bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Fluorescence Methods for Assessing Boar Sperm Viability
Authors: Juonala T. , Salonen E. , Nurttila T. , Andersson M.
Published: October 2007

Contents

This study compares three fluorescence methods for the evaluation of boar sperm viability and examines the interrelationships between fluorescence viability and motility of liquid semen, stored for 7 days, and fertility. One artificial insemination dose from each of 102 boars was stored for 7 days at 20°C. Plasma membrane integrity was evaluated in three different ways. First, a combination of two fluorophore probes, calcein acetylmethyl ester and ethidium homodimer‐1 (EH), was used to stain samples for fluorescence microscopic analysis by making semen smears. Secondly, semen samples were stained with EH with and without the addition of a detergent (ATP‐releasing reagent), and fluorescence intensities were measured with a fluorometer. Thirdly, fluorometric evaluation was carried out in the same pattern as with EH, by means of a more permeable, less specific DNA fluorochrome (more interference with RNA), Hoechst 33258. Computer‐assisted motility assessment gave the values for total, rapid and progressive motility and path velocity in semen stored for 7 days. Fertility of the boars was determined by the nonreturn (NR%) rate within 60 days of first inseminations and litter size of multiparous farrowings. The results showed that all three fluorescence methods were strongly intercorrelated. All plasma membrane integrity parameters correlated significantly with motility parameters and with fertility parameters (NR% and litter size of multiparous farrowings), but motility parameters did not correlate with NR%. It seems that fluorometric measurement could prove useful for plasma membrane integrity studies in liquid boar semen. Use of the objective and fast fluorometer‐based viability assay is thus suitable for several applications in sperm studies.
Early Breeding and Pregnancy Diagnosis in Syrian Awassi Sheep Yearlings
Authors: Al‐Merestani M.R. , Zarkawi M. , Wardeh M.
Published: October 2007

Contents

Fifty‐nine female yearlings of local Awassi sheep were randomly divided into two groups. Animals in group T (treated) were fitted with intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate for 14 days followed by 400 IU of pregnant mare’s serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) at sponge withdrawal, whereas group C (control) received no treatment. Oestrus rate was 92.7 and 11.2% for groups T and C, respectively. Lambing rate was 78 and 5.6% for groups T and C, respectively. Twinning rate was 31.3% in group T compared to zero in group C. Average birth weight for single born lambs (4.7 ± 0.6 kg) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than twin born lambs (3.0 ± 0.5 kg) in group T. The average concentration of blood progesterone collected between days 17–19 after mating was 19.30 nmol/l and the accuracy of early pregnancy diagnosis was 100%. It was concluded that, it is possible to induce synchronized oestrus, and to increase the twinning rate in Syrian Awassi sheep yearlings outside the breeding season, using intravaginal sponges and PMSG. In addition, early pregnancy diagnosis could be successfully determined in female Awassi sheep yearlings between days 17–19 after mating.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Cod Liver Oil on Cold Shock and Freezability of Boar Semen
Authors: Paulenz H. , Taugbøl O. , Kommisrud E. , Grevle I.S.
Published: October 2007

Contents

The effect of dietary supplementation with cod liver oil (CLO), which is rich in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), on resistance to cold shock and on freezability of boar semen was investigated. Ejaculates from 29 fertile Norwegian Landrace boars, randomly divided into control (n = 15) and CLO‐group (n = 14), were frozen before and after a 12 week period of daily oil supplementation. Before each freezing, semen samples were taken to determine the fatty acid composition of the spermatozoa. Docosahexaenoic acid (22 : 6n‐3; DHA) was the major fatty acid in total lipids. The n‐3 fatty acid DHA increased in the CLO‐group from 25.5 to 32.1% at the expense of the n‐6 docosapentaenoic acid (22 : 5n‐6), which decreased from 11.3 to 4.2% (p < 0.0001). The concentration of these fatty acids were unchanged in the control group. There was also a significant decrease of other PUFAs in the CLO‐group (p < 0.05). Eicosapentaenoic acid (20 : 5n‐3) was not found in any sample. At four different steps of the preservation process (30, 15, 5°C and after freezing/thawing) both motility and acrosome integrity were assessed. No significant differences were found either within or between the groups at any of the steps. In conclusion, CLO‐supplementation alters the lipid composition of the membranes of boar spermatozoa, however, this does not seem to have any beneficial effect on cold shock and freezability of boar semen.
Distribution of T cells in the Endometrium of the Mare 6 and 48 h after Insemination
Authors: Tunón A‐M. , Nummijärvi A. , Katila T. , Magnusson U. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H.
Published: October 2007

Contents

In order to study the T‐cell response after the introduction of semen into the uterine cavity, the distribution of helper T cells (CD4+) and cytotoxic/suppressor T cells (CD8+) was examined immunohistochemically in endometrial biopsy specimens. Endometrial tissue samples were obtained from 19 gynaecologically healthy mares during oestrus, both before and 6 or 48 h after deposition of a single dose of neat stallion semen. An increase (p = 0.04) in the numbers of helper T cells (CD4+) was observed at 6 h after insemination; thereafter the number of CD4+ cells decreased to pre‐insemination values by 48 h after insemination. No significant variations in numbers of CD8+ cells were recorded either 6 or 48 h after insemination. There seems to be an early (6 h), recruitment of helper T cells into the equine endometrium after semen deposition, which might be related to the activation of the endometritis‐like reaction seen as part of the equine uterine immune defence system during oestrus.
Transfer of Beef Embryos in Dairy Cows: Influence of Recipient and Embryo Quality on Pregnancy Rate and Calving Performance
Authors: Hanekamp W.J.A.
Published: October 2007

