella‐zoster virus, after excluding more common causes of acute pancreatitis. Conservative treatment was initiated, with complete resolution of symptoms and absence of local or systemic complications on follow up. A review of the literature revealed only three previously reported cases, with very different outcomes, highlighting the need to consider this potentially fatal complication in every child presenting with acute abdominal pain during the course of varicella disease.
Left ventricular mass in hypertensive patients with mild‐to‐moderate reduction of renal function
Authors: CERASOLA GIOVANNI , NARDI EMILIO , MULÈ GIUSEPPE , PALERMO ALESSANDRO , CUSIMANO PAOLA , GUARNERI MARCO , ARSENA ROSALIA , GIAMMARRESI GAIA , CAROLA FORACI ANNA , COTTONE SANTINA 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between LV mass and mild‐to‐moderate renal dysfunction in a group of non‐diabetic hypertensives, free of CV diseases, participating in the Renal Dysfunction in Hypertension (REDHY) study.Methods:  Patients with diabetes, a body mass index (BMI) of more than 35 kg/m2, secondary hypertension, CV diseases and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 30 mL/min per 1.73 m2 were excluded. The final sample included 455 patients, who underwent echocardiographic examination and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.Results:  There was a significant trend for a stepwise increase in LV mass, indexed by both body surface area (LVMI) and height elevated to 2.7 (LVMH2.7), with the declining renal function, that remained statistically significant after correction for potential confounders. The prevalence of LVH, defined either as LVMI of 125 g/m2 or more or as LVMH2.7 of 51 g/m2.7 or more, was higher in subjects with lower values of GFR than in those with normal renal function (P < 0.001 in both cases). The multiple regression analysis confirmed that the inverse association between GFR and LVM was independent of confounding factors.Conclusion:  The present study confirms the high prevalence of LVH in patients with mild or moderate renal dysfunction. In the patients studied (all with a GFR of 30 mL/min per 1.73 m2), the association between LVM and GFR was independent of potential confounders, including 24 h blood pressure load. Taking into account the negative prognostic impact of LVH, further studies focusing on a deeper comprehension of the mechanisms underlying the development of LVH in chronic kidney disease patients are needed.
Plant species loss decreases arthropod diversity and shifts trophic structure
Authors: Haddad Nick M. , Crutsinger Gregory M. , Gross Kevin , Haarstad John , Knops Johannes M.H. , Tilman David 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPlant diversity is predicted to be positively linked to the diversity of herbivores and predators in a foodweb. Yet, the relationship between plant and animal diversity is explained by a variety of competing hypotheses, with mixed empirical results for each hypothesis. We sampled arthropods for over a decade in an experiment that manipulated the number of grassland plant species. We found that herbivore and predator species richness were strongly, positively related to plant species richness, and that these relationships were caused by different mechanisms at herbivore and predator trophic levels. Even more dramatic was the threefold increase, from low‐ to high‐plant species richness, in abundances of predatory and parasitoid arthropods relative to their herbivorous prey. Our results demonstrate that, over the long term, the loss of plant species propagates through food webs, greatly decreasing arthropod species richness, shifting a predator‐dominated trophic structure to being herbivore dominated, and likely impacting ecosystem functioning and services.
Reducing horizontal and vertical diversity in a foodweb triggers extinctions and impacts functions
Authors: Srivastava Diane S. , Bell Thomas 
Published: August 2009

AbstractSpecies loss can result in secondary extinctions and changes in ecosystem functions at distant trophic levels. Such effects of species loss are predicted to be affected by both the number of species lost within a trophic level (horizontal diversity) and the number of trophic levels lost (vertical diversity). We experimentally manipulated horizontal and vertical diversity within an aquatic insect community, and examined responses throughout the food web. Horizontal and vertical diversity both impacted ciliates: reduction of detritivorous insect diversity resulted in secondary extinctions and decreased density of ciliates, but only when an insect predator was simultaneously absent. Horizontal and vertical diversity differed in their effect on other foodweb processes, including detrital processing, predator growth, and densities of rotifers, flagellates and flatworms. These results caution that foodweb effects of multitrophic species loss may not be reliably predicted from manipulations of just one dimension of diversity.
