bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies of Peripheral Blood Toxic Neutrophils as a Predictor of Coronary Risk in Kawasaki Disease—the Pathogenetic Role of Hematopoietic Colony‐Stimulating Factors (GM‐CSF, G‐CSF)
Authors: Takeshita Seiichiro , Sekine Isao , Fujisawa Tomoo , Yoshioka Shigetake
Published: October 2007

Many toxic neutrophils, characterized by cytoplasmic swelling, vacuolization and toxic granulation, can be seen in the acute phase of Kawasaki Disease (KD; mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome). Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) of 36 patients with acute and convalescent phase KD were studied with reference to their morphological characteristics. The percentage of toxic neutrophils in the acute phase tended to be higher in the group with coronary artery lesions (CAL) than in the group without CAL. The results suggest that observation of toxic neutrophils in the acute phase of KD may be useful in predicting a high risk of CAL. In vitro cultivation studies of PMNs from healthy persons, in the presence of diverse hematopoietic colony‐stimulating factors (CSF), revealed that GM‐CSF (granulocyte‐macrophage‐CSF) and G‐CSF (granulocyte‐CSF) participated in the induction of cytoplasmic vacuolization of PMNs, and that the healthy PMNs morphologically mimicked peripheral PMNs seen in the acute phase of KD.
Left Ventricular Diastolic Function of Children in High Blood Pressure Tracking Group.
Authors: Harada Yurika , Mori Chuzo , Watanabe Koji , Kishida Kenji , Haneda Noriyuki , Iwatani Hajirne , Nishio Toshikazu
Published: October 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine whether left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in children with high blood pressure (BP) is abnormal. We measured the corrected LV isovolumic relaxation time (IRT), peak velocity of increase in LV dimension (dD/dt) and the LV muscle volume in a high systolic BP tracking group (10 boys and 22 girls) and a low BP tracking group (22 boys and 11 girls) at 3‐year intervals from the ages of 6 to 15. The corrected IRT of the high BP tracking group was significantly longer than the low BP tracking group. Left ventricular dD/dt/D of the high BP tracking group was significantly lower than the low BP tracking group from the ages of 12 in boys and 9 in girls. The left ventricular muscle volume index of both groups, however, was not significantly different. Both corrected IRT and dD/dt/D were well correlated with diastolic BP. These data suggest that children in the high BP tracking group might have LV diastolic abnormalities from age 12 or 15, in contrast to children of the low BP tracking group, without increased LV muscle volume. Therefore, it might be useful to examine BP and LV function of children from ages 12 or 15 for prevention of hypertension.
Serum Fructosamine and Lipid Profile in Children with Malignant Diseases
Authors: Donma Orkide , Atlihan Füsun , Tas Mehmet Ali , Donma M. Metin
Published: October 2007

Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and fructosamine (FA) were determined in thirty–three children with malignant diseases and twenty healthy controls aged 1–14 years. Of them, FA was the parameter measured in children with malignancy for the first time. Mean serum TC, HDL‐C, LDL‐C and FA showed statistically significant decreases in malignancy compared to healthy children, whereas a statistically significant increase was observed for TG concentrations in serum. From these data, we conclude that significant relations between serum lipids and lipoproteins and the state of malignancy exist in the children studied, and it should be remembered that serum FA concentrations are affected by abnormal serum protein turnover when one deals with any type of neoplastic disease.
Asymptomatic Low Molecular Weight Proteinuria in Children
Authors: Suzuki Yoshifumi , Okada Toshio
Published: October 2007

We reviewed the clinical features in 7 boys with asymptomatic low molecular weight proteinuria. The disease had first been reported by us in 1980. The distinctive features common to all patients were male dominance, asymptomatic proteinuria with a large amount of low molecular weight proteins, normal development and growth, normal renal function tests in childhood, and minimal histological changes in renal biopsy specimens. In 1990, 35 cases have been reported in Japan. Thus, asymptomatic low molecular weight proteinuria is not a rare disease and is one of the causes of isolated proteinuria. Furthermore, this condition is recognized as a new entity.
Growth‐Promoting Effect of Human Growth Hormone on Patients with Achondroplasia
Authors: Okabe Takashi , Nishikawa Ken , Miyamori Chiaki , Sato Tamotsu
Published: October 2007

To evaluate the effect of human growth hormone (hGH) on the growth of children with achondroplasia, three patients with achondroplasia and one patient with hypochondroplasia were treated with 0.5 IU/kg/W of pituitary‐extracted hGH for 6–12 months. Mean height velocity was significantly increased from 4.0 0.4 to 7.5 0.7 cm/year (P0.05) by hGH. The tibial index, defined as the length/width ratio of left tibia, did not change during the treatment, indicating that hGH promotes growth without exaggeration of tubular bone deformity. Case 2, who had atlantoaxial dislocation, developed sleep apnea and neurological deficits during the second hGH treatment, but these were cured by operation. Thus, hGH therapy is effective in promoting growth in patients with achondroplasia, but the complication of atlantoaxial dislocation should be explored and corrected before the treatment.
Influence of Mode of Delivery on Fetal Pituitary‐Thyroid Axis
Authors: Miyamoto Naoki , Tsuji Masako , Imataki Tomoko , Nagamachi Norio , Hirose Shuichi , Hamada Yoshinori
Published: October 2007

We measured the cord serum levels of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in 922 neonates delivered by mothers who had no thyroid disorders. The T4 and T3 levels increased progressively from the 27th to the 40th week of gestation. However, the TSH levels varied widely and had no correlation with gestational age, because they were affected by the mode of delivery. The mean cord serum TSH level in neonates delivered by vacuum extraction was 16.3 ±10.0 µUml (n = 30), which was significantly higher than the level following normal vaginal delivery (9.5 ± 6.0µ U/ml, n = 622) (p < 0.005). The mean cord serum TSH level following elective caesarean section was 6.5 ± 3.1µ U/ml (n = 79), and this was significantly lower than after normal vaginal delivery (p< 0.005). TSH levels in high‐risk neonates were significantly higher than in neonates without risk factors. A significant positive correlation was found between the duration of the second stage of labor and the cord serum TSH level (r = 0.45, n = 412, p<0.01). However, there was no correlation between the cord serum TSH level and the congenital hypothyroidism screening TSH level (r = 0.01, n = 468). We conclude that the cord serum TSH level reflects delivery stress and that an elevated level does not influence the congenital hypothyroidism screening TSH test in which blood is obtained at five days of life.
Effects of Fetal Androgen on Childhood Behavior
Authors: Sato Tamotsu , Koizumi Shoichi
Published: October 2007

The effects of fetal androgen excess or deficiency on postnatal behavior were examined in 7 males and 14 females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia or hypoplasia aged 3 to 21 years. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: those with androgen excess (A+) comprised a group of 13 patients with classical 21‐hydroxylase deficiency and one with ll‐β‐hydroxylase deficiency; a normal or reduced androgen (a) group was represented by one patient with late‐onset 21‐hydroxylase deficiency and one with congenital adrenal hypoplasia; and a group with absent androgen (A) consisted of 5 patients with a cholesterol side‐chain cleaving‐enzyme deficiency. Behavior was evaluated as male (M) or female (F) according to the pattern of play, classification of which was based on data of prevalent play in 1,275 preschool and 400 school boys and girls. Play prevalent in both sexes was classified as neutral (N). The mothers of the patients were requested to check the preferred play during childhood from a randomized play list. The androgen excess group showed M or bisexual (M/F) type, whereas all of the androgen deficient group revealed F type irrespective of gender. In preschool children, coincidence of M or F play type with genetic sex, social sex and androgen exposure was 38%, 53% and 90%, respectively, indicating androgen‐dependency of playing patterns. This persisted into school age, although the coincidence rate was slightly changed by environmental effects. These results suggest that fetal androgen plays a role in the sexual differentiation of the central nervous system.
Simultaneous Administration of HB Recombinant Vaccine with Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoid and Oral Polio Vaccine: a Pilot Study
Authors: Barone Patrizia , Mauro Luisa , Leonardi Salvatore , Lenna Marinella , Bilancia Giuseppe Giammanco , Falcidia Ernesto , Musumeci Salvatore
Published: October 2007

An extensive vaccination program to be used in highly endemic areas is the main strategy against the spreading of hepatitis B. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the immune response to the recombinant HB vaccine administered singly or at the same time as other compulsory vaccines anti‐diphtheria, anti‐tetanus and oral anti‐polio. Evidence was found of the serological efficacy both of HB vaccine and compulsory vaccines with a percentage of seroconversion of 100%. However, the infants who received HB vaccine at birth and at the age of 1 month had titers of antiHBs higher than the infants who received HB vaccine at birth and at 3 months. No difference in antibody levels of compulsory vaccines was observed among the study groups and the controls who received only compulsory vaccines. Our results suggest that HB vaccination must be encouraged and pursued in all newborns.
Intravenous γ‐Globulin Treatment in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Harada Kensuke
Published: October 2007

A multicenter randomized controlled study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of different, doses and kinds of γ‐globulin in Kawasaki disease. Gamma globulin lowered the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities. The effect of γ‐globulin was dose dependent. The intact type was more effective than the pepsin treated type. To establish the indications for γ‐globulin, a study was made of patients who received neither γ‐globulin nor indomethacin and who, within nine days of onset of illness, satisfied at least four of the following criteria: (1) WBC: more than 12,000/mm; (2) platelet count: less than 35×104γmm; (3) CRP: more than 3 +; (4) Hct: less than 35%; (5) albumin: less than 3.5 g/dl (6) age: 12 months or less; (7) male sex. This prospective study is continuing. Of 143 children, 73.4% received γ‐globulin, and only two demonstrated small dilatations of the coronary arteries in children who did not receive γ‐globulin. These guidelines seem satisfactory to establish the indications for γ‐globulin in Kawasaki disease.
Etiologic and Pathogenetic Study of Mental Retardation with Multiple Congenital Anomalies
Authors: Ohdo Shozo , Sonoda Tohru , Ohba Ken‐ichi , Hayakawa Kunio
Published: October 2007

Etiology and pathogenesis of MCA/MR in 1,023 patients (618 male; 405 female) with mental retardation were studied. Of 1,023 patients, there were 563 cases (317 male; 246 female) with MCA (55%). Among the MCA patients, there were 303 (156 male; 147 female) whose primary etiology was clarified (53.8%). Among the 260 patients with MCA/MR of unknown etiology, there were 23 with recognizable syndromes of unknown etiology and 7 previously reported by us as possibly having a new malformation syndrome. We had 569 patients with mental retardation of unknown etiology including 236 (41.5%) who were involved with MCA.
Standards for Growth and Growth Velocity in Turner's Syndrome
Authors: Suwa Seizo
Published: October 2007

Turner‐specific natural growth and growth velocity curves based on the retrospectively surveyed growth data of 704 Japanese patients in a mixed cross‐sectional and longitudinal mode are reported. There was no significant difference in growth between the patients with karyotype 45,X and non‐45,X. Twenty‐three patients had a history of genital bleeding between the ages of 11 and 14 years (12 years ± 9 months). The mean height of the patients with genital bleeding did not differ significantly from that without bleeding from birth until 1 year 3 months of age but thereafter the former were always significantly taller than the latter. The former ceased growing after 18 years; on the other hand the latter were still growing after 18 years and then the final height of each group of patients became almost the same (139.6 ± 3.5 cm in the former and 139.1 ± 5.6 cm in the latter). A slight and gentle growth spurt was observed during the expected adolescent period in both groups, with and without genital bleeding. However, the mean height of peak (1.3 ± 0.95 cm/year) and the mean peak velocity (5.2 ± 1.1 cm/year) in the patients with genital bleeding were significantly higher than those (0.7 ± 0.36 and 3.8 ± 0.6 cm/year, respectively) in the patients without genital bleeding.
Papillary and Cystic Tumor of the Pancreas Possibly Concealed within a Pseudocyst
Authors: Munoz Nestor A. , Takehara Hiroo , Komi Nobuhiko , Hirose Takanori
Published: October 2007

A 17 year old girl, with a papillary and cystic tumor of the pancreas, probably concealed within a previous post‐traumatic pseudocyst of the pancreas is described. At 10 years of age, she had received a drainage procedure for a pancreatic pseudocyst, following a blunt abdominal trauma. The histological examination of the cyst wall did not show an epithelial lining. Seven years after that, she developed anemia and a computer tomography and ultrasonography of abdomen revealed a 10 cm × 9m × 8cm, cystic, muitilocular pancreatic mass with solid parts. On operation, a fist‐sized, solid and muitilocular cystic tumor, located in the body and tail of the pancreas, and infiltrating into the colonic serosa but with no metastasis, was found and completely excised. Histologic and electron microscopic examination revealed the characteristic features of a papillary and cystic tumor of the pancreas. This report suggests that cystic lesions of the pancreas should be carefully checked to decide the best surgical therapy.
Prenatal Diagnosis in High Risk Pregnancies for Zellweger Syndrome
Authors: Aikawa Junichiro , Sato Koji , Miyabayashi Shigeaki , Tada Keiya , Narisawa Kuniaki , Chida Nobukazu , Hashimoto Takashi
Published: October 2007

Zellweger syndrome is a lethal disorder. At present, no effective therapies are known for the patients of Zellweger syndrome. Recently a typical case of Zellweger syndrome in Japan was observed. In spite of intensive care, the patient died at the age of 3 months. Following this, the parents requested prenatal diagnosis for their following two pregnancies.

We investigated levels of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA), levels of bile acids in amniotic fluid and immunoblotting of peroxisomal β‐oxidation enzymes in cultured amniocytes. We report that immunoblotting using cultured amniocytes is an effective method for prenatal diagnosis of Zellweger syndrome. Furthermore, if we use immunoblotting for prenatal diagnosis, we can discriminate pseudoZellweger syndrome from pseudoneonatal adrenoleucodystrophy.

Following prenatal diagnosis, two healthy babies were delivered. After birth, no abnormal levels of VLCFA in either serum or red blood cell membranes were confirmed. In this paper, we report that we can diagnose a healthy fetus in a high risk pregnancy for Zellweger syndrome.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Syndrome in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Katamura Kenji , Ishimoto Fuminori , Yamasaki Masue , Yoshimura Masaki , Kisa Toshirou
Published: October 2007

A 15 year old boy with anorexia nervosa developed disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome (DIC). Because of severe cachexia he had been admitted to the Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital. During his hospitalization he developed generalized massive ecchymosis. Laboratory data revealed not only DIC but also multiple organ complications. The patient was treated intravenously with FOY®(gabexate mesilate, a protease inhibitor), heparin, a transfusion of fresh frozen plasma, antithrombin III concentrates and platelets. Intravenous hyperalimentation was also administered. The laboratory data, the general condition and the emotional state of the patient improved remarkably.

We emphasize the importance of keeping in mind coagulopathy as a complication in anorexia nervosa.
Immature Gastric Teratoma in an Infant
Authors: Mufioz Nestor A. , Takehara Hiroo , Komi Nobuhiko , Hizawa Kazuo
Published: October 2007

A 45 day old boy presented with progressive abdominal distension, tarry stools and anemia. A plain roentgenogram of the abdomen showed irregular, coarse calcifications in the left upper quadrant. The ultrasonography and computerized tomography of the abdomen revealed a large heterogeneous tumor with calcified parts in the left hemiabdomen. At operation, a 12 cm × 11 cm × 10 cm, multilobular, exogastric and endogastric tumor, including a portion of the anterior wall of the stomach, was extirpated. The pathological examination revealed a gastric teratoma with immature neural elements. Eight years after the total excision of the tumor there has not been any recurrence.

