bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Away‐from‐home Food Intake and Risk for Obesity: Examining the Influence of Context
Authors: Ayala Guadalupe X. , Rogers Morgan , Arredondo Elva M. , Campbell Nadia R. , Baquero Barbara , Duerksen Susan C. , Elder John P. 
Published: February 2008

Objective: This study examined sociodemographic and cultural determinants of away‐from‐home food consumption in two contexts and the influence of frequency of away‐from‐home food consumption on children's dietary intake and parent and child weight status.Methods and Procedures: Parents of children (N = 708) in grades K‐2 were recruited from 13 elementary schools in Southern California. Parents were asked through a questionnaire the frequency with which they eat meals away from home and the restaurant they frequented most often. The height and weight of the parents and their children were measured to calculate BMI.Results: Consuming foods at least once a week from relatives/neighbors/friends (RNF) homes was associated with children's dietary intake and children's risk for obesity. For example, children of parents with weekly or greater RNF food consumption drank more sugar‐sweetened beverages. Parents of families who ate at restaurants at least weekly reported that their children consumed more sugar‐sweetened beverages, more sweet/savory snacks, and less water compared with families who did not frequent restaurants this often. The type of restaurant visited did not affect diet intake or obesity. More acculturated families exhibited less healthy dietary behaviors than less acculturated families.Discussion: Restaurants remain an important setting for preventing child and adult obesity, but other settings outside the home need to be considered in future intervention research. This may especially involve eating in the homes of RNF.
Association between a Mediterranean‐type diet and risk of preterm birth among Danish women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: MIKKELSEN TINA B. , LOUISE ØSTERDAL MARIE , KNUDSEN VIBEKE K. , HAUGEN MARGARETHA , MELTZER HELLE M. , BAKKETEIG LEIV , OLSEN SJURDUR F. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground. Thus far, few factors with a causal relation to preterm birth have been identified. Many studies have focused on the woman's diet, but most have been discouraging. The aim of the present study was to examine if maternal intake of a Mediterranean‐type diet (MD) is associated with reduced risk of preterm birth.Methods. The Danish National Birth Cohort assessed diet in mid‐pregnancy by food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). Women consuming MD were those who ate fish twice a week or more, used olive or rape seed oil, consumed 5+ fruits and vegetables a day, ate meat (other than poultry and fish) at most twice a week, and drank at most 2 cups of coffee a day.Results. Of 35,530 non‐smoking women, 1,137 (3.2%) fulfilled all MD criteria, and 540 (1.5%) none. Odds ratios for preterm birth and early preterm birth were 0.61 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.35–1.05) and 0.28 (0.11–0.76), respectively, in MD women compared to women fulfilling none of the MD criteria.Conclusion. Shifting towards a MD during pregnancy may reduce the risk of early delivery in Danish women.
Increased fetal cardiac natriuretic peptide secretion in type‐1 diabetic pregnancies
Authors: GIRSEN ANNA , ALA‐KOPSALA MINNA , MÄKIKALLIO KAARIN , VUOLTEENAHO OLLI , RÄSÄNEN JUHA 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground. We hypothesised that human fetal cardiac natriuretic peptide secretion is increased in type‐1 diabetic pregnancies with normal placental hemodynamics, and this increase is related to the first trimester maternal glycemic control. Methods. Thirty‐two neonates of type‐1 diabetic mothers and 60 neonates born after uncomplicated pregnancy and labour (control group) were included in this study. Diabetic pregnancies were divided into two subgroups based on the first trimester HbA1c value. Group 1 pregnancies (n =22) had a good glycemic control (HbA1c <7.5%) and Group 2 pregnancies (n =10) had a poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7.5%). At delivery, an umbilical artery (UA) blood sample was obtained for assessment of N‐terminal peptide of proatrial (NT‐proANP) and proB‐type (NT‐proBNP) natriuretic peptide levels. In diabetic pregnancies, each fetus had normal UA Doppler velocimetry for gestational age. Results. The newborn UA NT‐proANP and NT‐proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in type‐1 diabetic pregnancies than in the control group. Group 2 fetuses with poor glycemic control showed significantly higher UA NT‐proANP levels than Group 1 fetuses. UA NT‐proANP levels correlated significantly with maternal HbA1c values in the first, second and third trimesters, while UA NT‐proBNP levels did not correlate with maternal HbA1c values. Conclusions. In type‐1 diabetic pregnancies, fetal cardiac natriuretic peptide secretion is increased, even in the presence of good glycemic control and normal placental hemodynamics. In addition, fetal NT‐proANP levels are already related to maternal glycemic control in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Twin‐to‐twin delivery time interval: influencing factors and effect on short‐term outcome of the second twin
