bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lateral Flow Immunoassay Using Europium Chelate-Loaded Silica Nanoparticles as Labels
Authors: Xia Xiaohu , Xu Ye , Zhao Xilin , Li Qingge 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Background: Despite their ease of use, lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) often suffer from poor quantitative discrimination and low analytical sensitivity. We explored the use of a novel class of europium chelate-loaded silica nanoparticles as labels to overcome these limitations.
Methods: Antibodies were covalently conjugated onto europium chelate-loaded silica nanoparticles with dextran as a linker. The resulting conjugates were used as labels in LFIA for detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). We performed quantification with a digital camera and Adobe Photoshop software. We also used 286 clinical samples to compare the proposed method with a quantitative ELISA.
Results: A detection limit of 0.03 μg/L was achieved, which was 100 times lower than the colloidal gold-based LFIAs and lower than ELISA. A precise quantitative dose-response curve was obtained, and the linear measurement range was 0.05–3.13 μg/L, within which the CVs were 2.3%–10.4%. Regression analysis of LFIA on ELISA results gave: log (LFIA) = −0.14 log (ELISA) + 1.03 μg/L with r = 0.99 for the quantification of HBsAg in 35 positive serum samples. Complete agreement was observed for the qualitative comparison of 286 clinical samples assayed with LFIA and ELISA.
Conclusions: Europium chelate-loaded silica nanoparticle labels have great potential to improve LFIAs, making them useful not only for simple screening applications but also for more sensitive and quantitative immunoassays.
Aromatase expression in the normal human adult adrenal and in adrenocortical tumors: biochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular studies
Authors: Moreau François , Mittre Hervé , Benhaim Annie , Bois Camille , Bertherat Jérome , Carreau Serge , Reznik Yves 
Published: October 2008

ObjectiveThe aromatase enzyme catalyzes the final stage of estrogen biosynthesis pathway from androgens. Its expression in the adrenal is poorly studied except for the rare estrogen-producing adrenocortical tumors. In order to further characterize aromatase expression in the adrenal, we evaluated the aromatase enzyme activity, Cyp19a1 gene expression level, and promoter utilization in normal adrenal tissues and in adrenocortical secreting tumors.Design and methodsSix normal adult adrenals (NA), 2 feminizing adrenal tumors (FT), 10 cortisol-producing adenomas with overt (CS, n=4) or sub-clinical Cushing syndrome (SCS, n=6) and 3 aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) were studied. Tissue aromatase activity was determined by the tritiated (3H)-water method. Total aromatase mRNA were measured by a competitive RT-PCR. Promoter regions PII and PI.4-derived transcripts were also studied in NA, FT, and other steroid-producing tumors by a semi-quantitative comparative RT-PCR. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed in normal human adrenal tissues.ResultsAromatase activity was detected in NA tissues and in all tumor subtypes, at high levels in both FT. In NA, aromatase immunofluorescence was detected in the cytoplasm of steroidogenic cells, mainly from zona reticularis. Compared with NA, aromatase transcript levels were similar in CS and APA, lower in SCS and similar or higher in FT. Promoter analysis suggested predominant PII utilization in NA, APA, and SCS, but similar PII and PI.4 utilization in CS tumors.ConclusionAromatase is expressed at similar levels in normal adrenal and in adrenocortical tumors, but at variably high levels in FT. Different promoter utilization patterns are found among tumor subtypes.