Contents

On three experimental farms 205 deep frozen Blonde d’Aquitaine embryos were transferred into Holstein dairy cows 7 days after a spontaneous heat. The aim of the study was firstly to examine the influence of recipient and embryo quality on pregnancy rate and secondly to study the calving performance of dairy cows carrying beef embryos. Recipients were divided into three groups based on the quality of the corpus luteum (unsuitable, moderately suitable and suitable) established by rectal palpation. Embryos classified as fair, good and excellent, were randomly distributed over the recipients, including those classified as being unsuitable. The overall pregnancy rate was 36% (standard deviation (SD) = 3.3), dystocia occurred in 48% of births (SD = 5.9), gestation was 297 days (SD = 1.2) and birth weight was 52 kg (SD = 2.0). No statistical differences were found in pregnancy rates and calving performance between the groups of recipients or between the classes of embryos. It is concluded that there is no justification to reject recipients on the basis of the quality of the corpus luteum. Furthermore there is no reason to reject fair embryos for transfer. Beef embryos in dairy cows resulted in much dystocia because of high birth weight, and in long gestation periods.
Flow Cytometric Assessment of Acrosomal Status and Viability of Dog Spermatozoa
Authors: Peña A.I. , Quintela L.A. , Herradón P.G.
Published: October 2007

Contents

A procedure was attempted to simultaneously evaluate viability and acrosomal integrity of dog spermatozoa by flow cytometry and the dual staining technique using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA) and propidium iodide (PI). Three ejaculates were obtained from three dogs; each of which was divided into five aliquots and increasing concentrations (0–288 μmol/l) of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) were added to each one to artificially induce the acrosome reaction in different proportions of spermatozoa. Data obtained by flow cytometric analysis of each sample were compared with those obtained by microscopic evaluation under epifluorescence illumination and by light microscopy evaluation of smears stained with Spermac® staining. Regression analysis was used to compare the flow cytometric assay with the epifluorescence and light microscopic techniques, and the results indicated that flow cytometry was highly correlated with the Spermac® staining whereas the correlation with the epifluorescence microscopy was lower. In comparison with the Spermac® staining, the results from this study validate flow cytometry as a precise method for evaluating the acrosomal integrity of canine spermatozoa.
Enzymatic Development of the Human Fetus: Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase in the Liver and Red Cells of the Human Fetus
Authors: Mino Makoto , Takeuchi Toru , Takai Toshio
Published: October 2007

The studies were undertaken to examine changes in glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity during development of human fetal liver and red cells. In the liver, high activity of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase was observed through 6 months of gestation. Thereafter, the activity promptly decreased and remained in the range of the adult level. In the red cells, the highest level of enzyme activity was observed during the earliest fetal life. However, the activity of the enzyme in fetal liver was found to be about a thousand times greater than that of the fetal red cells. Accordingly, the high level of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the human phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the human fetal liver may not be a consequence only of contamination by the erythrocyte enzyme.
Characteristic Features of Lymphocyte Functions in Neonates
Authors: Yata J. , Tanaka J. , Hirokawa K.
Published: October 2007

In order to evaluate the immunological functions of neonates on the cellular base, various in vitro functions of cord lymphocytes were studied. The ability of B‐cells to differentiate into immunoglobulin (Ig) producing cells and that of T‐cells to help the differentiation of B‐cells were quite insufficient in cord lymphocytes. Most of cord T‐cells suppressed Ig production from adult lymphocytes, which indicated the activation of suppressor T‐cells. This suppression seemed to be mediated by humoral factor(s) and to be the result of activation of both suppressor and suppressor‐inducer among cord T‐cells. The killer T‐cell activity against allogeneic cells seemed to be fully developed. However mitogen induced cytotoxicity of T‐cells was low in most cases. Natural killer activity of cord lymphocytes was variable according to the targets.
One Aspect of Immunoregulatory Mechanism during the Fetal Period on the Immunosuppressive Effect of α‐fetoprotein1
Authors: Ito S. , Yoshino K. , Okitsu S. , Ushijima H. , Hashira S. , Hashimoto G. , Fujii R.
Published: October 2007

The effect of AFP on in vitro anti‐SRBC PFC response was evaluated in order to clarify the mechanism by which the immunosuppressive activity of AFP was exerted. T/μ and Tγ cells were precultured with AFP and these precultured cells were added to the in vitro lymphocyte culture system. Anti‐SRBC PFC response was more significantly inhibited with the addition of AFP‐precultured Tμ cells than with AFP‐precultured Tγ cells. These results indicated that the immunosuppressive activity of AFP might be mediated by Tμ (helper T) cells. The possible mechanism of immunosuppression during the fetal and neonatal periods are discussed.
The Silver‐Russell Syndrome: A Case with Hypergonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Kai Hiroshi , Nose Osamu , Harada Tokuzo , Okada Shintaro , Yabuuchi Hyakuji
Published: October 2007

