bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Values of C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, and Staphylococcus‐specific PCR in neonatal late‐onset sepsis
Authors: Makhoul Imad R. , Yacoub Afeefi , Smolkin Tatiana , Sujov Polo , Kassis Imad , Sprecher Hannah 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the predictive value of relevant clinical and laboratory parameters (complete blood count (CBC), C‐reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and Staphylococcus‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) in neonates with suspected late‐onset sepsis (LOS). Methods: NICU neonates were prospectively followed for septic events. One hundred and eleven neonates developed 148 suspected septic events beyond 3 d of age. We recorded the clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities at onset of sepsis, serum CRP and PCT, Staphylococcus‐specific PCR, microbiological data, and empiric antimicrobial therapy. Results: Variables significantly associated with subsequently confirmed LOS included hypotension (relative risk (RR) = 5.6, 95% CI 3.29–9.53), mechanical ventilation (RR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.24–4.86), immature/total neutrophil ratio (I/T) > 0.2 (RR = 5.13, 95% CI 2.54–10.31), CRP > 1.0 mg/dl (RR = 2.85, 95% CI 1.32–6.15), and small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) status (RR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.03–4.38). PCT was not significantly associated with LOS. For detection of staphylococcal bacteremia, Staphylococcus‐specific PCR showed: sensitivity 57.1%, specificity 94.7%, positive predictive value 53.3%, and negative predictive value 95.4%. Conclusion: Hypotension, mechanical ventilation, I/T > 0.2, CRP > 1.0 mg/dl, and SGA status at onset of sepsis are significant predictors of proven neonatal LOS. Staphylococcus‐specific PCR might be of value in ruling out staphylococcal sepsis.
Leptin is closely related to body fat in prepubertal children aged 8–11 years
Authors: Dencker Magnus , Thorsson Ola , Karlsson Magnus K. , Lindén Christian , Wollmer Per , Ahrén Bo 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground:In adults and obese children, serum leptin concentrations are closely related to body fat.Aim:To investigate whether such a relationship between leptin concentrations and body fat is also evident in children with a relatively normal body composition.Methods:The study was a cross‐sectional population study in 170 Caucasian children (91 boys and 79 girls), with a mean age of 9.9±0.6 y (range 8.5–10.9 y) and a mean BMI of 17.4±2.6 (range 12.8–28.1). Serum leptin was measured and compared to total body fat as determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.Results:In the whole population, serum leptin concentrations were highly correlated with total body fat (r=0.83, p<0.001). A stepwise forward multi‐regression analysis revealed that the inclusion of other anthropometrical data did not add any significance to the model. Leptin concentrations were significantly higher in girls (5.2 ng/ml) than in boys (3.2 mg/ml;p=0.003). Gender differences still prevailed (p=0.007) after adjusting for number of kilograms of fat tissue.Conclusion:This study shows that, already at the young age of 9–11 y, an adult‐like pattern of regulation of leptin exists. This indicates similar risk factor dependency of leptin across all age groups.
Neuromuscular function and balance of prepubertal and pubertal blind and sighted boys
Authors: Häkkinen Arja , Holopainen Elina , Kautiainen Hannu , Sillanpää Elina , Häkkinen Keijo 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Aim: To compare the neuromuscular function and balance of blind prepuberty‐ and puberty‐aged boys to those with normal sight. Methods: Thirty‐three prepubertal (aged 9–13 y) and pubertal (aged 15–18 y) blind and sighted boys were tested for muscle mass thickness, electromyography and maximal isometric strength, dynamic explosive actions, and balance. Results: There was no difference in the muscle mass thickness, maximal strength or vertical jump between the blind and sighted boys. However, fitness‐ball throwing and five‐jump distances were significantly shorter in both blind groups compared to the sighted groups. One‐leg stance of the prepuberty‐aged sighted boys was 109 (67) s and in blind boys 32 (12) s, and in the puberty‐aged boys 120 (57) s and 31 (8) s, respectively. When vision was blocked in the sighted boys, differences between the blind and sighted boys disappeared. Conclusion: The results showed comparable performance between prepubertal and pubertal blind and sighted boys in the static physical fitness tests. However, balance and performance in dynamic multi‐joint tests did not improve similarly in the blind groups compared to sighted groups, indicating that maturation, learning and experience by themselves cannot compensate for the loss of sight.
