bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pro- and mature IGF-II during diet-induced weight loss in obese subjects
Authors: Espelund Ulrick , Bruun Jens Meldgaard , Richelsen Bjørn , Flyvbjerg Allan , Frystyk Jan 
Published: December 2005

Background: In normal subjects up to 10% of circulating insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) consists of pro-IGF-II. However, its regulation and biological impact remains unknown. In obese subjects, serum free and total IGF-II are increased, and we therefore investigated the impact of obesity and diet on serum pro-IGF-II.
Design: Non-diabetic, obese subjects (n = 34) with a body mass index (BMI) of 38.9 ± 0.5 kg/m2 were subjected to 8 weeks with very low calorie diet (800 kcal/day) followed by 12 weeks with a weight-stabilizing diet. Fasting serum was collected before the study, and after 8 and 20 weeks. Pro-IGF-II was determined after acid-gel chromatography using a novel, highly specific in-house assay, free and total IGFs were measured after ultrafiltration and acid-ethanol extraction, respectively, and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) were measured with specific immunoassays.
Results: Diet reduced BMI and fasting levels of insulin and glucose (P < 0.001). Serum pro-IGF-II was markedly reduced in obese subjects as compared with matched normal-weight controls (means and 95% confidence intervals: 93 μg/l (82–104 μg/l) versus 171 μg/l (152–192 μg/l), respectively; P < 0.001), and levels remained unchanged after the weight loss. In contrast, during the study period total and free IGF-II decreased (P < 0.05), whereas total IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 increased (P < 0.001). Serum free IGF-I remained unaltered. Cross-sectional and longitudinal correlation analyses showed that pro-IGF-II was closer and more consistently associated with IGF-I than IGF-II.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that pro-IGF-II is reduced in obesity, in contrast to mature IGF-II. This indicates a hitherto unrecognized link between nutrition and pro-IGF-II. In addition, our data indicate that pro-IGF-II is regulated independently of mature IGF-II.
Role of sequence variations of the GnRH receptor and G protein-coupled receptor 54 gene in male idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Lanfranco Fabio , Gromoll Jörg , von Eckardstein Sigrid , Herding Eva M , Nieschlag Eberhard , Simoni Manuela 
Published: December 2005

Objective: To determine the frequency of mutations of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) and of the G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) genes in normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH).
Methods: In a retrospective study we analyzed the GnRHR and the GPR54 genes of 45 IHH patients and 50 controls. Genomic DNA was amplified by PCR to obtain partially overlapping amplicons encompassing the exon–intron boundaries of the GnRHR and GPR54 genes and analyzed by single-stranded conformation polymorphism gel electrophoresis and/or DNA sequencing.
Results: One heterozygous R262Q mutation of the GnRHR gene was identified in one patient with familial IHH. The silent single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 453C > T occurred at the same frequency in patients and controls. One patient with sporadic IHH and consanguineous parents showed a novel homozygous sequence variation of the GPR54 gene (1001_1002insC) resulting in an open reading frame shift and elongation of 43 amino acids with an increased number of proline residues in the intracellular receptor domain. This patient had delayed puberty, low testosterone (3.4 nmol/l), and low-normal LH and FSH levels responsive to GnRH. Pulsatile GnRH administration normalized testosterone levels and induced spermatogenesis sufficiently to induce a pregnancy with assisted reproduction. Two common SNPs in exon 1 and exon 5 of the GPR54 gene showed similar frequency distribution and hormonal profiles in IHH and controls.
Conclusions: Mutations of the GnRHR and of the GPR54 gene are rare in IHH and should be investigated especially in cases with autosomal recessive transmission. Common SNPs of the GnRHR and GPR54 genes do not play any role in IHH.
Variability of isolated autosomal dominant GH deficiency (IGHD II): impact of the P89L GH mutation on clinical follow-up and GH secretion
Authors: Salemi Souzan , Yousefi Shida , Baltensperger Kurt , Robinson Iain C A F , Eblé Andrée , Simon Dominique , Czernichow Paul , Binder Gerhard , Sonnet Emmanuel , Mullis Primus E 
Published: December 2005

Objective: Four distinct familial types of isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) are classified, of which type II, IGHD II, is the autosomal dominant inherited form. Based on clinical data, it became evident that there is a wide variability in phenotype among the various GH-1 gene alterations leading to the disorder. As subjects suffering from IGHD II caused by the specific missense mutated P89L GH (C6129T) have never been reported in detail, the aim was to analyse the impact of this mutated GH form on its clinical follow-up as well as to study its effect at the cellular level in comparison with the most common missense mutation R183H GH (G6664A).
Methods: Twelve subjects belonging to four families presenting with P89L GH were clinically compared with 17 subjects from 5 families with the R183H GH missense mutation. Further, co-localization of the wild-type (wt-type) and mutant GH forms was studied in AtT-20 cells, mouse pituitary gland, applying quantitative confocal microscopy analysis. Using immunofluorescent techniques, cells were double stained for GH and one of the following organelles: endoplasmic reticulum (anti-Grp94), Golgi (anti-βCOP) and secretory granules (anti-Rab3a). In addition, GH secretion and cell viability was analysed in detail.
Results: Importantly, as well as growth hormone deficiency, eight out of twelve subjects with the P89L mutated GH form developed other endocrine deficits and the pituitary gland became smaller over time (P < 0.05). At the cellular level, quantitative analysis of the variable mutants expressed in AtT-20 cells revealed a different extent of co-localization, different effects on GH secretion, and, therefore, a different impact on the secretory pathway which might be caused by different folding or aggregation problems necessary for sorting, packaging and/or secretion through the regulated secretory pathway.
Conclusions: Our results show that specific and detailed analyses of the different mutations identified in IGHD II may shed light on the different mechanisms of secretory pathophysiology, and may provide a better explanation of the range of clinical features associated with GH missense isoforms. Importantly, the findings in patients with P89L GH extend beyond classical IGHD and stress the need for continued clinical vigilance in IGHD II patients for the development of other hormonal deficiencies.
Thirty-Six-Month Outcomes for Families of Children Who Have Disabilities and Participated in Early Intervention
Authors: Bailey Donald B. , Hebbeler Kathleen , Spiker Donna , Scarborough Anita , Mallik Sangeeta , Nelson Lauren 
Published: December 2005

Objective. Infants and toddlers with disabilities in the United States and their families are eligible for early intervention services under Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. The purpose of this study was to assess family outcomes at the end of early intervention (near the child’s third birthday).
Methods. A nationally representative sample of 2586 parents in 20 states completed a 40-minute telephone interview on or near their child’s third birthday. This article summarizes data related to perceived family outcomes at the end of early intervention.
Results. At the end of early intervention, most parents felt competent in caring for their children, advocating for services, and gaining access to formal and informal supports. They also were generally optimistic about the future. Most (82%) parents believed that their family was better off as a result of early intervention. Parents were somewhat less positive in their perceived ability to deal with their child’s behavior problems or gain access to community resources, and lower family outcome scores were found for parents of minority children, children with health problems, and children who were living with a single adult.
Conclusion. Results suggest that Part C early intervention provides important supports for families of young children with disabilities. The findings reinforce the need for experimental research to identify factors that are most likely to lead to successful outcomes for all families. In the meantime, early identification and expeditious referral are important so that maximum benefit can be realized for children with disabilities and their families.
Functional Plasticity or Vulnerability After Early Brain Injury?
Authors: Anderson Vicki , Catroppa Cathy , Morse Sue , Haritou Flora , Rosenfeld Jeffrey 
Published: December 2005

Context. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common, acquired, childhood disability that may be used as a model to understand more completely the impact of early brain injury on both brain structure and day-to-day function. Contrary to previously held views of the “plasticity” of the young brain, recent research suggests that such early insults may have a profound impact on development. To date, these suggestions remain largely untested.
Objectives. To plot changes in cognitive abilities after childhood TBI over the 30 months after injury and to examine the impact of age at injury on cognitive outcomes.
Design. Prospective longitudinal study.
Setting. Royal Children’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Main Outcome Measures. Global intellectual ability, verbal and nonverbal skills, attention, and processing speed.
Participants. A total of 122 children admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of TBI were divided according to injury age, ie, young (age: 3–7 years) or old (age: 8–12 years), and injury severity (mild, moderate, or severe) and were evaluated acutely and at 12 and 30 months after injury. An additional sample of children injured before 3 years of age (n = 27) was compared with these groups with respect to global intellectual ability only.
Results. A clear relationship was documented between injury severity and cognitive performance. For children who sustained severe injury, younger age at injury was associated with minimal, if any, recovery after injury, but better outcomes were observed after severe TBI among older children. Age at injury was not predictive of outcomes for children with mild or moderate TBI, although infants (age: 0–2.11 years) with moderate TBI showed poorer outcomes than did older children with injury of similar severity.
Conclusions. Findings support a “double-hazard” model for severe and early brain insults and add to the ongoing debate regarding cerebral plasticity, suggesting that, contrary to traditional views, young children who sustain severe TBI in early childhood or moderate or severe TBI in infancy may be particularly vulnerable to significant residual cognitive impairment. From a clinical perspective, results indicate that long-term follow-up monitoring and management should be targeted to this high-risk group.
Response of Preterm Newborns to Immunization With a Hexavalent Diphtheria–Tetanus–Acellular Pertussis–Hepatitis B Virus–Inactivated Polio andHaemophilus influenzaeType b Vaccine: First Experiences and Solutions to a Serious and Sensitive Issue
Authors: Omeñaca Felix , Garcia-Sicilia José , García-Corbeira Pilar , Boceta Reyes , Romero Alejandro , Lopez Gloria , Dal-Ré Rafael 
Published: December 2005

Objective. Preterm infants are at increased risk from infections and should be vaccinated at the usual chronological age. The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a hexavalent diphtheria–tetanus–acellular pertussis–hepatitis B virus–inactivated polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib) vaccine in preterm infants.Methods. In a comparative trial, 94 preterm infants between 24 and 36 weeks (mean ± SD gestational age: 31.05 ± 3.45 weeks; mean birth weight: 1420 ± 600 g) and a control group of 92 full-term infants were enrolled to receive 3 doses of a DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months. Immunogenicity was assessed in serum samples that were taken before and 4 weeks after primary vaccination. Evaluation of reactogenicity was based on diary cards.Results. All preterm (n = 93) and full-term (n = 89) infants who were included in the immunogenicity analysis had seroprotective titers to diphtheria; tetanus; and polio virus types 1, 2, and 3. The immune response to the Hib and hepatitis B components was lower in preterm than in full-term infants: 92.5% versus 97.8% and 93.4% versus 95.2%, respectively. Vaccine response rates for pertussis antigens were &gt;98.9% in both study groups. Although most geometric mean titers were lower in preterm infants, titers were similar for pertussis, a major threat for premature infants. The vaccine was well tolerated, and there were no differences in reactogenicity between groups. Some extremely immature infants experienced transient cardiorespiratory events within the 72 hours after the first vaccination with no clinical repercussion.Conclusions. Preterm infants who were immunized with the hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months displayed good immune response to all antigens. The availability of this vaccine greatly facilitates the vaccination of premature infants.
Smoking in the Movies Increases Adolescent Smoking: A Review
Authors: Charlesworth Annemarie , Glantz Stanton A. 
Published: December 2005

Objective. Despite voluntary restrictions prohibiting direct and indirect cigarette marketing to youth and paid product placement, tobacco use remains prevalent in movies. This article presents a systematic review of the evidence on the nature and effect of smoking in the movies on adolescents (and others).
Methodology. We performed a comprehensive literature review.
Results. We identified 40 studies. Smoking in the movies decreased from 1950 to ∼1990 and then increased rapidly. In 2002, smoking in movies was as common as it was in 1950. Movies rarely depict the negative health outcomes associated with smoking and contribute to increased perceptions of smoking prevalence and the benefits of smoking. Movie smoking is presented as adult behavior. Exposure to movie smoking makes viewers' attitudes and beliefs about smoking and smokers more favorable and has a dose-response relationship with adolescent smoking behavior. Parental restrictions on R-rated movies significantly reduces youth exposure to movie smoking and subsequent smoking uptake. Beginning in 2002, the total amount of smoking in movies was greater in youth-rated (G/PG/PG-13) films than adult-rated (R) films, significantly increasing adolescent exposure to movie smoking. Viewing antismoking advertisements before viewing movie smoking seems to blunt the stimulating effects of movie smoking on adolescent smoking.
Conclusions. Strong empirical evidence indicates that smoking in movies increases adolescent smoking initiation. Amending the movie-rating system to rate movies containing smoking as “R” should reduce adolescent exposure to smoking and subsequent smoking.
An Assessment of the Shared-Decision Model in Parents of Children With Acute Otitis Media
Authors: Merenstein Dan , Diener-West Marie , Krist Alex , Pinneger Matthew , Cooper Lisa A. 
Published: December 2005

Objective. Medicine is shifting from a doctor-centered approach to a model entailing more shared decision-making. Many organizations now recommend a shared-decision approach to treating children with acute otitis media (AOM). Our primary objectives in this study were to assess (1) which style of decision-making on the physician's part would most effectively reduce parents' proclivity to use antibiotics for treatment of their child's AOM and (2) parental satisfaction with different doctor-patient decision-making styles.
Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to examine how parents respond to doctor-patient communication styles in 3 clinical vignettes that presented 2 versions of a shared-decision model (SDM) and 1 paternalistic model. Parents were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 vignettes. The main predictor variable was the vignette assignment, and the main outcomes were (1) parent proclivity to use antibiotics and (2) parent ratings of care by the physician in the vignette. Using logistic regression, we adjusted for caregivers' age, gender, income, knowledge of antibiotics, decision-making preference, confidence in physician, and length of relationship with personal physician.
Results. Four hundred sixty-six parents met inclusion criteria, with a response rate of 94%. General characteristics were similar across vignette assignment groups. Parents who received the paternalistic-model vignettes were more likely to say that they would use antibiotics than those who received the SDM vignettes (odds ratio: 4.9; 95% confidence interval: 2.3–10.6). This result remained statistically significant after adjustment for potential confounders. In addition, parents in the shared-decision groups were more satisfied (93% and 84%) than those in the paternalistic-model group (76%).
Conclusions. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine parent interest, acceptance, and satisfaction with the SDM. Our findings suggest that shared decision-making for AOM may lead to less antibiotic usage and higher levels of parental satisfaction. Although more studies are needed to examine how best to incorporate parents in the SDM, our study serves as an example of the potential benefit of this approach in pediatric medicine.
Parental Preferences for Error Disclosure, Reporting, and Legal Action After Medical Error in the Care of Their Children
Authors: Hobgood Cherri , Tamayo-Sarver Joshua H. , Elms Andrew , Weiner Bryan 
Published: December 2005

Objective. No data exist on parental preferences for disclosure, reporting, and seeking legal action after errors in the care of their children are disclosed. This study examined parental preferences for error disclosure and reporting; responses to error disclosure; and preferences and responses by race/ethnicity, gender, age, and insurance.
Methods. A 4-scenario survey instrument portraying a range of medical error was provided to a convenience sample of parents who presented with children to an emergency department. Parents were asked to categorize the error, express preferences for disclosure and reporting, and then report how they expected to respond with and without disclosure. Basic demographics were collected also. Bivariate analyses of demographics were performed with Fisher's exact tests, analysis of scenario responses was performed with Somers' D, and the independent effects of the study variables were assessed with a generalized estimating equation.
Results. Research assistants approached 661 parents; 499 participated (75% response rate). Of all scenarios presented to the parents, they judged 54% of the scenarios as severe, 99% wanted disclosure, 39% wanted the error reported to a disciplinary body, and 36% were less likely to seek legal action if the error was disclosed by the physician. In multivariate modeling, severity was associated with desire for disclosure, reporting, and change in likelihood of legal action with disclosure.
Conclusions. Regardless of severity, parents want to be informed of error. Educational interventions to improve error disclosure should emphasize the uniformity of parental preferences for disclosure, reporting, and the decreased likelihood of legal action when errors are disclosed than if discovered through other means.
Randomized Trial of the Early Start Program of Home Visitation
Authors: Fergusson David M. , Grant Hildegard , Horwood L. John , Ridder Elizabeth M. 
Published: December 2005

