bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral lichenoid drug eruptions
Authors: McCartan BE , McCreary CE
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVES: To identify, from amongst drugs reported as causing lichenoid drug eruptions, those affecting the oral mucous membranes and to review the clinical, histo‐logical and immunological features of such oral lichenoid drug eruptions in comparison to oral lichen planus, amalgam contact lesions and lichen planus‐like eruption in graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD).

DATA SOURCES: Ovid® Medline data searches on CD‐Rom were carried out for the years 1966–1996 to identify reports of oral lichenoid drug eruptions and their clinical, histological and immunological featureS. Articles retrieved were examined for further appropriate references in the period 1940–1996.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Each paper was critically examined for evidence of a clinically verifiable lichenoid drug eruption affecting the oral mucous membranes and the effects of subsequent drug withdrawal. Available clinical, histological and immunological features were recorded. The papers examined were too diverse in nature to permit a structured criticism. The extracted data have been tabulated where appropriate.

CONCLUSIONS: The reports of oral lichenoid drug eruptions are considerably fewer than those of cutaneous eruptions and fewer drugs have been reported as causing oral rather than cutaneous lichenoid eruptionS. Histology and immunology cannot be used reliably to differentiate lichenoid drug eruptions from idiopathic lichen planus, amalgam contact lesions and lichen planus‐like eruption in GVHD. Lichenoid drug eruptions may also show some histological characteristics of oral discoid lupus erythematosuS. An accepted protocol agreed by a number of international centres would permit the gathering of substantial information on LDE and could lead to a greater understanding of the mechanisms involved.
Diurnal variation of γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase activity during DMBA‐induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis
Authors: Lin L‐M , Chen YK
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to assess the diurnal variation of γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) during 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)‐induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The right buccal pouches of 108 Syrian golden hamsters, divided into three experimental groups, were treated three times weekly with 0.5% DMBA in mineral oil over an 11‐week treatment regimen. The left buccal pouches were untreated and served as the controlS. Within each group, six animals were killed at 4‐h intervals (04.00, 08.00, 12.00, 16.00, 20.00 and 24.00) for 24 h. GGT histochemical stain, according to the method of Ruthenberg and coworkers, was applied. The number of GGT‐positive foci in the pouch mucosa was recorded at 3, 7 and 11 experimental weeks.

RESULT: Diurnal variation of GGT histochemical activity during DMBA‐induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis was substantiated in the present study.

CONCLUSION: This investigation highlights the importance of the diurnal variation in experimental oral carcinogenesis.
Comparison of in vitro proliferative capacity of human periodontal ligament cells in juvenile and aged donors
Authors: Nishimura F. , Terranova VP , Braithwaite M. , Orman R. , Ohyama H. , Mineshiba J. , Chou HH , Takashiba S. , Murayama Y.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the in vitro proliferative capacity of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells from aged and juvenile donors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flow‐cytometric analysis of the cell cycle was used to compare the length of each cell cycle, and the ratio of the cells progressing through the cycles between four PDL cells from juvenile donors and four cells from aged donors. Then, replicative capacity of the PDL cells from three juvenile and three aged donors was compared by serial cultureS. Finally, expression of c‐fos was compared between cells proliferating and cells which had reached senescent.

RESULTS: Flow‐cytometric analysis of the cell cycle had revealed that although there were no differences in the length of each phase of the cell cycle, significant differences were found in the ratio of the cells entering from Gap 1 to DNA synthesis phase of the cell cycle (P< 0.025).Replicative capacity was much longer in two cells from juvenile donors (about 20 population doublings), while all cells from aged donors showed short dividing abilities (less than eight population doublings), hence entered senescent phases shortly. Additionally, no c‐fos was detected in cells which had reached senescence upon stimulation with serum.

CONCLUSIONS: It is generally believed that aged humans have an impaired wound healing ability. We believe that more fibrotic PDL tissues seen in aged humans might be the reason for this, and suggest that this phenomena might be due to the progressive accumulation of senescent cell populations.
Characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis patients with self‐reported sicca symptoms: evaluation of medical, salivary and oral parameters
Authors: Jensen JL , Uhlig T. , Kvien TK , Axéll T.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of sicca symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)‐patients, and to evaluate medical, salivary, and oral parameters in matched subgroups of patients with and without sicca symptoms as well as in healthy controls.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prevalence of self‐reported sicca symptoms was examined by a postal questionnaire in a representative cohort of RA‐patients (n = 105, aged 52–74 years, disease duration 10–20 years, 77% females, 56% RF‐positive).Patient subgroups and controls (9–10 in each group) underwent examinations of disease activity, blood analyses, tests of tear and salivary secretion, and examination of oral mucosa and microflora. Analyses of salivary acidic proline‐rich proteins (PRPs), statherin and histatins were performed.

RESULTS: One or more sicca symptoms were reported by 65% of RA‐patientS. Sicca patients (having ≥4 sicca symptoms) had a more active and severe disease with higher scores for disability, fatigue and tender joints than patients without such symptomS. Other significant findings in the sicca group were lower values of unstimulated whole saliva, output of PRPs, statherin and histatins in submandibular saliva, and higher counts of oral Candida species.

CONCLUSIONS: Sicca symptoms were prevalent in RA.Qualitative and quantitative salivary tests distinguished between sicca and non‐sicca RA‐patients, though overlap was considerable for some parameters.
The use of acupuncture in dentistry: a review of the scientific validity of published papers
Authors: Rosted P
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE: To review the scientific validity of published papers on the efficacy of acupuncture in dentistry based on predefined methodological criteria. MATERIALS: A literature search performed by the Royal Society of Medicine and the University Library, Copenhagen, Denmark was able to identify 74 papers written in English, German, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Italian, French and Russian published between 1966 and 1996. The search words were: acupuncture and electro‐acupuncture, randomised controlled trials (RCT), dental pain, postoperative dental pain, painrelieving in dentistry, and dental analgesia. Among the 74 listed papers, 48 papers were reviewed in the following languages: English, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and German. Fifteen papers were excluded because they were written in French, Italian or Russian; 11 papers were excluded because the abstract clearly indicated the paper was not a RCT or the paper was of a general nature without relevance to acupuncture.

METHODS: To assess the methodological quality of the included papers, all papers were scored on the basis of predefined criteria. A total of 92 points could be achieved and on the basis of this scale papers were rated as: Excellent (85–100%), Good (70–84%), Fair (60–69%) and Bad (<60%).

MAIN OUTCOME: Fifteen out of 48 papers met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS: Only one study met the criteria with more than 85%. Five studies met the criteria with 70–84%. Three studies met the criteria with 60–69%. Six studies did not meet the criteria. Acupuncture in 11 out of 15 studies proved effective in the treatment of tempero‐mandibular dysfunction (TMD) and as analgesia. Four studies showed no effect of acupuncture.

CONCLUSION: The value of acupuncture as an analgesic must be questioned. The effect of acupunctutre in treating TMD and facial pain seems real and acupuncture could be a valuable alternative to orthodox treatment.
Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases level and collagenase activity in gingival crevicular fluid: the relevance to periodontal diseases
Authors: Nomura T , Ishii A , Oishi Y , Kohma H , Hara K
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVES: To provide an overall assessment of levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), collagenase activities, and of immuno‐reactivities for matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐1 and ‐8 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) obtained from healthy subjects, and gingivitis and periodontitis patients, and to analyse the relationships between periodontal tissue destruction and the GCF components in periodontal diseases by principal component analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

GCF was sampled with sterile paper strips from 10 gingivitis and 11 periodontitis patients. Ten volunteers served as clinically healthy controls. TIMP‐I and ‐2 protein amounts in GCF were measured by ELISA, and active and APMA‐activatable collagenase activities were determined by functional assays using image‐analysis after SDS‐PAGE.

RESULTS:

GCF TIMP‐I level and both active and latent collagenase activities were significantly higher in the diseased groups than in the healthy group. TIMP‐2 was detectable in only 29% of all subjects (mean: 2.06 ng). Western blot analysis showed that MMP‐8 was the major interstitial collagenase in the GCF of the diseased groups. Principal component analysis using clinical parameters and the GCF components has indicated components one to three account for 87% of total variation when evaluating the relevance of their measurements to periodontal diseases.

CONCLUSIONS:

We conducted the functional and immunological characterization of MMPs and TIMPs in the GCF of periodontally diseased patients. Principal component analysis indicated components one to three explaining 87% of total variation, and further suggested that higher collagenase activity (especially in active collagenase) would be an important marker in evaluating the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Consequently, these observations may have significant therapeutic and diagnostic implications.
Cyclosporin associated gingival overgrowth in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Spratt H. , Boomer S. , Irwin CR , Marley JJ , James JA , Maxwell P. , Middleton D. , Linden GJ
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and severity of gingival overgrowth in a group of renal transplant recipients treated in one centre in Northern Ireland.

STUDY DESIGN: A consecutive group of patients who had had a renal transplant for at least 6 months and were attending the Renal Unit in Belfast City Hospital took part in the study. These were divided into a group of 84 subjects treated with cyclosporin since their transplant who were compared with a control group of 36 transplant recipients who had never received cyclosporin. Each subject had a periodontal examination and completed a questionnaire. The severity of gingival overgrowth was scored from plaster models.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinically significant gingival overgrowth was equated with a score of ≤30 using the index developed by Seymour et al (1985).

RESULTS: 41(49%) of the cyclosporin group had clinically significant gingival overgrowth compared with none of the controlS. A significantly higher proportion of males had overgrowth than females. There were significant correlations between age at transplant, plaque, bleeding, pocketing and the severity of gingival overgrowth. Many patients with clinically significant gingival overgrowth were apparently unconcerned about this condition.

CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that gingival overgrowth is a significant problem for renal transplant patients treated with cyclosporin, particularly if they are also treated with a calcium channel blocker. None of the factors measured, in isolation, explained the variable expression of gingival overgrowth in those at risk.
The localization of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 and tenascin in synovial membrane of the temporomandibular joint with internal derangement
Authors: Yoshida H. , Yoshida T. , Iizuka T. , Sakakura T. , Fujita S.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTS: The aim of this investigation was to study the immunohistochemical localization of MMP‐3 and tenascin in the temporomandibular joint and to compare it with control specimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Localizations of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3) and tenascin in the tempo‐romandibular joint disc and the synovial membrane in 26 human temporomandibular joint samples (internal derangement of TMJ; n= 16, and control; n= 10) by an immunohistological method with monoclonal antibodies specific to human MMP‐3 and tenascin.

RESULTS: MMP‐3 was not distributed in control specimens while it was observed in the internal derangement caseS. MMP‐3 showed two staining profiles: (1) diffuse staining was observed within the stroma of severely deformed disc with osteophyte and/or disc displacement (three of 16 specimens); and (2) the localization was specifically detected on the surface of severely hypertrophic synovial membrane (six of 16 specimens). The latter localization pattern resembled that of the tenascin on the surface of the severely hypertrophic synovial membrane.

CONCLUSION: Comparative localization of MMP‐3 and tenascin revealed intense staining for both in the synovial membrane presenting inflammation, proliferation and hypertrophy. These findings suggest that tissue repair and remodeling in the temporomandibular joint disc and the inflammatory hypertrophic reaction in the synovial membrane might proceed at the same time.
Noma (cancrum oris): questions and answers
Authors: Enwonwu CO , Falkler WA , Idigbe EO , Savage KO
Published: August 2010

Noma (cancrum oris) is an infectious disease which destroys the oro‐facial tissues and other neighboring structures in its fulminating course. It affects predominantly children aged 2–16 years in sub‐Saharan Africa where the estimated frequency in some communities may vary from one to seven cases per 1000 children. The key risk factors are poverty, malnutrition, poor oral hygiene, deplorable environmental sanitation, close residential proximity to livestock, and infectious diseases, particularly measleS. Malnutrition acts synergistically with endemic infections in promoting an immuno‐deficient state, and noma results from the interaction of general and local factors with a weakened immune system as the common denominator. Acute necrotizing gingivitis (ANG) is considered the antecedent lesion. Current studies suggest that evolution of ANG to noma requires infection by a consortium of microorganisms with Fusobacterium necrophorum and Prevotella intermedia as the suspected key playerS. Without appropriate treatment, mortality rate is 70–90%.Survivors suffer the twofold affliction of oro‐facial disfigurement and functional impairment. Reconstructive surgery of the resulting deformity is time‐consuming and financially prohibitive for the victims who are poor.
Noma: public health problem in Senegal and epidemilogical surveillance
Authors: Ndiaye Faty Ch , Bourgeois D. , Leclercq MH , Berthe O.
Published: August 2010

Noma or cancrum oris is currently a real public health problem for developing countrieS. In Senegal, awareness of the disease has led the country to be included in the noma programme initiated by the WHO as early as 1994. The objectives are to evaluate the incidence of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) among children, to evaluate the prevalence of noma and infantile diseases, and to promote prevention strategies among vulnerable populationS. Data processing was carried out in two phases: manual processing consisted of checking the questionnaires by nurses, and computer processing started as early as the first collection of data. Noma occurs owing to fever and similar caseS. Successfully fighting against malnutrition would allow us to reduce the noma rate.
Hepatitis C virus and oral disease: a critical review
Authors: Roy KM , Bagg J.
Published: August 2010

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is widespread with an estimated 3% of the world population being infected. Acute infection is usually mild but chronicity develops in as many as 70% of patients, of whom at least 20% will eventually develop cirrhosiS. A further 1–4% of cirrhotic individuals will develop hepatocellular carcinoma. Infection with HCV may have effects on various organs other than the liver. HCV has been causally associated with a remarkable array of extrahepatic manifestations, some of which remain unproven. This review discusses the evidence implicating HCV in the aetiology of two important oral conditions, namely Sjögren's syndrome and lichen planus.
Trauma modifies strength and composition of retrodiscal tissues of the goat temporomandibular joint
Authors: Cooper B. , Oberdorfer ML , Rumpf D. , Malakhova OE , Rudman RA , Mariotti A.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular pain is often accompanied by pathologic changes to joint retrodiscal tissues. The substantial representation of females in this condition has encouraged hypotheses which link genetic or hormonally induced abnormalities in tissue composition (type III collagen, type I collagen, type III/type I ratio) to the development of temporomandibular disorderS. As this condition is often associated with a history of orofacial trauma, we investigated the functional impact of retrodiscal trauma on the composition and biomechanics of retrodiscal tissues.

DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrodiscal tissue of female goats received trauma or sham trauma. Following a healing period of 30 days, the tissues were pulled to failure on an extensometer.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessments were made of tissue biomechanical properties (failure force, elastic stiffness, strain distribution). Tissue fragments were assayed for collagens I and III.

RESULTS: Thirty days after surgical section of retrodiscal tissues, the tissue had reformed, but the composition and biomechanics were substantially changed. Healed tissue manifested less than half the strength of normal tissue (P= 0.02). In addition, the development of tissue strain shifted from a relatively even distribution to a confined region near the retrodiscaldiscal attachment zone. It appeared that a large increase in the expression of type III collagen (179.6%; P= 0.038) and the ratio of type III/type I collagen (180.9%; P= 0.011) accounted for these functional changes.

CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that shifts in collagen expression following injury create shifts in strain development which focus tissue stresses near the interface of the disc and retrodiscal tissue, and that this shift dramatically weakens the tissue and increases the probability of re‐injury, inflammation and pain.
Functional aspects of the human salivary cystatins in the oral environment
Authors: Baron AC , DeCarlo AA , Featherstone JDB
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the cysteine protease inhibitory properties of the human salivary cystatins S, SA and SN in order to identify potential in vivo target cysteine proteases which may include those involved in periodontal tissue destruction. In addition, the potential role of the salivary cystatins with respect to the tooth mineral balance and pellicle formation was also investigated.

METHODS: Salivary cystatins S major, S minor, SA, SAT(a truncated form of SA) and SN were purified from human submandibular sublingual saliva. Sensitive fluorometric assays were used to test the inhibitory action of each purified form of salivary cystatin against a variety of cysteine proteases and to determine whether pH affected their inhibitory activity towards the well‐characterized cysteine protease papain. Their potential role in the mineral balance of the tooth was assessed by the measurement of calcium binding and the rate of binding to carbonated apatite (CAP).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Salivary cystatin SN was found to inhibit the human lysosomal cathepsins B, H and L and salivary cystatin SA was found to inhibit human lysosomal cathepsin L in vitro. These proteases are involved in periodontal tissue destruction and these data suggest that salivary cystatins SA and SN are involved in the control of the proteolytic events in vivo. Salivary cystatin S was not an inhibitor of the cysteine proteases tested suggesting that its primary role is not as a cysteine protease inhibitor. However, S was able to bind more calcium and bind more rapidly to CAP than SA or SN, suggesting that its primary role in the oral environment is likely to be the involvement with the mineral balance of the tooth.
An epidemiological study of supernumerary primary teeth in Japanese children: a review of racial differences in the prevalence
Authors: Miyoshi S. , Tanaka S. , Kunimatsu H. , Murakami Y. , Fukami M. , Fujisawa S.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the prevalence of supernumerary primary teeth in Japanese children, we evaluated this prevalence in a sample of 8122 children aged 3–6 yearS. Furthermore, we undertook a statistical comparison of the findings of the present study with those of previous investigations on the prevalence of supernumerary primary teeth in Japanese, Chinese and Caucasian children.

SUBJECTS: The subjects used in the study consisted of 8122 children aged 3–6 years (4102 boys and 4020 girls). The children were examined in kindergartens.

METHODS: The prevalence of supernumerary primary teeth was recorded by visual inspection. Statistical analysis was carried out using the χ2 test.

RESULTS: Four cases of supernumerary primary teeth were found among the children examined, and thus the prevalence was 0.05%.All of the supernumerary primary teeth were located in the maxillary lateral incisor area.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence in a sample of 8122 Japanese children was 0.05% and that in a combined sample of 65 068 Japanese children was 0.06%.
Effects of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate on experimental gingivitis in non‐human primates: clinical and microbiological alterations
Authors: Cappelli D. , Holt SC , Singer RE , Pickrum HM , Ebersole JL
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the efficacy of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex®) to reduce gingival inflammation in the absence of mechanical hygiene and its effect on the oral microbial ecology in a non‐human primate (NhP) model of gingivitis.

DESIGN: Twelve NhP were stratified based on existing inflammation into two groups of six NhP per group. Oral hygiene was performed on both groups so as to reach a level of gingival health (BOP ≤0.3) at the conclusion of the hygiene phase. One group received 30 ml of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate twice daily 7 days/week, and a second group received 30 ml of placebo (distilled water colored to match the active) using the same regimen for 10 weeks.

MEASUREMENT OUTCOMES: Clinical parameters including plaque (PLI), pocket depth (PD), attachment level (AL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were evaluated at 2‐week intervalS. Subgingival plaque samples were collected by paper point at 2‐week intervals and cultured for predominant cultivable bacteria.

RESULTS: By week 2, there was a difference in BOP between the groups, which reached statistical significance by week 4. This difference in BOP was maintained throughout the course of the study. Chlorhexidine gluconate (0.12%) had no significant effect on PLI, PD, or AL; although PD was greater in the placebo group after week 2 and throughout the study. Microbiologically, at week 4, the treatment group had a reduction in total bacterial counts, as well as Gram positive bacteria, and total black pigmented bacteria, compared to the placebo group. However, only the differences in Actinomyces spp. reached significance. Interestingly, when both groups received only one treatment/day on the weekends (ie, day 6 and 7), an associated loss of statistically significant differences between the two groups was observed. Additional experiments dosing the non‐human primates once daily, 5 days/week yielded no significant differences in clinical parameters, including bleeding, when compared with the placebo group.

CONCLUSION: Non‐human primates provided a model system of gingivitis for testing antimicrobial agent effects on the subgingival ecology and accompanying inflammatory responseS. Chlorhexidine gluconate (0.12%), even in the absence of mechanical hygiene, was effective in inhibiting clinical signs of inflammation, associated with alterations in the subgingival microbial ecology, most notably Actinomyces spp.
Periodontal Disease: Production of volatile sulphur compounds in diseased periodontal pockets is significantly increased in smokers
Authors: Khaira N , Palmer RM , Wilson RF , Scott DA , Wade WG
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken in order to test the hypothesis that the consequences of tobacco smoking may include increased synthesis of toxic volatile sulphur compounds in diseased periodontal pockets.

DESIGN: A cross‐sectional, parallel study comparing groups of smokers and non‐smokers with periodontitis and the level of volatile sulphur compounds in the gingival sulci of these subjects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Levels of volatile sulphur compounds were measured in diseased periodontal sites of 12 smokers and 11 non‐smokers using a portable sulphide monitor. Anaerobic and aerobic counts of the total cultivable subgingival microflora of both groups were also determined.

RESULTS: The percentage of sites per subject with high levels of sulphides (≥10 units) detected in moderate (4–6 mm) and deep (≥7 mm) periodontal pockets was found to be significantly higher in smokers, compared to non‐smokers (P= 0.040 and P= 0.005, respectively). No significant difference in the microbiological parameters tested were observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Increased production of volatile sulphur compounds may represent a further mechanism of increased susceptibility to periodontitis in smokers and also help to explain the reported association between smoking and halitosis.
Paracoccidioidomycosis in an HIV‐positive patient: a case report with gingival aspects
Authors: Giovani EM , Mantesso A , Loducca SVL , Magalhaes MHCG
Published: August 2010

Paracoccidioidomycosis is an important deep mycosis, endemic in some areas of the South American countryside, with great incidence in males bearing rural activities, being unusual in urban developed centres. Cell‐mediated immunity is the main host defence against the P. brasiliensis, and HIV‐positive patients have been increasingly affected by the disease, although only a few reports are available in the literature. We present a case of paracoccidiodomicosis in an HIV‐positive female, with unusual clinical history and histopathological aspects.
Association of glycoprotein gp130 with hereditary catalepsy in mice
Authors: Kulikov A. V. , Sinyakova N. A. , Naumenko V. S. , Bazovkina D. V. , Popova N. K.
Published: August 2010

Glycoprotein gp130 is involved in the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and related cytokines' signaling. Linkage between the gp130 coding gene and freezing reaction (catalepsy) was shown. Here, we compared the expression and function of the gp130 in male mice of catalepsy‐resistant AKR/J strain and catalepsy‐prone congenic AKR.CBA‐D13Mit76 strain created by transferring the gp130 gene allele from catalepsy‐prone CBA/Lac to the genome of AKR/J strain. No difference in the gp130 expression in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and midbrain between AKR and AKR.CBA‐D13Mit76 mice was found. However, AKR.CBA‐D13Mit76 mice were more sensitive to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The administration of LPS (50 µg/kg, ip) significantly increased mRNA level of the gene coding IL‐6‐regulated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the midbrain, induced catalepsy and decreased locomotion in the open field and social investigation tests in AKR.CBA‐D13Mit76, but not in AKR mice. The result indicates (1) the association between gp130 and hereditary catalepsy, (2) increased functional activity rather than expression of gp130 in AKR.CBA‐D13Mit76 mice and (3) the involvement of gp130 in the mechanism of LPS‐induced alteration of behavior.
Research in practice: More than skin deep –aging of subcutaneous fat tissue
Authors: Berneburg Mark
Published: August 2010

Mitochondria, responsible for the generation of energy in our cells, contain their own genome, mitochondrial (mt)DNA. It is known that mutations of mtDNA accumulate during normal aging and that this can be accelerated by oxidative stress, i.e. induced by ultraviolet radiation. These mutations are functionally relevant and they play a causative role in normal aging as well as premature aging induced by ultraviolet radiation. While the focus of scientific research was more on epidermis and dermis within the last years, alterations of subcutaneous fat tissue were not investigated thus far. Cockayne syndrome (CS) A and B are two proteins known to repair oxidatively induced DNA damage via nucleotide excision repair (NER) in the nucleus. We could show that these two proteins enrich in mitochondria upon oxidative stress, directly interact with mtDNA and the two repair‐associated proteins mtSSBP‐1 and mtOGG‐1 and protect from deletions of mtDNA. If CSA or CSB are lacking, mtDNA mutations accumulate particularly in the cells of subcutaneous fat tissue which appears to mediate loss of adipocytes via apoptosis. Therefore, the two NER‐associated proteins CSA and CSB appear to play a direct role in protection from mutations which in turn are causative in aging‐associated loss of subcutaneous fat tissue.
Iron Metabolism in Infants
Authors: FEUILLEN Y. M. , PLUMIER M.
Published: August 2010

In this first part of their investigations on iron metabolism in infants, the authors have estimated the iron in breast milk, cow's milk and different diets most frequently employed in pediatric clinics. They conclude that infants fed artificially often ingest 3 to 4 times more iron than infants of the same age, breast fed; and that anemia in the former is not due to the lack of iron in their diet.
ACTH in the Treatment of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis1
Authors: VESTERDAL J. , REMVIG O. , SPRECHLER M.
Published: August 2010

Seven patients, aged 21/2‐12 years, suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis were treated with ACTH, each patient receiving 1–3 series of injections (total: 10 series). Eight of these series induced remissions, but in only one case the effect was permanent (observation time: 31/2months). This patient had a very active arthritis, and he received a preliminary treatment with small doses of ACTH, probably causing a hypertrophy of the adrenal cortex, which may account for the good response.