Quantitative gonadotropin responses to luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LH‐RH) and testicular responses to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) have not been reported in patients with the Silver‐Russell syndrome (SRS). We evaluated hypothalamic‐pituitary gonadal functions in a 12‐year‐old boy with SRS, who showed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.
The Niemann‐Pick Mouse: Sphingomyelinase and phosphodiesterase assay on clipped tail.
Authors: Sakiyama T. , Tsuda M. , Nakabayashi H. , Kitagawa T.
Published: October 2007

In the newly discovered Niemann‐Pick affected mice, sphingomyelinase and phosphodiesterase activities in clipped tail homogemates failed to help determine the genetic status of this disease, which is characterized by a sphingomyelinase deficiency. The cause for this failure might be the existence of neutral sphingomyelinase which contributed to a wide scatter of the results. The age of the specimens probably had no effect on those results. Finally, during tail enzyme analysis, Bis‐(4MU)‐pyrophosphatase activity in an affected liver showed different characteristics than a normal liver.
Treatment of a Patient with Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency with Essential Amino Acids and Sodium Benzoate
Authors: Kodama Hiroko , Nose Osamu , Tajiri Hitoshi , Maki Ichiro , Yabuuchi Hyakuji
Published: October 2007

A patient with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (8‐year‐old) was treated by protein restriction and oral administration of essential amino acids, arginine and sodium benzoate for 13 months. During the period of therapy, her growth and weight gain were slightly improved. Parameters of nutritional assessments, such as N balance, lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood, serum albumin and urinary 3‐methylhistidine were also improved during the therapy.
Mite Antigen in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Furusho Kenshi , Sato Katsuko , Soeda Takeshi , Kimoto Keiichi , Okabe Takahiro , Hirota Tsuneo , Sasai Kazuhiko , Tani Shigeki
Published: October 2007

The relation between house dust mite antigen and Kawasaki disease (KD) wasexamined immunologically in 60 patients with KD.

In most patients, the serum IgE was significantly raised during the acute phase of the disease and fell gradually during convalescence. 2) Although anti‐mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) specific IgE (RAST) values during the illness were significantly raised in only 15 patients (25%) when expressed as RAST scores, there was a correlation between serum IgE and anti‐mite specific IgE (expressed as counts/min) (r=0.56; p<0.01). 3) An intradermal skin test on reactivity to mite antigen gave positive or false‐positive in 34 of 60 patients (57%) transiently or persistently during the illness. 4) The serum levels of anti‐mite (D.pteronyssinus) specific IgG were estimated by the IgG RAST method. In 15 of 20 patients (75%) RAST values were persistently or transiently high. 5) The presence of mite antigen in circulating immune complexes in the patients was examined by Raji cell assay and the direct fluorescein isothiocyanate labelled anti‐mite rabbit gammaglobulin method. In three of eight patients specific fluorescence was seen on the surface of cells. 6) The proliferative responses of lymphocytes to mite ryltigen and phytohaemaglutinin (PHA) were examined in six patients. The response to mite antigen of lymphocytes from the patients was significantly higher than those of age‐matched controls (p<0.0.1). 7) More mite (Dermatophagoides spp) were found in house dust collected from the homes of 12 patients than in that of dust from 10 control homes (p<0.0 1).

These results support the hypotheses that mite antigen may invade the body via the upper respiratory tract and act as a respiratory allergen and form circulating immune complexes, resulting in an immune copledx disease such as vasculitis.
Histological Characteristics of the Coronary Arteries of Infants and Young Children, and their Implications in the Development of Coronary Arteritis in Kawasaki's Disease.
Authors: Kageyama Keizo , Mikata Atsuo , Torikata Chikao , Aiba Motohiko , Harigaya Kenichi M. , Mukai Makio , Tamai Seiichi , Kawakita Hirobumi , Huang Tsong Chien , Miyauchi Jun , Shimizu Koichi , Morikawa Yukio
Published: October 2007

In order to clarify the factors leading to coronary arteritis in Kawasaki's disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, MCLS), the coronary arteries of 24 control infant cases without a history of MCLS were carefully studied.

The media of the coronary artery at the point where it branches from the aorta consists of an inner layer of smooth muscle continuous from the aorta and an outer circular muscle of the coronary artery proper. In all 24 cases, fibrous intimal thickening and distortion of the inner medial layer were found.

Since the site of these changes corresponded well to the most frequent location of arteritis in MCLS, these changes may play an important role in the development of arteritis. These changes were thought to be the result of physiological accommodation against neonatal hemorheological changes.
Development of Adipose Tissue with Special Reference to Recovery from Adipose Hypocellularity in Congential Heart Disease.
Authors: Morikawa Yoshiyuki , Osano Mitsuru , Tsuji Atsutoshi , Koori Takeo , Kimura Kazuhiro , Kojima Yoshibumi , Wakabayashi Ryo , Hayano Shinya , Murai Takayasu , Yanai Jun
Published: October 2007

Thirty two children with normal growth and development for age, and 57 children with serious congenital heart disease were investigated for height, weight, total body fat, fat cell size, total fat cell number, and lean body mass as a function of age. Examination of fat samples was carried out by a modification of the method of Hirsch and Gallian. In children with normal growth (ages 1–14 years) fat cell number continues to increase, but fat cell size does not change with increasing age. Reduced fat in congenital heart disease is primarily due to decreased fat cell number. If cardiac defects are repaired between 1 and 5 years of age recovery of flat cell number can be achieved.
Chromosomal Analysis of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: As a Routine Examination for Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Shikano Takaaki , Ueno Norihiro , Matsumoto Takahide , Ohkawa Masato , Tonooka Tatsuhito
Published: October 2007

Chromosomal analysis was performed as a routine examination for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in six cases encountered during a one‐year period. The results obtained are as follows. 1. Chromosomal abnormality of leukemic cells was observed in five out of six cases (approximately 80%). 2. Translocation 4; 11 or 14q+, which are known as a risk factor of ALL, were observed in three patients. Two of three patients died within six months of the onset of disease. One case was diagnosed as congenital leukemia with remarkable leukocytosis, and the other case was accompanied by hypereosinophilic syndrome. The remaining one patient, who is now in complete remission, is 13 years old, which is within the period of risk ages exceeding 10 years of age. 3. The case with 1q+ had no risk factor; however, he had a relapse 19 months after the diagnosis. Thus this particular chromosomal rearrangement appeared to be one of the risk factors. 4. The case with 6q‐, which has been reported to have a good prognosis in some cases of ALL, has no risk factor, and has been in complete remission. These results seem to confirm the usefulness of chromosomal analysis for the evaluation of the clinical course of ALL.
Standardization of the severity of exercise‐induced bronchospasm in Japanese children with asthma:‐ A report of the Committee on Standardization of EIB, Japanese Society of Pediatric Allergy‐
Authors: Nishima Sankei , Akasaka Tohru , Arai Yasuo , Likura Yoji , Shinomiya Keisuke , Teramichi Yoshiaki , Torii Shinpei , Mikawa Haruki
Published: October 2007

The correlation between the severity of asthmatic symptoms and of EIB (exercise‐induced bronchospasm) was studied by changes in PEFR (peak expiratory flow rate). This was accomplished by bicycle ergometer exercise of 12.6 kpm/kg of body weight for 6 minutes, or by treadmill exercise of 6km/h, 10% incline for 6 minutes, by children with bronchial asthma in 7 institutions in Japan (both inpatients and outpatients).

The incidence of EIB in those using bicycle ergometers was 63.7%, and the clinical severity paralleled the EIB severity closely, showing complete agreement in 71% and almost complete agreement in 94%. The severity of EIB was as follows: no EIB in less than 15%, mild EIB in15–20%, moderate EIB in 21 ‐45%, and severe EIB in over 45%.

The incidence of EIB in those using the treadmill was 65.2% and did not correlate as well as with the clinical severity as in those using the bicycle ergometer. The maximum % fall in PEFR of those judged to be EIB positive using the treadmill was more than 25%.

We recommend the use of the bicycle ergometer to determine the severity of bronchial asthma in children.
Plasma Big Gastrin and Gastric Secretion in Newborns and Infants: Part 1: Plasma Big Gastric Secretion in Normal Newborns and Infants
Authors: Sato Mitsuyoshi
Published: October 2007

To elucidate the development of the gastric secretion and the role of gastrin in the secretion in early childhood, big gastrin and gastrin immunoreactivities in fasting plasma, and basal and maximal gastric secretions stimulated by pentagastrin were measured in 17 newborns and 15 infants.

By pentagastrin stimulation, the gastric acid and pepsin outputs significantly increased in preterms, terms and infants. However, the response to the stimulation was very weak in preterms and gradually increased with age. The secretion of gastric juice, and the output of acid and pepsin showed significant correlations with body weight. The maximal values of these three factors after the stimulation showed better correlations than the basal values. Big gastrin was predominant among circulating gastrins. Inverse relationships were obtained between the pH of gastric juice and plasma gastrin levels, and between the basal gastric acid output and plasma gastrin and big gastrin levels.

These findings suggest that newborn parietal and chief cells are responsive to pentagastrin soon after birth and a negative feedback mechanism between gastric acid and plasma gastrins may be already established in early childhood as well as in adults.
Steroid Therapy and Fatal Varicella in a Nephrotic Patient; A Necropsy case with Atypical Rash
Authors: Fujita Kozo , Sanae Nobutaka , Yoshioka Hajime , Kurokawa Hiroshi , Sato Toshihiro
Published: October 2007

In this paper we present an autopsy case of fatal varicella. The patient was a 14‐year‐old boy who had minimal change nephrotic syndrome. While undergoing treatment with 1.5 mg/kg/day of prednisolone, he developed atypical vesicular lesions and disseminated intravascular coagulation. He died within 3 days of showing signs of varicella. The microscopic tests revealed herpetic viral particles in many organs. When treating nephrotic syndrome with steroids, each individual patient must be taken into consideration and the smallest effective dose should be used for a shorter period.
Recent Findings in Exercise‐Induced Late Asthmatic Response (EIA)
Authors: Likura Yoji , Inui Hiroyuki , Nishizuka Kazuo , Umesato Yoshihiro , Obata Toshihiko , Masaki Takuro , Nakakura Toshikazu
Published: October 2007

From the exercise task, 17 out of 54 (38%) asthmatic children developed reproducible early and late response after bicycle ergometer exercise task. There was a significant correlation between the magnitude of their early and late reactions, emphasizing the direct relationship between these two phenomenon. Inhalation of81mKr gas allowed us to detect uneven distribution images very clearly. By changing the inhalation speed, we were able to obtain two different types of pattern, namely, type A dominant upon fast gas inhalation which affected large airways, and type B dominant upon slow gas inhalation which affected the small airways. Through this inhalation technique, we were able to detect which part of the bronchus had been affected. EIA patients showed variation in the affected areas, some only showing influence to the large airways, while other only to the small airways.
Development of Bile Acid Metabolism in Neonates during Perinatal Period Part 1: Bile acid levels in sera of Mothers, fetuses and neonates
Authors: Sasaki Hidekuni
Published: October 2007

To eluidate the development of bile acid metabolism in neonates during the perinatal period, the present author measured the bile acid levels in amniotic fludis and sera of mothers, umbilical cords and neonates. The subjects were 166 samples of amniotic fluids and sera of mothers, umbilical cords and neonates (at 2 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks of life). The bile acid levels in amniotic fluids were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and the levels in sear were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Total chenodeoxycholic acid (unconjugated chenodeoxycholic acid (free CDC), glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) and taurochenodeoxycholi acid (TCDCA)) were predominant in amniotic fluids and sera of early neonates before 1 week of life. Total bile acid (TBA) levels gradually increased for 4 weeks after birth. The mean glycine to taurine (G/T) conjugation ratio of bile acids of mothers was higher than that of umbilical cords and early neonates before 1 week of life. The mean conjugation rate of bile acids in sera of neonates at 1 week after birth was higher than that of mothers and umbilical cords. There were distinct individualities in TBA levels, the presene of lithocholic acid (LCA), total cholic acid to total chenodeoxycholic acid (CA/CDCA) ratio and G/T ratio at the same age, and in bile acid patterns in the same pair of mothers and umbilical cords.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Nitrazepam in Childhood Epilepsy
Authors: Katafuchi Yukihiko , Aoki Noboyuki , Matsuishi Toyojiro , Yamashita Fumio
Published: October 2007

Steady state serum levels of nitrazepam (NZP) in 60 epileptic children ranging in age from 6 months to 18 years with various types of epilepsy were investigated by high‐pressure liquid chromatography.

Also studied were the influence of age on the serum NZP level and the drug interaction of phenobarbital (PB) or sodium valproate (VPA). Serum half‐lives of NZP were also calculated in 9 epileptic children under long‐term treatment.

A significant correlation (r=0.683, p<O.Ol, n=60) was seen between the daily dose and the serum NZP level. The serum NZP level was not correlated with the age of the patients.

On combination with PB, the serum NZP level was increased and half‐lives were prolonged. On combination with VPA, the serum level was decreased and half‐lives were shortened.

The authors recommend monitoring of NZP on the treatment of childhood epilepsy under the following circumstances: (1) when patients show progressive signs of toxicity, (2) when they are on combined anticonvulsant therapy, especially PB or WA and (3) when they are suspected of not taking the drug.
Mediastinal and Subcutaneous Emphysema Complicating Bronchial Asthma II. Serum Alpha 1‐ Antitrypsin as an Etiologic Factor of Mediastinal and Subcutaneous Emphysema
Authors: Odajima Hiroshi
Published: October 2007

In order to clarify the relationship between serum alpha 1‐antitrypsin (AAT) and mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema complicating bronchial asthma, the present study was carried out.

Serum AAT, alpha 1‐acid glycoprotein (AAG), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil alkaline phosphatase (NAP) were evaluated in 221 subjects. These subjects were divided into 5 groups: 8 normal children as controls (group I), 62 children with respiratory infection only (group II), 44 children with bronchial asthma and respiratory infection (group III), 83 children with asthmatic attacks (group IV) and 24 children with asthmatic attacks complicated by mediastinal and/or subcutaneous emphysema (group V).

(1) In patients of group II, III, and IV with infection the serum AAT level elevated corresponded to indicators of infection such as CRP and NAP.

(2) In asthmatic patients with attacks, the serum AAT level was also slightly elevated even if there was no infection.

(3) In asthmatic patients with mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema, the serum AAT level was the lowest compared with those in the other groups, showing no correlation to CRP and NAP.

From these data it is suggested that in children with bronchial asthma with attacks complicated by infection, a low level of serum AAT may be one of the important etiological factors of mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema.
Home Blood Glucose Monitoring
Authors: M. Court John
Published: October 2007

Home blood glucose monitoring (HBGM) is now widely accepted as an important component of care of the diabetic child. It is helpful in maintaining satisfactory control, in preventing hypoglycaemia and in managing diabetes during intercurrent illness.

There are problems which may lead to confusing monitoring results. These include technical problems as a result of incorrect performance of the test or reflectance meter faults. HBGM is only effective in assisting in the control when it is used in conjunction with an adequate and on‐going education programme. When this is not provided HBGM may be of little value.

Problems of patient acceptance arise during adolescence. A survey conducted on 202 teenaged diabetics indicated that half found HBGM painful at least at times, and half occasionally falsified their results.

HBGM may not be a reliable means of assessing overall control. Correlation with other parameters of control is often poor.
Relationship Between Control and Prognosis inDiabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lestradet Henri
Published: October 2007

Even correctly treated insulin‐dependent diabetes, remains responsible for an important number of complications which alter the life style and inevitably shorten the life span of most insulin‐dependent diabetics. For many years much interest has focused on the origin of these complications. Many arguments to date have put the accent: 1) on the role of the high blood sugar level responsible for the process of glycosylation; 2) on the consequences of lipidic disturbances due not only to insulin deficiency but to dietetic prescriptions (too high level of saturated lipids in diet). However it is not unthinkable that these two seemingly important factors are superimposed on certain hereditary tendencies (HLA haplotypes could have a role favoring the onset of complications). Neither is it impossible that the presence of antibodies or hormonal factors also play a role. In any case, it is certainly important to do the best we can for normalizing the blood sugar and lipids levels. But how far must we go in the degree of control? What type of diet? Is it necessary to take the risks of hypoglycemic incidents? Must we recourse systematically to insulin pumps? Because many problems are not yet resolved we must collect valuable data on the late prognosis of IDD, in different therapeutic approaches. Unfortunately most of the numerous statistics about complications are really of no value. This fundamental question will be discussed. A plea will be made for utilizing in diabetology the actuarial method used now for many years by cancerologists.
Genetic and Diagnostic Studies of Mental Retardation
Authors: Ohdo Shozo , Ikeda Kakuya , Naritomi Kenji , Madokoro Harumichi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Terawaki Tamotsu
Published: October 2007

The etiologies of 866 patients with mental retardation who visited the outpatient clinic were studied, being classified by the period when the causes were estimated to have occurred.

The results revealed that a majority, 657 patients (75.9%), were in the prenatal group. Among the patients who belonged to the prenatal group, 260 patients (30%) exhibited chromosomal aberrations. Chromosomal aberrations were sporadically noted in 248 patients (96.9%), and the number of patients originating from balanced translocation of either parent was 8 (3.1%).

Hereditary diseases were recognized in 53 patients (6.1%), among whom 2 patients with fragile X‐linked mental retardation were detected.

The number of patients who belonged to the perinatal and postnatal groups was markedly few.
Glomerular Basement Membrane Antigens in Various Renal Diseases in Childhood
Authors: Miyata Hiroshi , Yamamoto Takashi , Murata Ryogo , Makai Sunao
Published: October 2007

Urinary glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antigens were determined by radioimmunoassay in children with various glomerular diseases. The excretion of the GBM protein antigens was about one mg/g of urinary protein in most patients, except for patients with minimal change nephrosis. Although the GBM antigens were not uniform substances, the excretion of the GBM glycoprotein antigens was greatest in patients with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.
Munchausen's Syndrome in Children: Bizarre Clinical and Laboratory Features
Authors: Abe Kazuo , Shinozima Kazunori , Okuno Akihiro , Abe Takeshi , Ochi Hitoshi
Published: October 2007

A 10‐ year‐old girl showed macroscopic hematuria, purpuric rash, bloody stool and complained of abdominal pain and joint pain for three years. The extensive investigations including intravenous urography, cystoscopy, barium enema, upper gastrointestinal X‐rays, sigmoidoscopy and renal biopsy failed to reveal the sources of bleeing for urinary anmd gastrointestinal tracts and to explain abdominal and joint pains. the major blood group of the patient was B, while that in the urine obtained by the patient without supervised conditions was A or AB. This finding indicated that macroscopic hematuria was factitious in origin and the patient stated that symptoms were fabricated by herself.

The various psychological tests failed to disclose the motives for this bizarre behavior and to obtain the evidence of psychosis.

This case presents the youngest and fourth case of Munchausen's syndrome in children and suggests that when bizarre clinical and laboratory findings are observed, Munchausen's syndrome should be suspected and its consideration may obviate harmful and unnecessary investigations as well as medications.
Inflammatory Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma: Report of a Case Which Responded Well to Cis‐Diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP)
Authors: Fukazawa Keiji , Koiso Yoshitaka , Ikuta Koichiro , Sasaki Hideki , Matsuyama Shusuke , Misugi Kazuaki , Aoki Ichiro , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: October 2007

A case of 5‐yeardd girl with inflammatory malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of omental origin is reported. This patient is the youngest reported case of inflammatory variant of MFH and had clinical signs of systemic inflammation. She had three operations followed by combination chemotherapy with vincris tine, actinomycin‐D, cyclophosphamide and adriam ycin which did not prevent recurrence. After the administration of intravenous cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP), the tumor disappeared completely. She had a total of five courses of CDDP therapy (total 525 mg/m2), and has now been disease‐free for 28 months.
Hyper‐lgE, Pelger‐Huët Anomaly and Chromosome 22s+ in an Infant with Skin Abscesses
Authors: Matsumoto Tomoaki , Miyamoto Yoshiyuki , Yamaguchi Kazunari , Yoshimura Teizo
Published: October 2007

We describe a 10‐month‐old male who suffered from atopic eczema, lymphadenitis of the neck and staphylococcal deep skin abscesses which had required surgical treatment. Laboratory findings revealed peripheral blood eosiniphilia, extremely elevated serum IgE level, congenital Pelger‐Huët (P‐H) anomaly and chromosome karyotype 46, XY with enlarged satellite of chromosome 22 (22s+). Levels of other immunoglobulin classes and lymphocyte functions were within normal ranges as compared with normal subjects. Enzymatic and functional examinations of neutrophils also appeared normal. The familial study of this patient revealed that 22s+ was inherited from the maternal pedigree and seemed to be associated with P‐H anomaly. Clinical and immunological features suggest that he suffered from atopic eczema as well as P‐H anomaly rather than the kind of immunodeficiency disease known as “hyperimmuno‐globulinemia E syndrom.” 22s+ did not seem to exert an important effect on his clinical disorders.
Allergy: Advances in Care of Children with Asthma
Authors: Aas Kjeli
Published: October 2007

There is an enormous gap between an optimal approach built on a scientific fundament of up‐dated knowledge, and practice limited by lack of resources and/or failing education. Advances have been made in our knowledge and understanding of basic mechanisms, mode of action of various causative factors and different pathophysiological reaction patterns and the heterogeneity of the patient population in question. This has provided a better basis for understanding and treating the child.

Methods and tools for diagnosis and assessment of pulmonary function have been somewhat improved at the same time as better tools and drugs for management have been developed.

Parallel to this pediatricians have also made progress as to consciousness and consideration for the consequences that a chronic disease such as asthma may have for the child and his family, and with better understanding of family dynamics. This has laid the cornerstone for a much needed holistic medical approach to asthma in children and adolescents.
GENERAL ASPECTS: Sex Education in Japan
Authors: Hayashi Kenji
Published: October 2007

The purpose of the present paper is to illustrate sex education in Japan, shedding light on its historical background.

Firstly, the ideas of sex education and the social environments from the Edo period up to modern times are mentioned. Secondly, the current sexual activities of young people, based on nation‐wide sampling surveys, are discussed. Geographical variation of teenage fertility in Japan is shown as well. Finally, the paper describes the recent activities of the educational profession in sex education and the measures taken by the Administration to cope with the rise in teenage pregnancies.
SCREENING SYSTEM: School Physical Examination and Mass Ophthalmic Screening
Authors: Kozaki Masaru , Tanaka Hisako
Published: October 2007

Ophthalmic school examination serves not only in early detection and treatment of ocular diseases, but also in protecting the visual health school children need for study. The most important problem in this regard is considered to be the management of refractive error.

Although in the past the most common refractive error in school children was myopia, recent investigations have revealed that hyperopia, hyperopic astigmatism and mixed astigmatism are more frequent; moreover, these conditions are more obstructive than is myopia. Urgently needed in school health service therefore is the development of a counterplan to clarify the actual extent of refractive error in children and perform the proper management thereof.

For this purpose we have developed a system of mass screening to evaluate refractive error. The system comprises an autorefractometer and a small computer for data analysis. This is recommended for further ophthalmic school mass screening in view of its high efficiency and capacity for statistical analysis.
CONTROL AND DAILY CARE OF SICK CHILDREN AT SCHOOL: Psychosomatic Disorders in School
Authors: Abe Tadayoshi
Published: October 2007

Orthostatic dysregulation (OD) is a clinical entity, which shows various symptoms such as vertigo on standing up, fainting in the standing position and various unspecific symptoms and signs. OD has been mainly studied by European and Japanese pediatricians.

OD is a common condition that mainly occurs at the adolescent age and manifests its symptoms during spring and summer. The cause of OD is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, but psychosomatic disorders are considered to be the underlying condition in the mechanism of the disorder.

Family studies suggest that the constitution of OD is a heritable condition. The possible mechanism of OD and the significance of a small heart in cases with OD are discusses.
A Case of Transient Neonatal Hypothyroidism due to an Organification Defect of Iodide
Authors: Ono Seigo , Jitosho Tamotsu , Maeda Shizuhiko , Miyata Koichiro
Published: October 2007

The patient was the product of fullterm pregnancy with no complication. The screening TSH result was high (134 μ U/ml) at five days of age, and low T3 (1.37 ng/ml) and T4 (1.2 μ g/dl) levels were detected at 23 days of age. The thyroidal 123 I‐uptake and the thiocyanate discharge test revealed that the cause of her thyroid insufficiency was an organification defect of iodide. Remission occurred during therapy, and the repeated thyroidal 123I‐uptake and the thiocyanate discharge test showed improvement. She had no other factor which has been previously reported and could have caused the transient hypothyroidism.

This case supports the hypothesis that the cause of transient neonatal hypothyroidism is a delay in the maturation of the enzymatic mechanisms involved in intrathyroidal hormonogenesis.
Penetration of Antimicrobial Agents into Phagocytic Cells Using Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes of Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Authors: Yanai Masanori , Hayashi Katsutoshi , Maeda Hidenori , Mori Koichi , Tsuji Yoshiro
Published: October 2007

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) obtained from a chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patient, pooled serum and bacteria were preincubated. CGD PMNs containing viable bacteria were then incubated for 60 minutes with either DL‐8280, SMX, TMP, ABPC, or GM.

Only DL‐8280 killed almost all intracellular and extracellular E. coli ON2, whereas other antimicrobial agents eradicated only extracellular E. coli. In contrast, Staph. aureus was not killed by direct exposure to DL‐8280 for 60 minutes. This method using CGD PMNs preincubated with bacteria is useful for studies of the bactericidal agents penetrating into PMNs and inhibiting intracellular bacteria. DL‐8280 did not affect the control PMNs function when preincubated with PMNs. According to these data, DL‐8280 is able to penetrate CGD PMNs and kill the intracellular E. coli.
A Serological Study of Human Polyomavirus BK (BKV) in Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome ‐ Detection of BKV‐Specific IgM Antibody
Authors: Sato Shigehiro , Kawana Naganori , Chokan Hirohito , Wada Yasuhiro , Kawana Rinji
Published: October 2007