This study includes a review of 88 cases (including the present case) of gastric teratoma reported in the English and Japanese literature.
The Effects of Rice Bran Broth Bathing in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Fujiwaki Takehisa , Furusho Kenshi
Published: October 2007

We determined the effects of rice bran broth bathing therapy in 17 outpatients with atopic dermatitis. The rice bran broth used in this study was made in our hospital and distributed to the patients who dissolved it in the bathtub as a medicinal bath. In the case of one patient, redness and itching of the skin increased just after bathing. The patient subsequently discontinued therapy. We followed the other 16 patients who performed rice bran broth bathing for 2–5 months and examined their skin symptoms once a month. The efficacy of this therapy in alleviating skin symptoms was excellent in four of the 16 evaluated patients, good in seven, slightly effective in four, and ineffective in one. None of the 16 patients experienced negative effects of treatment. Recurrence of initial symptoms was not detected in any patient during rice bran broth bathing. Rice bran broth bathing therapy appears to be safe and clinically useful.
Urinary Fibrin and Fibrinogen Degradation Products and the Origin of Hematuria
Authors: Tsukahara Hirokazu , Hiraoka Masahiro , Sudo Masakatsu , Okada Toshiharu , Morikawa Kiyoshi , Kuroda Mitsuhiko
Published: October 2007

We examined urinary fibrin and fibrinogen degradation product (U‐FDP) concentrations in pediatric patients with hematuria using the rapid and highly‐sensitive latex particle agglutination test (LPAT), and assessed the value of this test for the localization of the site of hematuria. Patients with hematuria were divided into two groups: 60 with glomerular hematuria and 46 with non‐glomerular hematuria. If U‐FDP concentrations less than 0.25 μg/ml are Accepted as an indicator of glomerular bleeding, the sensitivity and specificity of localization of glomerular hematuria in the present study were 78% (47/60) and 89% (41/46), respectively. The high U‐FDP concentrations observed in patients with non‐glomerular hematuria may reflect direct bleeding into the urinary tract. Since all 13 patients with glomerular hematuria and U‐FDP concentrations of 0.25 μg/ml or more had coexistent erythrocyte cylindruria, the U‐FDP test seems to be compensated with combined urinalysis for the relatively lower sensitivity. We conclude that a knowledge of U‐FDP concentrations by LPAT can be of help in localizing the site of bleeding in hematuria.
Magnetic resonance imaging of acute cerebellar ataxia: Report of a case with gadolinium enhancement and review of the literature
Authors: Kato Zenichiro , Shimozawa Nobuyuki , Kokuzawa Joji , Iwamura Makoto , Hirata Toshihumi , Yamagishi Atsushi , Hayashi Terue , Motoyoshi Tsutomu , Kondo Naomi
Published: October 2007

Abstract A 10‐year‐old girl exhibited severe cerebellar ataxia following acute enterocolitis, and was diagnosed as having acute cerebellar ataxia (ACA). MR1 of the brain in the acute stage revealed moderate swelling of the cerebellum and abnormal signal intensity enhanced with gadolinium in the cerebellar hemisphere. This is the first report of an ACA case with positive gadolinium enhancement. Cases of ACA with MRI abnormalities are reviewed and the clinical entity of ACA is discussed in association with autoimmune encephalitis,
Child rearing and child outcomes in Japan and the UK
Authors: Graham Philip
Published: October 2007

Abstract Japan and the UK are compared in relation to various child health outcomes. It is noted that in the rates of child abuse and criminal activity. Japan is in a more favorable position. Rates of behavior problems and suicide rates are very similar in the two countries. Consideration is given to the reasons for the differences. The rates of single parents and divorce are much lower in Japan. The rates of working mothers are about the same, but Japanese women work longer hours. However, it is suggested that more important differences may lie in the greater respect for authority and emphasis on discipline and conformity in Japan. The effects of industrialization on family life and on child development are summarized. It is suggested that the separation of the adolescent age group from the rest of the population has had especially negative results in Western industrialized countries. Various suggestions are made concerning the positive role that pediatricians can play in promoting child development. In particular, pediatricians are encouraged to support and not undermine parents, to involve fathers in management of illness and disability, to press for full implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and for ready availability of good substitute child care facilities.
Gene therapy for genetic diseases
Authors: Desnick Robert J. , Schuchman Edward H.
Published: October 2007

Abstract Gene therapy provides the potential to permanently cure selected genetic diseases. However, a major obstacle is the effective delivery of the normal gene to specific target sites of pathology and continuous expression at therapeutic levels. A variety of viral and non‐viral vectors have been developed to deliver genes to various cells, tissues and organs by ex vivo and in vivo strategies. Among the viral‐based vectors, retroviruses, adenovirus, adeno‐associated virus and herpes virus have been the most extensively studied. Among non‐viral‐based vectors, liposomes have been used to introduce plasmid DNA directly into animals, and DNA protein conjugates are being developed to exploit receptor‐mediated uptake pathways. Each of these gene delivery systems is reviewed here and their advantages and disadvantages compared. In addition, the current status and future prospects for human gene therapy trials for genetic diseases are discussed.
Five cases of thrombocytopenia induced by primary human herpesvirus 6 infection
Authors: Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Morooka Masashi , Suga Sadao , Niinomi Yukihiko , Kaneko Tetsuichi , Shinoda Kunihiro , Muraki Yoshiyuki , Takahashi Koji , Sugaya Norio , Asano Yoshizo
Published: October 2007