Objective. To evaluate the extent to which a program of home visitation (Early Start), targeted at families who are facing stress and difficulty, had beneficial consequences for child health, preschool education, service utilization, parenting, child abuse and neglect, and behavioral adjustment.Methods. The study used a randomized, controlled trial design in which 220 families who were participating in the Early Start program were contrasted with a control series of 223 families who were not participating in the program. Families were enrolled in the program after population screening that was conducted by community health nurses. Families were enrolled in the program for up to 36 months. Outcomes were assessed at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after trial entry.Results. Families in the Early Start series received a mean of 24 months of service. Comparisons between the Early Start and control series over the 36-month follow-up period revealed that families in the Early Start program showed significant benefits in the areas of improved utilization of child health services, reduced rates of hospital attendance for injury/poisoning, increased preschool education, increased positive and nonpunitive parenting, reduced rates of severe parent/child assaults, and reduced rates of early problem behaviors. Effect sizes (Cohen's “d”) were found to be in the small to moderate range, with d ranging from .03 to .31 (median: .22).Conclusions. The Early Start program was associated with small to moderate benefits in a wide range of areas relating to child health, preschool education, parenting, child abuse, and early behavioral adjustment. Comparisons with other studies are made, and threats to validity are considered.
Synthesis and properties of poly ether nitrile sulfone copolymers with pendant methyl groups
Authors: Saxena Akanksha , Sadhana R. , Rao V. Lakshmana , Ravindran P. V. , Ninan K. N. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractPoly ether nitrile and poly ether nitrile sulfone copolymers with pendant methyl groups were prepared by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2,6′‐dichlorobenzonitrile with methyl hydroquinone and with varying mole proportions of methyl hydroquinone and 4,4′dihydroxydiphenylsulfone using N‐methyl pyrrolidone as solvent in the presence of anhydrous K2CO3. The polymers were characterized by different physicochemical techniques. Copolymer composition was determined using FTIR technique. Thermogravimetric data reveals that all the polymers were stable up to 420°C with a char yield above 40% at 900°C in N2 atmosphere. The glass transition temperature was found to increase and the activation energy and inherent viscosities were found to decrease with increase in concentration of the 4,4′‐dihydroxydiphenylsulfone units in the polymer. Trimerization reactions are found to be favorable with increase in concentration of methyl hydroquinone units in the polymer. Crystallinity of the polymer was also studied using wide angle X‐ray diffraction. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1303–1309, 2006
Flammability and thermal properties of high density polyethylene/paraffin hybrid as a form‐stable phase change material
Authors: Cai Yibing , Hu Yuan , Song Lei , Tang Yong , Yang Rui , Zhang Yinping , Chen Zuyao , Fan WeiCheng 
Published: November 2005

AbstractIn this study, form‐stable phase change material (PCM)–high density polyethylene (HDPE)/paraffin hybrid with different flame‐retardant systems are prepared by using twin‐screw extruder technique. This kind of form‐stable PCM is made up of paraffin (a dispersed phase change material) and a HDPE (a supporting material). Their structures and flammability properties are characterized by scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and cone calorimetry. Thermal stability is shown by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and its latent heat is given by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) method. SEM results show that the HDPE forms a three‐dimensional net structure and the paraffin is dispersed in it. The peak of heat release rate (HRR) of the flame‐retardant form‐stable PCM decreases markedly. In TGA curves, although the onset of weight loss of flame‐retardant form‐stable PCMs occur at a lower temperature than that of form‐stable PCM, flame‐retardant form‐stable PCMs produce a large amount of char residue at 700°C. DSC results show that the addition of flame retardant has little effect on the phase change latent heat of PCM. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1320–1327, 2006