Selectin polymorphisms and perinatal morbidity in low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Derzbach László , Bokodi Géza , Treszl András , Vásárhelyi Barna , Nobilis Andras , Rigó János 
Published: March 2006

Abstracts Background: Studies have shown an association between altered expression of selectins and premature birth, early sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Aim: To investigate the possible link between functional polymorphisms of the E‐, P‐ and L‐selectin genes and perinatal morbidity. Methods: We compared the genotype distribution of the E‐selectin Ser128Arg, P‐selectin Thr715Pro and L‐selectin Pro213Ser polymorphisms in 125 low‐birthweight singleton infants with those of 156 healthy term neonates. We also analysed the association of genotype with risk of sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Results: We found no association between E‐selectin or P‐selectin polymorphisms and premature birth, nor did we find any association between E‐selectin or P‐selectin and early postnatal sepsis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Carriers of the 213Ser L‐selectin allele were found to be more prevalent in low‐birthweight infants, particularly in those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We found no association between the L‐selectin polymorphism and early postnatal sepsis. Conclusion: Our results underline the importance of L‐selectin in perinatal pathology, but further studies are needed to evaluate the alteration of L‐selectin levels in carriers of the 213Ser allele and their possible contribution to premature birth and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Systemic levels following PGE1 inhalation in neonatal hypoxemic respiratory failure
Authors: Sood Beena G. , Glibetic Maria , Aranda Jacob V. , Delaney‐Black Virginia , Chen Xinguang , Shankaran Seetha 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Aim: To measure plasma prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) levels in newborns with hypoxemic respiratory failure (NHRF) following inhaled PGE1 (IPGE1), normal term newborns, and newborns with congenital heart disease (CHD) following intravenous PGE1. Methods: Twenty newborns with NHRF received IPGE1 by jet nebulizer in doses of 25, 50, 150, and 300 ng/kg/min followed by weaning. Blood for PGE1 assay using enzyme immunoassay was available in eight neonates with NHRF, 10 normal newborns, and three neonates with CHD. Results: There were no differences in PGE1 levels between cord arterial blood in normal newborns and baseline samples from newborns with NHRF. Oxygenation improved significantly following IPGE1 (p=0.024) in newborns with NHRF. No adverse events were identified. Although a reversible increase in PGE1 levels was detected following a dose of 50 ng/kg/min (p <0.05), there was no association between PGE1 levels and IPGE1 duration, Pa O2, temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Conclusion: A reversible increase in mean PGE1 levels was demonstrable at low doses of IPGE1 in babies with NHRF using a sensitive assay, suggesting effective drug delivery. Levels did not increase further with increasing dose or duration of administration, suggesting local action in the lungs and a lack of systemic spillover due to extensive pulmonary metabolism offering pulmonary selectivity.
Sex influences on lung function and medication in childhood asthma
Authors: Hallberg Jenny , Anderson Martin , Wickman Magnus , Svartengren Magnus 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Aim: To evaluate possible sex differences in prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of asthma, and influence on lung function associated with asthma severity in a population‐based birth cohort (BAMSE) of 4089 children. Methods: At 4‐y follow‐up, 92% responded to a questionnaire on symptoms of asthma, current medication and doctor's diagnosis of asthma. A total of 2965 children participated in clinical testing, including measurements of peak expiratory flow (PEF), and were assigned to groups of asthma or no asthma by reported airway symptoms. Results: Children in asthma groups had lower PEF readings compared to healthy children. This effect was most pronounced for both sexes in the persistent group (boys p<0.05, girls p<0.001) and for girls in the transient group (p<0.01). A doctor's diagnosis of asthma did not significantly differ between boys and girls, but significantly more boys than girls had inhaled corticosteroids, even when stratifying by frequency of symptoms. Conclusion: These results suggest that when 4‐y‐old children are stratified according to common diagnostic criteria, girls have a larger effect on PEF of asthma symptoms and are less frequently treated compared to boys.