Abstract Five patients suffering from exanthem subitum with thrombocytopenia were confirmed as primary human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) infection by serological test. All cases had thrombocytopenia during the acute phase of exanthem subitum. The clinical features of these cases were benign, and all recovered without any specific treatment. Moreover. 4 of the 5 cases showed a mild elevation of hepatic transaminase during the same period, and other viral infections including cytomegalovirus, Epstein‐Barr virus, and human herpesvirus 7 were ruled out in these patients. It was speculated that direct inhibition of platelet production by the virus or cytokine induced by the virus‐infected cells was the mechanism of the thrombocytopenia induced by primary HHV‐6 infection.
Assessment of D‐glucose transport kinetics in the perfused human placenta: An in vitro study
Authors: Nandakumaran Moorkath , Dev Bhaskar R. , Makhseed Ma'Asoumah , Sugathan Thattaruparambil N.
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground: There have been no reports to date on glucose transport kinetics and the effect of graded hyperglycemia in the human placenta in non‐steady‐state conditions.

Methods: The transport kinetics of D‐glucose in the human placenta was investigated in non‐steady state conditionsin vitrousing perfusion of isolated placental lobules. National Cancer Tissue Culture (NCTC) 135 culture medium, diluted with Earle's buffered salt solution was used as the perfusate.14C‐Labeled D‐glucose and water as reference were injected as a single bolus into the maternal arterial perfusate. Perfusate samples were collected and analyzed from the maternal and fetal venous outflows.

Results: In four successful perfusions, differential transport rates of glucose in the maternal‐fetal direction averaged 1.03, 1.02, 1.09, 1.04 and 1.03 times those of corresponding tritiated water transport rates for 10, 25, 50, 75 and 90% of efflux fractions, respectively. Glucose transport fraction, expressed as percentage of injected maternal dose averaged 84 ± 3.1% of water transport fraction in the four perfusions. Glucose kinetic parameters expressed as area under the curve, elimination constant (Kel), clearance, time for maximum response, absorption rate and elimination rate averaged 0.25, 0.29, 3.96, 1.02, 0.25 and 0.18 times that of the corresponding tritiated water value, respectively. Neither the different kinetic parameters nor the transport fraction indices differed significantly when glucose concentrations in the same perfusions were raised successively from 5.56 to 27.80 and then to 55.6 mmol/L.

Conclusions: We speculate that within physiological limits, hyperglycemiaper seplays no significant part in altering glucose transport kinetics across the human placenta in the maternal‐fetal direction.
Serum levels of C3 and Factors I and B in minimal change disease
Authors: Patiroglu Turkan , Melikoglu Ayse , Dusunsel Ruhan
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Background:
Relapses are an important problem in minimal change disease, which accounts for most of the cases of childhood nephrotic syndrome. Because of defects in the humoral immune system, patients are predisposed to infection in nephrotic syndrome and infection is the most important complication that determines mortality and morbidity.

Methods:
In this study, serum levels of Factors I and B and C3 were studied to evaluate the relationships between nephrotic syndrome and infection in 17 children with nephrotic syndrome (24–96 months of age) and 10 healthy children (27–84 months of age).

Results:
Serum levels of Factors I and B were found to be lowered in the active disease group compared with the control group. These values were lowest for the infection group. Although it was observed that these values increased with steroid treatment, they did not reach normal levels. The parameters in remission were not different from the parameters in the control subjects. The serum level of C3 was found to be high during the active disease state and returned to normal levels during remission.

Conclusions:
The patients with active minimal change disease had infections such as peritonitis, septicemia and urinary tract infection because of low concentrations of Factors I and B in their sera.
Renal functional reserve in insulin dependent diabetic children
Authors: Semiz Serap , Bircan Iffet , Yilmaz GÜLsÜN GÜLay , KarayalÇIn Binnur , GÜVen Ayfer GÜR
Published: October 2007

Abstract Background: Microalbuminuria has been shown to be predictive for clinical diabetic nephropathy. Renal functional reserve (RFR), as a response to protein loading in a short period of time, is a parameter to assess the ability of kidneys to increase the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The aim of this study was to predict the early phase of diabetic nephropathy by measuring urinary albumin level and RFR capacity in patients with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

Methods: Twenty‐two patients with IDDM were studied: 11 with a disease duration of less than 5 years (group 1) and 11 with a disease duration of more than 5 years (group 2). As the control group, 15 healthy children (group 3) were included in the study. At the beginning of the study, glucose was measured and the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was calculated. Average glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) over 1 year was determined. After protein loading (red meat containing 2 g/kg of protein), the creatinine clearance was calculated at each hour for a duration of 4 h. The RFR was accepted as the peak percentage increase in GFR over the baseline value.

Results: Although metabolic control in group 2 was better, the RFR in group 2 was significantly lower than in group 1 (P < 0.05). Urinary microalbumin levels between the groups did not differ (P < 0.05). In two patients in whom microalbuminuria was detected, the RFR was much lower.