Behavioural interactions between ecosystem engineers control community species richness
Authors: Gribben Paul E. , Byers James E. , Clements Michael , McKenzie Louise A. , Steinberg Peter D. , Wright Jeffrey T. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBehavioural interactions between ecosystem engineers may strongly influence community structure. We tested whether an invasive ecosystem engineer, the alga Caulerpa taxifolia, indirectly facilitated community diversity by modifying the behaviour of a native ecosystem engineer, the clam Anadara trapezia, in southeastern Australia. In this study, clams in Caulerpa‐invaded sediments partially unburied themselves, extending >30% of their shell surface above the sediment, providing rare, hard substrata for colonization. Consequently, clams in Caulerpa had significantly higher diversity and abundance of epibiota compared with clams in unvegetated sediments. To isolate the role of clam burial depth from direct habitat influences or differential predation by habitat, we manipulated clam burial depth, predator exposure and habitat (Caulerpa or unvegetated) in an orthogonal experiment. Burial depth overwhelmingly influenced epibiont species richness and abundance, resulting in a behaviourally mediated facilitation cascade. That Caulerpa controls epibiont communities by altering Anadara burial depths illustrates that even subtle behavioural responses of one ecosystem engineer to another can drive extensive community‐wide facilitation.
A national survey of the current state of screening services for diabetic retinopathy: ABCD–Diabetes UK survey of specialist diabetes services 2006
Authors: Nagi D. K. , Gosden C. , Walton C. , Winocour P. H. , Turner B. , Williams R. , James J. , Holt R. I. G. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe main aims were to ascertain the progress made in the implementation of retinal screening services and to explore any barriers or difficulties faced by the programmes. The survey focused on all the essential elements for retinal screening, including assessment and treatment of screen‐positive cases. Eighty‐five per cent of screening programmes have a coordinated screening service and 73% of these felt that they have made significant progress. Eighty‐five per cent of screening units use ‘call and recall’ for appointments and 73.5% of programmes follow the National Screening Committee (NSC) guidance. Although many units worked closely with ophthalmology, further assessment and management of screen‐positive patients was a cause for concern. The fast‐track referral system, to ensure timely and appropriate care, has been difficult to engineer by several programmes. This is demonstrated by 48% of programmes having waiting lists for patients identified as needing further assessment and treatment for retinopathy. Ophthalmology service for people with diabetic retinopathy was provided by a dedicated ophthalmologist in 89.4% of the programmes. Sixty‐six per cent of the programmes reported inadequate resources to sustain a high‐quality service, while 26% highlighted the lack of infrastructure and 49% lacked information technology (IT) support. In conclusion, progress has been made towards establishing a national screening programme for diabetic retinopathy by individual screening units, with a number of programmes providing a structured retinal screening service. However, programmes face difficulties with resource allocation and compliance with Quality Assurance (QA) standards, especially those which apply to ophthalmology and IT support. Screening programmes need to be resourced adequately to ensure comprehensive coverage and compliance with QA.
Moderating effects of coping styles on anxiety and depressive symptoms caused by psychological stress in Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhang C.‐X. , Tse L.‐A. , Ye X.‐Q. , Lin F.‐Y. , Chen Y.‐M. , Chen W.‐Q. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAims  This study aimed to assess possible interactive effects of coping styles and psychological stress on depression and anxiety symptoms in Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes.Methods  Three hundred and four patients with Type 2 diabetes underwent a face‐to‐face interview by trained research staff according to a standardized questionnaire including information on socio‐demographic characteristics, psychological stress, coping styles and anxiety and depressive symptoms. The interactive effects of coping styles and psychological stress on depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed by hierarchical multiple regression analyses.Results  There were significant associations of the four domains of psychological stress with anxiety and depressive symptoms, except for the relationship between ‘reduced economic condition’ and depressive symptoms. ‘Negative coping style’ significantly increased the level of both anxiety and depressive symptoms; whereas, ‘active coping style’ and ‘avoidant coping style’ decreased the risk of depressive symptoms. The interactions of ‘negative coping style’ with ‘worrying about decline in body/physical function’ and ‘reduced economic condition’ significantly increased the risk of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and the interaction of ‘social/family crisis caused by the disease’ with ‘avoidance coping style’ and ‘worrying about decline in body/physical function’ with ‘active coping style’ significantly decreased the risk of depressive symptoms.Conclusions  The results of this study suggest that certain coping styles might moderate the association of psychological stress with anxiety and depressive symptoms in Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes.