bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasopharyngeal colonization with Haemophilus influenzae type b among infants and children in Japan
Authors: KUROKI HARUO , ISHIKAWA NOBUYASU , UEHARA SUZUKO , HIMI KYOKO , SONOBE TOMOYOSHI , NIIMI HIROO
Published: January 2011

Healthy carriers of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) play an important role in the spread of invasive Hib disease. The aim of the present study was to estimate Hib colonization among infants and children in Japan. Specimens from throat and nasopharyngeal cultures were obtained by thorough swabbing of both tonsils and the posterior pharynx. Specimens were inoculated on Hib antiserum agar. This was prepared with Levinthal base and Hib antiserum. Conventional methods were used concomitantly. Four of 474 infants from 1–48 months of age (0.84%) had Hib cultured from their nasopharynx. The carriage rate in 1–12 month old infants was 0.62% (2/322 cases), and that in 13–48 month old children was 1.32% (2/152 cases). Five of 167 (3.0%) 13‐year‐old children, and five of 154 (3.2%) 9‐year‐old children were asymptomatic carriers. Thirty‐five of 104 household contacts of a patient with invasive Hib disease (33.6%) had Hib colonization. The carriage rate in healthy Japanese children may not be different from that in the USA prior to the availability of the conjugate Hib vaccine. The Hib carriage rate in household contacts of patients with invasive Hib disease was higher than in healthy children (P < 0.005). Our results suggest the possibility of an outbreak of invasive Hib disease in Japan.
Second generation hepatitis C virus antibody‐positive rate in children: Investigation of the route of hepatitis C virus infection in children with no history of transfusion
Authors: MANIWA HIROKO , MIYAKE YOSHISHIGE , ODA TAKAYA , LI ROU , YOKOYAMA TAKAO , SUGIYAMA KOHACHIRO
Published: January 2011

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody and HCV‐RNA screening was undertaken in 1864 children, aged from 0 to 15 years who did not have a history of transfusion. Anti‐HCV was tested by the second generation enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HCV RNA was examined by reverse transcriptase‐nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two of the 1864 children were positive for serum HCV RNA. They had no history of transfusion, no episodes of horizontal transmission, but the mother in each case was positive for serum HCV RNA, implying mother‐to‐infant infection. Eleven children who were positive for HCV antibody with low values and negative for serum HCV RNA were classified as belonging to the high bovine milk (composed primarily of casein)‐specific IgG4 value group. This suggested that many of the children who were falsely positive for HCV antibody using ELISA had antibodies to casein.
p21 (WAF1/Cip1/Sdi1/Pic1) mRNA is expressed in neuroblastoma cell lines but not in Ewing's sarcoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumor cell lines
Authors: MAEDA TARO , NISHIMURA NORIYUKI , NAKAMURA HAJIME , SANO KIMIHIKO
Published: January 2011

The p21 protein inhibits the activity of cyclin‐Cdk complexes and suppresses cell cycle progression. Wild type p53 can induce p21, but mutated p53 cannot. Previous studies have demonstrated that mutation of p53 is absent in neuroblastoma (NB). These reports prompted us to examine whether p53 induced p21 in NB. We examined the expression of p21 and p53 mRNA in eight NB, two Ewing's sarcoma (ES) and two primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) cell lines by Northern blot analysis, and sequenced p53 cDNA of these cells. Although p53 mRNA was detected in all analyzed cell lines by Northern blot analysis, p21 mRNA was detected in six NB but not in two NB, two ES and two PNET cell lines. We detected the point mutation of p53 at codon 273 (CGT to TGT) in one NB and two ES cell lines. The non‐transforming substitution at codon 72 (CCC to CGC) was detected in all analyzed cell lines. One PNET cell line had a large deletion of p53 cDNA. These results showed that p21 mRNA was usually expressed in NB but not in ES and PNET. This may suggest that the down stream of the p53 signal transduction pathway in NB is different from that of the closely related tumors of ES and PNET.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis exacerbated by varicella
Authors: GüCüYENER KIVILCIM , KULA SERDAR , SERDAROGLU AYŜE , TAH E TURGUT
Published: January 2011

The actual incidence of central nervous system complications with varicella ranges from 0.1 to 0.7% in several series and the time interval between the rash and the type of neurological manifestation varies widely. Cerebellar ataxia and hypotonia are the most common neurological abnormalities associated with varicella. We present a report on a 6‐year‐old girl with an unusual course of disease finally presenting a probable diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalitis.
Enalapril‐induced anemia in a renal transplant patient
Authors: ÖZBEK NAMIK , ÖZEN SEZA , SAATĈI üMIT
Published: January 2011

Side‐effects of angiotensin converting enyzme (ACE) inhibitors, such as a slight decrease in hematocrit, are increasingly being reported. A 14‐year‐old renal transplant patient on enalapril therapy developed anemia with reticulocytosis. She was investigated for other causes of anemia and enalapril therapy was ceased. Her hemoglobin level increased and reticulocyte count decreased after cessation of therapy. No other cause of anemia was found. Although anemia in patients receiving ACE inhibitors such as enalapril has previously been reported, this is the first reported patient who developed anemia associated with mild reticulocytosis and macrocytosis.
Clinical, biochemical and histological analysis of seven patients with cholesteryl ester storage disease
Authors: TYLKI‐SZYMAŃSKA ANNA , RUJNER JOLANTA , LUGOWSKA AGNIESZKA , SAWNOR‐KORSZYŃSKA DANUTA , WOŹNIEWICZ BOGDAN , CZARNOWSKA ELŹBIETA
Published: January 2011

Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) deficiency leads to two phenotypically different diseases: cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD) and Wolman's disease. Lysosomal acid lipase hydrolyzes cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. Deficiency of LAL results in intralysosomal storage of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. CESD has a chronic and benign course and is characterized by hepatomegaly and mild hypercholesterolemia. It leads to fibrosis (cirrhosis) and early atherosclerosis. This report presents the clinical, biochemical and microscopic data of seven patients with CESD followed up over 10 years. The physical development of all the study children remained within the normal range; 7 patients had hepatomegaly and 6 also had splenomegaly. Three patients had normal cholesterol, triglycerides and transaminases values; the other four had slightly elevated levels for these parameters. The activity of LAL in all patients was reduced to below 30% of the lower normal value. Histologically, cholesteryl crystals and lipid storage vacuoles in Kupffer cells were present in all examined patients except one. Accumulation of cholesteryl esters was visible on thin‐layer chromatography of lipid extracts obtained from liver biopsies.
Infant influenza
Authors: SAKUMA TAKAHISA
Published: January 2011

Reports on the symptoms of infant influenza (less than 1 year of age) are very few. From 1989 to 1996, 105 infants with influenza were examined. The symptoms, nutrition and source of infection of the 105 patients were investigated in Sakuma Pediatric Clinic and viral studies were performed at the Kitakyushu City Institute of Environmental Sciences. The symptoms of patients under 6 months old are very mild, with a low maximum body temperature and a short duration of fever. Other complications are few. The symptoms gradually become more severe with each month of age. The ratio of patients displaying a diphasic fever with two peak temperatures increases with each month of age. Over 50% of patients over 9 months old have this diphasic fever with two peak temperatures. It is inconclusive whether an anti‐infective factor in human milk exists or not. Of the 105 patients in this study, 28 were under 4 months of age; of these 28, all but 3 were infected by family members.
Immunogenicity and safety of Haemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide tetanus conjugate vaccine (PRP‐T) presented in a dual‐chamber syringe with DTP
Authors: KANRA GÜLER , YURDAKÖK KADRIYE , CEYHAN MEHMET , ÖZMERT ELIF , TÜRKAY FIKRI , PEHLIVAN TAMER
Published: January 2011

Separate injections of Haemophilus influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide‐tetanus conjugate (PRP‐T) vaccine and diphtheria‐tetanus‐pertussis (DTP) reconstitution of freeze‐dried PRP‐T vaccine with liquid DTP vaccine have been shown to be safe and immunogenic in infants. The present study was conducted to test the safety and immunogenicity of the liquid combination vaccine administered to young infants in the dual‐chamber syringe. The study was a monocenter, open clinical trial of 3 month‐old infants receiving PRP‐T and DTP vaccines in the dual‐chamber syringe reconstituted prior to injection. Healthy infants were immunized according to a 3, 4 and 5 months‐of‐age schedule. The vaccine was administered in a dual‐chamber syringe, ready to use with two chambers. The proximal chamber contained freeze‐dried PRP‐T and the distal chamber contained liquid combination‐vaccine DTP. The freeze‐dried PRP‐T vaccine was reconstituted with the liquid DTP vaccine in the same unidose dual‐chamber syringe (0.5 mL) and was injected intramuscularly into the deltoid region. Blood sampling was performed prior to vaccination at 3 months of age and after the third vaccination at 6 months. The primary end‐point was the serological response to PRP‐T vaccine as expressed by the percentage of infants with an antibody titer greater than or equal to 1 μg/mL. The reactogenicity was expressed as the percentage of reported local and systemic reactions. A total of 108 infants were included in the study and received the dual‐chamber syringe vaccine. After the third injection, all the infants had a PRP antibody titer greater than or equal to 0.15 μg/mL and 94.4% of infants had a PRP antibody titer greater than or equal to 1 μg/mL; the pertussis agglutinin titers were over the threshold 40 and 80 in all infants and 98.1% were over the threshold 320. After the third injection, all the infants had diphtheria antibody titers greater than 0.1 IU/mL and 83.3% had titers greater than 1 IU/mL; all the infants had tetanus antibody titers greater than 0.1 IU/mL and 97.2% had results over 1 IU/mL. Thirty‐seven infants (34.6%) had local reactions and 64.5% had systemic reactions. The dual‐chamber syringe may reduce the cost of vaccine delivery, as well as the workload, and increase the vaccine acceptability and coverage rate of vaccines.
Shigella gastroenteritis: Clinical and epidemiological aspects, and antibiotic susceptibility
Authors: YURDAKÖK KADRIYE , SAHIN NALAN , ÖZMERT ELIF , BERKMAN ERDOGAN
Published: January 2011