Conclusions: Detecting lower RFR levels in patients with normal urinary albumin excretion, as well as in patients with microalbuminuria, may support the idea that the RFR capacity is more sensitive than microalbuminuria in assessing the early phase of diabetic nephropathy.
Quantitative microscopic anatomy, illustrated by its potential role in furthering understanding of the processes of structuring the developing human cerebral cortex
Authors: Landing Benjamin H. , Shankle William R. , Boyd John P.
Published: October 2007

Abstract In this study, we searched for patterns in selected, quantitative microscopic features of the developing postnatal human cortex for 35 cytoarchitectural areas at eight age points from birth to 72 months. These data come from the largest extant survey of the microscopic features of the developing postnatal human cerebral cortex (JL Conel,1939–67). In contrast to Jacobson's proposal that cortical surface area increases in proportion to brain weight. Conel's data show that surface area increases as brain weight2/3with the maximal rate of increase in both brain weight and cortical surface area occurring from 1 to 3 months. We computed the numbers of cortical neurons per cortical layer under 1 mm2 of cortical surface (neurons/layer per mm2 column) and divided these values by the total neuron number/mm2 column. For all areas, these data show plateaux in most of the layers for periods of months to years, often preceded and followed by changes in their neuron number in a sinusoidal fashion. The age points of the maxima and minima of such laminar values differ across the 35 cortical areas, indicating that their sinusoids are phase‐shifted with respect to each other. Ranking the six layers in each area at each age point by their neuron number/layer per mm2 column shows that, by 72 months, the first areas to receive thalamic auditory or visual input (primary sensory and unimodal association cortices) have the most neurons in layer 4 and in either layer 3 or 6. In contrast, by 72 months, other areas have the most neurons in layers 3 and 6, with the primary motor cortex reaching this ranking earlier than any other area. For temporal and parietal association areas, layers 2 (short cortico‐cortical connections) and 4 (thalamo‐cortical connections) have the most neurons from birth to 6 months, whereas layers 3 (long cortico‐cortical connections) and 6 (cortico‐thalamic connections) have the most neurons by 72 months. The quantitative, statistically non‐random patterns demonstrated by our analyses suggest that hierarchical correlations between such structural changes and age‐specific behavioral acquisitions exist during the first 72 months of postnatal development.
Stretched minimal diameter of the ductus and coil occlusion
Authors: Tomita Hideshi , Fuse Shigeto , Chiba Shunzo
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Background:
Stretching of the ductus was supposed to determine the size mismatch of the coil with the ductus in coil occlusion that results in residual leak or migration.

Methods:
We measured the minimal diameter (D) and the stretched minimal diameter (S) of the ductus in 12 patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The stretch index (SI) was calculated as S divided by D. We calculated ratios of the loop diameter of the first implanted coil to D (C,/D) and S (C/S) and those of the sum of all the loop diameters of all implanted coils for complete closure to D (total C/D) and to S (total CIS).

Results:
Stretched minimal diameter divided by D was 1.8 ± 0.3. Ratios of the loop diameter of the first implanted coil to D (C1/D), and S (C1/S) were 3.7 ± 1.8 and 2.1 ± 0.9, respectively. Ratios of the sum of all the loop diameters of all coils to D (total C/D) and S (total C/S) were 5.2 ± 1.6 and 2.9 ± 0.9, respectively. Standard deviations of C1/S and total C/S are significantly smaller than those of C1/D and total C/D, respectively.

Conclusions:
The narrowest segment of the ductus could be stretched to twice the size of the minimal diameter. The stretched minimal diameter may be a more reliable parameter to select the loop diameter of coils than the angiographic minimal diameter.
Vertical infection of human immunodeficiency virus as an imported infectious disease
Authors: Takayama Naohide , Hachimori Kei , Minamitani Mikio , Yamada Hideo , Kaku Hidefumi
Published: October 2007

Abstract Background and methods: In Japan, 26 children who vertically acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection had been reported as at February 1997. Little information was published about their epidemiological backgrounds and the rate of perinatal HIV transmission in Japan remains unknown. To learn the epidemiological features of perinatal HIV infection in Japan, we examined the medical records of five perinatally infected children.

Results: Three of five mothers were Japanese and two others were South East Asian. Four of them acquired HIV infection abroad and one became infected through her spouse who had acquired infection abroad. Therefore, HIV infection in these five cases can be regarded as an imported infectious disease. None of the five mothers noticed their HIV infection before their pregnancy. One mother was found to be HIV seropositive during her pregnancy, but the others did not notice their HIV infection until their delivery.

Conclusions: To reduce the incidence of perinatally HIV‐infected children it is necessary to lower the incidence of mother‐to‐infant HIV transmission. In Western countries they have succeeded in reducing the risk for perinatal HIV transmission with perinatal zidovudine therapy. To prescribe the preventive therapy against perinatal HIV transmission, it is essential to know if pregnant women are infected with HIV or not. Therefore, women of childbearing age should accept voluntary prenatal HIV testing. At the same time, they should be offered such programs that can enable them to receive timely counseling, besides medical treatment, if they are found to be HIV infected.
Clinical electroencephalograph study of nine pediatric patients with convulsion induced by the TV animation, Pocket Monster
Authors: Niijima Shin‐Ichi , Takahashi Keiichi , Onishi Masako , Arii Naoto , Saito Masahiro , Kuremoto Keiko , Yamashiro Yuichiro
Published: October 2007

Background.
To determine the usefulness of a few types of photic stimulation in patients with photo‐convulsive response.

Methods.
A clinical electroencephalographic study was conducted in nine children who developed convulsions and other symptoms while they watched the TV animation and were subsequently treated at the hospital. Photic stimulation was applied with their eyes open or closed. Another photic stimulation was applied with the video tape of the animation.

