bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of intestinal malrotation, Hawaii, 1986–99
Authors: Forrester Mathias B. , Merz Ruth D. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryMalrotation of the intestines occurs as a result of failure of normal intestinal rotation and fixation during early pregnancy. This study examined the epidemiology of malrotation in Hawaii during 1986–99, using data from a population‐based birth defects registry. There were 81 cases of malrotation, resulting in a rate of 2.86 per 10 000 live births and fetal deaths. The first‐year mortality rate was 15.8%. Other major birth defects were reported for 93.8% of the cases. The malrotation rate during 1993–99 was significantly higher than the rate during 1986–92 (rate ratio [RR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04, 1.90). The malrotation rate was inversely proportional to maternal age (P = 0.028). Compared with whites, the malrotation rate was significantly higher among Far East Asians (RR 1.95, 95% CI 1.12, 3.17), Pacific Islanders (RR 2.41, 95% CI 1.63, 3.44) and Filipinos (RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.02, 3.01). Malrotation rates did not differ significantly by sex (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.70, 1.34) or plurality (RR 1.86, 95% CI 0.38, 5.44) but were significantly higher among livebirths with birthweight < 3000 g (RR 3.90, 95% CI 2.83, 5.24). With no other population‐based studies of malrotation found in the literature, this study adds to the knowledge of the epidemiology of malrotation.
Birthweight and risk of overall and cause‐specific childhood mortality
Authors: Li Christopher I. , Daling Janet R. , Emanuel Irvin 
Published: December 2004

SummaryEarly life events have important short‐ and long‐term consequences. It is clear from previous studies that birthweight is associated with infant mortality and with childhood and adult morbidities. However, few studies have focused on the relationship between birthweight and childhood mortality. To assess this relationship, we conducted a population‐based case–control study of children born during 1968–96 in Washington state. Cases consisted of 6247 children who died at 1–19 years of age. A total of 31 074 controls were matched five to one to cases by birth year. Compared with children with a birthweight of 3000–3499 g, children with lower birthweights had a greater risk of childhood mortality. These lower birthweight children had increased risks of childhood deaths from infectious diseases, congenital anomalies, central nervous system diseases and heart disease, but not of deaths resulting from accidents, cancer, suicide or homicide. The magnitude of these risks differed somewhat by age. Our results suggest that birthweight exerts important influences on children's risk of age‐specific and cause‐specific mortalities, particularly those with a strong biological component.
Atopic manifestations, breast‐feeding protection and the adverse effect of DDE
Authors: Karmaus Wilfried , Davis Susan , Chen Qin , Kuehr Joachim , Kruse Hermann 
Published: December 2004

SummaryDespite the numerous studies on the possible protective effect of breast feeding against the onset of atopic manifestations during childhood, this issue remains controversial. As part of an environmental epidemiological study, we investigated whether different blood concentrations of dichlorodiphenyl‐dichloroethylene (DDE) modified the protective effect of breast feeding against atopic manifestations in 338 children. DDE concentration, duration of breast feeding and manifestation of atopic disorders were measured in 1994–95 at age 7–8 years. Information gathered on asthma, atopic eczema and hay fever was based on questionnaire data. We measured the total serum concentration of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE levels against inhalant allergens. In 1997, we also determined bronchial hyper‐reactivity with a hypertonic saline challenge test. To estimate odds ratios from our cross‐sectional analysis, we applied logistic regressions, controlling for confounders.Breast feeding had a protective effect on the two asthma variables (e.g.> 12 weeks breast feeding for doctor‐diagnosed asthma, OR = 0.32 [95% CI 0.11, 0.87]; for ‘ever’ asthma, OR = 0.13 [95% CI 0.02, 0.68]), but not on bronchial hyper‐reactivity, hay fever, atopic eczema or the two IgE variables. The protective effect became stronger in children with DDE blood levels below the median of 0.29 µg/L (e.g. doctor‐diagnosed asthma,> 12 weeks breast feeding, OR = 0.24 [95% CI 0.06, 0.95]). Also, for specific IgE against inhalant allergens, the association gained statistical significance. For children with a DDE concentration of 0.29 µg/L and higher, breast feeding did not show a significant protective effect. Our results suggest that contaminants such as DDE may modify the protective effect and may have contributed to inconsistent findings on the protective effect of breast feeding in previous studies. We recommend determining levels of breast milk contaminants in children when assessing the impact of breast feeding on atopic manifestations.
Using commercial telephone directories to obtain a population‐based sample for mail survey of women of reproductive age
Authors: Lobdell Danelle T. , Buck Germaine M. , Weiner John M. , Mendola Pauline 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIn the United States, sampling women of reproductive age from the general population for research purposes is a challenge. Even more difficult is conducting a population‐based study of couples attempting pregnancy to assess fecundity and fertility or related impairments. To address the problem of obtaining representative samples from the population in order to study such health‐related issues, a commercially and readily available CD‐ROM telephone directory was used and tested as a sampling framework for studies aimed at enrolling gravid women aged 18–44 years. A self‐administered questionnaire (SAQ) was mailed to a stratified random sample of 10 005 (3%) households in Erie County, NY, USA.Overall, 17% of the questionnaires were undeliverable despite updating all addresses with residential software before mailing. Thirteen per cent (n = 1089) of the households returned completed questionnaires, of which 35% (n = 377) were completed by women aged 18–44 years. Using 1990 census information for zip code, respondents were more likely to be white and to have higher median household incomes than non‐respondents. Of the 377 women who completed the questionnaire, 79% had been pregnant at least once, 5% reported being unable to become pregnant, and 16% reporting never trying to become pregnant. Despite the overall low response to the SAQ, the sampling framework captured a diverse group of women of reproductive age who reported various fecundity and fertility outcomes. The use of low‐cost commercially available software linked to census data for selecting samples of women or couples for reproductive and perinatal research may be possible; however, oversampling of households, use of incentives and follow‐up of non‐respondents is needed to ensure adequate sample sizes.
Differential production in vitro of antigen specific IgG1, IgG3 and IgA: a study in Schistosoma haematobium infected individuals
Authors: Béniguel Lydie , Diallo Tamsir O. , Remoué Franck , Williams David L. , Cognasse Fabrice , Charrier‐Mze Nicole , N’Diaye Abdoulaye A. , Perraut Ronald , Capron Monique , Riveau Gilles , Garraud Olivier 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARY This study has evaluated the individual control of isotype production and the influence of external signals that can be experimentally provided in vitro, in antibody responses to two different recombinant Schistosoma antigens (Sh28GST and TPx‐1). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells or enriched B cell fractions obtained from S. haematobium infected Senegalese adults were induced to terminal differentiation in vitro. The production of antibody to either antigen was donor‐dependent and for each donor it was antigen‐dependent. Differentiation to IgG1 and IgG3 production, and possibly IgA, specific to these conserved parasite antigens could be regulated differentially in vitro. Exogenous IL‐2 and IL‐10 or IL‐10 and TGF‐β led to the production of specific IgG3 or IgG1 and/or IgA, respectively. This is the first report on such experimentally induced differential regulation of antigen‐specific IgG1 and IgG3. This may have implications in designing protocols for protein based‐vaccinations aiming at eliciting antibody responses of certain protective‐type isotypes.
Characterization of genotypic variation in stress gene expression and photosynthetic parameters in potato
Authors: SEPPÄNEN M. M. , COLEMAN G. D. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTFrost injury in potato can involve the interaction of both freezing temperatures and high light. Thus frosts can result in accumulation of activated oxygen species that change the redox potential of cells. Activated oxygen species can either act as signals that induce protection mechanisms or accelerate injury. In comparison with Solanum tuberosum L., Solanum commersonii Dun., is better adapted to low temperature. In this study the freezing tolerance was studied by isolating the cold‐regulated genes glutathione S‐transferase (ScgstF1), heat shock cognate 70 kDa (Schsc70) and dehydrin2 (Scdnh2) from S. commersonii and characterizing gene expression in potato genotypes that differ in freezing tolerance. Fluorescence measurements (Fv/Fm, 1 − qP) showed that photosynthesis of a freezing‐tolerant genotype was transiently reduced during frost whereas in S. tuberosum the reduction was higher and irreversible damage occurred. In a freezing‐tolerant genotype the transient reduction of photosynthesis occurred coincident with accumulation of ScgstF1 and Scdhn2 transcripts. In cold‐acclimated and H2O2‐treated plants, ScgstF1 and Scdhn2 accumulated in freezing‐tolerant genotypes whereas Schsc70 transcript was more abundant in S. tuberosum. Pre‐treatment with H2O2 also improved the freezing tolerance of S. commersonii suggesting that signal pathways associated with low temperature cold acclimation or H2O2 may overlap.
Transcription factor genes with expression correlated to nitrate‐related root plasticity of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: TRANBARGER T. J. , AL‐GHAZI Y. , MULLER B. , TEYSSENDIER DE LA SERVE B. , DOUMAS P. , TOURAINE B. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe root response to changes in nitrogen availability was examined in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plants grown on vertically oriented Petri plates with nutrient media containing either 10 or 0.5 mm KNO3 supplemented with 5 mm glutamine were analysed for changes in root architecture, morphology and nitrogen status compared to plants grown on 0.5 mm KNO3. Fourteen‐day‐old 10 mm KNO3‐grown plants displayed a decrease in number, length and density of lateral roots, had the highest tissue NO3– content, but no change in amino acid composition. Lateral root development was arrested at a stage after the initiation of primordia but prior to emergence. In contrast, plants grown on 0.5 mm KNO3 supplemented with glutamine had a slightly higher number and density of lateral root primordia and lateral roots, lower root NO3– content, and higher tissue glutamine content. A macro‐array containing 126 putative A. thaliana transcriptional factor expressed sequence tags was used to screen for regulatory genes with expression correlated to the root plasticity response. Genes for a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) and a LIM transcription factor were identified and via Northern analysis it was confirmed that their expression is preferentially observed in the roots and correlated to the root response to nitrate availability.
Detoxification function of aldose/aldehyde reductase during drought and ultraviolet‐B (280–320 nm) stresses
Authors: HIDEG É. , NAGY T. , OBERSCHALL A. , DUDITS D. , VASS I. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTPlants may activate similar defence systems to reduce cellular damages caused by different stress conditions. In the present experiments, the formation of lipid peroxidation products [thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS)] was significant during both drought and ultraviolet (UV)‐B stresses, whereas the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was a more delayed response to UV‐B than to drought. H2O2 was detected during both stresses, whereas ·OH radical production was a more characteristic response to drought. The present characterization of transgenic tobacco plants revealed a common role for aldose/aldehyde reductase (ALR) in the detoxification of lipid peroxidation products under water depletion and UV‐B irradiation. As the result of the increased synthesis of ALR enzyme, the transformed plants were more tolerant to both stress conditions, exhibiting reduced loss of photosynthetic function and decreased accumulation of TBARS and H2O2 as compared to control (SR1) plants. When plants had been exposed to mild, non‐lethal drought and were then watered again to recover, they were more tolerant to a subsequent stress by UV‐B. This was characteristic to both transgenic and wild‐type plants. However, this drought‐induced cross‐tolerance to UV‐B stress of SR1 tobacco did not reach the enhancement achieved by the overexpression of ALR.
Profiles of 14C fixation through spinach leaves in relation to light absorption and photosynthetic capacity
Authors: EVANS J. R. , VOGELMANN T. C. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe profile of photosynthetic rate with depth through a leaf depends on the profiles of light absorption and photosynthetic capacity. Using a combination of several techniques, a comprehensive description of spinach leaves has been obtained. Profiles of CO2 fixation were obtained by exposing leaves to 14CO2 for 10 s under blue or green light before freeze clamping and paradermal sectioning. Profiles of light absorption were measured on adjacent parts of the leaf by quantifying chlorophyll fluorescence images of the transversely cut face obtained when blue or green light was applied to the adaxial or abaxial surface. The profile of CO2 fixation was modelled using the measured profiles of light absorption and photosynthetic capacity. There was remarkably good agreement between the observed and modelled CO2 fixation profiles for the eight combinations of colour, orientation and irradiance tested. Gas exchange of an intact leaf was also measured concurrently with conventional chlorophyll fluorescence under blue or green light. These data were consistent with the multi‐layer leaf model with the exception of blue light applied to the abaxial surface, where chlorophyll fluorescence appeared to come from layers deeper than expected. Photosynthetic capacity matched the profile of green but not white light absorption through the leaf.
CO2 enrichment reduces the relative contribution of latex and latex‐related hydrocarbons to biomass in Euphorbia lathyris
Authors: HÄRING D. A. , KÖRNER CH. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe hypothesis that plants grown under elevated CO2 allocate more carbon to the production of latex and C‐rich secondary compounds whereas nutrient addition counteracts this effect was tested. Two similar experiments were conducted in two different experimental facilities. In both facilities seedlings of Euphorbia lathyris were exposed to factorial combinations of two CO2 concentrations and two levels of nutrient availability for 2 months. The CO2 treatments and growth conditions differed substantially between these two experiments but treatment responses to elevated CO2 and fertilizer addition were remarkably similar, underlining the robustness of our findings. Elevated CO2 increased biomass to a greater extent in fertilized than in unfertilized  plants  and  reduced  the  leaf  biomass  fraction by accelerating leaf senescence. Concentrations of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) increased in elevated CO2. However, this apparent carbon surplus did not feed into the whole plant latex pool. The latex harvest per leaf (−25%) and the concentration of latex‐related hydrocarbons (−20%) even decreased under elevated CO2 (both experiments P < 0.05). Fertilization reduced NSC concentrations (−25%) but neither affected latex yield per leaf nor the concentration of latex‐related hydrocarbons. It is concluded that latex and related hydrocarbons in CO2‐enriched plants are a negligible sink for excess carbon irrespective of nutrient status and thus, vigour of growth.
Genetic gain from early generation selection for cold chipping genotypes in potato
Authors: Hayes R. J. , Thill C. A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractEarly generation selection for chip colour may accelerate potato chipping cultivar development. The research objective was to measure the response from early generation selection for light potato chip colour. Progeny from 175 4×× 4× families were propagated to the field using greenhouse grown tubers or seedling transplants. Tubers from progeny were made into potato chips after 3 and 6 months’ storage at 4° C. Chip colour was rated as 1 = light to 10 = dark. Genotypes were categorized as retained (≥ 4) or discarded (> 4) based on the 6‐month chip colour, then field grown a second year at two locations and re‐evaluated for chip colour. Positive selection responses resulted, but were lower in the seedling transplants. Interaction between genotype and environment, and genotype and storage duration reduced responses. Selected genotypes should be evaluated over multiple environments and storage conditions to insure reliable performance. Expanding variation by introgressing favourable alleles from wild species may further enhance breeding success.
Comparison of nuclear DNA content of citrus rootstock populations by flow cytometry analysis
Authors: Seker M. , Tuzcu O. , Ollitrault P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractCitrus species are widely grown in the world. Plant characteristics of the rootstock populations used for orange, lemon, mandarin and grapefruit cultivars should be known as well as those of the cultivars that help true‐to‐type nursery plant production.In this study, cell nuclei were isolated from leaf tissues of seedlings of trifoliate orange, sour orange, rough lemon,‘Volkamer’ lemon,‘Cleopatra’ mandarin,‘Hyokan’, ‘Sanbokan’, ‘Kinkoje’, ‘Carrizo’ citrange and ‘Swingle’ citrumelo, and then fluorescence intensities were measured on propidium iodide‐stained nuclei by flow cytometry. Nuclei isolated from the triploid ‘Tahiti’ lime with a known nuclear genome size were used as the internal standard to estimate the nuclear DNA content of Citrus seedling populations in absolute units. Results obtained from cytograms and histograms indicated that all seedlings analyzed were diploid. In addition, differences between the species for nuclear DNA content were also found to be significant. ‘Hyokan’ seedlings had the biggest genome size, 0.984 pg/2C, whereas trifoliate orange seedlings had the smallest genome size, 0.678 pg/2C. Flow cytometry analysis could be used for obtaining accurate and rapid results for cytological observations of seedling populations of Citrus.