Age and stress as determinants of the severity of hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease in newly diagnosed patients
Authors: Vos Xander G , Smit Natalie , Endert Erik , Brosschot Jos F , Tijssen Jan G P , Wiersinga Wilmar M 
Published: October 2008

ObjectiveThe evidence that stress may provoke Graves' hyperthyroidism in genetically susceptible subjects is substantial. Whether exposure to stress is related to the severity of thyrotoxicosis has not been studied. Advancing age is associated with not only less severe Graves' hyperthyroidism but also self-reported stress. We tested the hypothesis whether advancing age is associated with less exposure to stress, resulting in a lower immunological response, and less severe Graves' hyperthyroidism.DesignCross-sectional multicenter study.PatientsTwo hundred and sixty-three consecutive untreated patients with a first episode of Graves' hyperthyroidism were included. The severity of Graves' hyperthyroidism was evaluated biochemically (freeT4-index and freeT3-index, thyrotropin-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII)) and clinically by the hyperthyroid symptom scale score (HSS score). Stress exposure was quantitated by three questionnaires.ResultsAdvancing age was associated with less severe Graves' hyperthyroidism, both biochemically by lower serum freeT3-index and freeT4-index (P<0.01), lower serum TBII (P=0.05), and clinically by lower HSS scores (P=0.04) and smaller goiter size (P<0.01). FreeT3-index and freeT4-index were directly associated with HSS scores (P<0.01). Stress scores were associated with HSS scores (P<0.01) but not with biochemical severity of Graves' hyperthyroidism. Advancing age was associated with lower scores for stress exposure. Multivariate regression analysis showed that HSS score was independently related to the tendency to report negative feelings (P<0.01) but not to other stress scores and also not to age.ConclusionAdvancing age is associated with less exposure to stress, lower serum TBII and less severe clinical and biochemical Graves' hyperthyroidism. Because no direct relationship exists between stress exposure and TBII or freeT3-index and freeT4-index, we reject our hypothesis that less stress is causally related to biochemically less severe Graves' hyperthyroidism in old age. HSS score is primarily determined by negative feelings and not by age.
Is there a further acceleration in the age at onset of menarche? A cross-sectional study in 1840 school children focusing on age and bodyweight at the onset of menarche
Authors: Bau A M , Ernert A , Schenk L , Wiegand S , Martus P , Grüters A , Krude H 
Published: October 2008

ObjectiveMore than 30 years ago Frisch and Revelle proposed a body weight threshold for the onset of menarche. Based on this hypothesis, a further acceleration of age at menarche can be expected in times of childhood obesity.DesignA cross-sectional study of 1840 healthy school girls (Berlin school children's cohort, BSCOC) within the age groups 10–15 years was conducted in 2006–2007.MethodsMedian age of menarche was calculated by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Bi- and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the associations between menarche age and weight status. A locally weighted regression was used to analyze the relationship respectively between height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)–SDS and age stratified by menarche status.ResultsNine hundred and thirty six (50.9%) girls had already experienced menarche at a median age of 12.8 years. Two hundred and thirty six of these girls reached their menarche recently. Obese/overweight girls reached menarche significantly earlier (12.5 years), than normal weight (12.9 years), and underweight girls (13.7 years). The mean total body weight was similar in all girls at menarche irrespective of age (mean 51.1 kg,s.d.8.1) and height. BMI–SDS remained the only significant factor for onset of menarche within a multiple regression model for early menarche (OR 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.3–3.3,P=0.002).ConclusionsAge at onset of menarche did not accelerate even in a childhood population with more than 10% obesity prevalence. Nevertheless, a negative correlation of BMI–SDS with age at onset of menarche exists.