Authors: STEIN WERNER , MISSELWITZ BJÖRN , SCHMIDT STEFAN 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground. Following vaginal delivery of the first twin, the further management to deliver the second twin is in dispute. Controversial discussions have taken place on the importance of the time interval between the birth of the first and the second twin. Objective. To evaluate factors influencing twin‐to‐twin delivery time interval, and short‐term outcome of the second twin in a complete population‐based cohort in Hesse, Germany. Study design. In a population‐based cohort study, between January 1990 and December 2004, all twin pregnancies of ≥34+0 weeks’ gestation with a vaginally delivered first twin were evaluated. Pregnancies with intrauterine death of either one of the twins before the onset of labour, complicated by twin–twin transfusion or fetal malformations were excluded. Some 4,110 twin pregnancies were analysed. Maternal and fetal characteristics for an increased twin‐to‐twin delivery time interval and its impact on an adverse short‐term neonatal outcome, and the effect of the twin‐to‐twin delivery interval on umbilical arterial pH and base excess of the second twin have been investigated. Results. In univariate analysis, breech, transverse lie, birth weight discordance with the second twin ≥20% larger, fetal distress, vaginal operative delivery, and caesarean section were associated with an increased time interval. Maternal characteristics were not related to an increased time interval. Increasing time interval was related to a decline in the mean umbilical arterial pH and base excess, and fetal acidosis, Apgar score <7 after 1, 5 and 10 min. In multivariate analysis, birth weight discordance, mode of delivery, and twin‐to‐twin delivery time interval were associated with an adverse short‐term outcome of the second twin. Conclusion. As twin‐to‐twin delivery time interval seems to be an independent risk factor for adverse short‐term outcome of the second twin, it should be kept short.
Use of a Mandatory Declination Form in a Program for Influenza Vaccination of Healthcare Workers
Authors: Ribner Bruce S. , Hall Cynthia , Steinberg James P. , Bornstein William A. , Chakkalakal Rosette , Emamifar Amir , Eichel Irving , Lee Peter C. , Castellano Penny Z. , Grossman Gilbert D. 
Published: February 2008

Objective.To evaluate the utility and impact of using a declination form in the context of an influenza immunization program for healthcare workers.Methods.A combined form for documentation of vaccination consent, medical contraindication(s) for vaccination, or vaccination declination was used during the 2006-2007 influenza season in a healthcare system employing approximately 9,200 nonphysician employees in 3 hospitals; a skilled nursing care facility; a large, multisite, faculty-practice plan; and an administrative building. Responses were entered into a database that contained files from human resources departments, which allowed correlation with job category and work location.Results.The overall levels of influenza vaccination coverage of employees increased from 43% (3,892 of 9,050) during the 2005-2006 season to 66.5% (6,123 of 9,214) during the 2006-2007 season. Of 9,214 employees, 1,898 (20.6%) signed the declination statement. Among the occupation groups, nurses had the lowest rate of declining vaccination (13.2% [393 of 2,970]; P < .0001), followed by pharmacy personnel (18.1% [40 of 221]), ancillary personnel with frequent patient contact (21.9% [169 of 771), and all others (24.7% [1,296 of 5,252]). Among the employees who declined vaccination, nurses were the least likely to select the reasons “afraid of needles” (3.8% [15 of 393], vs. 9.1% [137 of 1,505] for all other groups; P < .001) and “fear of getting influenza from the vaccine” (13.5% [53 of 393], vs. 20.5% [309 of 1,505]; P = .002). Seven pregnant nurses had been advised by their obstetricians to avoid vaccination. When declination of influenza vaccination was analyzed by age, 16% of personnel (797 of 4,980) 50 years of age and older declined to be vaccinated, compared with 26% of personnel (1,101 of 4,234) younger than 50 years of age {P < .0001).Conclusions.Implementing use of the declination form during the 2006-2007 influenza season was one of several measures that led to a 55% increase in the acceptance of influenza vaccination by healthcare workers in our healthcare system. Although we cannot determine to what degree use of the declination form contributed to the increased rate of vaccination, use of this form helped the vaccination program assess the reasons for declination and will help to focus future vaccination campaigns.