The epidemiology and antibiotic sensitivity of Shigella species is changing worldwide. The present study surveyed the changing clinical and epidemiological characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of Shigella gastroenteritis in Hacettepe University Ihsan Dogramaci Children's Hospital Diarrhoea Training and Treatment Unit between 1987 and 1994. Among 19 812 diarrheal admissions, 618 (3.2%) patient files with Shigella gastroenteritis were reviewed retrospectively. Shigella soneii has been the commonest isolate (64%) since 1987 followed by S. flexineri (30%), S. boydii (5%) and S. dysenteriae (1%), the latter having not been isolated since 1990. The isolate rate of S. sonnei has increased whereas the isolation rate of S. flexineri has decreased concomitantly since 1987 (r = −0.94; P< 0.001). The majority of cases (365/618, 59%) were between 1 and 5 years of age. On admission bloody diarrhea was present in 36%, seizures in 3% and mild‐moderate dehydration in 11% of cases. No case had severe dehydration. Only six patients (1%) were hospitalized. No deaths were recorded. The resistance rate for trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole has increased from 27% in 1990 to 66% in 1994 (P < 0.05) while the resistance rate for ampicillin has decreased from 81% in 1987 to 32% in 1993 (P< 0.001). Shigella flexineri was found to have higher resistance rates to ampicillin, sulbactam‐ampicillin, chloramphenicol and gentamicin than S. sonnei. Changing Shigella sp. over the years may be the reason for the mild course of Shigella gastroenteritis. Further regional epidemiological studies are necessary to develop more appropriate management guidelines, especially in developing countries.
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in childhood: A case report
Authors: OKADA TAISUKE , MAEDA MASATO , TAKECHI TOMOKI , TOMODA TAKASHI , WAKIGUCHI HIROSHI , KURASHIGE TAKANOBU
Published: January 2011

A case report is presented of a 15‐year‐old girl with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). She was referred to hospital because of left upper limb pain. Her left upper limb was cold, edematous and blue with a limited active range of movement. The serum concentration of noradrenaline was lower on the painful side than on the healthy side, and neurotropin, which has an antinociceptive effect to hyperalgesia, was clearly effective. Early diagnosis and management is essential in the treatment of RSD and administration of neurotropin is a useful and non‐invasive treatment without severe adverse effects.
A case of Epstein‐Barr virus infection with exophthalmos and ocular muscle swelling
Authors: SUGIYAMA KENJI , ITO MASAHIRO , ICHIMI RYOJI , HIGASHIKAWA MASAMUNE , KAWASAKI HAJIME , KOMADA YOSHIHIRO , SAKURAI MINORU , WAKIGUCHI HIROSHI , KIKUTA HIDEAKI , FUKAYAMA MASAHISA
Published: January 2011

A 14‐year‐old girl with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection developed exophthalmos and ocular muscle swelling. The EBV genome was detected in T lymphocytes taken from the submandibular gland, temporal muscle and cervical lymph nodes. A surface marker analysis of her peripheral blood demonstrated that CD45RO‐positive T lymphocytes were strongly activated. Immunosuppressive treatment, including steroid and cyclophosphamide, was effective in improving the symptoms. Immunosuppressive therapy may be included as the choice of treatment for EBV infection.
Neuroblastoma and Poland syndrome in a 15‐year‐old boy
Authors: ÇAKSEN HÜSEYIN , PATIROGLU TÜRKAN , ÖZDEMIR M. AKIF , PATIROGLU TAHIR E. , POYRAZOGLU M. HAKAN , TERCAN MUSTAFA
Published: January 2011

A 15‐year‐old boy with neuroblastoma associated with Poland syndrome is presented. He was admitted with a 2‐month history of progressive back pain and a 3‐day history of weakness of the lower extremities, encopresis and enuresis. On physical examination, in addition to paraplegia, absence of the pectoralis major muscle was diagnosed on the right side of his chest. A large heterogeneous mass in the right side of the thorax was revealed on computerized tomography. Neuroblastoma was diagnosed on histopathological analysis of the mass. To the authors' knowledge this is the first case of neuroblastoma associated with Poland syndrome in the literature.
Development of jaundice in Korean neonates after Cesarean section
Authors: LEE CHRISTEN S. , VREMAN HENDRIK J. , CHOI JUNG HWAN , YUN CHONG KU , STEVENSON DAVID K.
Published: January 2011

The aim of the project was to determine the physiologic mechanisms of later‐ and higher‐peak transitional plasma bilirubin levels in Korean infants. Blood carboxyhemoglobin, corrected for inhaled CO (COHbc), as an index of bilirubin production, and plasma total bilirubin levels in 40 healthy term Korean infants delivered by Cesarean section were measured throughout the first week of life. The COHbc levels were significantly higher in the Korean neonates than in previously studied Caucasian neonates. Moreover, COHbc levels decreased by 28% during the first 7 days of life from 0.85 ± 0.20 to 0.61 ± 0.34% (P < 0.025). This pattern parallels a 15% decrease in total hemoglobin from 181 ± 23 to 154 ± 53g/L (P < 0.05). In contrast, plasma bilirubin concentrations more than doubled from 80 ± 32 to 172 ± 48 μmol/L (4.7 ± 1.8 to 10.0 ± 2.8 mg/dL; P < 0.001), remaining unchanged between days 4 and 7. Both increased production and decreased elimination of bilirubin contribute to physiologic jaundice in Korean infants.
Percutaneous central venous catheterization via the great saphenous vein in neonates
Authors: OHKI YASUSHI , NAKO YASUSHI , MORIKAWA AKIHIRO , MARUYAMA KENICHI , KOIZUMI TAKENOBU
Published: January 2011

In 44 neonates (mean birthweight 1207 g and mean gestational age 30.0 weeks), very small central venous catheters were percutaneously inserted via the great saphenous vein on 46 occasions. Catheter‐related complications such as catheter blockages in 17 (37%), edema in a unilateral leg in three (6%), and mechanical disruption in two (4%) were noted. Although two of the neonates were found to have bacteremia and five neonates died, none were catheter related. The optimal length of catheter insertion (Y) from the great saphenous vein at the level of the medial maleollus to the inferior vena cava at T9 and L3 was calculated by regression equations utilizing total body length (X). Radiographs taken with extended and flexed leg postures revealed that the catheter tips were retracted with extension of the lower extremities and the degree of displacement ranged from 1 to 4 (mean 2.7) vertebral levels. Because this movement might cause migration into veins that connect to the inferior vena cava, the catheter tip should be located between T9 and L3, except at the renal vein junction. Percutaneous central venous catheterization via the great saphenous vein is safe and useful. Regression equations provided for rapid estimation of the optimal length of insertion.
The changing trend in the pattern of infective etiologies in childhood acute lower respiratory tract infection
Authors: CHONG CHIA YIN , LIM WOAN HUAH , HENG JOO TECK , CHAY OH MOH
Published: January 2011

The etiologic agents causing acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in hospitalized children were compared for 1995 and 1988. Between May 1994 to April 1995, 397 children were admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for acute LRTI compared to 240 children in 1988. The following criteria for LRTI were used: (i) age less than 12 years with a community‐acquired LRTI; (ii) presence of cough or fever of less than 2 weeks' duration; and (iii) presence of tachypnea, chest retractions or pulmonary infiltrates on chest X‐ray. Sputum cultures were considered suitable for culture if there were less than 25 epithelial cells per low power field. Moraxella catarrhalis was considered only if heavy growth of more than 3+ was seen. Etiological agents were found in about 70% of patients in both studies. Viruses constituted 41.3% of the etiologic agents in 1995 but constituted only 28% in 1988; 36% had a bacterial etiology in 1995 compared to 15% in 1988. The most common bacteria in 1995 was M. catarrhalis (34.7%) followed by non‐type B Haemophilus influenzae (33%). In contrast, in 1988, Mycoplasma (33%) was the predominant organism followed by H. influenzae (17%) and M. catarrhalis (11.4%). The increased incidence of M. catarrhalis could be due to antibiotic selection. A mixed viral‐bacterial etiology was found in 12.3% of the 1995 cohort. The majority of the bacteria were positive by sputum cultures; only 4 (3.3%) had positive blood cultures. No penicillin resistance was detected in 1988; however, in 1995, penicillin resistance was found in 17% of the Streptococcus pneumoniae, 38.5% of H. influenzae and 83% of M. catarrhalis. It was also found that 30% of the S. pneumoniae were also resistant to erythromycin, and 23% were resistant to sulfamethoxaxole‐trimethoprim; 5% of the H. influenzae had multiple resistance to erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim and chloramphenicol. Among those patients with antibiotic resistance, 30% had received prior antibiotics of which 18% had had two or more antibiotics, frequently erythromycin or amoxycillin/ampicillin. Judicious use of antibiotics is required to check the rising trend of antibiotic resistance.
Immune response to food antigens: Kinetics of food‐specific antibodies in the normal population
Authors: AHMED TAHMEED , SUMAZAKI RYO , NAGAI YOJI , SHIBASAKI MASANAO , TAKITA HITOSHI
Published: January 2011

The role of food‐specific antibodies in the pathogenesis of food allergy is controversial. The first step in solving this controversy may be the assessment of antibody response to food antigens in the normal population. Most of the existing data in this field come from studies that used assays of different standards. This study investigated food‐specific antibodies in the normal population using standardized assays. Normal levels of antibody titers were also derived for use as reference. Two hundred and eight individuals from different age groups participated. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to cow's milk and its component proteins, and to hen's egg ovalbumin, IgA and IgM antibodies to β‐lactoglobulin and ovalbumin were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The sepharose‐radioallergosorbent test was used to measure IgE antibodies to cow's milk and ovalbumin. Titers of IgG antibodies to cow's milk and its component proteins revealed an age‐related trend, peaking in the 5 months‐1 year age group and then decreased to negligible values in adults. A similar trend was observed with IgG anti‐ovalbumin antibodies. Temporal association was less evident for antibodies of other classes. Only six subjects had positive IgE antibodies to cow's milk, while none had positive IgE anti‐ovalbumin antibody. The prevalences of IgG antibodies to cow's milk, its component proteins, and ovalbumin are influenced by age and feeding habits. Cross‐reactivity to related food antigens is common. The presence of IgE antibodies to food antigens is not a physiological phenomenon.
Age‐related changes of serum progastrin‐releasing peptide levels during childhood
Authors: ADACHI NAOTO , AOYAGI KATSUMI , SAITO MIHO , MATSUDA ICHIRO , YAMAGUCHI KEN
Published: January 2011

Gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP) has attracted much attention in recent years because it has become recognized as a significant tisue‐specific growth factor. To investigate the physiological significance of this peptide in growing children, the time course of serum ProGRP(31–98) level, a precursor hormone of GRP, in children was assessed. A total of 118 serum samples including cord blood was examined with informed consent by using a specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system to measure serum ProGRP(31–98). The serum ProGRP(31–98) level was highest in cord blood and neonatal samples, rapidly declined by 1 year of age and then gradually declined to the adult level by 5 years of age. This time‐dependent change of serum ProGRP(31–98) level suggests the importance of GRP as a physiological growth factor in fetal and neonatal tissues.
High‐dose dexamethasone therapy for a 14‐month‐old boy with refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: WATANABE AKIHIRO , KAKIHARA TOSHIO , YAMAMOTO KOHSUKE , KATAOKA SATOSHI , OKADA RYUHEI , TANAKA ATSUSHI , UCHIYAMA MAKOTO
Published: January 2011