Health-related quality of life and IGF-1 in GH-deficient adult patients on GH replacement therapy: analysis of the German KIMS data and the Study of Health in Pomerania
Authors: Moock Joern , Albrecht Christin , Friedrich Nele , Völzke Henry , Nauck Matthias , Koltowska-Haggström Maria , Kohlmann Thomas , Wallaschofski Henri 
Published: October 2008

ObjectiveTo analyse 12-month response to GH treatment in a single-country cohort of hypopituitary adult patients with GH deficiency (GHD) in regards to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) compared with values from general population sample. Moreover, association between the response in HRQoL and the IGF-1 values in patients and in the background population was investigated.DesignHRQoL was assessed by quality of life assessment of GH deficiency in adults (QoL-AGHDA) in 651 patients retrieved from the German KIMS (Pfizer International Metabolic Database) before and after 12 months of GH replacement and in a sample drawn from a cross-sectional study in Germany (n=2734). IGF-1 was measured in KIMS patients and in the population-based study with the same assay technique.ResultsIn KIMS patients, mean QoL-AGHDA scores before GH replacement were 9.2±6.8 (8.7±6.8) in women (men) and in the general population sample 4.5±5.3 (4.3±5.0) in women (men). Mean differences in QoL-AGHDA scores were statistically significant for all age categories (P<0.05). The mean IGF-1 SDS of KIMS patients before GH replacement was −1.1±1.4 (−0.8±1.4) in women (men). After GH replacement, a significant increase of IGF-1 concentration and a significant decrease of QoL-AGHDA scores near to age- and gender-specific population-based values were observed.ConclusionsThis study confirms an improvement in HRQoL and an increase of IGF-1 SDS in GH-replaced adults, which approximated the values of general population. However, there was no association between IGF-1 values and HRQoL assessment as one of the important treatment outcomes.
Burden of Rotavirus Disease Among Children Visiting Pediatric Emergency Departments in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Oakland, California, in 1999–2000
Authors: Yee Eileen L. , Staat Mary Allen , Azimi Parvin , Bernstein David I. , Ward Richard L. , Schubert Charles , Matson David O. , Turcios-Ruiz Reina M. , Parashar Umesh , Widdowson Marc-Alain , Glass Roger I. 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE. We assessed the incidence of rotavirus disease requiring an emergency department visit among children &lt;5 years of age.
METHODS. We conducted active surveillance for acute gastroenteritis in pediatric emergency departments in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Oakland, California, from March 1999 to May 2000, among children 2 weeks to 59 months of age with acute diarrhea and/or vomiting. We obtained clinical and demographic information from participants and tested their stool specimens for rotavirus.
RESULTS. Approximately 9% of all emergency department visits at the study sites were attributable to acute gastroenteritis. A total of 1433 children were eligible at the 2 sites; 85% were enrolled and 68% provided a stool specimen. Overall, rotavirus was detected in specimens from 27% of children (30% in Cincinnati and 24% in Oakland). Rotavirus detection was higher in bulk stools, compared with rectal swabs, at both Cincinnati (37% vs 23%) and Oakland (46% vs 18%). Patients with rotavirus had more-severe disease than did those with nonrotavirus gastroenteritis. We estimated that the mean annual incidence of emergency department visits attributable to rotavirus was 12 cases per 1000 children in Cincinnati and 15 cases per 1000 children in Oakland. Through extrapolation, we estimated that rotavirus infection causes ∼260 910 emergency department visits per year among US children.
CONCLUSION. Active surveillance demonstrated that the burden of laboratory-confirmed rotavirus disease treated in emergency department settings among US children is substantial and greater than estimated previously.
Effectiveness of a Mentor-Implemented, Violence Prevention Intervention for Assault-Injured Youths Presenting to the Emergency Department: Results of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Cheng Tina L. , Haynie Denise , Brenner Ruth , Wright Joseph L. , Chung Shang-en , Simons-Morton Bruce 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to assess the impact of a mentor-implemented, violence prevention intervention in reducing aggression, fighting, and reinjury among assault-injured youths.METHODS. In a randomized, controlled trial performed in the emergency departments of 2 large urban hospitals, 10- to 15-year-old youths who presented with peer assault injuries were recruited and randomly assigned to intervention and comparison groups. In the intervention group, youths received a mentor, who implemented a 6-session problem-solving curriculum, and parents received 3 home visits with a health educator, to discuss family needs and to facilitate service use and parental monitoring. The comparison group received a list of community resources, with 2 follow-up telephone calls to facilitate service use. Youths and parents were interviewed at baseline and at 6 months, for assessment of attitudes about violence, risk factors, fighting, and repeat injury.RESULTS. A total of 227 families were recruited, with 23% refusing participation and 4% providing partial interview completion. A total of 166 families were enrolled, with 87 assigned to the intervention group and 79 to the comparison group; 118 (71%) completed both youth and parent follow-up interviews, and 113 had usable data. The intervention and comparison groups were not significantly different at baseline with respect to demographic features or risk factors, except for increased knife-carrying and fewer deviant peers in the intervention group. After adjustment for baseline differences, there was a trend toward significant program effects, including reduced misdemeanor activity and youth-reported aggression scores and increased youth self-efficacy. Program impact was associated with the number of intervention sessions received.CONCLUSIONS. A community-based, mentor-implemented program with assault-injured youths who presented to the emergency department trended in the direction of decreased violence, with reduced misdemeanors and increased self-efficacy.