Cu(II) organizes β‐2‐microglobulin oligomers but is released upon amyloid formation
Authors: Antwi Kwasi , Mahar Maura , Srikanth Rapole , Olbris Mark R. , Tyson Julian F. , Vachet Richard W. 
Published: February 2008

Abstractβ‐2‐Microglobulin (β2m) is deposited as amyloid fibrils in the bones and joints of patients undergoing long‐term dialysis treatment as a result of kidney failure. Previous work has shown that biologically relevant amounts of Cu(II) can cause β2m to be converted to amyloid fibrils under physiological conditions in vitro. In this work, dynamic light scattering, mass spectrometry, and size‐exclusion chromatography are used to characterize the role that Cu plays in the formation of oligomeric intermediates that precede fibril formation. Cu(II) is found to be necessary for the stability of the dimer and an initial form of the tetramer. The initially formed tetramer then undergoes a structural change to a state that no longer binds Cu(II) before progressing to a hexameric state. Based on these results, we propose that the lag phase associated with β2m fibril formation is partially accounted for by the structural transition of the tetramer that results in Cu(II) loss. Consistent with this observation is the determination that the mature β2m amyloid fibrils do not contain Cu. Thus, Cu(II) appears to play a catalytic role by enabling the organization of the necessary oligomeric intermediates that precede β2m amyloid formation.
Structural and thermodynamic effects of ANS binding to human interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist
Authors: Latypov Ramil F. , Liu Dingjiang , Gunasekaran Kannan , Harvey Timothy S. , Razinkov Vladimir I. , Raibekas Andrei A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAlthough 8‐anilinonaphthalene‐1‐sulfonic acid (ANS) is frequently used in protein folding studies, the structural and thermodynamic effects of its binding to proteins are not well understood. Using high‐resolution two‐dimensional NMR and human interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) as a model protein, we obtained detailed information on ANS–protein interactions in the absence and presence of urea. The effects of ambient to elevated temperatures on the affinity and specificity of ANS binding were assessed from experiments performed at 25°C and 37°C. Overall, the affinity of ANS was lower at 37°C compared to 25°C, but no significant change in the site specificity of binding was observed from the chemical shift perturbation data. The same site‐specific binding was evident in the presence of 5.2 M urea, well within the unfolding transition region, and resulted in selective stabilization of the folded state. Based on the two‐state denaturation mechanism, ANS‐dependent changes in the protein stability were estimated from relative intensities of two amide resonances specific to the folded and unfolded states of IL‐1ra. No evidence was found for any ANS‐induced partially denatured or aggregated forms of IL‐1ra throughout the experimental conditions, consistent with a cooperative and reversible denaturation process. The NMR results support earlier observations on the tendency of ANS to interact with solvent‐exposed positively charged sites on proteins. Under denaturing conditions, ANS binding appears to be selective to structured states rather than unfolded conformations. Interestingly, the binding occurs within a previously identified aggregation‐critical region in IL‐1ra, thus providing an insight into ligand‐dependent protein aggregation.
Nonspecific base recognition mediated by water bridges and hydrophobic stacking in ribonuclease I from Escherichia coli
Authors: Rodriguez Sergio Martinez , Panjikar Santosh , Van Belle Karolien , Wyns Lode , Messens Joris , Loris Remy 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe crystal structure of Escherichia coli ribonuclease I (EcRNase I) reveals an RNase T2‐type fold consisting of a conserved core of six β‐strands and three α‐helices. The overall architecture of the catalytic residues is very similar to the plant and fungal RNase T2 family members, but the perimeter surrounding the active site is characterized by structural elements specific for E. coli. In the structure of EcRNase I in complex with a substrate‐mimicking decadeoxynucleotide d(CGCGATCGCG), we observe a cytosine bound in the B2 base binding site and mixed binding of thymine and guanine in the B1 base binding site. The active site residues His55, His133, and Glu129 interact with the phosphodiester linkage only through a set of water molecules. Residues forming the B2 base recognition site are well conserved among bacterial homologs and may generate limited base specificity. On the other hand, the B1 binding cleft acquires true base aspecificity by combining hydrophobic van der Waals contacts at its sides with a water‐mediated hydrogen‐bonding network at the bottom. This B1 base recognition site is highly variable among bacterial sequences and the observed interactions are unique to EcRNaseI and a few close relatives.