In 38 nephrotic syndrome patients, 21.1% (8/38) of the patients had high BKV‐HI titers of 1:640 or higher and this incidence was much greater (p<0.001) than that of healthy controls (2.1%; 11/548), diabetes mellitus patients (2.1%; 2/94), and pregnant women (3.4%; 6/176). A higher incidence (15.8%; 6/38) of CF antibody titers, more than 1:16, was also observed in nephrotic syndrome patients in comparison to age‐matched healthy controls (3.2%; 7/220, p<0.005). In the sequential study of BK antibodies in 13 patients with nephrotic syndrome over a period of 16 months, we found one case where the CF titer developed from 1:4 to 1:64 and the titers of 1:32 to 1:64 lasted for 6 months (observation period). Long‐lasting high CF titers were also shown in 2 other patients where the CF titer of 1:32 to 1:64 lasted for more than 16 months. BKV‐specific IgM antibody was screened in 4 patients by 2‐ME treatment of IgM fractions of the sera which had high CF titers and 2 of these 4 patients revealed the IgM antibody. Although the detected IgM HI‐antibody titers were low (1:2 to 1:16), the IgM antibody could be confirmed by immune electron microscopy. From a serological view, BKV‐specific IgM antibody detected in the patients with nephrotic syndrome seemed to be a result of reactivation of a latent vids. There was no obvious association between the serological findings and frequency of relapse (albuminuria).
Serum Bile Acid Levels in Preoperative and Postoperative Patients with Congenital Biliary Atresia
Authors: Nittono Hiroshi , Niijima Shin‐ichi , Obinata Kaoru , Watanabe Toyohiko , Nakatsu Noriko , Kato Hideo , Yabuta Keijiro , Miyano Takeshi , Suruga Keijiro
Published: October 2007

To elucidate the bile acid metabolism in the preoperative and postoperative stages of congenital biliary atresia (CBA), the unconjugated and conjugated bile acid levels in sera were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the mean total serum bile acid (TSBA) level in the preoperative cases of CBA was higher, 122.1±39.0 n̈mol/1 (1SD), and was about 12 times higher than the level in the age‐matched normal controls (9.9±6.0). Even in the non‐icteric patients several years after operation, the mean TSBA level was still much higher (15.2±9.6) than that of normal controls (5.7±3.1). The mean ratio of cholic acid to chenodeoxycholic acid (CA/CDCA) in the preoperative and postoperative cases of CBA was less than 1.0. The mean ratio of glycine‐conjugated bile acids to taurine‐conjugated bile acids (G/T) in the preoperative cases of CBA was the lowest (1.9±1.1). In the clinically good cases with sufficient bile flow after operation, G/T ratio was the highest (9.3±6.5). In the normal controls and the patients with preoperative and postoperative CBA, the main bile acids were glycocholic acid, taurocholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid and taurochenodeoxycholic acid. These conjugated bile acids comprised more than 85% of the total in amount.
Cardiovascular Anomalies Induced by Anti‐Tissue Sera and Immunological Cross‐Reaction
Authors: Miyata Koichiro , Ono Seigo , Ninomiya Makoto , Yamamoto Eiji , Tachikura Junko , Takesue Tetsuo
Published: October 2007

Wistar rats were administered rabbit anti‐tissue serum alone or in combination with sub‐teratogenic doses of anti‐kidney serum (AKS) on day 9 of gestation. The results showed that the incidence of cardiovascular malformations was highest (46.7%) when a small dose (1 ml/kg) of AKS given on day 9 was followed by 9 ml/kg of anti‐heart serum (AHS) on day 10. The most common cardiovascular malformations were ventricular septal defects associated with aortic arch anomalies. The spectrum of malformations did not vary with the injected sera. Immunodiffusion studies indicated that the kidney, umbilical cord and yolk sac tissues have at least one common antigen. Between the AHS and the kidney antigen, a slight precipitin band was also demonstrated. These results suggest that the synergistic effects of antisera depend on the degree of immunological cross‐reaction with the yolk sac, and that the mechanisms of teratogenicity by the combined administration is caused mainly by yolk sac dysfunction.
Central Nervous System Leukemia and Cushing Syndrome
Authors: Ishii Eiichi , Okabe Yasufumi , Sakamoto Kanji , Ueda Kohji , Hasuo Kanehiro
Published: October 2007

We treated a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed central nervous system leukemia and obesity due to Cushing syndrome. The infiltration of leukemic cells was gradually ameliorated with intrathecal nethotrexate therapy. At the same time, clinical symptoms of Cushing syndrome have almost normalized. The relation between central nervous system leukemia and Cushing syndrome is discussed.
Effect of Monocytes on Transformation of B‐Lymphocytes by Epstein‐Barr Virus
Authors: Kaiga Kazuhiro
Published: October 2007

The transformation of human B‐lymphocytes by Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) was studied in microwell culture by determining 3H‐thymidine incorporation seven days after infection. B‐lymphocytes were obtained from four human umbilical cord blood samples, four children, and five adults.

The level of 3H‐thymidine incorporation was highest in the cord blood group and lowest in the children, although the difference between each group was statistically not significant for a wide range of individual variations.

Correlation between the rate of surface immunoglobulin (SIgM) positive cells and percentage of EBV‐associated nuclear antigen (EBNA) positive cells 24 hrs after infection of 3H‐thymidine incorporation seven days after infection was not significant.

Addition of autologous monocytes suppressed the transformation by EB virus in two cases out of four cord blood specimens, and three cases out of five adult specimens, while it enhanced the transformation in one case out of four child specimens. Also, on clonal transformation by EB virus in agar culture, the effect of addition or monocytes was remarkably suppressive in one of two cases.