Spontaneous localized intestinal perforation and intestinal dilatation in very‐low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Koshinaga Tsugumichi , Gotoh Hiroshi , Sugito Kiminobu , Ikeda Tarou , Hagiwara Noritsugu , Tomita Ryouichi 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Aim: To elucidate how spontaneous localized intestinal perforation (SLIP) is related to intestinal morphological features such as dilatation in very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants. Methods: The medical records of 13 VLBW infants (<1500 g) undergoing laparotomy between 1983 and 2003 for presumed SLIP were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical findings including maternal, prenatal and perinatal factors were analysed, and the clinical and surgical findings upon laparotomy were compared. Results: Postnatal pathological conditions included patent ductus arteriosus (n= 7), sepsis (n= 2), respiratory distress syndrome (n= 7), intraventricular haemorrhage (n= 2), an indwelling catheter via the umbilical vein (n= 1) and pneumonia (n= 1). Indomethacin was used in seven neonates with patent ductus arteriosus, and dexamethasone preventive therapy was employed in one neonate for bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Operative findings revealed a localized small punched‐out perforation in the ileum. Five patients had intestinal dilatation: two with a perforation in the middle of the dilated intestine, and three with a perforation proximal to the region of dilatation. The muscularis propria was absent in the dilated intestine of four patients. Conclusion: This study found no significant relationship between perforation and dilatation of the intestine. Perforation may occur in any portion of the ischaemic intestine when circulatory failure becomes severe, and is not necessarily restricted to the dilated intestine. We believe that SLIP and intestinal dilatation may occur on the same basis in low‐birthweight infants; however, the disease process may be aetiologically different.
A qualitative approach to quantum probability
Authors: Lehrer Ehud , Shmaya Eran 
Published: March 2006

A likelihood order is defined over linear subspaces of a finite dimensional Hilbert space. The question arises as to when such an order can be represented by a quantum probability. We introduce a few behaviorally plausible axioms that provide the answer in two cases: pure state and uniform measure. The general problem is answered by using duality-like conditions.
The general problem of characterizing the partial orders that admit a quantum representation by behaviorally justified axioms remains open.
Recent results on modelling the spatial and temporal structure of the Earth's gravity field
Authors: Moore P , Zhang Q , Alothman A 
Published: March 2006

The Earth's gravity field plays a central role in sea-level change. In the simplest application a precise gravity field will enable oceanographers to capitalize fully on the altimetric datasets collected over the past decade or more by providing a geoid from which absolute sea-level topography can be recovered. However, the concept of a static gravity field is now redundant as we can observe temporal variability in the geoid due to mass redistribution in or on the total Earth system. Temporal variability, associated with interactions between the land, oceans and atmosphere, can be investigated through mass redistributions with, for example, flow of water from the land being balanced by an increase in ocean mass. Furthermore, as ocean transport is an important contributor to the mass redistribution the time varying gravity field can also be used to validate Global Ocean Circulation models.This paper will review the recent history of static and temporal gravity field recovery, from the 1980s to the present day. In particular, mention will be made of the role of satellite laser ranging and other space tracking techniques, satellite altimetry andin situgravity which formed the basis of gravity field determination until the last few years. With the launch of Challenging Microsatellite Payload and Gravity and Circulation Experiment (GRACE) our knowledge of the spatial distribution of the Earth's gravity field is taking a leap forward. Furthermore, GRACE is now providing insight into temporal variability through ‘monthly’ gravity field solutions. Prior to this data we relied on satellite tracking, Global Positioning System and geophysical models to give us insight into the temporal variability. We will consider results from these methodologies and compare them to preliminary results from the GRACE mission.
