bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fecal Calprotectin and Lactoferrin as Noninvasive Markers of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Joishy Manohara , Davies Ieuan , Ahmed Mansoor , Wassel Julie , Davies Karen , Sayers Adrian , Jenkins Huw 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTObjective:To evaluate whether fecal calprotectin (FC) and fecal lactoferrin (FL) can be used as noninvasive markers in children and young people (4–17 years) with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Patients and Methods:Stool samples were collected from 3 groups of children: those with active IBD, control individuals with other gastrointestinal (GI) diseases (GI control) and control individuals with no GI disease (non‐GI control). The number of patients for the FC assay was as follows: IBD = 26, GI control = 30, non‐GI control = 25. The number of patients for the FL assay was as follows: IBD = 24, GI control = 26, non‐GI = 24. FC and FL were measured by use of enzyme‐linked immunoassays.Results:The median concentrations of FC and FL in isolation, and their interaction, were significantly higher in the IBD group than in the GI and non‐GI control groups (P < 0.001). Although the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity for FC, FL, and FC × FL interaction were significantly better than chance, FL consistently had the lowest area under the curve, and FC × FL consistently had the highest area under the curve.Conclusions:FC and FL are both significantly elevated in children with IBD, and the interaction of these 2 biomarkers may produce a better initial diagnostic test compared with their use in isolation.
Use of Complementary Medicine in Pediatric Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results From a Multicenter Survey
Authors: Wong Anthony P , Clark Ann L , Garnett Elizabeth A , Acree Michael , Cohen Stanley A , Ferry George D , Heyman Melvin B 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:We examined the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) at 3 US pediatric medical centers, comparing a group of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with children presenting with chronic constipation.Materials and Methods:Surveys were administered by postal mail and at pediatric IBD centers in San Francisco, Houston, and Atlanta from 2001 to 2003. A comparison group consisting of pediatric patients with chronic constipation also was surveyed. Data were analyzed by t tests and by exact tests of contingency tables.Results:In all, 236 surveys were collected from the IBD group; 126 surveys were collected from the chronic constipation comparison group. CAM therapies were used by 50% in the IBD group and 23% in the chronic constipation group. The overall regional breakdown of CAM use in IBD revealed no differences, although the types of CAM therapy used varied by site. The most commonly used CAM therapies in the IBD group were spiritual interventions (25%) and nutritional supplements (25%). Positive predictors for CAM use in IBD include the patient's self‐reported overall health, an increase in the number of side effects associated with allopathic medications, white ethnicity, and parental education beyond high school.Conclusions:This is the first US study to characterize CAM use in pediatric patients with IBD with another chronic gastrointestinal disorder. CAM use was twice as common with the IBD group compared with the chronic constipation group. Regional variations exist with the types of CAM therapy used. Practitioners should know that half of their pediatric patients with IBD may be using CAM in conjunction with or as an alternative to other treatments and that certain predictors can help identify those using CAM therapies.
“pH‐Only” Acid Reflux Events in Infants During Later Phases of the Feeding Cycle Are Less Acidic and Cleared More Efficiently Than Classic 2‐Phase Acid Reflux Events
Authors: Woodley Frederick W , Mousa Hayat 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTBackground:Gastroesophageal acid exposure in infants is a function of 4 acid gastroesophageal reflux (AGER) types: classic 2‐phase, single‐phase, and pH‐only events (POEs), as well as rereflux episodes. In symptomatic infants, classic 2‐phase events and POEs make up the majority of total AGER events and AGER events lasting 5 minutes or longer, and are responsible for the majority of total gastroesophageal acid exposure. Also, in symptomatic infants, chemical clearance efficiency of classic 2‐phase events has been shown to be influenced by feeding. Pathogenicity of AGER involves variables that include frequency, duration, and pH of AGER events. The purpose of this investigation was to compare classic 2‐phase episodes and POEs on the basis of these variables during discrete periods related to feeding.Patients and Methods:Impedance/pH tracings from 12 symptomatic infants (median age 20 weeks) were examined. Mean frequencies, durations, and nadir pH values were calculated during feeding, the first hour postprandial (1stPP), the second hour postprandial (2ndPP), and fasting.Results:Compared with classic 2‐phase events, POEs were cleared significantly more efficiently during 1stPP (3‐fold, P = 0.02), 2ndPP (3‐fold, P = 0.0001), and fasting (4.5‐fold, P < 0.0001), and were less acidic during 2ndPP (1.9 ± 0.15 vs 2.6 ± 0.07, P = 0.0005) and fasting (1.5 ± 0.12 vs 2.9 ± 0.07, P < 0.0001). Whereas clearance of classic 2‐phase events became increasingly less efficient, clearance of POEs did not fluctuate significantly during the course of the feeding cycle.Conclusions:The lower acidity and more rapid clearance during 2ndPP and fasting suggest that POEs are likely to have a different clinical impact (compared with classic 2‐phase AGER events) during later phases of the feeding cycle.
Is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Valuable and Safe in Children of All Ages?
Authors: Vegting IL , Tabbers MM , Taminiau JAJM , Aronson DC , Benninga MA , Rauws EAJ 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTObjective:To evaluate indications, findings, therapies, safety, and technical success of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children of the Emma Children's Hospital Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.Design:Descriptive. Retrospective analysis by medical records.Patients and Methods:Information was obtained by chart review of patients between 0 and 18 years who underwent ERCP from 1995 to 2005 in our center. The following data were analyzed: indications, findings, therapies, safety, and technical success. Success was defined as obtaining accurate diagnostic information or succeeding in endoscopic therapy.Results:Sixty‐one children (age 3 days to 16.9 years, mean age 7.0 years) underwent a total of 99 ERCPs. Of those patients, 51% (31/61) were younger than 1 year, 84% had biliary indications, and 16% had pancreatic indications for the performance of ERCP. The complication rate was 4% (4/99) and included substantial pancreatitis and mild irritated pancreas. No complications occurred in children younger than 1 year.Conclusions:ERCP is a safe and valuable procedure for children of all ages with suspicion of pancreaticobiliary diseases. Indications for ERCP are different for children and adults. A laparotomy could be prevented in 12% of children with suspicion of biliary atresia. Further research is required to determine the role of MRCP versus ERCP.
Galacto‐oligosaccharides Are Bifidogenic and Safe at Weaning: A Double‐blind Randomized Multicenter Study
Authors: Fanaro Silvia , Marten Berit , Bagna Rossana , Vigi Vittorio , Fabris Claudio , Peña‐Quintana Luis , Argüelles Federico , Scholz‐Ahrens Katharina E , Sawatzki Günther , Zelenka Richard , Schrezenmeir Jürgen , de Vrese Michael , Bertino Enrico 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:The primary objective of this study was to determine the bifidogenic effect of galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) in a follow‐on formula and the effects on other intestinal bacteria. Secondary objectives were the effects on stool characteristics, growth, and general well‐being.Participants and Methods:In a multicenter, double‐blind study, 159 healthy infants, formula‐fed at enrollment (at 4–6 months), were randomized to an experimental follow‐on formula supplemented with 5 g/L (GOS) (77 infants), or to a standard follow‐on formula (control, 82 infants). Infants were evaluated at enrollment (study day 1 = sd1), after 6 weeks (study day 2 = sd2), and after an additional 12 weeks (study day 3 = sd3). At each study day, a fresh stool sample for the bacterial counts was collected, and the growth parameters were measured. At sd2, urinary specimens were collected for the evaluation of urinary osmolarity.Results:At sd2 and sd3, the GOS group had a higher median number (colony‐forming units per gram of stool) of bifidobacteria than did the control group (sd2 GOS 9.2 × 109 vs control 4.4 × 109, P = 0.012); (sd3 GOS 7.2 × 109 vs control 2.4 × 109, P = 0.027). Other bacteria did not show any significant differences between the 2 groups at all study days. The GOS produced softer stools but had no effect on stool frequency. The urinary osmolarity (mOsm/L) at sd2 was comparable in both groups. Supplementation had no influence on the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects or on the growth of the infants.Conclusions:These data indicate that the addition of GOS (5 g/L) to a follow‐on formula positively influences the bifidobacteria flora and the stool consistency in infants during the supplementation period at weaning. No local or systemic side effects were recorded.
Cytokine Responses in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Receiving Glutamine‐enriched Enteral Nutrition
Authors: van den Berg Anemone , van Elburg Ruurd M , Vermeij Linda , van Zwol Annelies , van den Brink Gijs R , Twisk Jos WR , Nieuwenhuis Edward ES , Fetter Willem PF 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTObjective:Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants receiving glutamine‐enriched enteral nutrition may present with a lower infection rate, which may result from enhanced antimicrobial innate or Th1 cytokine responses. We investigated whether glutamine‐enriched enteral nutrition in VLBW infants increased these cytokine responses following in vitro stimulation of whole blood cells.Methods:In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized controlled trial, VLBW infants (gestational age <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1500 g) received enteral glutamine supplementation (0.3 g · kg−1 · day−1) or isonitrogenous placebo supplementation (alanine) between days 3 and 30 of life. Cytokine responses following in vitro whole blood cell stimulation with anti‐(α)CD3/αCD28 or lipopolysaccharide were analyzed by cytometric bead array at 3 time points: before the start of the study, at day 7 of life, and at day 14 of life.Results:Baseline patient and nutritional characteristics were not different between groups. At least 2 blood samples were analyzed in 25 of 52 (48%) and 38 of 50 (76%) infants in the glutamine‐supplemented and control groups, respectively. Glutamine‐enriched enteral nutrition was not associated with significant alterations in cytokine responses (interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin [IL]‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐10) of peripheral blood cells upon stimulation with either anti‐αCD3/αCD28 or lipopolysaccharide.Conclusions:We hypothesize that glutamine‐enriched enteral nutrition decreases the infection rate in VLBW infants by influencing the mucosal and not the systemic immune system.
Gene and Metabolite Regulatory Network Analysis of Early Developing Fruit Tissues Highlights New Candidate Genes for the Control of Tomato Fruit Composition and Development
Authors: Mounet Fabien , Moing Annick , Garcia Virginie , Petit Johann , Maucourt Michael , Deborde Catherine , Bernillon Stéphane , Le Gall Gwénaëlle , Colquhoun Ian , Defernez Marianne , Giraudel Jean-Luc , Rolin Dominique , Rothan Christophe , Lemaire-Chamley Martine 
Published: January 2009

AbstractVariations in early fruit development and composition may have major impacts on the taste and the overall quality of ripe tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit. To get insights into the networks involved in these coordinated processes and to identify key regulatory genes, we explored the transcriptional and metabolic changes in expanding tomato fruit tissues using multivariate analysis and gene-metabolite correlation networks. To this end, we demonstrated and took advantage of the existence of clear structural and compositional differences between expanding mesocarp and locular tissue during fruit development (12–35 d postanthesis). Transcriptome and metabolome analyses were carried out with tomato microarrays and analytical methods including proton nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Pairwise comparisons of metabolite contents and gene expression profiles detected up to 37 direct gene-metabolite correlations involving regulatory genes (e.g. the correlations between glutamine, bZIP, and MYB transcription factors). Correlation network analyses revealed the existence of major hub genes correlated with 10 or more regulatory transcripts and embedded in a large regulatory network. This approach proved to be a valuable strategy for identifying specific subsets of genes implicated in key processes of fruit development and metabolism, which are therefore potential targets for genetic improvement of tomato fruit quality.
Fusion protein consisting of the first immunoglobulin‐like domain of porcine nectin‐1 and Fc portion of human IgG1 provides a marked resistance against pseudorabies virus infection to transgenic mice
Authors: Tomioka Yukiko , Morimatsu Masami , Amagai Keiko , Kuramochi Minako , Watanabe Yuki , Kouda Shigeto , Wada Toshio , Kuboki Noritaka , Ono Etsuro 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTNectin‐1 is a Ca2+‐independent Ig‐like cell–cell adhesion molecule and an alphaherpesvirus receptor that binds to virion glycoprotein D by the first Ig‐like domain. We have investigated the antiviral potentials of soluble forms of porcine nectin‐1 to PRV infection by generating transgenic mice expressing different types of fusion protein. Previously, we reported that mice transgenic for a chimera that carried the entire ectodomain of porcine nectin‐1 fused to the Fc portion of porcine IgG1 were more resistant than those transgenic for a chimera that carried the first Ig‐like domain fused to the Fc portion. Recently, we generated transgenic mice expressing a fusion protein made of the first Ig‐like domain fused to the Fc portion of human IgG1, and reported that they showed a microphthalmia. Here, two transgenic mouse lines expressing the fusion protein were challenged with PRV for comparing their resistances with those of transgenic mice expressing different types of fusion protein. Surprisingly, both transgenic mouse lines showed a high resistance to the viral infection, especially via the i.n. route. Significant resistance of the embryonic fibroblasts was also observed. Altogether, these findings indicated that the fusion protein consisting of the first Ig‐like domain fused to the human Fc portion provided a marked resistance against PRV infection to the transgenic mice.
Genetic stability (in vivo) of the attenuated oral rabies virus vaccine SAD B19
Authors: Beckert Aline , Geue Lutz , Vos Ad , Neubert Andreas , Freuling Conrad , Müller Thomas 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits containing replication‐competent live viruses poses certain environmental safety risks; among others, the possibility of reversion to or an increase in virulence. Hence, the genetic stability of the complete genome of the most widely used oral rabies vaccine virus, SAD B19, was examined after four and 10 serial i.c. passages in foxes and mice, respectively. It was shown that the consensus strain of SAD B19 was extremely stable in vivo. After 10 consecutive passages in mice not a single mutation was observed. In foxes, seven single nucleotide exchanges were found between the first and fourth passage, of which only one resulted in an amino acid exchange at position 9240 of the L‐gene. This mutation was not observed during the first three passages and, furthermore, it was shown that this mutation was not linked to enhanced virulence.
Non‐human primate surrogate model of hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Akari Hirofumi , Iwasaki Yuki , Yoshida Tomoyuki , Iijima Sayuki 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTMore than 170 million people worldwide are chronically infected by HCV, which is the causative agent of chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and finally liver cancer. Although animal models of viral hepatitis are a prerequisite for the evaluation of antiviral and vaccine efficacy, the restricted host range of HCV has hampered the development of a suitable small animal model of HCV infection. Use of the chimpanzee, the only animal known to be susceptible to HCV infection, is limited by ethical and financial restrictions. In this regard GBV‐B, being closely related to HCV, appears to be a promising non‐human surrogate model for the study of HCV infection. This review describes the characteristic of GBV‐B infection of New World monkeys, and discusses current issues concerning the GBV‐B model and its future directions.
Multiplex real‐time PCR for the simultaneous detection of herpes simplex virus, human herpesvirus 6, and human herpesvirus 7
Authors: Wada Kaoru , Mizoguchi Sachiko , Ito Yoshinori , Kawada Jun‐ichi , Yamauchi Yohei , Morishima Tsuneo , Nishiyama Yukihiro , Kimura Hiroshi 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTA simultaneous detection system to quantify HSV, HHV‐6, and HHV‐7 DNA via multiplex real‐time PCR using different fluorochromes was developed. The minimum quantitative level established via this multiplex assay was four copies per reaction for HSV type 1, four copies for HHV‐6, and three copies for HHV‐7, respectively. The dynamic range encompassed at least six orders of magnitude. The system was specific and reproducible even in the presence of large amounts of other viral DNA. We then applied this multiplex real‐time PCR assay to 105 CSF specimens obtained from subjects less than 15 years old in whom a diagnosis of viral encephalitis/encephalopathy was suspected on clinical grounds. The detection rate for each viral DNA was 6.7% for HSV, 9.5% for HHV‐6, and 1.9% for HHV‐7. These results indicate that our system is reliable and may be useful for the rapid diagnosis of viral encephalitis/encephalopathy.
Modeling mood variation associated with smoking: an application of a heterogeneous mixed‐effects model for analysis of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data
Authors: Hedeker Donald , Mermelstein Robin J. , Berbaum Michael L. , Campbell Richard T. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTAims Mixed models are used increasingly for analysis of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data. The variance parameters of the random effects, which indicate the degree of heterogeneity in the population of subjects, are considered usually to be homogeneous across subjects. Modeling these variances can shed light on interesting hypotheses in substance abuse research.Design We describe how these variances can be modeled in terms of covariates to examine the covariate effects on between‐subjects variation, focusing on positive and negative mood and the degree to which these moods change as a function of smoking.Setting The data are drawn from an EMA study of adolescent smoking.Participants Participants were 234 adolescents, either in 9th or 10th grades, who provided EMA mood reports from both random prompts and following smoking events.Measurements We focused on two mood outcomes: measures of the subject's negative and positive affect and several covariates: gender, grade, negative mood regulation and smoking level.Findings and conclusions Following smoking, adolescents experienced higher positive affect and lower negative affect than they did at random, non‐smoking times. Our analyses also indicated an increased consistency of subjective mood responses as smoking experience increased and a diminishing of mood change.
A comparison of the effectiveness of group‐based and pharmacy‐led smoking cessation treatment in Glasgow
Authors: Bauld Linda , Chesterman John , Ferguson Janet , Judge Ken 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTAim  To compare the characteristics and outcomes of users accessing pharmacy and group‐based smoking treatment.Design  Observational study of administrative information linked with survey data.Setting  Glasgow, Scotland.Participants  A total of 1785 service users who set a quit date between March and May 2007.Intervention  Smoking treatment services based in pharmacies providing one‐to‐one support, and in the community offering group support.Measurements  Routine monitoring data included information about basic demographic characteristics, deprivation category of residence, nature of intervention and smoking status at 4‐week follow‐up determined by carbon monoxide (CO) readings ≤10. These data were supplemented by information about socio‐economic status and smoking‐related behaviours obtained from consenting service recipients by treatment advisers.Findings  In the pharmacy‐based service 18.6 % of users (n = 1374) were CO‐validated as a quitter at 4 weeks, compared with 35.5 % (n = 411) in the group‐based service. In a multivariate model, restricted to participants (n = 1366) with data allowing adjustment for socio‐demographic and behavioural characteristics and including interaction terms, users who accessed the group‐based services were almost twice as likely (odds ratio 1.980; confidence interval 1.50–2.62) as those who used pharmacy‐based support to have quit smoking at 4‐week follow‐up.Conclusions  Specialist‐led group‐based services appear to have higher quit rates than one‐to‐one services provided by pharmacies but the pharmacy services treat many more smokers. More research is needed to determine what can be done to bring the success rates of pharmacy services up to those of specialist‐led groups and how to expand access to group‐based services.
Problematic heroin use incidence trends in Spain
Authors: Sánchez‐Niubò Albert , Fortiana Josep , Barrio Gregorio , Suelves Josep Maria , Correa Juan Francisco , Domingo‐Salvany Antònia 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTAims  To estimate the annual incidence of heroin use in Spain.Participants and design  Data on individuals' year of first heroin use (from 1971 to 2005), year of first heroin treatment between 1991 and 2005 and most frequent route of heroin administration when presenting to treatment were obtained from the Spanish Drug Observatory Register and used to calculate the delay between onset and treatment. By using a log‐linear model approach it was possible to correct for missing observations (heroin users who presented for treatment before 1991 and those who had still not presented by the end of 2005) and to estimate heroin incidence over time.Findings  The estimated incidence of problematic heroin use in the population aged 15–44 peaked at 190 per 100 000 in 1980—after rising rapidly from less than 40 per 100 000 in 1971—and fell subsequently to about 8 per 100 000 in 2005. On average, incidence was five times higher in men. Injecting heroin incidence peaked and declined rapidly from 1980; as heroin smoking did not decline as rapidly, from 1985 onwards its estimated incidence has remained above that of heroin injecting. The delay between starting heroin use and entering treatment had a median of 3 years.Conclusions  We demonstrate the utility of a method to estimate heroin incidence from analysis of observed trends in presentations at specialist drug treatment facilities. The estimates suggest that incidence of heroin use, especially injecting, has fallen since 1980 and is now lower than in the early 1970s.