Quantitative trait loci for white blood cell numbers in swine
Authors: Reiner G. , Fischer R. , Hepp S. , Berge T. , Köhler F. , Willems H. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryDifferential white blood cell counts are essential diagnostic parameters in veterinary practice but knowledge on the genetic architecture controlling variability of leucocyte numbers and relationships is sparse, especially in swine. Total leucocyte numbers (Leu) and the differential leucocyte counts, i.e. the fractions of lymphocytes (Lym), polymorphonuclear leucocytes [neutrophils (Neu), eosinophils (Eos) and basophils (Bas)] and monocytes (Mon) were measured in 139 F2 pigs from a Meishan/Pietrain family, before and after challenge with the protozoan pathogen Sarcocystis miescheriana for genome‐wide quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. After infection, the pigs passed through three stages representing acute disease, reconvalescence and chronic disease. Nine genome‐wide significant and 29 putative, single QTL controlling leucocyte traits were identified on 15 chromosomes. Because leucocyte traits varied with health and disease status, QTL influencing the leucocyte phenotypes showed specific health/disease patterns. Regions on SSC1, 8 and 12 contained QTL for baseline leucocyte traits. Other QTL regions reached control on leucocyte traits only at distinct stages of the disease model. Two‐thirds of the QTL have not been described before. Single QTL explained up to 19% of the phenotypic variance in the F2 animals. Related traits were partly under common genetic influence. Our analysis confirms that leucocyte trait variation is associated with multiple chromosomal regions.
A novel and sensitive ELISA reveals that the soluble form of IL‐13R‐α2 is not expressed in plasma of healthy or asthmatic subjects
Authors: O'Toole M. , Legault H. , Ramsey R. , Wynn T. A. , Kasaian M. T. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryBackground
IL‐13 plays a key regulatory role in asthmatic responses and immunity to parasitic infection. In vivo, IL‐13R‐α2 is a critical modulator of IL‐13 bioactivity. When inducibly expressed on the surface of fibroblasts and other cell types under inflammatory conditions, IL‐13R‐α2 contributes to resolution of IL‐13 responses. A soluble form of IL‐13R‐α2 (sIL‐13R‐α2) can be detected in murine circulation, and functions as a regulator of IL‐13 bioactivity. In humans, sIL‐13R‐α2 has been more difficult to detect. Recently, novel assay systems have been described to quantitate sIL‐13R‐α2 in human circulation, and revealed unexpectedly high levels of sIL‐13R‐α2 in healthy subjects.Objective
To verify sIL‐13R‐α2 quantitation in human plasma samples under stringent conditions of signal verification and false‐positive detection.Methods
A standard ELISA protocol was evaluated for specificity using false‐positive detection reagents. A more stringent ELISA protocol was developed by optimizing the composition of blocking and dilution buffers.Results
Using the stringent assay protocol, endogenous sIL‐13R‐α2 was undetectable in plasma samples from a total of 120 asthmatics and 20 healthy subjects, and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 10 asthmatics and eight healthy subjects undergoing allergen challenge.Conclusion
These results underscore the necessity to perform rigorous assay controls in the biological matrix to be tested. Because the soluble form could not be demonstrated, our findings question a role for sIL‐13R‐α2 in the regulation of IL‐13 bioactivity, and highlight the potentially important contribution of the membrane‐bound form of IL‐13R‐α2 in humans.