Influenza Vaccination in Adolescents With High-Risk Conditions
Authors: Nakamura Mari M. , Lee Grace M. 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVES. We assessed influenza vaccination rates from 1992 to 2002, individual continuity of vaccination, and missed opportunities for vaccination in adolescents with high-risk conditions.
METHODS. We performed a retrospective observational study of 18 703 adolescents with high-risk conditions who were enrolled in a large health maintenance organization and received care at a multisite practice for ≥1 influenza season and the preceding year, between 1992 and 2002, was performed. Subjects were identified as having a high-risk condition if they had ≥1 visit with an associated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code during the season or previous year. Influenza vaccination rates were compared by season in logistic regression analyses, using generalized estimating equations for repeated measurements of subjects enrolled for multiple seasons. Vaccination continuity was measured for adolescents who were enrolled for 4 consecutive seasons (1999–2002) as the number of seasons during which vaccine was received. Missed opportunities were defined as visits during the first 4 months of influenza season at which an unvaccinated adolescent did not receive vaccine.
RESULTS. For adolescents with high-risk conditions, influenza vaccination rates varied from 8.3% to 15.4%. Rates improved significantly from 1992 to 1993, from 8.3% to 12.8%, and again in 2001, reaching 15.4%. Only 11.1% of those enrolled continuously from 1999 to 2002 received vaccine during all 4 seasons. According to season from 1992 to 2002, 45.7% to 53.6% of unvaccinated subjects had ≥1 missed opportunity.
CONCLUSIONS. Influenza vaccination rates in adolescents with high-risk conditions improved from 1992 to 2002 but were still low in recent years. Individual vaccination continuity was poor. Numerous opportunities already exist for improving coverage.
Vaccine Effectiveness Against Laboratory-Confirmed Influenza in Children 6 to 59 Months of Age During the 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 Influenza Seasons
Authors: Eisenberg Katherine W. , Szilagyi Peter G. , Fairbrother Gerry , Griffin Marie R. , Staat Mary , Shone Laura P. , Weinberg Geoffrey A. , Hall Caroline B. , Poehling Katherine A. , Edwards Kathryn M. , Lofthus Geraldine , Fisher Susan G. , Bridges Carolyn B. , Iwane Marika K. ,   and the New Vaccine Surveillance Network
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to estimate the effectiveness of influenza vaccination against laboratory-confirmed influenza during the 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 influenza seasons in children 6 to 59 months of age.
METHODS. We conducted a case-control study with children with medically attended, acute respiratory infections who received care in an inpatient, emergency department, or outpatient clinic setting during 2 consecutive influenza seasons. All children residing in Monroe County, New York, Davidson County, Tennessee, or Hamilton County, Ohio, were enrolled prospectively at the time of acute illness and had nasal/throat swabs tested for influenza with cultures and/or polymerase chain reaction assays. Children with laboratory-confirmed influenza were case subjects and children who tested negative for influenza were control subjects. Child vaccination records from the parent and the child's physician were used to determine and to validate influenza vaccination status. Influenza vaccine effectiveness was calculated as (1 − adjusted odds ratio) × 100.