Results:
A photoparoxysmal response (PPR) was never seen in the electroencephalographs (EEG) in any of these patients when photic stimulation was applied with their eyes closed, while PPR was seen in three of seven patients when photic stimulation was applied with their eyes open. Two patients (siblings) showed no specific abnormality when photic stimulation was applied with their eyes either open or closed. However, myoclonus and PPR appeared when the EEG was conducted while they watched the video tape of the animation under supervised conditions.

Conclusions:
In a society where people are exposed to abundant TV games, TV animation or videos, self‐restraint or regulations of frequent use of flickering scenes is thought to be necessary. However, it is also thought to be necessary to conduct EEG by applying photic stimulation, not only with the eyes closed, but also with the eyes opened or by applying flickering red light stimulation, which is emitted from a strong light source, or a combination of two colors, such as red and blue or red and green, in patients with suspected photosensitivity.
Immunoglobulin G subclasses in wheezing infants
Authors: Karaman ÖZkan , UǦUz AyŞEn , Uzuner Nevin
Published: October 2007

Background:
The wheezing infant is a common but difficult patient to approach diagnostically. The prevalence of immunoglobulin (Ig) G subclass deficiency in wheezing infants is still controversial.

Methods:
We studied the serum concentration of IgG subclasses in 38 wheezing infants (aged6–24 months) who had not received systemic steroids before investigation and in 30 healthy age matched controls6–31 months).

Results:
The prevalence of one or more IgG subclass deficiencies was 3 1.6% in wheezing infants and 26.7% in controls. There was no significant difference in prevalence of IgG subclass deficiency between patients and controls (P > 0.05). The mean concentration of IgG subclasses in patients were compared with controls. There was no significant difference in mean serum concentration of IgG1, G2 and G3 subclasses. However, there a trend towards higher concentrations of IgG4 in wheezing infants and this difference for IgG5 was significant (P < 0.01). Immunoglobulin G subclass deficiency was found in 25 and 36.4% of wheezing infants who experienced from two to four and five or more wheezing episodes in 2 years, respectively (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that wheezing in infancy is not associated with IgG subclass deficiency, and in wheezing infants low IgG subclasses levels do not increase the frequency of wheezing. However, is a relationship between recurrent wheezing and serum IgG4 subclass concentration.
CD48 expression on leukocytes in infectious diseases: Flow cytometric analysis of surface antigen
Authors: Katsuura Michihiko , Shimizu Yukitoshi , Akiba Kaori , Kanazawa Chikako , Mitsui Tetsuo , Sendo Dai , Kawakami Takako , Hayasaka Kiyoshi , Yokoyama Shinkichi
Published: October 2007

Background: The function of CD48, one of the pan leukocyte cell surface antigens, is not yet well understood. CD48 was recently shown to enhance the CD40‐mediated activating signal to B lymphocytes. As CD48 is one of the activation antigens of monocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes, a change of its expression on the cells could be expected in infectious diseases.

Methods and results: Leukocytes from 27 healthy controls and 97 patients with various infectious diseases were stained with anti‐CD48 antibody and analyzed by flow cytometry. On monocytes and neutrophils, the CD48 expression was increased in all of the patients with varicella, measles, rubella, infectious mononucleosis, streptococcus tonsillitis, sepsis and appendicitis. On lymphocytes, a significant increase of CD48 was also detected in the patients with the same diseases, except those with sepsis or appendicitis. The normalization of increased CD48 expression was confirmed on monocytes at the convalescent phase.

Conclusion: These data suggest that CD48 expression on leukocytes reflects the disease activity of infectious diseases, especially of viral infections.
Primary changes in liver damage by aspirin in rats
Authors: Tomoda Takashi , Kurashige Takanobu , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Enzan Hideaki
Published: October 2007

Background:
It has been known that acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) causes liver cell damage, however, its mechanisms remain obscure.

Methods and results:
To clarify the earliest change in the course of liver cell damage induced by oral administration of ASA, rats that had received ASA at 50 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg body weight orally for 7 days were investigated. Mitochondria were isolated for measurements of mitochondrial respiration, and for electron microscopic observations, small pieces of liver were excised and fixed. Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation was observed in mitochondria isolated from ASA‐treated rats. Although no histological changes were evident, lamellar structures in bile canaliculi were ultrastructurally observed in all rats treated with ASA. Conclusions: This laminar structure, which is negative for bilirubin staining, seems to be one of the most sensitive indicators of ASA‐induced liver damage.
Trisomy 6 in a childhood acute mixed lineage leukemia
Authors: Onodera Norio , Nakahata Toru , Tanaka Hiroshi , Ito Ryosuke , Honda Takashi
Published: October 2007

The patient is a 12‐year‐old boy with acute mixed lineage leukemia (AMLL) and with a rare karyotype of trisomy 6. He was referred to our hospital with gingival swelling, bleeding at the conjunctiva and huge hepatosplenomegaly. Complete blood count revelead leukocytosis with 79% blasts, anemia and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow examination revealed 82.5% blasts which were morphologically judged as Ml according to the French‐American‐British classification. Immunophenotyping of leukemic cells showed the presence of CD2, CD7, CD19 and CD13 antigens, suggesting the diagnosis of AMLL. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a single abnormal karyotype of 47, XY,+6, add(15)(q22) which was successfully detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with the probe mapping at the a‐satellite region of chromosome 6. Although the patient was treated with several chemotherapy regimens, he could not achieve complete remission and he died of progressive disease 11 months after admission. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis was very informative in assessing the residual leukemic cells in interphase during his clinical course.
Photosensitive fits elicited by TV animation: An electroencephalographic study
Authors: Enoki Hideo , Akiyama Tomoyuki , Hattori Junri , Oka Edi
Published: October 2007

Background: We carried out a clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) study to reveal the pathophysiology of acute symptoms elicited by a TV animation program.

Methods: Clinical data and EEG were obtained from 20 patients ranging in age from 6 to 30 years. A pattern presentation and an intermittent photic stimulation were performed.

Results: Of 20 patients, 13 had a convulsion and seven had other symptoms, mainly nausea and/or vomiting. A photoparoxysmal response (PPR) was confirmed in 12 of 13 patients (92.3%) who had a convulsion. Only one of seven patients (14.3%) without a convulsion showed a PPR. The incidence of PPR was significantly higher in patients with convulsion than those without convulsion. There were no significant differences in the family history of convulsion, gender, parameters associated with TV watching and basic EEG between the two groups. All patients with PPR had a convulsion or consciousness disturbance.

Conclusion: Acute symptoms, such as convulsion and impairment of consciousness, are supposed to be based on photosensitivity.
Some fatigue damage measures for longitudinal elements based on the Wohler field
Authors: CASTILLO E. , FERNÁNDEZ‐CANTELI A. , LÓPEZ‐AENLLE M. , RUIZ RIPOLL M. L.
Published: October 2007

In this paper, the problem of selecting damage measures and ways of accumulating damage due to a fatigue load history is dealt with. First, a statistical model and a normalization procedure, that allow using a reference stress level or a reference random variable for analysing the fatigue data coming from tests at different stress ranges, are presented. Next, some desirable properties for a damage measure are discussed and several alternative damage measures are investigated based on these properties. It is shown how several damage measures, such as the Palmgren–Miner number, do not satisfy these properties. On the contrary, the standardized logarithm of the number of cycles, which coincides with the standardized Palmgren–Miner number, a Weibull reference variable and a probability based damage measure are demonstrated to satisfy these properties and to be good alternatives for a damage measure. It is shown that the most convenient damage measures are obtained by assuming that two pieces subjected to different stress level tests suffer the same damage if, at the end of the corresponding tests, they have the same probability of failure. The problem of extending the damage measure below the zero‐percentile area (where fatigue failure does not occur) is also analysed. Finally, the damage accumulation problem for non‐constant stress range load histories is discussed, and formulae for calculating the associated damage are given. For the sake of illustration, several examples of different load types are also given.
Ratcheting behaviour and mean stress considerations in uniaxial low‐cycle fatigue of Inconel 718 at 649 °C
Authors: PARK S. J. , KIM K. S. , KIM H. S.
Published: October 2007

The ratcheting behaviour of Inconel 718 was investigated at 649 °C under uniaxial cyclic loading. Stress‐control tests have been conducted at various combinations of stress amplitude and mean stress. The ratcheting strain at failure increases with increasing mean stress for a given stress amplitude and with decreasing stress amplitude for a given mean stress. Fatigue lives were correlated using three mean stress models: the Goodman equation, the Smith–Watson–Topper (SWT) parameter and the Walker parameter. It has been shown that the Goodman equation and the SWT parameter do not correlate life data, while the Walker parameter yields acceptable correlation. The SWT parameter was modified to incorporate the ratcheting effect. The new parameter is found to yield correlation similar to that of the Walker parameter.
Cosmopolitan heterotrophic microeukaryotes are active bacterial grazers in experimental oil‐polluted systems
Authors: Dalby Andrew P. , Kormas Konstantinos Ar. , Christaki Urania , Karayanni Hera
Published: October 2007

We investigated the population dynamics and prevailing 18S rDNA phylotypes of microeukaryotes (≤ 10 μm) in microcosms containing seawater from either an unpolluted oligotrophic site or a chronically oil‐polluted mesotrophic site of the Aegean Sea, amended with crude oil (100 p.p.m. final concentration) and crude oil plus emulsifier (10 p.p.m. final concentration). The addition of oil alone did not result in an important increase of bacteria or their predators, while the addition of oil and emulsifiers caused an important increase in bacteria followed by nanoflagellate predator response. We observed an important shift in the microeukaryotic community structure, which was characterized by the dominance of the same heterotrophic nanoflagellates in all oil‐polluted treatments. Thus, the resulting 18S rDNA phylotypes were dominated (48.1–82.4%) by Paraphysomonas foraminifera in all treatments containing crude oil and crude oil plus emulsifier. The origin of the seawater, i.e. unpolluted versus chronically oil‐polluted, had no effect on the dominant eukaryote, suggesting that the ubiquitous P. foraminifera is an effective opportunist in oil‐polluted aquatic systems. The next dominant phylotypes were Monosiga brevicollis (≤ 27.0%) and Pseudobodo tremulans (≤ 23.1%). However, the addition of the emulsifier increased the dominance of P. foraminifera but decreased that of M. brevicollis and P. tremulans. Our study revealed that these dominant oil‐tolerant eukaryotes, which are commonly found in the marine environments, are important grazers of bacteria and as such their dynamics should be taken into account in bioremediation practices in situ.