Identification and management of undiagnosed and undertreated allergic rhinitis in adults and children
Authors: Stewart M. G. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a common health problem that affects adults, adolescents and children and is often undiagnosed or inadequately treated. Because AR is not a life‐threatening disease, many patients do not seek medical treatment for their symptoms, and others self‐medicate with over‐the‐counter medications, often sedating antihistamines. However, untreated or inadequately treated AR can substantially impair overall quality of life (QOL) by causing fatigue, headache, cognitive impairment and other problems. The risk for comorbid conditions, such as asthma, otitis media, and lymphoid hypertrophy with obstructive sleep apnea, can increase, and the symptoms of AR can worsen if AR is not adequately treated. Among the symptoms of AR, nasal congestion has been described by patients as the most bothersome because it disrupts sleep, resulting in diminished daytime performance. A new congestion screening tool, the Congestion Quantifier, has been developed to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of AR and to help guide treatment decisions. Intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) are recommended as effective pharmaceutical treatments for controlling the symptoms of AR. Randomized, controlled trials in children and adults have demonstrated that INSs relieve rhinitis symptoms, thereby improving QOL in individuals with seasonal or perennial AR. Most INSs are approved for use in children 6 years of age, but mometasone furoate and fluticasone furoate are approved for use in children as young as 2 years of age and fluticasone propionate for children 4 years old. Long‐term benefits have also been seen with the use of immunotherapy, although some patients, especially children, resist the injections used in subcutaneous immunotherapy. Recent studies with sublingual immunotherapy have indicated that it might be an effective and well‐tolerated alternative to immunotherapy injections.
Efficacy of ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment system for gutta‐percha removal from root canals
Authors: Gu L.‐S. , Ling J.‐Q , Wei X. , Huang X.‐Y. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim  To evaluate the efficacy of the ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment system for gutta‐percha (GP) removal from root canals.Methodology  Root canals of 60 extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were prepared and filled with laterally condensed GP and AH Plus sealer. Teeth were divided into three groups: group A – GP removal completed with the ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment system and with further canal repreparation accomplished with ProTaper Universal rotary instruments; group B – GP removal was completed using Gates Glidden drills and Hedström files with chloroform as a solvent, followed with further canal repreparation with ProTaper Universal rotary instruments; group C – the same as group B for GP removal with further canal preparation with stainless steel K‐flex files (Kerr). The operating time was recorded. Teeth were rendered transparent for the evaluation of the area of remaining GP/sealer in bucco‐lingual and mesial–distal directions. Statistical analysis was performed by using repeated measures analysis of variance and anova.Results  The ProTaper Universal technique (group A) resulted in a smaller percentage of canal area covered by residual GP/sealer than in groups B and C, with a significant difference between groups A and C (P < 0.05). Mean operating time for group A was 6.73 min, which was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) than group B (10.86 min) and group C (13.52 min).Conclusions  In this laboratory study all test techniques left GP/sealer remnants within the root canal. The ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment system proved to be an efficient method of removing GP and sealer from maxillary anterior teeth.
Low‐dose doxycycline inhibits bone resorption associated with apical periodontitis
Authors: Metzger Z. , Belkin D. , Kariv N. , Dotan M. , Kfir A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAim  To test the effect of low‐dose doxycycline on bone resorption associated with apical periodontitis.Methodology  Apical periodontitis was induced by occlusal pulp exposure in the mandibular first molars of 36 rats. Animals were divided into three groups of 12: group A received doxycycline in drinking water at a dose of 5.85 mg day−1; group B received a dose of 1.48 mg day−1 (one‐quarter of the original dose); and group C received no medicament and served as the control. A bioassay determined the doxycycline serum levels. After 21 days, the mandibles were removed, radiographed and the radiographs scanned to generate digital images. These images were analysed morphometrically and the total area of the periapical bone resorption of the mesial and distal roots of each tooth was determined and used to compare the groups. Statistical analysis was completed using anova with repeated measures.Results  The mean doxycycline serum level in group A was 0.22(±0.03) μg mL−1 and in group B below the detection level of the assay (<0.062 μg mL−1). The mean area of the periapical bone resorption in the control group C was 2.91(±0.61) mm2. In animals treated with a low‐dose doxycycline, the mean size of the bone resorption was significantly smaller at 1.59(±0.59) mm2 (group A) and 1.72(±0.85) mm2 (group B) (P = 0.001). No significant difference was found in the area of the bone resorption between these two groups A and B.Conclusions  Low‐dose doxycycline reduced the area of bone resorption associated with apical periodontitis in the mandibular first molar teeth of rats.