The administration of ascorbic acid, 5 g daily, and cholesterol, 1–11/2g daily, had no demonstrable clinical effect.

Six patients had deformities. In three of these a correction of the deformities was obtained. In two of the remaining three cases they proved to be due to osseous ankylosis.

The authors are of the opinion that ACTH is indicated in cases where deformities are developing, and also when deformities have already developed, if these have not yet been ascertained to be due to osseous ankylosis.
Signs of Sexual Precocity in a Male Infant due to Estrogenic Ointment
Authors: HESSELVIK LENNART
Published: August 2010

A boy, aged 10 months, showed a progressive gynaecomastia, increasing pigmentation of areolae mammae, penis and scrotum, and growth of sexual hair. The symptoms were caused by percutaneous absorption of stilbestrol. The identical picture was demonstrated experimentally in another case. — The mechanism of development of the syndrome is briefly discussed.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE AND RADIOLOGICAL APPEARANCE OF THE RENAL PARENCHYMA IN CHILDREN
Authors: BERG U. , APERIA A. , BROBERGER O. , EKENGREN K. , ERICSSON N. O.
Published: August 2010

Selective renal function studies with determination of the glomerular filtration rate (inulin clearance) have been carried out in more than 30 children aged 3 to 15 years. Most of the patients had a history of one or more urinary tract infections as well as pathological IVP‐findings of varying degree.

The selective studies were accomplished by means of external ureteral compression. Themethod proved to have an extremely good validity even in cases of severe ureteral reflux with dilatation of ureter and pelvis.

No correlation could be found between radiological size of the kidney and glomerular filtration rate. In almost half of the patients with significant unilateral reduction of the renal parenchyma the glomerular filtration rate of this side was found to be more than 40% of the total glomerular filtration rate. In contrast the glomerular filtration rate of several of the kidneys estimated to be of normal size was significantly reduced. It is obvious from these findings that nephrectomy must never be carried out until selective renal function studies have been made.

An additional finding was an apparently good correlation between the clinical and functional finding, i.e. the glomerular filtration rate appeared to be inversely correlated to the relapse frequency of the urinary tract infections. The fact that the. functional finding correlated well with the clinical finding but not with the radiological size of the kidney suggests various etiologies for the parenchymal reduction.
ELECTRICAL POLARIZATION OF RECTAL MUCOSA and EXCRETION OF TETRAHYDROALDOSTERONE IN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS OF PANCREAS and IN NORMAL SUBJECTS
Authors: RASK‐MADSEN J. , SCHIØTZ P. O. , BARTELS U. , NIELSEN M. D. , BECHER‐CHRISTENSEN F.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Rask‐Madsen, J., Schiøtz, P. O., Bartels, U., Nielsen, M. D. and Becher‐Christensen, F. Medical Department F and the Department of Clinical Physiology, Glostrup Hospital, Glostrup, and the Department of Pediatrics TG, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark). Electrical polarization of rectal mucosa and excretion of tetrahydro‐aldosterone in patients with cystic fibrosis of pancreas and in normal subjects. Acta Paediatr Scand, 64:81, 1975.–The electrical potential difference (PD) across the rectal wall was measured in 26 patients with cystic fibrosis of pancreas (CFP) and in 18 healthy subjects. The PDs obtained in normal children were identical to those previously obtained in normal adults. A significantly greater dispersion of the values was observed in CFP. When the patients were divided into groups according to metachromasia in fibroblast cultures, the mean PD was increased only in the ametachromatic group. True enough, this observation suggests a difference between various forms of CFP, distinguished by metachromasia, and thus is a further indication of the heterogeneity of the disease. The greater abnormalities in metachromasia negative patients may, however, be due solely to the fact that these patients are more severely affected by the disease. The urinary excretion of tetrahydroaldosterone in patients was within the ranges obtained in controls, which excludes the possibility of secondary hyperaldosteronism as the source of increased PD. No evidence was provided in favour of a basic defect in the intestinal transport of Na+ or CI−, but K+ concentrations in faecal fluids of patients were significantly lower than in controls. The equilibrium concentration of K+ could be accounted for by simple passive diffusion, suggesting that the epithelium behaved inertly with respect to this ion in CFP.
SUCCESSFULLY TREATED PNEUMOPERICARDIUM IN A NEWBORN INFANT DURING IPPV
Authors: CEGRELL L. , SVENNINGSEN N. W.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Cegrell, L. and Svenningsen, N. W. (Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden). Successfully treated pneumopericardium in a newborn infant during IPPV. Acta Paediatr Scand 64:135, 1975.–The successful treatment of pneumopericardium and cardiac tamponade in a newborn infant is presented in this case report. Alert recognition of this complication in newborn infants on intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) is of the utmost importance as prompt and adequate treatment is life‐saving.
Erythrocyte Na,Li Countertransport and Arterial Pressure in Diabetic Adolescents
Authors: DIANZANI I. , BOERO R. , ROLANDO B. , GUARENA C. , SACCHETTI C. , COPPO R. , QUARELLO F. , CERUTTI F.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to analyze Na,Li countertransport in erythrocytes from adolescents with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and to see if those with elevated values present distinct clinical features, in particular as regards arterial pressure and urinary albumin excretion (UAE). Twenty‐nine adolescents with IDDM (17 males, 12 females, mean age 15 ± 0.6 years, mean diabetes duration 11.4 ± 0.7 years) and fifteen healthy age‐matched control subjects (8 males, 7 females, age 14.5 ± 1 years) were investigated. Diabetic adolescents had a RBC Na,Li countertransport activity higher than age matched normal controls; geometric mean 283 (95% limits 259‐340) vs. 193 (169‐252) μmol/l RBC/h; p<0.01. Seven out of 29 subjects had values higher than the 95th percentile of normal subjects (Counter+). Both systolic and diastolic arterial pressures were significantly higher in Counter+ than in Counter‐ patients. No significant differences were found as regards age, body mass index, diabetes duration, HbAlc, fructosamine, serum potassium, triglycerides, creatinine clearance and UAE. The logarithm of systolic pressure was independently positively correlated with In Na,Li countertransport (r=0.38; p<0.05), In [Nai] (r=0.38; p<0.05), and In body mass index (r=0.5; p<0.01) in diabetic patients. The main finding of this study is that diabetic adolescents with a high erythrocyte Na,Li countertransport rate have an arterial pressure significantly higher than patients with normal Na,Li countertransport fluxes.
Alloimmune Granulocytopenia in Three Newborn Infants of Two Families
Authors: JÄRVENPÄÄ A.‐L. , KOSKIMIES S. , RAJANTIE J.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Two infants of one family and one infant of another with neonatal alloimmune granulocytopenia are described. All of the infants had mild infections, two of them mild pyogenic skin infections. Total leukocyte counts were within the normal range in all cases. The absolute neutrophil count was 0‐0.2 × 1O9/1 and remained subnormal up to nine weeks. Both mothers had antibodies against their husbands' granulocytes. Detection of the antibody made it possible to postpone more invasive examinations. Parents should be examined if neutropenia in a newborn infant cannot be attributed to a normal cause such as an infection.
Atypical Allergic Colitis in Preterm Infants
Authors: HARRISON C. J. , PUNTIS J. W. L. , DURBIN G. M. , GORNALL P. , BOOTH I. W.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Two atypical cases of colitis due to cow's milk protein intolerance (CMPI) are reported, affecting preterm infants. One developed a toxic dilatation of the colon and responded well to a casein hydrolysate based feed. The second presented insidiously and failed to tolerate a casein hydrolysate, but responded well to a chicken‐based modular feed.
Growth in children with X‐linked hypophosphataemic rickets
Authors: Verge CF , Cowell CT , Howard NJ , Donaghue KC , Silink M
Published: August 2010