Clustering effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease specific quality of life in hospitalized patients
Authors: LOWE Adrian , CAMPBELL Donald , WALKER Pieter , FARISH Stephen , JACKSON Bruce , DHARMAGE Shyamali 
Published: December 2004

Objectives:  The primary aim of treatments for COPD is to improve health‐related quality of life. However, little is known of the clustering effects related to health‐related quality of life as an outcome measure. If clustering effects are observed, these have important implications for sample size estimates when cluster randomization is used in interventional studies. This study aimed to determine the intracluster correlation coefficient (ICC) of the quality of life, between hospitals for COPD patients.Methodology:  The Dyspnoea Impact and Symptoms Questionnaire was administered to 100 COPD inpatients from four public hospitals (25 from each) around metropolitan Melbourne, selected on the basis that they had not had any major programs implemented within the last 2 years that aimed to improve the management of COPD. Data were collected concerning demographic and socioeconomic variables and comorbidities.Results:  The highest ICC value for a health‐related quality of life subscale was 0.02 (psychological score), while the highest for a symptom‐based subscale was 0.04.Conclusions:  There is minimal clustering effect of quality of life in COPD patients between the hospitals studied. Despite this, when using a cluster randomised design the sample size needed to detect the same effect as a study using simple randomisation could be inflated by up to 183%. If cluster randomization is required, the average cluster size should be kept as small as possible to negate this effect.
Assessment of right ventricular diastolic filling parameters by Doppler echocardiography
Authors: Uyan Ayten Pamukcu , Uyan Cihangir , Ozyurek Hamit 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Right ventricular diastolic function has been evaluated in various diseases by the pulsed Doppler technique. Right ventricular diastolic filling parameters show changes with age, heart rate and respiration. Evidences of diastolic left and right ventricular dysfunctions have been reported by echocardiographic studies in asthmatic patients. In the present study, before and after treatment of asthma the right ventricular diastolic filling parameters were compared in children with moderate asthma by Doppler echocardiography (a non‐invasive technique).
Methods
: The study group consisted of 20 children (eight girls, 12 boys) with asthma. During the present study these patients were treated with inhaled steroid and beta‐2 agonist daily. Before treatment all patients were evaluated by Doppler echocardiography. At 4−6 weeks after treatment 15 patients that had shown improvement in their symptoms according to the symptom score were also evaluated by Doppler echocardiography.
Results
: The mean age was 8.6 ± 2.69 years and mean period of symptoms were 56.4 ± 35.8 months. When compared with results of echocardiography before and after treatment, the right ventricular diastolic filling parameters (acceleration time: P < 0.01, deceleration time: P < 0.01 and isovolumetric relaxation time: P < 0.05) were found to be significantly different.
Conclusions
: We observed significant improvement of right ventricular diastolic filling parameters by Doppler echocardiography after treatment in children with asthma.
High‐dose immunoglobulin therapy for Guillain−Barré syndrome in Japanese children
Authors:   Study Group for Pediatric Guillain−Barré Syndrome
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Guillain−Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute acquired demyelinating polyneuropathy, presumed to be immune‐mediated. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) has been used to treat GBS and was found to be effective. However, a well‐controlled study of pediatric GBS has not been conducted in Japan. Therefore, to evaluate the efficacy of IVIg in the treatment of GBS, an open‐labeled study was performed in pediatric patients.
Methods
: Participants in the study were required to be younger than 15 years old, and diagnosed as having moderate or severe GBS. IVIg (400 mg/kg per day) was administered to patients for five consecutive days. Predefined outcome measures were defined on a seven‐point scale of motor function (Hughes’ functional grade [FG]).
Results
: Eleven patients were treated with IVIg. The median time taken to improve by one grade on the FG scale was 10.0 days after initial treatment. Two weeks after initial treatment, 72.7% of patients treated with IVIg improved by one or more grades, and 36.4% improved by two or more grades, measured on the FG scale. After 4 weeks an improvement by one or more grades was observed in 81.8% of patients, and two or more grades in 63.6% of patients. These im/provement rates were markedly greater than would occur with the natural course of GBS1. Adverse events (subjective symptoms or abnormal laboratory findings) were observed in four patients, although all were temporary and mild.
Conclusions
: The authors conclude that IVIg is a safe and effective treatment for childhood GBS, which shortens the time to recovery.