A 14‐month‐old boy with refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), who was successfully treated with pulsed high‐dose oral dexamethasone therapy is reported. The platelet count increased after six scheduled courses of treatment (10 mg/day × 4 days, six courses). Twenty‐four months later, the platelet count remained over 10.0 × 104/μL. No obvious side effects were observed during or after the therapy. This treatment could be taken into consideration not only for adults but also for young children with refractory ITP. It is effective, safe, easy to administer, patient comfort is taken into consideration, and hospitalization duration and costs are minimized.
A case of congenital Listeria septicemia associated with high levels of inflammatory cytokines
Authors: SUDA HIDETOSHI , MOROI CHIKAE , INADA KATSUYA , CHIDA SHOICHI , KOIZUMI YOSHITSUGU
Published: January 2011

A case of congenital Listeria septicemia is reported. A 2256 g male infant suffering from respiratory and circulatory failure with shock‐like symptoms and high levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, −6, and −8), was admitted to the Morioka Red Cross Hospital. Listeria monocytogenes was cultured from cord blood, contents from the external ear canal, rectum and stomach. The infant was treated with surfactant replacement as well as conventional therapy. The high levels of interleukin‐1β decreased with the improvement of the circulatory function, which might have been the major cause of the poor clinical state.
Citrobacter koseri osteomyelitis in an infant
Authors: HAYANI KAREN C.
Published: January 2011

A 3‐week‐old infant developed left shoulder swelling and was found to have septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of the humerus caused by Citrobacter koseri (formerly C. diversus). Citrobacter species are Gram‐negative rods that are best known for their propensity to cause neonatal meningitis, ventriculitis and concomitant brain abscess. Non‐central nervous system infections are rare. The present case illustrates that neonatal osteomyelitis caused by unusual organisms can present to pediatricians in an inner‐city setting, and can respond favorably to surgical and medical management.
Adie's syndrome in childhood
Authors: SöYLEV MELTEM F. , SAATCI OSMAN , KAVUKCU SALIH , ERGIN MEHMET
Published: January 2011

An 8‐year‐old girl with a history of mild amblyopia who had occlusion therapy, but her anisocoria went unnoticed, was studied. Old photographs of the patient were reviewed and a 0.1% pilocarpine test was performed. Review of her old photographs suggested that she had anisocoria at least since she was 3 years old. The 0.1% pilocarpine test confirmed a diagnosis of Adie's syndrome. In light of this case, it must be kept in mind that though rare, Adie's syndrome can be encountered in early childhood.
Growth and release of extracellular organic compounds by benthic diatoms depend on interactions with bacteria
Authors: Bruckner Christian G. , Rehm Charlotte , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Kroth Peter G.
Published: January 2011

Phototrophic epilithic biofilms harbour a distinct assemblage of heterotrophic bacteria, cyanobacteria and photoautotrophic algae. Secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by these organisms and the physicochemical properties of the EPS are important factors for the development of the biofilms. We have isolated representative diatom and bacteria strains from epilithic biofilms of Lake Constance. By pairwise co‐cultivating these strains we found that diatom growth and EPS secretion by diatoms may depend on the presence of individual bacteria. Similar results were obtained after addition of spent bacterial medium to diatom cultures, suggesting that soluble substances from bacteria have an impact on diatom physiology. While searching for putative bacterial signal substances, we found that concentrations of various dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) within the diatom cultures changed drastically during co‐cultivation with bacteria. Further, the secretion of extracellular carbohydrates and proteins can be influenced by bacteria or their extracellular substances. We have performed mass spectrometric peptide mapping to identify proteins which are secreted when co‐cultivating the diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutumBohlin andEscherichia coli. The identified proteins are possibly involved in signalling, extracellular carbohydrate modification and uptake, protein and amino acid modification, and cell/cell aggregation of diatom and bacteria strains. Our data indicate that diatom–bacteria biofilms might be regulated by a complex network of chemical factors involving EPS, amino acid monomers and other substances. Thus interactions with bacteria can be considered as one of the main factors driving biofilm formation by benthic diatoms.
Excellent response rate of anismus to botulinum toxin if rectal prolapse misdiagnosed as anismus (‘pseudoanismus’) is excluded
Authors: Hompes R. , Harmston C. , Wijffels N. , Jones O. M. , Cunningham C. , Lindsey I.
Published: January 2011

Aim  Anismus causes obstructed defecation as a result of inappropriate contraction of the puborectalis/external sphincter. Proctographic failure to empty after 30 s is used as a simple surrogate for simultaneous electromyography/proctography. Botulinum toxin is theoretically attractive but efficacy is variable. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of botulinum toxin to treat obstructed defecation caused by anismus.

Method  Botulinum toxin was administered, under local anaesthetic, into the puborectalis/external sphincter of patients with proctographic anismus. Responders (resolution followed by recurrence of obstructed defecation over a 1‐ to 2‐month period) underwent repeat injection. Nonresponders underwent rectal examination under anaesthetic (EUA). EUA‐diagnosed rectal prolapse was graded using the Oxford Prolapse Grade 1–5.

Results  Fifty‐six patients were treated with botulinum toxin. Twenty‐two (39%) responded initially and 21/22 (95%) underwent repeat treatment. At a median follow up of 19.2 (range, 7.0–30.4) months, 20/21 (95%) had a sustained response and required no further treatment. Isolated obstructed defecation symptoms (OR = 7.8, P = 0.008), but not proctographic or physiological factors, predicted response on logistic regression analysis. In 33 (97%) of 34 nonresponders, significant abnormalities were demonstrated at EUA: 31 (94%) had a grade 3–5 rectal prolapse, one had internal anal sphincter myopathy and one had a fissure. Exclusion of these alternative diagnoses revised the initial response rate to 96%.

Conclusion  Simple proctographic criteria overdiagnose anismus and underdiagnose rectal prolapse. This explains the published variable response to botulinum toxin. Failure to respond should prompt EUA seeking undiagnosed rectal prolapse. A response to an initial dose of botulinum toxin might be considered a more reliable diagnosis of anismus than proctography.
HOUSING MARKET SEGMENTATION: A REVIEW
Authors: Islam Kazi Saiful , Asami Yasushi
Published: January 2011

The definitions and methods of housing market segmentation depend on the use to which they are put. Typically, they are used for price prediction, formulation of appropriate marketing strategy and for understanding housing market structure. From simple observation‐based methods to modern complicated spatial statistics‐based automations, research on housing market segmentation has developed over many phases in the last six decades. This paper explores the diversification of the definitions, methods and findings of the research into housing market segmentation to identify future research direction.
Trade Liberalisation, Exit, and Output and Employment Adjustments of Australian Manufacturing Establishments
Authors: Palangkaraya Alfons , Yong Jongsay
Published: January 2011

This paper investigates three potential sources of Australia’s manufacturing productivity gains from trade liberalisation in the mid‐1990s: the exit of inefficient establishments, economies of scale, and the reduction in x‐inefficiency via employment reduction. We use manufacturing establishment level data and exploit the intersectoral variation in the effective rates of assistance (ERA) to see how businesses adjusted to trade liberalisation during the period. We find the documented productivity gains to be mostly accounted for by the reduction in x‐inefficiency through employment shedding in industries experiencing a high degree of trade liberalisation. We find little evidence that the exit of inefficient establishments in highly liberalised industries contributes to productivity gains. In fact, we find that the more productive establishments are more likely to exit, perhaps reflecting product switching by these businesses to make more profitable use of inputs. Similarly, there does not appear to be a strong relationship between the extent of trade liberalisation and output adjustments. However, we do find indicative evidence of an overall productivity‐enhancing effect through economies of scale. These findings suggest that, at least for the case of Australia, the ease of making employment adjustments can be crucial for policies such as trade liberalisation to have the desired effect. In addition, trade liberalisation may provide incentives for domestic producers to seek more profitable use of their inputs and to move further downward along their cost curves. We think further studies assessing the productivity gains from product switching and economies of scale effects in both liberalised and non‐liberalised industries and focusing on the interplay between labour market policy and firm adjustments would be valuable.
Trade Facilitation and Export Diversification
Authors: Dennis Allen , Shepherd Ben
Published: January 2011

This paper shows that improved trade facilitation can help promote export diversification in developing countries. We find that 10 per cent reductions in the costs of international transport and domestic exporting costs (documentation, inland transport, port and customs charges) are associated with export diversification gains of 4 and 3 per cent, respectively, in a sample of 118 developing countries. Customs costs play a particularly important role in these results. Lower market entry costs can also promote diversification, but the effect is weaker (1 per cent). We also find evidence that trade facilitation has stronger effects on diversification in poorer countries. Our results are highly robust to estimation using alternative dependent and independent variables, different country samples, and alternative econometric techniques. We link these findings to recent advances in trade theory that emphasise firm heterogeneity, and trade growth at the extensive margin.
Vertical Intra‐industry Trade and Fragmentation: An Empirical Examination of the US Auto‐parts Industry
Authors: Türkcan Kemal , Ates Aysegul
Published: January 2011

The global auto industry has undergone a significant structural transformation in the last two decades as a result of the international fragmentation of production. This increase in cross‐border production‐sharing activities in the auto industry led to intra‐industry trade (IIT) in auto‐parts. In this study, the extent of IIT in the US auto‐parts industry is examined by decomposing trade into inter‐industry trade, vertical IIT and horizontal IIT. Then the development of vertical IIT is analysed as an indicator of international fragmentation between the US and 29 trading partners. Several country‐specific hypotheses suggested by the fragmentation literature are tested for the period 1989–2006. The results indicate that a substantial portion of IIT in the US auto‐parts industry is vertical IIT, and the econometric results generally support the hypotheses drawn from the theory. In particular, the findings show that the extent of the US vertical IIT is positively correlated with average market size, differences in market size, differences in factor endowments and outward foreign direct investment, while it is negatively correlated with distance and differences in per capita GDP.
Tetraspanin, CD151, is required for maintenance of trigeminal placode identity
Authors: McCabe Kathryn L. , Bronner Marianne
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 221–230.

The trigeminal ganglion is the largest of the cranial ganglia and responsible for transmitting sensory information for much of the face. The cell surface glycoprotein CD151 is an early marker of the trigeminal placode, the precursor to the ganglion. Here, we investigate the role of CD151 during specification of trigeminal placode cells in the developing chicken embryo. Expression of the transcription factor Pax3, the earliest known marker of the trigeminal placode, briefly precedes that of CD151, but they then subsequently overlap in the trigeminal placode. Loss of CD151 protein dramatically decreases the number of Pax3+ placode cells in Stage 13–14 embryos, leading to loss of ophthalmic trigeminal neurons by Stages 16 and 17. Although the initial size of the Pax3 population is similar to that in controls, the number of Pax3+ cells decreases with time without alterations in cell death or proliferation. This suggests a role for CD151 in maintenance of the specification state in the trigeminal placode, uncovering the first known role for a tetraspanin in a developmental system.
Regulation of renal sympathetic neurotransmission by renal α2A‐adrenoceptors is impaired in chronic renal failure
Authors: Hoch Henning , Stegbauer Johannes , Potthoff Sebastian A , Hein Lutz , Quack Ivo , Rump Lars Christian , Vonend Oliver
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The mechanisms underlying increased renal noradrenaline in renal failure are still unclear. In this study, the role of α2A‐adrenoceptors in controlling sympathetic neurotransmission in chronic renal failure was evaluated in a subtotal nephrectomy model. Also, the influence of this receptor subtype on angiotensin II (Ang II)‐mediated noradrenaline release was evaluated.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

α2A‐Adrenoceptor‐knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice underwent subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy (SNx) or SHAM‐operation (SHAM). Kidneys of WT and KO mice were isolated and perfused. Renal nerves were stimulated with platinum electrodes and noradrenaline release was measured by HPLC.

KEY RESULTS

Noradrenaline release induced by renal nerve stimulation (RNS) was significantly increased in WT mice after SNx. RNS‐induced noradrenaline release was significantly higher in SHAM‐KO compared with SHAM‐WT, but no further increase in noradrenaline release could be observed in SNx‐KO. α‐Adrenoceptor antagonists increased RNS‐induced noradrenaline release in SHAM‐WT but not in SHAM‐KO. After SNx, the effect of α2‐adrenoceptor blockade on renal noradrenaline release was attenuated in WT mice. The mRNA expression of α2A‐adrenoceptors was not altered, but the inhibitory effect of α2‐adrenoceptor agonists on cAMP formation was abolished after SNx. Ang II facilitated RNS‐induced noradrenaline release in SHAM‐WT but not in SHAM‐KO and SNx‐WT.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

In our model of renal failure autoregulation of renal sympathetic neurotransmission was impaired. Presynaptic inhibition of noradrenaline release was diminished and the facilitatory effect of presynaptic angiotensin AT1receptors on noradrenaline release was markedly decreased in renal failure and depended on functioning α2A‐adrenoceptors.
Vascular hyperpolarization to β‐adrenoceptor agonists evokes spreading dilatation in rat isolated mesenteric arteries
Authors: Garland CJ , Yarova PL , Jiménez‐Altayó F , Dora KA
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEβ‐Adrenoceptor stimulation causes pronounced vasodilatation associated with smooth muscle hyperpolarization. Although the hyperpolarization is known to reflect KATPchannel activation, it is not known to what extent it contributes to vasodilatation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHSmooth muscle membrane potential and tension were measured simultaneously in small mesenteric arteries in a wire myograph. The spread of vasodilatation over distance was assessed in pressurized arteries following localized intraluminal perfusion of either isoprenaline, adrenaline or noradrenaline.

KEY RESULTSIsoprenaline stimulated rapid smooth muscle relaxation associated at higher concentrations with robust hyperpolarization. Noradrenaline or adrenaline evoked a similar hyperpolarization to isoprenaline if the α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin was present. With each agonist, glibenclamide blocked hyperpolarization without reducing relaxation. Focal, intraluminal application of isoprenaline, noradrenaline or adrenaline during block of α1‐adrenoceptors evoked a dilatation that spread along the entire length of the isolated artery. This response was endothelium‐dependent and inhibited by glibenclamide.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSHyperpolarization is not essential for β‐adrenoceptor‐mediated vasodilatation. However, following focal β‐adrenoceptor stimulation, this hyperpolarization underlies the ability of vasodilatation to spread along the artery wall. The consequent spread of vasodilatation is dependent upon the endothelium and likely to be of physiological relevance in the coordination of tissue blood flow.

LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Vascular Endothelium in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐3
Site‐specific PEGylation of exenatide analogues markedly improved their glucoregulatory activity
Authors: Gong Nian , Ma Ai‐Niu , Zhang Li‐Jie , Luo Xiao‐Su , Zhang Yin‐Hui , Xu Michael , Wang Yong‐Xiang
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Exenatide is a 39‐amino‐acid peptide widely used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, it has a short plasma half‐life and requires a twice daily injection regime. To overcome these drawbacks we used maleimide‐polyethylene glycol to induce site‐specific PEGylation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The analogue PB‐105 (ExC39) was produced by replacing cysteine at position 39 of exenatide to provide a free thiol group. PB‐105 showed the same glucoregulatory activity as exenatide in mice. Site‐specific PEGylation of PB‐105 was performed to produce PB‐110 (ExC39PEG5kDa), PB‐106 (ExC39PEG20kDa), PB‐107 (ExC39PEG30kDa) and PB‐108 (ExC39PEG40kDa). Their effects on intracellular cAMP, acute glucoregulatory activity and pharmacokinetic profile were compared in mice and rats.

KEY RESULTS

PEGylation shifted the concentration–response curve of PB‐105 to the right in a parallel, polyethylene glycol mass‐dependent manner but with an inflexion point of at least 20 kDa. The activities of PB‐107 and PB‐108 but not PB‐106 were reduced by 90% and 99%. PEGylation affected in vivo glucoregulatory activity in the same ‘Inflexion‐Shift’ fashion at least at 20 kDa, but linearly increased plasma duration and systemic exposure without inflexion. PB‐106 had a plasma t1/2 approximately 10‐fold that of PB‐105, and exhibited superior glucoregulatory activity compared with PB‐105 in normal and diabetic mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Site‐specific PEGylation of exenatide with a permanent amide linkage affects its activity in a new type of ‘Inflexion‐Shift’ fashion. PB‐106 is a putative new analogue for treating diabetes; it possesses no loss of in vitro activity, prolonged plasma duration and superior, improved in vivo glucoregulatory activity compared with exenatide.
Prevalence and cause of methylisothiazolinone contact allergy
Authors: Lundov Michael D. , Thyssen Jacob P. , Zachariae Claus , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: January 2011

Background: Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) has been one of the most frequent sensitizers since the 1980s. In 2005, the use of MI alone was approved for the preservation of cosmetic and household products in the EU. Before that, MI was used in industrial products, and the first cases of isolated MI contact allergy were published.

Objectives: To present the prevalence and causes of MI contact allergy.

Materials and methods: Patch test results from 2536 dermatitis patients tested with MI at Gentofte University Hospital between May 2006 and February 2010 were analysed. A retrospective investigation of medical records from MI‐allergic patients was performed to reveal the causes of their MI contact allergy.

Results: Of patch‐tested patients, 1.5% had MI contact allergy. It was associated with occupational dermatitis, hand eczema and age above 40 years. Exposure to MI in cosmetic products was found in 12 (32%) cases, and exposure to MI in occupational products was found in 11 (30%) cases; 5 of the 11 were painters.

Conclusions: The prevalence of MI contact allergy is already at the same level as that of other sensitizing preservatives, which have been on the market for several years, but no rising trend was identified. MI contact allergy was associated with both occupational and consumer products.
Plastic reproductive allocation as a buffer against environmental stochasticity – linking life history and population dynamics to climate
Authors: Bårdsen Bård‐Jørgen , Henden John‐Andrè , Fauchald Per , Tveraa Torkild , Stien Audun
Published: January 2011

Empirical work suggest that long‐lived organisms have adopted risk sensitive reproductive strategies where individuals trade the amount of resources spent on reproduction versus survival according to expected future environmental conditions. Earlier studies also suggest that climate affects population dynamics both directly by affecting population vital rates and indirectly through long‐term changes in individual life histories. Using a seasonal and state‐dependent individual‐based model we investigated how environmental variability affects the selection of reproductive strategies and their effect on population dynamics. We found that: (1) dynamic, i.e. plastic, reproductive strategies were optimal in a variable climate. (2) Females in poor and unpredictable climatic regimes allocated fewer available resources in reproduction and more in own somatic growth. This resulted in populations with low population densities, and a high average female age and body mass. (3) Strong negative density dependence on offspring body mass and survival, along with co‐variation between climatic severity and population density, resulted in no clear negative climatic effects on reproductive success and offspring body mass. (4) Time series analyses of population growth rates revealed that populations inhabiting benign environments showed the clearest response to climatic perturbations as high population density prohibited an effective buffering of adverse climatic effects as individuals were not able to gain sufficient body reserves during summer. Regularly occurring harsh winters ‘harvested’ populations, resulting in persistent low densities, and released them from negative density dependent effects, resulting in high rewards for a given resource allocation.
Salivary IgA in minor‐gland saliva of children, adolescents, and young adults
Authors: Sonesson Mikael , Hamberg Kristina , Wallengren Marie‐Louise Lundin , Matsson Lars , Ericson Dan
Published: January 2011

Sonesson M, Hamberg K, Lundin Wallengren M‐L, Matsson L, Ericson D. Salivary IgA in minor‐gland saliva of children, adolescents, and young adults. Eur J Oral Sci 2011; 119: 15–20. © 2011 Eur J Oral Sci

According to previous studies, minor glands produce about 35% of the total salivary immunoglobulin A (salivary IgA). The age‐dependent increase in whole‐saliva salivary IgA concentrations has been studied extensively, but we found no published reports comparing the minor‐gland saliva concentrations of salivary IgA in children, adolescents, and adults. In this study we measured the concentration of salivary IgA in saliva from the labial and the buccal minor glands of children, adolescents, and adults. Three age groups donated saliva for analysis: 3‐yr‐old children, 14‐yr‐old adolescents, and 20‐ to 25‐yr‐old adults. Minor‐gland saliva was collected on filter paper and unstimulated whole saliva was collected by draining into a tube, and the salivary IgA concentration was determined by ELISA. The salivary IgA concentration in labial saliva was significantly lower among 3‐yr‐old children (0.037 mg 100 ml−1, SD = 0.035) than among 14‐yr‐old adolescents (0.126 mg 100 ml−1, SD = 0.128) and adults (0.128 mg 100 ml−1, SD = 0.13). The 3‐yr‐old children also had significantly lower whole‐saliva salivary IgA values compared with the other age groups (0.09 mg 100 ml−1, SD = 0.091; 0.179 mg 100 ml−1, SD = 0.149; and 0.170 mg 100 ml−1, SD = 0.099, respectively). This increase in salivary IgA concentrations with age might reflect a developing immune response in the growing child.