Currently, X‐linked hypophosphataemic rickets (XLHR) is most commonly treated with a combination of phosphate and vitamin D, but there is conflicting evidence about the effects of this treatment on linear growth. In all, 25 patients with XLHR (current age range, 4.1–22.1 years; median, 8.2 years) were studied to determine whether there was any improvement in height SDS during treatment. The duration of therapy was 2.9–15.0 years (median, 5.7 years). Measurements before the age of 2 years or after the onset of puberty were excluded to remove the effects of measurement difficulties in small infants and of variation in pubertal timing. The growth of these patients was compared with a similar group of untreated historical controls. Patients treated with calcitriol and phosphate for at least 2 years before the onset of puberty (n = 22) had a significantly better mean height SDS than the historical controls (‐1.23 compared with —2.05 for the historical controls; p= 0.02). Among patients treated with calcitriol and phosphate for at least 2 years (n = 21), the change in height SDS had a positive correlation with the duration of therapy (r= 0.51; p= 0.02). The growth of children with XLHR treated with combination therapy was thus significantly better than that of historical controls.
Atrial natriuretic peptide and endothelin concentrations in human milk during postpartum lactation
Authors: Ken‐Dror S , Weintraub Z , Yechiely H , Kahana L
Published: August 2010

AbstractMilk samples from lactating women (n= 24) were examined for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) content throughout the first 3 months postpartum. Samples were collected at the beginning (foremilk) and towards the end (hindmilk) of nursing. ANP was detected in the milk samples. A value of 9.4 ±1.8 pmol/1 (mean ± SEM) was observed on the third day postpartum. No significant variations in concentrations were observed during the 3 months examined. Foremilk and hindmilk ANP concentrations were also similar. ET‐1, as previously reported, is present in the milk of lactating women. According to our observations, the concentration of ET‐1 varies during the first 3 postpartum months. The highest concentrations were observed on the third day (10.2 ± 1.8 pmol/1) of lactation, decreasing to 4.5 ± 0.8 pmol/1 after 1 week (p< 0.05) and to 2.0 ± 0.3 pmol/1, at 1 month postpartum (p< 0.05), this level being maintained for up to 3 months postpartum. Foremilk samples on the third day postpartum contained significantly higher concentrations of ET‐1, compared to hindmilk samples (10.2 ± 1.8 vs 7.7 ± 1.2 pmol/1,p< 0.05). The stable levels of ANP and the initial high and subsequently decreasing levels of ET‐1 in human milk, during the first 3 months postpartum, suggest that these peptides might be of importance either in the lactating mammary gland or in the suckling newborn.
Acute management of extreme neonatal jaundice–––the potential benefits of intensified phototherapy and interruption of enterohepatic bilirubin circulation
Authors: Hansen TWR
Published: August 2010

