bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal plasma corticotrophin-releasing factor and urocortin levels in post-term pregnancies
Authors: Torricelli Michela , Ignacchiti Erika , Giovannelli Alessia , Merola Angelica , Scarpetti Elisa , Calonaci Giulia , Picciolini Enrico , Florio Pasquale , Reis Fernando M , Linton Elizabeth A , Petraglia Felice 
Published: February 2006

Objective: Corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin are two placental neuropeptides that are involved in the mechanisms of labour by modulating myometrial activity. Maternal plasma levels of both CRF and urocortin are increased at term and preterm labour, whilst those of CRF are reduced in women who are destined to experience post-term delivery. The present study evaluated maternal plasma levels in term and post-term pregnancies out of labour.
Design: A group of healthy pregnant women was enrolled and subdivided as follows: (i) at term out of labour (n = 19; 276 ± 0.7 days of gestation; samples collected at the time of elective caesarean section due to previous uterine surgery); (ii) post-term (n = 19; 291 ± 1.4 days of gestation), from whom samples were collected before induction of labour.
Methods: Urocortin and CRF measurements by radioimmunoassay; digital palpatory cervical examination and Bishop score computation; cervical length and funnelling presence assessment by transvaginal ultrasonography.
Results: Maternal plasma CRF concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) lower whilst those of urocortin were unchanged in post-term compared with term pregnancy. However, CRF and urocortin levels were both significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 respectively) higher in pregnancies delivered within 12 h of labour induction than in those that remained undelivered, and were significantly correlated with the induction-delivery interval (CRF: r = −0.676, P = 0.0015; urocortin: r = −0.783, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions: CRF and urocortin levels are decreased and unchanged, respectively, in post-term pregnancy when compared with term pregnancy. Both CRF and urocortin correlate with the time of labour onset after induction. Since CRF derives from the placenta, and urocortin from the fetus, the concerted expression of these neuropeptides appears to be relevant in determining the length of human gestation.
Bone mineral density and bone turnover in young adult survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Jarfelt M , Fors H , Lannering B , Bjarnason R 
Published: February 2006

Objective: Treatment for childhood leukaemia induces many risk factors for development of decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Physical activity is also known to affect BMD. The aim was to study BMD and markers of bone turnover in a well-defined group of survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) who had all reached final height as well as peak bone mass, taking both previous treatment and physical activity into consideration.
Design: All patients treated for ALL before the onset of puberty in the region of western Sweden, between 1973 and 1985, in first remission were included. Thirty-five out of forty-seven patients aged 20–32 years participated. Nineteen patients had received cranial radiotherapy, and the median follow-up time was 20 years.
Methods: BMD was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorbtiometry (DEXA). Serum concentrations of markers of bone turnover were analysed. Physical performance was measured using a performance exercise capacity stress test.
Results: BMD was slightly reduced in lumbar spine (−0.4 SD), but not in femoral neck or total body. BMD in femoral neck was correlated to physical performance and dose of corticosteroid, but no correlation was found with spontaneous growth hormone (GH) secretion. Markers of bone turnover were also correlated to physical performance, but not to GH secretion.
Conclusions: Physical fitness seems to be the most important factor in developing and preserving normal bone mineral density in ALL patients. We propose that lifestyle education promoting physical activity is encouraged from an early point in time for these patients.
Predictors of abnormal glucose metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Möhlig Matthias , Spranger Joachim , Ristow Michael , Pfeiffer Andreas F H , Schill Thilo , Schlösser Hans W , Moltz Lothar , Brabant Georg , Schöfl Christof 
Published: February 2006

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus and screening for abnormal glucose metabolism has been recommended by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This procedure is time-consuming and inconvenient, limiting its general use. Therefore, an easy method is wanted to separate PCOS women with normal from those with potentially abnormal glucose metabolism.
Design: Simple parameters obtained from 101 consecutive PCOS patients were assessed by receiver operating curve analysis for their ability to predict abnormal glucose metabolism.
Results: Comparing discriminating parameters at defined sensitivities revealed that, assessed by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), insulin resistance (HOMA%S) had the highest specificitiy. At a cut-off point of 73.1%, HOMA%S had a sensitivity of 95.5% and a specificity of 51.9%. Applying this cut-off separated 59 women who had a high probability of abnormal glucose metabolism from 42 women who were at low risk (less than 2.5%). Fasting insulin was the second-best parameter and had a similar specificity. A screening strategy which applies HOMA%S or fasting insulin could almost halve the number of OGTTs by directing them to those PCOS women most likely to be suffering from abnormal glucose metabolism. The negative predictive value of this strategy was 97%. The strategy was tested and confirmed in a second and independent cohort of 264 PCOS women.
Conclusions: HOMA%S, or to a lesser extent fasting insulin, appears to allow for stratified metabolic screening of PCOS women with OGTT.
Timing of Solid Food Introduction in Relation to Atopic Dermatitis and Atopic Sensitization: Results From a Prospective Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Zutavern Anne , Brockow Inken , Schaaf Beate , Bolte Gabriele , von Berg Andrea , Diez Ulrike , Borte Michael , Herbarth Olf , Wichmann H-Erich , Heinrich Joachim ,   the LISA Study Group
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE. Prophylactic feeding guidelines recommend a delayed introduction of solid foods for the prevention of atopic diseases. Scientific evidence for this is scarce. This study investigates whether a delayed introduction of solids (past 4 months or 6 months) is protective against the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) and atopic sensitization when considering reverse causality.METHODS. Data from 2612 infants in an ongoing birth cohort study were analyzed at 2 years of age. Information on diet and on symptoms and diagnoses of AD was collected semiannually, and information on specific immunoglobulin E levels was collected at 2 years of age.RESULTS. Solid food introduction past the first 4 months of life decreased the odds of symptomatic AD but not for doctor-diagnosed AD, combined doctor-diagnosed and symptomatic AD, or atopic sensitization. Postponing the introduction beyond the sixth month of life was not protective in relation to either definition of AD or atopic sensitization. There was also no evidence for a protective effect of a delayed introduction of solids on AD and atopic sensitization in children of atopic parents. There was clear evidence for reverse causality between early skin or allergic symptoms and the introduction of solids.CONCLUSIONS. This study does not find evidence supporting a delayed introduction of solids beyond the sixth month of life for the prevention of AD and atopic sensitization. We cannot rule out that delaying the introduction of solids for the first 4 months of life might offer some protection. Measures to avoid reverse causality have to be considered in the conduction, analysis, and interpretation of cohort studies on the topic.
Epidemiology of DSM-IV Insomnia in Adolescence: Lifetime Prevalence, Chronicity, and an Emergent Gender Difference
Authors: Johnson Eric O. , Roth Thomas , Schultz Lonni , Breslau Naomi 
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE. The confluence of sleep/wake cycle and circadian rhythm changes that accompany pubertal development and the social and emotional developmental tasks of adolescence may create a period of substantial risk for development of insomnia. Although poor sleep affects cognitive performance and is associated with poor emotional and physical health, epidemiologic studies among adolescents have been limited. In this first epidemiologic study of insomnia defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria in a US sample of adolescents, we estimated lifetime prevalence of insomnia, examined chronicity and onset, and explored the role of pubertal development.
METHODS. Data come from a random sample of 1014 adolescents who were 13 to 16 years of age, selected from households in a 400000-member health maintenance organization encompassing metropolitan Detroit. Response rate was 71.2%. The main outcome measured was DSM-IV–defined insomnia.
RESULTS. Lifetime prevalence of insomnia was 10.7%. A total of 88% of adolescents with a history of insomnia reported current insomnia. The median age of onset of insomnia was 11. Of those with insomnia, 52.8% had a comorbid psychiatric disorder. In exploratory analyses of insomnia and pubertal development, onset of menses was associated with a 2.75-fold increased risk for insomnia. There was no difference in risk for insomnia among girls before menses onset relative to boys, but a difference emerged after menses onset. In contrast, maturational development was not associated with insomnia in boys.
CONCLUSIONS. Insomnia seems to be common and chronic among adolescents. The often found gender difference in risk for insomnia seems to emerge in association with onset of menses.
Neck/Shoulder, Low Back, and Arm Pain in Relation to Computer Use, Physical Activity, Stress, and Depression Among Dutch Adolescents
Authors: Diepenmaat A.C.M. , van der Wal M.F. , de Vet H.C.W. , Hirasing R.A. 
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE. To examine among adolescents (1) the prevalence of neck/shoulder, low back, and arm pain within different sociodemographic groups and (2) the association of neck/shoulder, low back, and arm pain with computer use, physical activity, depression, and stress.
METHODS. A school-based questionnaire survey in 2002 and 2003 of neck/shoulder, low back, and arm pain, computer use, physical activity, depression, and stress. The survey was given to 3485 adolescents aged 12 to 16 years who attended secondary schools in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
RESULTS. The overall prevalence of neck/shoulder, low back, and arm pain was 11.5%, 7.5%, and 3.9%, respectively. The prevalence of neck/shoulder pain was higher among girls and adolescents not living with both parents. The prevalence of low back pain also was higher among girls. Depressive symptoms were associated with neck/shoulder pain, low back pain, and arm pain. The stress experienced was associated with neck/shoulder pain and with low back pain.
CONCLUSIONS. This study strengthens the findings that musculoskeletal pain is common among adolescents and is associated with depression and stress but not with computer use and physical activity.
