Publications by authors named "Karen A Robbins"

Background: An adequate understanding of the relationship between breast-feeding practices and infant food allergy is essential for clinicians. Although there is evidence of an education gap in general breast-feeding concepts, little is known about the pediatric trainee knowledge and practice with regard to breast-feeding, maternal diet, and potential allergy outcomes.

Objective: To assess pediatric residents' knowledge, describe practices, and evaluate a module designed to provide evidence-based education about breast-feeding, food allergy, and food avoidance to inform future resources on the topic of breast-feeding and allergic outcomes.

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Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a primary immunodeficiency arising from variable defects in lymphocyte development and survival, is characterized by significant deficiency of thymus derived (T-) lymphocytes and variable defects in the B-lymphocyte population. Newborn screening for SCID is based on detection of low numbers of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) by real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). This screening allows for early identification of individuals with SCID and other disorders characterized by T-lymphopenia.

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Patients with inborn errors of metabolism require special considerations in perioperative care. In the following case report, we describe the successful management of a patient with 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency, a deficit that causes a secondary carnitine deficiency and impaired beta oxidation. Patients may have significant underlying cardiomyopathy, and are at risk for metabolic decompensation, acidosis, and hypoglycemia during periods of stress.

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The apoptogenic protein cytochrome c can be quantitated by reverse-phase HPLC, but this method is not utilized by those who investigate mechanisms of cell death. Here, we extend the sensitivity of the method to exceed that available from immunogenic approaches and report specific procedures for applying the method to preparations of intact mitochondria, and to supernatants and pellets that arise from mitochondrial incubations. The detection limit corresponds to 0.

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