Bovine lactoferrin for Helicobacter pylori eradication: an open, randomized, multicentre study
Authors: DI MARIO F. , ARAGONA G. , DAL BÓ N. , CAVALLARO L. , MARCON V. , OLIVIERI P. , BENEDETTI E. , ORZÈS N. , MARIN R. , TAFNER G. , CHILOVI F. , DE BASTIANI R. , FEDRIZZI F. , FRANCESCHI M. , SALVAT M. H. , MONICA F. , PIAZZI L. , VALIANTE F. , VECCHIATI U. , CAVESTRO G. M. , COMPARATO G. , IORI V. , MAINO M. , LEANDRO G. , PILOTTO A. , RUGGE M. , FRANZÈ A. ,   GASTROINTESTINAL STUDY UNIT (GISU)
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground  Cure rates for eradication of Helicobacter pylori appear to be decreasing, thus more effective therapies must be identified.Aim  To evaluate the efficacy of bovine lactoferrin in the treatment of H. pylori infection.Methods  In a multicentred prospective study, 402 (mean age 52.4, range 19–84 years) H. pylori‐positive patients were assigned to one of three regimens: group A – esomeprazole 20 mg b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. and tinidazole 500 mg b.d. for 7 days; group B – lactoferrin 200 mg b.d. for 7 days followed by the same schedule of group A; group C – esomeprazole 20 mg b.d., clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. and tinidazole 500 mg b.d. plus lactoferrin 200 mg b.d. for 7 days.Results  Of the 402 patients, 389 completed the study. Six patients were discontinued due to side effects, one patient in group B died and six patients were lost to follow up. The eradication rate (intention‐to‐treat analysis) was 77% in group A (105/136), 73% in group B (97/132) and 90% in group C (120/134) (χ2‐test P < 0.01). The incidence of side effects was 9.5% in group A, 9% in group B and 8.2% in group C (χ2‐test P = 0.1).Conclusion  This study demonstrates that bovine lactoferrin is an effective adjuvant to 7‐day triple therapy for eradication of H. pylori infection.
Effect of intravenous infusion of glyceryl trinitrate on gastric and small intestinal motor function in healthy humans
Authors: MADSEN J. L. , FUGLSANG S. , GRAFF J. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryBackground  Glyceryl trinitrate is a donor of nitric oxide that relaxes smooth muscle cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Little is known about the effect of glyceryl trinitrate on gastric emptying and no data exist on the possible effect of glyceryl trinitrate on small intestinal transit.Aim  To examine the effect of intravenous infusion of glyceryl trinitrate on gastric and small intestinal motor function after a meal in healthy humans.Methods  Nine healthy volunteers participated in a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover study. Each volunteer was examined during intravenous infusion of glyceryl trinitrate 1 μg/kg × min or saline. A gamma camera technique was used to measure gastric emptying and small intestinal transit after a 1600‐kJ mixed liquid and solid meal. Furthermore, duodenal motility was assessed by manometry.Results  Glyceryl trinitrate did not change gastric mean emptying time, gastric half emptying time, gastric retention at 15 min or small intestinal mean transit time. Glyceryl trinitrate did not influence the frequency of duodenal contractions, the amplitude of duodenal contractions or the duodenal motility index.Conclusions  Intravenous infusion of glyceryl trinitrate 1 μg/kg × min does not induce major changes in gastric or small intestinal motor function after a 1600‐kJ meal in healthy volunteers.
A multidisciplinary approach to understanding the recent and historical occurrence of the freshwater plant, Littorella uniflora
Authors: PEDERSEN OLE , ANDERSEN TROELS , IKEJIMA KOU , ZAKIR HOSSAIN MD , ANDERSEN FREDE ØSTERGAARD 
Published: March 2006

Summary1. The vulnerability of softwater, oligotrophic lakes to eutrophication has caused the disappearance of many, if not most, of the unique isoetid plant communities. We tested whether the presence or disappearance of the isoetid Littorella uniflora (L.) could be predicted from environmental parameters, soil types and land use in the catchment area, and atmospheric nitrogen deposition.2. We found that the topographic catchment area of a lake was an irrelevant unit to study effects of soil type and land use. Instead, using a GIS‐generated buffer zone around the lakes it proved feasible to classify 472 lakes into historical (if L. uniflora had disappeared) or recent (if L. uniflora was still present) Littorella lakes, based on soil type and land use. Our analysis showed that aeolian sand deposits and heath in the buffer zone favoured the presence of L. uniflora, whereas moraine clay and agriculture were strongly linked to the disappearance of L. uniflora.3. However, in order to understand fully the presence or disappearance of L. uniflora, environmental data were needed in addition to soil types, land use and nitrogen deposition, and the use of discriminant analysis allowed us to classify 96% of the investigated lakes correctly into recent or historical sites. Alkalinity, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, aeolian sand deposits and heath were the most important parameters explaining the presence or disappearance of L. uniflora. Our analysis also indicated that eutrophication, rather than acidification, has likely caused the disappearance of L. uniflora from 218 of the 472 lakes investigated.4. Our findings have widespread implications for the conservation or restoration of isoetid habitats and we recommend applying a wide buffer zone around lakes, with restrictions on farming and traditional forestry activities. In addition, our buffering concept may prove a useful tool for aquatic ecologists to investigate relationships between catchment features and organisms (plants, insects and amphibians) with aquatic as well as terrestrial life forms.
A comparison of phytoplankton community assemblages in artificially and naturally mixed subtropical water reservoirs
Authors: BURFORD MICHELE A. , O'DONOHUE MARK J. 
Published: March 2006

Summary1. The effect of mechanical and natural mixing of water on phytoplankton community assemblages was compared in one reservoir with a destratification unit operating during the wet summer months (North Pine Reservoir) with two adjacent reservoirs without artificial mixing (Wivenhoe and Somerset Reservoirs) over 6 years in subtropical Australia.2. All three reservoirs were dominated by cyanobacteria, with the same three genera representing 75–80% of the abundance, i.e. Aphanocapsa/Merismopedia/Cyanodictyon group, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Wołoszyńska) Seenayya et Subba Raju and Planktolyngbya. Associations between the dominant genera were consistent across all three reservoirs although there were reduced seasonal differences in abundance in North Pine Reservoir compared with the other reservoirs.3. Peaks in abundance of the solitary filamentous species C. raciborskii and Planktolyngbya occurred earlier and the densities of the colonial species Aphanocapsa/Merismopedia/Cyanodictyon were lower in the reservoir where the destratification unit was switched on in spring compared with the naturally mixed reservoirs, possibly reflecting the differential effect of artificial mixing on colonial versus solitary filamentous species.4. Phosphate concentrations were positively correlated with algal densities in the two naturally mixed reservoirs but not the artificially mixed reservoir where phosphate concentrations at the surface were near the limit of detection (0.06 μm P). Artificial mixing may, therefore, promote the growth of species able to utilise and store low concentrations of phosphate, such as C. raciborskii.
Root exudation (net efflux of amino acids) may increase rhizodeposition under elevated CO2
Authors: PHILLIPS DONALD A. , FOX TAMA C. , SIX JOHAN 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIncreases in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) can lead to global climate change and theoretically could enhance carbon (C) deposition in soil, but data on this complex issue are contradictory. One approach for clarifying the diverse forces influencing plant‐derived C in the rhizosphere involves defining how elevated [CO2] alters the fundamental process of C transfer from plant roots to the soil. We examine here how a step increase in [CO2] affects the innate influx and efflux components of root exudation in axenic plants, as one foundation for understanding how climate change may affect rhizodeposition. Increasing [CO2] from 425 to 850 μmol mol−1 during short‐term trials enhanced shoot and root dry weight (P<0.01) of annual rye grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and medic (Medicago truncatula L.) but had no effect on growth of maize (Zea mays L.). Root amino‐acid flux in the same plants changed only in maize, which increased the efflux rate (nmol g root fresh weight−1 h−1) of six amino acids (arginine, alanine, proline, tyrosine, lysine and leucine) significantly (P<0.05) under elevated [CO2]. None of the three plant species altered the steady‐state concentration of 16 amino acids released into a hydroponic solution with changing [CO2], apparently because amino‐acid influx rates, measured at 2.5 μm, consistently exceeded efflux rates. Indeed, plants recovered amino acids at rates 94–374% higher than they were lost from roots regardless of [CO2]. These results indicate that, in theory, any effect of [CO2] doubling on amino‐acid efflux can be offset by innately higher rates of influx. In practice, however, higher rates of amino‐acid cycling (i.e., efflux+influx) for each root segment (in C4 maize) or from more root tissue (in the two C3 species) should increase root exudation by plants exposed to elevated [CO2] as additional amino acids would be adsorbed to soil particles or be taken up by soil microorganisms.