Abstract Increasing numbers of neonates are being admitted to hospital because of extreme jaundice. Phototherapy should be very effective in such infants, because the efficacy of phototherapy is proportional to the concentration of bilirubin in the skin. Here, I report on four infants who were admitted for indirect serum bilirubin levels of >500 µmol/1 (»30mg/dl). In one of them, unrecognized Rhesus immunization was the main cause of hyperbilirubinemia, while in the other three increased enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin was thought to be an important contributory factor. In all four infants phototherapy (11–14 µW/cm2/nm) with whole body exposure plus ad lib feeding with milk were initiated immediately upon admission to the nursery. After 2h serum bilirubin values were reduced by 170–185 µmol/1 (10‐11mg/dl) in the first three infants, while in the fourth infant a reduction of 195 µmol/1 (11.3mg/dl) was seen in the 5h interval between the first and second bilirubin measurement. This experience suggests that in some infants with extreme jaundice, intensified phototherapy plus feeding with milk may be very effective in reducing serum bilirubin levels. Even if an exchange transfusion is performed, using this strategy in the waiting period may be beneficial, as both the rapid reduction in serum bilirubin levels as well as the conversion of significant amounts of bilirubin into water‐soluble isomers may reduce the risk of neurotoxicity.
Interaction between mothers and infants born at risk during the first six months of corrected age
Authors: Schermann‐Eizirik L , Hagekull B , Bohlin G , Persson K , Sedin G
Published: August 2010

Abstract The effects of preterm birth and the perinatal infant health condition on mother‐infant interactions were analysed in 278 mother‐infant pairs, divided into four groups according to infants' gestational age at birth: group 1. 23–31 weeks; group 2,32–36 weeks; group 3, 37–42 weeks; and group 4, a control group of healthy full‐term infants. The methodological approach was based on observation of the pairs at 2,4 and 6 months of infants“ corrected age (± 1 week) during undressing of the infant and face‐to‐face interaction. It was found that mother‐infant pairs with preterm infants (groups 1 and 2) did not differ in interactional variables from those of the control group. On the other hand, the birth of a full‐term infant in need of neonatal intensive care (group 3) affected maternal and infant interactive behaviour. Additionally, infants from group 3 did not show stability in their interactive behaviour between any ages of measurement. This result suggests that interactive behaviour of full‐term infants in need of neonatal intensive care are rather unpredictable during their first 6 months of life, which might have contributed to the less optimal interactive pattern observed for their mothers compared with mothers of the control group.
Increased gastroesophageal reflux in infants: can history provide an explanation?
Authors: Callahan CW
Published: August 2010

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER), a problem rarely mentioned half a century ago, has now become a major source of blame for a number of pediatric maladies. Over the past few decades, the rate of GER diagnosis in hospitalized infants less than 1 y old rose more than 10‐fold. An increased rate of diagnosis does not mean that GER disease is more common. The increase in diagnosis may be the result of overdiagnosis, inappropriate diagnosis or an increased ability to detect GER. However, it is also possible that increased GER diagnosis may reflect a real increase in the prevalence of pathological GER and GER disease. Three aspects of infant rearing have changed dramatically during the past 50 y: what infants are fed, how much they are fed and where they are placed between feedings. This essay examines these aspects of infant rearing and their possible relationship with increased GER.
Acute neonatal respiratory distress in Italy: a one‐year prospective study
Authors: Rubaltelli FF , Dani C , Reali MF , Bertini G , Wiechmann L , Tangucci M , Spagnolo A ,   *and the Italian Group of Neonatal Pneumology
Published: August 2010

A prospective multicentre 12‐month survey of neonatal respiratory disorders in 63 537 Italian infants was performed to evaluate the incidence of acute neonatal respiratory disorders and of the main related complications. A total of 1427 developed respiratory disorders (2.2%), 208 of whom died (14.6%). The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was 1.16%, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 24%; that of transient tachypnoea was 0.93%, with a CFR of 1.3%. The rates of meconium aspiration syndrome, persistent pulmonary hypertension and pneumonia were 0.06%, 0.02% and 0.07%, with CFRs of 10.3%, 38.5% and 21.7%, respectively. The occurrences of the main complications in affected newborns were: bronchopulmonary dysplasia 5.6%, necrotizing enterocolitis 1.7%, patent ductus arteriosus 9.8%, 3o and 4o grade intraventricular haemorrhage 6.8% and air leak 4.9%. It was concluded that the incidence of acute neonatal respiratory disorders and the main related complications was lower than that reported two decades ago and that the CFR of acute neonatal respiratory disorders had increased. These results may be the consequences of (i) progress in the management of high‐risk pregnancies, (ii) an increased number of viable infants with extremely low birth weight and (iii) diffusion of antenatal treatment with corticosteroids which, in this series, seemed to reduce the morbidity but not the mortality in the high‐risk infants.