Effect of Altitude on Hospitalizations for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Choudhuri Julie A. , Ogden Lorraine G. , Ruttenber A. James , Thomas Deborah S.K. , Todd James K. , Simoes Eric A.F. 
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the foremost cause of serious lower respiratory tract infection in young children and infants. Because higher rates of hospitalization for bronchiolitis and pneumonia have been noted in high-altitude regions, we hypothesized that physiologic responses to altitude would predispose children to more severe illness from RSV infection. This study examined the effect of residential altitude on hospitalizations for RSV infection in Colorado from 1998 through 2002.METHODS. A geographic information system was used to assemble data for altitude and demographic variables by zip code–tabulation areas. Data then were linked with hospital discharge data for RSV infections. Poisson regression models were developed to explore correlations between hospitalization rates and residential altitude, after adjustment for socioeconomic differences in the underlying population.RESULTS. RSV-associated hospitalizations averaged 15.9 per 1000 infants who were younger than 1 year and 1.8 per 1000 children who were 1 to 4 years of age per season. A multivariate analysis suggested that the rate of hospitalization for RSV-specific International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes increased 25% among infants who were younger than 1 year and 53% among children who were 1 to 4 years of age for every 1000-m increase in altitude. The risk for RSV-associated hospitalization was highest at elevations above 2500 m.CONCLUSIONS. High altitude above 2500 m is a modest predictor for RSV-associated hospitalization. Practitioners in these regions should consider additional efforts to educate parents about RSV infection and its prevention and the importance of early treatment.
Project Universal Preschool Vision Screening: A Demonstration Project
Authors: Hartmann E. Eugenie , Bradford Geoffrey E. , Nottingham Chaplin P. Kay , Johnson Tammy , Kemper Alex R. , Kim Sunnah , Marsh-Tootle Wendy ,   Writing Committee, Submitted on behalf of PUPVS Panel for the American Academy of Pediatrics
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVES. Visual disorders among preschool-aged children are common, yet screening is infrequent. The purpose of this project was to implement the vision screening recommendations proposed by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and National Eye Institute Vision Screening in the Preschool Child Task Force: monocular visual acuity and stereopsis testing.METHODS. Four sites fully participated in the implementation of the task force recommendations with 3- and 4-year-old children. Two of the sites worked with primary care practices (testing performed by staff); 2 worked with community-based programs (testing performed by lay volunteers). Each site tracked number of children screened by age, as well as proportion testable, referred, and with documented follow-up evaluation.RESULTS. Variations in implementation of the recommendations were observed. Successful screening among 3-year-olds ranged from 70% to 93%; referral rates were 1% to 41%, and follow-up rates were 29% to 100%. Successful screening among 4-year-olds ranged from 88% to 98%; referral rates were 2% to 40%, and follow-up rates were 41% to 100%. The proportion of 3-year-olds who were treated was significantly different between the community-based sites (n = 20) and the primary care sites (n = 2). Similarly, the proportion of 4-year-olds who were treated was significantly different between the community-based sites (n = 36) and the primary care sites (n = 11).CONCLUSIONS. The variability across pilot sites in numbers successfully screened and numbers referred suggests that all aspects of preschool vision screening need thorough review before the goal of universal preschool vision screening can be realized.
Temporal Associations Among Energy Intake, Plasma Linoleic Acid, and Growth Improvement in Response to Treatment Initiation After Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Shoff Suzanne M. , Ahn Hong-Yup , Davis Lisa , Lai HuiChuan ,   the Wisconsin CF Neonatal Screening Group
Published: February 2006

OBJECTIVE. It is unclear why some patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) succeed (“responders”) in recovering from malnutrition and growth faltering after treatment initiation whereas others fail to do so (“nonresponders”). We conducted a study to test the hypothesis that sustained high energy intake (↑EN) and normal plasma essential fatty acid status are critical determinants of treatment responsiveness within 2 years after diagnosis of CF.METHODS. A total of 71 CF children who had pancreatic insufficiency but not meconium ileus and were enrolled in the Wisconsin CF Neonatal Screening Project were studied. Responders were defined by having achieved adequate weight gain, as indicated by a recovery of weight z score (Wtz) comparable to Wtz at birth (WtzBR) within 2 years of diagnosis. ↑EN and sustained normal plasma linoleic acid level (↑pLA) were defined by achieving energy intake ≥120% of estimated requirement for ≥75% of the time and maintaining plasma LA ≥26% of total fatty acids for ≥75% of the time, respectively.RESULTS. Thirty-two (68%) screened patients and 13 (54%) patients whose CF was diagnosed conventionally recovered WtzBR within 2 years of diagnosis. Screened patients responded at significantly younger ages (mean/median: 6.3/4.3 months) than patients whose CF was diagnosed conventionally (mean/median: 15.8/11.8 months). Proportionately fewer screened patients (33%) achieved ↑EN compared with patients whose CF was diagnosed conventionally (73%). However, more screened patients responded to ↑EN and recovered WtzBR (91%) than patients whose CF was diagnosed conventionally (56%), although this difference was of borderline significance. Compared with having neither ↑EN nor ↑pLA, the likelihood of being a responder was greatest with combined ↑EN and ↑pLA, followed by ↑EN only. The positive associations between ↑EN and ↑pLA to treatment responsiveness remained significant after adjustment for neonatal screening status, baseline height and weight status, and indices of pulmonary disease severity.CONCLUSION. ↑EN and ↑pLA are critical in promoting adequate weight gain in children with newly diagnosed CF.
