bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of indoor exposure to mouse allergen in urban and suburban homes in Boston
Authors: Phipatanakul W. , Gold D. R. , Muilenberg M. , Sredl D. L. , Weiss S. T. , Celedón J. C. 
Published: April 2005

Background:  Mouse allergen exposure is prevalent among urban children with asthma. Little is known about mouse allergen exposure in children at risk for the development of allergic diseases.Aims of the study:  To assess indoor mouse allergen exposure in early life among children with parental history of asthma or allergies.Methods:  Prospective birth cohort study of 498 children with a history of allergy or asthma in at least one parent living in metropolitan Boston.Results:  Of the 498 participating children, 357 (71.7%) resided outside the city of Boston and 439 (90.7%) lived in households with incomes >$30 000. Mouse allergen was detected in 42% of the homes of study participants. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for sex, income, and endotoxin, black race [odds ratio (OR) = 3.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3–6.6, P = 0.009], signs of mice in the home at age 2–3 months (OR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.6–5.6, P = 0.0006), and kitchen cockroach allergen levels ≥0.05 to <2 U/g (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.1–3.2, P = 0.02) were associated with detectable mouse allergen in the kitchen. In this model, living in a single detached house was inversely associated with detectable kitchen mouse allergen levels (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.2–0.6, P = 0.0001).Conclusion:  Infants with a parental history of asthma or allergies are commonly exposed to mouse allergen in their homes. Among infants at high risk for atopy, predictors of increased mouse allergen levels included black race, reported mice exposure, and moderate levels of cockroach allergen.
Antenatal steroids may reduce adverse neurological outcome following chorioamnionitis: Neurodevelopmental outcome and chorioamnionitis in premature infants
Authors: Kent Alison , Lomas Fred , Hurrion Elizabeth , Dahlstrom Jane E 
Published: April 2005

Objective:  To examine the effect of antenatal steroid exposure and in utero inflammation on the development of severe intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia and long‐term neurological outcome in infants less than 30 completed weeks gestation. Method:  Infants less than 30 completed weeks gestation from January 1996 to July 2001 were identified from a prospectively managed database. Placental pathology was reviewed for the presence or absence of chorioamnionitis and funisitis. Infants were divided into three groups depending on the degree of exposure to fetal inflammation (no inflammation, chorioamnionitis only and chorioamnionitis and funisitis). Data relating to gestational age, birthweight, sex, antenatal steroid exposure, surfactant treatment, days of positive pressure ventilation and days of oxygen requirement were collected. Cerebral ultrasound studies were examined for evidence of intraventricular or intraparenchymal echodensity and periventricular leukomalacia. Long‐term neurological outcome was assessed by neurological examination for cerebral palsy and by Griffiths Mental Developmental Assessment for general developmental quotient. Results:  Two hundred and twenty infants were identified. The mean gestational age was 27.7 weeks and the mean birthweight 1092 g. Seventy‐two per cent of mothers had received a complete course of antenatal steroids. The risk of Grade III intraventricular haemorrhage or intraparenchymal echodensity was associated with exposure to in utero inflammation if a complete course of antenatal steroids had not been received (P = 0.002). This association did not exist if a complete course of antenatal steroids was given (P = 0.62). Fourteen infants had cerebral palsy (7%). The presence of cerebral palsy was also associated with in utero inflammation in the absence of complete antenatal steroid cover (P = 0.03) and not in the presence of complete cover (P = 0.59). The mean general developmental quotient on Griffiths Mental Developmental Assessment at 12 months or 3 years was not affected by exposure to in utero inflammation regardless of antenatal steroid exposure. Conclusion:  Risk of intraventricular haemorrhage or intraparenchymal echodensity and cerebral palsy was associated with in utero inflammation in the absence of a complete course of antenatal steroids. A complete course of antenatal steroids appeared to extinguish any association between in utero inflammation and adverse neurological outcome.
Parents' evaluation of developmental status in children born with a birthweight of 1250 g or less
Authors: Pritchard Margo A , Colditz Paul B , Beller Elaine M ,   Queensland Optimising Preterm Infant Outcomes Group
Published: April 2005

Objective:  To evaluate the agreement between parental reporting of development of children born very preterm using the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) questionnaire and professional assessment by a paediatric developmental team in the detection of sensorineural disability. Methods:  A cross‐sectional cohort study of 362 children born in Queensland with a birthweight ≤1250 g, who were surviving at 2 and 4 years of age corrected for prematurity, was conducted. Parents completed the PEDS questionnaire prior to their child receiving a neurodevelopmental assessment. The level of agreement for sensorineural disability between the neurodevelopmental assessment and the parents' score on the PEDS questionnaire was measured using the kappa statistic, and screening test characteristics were calculated. Logistic regression was used to investigate factors that might affect agreement. Results:  Two hundred and eighty‐three (78%) of the eligible children were located and contacted. Of these, 216 (76%) agreed to participate in the study (110, 2‐year‐olds; 106, 4‐year‐olds). Agreement between the two forms of rating sensorineural disability (developmental quotient > −2SD (standard deviation), cerebral palsy, bilateral blindness and deafness requiring aids) for the 4‐year age group children was fair (κ= 0.27, P= 0.001). PEDS accurately identified 69% (11 of 16) of disabled children and 72% (65 of 90) non‐disabled children. The test characteristics for these children were similar to Glascoe's norming sample with a PPV 31% (95% CI: 14–48%), specificity 72% (95% CI: 62–81%), but lower sensitivity 69% (95% CI: 62–81%) and higher false‐negative rate 31% (95% CI: 11, 59). Agreement for the 2‐year age group was fair with poor test characteristics. Other comparisons for both age groups (PEDS A and B compared using a disability status with DQ > −1SD) showed poor agreement and test characteristics. Gestation age <27 weeks and maternal education at or below grade 10 in the 2‐year age group were the only factors independently affecting agreement. Conclusions:  The agreement between parental evaluation of sensorineural disability status using PEDS and paediatrics developmental assessment in children born very preterm at 4‐years corrected age for prematurity compares favourably with Glascoe's norming sample. The lower agreement seen in the 2‐year age group limits the utility of PEDS to be used as a screen for disability at an age when early intervention may be useful. The PEDS questionnaire is designed and normed for the general paediatric population, and it is not clear if parents of children born very preterm may have interpreted the PEDS questionnaire in relation to their satisfaction with their child's developmental progress rather than their child's functional ability.
Aspirin‐sensitive asthma
Authors: Morwood K. , Gillis D. , Smith W. , Kette F. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract Aspirin‐sensitive asthma is a common and often underdiagnosed disease affecting up to 20% of the adult asthmatic population. It is associated with more severe asthma, requires increased use of inhaled and oral corticosteroids, more presentations to hospital and a risk of life‐threatening reactions with aspirin/non‐steroid anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) ingestion. Aspirin‐sensitive asthma is often accompanied by severe rhinosinusitis and recurrent nasal polyposis, causing significant impairment of patients’ quality of life. The pathogenesis of aspirin‐sensitive asthma is complex and involves chronic eosinophilic inflammatory changes, with evidence of increased mast cell activation. The cyclo‐oxygenase pathways play a major role in the respiratory reactions that develop after aspirin ingestion. The cysteinyl‐leukotrienes have also been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of aspirin‐sensitive asthma. The clinical management of aspirin‐sensitive asthma is complicated by the lack of diagnostic testing, other than challenge procedures. Other aspects of management include management of the underlying asthma and avoidance of NSAID in the majority of patients. Other considerations in the management of patients with aspirin‐sensitive asthma include the role of leukotriene modifying agents, aspirin desensitization, and the use of other agents, such as roxithromycin. The management of nasal polyposis in patients with aspirin‐sensitive asthma often needs to be considered as a separate issue, and requires a team approach. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 240–246)
Systemic scleroderma: a spatiotemporal clustering
Authors: Englert H. , Joyner J. , Bade R. , Thompson M. , Morris D. , Chambers P. , Carroll G. , Manolios N. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackground and aims: The aetiology of systemic scleroderma remains poorly understood. Twin studies suggest a low genetic input. Of the incriminated environmental agents, silica and vinyl chloride monomer exposure appear the most convincing. Spatiotemporal clustering has been demonstrated only three times previously. We now report a fourth cluster around Edenhope, western Victoria in terms of numerator and denominator estimates, cumulative incidence, distribution in time and space, and possible aetiological factors.Methods: Prevalence/cumulative incidence numerator and denominator values were obtained and validated. Each case was age‐and gender‐matched with two controls. A standardized postal questionnaire was used to obtain data on current, past history, family history, and occupational and non‐occupational environmental exposure.Results: Six systemic scleroderma cases and one mixed connective tissue disease patient with a predominance of scleroderma features were identified. The 5‐year cumulative incidence was 6.1/10 000, tenfold higher than the Sydney estimates for a similar, though non‐identical time period. The gender ratio was 1:1. No cases were genetically related. A family history of scleroderma was validated in one instance and a family history of Raynaud's was noted in first degree relatives of two cases and one control. In all instances, Edenhope residence preceded disease onset. No one environmental agent was implicated in all cases.Conclusion: A spatiotemporal cluster of systemic scleroderma was confirmed and validated. It occurred with a tenfold increased cumulative incidence to that expected and also extended beyond the initially defined 50 km radius of Edenhope. The cases identified were not related. Although no one specific environmental agent was identified, the spatiotemporal clustering would be compatible with an agent occurring at relatively high frequency, but with low disease conversion rates, such as silica inhalation (assuming sufficiently small particle size) or reaction to an infective agent. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 228–233)
Clinical recognition of neurally mediated syncope
Authors: Hamer A. W. F. , Bray J. E. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract Background:  Most cases of syncope are due to hypotension, with a vasovagal response the commonest single mechanism. Neurally mediated syncope (NMS) is a vasovagal response evoked by common physical or psychological stress factors in susceptible individuals. Although upright tilt table testing (TTT) has been developed to diagnose this condition, the clinical recognition of this common syndrome in the general community remains poor.Aims:  To evaluate the clinical presentation of patients with NMS and pre‐syncope, proven by TTT, and compare them to patients with syncope that have a low probability of having NMS (e.g. older patients with cardiac disease and negative TTT).Methods:  Prospective evaluation by questionnaire at the time of TTT, including documentation of presenting symptoms and signs, and provoking factors in consecutive patients. Comparisons between patient groups analyzed using chi‐squared tests and logistic regression.Results:  Neurally mediated syncope patients were more likely to present with both syncope and pre‐syncope, often with prolonged histories of pre‐syncope. Certain provoking stress factors were more common in NMS, with multiple factors often present. Most NMS patients had a hypotensive prodrome before syncope, whereas control patients had a higher incidence of syncope without warning.Conclusion:  Neurally mediated syncope patients present with situational syncope that is not only stereotypical for the individual, but shares common features with other similar patients. While none of the clinical observations is unique to NMS, a carefully detailed history can elicit a convincing diagnostic pattern that can often obviate the need for extensive and expensive investigation, and in younger patients a TTT may not be required to make the diagnosis. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 216−221)
Implementation of a split‐night protocol to improve efficiency in assessment and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Elshaug A. G. , Moss J. R. , Southcott A. M. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract In Australia, unmet demand for sleep study services is resulting in protracted waiting lists and treatment delays for those in need. This present study gauged efficiency gains that could be achieved by implementing a split‐night protocol within the laboratory. Results demonstrate improved technical efficiency by at least 15%, reducing time to treatment for the most severe cases and increasing patient throughput within the clinic. With over 56 000 sleep studies carried out annually, this technique has significant utility in evidence‐based practice. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 251–254)
Nickel mine spoils revegetation attempts: effect of pioneer plants on two functional bacterial communities involved in the N‐cycle
Authors: Héry Marina , Philippot Laurent , Mériaux Eve , Poly Franck , Le Roux Xavier , Navarro Elisabeth 
Published: April 2005

SummaryNickel mine spoils in New Caledonia represent an extreme environment, rich in nickel and strongly deficient in elementary elements such as carbon and nitrogen. To rehabilitate these sites, revegetation attempts are performed with endemic plant species establishing dinitrogen‐fixation symbiosis (Gymnostoma webbianum and Serianthes calycina). As this biological fixation process provides the major source of available nitrogen in this extreme environment, it could be expected that nitrogen cycling would be stimulated. To study the revegetation effect on mine spoils, the effect of the two pioneer plants on the structure and activity of two functional bacterial communities involved in the N‐cycle was investigated. nifH and narG genes were used as molecular markers for dinitrogen‐fixers and dissimilatory nitrate reducers respectively. In order to assess the influence of the plants on both communities, nine clone libraries were constructed for each targeted gene. Libraries containing 602 and 513 nifH and narG clones, respectively, were screened by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. One hundred and forty‐one and 78 representative clones from at least all RFLP families containing more than one clone were sequenced from nifH and narG clone libraries respectively. Both pioneer plants modified the diversity and activity of the two functional communities. However, distinct effects were observed depending on the plant species and the community considered. Serianthes calycina strongly selected a diazotroph phylotype and restored the potential activity of both communities. In contrast, G. webbianum selected no particular phylotype and only restored a fixing activity.
Genetic diversity of marine Synechococcus and co‐occurring cyanophage communities: evidence for viral control of phytoplankton
Authors: Mühling Martin , Fuller Nicholas J. , Millard Andrew , Somerfield Paul J. , Marie Dominique , Wilson William H. , Scanlan David J. , Post Anton F. , Joint Ian , Mann Nicholas H. 
Published: April 2005

