bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards risk factor assessment in inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy: the SFB/TR 19 study
Authors: Angelow Aniela , Schmidt Matthias , Hoffmann Wolfgang 
Published: March 2009

Background Patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMid) account for about one-third of patients with heart failure. Recent studies found a myocardial viral genomic persistence in up to 67% of DCMid patients, indicating a possible inflammatory etiology (DCMi). Considering the importance of DCMi, we aimed to study the present knowledge on risk factors in DCMi. Methods Review of published literature on risk factors for DCMi/DCMid from 1989 through 2005 in Medline database and the Cochrane library (search terms ‘epidemiology’, ‘risk factors’, ‘inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy’ and ‘idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy’). Results An extended array of risk factors in DCMid has been investigated in 11 studies. No studies addressing specifically DCMi, however, were found. Consistent associations with DCMid were reported only for diabetes mellitus, black race, male sex and estimated low income. Inconsistent results were observed for the presence of asthma, hypertension and smoking. Few studies addressed potential risk factors such as low education level, infectious diseases and environmental factors. Conclusions Considering the high number of potential DCMi patients among patients with DCMid, results on risk factors for DCMid are likely relevant to at least a number of patients with DCMi. Future studies of risk factors in DCMi should include specific case classification and the application of standardized instruments for risk-factor assessment. The four-center SFB/TR 19 study aims to establish a prospective cohort of DCMi patients validated by endomyocardial biopsy. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil14:686-693 © 2007 The European Society of Cardiology
The effects of cigarette smoking on C-reactive protein concentrations in men and women and its modification by exogenous oral hormones in women
Authors: Dietrich Thomas , Garcia Raul I. , Pablo Paola de , Schulze Paul Christian , Hoffmann Kurt 
Published: March 2009

Background Previous studies have shown dose-dependent and time-dependent effects of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation on C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in men, but results were inconsistent for women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose-dependent and time-dependent association of smoking and smoking cessation with CRP concentrations in men and women using a novel comprehensive smoking index (CSI). Design Cross-sectional study of representative US survey data (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002). Methods The CSI simultaneously accounts for intensity, duration and time since cessation of smoking. We analyzed data of 3505 men and 3896 women using sex-specific multiple linear regression models adjusting for other determinants of CRP concentrations, including age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, alcohol intake, diabetes, physical activity, oral hormone use among women, and history of coronary heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and arthritis. Results A positive association of similar strength was found between smoking and CRP concentrations in both men and women who did not use exogenous oral hormones. Among women who used exogenous oral hormones, no association with smoking was found. In older men and women it took several years after smoking cessation for CRP concentrations to return to that of individuals who never smoked. Conclusion Smoking is associated with dose-dependent and time-dependent increases in CRP concentrations in both men and women. Furthermore, the effect of exogenous oral hormones on CRP concentrations in women is affected by smoking in a dose-dependent fashion. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil14:694-700 © 2007 The European Society of Cardiology
Estimating the incidence of the acute coronary syndrome: data from a Danish cohort of 138290 persons
Authors: Nielsen Kirsten M. , Foldspang Anders , Larsen Mogens L. , Gerdes Lars U. , Rasmussen Soeren , Faergeman Ole 
Published: March 2009

Background Estimates of incidence are crucial to the planning of public health measures, but most studies of incidence of, for example, acute myocardial infarction (MI) are troubled by methodological problems such as; (i) selection biases of the patients being included for study, (ii) lack of identification and control of the cohort under observation, (iii) inconsistencies in the use of diagnostic criteria, and (iv) missing data. We aimed to measure directly the incidence of the entire spectrum of the acute coronary syndrome (ACS), consisting of unstable angina pectoris, MI and sudden cardiac death (SCD), by use of the new criteria for MI as proposed in 2000. Design Cohort study. Methods From a cohort of 138 290 residents of the municipality of Aarhus, Denmark, aged 30-69 years, with a demographic structure known at the individual population member level, we prospectively identified all consecutive ACS patients from 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2002. The population was identified from Danish Population Registers. Results A total of 189 victims of SCD and 457 ACS patients who survived until admission to hospital were present. Consequently, crude incidence rate of ACS was 234 per 100000 person-years. Unstable angina pectoris constituted for 16.9%, MI for 53.8% and SCD for 29.3% of ACS patients. Conclusions Crude incidence rates of ACS were 137 and 331 per 100 000 person years for women and men, respectively. The incidence rate of ACS, as measured directly, was insignificantly 6% higher than expected from Danish administrative databases. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 14:608-614 © 2007 The European Society of Cardiology
Nasal Mucosa Expression of Lactoferrin in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Psaltis Alkis J. , Bruhn Maressa A. , Ooi Eng Hooi , Tan Lor Wai , Wormald Peter‐John 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective/Hypothesis: Antimicrobial peptides, such as lactoferrin, are an important component of the innate immune system. They offer the body a first line defense against a wide range of invading pathogens. The diverse antipathogenic action of lactoferrin has been well characterized; however, the role that this peptide plays in chronic conditions such as rhinosinusitis remains largely unknown. This study aims to examine the level of lactoferrin expression in the nasal mucosa of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Study Design/Methods: Nasal biopsies of 85 chronic rhinosinusitis patients, subclassified into allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS), nonallergic fungal eosinophilic sinusitis (NAFES), nonallergic, nonfungal eosinophilic sinusitis (NANFES), and CRS were studied by quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for their expression of lactoferrin at an mRNA and protein level, respectively.Results: All groups of patients with CRS showed a decrease in lactoferrin mRNA expression relative to controls (median fold‐change of CRS relative to controls, 0.1550; AFS, 0.1800; NANFES, 0.1900; and NAFES, 0.2100). All groups also showed a decreased expression of lactoferrin protein (controls, 163.3 ng/mL; CRS, 82.19 ng/mL; AFS, 104.1 ng/mL; NANFES, 118.9 ng/mL; and NAFES, 74.33 ng/mL). The most significant reduction was evident in the CRS subgroup as well as in patients with nasal polyposis at the time of surgery.Conclusions: This is the first study of its kind to objectively examine lactoferrin expression in the nasal mucosa of CRS patients. We report a reduction in the expression of this important antimicrobial peptide at both the mRNA and protein level. Such a defect in the innate immune system may explain the predisposition of certain individuals to develop CRS and nasal polyposis, providing further insight into the pathogenesis of such conditions.
Diagnosis of Food Allergy in Children: Toward a Standardization of Food Challenge
Authors: Niggemann Bodo , Beyer Kirsten 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTAdverse reactions to food represent a common complaint in childhood; however, only a small proportion of children have proven clinically relevant food allergy. The foods most commonly involved in food allergy are cow's milk, hen's eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, seeds, soy, wheat, fish, and crustaceans. The diagnostic workup of suspected food allergy includes the patient's history, skin prick testing, the measurement of food‐specific immunoglobulin E antibodies, and, more recently, the atopy patch test. Because none of these parameters can accurately predict tolerance, the gold standard for diagnosing food allergy is still the double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge. Although numerous efforts have been made to standardize the procedure, there is a need for improvement. This review presents the current status of the indication and performance of controlled oral food challenges in children with suspected food‐related symptoms. It covers aspects of indications and contraindications, blinding, diet before the challenge, the practical performance, the handling of medication, the interpretation of test results, suitable locations for testing, safety considerations, and the procedure after a period of avoidance. Efforts to standardize oral food challenges to achieve the best possible decision on a diet are important to avoid an unnecessary diet that may be harmful to the child.
Decline of Lactase Activity and C/T‐13910 Variant in Sardinian Childhood
Authors: Schirru Enrico , Corona Valeria , Usai‐Satta Paolo , Scarpa Maria , Cucca Francesco , De Virgiliis Stefano , Rossino Rossano , Frau Fulvia , Macis Maria Doloretta , Jores Rita‐Désirée , Congia Mauro 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:Our study aims to determine the age of onset of adult‐type hypolactasia in Sardinians, and to establish the age at which genotyping of the C/T‐13910 variant can be used reliably in the diagnosis of lactose malabsorption.Patients and Methods:A lactose breath hydrogen test was given to 383 randomly selected patients, from 3 to 19 years old.Results:The C/C‐13910 genotype was found in 90% of patients; the frequency of the positive lactose breath hydrogen test increased with age and reached a prevalence of 85% at 9 years.Conclusions:In Sardinians, adult‐type hypolactasia becomes phenotypically evident in all individuals older than 9 years, suggesting that this should be considered the minimum age at which the genetic test for lactase nonpersistence should be applied.