Inequality in the Built Environment Underlies Key Health Disparities in Physical Activity and Obesity
Authors: Gordon-Larsen Penny , Nelson Melissa C. , Page Phil , Popkin Barry M. 
Published: February 2006

CONTEXT. Environmental factors are suggested to play a major role in physical activity (PA) and other obesity-related behaviors, yet there is no national research on the relationship between disparity in access to recreational facilities and additional impact on PA and overweight patterns in US adolescents.
OBJECTIVE. In a nationally representative cohort, we sought to assess the geographic and social distribution of PA facilities and how disparity in access might underlie population-level PA and overweight patterns.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS. Residential locations of US adolescents in wave I (1994–1995) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 20745) were geocoded, and a 8.05-km buffer around each residence was drawn (N = 42857 census-block groups [19% of US block groups]). PA facilities, measured by national databases and satellite data, were linked with Geographic Information Systems technology to each respondent. Logistic-regression analyses tested the relationship of PA-related facilities with block-group socioeconomic status (SES) (at the community level) and the subsequent association of facilities with overweight and PA (at the individual level), controlling for population density.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. Outcome measures were overweight (BMI ≥ 95th percentile of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Center for Health Statistics growth curves) and achievement of ≥5 bouts per week of moderate-vigorous PA.
RESULTS. Higher-SES block groups had a significantly greater relative odds of having 1 or more facilities. Low-SES and high-minority block groups were less likely to have facilities. Relative to zero facilities per block group, an increasing number of facilities was associated with decreased overweight and increased relative odds of achieving ≥5 bouts per week of moderate-vigorous PA.
CONCLUSIONS. Lower-SES and high-minority block groups had reduced access to facilities, which in turn was associated with decreased PA and increased overweight. Inequality in availability of PA facilities may contribute to ethnic and SES disparities in PA and overweight patterns.
A Combination Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Vaccine (ProQuad) Given to 4- to 6-Year-Old Healthy Children Vaccinated Previously With M-M-RII and Varivax
Authors: Reisinger Keith S. , Hoffman Brown Michelle L. , Xu Jin , Sullivan Bradley J. , Marshall Gary S. , Nauert Beth , Matson David O. , Silas Peter E. ,   Protocol 014 Study Group for ProQuad, Schödel Florian , Gress Jacqueline O. , Kuter Barbara J. 
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND. In the United States, children receive primary doses of M-M-RII (Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, PA) and Varivax (Merck & Co, Inc) beginning at 12 months, often at the same health care visit. Currently a second dose of M-M-RII is given to 4- to 6-year-old children, to increase vaccination rates and to reduce the number of individuals without detectable antibodies. A second dose of a varicella-containing vaccine may result in similar benefits.
OBJECTIVES. To demonstrate that ProQuad (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella virus vaccine live; Merck & Co, Inc) may be given in place of a second dose of M-M-RII or second doses of M-M-RII and Varivax for 4- to 6-year-old children.
METHODS. Four- to 6-year-old children who had been immunized previously with M-M-RII and Varivax were assigned randomly to receive either ProQuad and placebo (N = 399), M-M-RII and placebo (N = 195), or M-M-RII and Varivax (N = 205) and were then monitored for safety and immunogenicity.
RESULTS. ProQuad was generally well tolerated. Similarity (noninferiority) was demonstrated in postvaccination antibody responses to measles, mumps, and rubella between recipients of ProQuad and all recipients of M-M-RII and in responses to varicella between recipients of ProQuad and recipients of Varivax. Postvaccination seropositivity rates for antibodies against all 4 viruses were nearly 100% in all 3 groups. Small fold increases were observed for measles, mumps, and rubella antibody titers. In contrast, substantial boosts in varicella antibody titers were observed among recipients of a second dose of varicella vaccine, administered as ProQuad or Varivax.
CONCLUSIONS. ProQuad may be used in place of a second dose of M-M-RII or second doses of M-M-RII and Varivax for 4- to 6-year-old children.