SummaryUnicellular cyanobacteria of the genus Synechococcus are a major component of the picophytoplankton and make a substantial contribution to primary productivity in the oceans. Here we provide evidence that supports the hypothesis that virus infection can play an important role in determining the success of different Synechococcus genotypes and hence of seasonal succession. In a study of the oligotrophic Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, we show a succession of Synechococcus genotypes over an annual cycle. There were large changes in the genetic diversity of Synechococcus, as determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of a 403‐ bp rpoC1 gene fragment, which was reduced to one dominant genotype in July. The abundance of co‐occurring cyanophage capable of infecting marine Synechococcus was determined by plaque assays and their genetic diversity was determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of a 118‐bp g20 gene fragment. The results indicate that both abundance and genetic diversity of cyanophage covaried with that of Synechococcus. Multivariate statistical analyses show a significant relationship between cyanophage assemblage structure and that of Synechococcus. These observations are consistent with cyanophage infection being a major controlling factor in picophytoplankton succession.
Marine actinomycetes related to the ‘Salinospora’ group from the Great Barrier Reef sponge Pseudoceratina clavata
Authors: Kim Tae Kyung , Garson Mary J. , Fuerst John A. 
Published: April 2005

SummaryTen strains identified as marine actinomycetes related to the ‘Salinospora ’ group previously reported only from marine sediments were isolated from the Great Barrier Reef marine sponge Pseudoceratina clavata. The relationship of the isolates to ‘Salinospora’ was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences. Colony morphology and pigmentation, occurrence and position of spores, and salinity requirements for growth were all consistent with this relationship. Genes homologous to β‐ketosynthase, an enzyme forming part of a polyketide synthesis complex, were retrieved from these isolates; these genes shared homology with other Type I ketosynthase genes, and phylogenetic comparison with amino  acid  sequences  derived  from  database β‐ketosynthase genes was consistent with the close relationship of these isolates to the actinomycetes. Primers based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and designed for targeting amplification of members of the ‘Salinospora’ group via polymerase chain reaction have been used to demonstrate occurrence of these actinomycetes within the sponge tissue. In vitro bioassays of extracts from the isolates for antibiotic activity demonstrated that these actinomycetes have the potential to inhibit other sponge symbionts in vivo, including both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria.
Microbial diversity of benthic mats along a tidal desiccation gradient
Authors: Rothrock Michael J. , Garcia‐Pichel Ferran 
Published: April 2005

SummaryWe investigated the influence of desiccation frequency, indicated by tidal position, on microbial community structure, diversity and richness of microbial mats. We independently characterized cyanobacterial, bacterial and archaeal communities, and their spatial variability for two distinct microbial mat systems: subtidal hypersaline mats and intertidal sand flat mats. Community fingerprints based on 16S rDNA were obtained via denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis using polymerase chain reaction primers specific for each group. Fingerprints for all three groups were consistently similar [≥85% according to Weighted Pair Group with Arithmetic Mean (WPGMA) analysis] along a 1‐km‐long transect in subtidal mats. Here, pair‐wise comparison analysis yielded minimal variation in diversity and richness for all groups. Fingerprints of three sites along an intertidal transect were heterogenous (≥32% similarity according to WPGMA analysis) with clear shifts in community structure in all three microbial groups. Here, all groups exhibited statistically significant decreases in richness and diversity with tidal height (as desiccation frequency increases). Regression analysis yielded a strong correlation between diversity or richness estimates and position along the tidal gradient, for both Archaea and Bacteria, with Cyanobacteria exhibiting a weaker correlation. These results suggest that desiccation frequency can shape the structure of microbial mat communities, with Archea being least tolerant and Cyanobacteria most tolerant.
Quorum sensing: the power of cooperation in the world of Pseudomonas
Authors: Juhas Mario , Eberl Leo , Tümmler Burkhard 
Published: April 2005

SummaryWork over the past few years has provided evidence that quorum sensing is a generic regulatory mechanism that allows bacteria to launch a unified, coordinated response in a population density‐dependent manner to accomplish tasks which would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve for a single bacterial cell. Quorum sensing systems are widespread among pseudomonads and the one of the human opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa belongs to the most extensively studied cell‐to‐cell communication systems. In this organism, quorum sensing is highly complex and is made up of two interlinked N‐acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)‐dependent regulatory circuits, which are further modulated by a non‐AHL‐related signal molecule and numerous regulators acting both at the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional level. This genetic complexity may be one of the key elements responsible for the tremendous environmental versatility of P. aeruginosa. Work of the past few years showed that quorum sensing is essential for the expression of a battery of virulence factors as well as for biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa and thus represents an attractive target for the design of novel drugs for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections. Furthermore, the cell‐to‐cell communication ability was also demonstrated in a number of additional pseudomonads.