Dramatic Changes in the Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection During Childhood: A 10‐year Follow‐up Study in Russia
Authors: Tkachenko Mikhail A , Zhannat Nurgalieva Z , Erman Lev V , Blashenkova Elena L , Isachenko Sergey V , Isachenko Olga B , Graham David Y , Malaty Hoda M 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTBackground:The prevalence and rate of acquisition of Helicobacter pylori infection in children from developing countries is higher than in developed countries. This phenomenon has been related to differences in socioeconomic status, sanitation, and household hygiene. Russia is in the process of transforming from an underdeveloped to a developed country.Aim:To examine the effect of recent improvements in standards of living on the prevalence of H pylori in Russian children.Patients and Methods:We conducted 2 cross‐sectional studies among children in St Petersburg, Russia. The first study was conducted in 1995 and the second was conducted a decade later. H pylori status was evaluated by the same enzyme‐linked immunoassay method for anti‐H pylori immunoglobulin G. Demographic data were obtained from each individual, and socioeconomic class was assessed by the education level of the mother and family income.Results:In 1995 the overall prevalence of H pylori infection was 44%; 10 years later it had decreased to 13%. In both studies, the prevalence increased with age. In 1995 the prevalence was 30% among children younger than 5 years. A decade later the prevalence in the same age group was 2% (P = 0.001). The age‐specific prevalence of H pylori infection increased significantly with age in both study periods. During 1995 the prevalence of the infection increased from 30% at age <5 years to 48% in the age group 15 to 19 years (P = 0.001). In the 2005 study the prevalence of the infection increased from 2% at age <5 years to 25% in the age group 15 to 19 years (P = 0.001). The crude and the age‐adjusted odds ratio risk of infection in children showed an inverse correlation between the mothers' and fathers' educational levels and H pylori seropositivity (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1–3.2; P = 0.06). No associations were found between the prevalence of H pylori and any factor tested, including sex, type of dwelling, income, or the number of people living in the home.Conclusions:Improvements in standards of living in Russia have resulted in a marked reduction in H pylori transmission. Different rates of acquisition of H pylori form the basis for the differences in prevalence of infection between and among populations. The change in the prevalence of H pylori within 10 years among the Russian population is an example of how sensitive H pylori acquisition is to improvement in standards of living. Increased use of anti‐H pylori eradication therapy played an important role in the reduction of the prevalence of H pylori infection.
Immunogenicity of Helicobacter pylori Urease B Protein and DNA Vaccines in a Mouse Model
Authors: Bégué Rodolfo E , Cruz Alma R , Ramgoolam Andres , Breslin Mary B 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTA vaccine could alleviate major morbidity and mortality associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. We immunized BALB/c mice with 3 doses of a protein or DNA vaccine based on H pylori urease B. Protein alone was immunogenic even after the first dose, whereas DNA did not elicit antibodies after 3 doses. DNA preceding protein (D‐P‐P) appeared to blunt the response to protein, whereas DNA following protein (P‐D‐D) shifted from a predominantly T helper 2 (Th2) profile to a balanced Th1:Th2 profile. These preliminary findings may have important implications for the development of an H pylori vaccine.
Accuracy and Tolerability of the Bravo Catheter‐free pH Capsule in Patients Between the Ages of 4 and 18 Years
Authors: Croffie Joseph M , Fitzgerald Joseph F , Molleston Jean P , Gupta Sandeep K , Corkins Mark R , Pfefferkorn Marian D , Lim Joel R , Steiner Steven J , Dadzie Steven K 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of this study was to determine if the Bravo pH capsule is comparable to the nasally placed pH catheter in terms of pH‐metry, safety, and tolerability in children.Methods:Ten patients each in the age ranges of 4 to 6 years, 7 to 10 years, and >10 years were tested simultaneously with the catheter and the capsule. Six each were tested with the catheter alone or the capsule alone. Subjects recorded adverse events and graded tolerance (in terms of activity, appetite, and satisfaction) on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 5 indicating that the device was well tolerated. A 24‐hour reflux index and 24‐ and 48‐hour reflux indices were generated from the catheter and capsule, respectively. Student t test, Mann‐Whitney U test, and Fisher exact test were used to compare reflux index, tolerability, and adverse events between the catheter and capsule.Results:Sixty‐six patients 4 to 16 years of age (mean, 9.4 years) were enrolled. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean reflux indices (RIs) obtained simultaneously with the catheter and capsule in all patients combined on day 1 (P = 0.0665). There was a significant difference between day 2 and days 1 and 2 combined with the capsule versus the catheter (P = 0.007 and P = 0.0107); however, a discordant result of normal RI on day 1 and pathological RI on day 2 was seen in only 1 patient. The capsule was better tolerated than the catheter in terms of appetite (P = 0.029), activity (P = 0.001), and satisfaction (P = 0.003). There were no significant complications.Conclusions:The Bravo pH capsule was as accurate and safe and better tolerated than the conventional pH catheter in children 4 years of age and older.
Fecal Calprotectin: A Quantitative Marker of Colonic Inflammation in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Fagerberg Ulrika Lorentzon , Lööf Lars , Lindholm Johan , Hansson Lars‐Olof , Finkel Yigael 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:The protein calprotectin (S100 A8/A9) is present in neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. Colorectal inflammation can be detected by increased excretion of fecal calprotectin (FC). The aim of this study was to evaluate FC as a quantitative marker of inflammatory activity in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Patients and Methods:Thirty‐nine children with IBD delivered a fecal spot sample and underwent colonoscopy. The samples were examined with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for FC (Calprest, Eurospital, Trieste, Italy). The concentrations were correlated to macroscopic and microscopic assessments of extent and severity of inflammation in 8 colonic segments for each patient.Results:FC correlated significantly to the macroscopic extent (Spearman ρ = 0.61) and the severity (Spearman ρ = 0.52) of colonic inflammation and to a macroscopic, combined extent and severity score (Spearman ρ = 0.65). Significant correlations also were found to the microscopic extent (Spearman ρ = 0.71) and severity (Spearman ρ = 0.72) of colonic inflammation and to a microscopic, combined extent and severity score (Spearman ρ = 0.75). The median FC was 392 μg/g (95% confidence interval [CI], 278–440) in children with clinical IBD symptoms (n = 23) and 32.9 μg/g (95% CI, 9.4–237) in asymptomatic IBD patients (n = 16). Of the asymptomatic children, 56% had a complete microscopic mucosal healing, and their median FC was 9.9 μg/g (95% CI, 5.9–41.9).Conclusions:FC can be used as a surrogate marker for estimation of colonic inflammation in pediatric IBD. Normalized FC concentration seems to indicate complete mucosal healing. FC is simple to obtain and analyze; this should facilitate objective assessment and monitoring of IBD activity.
Iron Deficiency Among Children of Asylum Seekers in The Netherlands
Authors: Stellinga‐Boelen AAM , Storm H , Wiegersma PA , Bijleveld CMA , Verkade HJ 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:To investigate, in asylum seekers' children in the Netherlands, biochemical iron status and the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) and anemia in relation to age, region of origin, length of stay in the Netherlands, body mass index (BMI), and dietary iron intake.Patients and Methods:Hemoglobin (Hb) and plasma ferritin concentrations were determined in 122 asylum seekers' children (median age, 7.1 years; range, 2–12 y). ID was defined by plasma ferritin levels <15 μg/L. Anemia was defined by Hb levels <6.8 mmol/L (11 g/dL) for children <6 years of age and Hb levels <7.1 mmol/L (11.5 g/dL) for children between 6 and 12 years of age. Nutritional status of the children was assessed by BMI and dietary intake of iron was estimated by 24‐hour recall.Results:Twenty percent of the children had compromised iron status (16% with ID, 4% with ID anemia [IDA]). Another 6% of the children had anemia caused by thalassemia. ID was significantly more prevalent in children <6 years of age and in children of African origin. The iron status was not significantly correlated with the length of stay in the Netherlands (r = 0.6; P = 0.48). Higher BMI z scores were positively correlated with iron status. Adequate or marginal dietary iron intake was not significantly related to the presence of ID (r = 0.02; P = 0.9) or anemia (IDA and thalassemia; r = 0.15; P = 0.9).Conclusions:Iron deficiency is highly prevalent among the children of asylum seekers in the Netherlands. Our data indicate that systematic biochemical screening for ID is warranted in asylum seekers' children.
Pharmacokinetics and Acid‐suppressive Effects of Esomeprazole in Infants 1–24 Months Old With Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Omari Taher , Davidson Geoffrey , Bondarov Patrik , Nauclér Emma , Nilsson Catarina , Lundborg Per 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and acid‐suppressive effects of esomeprazole in infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Patients and Methods:In this single‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group study, 50 infants 1 to 24 months old with symptoms of GERD, and ≥5% of time with intraesophageal pH <4 during 24‐hour dual pH monitoring, received oral esomeprazole 0.25 mg/kg (n = 26) or 1 mg/kg (n = 24) once daily for 1 week. Intraesophageal and intragastric pH were recorded at 1 week, and blood samples were taken for pharmacokinetic analysis.Results:At baseline, mean percentages of time with intragastric pH >4 and intraesophageal pH <4 were 30.5% and 11.6%, respectively, in the esomeprazole 0.25 mg/kg group and 28.6% and 12.5% in the esomeprazole 1 mg/kg group. After 1 week of treatment, times with intragastric pH >4 were 47.9% and 69.3% in the esomeprazole 0.25 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg groups, respectively (P < 0.001 vs baseline), and times with intraesophageal pH <4 were 8.4% (P < 0.05 vs baseline) and 5.5% (P < 0.001 vs. baseline), respectively. The mean number of acid reflux episodes of >5 minutes duration decreased from 6 at baseline to 3 and 2 with esomeprazole 0.25 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, respectively. The geometric mean AUC0–t of esomeprazole were 0.24 and 1.79 μmol · h/L for the 0.25 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg dosages of esomeprazole, respectively. Both esomeprazole dosages were well tolerated.Conclusions:Oral treatment with esomeprazole 0.25 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg was well tolerated and provided dose‐related acid suppression, dose‐related exposure to esomeprazole, and decreased esophageal acid exposure in infants 1–24 months old with GERD.
Antibodies to Escherichia coli Outer Membrane Porin C in the Absence of Anti–Saccharomyces cerevisiae Antibodies and Anti‐neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies Are an Unreliable Marker of Crohn Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Davis Michael K , Andres Joel M , Jolley Christopher D , Novak Donald A , Haafiz Allah B , González‐Peralta Regino P 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:Antibodies to Escherichia coli outer membrane porin C (anti‐OmpC), Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and neutrophil‐specific nuclear antigens are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children and young adults. We hypothesized that anti‐OmpC, in the absence of anti–S cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), is an assay that overestimates the presence of Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).Patients and Methods:A retrospective review of patients evaluated at our institution between January 2002 and June 2006 revealed that 170 had serodiagnostic immunological assays performed as part of an evaluation for possible IBD. The assays were screened for a pattern in which anti‐OmpC was present in the absence of ASCA and ANCA.Results:Seven patients between 3 and 20 years of age were discovered to be positive for anti‐OmpC but negative for ASCA and ANCA. These patients were determined to have significant medical conditions without combined radiographic, endoscopic, or histological evidence of IBD. Despite the reported 85% positive predictive value of anti‐OmpC for IBD, none of the 7 patients with isolated anti‐OmpC had a diagnosis of CD or UC.Conclusions:Anti‐OmpC, in the absence of ASCA and ANCA, is a serological pattern noted in a subset of medically complex cases in children and young adults without CD or UC.