RESULTS. We enrolled 288 case subjects and 744 control subjects during the 2003–2004 season and 197 case subjects and 1305 control subjects during the 2004–2005 season. Six percent and 19% of all study children were fully vaccinated according to immunization guidelines in the respective seasons. Full vaccination was associated with significantly fewer influenza-related inpatient, emergency department, or outpatient clinic visits in 2004–2005 (vaccine effectiveness: 57%) but not in 2003–2004 (vaccine effectiveness: 44%). Partial vaccination was not effective in either season.
CONCLUSIONS. Receipt of all recommended doses of influenza vaccine was associated with halving of laboratory-confirmed influenza-related medical visits among children 6 to 59 months of age in 1 of 2 study years, despite suboptimal matches between the vaccine and circulating influenza strains in both years.
Effects of Flow Amplitudes on Intraprong Pressures During Bubble Versus Ventilator-Generated Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Premature Infants
Authors: Kahn Doron J. , Habib Robert H. , Courtney Sherry E. 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVES. The goal were to characterize the flow dependence of bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure delivery in a cohort of preterm infants and to compare the actual (delivered) intraprong continuous positive airway pressure with the intended (set) nasal continuous positive airway pressure for both ventilator-generated nasal continuous positive airway pressure and bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure delivery. A range of set values and constant flow rates were studied in the same preterm infants.METHODS. For 12 premature infants of &lt;1500 g (birth weight: 1140 ± 267 g; gestational age: 28.5 ± 1.9 weeks; study age: 12.9 ± 8 days; all mean ± SD), intraprong pressures were measured at 3 increasing flow settings, repeated for set nasal continuous positive airway pressures (or desired immersion depths) of 4 and 6 cmH2O. Next, intraprong pressures were measured at bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure expiratory tubing submersion depths and ventilator-generated nasal continuous positive airway pressure set expiratory pressures of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 cmH2O while the flow rate was held constant.RESULTS. Actual (delivered) intraprong pressure during bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure delivery was highly flow dependent and increased as the flow rate increased. During ventilator-generated nasal continuous positive airway pressure delivery, actual pressure at the nasal prongs closely approximated the pressure set at the ventilator. During bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure delivery at constant flow rate, the average delivered prong pressure was 1.3 cmH2O (range: 0.5–2.2 cmH2O) higher than that set through submersion of the expiratory tubing, and the relative difference between the set and actual pressures increased at lesser immersion depths.CONCLUSIONS. Prong pressure during bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure delivery is highly variable and depends on the interaction of submersion depth and flow amplitudes.
Combination Therapy With Desmopressin and an Anticholinergic Medication for Nonresponders to Desmopressin for Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Austin Paul F. , Ferguson Genoa , Yan Yan , Campigotto Mary J. , Royer Michele E. , Coplen Douglas E. 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE. Desmopressin is an approved medical therapy for the treatment of monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis. In cases of limited response to desmopressin, we have added anticholinergic therapy to desmopressin (combination therapy). To evaluate this treatment strategy, we examined the efficacy of combination therapy for primary nocturnal enuresis in desmopressin-nonresponders.
METHODS. Only patients with primary nocturnal enuresis refractory to the maximal dosage of desmopressin were enrolled. Children with lower urinary tract symptoms or bowel dysfunction were excluded, on the basis of a 3-day, 24-hour, frequency-volume chart and elimination record. Children continued to take desmopressin and were assigned randomly, in a double-blind manner, to receive either extended-release anticholinergic medication or placebo. Patients were reassessed after 1 month of therapy, with a 1-week nocturnal record.
RESULTS. Forty-one desmopressin-nonresponders were enrolled, and 7 patients were excluded because of noncompliance. The treatment groups were equally matched with respect to age, gender, functional bladder capacity, and number of wet nights per week. After 1 month of treatment, there was a significant reduction in the mean number of wet nights in the combination therapy group, compared with the placebo group. With a generalized estimating equation approach, there was a significant 66% decrease in the risk of a wet episode, compared with the placebo group.
CONCLUSIONS. This study represents the first prospective, placebo-controlled trial examining the effect of desmopressin in combination with long-acting, anticholinergic, bladder-relaxing therapy for monosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis.