bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rome II Versus Rome III Classification of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Pediatric Chronic Abdominal Pain
Authors: Baber Kari F , Anderson Julia , Puzanovova Martina , Walker Lynn S 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives:The updated Rome III criteria for pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) include new FGID categories and changes to the Rome II criteria for various FGIDs. To our knowledge, the implications of these revisions for patient classification have not been identified. The purpose of this study was to compare classification results using Rome II versus Rome III criteria for FGIDs associated with chronic abdominal pain.Patients and Methods:Participants were 368 pediatric patients whose subspecialty evaluations for chronic abdominal pain yielded no evidence of organic disease. The children's gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed with the parent‐report version of the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS).Results:More patients met the criteria for a pediatric pain‐related FGID according to the Rome III criteria (86.6%) than the Rome II criteria (68.0%). In comparison with the results from the Rome II criteria, the Rome III criteria classified a greater percentage of children as meeting criteria for Abdominal Migraine (23.1% vs 5.7%) and Functional Abdominal Pain (11.4% vs 2.7%). Irritable Bowel Syndrome was the most common diagnosis according to both Rome II (44.0%) and Rome III (45.1%).Conclusions:Changes to the Rome criteria make the Rome III criteria more inclusive, allowing classification of 86.6% of pediatric patients with medically unexplained chronic abdominal pain.
High Incidence and Allelic Homogeneity of Wilson Disease in 2 Isolated Populations: A Prerequisite for Efficient Disease Prevention Programs
Authors: Antonietta Zappu , Olympia Magli , Lepori Maria Barbara , Valentina Dessì , Stefania Diana , Simona Incollu , Emmanuel Kanavakis , Polyxeni Nicolaidou , Nina Manolaki , Andreas Fretzayas , Stefano De Virgiliis , Antonio Cao , Georgios Loudianos 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives:Herein we report the results of mutation‐based screening for Wilson disease (WD) in 2 isolated populations of Sardinia and the Greek island of Kalymnos.Patients and Methods:Mutation analysis was performed in 110 and 9 WD families originating respectively from Sardinia and Kalymons using single‐strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing methods. In Sardinia, a limited screening was performed for −441/−427del in 5290 newborns, whereas in Kalymnos 397 newborns underwent mutation screening for H1069Q and R969Q using appropriate methods.Results:In Sardinia, mutation analysis showed the presence of 6 mutations accounting for 85% of chromosomes, 1 of which (−441/−427del) is present in 61.7% of alleles. The screening for −441/−427del in 5290 newborns revealed the presence of 122 heterozygotes, which is equal to an allelic frequency of 1.15%. Assuming the same distribution of WD mutations in the general Sardinian population, we also inferred an allelic frequency of 0.77% for mutations other than −441/−427del, which accounts for an overall frequency of any WD mutation of 1.92%. Assuming Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium, these data could be translated into a WD incidence of 1 in 2707 live births. In Kalymnos, mutation analysis in 9 WD families revealed the presence of only 2 mutations. The screening of 397 newborns revealed the presence of 18 heterozygotes for H1069Q, 9 for R969Q, and 1 compound heterozygote for these mutations, which is equal to an allele frequency of 3.7%. Assuming Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium, the expected carrier rate is 7%.Conclusions:These data indicate the need for health education for WD prevention in these isolated populations.
North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Management of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Authors: Li B UK , Lefevre Frank , Chelimsky Gisela G , Boles Richard G , Nelson Susanne P , Lewis Donald W , Linder Steven L , Issenman Robert M , Rudolph Colin D 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTCyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder noted for its unique intensity of vomiting, repeated emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and reduced quality of life. It is often misdiagnosed due to the unappreciated pattern of recurrence and lack of confirmatory testing. Because no accepted approach to management has been established, the task force was charged to develop a report on diagnosis and treatment of CVS based upon a review of the medical literature and expert opinion. The key issues addressed were the diagnostic criteria, the appropriate evaluation, the prophylactic therapy, and the therapy of acute attacks. The recommended diagnostic approach is to avoid “shotgun” testing and instead to use a strategy of targeted testing that varies with the presence of 4 red flags: abdominal signs (eg, bilious vomiting, tenderness), triggering events (eg, fasting, high protein meal), abnormal neurological examination (eg, altered mental status, papilledema), and progressive worsening or a changing pattern of vomiting episodes. Therapeutic recommendations include lifestyle changes, prophylactic therapy (eg, cyproheptadine in children 5 years or younger and amitriptyline for those older than 5), and acute therapy (eg, 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists, termed triptans herein, as abortive therapy, and 10% dextrose and ondansetron for those requiring intravenous hydration). This document represents the official recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition for the diagnosis and treatment of CVS in children and adolescents.
Adiponectin and Insulin Resistance in Childhood Obesity
Authors: Panagopoulou Paraskevi , Galli‐Tsinopoulou Assimina , Fleva Alexandra , Pavlitou‐Tsiontsi Ekaterini , Vavatsi‐Christaki Norma , Nousia‐Arvanitakis Sanda 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives:To measure adiponectin serum levels in Greek children and adolescents and correlate them with body fat and insulin resistance.Patients and Methods:Forty‐six obese prepubertal children (19 M, 27 F) and 34 obese adolescents (17 M, 17 F) ages 9.33 ± 1.57 and 13.6 ± 1.42 years, respectively, and 43 matched control individuals were studied. Body mass index standard deviation score and percent body fat were measured by bioelectric impedance analysis. Fasting indices of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR and fasting glucose‐to‐insulin ratio) were calculated for all participants. Indices of insulin resistance derived from oral glucose tolerance tests were estimated in obese participants. Adiponectin was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results: (Mean ± SD):Adiponectin serum levels were significantly lower in obese participants than in nonobese participants (8.11 ± 3.80 vs 11.81 ± 4.98 μg/mL, P < 0.001), in obese children than in nonobese children (8.86 ± 3.86 vs 13.08 ± 5.48 μg/mL, P < 0.001), in obese adolescents than in nonobese adolescents (7.04 ± 3.43 vs 10.47 ± 4.10 μg/mL, P = 0.002), and in obese adolescent boys than in obese adolescent girls (5.87 ± 3.52 vs 8.31 ± 3.16 μg/mL, P = 0.042). There were significant correlations between adiponectin and age, body mass index, body mass index standard deviation score, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, and fasting glucose‐to‐insulin ratio. Adiponectin correlated with percent body fat after adjustment for sex. Adiponectin correlated significantly with several indices of insulin resistance, such as the areas under the curves for glucose and insulin, whole‐body insulin sensitivity index, glucose120′, and insulin30′, in obese participants.Conclusions:Adiponectin was significantly lower in obese participants than in nonobese participants in general, and it correlated significantly with fasting indices of insulin resistance and with indices derived from oral glucose tolerance tests. It is worthwhile to further investigate the option of applying a simple measurement of serum adiponectin as a screening tool before applying more time‐consuming techniques in young obese individuals.
Variability in responses to thermal stress in parasitoids
Authors: AMICE GAËLLE , VERNON PHILIPPE , OUTREMAN YANNICK , VAN ALPHEN JACQUES , VAN BAAREN JOAN 
Published: August 2008

Abstract 1. To study phenotypic effects of stress, a stress is applied to cohorts of organisms with an increasing intensity. In the absence of mortality the response of traits will be a decreasing function of stress intensity because of increasing physiological costs. We call such decreasing functions type A responses.2. However, when stress caused mortality, some studies have found that for high stress intensities, survivors performed as well as control individuals (type B responses). We proposed that type A responses are caused by the physiological cost of stress whereas type B responses are caused by a mixture of physiological costs and selection.3. The present study exposed Aphidius picipes wasps to an increasing duration of cold storage (cold stress), and obtained variable responses as predicted when both physiological costs and selection of resistant individuals determine the outcome.4. When cold storage of parasitoids for biological control is desirable, research should be carried out to find (i) the temperature regime and duration of storage and (ii) the least sensitive stage for storage to minimise losses from mortality and reduction of fitness of survivors.5. Selection by cold stress as observed in the present study could result in rapid adaptation of populations exposed to such stress.
Functional redundancy of stream macroconsumers despite differences in catchment land use
Authors: SCHOFIELD K. A. , PRINGLE C. M. , MEYER J. L. , ROSI‐MARSHALL E. J. 
Published: August 2008

Summary1. The conversion of forested landscapes to agriculture and, increasingly, to suburban and urban development significantly affects the structure and function of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. While a growing body of research is examining how biotic communities change in response to human alteration of landscapes, less is known about how these changes in community structure affect biotic interactions.2. The objective of this study was to examine top‐down control by macroconsumers (fish and crayfish) across a human‐impacted landscape. We predicted that changes in stream macroconsumers and physicochemical characteristics associated with increased catchment development (e.g. decreased abundance of fish that are obligate benthic invertivores, increased sedimentation) would diminish top‐down control of benthic insects. We expected that effects on algal assemblages would be more variable, with increased top‐down control at sites dominated by algivorous fish and diminished control elsewhere. To test these predictions, we experimentally excluded fish and crayfish from areas of the bed of five streams whose catchments ranged from 100% to <50% forested, and examined the effects of exclusion on benthic insects and algae.3. Despite cross‐site differences in physical, chemical and biological characteristics, the outcome of our experiments was consistent across five sites representing a range of catchment development. Across all sites, macroconsumers reduced total insect biomass, largely due to decreases in Chironomidae and Hydropsychidae larvae. Macroconsumers also affected algal assemblages, reducing chlorophyll‐a and the proportion of upright and filamentous diatoms (e.g. Melosira, Cymbella) but increasing the proportion of adnate diatoms (e.g. Achnanthes) across all sites.4. We expected that differences in factors such as macroconsumer assemblage composition, nutrient and light availability and sedimentation would result in variable responses to macroconsumer exclusion in the five streams. Contrary to these expectations, only one response variable (ash‐free dry mass) showed a statistically significant interaction (i.e. site × exclusion) effect. Most responses to exclusion were relatively consistent, suggesting functional redundancy in assemblages of macroconsumers among the sites despite differences in catchment land use.
MsSOCS expression indicates a potential role for JAK/STAT signalling in the early stages of Manduca sexta spermatogenesis
Authors: Elliott G. C. , Zeidler M. P. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractOur understanding of the Drosophila melanogaster testis stem cell niche has identified the signalling pathways required to maintain stem cells and promote self‐renewal. Here we present the first detailed examination of the testes stem cell niche in the lepidopteran Manduca sexta. We show that larval testes contain hub‐like structures surrounded by mitotically active cells likely to represent a self‐renewing stem cell population. In addition, we have cloned DNA fragments encoding parts of M. sexta Signal Transducer and Activators of Transcription (STAT) and Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling (SOCS) homologues and show that expression of MsSOCS is upregulated in hub‐adjacent cells. Given the conservation of socs‐like genes and their regulation as Janus Kinases/Signal Transducer and Activators Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway targets, we suggest that increased expression within the testis stem cells indicates increased levels of JAK/STAT signalling and a conserved role for pathway signalling in testis stem cell maintenance.
Dissecting the role of Kr‐h1 brain gene expression in foraging behavior in honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Fussnecker B. , Grozinger C. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractExpression of Krüppel homolog‐1 (Kr‐h1) in the honey bee brain is strongly associated with foraging behavior. We performed a series of studies to determine if Kr‐h1 expression correlates with specific aspects of foraging. We found that Kr‐h1 expression is unaffected by flight experience in male bees. Expression was unaffected by behavioral reversion of workers from foraging to brood care, suggesting that expression is not associated with the active performance of foraging, but rather with stable physiological changes. Kr‐h1 expression is increased by cGMP treatment in workers, and the Kr‐h1 promoter contains a conserved potential cGMP response element. Since cGMP treatment causes precocious foraging, our results suggest that Kr‐h1 expression is associated with cGMP‐mediated changes in the brain that occur early in the transition to foraging behavior.
Evaluating online solutions for experiential support of distance learning by teachers in China
Authors: Gu X. , Zhang B. , Lin X. , Song X. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper describes and assesses the development of an online solution for the experiential support of distance learning by teachers. Three hundred and forty‐eight randomly selected K‐12 teachers participated in this pilot study using the online learning environment designed in this research. Teachers' products, surveys, and interviews were collected and analysed. Results showed that the teacher‐learners could learn as well as in face‐to‐face learning in an earlier implementation of the course. The learning support system as designed fits teacher‐learners' needs. They benefited from learning communities formed online as well as face‐to‐face. More support for online discussion and example cases are needed to support experiential learning. Suggestions are made to improve the design of the learning support system and the pedagogy for experiential teacher learning.
Chronic antigen ingestion protects ovalbumin sensitized mice from severe manifestation of Leishmania major infection
Authors: SALDANHA J. C. S. , GARGIULO D. L. , DOURADO L. P. A. , SANTIAGO H. C. , MENEZES G. B. , REIS M. L. C. , TAFURI W. L. , TEIXEIRA M. M. , VIEIRA L. Q. , CARA D. C. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY In the present work, the development of experimental leishmaniasis was examined in sensitized BALB/c mice that were chronically fed with antigen. After an oral challenge with egg white solution, the ovalbumin (Ova)‐sensitized mice showed an increase in serum anti‐Ova IgE and IgG1 antibodies. Lesions induced by Leishmania major infection were reduced by the ingestion of Ova in sensitized mice, as assessed by reduced footpad growth, lower parasite loads and improved pathological outcome compared to sham sensitized mice. Moreover, such findings were connected to a shift to a Th1 response involving higher IFN‐γ production and serum levels of IgG2a anti‐Leishmania antigens. The data appear to corroborate the suggestion that chronic ingestion of an antigen by sensitized mice modulates the immunological system through a shift in cytokine release, exhibiting a healing response and resistance to L. major infection.
CLINICAL STUDY: Very low dose naltrexone addition in opioid detoxification: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Mannelli Paolo , Patkar Ashwin A. , Peindl Kathi , Gorelick David A. , Wu Li‐Tzy , Gottheil Edward 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTAlthough current treatments for opioid detoxification are not always effective, medical detoxification remains a required step before long‐term interventions. The use of opioid antagonist medications to improve detoxification has produced inconsistent results. Very low dose naltrexone (VLNTX) was recently found to reduce opioid tolerance and dependence in animal and clinical studies. We decided to evaluate safety and efficacy of VLNTX adjunct to methadone in reducing withdrawal during detoxification. In a multi‐center, double‐blind, randomized study at community treatment programs, where most detoxifications are performed, 174 opioid‐dependent subjects received NTX 0.125 mg, 0.250 mg or placebo daily for 6 days, together with methadone in tapering doses. VLNTX‐treated individuals reported attenuated withdrawal symptoms [F = 7.24 (2,170);P = 0.001] and reduced craving [F = 3.73 (2,107);P = 0.03]. Treatment effects were more pronounced at discharge and were not accompanied by a significantly higher retention rate. There were no group differences in use of adjuvant medications and no treatment‐related adverse events. Further studies should explore the use of VLNTX, combined with full and partial opioid agonist medications, in detoxification and long‐term treatment of opioid dependence.
GENETIC STUDY: The dopamine D4Receptor (DRD4) gene exon III polymorphism, problematic alcohol use and novelty seeking: direct and mediated genetic effects
Authors: Ray Lara A. , Bryan Angela , MacKillop James , McGeary John , Hesterberg Kirstin , Hutchison Kent E. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTThe present study sought to integrate convergent lines of research on the associations among the dopamine D4receptor (DRD4) gene, novelty seeking and drinking behaviors with the overall goal of elucidating genetic influences on problematic drinking in young adulthood. Specifically, this study tested a model in which novelty seeking mediated the relationship between DRD4 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) genotype and problematic alcohol use. Participants (n = 90, 40 females) were heavy‐drinking college students. Analyses using a structural equation modeling framework suggested that the significant direct path between DRD4 VNTR genotype and problematic alcohol use was reduced to a trend level in the context of a model that included novelty seeking as a mediator, thereby suggesting that the effects of DRD4 VNTR genotype on problematic alcohol use among heavy‐drinking young adults were partially mediated by novelty seeking. Cross‐group comparisons indicated that the relationships among the model variables were not significantly different in models for men versus women. These results extend recent findings of the association between this polymorphism of the DRD4 receptor gene, problematic alcohol use and novelty seeking. These findings may also help elucidate the specific pathways of risk associated with genetic influences on alcohol use and abuse phenotypes.
Erythrocyte storage in hypertonic (SAGM) or isotonic (PAGGSM) conservation medium: influence on cell properties
Authors: Zehnder L. , Schulzki T. , Goede J. S. , Hayes J. , Reinhart W. H. 
Published: August 2008

Background and Objectives  Prolonged red blood cell (RBC) storage may be associated with increased post‐transfusion morbidity and mortality. A contributing factor is RBC storage lesions. We analysed the role of additive conservation solutions, either hypertonic or isotonic, on such cell properties.Materials and Methods  After blood donation in citrate–phosphate–dextrose as an anticoagulant, 10 RBC units were stored with saline–adenine–glucose–mannitol (SAGM; 376 mOsm/l) and 10 units with phosphate–adenine–glucose–guanosin–saline–mannitol (PAGGSM; 285 mOsm/l). Measurements were made on days 1 and 42 of storage.Results  The mean cellular volume measured by centrifuged microhaematocrit increased from 87·6 ± 3·1 fl to 100·7 ± 4·3 fl in PAGGSM and to 92·2 ± 2·5 fl in SAGM (P < 0·001) on day 1, after 42 days it was 95·8 ± 4·0 fl and 93·8 ± 3·9 fl, respectively. Spontaneous haemolysis and osmotic fragility were lower after storage in PAGGSM. Both additives showed a similar degree of echinocytosis, decreased RBC aggregability and deformability, and increased RBC suspension viscosity after storage.Conclusions  The isotonic PAGGSM prevented the initial RBC swelling caused by citrate–phosphate–dextrose less than hypertonic SAGM, but reduced the spontaneous haemolysis rate and osmotic fragility after 42 days of storage. All other parameters, such as echinocytosis, decreased RBC deformability and aggregability, and increased blood viscosity was similar for both additive solutions and remained a major problem of blood banking.
Barrett's esophagus: A retrospective analysis of 13 years surveillance
Authors: Switzer‐Taylor Victoria , Schlup Martin , Lübcke Ralf , Livingstone Vicki , Schultz Michael 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased significantly. Barrett's esophagus (BE), a known precursor, has a high prevalence but only few patients with this condition progress to malignancy − surveillance and screening programs are controversial and lack proven efficacy. This retrospective analysis reviews the 13‐year outcome for patients entered into a surveillance program.Methods:  Data from patients with histologically proven Barrett's esophagus (1992–2003) that participated in a surveillance program were identified and analyzed retrospectively until 2005.Results:  404/536 patients had Barrett's esophagus confirmed histologically of which 212 (53%) were followed in a surveillance program (mean 3.95 years per patient). This resulted in 749 gastroscopies (3.5/patient). Histologically, Barrett's mucosa was seen in 54%, low‐grade dysplasia in 18%, ulcerations in 9%, high‐grade dysplasia in 2%. No metaplasia was seen in 13%, no biopsy was obtained in 3%. Nine of 212 patients (4.3%) under surveillance developed esophageal cancer; two presented with symptoms, requiring gastroscopy outside the surveillance program (1/2 was operated successfully, one had advanced disease). In seven asymptomatic patients, cancer was detected on routine endoscopy; curative esophagectomy was performed in six. All patients who developed cancer were male and all but one patient had dysplasia or ulcerations on index endoscopy.Conclusion:  During 13 years of Barrett's surveillance, 88% of all adenocarcinoma occurred in a subset of only 11% patients. To stratify surveillance for Barrett's esophagus, programs could focus on male patients with dysplasia or ulcerations on index endoscopy. However, the cost‐effectiveness of this remains unproven.